|
General eNewsletter | September 13, 2023
Welcome to the Diocese of Chicago email newsletter. Please forward this email to your congregation and colleagues and invite them to sign up.
| |
A Conversation with Bishop Jacob Owensby
Convention keynote speaker reflects on hope, connection
| |
The Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby is the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana and chancellor of Sewanee, The University of the South. The author of six books, with a manuscript underway, Bishop Owensby also writes a popular blog.
Before attending the School of Theology at Sewanee, Owensby earned a Ph.D. at Emory University and was an associate professor of philosophy at Jacksonville University. He and Bishop Paula are tablemates at House of Bishops’ meetings, where he says he has developed “immense respect and affection” for her.
In August, Bishop Owensby and Nancy Bryan of Canticle Communications sat down via Zoom to talk about his upcoming visit to the Diocese of Chicago, when he will be the keynote speaker at diocesan convention, and how he thinks about Bishop Paula’s convention theme of “hope and connection.” The transcript of their conversation has been edited for clarity.
I’d love to start out by asking about when you have been to the Diocese of Chicago. Is there a story about a previous visit there that comes to mind as you think about being back in the diocese this fall?
Oh, yeah. My very last visit was for Bishop Paula’s ordination and consecration, and that was really so uplifting. Just the whole thing. To join in the celebration of her finally becoming bishop, it just did my heart good. The energy in that liturgy made me kind of envious, to tell you the truth, for what can happen at a liturgy. And it makes me anticipate a great good time at convention.
Read more.
| |
Confirmations and Receptions
at St. James Cathedral
Saturday, October 21 at 11 am
Bishop Paula Clark will preside over a service of confirmation and reception at St. James Cathedral on Saturday, October 21 at 11 am. All congregations in the diocese are welcome to participate. Please note: candidates are required to attend a pre-service meeting with Bishop Clark at 10 am.
Congregations presenting candidates should contact Karin Gutierrez for details.
| |
Episcopal Evangelism Grants Available
Applications due to the Bishop's office by October 9
Episcopal institutions are invited to apply for evangelism grants to support ministries, resources, and gatherings that minister across barriers. The grant application, criteria, requirements, budget information, and more are available online.
Please note: this grant application requires Bishop Clark's approval; preliminary applications should be submitted via email by October 9.
| |
Vitality Grant Applications Available in English and Spanish
Application deadline is October 12
The Congregations Commission is now accepting applications for 2024 vitality grants. All congregations, regardless of parish or mission status, may apply for a grant.
Grants are intended to help congregations become more faithful, healthy, and effective, and priority is given to congregations with demonstrated financial need. A commitment to attend the College for Congregational Development is a prerequisite for receiving a grant.
Applications are available in English and Spanish on the diocesan website and are due by 5 pm on October 12. For more information please view the application, and contact Louisa McKellaston with questions.
| |
Applications Open for General Convention Official Youth Presence 2024
Deadline to apply is November 17
Episcopal teens ages 16 to 19 are invited to apply to become part of the 81st General Convention’s Official Youth Presence at the 81st General Convention scheduled for June 20-28 in Louisville, Kentucky. The application deadline is November 17.
Members of the Official Youth Presence have seat and voice in the House of Deputies. Up to two youth from each of the church’s nine provinces will be selected to participate. The Episcopal Church budget covers travel, lodging, and meals for those attending orientation and General Convention.
Applications and nomination forms in English and Spanish can be found online, as well as additional criteria and information for potential applicants.
| |
|
New Sales Tax Exemption Certificate
The Sales Tax Exemption Certificate for the Diocese of Chicago was recently updated and is valid until September 1, 2028. Please download and save the new version for your congregation's records.
For more information and resources, visit the Tax and Audit page of the website.
| |
|
2023 Diocesan Convention
November 17-18 at Westin Chicago Lombard
After three years of virtual conventions, the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will gather in person on November 17 and 18 at the Westin Chicago Lombard for the 186th Diocesan Convention.
Convention is the annual business meeting of the diocese, during which we elect leaders, consider resolutions and hear reports from across the diocese and the wider church. This year, we will also have opportunities for worship, connection, and learning. Watch for more information on the convention schedule coming soon.
| |
|
Convention Registration is Open
Register by September 30 for best rate
Registration for the 2023 Diocesan Convention is now open. An early bird registration rate of $100 per person will be available through September 30. Beginning October 1, the cost of attendance will be $150 per person. Advanced registration will close on October 31, after which only onsite registration at a cost of $200 per person will be available. Register for convention.
A limited number of scholarships for the cost of registration are available. Scholarships may be requested by emailing Crystal Plummer.
| |
Delegate Certification Due September 30
Delegates must be certified to have voice and vote at convention. Delegate certifications are due by September 30 and can be completed online:
| |
Hotel Registration
Group rate available until October 25
A block of rooms at the Westin Chicago Lombard is available with a discounted rate of $149/night until October 25. Reservations may be made online. For more information, contact the Westin at 630.719.8000. Reserve a room.
| |
Nominations Due September 30
Nominations for positions to be elected by the 2023 Diocesan Convention may be submitted to the Secretary of Convention by email or by mailing the nomination form to the diocesan office.
