SPRINGFIELD CURRENT A NEWSLETTER OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD

Tabora Initiative Cover AUTUMN 2019 FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE FOR TABORA CLERGY Over the summer, Bishop Martins ability to operate for at least seven Donors page 2 invited the diocese to come together months. Thank you to the following in support of our companion diocese Eucharistic Communities and indi- by contributing to an initiative by viduals for their generosity: Emman- Bishop Elias of Tabora to further en- uel, Champaign; St Thomas, Glen sure the future health–quite literally– Carbon; Trinity, Lincoln; and Kevin From the Bishop 5 and flourishing of the diocese. and Michelle Babb.

In a campaign to raise funds in order All individuals and Eucharistic to provide health insurance at the Communities who have worked and Around the Diocese 4 diocesan level to the fifty clergy and continue to work through other pro- their families, our diocese was able to grams and efforts with both our com- raise a total of $9,145. panion dioceses of Tabora and Peru are invited to share their experiences Not only does this cover the start up by submitting them to The Current. Council and 10 cost of the program, it ensures its Ministry News

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Diocesan Calendar 19 SPRINGFIELD DONORS CURRENT The Diocese of Springfield would like to thank and acknowledgethe A NEWSLETTER OF THE following sponsors who have made this issue of The Current Possible: EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD Episcopal Parish of Alton The Episcopal Diocese of Springfield Connie Terry 821 S. 2nd Street Sprinfield, IL 62704 Chapel of St John the Divine, Champaign Phone: (217) 525-1876 Joyce C. Wright Fax: (217) 525-1877

Publisher: Emmanuel Memorial, Champaign The Rt Rev. Daniel H. Martins, Karen Steigmann Bishop St John’s, Decatur Editor and Art Director: Paul Buckles Hannah I. Dallman Trinity, Mt Vernon Announcing the Monthly Diocesan Randy Winn E-Newsletter Stay up to date with the new diocesan St Michael’s, O’Fallon email newsletter. To sign up for the Winn and Sally Pardee E-Newsletter or to receive The Current, please visit the website at episcopal springfield.org/diocesanpublications St Mark’s, West Frankfort and fill out the form on the webpage. Carol Marshall

Address changes can be submitted by Friends of the Diocese email to communicator@episcopal The Rev. and Mrs. Gene Tucker springfield.org. Please include the old address in your email. CONTRIBUTING Subscription requests, changes, and cancellations may also be sent by mail to: Communication serves a crucial function in every ministry. Sharing informa- The Episcopal Diocese of Springfield 821 S 2nd St tion among congregations, committees and individual members is no small Springfield, IL 62704 task. Welcoming new members to our diocesan family also requires unique communication efforts at all levels. We are now accepting contributions for the Epiphanytide 2020 issue of Your contribution to this ministry of communication helps spread the word The Current. Articles, photos, and news about what God is doing in our lives, in our congregations, in our diocese, can be submitted through December 15, and in the Episcopal Church at large. Please consider making a gift today. 2019 to communicator@episcopal springfield.org. Contributions to the We are committed to sending our diocesan publication to all members monthly e-newsletter may be also be and friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield. It is not necessary to sent to that email and are accepted on contribute in order to receive The Springfield Current. Nevertheless, if you an ongoing basis. choose to support The Springfield Current, your contribution will be of great assistance in this ministry and is tax deductible.

Thank you for your support! +Rt Rev Daniel H Martins, Bishop FROM THE BISHOP 3

Many decades ago, it was somehow awareness then affect our everyday impressed on me that, if there’s a interactions with family and col- silver bullet for preserving health leagues and neighbors and strangers? through the course of one’s life, it’s exercise. I already knew I wasn’t a A keen awareness of “walking” in runner, and fairly quickly figured God’s presence, then, leads organi- out that I’m not the sort to make a cally to an awareness of the humani- gym membership worthwhile. So ty and dignity of those among whom I became a walker. I have walked we live. And such an awareness intentionally and avidly since the invites us to extend ourselves, to early 1990s. In 2016, I took the get outside of ourselves, to become longest walk of my life–500 miles curious about others, not in a nosy across northern Spain on the ancient or creepy way, but out of genuine pilgrimage route of Santiago de concern. I have a couple of “friends” Compostela. on Facebook who regularly post something like, “How can I pray for Walking, of course, is a robust scrip- you today?”, sincerely offering to tural metaphor for the life of disci- give their time and energy in prayer pleship, for our journey back to the or cycling by me, and the vehicles on behalf of people whom they may creator God from whom we come. on the streets. Where I live now, I’m as I discipline myself to be generous Jesus’ disciples during his incarnate only three blocks away from a major with those who hit me up for alms time among us literally walked with hospital, so it’s an infrequent walk on the street (when I am able; I don’t him all over Galilee, and eventually when I don’t encounter at least one often carry cash anymore), I feel to Jerusalem, where they witnessed ambulance siren, signifying, at the myself invited in my “walk” to also his passion and resurrection. St Paul very least, that somebody is having discipline myself to connect with invites us to “walk in love, as Christ a day that is not proceeding as they those whom I am helping at more loved us” (Ephesians 5:2). When we had planned when they went to bed than a perfunctory level, to see them celebrate the Eucharist according to last night. as whole persons who are created in Rite One, we conclude the liturgy by the image of God and deeply loved asking for the grace to “do all such In our metaphorical walking as by God. This is not easy for an good works as thou hast prepared Christian disciples, might we do well introvert (!) and will be an ongoing for us to walk in.” to also “walk” mindfully, with an challenge. awareness of our surroundings? I’m As I walk, more or less daily, through fond of the collect, appointed (im- Will you walk with me? the neighborhoods around which plicitly) for use at Morning Prayer on I live or work, I try to cultivate the Thursdays, asking that amid “all the +Daniel habit of walking attentively. This cares and occupations of our life,” would be the opposite, I suppose, we may not forget that we are always of walking around with ear buds in, “walking in [God’s] sight.” We could trying to be distracted from my sur- do worse than to start with this sim- roundings. Rather, I try to be mind- ple awareness of being constantly in ful of my surroundings, to notice the presence of God, no matter what them–the way people care for their else we may be doing. This thought yards and decorate their homes, the is both comforting and potentially businesses that seem to be thriving intimidating, I realize, but before it’s and the ones that seem to be in peril, either comforting or intimidating, it others who are walking or running, just is; it’s true. How might such an 4 AROUND THE DIOCESE

NEW FLOORING AT ST MARK’S, WEST FRANKFORT By Mtr Sherry Black Removing the carpet in St Mark’s Our hope was to have the new nave was a priority for our Mission flooring in for Easter. The project Strategy Team; in 2018 we did a lot was underway when we discovered of exterior work with new siding and we had to break in order to acco- other improvements, so early this modate a funeral service -- which year we decided we would tackle this complicated matters. The contractor project. At our February Committee stayed late into the evening to get to meeting we agreed to go forward a good stopping point, and several and solicit a contractor; this was members stayed even later to sweep, accomplished quickly by our very clean and dust! But late in Holy able Mission Warden, Rachel Stewart. Week the project was completed, After finding that the original wood and the church looked beautiful! floor was not able to be refinished The acoustics are much better, and and repaired for a reasonable price, we are delighted with the new look! we elected to go with a cork based floor and picked the color/style.

