Welcome to E-NEWS, the Diocese of Milwaukee's weekly electronic newsletter. If you are not already a subscriber or wish to add or change e-mail addresses, please click on the "Join Our Mailing List" icon. We invite you to send articles, photos, and news to info@diomil.org so that we may include them in the E-NEWS.
Barbara Klauber, Editor
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 Today is the day . . .
If it seems like you just read the E-NEWS -- you DID, last Friday! As of today, E-NEWS is switching to its new publication day: TUESDAY. Please let us know how you like the change! Responses may be sent to info@diomil.org.
To help us make this new schedule work, please submit materials a week in advance for inclusion in Tuesday's E-NEWS. While we always make every effort to accommodate later submissions, we cannot make guarantees.
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The Rt. Rev. Steven A. Miller
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Bishop Miller's reflection on action of Anglican Communion Primates
The words above were the first ones which came to mind as I heard the report of last week's meeting of the Primates of the Anglican Communion. I am not the only person who felt this way. Anglicans Online began their weekly letter making a similar observation.
As I am certain you know, the Primates both affirmed their desire to walk together as a Communion of which the Episcopal Church is a member and resolved that the Episcopal Church not participate in certain parts of our common life for the next three years as a consequence of our decision in General Convention to allow same-sex marriage. This is a similar outcome to the gatherings which followed the ordination of Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire.
It remains clear that members of the Anglican Communion disagree over issues of human sexuality and that some members believe our actions at General Convention went too far. It is also clear that some want us to step back from these actions and that other members of the Communion support the decisions of the Episcopal Church. This state of being is also nothing new as is the multiplicity of letters and responses to the events of the past week. For that matter, members of the Anglican Communion disagreeing is nothing new either. We are a Communion which has room for different understandings about Christ's presence in the Eucharist, the rite of Confirmation, and the interpretation of Holy Scripture.
continue reading
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 Rest in peace . . . Kathleen Stolpman
Many in the Diocese of Milwaukee will remember Kathleen "Kathie" Stolpman, who died January 14th at age 73 at St. John's On The Lake in Milwaukee. Kathie was the widow of The Rev. Canon Michael J. Stolpman, Canon to the Ordinary under Bishop White; she was also for many years the director of Sojourner Truth House, Milwaukee's shelter for battered women and their children. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 20th at 2pm at St. John's On The Lake, 1840 North Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Rest in peace, dear Kathie. read full obituary
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 Ordinations
This month, Bishop Miller will ordain two transitional deacons.
On the 20th of January, he will ordain David Matlak in Virginia.
On January 30th, Bishop Miller will travel to Missouri to ordain Elisabeth Simmons.
Please hold both David and Elisabeth in your prayers as they begin their ordained ministries.
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The Most Rev. Michael Curry
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Presiding Bishop responds to action of Anglican Communion Primates
Primate Michael Curry has issued a video statement concerning the actions of the Anglican primates at their meeting in Canterbury, England.
The following is the text of the presiding bishop's statement:
Before I say a word about our gathering here at the Primates Meeting, I just want to say a word of thank you to you for all of your prayers: your prayers for this meeting, your prayers for me personally, both here and in my earlier sickness. We are well, and God is God, and I thank you.
Let me say a word about the meeting.
This is not the outcome we expected, and while we are disappointed, it's important to remember that the Anglican Communion is really not a matter of structure and organization. The Anglican Communion is a network of relationships that have been built on mission partnerships; relationships that are grounded in a common faith; relationships in companion diocese relationships; relationships with parish to parish across the world; relationships that are profoundly committed to serving and following the way of Jesus of Nazareth by helping the poorest of the poor, and helping this world to be a place where no child goes to bed hungry ever. That's what the Anglican Communion is, and that Communion continues and moves forward.
This has been a disappointing time for many, and there will be heartache and pain for many, but it's important to remember that we are still part of the Anglican Communion. We are the Episcopal Church, and we are part of the Jesus Movement, and that Movement goes on, and our work goes on. And the truth is, it may be part of our vocation to help the Communion and to help many others to grow in a direction where we can realize and live the love that God has for all of us, and we can one day be a Church and a Communion where all of God's children are fully welcomed, where this is truly a house of prayer for all people. And maybe it's a part of our vocation to help that to happen. And so we must claim that high calling; claim the high calling of love and faith; love even for those with whom we disagree, and then continue, and that we will do, and we will do it together.
We are part of the Jesus Movement, and the cause of God's love in this world can never stop and will never be defeated.
God love you. God bless you. And you keep the faith. And we move forward.
