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June 10,
2008
COVER
STORY
Welcoming
Our Interim Director of Music Ministries
by The Rev. Alvin C. Johnson, Jr.
 Dear
St. Michael's Family and Friends,
Please join
me in welcoming Nancie Tobison to serve as our Interim Director
of Music Ministries. This position was designed through the work
of our Music Ministry Committee chaired by Mike Donohue. On Monday,
June 2, the committee recommended Nancie to the vestry to serve
in an interim capacity for several reasons. First, she is an incredibly
talented musician, director and leader. Secondly, she is ready
to go to work right now and can help insure that our music program
has greater substance this coming year including youth choirs
and more. Thirdly, she currently serves as the Choral Director
of Barrington High School and will bring that experience, professionalism
and excellent reputation with her. Finally, we believe that it
will take some time to find the person to lead this ministry as
defined in the vision this committee discerned. Many of you know
Nancie and will be grateful to see her at ministry within our
parish community. When you see her, please welcome her. She has
already started.
Three other
things: Please be sure to read an important letter from her at
the end of this article introducing herself and her plans for
the next several months. Secondly, Mike Donohue will be communicating
with us as to how the process has led us to this place and where
we go from here. Third, we are working with Bob Lind to renew
his covenant with us as well. Feel
free to direct most of your questions to Mike Donohue or Martha.
Love and Blessings,
Alvin+, grateful
for God's generosity in sending people our way…
From Nancie
Tobison—
Dear St.
Michael's Community,
Do you
have an interest in the music program of St. Michael's? There
is a place for everyone to participate in the music ministry of
this church. If you have the desire to participate, opportunities
exist for you.
Musicians
(singers, instrumentalists) who would like to share their talents
at one of the summer services should contact me by phone (847-381-8675)
or email (ntobison@cusd220.org).
Any adult,
college or high school singers are welcome to meet at 8:30 on
Sunday, July 20, to rehearse to sing at the service. The same
opportunity will be offered on Sunday, August 24.
In the
fall, the chancel choir (St. Michael's Choir) will resume rehearsals
on Thursday nights and the St. Michael's Children's Choir will
rehearse on Wednesday afternoons. Please keep Wednesday afternoons
open for the children and youth choirs. If you are interested
in being involved as a volunteer, accompanist, librarian, or sergeant-at-arms
for the youth choirs, please contact me by phone or email.
Many people
hesitate to get involved because they don't think they can sing
or read music. You are never too young or old to learn how to
use your voice to make a joyful noise. To encourage music competence
for all St. Michael's parishioners, a 'vocal boot camp' will be
offered on Saturday, August 23 and Saturday, August 30 at the
church from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. Light lunch, experimentation
and instruction will be offered. Bring the family one or both
days. These sessions are intended for novices or those who lack
confidence. If you are skillful or confident, you may attend only
if willing to coach or mentor. All skillful, confident singers
contact me if planning to attend so that I can utilize your skill.
Your music
committee has a vision of an exciting, varied, joyful music program
for all ages of parishioners. Your vestry is committed to that
vision. I am thrilled to journey with you to establish such a
program. I invite you to explore the possibilities to serve, to
share and to experience the music ministry of St. Michael's.
Nancie
Tobison
Reminder:
The Sword will be published every other week during the
summer. The next issue will be available on Tuesday, June 24.
FORMATION
Enriching
Our Worship
by The Rev. Martha Gillette
When a Rector,
Vicar, or Priest-in-Charge considers using liturgical materials
that supplement those contained in the Book of Common Prayer,
particularly for a service which might attract media attention,
or for a principle Sunday morning worship service, one of the
things he or she is expected to do is to obtain the approval of
the Bishop of the Diocese. When we were getting ready to offer
our U2Charist a couple months ago, for example, we asked our Bishop
for permission. Likewise, when we were preparing to use Enriching
Our Worship materials last Advent, we informed the Diocese.
One of the questions the Bishop's office asks in situations such
as this is, "have the people been informed of your plans?"
(What do you suppose they are suggesting? That Episcopalians don't
relish sudden, unanticipated change in the context of their worship
services? How curious.)
In the spirit
of "paving the way," therefore, I want you to know that
in the second half of our St. Michael's Summer, we will be once
again using materials from Enriching Our Worship, at our
9:30 a.m. Sunday services. For the most part, I think you will
find the rhythm and language of the service quite familiar. Our
changes tend to be in those parts of the service in which we anticipate
different things from time to time - for example, in the Prayers
of the People format. One thing which you might notice is that
in the specific canticles and prayers selected, we will be using
a few of what are known as the Mothering Images of God. As the
Preface to Enriching Our Worship (written by The Most Rev.
