Current Events

Around the Diocese



Celebration of a New Ministry

St. John’s Episcopal Church and Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) came together within their shared Centralia campus to officially welcome, institute, and celebrate the new ministry occurring there under the vocational leadership of The Very Reverend Matthew Kemp. Bishop Brian Burgess of the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield and Bishop Greg Busboom of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod of the ELCA both presided over the service of Holy Eucharist while commemorating the lesser feast of Bishop Robert Grosseteste of Lincoln (1168-1253) and invited the thankful prayer and praises of two faithful congregations who stand together in mission and blended worship. The Holy Eucharist followed the rite of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer while the service music was chosen from the Lutheran Book of Worship.

 

Clergy from the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church joined in the procession and common prayer, recognizing this opportunity that the Lord Himself has brought to our respective dioceses and this congregation. Recently elected regional dean, Dean Matthew Kemp and his wife Alethea are the proud parents of five beautiful children who also were recognized for the contribution they make to the holiness of life, time, and place.


This congregation recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of their beautiful church. Under the vocational leadership of Dean Kemp and the most capable leadership of committed laity, we may be assured that exciting, new, and faithful expressions of being Church will continue to resonate from a place where the walls are already saturated with the prayers of the saints.


posted 10/11/24

Recognition & Investiture of Bishop Matthew Gunter

Bishop Burgess attended the Recognition & Investiture of The Right Reverend Matthew Gunter (center) as 12th Bishop of Wisconsin.  Bishops attending to Bishop Gunter were (right to left): Bishop Brian K. Burgess, Springfield; Bishop Jay Lambert, Eau Claire (res); Bishop Steven Miller, Milwaukee (res); Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe who stood as preacher.

The service of Holy Eucharist was offered to the glory of God on Saturday, October 5th during their 177th Annual Convention within the Holiday Inn Stevens Point Convention Center.


posted 10/08/24

Response to Hurricane Helene

from Bishop Burgess

As we watch reports of those responding to and recovering from the onslaught of Hurricane Helene, our prayers are needed for those living in the ravaged areas. The scale of devastation is on the level of catastrophic. It is painful to witness through many various kinds of media the devastating impact that this storm has had on our Nation, the Church and most importantly, those who complete us as the Body of Christ.


Please know that the Diocese of Springfield will be sending funds already designated by you as Outreach to both the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida and the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, directly to each Bishop’s Discretionary Fund. In this manner, the funds may be used immediately and upon the sole discretion of each bishop for disaster response and recovery within their diocese.


I have heard from Bishop José A. McLoughlin of Western North Carolina. This is not the time to send people or collections of other resources until they define the type, quantity and specific skill set required. They are managing the reestablishment of basic infrastructure needs at this time while still conducting search and rescue operations as well as damage assessment. There are many areas of his Diocese that are now impossible to get into or out of. Emergency operation centers are being established and they are overwhelmed by the level of need left in the wake of such a powerful storm. Specifically, if you are looking to contact family and friends in the impacted areas, please do not reach out to the Diocese. To connect with the Red Cross, click here.

 

Please keep the people residing in these areas of our country in your prayers, that they may have the strength to meet the days ahead. This recovery operation will go on for many months, if not years. Please only respond as invited.  And if in person or a group, only as one/those fully self-contained.

 

O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servant for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their soul with patience, comfort them with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  (BCP pg. 831)

 

In the peace of God, which passeth all understanding;


The Right Reverend Brian K. Burgess, DD

XII Springfield

(posted 10/01/24)


Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Michaelmas (tr.) was observed with great splendor while deferring the highest honor to almighty God before the altar of Holy Trinity Church in Danville.  This dedicated parish is deeply involved in various outreach ministries throughout their community, including an efficiently operated food bank. The purpose for this reach is their altar, where they join their voices with “Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven.” Those serving the altar greeted Bishop Burgess in the parking lot upon his arrival vested in cassocks and invited him into a time of liturgical review to ensure that rite and ceremony would be offered seamlessly, to the glory of God, and on behalf of the people Christ came to redeem.

