|
|
News from St. Paul's Episcopal Church  June/July 2013
|
|
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.-Genesis 2:1-3
Dear Friends,
This morning I rose up early to walk my dogs
in the coolness of a beautiful summer morning. I love summertime, and I love the hours right around dawn most of all. Even if I have a very full day ahead of me I try to wake up early enough to steal away and have a little time of walking or running prayer with my Creator, in the beauty of creation, with my two favorite prayer partners. This little moment of stillness and active rest at the beginning of my day gives me the strength to carry on with the work of the day. Every morning is a little mini Sabbath opportunity.
Of course, some days I just wish I didn't have to do anything else that seems remotely like work (either at church or at home) after that walk. Summer break is a temptation I have not been able to shake since my school days! I know from our attendance records in the summer time that you face the same temptation. Every year attendance slips over the summer as we travel, visit with family and friends, get caught up in summer home improvement projects, and decide to "have just one more cup of coffee on the patio". I get it: we all need our rest. Sunday is a day off for many of us.
Rev. Stacy's letter continues below...
|
|
|
|
|
However, Sunday is also the day we as Christians have set aside as our Sabbath-the day that God rested after creating the world in Genesis and creating new life in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a holy day, and so it makes sense to spend some time in praise and thanksgiving on a Sunday morning.
In my family the holiest times of our day are the times we spend together in prayer: at meal times, in the garden, reading a book together, and before we go to sleep. On Sundays we add worship at St. Paul's to our family's list of holiest times of the week. Sunday morning may not be the quietest Sabbath time of our week, but it is the axis around which the rest of our week revolves. We remember the prayer, singing, and stories. We remember the conversations at fellowship in the parish hall and on the playground. We remember that God has built a day of rest right into the fabric of the world. And so, we give thanks in the assembly with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The peace of Christ be with you,
Rev. Stacy+
|
|
Notes from the Senior Warden, David Anderson
 Thank you to all of you who gave up part of your Saturday on May 11 to help on Spring Clean-Up Day. We got a lot of work done, had some good conversations, and enjoyed fellowship over donuts and coffee. Next year, we hope to see more of you younger folks out there!
Congratulations to Co-Lobster Boil Chairs Pat Brown and Ellen Anderson on a job well done and a smoothly run Lobster Boil. Thanks also to all of you that helped with the Lobster Boil in the weeks preceding the Boil as well as on Saturday the 18th. It is a lot of work, but a lot of fun with a lot of good fellowship. Again, I encourage those of you who did not attend to try it next year. Remember all of the people who receive help from the proceeds of the Lobster Boil.
Thank you to Rev. Stacy and the St. Paul's Thrive team on their efforts on the Prayers2Pass event and liturgy on April 30th. All who were involved that I have visited with were very moved by the experience.
I was reminded on Recognition Sunday of all of the hard work our Sunday School teachers put in on Christian Education for the youth of St. Paul's. Thank you! Also thanks to Lorraine, the choir, and all of the gifted musicians that help make services at St. Paul's so special during the year.
David Anderson
|
|
We can Be Evangelists on Our Own Street Corner
Letter from the Junior Warden, Luke Krueger
The sign out front of St. Paul's is a simple thing. But can it grow and yet remain modest, humble, and empowering to the point that inspires others to Christian charity? The short answer is "yes". The longer answer lies below.
It is quite invigorating to see the St. Paul's community splattered across the local news pages. Whether it is because of our work during Prayers to Pass or the great write up regarding our venerable tradition of the Lobster Boil, I think St. Paul's tells the DeKalb community, we are here and Christian, and we want to make a difference in any way great or small.
Now this might sound overly evangelical, but in our own way, we are, as the Very Reverend Stacy Walker-Frontjes has said, "Taking the street corner back..." We offer a different evangelic expression: We do well, with no desire to be patted on the back, or gain any recognition. We only wish to offer peace and calm to people. We have so many ways of reaching out.
