News from St. Paul's Episcopal Church

December 2013/January 2014

Dear Friends

I have noticed a curious trend in holiday marketing: the advent calendar. The church has used advent calendars for years as a reminder that each day we are waiting for the arrival of Christ, not just the remembrance of the nativity of the Christ child. But of course the versions sold by L.L. Bean and the like are advertised as a countdown to Christmas. These are actually two very different things. While the latter counts down the days to what often is a day of excess, the former counts down to the day when possessions will no longer matter-the advent of the second coming of Christ.

During the four weeks before the feast of the nativity of Christ (aka Christmas), we will remember with great intention that the call of each day of the Christian life is to prepare for the return of Christ and the arrival in full of his peaceable kingdom on earth. In the scriptures we will hear the millennia old admonitions to keep watch, to not grow weary, to stay alert for we do not know the day or the hour when our Lord Jesus will return.

Rev Stacy and kids

Christmas Eve 2012

Rev. Stacy's letter continues below...

IN THIS ISSUE

Dear Friends (Rev. Stacy)

Rev. Stacy's Letter Continues

Junior Warden Notes

Treasurer Summary

Thank you for your Pledges!

Music & Creative Ministries

Flower Memorials and Thanksgivings

Parish Office Reminders

Advent Meditations

Blue Christmas Service

St. Nicholas Party

Wednesday Services

Grace Place News

Baking Up Nice Surprises Winter Delivery

Give a Teen a Special Christmas!

Eucharist at Oak Crest

Clothing Re-Sale at Grace Place

St. Nicholas Sunday

Children's Christmas Party and Pageant

Christmas Eve Services

Epiphany Celebration

Baptism Information

2014 Budget Q&A and Annual Meeting

Contemplative Outreach in DeKalb

Donations to Enhance Worship Services

For Seniors Over 70

Reimagine the Episcopal Church

Rochelle Rotary Club Calendars

Fair Trade items at Glidden Florist

Food Pantry Report and Reminders

Thanksgiving Meal Report

Anniversaries, Birthdays, & Events

Contact Information

It seems a strange thing for the church to prepare for the return of Jesus day after day for now nearly two thousand years. Why prepare for the guest who may never arrive? In preparing for Jesus to return in great pomp and circumstance, we are prepared to receive those who arrive with less ceremony: a lonely elderly neighbor, a child who is hungry physically and emotionally, a relative who challenges us to love them despite their disagreeable ways, an old friend we have lost touch with who has finally arrived at our doorstep or on our Facebook page. Whomever the guest, when we are prepared to receive them we are able to welcome them as if they were Christ himself. And indeed, this is how we know Christ-through the people he sends into our lives to love, just as we have been loved by him.

So as you prepare for Christmas, with all its joys and stresses, remember that all these preparations and celebrations are in a sense a dress rehearsal for that day we will welcome Jesus the Christ once again. Right now the world is imperfect. But on that happy day, peace will reign on the earth. I hope these words help keep your more stressful holiday moments in perspective. And in this season, as always, I pray that you will know the peace and love of Christ in your lives and share that love freely as Jesus teaches us to do

In Christ,

Rev. Stacy+

Letter from the Senior Warden, Luke Krueger

Who Is This Guy? And Opportunities to Serve

"I try to please everyone in all that I do, not thinking of my own good, but of the good of all..." 1 Corinthians 10:33

This week, as a teacher, I was reminded of a great lesson, the need to say, "I am sorry." Last week, I had inadvertently caused one of my students to believe that due to the loss of her mother she would fail a test. Clearly there was a miscommunication/misunderstanding in what was said. That however did not matter. I was consumed by a great deal of remorse. In one of the worst moments of her life, I had unnecessarily added more stress and anxiety to it. When we met, the first thing I made sure to do was to apologize. It was sincere, and not easy, but necessary...I'll return to this shortly.

If, I am correct, this is my first article as the senior warden. As such, it makes me ponder the first few months, lessons I have learned in leadership, and maybe answer a few questions related to: Who is this guy?

Throughout my life, I have had the honor of serving in a number of leadership roles. Not one is ever the same save for one maxim: Each one has unique nuances to learn. I am humbled and honored to take this position...to follow in the footsteps so many of our members who have trod before, and as all have said before, "It is time to take my turn and serve the parish."

