The Lilly Endowment has awarded the Episcopal Preaching Foundation a five-year grant of almost $1 million to develop and pilot-test The Preaching Congregation initiative. Designed to bring together clergy and congregations in a structured process of mutual exchange so that the congregation will more deeply appreciation sermon preparation and development. Also provides the preacher with informed feedback during sermon creation and after its delivery. Informational webinars held Tuesday, January 31st or Tuesday, February 7th at 1 pm (CST). Information and registration here. Members of the Trialogue task forces and steering committee gathered for the first time in person Saturday, January 14, in Stevens Point to hear a presentation on adaptive leadership and change by Bishop Sean Rowe of the partnership dioceses of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania and for a round-table discussion on their respective work so far and the challenges and opportunities ahead. Exploring the reunification of three dioceses is a major adaptive challenge, one that involves discernment on the part of the stakeholders (the membership) as to what is the problem and the solution. It is a process aimed at helping people manage and distribute loss, said Bishop Rowe. "With adaptive change you are asking people to change values, behaviors, and beliefs," he said, "much of what was hard won," and therefore sparking resistance. Only by engaging the stakeholders can the church move forward in the process. To learn more and to read updates visit Episcopal Wisconsin Trialogue or the Trialogue Facebook page The pandemic impacted much over the past few years, and this year it effects how many lay delegates a congregation may send to the diocesan convention. Based on a given year’s in-person Average Sunday Attendance (ASA), the 2023 count should be from the 2021 ASA. However, many congregations had in-person worship for only a part of the year. This means calculating ASA on the whole year would skew the number of delegates unless in-person services had been offered every Sunday of 2021. In order to have fair representation and not penalize congregations who had fewer in-person services, the diocesan Board of Trustees is allowing congregations to use one of three methods to determine their number of lay delegates to the 2023 Convention. “In looking at the problem, it was decided to work within the spirit of the constitutional language,” noted Matthew Payne, convention parliamentarian. “The idea is to let a congregation determine ASA based only on those Sunday’s with in-person services.” Payne noted the Parochial Report used for last year’s delegate count already did this. The first method is to use the technical language of the constitution the ASA reported on the Parochial Report of 2021 figures. The second method in the spirit of the language is to calculate 2021 ASA only on those Sundays with in-person services. If “in-person” was 20, then total the attendance on those Sundays and divide by 20, not 52. The third method is like the second but for services held in 2022. Election of lay delegates doesn’t change. Many will elect during their Annual Meeting. However, the Board of Trustees encourages their Annual Meetings to pass a resolution either authorizing the Vestry to elect or the priest and wardens to elect. Both are currently allowed. The benefit of shifting election to the Vestry or priest/wardens is that the decision to vote on reunion at this Convention won’t be known until April or May. Regardless of how the number of delegates are chosen or elected, a certification form is to be submitted to the Diocesan Office by June 22. This form may be found at diofdl.org/convention. For any questions, contact Matthew Payne (920) 830-8866. The Rev. Ralph Osborne has announced retirement from active ministry as a priest as of January 31, 2023. He served as Rector of St. Thomas, Menasha since 2010, during which time he has fulfilled various roles at the diocesan level including Intake Officer and Dean of the Lake Winnebago Deanery. He was of Co-Chair of the Way of Love Revival Planning Committee in 2019. He served as Deputy and Chair to the General Convention a number of times. He was awarded the Bishop’s Cross in 2022. He was ordained Deacon in 1994 and Priest in 1996. He served congregations in the Diocese of Central New York. He earned a Masters of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri; a Master’s in Counseling and Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Literature. In a letter to the people of St. Thomas, he shared “Even in retirement, we are all a part of God’s Kingdom, so there will be ministry of some type in my future. I just don’t know yet what that will be.” In retirement