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News from The Episcopal Church of St. Paul  November 2012 |
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Dear Friends,
In the past month the people of St. Paul's have had some really important discussions about who we are as congregation and how we seek to share the good news of Jesus Christ. First, the Sunday School teachers requested that we hold an official blessing and dedication of the renovated lower level.
The name "St. Timothy Center for Spiritual Formation" was suggested as a new way to refer to this area that had been known as the undercroft. We looked at St. Paul's second letter to Timothy for inspiration: "You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well" (2 Tim. 2:1-2). On All Saints Sunday (November 4th) between services we will be celebrating as a congregation in the St. Timothy Center the work of the revealing of the kingdom of God that is happening in this part of our life together.
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Rev. Stacy and others at the 2012 Pumpkin Decorating Event |
Meanwhile, in the conference room and parish hall (where the adults usually gather together), several conversations have happened in the past weeks regarding the blessing of same-sex civil unions. The vestry and I asked you for your thoughts on whether or not we should offer the rite of Holy Union at St. Paul's, and many of you replied.
Rev. Stacy's letter continues below... |
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Hearing no comments to the contrary, and considering the matter prayerfully at the September 23rd congregational meeting and the August and September vestry meetings, at our October vestry meeting, the vestry passed the following resolution:
"The Vestry and Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in DeKalb, Illinois resolve to extend the blessing of mutually loving and committed relationships to same-sex couples in our parish through the rite of Holy Union in accordance with the policies of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and under the leadership of our bishop, The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee.
Be it further resolved that in making this historic decision the people of St. Paul's are saying that we have seen the evidence of God's blessing in the lives of same-sex couples and wish to offer a sacramental rite that speaks to the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these couples.
Be it further resolved that while same sex couples will have the option to seek a blessing of a civil union at St. Paul's through the rite of Holy Union we recognize that in the state of Illinois a civil union does not at this date carry all the rights and privileges of a civil marriage. Therefore we will understand if couples choose not to pursue the rite of Holy Union.
Be it further resolved that in making this decision we remain committed to the spiritual support and friendship of same sex couples, their families, friends and allies.
Be it further resolved that as an act of evangelism and proclaiming the Gospel we will seek to share the story of our decision to offer the sacramental rite of Holy Union at St. Paul's with the larger community. We will do this through the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we seek to reflect the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and follow in his example through his acts of hospitality that he showed to
everyone he encountered.
This resolution signed by the vestry and Rector of St. Paul's on the twenty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two-thousand and twelve."
These are only two signs of the interesting ways the Holy Spirit is moving at St. Paul's. New life is being breathed into these old walls, and we are responding by seeking to open up the doors to everyone. You are welcome here whether your from DeKalb, the other side of the globe, or anywhere in between. You are welcome here-gay or straight. You are welcome here-young or old, or not-quite-young-but-not-exactly old! You are welcome here-whatever your religious experience or lack of religious experience may be. If you are looking for God, we welcome you and yours. And if you aren't quite sure what you're looking for, come on in anyway and join us as we seek to follow the Way of Jesus Christ. We are honored to have you as our guest.
And I am humbled and honored to be your priest. Thank you for showing me a vision of the kingdom of God through the gift of your presence, and all that you teach me about what it means to be the Episcopal Church in DeKalb.
Peace,
Rev. Stacy+ |
 From the Senior Warden, Michael Duffy
November can be a busy time for many of us. Advent and Christmas are quickly approaching, and Thanksgiving is almost here. Retail establishments are already capitalizing on our anticipation of those holidays. In our Christian calendar, we mark the beginning of November with All Saints Day, which we will observe on Sunday, November 4 in the Holy Eucharist and with the blessing and dedication of our children's Christian education facility in the undercroft.
These celebrations will mark the beginning of our Stewardship campaign. I ask you all to consider joining me in increasing your pledge to St. Paul's parish. I believe that the Holy Spirit is at work here, and that we have a wonderful opportunity to play a part in building the Kingdom of God here by supporting our parish financially as well as with our time and talent. You all have been a blessing to me and to my family. I thank you for that!
Finally, the Diocese of Chicago will meet in Convention at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard on November 16 and 17. David Anderson, Henry Leonard, and I are your lay delegates to the Diocesan Convention. We will be considering our support for a number of resolutions proposed to the Diocese. You can read these resolutions here: http://www.episcopalchicago.org/files/4413/5110/8396/Convention_2012_resolutions.pdf.
