News

Church Street News (see Past Issues)
The Newsletter of St. Lawrence Episcopal Church
Issue No. 2, Volume 99
February 2005

A LIFE IN COMMON
Looking back at 2004, what I believe to be the real highlights of 2004 are those moments, those events, those undertakings, that helped us experience what St. Paul is calling for in Corinth - to be united in the same mind and the same purpose, or, as Eugene Peterson paraphrases it, “cultivating a life in common.”

Three particular projects in 2004 stand out in this regard: the expansion; the capital campaign; and the dedication/open house. But my point goes beyond the events themselves to the common purpose behind them.

Beyond the bricks and mortar of the expansion, I'm thinking of the work of members working together to achieve a common vision.

Barb Lewis spearheaded the effort to open our doors to the community at the time of our formal dedication, but it was the combined efforts of so many more that made it such a special day - people sending out invitations, working on hospitality, creating literature, designing bookmarks and magnets, coordinating the worship, telling the story of our ministries, capturing our history to our neighbors, gathering mementos for a time capsule, making music (upstairs and down)... It was so much more than any one of us could have done but nothing less than what the occasion called for.

So, too, Julia Karnstedt spearheaded the capital campaign last spring, but it's the combined efforts of the 75 volunteers recruited to organize and carry out the myriad of jobs needed that made it so successful! As urgent as the fund-raising needs were - and are - what stands out for me is the reaching out to one another in a common purpose.

The article on this page is an abridged version of the rector's report delivered at the Annual Meeting on January 23.

RECAP OF THE 2005 ANNUAL MEETING
The St. Lawrence Church Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, January 23. In spite of cold and snowy weather outside, the climate inside was warm and cheery, and attendance at both the meeting and the luncheon that followed (provided by the Vestry) was thought to be an all-time high.

At the time of the previous year's Annual Meeting, construction was still in progress, so this year's meeting was the first convened in the new Sanctuary. And the meeting had more the feel of a celebration than a deliberation.

Wardens report on their impressions
After the rector's report, the wardens took turns offering their perspectives of the health of the parish. After offering thanks to the Vestry, Robert Moseley did something of an “origami” presentation to make the point that we will find our fulfillment, as individuals and as a parish, by keeping ourselves focused on Christ.

Jeanne Murphy offered thanks to Robert for his leadership and gave a gift to him from the Vestry, as he and his wife, Dayna, prepare to move into their new home.

Jeanne's report focused on the success of this year's Every Member Canvass. Noting the challenges her committee faced on the heels of the tremendous work of the Capital Campaign and the loss of members who have relocated this past year, the Stewardship Committee still reported tremendous congregational support for the operational needs of the parish for the year ahead. Members of the parish clearly heard the call, she said. Many new pledges were received and many of our members offered pledges that stepped up a level in their giving.

Oversight Committee
Kris Rich, chair of the Financial Oversight Committee, offered another of his helpful and clear reports on the work of the committee. The Oversight Committee was formed in 2003 to address the long-term financial needs of the parish.

This is the committee that recommended to the Vestry the need to mount the capital campaign conducted last spring. Going forward, this committee recommends that this work be supplemented by the creation of two new committees, one on “planned giving” (which will be chaired by Carolyn Finch) and a “follow-up” committee (which will be chaired by Don Halbert).

As part of their work, they have created a ten-year plan to help guide the Vestry and Finance Committee in their decisions. The plan forecasts income expected from the capital campaign and growth in annual stewardship appeals. It then matches those income forecasts with anticipated expenses to ensure adequate planning.

The plan shows how combined income from the capital campaign and annual stewardship of the parish will exceed the amounts needed for the operating costs and debt service for the next few years. But the plan also warns that revenues will not keep up with total costs unless the current surpluses are reserved.
continued from previous page

Kris concluded his presentation by reporting the specific recommendations made to the Vestry. In addition to forming planned giving and follow-up committees to build on the success of last spring's Capital Campaign, the Oversight Committee recommends:

• Budgets will need to be carefully created in ways that will invest in programs important to the parish and to parish growth, capping all other expenses;
• No new capital improvements can be undertaken (unless from special gift or funding additional to capital campaign and annual giving programs);
• A capital reserve fund should be established to provide a cushion against unexpected capital needs (e.g., items like a new boiler that cannot be financed out of a given year's budget);
• As insurance for lean times ahead (when income does not match expenses), cash reserves resulting from surpluses in annual operating budgets should not be spent but set aside for the future;
  Additional fund-raising activities should be pursued.