 

Fr. Lewis is a most dedicated priest who concerns himself with the many details of good, faithful, and stable parish ministry. Since Bishop Burgess’ last appearance, the Nave has made room for the arrival of many children and their families. Standing at the extreme north east portion of our diocese, these faithful Christians keep watch while others sleep. They offer a daily Mass, a weekly Bible study, and many more reaches beyond themselves including an immaculately maintained and inviting campus. Holy Trinity Church in Danville is one of those parishes that you must experience when heading toward the Wabash River on Interstate 74. Their churchmanship and liturgical bearing are expressions of high thanksgiving that lend itself beautifully to the well-tuned voice of our entire Diocese.

 

Let your priest be clothed with righteousness;*

           let your faithful people sing with joy.

 

(Psalm 132:9)


posted 9/30/24

Celebration Service of Assignment UMC

On Saturday, September 28th, Bishop Brian and Denise Burgess traveled to Calvary United Methodist Church in Normal under the invitation to attend the Celebration Service of the Assignment of Bishop David Alan Bard & Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai to the Illinois Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church.  This is a shared ministry of oversight as each bishop will remain as the pastoral and administrative head of their respective Conference and share oversight of the Illinois Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church (UMC), roughly covering the same geographical area as the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield.

Bishop Bard has served as the resident bishop of the Michigan Conference of the UMC since September 1, 2016 and Bishop Bingham-Tsai has been the resident bishop of the Iowa Annual Conference of the UMC since January of 2023.  Their shared oversight of the Great Rivers Conference will be simultaneous while incorporating in person opportunities to be with congregations and virtual meetings from their original jurisdictions.  The administrative office of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference is located on South Second Street, just North of Toronto Road in South Springfield.

Pictured (L to R): Pastor Jacqui King, Director of Ministerial Excellence; Bishop Burgess; Denise Burgess; Kristin Franklin, Administrative Assistant; Curtis Franklin, Coordinator of Mission and Outreach as well as Associate Coordinator of Camping & Youth Ministry.  Pastor Jacqui, Kristin and Curtis comprise part of the administrative staff located in Springfield who work in support of their bishops.

The Illinois Great Rivers Conference is comprised of all or part of 87 counties in downstate Illinois. The episcopal area known as the Illinois Area was formed in 1960 as the former Central Illinois and Southern Illinois conferences shared a bishop which was located in Springfield. Prior to 1960, the presiding bishop lived in Chicago and presided over the entire state. In 1996, the former Central Illinois and Southern Illinois Conferences voted to merge and formed the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.


posted 9/30/24

Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost

The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost was spent celebrating the Holy Mysteries with the dedicated, faithful communicants of St. Matthew’s in Bloomington. Quite a few upgrades have been accomplished recently to make their already commanding presence even more inviting. Beautifully designed hardscaping has been added to define an outdoor open-air patio with furniture and a natural gas fire-pit. Bible studies and other small group gatherings enjoy being outdoors while communicating a sense of “come and see” to those who live under and pass through the far-reaching shadow of their impressive church. This congregation loves to sing out their Hymns and there is a reverence for all things sacred that is contagious. Nine-year old Penny served for the very first-time alongside her father as Boat Bearer, demonstrating the liturgical proficiency of floating across sacred space on sanctuary feet.


This parish is quite committed to outreach throughout their community. Watch for their involvement in the not-for-profit organization, Home Sweet Home Ministries, which is responsible for the Bread-for Life food co-op, a street outreach ministry and The Junction Community Center, a venue that supports the logistical demands of many offerings to include adult GED instruction, Alcoholic Anonymous 12-step meetings, and even free haircuts.


St. Matthew’s is on the way up because this parish realizes the importance of having a permanent, stable, and continuous place at the table within Eucharistic community, which, as they discovered, is often described scripturally as the home wherein Christ is pleased to dwell. Fr. Tom Reeves and Senior Warden Rex Schaffer share a rhythm and an appreciation for each other that complements and invites others to be part of their success. Karen Reeves is committed to offering and building a great Christian education experience for their children.


In all that they are and all that they do, to God be the glory forever.  Amen.


posted 9/23/24

New Canon to the Ordinary

Bishop Burgess is pleased to announce that The Reverend Fr. David Wells has accepted his invitation to serve as the Diocese of Springfield’s Canon to the Ordinary. In response to Canon Evan’s impending retirement, a detailed position profile was posted and interviews were conducted to call forward the very best candidate for our Diocese in interest of supporting the work, priorities, and vision of Bishop Burgess.


