The observance of the Seventh Sunday of Easter began on Saturday morning in Glen Carbon. Bishop Burgess joined Fr. Mark Klamer in presiding over the St. Thomas Episcopal Preschool and Child Care commencement ceremony within the church Nave. Prayers were offered, songs were sung, certificates of achievement were presented, and a final blessing was pronounced over the graduates and their families prior to extending the celebration in the decorated parish hall. Words of appreciation were extended toward Miss Danica and Miss Amanda for their dedicated leadership and professional involvement when it comes to educating and forming students for success in the classroom. St. Thomas Episcopal Preschool is an important ministry of outreach within our Diocese.

Bishop and Denise Burgess then drove to Robinson, Illinois to have dinner with the mission leadership of St. Mary’s on the eve of VII Easter and to join with them in Holy Eucharist.  All shared news of progress when it comes to being a witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ where they gather and wait, devoting themselves to prayer. One of the great challenges the City of Robinson is facing is a housing market that struggles to keep up with demand as the Hersey’s production plant and the Marathon Oil refinery expand operations. Robinson is the county seat of Crawford County and the largest city in Crawford County.

The 9:30 AM Holy Eucharist on Sunday was offered joyfully. What stood out as different this time was how the foyer to this historic school house, to include the bathroom facility just off the entrance, has been renovated to make that first impression quite welcoming as well as appealing.  The renovation includes new wall board, new flooring, trim work, paint, and fixtures. The difference is immediately recognizable and it stands out as inviting and safe. The sacristy has been cleaned and neatly arranged so that it stands in support of sanctifying life, time, and space. This is a forward-thinking congregation that is attractive in their fellowship, patient in their outreach, and energetic in their evangelizing. Stay tuned for more front yard events that communicate to those traveling Illinois Route 33 the invitation to “come and see.”

Thank you to Fr. John Henry for being so generous with his time in retirement as he stands as St. Mary’s regular supply priest; to the Glory of God and on behalf of these disciples of Christ in community.

The Sunday of V Easter began appropriately on Saturday evening by meeting the clergy and wardens of St. John’s Decatur for dinner in a private room provided by The Decatur Club in historic downtown Decatur. Words of thanksgiving were offered and prayer requests were made in the face of growth challenges that lay ahead of these dedicated parish leaders. Sunday morning began with meeting those who would be presented for either Confirmation or reception into this church and Communion. Three were “duly prepared” and presented to Bishop Burgess; one for Confirmation and two for reception from Rome. The liturgy was beautifully offered with all sacred ceremony well-planned, rehearsed, and executed. A choral scholar offered a baritone solo during the Offertory entitled Mache dich, mein Herze, rein (Make yourself, my heart, pure) by J. S. Bach (1685-1750). Upon Dismissal, processional Hymn, and postlude, the Eucharistic fellowship was extended with a parish hall reception wherein Bishop Burgess answered in detail three questions that were prepared ahead of his arrival by the parish Vestry.

Bishop and Mrs. Burgess spent Tuesday, May 6th through Wednesday, May 7th at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel and Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Louis, MO attending the B.E.S.T. (Bishop’s Executive Secretaries Together) Conference 2025. This professional organization holds an annual gathering, which this year was hosted by the Province V “besties”. Priorities of this four-day conference include sharing resources, articulating best practices, and supporting each other within a collegial relationship that really knows no other comparison. Our own Erin Anglin had a tremendous part to play in organizing this event and inviting a few of the Province V bishops to be seated on a Bishop’s Panel where they were asked various questions and allowed to share observations, words of thanksgiving, and hopes for the future. Those bishops who were able to participate include: Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, Bishop Anne Jolly of Ohio, Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows of Indianapolis, Bishop Matthew Gunter of Wisconsin, Bishop Deon Johnson of Missouri, and Bishop Brian Burgess of Springfield.

The Diocesan Center, being designed as a round building, presents a few challenges to those visiting the Bishop or his staff. Chief among those challenges is, “Where’s the men’s room?” Taking a cue from various parishes throughout our Diocese, it was decided to install directional signage that welcomes and then moves people throughout the Diocesan Center. 

As the rear entrance acts as the main entrance, the Diocesan shield was added as a point of reference to those pulling into the parking lot. Taking into consideration how many doors present themselves when entering that rear door (6 in total), we marked each office and room according to its function.

This is not only a priority of extending hospitality, it is a safety issue. As many of our Diocesan family members can attest to, there are interior circular hallways that seem to go nowhere. It is in the better interest of fire codes to identify interior hallways and the other outside rear door as the mechanical room for those responding to emergencies, especially after regular business hours.

