Weekly Announcements
June 22, 2017

Your Capital Campaign Contributions Hard at Work
As I am sure you have noticed, things have been busy around our church lately.  Many trucks coming and going, ground being level, grass being planted and many hands busy in our community food garden.

With all this activity, I thought it was time for an update on the usage of the Capital Campaign funds.  You may recall that the priorities for our Capital Campaign were to repair the Steeple, clear and re-landscape the 550 property, refurnish the parish hall, put money in reserve for future roof repair and to donate to a worthy cause.  By surpassing our goal of $250,000, to be contributed over three years, we will be able to complete these projects.

The Capital Campaign oversight committee has been hard at work to ensure that these projects are moving forward. I would like to thank the committee members for their dedication and hard work.  The committee includes; Glen Tracy, Tom Lund, Hope Martin, Sandy Ritterson, Bill Burke, Denny Scully, Chad Senuta and Lisa Senuta. 

The steeple repair was completed on time and on budget earlier this year.  It is now secure, safe and as lovely as ever.

The 550 property has had considerable activity this spring. The property was cleared of dead forest leaving a beautiful view of our church from Willow Road. This makes it more open and welcoming to the community. The property has most recently been leveled and planted with grass.  Glen Tracy has updated the architectural plans for the property and they are on display at church.  The plans call for the installation of a sign on Willow Road, a fence around the corner property, a shed, labyrinth and council ring.  New plantings will be added around the perimeter as well. 

The shed design will be aesthetically pleasing. It will have an overhanging roof line with tables and chairs so people can congregate. The labyrinth will be Roman style with 3 ft. wide, grass pathing that will be outlined in brick. Our hope is that both of these additions to the property will make it more functional and welcoming to our parishioners and community members.

There is the potential for parishioner participation as we install plants, labyrinth bricks etc. 

The dedicated Garden Committee continues to tend the garden and provide food to the pantry through all the change.  This is the first year that non-parishioners are tending plots in our garden - making it truly a community garden.

Hope Martin and Lisa have been hard at work with an interior designer to refurnish the parish hall, refresh the East room and provide functional tables for the meeting room.  The new furnishing will arrive in July.  The purpose for the new furnishing is to create a more welcoming, comfortable and fresh look as guests and parishioners arrive in our parish hall.  The new furnishings include a beautiful entry table that is a functional statement piece, that can be collapsed and expanded as needed.  On either side of the double doors to the patio we will have two conversation groupings with upholstered chairs surrounding a table.  On the north end of the room, there will be several wooden tables surrounded by comfortable chairs. On the south end, there will be three tall-boy rounds to allow parishioners to stand and converse during coffee hour or other events.  Two console tables will be placed along the west hall. The children's section will remain as is.

All the fabrics and finishes selected are high quality, in beautiful colors and classic in style.  I think you will really appreciate the new look and feel of our refreshed parish hall.

I look forward to watching as these improvements are made and our church and surroundings are enriched.
 
Kathleen Dewey,
Senior Warden
 
Worship
30 Worthy Minutes Returns This Week
with the Rev. Suzann Holding, a lecturer in practical theology at Bexley Seabury. 

The focus will still be on Anglican History and what it means to be Episcopalian! On most weeks you can join Rev. Lisa, and guest speakers, at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday Mornings for these lively and informative discussions! 
Rev. Lisa Continuing Education
The Rev. Lisa Senuta is away June 19-June 30th for Continuing Education. This is the final residency with the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. She is working toward a Certificate of Preparation as a Spiritual Director. As a trained director she will be better able to listen to individuals and groups for the ways they are invited to grow spiritually.  Think of it as a spiritual life coach. While away please direct your non-emergency questions to the staff and wardens of the parish. Should there be a time sensitive question please email her. Should it be an emergency please contact Deacon Ron and or Rev. Lisa on cell phones. 
Volunteers Needed!
SERMON STORYTIME
returns June 25-September 3
Read a story to the littlest members of our church!

Books are provided--just bring your love!
Contact kClare to request a Sunday!
Sunday Worship
Sunday, June 25th

8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite I

9:15 a.m.
30 Worthy Minutes
with The Rev. Suzann Holding

10:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite II

11:00 a.m.
Fellowship
for more readings from the week.

Want to contact us? Need directions to the church?Visit  www.stjamestheless.org for 
more information about events, sermons and more!


A Just Harvest in July
We're will be taking a break from our monthly ministry with A Just Harvest in July.  But that doesn't mean the the meal won't happen!