The Most Rev. Michael Curry Presiding Bishop and Primate The Episcopal Church ______________________________________________________________
Click HERE to see a statement issued by the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. Justin Welby.
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Diocese of Milwaukee Lay & Clergy Leadership Days
Winter / Spring 2016
Vitality + Innovation + Connection + Mission
These two Leadership Days are amazing opportunities for lay and clergy leaders from our parishes to reflect together on who we are, what we have, and what God is calling us to become. Please plan to send a team to EACH event - with a cash incentive rebate for those who attend both.
Reason we want teams to come ready to talk, investigate and plan real next steps!
On-site childcare will be provided, free of charge. Please RSVP if you will be bringing a child.
The Rev. Miranda Hassett, rector at St. Dunstan's, Madison, offers this comment about Dwight Zscheile, speaker at the February 27th Leadership Day:
"I've been working with Dwight Zscheile through a program out of Luther Seminary, and I'm really excited to have him coming to speak with us in the Diocese of Milwaukee. I think Dwight's message for us is threefold: One, Yes, it's hard to be church right now; the landscape has changed around us in some confusing and scary ways. Two, Yes, our churches have to change too, in some deep and important ways - and one of the most important tools of change turns out to be the work of identifying what's at the core of our way of being as Episcopalian Christians, so that we can hold that at the center even as we innovate and explore. Three, Yes, that work of change can be life-giving and exciting, and can connect us more deeply with God and neighbor." - The Rev. Dr. Miranda Hassett, Rector, St. Dunstan's, Madison
People of the Way: Renewing Episcopal Identity
Saturday, February 27, 9am - 3pm, location Nashotah House
with the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile
Once upon a time, the Episcopal Church was grounded in its identity as the church of the elites, the de facto "national church" of the United States. Those days are gone. But if the Episcopal Church is no longer the church of the establishment, what is the heart of Episcopal identity and mission? Scholar and Episcopal priest Dwight Zscheile will help us reflect on the massive shift in cultural and religious landscape, ground ourselves in Scripture to recall how God has acted among and through God's people in other times of change and struggle, and offer us stories, tools, and practices for the vital and collaborative work of re-imagining what it means to be Episcopalian in America today, carrying forward the best of our heritage while adapting to connect with new populations and generations.
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JumpStart: Mission, Purpose, and Financial Sustainability
Saturday, April 16, 9am - 3pm, location Nashotah House
Ready to take a hard look at your parish's finances? Not sure what the future holds for your congregation? Need a way t
o start figuring it all out? For congregations ready to face their fears about finances,
buildings, and the future of their parish, the Episcopal Church Building F
und's JumpStart program is a way to help congregations get started in their own evaluation and exploration at their own pace. JumpStart is a one-day event aimed at parish leaders
who are ready to take a hard look at the challenges many congregations face over their future. Developed by the Episcopal Church Building Fund, JumpStart workshops are an exciting and compelling way for parishioners to "jump start" their parish into new and revitalized ministries and mission. JumpStart encourages congregations to understand the need for relevance and taking calculated, informed risks, both in building membership and in creating financial stability.
REGISTRATION FORM Questions? Contact Peggy Bean, Canon for Parishes, at bean@diomil.org  Note: Those who attend BOTH events will get $10 back on their $30 registration fee at the second event (in cash!!)
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 RESOURCES for Vestries
Parishes -- as you prepare to hold elections at your annual meetings, remember there are many resources for parish vestries available through the Episcopal Church Foundation at the Vital Practices link below!
Looking for additional information or resources, contact Peggy Bean, Canon for Congregations, at bean@diomil.org . She will be happy to help!
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Ministry Development Grants available to parishes
Again this year, the Diocese of Milwaukee's Mission and Development department is offering grants that support Parish projects that meet one of the following criteria:
- strengthens the congregation's identity and purpose
- deepens the congregation's engagement with the local community, or
- fosters healthy and effective organizational dynamics within the parish
Click HERE for an application. Questions? Contact Peggy Bean, Canon for Parishes, at bean@diomil.org . Application deadline is APRIL15, 2016. |
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Apply now for a 2016 UTO Grant!
UTO Grant Applications available The criteria for the 2016 grants are for items from the 5th Marks of Mission: "to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth". More information on this criteria and the application itself can be found HERE . There are several items that will appear including the criteria, the application and other information regarding the procedure.
The schedule for presenting a grant for the Diocese of Milwaukee is to complete the application and send it to Barb Klauber at the diocesan office - info@diomil.org - no later than Monday, Feb. 15th. The Diocese can submit 2 applications each year, one for programs within the diocese and one for our companion diocese Newala or for Haiti because of our Haiti Project. If you have questions regarding the criteria, the application or about United Thank Offering itself - please contact Connie Ott at 608-798-3688 or cott@chorus.net with UTO in the subject line.