Frank Griswold) states, "expanding our vocabulary of prayer
and the ways in which we name the Holy One bear witness to the
fact that the mystery of God transcends all categories of knowing,
including those of masculine and feminine." Some of these
Mothering Images are scriptural (think, for example, of Matthew
23:37, where we read of Jesus saying of Jerusalem "How often
have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers
her brood under her wings....") Others come from the work
of great religious figures such as Julian of Norwich and Anselm
of Canterbury. In every case, however, they represent part of
what the Preface refers to as the "ongoing process of listening
to what the Spirit is saying to the Church through the diverse
experience of those who gather to worship and to celebrate the
sacramental rites which fashion and identify us as the People
of God." Enjoy!
WORSHIP
Favorite
Hymns Sundays
by The Rev. Martha Gillette
Favorite
Hymns Sundays will take place on June 15, July 13, and August
10
Can't remember
the last time you had an opportunity to raise your voice in a
rousing chorus of Jesus Loves Me, This I Know? (Lift Every Voice
and Sing #218) Have a real hankering to harmonize on Precious
Lord, take my hand? (Wonder, Love, and Praise #800) Love the lilting
melody of I will kindle my fire (Voices Found #27) but didn't
think anyone else knew it existed within Episcopalian hymnody?
Deeply regret the fact that we haven't sung Hail thee, festival
day! (1982 Hymnal #175) in…well…just about forever?
Wonder if the Worship Associate's copy of The Burgundy Book is
missing page 23, with your favorite selection, Lift High the Banners
of Love? My brothers and sisters, St. Michael's Summer "Favorite
Hymns Sundays" were created with you in mind!
On Sunday
June 15, Sunday July 13, and Sunday August 10, the hymns we sing
at our 9:30 a.m. service will be hymns requested by members of
the congregation. Let us know your favorite hymns, and, while
there are no guarantees, we will do our best to make sure they
get included in worship on one of these three Sundays. This is
a great way to share those hymns that have meant so much to you
over the years with the rest of the St. Michael's faith community!
Young or old, music major or tone deaf, it matters not - just
let us know what you'd love to sing in church. Leave your list
on the receptionist's desk in the Parish Office, or send an email
to praymond@stmichaelsbarrington.org,
and come on "Favorite Hymns Sundays" prepared to make
joyful noises unto the Lord!
OUTREACH
The
Power of One and the New Math
by Ann Ryba
The power
of one. We hear it in sermons, read it in the press and even see
movies of the same title. And on May 24, St. Michael's family
and many friends were truly witness to the power of one.
One Katie
Lindeen, touched by her work at the recent Katrina Volunteer trip
to the Gulf Coast, was led by the Holy Spirit to do something,
anything, to help our Katrina Care relief vision remain viable.
She wanted to host a special fundraising event that would be a
fun party for the entire community. And she did it.
One Aidan
Donohue, inspired at the same time, was led to create an inspirational
and moving video about the destruction, pain, rebuilding and joy
of the hurricane and its aftermath. Oh boy, did he do it. That
makes two.
Then add a
group of high school students and their families to execute and
support what was now the "Escape to New Orleans." We
are up to 25.
Throw in financial
underwriters, cooks, and cleaners and we stand at 60. Add the
many gift solicitors and donors from the community and beyond
and we hit 100. Don't forget our guest Pat Baird, marvelous DJ
Maximus Music Unlimited, video support Kim Lessner, Barrington
Community Chorus and Barrington High School Chorale—we stand
at 150 people, willingly on board to support Katie's vision—and
we haven't even counted the party-goers yet.
Another number
to count—$4,000 raised and more to come in. That's enough
to fund an entire Katrina volunteer work trip or months of food
at the Dragon Café or house 40 volunteers at Camp Coast
Care.
The power
of one plus one plus one is what makes it all work. The power
of friends and family, united in love and vision to do good stuff
makes it all work. Katie Lindeen, thank you for demonstrating
that one person can indeed make a difference for the power of
good in our world. And thank you to all 200-plus of you who followed
her in that path.
It was a great
party, filled with the laughter of 3-year-olds and 73-year-olds
at the Cake Walk. Incredible food with not a bite left of drunken
chicken. The Community Room rocking with dancing and dancing and
hoola hoops and prizes and even a king! And a pie-throw that brought
the house down. Katie, your party will live on in the annals of
St. Michael's as the greatest intergenerational event ever—and
it raised funds to truly help serve others. You go girl—we
can't wait for next year!
St.
Michael's ECW is Looking for a Few Good Women!
St. Michael's
Episcopal Church Women's (ECW) Board of is looking for new members
for the 2008-2009 year. Being a board member involves coming to
planning meetings once a month (the second Monday of the month
at 7:00 p.m.) and helping with the various ECW activities. Your
involvement can vary depending on your time availability. ECW
is in need of both longtime and new members of St. Michael's to
provide input for the upcoming year. If you are looking for a
ministry at St. Michael's and you want to meet and get to know
other women in the church, then this is the organization for you!
Please call Marie Schriefer at 847-719-1012 if you would like
to learn more or if would like to join the ECW board.
The
Little Red Wagon
During the
month of June, food collected in the Little Red Wagon will be
offered to the Wauconda-Island Lake Food Pantry. 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. 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.