The following positions will be elected to these bodies:
- Standing Committee
- One clergy, one lay to a three-year term
- One clergy, one lay to a one-year term
- Bishop and Trustees
- One clergy, three lay to a three-year term
- The Cathedral Chapter
- One clergy or lay person to a three-year term
- One clergy or lay person to a two-year term
- One clergy or lay person to a one-year term
The deadline to submit a nomination is September 30. A “Meet the Candidates” forum will be held on November 11 on Zoom. To learn more about each position, visit the convention webpage to download the Call for Nominations in English or Spanish.
| |
|
Resolutions Due September 30
Resolutions to be considered at the 2023 Diocesan Convention may be submitted to the Secretary of Convention by emailing [email protected]. To learn how to write a resolution and see an example, visit the convention webpage to download the Call for Resolutions in English or Spanish. The deadline to submit resolutions is September 30.
| |
Volunteers
Convention is our biggest event of the year and it requires the help of volunteers, who assist with registration, host workshops, and more. Use the online form to register as a volunteer. (Please note, volunteers must pay the registration fee in order to attend convention.)
| |
|
Call for Convention Memorials
As is our tradition, we will remember those who have died in the last year in the convention necrology. Please submit the names of those in your congregation who have died since the 2022 Diocesan Convention to the Secretary of Convention by All Saints' Day, November 1.
| |
|
Tell Me the Truth About Racism Fall Cohorts
Online and in-person opportunities
Fall training cohorts for Tell Me the Truth About Racism "core stories" training will convene beginning September 20 (from 11 am -1 pm Central) and September 21 (from 7 - 9 pm Central). An in-person core stories training will be held November 9 to 11 in Hampton, Virginia. Learn more and register.
Coming in 2024: a new module focused on creation care stories will be available in the Epiphany season. The core training will be a prerequisite for the new module. Contact Jen Holt Enriquez and Will Bouvel for more information.
| |
|
Weaving Our Gifts: A Conference of Catechists
Streaming October 27-28 at All Saints', Chicago
On October 27 and 28, the annual conference of the Center for Children and Theology, Weaving Our Gifts: A Conference of Catechists, will livestream conference keynotes.
The keynote speaker, the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, will address the place of children in the changing church landscape, and the intersection of children’s faith formation and bias and racism in the country and our churches.
All Saints', Chicago is a satellite livestream host and invites catechists from around the diocese to attend. Contact Polly Tangora for more information.
| |
|
Poetry Reading at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
September 13 at 7 pm
On September 13 at 7 pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in DeKalb will host an event called "Wonderment: Five DeKalb Poets Read Poems of Wonder and Awe." The poets, all DeKalb residents, are John Bradley, Rebecca Parfitt, Joseph Gastiger, and Susan Azar Porterfield, and host Marilyn Cleland.
The event is free and light refreshments will be offered. A free-will offering will be collected for the Environmental Defense Fund.
| |
|
Clergy Spouse/Partner Network Gatherings and Retreat
The Clergy Spouse/Partner Network of the Diocese of Chicago invites all spouses and partners of Episcopal clergy to dinner gatherings across on September 14 in Geneva and October 19 in Plainfield at 6:30 pm. Please register at Clergy Spouse/Partner Dining Series.
| |
Clergy Spouse/Partner Retreat:
September 29 - October 2
| |
|
Blessing of the Animals and Pet CPR
October 7 and 14 at St. Martin's, Des Plaines
St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Des Plaines will host its annual Blessing of the Animals on October 7 at noon. The event will include raffle prizes and animal adoptions from Heartland Animal Shelter.
On October 14 from noon to 3 pm, St. Martin's will offer a pet CPR course. The course will address when and how to perform CPR on small, medium and large dogs and cats and other first aid techniques. Register to attend.
| |
|
Free Spanish-Language Sing-Along Groups on Zoom
On the first and third Thursdays of the month, Sounds Good Choir and AgeGuide host free Spanish-language Zoom sing-alongs led by Juan Dies of Sones de Mexico Ensemble.
Open to residents of the collar counties (Lake, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, DuPage, Will, and Kankakee) the sing-alongs are offered for people with dementia and their caregivers (11 to 11:50 am) and for anyone over age 60 (noon to 12:50 pm). There will be technical support and each session will have a theme. Learn more and register.
Sounds Good Choir was founded by Deacon Sandy Siegel Miller and her husband, Jonathan Miller in 2016. Their Good Memories Choir was featured in Thrive! magazine in 2019.
| |
|
New this week: Parish Administrator at St. Mark's, Evanston.
Visit the website for a full list of clergy openings and lay employee openings.
| |
|
2024 Province V Synod and Big Provincial Gathering
April 26 - 27 in South Bend, IN
Save the dates for the 2024 Province V Synod and Big Provincial Gathering, April 26-27 in South Bend, Indiana. The Province V Synod meeting will be held on Friday afternoon. The meeting is open to all and required for synod deputies and bishops.
On April 27, workshops will be offered "ministry fair-style." Those interested in presenting a 60-minute workshop can apply online.
| |
Fall Publication Schedule | |
From September through June we publish both a general email newsletter and Leadership News, a publication for lay leaders and clergy in the Diocese of Chicago, on alternate Wednesdays.
The deadline to submit items to be included is noon on the Tuesday before publication. Please send news about your congregation's ministry, mission and events to Jen Boyle-Tucker.
| | | | |
