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May 13,
2008
COVER
STORY
The
Gift of the Holy Spirit
by The Rev. Alvin C. Johnson, Jr.
 Dear
St. Michael's Family and Friends,
Sunday, on
the Feast of Pentecost, the Feast of the Gift of the Holy Spirit,
our glorious 50 days of the Easter season came to an end. Amid
the beautiful red flowers, words of the Spirit, hymns of the Holy
Spirit and people dressed in red, we gave thanks for Jesus' gift
of the Holy Spirit to guide, redeem and comfort our lives. The
50 day cycle of Easter comes to end and like all endings the seeds
of new beginnings rest within all endings. God the Holy Spirit
now calls and sends us forth.
We begin this
time of year by hearing God's call to serve suffering people in
our world and especially in Myanmar. As you know, this country
has been devastated by a cyclone and the government has initially
interfered in the receiving assistance from around the world.
If you wish to contribute, I recommend you use Episcopal
Relief and Development (ER-D). Vickie and I will be giving
through them with the confidence that all that we give will be
put together with gifts from around the Episcopal Church and given
to the people in need in Myanmar. You can also see the related
article below for more information about how ER-D is aiding the
victims of this storm.
This past
Sunday we also heard Phil Darrow give his testimony of the Holy
Spirit at work in his life. He spoke directly to his call to work
with the people in Sudan. As he was speaking, armed conflict was,
once again, threatening to consume the country as the people of
Darfur have apparently taken it upon themselves to attack Khartoum.
Our call to serving our friends in Renk may be changing as you
read this note.
Finally, please
accept my amends. Jesus taught that with the Spirit we would be
asked to forgive and that is what I am asking you. The idea of
bringing pictures of our moms to church for Mother's Day was my
idea and one that was great in conception but in which function
clearly did not follow form. For those of you who brought pictures
and looked forward to sharing them, please forgive me. Next year,
before I send out such an idea, I'll make sure that the details
are defined and delegated. Thanks for your forgiveness.
Love and Blessings,
Alvin+, a
pilgrim deeply aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit…
OUTREACH
Responding
to Cyclone Victims Myanmar
from Episcopal Relief and Development
With estimates
of as many as 100,000 people dead in Myanmar, and fears of disease
and food shortages on the way, Cyclone Nargis has created a major
humanitarian crisis. Episcopal
Relief and Development is responding to this disaster with our
Anglican and ecumenical partners. Please find below more information
about our response, how you can help, and resources available
for churches.
What is
Episcopal Relief and Development doing to help?
We are working with Anglican and ecumenical partners to meet the
immediate needs of victims by providing food, water and shelter.
We have provided monetary support to our partners to obtain and
distribute the necessary resources they need to assist victims.
We are
reaching people in three affected areas: a suburban area of Yangon
(Rangoon) and two areas in the Irrawaddy Division (East Delta
and West Delta regions).
What has
been accomplished so far?
Because our partners live and work in the affected communities,
they were able to respond immediately to the disaster. One partner
has already sent three assessment teams to assist and determine
needs in the hard hit areas. They have established a relief committee
to review the assessments and response required. Episcopal
Relief and Development’s assistance thus far has been to
provide financial support to help our partners purchase critical
goods and supplies. We know that financial support is crucial
at this point so that our partners can secure and distribute emergency
assistance. We
are confident that our church partners are reaching people in
the affected areas, and will effectively distribute resources
to those who need it most.
Has Episcopal
Relief and Development been in communication with anyone in Myanmar?
As a result of the damage to infrastructure from the cyclone,
it is difficult to count on normal communications at present.
At this point, we are in limited communication with our church
partner. However, we know from recent correspondence that our
outreach work is profoundly appreciated. We will have more specific
information about the situation in the hardest hit regions of
the country later next week when our partner’s assessment
teams return.
Will Episcopal
Relief and Development staff be going to Myanmar soon?
We plan to send staff to Myanmar in the next few weeks. During
this trip, staff will assist our partner in designing a long-term
recovery plan based on the needs evident from the assessment.
We also will provide ongoing support for those affected while
the long-term recovery plan is being developed.
How long
has Episcopal Relief and Development been working in Myanmar?
We have been working in Myanmar since 2006. Our programs have
helped people achieve economic stability through education, vocational
training, and micro-finance initiatives. We have also provided
tools and training to improve the food supply and access to clean
water.
What kind
of accountability system do you have?
Since we have an established relationship with our local church
partner in Myanmar, we have mechanisms for planning, reporting
and accounting.
Will Episcopal
Relief and Development be involved in long-term recovery and rehabilitation
in Myanmar?
