News from St. Paul's Episcopal Church                                           May 2015 


 

May 2015


 

Dear Friends,


 

I just spent the past two days outside greeting students walking through our yard at our annual #prayers2pass  event.  The weather was glorious, which seemed to help everyone's spirits. And yet the prayers requested showed that many were pretty concerned about many things: upcoming final exams, summer jobs, post college employment, civil unrest in Baltimore, and earthquake victims in Nepal.  It's interesting how the sunshine, verdant lawn, and showy flowering pears can lighten our hearts even in a time of uncertainty.  New life persists around us even when the future is not always certain, and from some perspectives looks pretty bleak. 


 

We are smack in the middle of Easter.  The post-resurrection time was a heady one for the disciples of Jesus.  After the utter devastation of his crucifixion, in his resurrection Jesus brought new and abundant life to the world in a way they had never imagined possible. It must have been liberating to realize that good news had not been squelched.  And yet the resurrection also meant a change.  

  
Rev. Stacy's letter continues below...
IN THIS ISSUE
Dear Friends (Rev. Stacy)
Rev. Stacy's Letter Continues
Feast of the Ascenson
From the Senior Warden
United Thank Offering
Lobster Boil Primer
From the Junior Warden
Holy Week at St. Paul's
Music Ministries
Recognition Sunday
Baking Bread
Plant the Garden Sunday
Thrive Markets
Prayers 2 Pass
Camp Chicago
Mid-Week Holy Eucharist
Eucharist at Oak Crest
Lay Chaplaincy Training
Good Friday Offering
Parish Office Reminders
Flowers for the Altar
Food Pantry Report and Reminders
Anniversaries, Birthdays, & Events
Contact Information

With the Ascension of Christ Jesus (which we will celebrate on Thursday, May 14th at 6:00P.M.) the apostles were left to work with the Holy Spirit to continue the work of the kingdom of God. No longer were the disciples merely followers of Jesus, now they were the Church--his reconciling presence still at work in the world.  Some probably found this new truth exciting!  Others, may have been more pessimistic. 


 

While much has changed in two-thousand years, some things on our planet are pretty much the same.  There is much to give thanks for, and there is much to lament.  Today it all comes in a steady stream of information that can be delivered 24/7 to the palm of one's hand.  It's hard to look away from, and easy to become discouraged.  But one thing has remained the same: we are still the Church--the reconciling presence of Christ at work in the world.  This spring so far we have cleaned up our yard (which is effectively the neighborhood park for many).  We have planted seeds in the garden and pulled some weeds away from the tiny shoots.  We have talked to some students and offered them freely the Grace of God we have received by handing out water, mints, and prayers.  We have given hundreds of dollars in relief to those who lost their homes in April's tornadoes.  We have gathered together on Sundays offer up our brightest and best praise in thanksgiving of our God who loves us beyond our imagining.

 

It is in these small ways of embracing life and wrestling with the chaos that we will keep this Eastertide as countless generations have before us.  Whether our hearts be heavy or light, let our prayer be, Alleluia, Alleluia!  Christ is risen!  Yes, the Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia, Alleluia!


 

Yours In Christ,


 

Rev. Stacy+

 

FEAST OF THE ASCENSION
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2015
SERVICE AND POTLUCK DINNER
6:00 PM
Signup sheet is in the Parish Hall

From the Senior Warden, Peggy Newby

We recently learned that Luke and Chris Krueger will soon be starting a new adventure in Vermont.  It is always difficult to say goodbye to our parish friends, and Luke and Chris are no exception.  We will surely miss their talents and contributions to our parish life.  I feel truly blessed to have known Luke and Chris, and wish them all the best!


 

Luke and Chris, luckily for St.  Paul's, are not alone in their commitment to the church.  Everyone is important, and has something to offer. May 17th is Recognition Sunday, the day we take time to acknowledge the Sunday School program and others who make a difference in the life of our parish.  Hope to see you there! 


