News
Church
Street News (see Past Issues)
The Newsletter of St. Lawrence Episcopal Church
Issue No. 5, Volume 97
May 2005
INSTRUCTED
EUCHARIST
On Sunday, April 10, the 9:00 am service experienced what is often
called an “Instructed Eucharist.” Essentially, we hold
a regular service but add a narration that stops at various points
in the course of the service to explain the meanings behind the
things we do in our worship. Not so much interruptions in the flow
of the liturgy, these explanations are intended as helpful aids
in deepening our appreciation for our worship experience.
Over the years,
we've offered lots of variations on the basic idea. One year, the
narration focused on the actions of the liturgy - i.e., what we
do. But in another year, we highlighted the different parts played
by the different ministers of the liturgy - i.e., who does what.
And the real point is always the “why” behind these
actions and roles.
A revised
service for a revised space
As near as I can tell, it had been five years since we last did
a service like this on a Sunday morning. Back then, of course, our
sanctuary was remarkably different, so this seemed an especially
good time to focus some attention on our worship space itself. And
the real point here, too, is to gain some appreciation for the “why”
behind some of the specific elements built into the worship space.
Among the many
featured points, we noted the intention to emphasize the essential
unity of the sanctuary rather than dividing it into parts for passive
laity and active ministers - i.e., one room, one people. We touched
on the significance of a processional cross that moves, calling
us to follow the way Christ leads. And, of course, we highlighted
the ambo, font and table we had crafted from the old maple trees
that used to grace our garden.
The drawing above shows a furniture layout that closely
matches our current arrangement. This particular arrangement is
one of four alternatives envisioned by one of the vendors who made
bids to supply our seating in the new worship space.
Built
for flexibility
My first observation of the morning, however, was simply that the
space is flexible. Flexibility allows us to respond to immediate
needs, such as a person in a wheelchair at a wedding or the staging
needs of a pageant. It allows us to emphasize a seasonal theme,
as we are doing by keeping the font in the middle of the room throughout
the Easter season. And it allows us to be more welcoming of guests
for special concerts and other community meetings and events.
The flexibility
also obliges us to let our worship determine how we use the space
rather than conform our worship to the dictates of the room. To
that end, the Worship Ministry Team will be exploring some possible
changes in room design for the summer months. Stay tuned to see
what they come up with.
FROM THE WARDENS
Last month, we spoke about the priority of building up our youth
programs at St. Lawrence, one of two emphases identified by the
Vestry this year. Building new relationships was the second, although
equally important. While there are plenty of examples of building
relationships in the Bible, one of the favorites remain the story
of Abraham and the three strangers that visited his tent (see box
at right).
We are happy
to report that our Invitational Ministry Team is already off to
a fast start. This team, led by Liz Halbert, has been active meeting,
greeting and accommodating newcomers, hosting newcomer events and
newcomer brunches to help acclimate our new friends to the St. Lawrence
family.
We likewise
are opening our doors to the community at large, recently hosting
a Baroque concert in March. Our doors will also be open for the
MainStreet Libertyville Annual Meeting (see page 7). Hopefully these
(and other) community events will be a springboard to building new
relationships within our congregation and our broader communities.
Ultimately, it is up to all of us to continue St. Lawrence's tradition
of providing a warm welcome to newcomers and guests.
The Lord is
risen. We hope the worship and activities of the Easter season were
as meaningful to you as they were to us. While it is impossible
to thank everyone individually in the constraints of the space allotted,
a general thank you goes out from the Wardens to all of you who
helped make Holy Week and Easter so special and meaningful. In particular
the Storytellers at the vigil were simply fabulous (although I understand
the Lima bean farmers union is a bit upset).
Ways
you can help
We are always looking for new ways to reach out to new parishioners
and those in the community seeking a parish home. If you are relatively
new and have feedback on how you were welcomed at St. Lawrence,
or if you have ideas on how to extend our embrace as a parish, we
would love to hear from you. We are also always looking for volunteers
to help with this vital ministry.
It is hard to
believe that May is upon us, and that we will all very soon be thinking
about summer activities and vacations. As they say in the Motel
6 ads, “we'll leave the light on for you.” But to help
us do that, please help us by keeping your pledges current throughout
the summer, either through the mail or through check writing services
provided by some financial institutions.
