|
|
News from The Episcopal Church of St. Paul Lent  March 2012
|
|
Dear Friends, (March 1)
I am entering Lent as an evangelist this year. We have had two experiences as a church this February that asked me to think carefully about what I believe and why I do what I do. I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, and I follow him daily in all aspects of my life. Most of the time I take the fact that I am a Christian for granted. Often I assume that others know what it means when I say I am a Christian or I do the things I do because I am a Christian. However, we live in an increasingly multi-faith world so it is no longer safe to make assumptions about how others perceive me when I declare that I am a Christian of the Episcopalian variety.
The first opportunity to consider how to articulate my faith came when I was invited to offer a few comments for the neighborhood meeting hosted by...
Rev Stacy's letter continues below... |
|
|
|
the Islamic Society at Northern Illinois University (ISNIU) at St. Paul's, Saturday, February 11th. Why would an Episcopal priest invite Muslims to worship in our building (which incidentally, didn't work out because our space was too small)? Why would a priest actively support the building of a new mosque in the neighborhood? I spoke from where my heart lives-the teachings of Jesus. In the Gospel of Luke (10:25-28), Jesus is asked what is the greatest commandment? Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your strength, and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself." As I looked out at our neighbors of many faiths gathered at our parish hall I said, "Christians are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. We want our neighborhood to be a better place. ISNIU needs a bigger mosque. And everyone should have a beautiful place to worship God." Everyone resonated with that statement, and a lively meal with new friendships forming among neighbors followed the presentation.
 The second evangelical experience (aka proclaiming-the-good-news-of-God's-love-experience, don't misunderstand me! Evangelical is blessed word in this context!) arose as I began talking to reporters at our local newspapers about the "Ashes on the Go" street liturgy we offered around the NIU campus with Grace Place Campus Ministry for the second year in a row. The act of offering imposition of ashes and prayer to complete strangers outside of the church building is in and of itself a bold act of evangelism. But perhaps even more difficult is to explain to an outsider why we are doing such a churchy thing in the secular world, and then explain why WITHOUT USING INSIDER LANGUAGE. Every job has its lingo, and the priesthood is certainly no different. So I found myself using words like "gift" and "offering" of ashes as a way to mark the beginning of Lent. Lent is a holy season of prayer and fasting to prepare for Holy Week and Easter-the most holy time of year in the Church. And why would we offer this to people who aren't coming to our church? Because we want to witness to the presence of the sacred in the midst of ordinary life-God is always with us. The Church ought to be about helping people make the connection to God in their daily life. Christians ought to be about offering to pray with others and thus mark a space and time when God brings a moment of order in an otherwise chaotic day.
Will anyone be converted by these evangelical experiences? Perhaps, but most likely not, and that's ok. Conversion is not the work of the evangelist. Conversion is the work of God. And who's to say conversion is even called for in these instances, only God knows, and that's enough! Evangelists carry the good news of God's love in their hearts and tell the story with their lips and their lives. I trust that God knows what God is doing, and equally trust that God will give me the words to speak (and not speak) when an opportunity to tell the story arises.
My prayer for you this Lent is that you too will delve deeper into the questions of what it means to believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and what it means to be his follower. The opportunities to articulate these answers with your lips and your lives are all around us. They often rise organically. Like crocuses pushing through the harsh frost of winter, you can't rush them along. One day you think spring will never come, and the next day you are surprised by the bright purple and white blossoms of these harbingers of warmer days. Blessings to you this Lent. See you soon in Eastertide.
In Christ, Rev. Stacy+ |
An Invitation to the Observation of a Holy Lent: (March 1)
Are you fasting or giving up something this Lent?
Do you need some encouragement for the journey?
Perhaps you want to be more intentional about your spiritual practices
and could use a little encouragement. Opportunities abound at St. Paul's:
1. Pick up your free copy of the Journey through Lent poster and hang it on your fridge or somewhere else you will see it often. This is a great visual devotional for the whole family, and a good conversation starter.
2. Free copies of the 2012 Episcopal Relief and Development Lenten devotional booklets are also available. Only a paragraph long it's a perfect way to take a break in your day and devote your attention to God and the work of the people of God (i.e. prayer!).
3. Sundays in Lent Adult Sunday School will be reading Radical Welcome by Stephanie Spellers. Don't have time to read? Come to our 9:30 A.M. Sunday morning discussions in the conference room anyway, there will be interesting conversation about practicing a theology of hospitality and welcome at St. Paul's.
