News

Church Street News (see Past Issues)
The Newsletter of St. Lawrence Episcopal Church
December, 2006

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

Happy New Year!

It seems each year the Christmas season decorations and advertisements creep into the stores earlier and earlier. This year I believe I saw the first decorations appear prior to Halloween and it causes me to cringe a little for the loss of Christmas’s true meaning. So perhaps my proclaiming ‘happy new year’ seems almost inappropriate…but it is not really. December 3rd is the first Sunday in Advent, a Latin word which translates into “coming” or “arrival.” Advent marks the beginning of a new church year and a change in liturgical focus and color. Major themes of Advent include preparation, expectation, hope and joy as we await the coming of our Lord and Savior. In Advent we change to blue, a color signifying not only royalty but also hope and expectation of what is to come in the presence of our Lord.

This Advent St. Lawrence will have several special offerings and opportunities to help us prepare for and experience the presence of God in a variety of ways;

Advent I: We will have a single community service at 9:30 am, for Bishop Persell’s visit.

Advent II: The Way of the Cradle and a shared Messiah sing-along with the North Suburban Symphony.

Advent III: We will celebrate a Taize Mass at 5:00 pm.

Advent IV: And Christmas Eve fall on the same day, in the morning we will have a single Rite I Eucharist service with Hymns; later we will celebrate our gala Children’s pageant in the afternoon and in the evening the Festival of Carols and Midnight Mass.

Finally on Christmas morning there will be a Communion service from the reserve Sacrament. Please reference the calendar in this newsletter and special bulletin you received November 26th for the times and schedule of each celebration.

Finally, I feel truly blessed that St. Lawrence has allowed me to increase my ministry as together we prepare, anticipate and look forward to the coming of Christ this Advent season.

May God Bless+ you and be present with you this Advent season and always,

Marc+

FROM THE WARDENS
Thank you Father Tom! We cannot say enough about the wonderful guidance and leadership provided by Father Tom during this past year. He tirelessly helped guide our parish through the search process, helping us form a committee, monitoring and guiding the process, and preparing the parish for change. In many circumstances, the Interim Rector is lucky to maintain the status quo at a church. While we lost some members when Father Jed left, St. Lawrence gained many new members with Father Tom in charge. St. Lawrence has been truly enriched by Father Tom. We wish him well with his new challenge.

A final thank you to the members of the Search Committee who worked so long and hard to find the right person for St. Lawrence. It was a huge time commitment for the committee. With an aggressive time frame, they met the challenge and recommended a wonderful person to serve as our Rector.

We’d also like to thank those who served on the Transition Committee: Hans Karnstedt, Betsy Swank and Robert Moseley, who helped select the Interim Rector, helped select those on the Search Committee and otherwise served as a sounding board to both the Wardens and Father Tom during this time of transition.

With great joy we welcome Rev. Patricia Snickenberger as the new Rector of our Parish. Her first Sunday with us will be January 7, 2007. Father Marc will be in charge of our worship services throughout the month of December. We look forward to a wonderful advent season with many unique opportunities for worship (and a visit from the Bishop)! Many thanks to Father Marc and Deacon Mary Jane for helping us out during this time of transition. We are blessed to have these talented individuals enhance our parish life throughout the year as well. Please carefully read the newsletter for the times of these services.

As of mid November we have received pledge cards from 105 pledging units for a total of $224,000. While this is a wonderful increase from last year, we are still waiting to hear from others. Many parishioners have responded with a significant increase to their annual gift to our operating fund. Your pledge allows us to plan for the upcoming program year.

Also, as our fiscal year comes to a close, please consider giving to the capital fund. As we noted in a prior edition, our mortgage cost alone is $19,000 per month (this is in addition to our operating costs which exceed $25,000 per month).

Finally, St. Lawrence Episcopal Church has won a national design award from the Association of Licensed Architects. From more than 100 entries, St. Lawrence received this award based on criteria such as Program Solution, Site and Space Planning, Overall Design Solution and Construction System and Details. This award affirms all of the hard work spent by many in the parish to make the dream of our new space a reality.

We wish all a wonderful holiday season as we all prepare our hearts and homes for our celebration of the birth of our Saviour.

If you have any questions please contact your Wardens, Jeanne Murphy 847 680-8685 or Frank Top 847 984-2860.

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

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

VESTRY NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
At the next Annual Meeting for St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, the members of the congregation will elect four new members to the St. Lawrence Vestry, as well as a Junior Warden. It is important that anyone who may be interested in serving in one of these vital roles knows what is entailed in the position.

The “canons” of the Episcopal Church provide the rules, laws, etc. for any Episcopal congregation. These canons specify that a vestry member must be an adult (16 years or older) and a “communicant in good standing”. The canons also elaborate on the specific areas of responsibility of vestry and wardens.

In addition to these requirements, the current St. Lawrence Vestry has expanded on the canonical definitions to provide further expectations related to supporting the life of the congregation by participating in meetings of the Vestry and the various “ministry teams” established to coordinate the programs and ministries of the parish.