Faithfully Yours,
Jeanne Murphy and Frank Top
Senior Warden
Jeanne Murphy can be reached at Valentinejam@sbcglobal.net
Junior Warden
Frank Top can be reached at theTops4@comcast.net
The Lord appeared
to Abraham by the oaks of the Mamre, as he sat at the entrance
of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three
men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent
entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said,
“My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your
servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and
rest under a tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh
yourselves, and after that you may pass on - since you have come
to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.”
And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said “Make
ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make
cakes.” Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender
and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare
it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared,
and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while
they ate.
Genesis 18:1-8
RITE-13
LITURGY ON MAY 1
The Rite-13 Liturgy is one of the highlights of the first step in
our youth programs at St. Lawrence. It marks a moment in time, as
we watch our children grow into young men and women and prepare
for the time when we will send them off into the world. In this
particular liturgy, we give thanks to God both for the gift of these
persons in our midst and for their growth into young men and women.
The Church is
one of the few institutions in American society today to include
all generations. For that reason (among others), we celebrate many
rites of passage here, beginning with the birth of a child, baptism,
marriage and on through the whole life cycle, all the way to death.
(Sometimes, it's been said that the Church is involved with life
from “the womb to the tomb.”) Please be here on May
1 for the next celebration of a Rite-13 Liturgy at our 9:00 o'clock
service that day.
PENTECOST ON MAY 15
The Feast of Pentecost was originally a Jewish holy day - 50 days
after Passover. It's still comes 50 days after our Passover, i.e.,
Easter. On that first Christian Pentecost, the disciples gathered
in a closed room and received the Holy Spirit. The gift empowered
them to go out into the streets to proclaim the gospel to people
from all over the then-known world - in their own tongues!
Baptisms
on Pentecost ...
Because of the connection between this sacrament and the gift of
the Holy Spirit, our Prayer Book recommends Pentecost as one of
four days in the church year for baptism. If you are interested
in presenting someone for baptism at this year's celebration, please
contact the church office.
And
wearing red on Pentecost ...
Red is the color of the day, representing the flames associated
with the gift of the Holy Spirit - descending upon each of the disciples
in “divided tongues, as of fire” (Acts 2:3). Accordingly,
the vestments used in our worship service that day, including those
worn by the clergy, are red.
Now, as on that
first Pentecost, we each have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit
- both as individuals and as the Body of Christ. To make a connection
between ourselves and those early disciples every member of the
congregation is encouraged to wear some red as well.
And
speaking other languages on Pentecost
As noted above, the first consequence of the Spirit's descent was
to commission the apostles to go out speaking the native tongues
of all those on the streets of Jerusalem that day. To commemorate
that first Pentecost and the experiences of the apostles, we are
planning to have the Gospel read in as many different languages
as we can find within our own congregation. If you speak a language
other than English, please let the office know.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CELEBRATION ON MAY 22
Another great year of Sunday School comes to a close on May 22.
A special series of presentations from the Sunday School classes
will be featured at the 9:00 o'clock service on that day. It's always
fun to see the kids and it's important to say thanks for the dedication
and ministry of their teachers.
COFFEE-IN-THE-PARK
We're organizing Coffee-in-the-Park volunteers in the same style
as in years past. The success of this system made it possible for
more people to be a part of this fun and ongoing activity. We need
8 “Captains” to run the weekly sale for two weeks each
(so the work is managed by many rather than a few). Coordinators
Ann Leffler and Margaret Snow will make sure supplies are available
and will call for weekly volunteers. The Captains need to be in
charge of set up, the sale itself and clean up. Your team would
only responsible for two dates. The first to sign up as Captains
can get the choice of weeks for their sale.
This is a fun
way to get to know other people at St. Lawrence while funding valuable
outreach projects. A short training session will be held in May
before vacations begin. Please contact Margaret Snow or Ann Leffler.
MARKET DAY IS COMING
The ECW is sponsoring Market Day again this summer. Please mark
your calendars for the following Market Day Sale Dates:
June 15
July 13
August 10
For those unfamiliar
with Market Day, Market Day offers a variety of meats, family meals,
breakfast foods, snacks, and beverages all conveniently packaged.
Most meats are individually packaged which makes it great for families
of any size.