Father David Wells possesses tremendous administrative experience, having served a successful 43-year career in law enforcement at both the state and county levels. He has served honorably at the executive administration level of the Illinois State Police, retiring as state Executive Inspector General. A graduate of Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin with a Master in Pastoral Ministry (MPM) degree and a Master in Ministry (MMin) degree, Fr. Wells has also earned academic degrees from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois (MS in Criminal Justice Administration) and Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois (BS in Business Management). Ordained deacon in 2015 and priest in 2016, Fr. Wells is recognized throughout central and southern Illinois as one who serves generously with a servant’s heart.

Father Wells has shepherded parishes and missions at many various levels of interim ministry throughout our Diocese. He recently served as assistant priest at the Cathedral of St. Paul the Apostle in Springfield, and he is currently serving as Interim Rector of St. John’s in Decatur where tremendous work is being accomplished under his pastoral oversight and administrative leadership. Many parishes throughout our Diocese are familiar with Fr. Wells due to his extensive supply work. In addition to his Diocesan work, Fr. Wells serves as Chaplain to the Illinois State Police. He is thorough, well organized, and a dedicated teacher, having served as adjunct instructor to the U.S. Department of Justice’s National White Collar Crime Center and as an instructor on white collar crimes within the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Training Academy.

 

Regardless of where or when the liturgical expression is being made within our Diocese, Fr. Wells is there supporting the newly ordained, celebrating new ministries, or simply entering into sacred space and sacred time with those who mourn. He already holds precious the relationships that he has fostered with the clergy, their families, and the congregations of this Diocese. With his home having already been established in Springfield, Bishop Burgess looks forward to the benefit of a smooth transition.

 

Bishop Burgess observed, “It was made evident early in the interview process how Fr. Wells’ background, experience and devotion to the Church resonates robustly throughout the Diocese that we already are and the Diocese we are striving to become.”  He added, “Fr. Wells is that priest who will labor alongside us to the glory of God and on behalf of the people He came to redeem while representing the very best of our Anglican tradition.” Please look forward to this ministry of pastoral and administrative leadership taking place on November 15th. A service of Choral Evensong at the Cathedral will be offered on Thursday, November 7th in interest of bringing glory to God while thanking Canon Evans for his service among us.

 

Thank you for your faithful stewardship. We invite you to remember Fr. David and Mary Ellen Wells within your intentional intercessory prayer as he prepares to offer the priestly vocation entrusted to him in new and challenging ways.

 


Hosanna, Lord, hosanna!*

         Lord, send us now success.

 

(Psalm 118:25)


posted 9/19/24




Appointment of Vice Chancellor

In support of Chancellor Kevin Babb’s full recovery from a recent medical emergency, Bishop Burgess has invited Mr. Gareth S. Aden, Esq. to serve as Vice Chancellor of this Diocese until the end of this calendar year. This appointment was introduced to the Standing Committee during their regular September meeting, resulting in their unanimous approval. Mr. Aden holds an appreciation for Chancellor Babb that is shared throughout our Diocese and the wider Episcopal Church.


Mr. Aden is a partner with Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin PLLC (GSRM) law firm in Nashville, Tennessee. He earned both his undergraduate (B.A.) and graduate degree (J.D.) from Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He has served clients from a broad range of industries, including railroad and transportation, insurance, real-estate and construction, among many others. A dedicated churchman, Gareth has served as Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee and board member for the DuBose Conference Center in Monteagle, Tennessee. Largely a relationship via phone and electronic means (in absentia), Mr. Aden will be available to Bishop Burgess for canonical advice. Mrs. Mary Kostel, Esq., Chancellor to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, has been a resource to Bishop Burgess during this period of Kevin’s hospitalization and she highly recommends Mr. Aden as a most capable resource.

 

Please continue to pray fervently for Chancellor Kevin Babb as he undergoes a well-planned and intentional recovery process. In addition, please offer prayers of thanksgiving for the many relationships we share with those who bring glory to God by the manner in which they serve the Church. Specifically, that we may never be destitute of such gifts.


posted 9/20/24

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Beautifully maintained buildings and grounds, new families to the congregation, and news of exciting outreach programs greeted Bishop Burgess on XVI Pentecost when he and Denise arrived in West Frankfort to celebrate the Holy Mysteries with those who constitute the mission church of St. Mark’s. It was wonderful to once again command a visible presence at the principal doors before and after the Mass for and with those who are meant to complete us.


