I love serving at St. Ann's in Woodstock. Thank you for the opportunity.
Call or e-mail me with any news or questions you may have.
God Bless You.
815-355-6840
(direct cell phone) |
February Birthdays
4 Rob Purdy
11 Alan Hill
14 David Chase
24 Becky Stretch
24 Pat Lechtanski
28 Spin Bowe
28 Vincent Castillo
28 Holly Emrich
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2009 Vestry
and Wardens
Sr Warden Mike White
Jr Warden Joan Purdy
Treasurer
Becky Stretch
Asst. Treasurer
Sharon Porter
Clerk of the Vestry
Joanne Gitlin
Vestry Members
Victoria Castillo
Sharon Porter
Dinah Hoppe
Howard McCarthy
Duane Lahti
Mary Keyse
Holly Williams
Randy Wakitsch
Joanne Gitlin
Tim Killinger
Joanell Powers
Steve Fleming
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Please, remember in prayer this week . .
That the sick and those in special need may find your healing love, especially:
J.J., Dorothy, Annette, Ruth, Karen, Pat, Lori, Michael, Maggie, Jeannette, Joanne, Elizabeth, Teagan, Lou, Val, Terry, Todd, Cole, Shirley, Susan, Minerva, Amy, Barbara, Jim, Julie, Anita, John, Dan, Fred, Cindy, Benedict, Liz, Mike, Bob, Dan, Darlene, Evan, Megan, Barbara, Angela, Arthur, James, Mike, Frances, Marie, Dan, Kelly, Mary, Jackson, Maxine, Jeanie, Grace, and Thelma
And we remember those serving in our Armed Forces:
Baret, Bryce, Todd, Steven, Michael, Tim, Matthew, Benjamin, Dan, Chris, Guy, Joseph, Alicia, Carl, Dave, and Anne
And we remember those serving in public office:
Barack, Joe, Pat, Melissa, Don, Dan, Pam, Jack, Mike, Mark, Brian, Virginia, Tina, Paula, and Jim.
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The weather-person says it will be growing warmer, even though the Groundhog said "more winter."
But, nothing warms the heart like good worship and good friends.
See you in Church!
Rev. Pat + |
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This Past Sunday at St. Ann's
I was pleased that my two house-guests visiting from Colorado decided to join us for worship at St. Ann's yesterday (Sunday, Feb 8). So often guests and first-timers try to leave the church fairly quickly after the close of the service -- but not these two. They hung out with everyone else during coffee hour and were last to leave the building (with me) finally, when everything was finished and quiet.
You have no idea the positive impression the people of St. Ann's made on my guests. They commented on the liturgy, the music, and how congregants were so "engaged" in what was going on. Then, they absolutely fell in love with you during the coffee hour.
You know, I went on about my usual activities during the coffee hour, and glanced their way once in a while, to make sure they were okay. I could see how so many of you not only extended the warmest, genuine welcome to them . . . but, you really conversed with them and made them feel soooooo welcome at St. Ann's.
I've seen this welcoming and warm behavior of yours over and over at St. Ann's. I just wanted to reflect with you today about how powerful your welcome of "strangers" is . . . how responsive others are to you . . . and how obviously genuine you are as you relate to everyone who comes through our church doors.
I don't want to "thank you" for this -- because I know you don't do it for me. You do it because it is so natural for you . . . and the welcoming is such an automatic outpouring of God's spirit within you. I simply want you to know that I notice and others notice . . . and we cannot help but experience the Spirit and love of God through you.
Finally, remember each other in prayer -- and know that I pray for each member of St. Ann's every day.
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Welcome Val Gitlin
It is my pleasure, officially, to advise the members of St. Ann's that Val Gitlin (Gunnar's mother) is the newest member of our parish family. If anyone would like to send Val a "welcome to St. Ann's" card, please do so -- addressing the card to: Val Gitlin, c/o St. Ann's Church, 503 W. Jackson, Woodstock, IL 60098.
Welcome Val!
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Lenten Outreach Project: Nets for Life
I'm in need of a little assistance with setting up and shepherding this year's Lenten outreach project called "Nets for Life." If one or two of you have some time and the inclination to help out by designing, producing, and setting up a display in the parish hall for this project -- I'd greatly appreciate it.
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Stained Glass Committee Needed . . .
