General eNewsletter | May 3, 2023
 
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Fans of the social media sensation Zillow Gone Wild might dream about the kind of space that St. Paul’s in Peoria has–54,000 square feet with an enormous two-story stained-glass window at the front, exposed brick and steel beams in a skylit sanctuary adorned with twentieth century ecclesiastical art, and a flat-roofed wing of offices and classrooms overlooking a courtyard. While the vast mid-century modern building might prove overwhelming to some congregations, St. Paul’s uses the space, in part, for partnerships with local artists and a broad array of community-building organizations that help the church to serve its city.

“We are the last Episcopal church in Peoria, so we don’t have the luxury to say ‘that’s someone else’s area of responsibility,’” said the Rev. Jonathan Thomas, who shares the title of co-rector with his wife, the Rev. Jenny Replogle. “We work with community partners to amplify what we can do and work to discover what we are called to do. That’s not about being a community center, that’s about being a church: folks finding their calling and doing that.”


photo: Bishop Clark visited St. Paul's, Peoria on Good Friday
Anne Cothran to Retire from Bishop's Staff
Cards and notes requested by June 30
After nearly 20 years working for the Diocese of Chicago, during which she supported six bishops, Anne Cothran will retire as Bishop Clark's executive assistant on June 30.

Cothran joined the diocesan staff in August 2003, working to support Bishop Scantlebury, youth ministries, and formation. In 2008, she became Bishop Jeffrey Lee's executive assistant, and in that role also supported assisting Bishop John Buchanan and Bishop Chris Epting. Since Bishop Paula Clark's election in 2020, Cothran has supported her transition and episcopacy and Assisting Bishop Chilton Knudsen ministry in the interim. In her work, Anne has interacted with individuals and congregations from across the diocese, the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.

To share appreciation and well-wishes for Anne in her retirement, send cards and notes to the diocesan office:

Anne Cothran
c/o Anna Stefaniak
Episcopal Diocese of Chicago
65 E. Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Church of the Atonement Receives Climate Grant

On May 2, Church of the Atonement was awarded a $250,000 Climate Infrastructure Grant from the City of Chicago. Over the next six months, the "Warm and Green Atonement" project will transform the historic and vibrant center of Edgewater’s community life into an efficient, greenhouse-gas-reduced facility through decarbonizing heating, insulating, and becoming a source for green electricity.
Call to Pray for Sudan

American Friends of the Episcopal Church of the Sudans (AFRECS) has been following the violence unfolding in Sudan with growing concern. While the United Nations attempts to bring about a permanent cease-fire and to move the country effectively toward a transitional civilian government, AFRECS calls for urgent and continuous prayers for the suffering people of Sudan. Read more.
Resurrection Hope Discussion with Kelly Brown Douglas
April 25 recording in English with Spanish subtitles
On April 25, Bishop Paula Clark and people from across the diocese gathered on Zoom to discuss Resurrection Hope: A Future Where Black Lives Matter with the author, the Very Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, dean of Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary and canon theologian at Washington National Cathedral. A recording of the discussion is available online with Spanish subtitles.

Congregations and individuals were invited to read and discuss the book as part of the inaugural One Book, One Diocese program organized by the Peace & Justice Committee and the Antiracism Commission.
Toward Liberation: Crossroads Anti-Racism Training
June 8-10 in Chicago

Crossroads/Chicago ROAR (Regional Organizing for Anti-Racism) will host a three-day training, "Toward Liberation: Building Shared Analysis to Transform Institutions," at St. Paul & the Redeemer in Hyde Park, Chicago June 8-10 from 9 am to 5 pm each day. This training meets the diocesan antiracism requirement for clergy and elected leaders, and the diocesan Antiracism Commission offers a subsidized rate for members of the diocese.

Online registration will be live soon. For more information contact the Rev. Sarah Zuniga by email.
Pentecost: A Season for Gun Violence Prevention
Call for action from the Peace and Justice Committee

The Peace and Justice Committee of the Diocese of Chicago and Chicago Chapter of Episcopal Peace Fellowship are joining the national call for a season of Pentecost to prevent gun violence.

The campaign is intended to encourage individuals and congregations to confront the epidemic of gun violence at the grassroots level, through a commitment to taking action during the season of Pentecost. Learn more and contact Jackie Lynn with questions.
Planned Giving Webinar
Episcopal Church Foundation presentation on May 24

On May 24 at 6:30 pm on Zoom, Jim Murphy, managing program director for the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) will offer a free planned giving webinar for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, sponsored by the Trustees of the Endowment.

Murphy will demystify planned giving and explain how it differs from annual stewardship and capital campaigns. Participants will leave the webinar with a plan of action and a complimentary copy of ECF's "Planned Giving On Demand" Program Guide. Both congregations with existing planned giving ministries and those looking to establish them will benefit from this workshop
Register for Camp Chicago 2023
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. Online registration is open now for campers ages 7 - 17.