Elections will be held at the Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 28, 2007. At that time, a Nominating Committee (comprised of retiring Vestry members) will present names for voting. Candidates also can be nominated from the floor. Anyone interested in being on Vestry is asked to speak with a member of the Nominating Committee.

A statement of appreciation
St Lawrence Episcopal Church
2006 Search Committee for the New Rector

You were empowered as a committee to complete the process prescribed by the Diocese of Chicago and search for a new Rector. Endorsed by the Vestry at the Annual Meeting January 29, 2006 to begin this process and having successfully and superbly completed your task, you are hereby decommissioned on November 12, 2006. Our profound gratitude comes to you with a prayer that you be strengthen and blessed for the work you have done in a remarkable fashion in record time.

OBSERVING THE SEASON OF ADVENT
At St. Lawrence, we’re offering a number of ways to help keep Advent as a season of preparation. During the hustle and bustle, take a break to keep your spirit on track and so remember the “reason for the season.”

PREPARE YE THE WAY
Please join us on Sunday, Dec 3rd for a celebration with Bishop Persell. We will celebrate as one church family at a single service at 9:30 am. This is a rich service led by Bishop Persell, Fr. Marc and Deacon M.J. and accompanied by the choir and organ.

LIFT UP YOUR VOICES
The North Suburban Symphony members and friends, under the direction of Michael Poulos will present a Sing-Along Messiah on Saturday, Dec. 9th at 4:00 pm, in the Sanctuary of St. Lawrence. There will be an on stage chorus made up of St. Lawrence choir members and guests. Come sing or listen and let the joy surround you in a delightful afternoon performance. 

The suggested ticket price is $15.00 with proceeds being donated to support PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter.)  Librettos (musical score) will be available at the door for $10.00.   Information and reservations can be made by calling the church office at 847 362-2110. 

DECK THE HALLS AND CAROLING
We will be decorating the church (inside and out) for our Christmas celebrations, on Sunday Dec. 24 at 12:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to join the Altar Guild in helping prepare our church for the Christmas services. All ages will be put to good use. A light lunch will be served and Christmas carol playing. Christmas cookies are a welcome addition.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Christmas Eve falls on Sunday, we will have an 8:30 am service, Rite 1 with music. Invite your friends and family to join you at one of our Christmas Eve services.

The family service with a Christmas pageant will begin at 4:30 pm. This is a wonderful service in which the children of our church sing and tell us of the wonders of Christmas. This pageant is performed during the service.

A candlelight service begins at 10:30 pm with singing of carols followed by the Eucharist celebrating the birth of Christ. The adult choir helps lead the congregation at this service. It is during this service we light candles as we sing Silent Night.

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES
Christmas Day falls on Monday. We will combine all three services and celebrate together at 9:00 am.

A LOOK AHEAD - BEGIN YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
The first Sunday of Christmas is New Year’s Eve. Begin the New Year by celebrating with God. Join us at either the 7:30,9:00 or 11:00. We will have hymns and organ music but not Sunday school.

THE WAY OF THE CRADLE
During the course of our service on the Second Sunday of Lent, December 10, we will follow "The Way of the Cradle" These meditations are intended to provide a means of meditations during Advent, which is a season of preparation and penitence.

In order to provide continuity between the penitential seasons, the other being Lent, the form of "The Way of the Cradle" follows closely the form of the Way of the Cross. Together we will visit Christ's story, our own story, from the beginning of time. The meditations will be varied and responses will be available in your own "Guide to the Way of the Cradle"

Love is the meaning of this season of waiting. Love is the meaning of the cradle of Bethlehem.

SERVICE OF TAIZE’
You are invited to a Service of Taize’ on Sunday, December 17 at 5:00 pm at St Lawrence. Taize’ is an ecumenical community in France which focuses on prayer and meditation.

Taize’ music emphasizes simple phrases, usually from Psalms or Scriptures, repeated and sometimes sung to cannon. The repetition is intended to aid in meditation and prayer.

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 Orchestra under the direction of Michael Poulos, as well as featured soloists, on Saturday, December 9, 4:00 pm. There is a suggested donation of $15.00, with proceeds being donated to PADS of Lake County. (The program will also be offered on Sunday December 10, at Groton Auditorium in Lake Forest. )

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, so buy your ticket and come enjoy and receive inspiration for the holiday season.

