The three Episcopal dioceses in Wisconsin, met on Saturday, May 4th in a joint special convention in Baraboo, voted overwhelmingly to reunite as the Diocese of Wisconsin. For more information and to view the results visit episcopalwisconsin.info.

The Rev. Brian Staude has accepted a call to serve as Rector of St. James, Manitowoc. Staude has been serving the congregation in the capacity of Interim for the last year and will transition to a part-time Rector beginning May 1, 2024.
 
He earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Wartburg College and then received his Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary in 1989. He is ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). During his time as a student and seminarian, he worked as a camp counselor and program director at Imago Dei Camps (now Crossways). He and his wife Barb have lived in Manitowoc for 21 years and their grandchildren are their delights.
 
Chris Eggert Rosenthal, Senior Warden shared that they are “privileged to have Pastor Brian” and plan to celebrate Staude's 35th Anniversary of Ordination in early June.

St James Episcopal Church is the longest continuing religious group in Manitowoc County, with the first documented gathering of the forming congregation in 1841.

​The Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac is a recipient of a gift from the Sisterhood of the Holy Nativity (SHN) of $7.9 million. The religious order for women was founded in 1882, established by Charles Chapman Grafton, who became Bishop of Fond du Lac in 1889. The order began with three sisters and six novices, with Sister Ruth Margaret Vose (1826-1910) its first mother superior. The Convent in Boston moved to Providence, Rhode Island in 1888 and to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin in 1905.
 
The Sisters’ primary work historically was parochial including teaching, preparing theology candidates, and pastoral care. This work was done in Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, California, West Virginia, and several other locations across the Midwest.
 
The work in Wisconsin centered at the cathedrals in Fond du Lac and Milwaukee as well as the former Grafton Hall girls' school in Fond du Lac. From 1890 until the 1940s, several sisters lived at the Episcopal mission church on the Oneida Reservation and helped introduce lacemaking to Oneida women. Convent activity included training novices, making altar breads, making devotional items and embroidered altar cloths, and a rigorous schedule of study, devotion, and recreation.
 
As a declining number of women were entering religious orders, the order made a decision to no longer accept novices in the early 2000’s. Over the past few years, a revised board structure was established as the remaining Sisters began end of life planning for the order. The gifting of assets to continue ministry is a part of that planning.
 
The diocese is one of many recipients of the Sisters’ gifts. The Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, Fond du Lac, and St. Peter’s, Ripon — congregations long associated with the Sisters of the Holy Nativity — are also recipients of significant gifts from the order. Information concerning the disposition of these gifts will be shared by the Cathedral and St. Peter’s in due course.”
 
The Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter, who serves the order as Bishop Visitor, shared the news with the diocesan Board of Trustees at its meeting on April 17, 2024. The Sisters have directed that $1,000,000 be used for theological education and $6,900,000 be used for congregational development. “These purposes reflect the historic work of the order and their deep, historic connection to the Diocese of Fond du Lac,” Bishop Matt told the Trustees.
 
An Ad Hoc Committee of the Bishop, Standing Committee President, Trustees Vice-President, and Diocesan Treasurer, assisted by the diocesan Business Manager, presented options of use to the Trustees. Four were recommended as best use and adopted by the Trustees.
 
Sharing the Blessing
Nearly $500,000 will be shared with congregations by funding their 2024 pledges to the diocese. Payments for the remainder of the year will end with those already received being returned. “Each congregation will be in a better financial position from the beneficence of the Sisters,” the Committee noted.
 
Assessment Support Grants
$2,000,000 will be invested to provide grants to eleven congregations who will see an increased assessment if the three Wisconsin diocese have reunion. “The grants will allow for a transition period to ease into full assessment without hindering diocesan ministry,” the Committee noted.
 
Permanent Endowment
A “Sisters of the Holy Nativity Permanent Endowment” will be funded by over $2.2 million. The principal is retained with earnings distributed to a diocesan budget for congregational development. “This will ‘lock up’ part of the gift to continue in perpetuity,” the committee noted.
 
Designated Endowment
A “Sisters of the Holy Nativity Congregational Development Fund” will invest over $2.2 million. Earnings will be distributed to a diocesan budget for congregational development. Principal will be available for congregational development initiative projects. “There is a flexibility to give significant financial support for something like a new ministry or church plant,” the committee noted.
 
Fuller details about these funds and their uses will be available after the next Board of Trustees meeting on May 22.
 
