News from St. Paul's Episcopal Church                                     April 2016 

 
April 2016
 
"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen."

Luke 24:5 
 
Dear Friends,
 
The Great Fifty Days of Easter has begun.  As we stand outside the empty tomb we are reminded that we are people of the resurrection. Through Christ's victory over the cross and the grave we have been redeemed. We have been set free from the old ways of death and sin, and in Christ Jesus are made a new creation.

God is always making a way for us in the wilderness.  God is always calling forth new life even in the places we are sure there is no hope to be found. There are some times in life that are full of grief and loss. It can seem that there is no way we will ever see a brighter day.  Grief is what brought Jesus' friends, the women who had followed him all the way from Galilee, to his tomb on that first Easter morning. They did not expect to find good news, and were startled to encounter God's messengers keeping watch for them at the empty tomb. They ask the women, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen." The women leave and begin to tell the others this unexpected good news: hope has not died, Jesus has risen, let us go and find him. 
IN THIS ISSUE
Letter from the Rector
Low Sunday Brunch
From the Senior Warden
From the Junior Warden
Treasurer's Report
Music Ministries
Article Headline
Thrive Garden
Spring Clean Up Day
Eucharist at Oak Crest
Mid-Week Holy Eucharist
ECW Meeting
Camp Chicago
Diocesan Confirmation
Easter Message from Bishop Curry
Bishop Lee's Easter Message
Parish Office Reminders
Flowers for the Altar
Good Byes
Food Pantry Reminders
Grace Place Fundraiser
Islamic Society Visit
Good Friday Offering
A Gift
Anniversaries, Birthdays, & Events
Contact Information
When you are living in grief it is difficult to not keep going back to the tomb, to the source of your pain and suffering. And yet new life is to be found not in the ruins of what was, but in the possibility of what can be. It is in that possibility of what can be that Jesus waits for us.  It is notable that messengers tell these women to go and find Jesus.  These women have followed him all the way from the place they all called home: Galilee. We rarely have to travel far to find Jesus.  In fact it is best if we look for him in those places where we live, in those places where our loved ones are to be found.  It is there that Jesus is making a new creation, something new for us and with us in the wilderness of the every day. New life is always closer than we think.  Remember that, my friends, and stop looking for the living among the dead. 

In Christ,
LOW SUNDAY BRUNCH 
Sunday, April 3rd, 9:15 AM
between services 
 
Mmm, brunch! Plan to join in the fun as we take another opportunity to all get together for delicious food and good fellowship. Bring a brunch casserole, a side dish, or dessert. If you don't want to bring food, you can always help with clean up afterward. Or just come and eat! Questions? Contact Julie Stubblefield.

From the Senior Warden

I love the drama of Holy Week: the arc of the story, from Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to the Last Supper and His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane on Maundy Thursday, the horrors of the Crucifixion on Good Friday, and finally the triumph and joy of the Resurrection on Saturday night and Sunday morning.  The Great Vigil of Easter service on Saturday evening is absolutely my favorite service all year: lots of drama and excitement!  And for me especially, lots of excellent and joyous music to sing.  Plus, the children had such a good time at the Easter Egg hunt, which was featured in the Daily Chronicle, with a front page picture of Michael Biundo.
 
The drama of Easter is past, but we are still in a busy season.  Before we can move forward, we have the sad duty of saying goodbye to two of our long term members, Eva Leonard and Thea Beard, who passed on to a better life just before Easter.  Thea and her late husband Dick were very active members of the local art scene and in our congregation.  Eva ran the Mars Hill Proclaimer for many years, and she was an active and lively member of the adult Sunday school, even in her final weeks.  They were such vibrant people, a joy to know, and I miss them both.  Thea's service will be held Wednesday April 6 at 11 AM, and Eva's will be on Friday April 8 at 11 AM.  Please come, to honor and respect these vibrant ladies.
 
And now we are moving into the season of Lobster Boil, which is Saturday, May 21. It's our annual fundraising event for the ECW, who share the profits between our church and local charities. We need lots of help, both before the event and on the day. It takes a lot of people working together to get those lobsters cooked and delivered to the customers efficiently. It's also a wonderful gathering for our parish community, and we always have a good time.  Please come out and help us!


From the Junior Warden

To my fellow members of St Paul's Church; It is an honor and privilege to serve the parish as junior warden for the next year. I certainly appreciate the confidence placed in me by the members of St Paul's to serve in this capacity. We usually attend the 10:30 service but about once a month we will attend the 8:00 am service to connect with our members at that service. 

Over the next year the vestry will be working on several capital projects around the buildings and grounds. These will include signage improvements, some repairs to the rectory, taking down a dead ash tree, and getting the top of the church roof fixed so it does not leak in winter. More to come about these projects in the future. Again, it is my pleasure to serve as junior warden this year and please don't hesitate to let me know about any issues you have about the parish. Best wishes to you all.