TRINITY, LINCOLN CELEBRATES FEAST OF TITLE By Fr Mark Evans This past Trinity Sunday we celebrat- ed our Feast Day by sharing a fried chicken lunch together and awarding donations to several local and inter- national non-profits. Representative from Moms Who Care, the Lincoln Pregnancy Resource Center, and Lincoln Pastoral Counseling Services were present to accept checks from Trinity and partake in fellowship. Trinity also donated funds through the Diocese of Springfield to its Companion Dioceses in Peru and Tabora for their missionary efforts. Trinity Sunday is the day within the Church Calendar that Christians cel- ebrate the beauty and love of God as revealed in the three persons of the Trinity; Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. AROUND THE DIOCESE 5

ST MATTHEW’S, BLOOMINGTON DELIVERS QUILTS Rev. Tim and Mrs. Debbie Leighton, want to stay. Some come for a show- were recently able to make a special er, change of clothes, square meal delivery in person while on their trav- and bed for the night, then move on. els in Spain. St. Matt’s, Bloomington sent several quilts and toiletries to The brothers are chronically short of The Franciscan Hospice at Palma de funds to keep the doors open. They Gandia, which provides a home and need around five thousand euros a nursing care for around 55 homeless month for their bills; but they are men, many of whom suffer from always cheerful and resilient. Unpaid mental or physical illness. bills are put under the statue of St Francis, in hope of divine assistance! Although it’s called a Hospice, it’s a hospice in the Mediterranean sense. The quilters at St Matthew’s, Bloom- Not all the residents are terminally ington received a warm thanks from ill, although some are. It’s a nursing the Franciscan Brothers at Gandia home and a refuge for the homeless. Anglican Chapel in Spain, along with Some of the residents are long term, this photo of Br Hermano and Ste- others come and go. Not all vagrants phen holding some of the quilts.

MISSION TRIP TO NEPAL By Dcn Thomas Langford A brief conversation of my wife, Elisabeth, with a visiting missionary clergy in a church in Chatham in Oc- tober, led to a meeting and interview with Canon Jan Baederstadt in Ann Arbor, Michigan in December 2018. That meeting yielded an invitation to teach two short courses on the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion and Anglican Practices at the seminary of the Church of the Himalayas in Nepal and to participate in the con- secration of Canon Baederstadt as a missionary bishop on the Church of the Himalayas on February 17, 2019 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Although I Like many individuals, our knowl- Gorka Kingdom had unified the enjoyed the development and imple- edge of Nepal was limited to the many jurisdiction in the area. The mentation of the Springfield School fact that the nation located between succeeding Shah dynasty established for Ministry of the Diocese of India and Tibet, had eight of the ten an alliance with the British Empire in Springfield, I was quite unprepared tallest mountain peaks in the world. India, although it was never part of for the challenges of teaching half- Although the topography of the na- the British Empire. After a decade way around the world. Elisabeth was tion is an outstanding feature, it has long civil war, a republic was pro- asked to prepare materials and teach a complex history going back many claimed in 2008, ending the world’s how to teach children. centuries. By the 18th Century the last Hindu monarchy. The unified 6 AROUND THE DIOCESE

family. It was a three-story concrete building with no central heat or hot water. The public (tap) water was described as a guaranteed way to acquire dysentery or other unwanted disease. Our room was quite com- fortable having the only heater in the house, and an excellent wi-fi connec- tion.

Our introduction to the church was at the consecration of Canon Jan Baederstadt as the missionary bishop for the Church of the Himalayas. Archbishop Barnabas, Bishop Jack- son, of Uganda, a bishop from Paki- stan, and two other Nepalese bishops the consecrators. (See photograph.) The “cathedral” was, as we subse- Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) February 13. We were met by Canon quently learned, merely a simply won the election on 2008 and has Baederstadt and Archdeacon Mahin- slightly larger facility than most of continued in power to this day. A da Gauru and taken to the seminary the Christian churches in Nepal. A series of earthquakes in April and where we to stay during our time in large concrete block, common room May 2015 (7.8 and 7.5) killed more Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a city of without adornment or pews, with than 8,500 people and ending the 2.6 million inhabitants (5+ million a simple table as an altar. Approxi world’s last Hindu monarchy. This in the metropolitan area) and is still mately 85 people were in attendance, devastated much of Kathmandu and recovering from the effects of the as it is quite difficult for the clergy the surrounding area. The current earthquakes. The streets are heavily and people from elsewhere in Nepal population of Nepal is approximate- congested with traffic, consisting of to travel. Following a formal dinner ly 28.9 million people. A significant large trucks, busses, private vehicles at a restaurant in Kathmandu with majority of the people are Hindu of a variety of makes and models, some of the participating clergy, we (81%), with Buddhist (9%), Muslim a proliferation of motorcycles, and returned to our quarters to begin our (4%), Christian (less than 2%), and numerous motorized rickshaws and scheduled teachings. others (approximately 4%). The bicycles. Only the largest of the literacy rate is approximately 75%, main thoroughfares are paved and The classes met Monday through with a substantial proportion of the show an on-going effort to improve Thursday in the evenings. Satur- younger people understanding some the water and sewer systems. The day is the day which the Christians English. dust and air pollution have been said in Nepal meet for worship, as the to bethe equivalent of smoking two majority Hindu population observe We left Springfield 3:35 pm Febru- packs of cigarettes each day and re- that day as their sabbath. Sunday is ary 11 with a full complement of sult in many of the inhabitants using a normal workday. The students are luggage, including an extra suitcase gauze masks. able to read, write, and understand full of books donated by us and the English relatively well. It became Diocese of Quincy, ACNA. We flew We were welcomed to our lodgings readily apparent that they were well from Chicago to Istanbul, Turkey in the building housing the local prepared in Scripture and the evan- and then on to Kathmandu, Nepal, church, the seminary, and the apart- gelical aspects of the Christian faith; arriving 11 am Wednesday morning, ment of the archdeacon and his however, they had little or no AROUND THE DIOCESE 7 knowledge of church history, the Anglican church, its organization, or liturgy. The initial four week sessions were filled with lively discussions and many questions.

