General eNewsletter March 8, 2023
 
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In Memoriam: The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, III
The Rt. Rev. Frank Tracy Griswold III, who served as the Tenth Bishop of Chicago from 1987 to 1998 and 25th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church from 1998 to 2006, died on March 5 in Philadelphia at the age of 85.

In a letter to the Diocese of Chicago on Sunday evening, Bishop Paula Clark said, "He led our church during difficult times of change and conflict, and called us again and again to unity in Christ. He was a kind and loving man of God, and I give thanks for his ministry among us."

Funeral arrangements are pending. Memorial tributes and reflections can be found on Episcopal News Service and Religion News Service.

May light perpetual shine upon him.
One Book, One Diocese
Virtual book discussions on April 13 and 25

On April 13 and 25, people from across the Diocese of Chicago will gather on Zoom to discuss Resurrection Hope: A Future Where Black Lives Matter by the Very Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, dean of Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary and canon theologian at the Washington National Cathedral.

Douglas will speak about her book via Zoom during the session on April 25 from 7 to 9 pm Central. Register to attend.

“I’m delighted to welcome my friend and colleague Kelly Brown Douglas back to our diocese, even if only via Zoom,” Bishop Paula Clark said. “Kelly’s visionary theological work continues to guide us from despair to hope as we continue the journey toward the Beloved Community that God intends for us.”

The programs, presented by the diocesan Peace and Justice Committee and the Antiracism Commission, are the first in a “One Book, One Diocese” initiative that Ellen Lindeen, chair of the Peace and Justice Committee, modeled on the Chicago Public Library’s popular “One Book, One Chicago” program.

“As an educator, I’m conscious of the books I’ve read that have changed my life. How could we share that sort of impact with the diocese?” Lindeen recalls asking.

Chicago Delegates Attend UN Women's Commission

On March 6, the Episcopal delegates to the 67th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women met in New York to begin their work. Two members of the diocese, Ailysh Cooper of Emmanuel, La Grange and Ellen Lindeen of St. Michael's, Barrington, are part of the nine-member delegation representing Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.

More than 8,700 delegates from across the world are attending the commission, which is addressing digital education and the quest to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls.

Chrism Mass and Renewal of Vows in Holy Week
April 4 at St. James Cathedral,
April 5 at All Saints, Rock Island

All clergy and members of the diocese are invited to attend a Chrism Mass and Renewal of Vows in Holy Week, on Tuesday, April 4, at St. James Cathedral, and on Wednesday, April 5 at All Saints, Rock Island.

The program begins at 10 am with guest speaker the Ven. Jennifer G. McKenzie addressing the theme of "Connecting in Community." At noon, Bishop Clark and McKenzie will celebrate the Eucharist with the renewal of vows and the blessing of chrism, followed by an optional buffet lunch at 1 pm.

Clergy are invited to vest and process. The festal color is red and clergy dress is alb and stole or cassock, surplice and stole. 

Both events are free and open to everyone, but registration is required by March 22. Learn more and register to attend.
2023 Grant Applications Open for Episcopal Creation Care Projects
Webinar March 14 or on-demand

Applications for the Episcopal Church's 2023 Creation Care grants are being accepted until May 1. Applications are available in English and Spanish. An informational webinar is scheduled for March 14 at 6 pm Central. Register online or view the webinar later on-demand.

Please note: This application requires Bishop Clark's endorsement. Those planning to apply should contact Anne Cothran by April 21.
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 layLearn more and register.
2023 Episcopal Youth Event
Confirm interest by Friday, March 10
The Diocese of Chicago is organizing a group of youth ages 15 to 19 to attend the 2023 Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) July 4 to 8 at University of Maryland College Park. To learn more, please contact Briana Calhoun by Friday, March 10. Scholarship funds are available.
Register Online 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.
Email Scams Continue
New "Phishing" technique targets directories, databases
 
Many congregations and dioceses have experienced email scams, in which emails appearing to be from the bishop or a clergy leader solicit church members to send money, provide information, or purchase gift cards. Recently, several congregations were targeted by individuals asking parishioners to "join the church directory and make an online contribution."

This is a form of email "phishing" known as "whaling." Please be assured that neither Bishop Clark nor any clergy or diocesan staff member will ask you for money, gift cards, or send database links, and any requests for these items should be deleted.

If you have questions about an email you have received:

  • Carefully check the sender’s name and email address 
  • Look out for misspelled words and incorrect grammar 
  • Do not click on any suspicious links or attachments
  • Report the email as spam
 
Reporting A Scam
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects scam reports. Report your scam via email or by phone:
Learning Opportunities
The Life and Faith of Harriet Tubman
Zoom gathering and celebration March 10

On Friday, March 10, the date of The Episcopal Church's official observance of Harriet Ross Tubman, the Rev. Will Bouvel and Jen Enriquez will host a Zoom gathering in celebration of her life and faith. The one-hour program will include Montessori-based stories and a welcome message from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, and is suitable for children and adults. 

