News

Church Street News (see Past Issues)
The Newsletter of St. Lawrence Episcopal Church
Issue No. 11, Volume 97
November 2005

Dear Members and Friends of St. Lawrence Parish,

November begins with the Church’s celebration of All Saints-All Souls Days. I look forward to joining you at a time when we reflect on the heritage of faith and service known in Christians through the ages.  We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who nurtured us and kept the faith that we might believe.  

As your Interim Rector I am counting on the "saints” who are and have been a part of St. Lawrence Parish to guide me and the other leaders of the parish during this time of transition.  Maintaining the health of the congregation during this time of stress and change will be the number one goal.  The parish is passing through a time when we will look at the past and present, to set our vision on the future.  

With all the talents and resources that I have already begun to encounter, I know that this parish is blessed, energized, and prepared to follow Christ’s call to mission and ministry. It will be an exciting time for me to be with you as priest and pastor.  

November and December are filled with holidays and holy days. The parish leadership is planning a full schedule of events and opportunities to celebrate and grow more and more into all God is calling us to be individually and as a community.  

I’ll be settling into an apartment near the church and living in your community from Wednesdays through Sundays.  Please know that my time is your time and I look forward to meeting you all.  

Peace and Grace,

Tom+

THANK YOU!
It seems only yesterday that we were getting ready for our going away party for the Holdorphs, but here we are welcoming our new Intentional Interim Rector, Father Rosa. It’s hard to believe that it has only been two months between these two momentous events at St. Lawrence Church.

As August 29th approached I wondered how we would survive without the leadership and knowledge of Father Jed, but we did. We did because we have such a wonderful parish community and everyone stepped up and helped where they could.

It would be impossible for me to name everyone but I feel that a few merit special attention. First of all, the Vestry, who as your leadership, accepted the challenge with spirit and a strong sense of togetherness. Our Junior Warden, Frank Top, who kept me pulled together when I truly needed that extra strength. The Transition Committee of, Betsy Swank, Hans Karnstedt, Robert Moseley, and Frank Top, who provided guidance in procuring an Interim Rector.

Our clergy, Father Marc and Deacon Mary Jane, who came forth and put in so much extra time over and above what their regular roles encompass. Each has other full time positions, yet they kept in communication with each other and made sure that all our worship and pastoral needs were met. Rev. Fran Holliday who assisted us two Sundays and came on Thursdays to preside at the morning Eucharist. Wendy Unrath Young who kept us spiritually lifted by the music she offered at our 9:00 and 11:00 services.

However, the true “glue” that kept us afloat and kept us functional was Sue Montgomery, our parish secretary. She has met the challenges of the past two months, admirably handling the extra duties transferred to her. Sue, I personally thank you for everything that you did to help me, the Vestry, and our parish community. Without your support these past two months would have been far more challenging than they were.

Jeanne Murphy
Senior Warden

Jeanne Murphy can be reached at valentinejam@sbcglobal.net
Frank Top can be reached at thetops@comcast.net

ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY
The day after Halloween (All Hallows’ Eve) is All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’ Day). Our Prayer Book encourages us to observe this major Feast Day on the Sunday following – November 6th this year.

It’s always a special day for us, perhaps especially in the Episcopal Church. We count ourselves among the vast Communion of Saints, a communion that spans the whole globe and crosses all time. We find ourselves joined to this vast communion by virtue of our baptism.

As a major part of our celebration of All Saints' Sunday, the Sunday school classes will be presenting four individuals approved by the Episcopal Church as official feast days on our calendar.  The presentations will be performed during the sermon at the 9:00 am service. 

A celebration will follow during coffee hour, so there will be no Sunday school classes that day.

STEWARDSHIP

Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Proverbs 13:9-10, NRSV.

Stewardship teaches that all that we have and all that we are is a gift from God. We are, therefore, stewards of God's gifts during our lifetime. Discerning and carrying out God's purpose is the primary purpose of our lives. The gifts we have been given, time, talent, and money, are to be used for that purpose. The good news at St. Lawrence is that we already practice many of the habits of good stewardship. We are already sharing our resources and providing for future generations. As part of the Stewardship Campaign we are analyzing all of the wonderful things St. Lawrence does with the gifts of time, talent and treasure and will be reporting back to you shortly.

On or about November 1, 2005 you will be receiving a pledge card for fiscal year 2006. Please prayerfully consider giving generously to the 2006 Stewardship Campaign to fund St. Lawrence’s operating needs for the upcoming year. Just as we have indicated in the past, our operating budget for 2006 covers the bare necessities; there are few discretionary expenditures. While it is true that there will be some savings with respect to certain expenses as a result of Father Jed’s departure, there are likewise new expenses that will generated as part of the process of locating a new permanent Rector. Some of our current expenses are likely to rise particularly our fuel costs (perhaps as much as 70%). As a result our operational needs for the upcoming year will certainly match and may exceed those for 2005.

