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News from St. Paul's Episcopal Church  February 2013 |
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Dear Friends,
Lent begins a little earlier than one might expect this year, but I'm feeling ready. I used to think about Lent as a time of self-denial. Lent is a time of fasting. But the fast is for the purpose of drawing us nearer to God, not trying to rid ourselves of bad habits for our own sake. Although, if both of those things can happen for you in one Holy Lent then God bless you!
I tend to think of Lent as a pilgrimage-a holy journey for one who is seeking God. While there are many locations around the world I would love to take a pilgrimage to, I don't often have the time or the resources to go. But that's no reason to stop me or you from setting aside the forty days of Lent to make a pilgrimage here in the midst of our everyday life. I'm looking forward to reflecting of the practices prescribed in our Lenten study book: Simplifying the Soul. Each day there is an opportunity presented to take a slightly different path through our day as we journey through Lent with Jesus on our way to the cross. Some of them are more challenging than others, so I know I will appreciate hearing the travelogues of other stay-at-home pilgrims.
Rev. Stacy's letter continues below... |
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St. Paul's has also embarked on a pilgrimage as a member of the Thrive congregational vitality program. Our learning team along with teams from several other congregations across our diocese met in early January for a retreat to kick off our two years of learning and discerning what God's dream is for each of our churches. We began this journey by reflecting on where we had been as a congregation in the past year. But we also had the opportunity to reflect on where our own journey with God began. We were asked to share our first memories of God, someone telling us about God, and/or being in church. In all my years of ministry as an adult no one has ever asked me about the spirituality of my childhood. What a shame! Going back to my childhood memories of God was a very rich and powerful experience for me. It helped me realize how I had traveled to where I am now. I offer this story to you as you prepare to embark on your own pilgrimage through Lent this year. Take some time to consider where you began and how far you have come. And ask yourself and the Holy Spirit what those memories of your earliest walks with God might still have to teach you today.
Yours In Christ,
Rev. Stacy+ |
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 From the Senior Warden , Mike Duffy
As I sit to write this final senior warden's column, I am contemplating the events of today. Today (January 21) marks our nation's observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and it was also the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. The diversity of our country was displayed in the inauguration ceremony, indicating the inclusivity of our contemporary American society, at least as an ideal. To end the ceremony with prayer, the Rev. Dr. Luis León, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., gave the benediction. Dr. León is an immigrant from Cuba, and as such, he represents one particular facet of our nation's rich diversity. It is also significant for us that he is an Episcopal priest. The Episcopal Church and St. Paul's parish have both come a long way in recent years in our inclusion of the diversity that makes up our society. In my first year on the vestry, our parish called its first woman rector, and during the last year, we affirmed that we would bless the Holy Unions of same-sex partners. For these reasons, and many others, I am very glad to be a member of our Church and of our parish. I also acknowledge that our work as witnesses of Christian love is never complete. We will always have more challenges ahead. Through it all, I pray that we may always look to Our Lord Jesus Christ as our example.
It has been an honor to serve as your senior warden. I will keep you all in my prayers.
In Christian fellowship,
Michael Duffy |
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Treasurer's Summary, Pat Brown
December 2012
This report covers the first twelve months of the year, through December 31, 2012. The year end figures reported here are reflected in the Financial Statements in the Annual Meeting Report. Please request a copy of that report from the Parish Office if you would like more detailed figures for the year.
Receipts through December 31, 2012
We received 102.27 % of the pledged amount and 94.10% of the total budgeted receipts by the end of this twelve month period. Total operating receipts through December were $193,485.62. This includes allocations of $60,000 from the Endowment Fund. Remaining Funds we could have received are $12,122.38. This includes $14,397 from the Endowment Fund which the vestry decided we did not need to withdraw for cash flow.
Disbursements through December 31, 2012
Total operating disbursements for the first twelve months were $198,974. That is 96.77% of the total allocated. The difference of receipts under disbursements is a negative ($5,488.38.)
We paid out $14,000 of the $25,000 in insurance funds for repairs, by the end of September. The remaining $11,000 was returned to the insurance company in December, plus a deductible of $500 which came from the Building Fund. Bank Balances at the end of December totaled $12,269.52. Castle balance was $4,550.08. AMB balance was $7,719.44. We are closing the Castle Bank account at the end of January and will have one operating account at American Midwest Bank.
Building Fund
The balance in the Edward Jones Building Fund at the end of December was $86,475.36.
There was a Building Fund balance of $7,765.98 in the Operating checking account at year end. Total of the Building Fund was $94,241.34.
