Faith leaders working ‘slowly, carefully and deliberately’ to bring congregations back into houses of worship, though hybrid virtual and live services could continue

From Chicago-

Many houses of worship continue to hold virtual services and are proceeding with a gradual return to in-person services.  However, while churches and other houses of worship are now free to hold public, in-person gatherings, faith leaders appear to be easing into it – or even staying remote, for now.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, in Barrington, has continued to hold all services online, said the Rev. Jesse Perkins.  The Episcopal denomination’s bishop is permitting clergy to return to work in the building, so the church began Saturday to live-stream services from inside the church, rather than producing worship videos from their homes. 

Perkins said his church is looking forward to the implementation, likely later this summer, of Phase 4 of the state’s reopening plan where public gatherings of up to 50 people will be permitted.  

More here-

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/buffalo-grove/ct-bgc-faith-services-remain-virtual-tl-0618-20200614-jermvzjtmneahjjibiwttf3i4a-story.html

Priest arrived to lead Ravenswood church as pandemic hit Chicago; three weeks later, his congregation vanished

From Chicago-

The woman Stephen Applegate replaced at the pulpit earlier this year liked to pop champagne corks at baptisms, write rock-themed Christmas pageants and almost single-handedly saved the church from extinction 27 years ago.

Rev. Applegate, a soft-spoken New York native, made his debut at All Saints Episcopal Church in Ravenswood in mid-February before a congregation still reeling from the loss of that beloved priest, Bonnie Perry, who left after being named bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan.

Three weeks later, Applegate’s voice echoed in a church of empty pews.

Applegate, 68, is an itinerant man of the cloth. But even for someone whose job is to wade into sometimes messy situations — say, when a former priest has been accused of theft or sexual misconduct — there is, as he puts it, no “pandemic handbook.”

More here-

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/25/21267742/all-saints-episcopal-church-new-priest-rector-coronavirus-online-services-uptown

Chicago-area religious gatherings being reshaped because of coronavirus, but some churchgoers not worried yet

From Chicago-

Even as coronavirus concerns spread across the world and religious groups in the Chicago area made changes to their practices to deal with the disease, some churchgoers said they aren’t worried enough yet to change how they worship.

At St. James Episcopal Cathedral, a group of about 15 parishioners gathered for an afternoon Mass on Wednesday. Prior to beginning the readings, the Rev. Courtney Reid told the group that some tweaks in the ceremony will apply because of coronavirus concerns, including refraining from handshakes and changing communion practices. She also pointed to pumps of hand sanitizer stationed around the church.

During the exchange of peace, parishioners giggled, confused about how to interact with one another. Some tapped elbows and waved to each other. Though worshippers had been reminded that they could fully receive communion by taking only the bread, many also chose to drink out of the chalice during the ceremony.

Alison Gomersall, who said she regularly attends Wednesday services, said COVID-19 does not worry her yet.

More here-

https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-religions-churches-20200306-ja2txkgay5ddznwz65d6dtb7ia-story.html

Diocese of Chicago and Episcopal Church reach settlement with ACNA Diocese of Quincy

From ENS-

The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and The Episcopal Church have reached a settlement with the Diocese of Quincy in the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) and 15 parishes and missions in that diocese over real property, other assets and church records that were part of the former Episcopal Diocese of Quincy and The Episcopal Church in 2008.

The settlement, the terms of which are confidential, includes property at issue in a suit filed in 2013 in a circuit court in Peoria.

“I give thanks for your perseverance and courage through the past eleven years, and I am grateful that this settlement will benefit God’s mission in the Peoria Deanery for many years to come,” Bishop Jeffrey D. Lee of Chicago wrote in a letter to the people of the deanery. “Participating in your ministry has been one of the great joys of my time as bishop of Chicago, and I continue to rejoice at your commitment to our beloved Episcopal Church and the communities and people you serve,” added Lee, who will retire in August.

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/pressreleases/diocese-of-chicago-and-episcopal-church-reach-settlement-with-acna-diocese-of-quincy/

Special service marks closure

From The Diocese of Chicago-

A very special service, to be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, will mark the last time that St. Paul's Episcopal Church — the church with the bright red doors located on the corner of Washington and 4th streets in Savanna — will be meeting for worship.

According to Father Bob North, it is the hope of the remaining and former members of St. Paul's, who are preparing a festive reception following the service, that this All Saints' Sunday will be an occasion to honor all those who have attended St. Paul's and served the wider Savanna community throughout the years.

He said a special effort is being made to invite those who have grown up in the church and moved away or remained in Savanna as well as the lay members and clergy of the other churches with whom St. Paul's has worked with over the years in the Savanna Inter Church Community Association.

