News from St. Paul's Episcopal Church            December 2014-January 2015 

 

December 2014

January 2015


 
Joy to the world! The Lord has come: Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.

Isaac Watts (1674-1748)


 

Dear Friends,


 

We have entered the season of exceedingly full calendars and strong feelings AKA Advent. However, tension headaches from too many Christmas preparations is not at all what God wants for us in Advent!   Advent is a time of preparation for our hearts to receive the Christ child and to receive Christ the King when he returns to earth once more.  Advent is a time of hopeful expectation at best.  At worst, Advent is a whirlwind of activity hurtling towards Christmas Day.  Or for some of us a time of sadness as we are reminded once again of something or someone who is missing in our lives. It can be hard to hold on to hope and joy in the face of the materialism that has sought to define Christmas for us.


 


 

Rev. Stacy's letter continues below... 

IN THIS ISSUE
Dear Friends (Rev. Stacy)
Rev. Stacy's Letter Continues
Blue Christmas
Christmas Eve
Music Ministries
November at St. Paul's
Advent
St. Nicholas Party
St. Nicholas Sunday
Blood Drive
Children's Christmas Party
Mid-Week Holy Eucharist
Eucharist at Oak Crest
Epiphany Celebration
Baptism
Martin Luther King Jr Day
2015 Annual Meetings
Bishop's Visit
UN Commission on Women
Parish Office Reminders
Poinsettias for Christmas
Flowers for the Altar
From the Junior Warden
Bishop Lee's Convention Sermon
Stewardship Campaign
Treasurer's Summary
Food Pantry Report and Reminders
Thanksgiving Baskets
Crop Walk
Anniversaries, Birthdays, & Events
Contact Information

This hardly seems right!  I say, let's take back the season of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany!  Let's invite God to define this season for us, not Target and the television.  I invite you to join me in a devotional practice of making room in our hearts to receive Jesus.  Each day of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany I will share what I'm doing to prepare my heart to receive Jesus on St Paul's Facebook page and Twitter account (@StPaulsDeKalb) using #makeroomforJesus.  I  invite you to add your reflections as well in words or with photos.  It may be a small thing we do to #makeroomforJesus  such as pausing to pray, listening with love to your spouse, inviting a neighbor over for a cup of coffee, playing a board game with a child, or writing a note to someone you haven't talked to in a long time. 

 

There will be many opportunities to #makeroomforJesus at St. Paul's in December and January as well such as being a gracious host to our guests on January 19th at the community Martin Luther King Jr. service, or participating in the Heartland blood drive on December 8th, or coming to pray with others who are struggling at this time of year at our Blue Christmas service on December 10th. 

 

If you are not a user of Facebook or Twitter, then I encourage you to make note in a journal or in whatever way works best for you of how you are making room for Jesus.  The sharing is optional, but taking the time to #makeroomforJesus is our calling this season and always.

 

God bless you on the Way,

Rev. Stacy+

Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, December 10, 7 PM

The holiday season is often called "the most wonderful time of the year".  Yet for many people the holiday season is a difficult time, 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 it is helpful to acknowledge our sadness and concern and know that we are not alone.

 

St. Paul's Episcopal Church invites all to attend a Blue Christmas gathering on Wednesday, December 10th, 2014 at 7 p.m.  The service will include prayers, Scripture and music (piano and cello) that focus on the hope and healing that God offers each one of us. There will be an opportunity to light a candle of remembrance. Light refreshments and conversation will follow in the parish hall.  No RSVP is required - our doors will be open to all who come.

 
CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATIONS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24

        4:00 P.M.         and              6:00 P.M.

Be sure to join us on Christmas Eve! There will be two services, one at 4:00 P.M. and one at 6:00 P.M. The earlier service is a child centered, family friendly service that will be shorter than a typical Sunday service. The later service will feature the St. Paul's wonderful Adult and Youth Choir. There will be light refreshments served following both services.

Music Ministries

Advent is here and Christmas is near!  

Check out a track of the St. Paul's Adult/Youth Choirs first CD
More information on the CD coming soon
 
The Children's Choir did a wonderful job in November for All Saints Sunday (see more pics below) with "We Are the Church Together!" 