Endowment Fund
The value of the Endowment Fund at the end of December was $1,875,101.02. The net change in value for twelve months was a positive $131,089.46. Apache Stock was worth $16,856.53 on December 31, 2012. We now have 214.815 shares. On December 31, 2012 the balance in the Flower Fund was $596.42. The balance in the Discretionary Fund was $690.41. The Columbarium Fund balance was $571.80.
Pledge Reports - Contribution reports for 2012 have been sent out by the American Midwest Bank. If you find an error or have a question about your Pledge/Contribution for 2012 please give me a call. Pat Brown 815-758-0906.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Brown, Treasurer |
Welcome our Guest Preacher, Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows
Sunday, February 3rd
 The Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows is the director of networking for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago-a new position with oversight of communications, fundraising, and outreach. In this position she resources parishes and ministries of the Diocese by connecting people, weaving their stories into a coherent narrative, and sharing that news with the world beyond the church.
Prior to her arrival in Chicago in January, Jennifer had served 7.5 years as the rector of Grace Church and as Episcopal chaplain at Syracuse University in upstate New York. Ordained in 1997 she has also served in the dioceses of California and Newark. She serves the wider church as vice president of the Board of The Archives and a member of the board of the Episcopal Service Corps. She has previously served on Standing Commission on the Structure of the Church and the boards of the Evangelical Education Society, Episcopal Women's Caucus and the Advisory Board for CREDO Inc.
A long-time advocate for food justice, Jennifer has written for a Finger Lakes area-based food blog and magazine and has been published in the anthology, Bread, Body, Spirit. In addition to holding a master of divinity degree from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, she holds a masters degree in historic preservation planning from Cornell University and consults on preserving older and historic religious properties. A runner and triathlete she is enjoying exploring the shores of Lake Michigan and the wonderful neighborhoods of Chicago. She is married to Harrison Burrows and they have a two-year old son, Timothy. For more information, check out the Diocese of Chicago website at www.episcopalchicago.org.
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Music Ministries
If you like to sing or play an instrument, come and join us in 2013 for one or more musical worship experiences. We are now accepting all ages and all levels of ability.
Just want to take a moment and say Thank You, to all the musicians that shared their time, talent and spirit, while enhancing our worship experiences at St. Paul's in 2012. The following is from our 2012 (01-20-2013) Parish Annual Meeting Reports.
 The Adult/Youth and Children's Choirs have received many positive responses from the congregation in regards to their presence, sound, literature and spiritual inspiration. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated and talented volunteer choirs that continue to grow musically & spiritually. A special thanks for a wonderful job in song and spirit goes to all the volunteer musicians, Michael Duffy (Trumpet), Michael Ouellette (Clarinet), David Aarons (NIU May Graduate) and Yuki Nakano (Steel Pan) and the adult/youth (Maureen Gerrity, Freyja Rasmussen-Johns, Chris Krueger, Linda Lorbach, Amanda Mitchell, Jocelyn Prall, Madison Williams, Morgan Williams, Rick Johns, Roy Mason, Tyler Mitchell and Jan Bach)and children's(Michael Biundo, Francesca Biundo, Andrew Cripe, Ashleigh Cripe, Jimi Crosby, Charlie Duffy, Nora Duffy, Oscar Frontjes, Rowan Frontjes, Emily Russell, Ava Stubblefield and Luke Stubblefield)
choirs, for their continued gifts of talent, time and spirit! We are fortunate to have on staff, two dedicated musicians, Kathleen Johnson as our organist and Andrew Voelker as our pianist and substitute organist. I defer to the 2012 Proclaimer (St. Paul's Newsletter archived on the church website)for more detailed information shared throughout the year about music ministries at St. Paul's, and our parishioners artistic contributions in the DeKalb community at large. Lorraine Langer, Director of Music |
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 February 3rd.
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 February 10th.
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 March's Proclaimer to the Parish office by February 17th. Please note that the maximum length for all articles is 300 words. |
Please Help Us Sponsor Grace Place Meals on Wednesday, February 6th : St. Paul's will be sponsoring meals for Grace Place on February 6th. St. Paul's friends and family are invited to go and share a meal with the students and stay for worship as well! Dinner generally begins around 7:30pm-8:00pm with worship following at 9:00pm. Grace Place is located at 401 Normal Road. Please contact Jennie Cummings if you are interested in helping out with making these meals.
Celebration of a New Ministry, February 20th, 7PM: 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 began 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.
