Dear Friends in Christ: Alleluia, Christ is Risen! As Easter people, we know that the miracle of the Resurrection offers us new life in Christ. But a whole new life is a lot to think about! Not all Easter people respond to the Good News in the same way. In John’s gospel, Mary Magdalene boldly…
The Very Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer Elected Bishop of Rochester
Dear Friends: With great pleasure, I am writing to tell you that earlier this afternoon, the Very Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer, rector of St. John’s, Chicago, and dean of the Chicago North Deanery, was elected bishop of Rochester on the fifth ballot by the people of that diocese. The people of Rochester have seen in…
From Bishop Clark: Coming Down from the Mountain/De la Obipsa Clark: Bajando de la montaña
Ash Wednesday 2024 Dear People of God: Last Sunday, we heard a familiar story from Mark’s gospel. It’s known as the story of the Transfiguration, and even if that name is not familiar to you, you might remember what happens. Jesus goes up a mountain with three of his disciples, and at the top, he…
From Bishop Clark: Introducing Our Newest Bishop’s Staff Members/De la Obispa Clark: Presentamos a nuestros miembros más nuevos del personal
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Chicago: Last summer, I wrote to you describing the ways in which I have reorganized the bishop’s staff to support our congregations. In that letter, I mentioned that we planned to add a fundraising and development officer to our staff team, and today I am delighted to…
In Memoriam: The Rev. Alvaro Araica
January 2, 2024 Dear People of God in the Diocese of Chicago: In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, I write to share the heartbreaking news that the Rev. Alvaro Araica, our own missioner for multicultural ministries, died on December 31 at Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview after a long illness. He…
Following the Light: Bishop Clark’s Christmas Message
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. –Collect…
Bishop Clark’s Annual Address
On November 18, Bishop Clark gave her annual address to the 186th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. “God’s got this. It won’t always be easy, but our faithfulness will be our strength,” she said. “Indeed, we have to move forward. And in our first year together, we have identified some ways that we…
Abide in God’s Love: Bishop Clark’s Convention Sermon
On November 17, Bishop Clark preached on on John 15:1-11 at the Eucharist of the 186th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago. “Our text uses the word ‘abide’ eleven times, and Jesus says the branch must abide in the vine,” Bishop Clark said. “It doesn’t mean ‘agree with,’ and sometimes we don’t always get…
Celebrating Our First Anniversary: A Letter from Bishop Clark
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 Dear People of God in the Diocese of Chicago, With thanks to God for mercy and grace, today we celebrate the first anniversary of our…
From Bishop Clark: A New Way of Organizing Our Work
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Chicago: In the last several months, my staff and I have been strategizing, planning and dreaming about how we can best support our congregations as you answer God’s call in these complicated times. Today I am pleased to share with you a new staff structure that we…