THE DOVE
June 2016
Summer Worship Schedule
June 12 - September 4
 
Sunday:

8:00 a.m.     Holy Eucharist

9:00 a.m.    Holy Eucharist
                    in the Cloister
             (child care provided)
                       
10:15 a.m.  Holy Eucharist
 
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday:

9:00 a.m. Eucharist
               in the Parlor or Church
depending on the organ renovation schedule
 
Thursday :

7:00 a.m. Eucharist and Healing
                 Liturgy i n the Cloister
 
As many are aware, during the summer, the 8:00 Eucharist remains largely unchanged, but, weather permitting, the 9:00 service is celebrated in an informal fashion in the columbarium courtyard,  utilizing familiar music and hymns, different prayers, and other slightly new ingredients.  Two years ago, we introduced the mesh screen over the cloister that provides protection from the sun, yet allows in plenty of light and refreshing breezes.  Finally, the 11:15 Eucharist is moved forward to 10:15, and includes musical offerings by individual members of our choir.  So whether you are looking for a quiet, spoken service, a very warm and informal liturgy in a beautiful outdoor setting, or a structured Eucharist a little more relaxed than is the norm, there is something for everyone during the summer at Holy Comforter. 
Special Thank You to Youth Liturgists
Now that we are about to enter the summer worship schedule, our youth liturgical ministers will be taking a rest from serving at and near the altar.  As all know, during the program year, young people serve as crucifers, acolytes, lectors, intercessors, videographers, and greeters, and without their service our 9:00 Eucharist would simply not take place.  On behalf of the entire parish, our deepest thanks to these young people who served so faithfully all year, and enhanced our worship of God. 
10 Reasons NOT to 
Come to Church this Summer
by JLP

1. The lawn needs mowing Mowing your lawn on Sunday morning is a sure way to annoy the neighbors.  Don't risk it:  come to church and save the lawn for later.
 
2. It's not air-conditioned Actually, we are blessed to have AC in the sanctuary at Holy Comforter.  In fact, the challenge sometimes is to keep the church from getting too cold.  
 
3. My parents never went to church in the summer Isn't this a terrific chance to embrace your inner teenager and do the exact opposite of what your  parents did?  I'm not sure the old notion is true that Episcopalians are the only people God trusts enough to take the summer off. 
 
4. There's church in the summer? Yup.  Every Sunday morning, just like the rest of the year.  Clergy prepare and preach (occasionally brilliant) sermons whether there are 200 people present or 25.
 
5. I'm away for the weekend That's great.  Have a relaxing time. I bet there is even a small Episcopal church nearby. Look for one of those red, white, and blue "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" signs or use Google to guide you into a pew on Sunday morning. 
 
6. There's no church school You can't teach kids to eat out in a restaurant if you never take them to one. The same holds true for worshiping in church. As for older kids who are "bored" during the service, they can hang out with the younger kids, who are never boring.  A win-win for everyone.
 
7. I need a break from church in the summer If you're simply not in the habit of going to church in the summer, this is the year to break it!  Amaze and inspire your friends as you receive the spiritual refreshment that comes with regular church attendance.  Don't be surprised if people start coming up to you and saying, "You look great! Have you lost weight?"  And you'll be able to respond with "I look fabulous because I've been going to church during the summer."
 
8. I'd rather be outside We got that one covered, too:  the 9:00 Eucharist and coffee hour are outside (weather permitting).  Maybe we should call it "Mass on the Grass." As far as I know, no one has ever been eaten by black flies during the liturgy.
 
9. I have a 9:00 am tee time Perfect. Come to the 8 o'clock service. The 37 minutes you spend in church might even help your game. The 8 o'clock is actually a great option during the summer for people who want to get a jump on the day, get out to the beach, take a hike, go boating or whatever.  You can experience the beauty of Elizabethan English and then address one another as "thee" and "thou" for the rest of the day.
 
10. I don't like to dress up in the summer Neither do most people.  Come as you are!  After all, our Lord wore sandals to worship.
 
Enjoy worshiping the risen Christ throughout the summer months, and may the days ahead be a time of rest, refreshment, and relaxation. And don't forget:  parking is easier on Sunday mornings in the summer!
... in the vineyard
The entire parish mourned the profoundly sad news of the sudden death on April 25 of Pat Drew.  Pat and Bob had just celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary the preceding week, and she was, as all know, an unfailing font of energy, vitality, and love within the parish, the larger community, and the entire Diocese of Chicago.  Pat's funeral took place on Wednesday, May 25, at 2:00 p.m. here at Holy Comforter.  Please keep in your hearts and prayers Bob and the entire Drew clan as we return Pat into God's embrace. 
 
Many in the parish will remember Marge and Jim Wolf, long-time members who moved to Virginia over 20 years ago.  Sadly, word has arrived that Marge died on Wednesday, April 20, after a battle with congestive heart failure.  A memorial service was held in Hilton Head, SC, in late May, and she will be interred there beside Jim. 