We had the opportunity to trav- el with Bishop Jan to Pokora, the second largest city in Nepal approxi- mately 200 km West of Kathmandu. We were treated to an early morning view of Annapurna (the second highest peak of the Himalayas), visit- ed historic sites, and enjoyed a pleas- ant afternoon at a nearby lake. At the break between teaching sessions, we traveled to the southern province of Chitwan on the border with India, It has a sub-tropical climate replete with jungle animals, (elephants, rhi- as they told of their commitment through the Diocese of Quincy, noceros, jungle bears, crocodiles, py- to their faith. Some of them had ACNA: thons) and other of God’s creatures walked more than six hours from we had previously seen only in zoos. their churches in the hills to attend Treasurer, Diocese of Quincy, 4911 Trips in a dugout canoe and a safari the meeting with the archdeacon North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, vehicle provided the opportunity to and us. We subsequently learned that Illinois 61614-4913. add many different bird species to “hills” refer to any mountain that is my life list. It was an unexpected ed- not snow-capped year-round. Please note “Church of the Himala- ucation, as we had anticipated great yas” in the memo line. snow-capped mountains in Nepal, Many of the members of their not tropical jungle. churches are from the lower castes or untouchables who were baptized and PRAYER WALK A subsequent trip to the Chitwan confirmed following healing services As part of the Thy Kingdom Come region of Southern Nepal toward the in the remote areas. We returned to initiative, St George’s, Belleville held end of our stay provided the oppor- Springfield after more than seven a prayer walk before Pentecost. tunity to visit and meet with some of weeks half way around the world, the rural pastors of the Church of thankful for the opportunity to share the Himalayas. Many of whom were the Anglican faith and practices with the victims of imprisonment and the developing church in Nepal. We torture in prior years when practicing continue to pray for the ministries Christianity was a criminal offense. and people we were privileged to Although being a Christian is no lon- know. ger against the law, it remains illegal in Nepal to openly recruit or prosely- We would ask that those who are tize individuals to the Christian faith. able, to consider providing much needed monetary support for the We were greatly impressed with the clergy of the Church of the Himala- personal stories of the pastors yas, through a fund established 8 AROUND THE DIOCESE

EPISCOPAL CHURCH CAMP OF ILLINOIS, SUMMER 2019 By Lauren Acton

If you heard an eruption of laughter and praise the week of July 4th in the Bloomington-Normal area, it is a safe bet that our church camp family was to blame. The Episcopal Church Camp of Illinois (ECC) met for its annual camping retreat June 30-July 6 at East Bay Camp in Hudson, Illinois. Over 80 individuals gathered together for a week of (not so quiet) retreat as they learned about who they are and whose they are. The week of joy-filled connection with Christ and with His body was full of faith, excitement and an over-abun- dance of s’mores.

For over 60 years, ECC has part- Among the many mountain top mo- well even if my eyes can’t see. I will nered with students entering grades ments of the week was a visit from trust the voice that speaks peace” 2-12 to experience a week of Bishop Martins midway through the rang out as a glorious anthem over strengthening faith journeys. At the camp. Bishop Martins was able to not only our week at camp, but our launch of camp, Camp Coordinator enjoy lakefront activities and games entire lives. Following the annual Tate Chambers shared a shocking with campers before the annual worship night, four of our Middlers statistic: Nearly 90% of children “Bish-B-Q” dinner (hosted by pa- campers alone accepted Jesus as their who remain in the church after high rishioners from St Paul’s, Pekin) and Lord and Savior for the first time-- a school attribute their commitment celebration of the Eucharist. The glorious moment to proceed their to their faith to a “mountain top Great Hall in Pilchard Lodge erupted upcoming baptisms and confirma- moment”-- that is, a moment when with worship and laughter, as we cel- tions into the Body of Christ. God’s presence and glory was almost ebrated a meal together and enjoyed tangible to them. He prayed to God the Bishop’s presence at the camp. Sometimes, mountain top moments that each student would experience are in the unexpected and unsched- at mountain top moment during Moreso, our annual Worship Night in uled times at camp. Our Juniors their week at camp. Baumgart Chapel is always a moun- experienced this as they gathered tain top moment for campers and around the edges of the pool the Our Juniors (students entering counselors alike. The entire camp first evening of camp and cheered 2nd-5th grade), Middlers (students community gathers in a beautiful on a student as they passed their entering 6th-8th grade) and Seniors white chapel in the woods at sunset, swim test for the very first time. Our (students entering 9th-12th grade) enjoying the glow of the falling sun Seniors experienced a mountain top dived deep into their year’s theme: through the tall windows as they moment when they heard the testi- “Saved: Amazing Grace. Abounding engage in an evening of prayer and mony of a counselor experiencing Mercy”. They explored what it meant music with one another. Songs with radical healing from God through to be a recipient of God’s grace and phrases such as, “What a beautiful the prayers of fellow believers. mercy, and how to live in God’s gift name it is: the name of Jesus” and, Mountain top moments abounded! of salvation throughout their lives. “Peace, be still. You are here, so it is AROUND THE DIOCESE 9

Our counselors this year were:

Juniors: Jerry Phillips-Zee, Pete Mat- thews, Dante Anglin (St Michael’s, O’Fallon), Michael Machens, Emily Cole (St. John’s, Decatur), Maggie Dexter, Kayla Bragdon, Lauren Waight, and Kathy Scott.

Middlers: Barb Sherman (St Luke’s, Springfield), Lindsay Tomera (Christ the King, Norml), Michaela Hillen, Makena Brillhart, Sam Jefferey, Terti- us Shelton, and Joey Vargas.

Seniors: Blair Hill, Janet Nicholas, and Don Bragdon. Whether campers were competing in (St Paul’s, Pekin and All Saints, Mor- the “Raft Regatta”, playing “Human ton), and for the seniors, Fr James Hungry Hungry Hippos”, running Muriuki (Church of the Reedemer, through the field in the “human Cairo). hamster balls”, trying new tie-dye de- signs, testing their luck in the annual We are grateful as well for Tate Dutch Auction, spending an evening Chambers, director of the camp in worship at Baumgart Chapel, for many years, juniors coordinator eating s’mores at the nightly camp Carol McCrary (St John’s, Centralia), For more information on our camp- fire or participating in a daily Bible middlers coordinator Lauren Acton, ing ministry, or to join us summer study, God was always on display. He Katrina Honnold, coordinator for 2020, please visit showed up mightily in our campers the seniors who travels all the way eccillinois.org or facebook.com/ and counselors this summer, and from Georgia to be at camp, and Joe eccillinois to learn more wove our camp family tightly. Burklow, our Activities Director.

ECC hosted campers from within the diocese, from Chicagoland, and some campers hailed from as far away as Texas.

We are grateful for the Diocese of Springfield, as well as our Bishop, Priests, volunteer counselors, and staff who make camp possible.