This isn't easy.
During Prayers to Pass, I found a few moments to walk down to St. Paul's. I helped set up tables and chairs, energy drinks, snacks, and (gulp) greeted a few (a very few) students. I had no idea what to do. I am very, very private with my faith. I am wedded to Matthew 6:5. What transpired?
ME: Hi!
STUDENT: I don't have any money.
ME: It's free.
STUDENT (hesitating): Really?
ME: Yup. (Student takes an energy drink and a bag of snacks. Then he stands there) I'm Luke. Good luck on your exams...
STUDENT: Umm...Thanks...
So off he went. Off went many. Thankfully we had great clergy, Amy, Joyce, and of course Stacy, who offered the prayers for peace of mind, a foundation to start with the self to succeed during finals.
I know that this was not easy for our intrepid Thrive team: Ellen, Terry, Jaime, Rochelle, my wife Chris, Rosemarie, Reverend Joyce, and Reverend Amy to step out and spread the good news (which is the etymology of evangelical). But they did it. And they didn't have to do much more than be who they are.
Personally, this all hit home last week. I was rear-ended. The young woman who hit me was really not responsible. The car in front of us suddenly decided to cross from the far right lane on 23 to the far left lane to turn onto Peace Rd. Was I mad? You bet; I wanted to scream, but I could see the young woman beating herself up. The last thing I wanted was to make her feel more upset.
I didn't know what my car looked like, but when I got out of the car, the young woman stood there sheepishly, and she was ready for me to yell at her. I held out my hand and said, "Hi, I'm Luke. How's your day been?" She relaxed, just like the first student I greeted at Prayers to Pass.
We looked at my car, and it was fine. I still took her information, but as she apologized, I tried to reassure her, "We all do this. It's the worst feeling in the world. We might have to own up to the consequences, but honestly, I'm not mad. It happens."
I can't say I would have felt this way three years ago.
There is something about St. Paul's that makes me want to express how great Christianity is, not through standing on street corners, beating a Bible, but by standing on a street corner, and telling a frightened young driver, "I'm not mad. What are you doing in school? I've been here. Hey it happens. Have a good day." She never asked me about my faith, but I am now prepared to respond and do so in a kind way, why I am how I am: simply, a Christian, and I want nothing more.
I recount all this in order to posit a question to our congregation: What is to become of our sign out front? Rhys Prall has well made the point that we need a new sign: One that faces traffic both ways. My question to you: How best can we design this sign that says, "Hi, I'm (state your name), welcome to St. Paul's." What makes St. Paul's great is our Christian identity that makes us feel comfortable to be ourselves without screaming, "I'm Christian, you should be too!" Prodesse Quam Conspici, "Progress without conspicuousness" that is the motto of my alma mater, and it is one I believe in today.
What we do, how we behave tells others what we are made of.
~Luke Krueger
|
|
Notes from the Priest Associate, Rev. Dr. Joyce Beaulieu
 As I begin my time as your new priest associate, Rev. Stacy and I have met to discern how I may best be involved at St. Paul's. While I will be away some Sundays, celebrating Eucharist as a supply priest around the Dioceses of Chicago and Quincy, I hope to be involved as much as I can in the life of St. Paul's. My participation will especially focus on the parish activities of older members, the "golden girls and boys". I am open to receiving ideas for programs. So far, I have begun activities to visit parishioners who live at Oak Crest retirement facility. I am also exploring a program that would engage parishioners in discerning vocation after retirement, at the suggestion of one parishioner. If you have any ideas, please send them along to me at my parish email: revjoyce@stpaulsdekalb.org, or see me at coffee hour. You can also contact me through the parish office. I am excited about the new relationships we will build together, bolstering Christ's presence among us.
Faithfully,
Rev. Joyce, Priest Associate
|
|
Treasurer's Summary, Pat Brown
April 2013
This report covers the month of April 2013. The American Midwest Bank checking account is our primary operating account. Accounting is done by the American Midwest Bank Tax and Payroll Department.