Finally, our hearts and prayers go out to Jim and Julie Olson on the death on April 14 of Jim's father, Lyle Olson, at the age of 92.  Mr. Olson lived in Lake Forest, and was a veteran who served in World War II and was decorated for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge, among many other accomplishments.  Please hold the entire extended Olson in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
 
May all three of these souls rest in the love of God, be bathed in the light of Christ, and rise in glory.
The Rector's Column 
by The Rev. Dr. Jason L. Parkin, Rector

I have been reminded, this spring, of how closely our lives are interwoven and bound together in a lively, vibrant parish community such as Holy Comforter.  By the time this issue of the newsletter arrives, we will have just come to the end of the Great 50 Days of Easter on the Feast of Pentecost, and celebrated Trinity Sunday.  And during those 50+ days, Holy Comforter has seen-among many other events and developments, programs and meetings-the baptisms of new brothers and sisters into the household of God; two funerals of beloved, long-time parishioners, and the interment of the widow of a former Rector;  the Easter People presentations;  the regular Wednesday morning classes and the spring Inquirers' Classes;  and Mother's Day/Youth Sunday, the celebration of our younger brothers and sisters.  Plans continued for the Youth Group Mission Trip to West Virginia and the Adult Mission Trip to North Dakota.   Several people journeyed to Rogers Park for our monthly participation in a food ministry.  The Society of the Dove was formally inaugurated and recognized at a reception at the Rectory, and the organ restoration project was initiated.  Two couples were united in Holy Matrimony.  A large group of preschool JK parents and long-standing parishioners threw a party to get better acquainted.  We hosted the annual Good News Partners lunch for affiliated congregations.  Many parishioners attended a Flower Ministry workshop, and still others investigated Stephen Ministry and whether they are called to this form of service.  We welcomed home a guest preacher and speaker, and celebrated a festive Spirituals and Gospel Music service.  A new tree was planted on the parkway in memory of family members of one of our teachers, and the ATB&B drama class presented a musical.  And throughout, we, as individuals and as a parish, celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, dealt with emotional challenges and health issues, polished chalices, visited our homebound brothers and sisters, gathered to worship God every morning.  Each of these moments was unique, each experience precious and profound in its own way.
 
I mention all of this not to highlight the reality that this has been a busy spring.  It has been.  That's not the point.  The issue is, rather, that we belong to one another.  We are connected to one another in myriad, often invisible, frequently elusive ways.  Each event, each episode described above, and all those left unmentioned, contributes to the fabric of our common life, and, thus, to the warp and woof of our individual lives.  Is there any other place, any other dimension in our society or culture, where so many lives intersect in so many and such divergent ways; where we are nourished and challenged in similarly diverse fashion?  And so, as this season comes to an end, rejoice that we are so much a part of each other, and that God has called us to walk and sing and laugh and cry and pray and work and grow with one another in this holy place.
During the summer of 2016, we will carry out a complete renovation of the organ. This will be a complicated and sophisticated project, but one we need to do now. 
 
Every household in the parish is invited to participate in this project through prayer and financial support. There are opportunities to give at every level. We need gifts large and small:  the broader the support, the more easily we can accomplish this important endeavor.  

Adult Mission Trip
Cannonball, ND: August 1-6 
By Chris Hardman 

Bill Pearce along with my wife Libby and I just got back from an exploratory trip to Standing Rock  Reservation in North Dakota.   It is was an eye-opening and wonderful experience. We knew we were in for something special when we came out of our plane into the Bismarck airport with the ancient bones of Pterodactyls flying over our heads. Much more here...
"Finking" About Love 
by Pastor Heath Howe, Family Ministries

"I wonder what picture you like best. Which one is most important to you today?" I asked as I sat with my five-year-old colleagues from All Things Bright and Beautiful last week.  We had completed a lesson we began right after Easter.  It is a Godly Play lesson entitled, "Knowing Jesus in a New Way."

"This one," Hamilton says pointing to the last picture.  It shows the disciples gathered in a huddle with the heads together.  The background is red and a yellowish light appears to be falling on them.

"Ah.  The picture about Pentecost.  I wonder why this one is important to you today," I say.

"Because they are 'finking'," he says.

"I wonder what they might be thinking about," I offer.
by Mary Johnson, Director of Children's Ministries & All Things Bright & Beautiful

As we begin our outdoor summer liturgies on June 5 th , the Chuck Webb Band will be playing the soulful music of Memphis. And the song I am most excited about isn't Proud Mary which they will be doing; it is Sweet Home Chicago .  
 
Since Cary and I moved here in 1978, we have loved being residents of Chicago. After eight years in Lincoln Park and now 30 years in this community, I can't imagine living anywhere else.  When we made the decision to leave Iowa, my family was very nervous about us leaving the state where we were both born and raised.  Read more here...
Heaven Reveals Itself In Youth Group
by Charlotte Long, Youth Ministries 
 
On May 8 th , our Church celebrated Youth Sunday. We had three senior preachers - Julia Green, Ginny Wise and Amanda David - and then the rest of the teen crew presented on our yearly service trip to Appalachia. As the teens spoke about how they saw God in the world or in themselves, how the service trip affected their lives and how our community of Holy Comforter feels like home for them, I saw those... flashes . You know. Those moments of, like, I can feel what heaven will be and I think it's something like this.   Read more here...

Here's What People are Saying About Stephen Ministry


" Thank you does not adequately express my gratitude to my Stephen Minister-my prayer partner, my encourager, and my caring friend.  Your faithful visits, help with information, support, your great smile and gentle manner helped me during a very hard adjustment time."
 
"I am grateful to God for all that you have done for me and for the Stephen Ministry that is a strong witness to the love and the power of Jesus working in                                                 His church."
 
"My Stephen Minister really made a difference for me. I'd encourage anyone going through a difficult time to consider it."
 
The Stephen Ministers at Holy Comforter are here to help you. Stephen Ministers provide ongoing Christian care to people experiencing a wide range of life needs or crises, including: those bereaved, the hospitalized, those facing a family crisis, those facing career changes and any number of other of life's difficult transition times.
 
Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one confidential Christian caring.  If you or someone you know could benefit from a relationship with a Stephen Minister please contact one of the clergy, Jean Britt, the Stephen Leader Team Coordinator (847) 256-2372 or Carrie Smart, the Stephen Ministry Referral Coordinator (847-501-3954.