News
Church
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The Newsletter of St. Lawrence Episcopal Church
Issue No. 6, Volume 98
June 2006
Dear
Friends:
The delightful thing about summer is that the longer daylight hours
give us seemingly more time. School is over and the many regular
programs and projects adjourn for a summer vacation. We can venture
in new directions, take a break from the routine and do something
we really need to do -- re-create ourselves. “Recreation”
means fun and relaxation to be sure, but there is a deeper meaning,
that of renewal and a re-focusing of self and life around us. To
have some extra time and leisure to recharge ourselves is a tremendous
gift.
That is why
I support the shift to a slower pace in the parish ministries. In
truth our many leaders and volunteers need time for re-creation.
Having worship services at a different time and participating in
community events like Libertyville Days, the Farmer’s market
or Coffee in the Park keep us involved yet differently. May I suggest
that summer is also the time not to take a vacation from Church
but to take a pleasant detour in one’s journey of faith. Stop
and “ smell the roses” and break free from the things
that bind. Becoming the people God calls us to be is an act of trust
in God’s grace; it is an act of obedience to God’s call;
it is an act of trust that God will lead us and supply us.
The hardest
part of becoming what God calls us to be, however, is that it calls
us to give up control and give up answering any other call any other
than Christ’s. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells us we
cannot serve two masters. He also tells us “Where your treasure
is, there you heart will be also.” That means , where ever
you put your treasure, your heart will follow.
Coming to terms
with reality for a Christian means giving to God first place in
your life. This act put the rest of life in perspective. It reminds
us who we are and whose we are. The marvelous thing is that God
then can give us back all we are and all we have multiplied many
times over even abundantly.
Summertime is
a time to grow, grow in generosity and compassion for others. Reorder
yourself, your family, even your commitments and interests. It may
seem a quiet time but in truth much is happening at a deep and profound
level.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom
A CELEBRATION OF THANKS
We marked the end of another terrific year of Sunday School at St.
Lawrence. We would like to thank all of our teachers for their work
with the children over the course of the year. And a special thanks
to Wendy Guarnaccio and her Sunday School Board for the excellent
leadership and organization.
We also bring
the choir season to an end. The Adult Choir and the Sunday School
Choir have filled our Sanctuary with joyful voices. We thank you
for your dedication throughout the year and look forward to hearing
your voices in the Fall.
FROM
THE WARDENS
May marked the end of the year for some of our Christian Formation
and Worship programs at St. Lawrence. Thanks to all who gave of
their time and talent to coordinate or serve in our many programs,
including the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Children’s
Chapel, our Sunday School programs, our Youth groups, Adult Forum,
our Nursery, and our choir. Thanks to the acolytes, lay eucharistic
ministers, readers, and those that coordinate all of the above.
Thanks to the altar guild who makes our worship space look so special
every weekend. These programs could not exist without the generosity
of your time. We apologize, we are probably missing many other activities
and lay ministers volunteers. God bless all of you and be praying
about your commitment of time for the upcoming program year. ( and
this Summer too!)
May and June
also marks graduation for some of our members. Congratulations to
all of those graduating from college, high school or middle school.
Good luck to those heading off to college or the work force. We
pray that you continue to be challenged in all of your endeavors.
Please remember that St. Lawrence is always there for you.
Thanks in large
doses to all who served on the Progressive Dinner Committee and
to all of the hosts. 89 parishioners participated in a wonderful
evening of food and fellowship. It was wonderful to see so many
there.
Do take notice
of our summer service times starting June 17 & 18, 2006, which
will include for the first time a summertime Saturday evening service
at 5:30 PM. Sunday services will be held at 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM.
We would appreciate any feedback you have with the summer schedule.
If you can serve at any of these services please call the office
and get on the schedule.
Please continue
to keep our search committee in your prayers. From what we understand,
the committee has received nearly 50 profiles, and will begin (or
is in the process) of reviewing them in an effort to discern who
will be the next rector for our parish.
Summer vacations
are a time for renewal and re-creation. We pray that yours is safe
and wonderful. Send St. Lawrence a postcard from your vacation destination.
It would be great to see the extent of St. Lawrence’s reach
into the world. Have you considered inviting a friend to church
this summer? Do them a favor and show and share all that we have
to offer.
Finally, while
things at St. Lawrence may slow down, we are still in need of your
support throughout the summer. Please remember the operation of
the church continue everyday and we are dependent upon your generous
giving to keep things running smoothly.
