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January
15, 2008
COVER
STORY
A
Journey of Rediscovering
by The Rev. Alvin C. Johnson, Jr.
 Dear
Pilgrims,
"Lives
formed and changed through deeper intimacy with Jesus Christ"
outlines our desire, our purpose, our vision, to be a Christian
community, traveling together, where lives are transformed by
Jesus. As I wrote in the conclusion of my article last week, transformation
is the purpose of our plan; the transformation of our lives as
Christian pilgrims; the transformation of our parish as a Christian
community. "Being a tourist means experiencing something
new; being a pilgrim means becoming someone new. Pilgrimages go
somewhere — to a transformed life."
Here is one
observation that the author of the above quote makes, "Nomadic
spirituality, that sense of being alien, strangers in a strange
land, is almost a given of contemporary life." She continues,
"Rather, this new kind of village (mainline Protestant church)
is a pilgrim community embarked on a journey of rediscovering
Christianity, where people can forge new faith ties in a frightening
and fragmented world." These words speak a truth that we
don't want to admit…that at times, we are frightened, confused
and uncertain on which way to go. We establish our routines and
enjoy the comfort they provide until something crashes in upon
the routine and changes us and all of a sudden we are reminded
of our status of being nomads in a strange land. For all our desire
to be open and free, we want, at the same time, to be grounded
in something that can calm the storms of our spirits, provide
companionship for our daily walk through life, and invite hope
that our world can be changed…one star fish at a time.
So, try this:
"Vital Christianity is about being responsive to people's
spiritual longings and experiences, and drawing from tradition
and history to help makes sense of it all." How do we make
sense of it all? Where are we grounded? Why was a beautiful young
boy baptized last Saturday evening? What spoke to the hearts of
the parents and drew them home to their spiritual base for this
event? Is it not, at some level, a desire to be the pilgrim and
not the tourist; to find shalom in our fragmented world; to connect
to a truth greater than ourselves; to let go of trying to control
our lives and live God's life through us; to experience the sweet
release of faith grounded in tradition and rooted in history?
I think so.
One more quote,
"Mainline churches decline when they neglect scripture and
prayer, discernment and hospitality, contemplation and justice."
The pieces are slowly coming together. Still curious? More next
week.
Love and Blessings,
Alvin, a pilgrim
in a fragmented and frightening world…
FORMATION
Windows
of Opportunity During Lent
 When
you're at church this Sunday, visit the hallway between the narthex/main
entrance and the foyer where you'll see St. Michael's "Windows
of Opportunity" for Lenten formation. A brochure outlining
all of the details of the many opportunities will be available
shortly but here's a sampling of what's to come:
Lenten
Discovery Day of Transformation: A Sampling of St. Michael’s
Lenten Offerings
Get a glimpse
of all of St. Michael's Lenten offerings on Saturday morning,
January 26 in St. Michael's Community Room. The doors open at
8:00 a.m., program begins at 8:30 a.m. and wrap-up will be by
9:45 a.m. Childcare will be available and light snacks will be
served. This is your opportunity to consider all of the Lenten
program offerings, talk to program facilitators, and sign up early!
Contact the parish office at 847-381-2323 if your interested in
attending!
There's
more to Joseph than his Amazing, Technicolor Dreamcoat!!
The Tuesday
morning Women's Bible Study will be restarting on Jan. 22, 9:15
- 11:00 in the Library. Our study is going to be on, you guessed
it, Joseph: How God Builds Character. This is a 9-week study that
will end March 18, right before spring break. Joseph's life gives
us so much food for thought. He was a man of integrity and forgiveness
and the life applications will be powerful. We're a welcoming
group for neophytes and oldphytes of the Bible. Call or e-mail
Kay Lewis so that that a study guide can be ordered. The cost
is only $7. Also, if you need baby sitting, let me know so we
can arrange a sitter. Come and join us for the journey!!
The Book
of Jonah
Kay Lewis
leads this interesting 4-week Bible Study on Sundays from 10:30
a.m. until 11:30 a.m. beginning February 24 in St. Michael's undercroft.
You'll have the opportunity to study the book of Jonah in a new
way!
Traveling
the Prayer Paths of Jesus
Follow the
example of Jesus and learn deeper ways to connect with God. These
writings help readers to see new depth in the prayers of Jesus
and new ways that all might pray. Small groups will meet once
a week for six weeks for a book discussion and prayer. Multiple
times will be available on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays to work
with your schedule.
