The morning greeted me with a heavy rain pelting against the windshield.  Wipers were on full and for a good reason.  I was on Rt. 31 in Algonquin headed to a house that needed to be prepared for an estate sale.  It was my job that day, along with another staff member to go in, arrange the entire home, set up the tables and start arranging the items that would be sold at a 3-day sale later this month.   My GPS informed me I was still a few miles from my final destination.  I continued the drive north and the rain continued its melodious pitter-patter. 

The rain was incredible; a heavy, spring shower that would certainly saturate the ground and help those early planted bulbs and seeds to grow quickly.  As I rounded a curve, I noticed something 'crawling' in the median of the road, though I wasn't sure what it was.  I stopped my car, pulled into the median, turned on my emergency flashers and walked over to that crawling object.  It was a baby robin that apparently had been stunned somewhat and was having some issues with one of its wings.   Perhaps it flew into an oncoming car or maybe it fell from its nest.  The poor thing was soaking wet, shivering and was lost. 

There is a history between lost and injured birds and me.  Over the years, I have found, taken in and nursed many of our winged friends that have suffered injuries or simply were too young to be on their own and were somehow abandoned.  I have no aspirations of being another St. Francis of Assisi; it's just that I love animals and my heart aches for any creature that is injured or suffering. 

I picked up the robin, cupping it in my hands, trying to protect it and shield it from the heavy rain that obviously hindered its recovery.  I walked, quickly, to the side of the road and into the woods that ran along the west side of this 4 lane highway.  Stroking the bird's neck and orange-speckled tummy, I wanted the bird to start making some noise.  My hope was if the bird would make enough noise, its Momma would hear and come to its aid.  Finally, after a few minutes of gently stroking and some verbal encouragement from me, the baby began to "cry out," beckoning for its Momma to come and save it.  And right above me, on a low-hanging branch lands a large female robin, crying out quite loudly.  The baby recognized its mother's call and it began to cry out even louder.   The baby was nibbling on my finger...the poor thing was hungry.  Running back to my car, I pulled out my sandwich that was to be my lunch, pulled a piece from the middle, wetted it with the rain and fed it to the baby.  It ate all that I gave it, all the while the Momma above me singing loudly and consistently.  After the baby finished its breakfast, I carefully pulled away the brambles and sticks at the base of the tree where the Momma had perched, smoothed the high grass and laid the robin in a little 'ground nest,' which I then surrounded with some twigs in order to protect it.  It was terribly hard for me to leave the baby robin, but I knew it was best and the Momma would take care of it. 

By this time, I was soaked to the skin...but this action was well worth the soaking.  Back in my car, I looked out at the Momma robin which by now had flown down to her baby and was taking care of her little one.  I smiled, fought back a few tears (go ahead and say it, I'm a softie) and ventured onward to the house that was awaiting my arrival. 

With no disrespect whatsoever and with full humility and gratitude do I say; God may very well be compared with that Momma robin...watching over us, His children and coming to our aid when we need Him most.    God can see all and God knows all.  Certainly, when we are in need, God will see to it that we are cared for, comforted and most importantly, loved unconditionally and eternally.  God saw to the need of humanity and sent us His Son, Jesus the Redeemer.  With Jesus ever with us, well, we are truly blessed and bestowed a gift heaven-sent.  And as God shares Jesus with us, let's make a point of sharing with others what Jesus gives us, especially with those who are in need, those who are lonely and destitute, to the lost and alienated.  It is our commissioned responsibility to be "Jesus" for those who are in need.  Let's care for one another, shall we, and bring the Good News to one and all.

Sundays - 10:00 am 

Wednesdays - 6:00 pm

Food Pantry
Wednesday
April 17
4:30 - 6:30 pm

Children - Youth Formation in the Multi-Purpose Room
Sunday, April 21
Following 10 am Worship Service

Bible Study
Sunday, April 21
In the Noah's Ark area following 10 am Worship Service

Children Gather at Sharing Table
Sundays, April 28
During 10 am Worship Service

Healing Weekend & Varied Voices
Saturday, April 20, 4:30 pm
Sunday, April 21, 10:00 am
Tony Begonja, Preacher

Planning Workshop
Sunday, April 28
Following 10 am Worship Service

Bob DeHaven, also a member of the Building Committee, informed the committee that the parts necessary to fix the patio doors have been ordered and the door will be operable within the next few weeks.

We will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary this year and a planning committee is being formed to coordinate parish celebrations. I will be heading the committee. An email has been sent to Bishop Lee's office to determine his availability to celebrate with us. If anyone is interested in being on the committee please let me know.

Jessica Tamaski is heading a committee to organize our parish picnic this summer. She is looking for some helping hands to make it another successful event.

-Steve Raftery

Senior Warden

Who should come to Camp Chicago?

Campers who are age 7 - 17 at the time of Camp Chicago's 2013 sessions. Camp Chicago is NOT restricted to Episcopalians or regular churchgoers. All are welcome, so feel free to invite friends and family!

Where is Camp Chicago?

How to register?

Camp Chicago registration for 2013 sessions is now open! Register Online here. The Camp Chicago Registration and Medical Forms are also available here to download and print. Registration for Camp Chicago closes June 7.

Cathy Walters, Mindy's sister, that she is soon placed on the list to receive an organ transplant. 

Blessings and congratulations to our Joanne Mangiaracina, who became a Great Grandmother!

Congratulations to Val and Steve Gruenwald who became grandparents again...welcome to the world, Lucy Gruenwald!

Cyndi DeBock, for successful surgery and a quick and complete recovery.

Blessings to several members of Fran Begonja's family who are ill and in need of medical attention:  Diane Floyd, Fran's sister who is in the ICU with complications brought on by sespis; Martha Webster, Fran's brother's mother-in-law who is experiencing the onset of dementia and Ginny Pinkerton, Fran's sister who is experiencing complications with her pace-maker and encountering heart issues.    

Pam Hallman who is facing more surgery and rehab after a very bad fall:  for her continued recovery, healing and return to full and sound health.  

Ken, the brother of our Mary Beth Jarvis who suffered a stroke on Christmas Eve.  Ken is currently in critical condition, having lost sight in his left eye and motion on his left side.  Pray for Ken, his recovery and his well being and pray for his family and friends for strength and support.

Our thanks to:

Our sister in faith, Pastor Cerna Castro Rand and her husband Mark of Prince of Peace Methodist Church in Elk Grove Village, who have finally welcomed their 2 year old adopted son, James "Jamers" Wallace Rand. Welcome home, Jamers!