The kids are preparing for Christmas Eve and rehearse on Thursday afternoons from 5:00-5:30 PM. All children (Ages 3-12) are welcome to participate!

The Adult/Youth Choir is currently working on some beautiful music for the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany seasons. For the first two Sundays in Advent, Chelsea Coventry (photo on the right), will be assisting the choir on the cello for our choral anthems. She and Huixin will also play for our Blue Christmas Service. Chelsea has a beautiful voice and sings alto in our church choir. Her talents as an singer, cellist, composer, music theorist, music librarian, teacher and professional artistry are a very welcome addition to the St. Paul's music program. Ask her about her musical interests and Einstein at coffee hour sometime and watch her face light up! Thanks for sharing your talents and spirit with us, Chelsea!

On Sunday, December 21, the choir will be singing a new beautiful and powerful anthem "There Shall A Star Come out from Jacob" Felix Mendelssohn and will be assisted by two pianist for the accompaniment (Huixin Chen and Abi Mogge). Come and sing with us! If you are unable to join in on Thursday evening choir rehearsals 7-9 PM, no problem, we run-thru the anthem right before the Sunday morning service at 10 AM, so just come and join us on Sunday mornings! 
_______________________________________________________________

Congratulations to our church accompanist/pianist, Huixin Chen! 
 
Huixin performed in her graduate NIU recital with great artistry, skill and grace! 
Thanks to Jocelyn, Linda, Chris, Maureen, Chelsea, Jan and Gretchen for assisting in hosting the reception on behalf of St. Paul's Community outreach initiatives.

 
All Saints Sunday 11/02/2014

         











First Sunday in Advent

Advent Season begins on Sunday, November 30th. Devotional materials from Living Compass are available to help with your spiritual preparation for Christmas. There are also wall posters to remind you of your progress through the season. They can be found in the Sanctuary and in the Parish Hall.
St. Nicholas Party

Join Us at the Annual St. Nicholas Party!

Saturday, December 6th, 6:00pm


 


The annual St. Nicholas party is coming up on Saturday, December 6th, 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 in Sycamore. 

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.
St. Nicholas Sunday is Coming Up!

We'll be celebrating the feast of St. Nicholas at our 10:30 A.M. service on December 7th 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 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'll gather the Mighty Boxes on Tuesday, January 6th, at our Epiphany Celebration.
Blood Drive at St. Paul's

Heartland Blood Centers will be parking their mobile coach at St. Paul's on Monday December 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm. A photo ID is required. To schedule your donation you can call the parish office at 815-756-4888 or sign up on line at www.heartlandbc.org There will also be sign up sheets in the Parish Hall through December 7th. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Jennie Cummings or call Heartland Blood Centers at 800-786-4483.
December 14
Holy Baptism Celebration and
Children's Christmas Party -

The last Sunday School for 2014 will be at 9:30 A.M. on December 14. There will be a baptism at the 10:30 service on this Sunday. Please come and meet our newest member and her family after the service and join the children (and fun loving adults) in decorating St. Paul's Christmas trees. There will be holiday crafts and cookie decorating and pizza. Children of all ages are invited. Please check with Maureen Gerrity for more information or how to help.
Mid-Week Holy Eucharist Service 
with Prayers for Healing
 
All are welcome to join us on Wednesdays for a quiet service of Holy communion and healing prayers. The service never lasts longer than 30 minutes. We meet in the chapel in the Parish Hall. You can enter through the North doors or the Kitchen door.

December 3                      9:30 A.M.
December 10                    Blue Christmas Service at 7:00 P.M.
December 17                    5:30 P.M.
December 24                    Christmas Eve - services at 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.
Hymn Sing and Celebration of
Holy Eucharist at Oak Crest, December 17th
Third Wednesday of December, 1:15 P.M.

 

St. Paul's continues a monthly service of Holy Eucharist for parishioners and others at Oak Crest Retirement Facility. This month we will start with a hymn sing followed by the 30 minute service. The service will include music, readings, a short homily and communion.  All members are invited to participate! We'd like to thank our volunteer pianist, Gayle Dannenberg, for making this wonderful event possible.

