510 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire WI 54701 • 715.835.3734 Map to the Cathedral

News

Dear Friends of the Diocese of Eau Claire,

The 95th Convention of the Diocese of Eau Claire will be held on October 21st at Christ Church in La Crosse. We will kick things off Friday evening, October 20th with Evening Prayer followed by a reception and fellowship. Unlike most years, the President of Convention will be the President of the Standing Committee instead of the Bishop. As all three conventions in Wisconsin will be taking place at the same time, Bp. Gunter will be in place at Fond du Lac’s Convention.

The Agenda will begin on Saturday morning and include the Eucharist and all of the regular business of convention. Along with the usual business, this year’s convention will include a resolution that describes a proposed timeline and mechanism for the proposed reunion of the three dioceses of Wisconsin. That resolution is presented as a part of the materials in preparation for convention and has been drawn by the Steering Committee with the intent of making sure every member of our three dioceses understands the process we hope to follow before calling for a vote on the matter of reunion. There will be ample time and opportunity to debate the resolution before and during convention, but the resolution itself will not be
amendable, as it is a Joint Resolution shared by all three Diocesan Conventions.

Diocesan Convention isn’t simply a time to conduct the business of our common life as a diocese. Of course, it does include voting for members of various diocesan bodies, approving the budget, and voting on any proposed resolutions. It is also an opportunity for a larger, representative portion of the diocese to gather for prayer and worship. It is an occasion to hear about the state of the diocese and to help develop a vision for the coming year. All of that is important, but perhaps more importantly, it is a sort of family reunion as members from around the diocese gather to see and be with each other again.

Details regarding Convention involving registration, agenda, budget, and other matters are available on the Diocesan Website. I hope that you will attend one of the pre-Convention hearings prior to Convention. These will all be via Zoom this year. This is the place to and learn about the budget, any resolutions, and about those running for elected positions. In short, attending the pre-Convention hearings is where you can go to informed about the matters Convention will consider. Here is the pre-Convention schedule:

Pre-Convention Hearing #1: September 26th, at 6:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting CLICK HERE
Meeting ID: 874 4978 2075 Passcode: 181824

Pre-Convention Hearing #2: October 3rd, at 6:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting CLICK HERE
Meeting ID: 854 5538 5211 Passcode: 412822

Pre-Convention Hearing #3: October 17th, at 6:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting CLICK HERE
Meeting ID: 875 9822 1386 Passcode: 197806

I look forward to gathering with you all as we make the decision necessary for us all to walk with Christ into our shared future. 

Yours in the Love and Charity of Christ,
The Rev’d Canon Aaron Zook
Canon to the Ordinary of the Diocese of Eau Claire

Please have all registrations submitted prior to October 6th so we have accurate numbers for set up and food.

Documents Under Consideration for Approval at the 95th Diocesan Convention :

Click Here to access the Convention website or find the links below

2024 DEC Draft Budget (Compressed)

Click Here to access the registration form 

2023 Leadership Vacancies (Full Groups)

2023 Leadership Nomination Form

Resolutions:

Draft Joint Resolution re:Trialogue

Province V Resolution

Convention Worship Service: Details to be determined

Consent Agendas Scheduled for Vote: Consent Agendas to be determined

Advanced Reports:

Commission On Ministry 2023 Annual Report

95th Diocesan Convention Hotel Accommodations:

Stoney Creek Hotel
(15 rooms reserved)
3060 Kinney Coulee Road
Onalaska, WI 54650
Call- 608-781-3060 ext 3
or online: www.stoneycreekhotels.com
La Crosse,WI location
Deadline to reserve is 9/20/23
Click Book Now and enter group code: 1020CHURCH
Rate will be $195 per night

Days Inn and Suites
(18 rooms reserved)
9409 Highway 16
Onalaska, WI
608-519-4397
Deadline is 9/21/23
Call the hotel directly, reference block name: Episcopal Church
Rate is $130 night

 

We've seen a significant change in the weather since our last journal. After experiencing some intense heat and humidity, it now feels like fall is in the air. We're adding more hoodies and sweatpants to the van each time we go out and have been getting requests for lightweight jackets. It won't be long until we'll transition from shorts and sandals to gloves and boots -- hopefully, not too soon! We're continuing to deliver water to those in need on a daily basis to help with hydration.

We encountered a man last night that we've known for several years. When he arrived, he was somewhat obstinate but after sitting with him and listening to his concerns, he softened. He has a couple of problematic toes that need far more attention than we can provide on the street. It was painful for him to walk and when he arrived, he only had one shoe. After sitting and listening to him, we provided clean and dry socks as well as a pair of shoes. He wasn't sure he'd be able to get into the shelter and requested a blanket in case he stayed out at night. The visit reminded us of the importance of listening and the ministry of presence. We may have provided important items for this man but listening to his story and being a support was equally, if not more, important.
 
Listening and caring are just as important
as the items we provide.
  
Another man that came to our table informed us that he was going to be starting chemotherapy for a form of cancer the next day. He asked for an extra hoodie to layer over his two shirts as he was cold. Physically, he was pale and looked fragile compared to previous visits. Imagine being without 24/7 shelter when facing a serious illness and treatment...