  • Session 1 June 25 – June 30 (ages 7-13)
  • Session 2 July 3 – July 8 (ages 7-13)
  • Session 3 Junior High/Senior High Week: July 10 – July 15 (ages 13-17)

The staff application is also open for ages 18+. Apply online.

For more information contact Jess Elfring-Roberts.
Save the Dates for Diocesan Convention
November 17 and 18, in-person at the Westin Chicago Lombard

As Bishop Clark announced last November, the 2023 convention will be held in person, November 17 and 18, at the Westin Chicago Lombard. Watch for more information and opportunities to help with planning.
Learning Opportunities
"Reparations: A Plan for Churches" Webinar
May 11 on Zoom
On Thursday, May 11, at noon Central, Church Pension Group will host the Rev. Peter Jarrett-Schell and the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers for a discussion of Jarrett-Schell's book, Reparations: A Plan for Churches, and how a commitment to reparations is being lived out in congregations across the country. Learn more and register.
Antiracism Webinar: Implementing Resolution F-185
May 13 on Zoom

On Saturday, May 13 at 10 am, the Antiracism Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and the antiracism team at St. John's Episcopal Church will host an informational webinar on implementing Resolution F-185 across the diocese.

At the 2022 Diocesan Convention, the Diocese of Chicago made a commitment to dismantle systemic racism and promote racial justice through Resolution F-185, which makes specific calls for congregations to develop antiracism teams, commit to budgeting antiracist programs, engage with antiracist trainings and workshops, and other efforts toward becoming a beloved community.

The team at St. John's will share practices and strategies they've discovered on their path toward implementing Resolution F-185. Please register online to receive a Zoom link for the webinar on Saturday, May 13 at 10 am.
Ubuntu and Contemplation Workshop with Michael Battle
May 13 on Zoom

On May 13, the Contemplative Outreach Chapters of Chicago, Atlanta, Colorado, and Maryland will host a Zoom workshop on Ubuntu and Contemplation: How an Indigenous African Philosophy Maps Our Spiritual Path to Global Community, led by the Very Rev. Michael Battle. Learn more and register.
College for Congregational Development Year A Training
June 18 - 23 in Woodstock

The College for Congregational Development  (CCD) "Year A" program will be offered June 18 - 23 at the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus in Woodstock, Illinois. The training is open to individuals and congregational teams, clergy and lay. Learn more and register.
Around the Diocese
Coronation Evensong at St. James Cathedral
Sunday, May 7 at 4 pm

On Sunday, May 7 at 4 pm, St. James Cathedral will host a special evensong in collaboration with the British Consulate General in Chicago to celebrate the coronation of King Charles on May 6 at Westminster Abbey. The service will feature music from past coronations, and a reception will follow.
Evensong at St. Mark's Evanston
Sunday, May 7

On May 7 at 7 pm, St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Evanston will host evensong. Under the direction of Westley Art Hodges, director of music ministries, the parish choir will be accompanied by guest organist Kipp Gill.
Spring Plant, Patio, Craft and Bake Sale
Saturday, May 13 at St. Hugh of Lincoln

St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church in Elgin is holding its annual spring fundraiser on Saturday, May 13 from 9 am until 2 pm. The plant sale will include homegrown flowers, herbs, and vegetable plants ready for containers or the garden, as well as preowned patio décor and garden tools. Handmade crafts and homemade bakery treats will also be for sale, with all proceeds to benefit St. Hugh's outreach ministries. Learn more.
Uncaged Art Exhibit
Opening May 20 at St. James Cathedral

The “Uncaged Art” exhibit, lent to the Sanctuary Task Force by the Diocese of San Joaquin and hosted by St. James Cathedral, will open to the public on Saturday, May 20 at 4 pm in Kyle's Place Gallery at 65 E. Huron. The exhibit is free and open to the public, Mondays through Saturdays from 9 am until 2 pm, through May 28.

"Uncaged Art" showcases artwork by children held in the Tornillo Detention Center in Texas between June 2018 and January 2019. When the detention center closed and officials began throwing out the artwork, a Catholic priest recovered 29 pieces, which comprise the exhibit.

The event is sponsored by the Sanctuary Task Force, Antiracism Commission, Hispanic Affairs Committee, and Peace & Justice Committee, four of the diocese’s social justice committees. After May 28, the exhibit will be on tour at metro Chicago churches, non-profits, schools, and libraries. Congregations and groups that would like to host the exhibit can email the Rev. Sandra Castillo.
Reminders
Emergency Declarations Expire May 11

In March, both the White House and Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that emergency declarations related to COVID-19 will expire on May 11. IDPH continues to share resources, including test to treat locations.

As a reminder, the diocesan COVID-19 advisory team recommends that congregational teams continue to meet regularly, monitor local conditions, and make changes as necessary.
Job Openings
New this week: Bishop's Executive Assistant at the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago.

Visit the website for a full list of clergy openings and lay employee openings. 
Spring 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.