“As we have said throughout our conversations regarding reunion of the three dioceses in Wisconsin,” Bishop Matt explained to the Trustees, “we need to enhance our efforts to strengthen our congregations, develop disciples, and grow the church and its mission in the context of an era of great change and anxiety. This gift will enable a Diocese of Wisconsin to better be about that. I am grateful for the history of ministry the Sisterhood of the Holy Nativity has with the Diocese of Fond du Lac as well as those of Eau Claire and Milwaukee. This gift will enable us to honor that heritage of faithfulness for decades to come.”

St. Peter’s, Sheboygan Falls and The Production Farm are working in partnership to provide a food, clothing, and toiletries community pantry. The pantry launched in March after many months of planning. Each organization makes available resources for the project. The Production Farm provides the space and St. Peter’s provides the volunteers. Each works towards replenishing the pantry with donations. The pantry can offer a wide array of food, clothing, and toiletries to those in need, thanks to the incredible and responsive help of area businesses and other community groups.
 
The pantry primarily serves residents of Sheboygan County, but anyone is welcome. The project is coming full circle since some of the recipients are now also volunteering at the pantry. Hours of operation are Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by appointment. When open, visitors may enjoy a coffee or water and hang-out with volunteers.
 
Plans for the pantry are to expand the hours of operation, and to provide resources for the Refugee Resettlement Ministry. There is potential for the partnership to expand the offerings to Manitowoc County. To learn more, please contact Michael Finney, volunteer coordinator (St. Peter’s),  [email protected].

Love INC of Sheboygan County has been working with Grace Episcopal Church, the church’s ecumenical partners and city leaders for more than two years to reestablish a refugee resettlement operation in Sheboygan. Deacon Paul Aparicio serves as Love INC’s board chair. In an interview with ENS he shared, “We are recognizing Christ being embodied in all these refugees…[w]hen they come here, they are very much needing God’s love.” Read the entire story here.

Holy Apostles, Oneida will host a Celebration of New Ministry with its new Vicar, the Rev. James Biegler on Saturday, March 9th at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow.  All are welcome and invited to attend. The service marks the transition of ministry for the congregation and the priest as they live into a new relationship in serving the Gospel.

During the season of Lent, Episcopalians across Wisconsin are invited to connect with one another by attending online worship and study opportunities offered by parishes across the state. All are invited to pray, learn, and get to know one another at any of these gatherings. Visit the Trialogue website for a complete list. 

If your parish is offering online worship during Lent, please send the information to [email protected] to be added to those listed.​

St. John the Evangelist, Wisconsin Rapids will bestow the title of Rector Emeritus to the Rev. Vicki Natzke on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
 
Natzke earned her M. Div. from Nashotah House Theological Seminary in 2002 and was the only female in her graduating class. She is the first female to be ordained a priest in the Diocese of Fond du Lac.
 
Natzke served as rector of St. John the Evangelist for nearly 14 years before retiring in 2018. St. John’s is also the church of her baptism. Her other ministries include serving as Dean of the Wisconsin River Deanery, Deputy to General Convention, elected to the Standing Committee, member of Commission on Ministry and various roles in Cursillo.
 
The celebration and bestowal begin at 3pm with Choral Evensong. There is a reception to follow. Please call the church with questions, (715) 423-2332.
​St. John’s is located at 320 Oak St., Wisconsin Rapids 54494

​Bishop Gunter received good news in an Epiphany greeting from the Diocese of Masvingo that a vehicle has been purchased utilizing funds that were collected for that reason last spring.
 
Last March, information was received that the Diocese of Masvingo needed a more suitable vehicle for the newly enthroned Bishop Mapika to carry out his episcopal duties. Something sturdy to withstand the rugged terrain in Masvingo. An invitation to give for this purpose became part of the Companion Diocese Sunday focus as well as a special collection during the Eucharistic Festival. Congregations and individuals answered that call by giving nearly $10,000.
 
Bishop Mapika shared a short video clip of the new Toyota D4D Forturner and stated in the email to Bishop Gunter, “I want to thank you for the unwavering support that you continue to give us as a Diocese.”

My Sisters and Brothers,
 
Martin Luther King, Jr began his last Christmas sermon before being assassinated with this line,
 
"This Christmas season finds us a rather bewildered human race. We have neither peace within nor peace without. Everywhere paralyzing fears harrow people by day and haunt them by night. Our world is sick with war; everywhere we turn we see its ominous possibilities. Paralyzing fears harrow people by day and haunt them by night."
 