IN JANUARY
Epiphany Celebration January 6th
at 6:00 PM, Potluck Dinner at 7:00 PM

Mark your calendars! Join us Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 at 6 P.M. for our Epiphany Celebration. We will have a family friendly service with singing and telling the Epiphany story for children of all ages. A potluck dinner follows at 7:00 P.M.  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.
The Next Date for Baptism will be
Sunday, January 11, 2015
The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus

The next feast day at which baptisms are particularly appropriate will be the Baptism of our Lord on Sunday, January 11th, 2015.  If you or anyone you know is interested in receiving the sacrament of baptism contact Rev. Stacy today.  

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration


St. Paul's will be hosting the community celebration on January 19, 2015, remembering the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. More information will follow.
2015 Budget Q and A
Sunday, January 18th, 2015
Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 25th, 2015


 

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 18th, 2015 at 9AM and will be a question and answer session regarding the 2015 budget.  Look for copies of the proposed 2015 budget to be available in early January.  On January 25th, 2015 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 18th or January 25th but Childcare will be available in the Nursery beginning at 8:45am

Visit from the Bishop and
Confirmation

On February 8th, Bishop Christopher Epting (assisting Bishop in the Diocese of Chicago) will be visiting St. Paul's.  Services of confirmation are presided over by a bishop.  Confirmation is the adult reaffirmation of one's baptismal vows, and is encouraged for adults who are joining the Episcopal Church from another Christian Church.  If you would like to know more information about confirmation, please contact Rev. Stacy asap!

 

Is February 8th too soon to prepare?  There will also be an opportunity for those adults who want to be confirmed to attend a diocesan wide confirmation that is held every year on a Saturday afternoon at St. James Cathedral in Eastertide (which is Easter Sunday through Pentecost Sunday and this year is from April 5th thru May 24th, 2015).  That date is still to be announced.  

Rev. Stacy to Represent Episcopal Church
at the United Nations Commission on
The Status of Women (UNSCW)

The Rev. Stacy Walker-Frontjes has been named by Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori to the delegation representing The Episcopal Church at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) Meeting, March 9-20th in New York.  The delegation of twenty women and men is from across the Church in the United States and Latin America.  Rev. Stacy is delighted to be a part of the representation of the Episcopal Church at the UNCSW.  She looks forward to not only attending, but bringing back the stories of this experience to our community.  She hopes that from this experience she can collaborate with others who are advocating for the well being of women and girls locally and around the world. For the official press release please click here.
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 next collections will be on December 7th and January 4th.
 
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 Sundays coming up are December 14th and January 11th.
 
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 2015 issue of the Proclaimer to the Parish office by January 18, 2015. 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 Mondays through Thursdays, 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
DONATIONS FOR POINSETTIAS 
FOR CHRISTMAS

Donations for poinsettias to decorate the altar for Christmas can be sent from now through Sunday, December 14. 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 that can be placed in the collection plate.
Or you can mail your check and email the parish office with Christmas flower memorials and dedications that can be listed in the bulletin. 
Flowers for the Altar
Some dates are open

 

Several dates are open for flower donations in honor of 

or in memory of loved ones:


 
December 2

 December 9

 January 4

 January 11

 January 18

 January 25

 

The sign up sheet is on the bulletin board outside of the parish office. Generally the donation is around $30 for a Sunday. Flowers in Advent will be seasonal greens.

From the Junior Warden, Peggy Newby

Our Mission & Vision 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. 


 

I've just returned from my first Episcopal Diocese of Chicago Convention.  It was about what you would expect a convention to be.  Keynote speakers, resolutions, and interesting breakout sessions.  Meals with friends and quiet time in a nice hotel room.  The mind spins with all the information presented, and the heart soars when recalling the wonderful Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Lee.


 

But what I found most oddly interesting is that the convention topics and atmosphere directly related to our Mission & Vision Statements!  Gee - go figure!  I think any of us in attendance could tell you exactly how that was true, but suffice it to say the Episcopal Church "gets it."  Being a relatively new Episcopalian, I am still learning the history, still finding how my faith fits into this framework, and still just a little unsure of some of the inside jokes and stories.  Makes no difference.  I felt as much a part of the events, and just as important, as the other hundreds of clergy and lay delegates and friends in attendance.


 

It is a good time of year for Convention.  What a great way to get pumped up for an exciting, busy time in our Church year.  We are in Advent.  A time for preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ.  I hope you can let your mind and body settle into the rhythm of the season.  Attend Sunday worship and our other special services and gatherings.  Be in community.  It is a powerful feeling, and your story does matter! 