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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. at St. Mary's Activity Center located at 322 Waterman Street, Sycamore, Illinois. The event tickets are $25 for adults, children under 12 are free. The event activities include: Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate, Light buffet meal, Small item raffle and silent auction and did we mention CHOCOLATE? There will also be a 50/50 Cash Raffle, raffle tickets are $10 each and 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) |
Sunday, February 10th at 2:00pm
 In March of 2012 the ceiling over the sanctuary of Mayfield Congregational United Church of Christ collapsed causing significant damage making the church unusable for worship. During these past nine months, the congregation has worshiped in the chapel of First Congregational Church in DeKalb. They are happy to report that at long last, the sanctuary has been restored and plans are being made for a rededication service on February 10th, 2013. The 2:00 pm service will include the dedication of new furnishing to which people of the community are invited. Pastor Dawn Jones, formerly of United Campus Ministry was a member of Mayfield Congregational United Christ of Church. The church is located at 28405 Church Road (Aldrich & Church Roads), Sycamore IL. Check out their website at www.mayfieldchurchucc.org for more information. |
Lent arrives early this year! We will have two traditional Ash Wednesday services with Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes: 8A.M. (spoken service) and 6P.M. (sung service, followed by a potluck soup supper at 7PM). St. Paul's will again partner with Grace Place Campus Ministry to offer "Ashes on the Go" in our yard and at the corner of Lucinda and Normal Roads.
 Please contact Reverend Stacy if you would like to participate in this out-of-the-box liturgical experience- lay people can impose ashes and pray with others! Talk to Chris Krueger and Ellen Anderson about their experience last year. Check out our website or Facebook album for details and pictures from last year. Specific time frame for Ashes on the Go to be announced. |
Lenten Resources
2013 Lenten Meditation booklets from Episcopal Relief and Development will be available by Ash Wednesday. There is no charge to the parish or to you for this daily devotional guide. However, you may be inspired to make a contribution to the work of ERD around the world. A pdf version of the booklet and a daily email meditation may also be found at www.episcopalrelief.org/Lent
and website http://www.lentmadness.org/ . Who will win the Golden Halo? In the style of March Madness, Lent Madness pits 32 saints in a "holy smackdown" for the prize, and you will decide the winner. The play in round is George Berkeley vs. Samuel Seabury. Not sure who those guys are? Sounds like someone needs a little Lent Madness this year! |
Lenten Soup for the Soul Begins February 27th
Wednesdays: February 27, March 6, 13, and 20
 2013 Lenten Soup for the Soul will meet for four sessions on Wednesday nights in Lent (February 27, March 6, 13, and 20). We will be using the book |
Reconciliation of a Penitent
Lent is not only a time of fasting and prayer, it is also a time of reflection on one's spiritual life. Feeling disconnected from God? Have a heart heavy with sins? Feeling stressed out and not sure of what the Christian response ought to be? Make an appointment to talk to Rev. Stacy and consider the rite of the Reconciliation of a Penitent (See theBook of Common Prayer page 447- the Book of Common Prayer is also available online). (Rev. Stacy will also reserve the Monday of Holy Week-March 25th-from 10AM-230PM for drop in conversations and confessions). Enter Easter with a lighter heart open to receiving the hope and joy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
Palm Sunday Passion Reading- Sign Up for a Part Early this Lent
Sunday, March 24th
Take the opportunity to make the study of the Palm Sunday passion reading a part if your Lenten spiritual disciplines. A sign up sheet for parts will be available starting on the first Sunday of Lent: February 17th. Even if you only want to be one of the voices of "the crowd" you can take home a copy of the script and read it throughout Lent as you contemplate Jesus' journey to the cross. Those who sign up for a part may be invited to a practice before Palm Sunday. More details to be announced by our Creative Liturgy Team (Sue Ouellette, Luke Krueger, Lorraine Langer, and Rev. Stacy Walker -Frontjes) |
You are Invited to Episcopal Church Women's Monthly Luncheon
Saturday, February 23rd
Our monthly ECW Luncheon is on February 23rd, at 12:00pm in the Parish Hall. These lunches provide a great opportunity to get to know other women in the parish, and all are welcome. Please join us! Any questions? Please contact Rochelle Cripe at 815-901-0047. Thank you in advance for your help! |
Preparation for Baptism and New Members Small Group
Lent is also a traditional time of preparation for Baptism and Confirmation of One's Baptismal Vows. If you or someone you know would like to be baptized, please contact Rev. Stacy to arrange for baptism on the Great Vigil of Easter (March 30th) or one of the Sundays of Easter, or on Pentecost Sunday. All are good times for a baptism.