Those words ring as true now as they did in 1967. From Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan to places that get less attention, our world is sick with war. The future seems beset with ominous possibilities. Our contemporary world has many of us feeling rather bewildered. We are in an anxious and angry age of suspicion, division, and disarray. It is hard to hold onto peace within, when there is so little peace without.
 
And yet.
 In spite of all, we dare to sing with the angels,
 
Glory to God in the highest heaven,
            and on earth peace among those whom he favors!
            (Luke 2:14)
 
We hold to the bold claim that in the coming of Jesus, a new possibility for peace and joy and love was born into the world. And thus, a new possibility of hope that transcends the circumstances of this world and of our own lives.
 
To be sure, it is all too evident that the peace of the kingdom of God and the New Jerusalem is not yet. But Jesus’ coming has secured the promise that it will. And, in the meantime, a foretaste of that peace can be born within us. Even “in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.” Inviting Christ into more and more of our hearts allows for more and more of his love, joy, and peace to enlighten our lives.
 
The peace within that we know in Christ can lead us to be beacons and agents of peace in the world around us. We can agree with MLK, Jr that the “Christmas hope for peace and goodwill toward all [people] can no longer be dismissed as a kind of pious dream of some utopian hoper.” But that calls for a disciplined commitment to following Jesus on the path of peace. Because of the tender mercy of our God the Light of Christ shines on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace (cf. Luke 1:78-79). Friends, may we be filled with that Light and be beacons of the love, joy and hope of Jesus, setting our feet on the path of peace that we might be peace makers in these anxious, angry and too often violent times.
 
In this holy season, may you each know and feel in the deep places of your spirit the abiding peace of Jesus Christ.
 
Merry Christmas,
Bishop Matt

August 1 may be remembered for two significant events for the Diocese of Fond du Lac. In 1999 Matthew P. Payne started with the diocese as Diocesan Youth Coordinator and Communications Officer. 25 years later, August 1, 2024, he will retire after serving as Lay Canon for Administration, Business Administrator and Human Resources Manager. “Over two years ago, Matthew shared a desire to retire from the diocese,” Bishop Matt Gunter shared with the Board of Trustees recently. “We started planning for a transition, then reunion discussion began.” With possible reunion of three dioceses, “Matthew decided to continue until there was some resolution.” Following the initial reunion vote last October, “Matthew let me know the time had come.”

Payne was hired by Bishop Russ Jacobus in two combined part-time positions. Changes in the diocesan office in the early 2000’s saw him in a full-time position overseeing management of all things diocesan including operations, finances, and property. Bishop Gunter had Payne continue with the diocese after becoming bishop in 2014, though with a little different focus. Anticipating coming retirement, Payne’s position became ¾ time in 2023. Events management and communication duties shifted to a full-time Office Administrator position held by Lisa Baltes.

“Because of my family blessings, good planning, and a mentor who ‘forced’ me to start saving for retirement when I was 22, my wife Maggie and I have been thinking about our next chapter in life,” Payne shared recently. “We are ready to turn the page and thankful to be able to make the change.”

According to Bishop Gunter, “Matthew has been a much-appreciated fixture in the life and ministry of the Diocese of Fond du Lac for the last 25 years. And he has been an invaluable colleague and trusted counselor to me in my time as bishop.”

Payne continues until August 1, 2024, and will be in the diocesan office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. He will also work remotely. In the remainder of that year, he will consultant with the transition in whatever form it takes. “I appreciate Matthew’s willingness to continue, allowing us to tap into his extensive institutional memory, which will be essential to any change,” Gunter commented, “whether as a reunited Diocese of Wisconsin or continuing as the Diocese of Fond du Lac.”

Payne plans to continue in his part-time role as Director of Operations for the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church which he began in 2014. He serves as Secretary to the Board of the DeKoven Center in Racine and looks forward to committing more time to its work. He recently began collecting glass insulators, plans to expand his collection, and attend insulator shows around the country. Matthew and Maggie have purchased a house in Mineral Point, Wisconsin to be closer to their grandchildren and he will be bi-locational until August.