More here-

http://www.mycarrollcountynews.com/news/article_77efa600-fb33-11e9-b7ce-37c2ba4c6486.html

In Memoriam: Bishop James Montgomery, 1921-2019

From Chicago-

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: 

I write today with sad news. Bishop James Montgomery, ninth bishop of Chicago, died today at home after a short illness. He was 98 years old. I will preside at a solemn celebration of the Eucharist for the Burial of the Dead at St. James Cathedral in November. We will share more information as soon as it is available.

Jim was a true son of Chicago. He was born here on May 29, 1921 to James Edward Montgomery and Evelyn Winchester Montgomery, the daughter of the Rt. Rev. James Winchester, bishop of Arkansas from 1911-1931. He grew up in Rogers Park and attended Sullivan High School and Northwestern University. After service as a lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II, he entered General Theological Seminary and was graduated and ordained priest and deacon by Bishop Wallace E. Conkling, seventh bishop of Chicago, in 1949.

More here-

https://www.episcopalchicago.org/our-stories/2019/10/23/memoriam-bishop-james-montgomery-1921-2019?fbclid=IwAR3ow8VCeuGkA7xmtpMonLx-MaAfO9aRbAf6rHEIHba3cL7KMtBPJvcuSvA

Christ Episcopal to reopen Saturday

From Illinois-

The Christ Episcopal Church in Ottawa is gearing up to hold services once again after a fire led to a 16-month closure.

Volunteers and church members quickly hustled through the church, 113 E. Lafayette St., Tuesday morning while prepping for Saturday’s open house.

Vestry member Angie Miller walked around while placing hymnals and prayer books in the pockets on the back of pews while other volunteers were setting up the holy water receptacle near the church’s entrance. The church’s organ was scheduled to be tuned up on Wednesday in anticipation of returning guests.

Warden Mary Grzywa was assisting with the final pieces of the restoration but paused to speak with The Times and take in the work.

More here-

http://www.mywebtimes.com/2018/09/26/christ-episcopal-to-reopen-saturday/asjh8e2/

Restoration of church, apartment complex reveal value of neighborhood architectural gems

From Chicago-

Today's column is about the fall and rise of two neighborhood architectural gems — a Stick Style church where poet Carl Sandburg once worshipped and an Art Moderne apartment complex that was home to singer Nat "King" Cole, poet Gwendolyn Brooks and music producer Quincy Jones.

These buildings have a lot in common. Each was shaped by an architect known for more high-profile commissions. Each exhibits a style of design rarely seen in Chicago. And last week, Landmarks Illinois, a Chicago-based nonprofit, named both winners of 2017 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards.

The buildings — All Saints Episcopal Church at 4550 N. Hermitage Ave. and the Rosenwald Courts apartments at 4648 S. Michigan Ave. — share something else: Impressive revitalization after a descent into decay.

Completed in 1883, All Saints is thought to be Chicago's oldest wooden church building. The church likely used wood because stone was too expensive — and because its site at that time was outside the borders of Chicago, where wood-frame construction was prohibited after the Great Fire of 1871. Architect John Cochrane, who is credited as a co-designer of Illinois' and Iowa's state capitols, crafted a fine example of the Stick Style, which layered "stick work" boards atop wood wall surfaces, often to express a building's internal structure.

More here-

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-architecture-neighborhood-gems-kamin-0806-20170804-story.html

Religious leaders encourage acceptance of immigrants

From Chicago-

Various religions, traditions, ethnic backgrounds and ages were represented in the nearly 200 people mingling Sunday in a packed room at St. Simon's Episcopal Church in Arlington Heights.

They brainstormed ways to actively build solidarity in their communities. They discussed the importance of respecting those who have beliefs different from their own. And through speeches given by local religious leaders, they learned the basic tenets of Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Christianity regarding the treatment of immigrants.

"This is beautiful. This is America," said Rev. Corey Brost, co-founder of the Children of Abraham Coalition. "This is what we stand for in this country."

The Interfaith Immigration Forum, organized by the coalition, aimed to inspire its attendees to take action in light of new and more aggressive national immigration enforcement guidelines. Though President Donald Trump's orders call for widening the pool of undocumented immigrants targeted for deportation and hiring more enforcement agents, Brost said most religions believe refugees and vulnerable immigrants should be welcomed and protected.