ACE (Adult
Christian Experience)
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 on Monday, February
11 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.
Watch for
more to come!
St.
Michael's Annual Meeting
St. Michael's
2008 Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 3 at 10:30
a.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear first hand how St.
Michael's has impacted not only the lives of those within her
community, but the lives of those in the broader community and
in other corners of the world. Light refreshments will be offered
by Java Jam hosts, the members of St. Michael's Vestry. Worship
on that morning will be at 7:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. only although
Communion will be available in the chapel at 10:30 a.m. Church
School will meet only at 8:45 a.m. on that morning. The meeting
will end at noon.
For those
interested in detailed budget information, there will be a Budget
Review Meeting on Thursday, January 31, at 6:30 p.m. If you are
interested in attending this meeting, contact Kim Lessner at 847-381-2323
ext. 16 or klessner@stmichaelsbarrington.org
by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 31.
Praying
in Color
Maybe you
love color. Maybe you hunger to know God better. Maybe you are
a visual or kinesthetic learner, a distractible or impatient soul,
or a word-weary pray-er. Perhaps you struggle with a short attention
span, a restless body, or a tendency to live in your head. There
will be a demonstration of a new prayer form in the Community
Room between the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services on Sunday,
January 27. Chris Robinson and Robin Darrow from And All the
Angels gift shop will present the prayer form described in
Sybil MacBeth's book, Praying in Color, Drawing a New Path to
God. There will also be materials and the opportunity for the
audience to try this prayer form during the demonstration. Come,
and learn to pray with the right side of your brain!
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.
St.
Michael's Little Red Wagon
Thanks to
the many that contributed so generously to the 2008 by 2008 campaign!
The need for food doesn't end with the campaign, however. During
the month of January, Church of the Redeemer in Elgin will benefit
from food donations made to the Little Red Wagon. Church of the
Redeemer provides for the short-term needs of local families through
its "Families in Crisis" program and also provides meals
to the community once each week through its soup kitchen where
many different groups, including from individuals from St. Michael's,
take turns volunteering to prepare and serve the meal to 50 to
100 people. Please consider the needs of those that our partner
parish serves the next time you are visiting your favorite grocery
store! The Little Red Wagon is located in St. Michael's narthex/main
entrance each Sunday. Cash donations are also accepted. Checks
may be made payable to St. Michael's with a notation that the
funds are for the Little Red Wagon.
Sudan
Trip Postponed; Shares of "Uncommon Stock" Continue
The trip to
Sudan originally scheduled for February 4 has been postponed due
to heightened security concerns in that country. The Renk Ministry
Partnership (RMP) asks for prayers for a more secure opportunity
in the near future. The shooting death of an American in Khartoum
on New Year's Day and outbreaks of militia fighting in the South
have created an unstable situation. "Uncommon Stock"
will continue to be available for purchase, because this is a
postponement, not a cancellation. Fr. Johnson, Jackie Smith, Phil
Darrow, and Jackie Krause are deeply thankful for the generous
ongoing support from St. Michael's.
Renk
Ministry Partnership Offers Lenten Meditation Booklet
The Renk Ministry
Partnership has compiled a Lenten meditation booklet with readings
taken from the Revised Common Lectionary for the 2008 church year.
The booklet is the result of the combined efforts from our partners
in Renk and the people of St. Michael's. How better to reach out
to each other and our surrounding communities than by taking time
to read, reflect and pray! Let us pray for peace and for the deepening
and strengthening of our companions' faith as we journey side
by side on the road to Easter. Booklets will be available for
each household and can be picked up outside the Community room.
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. St. Michael's
is hoping to arrange bus transportation but needs to have an idea
of how many people will be attending. If you are interested in
attending, please contact Pat Raymond in the Parish Office at
847-381-2323.
Invitation
to Meet Bishop-Elect Jeffrey Lee
A Pre-Consecration
Reception to meet Bishop-Elect Jeffrey Lee will be held on Friday,
February 1, at Church of the Atonement, 5749 N. Kenmore Avenue,
Chicago, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The Reception is open to all members
of the Diocese of Chicago. As capacity is limited to 350, RSVPs
will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, and reservations
are required. A minimum donation of $20 per person is suggested.