​“It has been a delight to serve the Church through the Diocese of Fond du Lac,” Payne shared, “especially the camping program and leadership in congregations. Retirement at my age is not the norm but working for the same employer for 25 years isn’t either!” Noting the mission and ministry of the diocese will continue without his presence, Payne plans to “pray it will continue to strengthen in sharing the Gospel with the world.”

​Earlier this December the Rev. Brit Frazier, rector of St. Luke’s, Sister Bay, shared that she completed the Wisconsin State Practical Certification weekend for firefighters. Leading up to the certification test, Frazier fulfilled six months of training, over 100 hours of night school and rigorous strength training.  Regarding this accomplishment she stated in a Facebook post “I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder in my life. I earned my gear…I am very much the full-time rector of St. Luke’s, but the fun part of a small town is that everyone does a few jobs around here. I am so grateful to have found not only one, but two exceedingly great vocations.” 

Deacon Paul Aparicio, Chair of the Board of Directors for Love INC (In the Name of Christ), recently shared in The Angelus (Grace, Sheboygan’s parish newsletter) that the board applied to the State Department for approval to open a new affiliate of the Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) in Sheboygan County and received the approval last month. EMM is one of only ten non-profit agencies officially approved to spend public funds for resettling refugees.  “Welcoming refugees aligns with the Love INC core values of compassion, empathy, and service to offer a helping hand to those who are struggling in our community, regardless of their background, religious affiliation, or circumstances. Love INC intends to help people thrive in our community, not just survive,… We are excited to work with Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) on this important ministry.” For more information or to support this ministry visit loveincsheboygancounty.org.

The Board of Trustees of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac has approved the 2024 Clergy Minimum Compensation and Benefits schedule which provides an 3.0% increase to the minimum base. The schedule sets minimum compensation for clergy working on a full-time basis with one scale for those in church provided housing and another scale for those providing their own housing. Compensation increases with the years of credited service. Congregations with clergy working less than full-time are encouraged compensate on a proportional basis.

Travel Reimbursement Changing
An important change is increasing the budgeted amount for travel reimbursement from $3,600 to $4,200 each year for priests serving full-time and $1,000 for deacons. These rates have not be changed for more than a decade.

"In looking at the various criteria, not the least of which is trying to keep pace with inflation, the Finance Committee recommended a 3% increase," Jeanine Limberger, Diocesan Treasurer shared with the board. "It should be noted a congregations who is above the minimum may adjust compensation as they see fit. There is no requirement to increase by 3%. Only the minimum base increases 3%"

Information used by the Finance Committee recommendation includes key compensation information such as poverty guidelines, Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), and national Episcopal clergy compensation reported by the Church Pension Fund. Based on the best information available, clergy of the diocese receive adequate compensation, although slightly below the national median.

The Episcopal Church of Christ the King and Holy Nativity is planning for the future!  A capital campaign is underway to support an expansion of the parish’s Sturgeon Bay site, Christ the King, located at the corner of 5th Avenue and Michigan Street.  With the majority of funding secured, a contract has been signed with Keller Builders of Kaukauna.

Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2024, and work is expected to be completed before Labor Day.  When finished, the church will be fully accessible to individuals with limited mobility.  Highlights of the project include barrier-free access from the parking lot and sidewalks and a bright gathering space with accessible restroom.

​The church’s signature red doors will be moved a bit closer to the street, still visible to travelers coming into town across the steel bridge.  With this new space, the congregation intends to host more music concerts and other events to serve the entire community.  The project culminates over a decade of planning and is a fitting tribute as the parish celebrates the 70th anniversary of the building of Christ the King.
For more information call the church office at 920-743-3286

The Rev. Dcn. Deborah Heckel has announced her plan to retire from ordained ministry effective December 1, 2023. She was ordained a deacon by Bishop Jacobus in August 2005. Heckel is currently serving at Holy Apostles, Oneida. Earlier this year, she shared her experiences there, during the annual Winter Talk conference which was held at the Oneida Conference Center.
​
In a letter to the people of Holy Apostles, she states, “I want you all to know I appreciate the support and love given me throughout my ministry…my prayer is for you all to continue the good work you are doing for the church and continue to nourish your spiritual life in Christ.”

​The Rev. James Biegler has accepted a call the serve as Vicar at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church, Oneida. A 1975 graduate of Nashotah House, Biegler has served churches in the dioceses of New Jersey, Western Louisiana, Central Florida, and Dallas. He and his wife Lin, along with their two Tonkinese cats, retired (so to speak) to Wisconsin six years ago. Since being in the Diocese of Fond du Lac he has served a two-year extended supply in Suamico and most recently (since January) at Holy Apostles. He is a member of the Finance Committee, the Congregational Finance Review Team, and a former, Secretary of Convention and of the Diocese.
 
