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News from St. Paul's Episcopal Church  December 2012-January 2013 |
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What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.-John 1:4-5
If light is in your heart, you will find your way home.--Rumi
Dear Friends,
 Many afternoons as the four o'clock hour commences I find myself frustrated that another day has slipped by. More often than not, I have not taken the opportunity to enjoy the few precious hours of early winter sunlight. It would seem that this is the season of easy frustration for many as we eat too much, spend too much, ask too much of our emotional resources, and rest too little in preparation for Christmas.
Just as the sun will shine every day whether or not I choose to enjoy its offering, Jesus-the light-will break into the world and give light to all people whether we are paying attention or not. It is a relief to know that God will be at work in the larger narrative of Creation even when we are distracted by our own interior stories. But I don't want to just feel relieved at one less thing to do this time of year, I want to know the joy of knowing that the Light has come into the world and will come once again. I want to experience the peace that passes all understanding of the light of Christ illuminating my heart and leading me home.
Rev. Stacy's letter continues below... |
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Our home is in Christ and his home is in our hearts. Jesus is calling us to see his light healing the brokenness of this blessed and beautiful world, but to see the Light we have to be paying attention. That is what I intend to do throughout the seasons of Advent and Christmas this year. Every day of Advent and Christmas I will be chronicling on my Facebook page the places that I noticed the Light leading my heart home to a Christ-centered life. I invite you to join me in the exercise of completing this sentence "Today I saw the Light of Christ in____."
Beloved, let's not just get through another Christmas-let's look for the Light of Christ in the world, our homes, and our hearts. And let us pray that God will give us the grace to share that Light with others.
In Christ,
Rev. Stacy+
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 Treasurer's Summary, Pat Brown
Receipts through October 31, 2012
We have received 90.32 % of the 2012 pledged amount and 86.08% of the total budgeted receipts by the end of this ten month period. Total operating receipts through October were $176,986. This total includes $60,000 from the Endowment Fund. Remaining funds to be received are $28,622. This includes a possible $14,397 from the Endowment Fund which will only be transferred if needed.
Disbursements through October 31, 2012
Total operating disbursements for the first nine months were $167,193. That is 81.32% of the budgeted total. The difference of receipts over disbursements is a positive $9,793.02.
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 in November as soon as the paperwork is collated. That amount is still in the Castle Bank Account which had a balance of $20,910.96 at the end of October. The balance in AMB is $16,537.67 for a total of $37,448.63 in both accounts. If we subtract the $11,000 due the insurance company the balance is $26,448.63.
Building and Endowment Funds
The balance in the Building fund at the end of October was $97,086.94 with $86,019.04 at Edward Jones, and $11,067.90 at Castle Bank.
The value of the Endowment Fund at Edward Jones at the end of October was $1,832,408.90. Change in value for the first ten months was a positive $125,130.40. If we subtract the $60,000 we have allocated for operating expenses, and add the $23,736.53 income we are a net $88,866.93 positive.
Our 214.334 shares of Apache Stock was valued at $17,729.71 on October 31, 2012.
On October 31, 2012 the balance in the Flower Fund was $377.60. The balance in the Discretionary Fund was $1,611.80
Please turn in your 2013 Pledge cards to the Parish Office if you have not already done so. Thanks to those who have pledged already for your prompt response. If questions contact Pat Brown Phone (815) 758-0906, or email - plbcpa1@gmail.com.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Brown, Treasurer |
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. In December, the collection will be on December 2nd. In January, the collection will be on January 6th.
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. In December Food Pantry Sunday is on December 9th. In January, Food Pantry Sunday is on January 13th.
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 February's Proclaimer to the Parish office by January 20th. Please note that the maximum length for all articles is 300 words.
Melissa will be out of town from December 20th to January 7th. Reverend Stacy will be available by appointment.
There will be no Mid-week Holy Eucharist on December 26th.
