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Events and Information


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


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News

Outreach Project for May 4 Convention to Benefit Seaman’s Church Institute

As our dioceses discern reunion, Episcopalians across Wisconsin are invited to celebrate our shared commitment to outreach by creating handknitted or crocheted scarves for the Seaman’s Church Institute “Christmas at Sea” program. Our May 4 convention will include an ingathering and blessing of scarves, which will be sent to the Seaman’s institute. The project is sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Milwaukee in conjunction with the Trialogue Steering Committee

You do not need to be a needlework expert to take part. The Institute’s favorite scarf only requires one skein [300 yards, 4 ply] of worsted yarn, and uses a simple pattern available on the Trialogue website. Other patterns, for both crochet and knitting, are on the Seamen’s Church Institute website.

 

To help your congregation participate in this statewide outreach project, follow these steps:

1. Share this information with your parish.

2. Let us know that your parish will be bringing scarves by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with “scarves” in the subject line.

3. Tag each scarf with your parish name; participating congregations will be recognized at our joint convention on May 4.

4. Arrange for your parish delegation to bring your scarves to the May 4 convention.

Questions? Contact Connie Ott, chair, Milwaukee ECW Board at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.with “scarves” in the subject line.

 

 Favorite scarf pattern: The “Number Scarf”

Needles 6 or 7 or 8
300-350 yards washable worsted #4
Cast on 32 stitches.
Knit (garter stitch) for 14 inches.
Then Knit 4, purl 4 for 18 inches.
Then Knit (garter stitch) for 14 inches.
Bind off!

Find more information about the pattern online.

 

Other important information for those knitting or crocheting scarves:

Feel free to work with the fiber that makes you happy and you have available. You may use wool, washable wool, wool blends, or acrylics – again, knit with your preference! All are acceptable, with the exception of fun fur. If you are knitting with wool or something special like cashmere, we suggest that you attach a tag or note so that the recipient knows not to put it in the dryer. All SCI patterns provide a recommended yarn weight and gauge.

When choosing colors, remember that the majority of mariners are male, and their work environments can get dirty. We find that seafarers and mariners love bright colors as well as earth tones or a more traditional color palette. Contrary to popular belief, bright colors do not pose a security threat. In fact, required safety gear is usually fluorescent! Work in a colorway that you find pleasing, and we will deliver your gift to a mariner who treasures it. Our only color recommendation is to avoid pastels, as light or delicate colors tend to show more dirt and grime. Stripes or the use of ombre, variegated, tweed, or flecked yarns is another way to make your knit pop.

Please note: the Seaman’s Institute cannot accept scarves with pom-poms, tassels, or fringe, as these embellishments present a safety hazard in maritime workplaces.

Learn more and download patterns.

 

For more information about the Christmas at Sea Program and the Seamen’s Church Institute; and for more scarf patterns, including crocheting, go to: seamenschurch.org.
 SCI Logo
 

Online Town Hall April Meetings

During April, the Trialogue Steering Committee will hold a second set of Town Hall meetings on Zoom to discuss the Joint Agreement of Union, the draft Constitution and Canons for a reunified diocese, and the documents for our May 4 convention.

Please register on Zoom for one or more of these Town Hall meetings:

April 16 at 11:00 am

April 16 at 6:00 pm

April 17 at 3:00 pm

April 20 at 1:00 pm

April 22 at 11:00 am

April 22 at 6:00 pm

You will receive a Zoom link to join the meeting once you have registered. If you have questions or need assistance, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 



 

We are holding our first Intergenerational Concert on Sunday, April 28th at 2 pm in the Haas Fine Arts Gantner Concert Hall featuring the Chippewa Valley Youth Choirs, Chorale à NouvEAU, and the Stand in the Light Memory Choir. Seats should be reserved before the concert to guarantee seating. There is no admission price, but all seats must be reserved for general seating in advance. Please fill out the following form to reserve your seat: 
 
Please allow 1 – 3 business days for processing. You will receive an email with a voucher for your seats. If we run out of seats, the email will contain the livestream link with an explanation instead of a PDF with the number of seats reserved. 
 
For those that would prefer to view the concert from home, here is the livestream link for Gantner: 
 

 

Proposed Constitution and Canons, Joint Agreement of Union, Documents for May 4 Convention Now Available

Dear People of God in Wisconsin:

In October, our diocesan conventions each approved a resolution calling on the Trialogue Steering Committee to present a Joint Agreement of Union to the governing bodies of each diocese and, in March, to the people of the dioceses. Thanks to the hard work of our Constitution & Canons Task Force of the Trialogue, we have now fulfilled that commitment. In the last several days, each of our diocesan governing bodies has endorsed the documents, and we are sending them to you now for your review.

Along with the Joint Agreement of Union, which includes the proposed Constitution and Canons of a reunified diocese, the Constitution & Canons Task Force has also prepared a set of governance policies that are not binding, but would guide the development of our new diocese. Working together, our dioceses’ chancellors and parliamentarians have developed the resolution that the joint convention will be asked to approve on May 4, and special rules of order for that convention.

Each of these documents is linked below and is available on the Trialogue website:

As we prepare for a final vote on reunion, we will hold another series of Town Hall meetings on Zoom in April so that you can ask questions, offer input, and hear the perspectives of fellow Episcopalians across the state. You can find the list of dates and links to register on Zoom below.

