News
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The last year has been a time unlike any other… and not only because of COVID.
In the last year, our financial situation has changed dramatically. Generous bequests have added over $400,000 to the endowment, putting in back in the black for the first time in many years. The parish hall has a new rood, and interior repairs on the ceiling are underway. We have installed the first phase of a columbarium including pavers and landscaping. A security system has been ordered. In the last 12 months, over $100,000 above and beyond ordinary pledges has already been given for these projects. But a church is not an endowment, and it is not a building. A church is the people. For the last two years, people have been watching as the Vestry carefully developed financial controls for the future, and the Spirit has moved the hearts of many people to give. While we have been faithful, God has been lavish!
In a similar way, this community has been a voice for the homeless since before I started as your priest. We have fielded teams for Community Table, we have volunteered at Beacon House, the non-food pantry has grown to serve around 50 families per month, we host a the Christmas toy drive, and our coffee hour has sometimes served as a warm spot for folks who didn’t quite “make it in time for Church.” All of these are wonderful and life-giving ministries that have earned us a place at the table with coalition that is working to solve this problem. The City of Eau Claire, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, Americore, and about a dozen other groups are working to reduce the root causes of homelessness in Eau Claire. The emergency warming shelter operating in 502 S. Farwell and the lives it has literally saved are the visible fruits of the conversation.
Finally, we have a faithful cadre of families and young people who have stood by the church throughout this long season of COVID restrictions. From what I have seen, children have perhaps been most adversely impacted by the social restrictions that slow the spread of the virus. Children’s ministries which were just getting off the ground two years ago were put on hold, but are now being restarted. As with all things, our ministry to children needs people who are committed to sharing the story of God’s love that is written in Scripture, in the Sacraments, and in our lives with children.
We need a handful of people who are willing to commit an hour or two each month to leading children’s worship during our. 9AM Sunday service. The kids are here, and the curriculum is in the office. Volunteers have already signed up for one Sunday a month, but we are looking for a few more people who love Jesus and love children who are willing to give their time. Are you willing to join this essential ministry?
Humbly yours,
Benjamin+
The Wisconsin Council of Churches has partnered with Catholic Charities of LaCrosse to provide volunteers to assist with Morale, Wellness, and Recreation centers provided for Afghan Guests at Fort McCoy. The centers include dedicated space for women and children, recreation centers for all ages, learning centers for school-age children and youth, and sewing centers.
Volunteers must:
- Commit to long-term volunteering, either coming for a week at a time (housing is provided) or scheduling a regular day(s) for a period of 6+ weeks or so (i.e. every Thursday; every Friday).
- Understand that this is hard work. These volunteer positions require high energy, intercultural competency, and flexibility.
- Know that they are NOT to bring items to give away. Material donations are not being accepted. While people have the best of intentions, it actually creates problems with inequality.
- Maintain boundaries. Sometimes (often) this means saying no or firmly enforcing the rules and expectations of a center. Kindness and compassion coupled with an ability to be firm and consistent with the policies of the program are essential.
- Be vaccinated against COVID-19 (a booster is strongly encouraged) and commit to maintaining COVID safety (mask-wearing, etc).
- Be 18 or older, provide a State ID or drivers’ license, phone and email information, and proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
- The WCC will hold hour-long information sessions for those who are interested in volunteering at Ft. McCoy. Sessions will include a short presentation and a time for questions and answers. If you are interested, please register below to receive a zoom link (note: the zoom link is the same for all sessions in a month, but you only need to attend one). In the sessions, we will share next steps to sign up to volunteer.
Join us on one of the following days to learn more - January 25 (Tuesday) 7pm; January 31 (Monday) 12pm; February 10 (Thursday) 10am; February 21 (Monday) 12pm; February 22 (Tuesday) 7pm;
We also continue to update our website with other ways to get involved. Reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., the WCC's Volunteer Coordinator for Afghan Refugee Response for more information.
Greetings. Vaccination for COVID-19 remains critically important. Those individuals that are fully vaccinated and that have a booster are much less likely to be severely impacted if they get COVID-19. This is a strategy that works to decrease hospitalization, death, and long-term negative outcomes.
Some people in the community still are not aware of community vaccination options. Please forward this email widely in your networks. We will try to share this regularly via email with a larger group but we need your help. Not everyone goes to our website or follows social media. Please feel free to print and share as well in key locations. As new clinic times/locations get added they will be on our website. COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments | Coronavirus and COVID-19 Information Hub (arcgis.com)
Christ Church Cathedral has been working with city government, social organizations and concerned citizens to set up an advisory group for a Warming Shelter to be housed at 502 S Farwell building that Christ Church owns.
We are currently renting the facility to the group in charge - Catholic Charities. They will be renting the facility until May 1 and using the space as an overflow for Sojourner House (homeless shelter) and open on Sundays and Holidays for now. The plan is to expand those hours and days as needed. Volunteers are in great need and has been the main reason for limited open hours.
The committee thanks Christ Church Cathedral for the rental space and working with the community to help our fellow downtown friends to help save lives during this cold winter.
We are accepting monetary donations to help support this ministry. Checks can be made payable to Christ Church Cathedral with a memo: Warming Center.
Details:
The Eau Claire Warming Center will give people experiencing homelessness a place to stay during the day.
The Warming Center will be open each Sunday from 8-6:00 pm. Volunteers are needed for various shifts - both experienced and non-experienced volunteers are needed.
If you have any questions please contact The Warming Center at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Service Schedule
Sunday
Rite II Morning Prayer with Eucharist – 9:00 am, Cathedral which will be broadcast via Zoom and Facebook live.
Click here to join Sunday morning Zoom service
Holy Days – Eucharist as announced in the Weekly Update
Tuesday & Thursday
Compline – 9:00 pm, via Zoom
Click here to join Compline
