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January
8, 2008
COVER
STORY
Transformation
by The Rev. Alvin C. Johnson, Jr.
Dear Pilgrims,
 Lives
formed and changed through deeper intimacy with Jesus Christ is
our vision. One author wrote, "…the main spiritual triad:
connection to tradition, commitment to Christian practices, and
concern to live God's dream. Together, tradition, practice and
wisdom embody the Christian life. These things offer the possibility
of change, of communities that live change, and the transformation
that is the promise of the Christian life."
For more years
that I care to count, I've struggled with what I consider to be
the third dimension of my leadership here at St. Michael's. Dimension
one was healing. Dimension two was building. Dimension three is
transformation. Trust me when I say, this has been no casual discernment.
Leading people to a life of transformation as alluded to in the
above quote poses a greater challenge than anything I've undertaken
in my life as a priest and leader in the church, and in this parish.
This struggle is also present because of seeking the same transformation
within my life…not to mention this portion of our life has
remained somewhat dormant as a community for years.
There has
been no confusion for me over the vision statement or over the
quick mission of "Deeper! Wider! Higher!" as our way
of understanding growth. Nor is there any confusion over our strategic
plan. Laid out in front of us all are a number of very worthwhile
objectives all of which will make our church a better church.
What has been missing for me is a clear understanding of our purpose
as a mainline protestant Episcopal church. What is the point of
all of the above? Where are we "supposed" to go? Where
is the strategic plan supposed to be pointing us as individuals,
as members of this community, as a community and as a parish church
in this world?
Transformation
is the purpose of our plan; the transformation of our lives as
Christian pilgrims. "Being a tourist means experiencing something
new; being a pilgrim means becoming someone new. Pilgrimages go
somewhere — to a transformed life." I hope these words
raise some curiosity within you. I will write more next week.
Yesterday we celebrated Epiphany, the visit of the Magi. The wise
travelers reflected a spirit of adventure…a spirit I pray
is ours this coming year.
Love and blessings
for 2008,
Al+
OUTREACH
2008
for 2008
by Cam Sells
 Ruth
Silver says, "We did it!" As of early on December 31,
the count of food donations was at 1,850 canned and packaged goods
but two days later when food was sorted, loaded into vehicles,
and delivered by Ruth and Marie Schriefer to the Barrington Township
Food Pantry and the Cuba Township Food Pantry, additional donations
had brought the total to 2,073 goods, surpassing the goal of receiving
2,008 canned/packaged goods by 2008.
Thanks to
the many, many people who not only made this goal possible, but
who have helped to feed hungry people locally.
St.
Michael's Annual Meeting
St. Michael's
Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 3 at 10:30
a.m. Be sure to save the date for this annual opportunity to look
back at the last year at St. Michael's and to see what is on the
road ahead. Watch for more information in upcoming issues of The
Sword.
Confirmation
Classes to Begin in January
Confirmation
classes will begin on Sunday, January 27 and will meet each Sunday
from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. in the Sturtz house. Students
will be required to find an adult who is not related to them to
serve as a mentor through the time of confirmation. They will
be expected to meet with their mentor once a week for at least
an hour. In addition, students are expected to participate in
the 30-Hour Famine (February 22-23) and participate in a trip
to Jesus People, USA/Cornerstone Community Outreach.
If you are
planning on being a part of the confirmation class, please contact
Kevin Kasper by January 13 in order to be added to the rolls and
in order for materials to be purchased. At this time, the final
date for confirmation by the bishop has yet to be determined.
For more information contact Kevin Kasper at 847-381-2323 ext.
15, or e-mail kkasper@stmichaelsbarrington.org.
ACE
(Adult Christian Experience) Returns During Lent
Whether
you're a "cradle Episcopalian," new to the Episcopal
tradition, or simply seeking an opportunity to deepen your faith,
be sure to save the following dates on your calendar for a wonderful
opportunity to grow your relationship with Christ. Start your
journey with a "Pre-ACE" potluck at 6:30 p.m. at Kay
Lewis' home. This is an opportunity to find out more about ACE
and meet others who have participated in past programs. Meetings
will begin Friday, February 29 with a three-day session (Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday), then will continue on Sundays through April
6. Watch for more information in The Sword or pick up a
brochure.