 

Because of the makeup of our parish, we are a bit fluid in our membership and attendance.  Whether your attendance is influenced by weather (welcome back, snowbirds!), the schedules of the schools and university, or just life in general, the faces in our services vary a bit from week to week.  And because of employment opportunities and other life events, people come and people go.  I continually encourage parishioners to do what they can to contribute the life of our church.  We don't stop in the summer!  Services continue, fellowship groups will meet, and the work of the Vestry goes on.  As I said last month, there are many opportunities to worship, have fun, and help with the work we have to do.   Please do what you can, and as always...


 

See you Sunday!

 

Peg Newby

United Thank Offering Ingathering

Our annual United Thank Offering (UTO) Ingathering (collection) was completed in April.  Our coins, cash, and checks totaled $116.92.  This donation will be presented to the Chicago Diocese of the Episcopal Church Women.  Thank you to everyone who contributed.  You can keep a blue box in your home all year long and continue giving thanks!

Peg Newby

Lobsters Are Coming

Lobster Boil Primer.  Our annual Lobster Boil is Saturday May 16, starting about 4:00.  This is a very big event for our parish: a chance to enjoy each other's company for a few hours in a fun working environment.  We generate several thousand dollars in the process, which we split 50:50 between several charities and ourselves.  Please plan on joining us!  We need everyone's help.


 

In the weeks leading up to the Boil, we need to put up posters in public locations, pass out order forms to friends and acquaintances, and generally do whatever you can to sell lobsters.  There is a supply of posters and order forms in the parish hall, as well as a signup sheet for taking posters to some of the better known locations in the community.  We need to sell as many as we can!


 

There are also signup sheets for the various jobs on the day of the Boil.  If you are new to Lobster Boil, there are plenty of people who will show you how it all works. 


 

If you have children or grandchildren who can help out, we are always in need to runners to take tickets from the customers and bring them their lobsters. They will be well supervised!


 

And finally, please order some lobsters for yourselves!  We have a post-Boil party in the parish hall and we would love to see you there.

 

Rick Johns, [email protected] or 815-748-5896.

From the Junior Warden

 

On April 18th we had our annual church cleanup day.  We spread 12 cubic yards of mulch around the trees and in the various beds near the church building, as well as cleaned the glass doors, cleaned the refrigerator, picked up large amounts of trash and yard waste, trimmed the bushes, and lots besides.  It was a busy morning!  Thanks to Rev. Stacy and Rich Frontjes, Jocelyn and Rhys Prall, Chris and Luke Krueger, Jamie Stubblefield, Jennie and Bill Cummings, Gretchen Schlabach, Rebecca Smith, Jane and Steve Degolier, and Caroline Johns (my daughter, visiting from NYC and stylishly gardening in 4 inch platform heels).  Also thanks to a horde of NIU students who helped us as well as spread the word about our garden in the neighborhood.

 

Other news:

                --the shed project is on track and we still expect to get it set up by the time of Lobster Boil (May 16), so we can move the Lobster Boil equipment into it instead of back into the garage.  Luke, Rhys, and I are collaborating on this.

                --the student-led path paving project is dead for now.  I gained a lot of insight into what was needed, and I hope to get a copy of their final report.  The major issues were that it would require someone with a Bobcat to dig out the path, and then about 20 cubic yards of gravel would have to be moved by wheelbarrow from the parking lot to the path.  Our insurance company did not think it would incur us any additional liability, except for during the actual construction.

                --I have contacted Vic Reed Electricians about the parking lot light.  They have ordered the necessary parts.  I am going to meet Vic at the rectory garage Tuesday morning to see about replacing the non-functional fluorescent fixtures in there.

                --I need to contact Jeff Marshall about putting a garden bed around our new sign.  However, we cleaned the area up and spread mulch there, so it looks pretty good for now.

                --I checked to be sure the rooms in the St. Timothy Center (undercroft) don't have locks.  This was an issue brought up in the Keeping God's People Safe training session.

                --I noticed that part of the railing on the ramp in front of the church has come loose.  Rhys said he could fix it.

