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2018 Diocesan Convention Preview
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181st Annual Diocesan Convention
November 16 - 17
The 181st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago will be
held Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard.
Convention is the annual business meeting of the diocese, during which we elect leaders, consider resolutions and hear reports from across the diocese and the wider church. More than 500 people attend convention each year.
Voting participants at convention include the clergy of the diocese and lay representatives elected from each congregation. The gathering also includes ex-officio members, who are entitled to seat and voice, and many visitors. Learn more.
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Journalist Ray Suarez to Keynote Convention
Journalist Ray Suarez, a veteran of PBS NewsHour, NPR, and Al Jazeera America, will give the keynote address at the 2018 diocesan convention. Suarez, known for his reporting on demographics, race, and religion, is currently John J. McCloy Visiting Professor of American Studies at Amherst College.
Suarez lives in Washington, D.C. with his family and is a member of St. Columba's Episcopal Church.
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What's New at Convention 2018
More opportunities to connect; Dessert and dancing fun
From the convention planning team:
We're always grateful for feedback from convention goers and in 2017 it was clear: people want more opportunities for networking, collaboration, information sharing and conversation. We're making changes to the schedule to allow for that and will have more information to share in the coming weeks. Here's what's new:
* This year's convention registration fees include what we're calling Friday Fun & Fellowship, an event in the ballroom from 7-9:30 pm with dessert for adults and kids and dancing.
* There will not be a dinner reception on Friday; please have dinner on your own and come to the ballroom for dessert and dancing.
* Registration also includes a Saturday networking lunch (buffet style) in the Junior Ballroom. All convention registrants are invited to come for lunch and join in table conversations around some suggested areas of common interest including feeding ministries, global ministry, and other topics.
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Convention Registration
Register online by September 30 for best pricing
 All convention participants--individuals and groups of clergy, lay delegates, alternate delegates, general attendees, volunteers, youth and children--should register for diocesan convention online.
Advance registration is $80/person through September 30; $105/person October 1 through October 31. After October 31 please plan to register onsite at $125/person.
Please register using the links below:
A limited number of scholarships are available. Please contact Karin Gutierrez with questions about registration. |
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Certification of Delegates
All delegates must be certified by their congregations, campus ministries, or the youth ministry office to have voice and vote at convention. Registering for convention does not constitute certification.
Certification forms for campus ministries, congregations and youth representatives are available online. The forms may be submitted by email or fax (312. 787.5872). |
Nominations and Resolutions 
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Hotel Reservations
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. The room rate is $121 plus tax and is available through November 1. Reservations must be guaranteed by one night's deposit (room and tax) on a major credit card.
Reserve your room online or call Westin Reservations at 1.888.627.9031 and mention the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago for the convention rate.
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Exhibits
Vendors wishing to participate in the exhibit hall at diocesan convention may register for a booth online. More information is available on the convention webpage.
If you have any questions, please contact Louisa McKellaston, exhibit hall manager, by email or phone (312.751.4214) |
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Volunteers Needed
 Convention is our biggest event of the year and we couldn't do it without the help of volunteers. Volunteer roles range from assisting with registration to collecting ballots during the business sessions.
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Presiding Bishop to Undergo SurgeryProstate cancer diagnosis; prognosis is "quite positive"
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photo:Episcopal News Service
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Presiding Bishop Michael Curry announced on July 25 in a letter to the church that he will undergo surgery for prostate cancer on July 31:
Dear Friends in Christ,
A few months ago, through my annual physical, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After a variety of tests, consultations, and conversations with my wife and daughters, I decided on a surgical treatment course. On this coming Tuesday, July 31st, I will have surgery to remove the prostate gland. I am happy to say that the prognosis looks very good and quite positive. I have spoken with several others who have gone through this, and who have offered both encouragement and helpful advice. I will be in the hospital for at least a day, then at home to recuperate.
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News from the 2018 General Convention
During legislative sessions, deputies and bishops took action on more than 400 resolutions, including many that addressed immigration issues, prayer book revision, Israel-Palestine and the readmission of the Episcopal Church of Cuba as a diocese. Members of the Chicago deputation--a group of eight clergy and lay people elected by diocesan convention to serve in the House of Deputies--testified on legislation relating to gender discrimination, transgender equality, and on the church's involvement and advocacy in Israel and Palestine. Watch the newsletter for news of opportunities to hear from the deputation at diocesan convention and throughout the coming year. For more information contact Crystal Plummer, deputation chair.
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Chicago Deputies Speak on Gender Issues
Deputies Repogle, Spelman featured in Deputy News article
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| Chicago Deputy Jenny Repogle speaks in the House of Deputies while holding son Rowan
photo: Cynthia Black |
At General Convention, Chicago Deputy Jenny Repogle advocated for a change to the House of Deputies rules of order that formalized the ability of nursing or bottle-feeding parents to bring their children onto the floor of the House of Deputies. Deputy Kate Spelman, also from Chicago, advocated for a resolution that formed a task force to research sexism in the church, and "the role it plays in pay equity, status, and gender-based harassment."
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In Memoriam Chief Bior Kuir Aguer
Longtime friend of the Diocese of Chicago, Chief Bior Kuir Aguer, died on July 7 in Khartoum following a stroke. Chief Bior was one of the elders who started Renk Diocese with former archbishop and primate Dr. Canon Daniel Deng Bul Yak. He is survived by his wife, the Rev. Mary Nyanmou Bol, and five children.
Read a brief biography of Chief Bior Kuir Aguer.