Treasurer's Report:
March 2016 Mars Hill Treasurer's Report with February 2016 figures:
 
This report covers the month of February 2016. The American Midwest Bank checking account is our primary operating account. Accounting reports are compiled by American Midwest Tax and Accounting, Inc. whose office is on Elm St. in Sycamore next to the American Midwest Bank downtown branch. Sheila Appel is our primary contact.
 
Receipts through February 29, 2016
We have received 42% of the pledged amount and 22% of the total budgeted receipts for the first two months. Year to date receipts as of 2/29/16 were $44,999. Pledge amount totals were $43,479.  We received one large yearly pledge in a lump sum in January.
 
Disbursements through February 29, 2016
Total operating disbursements for the first two months were 19% of the budgeted amount. The total year to date disbursements were $41,094. The difference between receipts and disbursements year to date is $3,906 on the positive side. A worksheet is shared with the Vestry every month which shows details of the receipts and disbursements and balances in the accounts. If you wish to see a copy contact the Treasurer.
 
Building Fund
The balance in the Edward Jones Building Fund at the end of February was $30,000 in CD's and $9,121.14 in the Money Market Fund totaling $39,121.14. This is invested with Edward Jones.  The total February balance of Building funds including $1,580.63 in the American Midwest Bank account was $40,701.77. Contributions of $85 were received in February for the Building Fund. A refrigerator was purchased for the Rectory for $1,144.07 using part of the funds in the AMB.
 
Endowment Fund
The value of the Endowment Fund at the end of February was $1,835,795.38.  The decrease in value for the month was ($8,710) and the net decrease for the year is ($85,650.) According to the Bylaws we may use up to 5% of the yearly average monthly ending balance in the Endowment fund for operating costs.  At the end of February 4% of that figure was $78,819, and 5% was $98,523. During March the stock market has made some recovery and the values are up slightly. 
 
Apache Stock - The 6.048 shares on deposit with the company were valued at $232 on February 29, 2016. The value has decreased ($37) since the beginning of the year. Our share amount increased .039 with a dividend reinvestment of $1.50. On March 18, the value per share value had increased to $49.63 from $38.28.
 
On February 29, 2016 Fund balances in the AMB checking account were:
 
Discretionary Fund $235.35                      Flower Fund $398.25
Columbarium Fund $2,064.30                   Operating Fund $4,376.56
Building Fund $1,580.63                           Total $8,655.09
 
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Brown, Treasurer, March 24, 2016.

The Adult/Youth and Children's Choirs shared many wonderful anthems and sounds for our St. Paul's Holy Week and Easter Worship Services! The Risen Lord! Alleluia!
We are very fortunate to have such awesome volunteers 
in both talent and spirit at St. Paul's! Thank You, Choirs!









Music in the Community

Several present and past St. Paul's parishioners and staff musicians are performing in the Community this month. You are invited to attend and listen to several musical performances that include the following concerts and artists.

4/2 Andrew Voelker, Pianist (was our accompanist here at St. Paul's in 2012/2013). He studied with William Koehler at Northern Illinois University where he earned his B.A. Andrew will be giving his Final Masters Degree Recital, from the Cleveland Institute of Music, Mixon Hall, on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at 2 P.M. Though this is in Cleveland, we can all support Andrew by watching him live via Web Cast at this link, Andrew Voelker Masters Recital. Additionally, here is Andrew's Face Book Recital Invite page. A wonderful artist!

4/9 Huixin Chen, Pianist (Our Current Choir Accompanist), will be performing in her Graduate Piano Recital on Saturday, April 09, 7:00 P.M., at Northern Illinois University in the Music Buildings Recital Hall. Her program includes; Kinderszenen Op.15 by Robert Schumann, Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109, by Ludwig V. Beethoven, as well as Jardins Sous La Pluie, by Claude Debussy. 
 
Please join the St. Paul's Music Program in support of Huixin's 2 years with us at St. Paul's, as we host a congratulatory reception following her graduate recital. There will be a sign up sheet in the Parish Hall. Good Luck & Congratulations, Ms. Huixin!

4/30 Rick Johns (Our Senior Warden and Choir Member), 
will be singing in the DeKalb Festival Chorus Concert on April 30, 2016, 7 P.M. at the First Lutheran Church in DeKalb. 
 
The concerts focus is on visions and dreams, including W. A. Mozart's Requiem (visions of the afterlife) and other pieces that portray visions of another land and dreams of a better world ("Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with Ukulele). We are proud of you Rick! You have such a wonderful voice! Good Luck & Have Fun!
 
Meet our new Sanctus bell ringer, Mr. Liam Stubblefield!
 
