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April 22,
2008
COVER
STORY
A
Sunday of Sharing
by The Rev. Alvin C. Johnson, Jr.
 Dear
St. Michael's Community,
Mark your
calendars for this Sunday, April 27. Our celebration of new life
this Easter season continues with our annual joint worship service
and reception/fiesta with our friends from Redeemer in Elgin.
For this one Sunday our late service will begin at 11:00 a.m.
in order for our friends from Redeemer to be present. Please accept
my apologies for this shift, but Fr. Pedro tells me that we can
expect a bus load or two of members from Redeemer for this event
and shifting the time makes that possible…an opportunity
for us to practice radical hospitality, as well, by adapting.
Thanks.
The liturgy
will feature some bilingual components and a mixture of the music
that is indigenous to St. Michael's as well as music indigenous
to Redeemer. Fr. Pedro will be the preacher and I will preside.
Worship will include the beautifully costumed native dancers,
joyous music and much laughter. It won't quite be like the U2charist,
but we will all experience joy in a different way and with different
friends.
Please make
every effort to be present. As you know, these partnerships mean
a great deal to all three churches, as well as to the diocese.
Together, we are accomplishing so much more for the Lord than
we ever could separately. Your presence will be a gift to our
friends, as well as further support for being the Church in new
and different ways. It is so important for us to model new ways
of being together as God's people; to attempt, in our own feeble
ways, to break down the barriers that separate us; to seek, through
the presence of the Holy Spirit, to see ourselves as One Body.
We are on a sacred mission and pilgrimage, here…nothing less
than living the Reign of God. Make your plans and please join
us.
Love and Blessings,
Alvin, continuously
stretched by the Lord…ouch!
PARTNERSHIPS
In
the Name of Love
by Carol Schmidt
 On
Saturday evening, April 12, almost 300 people participated in
the U2charist held in St. Michael's Community Room. They sang
and danced to the music of U2, expertly played by the cover band
Elevation, and enjoyed a unique liturgy and Eucharist celebration.
Above all, they were very generous with donations for the Renk
Theological College in Renk, Sudan.
As you probably
know by now, St. Michael's Renk Ministry Partnership is sponsoring
a pledge drive to raise $200,000 to support the College for the
next three years, until it can become self-sustaining. The College
is a key part of the Diocese of Renk's strategic plan for reweaving
the social and economic fabric of the region so that peace can
be maintained in this African country that has been wracked by
civil war for over four decades.
In this part
of Sudan, so much is lacking that it is necessary to begin with
the very basics of social infrastructure for the displaced citizens
who are returning home. The Diocese of Renk has assumed primary
responsibility for education in the region at all levels, and
the college is committed to providing not only trained clergy,
but also skilled community leaders who can help foster sustainable
social and economic development, and thereby "lead the peace."
Pledge forms
were mailed to the entire parish in March. Please prayerfully
consider a donation and return your form by June 1. There is God's
hope in this troubled region, and our call is to help foster that
hope through direct support of the Renk Theological College, serving
our brothers and sisters in need half a world away.
"Kentucky
Derby" Derby Day Progressive Dinner
The ECW is
organizing an adult, all-parish "Kentucky Derby Day"
Progressive Dinner on Saturday, May 3, starting at 4:00 p.m. The
starting gate will be at the home of Ann and Wes Kimes (not far
from church), where you'll watch the Kentucky Derby while enjoying
appetizers, drinks, and fun. Attendees will then gallop on to
the half-mile post (various homes) for a delicious dinner followed
by a sprint to the finish line (St. Michael's Community Room)
for dessert and coffee. If you would like to participate in the
race, please fill out an entry form or call Marie Schriefer at
847-719-1012 or schriefer2@yahoo.com.
The cost for the event is $25 per person and is payable when you
make your reservation. Entry
forms are available outside of the Community Room on Sundays
or online.
If you would
like to be a "Half-Mile Post home" and host 8 to 10
people for dinner, please give Marie a call. The food and drinks
are provided for you, so all that is needed is a table and a friendly
smile! Hope
to see you on May 3 at the "Race."
Children's
Clothing Drive
Little Angels
Preschool and St. Michael’s Church School are sponsoring
a children’s clothing drive (new or gently used) for St.
Clement’s Open Pantry in Harvey, IL. Please keep this in
mind as your children try on spring and summer clothes from last
year, and, if they no longer fit, consider donating to our drive.
Collection will take place in either the Preschool or the Church
School hallway between May 1 and May 18.
The
Little Red Wagon
During the
months of April and May, food and personal items collected in
the Little Red Wagon will be offered to St. Clement's Open Pantry.
The pantry was started in 1990 by a parishioner who was a retired
dietitian. It is managed and staffed by volunteers from the parish.
Food is distributed the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month,
and clothing and household goods on the fourth Wednesday. In the
summer, the Community Garden on the church property is tended
by clients and supplements the pantry offerings. Last year the
pantry distributed food and clothing to over 700 households, or
over 3000 individuals.
The U.S. government
used to supply such foods a peanut butter, canned meats, and dry
beans but does not now so the wish list starts with:
- Peanut
butter
- Canned
meats (stews, etc.)
- Tuna
- Pork &
beans
- Cereal
- Personal
items (toothpaste and toothbrushes, bar soap, detergent, toilet
paper, etc.)
The Little
Red Wagon is located in St. Michael's narthex/front entrance each
Sunday or in the coat area near the foyer during the week.