Your request to attend, accompanied by your check payable to Church
of the Atonement, should be sent by the deadline of January 21
to: Mrs. Connie Silvester, 1102 Timber Lane, Lake Forest IL 60045.
Please include attendee name(s), the name of your parish, and
your email address so that we may confirm your reservation.
Limited parking
is available across the street from Church of the Atonement, and
nearby. Information on alternative parking will be available when
you arrive at the Church. Any questions can be directed to Colin
and Connie Silvester at 847-234-3015 or conniesilvester@comcast.net.
2008 Historic
Episcopal Churches Engagement Calendar
Church of
the Redeemer in Elgin is included as the only Illinois Episcopal
church in the 2008 Historic Episcopal Churches Engagement Calendar
published by the National Episcopal Historians and Archivists.
All major feasts and fasts are included in the spiral bound calendar
which features 53 Episcopal churches. Calendars are $15.95 each;
and a discount is available for bulk orders. Contact NEHA at nehahqs@aol.com
or call 610-544-1886.
Presiding
Bishop to Visit St. Nicholas, Elk Grove Village
The presiding
bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts
Schori, will be presider and preacher at St. Nicholas Episcopal
Church in Elk Grove Village on February 3 at 9:00 a.m. This smaller
congregation is blessed with a fairly large and flexible worship
space and is looking forward to accommodating others who may wish
to join in worship on that day. For more information, contact
Stephen Martz at 630-476-6425.
In
the Parish Family
A
Note of Thanks
Mtr. Martha
Gillette sends this note following her ordination as a priest:
Dear Friends,
The month
of December is pretty much a blur in my mind, a streaming image
of color and music and incense and family, of laughter and tears,
of manifest and mysterious.
In the midst
of this swirling cloud of memory, some things are quite clear.
One of these very distinct realities is the wonderful way in which
you supported and sustained me throughout everything. I cannot
even remember all of the things for which I am indebted to you,
to say nothing of being able to find the words to thank you adequately.
But thank you I do, from the depths of my heart. I thank you for
the magnificent Traveling Communion Kit you gave me. It is astonishingly
beautiful, and I am deeply touched at your thoughtfulness in selecting
it and your generosity in presenting it. I thank you for your
presence at my ordination and at the first Eucharist I celebrated
at Saint Michael's, for the festive reception you held for me
after that Eucharist, for the warm welcome you extended to my
family and friends as they visited, for your prayers and patience,
your humor and hope, your insight and your initiative. I thank
you for being you!
I am richly
blessed to be in your company, and I look forward to developing
our mutual ministry. Thank you - thank you!
Death
Please keep
the Barnum family in your prayers following the death of Steve
Barnum’s sister, Pam Cornell, of pancreatic cancer on Tuesday,
January 15. Services for Pam will be in her home state of Indiana.
Those for
whom prayers have been requested
This week
prayers are asked for: Military troops in danger, Bp. Persell,
John, Mary, Sarah, Sheryl, Patrick, Mary, Patrick, Margo, Church
of the Redeemer, Sara, Jim, Nathan, Sue, the Callahan family,
Bob, Norman Ray
Anniversaries
This Week
Birthdays
- 1.19 Keith
Kazmier, Beth Rieke
- 1.20 Jack
Schmidt, Krista Kasper, Robert Glass, Lisa Fuhs
- 1.21 J.P.
Ross, Mark Carani
- 1.22 Dylan
Johns, Tyler Christie
- 1.23 Courtney
Olsen, Judy Tolle, Isabella Marchioretto
- 1.24 Susan
Galasso, Alexandra Olsen, Jessica Holzknecht
- 1.25 Trevor
Kunkle, Brett Kunkle, Joe Phillips, Annie Conners, Molly Conners,
Margaret Gibson
Anniversaries
- 1.19 Barbara
& John Papamarcos
- 1.20 Donna
& Richard Kean
- 1.22 Carmen
& Ralph Morris
- 1.24 Beth
& Michael Ryan
Deaths
- 1.20 Lena
Pesce
- 1.21 Michael
Lorenzo, Stuart Parker
- 1.22 Robert
McLaughlin
- 1.23 Norma
Sayles
- 1.24 Jeanne
Capulli
- 1.25 Nancy
Race
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