he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Cindy, as well as his children, grandchildren and his mother. The 2022 Convention of the Diocese of Fond du Lac adopted Resolution 2022-03 regarding the church’s teaching on abortion. RESOLVED, that the 148th Convention of the Diocese of Fond du Lac request the Bishop Diocesan, our Chief Teacher as expressed in the consecration service of the Book of Common Prayer, to provide a series of teachings and theological reflections on the issue of abortion to the members of this diocese over the next six months, and be it further; Resolved, that such series include consideration of Episcopal Church General Convention resolutions addressing the issue as they recognize the theological, moral, legal, personal and societal complexity involved, and be it further; Resolved, that such series provide an avenue for members of this diocese to respond, either publicly or privately, and be it further; Resolved, that through the Advance Reports to the 149th Diocesan Convention, the Bishop Diocesan provide a summary of the series including what was heard from those who may have responded. Bishop Matt is posting a series of teachings on the subject, beginning with resolutions passed by the General Convention of The Episcopal Church over several decades. The series is being posted over the next weeks on the bishop’s blog, ‘An Odd Work of Grace’, for study, comments, or questions. Visit anoddworkofgrace.blogspot or click here You are invited to view Bishop Matt Gunter’s latest message about the Trialogue discussion among the Episcopal dioceses in Wisconsin. The conversation is about discernment to better enable us to be the church God is calling us to be. The Rev. Brit B. Frazier has accepted a call to serve as Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sister Bay, Wisconsin. Frazier has Wisconsin roots in the Milwaukee area and spent summers in Sister Bay. “I am delighted to be returning home to Wisconsin to serve Christ alongside you.” She is married to Mark- who she met at church in Los Angeles “ask him to tell you the story” she shared, “it’s a good one.” Mark is a gifted handyman, carpenter, and actor. Frazier obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Wellesley College and a Master’s in Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary. Ordained a priest in 2019, Frazier is currently Associate Rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Philadelphia. The people of St. Luke’s have been seeking a rector since the retirement of Mthr. Barb Sajna in 2021 and have been served by the Rev. Frank Maxwell as interim rector. They are excited about the “promise of a wonderful new chapter at St. Luke’s!” Mthr. Brit's first Sunday will be April 16th. St. Luke's Episcopal Church is a parish church of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac in Sister Bay, Wisconsin. In 1994 they began with services held at Scandia Village senior living campus then became a mission in 1999 and a parish in 2007. Located near the intersection of Highways 57 and 42 in Sister Bay, St. Luke’s has a commitment that all people, regardless of circumstance, are welcomed and accepted as the love of Christ gives unity in diversity while seeking to share that love with others. Dear Friends, From time immemorial people have gathered around campfires, fireplaces, and stoves for warmth and light. And the fire has been the center of community, whether of family, friends, or strangers crossing paths on the way. Before central heating, the hearth was the heart of any home. One of my favorite paintings of the Nativity is ‘The Adoration of the Shepherds’ long attributed to Rembrandt, but now thought to be by one of his students. In the painting, Jesus, lying in the manger, glows with warmth and light. Mary and Joseph are illuminated as they kneel near the holy Baby. Shepherds and others are gathered around Jesus as if drawing near to a fire to escape the gloomy cold of night. Whether or not Jesus actually glowed with light and warmth, the painting points to the understanding that Jesus is the light of the Truth and the warmth of the Love at the heart of everything. He is the fire in the equation of reality enfleshed to reveal the truth of who we are and who we are meant to be as beings created in the image of God. He embodied the love that is lived within the Holy Trinity from eternity. On Christmas, the manger became the hearth of the world bearing the light and love of God into this cold and gloomy world. There is goodness and beauty in the world for sure. And in each of us. But there is also the gloom of ignorance, dishonesty, prejudice, and greed. There is the coldness of selfishness, division, meanness, and violence. Increasingly, we are disconnected, isolated, anxious, fearful, and