One of the most important features of our disaster relief work
is the commitment to long-term recovery. After the first three
to six months of a disaster, Episcopal Relief and Development
stays in-country when most organizations leave. It generally takes
five to eight years for a community to recover from a disaster
on the scale of Cyclone Nargis. We
always follow the lead of our local partners in planning response
and recovery activities in order to respect unique local context
of the country in which we are working.
How can
I help?
You can help victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.
- Give online
at http://www.er-d.org/
- Call 1-800-334-7626,
ext. 5129 (Monday- Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. EDT)
- Mail gifts
to: Episcopal Relief and Development “Myanmar and Cyclone
Response Fund” PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Please be
sure to designate all gifts to Episcopal Relief and Development’s
“Myanmar and Cyclone Response Fund” If
you would like to make a donation outside of our normal business
hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EDT (Monday – Friday), please
visit our website: http://www.er-d.org/ and designate your donation
toward the Myanmar and Cyclone Response Fund. You also can mail
contributions to our address listed above.
OUTREACH
Response
to Earthquake and Tornado Victims
from Episcopal Relief and Development
Updated:
May 13, 2008, 6:53 a.m.
Episcopal
Relief and Development is ready to provide emergency assistance
to families impacted by a severe earthquake in China and tornadoes
in the Midwest and southeast United States.
A 7.9 magnitude
earthquake struck China's Sichuan province on May 12. The quake
was centered approximately 60 mi/95 km northwest of Chengdu, a
major city of 11 million people, and lasted for more than a minute.
More than 44 aftershocks were recorded, and the risk of further
aftershocks persists. The latest casualty reports are nearly 8,000
deaths and more than 10,000 injuries in Sichuan. Figures are likely
to increase as telecommunications services with the worst-affected
areas resume. In some areas more than 80 percent of buildings
have been destroyed, including hospitals and primary schools.
Tornadoes
swept across the Midwest and southeast United States over Mother’s
Day weekend, killing at least 22 people and leaving thousands
homeless in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas and Georgia. The storms,
blowing winds up to 175 miles per hour, first struck the Midwest
before heading south. States of emergency have been declared in
several counties in Georgia and Oklahoma. The full extent of the
damage has not yet been determined.
Episcopal
Relief and Development is in touch with dioceses and partners
in the disaster areas and stands ready to respond once needs are
identified. Donations to help victims in these disaster areas
can also be made to the address noted above.
Opportunities
to See Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul
St. Michael's
Invited to Reception for Archbishop Daniel
His Grace
Daniel Deng Bul, new Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of Sudan,
and his wife, Deborah Abuk Atem, will be in Chicago to speak at
the Conference of American Friends of the Episcopal Church of
Sudan, at the end of May. Parishioners, Paul and Betty Carrubba,
are hosting them for part of his visit.
Renk Ministry
Partnership (RMP) is hosting a reception in their honor at the
Carrubba's, Thursday, May 29, from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. The Carrubba's
and RMP team extend an invitation to St. Michael's parishioners
to this gala reception. This will be a wonderful opportunity to
welcome them back to their "home" parish. Archbishop
Daniel and Mama Deborah bring a message of deep appreciation for
the continued support of Renk Theological College, the building
and rebuilding, and the ongoing support made possible by the capital
campaign and the generous care for our brothers and sisters in
Renk. The Archbishop's message to St. Michael's is that it is
because of the ten years of continued partnership, he was nominated
and elected Archbishop.
Light hors-d'oeurves
and beverages will be served. Come and welcome them!
Archbishop
Daniel's Keynote Address
The American
Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan and the Commission on
Global Ministry of the Diocese of Chicago, invite you to greet
His Grace and to hear his keynote address to begin the 4th Annual
Conference of AFRECS, Growing Relationships...Building Partnerships
on Friday, May 30, at 7:00 p.m. at the Lutheran School of
Theology, 1100 E. 55th St., Chicago. The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee
will give opening remarks to the Conference, which runs from May
30 to June 1, ending with a celebratory Eucharist at St. Paul
and the Redeemer Church, Hyde Park.
The evening
address is open to those who are not attending the entire Conference,
as an opportunity to honor our Companion Bishop, who, as Archbishop
of the ECS, becomes Bishop of Juba, seat of the ECS. For further
information, contact, Jackie Kraus, Conference Coordinator, 847-381-5518
or email her at kraus.jackie@yahoo.com.
Katrina
Care Kids Bring New Orleans to St. Michael's
Be sure to
Escape to New Orleans, Saturday, May 24 from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00
p.m. at St. Michael's. Dinner includes jambalaya and red beans
and rice, salad, cookies and soft drinks. Adults are invited to
bring their own favorite "adult" beverage. The entertainment
includes music, games for kids from age 4 to 104, and a special
guest from Waveland, Mississippi...Ms. Pat Baird.
