Support Our Companion Diocese This Christmas
December 13, 2023
Dear Friends,
During the season of Advent, we proclaim an overarching message of hope, proclaiming with the prophet Isaiah that the light of God’s love shines in the midst of all that is part of our human condition:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder. (Isaiah 9:2-3)
At Christmas, we celebrate this light by honoring the Incarnation of the God’s word in the birth of Jesus Christ. In this holy birth, we, together with all of creation, are born anew. Nothing will ever be the same again. It is natural that as we celebrate with joy and gratitude, we also remember those with whom we share the bond of faith and respond with a recognition of the call we all have to tell this good news of Christ with the world.
Our Companion Diocese of Newala is building a school for the pre- and primary school students. In the past few years, student enrollment has increased dramatically and the need for a new school is great. The CCM Sisters (Chama Cha Mariamu/Society of Holy St. Mary), the religious community of women that runs this school, have been sourcing good quality and fairly priced materials from the bigger cities to aid with construction and keep costs as low as possible. Fr. Oswald Bwechwa, assistant rector of Christ Church, Whitefish Bay and a companion diocese committee member, reports that currently electrical work is being completed and soon the plumbers will begin with their part of the project. The sisters have secured funding for both electric work and plumbing. The next major step in the construction process will be securing floor tiling in order to complete the school floors. The sisters estimate that they will need $15,000 for the costs of the tiles, cement, shipping, and other expenses.
During this holy season, we are asking parishes and members of the Diocese of Milwaukee to contribute toward this important school flooring project. Together we can support the work in our companion diocese by helping them provide clean, safe, and inviting schools to educate their children. Our goal is to completely sponsor the flooring part of the construction project. This means we are aiming to raise $15,000. Will you help with this important project?
To help, you may mail a check to the diocesan office with “Newala” written on the memo line to 804 E Juneau Ave, Milwaukee WI 53202. To offer a gift of stock or to give electronically, please contact Caroline Senn, CFO, at
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Thank you and God bless you during this holy season and in the new year!
In Christ,
The Standing Committee and Diocesan Staff of the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee
