News

Church Street News (see Past Issues)
The Newsletter of St. Lawrence Episcopal Church
Issue No. 2, Volume 98
February 2006

Dear Friends,

With the accumulation of dim and dreary days increasing, the metaphor of our Savior Christ Jesus as the Light of lights, the Light of All Nations brings me comfort and hope. While Epiphany means the “showing forth” of God’s actions, and is the Church season we are now keeping, within it is the quaint Anglican festival of Candlemas.

When Jesus was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem the Light illumined and dispelled the Old Covenant, for the New Age was dawning. The light of a single candle breaks darkness—remember when we used “candle power” as a unit of measuring light? The singular Light of Christ shines brightly always attracting and brightening our lives into the fullness of God’s Will.

We will be needing all the ‘Light’ we can get in the coming months. The Search Process will involve everyone as the parish survey and small group meetings gather input about St. Lawrence Mission and Ministries and the attributes we seek in a new rector. The History Timeline well evolve as a summary of how the past has shaped the present and will influence the future. The Search Committee has begun meeting for training and task management.

The Season of Lent, our annual Christian effort to enter into the core of our faith with intentional growth towards Easter Joy, also begins in a few weeks. For 40 days a program of worship, study, fellowship and service will be offered to enhance our journey of faith.

The meaning I see in the whirling activities and events is an encounter with God’s leading for the parish. Great things are unfolding and we are going to be practicing more and more what it will be like to be an even more vibrant, diverse, and larger community. At times we will feel overwhelmed. Gone are the days when we did only one thing at a time; or knew or attended everything going on “down at Church.” It may at times seem like a roller coaster ride so hang on tight and stay close.

My hope is that we can communicate wisely about all events and opportunities so that you can proudly sense ownership and belonging in this wonderful faith community. God amazes us with a call to be all we can be and do all that can be done. Follow the Light, look up and listen!

Tom+, your interim rector.

FROM THE WARDENS
Over the past few months we have experienced so many “new beginnings” from September 2005 with our Kick Off Sunday as our first Sunday “on our own,” November 2005 with our new Intentional Interim Rector, Father Rosa, Advent, to the start of a new Vestry year following our annual meeting. 2006 also brings a new budget year.

Each has challenged us as a parish community, but we have accepted the challenge and prevailed. 2006 will present many new opportunities for us to grow as a parish as we embark on our learning process to create our parish profile. It is this parish profile that will provide guidance to our newly commissioned Search Committee as they undertake the charge to make a recommendation to the Vestry to call a new rector to lead us through the next chapters of our parish life together.

One of our opportunities will be accepting our 2006 budget as presented and diligently working within the expenses outlined while exceeding our income projections. This can be done in a variety of ways, contributing to the parish through the signing of a pledge card, becoming a giver of record, and donating your time and talent to the parish for events and for fundraisers which will be approved by the Vestry throughout the year. It is the intent of the Vestry to promote fundraisers that will be promoted to the community outside of our St. Lawrence family. Our St. Lawrence family has been so generous in the past and we are grateful. The Vestry is interested in hearing your ideas for these fundraisers that we can promote to the outside community. Please feel free to talk to the Warden, Father Rosa or any member of Vestry.

For opportunities to be rewarding they require a willingness to accept change. Change is good! It opens our minds and allows us to view our life together from so many different aspects. For our Annual Meeting Sunday we reduced our service schedule from three services to one. This reduction in services gave the 7:30 service attendees the opportunity to worship with the 11:00 service attendees while the 9:00 and 11:00 had the opportunity of experiencing Rite I which many have either not experienced in a long time or never experienced. As we proceed through 2006, we will experience many more changes; everyone will endure these changes differently, some accepting and some opposed.

As 2006 unfolds, we ask that everyone prayerfully consider some of the changes and ideas that are being presented. Don’t oppose them because they are different from what we have done before, but instead, consider all aspects of them and look how these changes and ideas will impact the St. Lawrence community as we venture down our new road.

Senior Warden Jeanne Murphy can be reached at
valentinejam@sbcglobal.net

Junior Warden Frank Top can be reached at
thetops@comcast.net

INTERFAITH CHAPLAINCY FUNDRAISER
The ministry of Interfaith Chaplaincy is to provide pastoral care to the frail elderly at Winchester House, in Libertyville. In support of this work, the agency is hosting its primary annual fundraiser, Banquet for the Body & Soul.

This year’s gala event will take place at the Forge Club in Lincolnshire, on Sunday, February 12. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 4:30 pm, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm. The evening will also include entertainment, a “pot of gold” and a silent
auction. All of the proceeds will go to support the spiritual care of the residents of
Winchester House.

Tickets are available through the Interfaith Chaplaincy by calling 847-336-2777. Donations of cash or items for the silent auction are also greatly appreciated.

For more information, you can also speak with Deacon Mary-Jane.

ANNUAL MEETING RECAP
The St. Lawrence Church Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, January 29. We celebrated Rite I Eucharist together at 9:30 as one congregation. Following our service we moved on to the Parish Hall for some more sustenance. Our many thanks to Liz Halbert for her leadership of planning and providing the wonderful all parish brunch. The meeting followed and the attendance at all three scheduled events was thought to be high.

This is our second Annual Meeting in our new Sanctuary. It is gave us a feeling of celebration and encouragement for our future.

The Wardens shared their impression on the health of the parish and thanked the Vestry for their dedication and service. They both stated their enthusiasm for the days ahead as we enter into the Search process.

Ken Carrano delivered the Treasures report and the budget was accepted by the congregation. All of the Ministry Team and Committees reports were detailed in the Annual Report and submitted by title.

Liz Halbert, Mari MacDonald and Mellicent Wishau have completed their elected terms on the Vestry. The Nominating Committee presented a slate of candidates to fill these vacancies: Linda Bowers, Mary Ann Seagrist and Julia Karnstedt. With no nomination offered form the floor, this slate was elected by acclamation. The Search committee was also presented and approved.

The Vestry will hold an organizing retreat on February 17 and 18. At this time, they will determine ministry team assignments and make plans for the immediate future.

2006 St. Lawrence Annual Reports are available in the Narthex or the church office.

SHROVE TUESDAY — FEBRUARY 28
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 28, we’re going to party!

5:30 pm Mask-making party, with lots and lots of beads
6:00 pm Jambalaya potluck in the Parish Hall
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!

Would you like to help with this 2nd Annual Parish event please contact,
Jennifer Kanches, 847-548-0084.

ASH WEDNESDAY — MARCH 1
Our annual observance of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 1.

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

SEARCH COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED
At the annual meeting on January 29, the newly formed Search Committee was introduced and commissioned. What a great group of people we have representing St. Lawrence in our search for a new rector! Even better, but presenting somewhat of a challenge, was the fact that we had a large pool of willing volunteers offering their services to be on this committee. The committee itself was put together in an effort to represent all of us at St. Lawrence. Members represent various age groups, interests and attend different services; they offer a variety of skills to help the committee do its job in a very effective manner. Thank you to all who were willing to serve, and to those who accepted this special challenge, our special thanks as you begin this very important job. The committee members are:

Mike Chickey
Julie Quandt
Liz Halbert (co-chair)
David Secor (chaplain)
Andrea Larson
Jan Hartshorne
Todd Seiler (co-chair)
Sarah Simpson
Bobbie Ellington (recorder)
Mell Wishau (correspondent)
Carol Keating
Tony Wolff

What happens next? Self Study

The Search Committee hit the ground running on February 1, meeting with Search Consultant Susan Czolgosz and the Transition Committee in a joint session to begin on the self-study that will help them create the all-important Parish Profile. The parish will be involved in this step as well, as we strive to document who we are, and who we are looking for in a new rector. In order to accomplish this goal, we need the input of as many parishioners as possible.

The committee has set Parish Profile Information Meetings for various times. The meetings will last about two hours, and participants will work openly in small groups. All meetings will be held at the church, and will be led by a Search Committee or Transition Committee member as Facilitator. Each parishioner need attend only one meeting, and there are many options:

Parish Profile Information Meetings -Please check your calendar

Sunday February 12 - during Adult Forum Time, extending into the 11:00 service
Sunday, February 19 - during Adult Forum Time, extending into the 11:00 service
Monday, February 13 - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 15 - 7:00 PM
Thursday, February 16 - 9:30 AM

Once the profile is completed, then what?

After the Parish Profile has been completed, the Search Committee will begin in earnest to reach and evaluate potential candidates meeting our criteria. The Profile will be posted on our website, so potential candidates can also use the Profile to evaluate how well they feel they would “fit” with our parish. That work will continue throughout the spring and summer months, with the hope that we will be able to call a new rector sometime next Fall. While actual candidates and deliberations must necessarily be kept confidential within the Search Committee, coming newsletters will feature articles keeping us posted on the progress of the committee’s work. Next month will feature a schedule of their planned time line, so we can follow along.

In the meantime, what can we do?

All of us should hold the members of the Search Committee and their work in our prayers. Thank them for being so willing to share of themselves and their talents for the good of the Parish. Continue to support each other as we go through this time of change and transition.

If you have question about the search process, contact any of these members of the Transition Committee:

Jeanne Murphy 847 680-8685
Frank Top 847 984-2860
Robert Moseley 847 327-9877
Hans Karnstedt 847 549-7024
Betsy Swank 847 367-0193
Fr. Tom Rosa 815 543-0200

ST. LAWRENCE PIANO DEDICATION RECITAL DATE SET
Sunday February 26 at 3:00 pm in the Sanctuary we will host a wonderful recital to dedicate the new piano. We have the honor of experiencing the rich talents of Pawel Checinski, a world renowned pianist with a reception to follow.

