Stella Graduate Celebration at St. John’s Sparta

The St. John’s Sparta family gathered after worship today for a special celebration honoring our beloved graduate, Stella. After years of growing in faith, friendship, and service among us, Stella is now preparing to take her next big step—beginning her studies in Environmental Science at Winona State University this fall.

With joy, hugs, and a few misty eyes, we sent her off with prayers, cake, and heartfelt blessings. Stella’s passion for the earth and commitment to making a difference inspire us all, and we can’t wait to see how she shines in this new chapter.

Go with our love, Stella. Your church family is cheering you on every step of the way!

Outdoor Evensong at St. Matthias, Minocqua

On the evening of July 3, our St. Matthias community gathered outdoors for a special Evensong—an evening of prayer, music, and reflection rooted in our sacred connection to the land. Through scripture and song, we were reminded that the earth is God’s gift: we are formed from it, called to care for it, and invited to live in harmony with it and one another.

The reflection was offered by a local farmer, who shared how working the land has been a spiritual teacher—shaping her with lessons of patience, resilience, and hope even through hardship. Her words moved many to tears, and her testimony grounded the service in lived faith.

We were blessed with attendees from near and far—including one guest from Cincinnati! After the liturgy, we continued our fellowship over shared, old-fashioned ice cream treats under the summer sky.

Bishop Abroad - Postcards from Africa Cont.

Bishop Abroad: Postcards from Africa Cont.
Bishop Matt’s sabbatical journey continues as he travels through East Africa, deepening relationships with Anglican partners and witnessing the Spirit at work in new contexts.

From sun-soaked villages to vibrant worship services, his path is marked by hospitality, hope, and shared faith. Scroll on for more photo postcards—snapshots of grace that remind us how big and beautifully connected the Body of Christ really is.

We were invited to go up to the ogan loft. Organist, Ephraim Angwazi, asked Leslie to select a couple of hymns for for him to play, which he proceeded to do on the 100+ year old cathedral organ. Very cool!

We went to the Anglican Cathedral in Zanzibar not knowing what all awaited us there. It is a beautiful cathedral, finished in the 1880's.

What I was unprepared for was learning that it was built on the site where the major East African slave market had been until just a few years earlier.

We had breakfast at a restaurant name after one of the Suras (chapters) of the Koran. Tanzania is about 50% Christian, 50% Muslim. Zanzibar is 96% Muslim. I had deep fried mashed potatoes, a sort of scotch egg (hard boiled egg wrapped in beef sausage) and nan bread. It was yummy.

The Bishop of Dar es Salaam, Jackson Sosthenes, grew up in Zanzibar and offered to show us around there. So, we took a 1 1/2 ferry ride on tHe Indian Ocean to Zanzibar.