|
September 4, 2007
COVER
STORY
Letting
Go of Uncertainty
by The Rev. Alvin C. Johnson, Jr.
 Dear
St. Michael's Family and Friends,
One of the
most difficult challenges of life with our son Nicholas and leukemia
so many years ago was living in uncertainty, in the unknown, in
flux. Would he get better? Would he die? One day one way, the
next day another way…back and forth…like living on a
roller coaster at full speed with many hills. In flux…things
here in our parish seem to be in flux. That's because they are!
In a recent conversation with a small group of the vestry, one
of our collective concerns was wondering when "things"
were going to settle down.
As I write
this, I'm aware that we all have a desire for what Rabbi Ed Friedman
called "homeostasis." We like our lives and the patterns
of our lives to have balance and, to a degree, predictability.
Not everyone, mind you, just most of us. Some of us can juggle
one ball in the air…maybe even two…but three or more
and we either begin to look like a whirling dervish or we need
help. Everywhere we look there is uncertainty. Iraq? We keep trying
to predict what is going to happen, but we really don't know.
Family? We often think we have a sense of what is unfolding only
to be surprised by truths we didn't or wouldn't see. Economy?
One week up; one week down; one person's word can affect how much
my mortgage turns out to become over time. Health? One day all
is well; the next we need some medication in order to keep our
balance or even worse news, and insurance costs more and covers
less. Church? Needs change, nominees for bishop are announced,
people resist using the Sturtz House for a new ministry, staff
changes and so much more.
Life is jam-packed
with flux…with uncertainty. Any semblance of control or homeostasis
is, at best, artificial. When will our staff settle? When will
we find an associate priest? When will we know the future? I sure
understand these longings, praying them daily myself. I also know
the seduction of trying to predict the outcomes. Jesus calls us,
however, in a different direction. He calls us to "let go"
and to trust him. God's Word teaches us that Jesus is the same
yesterday, today and tomorrow. When looking for solid ground upon
which to stand while all around you, me and us is in flux, let's
look to the one who guides, loves and directs. There isn't a person
here who isn't uncertain about something to do with the future…but
that's okay…we believe in Jesus and his gift is to be with
us in the flux all the time granting us the vision to see the
beauty of the day.
Love and Blessings,
Alvin+
OUTREACH
Justice
by The Rev. Martha Gillette
Is not
this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with
the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when
you see the naked, cover them and not to hide yourself from
your own kin? (Isaiah 58:6-7)
There are
many places — unfortunately, even within church circles —
where 'justice' is not held up as a thing of fundamental importance.
To be in a place where much is said — and done — about
the subject of 'justice,' is therefore a great blessing. However,
even where the word 'justice' is carried on the lips, in the hearts,
and by the actions of a faith community, there is often an awkward
silence on the topic of 'judgment.' And yet, as the authors of
What Can One Person Do bluntly point out in the book's
third chapter, "justice cannot be administered without judgment,
since judgment determines what is and what is not just" (68).
When I think
about God-as-Judge, what comes to mind is the fresco Michelangelo
painted on the back wall of the Sistine Chapel after the Sack
of Rome by Protestant forces in 1527, resplendent with vivid depictions
of saints and sinners being separated as 'sheep and goats' and
consigned forever to the bliss of Heaven or the agony of Hell.
But although this intimidating depiction of fiery torment wells
up in my imagination unbidden, I do not believe it to be a complete
and accurate understanding of divine judgment. Judgment is not
so much about being put on trial as it is about being exposed
to a truth that liberates us by opening our eyes to realities
we have missed, avoided, or rejected as being to difficult to
bear. Judgment can be seen as a gift of vision, through which
we can see the inconsistencies in our lives between what we profess
as Christians and what, too often, we do — through which
we can focus the light of God's gifts of joy and grace, to more
clearly illuminate the pathway leading from selfishness, isolation,
and greed, to service, community, and generosity. As the opening
Collect for Purity reminds us as we gather each week to celebrate
the Holy Eucharist, before Almighty God, 'all hearts are open,
all desires known, and no secrets are hid.' Accepting God as Just
Judge, knowing that God is paying such close attention to each
and every thing we do, can help us pay closer attention to what
we do. It can help us remain conscious of our moral grounding
as we make decisions in a troubled world, and can ultimately facilitate
our growth in godly wisdom.
