Leadership News October 2, 2024

Welcome to the Diocese of Chicago leadership email newsletter. Please forward this email to vestry members and other leaders in your congregations and ministries and invite them to sign up.

Support Hurricane Helene Relief

Our hearts are with the communities in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina who are facing the devastation and aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We pray for the many lives lost, and encourage donations to our trusted partners at Episcopal Relief & Development, who will walk alongside those affected through all stages of this disaster and recovery.

Compassionate God, source of all comfort, we pray for the people whose lives have been devastated this hurricane season.

Bring them comfort, we pray.

Protect the vulnerable.

Strengthen the weak.

Keep at bay the spread of disease.

Have mercy on all those working to rebuild.

And may our response to their suffering be generous and bring you praise.

We ask this in Jesus’ name.

— Adapted from Christian Aid, UK

Van Spankeren Joins Diocesan Staff as Administrative Associate for HR and Finance

Bishop Clark has announced that she has called Graicey Van Spankeren to join her staff as administrative associate for human resources and finance.

“I am delighted that Graicey has joined us here in the Diocese of Chicago,” Bishop Clark said. “She brings with her broad knowledge of diocesan administration and a deep commitment to God’s mission.”

In this new role, Van Spankeren, who recently served as diocesan administrator in the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee, will be responsible for benefits and pension administration for employees, churches and their leaders. She will also perform background checks, orient new employees, and perform a number of diocesan payroll and budget support functions. To ensure a smooth transition, Van Spankeren will train with Anna Stefaniak, who retires as canon for administration on November 22, for the next few weeks. Read more.

Annual Latin@/Hispanic Liturgy

October 5 at St. James Cathedral

The Annual Latin@/Hispanic Liturgy will take place on Saturday, October 5 at 11 am at St. James Cathedral. This annual celebration during Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the presence of Spanish-speaking Episcopalians in the Diocese of Chicago for more than 50 years. The celebration includes participants from the eight principal Latin@ congregations. All members of the diocese are invited to join in praise and worship, in person or online by watching the livestream.

Bishop Clark has invited the Rev. Yoimel Gonzalez Hernandez, rector of St. Stephen and the Incarnation parish in Washington D.C. and former dean of the diocese’s Latino Deacons School, to preach on the diaconate.

Candidates for reception or confirmation should plan to arrive at St. James Commons (65 E. Huron) by 9:30 am to meet with Bishop Clark before the service.

Read more in English y espanol.

Antiracism Commission's "Repentance, Repair and Reconciliation" Project Continues

Zoom listening session on October 5

The Antiracism Commission's Repentance, Repair and Reconciliation Project continues its work this month with Sunday morning listening sessions at several historically Black congregations and the second of two online sessions, open to everyone in the diocese, on Saturday, October 5 at 9 am. Learn more and register to attend the Zoom sessions.

Read about the commission's ongoing work to address the legacy of slavery in Episcopal News Service.

CROP Hunger Walks 2024

Chicago Walk is October 20

CROP Walks raise funds to fight hunger, globally and locally. The 42nd Chicago CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024. There are 5K, 3.5K, and 1.5K (one mile) options, all of which begin and end at Emmanuel Lutheran Church (1124 S. Ashland). 

The event begins at 12 pm with a family fun fest and walker check-in is at 1 pm. The walk starts with an opening prayer at 1:30 pm and ends by approximately 3:30 pm. Please sponsor a team or walker from St. Thomas, Santa Teresa de Avila, or Saints George & Matthias churches in Chicago, or create your own team.

For congregations outside of Chicago, there are many CROP Hunger Walks this fall, and a few next spring, in communities from Peoria to Galena to Waukegan. Find the walk nearest you and encourage your congregation to participate.

One quarter of CROP Walk funds return to local food pantries and other hunger-related programs including the diocesan Hunger Committee which receives and disburses Chicago’s local CROP Walk funds. For more information, please contact the Rev. Gary Cox by email or at 847.204.9567.

Vitality Grant Applications Available

Deadline to apply is October 24

The Vitality Grants Committee is now accepting applications for 2025 grants. All congregations, regardless of parish or mission status, may apply for a grant. Applications are due October 24 by 5 pm.

Grants are intended to help congregations become more faithful, healthy, and effective. Priority is given to congregations with demonstrated financial need. A commitment to attend the College for Congregational Development is a pre-requisite for receiving a grant.

Applications are available in English and Spanish on the diocesan website.

For more information, download the application and email Canon Andrea Mysen with questions.

Convocation of Global Ministry

October 26 at St. Andrew's, Downers Grove

The Diocese of Chicago's Commission on Global Ministry will host a convocation of diocesan global mission initiatives on Saturday, October 26, from 10 am to 3 pm at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Downers Grove. All who are involved in global ministry or interested in learning more are invited to attend. Please register to attend.

