Letter from the Senior Warden, Luke Krueger

When I was a teenager, there was a song that had a popular line, "The roof...the roof...the roof is on fire..." and while our roof is not on fire, I am sure many of you have noticed that in recent weeks, our roof has let in copious amounts of water. Since then, much of what occupies my mind is our roof. The cause of the leaksis ice dams. Essentially, water, snow, condensation, etc. freeze underneath the shingles then thaw as the weather warms up or as our sanctuary warms. It seeps through the wood panels and leaks into the sanctuary.

Aside from being annoying, the overall potential damage such as rot to the wood panels is a growing concern. The roof is relatively new, not even ten years old. Moreover, we seem to encounter this ice dam problem year in and year out to varying levels of severity. Without getting into much more specific matters, I at least want to let you know what we on the vestry as advised by buildings and grounds intend to do.

The principles upon which I am operating are these: The roof was to last fifty years; much of the manufacturer's advertising material, which is online, regarding the type of shingles we have says that the shingles will prevent ice dams; thus, we have a new roof that should not leak from ice dams, but we do, and it is my intention to make sure this is put right by those who should and can remedy this matter.

The first step is that I have contacted the Diocese of Chicago, and they are advising us as to what the next step is. I continue to research the type of shingles we have, process of installation both when our roof was installed, and any differences to the process since then. I feel that this problem will be fixed hopefully in short order, but Lord knows things like this take time. However, if with the Diocese's help, by next winter this will be a thing of the past, and no longer a matter with which future senior wardens must contend.

But my tone here addresses an unfortunate matter, and if there is one thing I appreciate about St. Paul's, it is that we have a vibrant positivity, and I don't wish to end this article without a positive thought: Moving from larger picture to smaller picture.

To be sure, I am grateful for the Diocese's assistance with the roof. Yet it does not surprise me. This past November, I was fortunate to attend, as a lay delegate, my first Diocesan Convention. Those who had attended in the past said the experience would be profound. They were right, although they said I would be moved by the service.

To be sure the service and communion was a holy occasion. Nothing struck me more, though, than when the first delegate from the Peoria Deanery stepped to a microphone. He was a man small in build, his voice a little high, and it trembled as he expressed his parish's desire to joining with the Chicago Diocese. Clearly he was nervous in addressing the Bishop. Although a bit obscured from my sight, I did catch a glimpse of the gentleman's hand, which trembled a little bit. Nerves? I don't think so. I think he was overcome by a joy of finally resolving the matter of the Quincy Diocese tumultuous past few years; it was for him, a chance to say, this is what we wish to be a part of.

Once the request had been formally read and entered into the record, Bishop Lee's voice quivered as he choked up, restrained his tears, and then asked the delegates, "All in favor?" A resounding, "Aye" filled the ballroom. Resounding does not capture it. It was thunderous. Not one voice of descent. This moment truly was profound. It was humbling to witness the Peoria Deanery's delegates seek out triumphantly that which I believe I took for granted.

While we are in the western reaches of the Diocese, I hope we never lose sight of the fact that we are a part of a vibrant and compassionate community that is the Chicago Diocese. And that we are not out of their sight. When I mentioned that I was a member of St. Paul's, Diocesan officials and lay delegates knew exactly who we were. Rev. Stacy's work in the Diocese and leadership of the Rockford Deanery, have caused many to take notice; the same must be said for the work our dedicated Thrive team members have done. St. Paul's is a place where special things have and continue to take place not just within the walls or under the roof of our church. We continue to look outward and help our community.

Such a thing happened last night (2/26). St Paul's and ISNU and members of Alpha Phi Omega helped cook, serve and clean up for the Wednesday dinner at Feed'em Soup. It was a cold night, and for a moment we were able to assist a great place like Feed'em Soup in providing a warm, nourishing, and exceptionally high quality dinner to some of DeKalb's most needy citizens. The folks at Feed'em Soup were awestruck by the fact that they had more help than they knew what to do with. As I wrapped up the final tasks of cleaning with, believe it or not one of my current students who is in Alpha Phi Omega, and some of her fellow members, Mike the kitchen manager, looked around in awe. "This is unbelievable," he said. "This is the cleanest the kitchen's ever been after a Wednesday night."

Whether it is the vibrant energy we bring in Diocesan presence, our ever strengthening friendship with ISNU, or even a nondescript frigid night in DeKalb, St. Paul's has a core value of making a difference - and jumping at any opportunity we can to do so. Thus as Mike marveled, I thought, "I can believe it."        

~Luke Krueger, Senior Warden

Treasurer's Summary, Pat Brown

January 2014

Reconciliation of a Penitent

Guest Preacher Rev. Lou Ness to Talk About Her 753 Mile March

Sunday, March 23rd

Help us welcome the Rev. Lou Ness on Sunday, March 23rd, who will share her mission as she steps into The March to Washington DC, promoting prosperity for all God's People.

Lou will start her 753 mile March on April First from Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rockford Ill and continue through small and large towns, carrying the message of hope and help to the people ready to step up and make a difference in the lives of people who live in poverty or homelessness for whatever reason.

Lou will shares ways communities can make a difference in the lives of people who suffer from the devastating impacts of chronic poverty and struggle, encouraging local solutions to local problmes, while urging political action through letters to elected official, letters to editors and faith communities united to bring the faces and stories of real people to the public face.