All of these documents are the result of years of faithful discernment, hours of collaborative work, and belief that God is calling us to a future in which we will be even more able to confidently bear witness to the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ. We invite you to read them and prayerfully consider your questions, your hopes, and the ways that you might hope to contribute to our reunified diocese.

Next week, each of our dioceses will open registration for the May 4 special convention in Baraboo. Everyone — not just delegates, deputies and clergy — is invited to join us for this historic event. If you have questions, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

As we prepare for our joint convention, please join us once again in praying this prayer from the Trialogue Prayer and Discernment Task Force:

Lord,

It is Your voice that calls each of us

To play our part in the story of Your Church in Wisconsin, 

For You have made us for Your purpose of revealing love

In a challenging time and in a divided world.

As our three dioceses move forward to become one,

Continuing to seek your will for us,

Enlighten our hearts to know what things we ought to do.

Enlighten our minds to know what things we need to leave behind.

Enlighten our spirits to embrace a future none but You know.

Give us peace, give us courage, give us hope.

And give us perseverance to make the steps necessary to 

Continue to follow Your lead. Amen.

Thank you, as always, for your commitment to our dioceses and to God’s mission in Wisconsin.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter

Bishop, Diocese of Fond du Lac

Bishop Provisional, Diocese of Eau Claire

Assisting Bishop, Diocese of Milwaukee

The Rev. Canon Kathleen Charles, Tim Donahue, The Rev. Canon Aaron Zook

Trialogue Steering Committee members, Diocese of Eau Claire

The Rev. Portia Corbin, Patricia Pfeifer, The Rev. Canon Wilson Roane

Trialogue Steering Committee members, Diocese of Fond du Lac

The Rev. Canon Scott Leannah, The Rev. Dave Mowers, The Rev. Jana Troutman-Miller, John N. Vogel

Trialogue Steering Committee members, Diocese of Milwaukee

It seems that each time we write, we make note that the number of people we serve is growing. This journal entry is no different: the population continues to increase. One night we served 59 guests and the next night we served 63.  We're preparing for 70 guests per night, a significant increase from a year ago.  What is even more troubling is that many of the people we see each night are new to the street and unsure how to navigate their situation. At some point, will there be enough services to provide to the people in need? 
 
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Pictured L to R: 
Julian Emerson, Andrew Werthmann, Mike Basford 
were chatting prior to CVSM activities.
 
We had some visitors one evening last week: Mike Basford, Director of Interagency Council on Homelessness from the State Department of Administration; Andrew Werthmann, Eau Claire City Council member; Julian Emerson, long-time journalist and homeless advocate.  The men, all who have shown support of the street ministry for several years, were with us to not only observe the Street Ministry in action but also to engage in conversation with the people we serve in order to better understand their challenges in our city. The night of their visit was particularly busy: we served around 70 guests.  When we arrived, there were people laying by nearby buildings; many people were waiting in line for food or other items; we listened to people expressing frustration over their day's events. Among the subjects that we discussed with our guests was our local hospital closures and the fallout we expect we'll see as a result of the ending of services: primarily mental health care but medical treatments, as well. We also talked to them about the shelter's capacity and what happens to our visitors when they can't stay due to the shelter being at their limit of guests. We appreciate the time our visitors spent with us and hope they gained knowledge and understanding from the experience. Interesting fact: because of Mike Basford and his interest in our organization, our journal was once shared with Governor Evers!  We were honored for the opportunity to share the stories and facts of our city's streets with our State's leader.
 
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Cora - providing food and beverage to a visitor
 
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When we arrived this day, there were people 
finding shelter near this building.
 
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Brent - talking with a visitor that is accepting some snacks.
Occasionally, we'll have extra treats/snacks to distribute. They are
always appreciated by our guests. 
 
We spoke with a woman who has been using crutches for several weeks following a surgical repair of some ligaments. She is tired but opted for crutches rather than a wheelchair or knee walker in order to not have to transport more equipment while she attends classes at the technical college. She is more than half-way through her first semester and determined to complete the program.
 
We also had a visit from Chelsea from the Eau Claire Tenant Landlord Resource Center. We've connected to share resources for people in need and support one another's missions. Thanks, Chelsea!
 
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Chelsea - Eau Claire Tenant Landlord Resource Center
Speaking to visitors about their day and any needs they have. 
 
There's a man that we've spoken with several times who is trying to manage several chronic conditions while living on the street, he concerns us. He has both heart and lung disease as well as deficits of other systems. He appears to be an older adult and quite vulnerable. He asked for boots and a blanket, both of which were available. Both chronic and acute medical and mental health conditions are difficult to manage without permanent housing. 
 
Please continue to keep our homeless friends in your thoughts and prayers.  While our needs list will be sent out soon, please be aware that we are in need of blankets and sleeping bags.  If you have any of these items that are in good repair and you are willing to donate them, please let us know.  Again, our needs list will be available soon with these and other needs.
 
Blessings,
CVSM 
 
  1. Waypost Camp ~ Host Site of EpiscoWisco
  2. April Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting
  3. Yard sign fundraiser ~ECW pie and ice cream social
  4. Easter Egg Hunt ~ Sunday, March 31, 2024