Liam was kind enough to start the Easter Egg hunt. Liam can
be seen (& sometimes heard) during our worship services, usually in the back of the sanctuary with mom (Julie) and dad (Jamie) stretching his legs while preparing to ring not just one but two sanctus bells. We are both honored and very happy to have this creative and talented new artist join our children's choir & ensemble of bell ringers! 
March at St. Paul's (more pictures will be on St. Paul's website)

 Maundy Thursday 2016 


 The Great Vigil 2016
 

 Easter Sunday 2016


 Easter Egg Hunt 2016



 
The Thrive Gardens Will be Growing Again This Year!

The first organizing meeting for the Thrive Market and Garden will be Sunday, April 10th, at 11:30 AM, following the 10:30 AM service. "Plant the Garden Sunday" will be on May 22nd.

Come find out how to be involved! Contact Rebecca Smith with questions.
Annual Clean Up Day 
and NIU Cares Day
April 16th

The Annual Clean Up Day will be Saturday, April 16th from 8:30 AM to Noon!

Teams from Northern Illinois University (NIU) will be joining us for NIU Cares Day. We'll be spreading mulch, trimming bushes, picking debris on the grounds, washing windows and cleaning the kitchen. Last year our NIU volunteers helped ready the Thrive Market Garden. 

Please bring trimmers, rakes, pitchforks, wheelbarrows, and any other tools or supplies we may need. Contact Rick Johns for questions.

Celebration of 
Holy Eucharist at Oak Crest,
Third Wednesday,
April 20th at 2:00 PM

 

This 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.

Mid-Month Holy Eucharist Service 
with Prayers for Healing
 
All are welcome to join us on the third Wednesday of each month 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 for the day are from the book "Holy Women, Holy Men".

April 20                 9:30 AM
May 18                  9:30 AM
June 15                 9:30 AM
Annual ECW Meeting

The annual meeting will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church in Flossmoor on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

Please see Pat McMahon, Rosemarie Ostberg, or Jennie Marshall with questions. 
Camp Chicago


The Camp Chicago Program is thoughtfully designed to meet our goals for what we hope our campers take away from the camp experience. Accommodations for Camp Chicago are at Camp Stronghold Center located on 360 acres of land off the Rock River in Oregon, IL. 

WORSHIP AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Each year we have a biblical theme that gives focus to our overall program. During the week campers and staff attend daily Eucharist, reflections, and pray nightly with their cabins. Worship and faith formation is the guiding force at camp and surrounds all that we do.

DAILY ACTIVITIES
Daily Classes - Campers can sign up each day for different classes taught by staff such as: Adventure, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, big group games and more.
All Camp Activities - Throughout the week there are numerous times the camp gathers as an entire community for a special activity such as a bonfire, campout, or the "Wild and Wacky Olympics," featuring the world famous "Sundae, sundae, sundae" event.
High Ropes Course - Camp Stronghold has an amazing high ropes course for campers age 13 and up. The ropes course is a "challenge by choice" activity.
Canoe Trip - Once a week we offer a canoe trip down the beautiful Rock River where we stop for lunch at the Black Hawk Statue in Lowden State Park.

  • Session 1: June 26 - July 1 (Ages 7-15)
  • Session 2: July 3-8 (Ages 7-15) 
  • Session 3: July 10-15 (Ages 7-15)
Diocesan Confirmation

On April 23rd at 11:00 AM the first of three Diocesan Confirmations will be held at St. Paul's with Bishop Lee presiding.

If you are interested in Confirmation or Re-Affirmation, please contact Reverend Stacy. 
Easter Message
from 
Bishop Michael Curry

 "This world does not need another fairy tale," Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry said in his Easter 2016 Message.

"The truth is even as we speak this Holy Week, we do so not only in the shadow of the cross but we do so in the shadow of those who have been killed in Brussels, of those who have been wounded and maimed, of those who weep and mourn.  And of a world mourning, and not too sure how to move forward.  And this world does not need another fairy tale. This week's story of crucifixion and resurrection is not a fairy tale."

The video and full text of Bishop Curry's message is available here.
Bishop Lee's Easter Message

Dear Friends,
 
The women come to the tomb, looking for the all too familiar ... they're looking for a corpse. Something to anoint with their spices, to embalm, preserve and weep over. They want the familiar Jesus they have known and lost, they want at least his familiar body so that they can mourn. And what do they find? Nothing. The tomb is all they find. Jesus is gone.  

"He's not here," says this strange young man dressed in white about whom nothing else is said. "He's not here." It's like the original ending of Mark's gospel: "They went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid." That's it. The original version of Mark leaves everything else up to us. "You figure it out," it seems to say. You have to decide what to make of these strange things.
 