This year’s spiritual directors were: for the juniors, Fr Ben Hankinson (Trinity, Mt Vernon), for the mid- dlers, Fr Matthew C. Dallman 10 COUNCIL AND MINISTRY NEWS

STANDING COMMITTEE UNITED THANK OFFERING We have met via email and consent- Spring Ingathering ed to the elections of: The Rev. Cn. Thanks to all Churches that partici- Lucinda Ashby, for the Diocese of pated in the Spring 2019 Ingather- El Camino Real, and The Rev. Dr. ing. Those who participate in UTO Jonathan H. Folts, for the Diocese of discover that thankfulness leads to South Dakota. generosity. The total amount for Spring Ingathering $3,866.46. We did not consent to the elections of The Rev Dr. Bonnie Perry for Fall Ingathering the Diocese of Michigan or the Rev. UTO Fall Ingathering has taken Dr. Shannon McVean-Brown for the place in Churches throughout the Diocese of Vermont. Anglican Communities the next few months. Letters have been mailed On July 26th we met to adopt a plan to all UTO Congregational Coordi- Province V Representative at gadon- for the annual ministry review of the nators. You may designate someone [email protected]. The 2020 UTO Grant Episcopate, something that Bp. Mar- from your parish to submit your fall session focus will be the following: tins requested in 2018 and has taken ingathering gift at the Synod Meeting “BLESS: Share faith, practice gener- this long to formulate. We pray that in Alton Illinois October 18th-19th. osity and compassion, and proclaim it will be a good tool for the Diocese the Good News of God in Christ into the future. UTO 2020 Grant with hope and humility.” Churches that are interested in ap- Respectfully submitted, plying for a UTO 2020 Grant should Blessings, The Very Rev. Richard A. Swan, contact Joyce Wright, UTO Diocesan Joyce C. Wright President Coordinator at jcwright117@gmail. UTO Diocesan Coordinator com, or Gail Donovan, UTO

SNAPSHOTS OF CURSILLO WEEKEND Toddhall Retreat Center, Columbia, Illinois August 2019 DEANERY REPORTS 11

HALE DEANERY do mission work with the Roman Catho- brushy margins in good order but over- lic Churches. seen the installation of a new security system, which should greatly enhance The Church of the Redeemer We were blessed to have three (3) kids the safety of our facility and those who Cairo to attend the Episcopal Church Camp do the work of the Parish. The renova- Greetings in the precious name of our in Hudson, IL in June and July. Father tions to what will become the Crelling Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I wish to James also attended the Camp as one of Chapel are nearing completion and will briefly highlight the ministry we have the Spiritual Directors. be ready for blessing and dedication in been doing at Redeemer, Cairo from the September. month of May through July. We continue to pray for God’s blessings at the church of the Redeemer. The Our spiritual needs have been well It has been a tough time for the people space we have at the church continues to looked after by our two very able supply in Southern Illinois due to the floods, be less and less favorable for the Martial Priests. Fr. Bob Harmon from Mt. Therefore the travel into and out of the Arts program that meets for practice Vernon is always a welcome and inspi- Alexander county and the neighboring every rational presence in our midst. We have areas has been a very difficult time in Tuesday and Thursday evenings. We are also been very pleased to have Fr. Bob regard to travel even for the basic needs still appealing to friends and well-wish- Towner from Cape Girardeau who faced since they had to travel a long way to ers to come to our aid so that we can be long detours around the floods to reach get to the hospital, the doctor’s appoint- able to renovate a very spacious building us. We have made a new friend. Roger ments, or even grocery shopping. But we acquired last year next to the church Petrich has continued to provide inspir- thank God all is behind us. for ing leadership with our worship music. the sole purpose of the Martial Arts The month of May began with the program and its offices. Much of the dialogue within the MLT Martial Arts program getting ready for has been engaged with seeking an inter- the Silver Sun Showdown Karate Tour- We Continue to Pray that God may con- im Rector. Maria Hafford as chair of the nament in St. Louis, MO, which was a tinue to bless and keep all the search committee has done an excellent qualifying tournament for the National people in this Diocese of Springfield job of keeping our conversation mov- tryouts. Which means winners received under His mighty wings. ing forward. Our resolution has been invitation to try out for the National to accept the application of Fr. Dale Team. One participant won 1st place in The Rev. James K. Muriuki Coleman to assume the role of interim Point Sparring beginner/intermediate. Rector to begin in September. We look He also won 2nd place in forms Point forward to welcoming Fr. Coleman Sparring advanced division. St Andrews Episcopal Church Carbondale to our community and anticipate with Our normal summer slowdown when prayerful confidence that the coming Another little girl won 2nd place in vacations loom, the students leave town, months will see St. Andrews continue to Point Sparring and 8th place in forms. and the choir takes a break has altered move its mission in a positive direction. Both these participants are currently in somewhat this year in the absence of first place in their divisions within the a priest in residence. Volunteers have Michael Onken ProMac circuit. stepped up and the MLT has put in a Senior Warden few more hours so our pace has largely We continue serving the senior citizens maintained. Much gratitude is owed during Lunch hour. Fr. James meets St Mark’s Episcopal Church to Sabra Borger for keeping our office West Frankfort them on Wednesdays for a time of fel- ticking on as it should. May brought the end of the school year, lowship and sharing the Gospel. which meant the end (for now) of our Don Monty reports that once again our weekly bags of snacks for the children Rice & Beans, Panera Bread and Rolls new solar project is not only covering most in need at our local K-2 elemen- Giveaway continues to gain momentum our needs but we are able to return en- tary school The last week we compiled each week. The month of June and July ergy to the Grid. Ryan Horn our junior 77 bags for the children, including (as became a very special time since we Warden has not only looking after the always) a drink and five or six snacks. In shared the Panera Bread with the groups battle with nature to maintain our addition, we were able to purchase 77 from out of town who came down to 12 DEANERY REPORTS