lonely. At Christmas we are reminded that One has come to invite us to gather together out of the gloomy cold and draw near the Fire that he is to be enlightened and warmed by his truth and love. In the coming year, may our congregations glow with the light and love of Jesus. May each member bear that light and love into the anxious, lonely, divided world around us. May we better see others in the light of God’s love. May we especially bear that love to those who the world pushes into the shadows. Maybe part of our vocation as disciples of Jesus in these times is to be connectors – to remind ourselves and others of the truth that we belong to one another and to engage with others regardless of affinity or agreement. By doing so, we can take the light and warmth we have experienced from the Hearth to the hearts of those we encounter. Merry Christmas, Bishop Matt The Diocese of Fond du Lac is hiring a Human Resources Manager to provide human resources support for clergy and lay employees of diocesan congregations in compensation and benefits. This is a salaried part-time position. The manager will administer insurance (medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, group term life) and pension (defined benefit, defined contribution and voluntary contribution) benefits through the Church Pension Group. The manager will handle hiring processes for clergy and lay employees and conduct orientation. Assistance is also provided to congregations and clergy in transition from active service to retirement. Complete details are provided in the position description. To apply, submit a cover letter of interest with resume by December 31, 2022 to mpayne@diofdl.org. All submissions will be acknowledged. Questions are to be directed to Matthew Payne at (920) 830-8866. During a December meeting of the Board of Trustees, The Rt. Rev. Matt Gunter, Bishop of Fond du Lac, announced a plan to reorganize the diocesan staff effective January 1, 2023. “The catalyst to change,” Gunter remarked, “was a request of our current Lay Canon of Administration, Matthew Payne, to move into a half-time position to allow him time to follow other interests.” Payne has worked for the diocese for 23. Gunter shared his “appreciation of Matthew’s desire to continue to serve the diocese, especially as we consider possible reunion with the other Episcopal dioceses of Wisconsin.” Three new positions will be initiated, and the current ones phased out. An Office Administrator will serve as advisor to the bishop and leadership in areas of administration, events, information management and communication. Current administrative assistant Lisa Baltes has been offered this full-time, executive level position and has accepted. A Business Administrator will serve as advisor to the bishop and leadership in areas of finance, property, and business procedure. Payne has been offered this half-time position and accepted. In addition, Payne has agreed to serve as transition consultant during the change period. A Human Resources Manager is to be hired, who will provide human resources support for clergy and lay employees of the diocese and congregations in the areas of compensation and benefits. This quarter-time position will be advertised within the diocese. The expectation is the position will be filled by the end of January. Anyone interested in applying should click here. Clergy and lay leaders may be speaking with different people in in different areas, but little disruption in regular diocesan operations is anticipated. The changes are within the adopted budget and provide a benefit of expanding knowledge and procedures among additional people. The Rev. Diane Murray has announced retirement from active ministry as a priest as of December 31, 2022. She has been rector of St. James, Manitowoc since 2009. As a member of St. Peter's, Sheboygan Falls, she discerned a call to ordination and was ordained deacon in 1998. She earned a Bachelor's degree from Marian College and a Master of Leadership and Organizational Development (concentration in Christian leadership) from Lakeland College, Sheboygan. As a deacon she was active in the local community and diocese, especially with youth. She was diocesan youth ministries coordinator 2006-2012, worked with the Hands of Christ Deaf Ministry and was active in Cursillo. She has served in numerous diocesan elected positions and just ended a term as President of the Standing Committee. Ordained a priest in 2009, Murray accepted a call to serve as rector of St. James, Manitowoc on a part-time basis. As a bi-vocational cleric, Murray continued her secular work in management roles at Bemis Manufacturing Company and currently with Sargento Foods. She will continue to work with Sargento. Amma Diane plans to do supply work around the diocese and participate in diocesan events and activities. On November 27, 2022, the Anglican Diocese of Masvingo in Zimbabwe, companion diocese of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac, Consecrated and Enthroned the Second Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Masvingo, Bishop Osiward Mapika. Regretfully the Diocese of Fond du Lac was unable to send a representative to be physically present, but prayers were offered across the diocese and our spirit was with them. More videos and images are on Facebook, but not public so require a Facebook account to view.