Peace
Senior Warden
Jeanne Murphy can be
reached at
valentinejam@sbcglobal.net
Junior Warden
Frank Top can be
reached at
thetops@comcast.net
PRAYER
SHAWL MINISTRY
Prayer Shawl meetings will go on hiatus for the summer and resume
after Labor Day. However, if you are a knitter, please continue
to knit, as the need never goes on hiatus.
SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE
We are happy to report that we are receiving a steady stream of
inquiries regarding our opening for Rector at St. Lawrence. We have
heard a lot of positive feedback on our Parish Profile which is
encouraging. The deadline for applications was moved to May 29th
and may be extended if we feel it’s necessary after we meet
as a committee on May 30th.
We now start
the task of narrowing the field, contacting the applicants’
references and conducting interviews. Please keep the committee
in your prayers as we move forward with this challenging and enriching
task.
Liz Halbert
& Todd Seiler (Co-chairs)
PAUSE A MOMENT WITH ME…
I watch this
morning for the light that the darkness has not overcome.
I watch for the fire that was the beginning
And that burns still in the in the brilliance of the rising sun.
I watch for the glow of life that gleans in the growing earth
And glistens in sea and sky.
I watch for your light, O God
In the eyes of every living creature
And in the ever-living flame of my own soul.
If the grace of seeing were of my own soul.
I the grace of seeing were mine this day
I would glimpse you in all that lives.
Grant me the grace of seeing this day.
Grant me the grace of seeing.
J. Philip Newell, Celtic Benediction; Morning and Night Prayer
Agape, Deacon
MJ
YOUNG EPISCOPAL SENIORS (YES) VIEW THE VATICAN
Seven parishioners and Father Tom set off this spring to
visit the Treasures of the
Vatican. First stop, a very tasteful lunch at Karl Ratzsch German
restaurant. Then
on to the Milwaukee Public Museum. The exhibit really highlighted
the many
centuries since St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s deaths, starting
with the catacombs,
through a model of an early basilica and showing the many different
tombs of St.
Peter. There were wonderful portraits of Popes, outstanding jewelry,
including at
least three tiered jeweled Papal crowns and rings. This was a wonderful
exhibit for
anyone interested in needlework. There were gorgeous hand worked
capes and
miters and detailed silver candle sticks, chalices, crosses and
the silver staff carried
by Pope John Paul II with wonderful mosaics.
The exhibit
showed how a Pope is elected and some of the articles used to strike
the
doors of St. Peters to open the Jubilee Year. Perhaps, the most
poignant artifact was
a simple small goblet and tin can cover used for communion to prisoners
at
Auschwitz.
TRINITY
SUNDAY EVENING PRAYER
Lutherans, Roman Catholics and Episcopalians will gather once again
to worship Libertyville. together. We all three share a common understanding
of the Sacrament of Baptism. We baptise in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit: The Holy Trinity. The ecumenical commissions
of the Archdiocese, the ELCA Synod and the Diocese of Chicago invite
members of their parishes to join together to praise God on Sunday
June 11:00 at 4:00 pm. This year the service will take place at
Holy Cross Lutheran Church on St. Mary's Road in Libertyville. Our
former assistant, Pr. Cynthia Hallas will co-officiate. We will
use a beautiful sung service, the Haldon Evening Prayer,
for the settings of psalms, canticles and prayers. Choir members
from all three traditions are asked to join in leading the service
with the congregation. Mark you calendar for this huge celebration
with hundreds of fellow Christians. Come out and support Pr. Cynthia
too.
SUMMER
MUSIC
Attention musicians one and all! This Summer you have an opportunity
to help the worship of the parish by playing hymns and other incidental
music at either the 10:00 am Sunday or 5:30 pm Saturday Eucharist.
We are especially looking for people who can play the guitar for
some of the more contemporary hymns. Having instruments play along
on the regular hymns as the keyboard carries the harmonies will
fill our Sanctuary with music. If you can accompany hymns and songs
on the piano, guitar or other instrument, we'll see that you get
the music far enough in advance to practice. Fr. Tom will always
be glad to assist. Having members of the parish lift up the praise
of God with their talents would be a wonderful offering during the
summer while the choir program is in recess.
ALL ABOARD THE GOSPEL EXPRESS
St Lawrence Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be July 17-21. Our
program will be 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Please share the dates with friends
and family! Registration forms office at 847 362-2110 are available
at church and can be returned throughout the summer. We are also
looking for teachers and other volunteers. Please call Julie Williams
if you would like to help support VBS through your time or other
contributions for snacks or crafts. You can reach Julie at 847.837.0267
or jdwillia@hewitt.com.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW) SUMMER EVENTS
Coffee-In-The Park
Warmer weather is approaching and so is the Libertyville
Farmer’s Market. That means Coffee-In-The-Park, the 22 year-old
St Lawrence ECW tradition of selling donuts and coffee to shoppers,
will be gearing up soon. The Coffee-In-The-Park tent will be set
up on Church Street on Thursday mornings June 15 - October 12. There
are 2 shifts each morning, 7-9:00 am and 9-11:00 am. We also need
people willing to be shift captains each week.