The first thing you should know is that I want to be approachable, and accessible via any means: Sundays, phone, or E-mail. If there is a concern or something to be done, I wish to react to it quickly. Two, I acknowledge when I am wrong, and never fear saying I am sorry. This week with my student reminded me of that once again. I learn from those moments. Three, and most importantly, what I hope to bring to St. Paul's as senior warden is what I bring to any institution I am a part of: a zeal to help grow and improve that place where I have been given the chance to make a difference.

My biggest shortcoming...I do not delegate (my wife is nodding her head vigorously as she reads this, I am sure). I have this overwhelming desire to put everything on my shoulders - to pass nothing along unless I am absolutely incapable of taking on another task. This comes not because I do not trust others' abilities. It is derived from a fear that I do not wish others to perceive me as slacking in my responsibilities.

Ironically, one of my favorite quotes should encourage me to delegate more. It comes from George Patton, "If you tell people where to go, but not how to get there, you'll be amazed at the results." I have witnessed innumerable examples when that proved true; because people are resourceful, brilliant, and innovative. I need to remind myself of this more to help me delegate and ask for assistance. And here at St. Paul's there are so many people who know the parish better than I, who offer so many areas of expertise, that I am a fool if (or when) I do not utilize their assistance.

My time has taught me that I have much to learn. I am certain that when I am done, I will wish for another chance to do it all over again with enough examples that I can point to and say, "I could have done that better." For now though, I look forward to keep learning and serving this parish to the best that our congregation sees fit. With the help of God and our congregation, I will. This is an honor and a joy to be a part of the St. Paul's vestry and a warden.

Now, if I may speak a little to that last point. As we approach our annual parish meeting, we will be collecting names for the nominating committee (the non-vestry members of this committee will be posted soon). We are in need of names for candidates for the vestry, the endowment committee, and delegates and alternates for Diocesan Convention. If you know of anyone you believe would be excellent to serve in any of these roles please let Peg Newby or me know. If you believe that you would like to fill one of these roles, please do not hesitate to submit your name for consideration. Such initiative is a virtue for those who seek to serve.

My time on the vestry has been short, but enriching. It does not consume my time, I willingly give it. It is my luck and honor to be a part of the vestry; and I look forward to new members who will help to grow this dynamic congregation.

Notes from the Junior Warden, Peg Newby

One of the ways we show our faith is in the giving of our time. We give of ourselves as we volunteer for food pantry work, make Meals on Wheels deliveries, or collect and distribute toys and gifts for the Salvation Army, Safe Passage, or other charitable organization. There are so many ways to get involved they can't be listed.

We show our faith by giving of our monetary wealth. Requests for donations come at us at lightning speed this month. We cannot give to every one of them, but I encourage you to do what you can, both locally and through our wider Diocesan outreach. Every contribution is helpful and welcomed.

We can show our faith through prayer. Pray at home, then come to services and pray with others. There is no way to measure what prayer can do for us!

I will repeat the request I made in October: A wealth of opportunities to live out our faith exist both inside our church walls and in our communities. Spread the good news that faith is alive at St. Paul's. Then do something to prove it!

~Peg Newby, Junior Warden

Treasurer's Summary, Pat Brown

October 2013

This report covers the month of October 2013. The American Midwest Bank checking account is our primary operating account. It also includes funds transferred from the Building fund at Edward Jones to facilitate capital funds bill paying. Accounting is done by the American Midwest Bank Tax and Payroll Department.

Receipts through October 31, 2013

We have received 83% of the pledged amount and 79% of the total budgeted receipts by the end of this ten month period. Total operating receipts through October 31, 2013 were $163,045. This includes allocations of $60,000 from the Endowment Fund. We are budgeted to take $82,900 from the Endowment fund for the year. We will need to take another payment but may not need $22,900. This currently is 4.279% of the Endowment Fund 12 month moving average

Disbursements through October 31, 2013

Total operating disbursements for the ten month period were $173, 404. That is 84% of the total allocated. The difference of disbursements over receipts is a negative ($10,359.) We've received 83% of budgeted receipts and spent 84% of budgeted disbursements.

Building Fund

The balance in the Edward Jones Building Fund at the end of October was $67,938 - $60,000 in CD's and $7,938 in the Money Market Fund. $15,000 was transferred from The Edward Jones Building Fund Money Market to the American Midwest Bank Checking to assist in paying for Vestments and furnace repairs. Vestment payments were $5,306.50 and payments to J Marshall for completion of the Rectory Patio were $1,285. Contributions of $1,780 were received from parishioners to offset vestment expense. The total balance of Building Funds is $84,958.