The Diocesan Center staff worked with ACE Sign Company of Springfield to ensure a long-lasting, professional look at a low cost. Thank you to all who support the mission of their home parish/mission as it allows us to be mindful of the treasure granted to our Diocese on South Second Street in Springfield.

“Come and see.”

To the glory of God, 75 priests, deacons, postulants, bishops and laity came together to observe Tuesday in Holy Week before our Cathedral altar. Traditionally observed as the Mass wherein those living under Orders renew their Ordination vows before and with their Bishop, this is also the Mass where the Easter fermentum is consecrated and then sent out to the parishes and missions of our Diocese to be commingled with the consecration of their Eucharistic elements during the first Mass of Easter, connecting each parish or mission altar to the apostolic ministry of their Bishop. This Mass is often called the “Chrism Mass” as Oil Infirmorum and Holy Chrism are blessed and distributed for use in anointing the sick (Oleum Infirmorum - OI) and the sealing of candidates at their Baptism (Sacrum Chrisma - SC). The Cathedral Chapter and their organist did a wonderful job of hosting this annual Holy Week observation. Special recognition and appreciation go out to Mrs. Susan Beard and Mrs. Sarah Camp for making sure that all was in place for a very special offering.

Following the service, the clergy of our Diocese and their spouses were welcomed into the Diocesan Center for a catered Lenten luncheon of soups, salads, breads and small apple cheesecake desserts. That offering began with the a cappella singing of Hymn 686, Come thou font of every blessing and then with Father Bill Howard, the most senior priest of the gathering, leading us in prayer of thanksgiving for such an offering of physical nourishment and collegial fellowship. This was the first time that many of our Diocesan clergy had opportunity to meet Ms. Genese Dadzie, our interim executive assistant, and The Reverend Deacon Sontochena St. Jean who serves the community of Trinity Church in Mattoon and who is from the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti.

"For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth; but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,  so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."  (I Corinthians 1:26-29)

posted 4/17/2025

The Fourth Sunday in Lent was spent proclaiming our Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead and giving thanks for the 25th Anniversary of St. Michael’s in O’Fallon. Having met in the basement of a home and then in the local Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Michael’s held their first service within their newly constructed church on March 30, 2020. It was the year of Y2K anxiety, when the Windows 2000 computer software was released; Tiger Woods won his first US Open; the fourth book in the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, was published; and the US Supreme Court announced its decision regarding the US presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, settling the recount dispute in Florida. All the while, God’s Holy Word was truly preached and truly heard; the sacraments of the Church were faithfully administered and received; foreheads were anointed, children were catechized, Hymns were sung, the hungry were fed, the poor were lifted up, the weak were bid to be strong; and this faithful congregation grew in God’s grace together. Those who laid the cornerstone of this majestic church understood it as the New Jerusalem, and those who followed now also experience it as the plains of Jericho; the very last place of our collective sustenance before the journey home.

The leadership of St. Michael’s takes their ministry of hospitality and welcome seriously. Dressed in matching golf-shirts with their church shield embroidered over the pocket, ushers and greeters are at the doors early to ensure that greetings are extended and all is in place for the commencement of Holy Eucharist. This posture is again recognized at the Offertory as the ushers preside over the liturgical act of presenting the offerings and oblations of our lives and labors to the Lord (BCP pg. 344).

When the Diocesan Center in Springfield was built in 1962, a series of gas lamps lined the two front sidewalks leading to the main entrances facing South Second Street. Over time, the lamps were removed and low-maintenance landscaping was put in to augment the sidewalk. To the rear of the building is a garden with one remaining gas lamp still standing. The Bishop’s office has a large floor to ceiling window that looks out over that garden, where the gas lamp was either originally placed or put there when the lamps out front were removed. We like to believe it was the former. Over time the lamp had fallen into disuse and was subjected to petty vandalism. The globe was cracked and the gas filaments were damaged beyond recognition (we thought the lamp was electric). Staring at a fixture intended as a statement of beauty, connectedness, security and stability now in total disrepair was not the priority of stewardship we intend to continue or communicate.

With the assistance of our friends at O’Shey Builders in Springfield, the lamp was inspected, the gas line repaired, new filaments and a globe were ordered and the lamp was brought back to full operation. Like the gas lamps adorning homes in Louisiana, especially within the French Quarter of New Orleans, the lamp burns 24/7; at all times and in all seasons. It is a fitting daily reminder to our Bishop of the story from I Samuel, where we are told that in the days of grave disobedience, and as the eyesight of Eli the temple priest had started to fail, the Lamp of God had not yet gone out (I Samuel 3:3); referring to the lamp in the temple at Shiloh, where Eli was the high priest and Samuel was a young boy ministering. It signifies the ongoing presence of God and the potential for renewal, even during a time of spiritual decline.