The music and the liturgy were beautifully offered by those who know how to keep holy day. There is a deep appreciation here for Mother Sherry Black, their vicar, and Deacon Sandy Bettie (Diocese of Nevada), who keep all eyes and ears turned toward addressing the Corporal Acts of Mercy required of them in their community. Currently, they are forming a deep, stable, and intentional relationship with a local homeless shelter for children. Meals are being prepared, served, and shared with some of the most vulnerable and invisible among us. In addition, a weekly book study is being held within the parish hall that invites the participation of those from other parishes and even those of other traditions.


St. Mark’s is just far enough away from the Diocesan seat to warrant representing us where they are in unique, expected, and celebrated ways. Duplicating what it is we have at St. Mark’s is the goal of those who are Christ-centered and mission-minded. The world’s deafness is not cured by more noise, greater distractions or increased volume. It is cured by going off alone with Jesus and experiencing his touch in the silence.


Whenever in the Rend Lake recreation area of our Diocese, you really must consider worshiping God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, before the beautiful altar and within the sacred space of St. Mark’s in West Frankfort. All to the glory of God and on behalf of the people He came to redeem.


posted 9/9/24

Diocesan Center Maintenance

The Diocesan Center redefined the hardscaping around its frontage monument sign this month. Toppling over in sections, the sign that identifies the location of the Diocesan Center appeared disheveled and unkempt. To save money, the natural limestone was repositioned using a glue to hold the stacked design rather than a mortar, which would have required a complete teardown and rebuild.

Michael of Land Design Landscapers was the designer who performed the repair over a late Tuesday afternoon and an early Wednesday morning in hopes of avoiding our August heat wave.

Thank you for your faithful stewardship. The expectation that you hold for maintaining our historic properties and sacred spaces communicates a deep and lasting love for the Church.


posted 8/29/24

Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

Two young women who are sisters were presented to Bishop Burgess for the sacrament of Confirmation on the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost. Being the third generation of those who call St. Thomas’ in Salem their church home, they already know a great deal about living sacrificial lives to the glory of Almighty God. St. Thomas’ is a beautiful church steeped in the history of our Diocese. This mission church is being led most capably by Danny Shuler, a postulant for Holy Orders. In addition to his regular full-time employment, Danny oversees the administration as well as maintenance of this landmark church and is working hard to finish the educational requirements of the vocational diaconate. He is a licensed lay preacher, Eucharistic minister, and worship leader. Above all, he truly possesses a servant’s heart.


On any given Sunday, we may be assured that this faithful congregation of disciples may be found atop the mountain, sitting in the presence of Jesus Christ giving what they do have for multiplication, transformation, and transubstantiation.


St. Thomas’ Mission Statement is quite clear in its simplicity: “Bring people to the saving love of Christ.”


posted 7/31/24

Statement on the State of our Country

from Bishop Burgess

As details of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump come forward and professional law enforcement investigates the scene in Butler, Pennsylvania for evidence of criminal motive and activity, I call this Diocese to a time of intentional intercessory prayer in the interest of witnessing to the world how it is we commend the faith that is in us. Sunday is when our voices are to be heard collectively in response to being citizens of the greatest country on earth. We have rights and privileges that are intended to mirror our theology so closely that they, too, bend time and space to their divinely orchestrated will. However, with rights and privileges come responsibilities. It is time to temper the heat of political debate with common prayer, sacraments, and living into a scriptural rather than a social ethic. We don’t have a gun problem in this country, we have a sin problem. There is nothing wrong with the Church that a return to lives of faithfulness won’t cure. Our children and grandchildren are watching. 


Please join me before an altar within the Diocese of Springfield this Sunday in the interest of sanctifying life, time, and space. May God bless America, President Joseph Biden, former President Donald J. Trump, the House and Senate of Congress, the justices of the Supreme Court, and all who give their lives to making our country safe, prosperous, and a blessing to the rest of the world.


O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

 

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Amen. 


