General eNewsletter | February 24, 2021
Welcome to the Diocese of Chicago email newsletter. Please forward this email to your congregation and colleagues and invite them to sign up.
|
|
Camp Chicago Postponed to 2022;
Convention Will Be Online in 2021
|
|
Continuing its cautious approach to public gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the diocese announced today that it has decided not to hold Camp Chicago this summer, and that it will conduct its 2021 convention online on November 20.
“The world operates at such a fast pace that it is great blessing to be able to devote an entire week to helping young people understand that God loves them and calls them to a life of purpose and meaning,” said the Rev. Andrea Mysen, the diocese’s acting head of staff and director of ministries. “But unfortunately, we are not certain that we can put on our usual camp experience safely in the context of the pandemic. So, with great regret, we have decided to postpone the next session of camp until 2022.”
Although campers and counselors will not be gathering in person, the diocese is collecting and developing engaging faith formation resources that will provide at least a taste of the Camp Chicago experience at home, said Chad Senuta, associate for youth and campus ministry. “We want our campers and their families to know that they are still on our minds and in our hearts,” Senuta said.
The decision to hold convention online was also driven by concerns for the health and safety of attendees. “Convention is a huge undertaking involving large numbers of people from the clergy and lay delegates who constitute the voting members of convention, to the diocesan and hotel staff who help make it happen, to the exhibitors, workshop presenters and visitors who make it such a lively and enriching experience,” said the Rev. Courtney Reid, director of operations. “Though we certainly hope everyone has been vaccinated by November, there are simply too many moving pieces to be absolutely sure.”
The diocese has already held two successful online conventions, Reid said, conducting regular convention business during a Zoom meeting in November 2020, and electing the Rev. Canon Paula E. Clark in December.
Bishop-elect Clark will chair the 2021 convention.
|
|
Episcopal Relief & Development Responds to Winter Storm
Donate now to provide shelter and supplies in affected areas
|
|
The February 2021 winter storm, which devastated communities in Texas, Oklahoma and beyond, continues to wreak havoc. Ice and snow are melting and power has been restored to many, but the region continues to deal with burst pipes, lack of safe water supply and uninhabitable housing. The US Disaster Team at Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting affected dioceses as they respond.
Please donate today. Donations will help provide emergency shelter, groceries and other supplies in affected areas.
La tormenta de invierno de febrero de 2021, que asoló comunidades en Texas, Oklahoma y otros lugares, sigue causando estragos. El hielo se está derritiendo y muchos recuperaron la electricidad, pero la región sigue lidiando con tuberías reventadas, falta de agua potable y viviendas inhabitables. El Equipo de Desastres en EE UU de La Agencia Episcopal de Alivio y Desarrollo está apoyando a las diócesis que están respondiendo en esos lugares.
Por favor done hoy mismo. Su donación ayudará a proporcionar refugios de emergencia, alimentos y otros suministros a las zonas afectadas.
|
Resources for Keeping a Holy Lent |
Low- and no-cost Lenten devotions, reflections, calendars and curricula for individuals and congregations:
|
|
Ordination Gifts for Bishop-elect Clark
An invitation from the Transition Team
As the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago prepare to welcome our Bishop-elect, the Rev. Paula E. Clark, the Transition Committee invites people from across the diocese to offer gifts in support of her ministry.
It is the Episcopal Church's tradition to contribute towards a bishop-elect's vestments and other symbols of the Office of Bishop: stoles, cloaks, mitre, crosier, ring, pectoral cross and other liturgical items. Contributions may be made online and will be processed through the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago.
|
|
Clergy Relief Society Accepting Applications for 2021 Grants
Applications due March 12
|
|
The Clergy Relief Society of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago is now accepting applications for grants for 2021. Grants are available to surviving spouses and retired clergy canonically resident in the diocese who meet certain criteria. Please see the letter and application form. The form is also available online. Please contact Rebecca Elfring-Roberts with questions. Applications are due March 12.
|
|
Antiracism Commission Hosts Online Book Discussion of "Waking up White"
Five-week series begins Monday, March 15
|
The Antiracism Commission of the Diocese of Chicago invites members of the diocese to join in a five-week facilitated discussion of Waking up White, by Debby Irving, beginning Monday, March 15. The discussion will be facilitated by Constance and Dain Perry, who recently led a screening of the film, Traces of the Trade, for the diocese. Active Episcopalians who live in Boston, Massachusetts, Constance and Dain have years of experience facilitating conversations on racism and racial reconciliation.