Endowment Fund

The value of the Endowment Fund at the end of October was $2,053,542. The net increase in value, year to date at the end of October was $178,441.

Apache Stock - The 5.821 shares on deposit with the company are valued at $517.

On October 31st the Flower Fund balance was $327.06, Discretionary Fund was $840.92, Columbarium Fund was $871.80. The Checking Account balance was $11,346.58.

Respectfully submitted

Pat Brown, Treasurer

Thank You for Your Generous Pledges of Support in 2014

The 2014 Annual Fund Stewardship Team extends a hearty "Thanks!" to all of our members who have pledged their financial support to St. Paul's in 2014. To date, we have received $107,201. Our pledges in 2013 were $114,493. 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 & Creative Ministries

We have lots of great traditional and new music for our Advent, Christmas & Epiphany services!

Look for some of your favorites and let us know if you would like a special or specific anthem, hymn or service music selection throughout the year.

One of the many wonderful things about Christmas is seeing the magical wonder in the eyes of our children, as it brings out the child in us adults. We celebrate the birth of Jesus in our worship through scripture, song and dance.

As we prepare for Christmas, Ava Stubblefield and Ashleigh Cripe have shown a passion for singing (& dancing to) Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah (among other songs) in our nursery room (during Sunday School) choir rehearsals. Ava & Ashleigh are two of our younger children's choir members. They will definitely (make your heart smile) bring a smile to your face, when you see and hear them speak and sing in St. Paul's Christmas Eve, Godly Play Christmas Pageant, and Children's Choir Anthems.

The Children's Choir is working on some great traditional music and will help lead the music at the Christmas Eve 4 PM family service. The kids are also excited to be working with Ms. Rochelle, Ms. Julie & Ms. Maureen in the Godly Play Christmas Eve Pageant.

The Adult/Youth Choir is excited to be rehearsing and are looking

forward to sharing some wonderful anthems with you in our worship services. Advent Light an Advent Candle by Becki Slagle Mayo (with soloists Tyler Mitchell and Chris Krueger),

Come, Jesus, Holy Son by G. F. H�ndel, Arr., Hal Hopson, a new contemporary arrangement of Ave Maria by John Armesto and The White Dove by Johannes Brahms. Christmas The traditional Ding Dong Merrily on High, Gloria tibi, Domine by Philip Gordon, Enatus Est Emmanuel by Michael Praetorius, Like a Whisper by Bob Moore, Carol of the Bells by Mykola Leontovych, Lo, how a rose e'er bloom by Michael Praetorius, Angels Carol by John Rutter, Silent Night by Franz Gr�ber. Epiphany music includes two new anthems; Arise, Shine by Robert Lau and There Shall A Star Come out of Jacob by Felix Mendelssohn.

YoonJin Kim, Pianist (Our Church Choir Pianist/Accompanist)

In recital, Saturday, January 18, 2013, 5:00 PM, Recital Hall, Music Building, Northern Illinois University. YoonJin will be performing: English Suite, No. 3 by J. S. Bach, Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2, by Ludwig van Beethoven, and La Valse by Maurice Ravel.

St. Paul's Music Program will be giving the reception following YoonJin's recital. If you would like to assist in preparing, serving, or donating reception food, please let Lorraine know via email or phone (847) 328-4104.

Did you hear Luke's great news. That is Luke Krueger, our Sr. Warden!

Check out his website! As of today, I have signed the contract to have my adaptation of The Canterbury Tales published with Next Stage Press! Look for it to be available early in 2014. It's a great read, and a powerful story.

Congratulations, Luke!

Lorraine Langer, Director of Music Ministries

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 Sunday, December 15th. 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 15th. Questions? Contact Janie Torma and the Flower Guild.

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. The collection in December will be on December 1st and in January will be on January 5th.

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. Food Pantry Sunday in December is on December 8th and in January is on January 12th.

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 February issue of the Proclaimer to the Parish office by January 19th. The maximum length for all articles is 300 words.

The Vestry meets every month. The vestry minutes are available on our website here.

The Parish Office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8AM to 1PM.

Melissa will be away from the office December 19-January 3.