https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/masvingobishopmapika https://www.facebook.com/AnglicanHarareCpca/videos The Episcopal Dioceses of Fond du Lac and Milwaukee are pleased to announce a new cooperative ministry to provide a joint summer camp and youth ministry resource person for diocesan congregations. Each diocese has a strong heritage of ministry with youth, including camping, having pursued a variety of models, approaches and methods over the past decades. “For many years, there has been conversation about coming together for camp,” Bishop Matt Gunter of Fond du Lac notes. “The positive comments about this idea has grown, especially these past two years. I’ve heard from youth and adults, clergy and laity, campers and staff, asking why we aren’t doing camp together” Bishop Jeff Lee of Milwaukee also heard similar comments. Fond du Lac summer camp sessions in 2021 and 2022 included campers and staff from the Dioceses of Eau Claire and Milwaukee. “In addition to camp, several diocesan leaders recognized a need for a youth ministry resource person to be available for congregations to reach out to for support, guidance and direction,” noted Matthew Payne, Lay Canon for Administration for Fond du Lac. “After we had conversation with diocesan leaders, it became clear that one proposal which encompassed both areas was feasible in terms of time and financial resources.” That proposal was to create a position of Youth Networking Coordinator (YNC). This full-time position would have two key components – summer camp director and coordinator for networking youth ministries. This integrated approach would see camp as a foundation for a year-round networking resource person to build connections and relationships to expand networking with congregations. Each diocese had youth staff funding in their 2023 budgets whose combination allows implementing the full proposal. A Steering Committee, with members from each diocese selected for camp or youth work experience, will provide oversight to the ministry venture. Camp sessions will be held over three weeks in June 2023 at Waypost Camp, east of Wausau, Wisconsin. Having been the site of the Fond du Lac camp for the past two years, its facilities have proved amazingly suited to the program. Waypost is owned and operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Working with a Christian camp allows for collaboration unavailable from secular facilities. Because The Episcopal Church is in full communion with the ELCA, there is also an ecumenical benefit. Recognizing the driving distances involved for some, consideration will be made to coordinate carpooling or transportation service from the Milwaukee area. Youth networking will involve building relationships with diocesan and congregational leaders and offering support and assistance to those engaged in youth ministry. The coordinator will be aware of and informed of ministry resources, programs, and church-wide networks in youth ministry. The coordinator will also directly engage each year with at least 1/3 of congregations in each diocese over a 3-year cycle. This may be an in-person visit but may be through in-depth Zoom or other connections. Bishop Gunter and Bishop Lee readily recognized a person who was qualified, skilled, and experienced in both camp management and youth ministry and already employed by Fond du Lac and have hired Erin Wolf as Youth Networking Coordinator starting January 1, 2023. Wolf has been diocesan youth ministry coordinator and camp director since 2016 and director of youth ministry at All Saints, Appleton since 2012. She has served congregations in Episcopal and ELCA congregations for nearly two decades. Because relational work is an important part of the YNC, Bishop Lee and Bishop Gunter noted she has been actively involved in youth ministry and camp in both dioceses, both as a youth and adult. Wolf holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Cardinal Stritch University and has been involved in youth ministry networks in the Episcopal Church on the provincial and national level. She is also a musician and songwriter. “As another sign of our deepening