Receipts through April 30, 2013
We have received 49% of the pledged amount and 43% of the total budgeted receipts by the end of this four month period. Total operating receipts through April 30, 2013 were $88,759. This includes allocations of $30,000 from the Endowment Fund.
Disbursements through April 30, 2013
Total operating disbursements for the three month period were $64,469. That is 31% of the total allocated. The difference of receipts over disbursements is a positive $24,289. We've received 43% of budgeted receipts and spent 31% of budgeted disbursements.
We paid about $950 to Vic Reed Electric from the Building Fund for the lighting improvements in January and $4,000 for Organ Improvements in February. In April $3,000 was disbursed from the Building (Memorials) Fund for the New Piano. This was offset in part with a $500 donation from a parish family. If anyone else wishes to make a donation for acquisition of the new piano, please contact Rev. Stacy or Pat Brown.
Building Fund
The balance in the Edward Jones Building Fund at the end of April was $87,013.12 and the balance in American Midwest Bank was $61.01 for a total of $87,074.03.
Endowment Fund
The value of the Endowment Fund at the end of April was $1,944,024. The net increase in value, year to date on April 30, 2013 was $68,923. Apache Stock was worth $15,772 on April 30, 2013. The value on May 16, 2013 was $17,504. We now have 215.300 shares. It is in the process of being sold by Edward Jones and the proceeds transferred to the Endowment Fund.
On April 30 the Flower Fund balance was $439.86, Discretionary Fund was $1,660.66, and Columbarium Fund was $571.80. Checking Account balance was $29,667.73.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Brown, Treasurer
|
Reverend Stacy Away
Monday, June 10-Wednesday, June 26; Monday, July 8-Friday, July 12 & Thursday, July 25-Friday, August 2
Reverend Stacy will be on vacation during the month of June, from June 10th to June 26th, and in July from July 25th to August 2nd. During this time, The Reverend Doctor Joyce Beaulieu, our Priest Associate, will be our guest preacher on Sundays as well as during the Mid-Week Holy Eucharist services. Reverend Joyce can be reached via her email, revjoyce@stpaulsdekalb.org . Contact the Parish Office at 815-756-4888 for her phone number if you don't use email. Reverend Stacy will also be at the Camp Chicago summer camp from July 8th to July 12th. Please contact the Parish Office or the Senior Warden David Anderson with pastoral emergencies.
|
Summer Service Times Will Not Change This Year
 | | Rev. Stacy w/the Children/Youth Sunday School |
For the second year in a row, Sunday services will remain at 8AM and 10:30AM throughout the summer. The Adult Sunday School will continue throughout the summer; however, the Children and Youth Summer School will be on vacation until September 8th. The Nursery and childcare are available during the 10:30AM service.
 | | Baking Bread for Recognition Sunday |
Wednesday services will remain at 9:30AM; however, there will be no Wednesday services on July 3rd. Check out The Holy Men, Holy Women blog, which has made the prayers and readings available online. Here is the schedule of saints propers we will use for prayers and readings of the day.
June 5- Boniface of Mainz (Reverend Stacy)
June 12- Emmegahbowh (Reverend Joyce)
June 19- Bernard Mizeki (Reverend Joyce)
June 26- Isabel Florence Hapgood (Reverend Stacy)
July 3- NO SERVICE for July 4th holiday
July 10- Benedict of Nursia (Reverend Stacy)
July 17- William White (Reverend Stacy)
July 24- Thomas A Kempis (Reverend Stacy)
July 31- Ignatius of Loyola (Reverend Joyce)
|
Dick Beard Memorial Exhibition of Post Retirement Paintings
 | | Thame Series, Windsor Castle, St. George's Chapel, lower ward. |
June 2-June 28
You are invited to view Dick Beard's memorial exhibition of Post Retirement Paintings this month. Dick Beard was a longtime member of St. Paul's who passed away in January 2012. His show will take place at The Art Box, 308 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb and will begin with a reception from 2-4pm on June 2nd. The show will last until June 28th.
|
Welcome our Guest Preacher, Ms. Courtney Reid, M.Div.