McDonalds $5.00 gift certificates, and Church was hit by lighting, which Despite bad weather on most Sundays our local McDonalds coupons for 77 knocked out our AC and damaged our during the rainy season, which seemed Happy Meals. We estimate that we put wiring. with the financial cost for these to go on forever, the yard is well cared together between 2500 and 2600 food repairs somewhat south of $6000.00. for and the interior and exterior of the bags – and were blessed to be able to do Due to the generosity of our people and church and parish hall are well main- so. It’s been a nice summer break but we the love of God we were able to cover tained. will be back at it soon! these costs. We hope to receive money for the lighting strike from our insurance It is clear that St. John’s will be in the Overall, our summer has been unevent- company. black financially by the time of Synod ful; we continue to stock our Blessing having paid in full our diocesan pledge Box with food, and have made a point On the positive side of this report, our and our insurance premiums. to notice a number of different people church has chosen to take on two new Father Bill continues to attend the utilizing it; on occasion, whoever is outreach projects in our community. Edwards County Ministerial Alliance stocking actually gets to have a conver- Our first project is something we our meetings as he has availability. sation with those who are so apprecia- calling Undie Sunday. We are collecting tive of what we do. We have, however, underwear for our needy children in the Judith Puckett is working diligently on learned not to stock dried beans. The Harrisburg school system. We are join- the Historiographer project. only way they disappear is to find them ing with other churches in and around open and strewn over our parking lot. Harrisburg in this project. The teachers I am blessed to serve as the Vicar of this Apparently, people don’t cook beans will give out the clothes on a private one historic church. these days. We have also had community on one arrangement. The next outreach members donate food to use for our project will be something we call Sock It The Rev. Bill Howard Blessing Box, for which we are most To Me Sunday; you guessed right if you appreciative. guessed children’s socks. Again, we will St John’s be working with the local school system Centralia Our study group finally finished with by way of one of our members, a retired St. John’s, Centralia, has completed Max Lucado’s 10 Women of the Bible, teacher Mrs. Cheri King. its first full year as a joined congrega- and over the summer, we have been tion with the Lutheran Church of the reading The Ministry of Ordinary I forgot to mention, with the AC out for Redeemer. Both congregations are filled Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness several weeks, we moved our services to with dedication to Christ and to working Around You by Shannon Martin. The the basement, as it was cooler there. together in all aspects of church life. consensus is that we really did not get Worship is regularly well attended with much out of this one. Therefore, after Blessings. a variety of Episcopal and Lutheran three books in a row by evangelical The Rev. Tim Goodman liturgical and musical resources; our mu- authors, we are going to change direc- sicians are well trained, skilled, and work tion for our next book. We just haven’t together beautifully. Our annual Straw- narrowed it down yet. EASTERN DEANERY berry Festival gets a good turnout, and our annual Vacation Bible School with My prayer is that all who read this report St John’s local churches partnering together is an had a fabulous summer. Albion event we always look forward to. Following the May meeting of the Di- Blessings in the Name of Christ! ocesan Council, the people of St. John’s Women of our congregations participate The Very Rev. Sherry Black have continued with full services each in the ecumenical Church Women Unit- Sunday. Our Mission Leadership Team ed which features the occasional guest St Stephen’s Episcopal Church meets monthly on the third Sunday. The speaker, service events, and outreach Harrisburg people of St. John’s are very faithful in to local nursing homes. After the tragic As the saying goes, “into everyone’s life attendance and participation in the Eu- shooting death of a teenager next door a little rain must fall.” I guess this holds charist, in fellowship, and in discussion to the church, we are participating in true for churches as well as people. of topics raised in Sunday School and in neighborhood concern about gun vio- During this last quarter, Saint Stephen’s “Ask the Priest”. lence in our town. We are excited about DEANERY REPORTS 13 developing a special service designed community participate. Holy Week and St Thomas’ to appeal to unchurched inquirers, with Easter services were well attended and Salem a time of fellowship, Bible reading and crowned with an Easter Egg hunt for St. Thomas’, Salem, though diminished an interactive sermon, and prayer. Once about 9 kids who scrambled about the in size from a year ago, is peaceful, solid, the service has been tried by our own lawn on Easter Sunday searching for the and dedicated. Its members are caring members and refined to our liking, we provided treats. of one another and the wider communi- will invite neighbors, co-workers, family ty as shown through participation in reg- members, and others in our circle of As summer came we prepared for ular news articles, an annual book sale, contacts to give it a try. the Bishop’s visit which happened on and the preparation of dignity boxes June 30th. We had one adult baptism/ with donations for those in rest homes. The Rev. Canon David Baumann and confirmation at that celebration which The Rev. Dcn. Sylvia Howard we celebrated well and followed with a Attendance is regular and fellowship rather good lunch. is nourishing. An adult Sunday school St John the Baptist class was enjoyed from the new year up Mt Carmel One of our main missions in ministry to a summer break. We are particularly Over the past few months the people is centered on the Homeless Shelter for pleased that one of our members has of St. John the Baptist have had to our area. We have people volunteering begun the process of seeking ordination deal with the loss of one of our elderly time at the center to aid the recipients as a deacon. members who was a wonderful server at learn how to gain control of the prob- the altar. Walter Courtney died at the age lems in their lives that may have been The Rev. Canon David Baumann of 85 and served at the altar faithfully part of the cause of their situation right up until the time of his death. He will now. We also provide financial aid to Trinity be greatly missed. We have also had to keep the center operating month to Mt Vernon say good bye to another faithful servant month. About 70 families have been On August 18, Trinity will keep our due to relocation. Chris DeWitt has help over the past year. annual Blessing of the Backpacks as we moved to Arizona to resettle out there. pray over the students, teachers, and Chris served on vestry, was altar guild Finally over the past month, Fr. Hazlett staff as they begin a new school year. director, ECW president and a constant has informed the Leadership Team After the service on that day, we will faithful server at the altar also. She will along with the rest of the parish that travel to the Bonnie Café for our Trinity be missed indeed. he intends to retire, probably at the on the Move fellowship. beginning of 2020. More information is In these past few months we have also pending as planning this transition for Midweek studies will tentatively resume had to deal with problems with our everyone involved is still being gathered on Wednesday, August 21, as we take a organ. Parts to the old Allen we had by Fr. Hazlett. We are still going strong look at the Book of Revelation before were no longer available so every time and trying to be a faithful community tackling Surprised by Hope by Bp. N.T. something went wrong replacement here in Mt. Carmel. Wright. parts had to be created from what was available to get it back up and running. The Rev. Brant Hazlett In September we will be moving back After the last breakdown it was decided into a busier schedule. September 15 we to investigation a possible replacement. St Mary’s will head to Harmony, IN for lunch and A brand new Chancel - CF- 10 28 Robinson a tour of the Roofless Church. Then on stops/Two-Manual was purchased and St. Mary’s continues to worship faith- September 22, we will have our annual installed about a week and a half before fully following the departure of Mtr Parish Picnic with an early Mass fol- Easter. The sound is wonderful. Ann Tofani. They meet twice a month lowed by Morning Prayer and Cookout for Mass on Saturday evenings at 5:30 at the Whippoorwill Club on Jaycee Weather has been a problem over the followed by a potluck dinner. The rest Lake. past winter but we were still able to hold of the month, Morning Prayer is led by our pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday one of the members on Sunday with a Sunday School will resume for children which was open to the public. We had sermon supplied for their use. and adults on the 29th as well as a return about 45 people from the Church and to Sunday Mass at 10:30 a.m. from the 14 DEANERY REPORTS summertime schedules of 9:30 a.m. The Thanks to good insurance and the St Matthew’s adult class is slated to take a look at the generously of the congregation, we have Bloomington 39 Articles this fall. replaced almost all the roofs over the After many years of hearing “Where is building and have improved and upgrad- St. Matthew’s” we are being blessed with We continue to meet for the Holy Days ed the area under what we call the “flat many requests to use our building. It is with a number of upcoming feasts. roof ”. Repairs and upgrades inside in- good to be noticed but does cause new Twice a month we pay a visit to Coun- cluded new ceilings, lighting, heating and challenges in terms of coordinating use tryside Manor Assisted Living Facility air conditioning work, and paint. We and calendars. This does not include where we celebrate Mass with members also removed the old playground on the the numerous Twelve-Step Groups that from Trinity and other community southside of the building and replaced meet in the Old Rectory. In the future members. it with a new Prayer Garden. We are we will be hosting a small Home School still moving some furniture around and Co-Op, a Mom’s at Prayer group for The Very Rev. Ben Hankinson settling back in, but we eagerly antici- Oakland School (our targeted outreach pate being back into the Sunday School partner), a Zumba group, and a private room, Chapel, and Sacristy in the near music lesson studio. We believe we NORTHERN DEANERY future. have been blessed with a building and the more traffic through, and the more Christ the King Thanks to our wonderful Supply Priests, the community sees us as a partner, the Normal we have had a Holy Eucharist service better it is for our ministries. Christ the King Church (CtK) continues every Sunday, and had our traditional to move forward thanks to the multitude Pentecost barbecue and pot luck. This We are excited to be opening a Level of blessings God is providing. Since year due to predicted bad weather we II Atrium for Catechesis of the Good our last update, CtK, Bishop Martins, did not have an outdoor service, but the Shepherd. We did this due to both an and the Rev. John Richmond have joined barbecue and pot luck luncheon was increase in number of children in our into an agreement for Fr. Richmond be well received. With the summer activi- congregation, age-level changes, and appointed as the Priest-in-Charge of ties including family vacations, we have because several families who have come CtK effective January 1, 2020. Fr. Rich- otherwise been quiet at CtK. We have through the building for various activi- mond was with CtK when the church already begun working towards the end ties have expressed interest in this type was first created and is now returning of summer and the restart of the school of program for their own children. We to CtK after many years for his “en- year and restarting the different activities hope that being a CGS center in Bloom- core performance” as Bishop Martins at CtK. ington-Normal will be a blessing for our called it. We considered a number of Parish. candidates for the position, but Fr. As “the neighborhood church”, we Richmond has been one of our Supply continue to participate in the Advo- Finally, Fr. and Mrs. Halt participated Priests over the last several years and cate-BroMenn Partners in Prayer pro- in the Antiochian House of Studies has tremendous support from the family gram and the Hospice and Home Health Symposium and Pilgrimage to Greece and friends of CtK. We look forward to unit that is around the corner from us. this summer. Fr. Halt delivered a paper his continued service as a Supply Priest We also hope to continue, if not expand at the Symposium and his currently several times a month for the remainder in our work with the Regional Alterna- researching for his dissertation. of 2019, and then beginning his new tive School and supporting the students duties on January 1, 2020. in their goal of getting an education. The Rev. David Halt