Pat will share
her story and give an update on where things still stand for the
people of the area devastated by Katrina. This is an evening for
the whole community so bring your friends. Tickets are $10 for
adults, $5 for youth ages 5 to 18, and children under 5 are free.
The Katrina
Care Kids thank the St. Michael's family for supporting them in
their efforts to raise money for the much needed efforts in Mississippi
and New Orleans. For more information, call Katie Lindeen at 847-830-7255.
Keeping
God's People Safe
The Episcopal
Diocese of Chicago is a national leader in Child Sexual Abuse
Prevention. The Office of Pastoral Care offers training sessions
to build awareness and prevention in our parishes. All those employed
by the church, who work with children (salaried /voluntary), and
who lead ministries are mandated to take the training every five
years. St. Michael is offering the training session on May 20
at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. In addition to those mandated,
this is an excellent resource for parents, grandparents, members
of the community, and friends. All are welcome.
There are
no fees for attending, however it is asked that you register with
the church office/Nancy Holmes so materials can be provided for
each participant. Light refreshments and beverages provided.
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.
ECW
"Green" Evening
Attention
ALL women of St. Michael's! Bring your "green" thumbs
and your "green" salad and come to the ECW "Green"
night on Wednesday, May 21. In conjunction with its annual general
meeting, the ECW will be doing a service project at the church
and having a salad potluck supper. For those willing and able,
the evening will start about 6:00 p.m. with flower planting and
mulch turning around the church property. Following this church-beautifying
activity, we will proceed to the community room (about 7:00 p.m.)
for a potluck supper and a brief meeting. Please bring a salad
to share; drinks and dessert will be furnished. Even if you cannot
attend the work session, please feel free to join us for dinner
and fellowship. It's a great way to get to know and have a delightful
evening with other women at St. Michael's.
For those
coming to work outside, please bring a garden rake and any other
tools you have that would help with flower planting. We will be
getting our flowers from the SMUSH flower sale.
Ladies, we
hope your will join the ECW for all or any part of this "Green"
evening of fun and fellowship on May 21. If you have any questions,
please contact Marie Schriefer at 847-719-1012.
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 US 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.)
- Gently
used clothing (it's helpful to mark the bags of clothing as
"women's", "children's", "men's",
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.
Ruth
Silver Invites You to Join Her for the GCFD Hunger Walk
For 28 years,
the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) has been the major
source of food and support services for over 600 soup kitchens
and food pantries in Cook County. Unfortunately, food donations
have fallen behind the ever-growing need of those who serve the
hungry. Using other sources becomes very expensive because of
rising food costs.
"Each
year, the GCFD has a hunger walk along Lake Michigan. Supporters
of its many agencies walk to raise funds. Those funds are held
in account at the GCFD and drawn upon with each order," notes
Ruth. "Some of you know that I have been part of this beautiful
walk for many years. On June 14, the route will be from Montrose
Harbor to Foster Avenue and back." If anyone would like to
be a part of the Hunger Walk or sponsor Ruth as she walks for
St. Cyprian Food Pantry, please contact her at 847-381-1871.
Field
Trip to Lawrence Hall to Honor Kevin Callahan
In February
St. Michael's raised $10,000 to name a room at the new Lawrence
Hall Residential Treatment Center to thank Kevin Callahan for
his dedication to St. Michael's youth. Plan on seeing this room
and participating in the dedication ceremony on Saturday, June
7 with a bus trip to Lawrence Hall. The bus will depart form St.
Michael's at 10:00 a.m. and the trip will include lunch cooked
by students' Try Me Café. You can expect to return
to St. Michael's around 2:00 p.m. The cost for this trip is $5
per person.
Women's
Softball
Come out for
a little exercise — and a lot of fun! Women age 25+++ are
encouraged to join the "Angels" softball team for 12"
underhand pitch softball. The Barrington Area Christian Women's
Softball League is comprised of a noncompetitive group of Barrington
area church teams that have been building friendships while enjoying
friendly softball games for over 20 years. Games are played on
Tuesday evenings in June & July at Langendorf Park. Practices
begin on Tuesday, May 6 at Eton Park, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Come when
you can and bring your family and friends. No experience required!
For further details call Captain Sally Smith at 847-274-4622.
Umpires
Needed
If you enjoy
softball, and are available on Tuesday evenings, St. Michael's
"Angels" need you! The team is seeking volunteer umpires
for our games. This is a 12" underhand pitch league of women
age 25+++. Umpires must be at least 16 years old. Please contact
Captain Sally Smith at 847-274-4622.
