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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 A Lenten reflection from our Companion Diocese
The Rev. Jackan Waweru from our companion diocese of Newala offers the following message for Lent
Dear Friends in Christ,
A 5th century bishop wrote, "Let us use fasting to make up for what we have lost by despising others. Let us offer our souls in by means of fasting. There is nothing more pleasing that we can offer to God, as the psalmist says; 'God does not despise a bruised and humbled heart.'" He goes on, "Offer your soul to God, make an oblation of your fasting . . ."
Beloved, what if our focus during this season of Lent was an offering up of that interior place where we meet God: our very souls, our heart of hearts? This is the place that resides deeper than your thoughts and your emotions, the place where you are you the most. What if that place became an offering to God? continue reading . . .
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 Rest in Peace, Elda Sexton . . .
Elda M. Sexton, widow of The Rev. George Sexton, died Saturday morning surrounded by her children; she was 91. The funeral will take place at St. Aidan's, Hartford on Thursday, February 25th, at 4pm and will be preceded by Visitation from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. May she rest in the peace eternal!
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 Thank you, Parishes!!
The Diocesan Office is so thankful to all those parishes (roughly 60%) that completed their 2016 Parish Officer / Lay Deputy forms and submitted them to the diocesan office by the February 20th deadline. This allows us to add parish "key people" to our database so that they become part of the communication loop, which includes receiving the E-NEWS.
Parishes that have not yet submitted their 2016 forms can find the forms at this LINK or they may contact Barbara Klauber at the diocesan office at info@diomil.org or (414) 272-3028 / ext. 111.
Thanks again, parishes, for getting your information to us!
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 DeKoven Center's fascinating history featured at March 8th "Second Tuesday"
DeKoven's first Second Tuesday event of the New Year! Join us in an exciting and revealing presentation by the official DeKoven archivist team as they present fascinating finds, photographs, and stories deep from within the archives at the historic DeKoven Center. The program begins at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8th with coffee and refreshments, followed by the presentation at 10:30 a.m. and the Eucharist at noon in Taylor Hall on the west side of the DeKoven campus. Parking is adjacent. The event is open to the community free of charge, with donations gratefully accepted. For more information: (262) 633-6401.
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Looking for a job?
The Diocese of Milwaukee has been asked to share the following employment opportunities. Date posted appears by job listing.
Business Administrator / Office Administrator (02/24/2016)
Christ Church, Whitefish Bay has openings for two PT positions that could possibly be filled by the same individual. Click HERE for job description and contact information.
Case Manager (02/17/2016)
Sussex Outreach Services (SOS) is a small non-profit organization serving Hamilton School District. Case Manager position is 20-24 hours/week. Click HERE for job description and contact information.
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Central Convocation clergy meet with Bishop Miller
The Rev. Bill McLemore (Holy Communion, Lake Geneva) shared this photo from the Central Convocation's February 23rd meeting with Bishop Miller. The Bishop has scheduled meetings with the clergy of all the diocesan convocations this year by way of sharing not only information but also goals, dreams, and challenges. Central Convocation's meeting took place at St. Peter's, Ft. Atkinson. Says Fr. McLemore, " It was a good meeting with lunch provided by Amy Hanyzewski, Andrew's wife. The greater part of the meeting allowed each cleric to share the events in their parish as well as time for the bishop to talk about diocesan issues."
Seated clockwise beginning with the bishop are: Bishop Miller, Kristen Buterbaugh (UWI College Ministry, Watertown); Andrew Hanyzewski (St. Peter's, Fort Atkinson); Joel Prather (Christ Church, Delavan); Helen Tester (St. Paul's, Beloit); Kathy Monson Lutes (Trinity, Janesville); Jason Lavann (St. John's the Divine, Burlington); and Elizabeth Tester (St. Paul's, Watertown). Not shown but attending, (Bill McLemore, Holy Communion, Lake Geneva) who took this photograph.
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E-NEWS would love to receive photos and information on happenings in your convocation / parish!! Send to Barbara Klauber, editor, at info@diomil.org .
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Interfaith Conference Luncheon Series
Make Reservations Now! Deadline Near!
5 TUESDAYS IN MARCH Luncheon/Lecture Series
The series topic is "Wisconsin: What Happened to the Common Good?"
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2016 from Noon - 1:30 pm
Sponsored by the Peace and International Issues Committee
of the INTERFAITH CONFERENCE of GREATER MILWAUKEE, each luncheon/lecture will take place at the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee - a Unitarian Universalist Congregation located at 1342 North Astor Street in Milwaukee.
