News & Messages

Easter Greeting from Canon Scott Leannah

Grace, Madison 2023


Dear friends in Christ,
 
A blessed and happy Easter to you! During Holy Week and at Easter, we celebrate in a profound way the central tenet of our faith: in the Paschal Mystery, Jesus conquered evil, sin, and even death itself. By his holy cross, Jesus Christ has redeemed the world.  
 
This is the story of God’s power at work in this world. We celebrate the unique event of Christ’s resurrection and the many ways that, through God’s grace, the dynamic of resurrection brings hope and new life. While all has been redeemed, all is not yet restored. Yet even as we acknowledge the realities of division, violence, and the brokenness that marks our shared journey on this “fragile island home,” we are witnesses to so much grace, wonder, and beauty! In times of uncertainty, fear, and unanswered questions, people of faith, trusting in the message of Easter, continue to offer praise, service, solidarity, and hope. This praise, service, solidarity, and hope are lived abundantly and experienced in varied ways within the congregations that make up our shared life.
 
The resurrection of Jesus is God’s final judgment. With St. Paul, we can say, “Death, where is your sting?  Death, where is your victory?” The power of sin is defeated.  Easter is the very powerful message to us that nothing we can do can separate us from God’s reconciling love—nothing! In embracing the cross, Jesus shows us that we never walk alone; we never face anything in life without his presence and love. 
 
Each of us is called to embody the love, new life, and hope of Easter every day. Let us do this by word and example, sharing with others to the Good News of Easter Day: Alleluia! The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
 
Scott+
 
The Rev. Canon Scott Leannah
Canon to the Ordinary

Christmas Greetings from the Standing Committee

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory. John 1:14
 
Two weeks ago, I got the call I expect every Christmas: the notification of a parishioner’s unexpected major medical emergency. I was standing in the toy store on the square in Baraboo, my eyes looking at the Melissa and Doug exhibit while my heart shook in fear for the suffering of my friend. I told a friend that getting bad news while Christmas shopping was part of the juxtaposition of ordained ministry, and he responded, “Or maybe it’s just life for all of us.”
 
His rejoinder reminded me that it’s certainly what Christmas is for all of us. Jesus Christ took on human nature so that God could be with us: the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory. God didn’t choose to become human in an alternate reality that was already perfect but became human to be with us in the world we actually live in – a dangerous, difficult reality where, in ancient times and in our own day, war and genocide, loneliness and tragedy are everyday experiences for so many. Even in the midst of that desolation, we behold the glory of God in the infant born to Mary in Bethlehem.
 
We really see what God is like in Jesus even though the world isn’t perfect. The good news of the angelic host is still good news for us: Jesus really is with us. Jesus really does love us. Jesus really does identify with the poor and suffering of our world and really is grieved by the difficulties that so many people are going through. Jesus is with us: this is a fact. We believe and preach and proclaim this good news not because it’s an interesting philosophical construct but because God was really in the manger, choosing to be with us and for us forever.
 
On behalf of the other members of the Standing Committee, I wish you and yours a blessed and joyful Christmas tide.
 
The Rev. Dave Mowers
Standing Committee, President

Holy Week and Easter Greeting from Bishop Jeff Lee

We are looking forward to welcoming Bishop Jeff Lee to the Diocese of Milwaukee later this week. Bishop Lee will begin serving as our provisional bishop designee on Thursday, April 1.

Bishop Lee has recorded his greetings to you for Holy Week and Easter.
 

We wish you all a blessed Holy Week.

~The staff of the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee

Previous123