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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 Best wishes to The Rev. Carla McCook as she begins new ministry in Florida
For the past five years, the Diocese of Milwaukee has been privileged to have in our midst The Rev. Carla McCook, who served as Bishop's Assistant for Christian Formation. As many readers already know, late last year Carla accepted a call to serve as rector of St. Margaret of Scotland Episcopal parish in Sarasota, Florida and she will be starting her new position this Sunday. We will surely miss Carla and her ministry but I know we all wish her every joy and blessing in her new work. God bless you, Carla . . .
-- Barbara Klauber, editor
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Four are Confirmed at St. Peter's, West Allis during Bishop Miller's episcopal visit.
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The newly confirmed members of St. Peter's, West Allis gathered with Bishop Steven Miller and Fr. Michael "Tad" Parks for a photo following the service. Pictured left to right are
Paul Dunn, Margo Barrick, Fr. Parks, Bishop Miller, Nicki Tuffre and Josh Marshall.
(photo by The Rev. Karen Buker)
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Central Convocation clergy gathering
The Rev. Bill McLemore took this "selfie" of the Central Convocation clergy at their recent meeting at St. Paul's, Beloit. Clergy of the Central Convocation meet monthly and The Rev. Andrew Hanyzewski, Dean of the convocation, notes that the group enjoys their time together and appreciates the opportunity to share concerns and ideas. Congregations in the Central Convocation have also taken part in some events and have enjoyed worshiping together and sharing fellowship.
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>The Rev. Bill McLemore, priest-in-charge at Church of the Holy Communion, Lake Geneva, took this "selfie" of the Central Convocation clergy meeting at St. Paul's, Beloit. Pictured L-R are Jason LaVann, St. John the Divine, Burlington; Kristin Buterbaugh, Chaplain at UW Whitewater Lutheran-Episcopal College Ministry; Bill McLemore, Church of the Holy Communion, Lake Geneva; Andrew Hanyzewski, St. Peter's, Ft. Atkinson (and Dean of the Convocation); Helen Tester, St. Paul's, Beloit; and Kathy Monson Lutes, Trinity, Janesville.
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 Ordinations in January
Please pray for the diocese's two ordinands to the transitional diaconate in the month of January:
- David Matlak, ordained by Bishop Miller on the 20th of January in Virginia.
- Elisabeth Sinclair, to be ordained in Missouri on January 30th by Bishop Miller.
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 Ash Wednesday and Racism: A Prayerful Coming Together at St. Francis House on February 9 & 10
Do people of faith talk about race and racism at UW-Madison? How can we do that together in a respectful way? You are invited to listen in on a panel discussion between faculty, administrators, and students as they share how their faith perspectives inform their experiences at UW-Madison on this issue. Eighteen organizations on campus have come together to create a space for breaking down walls of division and learning what it looks like to love all our neighbors. This event is free and open to the public.
Schedule:
5:45 pm - Welcome 6:00 pm - Panel Discussion with Q & A 7:00 pm - Dinner Together to continue the conversation
This event takes place at Pres House (731 State Street, Madison, WI). Please click HERE for more information, including a list of panelist and sponsors.
On February 10th at 7pm, St. Francis House (SFH) is hosting an ecumenical Ash Wednesday service, do-sponsored by Pres House and the Lutheran Campus Center, in which Christians are invited to come together from across different communities to voice lament, repentance and hope. The event takes place at SFH at 1001 University Avenue, Madison, WI. All are welcome. Additional details are HERE.
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Altar Guild Adventure 2016 set for May 18th
The Diocesan Altar Guild would very much appreciate it if you would put the message below in your Sunday bulletins for the next couple weeks and in your newsletters. Specific details will follow soon. Thanks!
-- Micki Hoffmann (Diocese of Milwaukee Altar Guild)
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 Parish input sought on distribution of Millennium Development Goal (MDG) funding . . .
Please click HERE to read the Commission's letter and then make sure that your parish provides its input. Questions? Contact The Rev. Carol Smith at: |
 St. Bartholomew's Chili Cook-Off a "hot" success!
The Second Annual Chili Cook-Off at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church was another "hot" success! About 100 parishioners and guests enjoyed the 23 entries in the Chili Cook-Off contest. The chili's ranged from mild to hot and
spicy, from beef to chicken, turkey and vegetarian. It was a true epicurean adventure on the night of January 18th. The Men's Group (sponsors of the Chili Cook-Off) raise d $795 which will be put towards the mortgage reduction fund for St. Bartholomew.
This year's winners were:
- Mild Category - 1st Place: Kada Bush; 2nd Place: Joan Hart
- Medium or Regular Category - 1st Place: Robert Marino; 2nd Place: Barb Schmidt
- Hot and Spicy Category - 1st Place: Fr. Greg Wilde; 2nd Place: Bill Duke
Fun, food and fellowship was had by all!
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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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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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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. |
 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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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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AROUND THE DIOCESE
 Pipe Dreams Organ Concert at Trinity, Janesville February 7th
On Sunday, February 7th, from 2-3:30 PM Trinity Episcopal Church, Janesville presents "Pipe Dreams"--an organ concert, Sing-A-Long, and Social Event. Phillip Becker will be the MC. Jane-Syme, Rev. Kathy Monson Lutes, Thelma Wilcox, Jaret Schroeder, Sue Whitford, and Katie Cossman offer their talents to entertain. All are welcome and admission is free to the public. Patrons are asked to donate a non-perishable food item for the E.C.H.O. and MIlton Food Pantry or Cash donations will be utilized for the maintenance of instruments. After the concert, snacks and treats will be provided. A special thank you to Thrivent Financial for their generous support. Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 409 E. Court Street. Click HERE for map/directions. ____________________________________________________________  St. Peter's, Fort Atkinson Concert Series presents "Black Marigold" Sunday, January 31 at 4 PM " Black Marigold is a dynamic wind quintet that has dazzled audiences throughout Wisconsin since 2012. As advocates of new music and living composers, they present captivating concerts introducing new music, while also highlighting classic woodwind quintet repertoire. Black Marigold fosters fresh perceptions of new music by showcasing pieces that are equally enjoyable for performers and audiences alike. Members of the ensemble present thoughtful verbal program notes to engage the audience and liven the concert experience. Black Marigold breathes new life into the woodwind quintet setting, and you will leave their concerts smarter, happier and more inspired than when you arrived!" The concert is free - freewill donations are welcomed. There will be a reception following the concert. St. Peter's is located at 302 Merchants Avenue, Fort Atkinson 53538. Map / directions ___________________________________________________________ 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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 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. |
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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 31, 2016 - St. Anskar's, Hartland
Almighty God, by your Word and Holy Spirit you have called the people and clergy of St. Anskar's to bear witness to the glorious grace and truth made manifest in your Only-Begotten Son. Strengthen our faith in your wisdom and loving care. Teach us to hope more fully in the way of the cross and the power of the resurrection. Empower us to love you with our whole heart and mind and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Keep your Church from discouragement in the day of small things, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, One God for ever and ever. 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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 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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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 CLASS
A Milwaukee EfM class welcomes new or returning students in January at St. Paul's. The group meets Monday evenings. Please contact Mentor Lela Joscelyn for more information: lelajoscelyn@sbcglobal.net
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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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