THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2008

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U.S. Episcopal Bishop To Visit EG Church

By TOM ROBB

Journal Reporter

The presiding bishop of the United States Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, will preach and celebrate mass at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church in Elk Grove Village on Sunday, Feb. 3.

"Bishop Katharine's visit is the most exciting event in our history," said St. Nicholas Pastor Fr. Stephen Martz. "Having the presiding bishop come here is a wonderful affirmation of our determination to become a new kind of church."

Spokesman for the Chicago Diocese, David Skidmore, said St. Nicholas was chosen because it is a growing church with innovative programs.

Skidmore said St. Nicholas' GLBT (gay lesbian, bisexual and transgendered) program as being of particular interest to the bishop.

Recently, the Episcopal Church consecrated its first openly gay bishop in New Hampshire.

Skidmore also said geography played a part in the decision. On her last visit to Chicago the bishop visited a church on Chicago's north side.

Fr. Martz said the church is growing in both size and community outreach. St. Nicholas merged with the smaller congregation of Holy Innocence Church on Jan. 1, 2007, and increased its size 20% beyond the growth from the merger.

In the last year, St. Nicholas expanded its food pantry from one day per month to two and expanded its client base from five or eight people to 25. It has also expanded its outreach focus from hunger and children to senior citizens and the GLBT community.

Schori is visiting Chicago to consecrate Jeffrey Lee as the new bishop of Chicago.