Our resident stained glass artist (Bruce Armstrong) has offered St. Ann's the gift of his creative talents in making stained glass inserts for the doors between the church and the parish hall.
A small committee is being formed to meet during Lent to consider and discuss the content of those stained-glass images. If you are interested in serving on that committee, please contact me. Thanks so much. +Rev. Conley
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About Shrove Tuesday and our Pancake Dinner --
Date: Tuesday, February 24th
Pancake Dinner Time: 6:00pm
Coordinators: Bruce & Natalie Armstrong
We need some helpers!
Please contact coordinators to RSVP and to see how you might help: Armstrong E-Mail or call Bruce/Natalie: What is Shrove Tuesday?
The day before the beginning of Lent is known as Shrove Tuesday. To shrive someone, in old-fashioned English (he shrives, he shrove, he has shriven OR he shrives, he shrived, he has shrived), is to hear his acknowledgment of his sins, to assure him of God's forgiveness,and to give him appropriate spiritual advice.
The term survives today in ordinary usage in the expression "short shrift". To give someone short shrift is to pay very little attention to his excuses or problems. The longer expression is, "to give him short shrift and a long rope," which formerly meant to hang a criminal with a minimum of delay.
On Shrove Tuesday, many Christians make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God's help in dealing with. Often they consult on these matters with a spiritual counselor, or receive shrift.
Shrove Tuesday is also called Fat Tuesday (in French, Mardi=Tuesday; gras=fat, as in "pate de foie gras", which is liver paste and very fatty), because on that day a thrifty housewife uses up the fats that she has kept around (the can of bacon drippings, or whatever) for cooking, but that she will not be using during Lent. Since pancakes are a standard way of using up fat, the day is also called Pancake Tuesday. In England, and perhaps elsewhere, the day is celebrated with pancake races. The contestants run a course while holding a griddle and flipping a pancake. Points are awarded for time, for number and height of flips, and number of times the pancake turns over. There are of course penalties for dropping the pancake.
The day (or sometimes a longer period immediately preceding Lent) is also called CARNIVAL, which means "farewell to meat." "Carni" as in carnivorous, and "vale" as in valediction, valedictorian, etc. One last hamburger before the Lenten fast begins!!
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Date: Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009
Service Times: 12:15 (noonish)
and 7:30pm.
What is Ash Wednesday?
The first of the forty days of Lent, named for the custom of placing blessed ashes on the foreheads of worshipers at Ash Wednesday services. The ashes are a sign of penitence and a reminder of mortality, and may be imposed with the sign of the cross. Ash Wednesday is observed as a fast in the church year of the Episcopal Church. The Ash Wednesday service is one of the Proper Liturgies for Special Days in the Book of Common Prayer (p. 264). Imposition of ashes at the Ash Wednesday service is optional.
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 Speaking of ASHES . . .
Randy Wakitsch will be preparing new ashes for use on Ash Wednesday. If any children or youth would like to help Randy burn the dried palms from last year -- please, be sure to contact Randy and let him know.
Thanks Randy. Randy Wakitsch
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WACM (Woodstock Area Community Ministry)
Hi Rev Pat,
Today we served 18 homeless people a fun lunch of chili cheese dogs, coleslaw, fresh fruit cups, brownies and various beverages. We need to thank Nancy Wright and her daughter, Patty Felter who provided all the food and Roma Simons, Jackie Smiithson and me who help set up, serve and clean up. And a special thank you to Jordan Loacker who made a cash donation used to purchase milk, orange and grapefruit juice and morning bananas for the lunch. This was our last time this season to serve WACM in this capacity. Thank you so very much for your support.
Also, during your announcements on Sunday would you please remind the parish of the Festival of Music to be held at 7pm at Grace Lutheran Church. And if they can't attend it would be appreciated if they could still make a donation to WACM for the DAP fund.
Thanks for everything. Dinah Hoppe
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2009 Daily Lenten Meditations Sign Up
If you would like to sign up for the 2009 Daily Lenten Meditations from Episcopal Relief & Development their link is provided below. Those who sign up will receive an email each day during Lent featuring reflections adapted from the writings of the Rev. Barbara C. Crafton. As we embark on a spiritual journey this season, may these meditations invite us to see ourselves, our neighbors and the world through God's eyes.
