The Sunday of V Epiphany was spent with those whose historic church commands the full attention of their community from Summit Avenue in Glen Carbon; literally, “a city built on a hill.”  St. Thomas’ is situated close to the 1914 former schoolhouse, now serving as the heritage museum, featuring extensive exhibits on the village’s mining and railroad history and the 1910 Old Village Hall and firehouse. St. Thomas’ operates a well-staffed and well-run Christian pre-school as their primary outreach. This is a challenging time for all those who operate pre-schools without benefit of government funding. Please pray not only for additional enrollments, but the exact certification of teachers needed for that expanded enrollment.

The Nave was full for the Rite I Holy Eucharist. Lay leaders were found everywhere supporting the liturgical and hospitable reach of this mission church, to include Jan Goosens (Lector), Gary Goosens (sacristan), Jane Klamer (hospitality), Joseph Cobetto (vested altar server), and many others.  This is the church that organizes and so beautifully formats our Diocesan Prayer Calendar (cycle of prayer) that is published and posted to our website quarterly (https://episcopalspringfield.org/resources/prayer-calendar). 

Following Dismissal, their Vicar, Fr. Mark Klamer, announced that this dynamic church is offering a five-week Lenten series on Lectio Divina (Divine reading). Offered on the five Wednesday evenings in Lent, the series will unfold the ancient, four-step monastic practice of praying with Scripture to hear God’s voice through His Word. A tossed salad, spaghetti and French bread lunch was served through their beautifully organized kitchen to extend Eucharistic fellowship within the parish hall.

Glen Carbon is an inviting historic community that excels at sharing with visitors a reverence for the past. St. Thomas’ Church is out in front of that invitation, engaging mission-minded priorities intended to bring us all to our intended future; salvation unto life-eternal. If you find you are in the Metro-East St. Louis area, please consider treating yourself to an experience of the Church that is authentically Anglican and missional.

How lovely is thy dwelling place, O Lord of hosts, to me!

My thirsty soul desires and longs within thy courts to be;

My very heart and flesh cry out, O living God, for thee.

(Hymn 517, Stanza 1 – Paraphrase of Psalm 84:1)

The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany was observed before the altar of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Springfield. The Cathedral did an exceptional job of making itself ready for this opportunity to be with their Bishop. Their Annual Meeting was conducted the day before, during which Bishop Burgess took the opportunity to recognize their reorganized Cathedral Chapter.

Two men were presented to Bishop Burgess; one for Confirmation and the other for rite of Reception from the Continuing Church. The laity make their offering in remarkable ways here, including the many demands placed upon a very busy sacristy. There were quite a few new faces inviting introductions at the door following the processional Hymn and Dismissal. A reception followed within the Cathedral Café to congratulate the two newest members of the Episcopal Church.

Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;
For only in thee can we live in safety.

posted 2/04/2026

The Sunday of II Christmas was spent with the saints of St. Paul’s in Pekin. Dating back to 1837, St. Paul’s stands as the oldest surviving church building in Pekin. The mission leadership team recognizes this distinction as an expression of evangelism and embraces the expectation that comes with it. Fr. Jonathan Butcher, senior warden Jacob Brisbin, organist Kim Weis and so many others concern themselves with creating invitations into sacred time and sacred space that propel us to do the work our God in Christ has given us to do.

One college junior-classman, William Joseph Roney, a political science major from Bradley University, was received into our Communion from Rome. All was in place for a beautiful offering of The Second Sunday after Christmas Day, including traditional Carols particularly fitting for this Feast of our Lord.

The interior of this historic Church is magnificent with its Victorian Neo-Gothic style painted ceiling and reredos, putting all Herods of the world on notice that the love and saving work of Jesus Christ reigns supreme in Pekin, Illinois. If you have the opportunity to be near St. Paul’s, it is well worth the effort to make your Holy Communion before their altar.  They complete our voice of common prayer.

Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place,

and with true love and charity each other now embrace;

this holy tide of Christmas doth bring redeeming grace.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;

O tidings of comfort and joy!

(Words: London carol, 18th century)

posted 1/09/2026

The Fourth Sunday of Advent was spent before the altar of Trinity Church in Lincoln.  With the priority resting firmly on the foundation of right worship, this leading parish of our Diocese has navigated post-Covid 19 recovery in an exemplary manner.  The mix of ages and generations filled the Nave.  Children of all ages were everywhere. Bishop Burgess had the privilege of Confirming two; a mother and her teen-aged daughter. He also welcomed through the waters of Baptism an infant girl into the Body of Christ. Trinity Church in Lincoln is where many Diocesan leaders hail from, including those serving on Diocesan Council, as Chair of our Department of Audit, and as postulants who are engaging seminary studies at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin. This is the parish that raises up young, well-formed vocations.

Fr. Kip Ashmore serves this parish remarkably well as Interim Rector while the parish leadership works with him in interest of their future. Fr. Ashmore is the perfect priest for this parish in transition as he has commanded such deep-keeled ships in turbulent waters before. Trinity Church is drinking deeply from the depths of his patient wisdom.