Those who would like to inquire about formal membership in the Episcopal Church through the rite of Confirmation (or Reception or Reaffirmation depending on your faith journey) should also contact Rev. Stacy during Lent. We will be meeting in a monthly small group format on Saturday nights in people's homes again this year starting in March (date tba). The Big Questions group is open for anyone who would like a refresher on questions like "What does it mean to be an Episcopalian?" and "What do I mean when I say I'm a Christian?" and many other big questions (and perhaps small ones too) that the Holy Spirit may plant in our hearts and in our minds. We will meet monthly in preparation for Bishop Lee's Visit on Sunday, October 7th, 2013. In the Episcopal Church only bishops may preside at the laying on of hands for Confirmation. (Youth confirmation classes will begin in late August, parents of youth who would like to be confirmed should contact Rev. Stacy for further conversation about that course of preparation.) |
Sunday, March 3rd
 The Big Brothers/Big Sisters "Bowl-For-Kids'-Sake" event will take place the first weekend of March. "Team St. Paul" will bowl 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 3, at Mardi Gras Lanes. A sign-up sheet and pledge envelopes is on the table in the Fellowship Hall soon. Please sign-up and take one of the pledge envelopes.Last year we raised $380. Everyone is welcome to join the team - You don't need to be a pro to bowl! The bowling and shoes are free and this event is a nice opportunity for fellowship as we support the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program of DeKalb County. Contact Maureen for more information. |
Love INC recognizes that some churches are struggling as well, and as a result of that they have lost some financial support from a couple churches in 2013. The people at Love INC desire to continue helping, but in order to do so they need the financial support of the body of Christ. What is thought to be an easy task is proving difficult. In order to meet their budget they need 300 individuals to give a minimum of $20 each month ($240 for the year). 300 blocks at $20 a month is what is needed, currently only 108 are filled. Individuals that give $40 a month cover two blocks. Love INC needs your help in promoting this need. Our community needs the ministry of Love INC. If you were not able to take a love offering during November or December for Love INC perhaps this is something you can do within the next couple of weeks. The Lord has used this ministry in strong ways with people struggling in poverty please help them continue by sharing their financial need with others.
Along with the above please join Love INC in prayer throughout the day during the next seven days for the financial situation of the ministry. Executive Director Nathan Scott believes strongly in prayer, and trusts the Spirit will work in people's hearts to give as the need is made known as we seek the Lord. Learn more about Love INC at their website and Facebook page.
St. Paul's is a partner church of Love In the Name of Christ, an organization that operates as a central clearinghouse and ministry center, receiving calls for needs of all kinds and verifying the legitimacy of all needs. Love INC has been struggling financially and failing to meet their monthly budget. During this time they have continued to provide faithful service to those in need through their Clearinghouse and gap ministries.
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Flower Sponsorship throughout 2013
The new flower sponsorship calendar for 2013 is posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall. Parishioners are welcome to sign up for any available Sunday to sponsor the flowers at the altar in memorial of someone who has passed away, in honor of someone who is living, or in thanksgiving for an event in your life. The suggested donation for flowers is $25, please make checks out to St. Paul's and put "Flowers" in the memo. |
January Food Pantry Report and Reminders
Thanks to all parishioners who contributed to Food Pantry Sunday in January. The parish donated 154 items to the Salvation Army Food Pantry in January. The pantry was in dire need of diapers. In addition to the food items donated, I would estimate that the boxes of diapers donated probably held almost 400 diapers. The pantry always needs empty egg cartons and a large number of those were also donated.
The next food pantry collections will be on Sunday, February 10th. Thanks. |
St. Nicholas Mite Boxes Collection Report
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A Special Thank You For the Rector's Christmas Purse
I want to extend my heartfelt and sincere gratitude to St. Paul's for the generous gift you presented to me this past Christmas. As many of us do, my family often has extra expenses in December so we appreciate the unexpected gift of a little extra money. Thank you also for the glorious Christmas Eve services that your prayers and presence made possible. Our worship together fills my heart with hope that the love of God will continue to be born in the Incarnation of Christ illuminated in the hearts and hands of the faithful gathered together in his Church. Rev. Stacy+ |
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Anniversaries, Birthdays & Events
February Birthdays:
Maureen Gerrity (2/3)
Sharon Dowen (2/6)
Roy Mason (2/6)
Bobby Russell (2/12)
Kurt McMahon (2/17)
Blythe Stason (2/17)
Freyja Rasmussen-Johns (2/20)
Johan Lindvall (2/20)
Gretchen Schlabach (2/25)
Upcoming Events:
2/3: Guest Speaker: Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows
2/6: St. Paul's Sponsors Grace Place Meal
2/9: Safe Passage Evening of Chocolate
2/13: Ash Wednesday, "Ashes On the Go"
2/17: Vestry Meeting
2/20: Grace Place Celebration of New Ministry
3/2: Vestry Retreat
3/3: Bowl-For-Kids'-Sake
3/17: Vestry Meeting, Chili Cook-Off
3/24: Palm Sunday
3/31: Easter |
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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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