Treasurer's report
After Kris Rich's report, Treasurer Ken Carrano offered a recap of the 2004 income and expenses, as well as a presentation of the budget for 2005.

The good news, he observed, was that he essentially had no news to report for 2004. After reporting an end-of-the-year deficit of nearly $30,000 last year, expenses in exactly matched income for 2004. There was initially a surplus of nearly $3,000, which the Vestry transferred into a capital reserve fund (in accordance with one of the specific recommendations of the Oversight Committee).

The budget for 2005 aims at a surplus of just over $4,500 (again, in keeping with one of the recommendations of the Oversight Committee). Because of generous support of parishioners, this budget can support the increases. It does not do everything that was hoped for, so the Vestry will monitor income and expense carefully, in the hopes that a mid-year review will allow some key increases. One identified concern is that the 2005 budget reflects no increase in giving to the Diocese, leaving St. Lawrence well short of its Common Mission Share.

Vestry elections
BJ Jones, Kris Rich and Cecelia Secor all completed their elected terms on the Vestry. In addition, Glen Gustafson's job scheduling and demands were such that he needed to resign his term after serving the past year. In addition, Robert Moseley's term as Warden ended with this year's Annual Meeting.

The Nominating Committee presented a slate of candidates to fill these vacancies: Jennifer Kanches, Bob Klima, Erik Larson and Mike Matson for Vestry; and Frank Top to serve as Warden. With no nominations offered from the floor, this slate was elected by acclamation.

The Vestry will hold an organizing retreat on February 4 and 5. At this time, they will determine ministry team assignments and make other plans for the immediate future.

Additional reports were offered, before the meeting adjourned for a parish lunch!

EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT
St. Lawrence youth sold “prayer beads” on January 9, raising over $600 in a special effort to raise funds in support of the work of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) for victims of December's tsunamis. Added to the more than $2,000,000 already given to our denomination's relief agency, these funds will help people rebuild their lives. Consider remembering ERD in your Lenten giving this year.

SHROVE TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 8
Episcopalians traditionally enjoy a pancake supper to mark the last day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Unfortunately, the loss of a functioning commercial stove (and ventilation system) means serving pancakes and sausage and bacon is an unrealistic plan. Fortunately, Mardi Gras gives us a great alternative. So, on Tuesday, February 8, we're going to party!

5:30 pm Mask-making party, with lots and lots of beads, in Narthex
6:00 pm Jambalaya potluck in the Parish Hall - with music
6:45 pm Bonfire to burn palm branches (and more) in the Courtyard

Those brief notes on the schedule don't say enough about what we'll be doing, but they give a hint. It's a parish party for all ages!!

The cost of admission is just “a buck and a dish.” You provide the dollar and we'll provide supplies and recipes. You cook something yummy and we'll all enjoy it!

ASH WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 9
Our annual observance of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 9.

As in years past, we will have two services on Ash Wednesday, with the imposition of ashes, at 7:00 am and at 7:30 pm. The later service will feature music and choir.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS DURING LENT
On Wednesdays in Lent, we'll offer special opportunities to deepen your faith life.

Evening Prayer @ 7:00 pm
Evening Prayer is a simple service that features readings from Scripture and prayers to mark the end of the day and the darkening night. Whether you plan to stay for one of the two classes that follow or not, consider praying with us in the Sanctuary.

Sowing Tears, Reaping Joy @ 7:30 pm
Court Williams facilitates this Lenten study, following the famous Brahms' Requiem on a tour of Biblical prompts about death, grief and the brevity of life. Through music and Scripture, participants move from graveside to grieving, from the challenges of self-reflection to new perspectives and hope beyond.

