From the Junior Warden, Peg Newby

Update on Capital Improvements Needs:

At our annual meeting this year, we learned that a committee would be formed to look at our capital improvement needs, and the possibility of conducting a capital campaign.  Luke Krueger and the Building and Grounds committee, along with Rev. Stacy, has done much work to determine appropriate responses to these needs.  The projects looked at included the Rectory roof, parking lot repairs, and new signage for our property.  After reviewing the costs involved, the Vestry agreed that no capital campaign is needed at this time.  We have sufficient funds in our building fund to cover these expenses, and leave ourselves a buffer/emergency fund for major events that could lead to our inability to conduct worship services.  For future capital improvements, we will likely need to conduct a campaign and request pledges from parishioners to assist in the ongoing support of our building and grounds.  Thank you to parishioners past and present for their ongoing support of St. Paul's.

Places of Grace and Gladness Offering:

During our Parish Picnic on August 24th, we will be asked to contribute to a special one-time offering to support the Campaign for St. James Commons.  The renovation of the Commons is complete, and gifts to the Campaign will replenish diocesan assets from which Bishop Lee and his staff fund congregational projects for new and revitalizing ministries.  To better understand this Campaign, a DVD provided by the diocese will be available for viewing in Parish Hall after both services on August 17th.  You can view the DVD online at http://www.episcopalchicago.org/ppour-diocese/campaign. 

I would remind you again of our Vision and Mission Statements.  We pray that our hearts may be opened to seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to be the church and the Christians that God is calling us to be.  We are called to gather around the sacred story and table of Christ where all are invited to be fed and everyone's story matters.  Please prayerfully consider what you can do to help our church family meet our goals as described in these two statements.  Everyone is needed and important!

The Adult Sunday School class at St. Paul's invites you to gather together to discuss this summer's read-a-long book, a classic of Christian literature, "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis.  We'll gather at Marilyn Cleland's home on Saturday, August 16th, at 5:30 P.M. What to bring: your book, a dish to pass, a friend. Please RSVP to Marilyn for directions.

Lector (both services)

Reads the assigned Bible passages at the ambo (pulpit/lectern). These readings are available at the Revised Common Lectionary or from our website, or can be made available to you.

Intercessor (both services)

Reads the Prayers of the People at the ambo. These prayers can be made available to you ahead of time.

Usher (need two at 10:30 service)

Greets people at the entrances and distributes bulletins. Gives welcome bags to guests and invites them to sign the guest book. Offers children's coloring pages to youngsters. Helps seat people if needed. Collects offering, and leads rows to communion. After the service collects leftover bulletins. Makes sure doors are locked after service. Requires that you be at church about fifteen minutes before service and about fifteen minutes after the service.

Coffee Hour Host (10:30 service)

The coffee will have been brewed at the first service. Serves coffee and seasonal beverages and brings seasonal snack. Cleans coffee pots and straightens after coffee hour. Requires that you be here early enough set up refreshments, and about half an hour after coffee hour finishes to clean up.