A Weekly Photo Journey
Across DioWis
Week of July 23rd, 2025
Click Buttons to Jump to Section:
Archdeacon Bill Visits St. Paul’s, Plymouth
This past Sunday, Archdeacon Bill Dunlop visited St. Paul’s in Plymouth, where he preached and served alongside Mother Michele Whitford and Deacon Nicci Beeck. The morning was filled with joyful worship, collaborative ministry, and even some forward-thinking planning for the upcoming Deacons’ School. Scroll through for photos from this spirit-filled Sunday!
Episcopal Campus Ministers Gather for “Justice & Joy” Conference in St. Louis
Attached is a photo from the recent Justice & Joy Young Adult and Campus Ministry Conference held at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. This vibrant ecumenical gathering brought together Episcopal campus ministers alongside colleagues from the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s UKirk network and the ELCA’s Lumin network.
The multi-day conference offered opportunities for shared worship, dynamic workshops, and collaborative networking among those working in young adult and campus ministry. Representing the Diocese of Wisconsin were Pastor Mary Runyon of UW-La Crosse United Campus Ministries and the Rev. Bobbi Kraft of St. Francis House Episcopal Student Center at UW-Madison.
The event celebrated both the joy and justice work at the heart of campus ministry, equipping leaders to return to their communities refreshed and inspired.
Driftless Region Clergy Gather for Fellowship, Formation, and Forward Vision
On July 17, clergy serving congregations in the Driftless Region of the Diocese gathered in person at Trinity Episcopal Church in Baraboo. The day offered space for prayer, shared meals, fellowship, and updates on diocesan business. The Rev. Jane Johnson and the Rev. Miranda Hassett led a thoughtful conversation on strategies for incorporating young people into worship and Christian formation—sparking ideas and encouragement for those doing this important work in a variety of parish contexts. The next regional gathering is scheduled for November 20 at St. Dunstan’s in Madison.
Wonder why it’s called the Driftless Region? It is named for the lack of glacial drift in the area that can be found in other parts of Wisconsin!
God’s Creation in the Garden – St. Luke’s, Bay View
St. Luke’s, Bay View (Milwaukee)
Today at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Bay View, children gathered with Fr. Jason in the Biblical Herb Garden to explore the wonder of God’s Creation. They reflected on how Earth and all life are sacred gifts from God—and how we are called to care for them. With Lea’s help, the group learned a joyful new song: “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” A beautiful reminder that we are all part of God’s great, green masterpiece.
From Cashew Groves to Cathedral Song
Bishop Abroad: Postcards from Africa Cont.
Africa is known for its large animals—but Bishop Matt didn’t expect to spot a dinosaur. (Photo proof below!)
The final days in Newala, Tanzania, were full of beauty, connection, and surprise. Bishop Matt preached at St. Mary’s Cathedral, where worship included choreographed choir karaoke, a tomato-and-bed auction to raise funds for the new cathedral, and liturgy both unfamiliar and deeply resonant. "So far from home," he said, "yet woven together by the Spirit of Christ."
On one especially joyful day, he visited St. Mary Masisi English Medium School—built and sustained in part through the historic Diocese of Milwaukee’s partnership. There, Bishop Matt and the team were welcomed with singing, speeches, a student-led parliamentary debate, and the dedication of a new kindergarten wing funded by the first convention of the Diocese of Wisconsin. A few trees were planted, and new frisbees and a soccer ball were gifted to the students.
Throughout the journey, Bishop Matt and the team were generously hosted by the Sisters of St. Mary, met Bishop Oscar Mnang'a of Newala, and traveled through groves of cashew trees and past towering termite mounds. They even stopped at Shimo La Mungu (Cave of the God) near the Mozambique border—where a gorge hides a cave said to stretch incredibly deep into the earth.
Safely returned to Dar es Salaam with the help of driver James (loaned by Bishop Jackson Sosthenes), Bishop Matt gives thanks for the global threads of faith, care, and joy woven through this pilgrimage.
Episcopal Church Dedicates Stained Glass Windows
Sturgeon Bay
Heading east across the Michigan Street Bridge in Sturgeon Bay, one cannot help but notice the lovely stained glass windows that adorn Christ the King Episcopal Church, which sits at the corner of Michigan Street and 5th Avenue.
On Sunday, June 29, parishioners and friends gathered at the church to dedicate the windows with prayer and fellowship. The installation of the windows marks the completion of a year-long building project aimed at making the church more accessible and welcoming. The windows were designed and created by local glass artist Jim Dufrane. Created in a folk art style, they perfectly complement the church’s existing windows, which were created by the late Winifred “Winnie” Balsley in the 1980s and ’90s.
The new windows feature glorious rays of sun breaking through clouds, the flight of a dove, and rough and calm seas bracketed by forested shores. They convey a powerful gospel message while also holding local significance for a community rich in natural beauty.
The windows were generously donated by the Brad and Louise Andreae family. Many members of the family, as well as the artist, were present for the dedication and the reception that followed.
Glass artist Jim DuFrane
Vicar Olin Sletto offers a prayer of dedication, surrounded by members of the Andreae family.
Pewaukee & Mosinee
A Visit from Pewaukee to Mosinee
St. Bart’s Facilities Manager Dave Woods and the Rev’d Joel Allen Prather took a scenic summer drive from Pewaukee to Mosinee to explore a piece of diocesan history—and possibly some pews! They were warmly welcomed by Patty Ballou, a former member of St. James, who graciously opened the doors to the historic church building. Alongside good conversation and hospitality, the visit was a beautiful example of connection across congregations and the care we show for sacred spaces, past and present.
EpiscoWisco Love Journey
Love Journey Stop: Grace Episcopal, Rice Lake
This week’s EpiscoWisco adventure brought joy, prayer, and purpose to Grace Episcopal Church in Rice Lake, part of the Northern Highland Benefice. Our travelers got a powerful look at local ministry in action with a tour of Benjamin’s House, a transitional shelter just minutes away and then came back for treats and a Eucharist.
Located in a former convent overlooking Rice Lake, Benjamin’s House provides up to 90 days of shelter, case management, and support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Barron County. With over 80% of residents successfully moving to stable housing, it’s a vital part of the community’s response to housing insecurity—and a vivid example of what it means to love our neighbors in real and lasting ways. It’s also a shining example of several community churches partnering with their local non-profits to make a bigger impact.
👉 The journey continues, so follow along @episcowiscocamp on Instagram as we visit more places where love meets the road!
Kenyan Service at St. Boniface Mequon
A Joyful Sunday with the Archbishop of Kenya at St. Boniface Mequon
On Sunday, July 13, the community of St. Boniface Episcopal Church in Mequon gathered for a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and connection during their annual Kenyan service—part of their ongoing KARIBU USA mission.
This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as St. Boniface joyfully welcomed His Grace Jackson ole Sapit, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Wesonga. Archbishop Sapit preached and celebrated the Eucharist, bringing words of wisdom and grace to a packed sanctuary filled with music, prayer, and the unmistakable spirit of global Anglican fellowship.
The Kenyan service is a beloved tradition at St. Boniface, honoring the deep ties of the congregation to KARIBU Ministries and the Kenyan diaspora in the United States.
All photos by Rick Bate.