For the first time in what seems like We remain thankful of the multitude of St Barnabas an eternity, we have completed all the God’s blessings upon CtK and its family Havana repairs and remodeling to the physi- and friends. We do not know what the The first half of 2019 has shown signif- cal structure of CtK. After a number future holds, but we eagerly look for- icant growth at St. Barnabas in multi- of weather events that caused damage ward to the tasks God lays before us. ple ways. We have had a continuous to the roofs and interior of the build- increase of children since January due ing, including our pipe organ, we were Keith A. Gehrand, Senior Warden to the addition of a new family and the forced to make a number of repairs. regular presence of grandchildren of DEANERY REPORTS 15 some parishioners. We now see five bearing much fruit and bringing God’s Pastoral Counseling, our two Compan- children on a regular basis and have healing grace to many. ion Diocese and Moms Who Care each started a weekly Children’s Sermon received outreach funds from Trinity. to help them in their faith formation. In general, St. Barnabas has worked We all enjoyed a catered meal too. Concurrently, we will be celebrating five under God’s manifold graces in return- baptisms in the fall/early winter as a ing to not only health but vitality and With sadness, we bid good-bye to result. Through the working of the Holy Spirit-filled community. We are family Christine Gregory who moved to South Spirit our membership continues to and we are blessed to be a blessing for Carolina to help care for her father- climb steadily. What was once a weekly our community. May God continue to in-law. Also, we had funerals for two ASA of seven has grown into an average bless us richly with His mercy, grace, and members and a baptism. Summer was of 24-28, with mid-forties on solemn fiery love! full for Trinity. feasts. Thanks be to God! The Rev. Michael Newago The Very Rev. Mark Evans The Mission Leadership Team continues to focus on mission and incarnational Trinity Parish of Tazewell County ministry and seeks small but practical Lincoln Pekin and Morton and life-giving ways to reach out to the At the end of May, Fr. Mark traveled to The two congregations of the Parish of community. Our plan for 2019 begin- Nashotah House to witness the gradu- Tazewell County—Saint Paul’s, Pekin ning this autumn centers around a local ation of the Reverend Jonathan Totty. and All Saints’, Morton—continue housing unit and providing assistance Fr. Mark has been invited to preach at actively to seek God’s grace for growth with laundry and childcare as there is Jonathan’s ordination on September 30. and health in the five areas of total Mis- a lack of laundry facilities that is easily The following week, Trinity kicked off sion, outlined below. accessible and practical with respite for its first iteration of the Alpha Program. single parents and the elderly. We are Deacon Christine Gregory led the effort LITURGY: We have successfully moved excited to execute incarnational ministry with help from Bekah Maddack, Parker to Rite I style and ad orientem orienta- locally where we feel led to serve and Asplin and Dalton Byers. We did not tion for Mass and Offices, having since make disciples. publicize this outreach as it was a trial Easter Week through Labor Day filled run, but we reached one member of out our weekly calendar to offer Matins We are in the planning stages for our the community who is now a regular and Evensong daily in All Souls’ Chapel second annual Blue Mass for all mem- attendee of Trinity and may consent to in Pekin. We continue to offer solemn bers of law enforcement, emergency baptism in the near future. Parker also plainsong Evensong services, recently medical services and technicians, and interned with Trinity for the summer for Eve of Pentecost and Eve of Mich- fire fighters. Last year we had the and led the weekend away portion of aelmas. Our next is Eve of Candlemas privilege of lifting our local and rural the Alpha course, taught two adult edu- on Sat., Feb. 1. departments up to God and seeking His cation classes, compiled a demographic blessing on them and their fleet of vehi- study and officiated at Morning Prayer CATECHESIS: We completed a nine- cles. Over 30 officers attended and we at many of our Tuesday services. month adult study of 1 and 2 Corin- are hoping to see a substantial increase thians, and during Lent studied Saint this year due to the work of one of our Four churches in Lincoln, First Pres- Teresa of Calcutta’s life and teaching; parishioners who is leading the way on byterian, St. John’s United Church of we have now started to study the Letter this project. Tentatively, the Wednesday Christ, Holy Family Catholic Church to the Hebrews in three adult classes; of the last week of September is our and Trinity participated in the What this past Lent a parishioner received the scheduled date. Makes Who We Are series. Each church Sacrament of Confirmation, and this hosted an evening of fellowship and summer an unchurched family entered Our mid-week Healing Mass on discussion. Each session had 40-50 the Catechumenate in preparation for Wednesdays has seen an increase in attendees and they were well received. Baptism at Michaelmas. attendance and participation including several Roman Catholics who join us The Trinity Sunday festival made the PASTORAL CARE: During Lent our regularly. We have a simple dinner fol- front page of the local newspaper as the two Vestries collaborated to approve the lowing to build community and it is Pregnancy Resource Center, Lincoln purchase of a new copier to replace 16 DEANERY REPORTS our old one; furthermore a Task Force Matthew Cross and Ben Norton will be Emmanuel Memorial for Discernment of Canonical Parish serving as peer ministers this semester, Champaign Status was formed (four wardens plus and continue to help build our outreach Priest-in-charge) to explore the question to the university community. Easter season and the first months of of what such an arrangement would Sundays after Pentecost have been quiet look like. Also, the Vestry of All Saints’ Quad Day, a student activity fair that this year at Emmanuel. Our rector was approved the purchase of a new fur- includes hundreds of organizations and on sabbatical throughout May and June, nace and air conditioning units for the thousands of students will be held on first taking a course at St. George’s church. Sunday, August 25. The parish supports College Jerusalem and then doing inde- our efforts to connect with students as pendent research on the vibrant ministry OUTREACH and EVANGELIZATI- we will give away over 500 home baked of the Diocese of Paris in a thorough- ON: We continue to nurture our “outre- cookies and invite students to be part of ly post-Christian society. The church ach identity” of serving the lonely; and the life of the Chapel and our Canter- staff did a magnificent job of keeping are asking for God’s guidance for the bury program. College students, children ministry going on all fronts, and we were next step of its growth and implemen- of the parish, and other parishioners also able to welcome three guest preach- tation. help us in this venture. Our student ser- ers, two of them parishioners (Brent vices and meal program begin Aug. 28. Reese and Todd