General eNewsletter | June 28, 2023
 
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And You Clothed Me:
St. Chrysostom's Begins a Ministry with Asylum Seekers
The asylum seekers who arrive in Chicago often step off the buses that carried them from Texas with little more than the clothes they are wearing. Under U.S. law, they are not permitted to seek work for months, and the city is struggling to find homes for them. In the meantime, they are finding the necessities of life where they can, and St. Chrysostom’s, Chicago is one of those places.

The parish has always sustained feeding ministries, but its once-small clothing ministry became something akin to a department store since this spring when the parish responded to a suggestion from Douglas B. Fraser, executive director of Chicago Help Initiative, to take part with other faith communities in creating a clothes closet.

“We ended up being the only church to do this and it grew organically from one small room to the use of the gym this summer, filled with clothes, cribs, toys, dressers, and other furniture,” says Liz Kohlbeck, who leads the feeding ministries.
Gutiérrez Returns to Diocese as Bishop’s Executive Assistant
Bishop Clark has called Karin Gutiérrez, who previously served on the bishop’s staff from 2012 to 2021, as her new executive assistant.

“I am delighted that Karin has agreed to come home to the Diocese of Chicago,” Bishop Clark said. “She brings with her broad knowledge of our diocese, deep relationships with many clergy and lay leaders, and real love for God’s mission in this place. Her ministry will benefit us all, and I am grateful for her willingness to serve.”
Bishop Clark's Portraits Now Available

Three of Bishop Clark's portraits are now available for congregational use. Visit the website to find the portraits and instructions on how to download and print them. For more information contact Jen Boyle Tucker.








photo: Nolis Anderson
God Be In My Heart: A Reflection from Westley Art Hodges

In celebration of Pride Month, Westley Art Hodges, director of music ministries at St. Mark's, Evanston, was asked to reflect on being a queer person in the Episcopal Church for ECF Vital Practices:

"I found the Episcopal Church when I was 22. I found the Episcopal Church out of desperation, which with queer folx, seems to be a common theme. My 22nd year of life was a big year for me and my identity, or should I say—owning my identity. In June of 2007, I had just been fired from my third position as Director of Music in a Baptist Church in South Mississippi. Now I have your attention!"


photo: Joseph Doyle
Episcopal Charities Parish Partner Grants

Episcopal Charities has awarded 2023-2024 Parish Partner Grants to Church of the Atonement, Chicago; St. Paul's, DeKalb; St. Ann's, Woodstock; St. James, West Dundee; and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Waukegan.

AFRECS Update from South Sudan

A recent newsletter from The American Friends of the Episcopal Church of the Sudans (AFRECS) included a brief update from Joseph Garang Atem, Archbishop of the internal province of Upper Nile (including Renk and Malakal) in South Sudan:

Archbishop Joseph writes from Juba, where his back and eyes are improving, to thank St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia; Tydale House Foundation; the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and Dr. Ellen Davis for funds sent to assist refugees and returnees who, since April 15, “came in big numbers which Renk cannot control.”

Last month, the Commission on Global Ministry raised $1,170 in a special appeal to support local relief efforts in Renk Diocese.
Camp Chicago: Openings in Sessions Two and Three!
Camp Chicago is back for its 29th season, with three sessions offered at Camp Stronghold in Oregon, Illinois. The camp staff is excited to announce a new session specifically for junior and senior high campers.


  • Session 2 July 3 – July 8 (ages 7-13)
  • Session 3 Junior High/Senior High Week, July 10 – July 15 (ages 13-17)

For more information contact Jess Elfring-Roberts.
Ten Year Reunification Anniversary Service in Peoria
September 9

St. Paul's, Peoria invites members and friends of the Diocese of Chicago to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the Diocese of Quincy's joyful reunion with the Diocese of Chicago. The service will take place Saturday, September 9 at 11 am, and a reception will follow.

Bishop Paula Clark will preside, and we will welcome two special guests who helped shepherd reunification: the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, former presiding bishop, and the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, former president of the House of Deputies. Watch future editions of the newsletter for more details.
Around the Diocese
Kermes Festival at St. Mark's, Glen Ellyn
July 16 from noon to 4 pm

On July 16, the Latino Leadership Committee of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn will host a Kermes from noon to 4 pm. A Kermes is a celebration similar to a carnival or festival, but with Mexican activities, music, dancers, and games. This event is usually held outdoors, and regional foods, drinks, sweets, and Mexican snacks will be served.


El Comité de Liderazgo Latino de la Iglesia Episcopal de San Marcos, Glen Ellyn, IL, está organizando una Kermes. Una Kermes es una forma de celebración muy similar a un carnaval o festival, pero con MUCHAS actividades, música, bailarines y juegos mexicanos. Este evento generalmente se realiza al aire libre, y es común encontrarse con varias comidas típicas locales, bebidas, dulces y bocadillos mexicanos. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!
Uncaged Art Exhibit
Open June 18 - July 9 at St. John's, Chicago

The “Uncaged Art” exhibit, lent to the Sanctuary Task Force by the Diocese of San Joaquin, continues its tour of the Diocese of Chicago: St. John's, Chicago will host the exhibit from June 18 - July 9.

Congregations and groups that would like to host the exhibit can email the Rev. Sandra Castillo.
Field Notes: Stories of Creation Care Successes
Online June 29 at 6:30 pm

On June 29, the Center for Deep Green Faith will host a discussion about how faith communities are developing green faith initiatives. The discussion will feature presenters from St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Greenville SC, St. Luke's in Evanston and St. Mark’s in Evanston. Learn more and register to attend.
Reminders
Anne Cothran to Retire from Bishop's Staff
Cards and notes requested by June 30

Anne Cothran will retire as Bishop Clark's executive assistant on June 30. Those wanting to share their appreciation and well-wishes for Anne in her retirement are invited to send cards and notes to the diocesan office by June 30. Cards may directed as follows:


Anne Cothran
c/o Anna Stefaniak
Episcopal Diocese of Chicago
65 E. Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Save the Dates for Diocesan Convention
November 17 and 18 in Lombard

The 2023 diocesan convention will be held in person, November 17 and 18, at the Westin Chicago Lombard. Watch newsletters for details and registration in late summer.
Job Openings
Visit the website for a full list of clergy openings and lay employee openings. 
Summer 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.

In July and August we publish a combined newsletter every other Wednesday. Watch for newsletters on July 12 and 26 and August 9 and 23. We will resume our regular weekly schedule beginning with Leadership News on September 6.

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.