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April 29,
2008
COVER
STORY
Reflections
on Sudan
by The Rev Alvin C. Johnson and Phil Darrow
 Dear
St. Michael's Community,
The words
that follow constitute an unedited reflection on our recent trip
to Sudan as written by Phil Darrow for the members of the Renk
Ministry Partnership here at St. Michael's upon our return on
Tuesday, April 23. It was a fast trip with two days of travel
and four days on the ground, but if you read on you will learn
more about how deeply moving the experience was for all who participated
from around the world. Enjoy Phil's words. We will share more
with you about this trip in worship on May 11. Until then, thanks
for your prayers and support.
Love and Blessings,
Alvin+
*
* * * *
This is a
quick report on a few highlights of our meetings with Archbishop
Daniel and Father (90% Bishop) Joseph over the weekend. We had
a wonderful and truly inspiring visit, and Al and I have returned
full of ideas for next steps, the most fundamental of which is
to work on expanding the number of personal relationships that
exist, not only between the RMP and the church leaders in Renk,
but between Episcopalians in the U.S. and Sudan generally, using
the RMP as a model. For more to "go and see" as His
Grace has said, is the key and we discussed with Joseph ways to
get more people there in a way that will not be burdensome.
That being
said, the quick update on Renk is as follows: The
election of the Bishop of Renk (which all the other dioceses participate
in, though the Renk vote is weighted)will be held in mid-May (actually
now set for June), Joseph being the odds-on favorite by far. The
new Bishop will be consecrated not long after Archbishop Daniel
leaves us, so we ought to start thinking about a delegation for
that event (in Renk)in June or July. Joseph assured us that careful
thought is being given to the successor Principal of the Theological
College, with particular attention to stewardship of the capital
we are raising and the completion of the various projects it will
cover. I came away reassured that the leadership changes are a
positive and will not derail the progress of the College. Joseph
reported that the RTC is the strongest of the institutions in
Renk right now, but that the restaurant is up, running and paying
its employees, and there is an effort being made to get the Secondary
School reopened. The clinic is also functioning, though no doubt
it has many needs, and is something we might consider trying to
organize a service mission around.
We and the
Virginia folks had a very nice gift presentation and meeting with
His Grace which, fortunately, was videotaped in its entirety,
so we will be able to see that soon. Suffice it to say that deep
appreciation was expressed for all our efforts to date, along
with a blunt assessment of current needs and how we might best
continue to support the ECS. Again, the theme of "friendraising"
and not just fundraising emerged as a key to future growth and
self-sustainability.
Al and I also
took an inspiring side trip in Nairobi to Alliance High School,
where we met Jacob Buol (see picture), the brother of a Lost Boy
that Jackie put us in touch with and in support of, and two of
his older Sudanese schoolmates, the only Sudanese out of over
a thousand students at one of Kenya's top "national"
schools. The accomplishments of these boys to gain admission out
of Kakuma Refugee camp are amazing, and I'm getting to work on
a separate Educational Fund to help them and others like them
(especially as the Kenyan Government is now treating them as foreigners
subject to higher tuition rates, which they did not do before).
One of the older boys texted me this morning to make sure we had
arrived home safely, thank us for the visit and express that it
was the first time anyone had ever taken an interest in his progress.
Perhaps a teenager's exaggeration, but probably not far from the
truth...
Much more
to follow as we recover from jet lag and process all that we experienced
in a few short days, but thanks for all of your prayers and support.
We felt safe at all times, and I was struck more, as an initial
impression, by the atmosphere of peace, and the hope that goes
with that, than I was by the obvious poverty and lack of infrastructure
that shows how much recovery from war (and centuries, in fact,
of being victims of marauders from outside)has yet to occur.
I look forward
to sharing more with you, both here and there!
WORSHIP
Honoring
Mom on Mother's Day
by Nerissa Brueckbauer
 Teacher,
doctor, comfortor, fixer of things broken, friend, and more. Think
of the many roles your mother has played in your life!
Sunday, May
11 is Mother's Day AND Pentecost. In honor of Mom, everyone is
encouraged to bring a photograph of his or her mother. Photos
will be attached to red sticks (Pentecost!) that will be available
in the narthex/front entrance prior to each service. Each service
will have a special way to offer thanks to mothers with the photos.
That Sunday
is also Pentecost...the fiftieth day of the Easter season and
the celebration of the birth of Christianity. Remember to wear
RED in celebration of this
special day!
"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."
SMUSH
Plant Sale
St. Michael's
Sr. High is having its annual plant sale! Full flats and half
flats of annuals are available to bring some wonderful spring
color to your home. Order forms are available in the foyer on
Sundays and orders are due to Kevin Callahan no later than Monday,
May 12. Pick-up is on Saturday, May 17. Proceeds from this fundraiser
will help with the youth mission trip during the summer.
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.
Hosts
Needed for Samaritan Events
Samaritan
Counseling center is in need of a few volunteers to help with
the hosting of two events in May. On Sunday, May 4 we will host
the board of directors for all Chicago area Samaritan Centers
here at St. Michael's for a meeting. We need a few gracious hands
to help the committee from the board with the set up of the community
room for a light meal at 2:00 p.m. and clean up after the event
at 6:00 p.m. On Tuesday, May 13 the Board of directors of the
Samaritan Counseling Center will launch the 2008 fundraising drive
with a private reception at the Garlands from 5:00 p.m. until
7:00 p.m. Two people are needed to assist at the front door to
welcome our guests and set up name tags, etc. as they arrive.
Anyone willing to give of your time for this new ministry, please
contact Mary Tudela by email at mtudela@stmichaelsbarrington.org
or 847-842-9240.
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.
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
Natalie, Mike,
Newland, Peter, Dolores, Andy, May Louise, Carol, Frank, Nicholas,
Andrew, Frankie, Emily, Peggy & Rob, Dick & Patricia,
Alice, Jasmine, Jullian, Scott, Amy, Melissa, Irma, Judie, Laurie,
Mary, Jim, Kevin & Marti, Mary, Brad, Patrick, Margo, military
troops in danger, Mary Beth, John
Anniversaries
This Week
Birthdays
- 5.3 Julia
Moore, Janet Sell, Margaret Gigerich
- 5.4 Mike
Donohue, Grace Guthrie
- 5.5 Robert
Blass
- 5.6 Connie
Wastcoat, Jacqueline Smith
- 5.7 Jennifer
Kent, Adele Osmond
- 5.8 Michael
Hardy, Nathan McIntosh, Cara Tighe, Rhett Allord
- 5.9 Meredith
Robinson, Roger Wilder
Anniversaries
- 5.6 Annilee
& Lawrence Quinlan
- 5.8 Kristina
& Denney Roper
Deaths
- 5.3 Margaret
Morgan
- 5.6 Helen
Collins
- 5.8 Inese
Pawlenko
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