Come and watch
the shoppers, babies, and dogs stroll the Farmer's Market! Get your
own shopping done! Enjoy some fellowship with other church members
while selling donuts, coffee, lemonade and bottled water. Proceeds
go to church sanctioned ministries. Donations of powered lemonade
and napkins would be greatly appreciated.
Market
Day Is Coming
The ECW is sponsoring Market Day again this summer. Our first sale
date will be Wednesday June 14, with pick up in the Parish Hall
between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. 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 ECW.
Market Day order
forms will be available in the Church Street News, the church office,
and online at www.marketday.com. You may submit a paper order into
the office by Sunday, June 4, or you may place your order online
by June 10.
We will also
need volunteers to assist with distributing the food on the date
of the sale.
WELCOME
Thanks to all who attend the Newcomers Brunch this Spring. It was
another delicious breakfast with old and new friends. New parishioners
are coming every week and we are planning the next gathering. Remember
to invite your friends to St. Lawrence, we will set a place for
them.
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. This event helps raise money for research, education, awareness
and support groups. There is a luminaries ceremony which are bags
purchased to memorialize a cancer victim or honor a survivor.
St. Lawrence
has sponsored at least one team for the last 8 years. This year
we have a commitment from Ann Leffler, Don Craig, Lisa Parker and
Betsy Barnett 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.
American Cancer
Society
Relay for Life
MAKE
A DIFFERENCE IN OTHERS LIVES
Our bi-annual Episcopal/Methodist LifeSource blood drive is fast
approaching. Did you know that 90% of us will need blood at some
time in our lives. Yet only 5% of all the eligible donors actually
donates. Be a lifesaver and donate at our blood drive. Donating
1 unit of blood can save up to three lives. You can donate as long
as you are 17 years old (or 16 with written parental permission)
weigh 110 pounds or more and are in good health. So sign up today
in the Narthex for the blood drive which will be held on June 4th
in the parish hall from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Donate blood
on Jun 4 in the Parish Hall,
from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
If you have
questions call LifeSource at 847 803-7943 or see Cecelia Secor 847
223-7655.
LIFE
AT SEABURY: TIME FOR CHANGE
By the time you receive this newsletter I will have finished up
my first year at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. One year
down, two to go! It has been a year filled with change, growth,
stress, and learning. Though I will miss all of my classmates over
the summer, I am ready to pack up my books for a while. Now begins
another set of changes.
First Change:
I will be taking C.P.E. (Clinical Pastoral Education) this summer
at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. It is a program
where I will be a chaplain in the hospital for the summer. I will
work with patients and spend time in group sessions learning, sharing,
and discussing.
Second Change:
As all Seminarian are expected to spend their three years in different
parishes to get a variety of experiences beginning in July, I will
be at St. James the Less in Northfield.
Sunday June
25th will be my last Sunday at St. Lawrence. I will continue to
be sponsored and supported by St. Lawrence. We will miss all of
our St. Lawrence family. You mean so much to us. I will think of
you often and pray for you always. With much love and blessings,
Court Williams
Court Williams
our Seminarian at Seabury-Western will continues at St. James the
Less in Northfield
THANK
YOU, THANK YOU
We offer our sincerest thanks for your generous donations to St.
Lawrence Episcopal Church’s Annual Progressive Dinner and
Silent Auction. With over 50 items and gift certificates up for
bid, our church raised well over $4000.00, all of which will go
towards the general operating fund in St. Lawrence’s annual
budget.
The generosity
of Libertyville and surrounding area businesses, residents and our
parishioners was overwhelming and for this we feel truly blessed
and are sincerely thankful.
Ace Hardware
Bagels By the Book
Beyond the Garden Gate
Café Pyrenees
Design’s in Context
Duxler Tire
Father Thomas Rosa
Hartshorne Home Inspections
Interior Dimensions
Juice Zone
Libertyville Florist
Mary Quinn-Boyd
Moberg’s Auto Repair
Motif
Neville-Sargeant
Park Avenue Salon
Parkview Gourmet
Sandi’s Florist
Sarah Simpson Small Gardens
Sunset Foods
The Brown Family
The Chester Family
The Finch Family
The Halbert Family
The Hazen Family
The Hibbard Family
The Jones Family
The Karnstedt Family
The Keating Family
The Leewis Family
The Montgomery Family
The Moseley Family
The Ostroga Family
The Rich Family
The Rinella Family
The Seiler Family
The Snow Family
The Zirnite Family
Trattoria Pomigliano
Van Kirk and Company
Yaya’s
ST.