Additionally, we will also consider support for electing various individuals to diocesan offices. The list of people running for diocesan offices can be found here: http://www.episcopalchicago.org/files/3413/4946/3248/2012_Chicago_Nominee_Info_Final_.pdf.
Please speak to one of our lay delegates or to Rev. Stacy, if you have thoughts you would like us to consider when casting our votes at Diocesan Convention.
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 Treasurer's Summary, Pat Brown
This report covers the first nine months of the year, through September 30, 2012. We have transferred funds to the American Midwest Bank so that checking account is our primary operating account. Beginning in October, all checks and deposits are being made to the AMB account. Castle Bank is no longer our bank for Operating Funds.
Receipts through September 30, 2012
We have received 83.1 % of the pledged amount and 81.59% of the total budgeted receipts by the end of this nine month period. Total operating receipts through September were $167,746.60. This includes a second allocation of $30,000 from the Endowment Fund. Remaining funds to be received are $37,861.40. This includes $14,397 from the Endowment Fund which will only be allocated if needed.
Disbursements through September 30, 2012
Total operating disbursements for the first nine months were $148,571.34. That is 72.26% of the total allocated. The difference of receipts over disbursements is a positive $19,175.26. The pew refinishing amount was $6,500 disbursed from the insurance funds.
We paid out $14,000 of the $25,000 in insurance funds by the end of September. The remaining $11,000 will be returned to the insurance company as soon as the paperwork is collated. That amount is still in the Castle Bank Account which had a balance of $16,974.93 at the end of September. The balance in AMB is $31,785.64 for a total of $48,760.57 in both accounts.
Building Fund
The balance in the building fund at the end of September was $96,857.23, with $85,944.33 at Edward Jones, and $10,912.90 at Castle Bank
Endowment Fund
The value of the Endowment Fund at Edward Jones at the end of September was $1,847,480.68. Change in value for the first nine months was a positive $141,422.45. If we subtract the $60,000 we have allocated for operating expenses, and add the $22,496.26 income we are a net $103,918.71 positive.
Apache Stock was worth $18,533.46 on September 30, 2012. We now have 214.334 shares. That is an increase in value of $154.32 from August. It was about the same value Oct 20, 2012.
On September 30, 2012 the balance in the Flower Fund was $380.28. The balance in the Discretionary Fund was $1,508.80
Quarterly statements of Pledge receipts have been sent out by AMB. If you find an error in your statement please contact the Parish Office or Pat Brown, (815) 758-0906, or plbcpa1@gmail.com
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Brown, Treasurer |
November Reminders from the Parish Office
Rector's Discretionary Fund is collected the first Sunday every month. These funds are used to help people in need in our community. This month the collection will be on November 4th.
Food Pantry Sunday is the second Sunday of each month. You can bring your food any time and place it in one of the baskets. Non-perishable food items and monetary donations can be dropped off any Sunday, or at the Parish Office. Please make all checks out to St. Paul's with "Food Pantry" in the memo line. This month Food Pantry Sunday is on November 11th.
Proclaimer Deadline: The deadline to send information for the monthly newsletter is the third Sunday of every month. Please send any information you would like to see in next month's Proclaimer to the Parish office by November 18th. Please note that the maximum length for all articles is 300 words.
There will be polling for Election Day all day November 6th at St. Paul's.
There will also be no Mid-Week Holy Eucharist service on November 21st.
The Parish Office will be closed November 21st through November 26th.
Reverend Stacy will be out of town November 21st through November 26th.
Reverend Bill McLemore will be the guest priest on Sunday, November 25th at the 8AM and 10:30AM services.
There will be no Sunday School for all ages on November 25th. |
Blessing and Dedication of the Lower Level of Christian Education Center
Sunday, November 4th at 9:15am
Mark your calendars! The blessing and dedication of the lower level of the Christian Education Center will occur on All Saints Sunday in between services at 9:15am. If you have not received an invitation, please contact the Parish office.
What is the Timothy Center Anyway?