cooperation with Episcopalians across the State of Wisconsin, I am delighted we will share in supporting Erin Wolf’s expanded role as Youth Networking Coordinator,” Bishop Jeff Lee of Milwaukee shared. “She brings a wealth of experience to this work, and I am confident that youth and adults will benefit from her leadership. Welcome, Erin!” Look for additional information about camp and networking opportunities in January 2023. St. John's Episcopal Church, Wisconsin Rapids is pleased to announce the availability of the Mary Elizabeth Kellogg Memorial Scholarship Fund to students from St. John's and the Diocese of Fond du Lac. Scholarship awards are up to $1,500 to students who meet the eligibility requirements and selection criteria. The applicant must be a member of an Episcopal Church and accepted or awaiting acceptance for full-time enrollment at an accredited college, university, or technical college. An informational sheet is available here. The 2022-2023 scholarship application period begins on December 15 and ends January 26 , 2023. Application is made through an online application process. Mary Elizabeth Kellogg was the daughter of James and Jessica Kellogg, members of St. John's. She died at the age of 12 of bulbar polio, and was the first polio death of 1955 for Wood County. In her memory, Mary's parents established this memorial scholarship as well as the Butterfly Garden at the Wisconsin Rapids Zoo. St. John's is excited to make this opportunity available to Episcopal students in trying to fulfill the intentions of the donor to support the education of the members of St. John's and the Diocese of Fond du Lac. A service of celebration for 200 years of The Episcopal Church in Wisconsin was held on Saturday, October 29 at the Church of the Holy Apostles, Oneida, Wisconsin. The eucharistic service included historical presentations, greetings from the Presiding Bishop and Oneida Tribe, sermon by Bishop Jeff Lee, and an offering of the Te Deum in the Oneida Language. It was 1822 when The Episcopal Church officially entered what would become Wisconsin. It arrived with members of the Oneida tribe who took up residence near Duck Creek, near Green Bay, following removal from their New York homelands. Some were members of an Episcopal mission in New York. The Oneida continued worshipping in the Episcopal tradition on land which now is home to Holy Apostles Episcopal Church. The Bishop’s Cross is intended to honor those who have provided outstanding service to the Episcopal Church, especially on the diocesan and congregational levels. Established in 1997 as a diocesan award, it is presented at the Convention of the Diocese of Fond du Lac. Bishop Matt Gunter was pleased to award two Bishop's Crosses at the 2022 convention. The first was awarded to Marianne Chaudoir, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Oshkosh. The second was awarded to Fr. Ralph Osborne, Rector of St. Thomas, Menasha. Marianne Chaudoir recently retired as Organist of Trinity Episcopal Church, Oshkosh after serving 38 years. She volunteered in several capacities at Trinity and served as diocesan ERD Coordinator. She was the organist at the Bishop Matt's consecration. The Bishop's comments from the presentation are below. Fr. Ralph Osborne is Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Menasha. In addition to providing pastoral care and leadership in the congregation, he has been active in the diocese on a number of committees and as a General Convention deputy. The Bishop's comments from the presentation are below. Presentation to Marianne ChaudoirOn Sunday, April 24th of this year, Marianne Chaudoir retired as Music Director at Trinity, having dedicated 38 years to serving God and the church in the Diocese of Fond du Lac. Marianne’s wealth of musical knowledge and her own deeply held faith defined her work at Trinity, where, at various times, she led the adult choir, a children's choir, and coordinated the annual children's Christmas Pageant. In the greater Diocese, Marianne served on numerous occasions as the organist for the Diocesan Chrism Mass, the Diocesan Eucharistic Festival, and Diocesan Conventions. She was especially honored to serve as organist for the Ordination and Consecration as the Eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Fond du Lac. Through music, Marianne opened the doors of Trinity Episcopal Church to Northeast Wisconsin. She brought a host of guest musicians spanning an array of musical styles, from the UW Stevens Point Jazz Quintet, to recorder consorts playing medieval and Renaissance music, to instrumental and vocal soloists. Marianne helped launch the annual Advent Organ Recital Series held at the downtown area Oshkosh churches. As founding accompanist for Oshkosh Chamber