Pawel Checinski, Pianist

Born in Lodz, Poland, Pawel Checinski (Pah-vel Hen-chin-ski) began piano studies at the age of six. He received the Master of Arts degree with honors from the Music Academy in Warsaw. In l971, Mr. Checinski was awarded a Fulbright Grant by the U.S. Department of State to continue his studies at The Juilliard School where he earned both a Master of Music degree and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. He also studied with Leon Fleisher and Aube Tzerko. For several years he worked extensively under the guidance of his mentor, the legendary Claudio Arrau.

Mr. Checinski has been successful in numerous international competitions in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Australia, the United States, and Brazil.

Pawel Checinski made his first major appearance outside of Poland at the Moscow Conservatory. His reputation as an outstanding and highly original interpreter of the music of Chopin secured his premiere performance in the West, which took place at the Wigmore Hall in London, England. His U.S. debut occurred at Carnegie Recital Hall in New York, which led to performances in places such as Lincoln Center in New York, Philadelphia’s Academy of Music, and Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre and Orchestra Hall.

Mr. Checinski’s extensive performing career has spanned five continents. This international exposure has afforded him with what he considers to be the invaluable opportunity of communicating with people of diverse national and cultural backgrounds through his music.

For more information about our guest pianist you will find a complete biography in the church office, also on the Formation table outside the office and in the Narthex.

WEDNESDAY’S LENTEN STUDY PROGRAM
We will be featuring a new Lenten study program here at St. Lawrence. For five weeks, beginning Wednesday, March 8th at 12:10-12:50 pm. Fr. Tom will lead a discussion after viewing a short program. This program will be repeated in the evening from 7:30 - 8:30 pm. So weather you can have lunch or dinner with us , this will sure to be enlightening and uplifting.

“Keeping Up Lent with Hyacinth Bucket”

A viewing of episodes of hilarious comedy and a short discussion of the dangers of self-absorbing behavior that goes against Christ’s teaching to ”love you neighbor as yourself”. Soup and Bread will be served during the viewing

For more information contact the church office 847 362-2110

EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT
In 2005 we started “Pennies from Heaven” which brought in over $385.00 for Episcopal Relief and Development. By putting a 5 gallon jug out with a request from people to help, many opened their hearts and wallets. Thank you all for your donations.

We would like to focus on our Sunday School children, in hope that we can increase their awareness of are people less fortunate throughout the world. Pennies are the smallest amount that one can give, yet if we can collect many of them weekly, together they can accumulate into hundreds of dollars.

For more information, contact Don Craig at 847 362-9443.

WORSHIP EVENTS CALENDAR—FEB.-MAR. 2006
The following is offered as an aid in developing a Lenten discipline. Take on no more than you can realistically accomplish, but do not fail to ask what it is you hope to get our of this year’s observance. Pick one or two things form this list. You may want to try something new!

Evening Prayer
Thursdays 7-7:30 pm
Evening Prayer is a liturgy of Word consisting of Psalms, Bible reading, canticles (prescribed responses to the readings) and prayers. A guided meditation will also be included. Silent prayer will be offered especially for the search committee, parish leadership and those who are on our prayer list.

Centering Prayer Service
Sunday, February 12th 7 pm
Gathering in the darkened church, a single candle burns before the altar to begin a time of focused corporate prayer. After a bell rings, a brief reading prepares individuals for meditative and contemplative praying in silence together. At the appointed time silence is ended and a period of intercessory prayers are offered audibly or silently. A short period of instruction to encourage, deepen and broaden one’s prayer life may be given. There are many methodologies to consider.

Ash Wednesday March 1
12:10 pm and 7:30 pm
The imposition of ashes marks the beginning of 40 days of self-examination and repentance; prayer, fasting and self-denial; study and almsgiving. The liturgy is focused on individual and communal penitence, amendment of life and the spiritual nurture of Holy Communion.

The Great Litany March 5
all Sunday services
Composed in the 16th century, this form of prayer offers a series of intercessions and petitions for all sorts of conditions in human life with a short, repetitive responses from the entire congregation.

Taize Service
Sunday March 12th 5 pm
Nearly 60 years the monks of Taize, France, called upon the youth of Europe to come pray and sing together for the whole world. Plaintive and haunting melodies were devised to aid in the powerful bonding that was achieved. St. Augustine had said, “ anyone who sings, prays twice” is clearly seen in this worship experience.

