After Consolidation, A New Parish Is Ready to Come to Life

In the end, it looked easy. On May 4, the people of St. Ann’s in Woodstock,

St. Mary’s in Crystal Lake and St. Paul’s in McHenry voted to consolidate

into a single parish by a tally of 154-1 with five abstentions. But several years of careful work went into creating the new parish, and the Rev. Scott Lybrand Zaucha, who was at the center of it was still feeling pretty good about it a week later.

“I have been just amazed at people’s willingness to go through this process,

even those who are a little nervous about it,” Zaucha said in an interview

last week. “All three communities had strong lay leadership, and I was just

amazed at their capacity and flexibility and engagement.”

Diocesan convention still has to approve the creation of Trinity Episcopal Church, McHenry County, which will maintain campuses in Woodstock and

Crystal Lake, but there is little reason to suppose it won’t. Parish combinations are increasingly common across the diocese and the wider church, driven in part by a decline in parish resources, and in part by a paucity of priests, and the situation in McHenry County was a case in point.

Read more.

image: The parish meeting at St. Mary's, Crystal Lake

Wear Orange Weekend June 7-9



In 2024, the 10th National Gun Violence Awareness Day falls on Friday, June 7. Wear Orange Weekend, a time to stand in solidarity against gun violence, takes place from June 7 to 9.

Individuals and congregations that want to observe Wear Orange Weekend can find prayers, litanies, and other liturgical resources on the Bishops United Against Gun Violence website. Bishop Clark is one of more than 100 Episcopal bishops who participate in the network.

The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations provides resources for responding to gun violence with advocacy and action. Read more.

Towards GC 81: General Convention Digest

The 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church is scheduled for June 23-28 in Louisville, Kentucky. An online digest, curated by the Office of Public Affairs in coordination with the General Convention Office and House of Deputies, provides information on the candidates for Presiding Bishop, legislative hearings, reports to the General Convention, and event livestreams.

Learn more about General Convention at the media hub.

Invitation to Celebrate Bishop-Elect Kara Wagner Sherer

God willing and the people of God consenting, the Rev. Kara Wagner Scherer will be ordained and consecrated bishop of Rochester on July 13.

In keeping with diocesan tradition, the diocese is collecting funds to give Wagner Sherer a rochet and chimere, which are two vestments worn by bishops. Contributions may be made online or checks may be made payable to the Diocese of Chicago, with the memo "Bishop Kara."

Funds collected above the amount needed for the rochet and chimere (approximately $925) will be directed to the Diocese of Rochester to help provide the bishop’s ring, pectoral cross, and crozier. For questions or to make your gift by phone, please email T.J. Houlihan or call 312.751.6725.

College for Congregational Development Year B Training

July 14 - 19 in Woodstock

The College for Congregational Development  (CCD) "Year B" program will be offered from July 14 to 19 at the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus in Woodstock, Illinois. The training, which is appropriate for both first and second year participants, is open to individuals and congregational teams, clergy and lay.

The cost for this summer’s CCD is $800 per person, which includes all materials, lodging and meals. Limited scholarships are available for congregations with demonstrated financial need. Learn more and register.

Celebrate Pride

On June 30, members of the Diocese of Chicago will march in the 2024 Pride Parade with the Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches. The parade officially kicks off at 11 am from Sheridan and Broadway in Uptown and treks through the north side of the city, ending near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park.

Watch for more information, including volunteer opportunities and the meet-up location and time in upcoming newsletters and on the Facebook Event page. Spread the word: all are welcome! 

Pride Celebrations Around the Diocese

Congregations participating in Pride celebrations outside of Chicago are invited to share their plans in upcoming newsletters and in this online listing. Email Jen Boyle Tucker with dates, times and who to contact for more information.

Episcopal Church Young Adult Referral Form

Young adults heading to college or moving around the country may find it hard to find a faith community or faith-based resources in their new home. The Episcopal Church Young Adult Referral Form is designed to help connect young adults to a congregation, young adult ministry, or campus ministry near them.

Future of the Episcopal Church Panel Discussion

May 16 with Lifelong Learning at VTS

On May 16 from 2 to 4 pm, Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary will host an online panel discussion titled Future of The Episcopal Church.

Panelists include the Rev. Jess Elfring-Roberts from the Diocese of Chicago; the Rev. Nancy Frausto; the Rev. Scott Gunn; and Ryan Kusumoto.

Learn more and purchase tickets.

Invitation to an Open EfM Seminar

May 20 in Oak Park

On May 20 from 7 to 9:30 pm, the Education for Ministry (EfM) group at Grace, Oak Park will open its seminar to anyone who has been curious about the program and would like to learn more. Contact Cherryl Holt for more information or to register.

Webinar: Episcopalians Respond to the Asylum Emergency in Chicago

May 21 on Zoom

On May 21 at 7 pm, the Province V Migration Ministries Network will host a webinar on how Episcopalians are responding to the asylum emergency in Chicago.

Since 2022, an estimated 33,000 migrants have been bussed to Chicago from Texas. Learn how Episcopalians have been working with other faith groups and secular community organizations to help meet the need and how you can support the work.

The webinar will be presented by Jack Lloyd, co-coordinator of the Province V Migration Ministry Network, and the Rev. Jaime Briceño, whose church has converted its rectory to provide housing for migrant families. Learn more and register to attend.

Crisis Intervention: A Toolkit for Houses of Worship

June 1 at St. Peter's, Chicago

On June 1 from 10 am to 12 pm, St. Peter's, Chicago will host a free crisis intervention training. The guided lesson is intended to serve as a toolkit for houses of worship, and is ideal for clergy, lay leadership, ushers, and anyone who frequently interacts with people suffering from homelessness, mental disorders, and substance abuse.

To sign up or for more information please email the church office.

ABCs of Asset Based Community Development

June 6 on Zoom

On June 6 at 2 pm Central, Episcopal Relief & Development will host a free webinar on Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) and the Episcopal Asset Map, tools that can be used to help communities to identify and unlock their existing skills, gifts and resources. Register to attend.

Around the Diocese

Interfaith Event to Honor Wadee Alfayoumi, Combat Islamophobia

May 19 in Chicago

On May 19 at 4 pm, an interfaith gathering will be held at First United Methodist Church in Chicago to honor the memory of Wadee Alfayoumi, a 6- year-old Palestinian American boy who was murdered in Plainfield, Illinois in January.

Participants will have the opportunity to sign a letter supporting the Congress Resolution HR942 honoring Alfayoumi proposed by Congresswomen Delia Ramirez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Lauren Underwood, and Sara Jacobs. Learn more.

Pentecost Organ Concert at St. Giles, Northbrook

May 19

On May 19 at 4 pm, the Chicago-Midwest Chapter, Organ Historical Society will host an organ concert at St. Giles Episcopal Church in Northbrook, performed by James Russel Brown. Brown is the Director of Music and Organist for St. Giles. Learn more.

Christ Church Winnetka Summer Rummage Sale

June 8 from 8 am to noon

Christ Church Winnetka's Summer Rummage Sale will be held June 8 from 8 am to noon. The rummage sale is the congregation's largest outreach ministry, and proceeds from all sales go towards annual benevolence grants. Learn more.

Reminders

Music Ministry Renewal Grant

Applications due June 30

In August of 2024, St. James Music Press will award a $1,000 grant to a church starting or revitalizing a choir program. Applications are due June 30. Learn more.