God the Just
Judge, we are reminded in Luke 18:7 (the end of the Parable of
the Widow and the Unjust Judge), will hear and respond to those
who cry out for justice night and day. The woman who, in this
story from Luke, is eventually granted her hearing, knew her rights
under the law, as minimal as those rights might have been for
a woman living in an oppressively patriarchal society. The second
MDG — "Achieve universal primary education" —
and the third — "Promote gender equality and empower
women" — might be seen as relating to this parable.
The aim of
the second MDG is to ensure that by 2015, each child will be able
to complete primary school. At the present time, around 100 million
children — one in six — are not in school. Over twenty-five
percent of children who do attend primary school in struggling
countries complete fewer than five years of education. Being able
to read, write, and do basic arithmetic is hugely important across
the board, and a solid primary education has a disproportionately
positive effect on a person's life. Education is crucial to social,
mental, emotional, moral, spiritual, and physical health —
for both boys and girls. Yet, as most of us are aware, even where
primary education is reasonably available, it is not always accessible
by girls. The third MDG seeks to eliminate gender disparity in
all levels of education. As in other areas, southern and western
Asia and sub-Saharan Africa lag behind the rest of the world in
terms of girls' literacy rates, with young women in south Asia
being significantly less literate overall than their global peers.
Being too
poor to go to school, or being denied an education because of
one's gender, constitute part of what Nelson Mandela spoke about
in London's Trafalgar Square in 2005 when he said "massive
poverty and obscene inequality are such terrible scourges of our
times — times in which the world boasts of breathtaking advances
in science, technology, industry and wealth accumulation —
that they have to rank alongside slavery and apartheid as social
evils...like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It
is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions
of human beings. And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity.
It is an act of justice..." One person can help eradicate
extreme poverty and specifically increase access to education
by donating 0.7% of his or her annual income to organizations
devoted to this work across the world.
As you might
recall from the third article in this series, 0.7% (of Gross National
Income) is what the eighth MDG calls upon the world's wealthy
nations to contribute directly to the relief of extreme poverty.
We as individuals can respond to the same challenge. For someone
making $50,000 a year, this means donating $350 to an agency or
organization involved in global poverty reduction work. Doing
this personally not only directly helps achieve the MDGs, but
it gives one more credibility when lobbying governmental and institutional
entities to follow suit. The costs of doing real good can be astonishingly
low. In fact, they can be so low as to cause doubt — how
could it cost so little to do so much? The explanation can be
a bit complex, but this is one instance where what seems incredible
is not necessarily unbelievable. Part of the trick is to make
sure one makes one's stewardship decisions not only generously,
but also carefully. There are places readily available which can
help. For example, go to www.globalgiving.org
to find and fund small but powerful projects. Or access www.charitynavigator.org
for tips on how to make sure your donations are being well used.
Renowned liberation
theologian Gustavo Gutiérrez has said, "it is not
enough to say that love of God is inseparable from the love of
neighbor. It must be added love for God is unavoidably expressed
through love of one's neighbor." Justice — and judgment
— demand we pay attention. Giving is a response to what we
see. AMEN.
This is
the fifth in a series of articles based on, and featuring excerpts
from, the book What Can One Person Do? — Faith to Heal
a Broken World by Sabina Alkire and Edmund Newell, (Church
Publishing, New York, NY, 2005). To contact The Reverend Martha
Gillette, call 847-381-2323 ext. 39 Mondays or Wednesdays, or
email her at mgillette@stmichaelsbarrington.org.
MISSION
St.
Michael's Hopes to Help Young Adults With Disabilities
by
Cam Sells
 In
fitting with its vision of "lives being formed and changed,"
St. Michael's hopes to be able to accommodate a request by School
District 220 to lease space in the Sturtz House for a program
that offers transitional education for young adults with disabilities.
The LIFECO
program is currently being offered on site at Barrington High
School and serves students who have graduated through age 22.