4. Soup for the Soul will return on Wednesday evenings in Lent (starting February 29th, ending March 28th) with a study on the Gospel of Mark. Potluck soup supper starts at 5:45 P.M., program at 6: 15 P.M. Childcare is provided during the program. Sign up to bring a dish to pass today in the parish hall. Can't come to every session? Come to the ones you can!
5. Make an appointment to talk with your priest! Rev. Stacy is generally available Monday through Thursday. Evening and weekend appointments are also available. Call or email her today.
6. Come to Church as often as possible on Sundays and/or Wednesdays! Sundays in Lent we will be using penitential prayers (8 A.M. and 10:30 A.M.) and music (10:30 A.M.) to mark this season of preparation for Holy Week and Easter. Wednesday mornings at 9:30 A.M. we will continue to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and offer prayers for healing in the parish hall chapel (the former nursery). Childcare is provided on Sunday mornings starting at 9:15 A.M.-11:45 A.M.
7. Mark your calendars now to attend Holy Week services beginning with Palm Sunday (April 1st), continuing with the Triduum (Maundy Thursday on April 5th, Good Friday on April 6th, and Easter Vigil on April 7th). These worship services are the crowning jewel of the Christian year that transitions us from Lent to Easter Sunday. Not only that, the Triduum liturgies will be beautiful and fun and young children friendly (all three evening services start at 6 P.M.). Don't miss out, plan to come and see!
|
Adult Sunday School Lenten Book Study Continues (Sunday, March 4)
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. You can 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.
|
Bowl for Kids' Sake (Sunday, March 4)
Join us at Mardi Gras Lanes in DeKalb. Bowl For Kids' Sake is Family Service Agency's Big Brothers Big Sisters largest annual fundraising campaign that funds up to 65% of the BBBS annual budget. We'll be bowling at 4:30 P.M. Sunday, March 4th, at Mardi Gras Lanes and everyone is welcome to come and cheer us on! Pledge money should be turned in on bowling day. All monies donated or raised at Bowl For Kids' Sake (BFKS) stays local to help the children of DeKalb County. If you'd like to make a donation to this worthy cause, see any member of Team St. Paul! Our bowlers to date are: Gail & Lonnie Piper, Jennifer Sitzes, Rev. Stacy, and Maureen Gerrity. Anyone interested in bowling can sign up in the Fellowship Hall and take a pledge envelope. For more information contact Maureen at (815) 895-8084. |
 Women of the Parish! ECW (Saturday, March 10) Mark your calendars! Join your St. Paul's friends for a festive lunch at the Hillside Restaurant, Saturday, March 10th at 12:00 noon. The Episcopal Church Woman (ECW) of St. Pauls' welcomes all women. There is a sign up sheet for this luncheon is in the parish hall. Save this Date: Lobster Boil 2012 is Saturday, May 19. |
Retreat: Praying with the Prayers
Vicky Garvy at St. Peter's, Sycamore
(Saturday, March 17)
Saturday, March 17, 2012, from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. the St. Peter's, Sycamore Daughters of the King will host a spiritual retreat for men and women titled "Praying with the Prayers."
This retreat on the Biblical roots of Christian prayer will be led by Vicki Garvey, the Bishop's Associate for Christian Formation in the Diocese of Chicago. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at the close of the retreat, ending at 2PM. Lunch and childcare will be provided. A donation of $10 is suggested. Please rsvp for the lunch and also childcare to the St. Peter's Parish Office by March 10th, 2012. office@sycamorestpeters.org or (815) 895-2227 To Top of the Page |
Keeping God's People Safe Workshop
(Saturday, March 24, 8:30 A.M.-1:00 P.M. at St. Paul's)
All Sunday School teachers, vestry members, clergy, and employees of congregations in the Diocese of Chicago are required to complete Keeping God's People Safe training. This workshop taught by Deacon MJ Leewis-Kirk will teach us what best practices to employ at St. Paul's to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for children. Care will be taken to sensitize attendees to the dangers of child sexual abuse and teach us to recognize and prevent situations in which such abuse might occur. The workshop is free. Refreshments will be provided in the morning, please plan to bring a brown bag lunch. Please RSVP to Rev. Stacy by March 19, 2012 at revstacy@stpaulsdekalb.org or (815) 756-4888 |
Transformation through Rhythm (Monday, March 26)
DeKalb County Hospice, DeKalb High School Rhythm Ensemble, and Northern Illinois University Percussion Studio and World Music are hosting a benefit concert, "Transformation Through Rhythm," at DeKalb High School, March 26 at 7 p.m. in the school's auditorium. DeKalb County Hospice hopes to raise awareness of both the local and global need for music therapy, bringing diverse groups of people from our community together through music, while giving young adults an opportunity to be of service by sharing their talents. Admission to the concert is free and donations are appreciated.