Known as the “Grandmother Church” of the Diocese of Fond du Lac, Holy Apostles Church is a Mission congregation. Bishop Kemper laid the cornerstone of a wooden frame church for the Oneidas, Hobart Church, in 1838. where the first ordinations to the priesthood occurred in 1839. The Primary Council of the Diocese of Wisconsin in 1847 provided a seat of honor for Oneida Chief Daniel Bread. The current stone building was consecrated in 1887 and named Holy Apostles. 

Cheryl Dobrzynski has been appointed to the UTO Board as the Province V Rep. The appointment term is 3 years with the possibility of serving a second term. She said that she was surprised by Bishop Matt’s call 5 years ago to be Diocesan UTO Coordinator and was equally surprised to receive this call. “I look forward to learning even more about UTO and sharing that with others”. She also stated that it is an exciting time to be on the Board as UTO adapts to changes in how things are done in a post Covid world.

Prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of the Rt. Rev. Russell Edward Jacobus who died October 24, 2023. He was 79. He is survived by his wife Jerrie, and adult children Penny, Beth and David.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 51 W. Division St., Fond du Lac, the Rt. Rev. Matt Gunter presiding. A visitation will precede the service from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Clergy are asked to vest (white stole) in Gulick/Trakel Hall by 10:30 a.m. and process.

Singers are invited to join a Diocesan Choir to remember Bishop Jacobus. Please be ready to rehearse at 9:00 am. Bring choral attire you normally wear in your congregation. 

Clergy and laity may participate in the Bishop’s Psalm Vigil, a gathering to read from the Psalter in shifts while the bishop lies in repose at the Cathedral on Wednesday evening, November 1st, from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. Please reach out to Dean Patrick Perkins if interested or if you have questions, [email protected].

While the Cathedral does not currently have the capacity to livestream the service, the Rev. David Simmons, Rector of Bishop Russ’ previous parish (St. Matthias, Waukesha) will livestream the service for us through the diocesan Facebook page at facebook.com/diofdl. 

A reception will be held following the service at the Hotel Retlaw, One N. Main, Fond du Lac,  since we anticipate attendance may exceed the parking near the Cathedral, please consider parking in the public ramp behind the hotel on levels 4-7, prior to the funeral  and walk over to the Cathedral.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Diocese of Fond du Lac for the Jacobus Continuing Education Fund or the Cathedral of St. Paul for the livestream upgrade project.

Jacobus was born in Milwaukee on September 27, 1944. He was the youngest of three sons of Lester and Sarah Jacobus. He received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1967 and M.Div. from Nashotah House in 1970. Russ was ordained by Bishop Donald Hallock of Milwaukee to the diaconate on February 21, 1970 and to the priesthood August 22, 1970.

Jacobus was called to be curate at Trinity, Wauwatosa (1970-73). He then accepted the call to become vicar of Grace/Holy Innocents Mission in Hartland which one year later became parish with the name St. Anskar’s with Jacobus as the first rector. In 1980 he was called to be rector of St. Matthias, Waukesha where he served until his election as the Seventh Bishop of the Diocese Fond du Lac. During his ordained ministry in the Diocese of Milwaukee, Russ served as member of many committees and commissions, and was deputy to four consecutive General Conventions starting in 1982.

During “walkabouts” preceding his election, Jacobus was clear about the style he would adopt as a Bishop. He stated his nature was pastoral, not administrative, and if the diocese was looking for an administrator, it should look elsewhere. After being consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Fond du Lac on May 24, 1994, he was true to his word. His steady approach was to counsel those who needed help. As a primarily pastoral Bishop, it was difficult to deal with the few instances where there was clerical misconduct, but he did so courageously.

When Jacobus began his Episcopate, he wrote a Clarion article that said for the first year he would “just dust,” not make any major change. In the process of dusting, he found the diocese was in a perilous financial condition. As a smaller diocese with a significant town and county contingent, the budget was saddled with support for many missions, leaving few resources for diocesan programs, and without a large endowment. Over his episcopate, the bishop led missions to experiment with alternative styles of ministry, away from a historical model of a priest on a full-time basis for each congregation. He changed the investment philosophy of the Diocesan Common Trust, which at the end of his Episcopate more than doubled while generating increasing income to the diocesan budget and participants. Expense was reduced, endowment income increased, asking from congregations was reduced, leaving more funds at the local level to strengthen their financial positions in their communities. The diocese was more able to support congregations through a variety of ministries, support for common work, and programs including an annual vestry school.