Singers, she helped bring about the first Lessons & Carols service at Trinity in 1990, and a cherished, annual community tradition, now in its 32nd year, was born. In her own Christian discipleship, Marianne is a graduate of the Education for Ministry Program (EfM). She lives her faith openly as a Daughter of the King and a member of Trinity’s chapter of ECW. She actively supports Episcopal Relief & Development, and has served as the Diocesan representative to ERD’s national convention multiple times. Marianne has coordinated Trinity’s Angel Tree, our parish’s Advent outreach effort providing holiday gifts, food, and supplies to families in need identified by the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh. For many years, she has been a Crew Chief for Trinity’s Loaves & Fishes program, offering meals to the hungry and homeless in Oshkosh. Marianne avidly supported Trinity’s participation in the Diocesan-wide Epiphany Giving Campaign for 2022, providing cows for our companion Diocese of Masvingo. Currently, Marianne is a member of Trinity’s Good Neighbor Team working with First Presbyterian Church, Oshkosh, and World Relief of the Fox Valley for the resettlement of a Congolese refugee family to Oshkosh. Members of the Good Neighbor Team have led donation drives for household supplies, food items, clothing, and furniture and been active in the daily lives of the refugee family. On the Tuesday following Labor Day, Marianne personally took the family’s teenaged son to school on his first day as a student at North High School in Oshkosh. For her faithful service to God, her congregation, to the diocese, I present the 2022 Bishop’s Cross to Marianne Chaudoir. Presentation to Ralph OsborneThe Bishop’s Cross is given to clergy and laity who have been recommended to me because of their outstanding service not only within their congregation but within the Diocese as well. On Valentine’s Day in 2010, Fr. Ralph Osborne sang the opening lines to his first sermon at St. Thomas in Menasha. The people of St. Thomas, the surrounding communities, and the Diocese of Fond du Lac, have been singing his praises ever since, even when he pretends to be a Chicago Bears fan. On a national and diocesan level, Fr. Ralph has served as a deputy to General Convention numerous times, while also being elected to several diocesan positions such as Executive Council, Standing Committee, and has served as the Intake Officer for the diocese since 2011. He also co-chaired The Way of Love Revival in 2019, an event we all remember and still speak of fondly. Fr. Ralph has an innate ability listen. His time spent as a mental health professional and counselor before his ordination offers those to whom he listens, the rarest treat of his full pastoral and undivided attention. Whether it’s sitting with a person from the community as they eat a free meal from the Double Portion Ministry that St. Thomas hosts, or spending time with a family as they share stories about a deceased loved one, or tirelessly mentoring an associate priest and secretary who give him endless opportunities to practice patience, Fr. Ralph takes the time to listen. He has offered pastoral guidance to bishops, priest, deacons, and lay persons . . . literally walking with them through both the difficult and joyous times in their professional, pastoral, and personal lives. Teaching both his congregation at St. Thomas and anyone else who has ears to listen, he lives out the truth of the following statement: “The meaning of any communication is determined by the response it gets.” As in, go ahead and say what you mean. But if people are upset with you as a result, you need to figure out a better way to communicate so that you can be heard. In today’s contentious climate Fr. Ralph has always sought live into the Way of Jesus by patient, careful listening and finding ways to say what needs saying in ways that can be heard, often through his disarming humor. Personally, I have cherished Fr. Ralph’s friendship and wise counsel. For his faithful service to his congregation, to his bishop, to the diocese, and to God’s Church, I present the 2022 Bishop’s Cross to Fr. Ralph Osborne. The Anglican Diocese of Masvingo in Zimbabwe, companion diocese of the Diocese of Fond du Lac, has announced November 27th as the date of Consecration & Enthronement of its second bishop. The Ven. Osiward Mapika was selected bishop designate by the bishops of the Province of Central Africa's Episcopal Synod after being elected by the diocese following the retirement of Bishop Godfrey. (more here). Regretfully, Bishop Gunter's schedule will not allow him to attend. Plans are being made to have a personal representative of the Diocese of Fond du Lac to be present for this special occasion. Members of the