                --Still haven't done anything about leak in the utility closet in the men's bathroom in the basement.  It seems to be coming from the sump pump outlet pipe and not causing any obvious mess or dangerous situation, so it hasn't been a priority for me.



 
HOLY WEEK AT ST. PAUL'S 2015
        
 Maundy Thursday                                                     Preparing for the Easter Vigil
                                                                                                           
Easter Sunday                          

The Adult/Youth and Children's Choirs are working together on a new Taiz� "Jubilate Deo" to share with the congregation for Recognition Sunday, May 17.

The Children's Choir will be also be singing a version of "Jesus Loves Me" and" Simple Gifts".

The Adult/Youth Choir will be closing out the season with singing John Rutter's "I Will Sing with the Spirit". 


The Adult/Youth Choir finished one recording this past year and will be combining songs with a new recording session scheduled for Saturday, May 30. The Children's Choir will join in the recording session. We hope to have St. Paul's first CD ready to share in the Fall - 
Sharing Music from the Six Major Liturgical Seasons: Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Advent and Christmas.


Recognition Sunday 
Closes the Sunday School Year

 

The Sunday School program year is coming to a close. We will be having Sunday School and Graduate Recognition Day on Sunday, May 17th at the 10:30 AM service. Children's Sunday School, Adult/Youth and Children's choir will be on summer vacation after May 17th until September.


Baking Bread For Communion

Just a few weeks remain in the current Sunday School program year - "Recognition Sunday" is May 17th!   We will be using bread for communion on the 17th that the students will bake on Sunday, May 10, from 9:15 AM-10:15 AM.  We'd like to have several work stations so the children won't have to spend so much time standing in line waiting to help.  The recipe is very simple and ingredients & instructions will be provided.  Bakers and non-bakers are welcome to join us.  Please contact Maureen Gerrity or Rev. Stacy if you are able to help - we'll want to know in advance how many baking stations to stock.

 

Plant the Garden Sunday, May 24

We will be planting seeds in the children's garden and front beds as well
as some seeds in the main garden after the 10:30 AM service on Sunday, Mary 24th. Join us immediately following the service for a special prayer of blessing over the garden beds. Wear your blue jeans or other garden attire if you would like to help plant after the prayers.  Bring the kids in play clothes so they can plant their very own garden (with a little help from their older friends!).
Market Dates

June 20         July 18        Aug 15       Sept 19
                   11:00 AM to 2:00 PM 

WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are asking for volunteers to come out each Tuesday evening between 6:30 and 7:30 P.M. to help weed and tend the garden.  There's a sign up sheet in the Parish Hall. 

 

Please be thinking about how you might like to contribute on market days.  We will be in search of volunteers to help coordinate children's activities/crafts and folks to provide musical entertainment, etc.  We want these events to be a good time and since we know you all know how to have fun, we want you to help us make it happen! 

Prayers 2 Pass

Prayers2Pass returned on April 28th and 29th as students at NIU prepped for spring finals. Thank you to our volunteers, Terry Dickow, Rosemarie Ostberg and Chris Krueger, who helped distribute water, candy, and encouragement!

 

 


 

 
 

Camp Chicago Experience

The best week of the entire year! 


The staff at Camp Chicago wants campers to have fun and know what it means to laugh so hard you're gasping for air. They want them to feel challenged and know they can dare to attempt new things. They want them to make lasting friendships. And they want them to know they are loved by God and called to a life of purpose and meaning.

 

When are camp sessions? June 21 - July 10th, 2015.

Where is Camp Chicago? Accommodations for Camp Chicago are at Camp Stronghold Center located on 360 acres of land off the Rock River in Oregon, IL. 

Who should come to Camp Chicago?

Campers who are age 7 - 17 at the time of Camp Chicago's 2015 sessions. Camp Chicago is NOT restricted to Episcopalians or regular churchgoers. All are welcome, so feel free to invite friends and family!