Cost: $65.00 - series of five or $15.00 - individual sessions (Includes a simple vegetarian meal).
more info - registration
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LENT IN THE DIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE
 Nashotah House Chapel Choir joins Cathedral Choir for Evensong Service at All Saints' Cathedral on March 6th On Sunday, March 6th at 4:00 pm a special Evensong service at All Saints' Cathedral in Milwaukee will feature the Chapel Choir of Nashotah House Seminary joined by the Cathedral Choir. All are welcome! ______________________________________
 Lenten service, supper, book study at St. Mark's, Beaver Dam Soup Supper/Lenten Book Study/Stations of The Cross ~ This year St. Mark's, Beaver Dam is trying something new for Lent. We are extending an invitation to our brothers and sisters in the wider community and especially to our Lutheran brothers and sisters at First Lutheran Church to join us for our Lenten Soup Supper; Lenten Book Study and Stations of the Cross. We will meet on Thursday evenings with the schedule of Feb 18th- March 17th. Beginning with Soup@5:30pm; Book Discussion from 6:00-7:00pm and will conclude with Stations of the Cross @7:00 pm. We do an opening Collect and a short reading before each one of Stations of the Cross with a short Prayer. We take turns reading each reading and conclude with the Lord's Prayer and a closing Prayer. Our Book study will be on St. Benedict's Toolbox.
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 Lenten Worship at St. James Church of Milwaukee
St. James of Milwaukee will emphasis our personal relation with Jesus this Lenten season. The preaching themes on the Sundays in Lent will stress the to opening our hearts and hands to God and our service to the neighbor. The preaching themes will be " The Heart believing in Love, The Heart of Transformation, The Heart that Waits, The Heart of Forgiveness and The Heart of Costly Love." These themes will be based on the Gospel Lessons with practical applications.
On the 1st Sunday of Lent there will be an Intergenerational Event for adults and children, which is designed to be interactive. The book " Rediscovering Jesus" by Matthew Kelly will be given to all families in the Parish. This book sets forth these questions: Who am I? Who is God? What am I here for? What matters most? What are my unique talents and abilities? What will my contribution be? We will discover the answers to these questions most completely by encountering Jesus.
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 Lenten Soup Supper & Service
Wednesdays at 6pm during Lent at Trinity, Janesville Every Wednesday during Lent at 6pm (February 17, 24 & March 2, 9, 16) Trinity's Ortmayer Hall - Corner of Court & Atwood Street in Janesville. All are welcome!
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The Vestry Resource Guide, is published by the Episcopal Church Foundation, is available in English and Spanish through Forward Movement which also contains information on ordering digital versions of The Vestry Resource Guide.
Click HERE to purchase / get more info.
Questions about this resource? Contact Peggy Bean, Canon for Parishes, at Bean@diomil.org or (414) 272-3028 / ext. 158.
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Lenten Meditations offered by St. James, West Bend
 St. James, West Bend has prepared a booklet of Lenten Meditations around the theme, "Is this the fast I choose?" which they kindly offer to members of the diocese and wider Church for personal or parish use during this Lenten Season.
The booklet may be accessed HERE.
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 Who is Julian of Norwich and why are people gathering to learn about her?
Madison-Area Julian Gathering
Wednesday, March 9, 7:15 - 9:00 PM
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church
6205 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
Julian of Norwich was a 15th Century English mystic and anchoress. [What's an anchoress? In the Middle Ages, certain women and men chose to live a life intensely devoted to prayer permanently enclosed in a small room, called an anchorhold, attached to a parish church.] Little is known about Julian's life, but she wrote a book, as far as we know the first in English written by a woman, about a series of revelations which opened her to the depths of God's unconditional love for us in Jesus Christ. Nearly forgotten for 600 years, Julian's insights and gentle wisdom are becoming ever more widely known and appreciated. Thomas Merton called her "the greatest theologian for our time."
Julian prayed often in silence, and at a Julian Gathering we support each other in the practice of contemplative prayer and contemplative spirituality. These gatherings are initiated and supported by the Order of Julian of Norwich (www.orderofjulian.org). They are open to all who want to deepen their life of faith through the practice of contemplative prayer, for beginners as well as those already practicing. Each meeting includes time for contemplative prayer, fellowship, and reading/discussion of Julian's book. At the beginning of each meeting, brief instruction on the practice of contemplative prayer is offered. We meet the second Wednesday of each month from 7:15 to 9 PM. For additional information, contact Susan Fiore at (608) 772-2413 or slfiore@mac.com.
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 Regional Confirmation set for July 9th at St. Luke's, Racine
The South Convocation will host a Regional Confirmation at St. Luke's, Racine on 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 9, 2016. Bishop Miller will officiate.
The Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh, rector of St. Matthew's, Kenosha, is coordinator for the Regional Confirmation. Parishes wishing to participate are asked to contact him at rector.stmatts@gmail.com
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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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Altar Guild Adventure 2016 set for May 18th in Chicago
The Diocesan Altar Guild would very much appreciate it if parishes would put the message below in their Sunday bulletins for the next couple weeks and in their newsletters. Specific details will follow soon.
Questions? Contact Micki Hoffmann (Diocese of Milwaukee Altar Guild)
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Recognizing God's Voice: Lenten Retreat for Women
Recognizing God's Voice: Lenten Retreat for Women
The Rev. Paula Harris, rector at St. Luke's, Madison and an active Spiritual Director, will lead this retreat for women, which will take place March 5th (Saturday) from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 670 East Monroe Avenue, Hartford, WI 53027.
To register send $25 payable to Dio. Milwaukee ECW along with your name, phone #, address, and parish affiliation to:
Micki Hoffmann c/o 53 E. Rogers Street, Hartford, WI 53027.
See FLYER for more information
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The Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh
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Reconciliation: A Silent Retreat for Lent at The DeKoven Center
March 4-6 at The DeKoven Center in Racine, Wisconsin
Led by The Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh. Cost: $200
Reconciliation is the act of repairing damage done to relationships. Christ's life, death and resurrection are acts of reconciliation with God's creatures. Reconciliation is a sacramental act of the Church and part of the life of a Christian. Particularly during the season of Lent, we are called to "self-examination and repentance." These are ways in which we participate in the divine act of reconciling our lives with God, others, and ourselves. During this retreat, we will look at many ways that we can understand and practice reconciliation.
The retreat begins with a reception on Friday followed by dinner, and goes through brunch on Sunday. For information, please call Sarah Bussell at The DeKoven Center at 262-633-6401, x105 or e-mail her at sbussell@dekovencenter.org
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Register to attend the April 16th Diocese of Milwaukee Lay & Clergy Leadership Day
Winter / Spring 2016
Vitality + Innovation + Connection + Mission
Winter and Spring Leadership Days are amazing opportunities for lay and clergy leaders. Response to the February 27th Winter Leadership Day exceeded all expectations (over 140 have registered!) and Registration is now CLOSED for that event. HOWEVER, YOU CAN STILL REGISTER FOR THE SECOND LEADERSHIP DAY ON APRIL 16th! ________________________________________________________ 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
to 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 Fund'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.
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A SCHOOL FOR THE LORD'S SERVICE
Leadership Lessons from The Rule of St. Benedict will be offered
Sundays in Lent from 6:30pm -8:00pm at Christ Church, Delavan (located at 503 East Walworth Avenue, Delavan, WI 53115).
Join Christ Church, Delavan as Bishop Miller kicks off "A School For The Lord's Service."
Six teachings on discipleship and leadership whose purpose is to help us better lead ourselves and others for Jesus' sake: whether you lead a congregation, a team, a family, a ministry or coworkers.
The Rule of St. Benedict was written in the 5th century in uncertain times, not unlike our own. Much of our Anglican Heritage was formed by "The Rule", which is considered the second wisest piece of western literature, only to the Bible. Benedict of Nursia wrote these 73 short chapters to organize the Gospel of our Master Jesus into a brief, yet potent Discipleship Guide for men and women to live a radical commitment to Him.
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Iconography Classes at St. Luke's, Madison
Learn to write icons: $250 Master iconographer Drazen Dupor is offering a painting class in the ancient art of iconography. Drazen was trained in both Serbia and Greece by famous Orthodox iconographers. For $250 a month, you can receive personalized instruction in this spiritual art. Fridays, 6-7:30 pm
St Luke's Episcopal Church 4011 Major Madison, WI 53716
Call parish for more information: 608-222-6921
Click here for a POSTER for your parish bulletin board!
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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: |
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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Send your events to E-NEWS at info@diomil.org!
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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,
- 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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 Safeguarding God's Children/Safeguarding God's People
All registration information and links are found on our diocesan website on the Safeguarding God's People page, www.diomil.org. |
 Prayers for Parishes
The diocesan Commission on Mission and Development has prepared a cycle of prayers for the congregations of the Diocese of Milwaukee.
February 28, 2016 - Trinity, Wauwatosa
Almighty and everlasting God, you create families and bring people together to share, live and love in your name. Help the people of Trinity Church, Wauwatosa, to do the same with the people who come worship with them, the people in their daily lives and the people they have yet to meet. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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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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 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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