One area Jacobus truly enjoyed was hosting gatherings for clergy and spouses. Along with Jerrie, a variety of venues and themes were seen. A “Mad Regals” dinner saw this group return to the renaissance. A paddle-boat cruise was supplemented by games, both on paper and announced over the loud-speaker. The bishop’s residence hosted both Christmas parties and summer picnics. He also enjoyed hosting dinners for his staff, both paid and volunteer.

The Executive Council of the Episcopal Church held a meeting in the diocese in 1999. As a part of the meeting, Bishop Jacobus presented to Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold the famous “Fond du Lac Circus” photo of the consecration of Reginald Weller in 1900. Pictured is Tikhon who had been invited by Bishop Grafton and would become the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. Griswold presented this picture to Patriarch Alexy II when he met with him in Moscow later that year.

Issues of sexuality tended to dominate conversations in churches during Jacobus’ episcopate. A particular lightning strike was General Convention 2003 approving an openly gay priest as Bishop of New Hampshire. This led several congregations to leave the Episcopal Church and align with other jurisdictions. One of the great dividends of Jacobus’ pastoral approach was the trust placed in him throughout the diocese and his well-expressed wish to maintain unity of focus on proclaiming the Gospel. In 2004, he made a pastoral visit to every cleric of the diocese during the season of Lent. There was no set agenda, just the opportunity to sit down and chat over a cup of coffee. Although there were substantial segments in the diocese who disagreed with this General Convention action, the bishop was able to accommodate many concerns and hold the Diocese of Fond du Lac together.

There were disappointments. One was the closing of Christ Church, Green Bay. The facility was magnificent, but its physical size combined with a need for much maintenance along with a diminishing membership, put extreme strain on remaining operational. Towards its end it existed with diocesan financial support and many initiatives for growth were tried. None could overcome the shifting demographics of a downtown church and the congregation voted to close. The silver lining was the premises were sold to another denomination providing significant funding to build a new building for the growing congregation of St. Paul’s, Suamico, funding support for ministry initiatives in the Green Bay area and adding principal to the diocesan endowment.

Over a number of decades, the three Wisconsin dioceses had held discussions about joining with no action. Toward the end of Jacobus’ Episcopate a feasibility study of forming a new diocese by junction with the Diocese of Eau Claire was made. Several teams outlined what a new diocese would look like in ministry and program and developing pros and cons. The proposition was voted on in 2011. The split was so close, that Bishop Jacobus felt it unwise to proceed and withheld his consent as allowed in the diocesan constitution.

Having been a youth leader and recognizing the importance of young people’s involvement in the Church, Jacobus supported youth work on a broad level. He hosted several dinners with young people considering ordination as well as participating in many diocesan youth events. A paid youth ministry position was added to the diocesan staff in 1999, even though it was a strain on the diocesan budget. He spent much time at the diocesan summer camp, and twice served as a chaperone for the triennial national Episcopal Youth Event.

When Jacobus retired in 2013, there were a number of areas of diocesan life that were improved from when he started. The financial condition of the diocese was solid with more program support to its congregations. Many committees and commissions were organized into a more efficient structure and able to act on their own initiative. One example is the Commission on Ministry holding a “Day of Discernment” for those considering entering the ordination process. The quality of the priesthood was enhanced and more effectively deployed, and wardens and vestry had a better understanding of their stewardship roles. Volunteers abounded throughout the diocese, performing functions that are done by paid professionals in a larger diocese. It is, as former Presiding Bishop Griswold said, “a small but active diocese”.

Following retirement, Russ and Jerrie spent much of their time travelling, often with friends, including a trip to Italy earlier this month. They also spent time with family, lavishing love on their twin granddaughters. Time spent at their home “up north” in Townsend often saw them as worshippers at St. Paul’s, Marinette and St. Augustine’s, Rhinelander. Bishop Jacobus never wanted to take supply ministry opportunities away from others, so was often called on to supply when others were not able to. With a heart for pastoral care, Russ served in two extended positions including St. Michael’s, Orlando, Florida and St. Francis in Harrod’s Creek, Kentucky.