Daly) and one a former The Rev. Matthew C. Dallman parishioner who has gone on to ordina- The Chapel tion (The Rev. Mary Ann Hill) during Life at the Chapel has not been boring this time. NORTHEASTERN this summer. Attendance has been solid DEANERY in spite of the fact that a summer long With Easter falling so late and our project to completely reconstruct and community largely tied to the academic Chapel of St John the Divine modify Wright and Armory Streets has calendar, most of our programmatic Champaign taken place. Frankly, it looked like a war life – Sunday School, lectio divina, youth We have had another great summer at zone for a time. We are thankful that the group, Common Table, men’s breakfast, Chapel of St John the Divine. project will be wrapping up shortly. women’s Bible study – wound down before Pentecost. Our summer has also Sabbatical A sad note: Steve Brown, our rector’s been like living in a construction zone, Our rector, the Reverend Sean Ferrell, warden, died on July 11 of a heart since our rectory space is being remod- began his sabbatical on May 6th. He attack. It came as quite a shock to the eled to serve both the parish and the spent 40 days walking the Camino de parish. We had a remarkable service wider community as part of our mission Santiago de Compostela beginning in celebrating Steve’s life. strategy, and the building next door, Saint Jean Pied de Port, France, making with whom we share our parking lot, is the 550 mile trek on foot to Santiago de Our vestry elected Mr Steve Vaughan also being remodeled by new owners. Compostela. It was quite a refreshing to fulfill Steve Brown’s term. They also experience and an extensive opportunity added Emily Knox as clerk. As has become our tradition, a group of to talk with many about their lives, faith, Emmanuelites served in mission in West experiences of God, etc. The Rever- During the summer, six persons partic- Side Park handing out jellybeans to run- end Geoffrey Scanlon served as supply ipated in the Royal School of Church ners in the Illinois Marathon just after clergy on Sundays for Fr Sean during Music chorister program held in Char- Easter. Another regular mission effort, his sabbatical, and the Reverend Eugene lotte, North Carolina. Our choral pro- staffing two weeks of Meals on Wheels, Hall serves on Wednesday evenings. Fr grams resume on Sunday, August 25. also took place and involved a number Sean returned at the end of June. of laity in July. The Chapel of Saint John the Divine Canterbury Student Program is alive and well and we invite all from We were happy for him and sorry for We have continued to gather over the the diocese to stop by any time you find us that upon completing his doctorate course of the summer. Seven to nine yourself in the area. this year our Choirmaster, Geoffrey people are gathering weekly for Eucha- Williams, accepted a faculty position as rist. The Very Rev. Sean Ferrell Assistant Professor of Church Music DEANERY REPORTS 17 and Director of Chapel Music at Nasho- NORTHWESTERN St John’s tah House. We know that he will have Decatur a great deal to share with seminarians DEANERY there. Filling the position in the fall as On the 19th of May, Bp. Martins visited Interim Choirmaster will be Christopher St Paul’s with us, celebrating and preaching both Mason, who has already been serving Carlinville Masses, and Confirming John O’Rourke. as a Choral Scholar at Emmanuel and We must be doing something right! It’s That morning at coffee fellowship we is himself in the doctoral program in been a fruitful summer for ministry at honored our High School and College choral conducting at the UIUC. We St. Paul’s Church in Carlinville. graduates. On the 25th, we held our also are bidding farewell to a number annual memorial prayers at our Merris of laity who are relocating, at the same In 2018 our average Sunday attendance Memorial Garden and at “God’s Acre” time as we see the usual academic year was 25 but this summer we have had in Greenwood Cemetery. The next day “church-shoppers” of late summer only two Sundays where the attendance each mother received a long stem white checking us out. was below 30. We have welcomed a carnation for Mother’s Day. On the new family and a new individual from 30th, Ascension Day, St. John’s had a Anytime you are in the Champaign-Ur- non-Episcopal backgrounds and re- table at the annual Community Prayer bana area we invite you, weekdays at ceived another Episcopal couple who Breakfast at the Conference Center. 8am and 5:15pm or Sundays at 8 and have moved to the area and formerly 10:15am, to come praise God with us. attended in Alton. Attendance has more On the 2nd of June we had our annual Or just ring the bell during office hours than doubled at our Wednesday evening Outdoor Eucharist and Parish Picnic at and come in to light a candle or enjoy service! Half our growth at this service Forsyth Pavilion. On Monday the 3rd the lending library! has also come from other church back- we celebrated the life of Vince Cooling, grounds. long-time member of St. John’s. On The Rev. Beth Maynard the 6th we met with members of the Our mission plan is alive and at work. Church of the Brethren, who are look- The Church of the Holy Trinity We have served two days at the local ing for a new home for their worship. Danville Food Pantry distributing food to the We discussed possibilities of sharing our The following information reflects activ- needy. We have increased our presence space with them. ities at the Church of the Holy Trinity, on the campus of Blackburn College. Danville: Due to extensive renovation on the We had five youth attend The Episcopal campus there has been no food service Church Camp of Illinois the first week • Procession and distribution of blessed this summer for students remaining on of July, two returned inspired to become garden crosses on Rogation Sunday campus. We have taken the opportunity acolytes. On the 20th we hosted our • Mass celebrated on Ascension Day to feed them twice---the first meal was bi-monthly Cursillo Ultreya. • Observed Pentecost with Mass, one tacos and the second spaghetti. Baptism, and three First Holy Commu- September brought the return of Sun- nions We sent three to church camp at East day School and our Choir. • Celebrated Feast of Title on Trinity Bay. Unfortunately, one became ill and Sunday with special Mass followed by was sent home but is eager to try again The Very Rev. Richard Swan community dinner next summer. • Corpus Christi Mass celebrated and St Luke’s included Procession with Blessing of the We recently dedicated new candlesticks Sprinfield City in memory of Nancy Barr at St. Peter’s • Repairs from storm damage completed and new candlesticks and an elements We have had a good but quiet summer • Exterior painting projects planned for tray in memory of Sandy Henry and at St. Luke’s. Fr. Denney and his family later in summer Ethan Kitchens at St. Paul’s. We are were away in Italy and Germany in the • Food distribution and other outreach looking forward to beginning confir- months of May and June, and returned projects continue mation class in preparation for the next refreshed for our ministry here. We visit by our Bishop. have continued with a full round of ser- The Rev. Richard Lewis vices and our educational programs. The Rev. John Henry 18 DEANERY REPORTS