Sunday, June 9th at 8AM and 10:30AM
Ms. Courtney Reid is the Director of Operations in the Diocese of Chicago. She will be joining us to speak about the reconvening of the Diocesan Convention, which will have happened on June 8th. The Convention of the Diocese of Chicago is reconvening for the purpose of considering the proposed reunification with the Episcopal Diocese of Quincy. For more information, check out the Diocese of Chicago website.
Before working for the Diocese of Chicago, Ms. Reid was the senior director of organizational effectiveness at the Center on Halsted, a community center for Chicago's LGBT community. She has worked in management at Chicago-area health and social service non-profit organizations for fifteen years. For more information about Ms. Reid, check out http:///dioceseofchicago.wordpress.com.
|
Eat at Culver's and Support Love in the Name of Christ!
Tuesday, June 25 5:00pm-8:00pm
 Love in the Name of Christ will be holding a fundraiser at Culver's in Sycamore, near the Farm and Fleet on June 25th from 5-8pm. Eat at Culver's and support Love INC! Drive through or Dine in and a portion of your bill will be sent to Love INC. Last year was a positive event, lets do it again! For more information check out their Facebook.
|
Come Celebrate the Feast of the Saints Peter and Paul
Thursday, June 27th at 6:00pm
 Mark your calendars! The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul will take place on Thursday, June 27th, and we at St. Paul's will be hosting the joint event this year. The Very Reverend Joy Rogers, Dean of Saint James Cathedral in Chicago will attend as a Gospeller and Preacher. The collection that evening will be divided between Episcopal Relief & Development for world mission in honor of St. Paul, and Safe Passage for local mission in honor of St. Peter.
We are looking for a Lector and an Intercessor from St. Paul's to read. Please email the Parish Office if you are interested.
Following the service at 6:00pm, we will gather for dinner around 7:00pm. The main entrée will be catered (probably lasagna--both regular and veggie options), and we will ask for donations of salads and desserts. Please stay tuned for further updates.
|
Take the Opportunity to Participate as a Liturgical Minister
Want to become more engaged in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist? We are always in need of more volunteers to be lectors, intercessors, ushers, and coffee hour hosts. Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to be added to the list of current participants. Every month a schedule is sent out, which accommodates each participant's availability.
Reverend Stacy is also looking for more acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers to serve at the altar. Please contact Reverend Stacy if you are interested in this opportunity.
|
Music & Creative Ministries
 | | Ready, set, play that triangle Jimi! |
A special thanks, to all the musicians that enhanced our worship services thru Easter and into Pentecost. This includes the members of the Adult & Youth and Children's Choirs, Kathleen Johnson (Organist), Andrew Voelker (Pianist), Michael Duffy (Trumpet), Michael Ouellette & Madison Williams (Clarinet), Yuki Nakano (Steel Pan) and the participants of the St. Timothy Center Sanctus Bell Ringers & Percussive Ensemble.
The choirs are taking a break over the summer. We will resume in mid August. Everyone is welcome to brush-up and warm-up your musical skills (whether voice, bell, guitar or bagpipe) for the fall, by joining in the music making for our parish picnic in August. All ages and abilities encouraged & welcome. Let's Sing!
|
Have You Noticed the New Piano in the Sanctuary?
This past month the Vestry approved the purchase of a new-used Yahama baby grand piano for 
leading music and worship at St. Paul's. We were able to purchase this piano at below market value for about $3600 (including moving and tuning costs). Thank you to everyone who has given to the memorial and building fund over the years which made the purchase of this new instrument possible.
