|
|
|
Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. - Isaiah 49:15
Dear Friends,
After a long strange December winter has finally arrived in Northern Illinois. After a couple of days of delight with the snow it didn't take long for me to want to shift into deep hibernation mode. Perhaps you have been experiencing similar feelings of the need to just get through this and push on into spring.
It occurs to me that this is often how Christians approach Lent (And yes, sorry to disturb your slumber, but Lent is on the way-Ash Wednesday is February 22nd!). We don't want to bother with the fasting, the self-examination, the penitence-we just want to hunker down and push on through to the Alleluias of Easter. If this has been your practice in the past, I want to invite you to fight the urge to disconnect, and instead seek new ways to make the connection with the spiritual side of your being. To paraphrase songwriter Michael Franti of Spearhead: God has already handed you the headphones and is waiting for you to plug them straight into his heart, because he wants you to know what she is talking about!
I am prepared to help you on this journey deeper into the heart of God-aka taking care of your spiritual life. The Sundays before Lent begins in our Adult Sunday School (9:30AM Sundays) we will be discussing prayer and exploring ways to talk to God that are meaningful and life giving. During Lent there will be two opportunities for study. On Sunday mornings we will be reading Stephanie Spellers' Radical Welcome: Embracing God, The Other, and The Spirit of Transformation
Soup for the Soul returns with a study of the Gospel of Mark on Wednesday evenings in Lent starting February 29th. Mark's gospel is our primary text for the Sundays of Lent this year, and I for one am really looking forward to the Sunday to Wednesday to Sunday connections we will certainly make as we spend a little extra time with Mark's Jesus.
We are also beginning a small group I'm calling "Big Questions: God, the Episcopal Church, and living the Christian Life". We will meet once a month beginning on Saturday, February 25th for food and meaningful spiritual conversation in people's homes (our first meeting will be hosted by Rich and me at the rectory). This will be a confirmation class for those adults who want to be confirmed on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul in June. But, this group is not limited to those seeking confirmation. Anyone who wants a refresher on the teachings of our faith and to engage in lively conversation about spirituality in general is welcome to attend.
I am also setting aside plenty of time this Lent to spend with you in one-to-one conversations. Lent is a good time to take an honest look at your life, and sometimes what we find isn't real pretty. I'm talking about sin, folks. None of us is innocent! As Paul said, we all have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Thankfully, we have a ritual to help us talk to God in consultation with a spiritual mentor (priest) to let go of our sin, reorient our life towards Christ, and be reconciled with our Creator. "Reconciliation of a Penitent" is the official title of this sacramental rite found on page 447 in the Book of Common Prayer.
If all you have time for is a prayer here and there this Lent, then pick up one of this year's Lenten Devotional booklets from Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). There will be a special offering collected on February 26th, the first Sunday of Lent, to celebrate ERD Sunday.
Mark your calendars for Holy Week now too. We are already planning some new liturgies for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil so that we might make a meaningful connection with God together in worship as we live these three holiest of days in our Christian calendar. Be prepared to say, "Yes!" when I invite you to be a part of the creative process.
I am looking forward to making the connection to God this Lent with you. Come to worship, come to conversations, come and bring your stories that make St. Paul's the blessed community it is.
In Christ,
Rev. Stacy+ |
|
|
Come on out for St. Paul's Family Game Night! February 10
Got the winter doldrums? Has the cold weather got you down? Well, we've got a cure for those mid-winter blues! Come on out for St. Paul's Family Game Night. All ages are welcome. Just bring along your favorite games and munchies to share on Friday, February 10, 2012, at 6:30 P.M. Soft drinks will be provided. |
|
Don't Forget, Food Pantry Sunday, February 12
"Donations for 2011 totaled 1685 items, two baskets of fresh garden vegetables, and some cash donations." St. Paul's has been generous with its donations in the past. However, we encourage parishioners to consider making more consistent contributions. If you forget to bring your offering on Food Pantry Sunday (Second Sunday of each month), just bring your food any time and place it in one of the baskets. This is a ministry that St. Paul's can grow and it really does not have to cost anyone a lot of money. Please consider bringing some contribution, no matter how small. If you don't have time to shop, drop a designated donation for the Food Pantry by the parish office or in the collection plate and we will shop for you. Remember, a big part of our Christian action in living into the mission or the Church is to help those less fortunate than we are.
The Second Sunday of each month we offer our donations to the food pantry before the altar at the Holy Eucharist. Non-perishable food items (no glass jars, please) and monetary donations can be dropped off on any Sunday, or at the parish office Monday through Thursday, 9AM-2PM. For further information please contact Pat and Vince at (815) 758-1575. |
|
Bookcase Literacy Banquet February 16
Location: DeKalb High School Cafeteria Time: 2/16/2012 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Description: The DeKalb/Sycamore Bookcase Project will host a community event benefiting the Two Rivers Head Start Program.
