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May 27,
2008
COVER
STORY
Good
Reads for Summer
by The Rev. Alvin C. Johnson, Jr.
 Dear
St. Michael's Pilgrim Community,
As Memorial
Day moves us into summer, this week's Cover contains some reading
suggestions for you to consider for your "summer reading".
In the area of fiction, World Without End by Ken Follett,
the sequel to Pillars of the Earth, is a wonderful read.
Life in the Middle Ages centered around the local community and
the local cathedral and this book is no exception. There is religion,
church, intrigue, betrayal, love and so much more. Another fiction
read is John by Niall Williams. This book looks at the
life of John, the beloved disciple of Jesus. The book begins with
John banished to Patmos and then moves to time in Ephesus. Finally,
What is the What is a fictional look at the life of a Lost
Boy of Sudan. The book is an excellent read.
On the nonfiction
side of things, tops on my list is a book called The Sacred
Romance: Drawing Closer to the Heart of God, by Curtis and
Eldredge. This is a beautiful look at our longing for God and
God's desire for us. Others to explore are The Hidden Jesus
by Spoto. This takes a new look at the life of Jesus and is interesting,
provocative and inspiring. Consider, also, Compassion, Justice
and the Christian Life. This book explores our call to serve
others in the spirit of Jesus. Further, you might enjoy Everything
Must Change by Brian McLaren and Field Notes on the Compassionate
Life.
On the leadership
front, Failure of Nerve by Ed Friedman was a powerful read
on leadership in our culture/society today. Birth of the Chaordic
Age was also an interesting commentary on leadership.
Those are
my ideas, email me with some of yours. On my list for the summer
will be Eckhart Tolle's new book and some good fiction…but
I'm open.
Love and blessings,
Alvin+
YOUTH
FORMATION
Celebrating
Pentecost
by Nerissa Brueckbauer
It was a
special and unusual coincidence of events in the Church School
on the eleventh of May. We were able to celebrate Pentecost in
the Church School on the actual day. Usually, Pentecost falls
outside of the Church School program year on the calendar, but
not so this year. We had a wonderful celebration bringing all
the children and catechists together in front of the Children's
Altar to think about and wonder together about the disciples at
Pentecost. We tried to imagine what that must have been like.
We began by
revisiting Ascension, the day Jesus ascended into Heaven. The
disciples had lost Jesus once already when he died on the cross,
and he had come back to them — RISEN — but he left them
once again when he ascended into Heaven to return to God. Taylor,
age 4, decided that the disciples may have felt as if their very
best friend, their very best friend who lives next door, were
to be moving, and it was the last day to play together. Is that
not a beautiful and heart-rending image?
We then began
to discuss the events of Pentecost. The huge rushing wind. The
tongues of fire that appeared over the heads of those gathered.
We are careful to reassure the children that the fire did not
burn or hurt them; fire is a sign of the Holy Spirit because it
is living and active. Once again, Taylor had an opinion about
what that experience may have been like. She hypothesized that
a tongue of fire on one's head would be as if there were a chicken
on your head, and it laid an egg. Funny, yes, but her idea elicits
yet another response. Such an image as so detailed by a child
causes me to regret how much is lost in adulthood. Think about
this a moment. Taylor was easily able to empathize and connect
with the very deep sense of loss that the disciples felt upon
learning that Jesus would leave them again. I wonder is it not
because children feel that same closeness and love for their Good
Shepherd, and that I, as an adult, somehow disconnect myself from
that very real, personal sense of closeness and love - mind you,
I believe that Christ is still there and holding up his side of
the covenant — I just allow myself to be distracted and disconnected.
And who is to say that having a tongue of fire appear over your
head is not, in fact, like having a chicken on your head that
lays an egg. As an adult, I allow my imagination to be circumscribed
by my life experience and day-to-day concerns. A child is not
so tethered. Their imaginations are limitless and full. I think
the imagination of a child is probably closely akin to that of
our God — He must have an incredible imagination given the
plethora in variety of flora and fauna and human beings that populate
our world!
Remember Vacation
Bible School, Twelve Who Changed the World, July 13-17.
Registration for next Church School year will be sent out in July,
and the first day of Church School will be August 24!
An
Invitation to All to Meet Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul
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!
Please RSVP
to Sharon Bullion, 847-438-2047 or reply by e-mail jsb3901@comcast.net.
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.
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 will offer this training session on Tuesday,
May 27 at 6:30 p.m. 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.
Graduating
Seniors to be Recognized
Senior High
Graduate Recognition will be Sunday, June 8 during the 9:30 a.m.
service. Graduates and their families are invited to come and
be acknowledged before the church. If you will be in attendance
on that day, please contact Kevin Kasper by June 2 at 847-381-2323
ext. 15 or kkasper@stmichaelsbarrington.org and let him know of
your plans for the upcoming year.
The
Little Red Wagon
In 1980, Fr.
Al Leveridge started a food pantry at the Church of the Holy Apostles
in Wauconda. It grew over the years until 1994 when it became
the Wauconda-Island Lake Food Pantry, Inc. Members of various
churches in the area formed its board and volunteer to staff the
important ministry. The pantry is now located in the town of Wauconda
and is open six mornings a week. Each month it serves 80-100 families
in its district.
