A Weekly Photo Journey

Across DioWis

Oct. 9, 2026

🐈Blessing of the Animals at St. Luke’s, Bay View! 🐾 Blessing of the Animals Brings Faith, Fellowship, and Community Care to Door County! 💧 A Joyful Baptism at St. John’s, Sparta! 🎶Songs of Remembrance: Honoring 25 Years Since September 11 ✝️ Holy Cross Day at St. Peter’s, West Allis Celebrating Service and Inclusion at Diocesan Convention! A Joyful Visit to Holy Communion, Lake Geneva!

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📍Steven’s Point
Among the many meaningful moments of our 179th Diocesan Convention was the participation of Craig Buker of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in West Allis, who served as crucifer during Convention worship.

Craig regularly serves as crucifer at his home parish, and we were delighted to have him share his ministry with the wider diocesan community. His faithful service helped lead our gathered congregation in worship and reminded us of the many ways members of our churches contribute their gifts to the life of the Church.

Thank you, Craig, for sharing your ministry with us, and thank you to all who helped make our Convention worship so special!

📸Photos by Dcn. Karen Buker

Celebrating Service and Inclusion at Diocesan Convention!

📍Christ the King and Holy Nativity, Jacksonport and Sturgeon Bay
The Episcopal Church of Christ the King and Holy Nativity has had much to celebrate this fall, with joyful gatherings bringing together parishioners, neighbors, and the wider Door County community.

On September 2, the congregation gathered for a Celebration of New Ministry, marking an important chapter in the shared life of Christ the King and Holy Nativity. Canon Scott Leannah joined the congregation for the special service, followed by a festive reception celebrating their ministry together.

The celebrations continued in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, with two opportunities for the community to participate in the beloved tradition of the Blessing of the Animals.

On Tuesday, September 29, Fr. Glenn Kanestrom visited the Jacksonport Farmers Market, offering blessings to beloved pets and their people. The gathering provided a wonderful opportunity to bring the Church's ministry beyond its walls and into the heart of community life.

On Saturday, October 3, the congregation hosted another Blessing of the Animals on the front lawn of Christ the King Episcopal Church in Sturgeon Bay. The event also featured a bakery sale benefiting the local food pantry, connecting the celebration of God's creation with a tangible expression of love and care for neighbors.

Together, these gatherings reflect a season of gratitude, renewed ministry, and community connection. From celebrating the life of the Church to blessing beloved animals and supporting neighbors experiencing food insecurity, the people of Christ the King and Holy Nativity continue to put their faith into action.

Congratulations to Fr. Glenn and the congregation on this joyful season of ministry, and thank you for sharing these wonderful moments with the diocese! 🐾✝️

📸Photos by Cori McFarlane

🐾 Blessing of the Animals Brings Faith, Fellowship, and Community Care to Door County!

📍 St. Luke’s Bayview

On September 26, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Milwaukee welcomed parishioners, neighbors, and their beloved pets for its annual Blessing of the Animals in celebration of the Feast of St. Francis.

Fr. Jason offered blessings for furry, feathered, and four-legged friends, while also remembering cherished pets who have passed away.

Through their companionship, unconditional love, and endless joy, our animals remind us of God’s presence in the everyday moments of life. 🐶🐱❤️

📸Photos by

🐈Blessing of the Animals at St. Luke’s, Bay View!

📍 St. Simon the Fisherman Episcopal Church in Port Washington

St. Simon the Fisherman Episcopal Church in Port Washington recently presented a $2,000 Light of Christ Grant to the Ozaukee Food Alliance in Saukville to help support their shared work!

The grant helped purchase a new battery for the organization's hybrid food delivery truck and equipment to improve food storage. St. Simon’s also supports the Alliance by helping provide and serve meals to more than 100 community members.

The partnership was featured in the August 25 edition of the Ozaukee County News Graphic, highlighting how our diocesan Light of Christ grants support meaningful ministry in local communities.

Thank you to St. Simon’s for putting faith into action and helping care for neighbors in need!

🍎Light of Christ Grant Supports Food Alliance

📍St. John’s Sparta
On Sunday, August 23, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sparta celebrated a very special occasion as 11-year-old William was welcomed into the household of God through Holy Baptism!

William, the grandson of the Rev. Kathleen Charles (Mother Kathy), made the personal decision to be baptized after thoughtful conversations about his faith and what baptism means to him.

In a beautiful outdoor celebration, the congregation gathered around a swimming pool transformed into their own Jordan River, where William was baptized by full immersion. Surrounded by family, friends, and his church community, William was immersed three times, anointed with chrism, and welcomed into new life in Christ.

The joyful morning concluded with a celebration of William's baptism, complete with a cake in his honor!

Congratulations to William, his family, Mother Kathy, and the entire St. John’s congregation on this wonderful milestone in faith. May God continue to bless William as he grows in his Christian journey! ✝️

💧 A Joyful Baptism at St. John’s, Sparta!

📍All Saints’ Cathedral, Milwaukee
On Friday, September 11, 2026, an overflowing gathering filled All Saints’ Cathedral in Milwaukee for Songs of Remembrance, a special concert commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Presented by All Saints’ Cathedral and the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, the evening brought together musicians and members of the wider community for a moving tribute to those who lost their lives, the families forever changed, and the enduring importance of remembrance, hope, and peace.

The program featured organists Michael Batcho, Lee Erickson, and David Bahrke; trumpeter Carlot Dorvé; and APERI, the Cathedral's vocal ensemble-in-residence. Through sacred choral works, instrumental music, and moments of reflection, the concert offered a space for collective mourning, remembrance, and prayer.

A particularly meaningful part of the evening was the ringing of the Cathedral's Bells of Remembrance and Hope. Dedicated in 2007 in memory of those who died on September 11, these five bells continue to serve as a lasting expression of remembrance. The program also included Ode of Remembrance, an anthem composed by Joseph Kucharski for the bells' dedication.

A freewill offering benefited the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports veterans, first responders, and families affected by tragedy.

Twenty-five years after the events of September 11, the remarkable turnout was a powerful reminder that remembrance remains an important act of community. Through music, prayer, and shared reflection, those gathered honored the lives lost while affirming our continuing call to seek peace, extend compassion, and carry hope into the future.

We extend our gratitude to All Saints’ Cathedral, the participating musicians, organizers, and everyone who helped make this meaningful evening possible.

We shall remember them.

📸Photos by Dcn. Karen Buker

🎶Songs of Remembrance: Honoring 25 Years Since September 11

📍 St. Peter’s Episcopal Church,West Allis

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in West Allis adorned its altar in celebration of Holy Cross Day on Sunday, September 13. A beautiful expression of faith and remembrance of Christ’s love and sacrifice.

📸Photos by Dcn. Karen Buker

✝️ Holy Cross Day at St. Peter’s, West Allis

📍Church of Holy Communion in Lake Geneva
Archdeacon Bill Dunlop recently visited the Church of the Holy Communion in Lake Geneva, where he joined Fr. Ryan Robinson-Delaney, deacon postulant Jordan Robinson-Delaney, and the children of the congregation in worship and ministry.

A wonderful morning of fellowship, faith, and shared ministry! Thank you to the people of Holy Communion for welcoming Archdeacon Bill and sharing these moments with the diocese!

📸Photos by Archdeacon Bill

A Joyful Visit to Holy Communion, Lake Geneva!

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Week of Sept 14, 2026