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Catechism Challenge 2016 -- JOIN THE DISCUSSION!
Catechism Challenge 2016! Starts Jan 1, 2016! Join us on Diocesan Facebook page  - every day we have opportunity to read and respond to a Quick Catechism Clip. The Rev. Bill McLemore, Priest at Holy Communion, Lake Geneva, wrote these reflections on our BCP Catechism. Together we can deepen our learning about our Episcopal faith during the early part of 2016!
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Ecumenical Week of Prayer Events in Milwaukee
 Parishes and individuals in the Diocese of Milwaukee are invited to participate in the ecumenical events of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25. The theme is "Called to Proclaim the Mighty Acts of the Lord" (cf. 1 Peter 2:9). The events are sponsored by the Milwaukee LARCUM (Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Methodist) Committee. There will be a Taize Prayer Service on January 20th at 7pm at St. Paul's, Milwaukee and on January 24th there will be an event featuring opportunity for prayer, personal reflection and conversation
on how we receive and in turn share God's wondrous mercy. Conversation will conclude over a light meal. Bishop Steven Miller will attend the January 24 event. Please register to attend the January 24 event. There is no need to register to attend the January 20 Taize service. |
AROUND THE DIOCESE
 A Call to Local Artists . . . ART AS PRAYER SHOW
Wednesday, MARCH 9TH - SUNDAY, MARCH 13TH. HELD AT CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DELAVAN, which is located at 503 E. Walworth Avenue. * 262-728-5292. Creating art, as well as viewing art, can be an exercise in prayer, & has long been a way people have tapped into the divine & experienced God. We invite artists, of all ages, & all mediums, to submit their creative works, inspired by the Holy Spirit, that help us experience God. Deadline for Artists Entries is February 29th.
More information and an artist entry form is available HERE.
"Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art."
~ Leonardo da Vinci
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SAVE THE DATE: February 4th exhibit at UW-Parkside
The University of Wisconsin - Parkside is pleased to present A RETROSPECTIVE: The Paintings of Thomas P. Curtis in The Fine Arts Gallery - Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts and Humanities from February - March 2016. Mr. Curtis is a long-time member of St. Alban's, Sussex in the Diocese of Milwaukee. Opening takes place on 4 February 2016, 4:30 PM-7:30 PM. Directions: From I-94 travel East on Highway E, past Route 31, turn left on Highway JR (39th Ave).
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Living Compass offers Lenten resource
Living Compass would like to offer all congregations within the Diocese of Milwaukee complimentary copies of their Lenten resources: LIVING WELL THROUGH LENT 2016 Letting Go With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind and VIVIR UNA CUARESMA DIFERENTE EN EL 2016 Dejando con todo el coraz�n, lo que nos impide crecer.
Please visit their website online store and order booklets with your special discount code at check out MILWAUKEE LENT and pay only shipping costs.The theme for the Lenten booklet is Letting Go with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. The weekly themes include "Letting Go of Normal," "Letting Go of Shoulds," "Letting Go of Control, "Letting Go of Perfectionism," and "Letting Go of What We Have Known." The booklets will be ready for shipment on January 11, but you can order them now. There will also be a free leaders guide available on the website. The Leaders Guide provides a format for using the devotional as the basis for a Lenten program.
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 Province V Young Adult Retreat 2016
The Province V Young Adult Retreat is taking place in Chicago this year, from February 19-21 (Friday evening to Sunday morning). Last year, over 55 young adults, ages 18-30, came together from across the Midwest. This year, we're exploring themes of music and improvisation, and what these themes show us about living the life of faith in the world. This is a great opportunity to make available to young adults, especially those eager for opportunities to explore the Christian faith with other young adults. Registration will be up soon. In the meantime, interested individuals and communities can contact me at jonathan@stfrancisuw.org.
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 Prayers for Parishes
The diocesan Commission on Mission and Development has prepared a cycle of prayers for the congregations of the Diocese of Milwaukee.
January 24, 2016
St. Paul's, Beloit
Loving God, we pray for the people of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Beloit. Grant them grace and courage to fulfill their mission of following Christ's teachings, growing spiritually, and serving the needs of their neighbors. Walk with them on every road, familiar or new. Guide, guard, and strengthen them as your people. We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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CYCLE OF PRAYER for NOV 2015 - NOV 2016
The new cycle of prayer for the Diocese of Milwaukee, prepared by the Commission on Mission and Development (for the period November 29, 2015 - November 20, 2016) is available HERE.