At the suggestion of our Sunday School staff and with the approval of the Vestry we have named the lower level the Saint Timothy Center for Spiritual Formation. Saint Timothy was the spiritual son of Saint Paul who continued on after Paul's death in the work of building up the church. This name is fitting for a place where adults are passing knowledge on to our children who will continue in the work of the church for years to come. |
All Saints Sunday
Sunday, November 4th
 All Saints Sunday Remembrance of Everyday Saints to be prayed for in the prayers of the people will be observed on Sunday, November 4. A very meaningful part of this service is the remembrance of the saints in our lives who have gone before us. This year, we will be setting aside a space in the parish hall where pictures can be placed of those whom we remember as teaching and inspiring us in our faith.
Cards are available in the Parish Hall in which parishioners may write a short remembrance or share a saintly quality embodied by a loved one. We will set up the area on October 28. All parishioners are invited to participate. Sign up names of the beloved everyday saints in your life who have gone on to glory (who are deceased) by October 28th on the list in the Parish Hall or via email to the Parish Office. Contact Sue Ouellette at 815/758-0024 or souellet@niu.edu with any questions. |
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Children's Choir to lead the congregation on All Saint's with I Sing a Song of the Saints of God
The Children's Choir is awesome! They continue to rehearse (& have fun) in the undercroft (St. Timothy Center for Spiritual Formation) during the 10:30 AM service. We have 11 kids. A special "note" of thanks to Julie Rogers, and all of the nursery staff for assisting!
We have more learning opportunities this year with the addition of text and note reading into our rehearsals. This choir may be the formation of three levels, three choirs.
The Adult/Youth Choir is doing a great job in rehearsals, and assisting with the music liturgy for our Sunday morning worship services. Recently, a visitor shared, "...the choir was really great this morning and quite incredible for such a small group..." We continue to explore new choral & service literature, and intersperse them in our Sunday morning anthem offerings.
We welcome Andrew Voelker as our Pianist/Accompanist and Substitute Organist. Andrew is from Freeburg, IL. and is working on his B.M. in Piano Performance with Dr. William Koehler, in addition to a B.A. in Vocal Performance with Dr. Orna Arania, at NIU. Andrew is also studying Organ with Gregory Gyllsdorff of Rockford, IL. An accomplished artist and musician, Andrew is in demand as a singer and pianist. He is a member of the NIU Chamber Choir, Tenor Section-Leader at the First United Methodist Church in DeKalb and a Choir Member and Soloist for the Rockford Bach Chamber Choir. Additionally, he is the accompanist for the DeKalb Celebration Chorale, on scholarship as a student accompanist in the music department at NIU, accompanying instrumental as well as vocal juries and recitals. We are very blessed to have Andrew join the St. Paul's music program.
Art * Theatre * Dance * Music in the DeKalb Community
The Canterbury Tales [NIU Theater Productions]
Based on Geoffrey Chaucer and Adapted by Luke Krueger
November 8 - 11, Corner Theatre, Production Pending, Call in Advance
Show times are 7:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays, 2:00 p.m. on Sundays
This adaptation of Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is a re-telling of three stories, intertwinedwith songs and dance from the period and biographical detail about Chaucer's life and relationship with the courts of Richard II and Henry IV. Partially presented as it was written in Middle English, The Canterbury Tales maintains the original spirit of the tales, which was to ironically and critically portray the turbulent England of the time, from politics to religion and from chivalry to baseness. |
Grace Place Interfaith Lecture Series
Last Lecture will be November 6th
 Grace Place, at 401 Normal Road, has been holding an interfaith lecture series entitled "What it Means to Be..." Wednesday nights beginning at 7pm. Speakers from various faiths have related what it means to be a believer of their respective faith. The series is open to the entire community. Each session will begin with a lecture, followed by a discussion, food and worship. See the article in the Northern Star, the Grace Place website, or the flyer in the Parish Hall for more information.
The last lecture will be November 6th, by Dr. Greg Long and students on "What it Means to Be Someone with a Disability." The lecture begins at 7pm with food, discussion and worship to follow. |
Salvation Army Thanksgiving Meal Drive
Please bring items to the church by Thursday, November 15th
The Salvation Army is once again asking local churches to help with its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. St. Paul's is signed up to feed four families this year. Each family will be given everything they need for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner plus breakfast the next day. There will be sign-up sheets on the table in the Fellowship Hall for each meal. If you would like to help with the congregation baskets, please sign your name next to the item(s) you plan to provide. There will be post-it notes on the table to jot down the item(s) you've signed up for.