 

My hope for our new year is that we will all grow closer to each other and to Christ as we determine our programming and events and how to live out our Mission and Vision.  I hope to see each of you to personally wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  If that is not possible, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.


 

See you on Sunday!


 

Peg Newby

Diocesan Convention
November 21-22, 2014

  

A video link to Bishop Lee's sermon can be found here.

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN


 

   

As we wind up this year's Walking the Way Stewardship campaign, we'd like to remind you that it's never too late to make a commitment to St. Paul's!  If you haven't turned in your commitment card yet, please do so as soon as you can.  We will be finalizing the 2015 budget to be presented at our annual meeting gatherings in January.  As mentioned in our original Stewardship letter, we are trying to be good stewards of our Endowment Fund, and have guidelines for its use.  This means that our pledge offerings need to increase to cover the anticipated costs for 2015.  All commitments are accepted with deep gratitude.  Please see Peg Newby, Mary Lincoln, or Pat Brown if you have questions about the budget materials you have received.

(And a big thank you to Susan for her assistance in the office.  We couldn't do it without you!)


 

Peg & Mary

Treasurer's Summary, Pat Brown

November 2014


 
 

St Paul's Episcopal Church, DeKalb, IL 60115


December Mars Hill Treasurer's Report 

with October 2014 figures: 

       

This report covers the month of October 2014.  The American Midwest Bank checking account is our primary operating account. Accounting is done by the American Midwest Bank Tax and Payroll Department. This account includes funds transferred from the Building Fund at Edward Jones to facilitate paying capital project bills. Our Building Fund major funds and the Endowment Fund are managed by Edward Jones.

 

Receipts through October 31, 2014

We have received 85% of the pledged amount and 87% of the total budgeted receipts by the end of the ten month period. Total operating receipts through October 2014 were $186,990.

 

Disbursements through October, 2014

Total operating disbursements for the ten month period were $186,818. The difference of receipts over disbursements for the year is $172. We've received 87% of budgeted receipts and spent 87% of budgeted disbursements. By percent we are even on receipts and disbursements after ten months of the year.

 

Building Fund

The balance in the Edward Jones Building Fund at the end of October was $43,957 - $40,000 in CD's and $3,957 in the Money Market Fund.  The total balance of Building funds is $50,533. The Building Fund balance in AMB checking is $6,576. We received contributions of $85 in the regular building fund and $410 in memorial contributions for Norma Fitzgerald. Expenditures from the building fund were $9,800 for the rectory roof, and $2,678 for partial payment of a rectory replacement window and repairs ($12,478.)

 

Endowment Fund

The value of the Endowment Fund at the end of October was $2,056,714. The net decrease in value for the year as of October 31, 2014 was ($7,926.) That includes the total of $85,000 we have taken as allocations of from the Endowment for Operating expenses. That amount is slightly over 4% of the average ending monthly balance for the past year. If all the pledged amounts are collected for 2014 we may not need to increase our allocation.

 

Apache Stock - The 5.878 shares on deposit with the company were valued at $453.78 on October 31, 2014.

                               

On October 31, 2014 the Flower Fund balance was $108.22; Discretionary Fund was $1,315.77; Columbarium Fund was $1,471.80; the Garden Fund has a $156.23 balance to be sent to DCCG. The balance in the American Midwest Bank account on October 31, 2014 was $16,404.58. The Building fund portion was $6,575.81 and Operations amount was $6,776.75.

 

Respectfully submitted

Pat Brown, Treasurer, November 17, 2014

November Food Pantry Report and Reminders
  

Thanks to all parishioners who contributed to Food Pantry Sunday in November. 

 

St. Paul's members donated 83 food or personal items and 70 diapers on Sunday, November 9.  The total number of items given to the food pantry year-to-date is 4,387.  In October the food pantry served 788 families--2,946 individuals.  The need continues to be great.


 For those of you who would like to fulfill a special need for the pantry, we would suggest bags of apples or oranges.  Although sometimes there are donations from grocery stores of cut melon, etc., there is rarely any fresh fruit available.  This would be a healthy option for those coming to the food pantry.