Proceeds from this special performance will help support DeKalb County Hospice's music therapy program, which is largely funded through donations and grants, and will help start a therapeutic drumming program in South Africa. DeKalb County Hospice's sister hospice, Knysna Hospice in Knysna South Africa, has begun a new initiative called Transformation Through Rhythm, a newly developed program for children ages 13 to 17 whose parents were in hospice care, and many of whom are now orphans from AIDS. They offer therapeutic drumming circles to help these kids deal with their losses and the harshness around them, as many live in extremely impoverished conditions. Since they do not have drums or supplies to make them, they are seeking funds. This event is sponsored in part by WNIU/WNIJ. For more information call DeKalb County Hospice at (815) 756-3000. |
David Aarons, Steel Pan Drum (Saturday, March 31)
NIU Graduate Recital
David will be performing his Graduate (Masters) Recital at NIU
on Saturday, March 31st, 2012, 5:30 P.M., in the Recital Hall,
Music Building, NIU. David will be performing music by Camille
Saint Saens, J. S. Bach, Liam Teaque.
There will be a reception following the recital. The music
program and parishioner's from St. Paul will be sponsoring the
reception after the recital. Email the Director of Music at St. Paul's, if you would like to participate in the reception. |
"Ashes on the Go!" Say what?
by Christina Krueger on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I really can't believe that I've been a Christian all my life and I never really thought too much about Ash Wednesday. Not only was I not really sure what it was all about, but I did not realize how it ties all Christians together; until today!
Reverend Stacy asked our congregation if anyone would be willing to help out with her fairly new ministry of "Ashes on the Go" which is an event formed by a friend of hers that she has adopted and applied at St. Paul's. She realized that we have a lot of NIU students that walk through our yard and around our building on their way to classes every day. Many of whom may be too busy on a Wednesday to attend a service or a mass. Perfect opportunity to offer them the chance to still participate in this important Christian ritual and have it take less than a minute! (Check out some of our Pictures from Ashes on the Go on our Facebook Page).
I volunteered to stand on one side of the building and greet the passing people and ask them if they'd like the imposition of ashes. I must have talked to over 60 people and out of those 60 (roughly) 25 accepted my offer and I gave them ashes on their forehead while saying a short prayer, 33 respectfully declined and 2 completely ignored me. I was pleasantly surprised by this outcome! The majority of the people who declined were extremely polite and even commended us for what we were doing. I hope it was because they appreciated the fact that they are not wearing a sign around their neck that states what faith they are (if they have one) and we were only asking everyone to not leave anyone out and we did not have the intention of converting people or imposing our religion on them. Those who took the ashes and the prayer were extremely grateful for the chance to do so without missing class.
I saw many people walking down the street afterwards with ashes on their forehead and realized that this is really the only day of the year that Christians are "marked". Most of us don't wear it on our sleeve and without asking directly, you might never know someone else's faith. Today we were all brought together by the prayer "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return". We were all formed of that same dust and we will all return to it when we die. No matter which denomination you associate with, Ash Wednesday means the same thing for all of us. It's a reminder that we're all human, we make mistakes, we are not perfect and we will all eventually die. Quite a sobering thought.
So for all the Christians out there, here's to the start of Lent. For those of you who aren't, thank you for respecting my choice of religion and understanding that what we did to today was an act of love and outreach, not of evangelical agenda. Peace. To Top of the Page |
CROSSwalk is a four-mile Holy Week procession
across the heart of the city to remember murdered youth and connect participants with opportunities to protect children, mitigate violence and support families struggling with these issues.