Thank you for your faithful stewardship as it allows the mission of the church to be experienced in every place that we find ourselves proclaiming the resurrection of Christ our Lord.

posted 3/20/2025

Bishop Burgess is pleased to announce the hire of Ms. Genese M. Dadzie as full-time Office Assistant while Erin Anglican is out attending to Family Leave priorities. Ms. Dadzie grew up in Springfield, graduated from Springfield Senior High School and spent most of her early adult life in the Chicago area. She has taught in the Chicago and Springfield Public School districts and she has experience as a Lead Case Investigator for the Cook County Department of Public Health. Having earned her MBA from Franklin University in Columbus, OH and her BA from North Park University in Chicago; Ms. Dadzie is currently a medical student at the St. James School of Medicine on the Island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines working toward her Medical Degree (MD). Genese grew up in the Evangelical Church tradition with a grandfather who was a Methodist bishop. She is extremely motivated, organized, bright, professionally poised, and looking forward to assisting us in our mission within the Diocesan Office. The Diocesan Office continues to be staffed from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Please take a moment to welcome Genese to the Diocese of Springfield and to thank her for her life and ministry among us.

posted 3/17/2025

Ash Wednesday was spent with the Cathedral community before the altar at St. Paul’s.  Peter Roeder, cathedral organist, assisted in planning the appropriate music for the service, which included the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist. Ms. Diane Gietz, soprano, offered Pie Jesu from Gabriel Faure’s Requiem and the Kontakion [Kievan chant] from the Eastern Orthodox Memorial Service. Assisting Bishop Burgess were Canon Sean Denney, serving as Deacon of the Mass, and Clair Ribelin, serving as Subdeacon. The Cathedral altar guild did a beautiful job of transforming the Sanctuary and Chancel into the proper form for the First Day of Lent, making it a wonderful place to enter in a Holy Lent.

The Clergy of our Diocese gathered for their annual Pe-Lenten Clergy Retreat at King’s House at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Snows in Bellville. Beginning with Mass at the beautiful Shrine church on The Feast of St. Matthias (February 24th), the two-day, two-night retreat focused on fellowship, worship, renewal, reconciliation, and education. Dr. Ryan Burge offered three retreat addresses centered on statistical trends that are driving evangelical priorities of the church today. Dr. Burge is an American political scientist, statistician, and for 17 years until Summer 2024, an American Baptist pastor.  An Associate professor at Eastern Illinois University, he is best known for his work on religion in the United States. 60 Minutes has termed him one of the “leading data analysts on religion and politics” within the United States. Also joining our Diocesan clergy was Fr. Peter Speropulos, who was invited by Bishop Burgess to serve as retreat Confessor. Fr. Speropulos has served as associate rector of The Church of St. Michael & St. George in St. Louis since August 2017. The retreat was well attended and appreciated by those making the time and effort to attend. To the benefit of all, quite a few retired clergy participated, adding a depth of vocational grounding. Bishop Burgess extends his deep-seated appreciation toward all our parishes and missions for their faithful and sacrificial stewardship which invites such offerings, intended for the wellness of our clergy and their growth in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.

The apostles gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat (Mark 6:30-34).

The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany was observed before the high altar of Trinity Church in Jacksonville. Having served Trinity Church as parish secretary for over 20 years and upon being duly prepared by many thankful rectors, Mrs. Jo Ann Nelson was presented by her husband for reception into this Communion of catholic faith and practice. The Choir added greatly to the expression of Holy Eucharist by their musical offering and liturgical posture. Many children filled the Nave, being instructed in how heirs behave within the kingdom of our heavenly Father. The donation baskets were filled to overflowing for their “Souper Bowl” Sunday canned soup collection day. Trinity Church takes seriously its calling to be a place of right worship, mission, outreach, generous hospitality, and right teaching. The Very Reverend Fr. Zach Brooks has navigated well a post-pandemic recovery with all elements of expected churchmanship being put back firmly in place.

Deo gratias.

