Hear how the Lord is on the move in the Upper Midwest.
By Bonnie McMaken Throughout the Diocese of the Upper Midwest, you’ll find churches thriving in school gyms, worship services flourishing in nursing homes and Iowa cornfields, and robust college ministries reaching Gen Z on college campuses. Just a few years ago, Alyssa O’Connell was a......
Welcome to the News Roundup, where we aim to provide brief recaps of current news from the Diocese, including the Standing Committee, Task Forces, and more. In This Issue: Standing Committee Leaders More on the Constitution and Canons Standing Committee Leaders On December 16, Synod......
Brothers and Sisters, I’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Tennison, who serves as one of three laity on our Diocese’s Standing Committee. Alyssa and her husband, Justin, have faithfully served at Church of the Cross for over 16 years. She’s a woman of great faith, discernment, and......
Welcome to the News Roundup, where we aim to provide brief recaps of current news from the Diocese, including the Standing Committee, Task Forces, and more. Watch this video of Bishop Stewart’s Christmas greetings: In This Issue: New Constitution and Canons Standing Committee Members Elected......
Dear Upper Midwest Family, This Advent season, I am more aware than ever of the tension we live in between the darkness of our world and the hope of Christ’s return. While the enemy delights in forces of war and chaos around the globe, the......
Dearest Brothers and Sisters of the Upper Midwest Diocese, On Monday, the ACNA Provincial Office announced that a Board of Inquiry found reasonable grounds to take me to an ecclesiastical trial for charges based on a Presentment by three bishops submitted in January. You can......
Neighborhood mission & Latino ministry at City of Light (Aurora, IL) By Bonnie McMaken If you were taking an evening walk in my diverse (mostly Latino) neighborhood in middle of August, you’d pass a park full of 80-100 kids, parents, and volunteers ministering the love of Jesus: most playing soccer,......
Welcome to the News Roundup, where we aim to provide brief recaps of current news from the Diocese, including the Bishop’s Council, Task Forces, and more. In This Issue: Canons Task Force Update Standing Committee Nominations Revive Conference Canons Task Force Update Watch Bishop Stewart’s......
Interview by Bonnie McMaken, Editor of Leaders’ Latest Hi Abigail! So you’re leading worship arts at Immanuel; that includes music, drama, liturgy, and visuals. Tell us about your creative background. I grew up in a musical family in Nashville–both of my parents are worship leaders......
Barn dances, mission trips, bird watching, picnics, & more creative ministry By Bonnie McMaken Summer may have been a slower pace for most churches, but it was also a great time for creative and fruitful ministry. Enjoy these snapshots from around the Diocese: Barn Dance......
Dear Diocese of the Upper Midwest, Two weeks ago the Provincial Office announced that Bishop Stewart will go to an ecclesiastical trial. While we are saddened by this news, we are grateful that the ACNA Canons provide an adjudication process in which all sides will......
Background The investigations and canonical process described below originate from accusations raised in 2021 of diocesan leaders’ mishandling allegations of sexual abuse by Mark Rivera, a lay leader in a former diocesan church in Big Rock, IL. Specific accusations of the two Presentments have not......
Welcome to the News Roundup, where we aim to provide brief recaps of current news from the Diocese, including the Bishop’s Council, Task Forces, and more. Canons and Constitution Task Force When our Diocese was formed in 2013, the Constitution and Canons that we drafted......
Dearest Brothers and Sisters of the Upper Midwest Diocese, Today the ACNA Provincial Office announced that a Board of Inquiry found reasonable grounds to take me to an ecclesiastical trial. The charges are based on a presentment circulated by an attendee of one of our......
Humility and ease mark three churches’ collaborative planning By Bonnie McMaken The Feast of Ascension celebrates Jesus’ reign as our King of heaven and earth. And for three churches in Chicagoland—Immanuel Anglican, Trinity Anglican, and Cornerstone Portage Park—Ascension Sunday took on a unique significance as they enjoyed......
Brothers and Sisters, I’d like to introduce you to Father Blair Carlson and his wife, Elizabeth, who have spent many years encouraging and equipping evangelists around the globe. They’ve served in international Anglican churches in England, France, Ukraine, and more recently in Tunisia. Now they’re......