More here-

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170305/news/170309374/

Episcopal Bishop Says 'Partial Exclusion' By Anglicans Won't Change Mission

From Public Radio (with audio)-

The Episcopal Church will remain part of the worldwide Anglican Communion -- for now. A recent gathering of the world's top Angilcan bishops, or primates, avoided a separation with the U.S. branch over their full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The primates, meeting in England, released a communiqué in which they “condemned homophobic prejudice and violence” and “reaffirmed their rejection of criminal sanctions against same-sex attracted people.”

But they approved a "partial exclusion" of the more liberal Episcopalians, which bans them from voting on certain committees or helping to decide "any issues pertaining to doctrine or polity."

More here-

http://northernpublicradio.org/post/episcopal-bishop-says-partial-exclusion-anglicans-wont-change-mission

Catholic music director fired after same-sex wedding files complaint

From Chicago-

When Frank Hattula met Sandor Demkovich — a devout Catholic who loved music — his heart went pitter-patter.

Last year, after 15 years together, they were married in Chicago. But along with the joys of marriage came a painful split from a lifelong relationship with the Catholic church.

Demkovich, a music director at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Calumet City, claims he was asked to resign in September 2014 because his marriage was against the church’s “policies and teachings.”

More here-

http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1096824/catholic-music-director-fired-after-same-sex-wedding-files-complaint

Clergy join push to legalize marijuana in mission of social justice

From Chicago-

The marijuana decriminalization bill that could soon go to Gov. Bruce Rauner's desk has an array of supporters, including civil libertarians, prosecutors and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Its supporters also include clergy. Protestant pastors and Jewish rabbis are lobbying lawmakers in Illinois and in states across the Northeast as part of a push toward legalization, which they see as a moral cause encompassing issues such as race, fair housing and employment.

To that end, the group, called Clergy for a New Drug Policy, is pushing for legislation to tax and regulate cannabis, refer individuals charged with drug-related crimes to treatment, eliminate mandatory minimum sentences and support medical marijuana.

More here-

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-clergy-for-new-drug-policy-met-20150602-story.html

Chicago Church Doesn't Just Feed The Hungry -- They Do It With Maitre D' Service

From Huffington-

On Dec. 7, the kitchen of All Saints Episcopal Church was packed with volunteers, and the aroma in the air was undeniably mouth-watering. The Chicago parish was hosting one of its two yearly Sunday dinners for needy community members, dishing up food, service and entertainment one might expect to find in a restaurant, rather than a church hall.

The night's menu boasted a wide range of dishes: roasted turkey breast, prime rib, salmon, roasted acorn squash, a broccoli-spinach souffle and sage stuffing, plus pecan and pumpkin pies. As guests filed in to sit at tables adorned with flowers, smartly dressed waiters flitted about the room. Rev. Bonnie Perry and other volunteers greeted the hungry guests as friends, while a group of singers from a local prep school readied their dinnertime performance.hunger

More here-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/10/all-saints-cafe-chicago-bonnie-perry_n_6297160.html?utm_hp_ref=religion

Something new: Same-sex wedding ceremonies at churches

From Chicago-

Church musician Robert Vogler, 62, has participated in his fair share of marriage ceremonies. But none will be more special than the one taking place Sunday. It’s the day marriage equality becomes legal statewide in Illinois. And it’s the day he and his partner of 23 years, Anthony Dobrowolski, will exchange marriage vows in the place they’ve called their church home for two decades. The couple always wanted to get married.“We never had that option, and it didn’t seem like . . . in our lifetime that we ever would,” Vogler said. “When [the law] passed, we decided we’re going to do it, and we wanted to do it on June 1.”

More here-


http://www.suntimes.com/news/27734021-418/something-new-same-sex-wedding-ceremonies-at-churches.html#.U4nBHznDU9U

Episcopal Church Files Suit Against Breakaway Ill. Diocese Figures

From Christian Post-

The Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago have opted to file a lawsuit against a small breakaway Illinois diocese over its property and assets.

Filed last week in Peoria County at the Circuit Court of the Tenth Judicial Circuit, the suit is part of the ongoing legal efforts by the national denomination against what was once its smallest diocese in the United States.

The suit calls for the Court to declare the church properties of the Anglican Diocese of Quincy as belonging to The Episcopal Church.

"Plaintiffs pray that the Court…declare that all property held by the Parishes of the Episcopal Diocese is held for and may only be used for the mission of the Church and the Episcopal Diocese, subject to the Constitutions and canons of the Church and the Episcopal Diocese," reads the suit in part.

More here-

http://www.christianpost.com/news/episcopal-church-files-suit-against-breakaway-ill-diocese-figures-108641/

Couple holds guerrilla wedding at Art Institute of Chicago

From Chicago-

The location of the civil wedding ceremony for Stacy Alan and John Poole was the groom's choice, one that called for it to be wrapped up in mere minutes.

