For centuries the church, at its best, has served as a center of community life. From medieval stained glass windows to contemporary exhibits and performances, the creative arts have helped congregations welcome their neighbors, express the Christian call to service, enhance congregational life, and become known within their communities. In the Diocese of Chicago, congregations…
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has named Ellen Lindeen of St. Michael’s, Barrington, as one of the delegates who will represent him at the 64th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) in New York, March 9-20. Lindeen, who serves on the national executive council of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, was chosen as…
Last month, the antiracism initiatives at St. John’s, Chicago and All Saints, Chicago, were awarded Becoming Beloved Community grants by the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church. The awards—$4000 for St. John’s and $3000 for All Saints—are contingent on the two congregations forming a relationship with one another. Although their antiracism programs have different origins…
In his Christmas message, Bishop Lee says, “God surprises us, God comes to us, sometimes in quite unplanned for ways. But always with love.” __________ En su mensaje navideño, el Obispo Lee dice, “Dios nos da sorpresas, Dios nos viene a veces en maneras bien imprevistas. Pero siempre con amor.” Watch the video with Spanish…
Fraud Prevention Webinar: Protecting your Congregation’s Assets
Presenter: Timothy J. O’Brien, PhD, Program Director for The Academy of Church Leadership
Thursday, January 30, 12-1pm
This workshop is designed to provide the participant with practical tips on how to prevent and detect fraud or embezzlement in church settings. As much as we want to be trusting, good stewardship requires that we also have a duty to guard our assets, especially cash. Please register online. Zoom conference info will be shared with registrants in advance.
In the Fall of 2019, CCD Weekends will be offered for Year B. The series of four weekends spread throughout the 2019-2020 program year will be equivalent to the summer week-long residential training. Year A is not required prior to taking Year B. The weekend series is a great opportunity for lay teams, along with their clergy, to take the CCD training. Lay teams may take the training on their own if their clergy have participated in the week-long summer session.
Participants must commit to attending all four seminars to receive credit for the Year B program.
Financial Transparency Webinar: Stewardship to Your Congregation
Presenter: Timothy J. O’Brien, PhD, Program Director for The Academy of Church Leadership at North Park University
Monday, February 10, 12-1 pm
This workshop explores best practices in reporting financial activities and position to the congregation in a simple and transparent way. Accounting can be complex, but results should be reported in a simple way that is easily understood by everybody. Please register online to participate. Zoom conference information will be shared in advance.
The Introduction to Systemic Racism workshop introduces stakeholders to the idea that racism is a systemic, institutional problem of power and creates the rationale for a structural intervention to dismantle it. The Introductory Workshop demonstrates that productive conversations about race are possible — and partner organization Chicago ROAR has an effective methodology for facilitating them. Participants also get a sense that antiracism work does not stop with participating in a workshop; that we also have a strategic methodology to assist people in dismantling racism in their institutions. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Members of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago attend at the reduced rate of $30 using promo code EDOC at registration.