Bishop Anderson House Spiritual Care Visitor Training
Next session begins March 25; apply by March 13

The next session of the Bishop Anderson House Spiritual Care Visitor Training program begins with an in-person retreat on Saturday, March 25, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Park Ridge. For 2023, thanks to a generous grant, the only cost to participate will be the $50 non-refundable application fee.

Early registration is encouraged. Learn more and apply online by March 13. For more information contact Kim Lessner, registrar, at 312-563-4825 or or by email.  
Navigating Difficult Discussions
Peace and Justice Committee Webinar on March 27

To support the One Book, One Diocese discussions in April, on Monday, March 27 from 7 to 9 pm, the Peace and Justice Committee will host a webinar on Navigating Difficult Discussions, led by Michelle Day. Day is a minister, the founder and CEO of Nehemiah Trinity Rising, lawyer, certified mediator, and a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Children of Incarcerated Parents. The committee offers this webinar as a tool for individuals and congregations. Register to attend.
Certified Church Treasurer Program
Applications due March 31
  
The application for the 2023 Certified Church Treasurer Program is now open. 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 and the Episcopal Church and engages participants in a process improvement project for their congregation. For more information please email Keith Kampert.
One Book, One Diocese Events

April 13 Book Discussion
On Thursday, April 13, from 7 - 9 pm Central on Zoom, join the Peace and Justice Committee for a diocesan-wide discussion of the book on Zoom. Please register to attend.

April 25 Discussion with Kelly Brown Douglas
On Tuesday, April 25 from 7 - 9 pm Central on Zoom, the Very Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas will speak to the Diocese of Chicago about the book. Please register to attend.

Province IV & V Creation Care Retreat: Rooted in Soil and Grounded in Faith
May 5 - 7 in Nazareth, Kentucky

The Province V Creation Care network will host a weekend retreat, May 5 - 7, at the Nazareth Retreat Center in Nazareth, Kentucky.

The retreat will include theological study, resource and idea sharing, spiritual renewal, and time to contemplate nature. Learn more and register.
Around the Diocese
"Rest in God" Saturday Lenten Series
St. Charles Episcopal Church

St. Charles Episcopal Church's Lenten series meets most Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm* and is open to all.

  • *March 11 Interfaith Gathering, 1 pm at the Islamic Center of Kane County
  • March 18 Retreat of Meditative Practices followed by a salad luncheon
  • March 25 Walking the Stations of the Cross
  • April 1 The Music of Lent and Holy Week
Lenten Series at St. Martin's, Des Plaines
Wednesdays, in person and on Zoom

St. Martin's, Des Plaines's weekly Lenten series meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, in person and on Zoom. Each week's discussion addresses a different local or global social justice issue, followed by a meditative service. Learn more.
"Coming Home" Written and Performed by Grace House Alumni
March 22 at Christ Church, Winnetka
 
On March 22, Christ Church, Winnetka will host a performance of the original play, Coming Home, written and performed by alumni of Grace House, the residence for formerly incarcerated women at Saint Leonard's Ministries in Chicago. Doors open at 6 pm, the performance begins at 7 pm, and a Q & A session with the actors will follow. 
 
The performance is presented by Still Point Theatre Collective, in partnership with Grace House Transitional Home and St. Leonard's Ministries. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.
Marcel Dupré's Stations of the Cross
Friday, March 31 at St. James Cathedral

On Friday, March 31 at 6:30 pm, St. James Cathedral will offer an artistic journey through the final hours of Christ's life featuring organ meditations by Marcel Dupré interspersed with poetry by Paul Claudel, read in an original English translation.

A pre-concert talk with Stephen Buzard, organist, and Carol Symes, translator & narrator, will be held in Kyle's Place (65 E. Huron) at 5:45 pm.
Through His Eyes: Stations of the Cross by Don Meserve
Art exhibition and events at St. Luke's, Evanston through April 2
During Lent, St. Luke's, Evanston will host Don Meserve's Stations of the Cross exhibit, Through His Eyes. Exhibit hours are Sundays from 2 to 4 pm, or by appointment.

On Sunday, April 2, St. Luke's will host Stations of the Cross with Jazz from 4 to 4:30 pm.
Reminders
Emergency Declarations to Expire in May
IDPH pledges to remain vigilant and protect those most at-risk

On Friday the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that the CDC reported 18 counties in the state are at an elevated community level for COVID-19, compared to 20 the previous week. The four counties at a high community level for COVID-19 are in Southern Illinois.

Earlier this month, both the White House and Governor JB 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
Visit the website for a full list of clergy openings and lay employee openings
Winter 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