The series begins on February 16 and will continue through March 30, on Wednesday nights from 7:30-9:00 pm.

Inquirers Series @ 7:30 pm
Father Jed will once again offer an informal and informative series for those who want to know more about the Episcopal Church - either in order to become a member or just to reconsider what it means to be a member. Topics covered range from Scripture to contemporary issues in the Episcopal Church.

Each class in the series will last no more than an hour-and-a-half, beginning on February 16. For more information on class meeting dates and specific topics to be covered, pick up a copy of the course outline or speak to Father Jed.

LENTEN PRAYER AFTERNOON
Lent is a time of prayer and reflection. On Saturday, March 5, from 2:00-5:00 pm, St Lawrence will be hosting an afternoon to experience different forms of prayer. Everyone is welcome.

We will be making Anglican Prayer Beads

Walking a Labyrinth

Sitting in reflective meditation

TAIZÉ PRAYER SERVICE  
Taizé (pronounced 'teh-zay') is both an experience of communion with God in prayer and personal reflection and an experience of communion and solidarity among peoples. 

Every Sunday, we gather to praise and worship God.  We sing, we pray, we talk to God.  Taizé offers an opportunity to gather, sing, pray, and listen to God.  Instead of talking about the Scripture, the Scripture is read and left to speak for itself in the silence.  By singing simple songs of prayer, the mind calms and the soul opens up. God speaks and the heart hears.  
 
Come join us on Sunday, February 20, at 5 pm, as we host an all-community service of  Taizé, hopefully being joined by others from neighboring congregations.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
St. Lawrence is beginning a “Shawl Ministry.” It is quite a lovely idea which came from the hearts of women. We will come together in prayer and love to create a gift for those in need.

Besides the obvious reasons of comfort during illness or grief, the shawls can be given in times of joy and celebration. We will ask the Pastoral Care Ministry Team, as well as clergy, for input on those in need of shawls.

Anyone who can knit or would like to learn, we welcome. There are also roles for non-knitters as well, readers, taggers and more. We will provide some yarn, needles and instruction for our beginners. If you are ready to begin a shawl you will need:

• Size 11 or 13 needles
• Three skeins of yarn that are six ounces net weight and 185 yards each
  (it is suggested that it be washable)

Our first meeting will be filled with information and sharing. Meet on Monday, February 7, in the Fireside Room, from 6:30-8:00 pm. Feel free to bring a friend, a mother, sister or daughter.

If you would like some more information about this ministry, contact Sue Montgomery at 847 247-1651 or check out the website: www.shawlministry.com

“In a society...where relationships and the sense of community are fragmented, it may be time to place some emphasis on the blessing of receiving.” Loring

 

INTERFAITH CHAPLAINCY FUNDRAISER
Part of the ministry of Interfaith Chaplaincy is to fund pastoral care staff at Winchester House, in Libertyville. To support that work, the agency is hosting a fundraiser, Banquet for the Body & Soul.

This year's gala event will take place at the Forge Club, in Lincolnshire, on Sunday, February 20. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 4:30 pm, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm. The evening will also include a live auction, a “pot of gold” and a raffle. All of the proceeds will go to support the spiritual care of the residents of Winchester House.

SOUP KITCHEN
It's our turn at Soup Kitchen on Sunday, February 20. Please check the sign-up sheets in the Narthex to make donations or see one of the Choir members who are hosting the Soup Kitchen this time. Please be generous if the Choir calls on you to donate something.

NEWCOMER GAME NIGHT RESCHEDULED
We had to cancel the “game night” on January 22, due to the blizzard conditions. The good news is we have rescheduled it for Saturday, February 12, at 7:00 pm at the Kanches' home (same time, same place). We hope everyone who planned to come in January will be able to join us on the new date - and maybe a few more of those with conflicts on our first date will be able to join us this time!

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW) NEWS
Please join the ECW on Sunday, February 6, from 2:00-4:00 pm, for an afternoon of pillow-making to offer comfort for those who have experienced cancer in their lives. Materials will be provided and no experience is necessary. The coffee and tea will be hot, so just bring your loving, working hands to stuff and sew.