The church reserves $250 a month to support our ministry with A Just Harvest.  In July we will give this money directly to A Just Harvest so they may purchase the groceries they need to serve the meal in our absence.

Our Captain for the August 1st Dinner will be Ron Valentine. You can signup in advance here:
Join Us for Some Light Weeding And Harvesting
This Saturday, 9:00 a.m.

The Community Food Garden is already green and beautiful this year! Even if you aren't a plot holder, you can still help us out with some light weeding and harvesting this Saturday morning.  No experience necessary! Our garden provides over 2,000 pounds of fresh produce to the Northfield Township Food Pantry and this is a great way to be a part of the good work that is being done!  Enjoy these pictures from Sandy Ritterson of our green garden and recent strawberry harvest. 

 
SJTL 2nd Annual Golf Outing
Our 2nd Annual Golf Outing in scheduled for Sunday, July 16th at Willow Hill Golf Course (1350 E. Willow Rd., Northbrook). At 1:30 p.m. there will be a Short Game Clinic taught by Bob Dickman, Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year. A 9 hole "shotgun start" at 2:30 p.m. After wrapping up the 9 holes, we will head back to the church for a potluck dinner, replete with outstanding golf prizes!

The fee for the clinic, golf game, and dinner are $25 if walking, $35 with a cart.

This year we can accommodate 32-40 people (up from 24 last year), so bring a friend or two -- but just let us know! We will have a few "rangers" to help monitor play, making sure all golfers keep up with the group ahead!

A sign-up sheet is available in the Parish Hall! In the mean time, put it on your calendar!  Signup deadline is Friday, June 30th. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Carini, Phil Montross, or Ron Valentine!
Meditation
Most of us experience God's real and wonderful presence in nature. A beautiful sunset, flowers or blue sky can open our spirit like nothing else. If you would like to try a meditation experience in nature Rev. Lisa is offering two opportunities. 

Chicago Botanic Garden
July 10th at 1:00 p.m.
July 18th at 7:00 p.m.
(Meet at the outdoor entrance.)

Labyrinth Walk at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church, Deerfield
July 24th at 1:00 p.m.
July 25th at 7:00 p.m.
(Meet at the Labyrinth end of the parking lot.)
Stewardship
As many of you know, our Pledge Campaign is ongoing through the year! Currently the church is in good financial standing and we are within 10% of our goal thanks to those of you who have already pledged! If you haven't pledged yet, there is still time.  And if you have pledged and find yourself in a position to increase your pledge you can help us bridge the gap!

Your Pledge is Important And Makes A Difference In The Life Of The Parish!
Fulfilled pledges make up the bulk of our operating budget and support the people, programs, and facilities that make St. James the Less a wonderful place!  Things like:
  • Vibrant Worship
  • New Music Programs
  • Special Services
  • Godly Play
  • Living Compass
  • Clergy
  • Staff
  • Building and Grounds Maintenance 
Pledge Online

Visit  www.stjamestheless.org/giving to make your pledge online and learn more about what a pledge is and what it means to our community.
Sabbatical 2017
Rev. Lisa will be embarking on a 3 Month Sabbatical September - November made possible through the Lily Endowment whose purpose in grant making "is to deepen and enrich the religious lives of American Christians, primarily by helping to strengthen their congregations."  

Winning the grant means that St. James the Less parishioners will be invited to go on a parallel journey with Rev. Lisa through small group events and more!
Vestry & Reports
New Vestry Meeting Minutes and Reports!

Reports from the most recent Vestry meeting are being made available to you by clicking the individual links below:

Vestry Minutes
Vestry Financial Report
Dedicated Accounts Report
Calendar of St. James the Less
Faithful Departed

A Memorial Service for Cynthia and Mac Patterson will be held on July 1st at 10:30 a.m. at St. James the Less.

A Memorial Service for John Beatty will be July 7th at 4 p.m. at St. James the Less .

A private interment for Rachel Bischoff will be held for the members of her family on July 8th at 11:00 a.m.  

An Internment of the notes that we wrote last year in memory of Anne Schnering will be held on July 30th.
 