The following is an excerpt from Fr. community, people of other cultures and Our prayer is that Springfield, our Denney’s report on his time in Sicily. It traditions. God makes himself known home, and our Diocese, Springfield, will presents things that excite us in ministry to others through us, and also gives us continue to be that kind of enriching wherever we are placed and whatever opportunities to see beyond our dif- presence to those around us, in our own challenges are presented to us. ferences into the unity of all humanity. towns, communities and fields, which, as Our interactions on an ecumenical basis always are ripe for the harvest. “The steadfast love of the Lord never afford us the opportunity to be together ceases; his mercies never come to an and focus on our commonalities and The Ven. Shawn Denney end; they are new every morning; great perceive that above all we are not that is your faithfulness.” Lam. 3:22-23 different from one another. DARROW DEANERY

Thinking of our time at St. George’s The welcoming of visitors is perhaps The Rev. Joel Morsch resigned as rector this year, my mind jumped to these the most important thing we do in the of St Andrew’s, Edwardsville, effective verses. They not only describe God’s interruptions. Holidaymakers bring with 14 July 2019, citing his wife’s slow re- relationship with us, but inform our them a variety of needs and concerns. covery from shingles and their failure to lives in the church. They remind us that Disconnected and in an interruption of sell their home in Florida. He has since God is faithful, and that in our quest for their own, they seek something comfort- retired to Florida. faithfulness to God, new opportunities ing, comfortable or familiar. Sometimes are always presenting themselves. Those that is as simple as word of welcome, The Rev. Dale Coleman has tendered his new opportunities arise among our own an expression of concern or simply resignation as rector of St George’s, ef- group, in the community at large and a human presence. Sometimes the fective 31 August 2019, in order to take among those whose lives, even for a few interactions are within church walls and up duties as priest in charge / interim moments, intersect with ours. sometimes elsewhere. at St Andrew’s, Carbondale, effective 1 It is said that ministry occurs in the September 2019. interruptions and we see this clearly in The church itself represents presence, the ministry of Jesus. Whatever was but that also comes effectively from The Rev’d Ian Wetmore has tendered going on, Jesus was available to those individuals of the church at large. A joy his resignation as vicar of St Michael’s, who would interrupt him, and, at those of wearing a clerical collar is that visible O’Fallon, effective 31 October 2019, moments, miracles occurred. sign of presence that often brings sur- in order to take up duties as rector of prising or unexpected encounters. St James Church, St James NY, in the In a very positive sense, our time in Diocese of Long Island, effective 1 No- Taormina is an interruption. It is an in- One such encounter was with a young vember 2019. It is highly unlikely that St terruption in our daily life, our ways of man who hailed me down on the via Michael’s will be in a financial position doing things and the identity of those Pirandello, as we were returning from to call a new vicar for at least two years. with whom we interact. It is an inter- an ecumenical event. His request was, ruption that makes possible ministry in a “Father, would you give me a blessing.” All of these resignations, plus the Rev’d number of forms. That led to a conversation, his revelation Cindy Sever’s extended sick leave from of what was going on in life and the the Parish of Alton, and the severe In the community of our chaplaincy, identification of a more specific prayer shortage of supply clergy nearby, will we gather, support one another, spend need. The encounter was life-changing leave most of Darrow Deanery in a very times in study, worship and fellowship. on more than one level. There were difficult situation with regard to congre- Every gathering is an opportunity to many other encounters with those seek- gational vitality, and may well lead to a receive the newness of God’s presence ing a quiet place, a bit of coolness out period of serious decline in attendance. in our midst, challenging us to see things of the hot sun, or even a few moments from a different perspective and to be of counsel or conversation. I would therefore categorize this as a open to what God might be wanting to crisis situation demanding the utmost do in our lives. From this core, other Taormina and the world are enriched care and attention of the Bishop and the ministry springs. by the presence of St. George’s Church, Standing Committee. and we are very grateful to be a part of We interact with those in our this Christian community.” The Very Rev. Ian Wetmore DIOCESAN CALENDAR 19

OCTOBER 2019 NOVEMBER 2019 DECEMBER 2019

6: Bp @ St John’s, Centralia and 1: ALL SAINTS DAY 1: ADVENT begins St Thomas’, Salem 3: Bp @ All Saints’, Morton 8: Bp @ St Barnabas’, Havana 13: Bp @ St Christopher’s, Rantoul 4-6: Clergy Conf., Toddhall 15: Bp @ St Luke’s, Springfield

18-19: 142nd Synod, Episcopal 10: Bp @ St Matthew’s, Bloomington 25: CHRISTMAS DAY Parish of Alton 15: Trustees Meeting, Diocesan 20: Bp @ St Paul’s, Carlinville Center, Springfield (10 a.m.) This calendar was correct at the time of printing, but is subject to 27: Bp @ St Mark’s, W. Frankfort 17: Bp @ Trinity, Mattoon change without notice. 22: Diocesan Council, Diocesan For the most recent diocesan Center, Springfield (10 a.m.) calendar and the full prayer cycle calendar, please visit our website. 24: Bp @ St Andrew’s, Carbondale

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