In addition, there will be a sign-up sheet for individuals (or groups) wanting to provide a complete dinner. Please take a copy of the complete list of items needed for each family. Note: Two reusable grocery totes are needed for each complete meal.
All Thanksgiving meal supplies must be delivered to the Salvation Army on Saturday, Nov. 17. Please bring your items to the church by Thursday, Nov. 15th as the parish office is closed on Fridays.
The Salvation Army will also accept monetary donations for complete meals ($30 per meal). Donations should be sent directly to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 442, DeKalb, 60115. Include "Community Thanksgiving Meal" on the memo line of your check. In 2011, St. Paul's provided food and donations equivalent to 14 meals - It would be great if we could top that!
If you have any questions, please contact Maureen Gerrity at 815-895-8084. Thank you! |
Diocesan Convention
Saturday and Sunday, November 16-17, 2012
The 175th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago will take place on Friday, November 16th and Saturday, November 17th at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard. The theme of this year's convention is "Fierce Conversations for the Future Church." Anyone can attend as a general attendee and childcare is available.
Advanced registration is $65/person September 30th through November 5th. On-site registration will be $80/person. Learn more about online registration or contact Crystal Plummer or Patricia Alamanza with any registration questions. The diocesan convention rate at the Westin, Lombard is $119 per night plus tax (available through October 31)- book online or contact Reservations at 1-888-627-9031. Additional information regarding the schedule, volunteer opportunities and worship will be available at the Diocese of Chicago website soon. |
Get Ready for the Parish-Wide Hobby and Craft Show!
Sunday, November 18th
Collect your collectibles, bake your cookies, corral your crafts, join your jewelry, prepare your pots..... you know; get ready to exhibit at the yearly, all-parish craft and hobby show. No ideas? Here's a sampling of the exhibits from past shows: woodworking, framing, sewing, knitting, crochet, collection of linens, array of postcards, jam, jellies, candy and cookies, jewelry, pottery, travel souvenirs, a consolation of elephants. Some parishioners sell homemade goodies and donate the proceeds to their favorite charity. Dust off that train set or stamp collection and get ready to share your enthusiasms with the whole parish family. Call Betsy Pool 815/895-8271 to reserve table space. There is no charge to exhibit. The show is held in the Parish Hall before-between-and after the Sunday services on November 18. Excellent opportunity for Santas to shop for unique gifts.
Once again there will be a table of homemade baked goods and other edibles available at the show as well! A donation to a local charity will give the buyer a choice of these items. Donations of cookies, candy, jelly, cakes, pies, breads are welcome. They can be brought to the church the day before (November 17th) and left in the kitchen with a note specifying the craft sale. Any questions call Hazel Retherford (815-895-8707), Sharon Dowen (815-758-1278) or Pat McMahon (815-758-1575). |
Thanksgiving Service
Tuesday, November 20th at 7pm
This year the Thanksgiving Service will take place on Tuesday, November 20th at 7pm here at St. Paul's. We look forward to seeing you there and hope you have a wonderful holiday! |
Episcopal Church Women Fall "Craft-ernoon" Part II
Saturday, December 1st at noon
Join ECW for Part II of the Fall "Craft-ernoon" on Saturday, December 1st at noon in the Parish hall. During Part I of the Fall Crafternoon we started a big painting project that we hope to finish this time! We will enjoy a pizza lunch, then help finish creating lesson materials for the Godly Play program. All members of the parish (and their guests!) are welcome. Any questions? Please contact Rochelle Cripe at 815-901-0047. Thank you in advance for your help! |
Baking Up Nice Surprises Winter Delivery
Sunday, December 2nd
The winter B.U.N.S. (Baking Up Nice Surprises) delivery is coming up soon, and DeKalb County Hospice (DCH) would appreciate your help. Three times a year, many of you prepare baked goods for hospice patients and bereaved families. When DCH receives your cookies, fresh fruit, candies, breads, etc., a group of volunteers makes up gift bags filled with a variety of the goodies for hospice families. DCH typically delivers 115 to 145 bags each time, and the gifts are greatly appreciated by the people who receive them.