In June, our
food collection will go to this food pantry. The special needs
at this time are: Canned meats, pasta and sauces, detergent, shampoo,
and toilet paper.
The Little
Red Wagon is located in St. Michael's narthex/front entrance on
Sundays or in the coat area near the Parish Office during the
week.
St.
Michael's/Holy Apostles 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! The event will include a catered
lunch (but please bring a side dish or dessert to share), D.J.,
games and more. Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy! Kids
can bring swimsuits and towels for water play. This is a great
event for the all!
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.
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.
Summer
at St. Michael's
Worship
and Church School
Worship on
Sundays during the summer will be at 7:45 and 9:30 beginning May
25 and continuing through August 17. The fall worship schedule
will resume on August 24. Church School will also resume on August
24.
Newsletters
St. Michael's
newsletter, The Sword, will move to its biweekly summer
publication schedule with the June 10 issue. Summer issues will
be published on June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22, and August
5. Weekly publication will resume on August 19. The deadline for
submitting materials to The Sword is one week prior to
publication (the Tuesday before publication). The Sunday Sword
bulletin insert will continue to be published weekly during the
summer. The deadline for having announcements included in The
Sunday Sword is also the Tuesday prior to publication.
Office
Hours
Beginning
on Monday, May 26, the Parish Office will move to its summer schedule.
Office hours from Monday through Thursday are 9:00 a.m. until
5:00 p.m. On Fridays (beginning May 30 and continuing through
August 29) the office will be open from 9:00 a.m. until noon.
Around
the Neighborhood
Episcopal
Relief and Development Continues to Respond to Earthquake in China
Episcopal
Relief and Development continues to provide emergency assistance
to families impacted by the severe earthquake in China. Over
55,000 people are confirmed dead and 25,000 are still unaccounted
for from the massive earthquake that shook southwest China on
May 12. Nearly 300,000 people have been injured. So far, 4,000
children have been orphaned by the disaster. Officials
say about 10 million people have been affected by the quake. Five
million people in Sichuan Province are homeless. Many are in refugee
camps, without proper shelter, food or clean water. The Chinese
government has issued an urgent appeal to the international community
for 3.3 million tents to protect the quake refugees.
Episcopal
Relief and Development is providing ongoing support to the Amity
Foundation, its local partner, to distribute 240,000 kilos of
rice to 16,000 people and plastic sheeting and quilts to provide
shelter and warmth to 8,000 families impacted by the disaster.
The Amity Foundation is targeting areas in Sichuan, Gansu, and
Sha’anxi Provinces where many people continue to suffer from
harsh conditions, cold weather, and the loss of their homes, furniture,
and all their personal belongings.
Episcopal
Relief and Development will continue to work with local partners
on long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation of the devastated
areas. Housing, hospitals, clinics, schools, and water systems
all need to be rebuilt. To
help people affected by the earthquake in China, please make a
donation to Episcopal Relief and Development’s “Emergency
Relief Fund” online at www.er-d.org , or call 1-800-334-7626,
ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development
“Emergency Relief Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA
22116-7058.
In
the Parish Family
Reception
and Reaffirmation
The following
individuals were received into the Episcopal Church on Saturday,
May 17 at Trinity Church in Wheaton: Kate Imhoff, Mark Imhoff,
and Carol Erker. Robert Erker was reaffirmed. All were presented
by Kay Lewis.
Those for
whom prayers have been requested
Mo & Wendy,
Mary, Jim, Kate, Georgianna, Grace, St. Lukes-New Orleans, Greg
& family, Nathan, Andrew, Rick, Kathy, Suzanne, Joe, Lisa,
Emma, Kevin, Krista, Kevin & Marti, Mary, Brad, Patrick, Margo,
military troops in danger, Mary Beth, John, Kate.
Anniversaries
This Week
Birthdays
- 5.31 Bradford
Gunderson
- 6.1 Barb
Hubbard, John Henry, Julia Marchioretto
- 6.2 Valerie
Vollman, Kirsten Brown, Andie Evans, Jasmine Hodgett
- 6.3 Lindsey
Stallard
- 6.4 Eric
Lindeen, Carrie Kellogg-Garbarek, Sean Doran
- 6.5 Phil
Darrow, Emily Lopez
- 6.6 Erika
Schnure, Lauren Pepper, Drew Douglas
Anniversaries
- 5.31 Vicki
& Joseph Ridges, Tracy Allen-Gonzalez & Jesus Gonzalez,
Chad & Bev Thompson
- 6.1 Renee
& Matt Blue
- 6.3 Lisa
& John Allen, Deanna & Mark McCrea
- 6.4 Ruth
& Charles Race, Lori & Tom Wood
- 6.5 Bridget
& Jim Couch
- 6.6 Hillary
& Steven Schultz, Susan & Joe Buettas
Deaths
- 6.3 Ethel
Shepherd
- 6.4 Joseph
Badenoch
- 6.5 Harold
Roberts
- 6.6 Penny
Erker
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