A Weekly Photo Journey

Across DioWis

March 5, 2026

🍝Fifty-Five Hungry Students and One Very Good Night 🌙🤝 Building Relationships at the Interfaith Iftar 🌅 Nicodemus, Potluck, and a Sunday in Sparta 🎥 A Wesley Feast Day Collaboration

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📍 Christ Church, La Crosse

A few photos from a wonderful evening in La Crosse. Between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., more than 55 students joined us for what the students affectionately call “church dinner.”

Normally this gathering happens across the street from UW–La Crosse at the United Campus Ministry Common Ground location. But this week we decided to move dinner over to the church so we could welcome more students—and a few parish members as well.

It turned out to be one of those evenings that reminds you why shared meals matter so much in campus ministry: good food, lots of conversation, laughter, and the kind of fellowship that grows naturally when people simply spend time together.

Adding to the atmosphere was the beautiful Motherhood art exhibition, which created a thoughtful and reflective backdrop for the evening.

A wonderful night all around.

📸 Submitted by Tim & Lee Donahue

🍝Fifty-Five Hungry Students and One Very Good Night

🌅 Nicodemus, Potluck, and a Sunday in Sparta

📍 St. John’s, Sparta

Archdeacon Bill Dunlop visited St. John’s, Sparta on March 1 for a wonderful morning of worship, conversation, and fellowship.

During the service, Bill preached on the Gospel reading from John about Nicodemus, sharing reflections on faith, questions, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. He also spoke about the ministry of the diaconate and its role in the life of the Church.

After worship, the congregation gathered for a classic Episcopal favorite—a potluck, full of good food and even better conversation. It was a joyful time to connect with parishioners and share stories of ministry together.

Bill shared that he and Amy had a great visit. Mother Kathy was a gracious host, and it was a pleasure to serve alongside her and spend time with the community at St. John’s.

📸 Submitted by Archdeacon Bill

🎥 A Wesley Feast Day Collaboration

📍 Beloved Community, Stevens Point with St. Paul's United Methodist

Pastor Cathy Christman of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Stevens Point and The Rev. Jane Johnson of Beloved Community teamed up to create this fun video for today. (From what I hear, Cathy did most of the heavy lifting—thank you, Cathy!)

It’s always a joy to see neighboring congregations and clergy finding creative ways to work together. Moments like this are a wonderful reminder that ministry doesn’t happen in isolation. When we share ideas, laughter, and a little creative energy across church lines, the whole community benefits.

Many thanks to Cathy and Jane for putting this together and sharing a bit of joy with all of us today.

📸 Submitted by Rev. Jane Johnson

🌙🤝 Building Relationships at the Interfaith Iftar

📍 Kettle Moraine Region

Members of the Kettle Moraine Region were invited and attended the Interfaith Iftar hosted by Masjid Al-Noor Mosque, Islamic Society of Milwaukee on March 3. Their program and invitation were designed to invite members of the community to build relationships, gain experience, learn about the Islamic faith, and share their own faith. The goal is always to find and honor what connects rather than what divides.

Pictured left to right: Fr. Joel Prather of St. Bart’s, Pewaukee, Mary and Shahida, Barb Mangiafico of St. Alban’s, and Jan from St. Francis, Menomonee Falls, who were warmly welcomed by their Muslim neighbors.

The mosque hosted a beautiful program inviting members of the wider community to build relationships, experience the traditions of Ramadan, and learn more about the Islamic faith. The evening began with a tour of the mosque, followed by the traditional breaking of the fast at sunset with dates. Guests were then invited to observe one of the five daily prayers, offering a meaningful glimpse into Muslim worship and practice.

Afterward, participants shared a wonderful iftar meal featuring Middle Eastern cuisine, coffee, and tea, before closing the evening with a brief introduction to Islam for non-Muslims.

It was a thoughtful and generous invitation into the life of the community—an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow in friendship with our neighbors during a season that is sacred to both Muslims observing Ramadan and Christians walking through Lent.

A special connection is already growing as Fr. Joel and Imam Shaykh Rami Bliebel have begun a friendship of their own. They look forward to meeting for coffee soon—laughing that it will have to wait until both Ramadan and Lent have ended.

📸 Submitted by Fr. Joel Prather

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Week of Feb 27, 2026