The group will meet for five consecutive Mondays from 6-8 pm Central via Zoom, beginning on March 15. There is no cost to participate, but we ask that you purchase or borrow the book in advance of the first meeting. Learn more and register.
|
Grant Opportunity: Care of Creation, Environmental Racism
Applications due March 26
|
The Episcopal Church’s Task Force on Creation Care and Environmental Racism is now accepting applications for its 2021 Grant Cycle, which will fund advocacy, civic engagement and developing climate resiliency. The Task Force is committed to supporting efforts that are supported and led by youth and young adults, communities of color and indigenous peoples. Learn more.
|
Certified Church Treasurer Program
Applications due March 31
The application process is open for the 2021 Certified Church Treasurer Program. This free, online program is designed for treasurers, assistant treasurers, finance committee members, audit committee members, and clergy.
The program highlights valuable resources available from the Diocese of Chicago and the Episcopal Church, and participants undertake a process improvement project for their congregation. If you are interested in the program or have further questions, please email Keith Kampert.
|
|
Becoming Beloved Community Grants
Applications due April 12
The Presiding Officers' Advisory Group on Beloved Community Implementation has launched its 2021 grant process, to catalyze the church’s work of racial healing, reconciliation and justice.
Allocated by the 79th General Convention, these grant funds are intended to build capacity and increase Episcopal engagement in four primary fields: telling the truth about our churches and race, proclaiming the dream of Beloved Community, practicing Jesus’ way of healing and reconciliation, and repairing the breach in institutions and society. Learn more about the grant application, criteria, and process online.
|
Learning Opportunities & Virtual Events |
|
St. James Cathedral Evening Lenten Formation Series: Becoming Beloved Community
Wednesdays, February 24 - March 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm
|
|
Hearing the Sound of the Genuine with Howard Thurman
Online workshop February 25
|
On February 25 from 6 to 7:30 pm, Contemplative Outreach Chicago will offer an online workshop to introduce participants to the contemplative wisdom of Howard Thurman. The workshop will be led by the Rev. Christophe D. Ringer, PhD, assistant professor of theological ethics and society at Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago. The cost is $10 and scholarships are available. Learn more and register.
|
A Pastor's Reflection and Renewal Strategies for 2021
Workshop series from North Park Academy of Church Leadership in March
|
The Academy of Church Leadership at North Park University is hosting two free, virtual workshops to learn about how pastors continue to address the impact of COVID.
The March 18 session will be led by the Rev. Kat Banakis, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Evanston. The March 25 session will be led by the Rev. Dr. James E. Victor, Jr., who currently serves as the ninth pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia. Learn more and register online.
|
|
New Worship Guidelines for Restore Illinois Mitigation Tiers |
|
Tier 1: In-person worship or other gatherings limited to 25 people or 25% of capacity, whichever is LESS.
Tier 2: In-person worship or other gatherings limited to 10 people.
Tier 3: Suspension of in-person worship and other gatherings. Live streaming or recording services in church buildings may continue, but may include a maximum of 10 people, and only those required to assist with essential tasks.
|
|
Emergency Financial Relief Grants Extended for 2021
COVID-19 grants available for all congregations
|
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the state and country, the bishop's staff and diocesan leadership bodies are working together to respond to the needs of congregations at this challenging time.
Emergency Relief for Missions:
At its December meeting, the Bishop and Trustees voted to continue offering emergency operating fund grants to mission congregations experiencing hardship due to COVID-19. Mission congregations can request grants of up to $5,000, and those that received an emergency grant in 2020 may apply again in 2021. Mission congregations are encouraged to contact their trustee representative or Tom Camell for more information.
Emergency Relief for Parishes:
Using Bishop’s Funds in 2020, Bishop Lee created a $100,000 pool of emergency funding and appointed a small grant subcommittee to respond swiftly to emergency funding needs due to COVID-19. Grants of up to $5,000 may be requested and parishes that received a diocesan grant in 2020 are eligible to reapply for 2021. Parishes wishing to apply for emergency assistance should email Courtney Reid.
|
|
Winter Publication Schedule |
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 Tuesday at noon. Please send news about your congregation's ministry, mission and events to Jen Boyle-Tucker.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
