Dear Friends in Christ,
Christ is Risen! After a long Lenten fast, my heart is filled with the hope of the Resurrection and gratitude for everyone whose hard work and dedication brought Easter joy to each of our congregations. In thanksgiving for Easter ministry across our diocese, I am making a gift to the Bishop’s Easter Appeal, and I invite you to join me.
Joyful celebrations like Easter can be mountaintop moments where we want to stay forever. The altar flowers are bright and fragrant, visitors come to worship, and we shout alleluia once again after our Lenten fast. Plus, there’s chocolate!
But as followers of Jesus, we know that not every day can be a festival. My staff and I support leaders and congregations across our diocese through all the highs and lows of ministry in these uncertain times, and we know the challenges you face. Your generous gift to the Bishop’s Appeal ensures that we have the resources we need to encourage lay and clergy leaders as they lead with love, guide congregations in transition, explore fresh pathways for the diaconate, and more. Across our diocese, we are finding new ways to listen to Jesus. With your help, we can do more.
Like the disciples who witnessed the Transfiguration, God calls us to come down from the mountain and spread the good news of the Resurrection through word and deed. I give thanks that God has called me to that ministry with you here in the Diocese of Chicago, and I wish you and your families a joyous Eastertide.
Peace and blessings,
Bishop Paula E. Clark
P.S. You can make your gift to the Bishop’s Easter appeal online or mail a check to the Diocese of Chicago, 65 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611 with Bishop’s Appeal in the memo. Thank you!