Dearest Brothers and Sisters of the Upper Midwest Diocese, We’re aware that many of you received the Archbishop’s email regarding the Decision and Order by the Provincial Tribunal and Archbishop Foley Beach’s subsequent response. These statements represent a significant disagreement between the Provincial Tribunal—the high......
Leaders Share Stories and Highlights By Bonnie McMaken, editor Hope and renewed energy around the beauty of Jesus and his good news filled Holy Week 2023 throughout the Diocese of the Upper Midwest. Many diocesan churches tried something new this year or gratefully resumed beloved......
Welcome to the first issue of the Upper Midwest Anglican News Roundup! This monthly email aims to provide you with brief recaps of current news from the Diocese, including the Bishop’s Council, Task Forces, and more. You’ll continue to receive our regular e-newsletter, Upper Midwest......
In February, Church of the Cross (MN) and Bishop Stewart confirmed 11 youth. Let’s take a closer look at a meaningful and creative formation process. By Bonnie McMaken It’s a Wednesday night in Church of the Cross’ “great hall.” A group of teenagers pause from......
Trigger Warning Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Upper Midwest Diocese, On Monday a judge sentenced Mark Rivera to 15 years in prison on three of the five counts for which he was found guilty on December 15, 2022. Mark will receive credit of three years......
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Upper Midwest Diocese, Blessed Epiphany-tide! Right before Christmas, I shared with you the news that on December 19, 2022, our Diocesan Assembly ratified our revised constitution by a two-thirds majority vote. Moreover, the Assembly was a critical time for us......
Kaitlyn Wallett was ordained as the Upper Midwest Diocese’s newest deacon at Christ Church Madison on December 18. Get to know her below! Tell us about yourself: Where did you grow up? I grew up in Krakow, Poland, where my parents were missionaries with YWAM.......
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Upper Midwest Diocese, This morning a judge found Mark Rivera guilty of two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13 and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim under 13. His bond was......
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Upper Midwest Diocese, Please watch my two-minute video greeting here before reading my letter below. A Top Priority One of my top priorities since my return to active ministry has been working on improving our diocesan governance structures. When......
By Christy Bodett Lukins Last time I drove into the gravel driveway of Phantom Ranch Bible Camp, I was squeezed among dozens of RezYouth Wheaton students. This year I drove in with just five IncYouth students. After serving as youth leaders at Church of the......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, Due to the judge’s unavailability today, the hearing to announce the verdict on Mark Rivera’s criminal bench trial was continued. It was rescheduled for Thursday, December 15 at 11 a.m., in-person in courtroom 319. Mark was first arrested in 2019 for......
Dearest Upper Midwest Diocese: As I mentioned in my statement last week, Bishop Martyn Minns has been appointed by the Archbishop to work with me as I return to active ministry in the Diocese. I am honored to learn from Bishop Minns, and I know you will warmly......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, The Provincial office sent this announcement earlier today regarding Bishop Stewart Ruch’s return from his voluntary leave of absence. Bishop Stewart is resuming active ministry on October 30 following consultation with Archbishop Foley and other members of the College of Bishops.......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, Of the dozens of Scripture verses that have encouraged me over these last sixteen months, this one is the most poignant to me: “Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, The bench trial for Mark Rivera concluded last Friday afternoon, October 14. The judge will render his verdict on Friday, November 18, at 10:30am. Please continue to pray for the Lord’s comfort and healing for all who have suffered abuse, as well......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, This Friday, October 14, is the continuation of Mark Rivera’s bench trial that started on July 12. The trial is scheduled for 1:30pm in the Kane County Judicial Center, room 319. Mark was first arrested in 2019 for nine counts of......
This summer’s Family Fun Nights at St. Michael’s Anglican Church was the culmination of years of dreaming. A few years ago, the church purchased six acres down the road from their church building in historic, downtown Delafield, WI. The COVID-19 pandemic hit, scuttling their plans......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, On Saturday, the Province announced that it removed the Husch Blackwell report in order to address concerns about redactions. You can read the Province’s announcement here. Brenda Dumper Lay Canon to the Ordinary Upper Midwest Diocesan Office For background, see FAQs......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, The court has postponed Mark Rivera’s trial, which had been scheduled to resume today, because the defense attorney is ill. The trial is scheduled to resume on October 14 at 1:30pm in the Kane County Judicial Center. Please remain in prayer......