Scheduled speakers include Bishop Paula Clark; Archbishop Joseph Garang Atem of the Upper Nile; and Bishop Simon Chuang, Diocese of Renk, South Sudan.

Orientation for Lay Worship Leaders

November 4 on Zoom

On Monday, November 4, from 7 to 8 pm, Leadership Development Officer Louisa McKellaston will host an online orientation for new worship leaders. Planned with lay leaders in mind, this Zoom meeting will provide guidance on how to lead Morning Prayer—especially in the context of a Sunday morning—and provide background on this alternative to Sunday morning Eucharist.

Resources for other worship services will be shared, and there will be opportunities to ask questions and connect with leaders from around the diocese. Register to attend.

The Investiture of Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe

Join the churchwide virtual celebration on November 2

The churchwide virtual celebration of new ministry and investiture of Bishop Sean Rowe as Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church will take place on Saturday, November 2, beginning with a virtual "roll call" of dioceses at 8:30 am Central and a livestreamed Service of Holy Eucharist at 10 am Central.

The scaled-down service, intended to increase churchwide virtual engagement and reduce the event's carbon footprint, will be livestreamed on the event webpage as well as The Episcopal Church’s Facebook page.

United Thank Offering Invites 2025 Annual Grant Applications

The United Thank Offering Board announced the opening of its 2025 annual grants process, focused on projects that address water issues. Applications are due by January 10 for initial review; changes can then be made to reviewed applications before final submission by February 7.

More information—including criteria for applicants, sample budgets and timelines, and helpful hints—as well as application forms are available online in English and Spanish.

The UTO grant process involves a preliminary review and bishop's endorsement. Organizations and individuals planning to apply should contact UTO coordinator Wanda Norris with questions.

187th Annual Diocesan Convention

The 187th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will be held Saturday, November 23 as a virtual gathering on Zoom. 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.

Voting participants at convention include the canonically resident clergy of the diocese and three lay delegates elected from each congregation. All voting will be conducted electronically.

General attendees and visitors are invited to observe the proceedings online on YouTube, and no registration is needed.



Please watch for convention updates in upcoming newsletters.

Certification of Lay Delegates and Clergy Registration

Due September 30

Lay delegates certifications were due September 30. Congregations that haven't yet completed their certification forms are asked to do so as soon as possible using the links below:



• Certification form for Lay Delegates from Congregations

• Certification form for Campus Ministry Delegates

Clergy registration has been simplified to one online form. All canonically resident clergy are asked to complete the online form confirming participation or request an excused absence:

• Clergy registration/excused absence form

Mark Your Calendars: Convention Hearings and Candidate Forum

Pre-convention hearings to review the 2025 budget, learn about proposed resolutions and meet the candidates for elected office will be held in November. Please mark your calendars and watch for Zoom registration information to come:

• Resolutions to convention will be presented on Tuesday, November 12 from 7 to 8:30 pm on Zoom.
• The Finance Committee will present the 2025 budget on Thursday, November 14 from 7 to 8:30 pm on Zoom.
• A Meet the Candidates forum will be held on Saturday, November 16 from 10 to 11:30 am on Zoom.

Convention Memorials

Due November 1

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 2023 Diocesan Convention using this online form by All Saints' Day, November 1.

Clergy News

Ordination of the Rev. Christopher Poore

October 10 at Grace Episcopal Church, Galesburg

By the grace of God and with the consent of the people of God, the Right Reverend Paula E. Clark, Bishop of the Diocese of Chicago, will ordain Christopher Michael Poore to the Sacred Order of Priests in Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 6 pm at Grace Episcopal Church (located in Trinity Lutheran Church, 304 East Ferris Street, Galesburg, IL 61401). A reception will follow the service.

Prayers and presence are requested. The festival color is red. Clergy are invited to vest and process.

Choral Evensong and Installation of Mike Choquette as Archdeacon

October 23 at 6 pm at St. James Cathedral

On Wednesday, October 23 at 6 pm, Bishop Paula Clark will install Deacon Mike Choquette as Archdeacon during a service of Choral Evensong, led by the Cathedral Choir and Choristers at St. James Cathedral. Clergy are welcome to vest in choir dress (cassock, surplice and tippet).

A pre-service reception with light refreshments will be held from 5 - 6 pm in Kyle's Place at 65 E. Huron.

St. Gregory's Calls Puchalla as Rector

Renewal of Ministry on November 15

The people of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church in Deerfield called the Rev. Dan Puchalla to be their rector, effective October 1. Puchalla has been serving as priest-in-charge at St. Gregory's since September 2023.

A Renewal of Ministry for St. Gregory's and their new rector will be held Friday, November 15 at 7 pm. The Very Rev. Claire Makins will preside and the Rev. Peter Lane will preach. Clergy are invited to vest in white. A reception will follow the service. Please RSVP here.