We are accepting donations in honor or in memory of your loved ones. Please talk to Rev. Stacy, our Treasurer, Pat Brown, or any other member of the Vestry if you would like to make gift in honor or thanksgiving today.
|
 Two of our parishioners, Michael Duffy (Trumpet) and Michael Ouellette (Clarinet), are sharing their artistic talents this summer, while performing in the DeKalb Community Band. Don't miss these concerts! This is a great opportunity to support the artists and our community, and at the same time, have some good quality time with family and friends. Congrats, good luck & have fun, Michael and Michael!
The DeKalb Municipal Band will hold the 2013 concert season at the Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb. All concerts throughout the summer are FREE and start Tuesday, June 11.
|
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 June the collection will be on June 2, in July the collection will be on July 7.
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 June, Food Pantry Sunday is June 9, in July Food Pantry Sunday is July 14.
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 the August issue of the Proclaimer to the Parish office by July 21st. Please note that the maximum length for all articles is 300 words.
The Vestry meets every month. The vestry minutes are available on our website here.
***The office will be closed on July 4th for Independence Day***
|
TAILS Humane Society Fundraising Events
Saturday June 1, 2013
 You are invited to the TAILS Humane Society Annual Dinner Gala and Auction on June 1st in the Duke Ellington Ballroom at NIU. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year! Please help make it a success. Single tickets as well as tickets for a table of 8 guests are available and can be purchased online.
TAILS is also collecting jewelry to use in upcoming fundraisers. We'll take anything you've got: new, used, costume, handmade-intact, broken, or damaged. Jewelry donations may be dropped off at St. Paul's with Reverend Stacy or Sharon Dowen, or at the shelter- 250 Barber Greene Road, DeKalb, IL. Contact Reverend Stacy (815-756-4888) or Sharon Dowen (815-758-1278) for more information.
|
Tornado Response Relief Fund
Episcopal Relief and Development has been in contact with local partners in the Episcopal diocese of Forth Worth and Oklahoma following tornadoes on May 16th and May 20th that caused severe damage and loss of life. St. Paul's took up a special collection on Sunday, May 26th and collected $291 in cash and checks for the Tornado Response Fund. Thanks to all those who contributed to this special collection! Read more about the tornadoes and contribute to the Tornado Response Fund here. You can also donate online at www.episcopalrelief.org.
|
Plant the Garden Sunday was a Huge Success!
Thanks to all those who donated plants and seeds and helped make Plant the Garden Sunday
on Trinity Sunday a huge success! We planted bell pepper plants, cucumber seeds, summer squash seeds, pumpkin seeds, green bead seeds, tomato plants, poblano pepper plants, and jalapeno plants. The garden is already thriving and there will be plenty of strawberries as of early June. Please feel free to come by and pick some strawberries for you and your family when they are ready.
Also, look out for a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall to water the gardens this summer while Reverend Stacy is on vacation.
|
Thanks from the Lobster Boil Team
 Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Lobster Boil (#44) a success. You helped distribute flyers and posters, you ordered supplies, you ran ads and got articles published, you processed tickets, you answered phone calls, you labeled bags on Friday night, you came early on Saturday to set up, you handled the live lobsters, you ran, you cooked, you hot bagged, you stapled and folded, you filled and distributed orders, you directed traffic, you made a beautiful salad, you helped with dinner and you helped with clean-up.  What a team!! Particular thanks to Rhys Prall, Rick Johns, David Anderson, Rosemarie Ostberg, Jennie Cummings, Lorraine Langer, Peg Newby, Betsy Pool, Jamie Stubblefield, Pat Brown, Rev. Stacy, Melissa London, and our great childcare providers. We had a great day together and all our heavenly angels helped with our perfect weather. While the number of lobsters was down so was the price we paid for the lobsters. When we have all the bills paid we will publish the results.
Thank you again for all your help.
Ellen Anderson
|
United Thank Offering Report
 At the Episcopal Church Women's Convention held at our church on May 4th, Eva Leonard presented St. Paul's $258 donation to the United Thank Offering (UTO). Our donations (ingathering) were collected over a 2-week period in April, and more than a dozen parishioners participated. Thank you!