​The Trialogue Steering Committee expresses its gratitude to all who have participated in the discernment process by attending the summer’s Town Hall Meetings and the presentation by Bishop Sean Rowe in its latest letter found by clicking here.
 
Town Hall meetings were fruitful times of conversation about the proposed reunion, and due to engagement across the state, the FAQs page has been updated with new information and answers to your questions. Read the new FAQs by clicking here.
 
Thank you for your continued thoughtful commitment to our dioceses and God’s mission in Wisconsin.

​St. John the Baptist, Wausau is hosting a Celebration of New Ministry with their new Rector, the Rev. Samuel Cripps, Thursday, October 19th at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome and invited to attend. The service marks the transition of ministry for the congregation and the priest as they live into a new relationship in serving the Gospel

St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Menasha, has released the profile in the search for its next Rector. The profile is available at diofdl.org/neenahmenashasearch. where it may be downloaded as a PDF or read directly on the page. Other information regarding the Neenah/Menasha area is also noted.
 
Please keep the people of St. Thomas in your prayers as they continue to search for their next Rector.

Beloved Community (Intercession), Stevens Point is a congregation that has an active Campus Ministry. Coordinator, Cyndi Royer shared that they support students at UW Stevens Point through the Queer Resource Center, Multicultural Center, and Native American Center and that they plan to try to engage students monthly.
 
One of the first events planned is via the Queer Resource Center and Multicultural Center which will be hosting a Drag Loteria (think Bingo with a Latin vibe). The ministry team volunteers will be running the games, (handing out tickets, loteria cards and prizes) so that the students can participate in the games. The idea is to develop a relationship of love and acceptance. This event will be Friday, September 15th.
 
On September 28th, Beloved Community will open their doors so that the Native American Center may use their facilities to host the Orange Shirt Society-a not for profit organization that supports Indian Residential School Reconciliation and the inter-generational impact of Residential Schools while creating the concept of “every child matters”. The event will include speakers, drumming, cooking and rock painting.
 
If interested in supporting this ministry or helping at an event, reach out to the church office at (715) 341-3233 or [email protected].

The Rev. Glenn Kanestrom, Rector of St. Paul’s, Marinette shared that they are in a “season of celebrations that highlight who we are and what we do best-worship, music and great food.”
 
The “season” began August 25th when the congregation held a “Brats & Bluegrass” festival as an informal celebration of the anniversary and a time to “burn the mortgage” for the new wing completed in 2002. The official celebration for past and present parishioners is to be a formal dinner on Saturday October 7th at 6pm at the Little River Country Club. Wrapping up the celebration is a Choral Evensong presented by the St. Paul’s Choir on October 15th at 7:00 pm which will feature various pieces composed by a former parishioner. All are warmly invited to attend.
 
St. Paul’s was established as a mission congregation of the Diocese of Wisconsin in 1873. Services were led by a priest who periodically came to the area from Green Bay. Sadly, the two halls rented by the congregation burned down the following year. It was in 1881 that the cornerstone was laid for the new church on land donated by Isaac Stephenson. Again, tragedy struck in 1886 when the church was struck by lightning, destroying the spire and tower, and damaging the interior. St. Paul’s was reopened in 1887 and renovations were completed in 1912 when the original structure was enlarged and encased in brick and stucco in the English Gothic style. In 1965 a new parish hall was built which provided office space, Sunday School rooms and a larger gathering space. In 1994 a new quarter of a million-dollar Jaeckel tracker organ was installed, and the sanctuary rebuilt. In 2002 a new wing was completed to provide a beautiful entryway into the church and to meet ADA requirements. This year the church has successfully raised over $17,000 to install a new sound system to be completed in October.
 
Kanestrom notes, “Through all the changes that have come in our history, we’ve laid a solid spiritual foundation for many in our area. It’s marvelous to celebrate the fact that St. Paul’s has been a loving and vital congregation here in Marinette for many 

It will be a double celebration weekend in Minocqua, October 14-15. All are welcome on Saturday, October 14th for a Celebration of New Ministry. This event is the occasion for the faithful people of St. Matthias to gather in mutual support of each other and to joyfully install their new rector, The Rev. Deb Woolsey. Sunday, October 15th is the 50th Anniversary of being an Episcopal presence in the Minocqua community. Learn more about their history by clicking here. 
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