Advent Meditations

Living Love

The Advent season begins December 1st! Once again, the Living Compass will be offering their "Living Love" Advent booklets with daily meditations. They make a great personal and small group discussion resource. The Advent booklet is available in "flipbook" format in English here and in Spanish here.

Season of Light, by The Reverend Doctor Joyce Beaulieu

St. Paul's own Priest Associate, The Reverend Doctor Joyce Beaulieu has written a booklet of Advent and Christmas meditations called "Season of Light." The material is copyrighted, but is accessible here and on St. Paul's website. If you would like to make a contribution in support of Rev. Joyce's work, please contact her via email at revjoyce@stpaulsdekalb.org.

Blue Christmas Service

Wednesday, December 4th, 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 will be on Wednesday, December 4th at 7pm. The Blue Christmas Service includes prayers, scripture, and music that focuses on the hope and healing that God offers each one of us. Everyone is welcome to stay afterwards for light refreshments and conversation. All parishioners and friends are invited to attend!

Join Us at the Annual St. Nicholas Party!

Saturday, December 7th, 6:00pm

The annual St. Nicholas party is coming up on Saturday, December 7th, 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. . For more information, contact George and Jane Nenonen.

Join us Wednesdays for Mid-Week Holy Eucharist Service w/Prayers for Healing

All are welcome to join us Wednesdays for a quiet service of Holy Communion with healing prayers. The service begins at 9:30A.M. and never lasts longer than 30 minutes. We meet in the chapel in the Parish Hall, which was formerly the nursery. Enter through the North doors or the Kitchen door. The readings for the day are the propers for the Saint of the day from the "Holy Women, Holy Men" book. Here is the schedule of saints propers we will use for prayers and readings of the day:

December 4, 2013: John of Damascus

December 11, 2013: Lucy (Lucia)

December 18, 2013: William Lloyd Garrison and Maria Stewart

December 25: NO WEDNESDAY MORNING SERVICE, CHRISTMAS DAY!

January 1: NO WEDNESDAY MORNING SERVICE, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 2014 TBA

Grace Place News

Sunday, December 8th

Help Staff Grace Place for Late Night Study During Finals!

Grace Place is staying open Sunday "night," December 8th through Friday morning, December 13th for late night studying for any and all Northern Illinois University students after the library closes. Starting at midnight on the 8th we are looking for volunteers to staff Grace Place from midnight to 7AM (or a portion of that time). Please contact Amy Fallon via email at amy.fallon@graceplaceniu.com if you are able to help out. Grace Place will only be able to offer this special late night study with your help, the need is great as the library at NIU closes at midnight!

Grace Place is Organizing an Alternative Spring Break March 2014

Grace Place is going to New York over spring break from March 8th to March 13, 2014. We will help repair the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. The cost will be $150-$200 per person, depending on the size of the group and fund raising. This will cover all our travel, food, and housing expenses. We will be staying in one of two Episcopal churches, most likely sleeping on the floor in the church, so sleeping bags and perhaps inflatable mattresses will be part of the gear one should bring. We will cook for ourselves and will shop when we arrive. We will be working on house repair- mudding, wallboarding, plastering, painting, laying flooring- those sort of tasks. No need to have any particular skills, as we will be provided help and assistance. EVERYONE is welcome to join us in service. For more information, email us at graceplaceniu@gmail.com

Baking Up Nice Surprises Winter Delivery

Sunday, December 8th

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 8th. 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 . She will pick up all the baked goods, fruit, and other items from St. Paul's on Sunday afternoon, 12/8 and deliver them to the DeKalb County Hospice office.

Give a Teen a Special Christmas!

Sunday, December 8th

The counselors at Safe Passage have recommended to us teens with special needs for Christmas gifts. On December 8th at each service people will be able to choose a teen to buy the requested and needed gifts. The gifts are to be brought UNWRAPPED to church December 15th so we can get them to the shelter by the 17th. We look forward to the generous and wonderful gifts all of you so thoughtfully give. Questions? Contact Janie Torma or Pat McMahon

Eucharist at Oak Crest, December 18th and January 15th

Third Wednesday of Every Month, 2pm

St. Paul's has begun a monthly service of Holy Eucharist for parishioners and others at Oak Crest Retirement Facility. We will be having services on the third Wednesdays of the month at 2pm. The service will include music, readings, a short homily and communion. Readers, chalice bearers and music leaders are needed each month. Please sign up in the Parish hall. The chapel at Oak Crest has both a piano and electric organ. If you would like to be involved in this important outreach of our parish, please contact Hazel Retherford or the Rev. Dr. Joyce Beaulieu at revjoyce@stpauldekalb.org.