By using the Sturtz House, the district hopes to provide a more
realistic house-like setting where students can learn important
life skills such as planning a shopping list, cooking, scheduling,
and caring for a home. The LIFECO program runs concurrently with
the regular school schedule and would be limited to 12 students.
This year, the program is expected to serve five students. Students
would be bussed from Barrington High School each day at 7:30 a.m.
and would spend the morning in the house learning skills. Afternoons
would be spent applying those skills and would involve projects
such as trips to the grocery store or caring for the property
itself. They would return by bus to Barrington High School at
2:30 p.m. each day.
The house
would continue to be used for St. Michael's youth programs and
no conflicts with scheduling are expected since the LIFECO program
would only be using the space during school hours.
The location
of the Sturtz House is exactly what District 220 officials had
hoped for since it is close to the High School, allowing teachers
to easily get to the house from school, and is also close to the
shopping district in Barrington where students will receive hands-on
experience in life skills. The district had been seeking a house
or apartment in the village but the cost would have been significantly
higher since any property would have needed to be upgraded to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (The Sturtz House
was upgraded several years ago when it was remodeled to accommodate
St. Michael's Senior High.) The district is mandated by law to
continue education for those with disabilities until they reach
age 22.
A hearing
regarding use of the house for the program will be held by the
Barrington Planning Commission on Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00
p.m. at the Barrington Village Hall. The meeting is open to all,
and residents near the Sturtz house have been notified of the
plan by the village. A final vote for the use of the house for
the program is expected by the village at a later date. More information
is available about the program through Connie Simon, Director
of Special Services for District 220 and also through Kay and
Randy Lewis whose son, Austin, is participating in the LIFECO
program this year.
OUR
DIOCESE
Nominees
for 12th Bishop of Chicago Announced
by Cam Sells
Five nominees
for the 12th Bishop of Chicago were received from the Bishop Search
Committee and announced August 28 by the Episcopal Diocese of
Chicago’s governing body, the Standing Committee, subject
to completion of background checks. A brief biography from each
nominee follows below.
The Diocese
of Chicago has asked that the nominees not grant interviews to
the media during the period leading up to the election as this
will allow people to engage in discerning together who is called
to be Bishop of Chicago. All of the people of the diocese will
be invited to meet the nominees during a series of Presentation
of Candidates gatherings during the week of October 21. The Episcopal
Church of the Redeemer in Elgin is slated to be one of the hosting
churches. More information about this opportunity will be provided
in upcoming issues of The Sword.
Following
the announcement of the nominations, the Standing Committee received
some responses and questions concerning racism and the extent
to which they searched for individuals of color. In a response
on August 31, the committee acknowledged that although they pursued
a number of avenues in the search for black and hispanic clergy,
they received no applications and chose to move forward. The process
allows for additional
candidates to be nominated through September 11 through a petition
process overseen by the Standing Committee.
Information
about the entire process is available online at www.bishopforchicago.org.
Questions can also be directed to St. Michael's delegates to the
convention, Dave Fleer, Sally Smith, and Diane Zinn. The election
will be held November 10 at the diocese’s annual convention
in Wheeling. After the majority of Standing Committees of the
other dioceses of the Episcopal Church and bishops with jurisdiction
have given their consents to the election, the new bishop of Chicago
will assume office on February 2.
The new bishop
will succeed the Rt. Rev. William D. Persell, who has served as
Bishop of Chicago since March, 1999.
Biographies
of the Nominees
 The
Rev. Jane S. Gould, Priest in Charge/Rector, St. Stephen’s
Memorial Episcopal Church, Lynn, Mass., 2000-present
"A
parishioner sent me a card featuring the archangel Michael, writing,
'Michael subdues the dragon allowing its evil to transform. …
Your willingness to call things out and take them on makes more
room for the spirit to transform lives.'
My archangel
training began early as I claimed space in the world of my three
older sisters and as I accompanied my mother to myriad meetings
of social service agencies in Washington DC. As I found my way
to such places as King’s Poor People’s March on Washington
and antiwar protests, the Stanford Athletic Director’s office
seeking implementation of Title IX, rallies encouraging divestment
from South Africa, and the Washington ordinations in 1975, working
for justice shaped my life.