The Right Reverend Brian K. Burgess, DD

XII Springfield

(posted 7/13/24)

Tabora Travels Day 1

The Burgess’ left Richmond, Virginia for New York JFK Airport and a five-and-a-half hour layover on Friday, June 7th to be en route to Tabora, Tanzania. From JFK they flew seven hours to Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris. After a 3 ½ hour layover in Paris, they took an eight-hour Air France flight to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar, Tanzania. After awaiting the three-hour correction of a minor maintenance issue on the plane, they made the short thirty-minute trip by air to Dar es Salaam. Excited and tired, they made it through customs after midnight Saturday. They collected their luggage and were immediately met by The Reverend Canon Richard Kamenya who greeted them and escorted them to the Blue Sapphire Hotel. He ensured their proper check-in and promised to be with them on Sunday afternoon. 


Upon a good night’s sleep, they had lunch in the Hotel restaurant and checked in with family and Diocesan staff. Canon Kamenya collected the Burgess’ and returned them to the airport for exchange of US Dollars into Tanzanian Schillings (12000 TZS = $4.54 USD), checked on their flight status to Tabora scheduled for Tuesday morning, and navigated an issue of overweight luggage due to vestments. The Burgess’ had dinner in the hotel restaurant while taking the time to learn some simple Swahili phrases from the wait staff (Thank you so much = Asante sana / You’re welcome = Unakaribishwa / Hello = Hibari).

On Monday, Canon Kamenya returned after a day-long clergy conference to give the Burgess’ a quick tour of the Anglican Cathedral and the Market Place. He is a dedicated priest who has been ordained for 25 years. Living near the airport, he gets calls from many bishops to act as their ambassador. He is married and has three grown children, all university-educated. The Burgess’ then treated Canon and Mrs. Kamenya to dinner as the opportunity to thank them and to hear more about the vocational journey that both families share. On Tuesday, the Burgess’ took the hotel shuttle back to Dar es Salaam Airport to board the three-hour Air Tanzania flight to Tabora with a thirty-minute layover in Mpanda. Bishop Elias Chakupewa has been in direct WhatsApp communication and shares how he is looking forward to greeting Bishop Brian and Denise Burgess when they arrive on Tuesday afternoon.


Please keep this time of travel and Companion Diocese relationship ensconced within your daily prayer. Bishop Burgess will send additional updates as time and wireless communications allow.


posted 6/11/24

We then traveled to St. John’s parish where we met their rector and toured their after-school youth center as well as a weekend academy of over 260 students. They teach skills such as computer literacy and sewing. The students are fed and are also taught Christian ethics and doctrine. Although organized, the facilities are rudimentary as one room contained 1990s-era IBM computer hard drives with monitors. The children are taught on these computers to become proficient in skills they will need as they take their place in a technologically advanced world. St. John’s is building a new church to meet the needs of this dynamic parish. The progress continues as the funds appear. The foundation has been poured and the exterior walls have been raised. Sheets of corrugated metal roofing are now being put into place. The Nave is the length of the Nave of our own cathedral in Springfield. This is quite a commanding presence in a community that is heavily Muslim. To summarize, I have never seen so much being accomplished on behalf of the mission of the Church so joyfully with so little.


Lunch was served at the cathedral, and we had the opportunity to speak with the coordinator of the Mother’s Union in Tabora. She wanted to know about the reach and influence of women in the Episcopal Church when it comes to advancing the church and advocating for children and women. We then toured The Tabora Zoo. It was primarily an outside, unfenced area where we saw an orphan elephant, monkeys, gazelles, zebras, and warthogs grazing on their own. The more beautiful but aggressive animals were in large contained areas (Lion-Simba, Lioness-Fiona, and a leopard). 


The good people of the Anglican Diocese of Tabora have been most welcoming and patient with us. Tomorrow we are meeting Bishop Elias at 8:30 AM in order to travel to Kahama. We are going to bed each night tired but extremely fulfilled. Please keep Denise and me in your intercessory prayer and this wonderful Diocese in your prayer of thanksgiving.


Mungu akubariki (God bless you)

+BKB


posted 6/12/24














We then checked into our hotel for the next two evenings, changed our clothes, and left with Bishop Chakupewa, “Momma” Asofku, the priests and drivers in our caravan to inspect the home being built for Bishop Elias ahead of his retirement. Since there is neither state nor church pension in Tanzania, the faithful are directed by Church Canons to provide a retirement home for their bishop. It is a beautiful home about halfway completed with high ceilings, large open windows, three bedrooms/bathrooms, and a spacious kitchen. There is a guest house and a house helper’s quarters behind their home being constructed simultaneously. The Diocese of Springfield is donating to the construction of their home in recognition of the relationship we have shared for almost a decade. Denise and I presented a sharing cross for their home where the cutout cross leaves a silhouette, and each family will keep one part for our homes. These serve as reminders of the relationship we share as dioceses and families and to pray for one another’s family, diocese, and our people.