Proceeds from
Market Day go into the outreach funds distributed annually by the
Episcopal Church Women.
Watch the summer
issues of the Church Street News for the Market Day order forms.
Forms will also be available in the church office or you can order
online at www.marketday.com.
We will also
need volunteers to assist with distributing the food on the dates
of the sales. Please watch for more information in upcoming issues
of the Church Street News and in the Sunday bulletins.
Remember you
can place your orders by using a form or by going online at www.marketday.com
RELAY
FOR LIFE
Save the date - Saturday, June 4! Relay For Life represents the
hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those
who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will
be eliminated. Relay offers something for everyone, from the newly
diagnosed, to caregivers and friends, to long-term survivors.
Relay For Life
is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship
and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer
Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds,
or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries
to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. This
event helps raise money for research, education, awareness and support
groups.
St. Lawrence
has sponsored at least one team for the last 6 years. This year
we have a commitment from Ann Leffler and Don Craig to walk at the
Relay at Mundelein High School.
There are two
ways you can participate: (1) get your good walking shoes on and
join the celebration (sponsorship packets will be available for
you in the office, allowing you to get started on pledges from family
and friends); and (2) support one of our team members (signing up
and pledging money for their efforts). Both are wonderful expressions
of support for this annual event.
If you are
interested in participating on the St. Lawrence team or have any
questions regarding the event, please contact Don Craig or Ann
Leffler.
WINCHESTER
HOUSE WALK
On Sunday, May 1, Father Jed will again walk in support of the chaplaincy
program - and our own Deacon Mary-Jane - at Winchester House. With
a new pet in his house, this year marks the return of your chance
to “Pledge-a-priest” or “Pledge-a-pet.”
Forms are available in the Narthex, donations are still being accepted.
MAINSTREET
LIBERTYVILLE
MainStreet Libertyville is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization
dedicated to the economic development and historic preservation
of Libertyville's downtown. You have probably attended one or more
of their events, like the Farmer's Market (on Thursdays) or Out
To Lunch. (on Fridays) during the summer months.
Did you know
that St. Lawrence is the only church in the “historic district”
of downtown Libertyville? As a part of that historic downtown, St..
Lawrence maintains a solid, supportive relationship with MSL. Since
our renovation we are now able to host important community events.
We have opened our doors to both community, village and educational
venues. More events are scheduled in the coming weeks (and others
being considered beyond).
Annual
Meeting
On Monday, May 16, MainStreet Libertyville, will hold its Annual
Meeting at St. Lawrence, serving a buffet dinner after the meeting
itself.
Historic Walking Tour
Celebrating Historic Preservation Month, MSL has developed a walking
tour of downtown Libertyville. Featuring both residential and business
properties, this year's tour, on May 21, will include a stop at
St. Lawrence.
PROGRESSIVE DINNER
The Progressive Dinner is set for Saturday, June 4. If you have
never attended a Progressive Dinner before, this is a fun event
that allows parishioners the opportunity to socialize with old friends
and meet new ones. We encourage everyone - young and old, single
and married - to attend.
The menu begins
with a gourmet first course, then the entrée is Beef Wellington.
The cost is $25.00 per person. The deadline for sign-up and purchasing
your tickets is May 22.
We will begin
this year's dinner together at 5:30 pm for appetizers (at the Rinella's
home), and then break up into groups of 8-10 for the soup course,
and switch homes again with a different group of 8-10 for dinner.
We end the evening all together again for desserts (back at the
Rinella's home). Please see the sign-up sheets at church for more
information, or you can call Jeanne Neifert with questions. We will
need host homes for first course and entree course, as well as donations
of an appetizer or a dessert.
Silent
Auction
A Silent Auction will be featured during this year's Progressive
Dinner (on June 4). We are soliciting auction items to be put up
for bid. Please keep the auction in mind when visiting your local
stores, salons and other local vendors, as well as any items you
or your business may have to offer. Both gift certificates and items
will be greatly appreciated. Please get auction items to Jennifer
Kanches by May 29.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
As a part of the Pastoral Care Ministry, the Prayer Shawl
Ministry was started during this past Lenten season.
A group of 35 to 40 people, ages 9 and up, gather to pray and knit
for those in need and for those celebrating life's joys. As
they create shawls for others, their handiwork becomes an expression
of their love - and the loving care of the God who works through
them.