Shortly after the New Year, after prayerfully considering where we are as a parish and what we need in a new Rector, we will be forming a search committee whose mandate will be to locate a new Rector. Just as we will be examining the qualifications of various candidates to lead us spiritually into the future, the candidates will likewise be reviewing St. Lawrence. It is therefore important that we as a parish maintain the momentum in our programs that has been generated over the past decade, and important that we maintain our fiscal health.

The parish has been extremely helpful, cooperative, and most importantly, faithful throughout the past few months since Father Jed’s departure. We successfully called an Interim Rector to help guide us on the next leg of this journey. Please continue to keep the faith as we enter this new and exciting period. We need your continued support, commitment, ideas, and resources, both financial and otherwise.

FORE A SUCCESS
It was a great day at the Vernon Hills Golf Course on September 25th.  St. Lawrence parishioners had a wonderful day of golf, fellowship and, of course, a delicious meal.  The rain held off until it was time to start the grills. The volunteer cooks at the grills didn't let that get in the way of an absolutely delicious meal of grilled filet, marinated shrimp and scallops.  Side dishes and desserts were prepared by all - it was a meal to remember.  Raffle tickets were sold, raising funds for Episcopal Relief and Development.  Thanks to the planning committee members, golfers, volunteers, grill cooks and of course Jeanne and Frank Top for opening their home to host our meal. 

THE TRANSITION TEAM
Wardens Jeanne Murphy and Frank Top and former Wardens Robert Moseley, Hans Karnstedt and Betsy Swank, have been meeting regularly to plan what will evolve in the coming year as we plan for, search for and call a new Rector. We are very pleased to welcome our new Interim Rector, Father Tom Rosa, and we will look to him for leadership in this time of change.

The specific goals of the Transition Committee in the immediate future will be to encourage the forward momentum our parish has experienced in the past years, both in terms of programs and participation. It’s a very normal response for a parish to experience a dip in enthusiasm and attendance after the departure of their Rector. While we need to acknowledge our feelings of loss, we must still remember that we are the parish and that we can support one another and continue to reach out to the community at large. There are some wonderful things happening at St. Lawrence this fall, and Advent and Christmas are just around the corner.

In the coming months, with Father Tom’s direction, we will be exploring exactly where we are as individuals and as a parish. It has been several years since we participated in the “revisioning” process that led us to decide to expand our facilities at our longtime location in downtown Libertyville. Now that our expansion is complete, Father Jed’s departure gives a new opportunity for self-reflection and refocusing, a necessary step as we prepare to search for a new permanent Rector.

In the meantime, let’s continue to celebrate who we are – the body of Christ that gathers on Church Street in Libertyville to worship, to learn, to play and to share God’s love with each other and with the greater community. That wonderful identity will never change.

EVERYONE COME AND JOIN THE FUN
This parish is known for their hospitality and excellent cooking. What could be better on a crisp Fall night then to get together for fellowship and food. We have a lot to celebrate the season. Fr. Tom will be presiding at his first official services earlier that day. We would like to welcome him to St. Lawrence by hosting a Chili Cook Off on Sunday, November 6th at 5:00 pm, in the Parish Hall.

If you have a favorite recipe for chili please bring it in your crock pot, (with copies of your recipe). Don’t forget those unique toppings, that may be the edge over your competition. If chili is not your specialty we welcome you to sign up for coleslaw or dessert. We will all be voting Chili King or Queen and their court. We always have a great time together; please join us for this family evening and be a part of this new opportunity for fellowship for our church. 
 
May we also always remember to thank our Heavenly Father for the many opportunities we have for fellowship, both within and outside of our church. 

NEWCOMER BRUNCH COMING UP
The Invitational Ministry Team is sponsoring our next Newcomer Brunch on November 13 at 10:10 am. We will meet in the Parish Hall for food, fun and fellowship between the 9:00 and 11:00 services. If you are new to St. Lawrence, you are welcome!! It will be a great opportunity to meet Father Tom Rosa, our new interim Rector, and ask any questions you may have about the church.

THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE
Our annual combined service with members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church will be on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday November 23, at 7:30 pm. Clergy and lay persons from both churches will participate in this joint service of Holy Eucharist.

We will make our pilgrimage to their house of worship for this service. Following the service, we will enjoy the annual Pie Social in their Parish Hall. Donations of pies will be greatly appreciated. Look for the sign-up sheet in coming weeks.

Please join us for fellowship and dessert as we give thanks for all of God’s blessings and as we celebrate this tradition of ecumenism.

PREPARE YE THE WAY
Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, but is not as penitential a season as Lent. It is a time for calm and thoughtfulness before the hustle and bustle of preparation for Christmas. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival”. As we prepare for the birth of Jesus and our own spiritual rebirth, St Lawrence has several opportunities to help with reflection, prayer and song.