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E-NEWS to Switch to TUESDAY publication in New Year
 Starting in mid-January, 2016, E-NEWS will begin publishing on Tuesdays rather than Fridays. We hope that Tuesday will work better to have information shared in parish newsletters / bulletins, etc. We ask that you submit all materials that you wish to have published in E-NEWS at least one week in advance. We try our best to accomodate last minute submissions -- but no guarantees! Please continue to e-mail all materials for E-NEWS to info@diomil.org . Thank you! |
 CAMP WEBB 2016 - REGISTER NOW!
Camp Webb is filling up FAST for 20 16 -- almost half the slots are already filled.
Don't miss out . . . REGISTER NOW!
CAMP WEBB 2016 Registration runs
 from October 17, 2015 - January 15, 2016
Early registration is $375 beginning Oct 17th to January 15, 2016.
Regular registration fees are $400 (Jan 16-Mar 1).
Registration fills up fast. Register early and get the discount!
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SAVE THE DATE
Pere Marquette Lecture in Theology
April 10, 2016
The 47th Annual P�re Marquette Lecture in Theology,"Why on Earth Did Anyone Become a Christian in the First Three Centuries?" presented by Dr. Larry Hurtado, Professor Emeritus, University of Edinburgh
The lecture will take place on SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 - 2 P.M. in ECKSTEIN HALL, APPELLATE COURTROOM at MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL at 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee. Reception to follow. Click for FLYER with more information.
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 Organist: Grace Episcopal Church, Madison, WI, has an immediate opening for an organist, either on a temporary or permanent basis, to start as soon as possible after 1/04/2016 and extend through 5/30/2016, at the close of the choir season, at which time we hope to hire a permanent organist. (Please indicate your interest in a temporary or permanent position in a cover letter.) The position is 10 hours a week at AGO rates. Duties include accompaniment during Thursday evening choir rehearsals, 7:15 pm.- 8:45 pm., and organist for Sunday Worship at 8 am. and 10 am. For a detailed Position Description and/or to submit your resum� with references contact: gracechurchmadison@charter.net. For info about Grace Church and the music program, visit http://www.gracechurchmadison.org/. For info about the Grace Casavant Fr�res organ, visit http://www.casavantfreres.com/new_temp/anglais/Recent/PDFs/3639.pdf.
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Education for Ministry (EfM)
Most of our EfM groups meet weekly (Sept-June) in various churches around our diocese.
Education for Ministry adult formation classes are powerful groups for promoting life-long Christian growth, but many parishes are concerned about what is needed to start one. Simply put, you must have someone who has successfully completed the four-year EfM program who is willing to mentor a group. They must complete a mentor training course that usually takes a weekend of their time. The course may be paid for by the sponsoring parish or the mentor being trained.
The Diocese of Milwaukee will host a mentor training weekend in September 2016 at The DeKoven Center in Racine. Current and new mentors receive training there in facilitating the four-year program in Biblical Studies, Church History, and Theology. Training is also available year-round at Sewanee and selected sites throughout the country. Please go to the EfM web site for a complete listing:
http://efm.sewanee.edu/mentor-training/efm-mentor-training
Please contact the Diocesan EfM Coordinator, Bill Stotts, for more information at wmnmex@aol.com
NEW EfM CLASSES FORMING
A new Madison EfM class is forming in March, sponsored by St. Luke's and St. Dunstan's in Madison. Please contact Mentor Gloria Alt for more information: altmode2@gmail.com
A Milwaukee EfM class welcomes new or returning students in January in at St. Paul's. The group meets Monday evenings. Please contact Mentor Lela Joscelyn for more information: lelajoscelyn@sbcglobal.net
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 Applications available for 2016 UTO Grants to Youth/Seminarians
In connection with the above article about UTO's Challenge collection, UTO is offering grants for 2016 to youth and seminarians. More information is available on the UTO website (scroll down toward the bottom of the page to the 2016 Grant Forms box for applications and guidelines).
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 Safeguarding God's Children/Safeguarding God's People
Spring CLASSES with Trainer dates are set for Saturday, February 6, 9am - Noon. In Milwaukee area class will be held at Trinity, Wauwatosa. In the Madison area class will be held at Church of the Good Shepherd, Sun Prairie. Also, If your parish wants to host training in 2016 contact Deacon Terry Garner soon at dcnterry.g@gmail.com . All registration information and links are found on our diocesan website on the Safeguarding God's People page, www.diomil.org. |
One more time . . . THANK YOU for forwarding this newsletter to parishioners and others who may be interested and for sending YOUR news/events / photos to info@diomil.org ! See you next week! Sincerely, Barb
Barbara Klauber
Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee
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