Clothing Re-Sale at Grace Place to Benefit TAILS Humane Society

Thursday, December 5th-Saturday, December 7th

Look fabulous for less! And help homeless pets while you're at it! Shop for generously used designer clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry at great prices Thursday December 5th from noon-5pm, Friday, December 6th from noon-5pm, and/or Saturday December 7th from 10am to 3pm at Grace Place. Grace Place is located at 401 Normal Road, DeKalb, IL. All proceeds will benefit the animals of TAILS Humane Society. For more information, check out www.tailshumanesociety.org/events.

Kids Mark your Calendar! St Nicholas Sunday is Coming up!

Sunday, December 8th

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 Monday, January 6th at our Epiphany Celebration.

Sunday School Info and Children's Christmas Party

Sunday, December 15th

We plan to continue Sunday School for children through December 15.

We will have our last day of Sunday School for the year on Sunday, December 15, and host a Parish Christmas Party after the 10:30 am Eucharist. Parishioners can join the children in decorating the trees, frosting holiday cookies or making ornaments. Pizza will be served.

Also, join the children for a special pageant on Christmas Eve! The children will retrace the journey of the Holy Family and celebrate the birth of Jesus during the Children's Christmas Eve service at 4 p.m. For more information contact Rochelle Cripe

Christmas Eve Services

Tuesday, 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 Tuesday, 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. There will be a special pageant during the 4:00pm Christmas Eve service! The children will retrace the journey of the Holy Family and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

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**

Epiphany Celebration

Monday, January 6th at 6pm, dinner at 7pm

Mark your calendars! Join us Monday, January 6th, 2014 at 6pm for our Epiphany Celebration. We will have a family friendly service with singing and telling the Epiphany story for children of all ages. Epiphany at St. Paul's means fellowship, food, finding treasures in cakes, and full pinatas ready to be attacked. Watch for a sign up sheet and details in future Sunday bulletins.

Next Date for Baptism will be Sunday, January 12th 2014, The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus

Adults or families of children considering Baptism should contact Rev. Stacy as soon as possible.

2014 Budget Q & A and Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 19th and Sunday, January 26th

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 19th, 2014 at 9AM and will be a question and answer session regarding the 2014 budget. Look for copies of the proposed 2014 budget to be available in early January. On January 26th, 2014 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 19th or January 26th but Childcare will be available in the Nursery beginning at 8:45am*

Contemplative Outreach in DeKalb over the Holidays

Interested in some extra quiet over the holidays? Contemplative Outreach has a DeKalb group that meets Wednesdays at 5-6pm at First Congregation Church. We sit in silence together, and have a brief discussion. New people are always welcome. For more information, contact Molly Lovelock at lovelock3@gmail.com

Make a Donation for Vestments and Other Articles to Enhance Our Worship Services!

The Altar Guild has prepared a display posted on the board in the hallway by the Parish Hall which describes the new Vestments, altar and pulpit stoles, chalice covers, cross, acolyte lamps, and other articles we are buying to enhance our worship services. Please look at the display and consider whether you might like to make a donation in memory of someone or merely to help St Paul's with the cost. We are using the Building Fund for payment since that is composed in part with donations contributed to St Paul's in the past. The cost of the individual items is listed, in case you would like to donate to a specific piece. A label would be applied to the selection if that were the case.

Please contact Rev. Stacy or Jocelyn Prall if you are interested in making a donation. The items have been ordered and are currently being sewn and constructed. We hope to have them in service by Christmas.

For Seniors Over 70 - Using Some of Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) as a Contribution

A provision of the Income Tax Law which went into effect at the end of 2012 is available for 2013. You may contribute up to $100,000 of an IRA Minimum Distribution to a qualifying charity (e.g. St Paul's) and exclude it from taxation on your 2013 Federal 1040. You would not include it as a charitable deduction but exclude it from the taxable distribution. To take advantage of this one would need to have the Trustee of your IRA send the funds directly to the Church, and label it as coming from your IRA. St Paul's would then send you a letter acknowledging your contribution. This is effective for tax year 2013. I will check to see if it was extended to 2014 also.