LAWRENCE BOOK GROUP NEWS
On Monday, June 12 we will have our last meeting of this year at
6:30 in the Fireside Room. We will have a dinner of salads and desserts
and choose the books to be read next year. This is a great opportunity
to have input into the books that are selected for discussion!
After we have
selected the books for next year, we will discuss the book Saturday
by Ian McEwen. According to Amazon.com, “From the pen of a
master — the #1 bestselling, Booker Prize–winning author
of Atonement — comes an astonishing novel that captures the
fine balance of happiness and the unforeseen threats that can destroy
it. A brilliant, thrilling page-turner that will keep readers on
the edge of their seats. Saturday is a masterful novel set within
a single day in February 2003. Henry Perowne is a contented man
— a successful neurosurgeon, happily married to a newspaper
lawyer, and enjoying good relations with his children. Henry wakes
to the comfort of his large home in central London on this, his
day off. On this particular Saturday morning, Perowne’s day
moves through the ordinary to the extraordinary.”
If you have
any questions, please contact
Julia Karnstedt at 847 549-7024 or
juliakarnstedt@sbcglobal.net.
HAVE
YOU MET?
The Lasco Family....There are some new faces in the pews at St Lawrence.
Have you had a chance to meet them?? The Lasco Family has recently
joined The St. Lawrence family and can be seen at many 9:00 am services.
Greg and Nanette (Nan) Lasco live in the Grayslake area, namely
Wildwood, and have been attending St Lawrence for about 3 months.
Greg is originally
from Wisconsin in the Powers Lake area and Nanette from the other
side of the lake in Michigan, just north of Detroit in Bay City.
College didn’t take either of them far from their home bases
with Greg at University of Wisconsin and later electrical trade
school; while Nan was at University of Michigan. It wasn’t
until a fateful boat trip in the Bahamas that these two met. While
on vacation, the two ended up on a snorkeling trip. They struck
up a conversation that turned into a three year commuting relationship
until Nan moved to the Chicago area.
Greg works as
an electrician for the Chicago Transit Authority. His job entails
the working of the electrical third rail, which causes a few gray
hairs for the Lascos...if your train is on time say thanks to Greg!!
Nanette is a Social Worker who does outpatient counseling for individuals
and couples. She works with many of today’s issues—stress,
depression and life management skills.
The Lascos have
2 daughters, Emma and Haley. Emma is 11 and enjoys figure skating
and plays in her school band. Haley is 8 and studies karate. The
girls and Greg enjoy sports and downhill skiing but Nan feels the
“athletic gene” passed her by. They enjoy antiquing
and camping. They purchased a pop-up camper recently and have taken
trips to Colorado and Mount Rushmore. Please try to say hello to
this great new addition to the St Lawrence family!!!
GRADUATES AT ST. LAWRENCE ARE HONORED
On Sunday, May 14, the graduating high school seniors were
honored and presented with a High School Graduation Survival Kit
containing:
Cup -for when
yours is too full
Peanuts -to get a little nutty
Sponge - to soak up the overflow when your brain is full
Life Saver - for when you've had one of those days
Hugs & Kisses - to remind you everyone needs a hug or compliment
every day
Mint - to remind you that you are worth a mint to your family
Bubble gum - to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish
anything or achieve your goals
Laffy Taffy -to remind you that laughter is always the best stress
reliever
Tootsie Roll -to roll with the punches
Toothpick - to remind you to pick the good qualities in everyone,
including yourself
Rubber band - to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always
go the way you want but they can be worked out
Band-Aid - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or
someone else's
Marbles-to replace those you might lose from time to time
Paper clip -to hold it together when everything seems to be falling
apart
Glue - to patch things up
Eraser - to remind you everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we
learn by our errors
Pencil -to remind you to list your blessings every day.
Congratulations
to the following students and best of luck as you continue your
education:
Carly Jones
- Illinois Wesleyan University
Jackie Wishau - Butler University
Nick Snow - Northwestern University
Victoria Helliwell - College of Lake County
Kari Guarnaccio - Michigan State University
Rick Bowers - University of Chicago
Rob Marr - University of Iowa
Our prayers
go with you.
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