There will be no Sunday School for all ages on December 23rd, December 30th, January 20th, and January 27th. |
Thank you for your Generous Pledges of Support in 2013
The 2013 Annual Fund Stewardship Team extends a hearty "thank you" to all of our members who have pledged their financial support to St. Paul's in 2013. To date we have received $100,328 in yearly pledges. Our pledges in 2012 were $121,761. If you have not returned your pledge card you still have time to do so. Please contact the parish office today, or pick up one of the bright yellow pledge cards in the sanctuary. If you have any questions about stewardship and finances at St. Paul's, please contact Rev. Stacy or our Treasurer, Pat Brown. |
Music Ministries
If you like to sing, you are welcome to join us for the short or long term, with old and new favorites!
You will not want to miss the Christmas Eve late 6 PM and Epiphany
Sunday 10:30 AM services, because there is nothing like having
Michael Duffy playing the trumpet and soaring on the melody and descants of Joy to the World and other Christmas & Epiphany
musical favorites at St. Paul's, while worshiping in awe of Jesus Christ.
The Children's Choir members are picketing for more opportunities to sing! Come and join in our fun while worshiping. The St. Nicholas Hymn, We Three (Eleven) Kings, Go Tell it on the Mountain, The Little Drummer Boy, Silent Night and Joy to the World are a few we are rehearsing for Dec. 9 & 24 and Jan 6.
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Rick Johns, Tenor in St. Paul's Choir, will be singing with the DeKalb Festival Chorus in two holiday concerts.
Sunday, December 2, 2012 NIU Choral Holiday Concert, Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Northern Illinois University. Tickets:
$15 adults, $10 seniors & students, 5 + under free with ticket
The DeKalb Festival chorus will join the choirs and philharmonic of Northern Illinois University, directed by Eric Johnson. The chorus will perform selections of its own repertoire and will also join the NIU ensembles for a massed perfor-mance of Anton Bruckner's exultant Psalm 150.
Sunday, December 16, 2012 - 3:00 PM "Hodie, Hallelujia," Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John, 26555 Brickville Rd., Sycamore, IL. Tickets: $10
The DeKalb Festival Chorus, under the direction of Seth Houston, presents a holiday concert featuring works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Sweelinck, Gjielo, and more. The concert will also include the wartime classic "I'll be Home for Christmas," the Yoruba Christmas song "Betelehemu," a rock arrangement of the Chanukah song "S'vivon," and the premiere performance of a new arrangement by the conductor, of the Appalachian Christmas tune "Brightest and Best." The concert will feature soprano Moonja Jeong, and be accompanied by piano, organ, and percussion ensemble.
Andrew Voelker, St. Paul's Accompanist/Pianist, is also an accomplished singer and will be singing with the NIU Chorus and Chamber Choir in Concert  on Sunday, December 2nd. This concert is with several combined University and Community Choirs that includes the DeKalb Festival Chorus.
Additionally, Andrew is the accompanist for the Celebration Choral at the First United Methodist Church of DeKalb for their Holiday concert "There is Peace in the World Tonight", Friday, 12/7 - 7 PM and Saturday 12/8 - 3 PM. Free will offering.
Good Luck Andrew and Rick!
Other Concerts in the Community: The Avalon String Quartet will perform on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 8:00 P.M. Watch Live Webcast. |
Sunday School Christmas Break
There will be no Sunday School on December 23rd or December 30th. We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! |
It's Almost Party Time! Join Us at the Annual St. Nicholas Party
Saturday, December 1st, 6:00-10:00pm
 The annual St. Nicholas party is coming up on Saturday, December 1st, 6:00-10:00 p.m. Jane and George Nenonen have generously offered to host this festive adult-only gathering once again at their clubhouse. They will provide hot cider, coffee, and water. Please bring along your favorite holiday nosh or nibble to share, and if you wish, you may bring another beverage of choice, and join in the fun.
