A Weekly Photo Journey
Across DioWis
February 5, 2026
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📍 Dekoven Center, Racine
On January 22, 2026, we had the joy of celebrating nine students from Racine Unified School District who completed the Transition to Employment (T2E) program at DeKoven Center. Over the course of nine weeks, students became a familiar and welcome presence on campus, learning side by side with our staff while earning certifications in housekeeping, hospitality, and food service.
🎓Building Foundations Graduation
Their days were filled with meaningful, hands-on work—practicing food safety, setting dining rooms with care, and learning the rhythms of professional hospitality. Along the way, students also built independence, travelling to and from DeKoven using Racine’s public transportation system and growing more confident with each new skill mastered. We are deeply grateful to United Way of Racine County and Microsoft for supporting this work through the Equity Through Technology Grant, which provided laptops for the program. Watching these students reach this milestone was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when education, mentorship, and community come together—and we’re proud DeKoven could be part of their journey.
📸 Submitted by Rory Graves
💒West Bend Rolls Out the Welcome Mat
📍 St. James Episcopal Church, West Bend
St. James Episcopal Church West Bend joyfully welcomed Oswald Bwechwa on February 1 for his first Sunday serving as priest. The morning was filled with smiles, handshakes, and the kind of hospitality that makes a church feel like home from the very first step through the door.
Parishioners gathered in worship and fellowship to celebrate this new chapter in the life of the congregation, offering prayers, encouragement, and plenty of warm Wisconsin welcome. We give thanks for Fr. Oswald’s leadership and look forward to the many ways God will continue to grow and guide the St. James community together.
Please join us in welcoming Fr. Oswald to West Bend!
📸 Submitted by Mary Driscoll
🛒❤️Rolling out care in Dousman
📍St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Dousman & St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Hartford
There’s a wonderful new addition at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Dousman — a Rolling Food Pantry!
At the request of Mother Pippa Lindwright, Tom Schlaefer of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Hartford designed and built a custom pantry housing to help the ministry stay flexible and accessible. The sturdy wooden unit, complete with cheerful Episcopal-red casters, can be easily moved wherever it’s needed — making setup, storage, and distribution smoother for volunteers and guests alike.
It’s a simple, practical build with a big impact — a beautiful example of hands-on collaboration between congregations and a reminder that sometimes ministry looks like lumber, wheels, and a willingness to help.
Well done, St. Mary’s and Tom — now lets get rolling…
I’ll see myself out.
📸 Submitted by Rev. Esther Kramer
🎉 A Sunday Worth Celebrating at St. Anskar’s
📍St. Anskar's Episcopal Church, Hartland
Last Sunday was an extra special day at St. Anskar's. They shared a lovely visit from the Right Reverend Matthew A. Gunter, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin, and witnessed the confirmation of Alice and Bob Lillegard. The congregation celebrated both the Bishop's visit and confirmands, as well St. Anskar’s Feast Day.
Pictured: Back row - Father Thomas Buchan, Priest-in-Charge, and Bishop Matthew Gunter. Front row - Bob and Alice Lillegard, newly confirmed St. Anskar's members.
📸 Photo by: Meg Haag, Submitted by Jenny Berglin