NEED FOR CELL PHONES
When you trade up to newer cell phones, don't throw your old phone in the trash. They are recyclable and can be reprogrammed so that people can use them to call 911. Bring them (and the charger) with you to the church office and Don Craig will get them into the hands of those that can use them.

FLOWERS/SANCTUARY LAMP
Is there someone you wish to remember or a special event you want to give thanks for on a particular date? Sign-up sheets for 2005 are available in the near the front entrance in the Narthex.

Flowers cost $30 for one ($15 if two parties sign up for the same week).
The Sanctuary Lamp is $12 ($6 if two sign up) for the week.

Please mark your check "flowers/candle" and drop it in the collection plate.

PLANNED GIVING
Have you ever planted a shade tree, only to realize that you may not still live in the same place by the time that it is truly able to cast its shade?

At the same time did you realize that even if you are unable to enjoy it, others will be?

Planting shade trees and planning gifts that will allow the church to thrive and prosper when you pass are related ministries. St. Lawrence Church is in the process of establishing a Planned Giving Committee to encourage and facilitate planned gifts in support of the mission and ministry of this congregation. Planned Gifts allow donors to benefit in retirement, leave a family legacy and support their church.

We are looking for those who are interested in participating in this vital ministry to our congregation, either to participate in designing and implementing the program to create awareness within the parish or to be a member of the team that calls on interested parishioners to confidentially discuss how planned giving can allow them to care for their families and at the same time ensure that St. Lawrence can continue its mission and ministries into the future.

Join us if you are interested in talking about, encouraging and participating in this vital ministry of the church.
Carolyn Finch

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOLLOW-UP
Thanks to the generous gifts of our parish family and the diligence of our Capital Campaign committee, our recent capital campaign was highly successful. But our work is not done! We have parishioners who asked to be contacted at a later date, some who asked to be contacted on a yearly basis, some who were never contacted, and a growing list of new families who might desire an opportunity to help us carry out God's work.

To that end, we are forming a “follow-up committee” to continue the process of funding the growth of St. Lawrence, and we would love your help. The requirements are only a willingness to contact your fellow parishioners and discuss the work we are doing in God's name. If you are interested in volunteering for this critical role, please contact me, as I will be chairing this committee and I would welcome your time and talents.
Don Halbert

SPRING CONCERT - MARCH 19
Last December's “Messiah Singalong” introduced many of us to the North Suburban Symphony and it introduced them to St. Lawrence - and they loved it! They so enjoyed performing here they're coming back, this time offering a fund-raiser in support of some of our long-term needs to eventually acquire an organ.

If you play a string instrument, please consider joining them for rehearsals to prepare for this special fund-raiser. And mark your calendars for the day and plan to enjoy some fine music in our fine musical space.

For more information and/or to volunteer your talent, please speak with Jan Billings.

SOUTEAST ASIA TSUNAMIS
In the first week after the earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, and the resulting tsunamis, Episcopal Relief and Development (formerly known as the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World of ERD's long-term response to assist in rebuilding hard-hit regions.

As an example of other work begun, ERD has purchased 1,000 temporary shelters which are being sent to the Diocese of Colombo in the Church of Ceylon, Sri Lanka. The shelters are called ZeroFly and are approved by the World Health Organization. Along with being water-resistant, the material contains an insecticide that combats malaria and houseflies, said ERD staff member Daniel Conway.

This shipment is being made via air and is in direct response to the great need expressed by the Bishop of Colombo, the Rt. Rev. Duleep da Chickera. ERD staff has been in telephone communication with the bishop since the tragedy of December 26. Because shelter materials are not readily available in Sri Lanka, this significant need was identified by ERD.

The challenges ahead for the peoples of Southeast Asia (and beyond) will last for months and years. We will, of course, pray for those affected. And we encourage you to consider how you can give in support of the needs of the region.

Summer Schedule
Sunday Services:
7:30am - Holy Eucharist Rite I Liturgy
10 :00am - Holy Eucharist Rite II Liturgy
Thursday Service:
8:30am - Holy Eucharist