SUNDAY SCHOOL DECEMBER UPDATE
The Sunday school children will be performing "The Advent Tree" pageant on Christmas Eve at the 4:30 service. We will have 2 rehearsals: Sun., Dec. 17th (during Sunday school time) and Wed., Dec. 20th at 4:30. Following the pageant, we will have a break from Sunday school over the holidays and resume again on Sun., Jan. 7th. All Sunday school children, pre-school through 5th grade are welcome to participatein the pageant

THE SPICE OF ST. LAWRENCE
The Episcopal Church Women will be publishing a cookbook in the Spring and we wanted to share just one of the fabulous recipes with you. The book is in it’s final stages of development so no more recopies are being taken. Pre-orders will begin in January of 2007. Just before everyone wakes up on Christmas morning, preheat your oven, slide this casserole in and wait for the excitement to begin. More recopies in up coming Church Street newsletter

Christmas Morning Brunch: Aunt Duck’s French Toast Casserole

1 stick butter softened
8 oz cream cheese
1.5 cups maple syrup
Italian Bread cubes about 1.5 loaves
12 eggs
3cups Half and Half
1.5 tsp vanilla
Cinnamon

Place bread cubes into a 9 X 13 buttered baking dish. Mix together butter, cream cheese, and maple syrup. Spread over bread cubes. Mix together eggs, Half and Half parts and pour over cubed bread. Dust with cinnamon. Refrigerate over night. Bake at 350º for 55-60min. Serve with bananas, walnuts, pecans or strawberries

SAVE THE DATE
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will have their annual meeting and potluck supper on Sunday, January 21, 2007, at 5:00 pm in the Parish Hall.  The slate of officers for 2007 will be announced, and the proposed distribution of funds will be presented.  All women of the parish are welcome to join in the fellowship.  Please watch for signup sheets.

Disbursement Requests  from ECW funds will be disbursed early in 2007.  If you or your group would like to request funds for a church group or church sanctioned charity, please submit your request in writing and give it to Wendy Guarnaccio or Ann Leffler, or put it in the ECW bin in the church office by December 31, 2006.  The proposed disbursements will be voted on at the ECW annual meeting on January 21, 2007.

ST. LAWRENCE BOOK GROUP
The next meeting of the St. Lawrence Book Group will be Monday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Please join us for a discussion of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. This novel is written in the form of a memoir of an elderly Chinese lady who recounts her life from the age of 8-80 in China in the 1800s. This book will truly immerse you in old China. It has been well researched and could be classified as a historical novel. It is available in paperback.

Now, also, mark your New Year's Calendar for Monday, January 8 at 7:30 pm for a discussion of Robert Alexander's, The Kitchen Boy: A Novel of the Last Tsar. This book is also written in the form of a memoir by an elderly man who claims to have been a kitchen boy when the Tsar was murdered.

The Facilities Committee did a great job of refinishing our front doors. We are ready for a warm welcoming

Many volunteers give their time and fellowship for the Community Meal

Our Invitational Ministry Team kick off the holiday season with warm cocoa and homemade cookie for our guest during the downtown tree lighting

The Outreach Ministry Team served a warm meal for the Community Supper in Waukegan

The Worship Ministry Team helped organize the ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Service with Holy Cross Lutheran Church

KATRINA MISSION TRIP 2007
Plans are underway to head south again for Hurricane Katrina Relief. If you are available March 24-30 (spring break), you should consider being a part of the 2007 St. Lawrence Mission Trip. Due to the continual need for volunteers and the successful mission last spring, we have decided to make the journey to Long Beach, MS again.

Our efforts in the Gulf Coast area were much needed and appreciated. We had people in our group who worked on the homes (or home sites) of more than 6 families, assisted in a medical clinic and provided help onsite at the Camp Coast Care Volunteer shelter.

Camp Coast Care is a Christian community of faith and is a mission point of the Lutheran and Episcopal Disaster Response (LEDR), an outreach of the Lutheran and Episcopal Services in Mississippi (LESM). Camp Coast Care also operates a recovery and reconstruction mission for those in need on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The Camp Coast Care Website notes the following in reference to volunteer efforts:

“Since the first days after Hurricane Katrina, we have offered help to survivors in the form of a distribution center for food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, clothing, and free medical services. Camp Coast Care has also hosted thousands of volunteers from all over the world that have come to clean out and rebuild lives, homes, and communities.

We continue to adapt the needs of the people affected by Hurricane Katrina. Our focus has settled to the construction and rebuilding needs of the community. Volunteer work crews composed of all levels in skilled labor in the areas of sheetrock installers, carpenters, roofers, plumbers, electricians as well as unskilled labor are organized daily to go out into the communities to help residents. There are also on-campus jobs for volunteers that are vital to camp campus life. These include social work intake, kitchen and dining room assistants, facility and grounds maintenance, data entry, and general office work.

Volunteers are welcome to cots for sleeping and hot showers. Three meals a day are provided. Both dormitory and dining are in the gymnasium of Coast Episcopal School. It costs approximately $20.00 a day to feed and house a volunteer, which is suggested as a donation should you choose.”

Please prayerfully consider being a part of the 2007 Katrina Relief mission by volunteering your time and efforts and /or by contributing to the fund raising efforts for the trip and Camp Coast Care program.

WARM HANDS, KIND HEART
St. Lawrence has “planted” a Mitten Tree in the Narthex. We are asking everyone to bring in pairs of mitten to warm hands in need or hats and scarves. Just bring them in and place them on the tree. How blessed we are and how much we have to give.

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