Here is the sign-up link: Episcopal Relief and Development
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Dates and Events
Sunday, Feb 8 8am & 9:30am Eucharist; Sunday School 10:45am
PM Festival of Music - at Grace Lutheran.
Poster in Parish Hall. Benefitting WACM.
Thursday, Feb 12 7:30 pm Choir; Needlepoint Group in A.M.
Sunday, Feb 15 8am & 9:30am Eucharist; 10:45 Sunday School;
10:45 Green Group; Bishop's Blend Coffee Sales
Thursday, Feb 19 7:30 pm Choir; Needlepoint Group in A.M.,
Saturday, Feb 21 VESTRY RETREAT (In Parish Hall) 8:30am - 2:00pm
Sunday, Feb 22 8am & 9:30am Eucharist; 10:45 Sunday School;
10:45 Altar Guild; 4:00pm Book Group.
Meeting at home of Sharon & Jack Porter.
Book: The White Tiger, by Aravid Adiga.
Tuesday, Feb 24 6:30 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
Wednesday, Feb 25 ASH WEDNESDAY. 12:15 Eucharist & 7:30pm Eucharist
Thursday, Feb 26 7:30 pm Choir ; Needlepoint Group in A.M.
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Last FRIDAY NIGHT (Feb 6th)
Family Fun Night Potluck and Baby Shower What marvelous fun we had last Friday evening . . . getting ready for Isaac Fleming to arrive from Korea. Thanks so much to everyone that turned out. And, thanks to Holly Emrich for all the arrangements. Any follow-up may be directed to Holly Emrich.
Here is what I heard the next day from Angela and Steve Fleming.
"We really really appreciate the folks at St. Ann's for having this shower and all their generosity. We are overwhelmed with grattitude...also with joy, for being part of such an amazing church parish... We are truely blessed." -- Angela & Steve Fleming
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February Book Group -- 
Latest changes . . .
The February selection for the Book Group is The White Tiger, a novel set in India by Aravind Adiga. The group will meet at Sharon & Jack Porter's home on Sunday, February 22, 2009. (4:00pm)
The group enthusiastically welcomes new members. We will look forward to our discussions in April. Write for more information or address/directions: Sharon Porter or call Sharon at (815) 334-8166. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
 Speaking of Books . . .
I picked up my copy of this book at Read Between the Lynes (on the Square) -- hope to get to it soon. If anyone else reads it, please let me know what you think of it. - Rev. Pat +
Title: "You don't have to be wrong for me to be right" - author, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield.
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 Mid-Winter Golfer Blues . . .
Yes, that's today's malady that haunts your Rector. Allow me to pass along this little rhyme . . . for those of you who share my malaise.
In My Hand I Hold A Ball,
White And Dimpled, Rather Small.
Oh, How Bland It Does Appear,
This Harmless Looking Little Sphere.
By Its Size I Could Not Guess,
The Awesome Strength It Does Possess.
But Since I Fell Beneath Its Spell,
I've Wandered Through The Fires Of Hell.
My Life Has Not Been Quite The Same,
Since I Chose To Play This Stupid Game.
It Rules My Mind For Hours On End,
A Fortune It Has Made Me Spend.
It Has Made Me Yell, Curse And Cry,
I Hate Myself And Want To Die.
It Promises A Thing Called Par,
If I Can Hit It Straight And Far.
To Master Such A Tiny Ball,
Should Not Be Very Hard At All.
But My Desires The Ball Refuses,
And Does Exactly As It Chooses.
It Hooks And Slices, Dribbles And Dies,
And Even Disappears Before My Eyes.
Often It Will Have A Whim,
To Hit A Tree Or Take A Swim.
With Miles Of Grass On Which To Land,
It Finds A Tiny Patch Of Sand.
Then Has Me Offering Up My Soul,
If Only It Would Find The Hole.
It's Made Me Whimper Like A Pup,
And Swear That I Will Give It Up.
And Take To Drink To Ease My Sorrow,
But The Ball Knows; I'll Be Back Tomorrow.
Stand proud you noble swingers of clubs and losers of balls....
A recent study found the average golfer walks about 900 miles a year.
Another study found golfers drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a Year.
That means, on average, golfers get about 41 miles to the gallon.
Kind of makes you proud. Almost feel like a hybrid.
~ Have A Nice Day ~ from your "tea-totaling" Rector :) | |
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