Ideas
for Father's Day at And All The Angels
Get a jump
on your Father's Day shopping by visiting And All the Angels.
All Father's Day gifts start at $4.50. Some ideas to consider
are mugs, visor clips, key chains, pens in boxes, books and more!
Come check out the great selection. A volunteer will be happy
to help you find just the right gift for your father. The shop
will also be selling chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies on Father's
Day for the dads with a sweet tooth.
Around
the Neighborhood
Church
Women United Celebrates Friendship Day in Barrington
On May 2,
Church Women United of the Barrington Area honored ten women from
as many churches for their dedication and contributions reflecting
their faith, at the annual May Friendship Day. The event was held
at the Presbyterian Church of Barrington.
(Left to
right) Nerissa Brueckbauer, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Barrington;
Christina Didech, Barrington United Methodist Church; Emily Dowell,
Presbyterian Church of Barrington; Kristi Funni, Federated Church
of Wauconda; Laura Gilleland, Community Church of Barrington;
Holly Hitchcock, Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Barrington;
Eva Kolasinski, St. Anne Catholic Community, Barrington; Kelly
Nelson, St. Peter United Church of Christ, Lake Zurich; Lisa Raupp,
Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Cary; and Heather Sholeen,
First Church of Christ Scientist, Barrington.
In
the Parish Family
Confirmation
Congratulations
to those who were confirmed, received, or reaffirmed on Saturday,
May 10.
St. Michael's
youth who were confirmed include: Allison
Bradtke, Cassie Brueckbauer, Caroline Conner, Andrew Gier, Daniel
Ingram, Patrick Keclik, Scott Kimes, Elizabeth McIntosh, Anna
Montgomery, Julia Moore, Abby Pajakowski, Kathryn Pepper, Jack
Schmidt, Edward Tilly, and Alexis Zgoda
Adults include:
Gustavo Lopez (confirmed), Emily Lopez (reaffirmation), Judy Myers
(reaffirmation), Paulette Forrest (reaffirmation), Susan Ferry
(received), William Ferry (received), and Lynn McAlister from
Holy Apostles (confirmed)
Members of
St. Philips, Palatine, and St. David's, Glenview were also confirmed.
New
Catechists
Jeni Younger
and Sam Lanham will complete their certification as Catechists
in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd on May 31! This special
certification has taken Jeni and Sam two years to complete and
over 90 hours of lecture and classroom presentations, not to mention
the hours of reading, study and composition of lesson plans. They
will be trained Catechists in the Level I atria working with children
from age three through Kindergarten. Please congratulate and thank
Sam and Jeni for their dedication and hard work!
Those for
whom prayers have been requested
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, Kate, Georgianna,
Kevin & Marti, Shirley & Bob, Mary, Brad, Patrick, Margo,
military troops in danger, Mary Beth, John
Fr. Joseph
Garang asks for your continued prayers for Sudan following the
May 10 attack by rebels from Darfur's Justice and Equality Movement
(Jem) on Ombdurman, near Khartoum, capital city of Sudan. To stay
informed about this situation, check the website for BBC News,
http://www.bbcnews.com. Fr.
Joseph reports that Roda and the girls are fine.
Anniversaries
This Week
Birthdays
- 5.17 Bill
Collins, Carol Hebert, Leon Lekai, Madyson Peltier, Irene Brown
- 5.18 Philip
Maraval, Bonnie Factor, Hunter McCrea, Ailish Racicot
- 5.19 Wayne
Stallard, Karen Olsen, Richard Johns, Mary Lucille Richardson
- 5.20 Frank
Compton, Torey Chapdelaine, Frank Napoleon
- 5.21 Gary
Gunderson, Tammy Korzun, Valerie Baartz
- 5.22 Amy
Kenrich, Mark Holshouser, John Johnson
- 5.23 Sarah
Seyffert, Christine Nelson, John Nelson, Michael Daly, Dennis
Murphy, Elizabeth Hassler
Anniversaries
- 5.17 Valorie
& Frederick Eaton, Lori & Christopher Nolan, Gina &
David Evans, Linda & Bruce Keclik
- 5.20 Sandra
& John Chapman
- 5.21 Debbie
& Jeff Schirmer, Tina & Mark Marcinkiewicz
- 5.23 Melissa
& David Buckley, Barbara & David Harris, Janice &
David Rhodes
Deaths
- 5.18 Alice
Kell
- 5.19 John
Hall
- 5.20 Laura
Smith
- 5.21 Evelyn
Hatcher
- 5.22 Reginald
Foort, Arthur Lutz, John Claiborne, III
- 5.23 Norton
Penney
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