Clergy Transitions

The Rev. Richard Frontjes has been called as priest-in-charge by Christ Church in Waukegan. His ministry begins there on November 1. Frontjes previously served at Church of Our Saviour in Elgin.

The Rev. Hunter Farrow has been called as priest-in charge at Church of the Transfiguration in Palos Park. His ministry there begins November 1. Farrow was ordained to the priesthood in June 2024 and previously served as transitional deacon at St. Luke's, Milwaukee.

Upcoming Workshops from Episcopal Parish Network

The Episcopal Parish Network offers a variety of online workshops that are free to attend, but registration is required:

• ​​October 7: Reporting on the Church: Exploring the 2024 Parochial Report Form for Parishes
• October 9: Church Security: Seeking Grace or Harmful Intent
• October 23: Tending Our Soil: Supporting Ground-level Church Revitalization
• October 29: Serving the Global Community: Strengthening Parish Outreach

"Gender Justice Jam"

Virtual series continues through December

Episcopalians are invited to join a 12-week virtual education and formation series designed to inform and equip advocates for gender justice. The series—grounded in Scripture, theology, prayer, arts, and culture—will include discussions with organizers, clergy, and other leaders on topics including defending reproductive justice, supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families, preventing gender-based violence, and more. Learn more and register.

For Clergy Spouses: Conversations on the Partner's Path

October 7 with Phoebe Griswold

Conversations on the Partner's Path is a series of online conversations designed to provide a place of connection, spiritual nourishment, and gift discernment for spouses of Episcopal clergy. On October 7, the conversation will feature Phoebe Griswold, an advocate for clergy spouses and wife of the late Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Frank Griswold. Learn more and register.

New Province V Network for Children and Youth Ministers

Next Zoom gathering October 10

The Province V Network for Children and Youth Ministers invites anyone working with children or youth in the church (clergy and lay, volunteer and paid) to join its quarterly Zoom gatherings. The next meeting is Thursday, October 10 at 2 pm Central. For more information contact convener Carmen Piggins.

Episcopal Church Women Fall Event October 19

Journey to a New Home:

A Conversation About Ministry to Asylum Seekers

On Saturday, October 19, Episcopal Church Women-Chicago will host its fall event, Journey to a New Home: A Conversation about Ministry to Asylum Seekers, at St. Michael and All Angels Church in Berwyn. The event, from 9 am to 2:30 pm, will feature presentations from the Rev. Sandra Castillo, canon for migration ministries; Matt Berryman, executive director of Episcopal Charities; and Agustina Salinas, senior warden of St. Michael and All Angels.

Coffee, pastries and lunch will be provided. Learn more and register.

Tell Me the Truth About Nature

First cohort begins October 31

Building off a theological approach cultivated in Tell Me the Truth About Racism, Jen Enriquez and the Rev. Will Bouvel are introducing "Tell Me the Truth About Nature," a new set of stories about humans' relationship with the rest of the created universe. Like their previous program, the training uses a Montessori-based approach suitable for both preschoolers and adults. The first cohort training will gather on Thursdays from 11 am to 1 pm, October 31 - December 12. Register here.  

The Best Death Ever

Bishop Anderson House workshop on November 2

On November 2, from 9 am to 3 pm, Bishop Anderson House will host a workshop on The Best Death Ever. Led by the Rev. Judith A. Doran, the session will prepare participants for discussions with those facing death, as well as how care providers' beliefs can affect those close to them. Space is limited to 15 participants. The cost is $35 for Spiritual Care Visitor Training alumni and $50 for general participants. It includes continental breakfast and lunch. Learn more and register.

Contemplative Outreach Fall Workshop

November 2 online and at St. Leonard’s Ministries

On Saturday, November 2, Contemplative Outreach Chicago will offer its fall workshop in a hybrid format, with an online segment and an in-person event held at St. Andrew's Chapel on the campus of St. Leonard's Ministries in Chicago.

The online segment, entitled Interfaith Healing Practices: Tools to Inspire Hope Amid Chaos, will be led by author and teacher Carl McColman. This interactive workshop will explore the Christian mystical practice of Centering Prayer to find inner peace and healing. Learn more.

The in-person segment, Consent to the Communal Presence and Action of God Within, will offer a contemplative prayer experience led by Alan Krema.

Participants may register for the in-person or online sections. Find details and registration information online.

Connecting with Colleagues in Religious Life

The National Association of Episcopal Christian Communities (NAECC) has encouraged each Episcopal Diocese to gather all its religious, with the hope of fostering greater fellowship, support, and potential partnerships. Br. Will White, CMJ, of the Community of the Mother of Jesus and the Church of the Atonement, has volunteered to organize a gathering for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago.

All members of Episcopal religious communities in the Diocese of Chicago (vowed or associate) are invited to email Br. Will with their contact information (name, congregation, religious community or order) to be included in the scheduling of this first gathering.