What activities and programs are offered at camp? Camp Chicago features a rich program including activities such as worship, Christian education, fellowship, leadership development, campfires, music, archery, outdoor adventure experience, arts and crafts, big games, ropes course, tent camping, canoeing, and swimming. Learn more about the program and activities at Camp Chicago.


 

For registration go to episcopalchicago.org


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. The propers of the day are from the book "Holy Women, Holy Men."

May 6                              9:30 A.M.        Harriet Starr Cannon
May 13                            9:30 A.M.        Frances Perkins
May 20                            9:30 A.M.        Alcuin of Tours
May 27                            9:30 A.M.        Bertha and Ethelbert
Holy Eucharist at Oak Crest

 

We continue the monthly service of Holy Eucharist for parishioners and others at Oak Crest Retirement Facility at 2:00 PM on the third Wednesday of the month, May 20th. The service includes music, readings, a short homily and communion. Readers, chalice bearers and music leaders are needed each month. If you would like to be involved in this important outreach of our parish, please contact the Parish Office or Rev. Stacy.


Lay Chaplaincy Training at
Bishop Anderson House

 

Bishop Anderson House is delighted to announce the Volunteer Lay chaplain Training at Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Elk Grove Village this fall. The class will be held Satuday mornings (9 AM to 11 AM) from September 5 through December 5. Our volunteer graduates serve in the congregational ministry as well as nursing homes, hospitals, hospices and other care-giving situations. Each student in sponsored by a clergy member, and the student is responsible for finding a field placement (often with the assistance of their sponsor).

If you have questions, please contact Sue Ouellette, a recent graduate of the training, or Rev. Stacy. For more information, see www.bishopandersonhouse.org.
Good Friday Offering

The Good Friday offering of $40.00 was sent to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society to the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.
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 collection will be on Sunday, May 3rd.
 
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.  The Food Pantry Sunday coming up is May 10th.
 
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 June-July 2015 issue of the Proclaimer to the Parish office by May 17th, 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.

The Parish Office will be closed Memorial Day, May 25th.
Flowers for the Altar
Dates are open

 

The flower sign up sheet is on the bulletin board outside the parish office and dates can be selected for all months during the year. Generally the donation is about $30 for a Sunday. There are many available dates on the calendar.

April Food Pantry Report and Reminders
  

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

 

St. Paul's members donated 120 food or pet food items and 130 diapers on Sunday, April 12th.  The total donations for the year have been close to 870 items.
 

 We'd like to encourage each parishioner to donate on Food Pantry Sunday - even if it is just one item - as the need in our community continues.


 

The next food pantry collection will be on Sunday May10th, 2015.  Thanks to all whose donations helped to make this a successful ministry. 

                                                                                                                             Pat and Vince McMahon

Anniversaries, Birthdays & Events


 

May Birthdays

 

5/3           Ellison McLane

5/3           Tyler Mitchell       

5/11         Terry Dickow

5/12         Nan Mason

5/17         Amy Biundo

5/20         Marguerite Harkness

5/20         Adam Petty

5/21         Janie Torma

 

May Events:


5/6             Holy Communion and Healing Service, 9:30 AM

5/13           Holy Communion and Healing Service, 9:30 AM

5/14           Feast of the Ascension Service and Potluck, 6:00 PM 

5/16           Lobster Boil, 4:00 PM-7:00 PM

5/17           Recognition Sunday and Last Sunday for Choir Singing for Services until September

5/17           Vestry Meeting, 9:00 AM, between services

5/20           Holy Communion and Healing Service, 9:30 AM

5/20           Holy Communion Service at Oak Crest, 2:00 PM

5/24           Pentecost

5/24           Plant the Garden Sunday

5/25           Memorial Day - Office closed

5/27           Holy Communion and Healing Service, 9:30 AM

5/30           Adult/Youth and Children's Choir Recording Session  Time TBD - Sanctuary

 

Save the Date:

 

6/7            Trinity Sunday         

6/20          First Thrive Market, 11 AM-2 PM


   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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