Just before we left for the evening, a man came to us and said that he was embarrassed to ask for help but he needed a pair of sweatpants. We tried to reassure him that there was no need for embarrassment and that we were there to cover needs. He said that he'd never imagined himself in this situation and didn't know "how" to be homeless. He didn't want to stay and talk as the shelter was going to open soon but we did quickly tell him when we were going to be back and invited him to come again. We noted that he has a vehicle and likely spends a significant amount of time in it.

 
 
This dragonfly came and visited us for a good amount of time and watched our brothers and sisters as they came and went.
We like to think of it as a watchful symbol of hope for our friends 
 
As we leave the hot summer behind and move into a more temperate time of year, please keep those we serve in your thoughts and prayers. The nights can be cool and even now, there can be some hazards related to the temperature.

Blessings to all,
 
CVSM Staff 
 

We would love for you to join us this Sunday, at 9 a.m., for a Rite II Holy Eucharist service with The Reverend Lenny Anderson, in-person, via Zoom or Facebook live.

There is a link embedded in the middle of the invitation. To use this link, you have to download the free "Zoom" app to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Click HERE to download the free app, just choose the correct version for the device you have. If you already have the app on your device, all you have to do is click the link below to automatically connect. (Be sure to allow the app to access your camera and microphone, if requested.)

If you don't want to use the app, or are using a device that can't download the app, you can go to the website: Zoom: https://zoom.us or click HERE. Enter a "Meeting ID or Personal Link Name." The "Meeting ID" is: 924 746 7996. Just enter those digits without a space or dashes and click enter. From there, you'll be prompted to allow access to your camera/microphone.

If you don't have access to a smartphone/tablet/computer with a camera and microphone and want to join the meeting as a phone call, there is a number listed just above the Meeting ID that you can call. That will connect you to the meeting with audio only. Those numbers are in red in the invitation. For this meeting, the best number is: 1 312 626 6799

Click HERE to join the service via Zoom

Meeting ID: 924 746 7996
Password: 814057

Click Here to access the Sunday bulletin.

Dear Friends,

The early church came together across previously unimaginable social and political boundaries in the name of Jesus for mutual support, encouragement, and to grow in the knowledge and love of God.

We welcome you to attend our in person worship at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays. We sincerely hope that people will feel comfortable and safe returning to in-person worship. Even so, some will not feel safe or face a greater risk, and so we will provide a Zoom link and Facebook live stream to the in-person worship as a way of keeping our community together in worship.

This has been a long journey that is not quite at its end, but I am hopeful, along with the Vestry, that we will be able to travel this last stage together with a renewed sense of hope and purpose in our mission to share the love of God with all the world.

Benjamin+

If you choose to continue to join us on Zoom (link below) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/cathedralec):

Click here to access the Sunday service bulletin.

Click here to join our Zoom live for any of our services

Join us for Rite II Holy Eucharist service this Sunday with The Reverend Lenny Anderson, at 9 a.m. at the Cathedral, or watch this service livestream via Zoom (instructions & link below) or on our Facebook page (to find us on Facebook type in @cathedralec).

There is a link embedded in the middle of the invitation. To use this link, you have to download the free "Zoom" app to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. If you have that app on your device, all you have to do is click the link on the email and you will automatically connect. (Be sure to allow the app to access your camera and microphone, if requested.

If you don't want to use the app, or are using a device that can't download the app, you can go to the website for Zoom: https://zoom.us On the upper right hand side of your screen, there will be a tab titled "Join a Meeting." Click on that tab and you will be prompted to enter a "Meeting ID or Personal Link Name." The "Meeting ID" can be found toward the bottom of the invitation. I've highlighted it in red to be easier to find. In the case of this meeting, the ID is: 924 746 7996. Just enter those digits without a space or dashes and click enter. From there, you'll be prompted to allow access to your camera/microphone.

If you don't have access to a smartphone/tablet/computer with a camera and microphone and want to join the meeting as a phone call, there is a number listed just above the Meeting ID that you can call. That will connect you to the meeting with audio only. Those numbers are in red in the invitation. For this meeting, the best number is: 1 312 626 6799

Join Zoom Meeting
click here to join the meeting https://zoom.us/j/9247467996

Meeting ID: 924 746 7996
Password: 814057

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Meeting ID: 924 746 7996
Password: 814057

Find your local number: click here

Click here to access the bulletin for Sunday service.

The sign-up sheet is now posted in the memorial lounge and in sign-up genius for hosting July coffee hours. To sign up through sign-up genius scroll to the bottom of this email, and click on the link. You can also sign up on the poster by the kitchen window when you’re at church this Sunday. If you’ve never hosted coffee hour, but you would like to get started, talk to Mary Gadwill and Becky Van Es. We will be happy to host with you your first time to give you instructions. Thank you to all for making coffee hours enjoyable for everyone!

This is a time to connect with your church family following the service on Sunday. It's fun & easy! We want to keep it simple, coffee, juice, and breakfast items (donuts, donut holes, muffins, cookies, etc.) Please check your calendar and review the available slots below; click on the button to sign up.

Help us keep coffee hour brewing!

Click Here to Access the Coffee Hour Sign Up