Lou is the executive Director of Shelter Care Ministries, an outreach ministry of Emmanuel Epsicopal Church in Rockford. Shelter Care programs reach out to adults with serious mental illness who are homeless or at high risk of homelessness, families who live in homelessness and individuals struggling to find employment or transition to living wage employment. The Shelter Care Board and staff are supporting the March and have created a logistics group to support the needs of marchers along the way. If you would like more information about the March and how to help please call Judy Johnson at Shelter Care Ministries 815-964-5520 or email at jjohnson@shelter-care.org .

United Thank Offering Spring Ingathering

Saturday, April 26th

"Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for all of God's blessings".

The 2014 Diocesan United Thank Offering (UTO) theme reminds us that the "blue boxes" will be available soon. During Lent, we will learn more about this year's campaign, involve the children by telling the story (Godly Play), express our thanks in a visual form, and fill our UTO boxes with coins representing our thanks.   Our donations will be presented at the April 26th ingathering in Chicago. Donations are used to support grants for mission and ministry. If you'd like more information about UTO, please go to www.episcopalchurch.org/page/united-thank-offering.

(In addition to the coin boxes, special envelopes will be available for you to use. If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to St. Paul's, with UTO in the memo line.)

I look forward to helping walk us through this annual thanks-giving, and invite you to prayerfully consider making UTO a part of your Lenten journey.

Peg Newby                             

St. Paul's Fellowship Opportunity

Friday, March 14th, dinner at 5:30pm

Join us on Friday, March 14, 2014 for a night out on the town in fellowship with St. Paul's parish family and friends of all ages!  The group will meet for dinner at the local, family-owned Hillside Restaurant in DeKalb at 5:30 PM and then head next door to the historic Egyptian Theater for the 7:30 PM performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat produced by Stage Coach Players.  This "open group" is the perfect way to get to know folks from both service times at a lighthearted event filled with food, fun, and entertainment.  Ticket ordering assistance will be provided for those who do not have a computer or need extra help.  Please pick up a informational flyer and sign up today at the Fellowship Opportunity poster board display in Parish Hall.  Co-coordinators for the event are Jennie Cummings and Julie Kostrey.

Lenten Retreat/Workshop Opportunity, "The Wisdom Tradition"        

Saturday, March 22nd, 9:30am-1pm

The Reverend Bill Redfield, Director of Wisdom House at Trinity Church, Syracuse, NY, will present on "The Wisdom Tradition: Bringing Spiritual Practice into the Present" this March. The event will take place at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 412 No. Church St. Rockford, IL.  Lunch will be included. Contact Barrie Gibby, Senior Warden at Emmanuel, Rockford for more information: bargibby@yahoo.com Check out this flyer for more details!                    

Thrive Community Neighborhood Garden

After meeting with Dan Kenney, head of the DeKalb County Community Gardens Association, we have decided to give the dream of a community garden and farmer's market at St. Paul's a chance.  We have a team of parishioners that are helping with the beginning stages of planning for these exciting projects but we will need a lot of help and support from all of you!  We recently had another planning meeting on Feb. 27th to discuss how to reach our neighbors to decide what it is they would like to see planted, how to go about planting it all and how/if to add more space with more raised beds, etc.  Help us to get the word out and start asking your neighbors what would like to see at a farmer's market!  Our tentative date for the first market will be June 28th from 11am-2pm. For more information contact Rev. Stacy                    

Rev. Dr. Gwynne Wright's Retirement Open House and Goodbye Party

Friday, March 14th, 2-4pm

The Reverend Doctor Gwynne Wright served as the interim rector for St. Paul's from 2008-2010. You are invited to Rev. Dr. Gwynne Wright's Retirement Open House and Goodbye Part on March 14th from 2-4pm at Bexley Seabury, 8765 W. Higgins Rd, Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60631. Bring yourself and your good wishes and wish Gwynne well as she prepares to embark on the next phase of her life in England near her husband's family in York. Please RSVP to Rev. Dr. Jane Clark at janeaclark@comcast.net or Lynn Bower at lbowers@bexleyseabury.edu by March 11th.                              

Our Friends from TAILS Humane Society Announce their Spring Fundraiser: Tropical TAILS

Saturday, April 12th

Join TAILS Humane Society at Faranda's at 302 Grove Street, DeKalb for the 13th Annual Tropical TAILS fundraising event! Tropical TAILS 2014 will be bigger and better than ever! TAILS is seeking donations of gift cards (any value, any retailer). Did you receive a gift card this holiday season that you are not going to use? Consider giving it to TAILS. Questions? Contact Tom at (815) 758-2457 x111 or tom@tailshumanesociety.org .

TAILS Humane Society have been our guests at our Pet Blessing for the past four years. Two members of St. Paul's are on their Board of Directors, Sharon Dowen and Rev. Stacy Walker-Frontjes. Please contact them for more information about Tropical Tails.                            

What's New at Love In the Name of Christ?

Did you know there are 41 churches using Love In the Name of Christ including St. Paul's in our area? We are changing lives through the love of Christ every day! Thanks for everything you do to support this ministry.

Love INC is looking for volunteers! Can you volunteer once a week from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Thursday, or Friday?  The Intake phone line has a spot for you.  You can provide the first sign of hope for those who call for help.  A great way to serve people in need is by delivering needed items to them.  The Moving Team could use you and others from your congregation working together 2-3 hours a month.   You can make a huge difference in people's lives! For more details contact Nathan Scott, director, at 815-217-0082.

Appliances, bikes, and lamps in good condition can always be put to good use.  If you have some to get rid of, please remember that Love INC will deliver them to people who need them. You can also donate online now.  Visit our website:   www.loveincdeksyc.org and you will see the "Donate" button on the main page (left side, about half way down).

May 10^th will be our 5^th Annual Banquet from 6-8:30.  RSVP is needed. More information to be announced at a future date.