Dear Friends

  

On October 6th we will welcome as our special guest our bishop, The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago (aka Bishop Lee, Bishop Jeff, or Jeff).  If you are new to the Episcopal Church, or even if you are not, you may be wondering what's the big deal? Good question!

 

 Bishops play a historical role in the liturgy of the Church.  (Liturgy is a church word from the words laos (people) and ergos (work)--literally translated "the work of the people".  Popularly understood to refer to the rites of worship and prayer.)  In the early Church (think right after Jesus ascended into heaven), the apostles were the first bishops.  They preached, baptized, and prayed for the healing of the sick.  However, fairly early in the life of the Church it was realized that the apostles (bishops) couldn't do all of this by themselves, particularly caring for widows, orphans, and the sick.  In the book of the Acts of the Apostles in the sixth chapter seven believers are selected to be deacons  to wait at the table in service of the people in a direct care sort of way.  Before chapter six is complete one of the seven, Stephen, is arrested for his Christian witness and in short order becomes the first Christian martyr.  Deacons have been out in the world taking care of people and calling for justice for the poor and oppressed ever since. Bishop Lee is often accompanied by a deacon to symbolize liturgically the relationship between the ministries of bishop and deacon.

 

Rev. Stacy and family at the TAILS Mutt Strut

Rev. Stacy's letter continues below...

Receipts through August 31, 2013

We have received 72% of the pledged amount and 71% of the total budgeted receipts by the end of this eight month period. Total operating receipts through August 31, 2013 were $147,914. This includes allocations of $60,000 from the Endowment Fund. We are budgeted to take $82,900 from the Endowment fund for the year. This currently is 4.4% of the 12 month moving average.

Disbursements through August 31, 2013

Total operating disbursements for the eight month period were $133,905. That is 65% of the total allocated. The difference of receipts over disbursements is a positive $14,009. We've received 71% of budgeted receipts and spent 65% of budgeted disbursements.

Building Fund

The balance in the Edward Jones Building Fund at the end of August was $82,698 - $70,000 in CD's and $12,698 in the Money Market Fund. The Building Fund balance in American Midwest Bank Checking account was $1,712 for a total of $84,410. We paid Askeland Tree Service $1,600 to remove some Willow trees and a dying Ash tree near the Rectory. J Marshall Landscaping received $1,265 for ˝ the expense of building the Rectory Patio. The second ˝ will be paid when the patio is completed for a total of $2,530. A $10,000 CD came due in August and was rolled over to a CD maturing 8/30/2016. Another $10,000 CD will mature in September. This one will be cashed out and the funds put into the Money Market Account. Those funds will be available for future capital expense projects such as purchase of new vestments.

Endowment Fund

The value of the Endowment Fund at the end of August was $1,924,225. The net increase in value, year to date, on August 31, 2013 was $75,688.

Apache Stock - The 5.821 shares on deposit with the company are valued at $499.

On August 31st the Flower Fund balance was $154.77, Discretionary Fund was $1,034.66, Columbarium Fund was $571.80 and Operating funds were $16,653.78. Checking Account balance was $20,127.02 which includes $1,712.01 in building funds.

Contemplative Outreach Chicago is offering "An Introduction to Centering Prayer" on Saturday, October 5 from 9:30am to 3:00pm, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about silent, contemplative prayer and to share this prayer in an ecumenical setting. The presenter, Ted Curtis, is the rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Chicago. The Introduction includes six follow up sessions, either Wednesdays at 5:00 PM in DeKalb, or Tuesdays at 4:45 PM in Rockford. Cost is $25, with scholarships available. For more information or to register, contract Molly Lovelock, lovelock3@gmail.com

Join us for a spaghetti dinner on October 19th at Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore to raise funds for Love In the Name of Christ. This event requires a $10 pre-purchased dinner ticket. Contact loveincdk@gmail.com or 815-217-0082 for more information.