DeKalb High School Mixed A Cappella will be performing. Ticket forms available at DHS. $15.95 per person or $125 for table of 8 Please bring "gently used" children's books (3 - 4 year old age level) Dekalb Daily Chronicle Article
**Jennie will have a signup sheet in the Parish Hall. We are trying to get a table full of St. Pauls folks to attend. It is a fund raiser to build bookcases for children in need. Kishwaukee Kiwais is also teaming with this event. |
|
Safe Passage Annual Fund Raiser
Evening of Chocolate is Saturday, February 18
Safe Passage is having their Annual Fund Raiser Evening of Chocolate on Sat February 18 at St Mary's Hall in Sycamore 6-8:30. See Pat Brown or Sharon Dowen for Information or Tickets. |
|
Ash Wednesday "Ashes on the Go" needs your help February 22
Rev. Stacy and the students of Grace Place Campus Ministry will be offering the impositions of "Ashes on the Go" February 22nd during the day outside of St. Paul's (by the patio and in the parking lot) as well as outside Grace Place (on the corner of Normal and Lucinda). We could use your help for hospitality (to student ministers and guests-think coffee and other hot beverages because it's going to be cold!). We could also use some signs with crosses and "Ashes on the Go" written on them. Rev. Stacy would really appreciate support from those who can partner with her and the students to offer prayers and imposition of ashes to our guests who will walk through our yard on Ash Wednesday on their way to classes at NIU. We did this last year and it was a lot of fun, not to mention profoundly moving for all those who stopped for a moment to say "God is here." Many parishes around the diocese will be going into the streets to offer Ashes on the Go this year, including Bishop Lee. Come and be a part of the work of the Church in the world this Ash Wednesday in and around NIU. Call or email Rev. Stacy today! |
|
A new small group begins this month: "Big Questions: God, the Episcopal Church, and living the Christian Life" February 25
Got Big Questions? This small group is for you! A new small group begins this month: "Big Questions: God, the Episcopal Church, and living the Christian Life" will be a space for fellowship and meaningful spiritual conversation meeting monthly in homes. This will be a confirmation class for those adults who want to be confirmed on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul this June. This will also be a refresher course on the faith for everyone and a place of lively discussion on the spiritual life in general. Our first meeting will be Saturday, February 25th, 2012 from 5:30-7:30PM, Revs. Stacy and Rich will be your hosts at the Rectory. Contact Rev. Stacy at revstacy@stpaulsdekalb.org or 815-756-4888 if you plan to attend, and bring a dish to pass for a potluck meal to accompany our conversation. |
|
Adult Sunday School Lenten Book Study February 26
Sunday mornings at 9:30 A.M. in the conference room our Adult Sunday School forum will be reading Stephanie Spellers' Radical Welcome: Embracing God, The Other, and the Spirit of Transformation. Spellers is an Episcopal priest and leader of The Crossing community in Boston "where real church meets real life" Spellers was the keynote speaker at diocesan convention this past November, and will be leading two workshops in the Diocese of Chicago this spring, including one at St. Paul's on Saturday, May 5th, 2012. Radical Welcome is a practical theological guide for congregations that want to move beyond mere inclusivity toward becoming a place where welcoming "The Other" is taken seriously and where engaging God's mission becomes more than just a catch-phrase. Contact Rev. Stacy by February 12th if you would like to order a copy of Radical Welcome. Scholarships are available. Or, order Radical Welcome on your own from your book seller of choice. And mark your calendar now for what promises to be an inspiring workshop with Stephanie Spellers Saturday, May 5th at St. Paul's! More details to follow soon. |
|
Soup for the Soul Returns! Febraury 29
Starting the first Wednesday of Lent (Feb 29) and continuing every Wednesday through March 28th we will be engaging in a study of the Gospel of Mark. A potluck soup supper begins at 5:45PM for all ages in the Parish Hall. Bible study begins at 6:15PM for adults and youth, with childcare available for our youngest members in the nursery on the lower level. We wrap up our evening by 7:15 P.M. Bring along your favorite Bible and your enthusiasm! All other materials are provided. Look for the potluck sign-up sheet in the parish hall and make a plan to join us for any and/or all Wednesdays for Soup for the Soul. |
|
Bowling for Kids Sake! March 2-4
The DeKalb event dates are March 2-4. All proceeds benefit the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program of DeKalb County. Anyone interested in bowling should contact Maureen at 815-895-8084.
|
Volunteers Needed for our Sunday School Ministry!
We need the following volunteers for our Children's Sunday School Ministry. Please let us know if you can help! Door Person: This person helps the children "get ready to learn" before they enter the Godly Play classroom and during the lesson, if needed. They also assist the children in getting and putting away their "work" and prepare the "feast" (a snack and drink) for the group. 9:00 - 10:15 A.M. on the Sunday mornings you choose to serve. If you are interested or would like more information, contact Julie Stubblefield
at (815) 793-4585. A brief training is provided. |
|
St. Nicholas Mighty Boxes
|
|
St. Paul's Art * Dance * Music * Theatre Ministry Notes
The Children's Choir is singing and dancing up a storm while warming up on a Halle, Halleluia, in preparations for Easter. We rehearse on Sunday mornings right after the late service. 11:30-11:45 A.M.