The address of the clubhouse is 2129 Waterbury Lane. Directions: Coming from DeKalb, head east on Bethany Road past Peace Road. There is a streetlight near the entrance to the complex and it is just past the big white farm house on the south side of Bethany. Coming from Sycamore, take Somonauk to Bethany and then west on Bethany. The entrance is on the south side of Bethany, just past a row of houses on the north. Questions? Contact George and Jane Nenonen. |
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! |
Give a Teen a Special Christmas!
Sunday, December 2
 The time to sign up to give a teen a special Christmas is Sunday, December 2nd. The Teen Program at Safe Passage has recommended to us eleven (11) teens who need Christmas gifts. We would like to have the gifts brought to the church on Sunday, December 9th. This will allow us time to get all the gifts wrapped and to Safe Passage for the teens' Christmas celebration. Questions? Contact Janie Torma.
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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. |
Blue Christmas Service
Wednesday, December 5th, 7:00pm
 Sometimes we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everything and forget that the holiday season is a difficult time for many, marked by stress and loneliness. Broken relationships, ill health, unemployment, the loss of a loved one-all of these can leave people feeling 'blue' in the midst of the society around us which seems focused on being happy and celebrating. It is at such times that we need to acknowledge our sadness and concern and know that we are not alone.
The Blue Christmas Service includes prayers, scripture, and music that focuses on the hope and healing that God offers each one of us. This year, St. Paul's will host our Blue Christmas service on Wednesday, December 5th at 7:00 P.M. Everyone is welcome to stay afterwards for light refreshments and conversation. All parishioners and friends are invited to attend! |
You are Invited to Episcopal Church Women's Monthly Luncheon
Saturday, December 8th at 12:30pm
Our monthly ECW Luncheon is on December 8th, at 12:30pm at the Lincoln Inn located at 240 East Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. These lunches provide a great opportunity to get to know other females in the parish, and all are welcome. Please join us! For more information contact Marilyn Sjoholm at 815-517-0735. |
Kids, Mark your Calendars! St. Nicholas Sunday is Coming Up!
Sunday, December 9th
We will be celebrating the feast of St. Nicholas at our 10:30 A.M. service with a children's sermon. Come and hear the story about the original Santa Claus. "Mighty" boxes for collecting coins to benefit children's ministries in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem will also be distributed. A coin a day in the "Mighty" Box reminds us of the true reason for the season--the arrival of the Christ child for the healing of the world. We will gather in the Mighty Boxes on Sunday, January 6th at our Epiphany Celebration. |
Advent Open House at the Rectory
Sunday, December 9th, 4:00-6:00pm
Parishioners and friends of all ages are invited to visit Reverend Stacy and Reverend Rich, Rowan & Oscar at the rectory from 4 - 6 P.M. on Sunday, December 9th. You don't need to bring anything except yourselves! Stop in for a chat and a snack.
If you have any questions, please contact Reverend Stacy. Thank you!
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Kids, It's Your Turn to Party at the Children's Christmas Party!
Sunday December 16th
Kids of all ages are invited to have some fun at the Children's Christmas Party on Sunday, December 16th. The festivities will begin after the 10:30 A.M. Holy Eucharist in the Parish Hall. We will be decorating the Christmas tree, frosting and decorating holiday cookies, making Christmas crafts, and enjoying a pizza lunch. For more information contact Maureen Gerrity.
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Christmas Lessons and Carols with the Canterbury Singers
Sunday, December 16
 The Reverend Rich Frontjes and St. Luke's in Dixon invite you to Christmas lessons and carols with the Canterbury Singers on Sunday, December 16th at 4:30pm. St. Luke's is located at 221 West 3rd Street, Dixon, IL. For more information check out their website!
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Christmas Eve Services
Monday, December 24th, 4:00pm and 6:00pm
 Be sure to join us on Christmas Eve here at St. Paul's! There will be two services on Monday, December 24th at 4:00pm and 6:00pm. The earlier service is a child centered, family friendly service that will be shorter than a typical Sunday service. Our later service will feature the St. Paul's Adult and Youth Choir and may be more to the liking of some adults. There will be light refreshments served following both services. Join us and bring your friends!