His appreciation for art and the couple's desire for a simple exchange of vows are what led them, hand in hand, to Gallery 240 inside the Art Institute of Chicago over the weekend.

It was there, in front of French artist Georges Seurat's famous pointillist painting "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," and two security guards who either looked the other way or didn't notice, that the Chicago couple wed.

There were no gallery reservations or requests for permission sought from museum officials. The Saturday morning ceremony was what their friends described as a three-minute-long "guerrilla wedding" inside of a space the 43-year-old Hyde Park playwright finds sacred.

More here-

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-museum-wedding-20131029,0,2679019.story

From the Pulpit: Grace Episcopal instrumental in new outreach

From Illinois-


The Freeport Area Church Cooperative announced two weeks ago that a new project would make possible a permanent housing solution for homeless veterans in Freeport.

Offering six newly renovated apartments, Hero House, at 218 W. Clark St., promises to fulfill dreams of FACC and veterans service organizations to serve a population that is often lost in the mainstream.

Helping this vision to materialize through significant funding, Grace Episcopal Church of Freeport continues a tradition of generosity that has been touching the lives of those in need for decades. A founding member of FACC in the 1970s, Grace Church was soon instrumental in beginning the ministry called PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter), under the guiding light of Deacon Ron Russell and other determined individuals.

Read more:

http://www.journalstandard.com/features/x914330465/From-the-Pulpit-Grace-Episcopal-instrumental-in-new-outreach#ixzz2gf7s2REC

Libertyville's St. Lawrence Episcopal Church infuses worship with jazz

From Illinois-

St. Lawrence Episcopal Church in Libertyville is marrying an unlikely duo: the sultry sounds of Chicago jazz with traditional worship.

A group known for its Chicago version of Dixieland jazz will take the stage 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.

Unlike the New Orleans style, the Windy City All-Stars ensemble brings a more collective improvisation, Dave Hibbard said. Members of the group have performed alongside jazz greats like Count Basie and Louis Armstrong.

“It’s a very important link in the history of jazz,” he said.

The Lindenhurst man plays the trumpet and teaches at the College of Lake County. He decided to bring a jazz vespers service to St. Lawrence, sitting on Church Street in the heart of downtown Libertyville.

More here-

http://libertyville.suntimes.com/news/jazz-LIB-09192013:article

Chicago, Quincy dioceses to reunite

From ENS-

The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, bishop of Chicago, and the Rt. Rev. John C. Buchanan, provisional bishop of Quincy, announced today that the two dioceses will reunite on Sunday, September 1.

The conventions of the two dioceses, which had split in 1877 to accommodate growth, had unanimously agreed to the reunion on June 6. The canons of the church require that a majority of bishops and standing committees of elected lay and clergy leaders from other dioceses in the Episcopal Church consent to the reunion. Those consents were received during the summer.

“Along with many of you, we have waited, worked and prayed for this day for more than a year,” wrote Lee and Buchanan in a letter to the people of the two dioceses. “During that time, the Holy Spirit has led us toward a shared understanding of God’s call to the people of Chicago and Quincy and how we should order our common life to respond. Now we are free to go about that work.”
The reunified diocese, to be known as the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, will include the 125 congregations and chaplaincies and more than 36,000 members of the existing Diocese of Chicago in northern Illinois, and the nine congregations and 755 members of the Diocese of Quincy in west central Illinois.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/08/29/chicago-quincy-dioceses-to-reunite-sept-1/

Bishop Lee: ‘We Belong to God’

From The Living Church-

More than 30 percent of Americans younger than 30 have no experience with churches, and the Bishop of Chicago believes baptism provides an important way of reaching them.

As one of three keynote speakers during a conference held June 27-29 by Associated Parishes for Liturgy and Mission and the North American Association for the Catechumenate, the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee spoke about the importance of baptism.

When he became Bishop of Chicago in 2008, Lee said, he hoped to spread baptismal preparation on a grand scale. So far the clearest expression of that hope is the diocese’s developing of a Chrism Mass.

Lee said that when he served in the Diocese of Olympia, based in Seattle, he was struck by how little influence Christianity retained in society. “Many of these people have deep spiritual longings, but they are not being met by the institutional church,” he said. “How can we create boundaries that are not barriers, but temptations?”

Christians should be fiercely committed to the central tenets of the faith and immersed in Scripture, he said. “We are the primary evidence of Christ’s resurrection,” Lee said. “Jesus died to eliminate the barrier between the altar and the sanctuary.”

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/bishop-lee-we-belong-to-God