At MIT
in the 1990s, I challenged both the Institute and the church to
consider often ignored issues of ethics, mission and vocation.
I also worked with ESMHE at General Convention 2003 to elect a
young adult to Executive Council. In Massachusetts, I have organized
on such issues as parochial assessments, urban strategy, immigrant
ministry, and the Episcopal election of Barbara Harris.
In more
than twenty years of ordained ministry, I’ve served urban,
suburban, diocesan, and campus ministries always asking how God
works among those present and who might be missing. In my current
parish, these questions have led me to attend meetings with police
and gang members, to build relationships with students and faculty
at an evangelical Christian college, and to invite African Anglicans
to launch a Kiswahili service and outreach ministry.
If archangels
seek individual and institutional transformation, I relish the
challenge. It is the work into which Christ calls us."
 The
Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, Rector,
St. Thomas Church, Medina, Wash. 2000-present
"I
was born and raised in Sturgis, Mich. I graduated from the University
of Michigan where I majored in music and German literature. After
working in New York City, I entered Nashotah House Seminary and
was ordained priest in 1985 in the Diocese of Northern Indiana.
I served there as Canon to the Ordinary and in the Diocese of
Indianapolis as a new church developer. From there I was called
to be Rector of St. Christopher’s Church in River Hills,
Wisc. and came as Rector to St. Thomas Church, Medina, Wash. in
2000.
I am a
member of the faculty of the CREDO Institute, Inc. On Seattle’s
Eastside, I initiated an inter-religious dialogue that led to
the creation of Together We Build, an interfaith home-building
project in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. I have served
on the board of the North American Association for the Diaconate,
the Council of Associated Parishes and the board of Affirming
Catholicism. I teach in the Diocesan School of Theology and work
as a congregational development consultant and retreat leader.
I have twice been a deputy at General Convention. I am the author
of Opening the Prayer Book in the New Church’s Teaching Series,
and have written for the Episcopal Church web site. I contributed
to CREDO’s Clergy Wellness Report, released to the 2006 General
Convention.
I have
been married to Lisa Rogers Lee for 27 years, and we are the parents
of two children, Katherine Challoner Lee and Jonathan Rogers Lee."
 The
Very Rev. Tracey Lind, Dean, Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland,
Ohio
"Greetings
from another windy city on a lake. I am honored to be one of your
nominees for bishop.
My call
to proclaim God’s justice, love, and mercy for all creation
has led me to spend 20 years strengthening and sustaining urban
and suburban congregations. In doing so, I have integrated my
background in community planning, organizational development and
nonprofit leadership.
I believe
in the abundant grace that springs from practicing radical hospitality;
in the power of quality liturgy, stewardship and education to
sustain us in Christian life; and in the urgent and absorbing
errand of community engagement to which we are called as witnesses
of God’s love made known to us in Jesus. Through my spiritual
journey, I have developed an abiding hope that the things that
separate us from one another may be overcome in the oneness of
God.
My life
with my partner, Emily Ingalls (a cradle Episcopalian), is the
gift that most sustains me. Together, we tend our garden, travel,
hike, bicycle, enjoy the arts, and spend time with family and
friends. And I like to fly fish, run, read, write and look for
God in silence though the third eye of my camera.
Thank you
for asking me to participate in your process to discern the future
of God’s people in the Diocese of Chicago. I am excited about
the possibility of serving and leading a diocese that is Midwestern,
metropolitan and motivated by mission. May God bless your work
with wisdom, grace, and joy."
 The
Rev. Margaret R. Rose, Director of Women's Ministries, The
Episcopal Church
"I
grew up an Episcopalian in the rural South during the early years
of desegregation. Memories of that experience ignited my passion
to work on issues of social justice in the community and the church.
I went to public schools in Georgia and then to Wellesley College
and Harvard Divinity School. During those years, I studied political
science at the Institute of Politics in Paris, spent a semester
at the World Council of Churches and the University of Geneva
and served for a year as an intern in a Lutheran Church in what
was then West Germany.