Since February,
over 25 shawls have been completed and we look forward to recognizing
the efforts of so many by blessing the completed shawls at a service
during the month of May. Then the shawls will be put to their intended
use, given out to embrace someone with a tangible expression of
love - both ours and God's.
In the meantime,
the knitting continues on the first and third Monday of every month,
as we gather in the sanctuary at 6:30 pm.
IT'S
OFFICIAL! POSTULANCY
Court Williams was sponsored by St. Lawrence as he pursues a vocation
to become a priest in the Episcopal Church. That process advances
now that he has received his official letter from the Bishop. Therefore,
as of March 1, 2005, Court is officially a “postulant for
holy orders” in the Diocese of Chicago. With that step, he
can begin seminary at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston,
Illinois, in September. He expects to graduate in three years.
Watch the Church
Street News for updates as his process continues and please
continue to keep Court, and others in the process of seeking God's
path, in your prayers.
NEWCOMER BRUNCH REPORT
We welcomed fourteen newcomers to St. Lawrence at the brunch that
was held on Sunday, April 10th. Good food and fellowship was enjoyed
by all. Please get to know these new members of our parish!
EAGLE PROJECT FOR ST. LAWRENCE
At its March meeting, the Vestry heard from Matt Karnstedt, an active
member of St. Lawrence's J2A group (and son of Hans and Julia Karnstedt),
as he proposed a project to construct a new enclosure for the trash
dumpster on the southwest corner of the church property. The vestry
gave its unanimous approval.
The dumpster,
shared in recent years by the Civic Center, has been heavily used
and the enclosure has become unsightly (with doors that have come
completely off). With the Civic Center about to build a separate
dumpster/enclosure of its own, the proposed project is especially
timely for St. Lawrence. The public service project will further
Matt's efforts toward Eagle Scout. Congratulations, Matt. And much
thanks from the parish.
PLANNING
AHEAD IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA
We make a list before we grocery shop and dinner reservations before
we head into Chicago for the evening. Socially, planning ahead is
helpful. Financially, it is essential.
Creating a will
seems so obvious, yet in reality, many people never do it. In fact,
70% of Episcopalians don't have a will. Consequently, when they
die, state law will determine how their hard-earned assets are divided.
Additionally, in light of recent news stories, a healthcare directive
and durable power of attorney (usually included in the process of
creating a will) are vital components in providing for the emotional
and financial security of your loved ones. The cost of writing your
will may be the best bargain you ever receive. It costs little compared
to what you can save your heirs.
A will is a
legally binding document that directs the disposition of a person's
assets. It allows for the designation of trustees and guardians
of minor children. Even if you and your spouse hold all your assets
jointly, in most cases a will is still recommended. A will makes
certain the people and places, such as your church, will be remembered
as you intend when you are gone.
Planning ahead
is part of effective stewardship. Plan your will now and please
consider adding a bequest to our church. If you already have a will,
ask your attorney about adding a codicil to include a bequest to
St. Lawrence.
When you look
beyond this life and make provision for continuing financial support
of your Christian community, you offer assurance to that community
for its continuing life and ministry.
Presentations
on May 15
If you would like to know more about planned giving options and
the many things you can do now to provide security and peace of
mind for your family after your passing, please attend our coffee
hour discussions on May 15th after the 7:30 and 9:00 services.
QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF GIVING
The statements of giving for the first quarter of the year were
available in April. If you did not pick yours up at church, they
will be mailed to you in the near future. We ask you to do two things
when you receive your statement: review the details and read the
letter and brochure that are enclosed.
Review
the details
Volunteers at the church strive to record your financial gifts accurately
before depositing the funds into our church accounts. Their work
is transferred into our computer accounting system in order to generate
statements and manage our funds. While care is taken, mistakes do
happen. Please help us correct them if necessary.
Read
the inserts
A special insert in this statement announces the beginning of a
new special effort at St. Lawrence from the Planned Giving Committee
(see above). Working under the aegis of the vestry's Oversight Committee,
these individuals are encouraging the people of St. Lawrence to
make financial planning a priority - both for the benefit of our
individual members/families and for the benefit of the church.
If you have
any questions about your quarterly statement, please contact Jim
Brown.
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