Diocese of Fond du Lac are asked to keep Mapika in their prayers. Donations towards a purse for use by soon-to-be Bishop Mapika may be made here and will be accepted through December 31. The Episcopal dioceses of Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, and Milwaukee are exploring how reunification to one diocese may better equip us to be the church God is calling us to be in these times. The process, called the Trialogue, began the Fall of 2021. Task Forces were formed this past Spring with members from each diocese looking at the variety of specifics about possible reunion. The work of those Task Forces has progressed and they will start engaging people in the pews for thoughts, ideas and input. The Parish and Regional Engagement Task Force, tasked with organizing conversation in and between congregations, will be reaching out to each and every congregation in the next few weeks to work on that charge and have released the following: Dear friends in Christ: The Deputies of the Diocese of Fond du Lac and the Bishop of Fond du Lac reported in September 2022 on the actions of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church and the activity of the Lambeth Conference of bishops this summer. Learn more and access resource links here. If you'd like to view the video, contact the Diocesan Office.
The Rev. Dcn. Patrick Rudolph will retire from active ordained ministry September 12, 2022, which is the 26th anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate. He was ordained by Bishop Russell Jacobus in 1996 and assigned to serve at St. Paul's, Marinette where he had been a member. A recipient of the Bishop's Cross in 1996, Dcn. Pat served as a member of the diocesan Finance Committee, Trustee, Executive Council, and Investment Committee. He had been treasurer at St. Paul's for 14 years and received the parish's Order of St. Paul in 2000. In addition to serving in a diaconal role at the altar of St. Paul's, Dcn. Pat was involved in a variety of community activities and boards. He was chaplain at local hospitals and in Florida as well serving in civic roles such as the Police and Fire Commission in Marinette. "I am blessed in so many ways," Rudolph shared in a letter to Bishop Gunter, "and I know God will bless my retirement." While not actively serving as a deacon, he will continue to attend St. Paul's and serve as a hospital chaplain on a limited basis. For the last two summers, the diocesan camp has been held at Waypost Camp, a part of Crossways Camping Ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Camp Director Erin Wolf describes the facility and the staff who work there as a wonderful fit for our camp program. Starting in 1926, the diocese has never owned a camp facility but has rented space from thirteen different places across the state (see list at end). The Crossways Camping Ministries newsletter featured this year's EpiscoWisco camp, as a community partner. The article is provided here. Community PartnersCrossways has a long history of partnering with community organizations. Every program is a little bit different, but they are all mutually beneficial. Our community partners get to enjoy a beautiful environment with abundant hospitality, and Crossways is able to fill our summer calendar. Our newest partner is the Diocese of Fond du Lac of the Episcopal Church. This was their second summer at Waypost, and it’s starting to feel like home to them. "Here at EpiscoWisco Camp, we are grateful to continue building our relationships with Crossways and Waypost Camp! Our campers and staff were blessed by our time at Waypost Camp in June. Whether working together at low ropes, building confidence at archery, exploring creation on hikes & nature walks, or celebrating Holy Eucharist in the chapel or at the Chi Rho, we were thrilled to have had such a beautiful and holy space to gather. We can't wait to see what God has in store for the 2023 season!" Camp has been held at a variety of location since 1926: Nepco Lake (Wisconsin Rapids), Camp Cleghorn (Waupaca), Fort Wilderness (Rhinelander), Chute Lake (Mountain), Camp Robin Hood (Green Lake), Camp Pilgrim (Green Lake), Camp Talaki (Waupaca), Camp Webb (Wautoma), Camp Anokijig (Plymouth), Nature’s Edge Camp (Waupaca), Crescent Lake Bible Camp (Rhinelander), Camp Lakotah (Wautoma) and its newest home, Waypost Camp (Hatley).