Ordained
in Massachusetts in 1981, I served parishes and community organizations
in that Diocese. In 1992, I was called to St. Dunstan’s,
Atlanta, serving on the Commission on Ministry, Deputy to General
Convention and organizing with the Industrial Areas Foundation
project. The return to the South was an opportunity to deepen
the work of anti-racism and my conviction that our faith compels
us to be engaged in the public arena.
Since April
2003, I have served as Director of Women’s Ministries for
the Episcopal Church. The most exciting work recently has been
in gathering women from around the Anglican Communion to participate
at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The local
and global connections formed in this work have been a vital part
of our commitment to the Millennium Development Goals.
I have
two daughters in college, Miriam and Hannah. I love the city,
hiking, running, traveling the globe and eating and cooking good
food."
 The
Rev. Timothy B. Safford, Rector, Christ Church, Philadelphia
To my brothers
and sisters in Christ in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and
the Anglicans in all of Northern Illinois: I am humbled and honored
to be sharing in this discernment with you.
"I
was born in 1959, baptized in 1969, and received sacred orders
in 1985. I have served parishes in Bridgeport, Conn., Pasadena,
Calif., and since 1999, Christ Church in Philadelphia. Gathering
in this ecclesiastical and national historic landmark, we have
labored hard these past years to be a congregation that looks
toward our future as boldly as we stand on our past. Much of our
growth has come from urban pilgrims under the age of 40.
I have
a deep passion for preaching and teaching. My most significant
spiritual discipline is tithing.
In the
Diocese, I serve on the Commission on Ministry, working to strengthen
the ordination process. I advocate for re-conceiving the nature
and method of theological education to better serve the needs
of parishes and missions in the rapidly changing and chaotic mission
field. In the larger community, I have served through organizations
that aid the homeless, advocate for children, reduce teenage pregnancies,
fight the spread of AIDS, organize immigrants and refugees, and
develop affordable housing. I have been pleased to represent our
church, traveling to Central America, Southern Africa, Israel,
and Palestine.
Anchored
to each other 22 years, Lynn and I have been blessed by God and
by our children Hannah (10) and Sarah (7)."
PARTNERSHIPS
Holy
Apostles Shares Inter-generational Study Program with St. Michael's
by The Rev. Martha Gillette
St. Michael's
parishioners are encouraged to join their partner parish, Holy
Apostles, in an inter-generational (but structured for youth,
aged 6-14) program that will be undertaking this fall starting
on September 12 and running every other Wednesday evening from
6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. I would like to issue an invitation
to bring a brown-bag dinner or join us for pot luck as we take
a look at the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals, eight
goals aimed at eradicating the world's most extreme poverty by
the year 2015. The resource text we will be using is the book
What Can One Person Do — Faith to Heal a Broken World,
by Sabina Alkire and Edmund Newell. Lessons on the Goals themselves
will alternate with Bible study and service projects.
Of special
note will be the programs on September 26 and January 30. On September
26 we will be joined by The Rev. Joseph Garang Atem, from Renk,
in Sudan. Fr. Joseph will be talking about life and faith in this
much publicized war-ravaged nation. On January 30, our guest will
be The Rev. Amity Carrubba, who will share stories and pictures
of her mission work with orphans in Kenya.
Church of
the Holy Apostles is located at 26238 N. Route 59. If you would
like more information or an outline
of the program, please call me in the Parish Office at 847-381-2323
ext. 39 or by email at mgillette@stmichaelsbarrington.org.
The
Little Red Wagon
During the
months of September and October, St. Michael's is helping to provide
for the needs of the Families in Crisis and Soup Kitchen programs
at Church of the Redeemer in Elgin. Please help fill those pantries
with the following:
- Soup Kettle:
Instant potatoes, pork and beans
- Families
in Crisis: Diapers (sizes 3-6), baby wipes, toothpaste and tooth
brushes, bar soap, laundry detergent, dish detergent, shampoo,
rice, pasta, tomato sauce and pasta, spaghetti sauce
- Both: Peas,
green beans, corn, mixed vegetables, yams/sweet potatoes, pears,
peaches, toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex
- Children's
clothing is also welcome.