This is a benefit for those who no longer itemize. They may get a benefit from donating to a charity without itemizing.

Pat Brown, Treasurer

Share your Perspective with the Taskforce to Reimagine The Episcopal Church for the Future

In 2012, the General Convention created a taskforce to reimagine The Episcopal Church for the future. The members of the Taskforce are trying to reach as many people as possible over the next few months to hear the memories, hopes, and dreams that people have for The Church. They will use what is sent to them to help shape recommendations for The Church's structure, administration, and governance.

Please take the opportunity to share your perspectives with the taskforce. You may fill out your responses online at http://reimagetec.org, or email your responses to reimaginetec@gmail.com. There are kits available online to engage in this discussion in a group setting as well.

Rochelle Rotary Club Calendars still For Sale!

Terry Dickow still has Rochelle Rotary Club calendars for sale. Calendars are $20 and benefit several Rochelle charities serving battered and abused women and children, a senior center, food pantry and other social service agencies. One advantage to this calendar are daily cash drawings! Each person who buys a calendar is entered into a drawing and can win a daily prize of $25 and other prizes on holidays. Contact him at: dickow@comcast.net and he will bring your calendar to church.

Fair Trade Items from All Over the World

All the gift items in Glidden Florist are now fair trade items for countries around the globe. They are trying to make sure that the people who made the homemade items get a fair standard of living. Think about purchasing some of your Christmas gifts from Glidden Florist to help out these folks who need a fair standard of living. Glidden Florist is located at 917 West Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. Questions? Contact Rosemarie Ostberg.

November Food Pantry Report and Reminders

Many thanks to all parishioners who contributed to Food Pantry Sunday in November. St. Paul's donated 216 food or personal items and 415 diapers. Donations for 2013 now total 4,965 items.

Very special thanks to the individual (or individuals) who has donated large tubs of food each month this fall. Bless you!

The need for generous donations continues. The staff and clients of the Food Pantry continue to be very grateful for your contributions.

The next food pantry collection will be on Sunday, December 8th. The food pantry collection in January will be on Sunday, January 12th. Thanks.

St. Paul's Thanksgiving Meal Delivery Report

On Friday, November 22nd Maureen Gerrity delivered 9 complete meals from St. Paul's to the Salvation Army. In addition, members of the congregations sent checks for another 6 Thanksgiving meals ($30 each) directly to the Salvation Army. Our grand total this year is 15 baskets.

When Maureen delivered the 9 baskets, the staff told her how much they appreciate our church and the help our members provide throughout the year. Maureen shared that it is truly an honor to represent the good people of St. Paul's!

Thank you Maureen for many years of service in this important ministry!

Anniversaries, Birthdays & Events

December Birthdays:

Linda Kelley (12/1) Larry Retherford (12/18)

Ava Stubblefield (12/3) Rich Frontjes (12/18)

Ellen Anderson (12/6) Michael Ouellette (12/22)

Betsy Pool (12/7) Andrew Cripe (12/27)

Jan Bach (12/11) Robert Brown (12/30)

Martin Mounts (12/16)

December Anniversaries:

Terry/Jackie Dickow (12/13) Robert/Marguerite Harkness (12/23)

Scott/Victoria Newport (12/16) Larry/Hazel Retherford (12/30)

Rob/Peggy Russell (12/22) Linda Kelley/David Nissen (12/31)

January Birthdays:

Luke Stubblefield (1/6) Christina Krueger (1/15)

Lynn Roberts (1/10) Joseph Newport (1/16)

Nora Lindvall (1/12) Michael Duffy (1/27)

Julie Kostrey (1/14) Jane DeGolier (1/28)

Janice Larson (1/15)

January Anniversaries:

George/Jane Nenonen (1/21)

Dan/Janice Guiborat (1/26)

Al/Peggy Newby (1/28)

Upcoming Events:

12/4: Blue Christmas

12/7: St. Nicholas Party

12/9: Baking Up Nice Surprises Winter Delivery

12/24: Christmas Eve Services at 4pm and 6pm

1/6: Epiphany Sunday celebration (Monday)

1/19: Budget Meeting

1/26: Annual Meeting

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

parishoffice@stpaulsdekalb.org

http://www.stpaulsdekalb.org

The Very Reverend Stacy A. Walker-Frontjes, Rector

revstacy@stpaulsdekalb.org