**Please note that there will be no Christmas Day services** |
It's Time To Donate for Flower Memorials and Thanksgivings!
Send your Christmas flower memorials and thanksgivings in today! We are accepting donations for Christmas flowers now through Tuesday, December 18th. Please write "Christmas Flowers" in the memo of your check and be sure to include your dedication. Look for the Christmas flower envelopes in the Sanctuary. You may place these in the collection plate. You can also mail your check and email the Parish Office with Christmas Flower Memorials and Dedications to be listed in our Christmas season bulletins by December 18th. Questions? Contact Janie Torma and the Flower Guild. |
Grace Place Calls a New Campus Pastor
Tuesday, January 1st
 Grace Place Campus Ministry at NIU is pleased to announce the calling of our new campus pastor, The Rev. Amy Fallon. Rev. Amy was ordained to the Episcopal priesthood in 1998 and has served at Trinity Episcopal Church in Hartford, Connecticut and most recently at Old Trinity Church in Tiffin, Ohio. She also served for nine years as the University Vicar of The Episcopal Church at UConn at the University of Connecticut. Rev. Amy is "excited beyond belief" to return to her true love and calling to campus ministry.
Although a born and bred New Englander, Rev. Amy is learning to love the Midwest. She is a Bears fan, but she still holds affection for her home team: the New England Patriots. She enjoys knitting while watching football and at other times too. She is an avid bicyclist and is looking forward to returning to running in 2013 after a hiatus.
Rev. Amy begins her duties as the campus pastor of Grace Place Campus Ministry (a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and the Northern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) on January 1st, 2013. Bishop Lee and Bishop Wolersheim (ELCA) will preside at a celebration of a New Ministry at Grace Place on Wednesday, February 20th, 2013 at 7PM to which all friends of Grace Place are invited to attend. Rev. Amy is looking forward to meeting the people of St. Paul's. We welcome the opportunity to continue in our friendship and support of our Episcopal campus ministry at NIU. |
Epiphany Celebration
Sunday, January 6th 
Mark your calendars! The Epiphany service is on a Sunday this year! Join us Sunday, January 6th, 2013 at our Epiphany Celebration. Epiphany at St. Paul's means fellowship, food, finding treasures in cakes, and full pinatas ready to be attacked. Fun for kids of all ages! Find your 2013 calendar and fill it in. We will be feasting on delicious food following the 10:30AM service. Watch for a sign up sheet and details in future Sunday bulletins. Questions? Contact
Ellen Anderson. |
2013 Budget Q & A and Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 20th and Sunday, January 27th
We will conduct the business of our Annual Meeting in two parts again this year in between the 8 and 10:30AM services. The first congregational meeting will be on January 20th, 2013 at 9AM and will be a question and answer session regarding the 2013 budget. Look for copies of the proposed 2013 budget to be available in early January. On January 27th, 2013 at 9AM will be the second half of our Annual Meeting. The budget will be voted on at this meeting. Also on the agenda for the annual meeting will be by-laws revisions and election of vestry members, endowment fund committee members, and delegates to diocesan convention. Please plan to attend both meetings. Continental breakfast will be served.
*Please note there will be NO Sunday School for all ages on either January 20th or January 27th but Childcare will be available in the Nursery*
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Safe Passage 9th Evening of Chocolate
Saturday, February 9th, 6:30-8:30pm
This is an evening to delight the chocolate lover in all of us, while supporting the mission of Safe Passage to end the cycle of violence.
Evening of Chocolate: Saturday, February 9, 2013, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
St. Mary's Activity Center
322 Waterman Street, Sycamore, Illinois
Event Tickets: Adults - $25, Children under 12 - Free
Event Activities: Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate
Light buffet meal
Small item raffle and silent auction
Did we mention CHOCOLATE?