The Little
Red Wagon is located in St. Michael's narthex/main entrance each
Sunday and in the coat area near the parish office during the
week. Monitary donations are also accepted. Simply make a notation
on your check that the funds are earmarked for the Little Red
Wagon.
Don't
Miss the Barrington Area CROP Walk!
When you watch
the news of people struck with disaster and wish you could help,
CROP Walkers and their sponsors can feel the satisfaction of being
there. They have helped. Last year they raised over $68,000. Of
that, over $17,000 was given to seven local food agencies: Northern
Illinois Food Bank, St. Anne's Project Hope, Wauconda-Island Lake
Food Pantry, Barrington Meals with Wheels, PIN project of the
Barrington Ministerial Association, Barrington Giving Day and
FISH Food Pantry-Carpentersville. Church World Service CROP has
been there in your name and with your monies during times of disaster
in the United States and around the world. CROP also works quietly
helping people help themselves to eliminate hunger through education
and improved skills in food production. So, how can you help?
- Come to
Java Jam on Sunday, September 23 and October 7 to make your
contribution via cash or check. Or you may contribute online
with a credit card (instructions will be available at Java Jam).
- Pick up
an envelope at the Outreach Table any time, get sponsors and
walk either the 10 kilometers or the Golden Mile.
- Sponsor
a Walker. In addition to all of the other walkers, our pastors
will appreciate having you sponsor them. There are pledge sheets
for them at the Java Jams or the Outreach Table.
- Make chili
for ten or two dozen cookies for after Walk feasting and fellowship.
Sign up at the Java Jams or the Outreach Table.
This year's
CROP Walk is Sunday, October 14. The Walk begins and ends at Barrington
Middle School Station Campus with registration at 12:30 p.m. and
step-off at 1:00 p.m.
For more information
contact Catherine Koelling, 847-304-1284 or Lori Boice, 847-462-9195
or visit http://barringtoncropwalk.freehostia.com.
St.
Michael's to Host Diocesan ECW Fall Forum
All women
of St. Michael's are invited to attend the Diocesan ECW Fall Forum
on Saturday, September 22, at St. Michael's. Registration will
begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Eucharist, program, and lunch.
The program, Accepting God's Embrace, will deal with our
lives, death, and what we want for our legacy. Practical advice
on discussing death and funerals for ourselves or elderly loved
ones will be given. We will not be worrying about our deaths,
but arranging how to live our lives to the fullest.
If you wish
to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Susan O'Brien at 708-535-3156 or
Marie Schriefer at 847-719-1012. A $10 donation will be collected
at registration.
Women's
Bible Study Moves to Tuesday Mornings
For those
of you returnees and especially to those of you who have never
tried a Bible Study (and especially to those of you for whom leaving
the house early on Monday mornings is just impossible), Tuesday's
are for you!
The Women's
Bible Study will be moving to Tuesday mornings, from 9:30 until
11:00 a.m. We will be beginning a new 8-week session running from
Tuesday September 18 through Tuesday, November 13. (We will not
meet on October 2) This is a nice way to get in some great fellowship
and study and we'll be done before the rush of the holidays.
You are encouraged to give it a try especially if you've never
done a study before. The Women's Bible Study is a friendly group
who helps each other come to new awakenings of spirituality. You
do not have to know a thing about the Bible to come. Or if you
are a scholar, we particularly welcome you.
If you are
interested and will need childcare or for more information, please
contact Kay Lewis at 847-381-7820 immediately so arrangements
can be made for a sitter. The book and subject will be announced
soon.
Foyers
Needs You
Foyers is
an opportunity for people to get together in a casual fellowship
setting at individual homes and a wonderful way to meet new friends
whether you're new to St. Michael's or have been a member for
a while. It is sign-up time, and three new leaders are needed
to get this fall's program under way: one to train to lead the
group for 2007 with an assistant, one to be that assistant, and
one to help with sign-ups and move into the assistant slot. It's
not a hard job and all that's required is selecting dates, publicizing
the program, and coordinating the Foyers groups. If you're interested
in continuing to grow this fellowship opportunity that brings
new friends together, please contact Ann Ryba at 847-358-5808.