The Stations of the Cross
Sunday March 19
Pilgrims to the Holy Land from earliest times retraced the steps of Jesus’Passion and paused at sites along the way to meditate on biblical and traditional moments as he was lead to the Cross on Calvary. A pattern of a versicle and response, meditation and prayers and the singing of the “Stabat Mater” as they visited each station developed. This parish has a unique set of 14 original artwork pictures that will be set up in the Church for the season of Lent. Members are encourage to walk the way of the cross privately during the entire season of Lent.

The Labyrinth
Sunday April 2nd through Saturday April 8
Available during regular church hours or by appointment
The Chartres Cathedral in France contains a circular and weaving pathway on its floor, to aid pilgrims in experiencing a profound encounter with God. Walking slowly towards the center, one unburdens the soul, in the center meditating upon God’s presence, and walking back out one listens to what God may charge you to do about these burdens and so many other things. Our Labyrinth this year will be set up in the Narthex, and replicates the Labyrinth of Chartres. It is generously loaned to us from the United Methodist Church of Libertyville.

Holy Week
Palm Sunday April 9th through Easter Sunday April 16th

April 9 - Palm Sunday
The reading of the Passion According to Mark, distribution and procession of palms.

April 13 - Maundy Thursday
Agape Meal at which Holy Communion was instituted, the feet of disciples washed and a new commandment to love one another mandated.
A watch before the reserved sacrament echoes Jesus’ agony in the garden.

April 14 - Good Friday
The liturgy of solemn prayers, veneration of the cross and communion from the reserved sacrament.

April 15 - The Great Vigil of Easter: Baptisms and the first Eucharist of the feast.

April 16 - Easter Day

ADULT FORMATION CALENDAR
FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Adult Forum Sundays 10:10 am
Feb 12 4/5 - learning the lingo
Feb 19 5/5 - learning the lingo
Feb 26 TBA
March 5 TBA
March 12 TBA
March 19 TBA
March 26 TBA

Adult Confirmation, Reaffirmation, and Reception for the Waukegan Deanery will be hosted at St. Lawrence, Saturday April 29
An Adult Study open to everyone, but especially those who are thinking of making a formal commitment to the Episcopal Church. Seven sessions that begin at 12:30 and run for one hour, following the 11:00 am Eucharist. Classes are led by clergy and parish leaders. Light refreshments will be served .

March 5 Session One: Ancient and Modern Episcopal Church History
March 12 Session Two: The Book of Common Prayer
March 19 Session Three: The Bible: Interpretation and Devotion
March 26 Session Four: Institutional Organization: Mission and Outreach Ministry near and far
April 2 Session Five: Personal Prayer and Sacraments
April 9 Session Six: Ethical and Moral Living
April 19 Easter Day Recess
April 26 Final Session Seven: Parish Life and Ministry Opportunities.
April 29 Saturday Morning: Time with Bishop and Confirmation

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

Greg and Peggy Hanson
The Hanson family moved to Green Oaks from Wilmette about a year ago and started attending St. Lawrence last November. They are former members of St. Augustine’s Episcopal in Wilmette.

Greg grew up in Racine, WI and Peggy grew up in Texas. They met when both were getting their MBA degrees at the University of Texas – Austin. Greg and Peggy were married in 1991 in Texas and then moved to Racine. They moved around quite a bit and settled in Wilmette in 1997. Their twins, Jack and Ben, were born on March 17, 1998 and then Beau was born on July 30, 1999. The three boys are now students at Oak Grove School (2nd and 1st graders).

Greg is the Treasurer of Pactiv Corporation in Lake Forest and enjoys coaching his sons in Little League, flag football, soccer, etc. in his spare time. Peggy has been busy as a stay-at-home mom, but is ready to get back in the job market and is starting her search for a job in accounting/finance. She is a runner, but prefers to pursue her sport in the warmer weather! The Hanson family loves Durango – they vacation there every summer and aspire to have a home there one day.

The Hansons have found St. Lawrence an easy parish to get involved in. Peggy helped pack up the donations to Cathedral Shelter, donates food for PADS and hopes to join the Bible Study on Friday mornings. Do make an effort to meet the Hansons – a great new addition to the St. Lawrence family!

NEWCOMER BRUNCH COMING SOON!
Our next newcomer brunch will be held in the Parish Hall this Sunday, February 12th between the 9:00 and 11:00 services. Anyone new to St. Lawrence is welcome to attend. It’s a great way to meet fellow newcomers and other parishioners in an informal setting – and the food is always good! If you’re interested in learning more about St. Lawrence please plan to attend. Call or e-mail Liz Halbert 847-918-1363 or lizbert5@aol.com.

ITS BUNCO NIGHT!
Sunday February 26th
Come and join your friends - and make new ones -at the Episcopal Church Women's potluck supper and bunco night on Sunday, February 26 at 5:00 pm in the Parish Hall. All ladies of the parish are invited and newcomers are especially welcome. If you haven't played bunco before, do not fear! It's a very easy game and a good mixer; and our experts will give us direction. Watch for the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.

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