Nerissa
Brueckbauer to be Honored at May Friendship Day
Church Women
United (CWU) will be celebrating "May Friendship Day"
on Friday, May 2 at 11:00 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Barrington
located at 6 Brinker Road. May Friendship Day is an annual event,
celebrating its 75th anniversary, that unites all Christians in
a common worship experience. This year's theme, "God's Wisdom
Inspires Hospitality," centers on the scripture Matthew 25:35:
"I was a stranger and you welcomed me." The program
will present many avenues of extending hospitality, not only to
friends but also to strangers.
Women
named by various churches who live up to the motto of CWU, "Agreed
to differ, resolved to love, united to serve," will be honored
at the event. St. Michael's has nominated Nerissa Brueckbauer
for this distinction! All members of St. Michael's (both men and
women) are invited to come help honor Nerissa.
A potluck
lunch will be served after the service. Please bring a salad to
share. Donations to the "Fellowship of the Least Coin"
will be collected during the service. For more information, call
St. Michael's CWU representative, Marie Schriefer at 847-719-1012.
Toiletries
Needed for Dwight Correctional Center for Women
Donations
of toiletries (regular size) are being collected by Church Women
United for "Christmas in July" at Dwight Correctional
Center for Women. Deodorant is most needed, plus lotion, shampoo,
toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Please, NO soap or travel-sized
items. Donations can be dropped off at St. Michael's before May
2 and placed in the designated box outside the community room,
or they can be taken to May Friendship Day at the Presbyterian
Church. Thank you for helping the women in our prison system.
Don't
Forget Mom!
It will be
Mother's Day before you know it! In celebration, And All the
Angels will be offering sumptuous chocolate covered strawberries
for Mom. This year, two box sizes are available in milk, dark,
and white chocolate:
- Small (6-8
berries) $7
- Large (10-12
berries) $10
In addition,
any pendant with a value of $50 or more will be 30% off now through
Mother's Day.
And
All The Angels Looking for Web Help
Do you have
a talent for web design or marketing strategies? And All The
Angels is planning to launch a website later this year with
the intention of reaching more people, and, in turn, increase
our outreach potential. We have received a generous contribution
from an angel within the congregation to get the "clicks"
going and would like to tap into the strong talent pool here at
St. Michael's.
If this is
your passion and you would like to help, or if you would like
to be an angel to contribute to the website fund, just contact
Nancy Carney, Chris Robinson or Marti Callahan in the gift shop.
And All The Angels is located on St. Michael's lower level.
Katrina
Care Kids Offer an Escape to New Orleans
The Katrina
Care kids are hosting an "Escape to New Orleans" night
on Saturday May 24 from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. The youth will
be raising funds for Katrina Care and Episcopal Diocese trip.
This is a night of fun for anyone in the community and all are
welcome. Be sure to bring your friends and enjoy New Orleans food,
games, and entertainment. Look for more information in The Sword
or contact Katie Lindeen at 847-830-7255.
Partnership
Picnic
Plan to be
come to the second Partnership Picnic with Holy Apostles on Sunday,
June 22 at 10:30 a.m. The morning will begin with Holy Eucharist
on the Holy Apostles Lawn and will be followed with a picnic full
of food, fellowship, and fun! This is a great event for all! Watch
for more information in upcoming issues of The Sword.
Twelve
Who Changed the World
Vacation Bible
School (VBS) will take place from July 14 through July 17, 9:00
a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This year VBS will, as so many have through
the centuries, examine the lives of the twelve men who were closest
to Jesus. Much has been written about them and many legends have
sprung up around the events of their lives and their deaths. Jesus
called very ordinary people to do extraordinary things. We, too,
are called to help do God’s work.
Around
the Neighborhood
Holy Apostles
Spring Fling
It's not a
fund-raiser, but a FUN-raiser. Join your Holy Apostles brothers
and sisters for a night of dining and dancing, fun and fellowship
on Friday, May 16. The event will be at Mill Creek Banquet Facility,
330 West Mill Street, Wauconda 60084. Festivities begin at 6:30
p.m. with a cash bar and appetizers; dinner begins at 7:30 p.m.;
dancing at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and tables of eight may be
reserved. To reserve your place, call 847-540-9280 and leave a
message for Martha Gillette or mail checks to Holy Apostles, 26238
N Highway 59, Wauconda, IL 60084. Music will be provided by Maximus
Music Unlimited. Dress as you like. The evening is open to all
so grab a neighbor, colleague, or that long-lost cousin, and come
help celebrate all the good things we have.
In
the Parish Family
Those for
whom prayers have been requested
Ray, Archbishop
Daniel Deng Bul & Deborah, Peyton, Jim & Katie, Phil,
Al, Fr. Joseph & Roda, Pat, Natalie, Mike, Newland, Peter,
Dolores, Andy, Mae Louise, Carol, Frank, Nicholas, Andrew, Frankie,
Emily, Dick & Patricia, Alice, Jasmine, Jullian, Scott, Amy,
Irma, Mary, Kevin & Marti, Mary, Brad, Patrick, Margo, military
troops in danger, Mary Beth, John
Anniversaries
This Week
Birthdays
- 4.26 Laurie
Michaels
- 4.27 Kevin
Stanton, Carolyn Schaefer, Jim Pajakowski, Anne Rough
- 4.28 Meredith
Perrine
- 4.29 Jennifer
Krueger, Todd Rieke, Richard Kean
- 4.30 Nora
Ryan, Erica Ward, Morgan Geraty
- 5.1 Susan
Ferry, Jim Steed
- 5.2 JoAnn
Bailey, Parker Brown, Graham Sell, Charlie Douglas
Anniversaries
- 4.30 Leslie
& John Yerger, Valerie & Heyes Mangan, Deirdre &
Steve Cutliffe
Deaths
- 4.26 Margaret
Linde, Angus Ray
- 4.27 Dorothy
Duffy
- 4.30 Alfred
Watt
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