The commemoration of Charles Stuart, King and Martyr was observed before the altar of St. Paul’s Church in Alton on Thursday, January 30 while observing the Celebration of a New Ministry by a most reverently offered Rite I Holy Eucharist. Father Garron Daniels was presented by his Vestry to The Right Reverend Brian K. Burgess, DD of Springfield, for Institution as the XXI rector of the Episcopal Parish (St. Paul’s Parish and Trinity Chapel) in Alton, Illinois. In addition to the exuberant laity, clergy from the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield, the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield lent their voices to common prayer and Hymns of high thanksgiving for all that the Christ of God is doing within this historic parish. The Right Reverend Deon Johnson of Missouri was vested, seated in Choir, and assisted in the celebration of the Holy Mysteries. The Reverend Dr. Nathan Hayden of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Ladue, Missouri and clerical member of the Diocese of Missouri’s Commission on Ministry stood as Homilist. Father Daniels is a graduate of The University of the South School of Theology in Sewanee, TN (MDiv.) and has already had a tremendous impact on the spiritual health and missional vitality of this East St. Louis parish within the Diocese of Springfield.

Deo gratias.

posted 2/03/2025

Bishop Burgess observed The Feast of the Holy Nativity on Christmas Eve before the Cathedral altar in Springfield. This is the first Christmas that the Cathedral community enjoyed Peter Roeder, their recently seated organist and choirmaster who did a wonderful job of accompanying the rite musically. Both the 5:00 PM and the 11:00 PM services were beautifully offered with traditional carols, appropriate rite and ceremony, and the elegance that our cathedral has long been known for. Christmas Day began with a trip to All Saints’ in Morton for the Holy Eucharist at 9:00 AM with the Rite of Confirmation. Casey and Caitlin Lore from Trinity Church in Lincoln were presented for Confirmation by their rector, Fr. Chris Simpson. In the hope of getting Casey back to his full-time government position on the east coast and with Bishop Burgess being this close to Lincoln, this particular expression of the Church was welcomed. The congregation lent their voices to common prayer and Christmas carols sung a cappella. Upon Dismissal, those who had peered into the face of Holy Nativity quietly returned to their flock and fields to do the work that the Christ of God has given them to do. In dulce jubilo (In sweet rejoicing).

posted 12/28/2024

Ember Wednesday in the Week of III Advent was observed with the faithful of St. Barnabas’ in Havana during their offering of A Ceremony of Nine Lessons and Carols. The service of Lessons and Carols was first drawn up by Archbishop Edward White Benson when he was Bishop of Truro, England. The service was later simplified and modified for use in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, in 1918 by its then Dean, The Very Reverend Eric Milner-White. Since the early 1900's, English cathedrals and collegiate chapels have programmed Lessons and Carols as a means of marking the season of Advent with a communal gathering and celebration. Bravo to Fr. Dante Anglin, organist Kim Wiese, and the leadership of St. Barnabas’ for inviting their community into the very best that our tradition has to offer in this time of holy anticipation.

posted 12/21/2024

The Sunday of II Advent was spent with those of St. James’ Chapel in Marion and St. Andrew’s Church in Carbondale. Saturday evening’s Vigil Mass was offered within the beautiful Chapel of St. James. Bishop Burgess took time before the service to meet with a local contractor and Don Monty of St. Andrew’s in Carbondale in the interest of articulating plans for moving forward with evangelical zeal in the fastest growing county in Illinois. This beautifully appointed chapel is a true treasure containing many well-placed memorials ready to be brought forward into a promising future.

Sunday morning was observed before the altar of St. Andrew’s in Carbondale. This leading parish has been through a great many challenges lately that have required much of their capable leadership, including the collapse of their interior ceiling within the Nave. Two “duly prepared” candidates were presented to Bishop Burgess for Confirmation. Fr. Jerry Anderson and a few of the parishioners had traveled to Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia where Fr. Anderson was being recognized by his alma mater for exceptional work done in the mission field among AIDS victims and the LGBT community. The Mass was beautifully offered while inviting prayer for continued faithful stewardship on this, their Consecration Sunday. Evidence of this parish’s Outreach priorities was seen in the placement of collection baskets for food, socks, and other items needed to sustain others within their immediate community. A delicious reception was offered upon Dismissal in thanksgiving for this parish’s faithful stewards, in recognition of the two who were Confirmed, and as a welcome to Bishop Brian and Denise Burgess.

posted 12/10/2024

The Eve of Thanksgiving was spent with the saints of St. Barnabas’ Church in Havana. This beautiful campus is wonderful to behold during the day and spectacular at night. A well-maintained rectory, beautifully illumined Carpenter Gothic church, and inviting parish hall that places at its center worship, evangelism, and faithful stewardship. The Holy Mysteries were reverently offered before their historic altar with their vicar Fr. Dante Anglin standing as Celebrant. St. Barnabas' is entering into the liturgical season of Advent this year with a greater attentiveness toward expectation as Fr. and Mrs. Anglin are expecting twins.

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.