Vacation
Bible School Explores "Twelve Who Changed the World"
Please don't
forget to include St. Michael's Vacation Bible School in your
summer plans! This year's program will run from Monday, July 14
through Thursday, July 17, 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. daily. Registration
forms are available on the website at www.stmichaelsbarrington.org/vbs.htm,
in the Parish Office or the Children's Ministries Office. You
may also call 847-381-2323 ext. 33. The week's faith lessons and
fun will also include a multimedia live performance by the Christian
Youth Theater Praise Team including drama, choreography, music
and testimonies. Come and see 22 of the Christian Youth Theater's
best students from all over Chicagoland perform!
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 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.
A
Note of Thanks
The following
note was received from Bishop Lee in thanks to the funds that
were collected during the confirmation service on May 10 and offered
to the bishop's discretionary fund.
Dear Al
and the People of St. Michael's,
Thank you
very much for your most generous gift to the Bishop of Chicago's
discretionary fund of $1,134. This support will enable me to offer
assistance to those in need, and enhances the work of us all in
this Diocese. Please know how grateful I am for your continuous
generosity in so many ways. Your gracious gift will be used with
care and discernment.
Faithfully
yours in Christ, Jeffrey D. Lee, Bishop of Chicago
Summer
Reading with St. Michael's Book Club
This summer
the St. Michael's Book Club invites you to take in a few good
books. The summer's reading begins in with the June gathering
of the Book Club on June 25 with a gathering and discussion of
F. Scott Fitzgerald's exposé of the roaring 20's, The
Great Gatsby. In July, the club has selected Water
for Elephants: A Novel, a thrilling, romantic story set
in a traveling circus in the 1930's by Sara Gruen for it July
23 meeting. Then, on August 27, share in a discussion of Waiting
for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy where author
Carlos Eire re-creates his childhood as revolution engulfs Cuba.
Also, be sure
to visit the Book Club schedule
on the St. Michael's website for updated information. The books
for October and November have been switched to facilitate availability
at the library.
Ideas
for Father's Day at And All The Angels
This Sunday
is Father's Day and And All the Angels is a great place
for some last-minute gifts. 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.
In
the Parish Family
Baptism
Elizabeth
Constance Wilder, daughter of James and Sue Wilder, was baptized
on Sunday, June 8.
Those for
whom prayers have been requested
St. Luke's-New
Orleans, Nathan, Andrew, Rick, Kathy, Lisa, Joe, Emma, Kevin,
Krista, Mary, Brad, Patrick Margo, Carol, Helen, William, Wilbert,
Jimmy, Frank, Jacque, Dolores, Nancy, Wauconda-Island Lake Food
Pantry, Greg, Suzanne, Mary Beth, Kevin & Marti, Karin, John,
military troops in danger, Kate.
Anniversaries
This Week
Birthdays
- 6.14 Roxelyn
Pepper, Brett Qualiardi
- 6.15 Teddy
Zgoda
- 6.16 Logan
Hollensteiner, Claire Hassler
- 6.17 Diane
Clancy, Mary Michelle Nicol, Whit Conway, Caroline Murray, Conner
Murray, Leslie Murray, Tyler McCrea, Sue Wilder
- 6.18 Elizabeth
Lekai
- 6.19 Alexandra
Waring, Elizabeth Dickerson, Jennifer Ceniti
- 6.20 Kyle
Johns, Megan Yerger
- 6.21 Janet
Lareau, Kathi Frelk, Michael Ryan, Alan Quarfoot, Sue Jaekel,
Kelsey Jaekel
- 6.22 Tyler
Allen, Katie Mayberry
- 6.23 Richard
Pepper, Arielle Johnston, Jamie Rabb
- 6.24 Karin
Harrigan, Ann Kimes
- 6.25 John
Chapman, Jorie Koelling, Danny Warner, Olivia Welsh
- 6.26 Robert
Gale, Jack Schaefer, Stephanie Johns
- 6.27 Jeff
Schirmer, Nerissa Brueckbauer
Anniversaries
- 6.20 Jennifer
& Charlie Wickman, Donna & David Brooks
- 6.22 Christine
& David Szarzynski
- 6.24 Ellen
& Eric Weiss
- 6.25 Susan
& Clark Beverly, Robin & Phil Darrow
- 6.26 Jean
& Hollis Schoepke, Sharon & Coy Walcott
- 6.27 Marilyn
& Pat Okonek, Sally & Greg Smith, Genelle & John
Howe
Deaths
- 6.18 John
C. Forbes, Stanley Holmes
- 6.19 May
Bell Warren
- 6.20 Alice
Wilder, Margery Elias
- 6.21 Arthur
Hanson, Anne Ziegler
- 6.22 Clarence
McFeeley
- 6.23 Marjorie
Morgan, Russell Turner
- 6.26 Marilyn
Sargent
- 6.27 Patrick
Dittmer
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