The Anglican Diocese of Masvingo in Zimbabwe, companion diocese of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac, has a new bishop-elect. The Bishops of the Province of Central Africa held their Episcopal Synod and selected the Ven. Osiward Mapika who had been elected by the diocese following the retirement of Bishop Godfrey. Mapika was born in Mvurwi and grew up in Shurugwi in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. He was made Deacon in 2002 and Ordained Priest in 2003 in the Diocese of Central Zimbabwe. He is married to Jane Khumalo Mapika and blessed with three children, two girls and one boy. Posted first to St. Patrick's Mission in Gweru as Deacon he was posted to St. Barnabas in Gweru Chiundura the following year. After serving three years in the Diocese of Central Zimbabwe he joined the then newly formed Diocese of Masvingo where he served for seven years at All Saints, Wrenningham in Chivhu and Holy Cross/St. Peter's, Zvishavane. He was appointed an Archdeacon and Vicar General of Masvingo. He moved to Harare in 2012 to St. Phillip's Mission District for eight years and then Holy Trinity, Ruwa in 2019 where he is currently Rector. He is also Archdeacon of Harare North Archdeaconry. Mapika holds an M.A. in Religious Studies: Religion and Sustainable Development, a B.A. In Theology and Religious Studies, Diploma in Religious Studies and a Diploma in Pastoral Studies. He was trained at Bishop Gaul College in Harare. Please keep bishop-elect Mapika and the people of the Diocese of Masvingo in your prayers. Prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of the Ven. Edwin Ball Smith who died August 4, 2022. He was 84. He is survived by his wife Joan, and adult children Julie, Jonathan and Richard. Smith was an active lay member and cleric of the diocese for nearly five decades. Ordained a deacon in 1983 and a priest in 1996, if you had any involvement in the diocese, you knew Dcn. then Fr. Ed. The list of involvement includes Cursillo, Happening, camp, and most every elected diocesan position and many volunteer ones. He was made and Archdeacon in 1993 and his extensive service to the church was honored as an inaugural recipient of the Bishop's Cross in 1997. Parochial service included Trinity, Oshkosh, All Saints, Appleton, St. Anne's, De Pere and St. Thomas, Menasha along with service to most every congregation of the diocese as long-term and Sunday supply and leading numerous workshops, consultations and just stopping by. Bishop Matt described him as "an inspiration to generations" who "helped form and strengthen the faith of many" and also was "a counselor to bishops." Not to be overlooked is Smith's professional career in serving students at post-secondary institutions. Ed graduated from Carroll College, received a master's degree from Indiana University and Ph.D. from Kent State University. He was Dean of Students at Illinois State University then moved to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh retiring as Assistant Chancellor for Student Affairs in 1996. He was active in the Oshkosh community in many ways as well. Funeral arrangements are on Tuesday August 16th at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Menasha. Visitation from 4:00-5:30 p.m., Eucharist at 5:30 p.m., and a reception following the service. An obituary may be found here. 60 members from congregations in the Wisconsin River Deanery gathered for some time of fellowship at a picnic at Hodag Park in Rhinelander on Saturday, July 30. Congregations of the deanery include St. Olaf’s, Amherst, St. Ambrose, Antigo, St. Francis Eagle River, Ascension, Merrill, St. Matthias, Minocqua, St. James, Mosinee, St. Augustine’s, Rhinelander, Intercession / Beloved Community, Stevens Point, St. Mark’s, Waupaca, St. John’s, Wausau, and St. John’s, Wisconsin Rapids.
Reports are that the food was fabulous, the conversation fulfilling, and the pontoon boat rides on the Wisconsin River and Boom Lake were enjoyable. It is hope there will continue to be future gatherings to develop and strengthen relationships. The Rev. Amanda Sampey has announced acceptance of a position with a hospice ministry in New Hampshire, near where her family’s cottage of several generations is located. Ordained a deacon in 2011 and a priest in 2016, she was called to the part-time position of Vicar at St. James, Mosinee in 2017. For more than a decade, she was worked as a chaplain in a local hospital system providing spiritual care to patients, families and staff. St. James' celebrated with Amma Amanda on July 10. "The members of this church family are doing great work" she shared, and thanked them for "the honor of allowing me to come together in the name of Christ to press on the kingdom." In addition to her new hospice work, she is seeking a church position in the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. "Her presence in a variety of diocesan ministries and elected positions reflects her commitment to the church as a whole," Bishop Matt Gunter noted. "Serving in a bi-vocational role is a challenge, and one she met well in serving the people of St. James." |
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