CROSSwalk is not a protest march. It is a vigil, one tied directly to follow-up action. Through it all, we want to remember...to reflect and mourn...to express outrage and pray for those who have been lost. CROSSwalk will take place on Monday, April 2, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at St. James Cathedral. Rev. Stacy, Rev. Rich, Oscar and Rowan plan to do the first part of the walk (weather permitting). We won't go if it's pouring rain for example). If you would like to go as a group from St. Paul's, contact Rev. Stacy today. We will be riding the Metra downtown from Elburn. Lots of walking is involved, so plan to wear appropriate clothing to be outdoors and walk for up to four miles. |
 Worship Services of Holy Week Schedule (April 1st through April 7th) PDF of Schedule to download
Palm Sunday liturgies at both 8 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. services. We will begin with the blessing of the palms in the parish hall and process outdoors (weather permitting) into the sanctuary... The Triduum (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil) begins on Thursday, April 5th at 6 P.M. We will gather in the parish hall for the service of the Word (first half of the Eucharist) with a family style Mediterranean meal in the spirit of the last supper Jesus ate with his disciples....
On Good Friday the Triduum continues at noon and 6 P.M. At noon we will pray the stations of the cross and read the passion narrative. At 6 P.M. there will be readings and reflections on the passion of Christ and the veneration of the cross. Music will be a part of the 6 P.M. service.
On Saturday night, we will light the Paschal (Easter) fire at 6 P.M. outside the west entrance to the Sanctuary. The Easter Vigil liturgy begins in darkness with song and story reminding us of our journey from Creation to Easter. Creativity in storytelling and singing will abound this year, and a glorious celebration of holy baptism and the celebration of the first Eucharist of Easter will wrap up our service as we proclaim once again, "The Lord is risen! The Lord is risen indeed!" We will then break the fast of Lent with a festive reception in the parish hall (chocolate, hors d'oeurvres, champagne and equally attractive bubbly non-alcoholic beverages).
Children are welcome at all services, and encouraged to attend and participate. Too close to bedtime? Bring them out in their pj's. Bedtime snacks, blankies, and stuffed animals in the pews are also welcome. |
 Janie Torma's energy keeps others motivated and moving We thought you might like to read about and congratulate one of our parishioners who continues to share her talents and time in the community. Here is an article written by Kathy Siebrasse about Janie in the local magazine called InVironments. Janie Torma's students hang on her every command as she marches next to the pool's edge with the energy of a teenager. From the splaqshing and laughter filling the room, you could mistake Torma's charges for teenagers, tool But look closely and you'll see a pool full of swimmers age 65 and above. At 77-years-young herself, Torma is one of Kishwaukee Family YMCA's most popular instructors.... to read more, go to the InVironments Magazine and read this article on line. |
Anniversaries, Birthdays & Events
Anniversaries: Georege and Rita Anderson (3-17)
Birthdays:
Arline Fanning (3- 6) Norma Fitzgerald (3-6)
Jimmy Russell (3-6) Emily Russell (3-8)
Jane Nenonen (3-9) Danny Russell (3-10)
George Anderson (3-10) Julie Stubblefield (3-11)
Miles Guiborat (3-15) Stephen Roberts (3-23)
James Torma (3-24) Jackie Dickow (3-27)
Mary Lincoln (3-27) Gail Piper (3-28)
Events:
March 4, Bowl for Kids' Sake April 1, Palm Sunday, 8:30/10:30 A.M. March 7, Soup for the Soul April 2, CrossWalk Chicago March 14, Soup for the Soul April 5, Maundy Thursday, 6:00 P.M.
March 17, Vicky Garvey at St. Peter's April 6, Good Friday, 6:00 P.M.
March 21, Soup for the Soul April 7, Saturday Vigil, 6:00 P.M.
March 24, Keeping God's People Safe
March 26, Transformation Through Rhythm Benefit Concert
March 28, Soup for the Soul
March 31, David Aarons, Steel Pan Recital, 5 P.M. |
 | |
Cry of the Indigo Bunting:
Finding God in the Everyday |
Cry of the Indigo Bunting: (Rev. Stacy's Blog)
Finding God in the Everyday
This sermon was preached on Sunday, February 26, 2012
at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, DeKalb, Illinois.
The texts for the day were Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15.
You can find the sermon for the first Sunday in Lent on my blog by clicking on the Blue Indigo on the right.
|
The Episcopal Church of St. Paul Contact Information
The Episcopal Church of St. Paul
900 Normal Rd., DeKalb, Illinois 60115
Parish Office: (815) 756-4888
Parish Fax: (815) 758-6140
The Rev. Stacy A. Walker-Frontjes, Rector
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