We then headed back into town where we ate dinner together in an open-air restaurant before returning to our hotel for rest and preparing for Friday.


A note about the Toyota Land Cruiser that Bishop Elias is chauffeured in. It was a gift given to the Diocese of Tabora seven years ago by the parish of St. John the Baptist in Mount Carmel. The 4-wheel, drive, all-terrain vehicle has over 147,000 miles on it and it is being maintained meticulously by Bishop Elias’ driver and mechanic, Joe. Having been here and now having traveled hundreds of miles with Bishop Elias, I can assure you that this is not a luxury item, it is most necessary. The roads here are terrible and Joe is a master at avoiding very large pot-holes, ravines, and insane detours which at times require our cutting through the off-road paths to make it safely to our intended destination. Bishop Elias has expressed his gratitude to us several times and publicly in several meetings.

Thank you all for your faithful stewardship and your constant intercessory prayer. This is a Diocese that is constantly singing and dancing in the face of adversity and need which brings forward mightily and in an incarnate way, the reign of Christ. Amen!


+BKB


posted 6/13/24

All of our meals were served at the same restaurant in Kahama. The juice drink made to order by mixing pineapple and watermelon juice with a bit of sugar was the most refreshing. The young man who works the juice bar behind the scenes at the restaurant attends St. Paul’s parish. He made it a point to introduce himself to me so that I would know it was he who made our juices for our meals. Later that afternoon, we went back to the hotel, changed our clothes, and were taken to the street market for shopping. During dinner, Bishop Elias thanked me for preaching, but said, it was too short. I preached for over 20 minutes with an interpreter stretching that out to over 30 minutes.


A note about our interpreter. His name is Fr. Bartholomew (Fr. Bart) and he serves as principal of the Bible College in Tabora. He studied at the University of the South in Sewanee for two years (MA in Sacred Theology) before coming to the Diocese of Tabora from another Tanzanian diocese. He is most joyful and a great deal of fun to work with. He knows many of the professors and administrators that I knew when I attended seminary at Sewanee. We had a great deal to share and to celebrate.

On Saturday, we were picked up by Bishop Elias’ driver (Joe) and taken back to St. Paul’s Church where we were greeted at the entrance by clergy, clergy spouses, the Mother’s Union, Confirmation candidates, and local children who had just didn’t want to be left out. We quickly vested, offered prayer, and made our way into the church with over 15 vested clergy as four parishes were represented by their choirs and Confirmation candidates. There was barely room outside the door for all the people gathered. They extended the entrance with a tent and still children came around to open side doors to find a place on the floor. I preached a Homily based on the text of Matthew 6:24-34 ( “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”) I was having fun, especially with Fr. Bart interpreting. I made sure I remained in that pulpit for over 30 minutes. 103 were presented for Confirmation and Bishop Elias made sure I did not dally. Every child was named aloud including Samuel, Water, Isaac, and Angel. St. Paul’s kindly presented Denise with a beautifully handmade dress and a well-made shirt for me.  


This service also lasted over three hours and the process for each church’s Confirmation class group picture with the clergy was quite an operation to behold. Many want pictures with me and Denise as well. Once we were able to remove our vestments, Bishop Elias gave me a tour of the new St. Paul’s Church now under construction. It will one day seat (two levels) over 1000 communicants (two levels) and most likely be designated the Cathedral of that Diocese when it forms.

At both services, the confirmands stood before the altar before receiving the laying-on of hands singing a hymn; asking the Lord for strong faith, and fortitude in their leadership, and to grant them an entrance into heaven. “Praise the Lord.”


After a quick lunch at our favorite restaurant, we prayed together and then made the three-hour trip back to Tabora. Imagine a two-lane interstate (one lane for each direction) with many pedestrians, ox carts, herds of cows and goats, bicycles, motorcycles, 1970s-era busses, and three-wheeled scooter taxies all without regard to traffic laws. I was so glad to finally pull into our hotel parking lot. We are going to bed early as we must be at the Cathedral for tomorrow’s Sunday Mass at 8:00 AM.