Read the Province’s Oct 1 update about the report here. Beloved in the Lord, The Province (ACNA leadership) announced that Husch Blackwell has released its report regarding the handling of allegations of sexual misconduct in the Diocese, particularly abuse by a lay leader of the former......
Beloved in the Lord, I want to remind you that this Thursday, September 29, is the continuation of Mark Rivera’s bench trial that started on July 12. The trial is scheduled to take place in the Kane County Judicial Center beginning at 1:30 pm. Mark......
Dear Upper Midwest Family, With a mix of gratitude and sadness, we announce the resignation of Acting Bishop John Miller. He has served our Diocese faithfully and at great personal sacrifice for the last 14 months. Bishop John is stepping down as Acting Bishop at......
Beloved in the Lord, The Province has just published a communication announcing the forthcoming release of the report by the third-party, investigative firm, Husch Blackwell. The report will address the investigation into the handling of sexual abuse allegations in the Diocese of the Upper Midwest. You......
Update: The trial will resume again on Thursday, September 29, at 1:30pm. Beloved in the Lord, I want to remind you that this Friday, September 2, is the continuation of Mark Rivera’s bench trial that started on July 12. The trial is scheduled to take place......
Beloved in the Lord, I want to update you on Mark Rivera’s trial that took place today at Kane County Judicial Center. This afternoon the state rested its case; the defense did not present. Due to scheduling challenges, the trial will not resume until September......
Beloved in the Lord, This Tuesday, July 12, Mark Rivera’s trial for sexual assault of a child under 13 (his goddaughter) is scheduled for 9:00 am at Kane County Judicial Center. He was first arrested in 2019 for 9 counts of sexual assault and abuse of......
The Province published the following announcement on June 8, 2022 on the ACNA website: Three bishops have signed a Presentment alleging Bishop Atkinson of the Via Apostolica Missionary District has violated Title IV Canon 2 of the Anglican Church in North America. Bishop Atkinson has......
Dear Diocese of the Upper Midwest, On April 30, Rev. Alex Cameron was elected as the next Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Pending the consent of the Anglican Church in North America’s College of Bishops in June, Bishop-Elect Alex will be consecrated on Saturday, August......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, The Province released an announcement yesterday regarding the ongoing investigation of our Diocese, which you can find here. In case you’re unfamiliar with the background, Bishop Stewart Ruch requested and remains on a voluntary and temporary leave of absence for the......
Planting is best when God sends your launch team. A newborn congregation in the Fox Cities of Wisconsin, Church of the Incarnation hosted its first weekly service on Epiphany Sunday, January 9. Epiphany is a timely launch season for a church whose core team was......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, This morning the Province sent an email from the Provincial Response Team (PRT) regarding the hiring of Husch Blackwell LLP and the recent resignation of three PRT members. You can read it here. (You can find the resignation letter on Anglican Ink here.) Please......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, Today the Province announced the election of a firm it has contracted to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct by a lay leader in the former diocesan church, Christ Our Light of Big Rock, IL. In addition, the firm will investigate the alleged mishandling......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, As 2021 draws to a close, I am thankful for this year’s highlights from the Upper Midwest and our diocesan work. While we continue to wait on the provincial investigation, I praise God for these glimpses of grace, including: Six individuals......
Shared Worship Bonds Three Wisconsin Churches as They Prepare for Harvest About a month ago in rural Christiana, Wisconsin two churches gathered for a joint All Saints service in a classic Norwegian-built barn. Christ Church Madison and Immanuel Whitewater share a bond of prayer and......
Restoration at Restoration Anglican Fr. Rick and Molly Jo Stawarz planted Restoration Anglican in Minneapolis in 2017 as a daughter of Church of the Cross. After three-plus years as a nomadic church meeting indoors and out, God gave them a staggering gift. Early this year Restoration......
Want to know more about what it means to have an Acting Bishop? Diocesan Assistant Alison Freeman Matta sat down for a chat with Bishop John to get to know him and better understand his partnership with the Upper Midwest. Q: Where do you call......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, I would like to update you on the status of Canon William Beasley. As you may be aware, he officially retired as Missioner General of the Greenhouse Movement on October 4, 2021. In addition, the Province and Diocese would like to......