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College for Congregational Development
Register now for 2018-2019 weekend intensives
 In 2018-2019, the Diocese of Chicago will offer a four-weekend intensive training of the College for Congregational Development (CCD) Year A curriculum, equivalent to the week-long CCD training. Weekend intensives will be held at St. James Commons in Chicago, with overnight accommodations available. - September 21-22, 2018
- December 7-8, 2018
- February 8-9, 2019
- May 10-11, 2019
The cost for all four weekends is $800/person, including meals and lodging. Scholarships are available to members of congregations located in the Diocese of Chicago. Congregations are urged to send teams to CCD training so that it might be most effective locally. Individual team members must complete all four sessions. Learn more and register online. |
Facilitator Training: Pathways to ReconciliationSaturday, August 25 at St. Paul & the Redeemer
Bishop Lee has enthusiastically charged each congregation with fulfilling the Task Force on the Legacy of Slavery's recommendation that congregations spend a year in conversation "on the impact of the legacy of slavery and segregation and discrimination in its local context" based on the Legacy of Slavery Taskforce Report.
Pathway to Reconciliation is the congregational study guide for the Legacy of Slavery Taskforce Report. On Saturday, August 25 from 9 am until 3 pm at St. Paul & the Redeemer, Chicago, facilitators will be trained in using the study guide to lead their congregations toward meaningful, faithful and redemptive transformation. Registration deadline is August 17. Learn more and register.
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Antiracism Training OpportunitiesUpcoming session in October
The Antiracism Commission of the Diocese of Chicago, in partnership with Chicago Regional Organizing for Antiracism (Chicago ROAR), offers subsidized training for members of the diocese. Visit the webpage for more information and registration links, including October 18-20 at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
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2018 Hunger Committee Grant Applications Applications Due September 20
Each year the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago Hunger Committee offers support to congregations and agencies that sponsor programs to address hunger in the diocese. In 2017, the committee awarded grants ranging from $250 to $1,400 to nine food pantries, meal programs, and community gardens.
The grants are funded through gifts to the Hunger Committee and other sources. Funds raised by Episcopalians participating in the Chicago CROP Hunger Walk are also distributed by the committee; these funds are restricted to Chicago. Agencies outside the city may apply to their local CROP walks.
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Episcopal Church Women Grant Opportunities Applications Due September 21
Applications for the 2018 Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Grants are now being accepted. The ECW awards both the ECW Recognition Grant for parish women's ministry groups and the Phoebe Griswold Grant for an individual (male or female) developing a program of lasting effect for women and/or children. Details about these grants and the application forms are available online. |
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Summer Publication Schedule
Throughout the year, we publish both a general email newsletter and Leadership News, a publication for lay leaders and clergy in the Diocese of Chicago, on alternate Wednesdays. The deadline to submit items to be included is Tuesday at noon.
Please send news about your congregation's ministry, mission and events to Jen Boyle-Tucker.
From Wednesday, June 27 through Wednesday, September 5, we will publish one email newsletter every other week that will combine announcements for diocesan leaders and general interest news. Look for summer newsletters on August 8 and August 22.
The regular publication schedule will resume with Leadership News on September 5 and the general interest newsletter on September 12. Submissions are due to Jen Boyle-Tucker by noon on Tuesday before each publication date.
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Call for 2018 Diocesan Convention Memorials
It is our tradition to remember in the diocesan convention necrology those who have died in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago in the last year. Please submit the names of those in your congregation who have died since the 2017 Diocesan Convention to the convention secretary by email before October 30.
If you have questions about our memorial list please email Jen Boyle-Tucker.
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Save the Dates for 2018 Clergy Conference
The annual clergy conference will be held October 14-16 at Techny Towers in Northbrook. Please watch for registration information and program details to come.
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 Learning Opportunities |
Open Invitation: Legacy of Slavery Discussions August - October at St. Philip's, Palatine
In response to the report from the Task Force on the Legacy of Slavery, Diocese of Chicago congregations have been asked to engage in conversations about race, systemic racism, and how the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow segregation affects our society today.
St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Palatine invites members of the diocese from all congregations to join them for their series of conversations taking place on Sundays, August 5, September 16 and October 21 from 2-4 pm. For more information contact St. Philip's by email or phone at 847.358.0615.
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Fall Spiritual Care Visitor Training September - November at St. Mark's, Glen Ellyn 
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| Congregation and Community Events |
SPARK Nights at St. Mark's Evanston Fridays: July 27 and August 3
 Explore the fruits of the spirit through science, arts and creative play at St. Mark's, Evanston on Fridays, July 27 and August 3 at 7 pm. All ages are invited to participate. The events are free but please RSVP by email to help with planning. |
Fall Festival at St. James CathedralSave the date: September 29
On September 29 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, St. James Cathedral will host a fall festival including Eucharist at 12:10 pm, celebrated in the style of the cathedral's 9 am Sunday service, and evensong at 3 pm observing the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels.
The day will also include children's programs, an discussion for adults on Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's book "Reclaiming Jesus," and more. Watch for more information and registration details in future newsletters. |
| Job Openings |
| New this week: Sunday School Director at St. Michael's, Barrington. Visit the website for a full list of clergy openings and lay employee openings. |
| Save the Dates |
View the website homepage for a listing of upcoming 2018 diocesan events including:
- Hispanic Liturgy with Confirmation October 20 at St. James Cathedral
- Women's Fall Gathering & Retreat October 26-28 at DeKoven Retreat Center, Racine, WI
- Bishop's Ball November 9 at the Ritz-Carlton
- Diocesan Convention November 16-17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown
2018 General Convention
T he 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church will take place in Austin, Texas July 5-13, 2018. Learn more.
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| Church News |
The latest from Episcopal News Service and Episcopal Cafe
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IN THIS ISSUE
2017 Diocesan Convention Preview
Diocesan News
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Spread the Word
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