Blessings upon you and your families as this embrace from Tabora includes all of us.


In the peace of God, which passeth all understanding;

+BKB


posted 6/16/24

Tabora Day 6

Bishop and Mrs. Burgess spent the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost within the Diocese of Tabora in the Province of Tanzania, east Africa. Bishop Burgess assisted Bishop Elias Chakupewa before the altar of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Tabora and was invited to preach the Sunday sermon before the congregation assembling ahead of their triennial Synod. Over 850 assembled to hear the Word of God and celebrate the Holy Mysteries. One hundred children came forward at the Offertory for a blessing by Bishop Elias before assembling for Sunday School in the original St. Stephen’s Church, which was built by Church of England missionaries in 1832. Four different choirs (including one from the Mother’s Union) offered well-choreographed dancing and beautifully balanced singing as part of the Word liturgy.


Bishop Burgess welcomed Diocesan clergy, Synod delegates, and regular communicants. His sermon was based on Chapters 1-3 of the Book of I Samuel (The Distress and Deliverance of Hannah, the Disobedience of Eli’s Sons, and the Call of Samuel). Four choirs offered song, and a group from Kaliua offered a rousing presentation of traditional African chanting, singing, and rhythmic dancing arranged and choreographed specifically to thank Bishop Elias for his faithful leadership. The lyrics were specific to Bishop Elias. Upon Dismissal and final Benediction, the cathedral choir sang a beautiful offering, a cappella, and then the cathedral secretary gave Bishop Elias a detailed report before the congregation.

Upon procession to the courtyard, a group picture was taken of all assembled clergy and then lunch was served. The Synod was called to order within Canon Nashon Nkugwe Hall, the secretary declared a quorum and the three houses were seated separately by orders (lay, clerical, and bishop). Canonically, each church of the Diocese is allowed three delegates (one priest, one layman, and one laywoman). The priests sit opposite of the lay delegates. When the Synod was adjourned for the evening, many remained for dinner, committee meetings, fellowship, and Bible study. We were taken back to our hotel by Bishop Elias and “Mama” Lucy (title of respect for a bishop’s wife).


This morning we reported to the assembly hall to convene the Synod with a Morning Prayer service. This Diocese sings and chants a cappella effortlessly. Their harmonies are brilliant. Prayers of the people are sung saturating every inch of the space and go on to ensure all intercessions are accounted for. After a few reports, we broke for breakfast (fresh cake donuts, and tea or coffee). Bishop Elias gave his Synod report and then the floor was opened for delegates of the other two houses to make comment on his report, which they did for over an hour showing support of his vision for the Diocese and pointing out some discrepancies that were noted. Bishop Elias and Mama Lucy took me and Denise off campus at this point while they continued the discussion. We went to the Tabora Market to purchase Tabora honey (the best in the world), check on tomorrow’s flight at the Air Tanzania office, meet the Moravian Bishop, and visit a Roman Catholic book store. We returned to Synod and took our seats as delegates were still discussing the strategic plan. We heard from Dr. Njerango, a consultant, on the Diocesan strategic plan. He is a celebrated churchman and consultant from the capital city, Dodoma.

The next agenda item was our greeting to the Diocese on your behalf and offering of gifts. We extended all of your well-wishes for their success and protection in the mission field. We presented a monetary gift from the Diocese in the interest of Bishop Elias’ retirement home and a power bank, one each for Bishop Elias and Mama Lucy. Denise and I gave a monetary gift to the school children we met in interest of their classroom needs. In return, the Mother’s Union gave Denise a beautiful handmade dress and a shirt for me. Once the Synod was adjourned for the evening, we were taken to our hotel where we had time to prepare this update and pack for our return home. Before we departed, we extended our prayers, love, and admiration toward them and promised to return. Many embraces, shaking of hands, and last-minute photos were taken.


We would like to take this opportunity to thank and show appreciation to The Diocese of Springfield and her staff for their prayer, support, and financial funding. We also would like our gratitude to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Canon Chuck Robertson, and Father Daniel Karanja of the Episcopal Church Center in New York for their prayers, direct advice and assistance, and financial support. Their participation and encouragement allowed this meeting of companion diocese to occur.  


We will be up early for our journey home. We have many prayers, stories, and memories to share with you. 

 

+BKB


posted 6/18/24