Dear Upper Midwest Family, The Province released a letter over the holiday weekend regarding our acting assistant bishop, the Rt. Rev. Todd Atkinson, which you can read here. Unfortunately, we do not have any further information. If you would like to receive updates from the Provincial Response Team,......
Trigger Warning: The content referenced below may be painful for anyone who has suffered abuse Dear Upper Midwest Family, I am pleased to share that the Province has made several important announcements this week regarding the Provincial Response Team and its ongoing investigative process. This team......
Trigger Warning: The content below may be painful for anybody who has suffered from sexual abuse. Dear Upper Midwest Family, Our leadership has become aware of information involving credible allegations of serious sexual misconduct and abuse of a female adult from former Greenhouse Movement staff member......
Dear Upper Midwest Family, We are pleased to announce that on Monday, July 26, 2021, Archbishop Foley Beach met with the Bishop’s Council of the Upper Midwest and announced his appointment of Bishop John Miller to serve our diocese as Acting Bishop and Bishop Todd......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, We would like to update you on changes in diocesan leadership and steps to be taken to select leaders to serve in an acting capacity. Our last letter described how the Bishop’s Council functions during Bishop Stewart’s temporary leave of absence.......
July 10, 2021 Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Anglican Church in North America, This past Spring, the Diocese of the Upper Midwest engaged a third-party investigative firm to review its handling over the past two years of revelations and allegations of sexual abuse by......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! In light of Bishop Stewart’s announcement of his leave of absence, we, the Bishop’s Council of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest, want to provide clarity around how the diocese will function......
Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, Throughout my ministry I have sought to live in full submission to the Lord, His Scriptures, and the Church. Significant concerns have been raised about my response to allegations of abuse in our former diocesan congregation, Christ Our Light of Big......
Beloved Upper Midwest Diocese: I am writing to give you an update on the ongoing independent investigation that I announced to you in this pastoral letter several weeks ago about a heartbreaking situation in one of our former congregations in Big Rock, Illinois. As some......
On Sunday, June 27, we are celebrating GAFCON Sunday, 13 years of faithful Gospel ministry since the first Global Anglican Future Conference was held in Jerusalem. We invite you to celebrate GAFCON Sunday with your congregations by praising God for his faithfulness to our Anglican......
For two decades Molly Ruch has steadfastly pursued the Lord’s leading to reproduce Anglican churches in word and sacrament. After years of prayer, she and her husband Christian planted Church of the Cross in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, in 2003, out of Resurrection. Today Molly......
June 29th, 2021: Update On Ongoing Investigation Of Abuse May 4, 2021 Dear Upper Midwest Diocese Family: I am writing to share with you about a devastating situation that has occurred in our diocese during the last two years. We have been working toward taking......
As you may know, Archbishop Ben Kwashi of the Diocese of Jos, Nigeria, has been receiving chemo treatments in the US for stage 4 colon and liver cancer since November. Early this month Bishop Stewart paid a second visit to Abp. Ben and his wife, Mama Gloria, in......
This Lent I believe the Lord is calling us from a refuge to readiness, for a great harvest. In my sermon this Sunday, I gave a message on doing “Lent Together” for our whole diocese. It’s based on Jesus’ call, “Follow me, and I will......
Twelve months ago, Archbishop Foley Beach asked me to chair a taskforce to develop a pastoral statement on same sex attraction and identity, with a focus on the theological language that might be employed within our provincial ministries regarding this attraction. The spiritual and......
Dear Beloved People of God in the Anglican Diocese of the Upper Midwest, Like many of you, I was grieved and heartbroken by yesterday’s events in our nation’s Capital. I call you to intercede now for our nation and for the city of Washington DC,......
Dear Church of the Resurrection and Upper Midwest Family: Our hearts are grieving as we lament another shooting in an American city. On Sunday, August 23rd, a Kenosha, Wisconsin police officer shot Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, seven times. Many details about this shooting......
George Floyd was made in the image of God and as such is a person of utmost value. This is not true because a few Anglican bishops issue a letter. This conviction arises from our reading of Scripture. The Psalmist said: For you formed my......
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