Nominations have been called for ahead of their January 25, 2026 Annual Meeting.  Please keep this parish in your prayers as they identify, invite forward, and commission their new parish leadership. It is an exciting time to be a communicant of Trinity Church in Lincoln.

Almighty and everlasting Father, you have given the Holy Spirit to abide with us for ever: Bless, we pray, with his grace and presence, the clergy and the laity of Trinity Church in Lincoln soon to be assembled in your Name, that your Church, being preserved in true faith and godly discipline, may fulfill all the mind of him who loved it and gave himself for it, your Son Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (The Book of Common Prayer pg. 255)

Nashotah House's annual offering of Lessons & Carols was a success with many faces from the Diocese of Springfield represented. Fr. Ben Hankinson acted as celebrant for the evening's service, with postulants Zach Buscher and Andrew Meade serving as crucifer and member of the choir. The evening was filled with many beautiful pieces performed by Nashotah’s choral scholars, and the night ended with a cookie reception.

Photo credit: Lauren Anderson-Cripps

posted 12/17/2025

The Second Sunday of Advent was observed before the altar of St. Matthew’s in Bloomington. This parish hosted the 148th Annual Synod this past October and has accomplished many priorities in capital improvements and Outreach goals this year.  Fr. Tom Reeves is blessed to have many parish leaders who have the love of the Church and the salvation of souls as their guiding points. The Nave was quite full and two were presented for Confirmation and one for reception from Rome. The liturgical offerings of chanting and Hymns have grown stronger over the past three years with the addition of families, children, and those new to our tradition. One young high school-aged boy even brought his mother from some 35 miles away to “come and see” his new church home.

The reception following in the parish hall invited the opportunity for Bishop Burgess to present the Appeal, which was launched during our Annual Synod, while inviting members and communicants to ask questions. Following the reception (and before the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packer’s game kick-off), Bishop and Denise Burgess had the chance to take Fr. Tom and Karen Reeves to brunch as the means of catching up.

In those days, . . . (Matthew 3:1)

With the announcement that Rabbi Art Stern is moving to Southeast Florida in order to be closer to his mother during her time of later in life concerns, the community of Temple Israel gathered for his final Friday evening Shabbat service. This was an opportunity to praise God’s Holy Name and to wish Rabbi Stern all of God’s most generous blessings in this next chapter of his life and rabbinic ministry. The evening was beautifully offered with much of the liturgical structure being familiar to that of our own Evening Office. Rabbi Stern delivered the d’var Torah (sermon) and following the Shema, Amidah and closing prayers, the congregation gathered in the assembly hall for a Kiddush (celebratory reception). As the faithful of Temple Israel including Rabbi Art Stern and retired Rabbi Barry Marks have a close relationship with our Diocesan office and Diocesan Cathedral, Bishop Burgess and Denise attended to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the relationship. Bishop Burgess invites our entire Diocese to keep the people of Temple Israel in our intercessory prayer as they navigate this period of transition.

Yishtabach Shemo (His Name be praised)

posted 12/08/2025

The Last Sunday after Pentecost was observed before our southernmost altar in Cairo. The Church of the Redeemer must be experienced as this community is truly made alive by the power of the Holy Spirit. The altar party did an exceptional job of allowing the magnificent liturgical space to speak resolutely as we lent our voices to common prayer. Organist John Merlau accompanied the liturgical offering with appropriate service music, organ voluntaries, and hymns that proclaim Christ as King. One gentleman, new to the Episcopal Church and having been “duly prepared,” was presented to Bishop Burgess for Confirmation with the entire congregation standing as witnesses and sponsors. 

Following Dismissal, the Eucharistic fellowship spilled over into their recently-acquired and renovated parish hall. BBQ brisket, lasagna, as well as many delicious sides and desserts filled the serving line. Fr. James Mauriki (Jane) and police Chief Len Harris (Dana) are recognized as leaders of the community and are highly respected as those who live as it is they pray. It is believed that only three churches remain open in Cairo, with The Church of the Redeemer out in front as they set a priority of inviting the Kingdom of God to come now, on earth as it is in heaven.

Save us, we beseech thee, O LORD!

O LORD, we beseech thee, give us success! (Psalm 118:25)

The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost brought with it the opportunity to Confirm three and receive two, one from Rome and one from the Methodist tradition, within the regular offering of Holy Eucharist at St. Mark’s in West Frankfort. In addition to greeting the candidates and their sponsors, Bishop Burgess was introduced to four young adults from Southern Illinois University and two sisters who are new to the Church where it is they, “learn about Jesus.” Having been Baptized this past summer, the two sisters now serve as candle bearers in the liturgical procession. Mother Sheryl Black and the mission leadership team work hard at identifying opportunities for outreach and evangelism. The Eucharistic rite was beautifully supported by the offerings of Deacon Sandy Beattie and Claudia Byrne who serves as the mission congregation’s organist. The reception in the fellowship hall following Dismissal was offered with real ceramic coffee mugs in recognition of the five newest members of the Episcopal Church.  As part of the extended Eucharistic fellowship,  Bishop Burgess shared Diocesan news and invited a time of questions.