My prayer for each one of us is that Christ will reveal himself to us, not as a lifeless proposition or a theological notion, but as a mysterious and even disconcerting presence. Alive and on the move. I give thanks for your ministry and your companionship as we witness to the power of the resurrection and tell the best news there could ever be: Christ is risen.
 
Faithfully,
 
+Jeff



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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, April 3, 2016
 
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 April 10th, 2016.
 
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 April 2016 issue of the Proclaimer to the Parish office by April 17th, 2016. The maximum length for all articles is 300 words. Your pictures are also welcome.
 
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.
Flowers for the Altar
Dates are open for your dedications

 

The flower sign up sheet is on the bulletin board outside the kitchen and dates can be selected for all months during the year. Generally the donation is about $30 for a Sunday. 

 

Good Byes to Cherished Members



Thea Beard Funeral on April 6, 2016; 
Visitation at 10 AM, Service at 11 AM, 
Luncheon following. 

Condolences may be made at
 
Legacy.com site.

Eva Leonard Funeral on April 8; 
Visitation at 10 AM, Service at 11 AM, 
Luncheon following. 

Condolences can be made through 
the Finch Funeral Home site.
March Food Pantry Reminders
  

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


St. Paul's has adopted the 1st Thursday of every month to help at the Salvation Army Food Pantry from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Please contact Pat McMahon or Jennie Cummings if you can help out in these months or can substitute in other months.


The next Food Pantry Sunday is April 10th. There will be no special designation for April. Items always needed include canned pet food, diapers (size 4 and up), canned fruit and canned beans, and fresh fruit such as apples or oranges. Contributions may be made at any time during the month, not just on the second Sunday.  

 

Thanks to all whose donations helped to make this a successful ministry. 


 

                                                           Pat and Vince McMahon and Jennie Cummings

Grace Place Fundraising Evening
April 1st

Grace Place will celebrate stories, talk about goals, and share a laugh at the annual fundraiser on Friday, April 1st, from 7:00 - 8:30 PM, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Sycamore. There will be hors d'oeuvres, conversation, live music and a silent auction. Come have a fun evening and support this needed ministry for our NIU students.
Islamic Society Visit

Last February we were invited to get to know our neighbors at the mosque of the Islamic Society of NIU/DeKalb. Many parishioners attended the gathering. On Saturday, May 14th, we have invited the members of ISNIU for a return visit. Please watch for more information. 
Good Friday Offering

The Good Friday offering of $62.00 will be sent to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society to the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Thank you for helping in this ministry of peace.
A Thank you

Dear Reverend Stacy and Members of St. Paul's,

Thank you for your warmth and friendliness and for welcoming us into your fellowship. Sunday services at St. Paul's were a bright spot in each week during our stay in DeKalb.

If any of you are in Florida, please stop by and visit us. We live about 5 miles off I75 and 30 miles south of the Georgia border. We have a few extra bedrooms; all are welcome.

With love in Christ,
Arlo and Lila Rissman

6725 62nd Place, Live Oak, Florida 32060

(Arlo and Lila have made a generous bequest to the Music Ministry at St. Paul's.)
Anniversaries, Birthdays & Events


 

April Birthdays

 

4/2               Maggie Russell

4/14             Jeffrey Roberts

4/17             Rick Johns

4/18             Alan Leonard

4/23             Doug Roberts

 

April Anniversaries

 

4/14              Martin and Jacqueline Mounts

 

April Events

 

4/1                Grace Place Fundraiser, St. Peter's in Sycamore, 7-8:30 PM

4/3                Low Sunday Brunch, 9:15 AM (between services)

4/6                Thea Beard Funeral, 10 AM Visitation, 11 AM Funeral

4/8                Eva Leonard Funeral, 10 AM Visitation, 11 AM Funeral

4/10              Food Pantry Sunday

4/10              Thrive Garden Meeting, 11:30 AM

4/14              Lobster Boil 2015 Fund Distribution Ceremony, 3:00 PM

4/16              Spring CleanUp and NIU Cares Day, 8:30 AM

4/17              Vestry Meeting, 12:15 PM

4/20              Healing Service, 9:30 AM

4/20              Oak Crest Service, 2:00 PM

4/23              Regional Confirmation with Bishop Lee, 11:00 AM

 


 

Save the Date:

 

5/3,4            Prayers2Pass

5/5               Feast of the Ascension Service and Potluck

5/15             Pentecost

5/21             Lobster Boil

5/22             Recognition Sunday and Plant the Garden Sunday


   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 
                            parishoffice@stpaulsdekalb.org 
                             http://www.stpaulsdekalb.org  

  

       The Very Reverend Stacy A. Walker-Frontjes, Rector  
                               revstacy@stpaulsdekalb.org  
  

 

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