In 2012, the UTO provided over $1.3 million dollars to parishes and organizations across the country and around the world. These funds are given as grants to support and strengthen the mission and ministry of the Church. The Diocese of Chicago provided nearly $14,000 in support.
"The UTO is not a fund drive, but rather a discipline in our daily life in Christ wherein we offer prayers of thanksgiving for our countless blessings" (Donna Musgrave, UTO President, 2003). I encourage you to make daily deposits in your "thanks" box or envelope, and be ready for the next ingathering. You will reap benefits every day. If you'd like more information about the UTO, please visit www.utochange.org.
Peggy Newby, UTO Chair
|
Camp Chicago returns for 2013! We provide an opportunity for youth from all over the Diocese to come together to learn about God and each other. The Summer Camp experience allows young people to develop a greater spiritual awareness of God's presence in our lives through fun and engaging activities, daily reflections, prayer services, and celebration of the Eucharist. Join us for a week of archery, adventure, arts and crafts, big games, Christian education, canoeing, theater, swimming, ropes course, tent camping, fellowship, leadership development, campfires and more!
*Reverend Stacy will be a Chaplain during Session 2*
Camp Chicago is NOT restricted to Episcopalians or regular churchgoers. All are welcome, so feel free to invite friends and family! Registration is easy and can be found here or on the diocesan website: www.episcopalchicago.org. For more information, contact Jess Elfring at jelfring@episcopalchicago.org.
|
May Food Pantry Report and Reminders
Thanks to all parishioners who contributed to Food Pantry Sunday in May. A total of 105 food items and 316 diapers were delivered to the Salvation Army. The approximate number of total donations from St. Paul's so far this year is 1857.
The demand at the Food Pantry remains high. When we delivered the items Tuesday, May 14, cars were lined up on both sides of the block in front of the pantry. The staff members at the Food Pantry continue to express their appreciation for our donations.
The next food pantry collections will be on Sunday, June 9 and Sunday, July 14. Thanks.
|
|
Anniversaries, Birthdays & Events
June Birthdays: July Birthdays:
Sean Sitzes (6/7) Hazel Retherford (7/3)
Dorothea Beard (6/9) Pat McMahon (7/4)
Oscar Frontjes (6/12) Jocelyn Prall (7/5)
Rowan Frontjes (6/12) Melissa London (7/7)
Matthew Ouellette (6/14) Bob Prouty (7/13)
Eva Leonard (6/14) Gary Fanning (7/19)
Francesca Biundo (6/16) Joan Graham (7/19)
Marilyn Sjoholm (6/22) Marilyn Cleland (7/21)
Colin Prall (6/23) Ashleigh Cripe (7/24)
Bertha Lyon (6/24) Natale Biundo (7/24)
David Roberts (6/25) Steve DeGolier (7/31)
Kenneth Sitzes (6/28)
Rosemarie Ostberg (6/30)
June Anniversaries: July Anniversaries:
Brad/Rochelle Cripe (6/4) Rhys/Jocelyn Prall (7/27)
Alan/Brenda Leonard (6/5) Gary/Arline Fanning (7/28)
Natale/Amy Biundo (6/18) Rich/Stacy Walker-Frontjes (7/29)
Vince/Pat McMahon (6/22)
Michael/Kristin Duffy (6/24)
Cliff/Marilyn Cleland (627)
Upcoming Events:
6/9: Guest Preacher Ms. Courtney Reid, M.Div., Vestry Meeting
6/10-6/25: Reverend Stacy Away
6/27: Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
7/8-7/12: Reverend Stacy at Camp Chicago
7:21: Vestry Meeting
7/25-8/2: Reverend Stacy Away
8/25: Annual Parish Picnic in St. Paul's front yard
|
|
Finding God in the Everyday
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