And
All The Angels
Christmas
has come early! Let And All the Angels help to make your
Christmas a little easier. During the month of September all boxed
Christmas cards are on sale. The fun part is that you can even
look through the store's catalogs and pick out the cards that
you like. Need a little incentive to stop by? During the month
of September the store is offering 20% off of your order for boxed
Christmas cards. The catalogs and order forms can be found at
And All The Angels where the helpful staff is ready to
assist you. Come order your cards soon and cross one thing off
that long Christmas to-do list!
And don't
forget...During the month of September all children's books are
on sale for 25% off the regular price at And All The Angels book
store. For books and gifts for all occasions, be sure to visit
the store on St. Michael's lower level.
ECW
Talent Show
On Saturday,
November 3, the ECW will be sponsoring a fun, social evening —
The St. Michael's Talent Show. Start thinking now about how you
may want to participate or just mark your calendar for this "not-to-miss"
event. Coordinator Kay Lewis will be in touch soon with more details.
Please note that the date for this event has been changed from
an earlier published date.
Blessing
of the Animals
Pets of all
varieties are welcome to a blessing of the animals as St. Michael's
celebrates the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi on Thursday
October, 4 on St. Michael's front lawn at 6:00 p.m. Bring your
animal live or stuffed, big or little, scary or soft...all are
beautiful in the Good Lord’s sight. Punch and cookies, baked
by St. Michael's' own Marti Callahan, will be served to humans
and appropriate treats to animals.
If you're
not able to attend on Thursday, Holy Apostles in Wauconda will
also offer a special blessing for animals on Wednesday, October
3 at 6:30 p.m. More information will be available in upcoming
issues of The Sword or through your church school student.
In
the Parish Family
Appointments
Please welcome
John Gigerich as St. Michael's Treasurer effective July 1. Interim
appointments have also been made and include Nerissa Brueckbauer
as Acting Associate for Formation, effective September 1; The
Rev. Martha Gillette as Acting Associate for Worship, effective
September 1; and Bob Lind as Acting Director of Music, effective
October 1.
Memorial
Service for Jane Edmunds
Please continue
to hold the family and friends of Jane Edmunds in your prayers
following her death on August 24. A memorial service for Jane
will take place on Saturday, September 15 at St. Michael's. Visitation
will be at 10:00 a.m. in the library followed by the service at
10:30 a.m.
Those for
whom prayers have been requested
This week
prayers are asked for: Sallie, Sue, Michael, Adrienne, Lynne,
Paulette, Maribeth, Rae, Emily, Joshua, Vickie, Chris, Robert,
Jim, Kim, Carrie Ann, Ken, Luke, Amity, Joe & Thelma, Minerva,
Ralph, Church of the Redeemer, military troops still in danger,
Amy Roper, Craig, Bp. Persell
Anniversaries
This Week
Birthdays
- 9.9 Allyson
Randolph, Jesse Crews
- 9.10 Harry
Young, Callie Conners
- 9.11 Stephanie
Brown, Julia Osmond, Colin Nance
- 9.12 Douglas
Moore, Tom Wood, Hannah Burton, Suzanne Gustat
- 9.13 Scott
Imhoff, Mary Olds, Kevin Qualiardi, Michelle Bradtke, Jacque
Napoleon
- 9.14 Sandra
Chapman, Paul Erker, Wendy Parr
Anniversaries
- 9.8 Jerry
& Robyn Seyffert
- 9.9 Betty
& Paul Carrubba, Barb & Steven Hubbard
- 9.10 Janet
& Thomas Sell, Julie & James Christie
- 9.11 Jennifer
& Leon Lekai
- 9.13 Nancy
& Jeff Moore, Ann & Bob Daly, Janet Gellert & Jim
Hanak
- 9.14 Rhonda
& Alex Cooper, Janet & Peter Bacher
Deaths
- 9.8 Helen
Robinson, Carmen Gazzola
- 9.9 Jack
Fisher
- 9.10 Helene
Herriman
|
|