The 1st Sunday in Advent is November 27th. We will begin the season with a service of meditation. The Way of the Cradle is a brief service of meditations similar to the Stations of the Cross. This will be held in the Narthex beginning at 5:00 pm.

The 2nd Sunday of Advent is Dec 4th. There will be another opportunity for reflection. Choral Evensong is a brief service of meditative song and prayer. This service begins at 5:00 pm and will be followed by a parish potluck.

These services are a great way to get away from the commercialism of the season and remember what the season is truly about.

Advent opportunities include:

Sunday, November 27 —
The Way of the Cradle
5:00 pm; Sanctuary

Sunday, December 4 —
Evensong and Advent potluck
5:00 pm; Sanctuary & Parish Hall

Saturday, December 10 —
Sing Along Messiah
4:00 pm; Sanctuary

MESSIAH AT ST. LAWRENCE
Messiah, Handel’s most successful and best-known oratorio, was composed in London in 1741 in just 24 days. It is astounding that a work of this magnitude could be completed in such short order. Handel was apparently duly inspired, for it was reported at the time that he said, "I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God himself." It was first performed in Dublin, Ireland in 1742 with Handel himself conducting. The Messiah lives on today with performances and sing-along versions in countless communities around the world.

The Sing-Along Messiah provides audience members the opportunity to sing along with an orchestra and soloists. St. Lawrence again this year will host this treasured event featuring the North Suburban Symphony under the direction of Michael Poulos, as well as featured soloists, on Saturday, December 10th, 4:00 pm. There is a suggested donation of $10, with proceeds being donated to PADS of Lake County. (The program will also be offered on Sunday December 11th, at Gorton Auditorium in Lake Forest. )

Yes, please come. You don't need to sing, but you will be amazed by the singing that takes place all around you, as well as the music coming from the stage. There is no pressure to rehearse or sing like a soloist. It's a charity event, so buy your ticket and come enjoy and receive inspiration for the holiday season.

For more information contact Jan Billings 847 223-9379. Tickets will also be available in the church office, 847 362-2110.

CHRISTMAS BASKETS
This year we are again participating in the Cathedral Shelter Christmas Basket program and we have agreed to supply gifts and food for 10 large families, totaling 61 people. We have a diverse group of recipients, from the very young to the elderly, with household monthly incomes as low as $500.00.

Here’s how it works. The ages and sizes, along with some suggestions have been provided for you. Please label each gift with the name and code number of the recipient. A list of food items for each family has also been posted.

There will be boxes in the Narthex to drop off your gifts. Please return them by Wednesday, December 7; pick-up is Friday, December 9.

ST. LAWRENCE BOOK GROUP
Looking for some relaxation in your busy life? Escape by reading a novel! In November and December our book selections are fairly short – both books are just over 200 pages. Delve into one or both of these books and then join us for an hour and a half discussion.

As a reminder, our November book is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. We will meet on Monday, November 14th at 7:30 in the Fireside Room. (If it’s chilly outside, we will have a fire!)

Our December book selection is Confessions of a Pagan Nun by Kate Horsley. According to Booklist, “This brief but vivid novel presents itself as a recently discovered manuscript composed by 1 of the 19 nuns of Saint Bridget in Kildare, at the dawning of Ireland's Christian era. Gwynneve was a druid before the tonsured clerics began to convert her people, offering them new technologies in exchange for conversions. When her druidic teacher and lover, Giannon, is kidnapped, apparently by followers of the new god, Gwynneve falls into despair that is lifted only when she hears of a community that keeps the old Celtic ways under the guise of Christian ritual. In it, she is set to a task that suits her perfectly: copying manuscripts of the church fathers, especially Augustine, with whom she has a running intellectual battle. As she records her life's story, she also relates the melodramatic doings of her convent, which include the abbot's fall from chastity and later self-mutilation. Poetically written and marvelously researched, the novel offers complex theological arguments wrapped in a compelling story about memorable characters.” We will discuss this book on Monday, December 12th.

ALTAR FLOWERS
Have you ever wondered where those beautiful floral arrangements that we have in front of the Altar each week come from? Each week the floral arrangements are delivered free of charge by Libertyville Florist. Please stop in and say thanks. Libertyville Florist is located in Red Top Plaza.

If you would like to sign up for Altar flowers or the Sanctuary Candle in thanksgiving of an event or in memory of a loved one, the books are on a table in the Narthex. Flowers are $30 for one donor, or $15 each for two donors; the Sanctuary Candle is $12 for one, or $6 each for two. Please make out a check to St. Lawrence Church and write “flowers/candle” on the memo line. If you have any questions please call Ann Leffler, 847 918-9697.