50/50 Cash Raffle: $10 each
Raffle tickets may be purchased in advance or at the event.
(You need not be present to win)
Safe Passage seeks to reduce and/or prevent domestic and sexual violence in DeKalb County.
Your support is important and truly appreciated.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact
Pat Brown (758-0906) or Sharon Dowen (758-1278) |
November Food Pantry Report and Reminders
Thanks to all parishioners who contributed to Food Pantry Sunday in November. Donations received totaled 150 food items, bringing the year's total to 1,629.
The items were delivered November 11th and were much welcomed by the Food Pantry staff. The need continues to be great espeically in these winter months. The Food Pantry is located in the basement of the Salvation Army building.
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 collections will be on Sunday, December 9th and January 13th. Thanks. |
St. Paul's Thanksgiving Meal Delivery Report
 | | 2013 St. Paul's Thanksgiving Meal Baskets |
On Saturday, November 17th Maureen Gerrity delivered thirteen (13) complete meals from St. Paul's to the Salvation Army. In addition, $160.00 in monetary donations were sent by members directly to the Salvation Army to purchase Thanksgiving meals. Captain Alisha Cho told Maureen that there were 791 families in our area requesting Thanksgiving meals. She was very grateful for our support of this project. |
A Special Thank You to all who helped at the Biletzky Memorial
Many thanks to all the cookie makers that provided cookies for the Biletzky memorial service. Also special thanks to those that helped Friday afternoon; Pat and Vince and Ellen. And those that helped on Saturday; Rosemarie, Pat Brown, Mary Lincoln and Hazel and Larry. It wouldn't have been so well done and represented our parish so well without you. ~Janie |
Thank You From The Children's Waiting Room
The bake sale at the Annual Craft and Hobby show was very successful! We made $78 for The Children's Waiting Room. Thank you to all of our generous parishioners! ~Hazel |
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Anniversaries, Birthdays & Events
December Anniversaries:
Terry & Jackie Dickow (12/13/69)
Scott & Victoria Newport (12/16/95)
Rob & Peggy Russell (12/22/90)
Robert & Marguerite Harkness (12/23/50)
Larry & Hazel Retherford (12/30/60)
Linda Kelley & David Nissen (12/31/97)
December Birthdays:
Linda Kelley (12/1)
Ava Stubblefield (12/3)
Ken Waltzek (12/4)
Ellen Anderson (12/6)
Betsy Pool (12/7)
Jan Bach (12/11)
Martin Mounts (12/16)
Larry Retherford (12/18)
Rich Frontjes (12/18)
Michael Ouellette (12/22)
Andrew Cripe (12/27)
Robert Brown (12/30)
January Anniversaries:
George & Jane Nenonen (1/21/67)
Dan & Janice Guiborat (1/26/02)
Al & Peg Newby (1/28/78)
January Birthdays:
Luke Stubblefield (1/6)
Lynn Roberts (1/10)
Nora Lindvall (1/12)
Janice Larson (1/15)
Christina Krueger (1/15)
Joseph Newport (1/16)
Michael Duffy (1/27)
Jane DeGolier (1/28)
Upcoming Events:
12/1: ECW Fall "Crafternoon" Part II, St. Nicholas Party (Adults Only)
12/2: Baking Up Nice Surprises Winter Delivery
12/5: Blue Christmas Service
12/9: St. Nicholas Sunday, Advent Open House at Rectory
12/16: Children's Christmas Party, Vestry Meeting
12/20-1/7: Parish Secretary will be out of town
12/24: Christmas Eve Services at 4pm and 6pm
1/6: Epiphany Sunday
1/20: Budget Meeting
1/27: Annual Meeting |
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Finding God in the Everyday
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church Contact Information
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
900 Normal Rd., DeKalb, Illinois 60115
Parish Office: (815) 756-4888
Parish Fax: (815) 758-6140
The Very Reverend Stacy A. Walker-Frontjes, Rector
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