St. Mark’s in West Frankfort lives well within the statement made by Archbishop William Temple, who, having died in office, served only two years as Archbishop of Canterbury during World War II (April 1942 to October 1944). That statement being, “The Church exists primarily for the sake of those who are still outside it.”

In dulci jubilo (In sweet rejoicing)

posted 11/11/2025

Bishop Burgess attended the National Cursillo Conference held October 29th through 31st at ToddHall in Columbia. Each year the National Board meets within the Diocese of their Chair.  As Bob Vaughn of St. George’s in Belleville serves as the National Chair this year, the Conference was held within our Diocese.

Cursillo (Cur–SEE’–yo) is a Spanish word meaning “short course”. Cursillos de Christianidad is the full title of the movement. This phrase literally means a short course of lectures in Christian living, but it is not intended to simply refer to a course of instruction (lectures). Rather, it means a short running course (such as St. Paul’s admonition to run the good race). It is something to experience, not just to understand intellectually. The first Cursillo Weekends were developed in the Roman Catholic Church in Majorca, Spain. Cursillo was brought to the United States by Spanish airmen who were stationed at air bases in Texas in the late 1950s. The first official Cursillo Weekend in the Episcopal Church (in English) was conducted with help from Roman Catholic sponsors in the Diocese of Iowa. The significance of Cursillo in the Episcopal Church is its role as a catalyst for spiritual revitalization and deeper lay ministry, helping individuals to grow in their faith through a structured weekend and ongoing community support.

Bishop Burgess welcomed Bishop Glenda Curry (Alabama XII) and Bishop Kee Sloan (Alabama XI) to the Diocese of Springfield. Both bishops have assumed leadership roles within this ministry on behalf of the Presiding Bishop and the House of Bishops. He also welcomed many diocesan secretariats throughout the Episcopal Church. These Cursillo ministry leaders came together to pray, praise God, offer mutual support, and to strengthen the ministry entrusted to their care and oversight.

De colores.

posted 11/3/2025

Bishop Burgess spent Saturday, October 11th and Sunday, October 12th with the saints of St. Stephen’s in Harrisburg. The Saturday afternoon Eucharist was to the glory of God and an opportunity for Michael and Jane Baglio to renew their wedding vows on their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Sixty family, friends and neighbors participated in the sacred liturgy while lending their voices to common prayer. Observing the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost was reason enough to gather within sacred space to encounter the Word of God and the appearing of Christ in the Breaking of the Bread. Both Saturday and Sunday offered extended Eucharistic fellowship in their parish assembly room. This is a dynamic congregation of lay leaders who live into the heavenly command that we continue on exodus together while gathering just enough manna (food from heaven) for their household for that day (Exodus 16:4). Bravo! to their organist John Merlau who plans and leads all aspects of the musical offering both at St. Stephens Church and St. James Chapel in Marion. Thank you to Senior Warden Helen Williams for her patient and exemplary leadership.

Bishop Burgess celebrated the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost before the altar of St. Paul’s Church in Alton. Everything was in perfect order for the faithful to lend their voices to common prayer without distraction. A team of ushers were positioned at the principal doors as greeters and to assist those attending for the first time. Three “duly prepared” candidates were present for Confirmation and one was received from Rome. This parish pays a great deal of attention to detail. They have recently refreshed and reopened their parish religious book store and their conversion of a large classroom into a regular meeting place for twelve-step groups has been made complete with a coffee bar/kitchen funded by an Outreach grant from the Diocese.

The Feast of St. James the Apostle (July 26th) was magnificently observed with a solemn choral Eucharist inviting the reception of The Reverend Dr. Zachary Guiliano as priest of the Episcopal Church and seating him as the XII Rector of Emmanuel Memorial Church in Champaign. The liturgy was knit together beautifully with ceremony that took into account this parish’s wonderful liturgical space. The Choir completely outdid themselves with their offering of a well-rehearsed Introit, anthems, service music, hymnody, descants and an Anglican Chant Psalm setting by Bruce Neswick (b. 1956), one-time Associate Professor of Organ at Indiana University. One particularly special musical moment came upon the blessing of water at the font and during the asperging of the people as the Choir sang Giovanni Palestrina’s (c. 1525 - 1594) Sicut Chervus (As a deer longs for springs of water, so longs my soul for thee, O God – Psalm 42:1).

The clergy of our Diocese came out in great numbers to support this parish in taking this faithful and long-awaited step forward. The Reverend Dr. Fred Robinson offered the Homily, tying together in rhetorical images the life and witness of St. James to that of a parish rector and a parish passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Following Dismissal, Processional Hymn and organ Voluntary (Festive Prelude on Cum Rhondda by David P. Dahal) all were invited to gather in the parish hall for a catered reception and the opportunity to greet their new rector and his family.

Welcome home Fr. Zach and Melissa Guiliano. Bravo! To the Emmanuel Memorial lay leadership who stayed the course when challenged by rough deployment seas.