Come to
The St. Nicholas Room
A Holiday Bazaar featuring handmade craft items
and fresh baked goods

Saturday, December 3rd
10:00 am—3:00 pm
At. St. Lawrence Episcopal Church
125 West Church Street Libertyville
Sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women

ECW would like to thank all who have participated, donated, crafted, and supported our efforts in getting ready for the St. Nicholas room. We will hold our last craft day on Sunday, November 13th, from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. A reminder: All craft bag projects and donations to the Holiday Bazaar should be in by Sunday, November 13. A sign up sheet to help at The St. Nicholas Room will be posted soon in the Narthex. Hope to see you then! If you would like more information contact, Sue Vogg, 847 680-3302, or Julie Feely, 847 918-0732

CHOIR CORNER
Choir Bids Fond Farewell to the Carlsons — After a long career as mainstays of the St. Lawrence Church choir, Bob and Grace Carlson are “retiring” from the choir. Everyone in the parish, and especially the choir members, will miss their voices and their dedication, and we thank them sincerely.

But this does not have to be the end. On holidays, the choir will expand with additional members to become a “festival choir.” Anyone in the parish is welcome to join our festival choir on a temporary basis to celebrate special holy days. We hope the Carlsons, Roy Wellman and other “retired” choir members will be among them.

Festival Choir Rehearsing for November Services — The choir is now rehearsing Vaughan Williams’ “Let Us Now Praise Famous Men” for All Saints Sunday, and would love to have a larger festival choir for this occasion. That day will also be Father Tom Rosa’s first Sunday with us as our new interim rector. The choir will sing at both the 9:00 and 11:00 services and we want to sound exceptional to celebrate this wonderful day.

The next holiday service will be Thanksgiving Eve, when we will join with the choir of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for a combined service at Holy Cross. For that service, and for two Sundays in November, the choir will sing John Rutter’s beautiful anthem, “For the Beauty of the Earth.”

Tenors Anyone? — If you’d like to be part of the festival choir for these special days, please join us for rehearsals at 7:30 pm on Thursdays in the choir room. The choir is always open to new people who want to be regular choir members as well. We especially need tenors, as Grace Carlson was one of only two tenors in the choir. For more information, please contact Sharon Starr, 847 680-1904. Or just come to rehearsal!

HAVE YOU MET YET…?
This month we are going to mix it up a bit and feature a family that has been attending St. Lawrence for awhile and a youth member of the parish. Hope you enjoy it!

Robert and Luisa Benson
The Benson family used to attend Trinity Episcopal in Highland Park and Robert grew up at St. Gregory’s in Deerfield, so it took awhile for them to decide to start attending St. Lawrence after they moved to Libertyville. But as their children got older, they decided it best to go to a church in their community and get them involved in Sunday School.

Robert and Luisa met in the Deerfield High School marching band, but didn’t start dating until five years later. They were married in 1985, two weeks after Robert turned 21, at St. Gregory’s. They now have two sons, Bubba and Gus. Both boys have interesting nicknames. Bubba is really named Davisson, but was dubbed Bubba by Luisa’s students while still in her womb and it stuck! Gus’ full name is William Giusto after his two grandfathers, but goes by Gus. Bubba is an eighth grader at Highland Middle School and Gus is in seventh grade – they are only 16 months apart in age.

Robert is a truck driver for Blue Thunder. He drives local routes so is home in the evenings. NASCAR is not just his hobby –“it’s a lifestyle”. Luisa teaches sixth grade at Elm Place Middle School in Highland Park. She enjoys cooking and crochet in her spare time. Both boys are in the band at Highland and Bubba is on the Heavyweight Libertyville Boys Club Travel Football team. Both of these activities keep their parents busy, too!

Luisa is happy that St. Lawrence provides her the opportunity to be involved in outreach activities. She helped at Coffee in the Park this summer and frequently cooks for PADS and the Soup Kitchen. The boys are both involved in the youth groups.

Matt Karnstedt
Matt was born in Arlington Heights, and he and his family (parents Hans and Julia and older brother, Paul) moved to Libertyville when he was four years old. He is now a busy young man of 15 who is a sophomore at Libertyville High School. He runs cross country in the fall and track in the spring and is a member of student council. Matt also plays bari saxophone in the band, marching band and the jazz band.

Matt is currently working towards his Eagle Scout rank and has selected a project that will benefit St. Lawrence. He is going to rebuild the fence around the dumpster area that is currently an eyesore. It will have a brick base with wood fencing and a door. Matt is responsible for getting the plan, organizing the project, gathering the materials and getting volunteers to build the structure. An important part of this is to seek donations for materials. Thank you to Matt for taking on this project!

Matt’s favorite things about St. Lawrence are the youth group, volunteering at the soup kitchen and the fun social events at the church. In the future, Matt hopes to attend University of Illinois (like his older brother and mother!) and major in music. He would like to teach and perform music as a career.

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