Shares
of "Uncommon" Stock to Support Mission to Sudan
Renk Ministry
Partnership (RMP) is continuing to offer $20 shares of "Uncommon
Stock" to support travel expenses of the mission team going
to Sudan in February. Fr. Johnson, Phil Darrow, Jackie Smith and
Jackie Kraus will represent St. Michael's at the dedication of
the new St. Michael's Chapel on the campus of Renk Theological
College. A Roster of Donors, requested by Fr. Joseph Garang,
will be presented at the dedication, with the names of all donors
to the campaign for rebuilding RTC, and stockholders who have
supported the teams in 2007 and 2008. Contact a mission team member
for more information. You may also purchase by mail. Make your
check payable to St. Michael's, with "Renk Mission Team"
in the memo.
Video
Production Help Needed
Interested
in being part of a team to produce a St. Michael's video for the
upcoming Annual Meeting in February? If you have a creative calling
to share St. Michael's vision through video, consider lending
your talents for this special event. Students with classroom experience
in video production and those with video production software are
especially encouraged to consider this opportunity. Contact Cam
Sells at 815-382-6874 or csells@stmichaelsbarrington.org
by January 6 to learn more.
From
the Parish Office
Offering
Envelopes for 2008
In an ongoing
effort to save money and reduce waste, St. Michael's has decreased
the number of offering envelopes ordered. If you currently have
offering envelopes with a number higher than 110, you will be
assigned a new number in 2008. The 2008 offering envelopes are
available for pick up in the foyer by the Community Room. If you
have any questions, please contact Kim Lessner in the parish office
at 847-381-2323, ext. 16 or klessner@stmichaelsbarrington.org.
Around
the Neighborhood
The Ordination
and Consecration of the New Bishop of Chicago
The ordination
and consecration of the Rev. Jeffrey Lee, bishop-elect of the
Diocese of Chicago, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February
2 at the House of Hope Arena in Chicago's Pullman district (Far
South Side). As the arena holds 10,000, all clergy and lay members
are enthusiastically invited to participate. Because of security
policies at the House of Hope Arena, this will be a ticketed event.
Tickets are free but reservations will be required. Congregations
are encouraged to consider arranging group transport by van or
bus. If you are interested in attending, please contact the Parish
Office at 847-381-2323.
Lawrence
Hall Bowl-a-Thon
The 4th Annual
Winter Bowl-A-Thon is right around the corner…so, save the
date and start building your teams! The date is Tuesday, March
11 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. The event will take place at
the Lucky Strike Lanes, 322 E. Illinois St., Chicago. Registration
fees are $400 per team of 5 or $100 per bowler. For more information
or to register, visit www.lawrencehall.org
or contact Nicole Askew at 312-456-2490 or naskew@lawrencehall.org.
Lawrence Hall Youth Services is a not-for-profit child welfare
agency that provides a home, educates and cares for children,
adolescents and young adults with severe emotional and behavioral
challenges.
In
the Parish Family
Death
Please keep
the Callahan family in your prayers following the death of Marti
Callahan's sister, Jackie Maxwell. on January 4 in Burlington,
WI. A memorial service will be held on January 11, at 7:00 p.m.
at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 404 N. Green St., McHenry,
IL 60050. The phone number at the church is 815-385-4030.
Those for
whom prayers have been requested
This week
prayers are asked for: Military troops in danger, Bp. Persell,
Craig, John, Mary, Sarah, Pam, Chris, Sadie, Sheryl, Patrick,
Mary, Patrick, Austin, Dillon, Margaret, Church of the Redeemer
Anniversaries
This Week
Birthdays
- 1.13 Harriet
Claiborne, John Nicol, Peter Bacher
- 1.14 Jacob
Arms, Mary Mathison
- 1.15 David
Pepper, William Krueger, Jake Pepper, Vanessa Vollman
- 1.16 John
Kent, Christopher Foos,
- 1.17 Daniel
Knox, Kitti Quarfoot, Graysan Guss
- 1.18 John
Totten, Denise Vollman, Denny Roper, Kristina Roper, Chuck Race
Anniversaries
- 1.15 Julie
& Shane Allord
Deaths
- 1.14 Stephen
Wright
- 1.16 Denis
Chaudruc
- 1.18 Judy
Fisher
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