 

The next food pantry collections will be on Sunday December 14th, 2014 and January 11, 2015.  Please try to contibute, even if it is just a can or two of vegetables or fruit. Thanks to all whose donations helped to make this a successful ministry. 

                                                                                                                             Pat and Vince McMahon

Thanksgiving Baskets

St. Paul's donated 11 Thanksgiving meal baskets to the Salvation Army on Saturday. There was an extra $10 gift card as well. When I delivered the baskets, the gentleman that was on duty told me there were 864 requests for baskets this year. St. Paul's members also sent monetary donations of $175 directly to the Salvation Army for meals. I had a request from Gail and Lonnie Piper and the family for a Thanksgiving meal. An additional basket including a turkey was delivered directly to their family as they no longer have a car. They were very grateful for the basket and send their love and thanks to all of the congregation.

Thank you, everyone, for your donations toward this holiday meal drive!

Maureen Gerrity
Crop Walk Report
 
This evening Eva and I attended the wrap-up meeting for the Sondra King Memorial CROP Walk of (Northern) DeKalb County.

The total for the Walk is $29,077.41  The treasurer told us that this very likely will reach $30,000 by the end of the calendar year, because money is still coming in.  In the year 2013 the final total was $34,000.  

The total raised at St. Paul's DeKalb was $445.  Luke Krueger was awarded a pin because he raised more than $200!  Congratulations Luke!

One fourth of the total amount raised is given to organizations in the area that provide food for the needy.  This means that about $7,500 will be divided among the following organizations:

Meals on Wheels, Hope Haven, DeKalb Area Food Pantry (Salvation Army), Sycamore Food Pantry (Sycamore United Methodist Church), Bethlehem Lutheran Church Food Pantry, Barb Food Mart (Huntley Middle School), and Safe Passage.

We want to thank everyone at St. Paul's that helped to make this year's CROP Walk a success.

Henry & Eva Leonard
Recruiter's for St. Paul's
Anniversaries, Birthdays & Events


 

December Birthdays:

 

12/1      Linda Kelley

12/3      Ava Stubblefield

12/7      Betsy Pool

12/11    Jan Bach

12/15    Denise Solder

12/16    Martin Mounts

12/18    Larry Retherford

12/18    Rich Frontjes

12/22    Michael Ouellette

12/23    Ellen Stuart

12/27    Andrew Cripe

12/30    Robert Brown


 

January Birthdays


 

1/6        Luke Stubblefield

1/10      Lynn Roberts

1/14      Julie Kostrey

1/15      Janice Larson

1/15      Christina Krueger

1/28      Jane DeGolier


 

December  Anniversaries:

 

12/13      Terry and Jackie Dickow

12/22      Rob and Peggy Russell

12/23      Robert and Marguerite Harkness

12/30      Larry and Hazel Retherford

12/31      Linda Kelley and David Nissen

 

January Anniversaries:

 

1/21         George and Jane Nenonen

1/26          Dan and Janice Guiborat


 

December Events:

 

12/3         Healing Service, 9:30 AM

12/6         St. Nicholas Party, 6:00 PM

12/7         St. Nicholas Children's Service

12/8         Heartland Blood Drive

12/10       Blue Christmas Service, 7:00 PM

12/14       Service of Holy Baptism followed by Children's Christmas Party

12/17       Healing Service, 5:30 PM         

12/17       Oakcrest Service and Hymn Sing at 1:15 PM

12/24       Christmas Eve Services, 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM


 

January Events:


1/6            Epiphany Service and Potluck Dinner, 6:00 P.M.

1/18          Annual Budget Meeting with Q and A

1/19          Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

1/21          Oakcrest Service, 2:00 PM

1/25          Annual Meeting


 

Save the Date:

 

2/8             Bishop Eptin Visit


   St. Paul's Episcopal Church Contact Information
 
St. Paul's Episcopal Church of DeKalb, IL  
                          St. Paul's Episcopal Church
                     900 Normal Rd., DeKalb, Illinois 60115 
                             Parish Office: (815) 756-4888 
                                Parish Fax: (815) 758-6140 
                            [email protected] 
                             http://www.stpaulsdekalb.org  

  

       The Very Reverend Stacy A. Walker-Frontjes, Rector  
                               [email protected]  
  

 

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