The Adult/Youth Choir is also preparing for Lent and Easter. If you would like to sing with us one time or join us weekly, we would love to have you join us!
Visit our church websites Art-Dance-Music-Theatre page to see how some of our parishioner's engage in the arts, share their talents and the spirit of St. Paul's in the surrounding communities. |
The Great Awakening - Epiphany 2012 The keynote speakers were Bishop Jeff Lee, notable emergent church author and pastor Brian McLaren, and Church historian Diana Butler Bass. More information can be found at the Seabury Next website. If you want a dose of the encouragement and inspiration you can visit the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago online and check out the photos and even read the Bishop's convention address and sermon. |
|
December 18, 2011 2011 Vestry Meeting Highlights
The Vestry Meeting for the month of January was held on January 15, 2012
Appreciations: To the Sunday School teachers for this Sunday's Christmas party for the children of the parish; Jennie Cummings for teaching the adult Sunday school today; Lorraine for coaching the children's choir (and to Gretchen for helping her!); Rev. Stacy for all her work; the flower guild for all their work; the parish for the Safe Passage donations, and to Pat McMahon and Janie Torma for all their work coordinating the gifts; Pat Brown for her work on the budget
Senior Warden Report: The nominating committee is in place and is soliciting nominations for Vestry, Junior Warden and delegates to convention.
Junior Warden Report: Buldings & Grounds Updates: Roof leaks are fixed and basement water issues remain. Remedies for the basement are being considered by the B&G Committee.
Magnetic Church: David Anderson reported that the committee is considering new name tags, new Voice from the Pew slips, and bags for newcomers.
Fellowship: A meeting will be held on December 21st to discuss parish events for January. Also, the committee is considering how to best plan for the budget Q&A and annual meetings.
Outreach & Mission Update: The food pantry is in extreme need and donations are encouraged.
Music Ministries Updates: Both the children's and adult choirs will sing on Christmas Eve, albeit at separate services. Both the organ and the piano have been tuned.
Stewardship Update: The committee plans to meet on January 9th at 11:10AM at Sweet Dreams
Rector's Report: A ttendance has been excellent over the past few months. Staff reviews are in progress. Norma has been visited and will continue to receive them. Thanks to David and Ellen Anderson for conducting the high school Sunday school class while David Aarons is away.
New Business: 2012 proposed budget. Discussion & Motioned. Treaurer Update: The treasurer's report was presented and discussed. Motion to receive and file for audit was passed unanimously.
Vestry meetings are held on every third Sunday. The next Vestry meeting will be on Sunday, February 19, 2012. Minutes are posted on the board in the Parish Hall.
|
|
February Birthdays and Anniversaries
Birthdays
3 - Maureen Gerrity 17 - Kurt McMahon
6 - Sharon Dowen 17 - Blythe Stason
6 - Roy Mason 20 - Johann Lindvall
12 - Bobby Russell 25 - Gretchen Schlabach
26 - Freyja Rasmussen-Johns
Anniversaries 15 - John and Carol Krusbe |
|
Upcoming Events and Services at the Church of St. Paul
Saturday, February 4, Vestry Retreat from 9 A.M.- 2 P.M.
Friday, February 10, Family Game Night at 6:30 P.M.
Saturday, February 18, Safe passages annual fund Raiser Evening of Chocolate at St. Mary's in Sycamore, 6:00 - 8:30 P.M. See Pat Brown or Sharon Dowen for more information & tickets.
Wednesday, February 22, Ash Wed Services 8:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday, February 22, Ashes on the Go, Outside Patio, Time TBA.
Wednesday, February 29, Soup for the Soul, Lent Dinner and Study.
Saturday, March 24, Keeping God's People Safe Training, 8:30 A.M.-1 P.M. at St. Paul's.
Saturday, May 5, Stephanie Spellers Workshop in the diocese of Chicago, held at St. Paul's in DeKalb.
Saturday, May 19, Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Lobster Boil
Sundays: Holy Eucharist Rite I 8:00 AM, Holy Eucharist Rite II (with music) 10:30 A.M. Sunday School (All ages) 9:30 A. M. Childcare 9:15 A.M.-11:45 A.M.
Rector's Discretionary Fund Collection: First Sunday of every month.
Food Pantry Offering: Second Sunday of every month.
Holy Eucharist with Healing Prayers: Wednesdays at 9:30 A.M.
Adult Choir Rehearsal: Thursdays from 7:00-8:30 P.M.
Children's Choir Rehearsal: Sundays from 11:45 A.M.-12:00 P.M.
Parish Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
Note to all of our Readers: Please remember that you can prepare ahead for all Sunday morning and special services by visiting http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/ We are in Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary Cycle. |
|
The Episcopal Church of St. Paul Contact Information
The Episcopal Church of St. Paul 
|
|
|
|
|