To meet the next delivery, baked goods may be dropped off at the parish hall kitchen on Sunday, December 2, 2012. If possible, please wrap your items in small zip-lock plastic bags. This really helps the volunteers who pack the gifts. If you have any questions, or if you'd like more information, contact Sharon Dowen at (815) 758-1278. She will pick up all the baked goods, fruit, and other items from St. Paul's on Sunday afternoon, 12/2/12 and deliver them to the DeKalb County Hospice office. |
The CROP Walk on Sunday, October 21st was a great success!
The total amount collected in the Sondra King Memorial CROP Walk of North Dekalb County on October 21st was $29,759.81. We are sure that late contributions will bring this total up to the goal of $31,000! The amount raised by our St. Paul's team was $481. Of this, $325 was raised by David and Ellen Anderson.
A big Thank You to David and Ellen! Thank you to the rest of our team: Mike Duffy and Larry Retherford, and to all who contributed money! |
October Food Pantry Report and November Reminders
Thanks to all parishioners who contributed to Food Pantry Sunday in October. Donations received totaled 164 food items, bringing the year's total to 1, 479.
The items were delivered October 16th and were much welcomed by the Food Pantry staff. The need continues to be great. The Food Pantry is located in the basement of the Salvation Army building. The lines of people waiting to be served at the pantry on October 16th were so long that many were sent upstairs to fill out the necessary forms.
Items that we have noticed to be in short supply at the pantry include: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, jelly, diapers size 4 and 5, bar soap, toothpaste, dry dog food, coffee, coffee filters, cake and other dessert mixes, canned fruit (not applesauce please)
**Reminder: Please NO GLASS JARS! Jelly is available in plastic containers**
The next food pantry collection will be on Sunday, November 11th. Thanks. |
 The 2012 Pumpkin Decorating Event was a Huge Success!
A big thank you to Terry and Jackie Dickow for hosting the 2012 Pumpkin Decorating Event on October 21st- all of the kids enjoyed it and made some good-looking pumpkins, fall bird-feeders and Halloween cookies!
 Check out the rest of our Pumpkin Decorating Event pictures on our facebook page.
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It's Not Too Early To Donate for Flower Memorials and Thanksgivings!
It's not too early to start thinking about making a donation for Christmas flowers memorials and thanksgivings! There are also many December dates available. During December we use seasonal greens to decorate the altar, and you are welcome to sponsor these beautiful altar decorations.Use the sign up sheet posted in the hallway to sign up for available dates. |
 The Rochelle Rotary Club is selling 2013 calendars with a twist. Each day has a prize, ranging from $25 to $1,000. Each buyer of a calendar gets a number. Numbers are drawn every day through 2013. If your number is picked, you win the prize for that day. Plus your number goes back into the hopper and can be drawn again. The proceeds are used to fund programs such as Hub City Seniors Center, CASA for Lee and Ogle County, Rochelle Christian Food Pantry and other not for profit groups serving people in need. Terry Dickow is selling the calendars for $20. Contact him if you are interested in buying one.
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Anniversaries, Birthdays & Events
Anniversaries:
Lonnie & Gail Piper (11/12/10)
Gleen & Sue Ouellette (11/19/77)
Birthdays:
Clifford Cleland (11/3)
Mary Keleher (11/3)
George Nenonen (11/3)
Jennifer Sitzes (11/3)
Robert Harkness (11/6)
Kathleen Johnson (11/10)
Nora Duffy (11/18)
Stacy Walker-Frontjes (11/18)
Morgan Williams (11/19)
Michael Biundo (11/21)
Riley Newport (11/22)
Craig Abbott (11/23)
Upcoming Events:
11/4: All Saints Sunday, Celebration & Dedication of the lower level Christian Ed. Center
11/6: Polling at St. Paul's
11/10: Biletzky Memorial Service 11AM, St. Paul's
11/16-11/17: Diocesan Convention
11/18: Annual Craft and Hobby Show, Vestry Meeting
11/20: Thanksgiving Service 7pm
11/21: No Mid-Week Holy Eucharist
11/21-11/26: Parish Office Closed
11/25: Reverend Bill McLemore Guest Priest, No Sunday School
12/1: ECW Fall "Crafternoon" Part II
12/2: Baking Up Nice Surprises Winter Delivery
12/5: Blue Christmas Service
12/8: St. Nicholas Party (Adults Only)
12/9: St. Nicholas Sunday, Advent Open House at Rectory
12/24: Christmas Eve Services at 4pm and 6pm |
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Finding God in the Everyday
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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
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