May the souls of all the departed rest in peace. AMEN
This Week

Friday, June 22
 -

 9:30 a.m., SJTL Prayer Group
Sunday, June 25


 -
-

-
-		 8:00 a.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:15 a.m., 30 Worthy Minutes with the Rev. Suzann Holding
10:00 a.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II
11:00 a.m., Fellowship
Monday, June 26 - 7:30 p.m., Dick Peterson's Big Band Rehearsal
Tuesday, June 26 -
-
 9:30 a.m., SJTL Knitting Group
10:30 a.m., Staff Meeting
Looking Ahead

Saturday, July 1 10:30 a.m. Memorial Service for Cynthia & Mac Patterson
Friday, July 7 4:00 p.m. Memorial Service for John Beatty
Tuesday, July 11 7:00 p.m. Vestry Meeting
Sunday, July 16 1:30 p.m. St. James the Less 2nd Annual Golf Outing
Monday, July 24 7:30 p.m. Dick Peterson's Big Band Rehearsal
Parish Staff Contacts  

Rev. Lisa Senuta, Rector | lsenuta@stjamestheless.org | (847) 446-8430 x 201
Rev. Ron Valentine, Deacon | chaplain@stjamestheless.org | (847) 446-8430 x 208
Josh Langoff, Director of Music Ministries | ljlanghoff@comcast.net | (847) 446-8430
Virginia Hunt, Administrative Assistant | virginia@stjamestheless.org | (847) 446-8430 x. 200
kClare McKellaston, Director of Children and Youth Ministries  |  kClare@stjamestheless.org  
Coty Colson, Communication Coordinator | coty@stjamestheless.org | ( 847) 446-8430 x 202
Joanne Straughn, Bookkeeper | bookkeeper@stjamestheless.org | (847) 446-8430 x 202
Kathleen Dewey, Senior Warden | vestry@stjamestheless.org

ST. JAMES THE LESS PRAYER LIST

(For the week commencing Sunday, June 18, 2017)
      
From the Chicago Diocesan Cycle of Prayer : We pray for Congregations in the Peoria Deanery: Grace in Galesburg, St. James in Griggsville, St. John's in Kewanee, St. James in Lewiston, St. George's in Macomb  and in our Companion Dioceses of SE Mexico and Renk, South Sudan: Jesús de Nazaret near Tuxtepec; St. Barnabas in Geiger South.

For the Diocese of Toliara, Madagascar: We pray for all the clergy and people of the Diocese of Toliara, Madagascar.  We pray for Bishop Todd & Rev. Patsy McGregor on pilgrimage in Spain, France and Israel.

For those who are sick:  O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers; mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
Dunbar Abston (friend of John Roberts)
Debra High Altschul (parishioner)
Carole Alwardt (resident of The Grove)
Mary Arnieri (friend of Miriam Berry)
Glen Bennett Jr. (friend of Linda Jensen)
Al Berggren (parishioner)
Daniel Berry (son of Miriam Berry)
Elisa Berry (daughter-in-law of Miriam Berry)
Robie Briggs (brother of Pam Hardy)
Brad Burgess (friend of Debby & Ron Valentine)
Bill Burke (parishioner)
Debbie Carpenter (sister of David Mason)
Sandra Carpenter (sister of Shari Noble)
Kathleen Cleven (parishioner)
Don Corfield (uncle of Yvonne Watson)
Gerry Cox (father of Rev. Patsy McGregor)
The David Family (friends of Lynne Pike)
Silvio DeBartelmaise (friend of John Roberts)
Connor Dolge (friend of Jack & Patricia Kessie)
Emily Fifield (friend of Amy Berry)
Tim Fischer (friend of Sue Babbs)
Samantha Friese (niece of Amy Fahey)
Anne Marie Glowacki (daughter of Linda Jensen)
Fred Golden (father of Colleen Schipfer)
Anna Hasch (mother of Anita Ruesch)
Chip Herndon (parishioner)
Helen Janovic (mother of Shari Noble)
Ken Killion (friend of Kathy Smith)
Courtney Koshgarian (friend of Peggy Greene)
Gail Kotin (parishioner)
Ileene Kotin (mother of Gail Kotin)
Bob Kuhn (father of Maureen Burke & Mary Saunders)
Allen Liss (partner of Pam Hardy)
Holly Madigan (friend of Sandy & Bert Getz Sr)
Peggy Mason (parishioner)
Frank Massolini (friend of Ron Valentine)
Karen Miller (friend of Donna Babiarz)
Karen Mills Hensley (daughter of Mike Mills)
Jane O'Reilly, parents, Beth & Sean, & siblings, Maggie & Patrick (Jane is the great-niece of Kathleen Cleven)
Margot Peterson (daughter-in-law of Dick Peterson)
Joanie Phillips (wife of Gary Phillips)
Joe Pryzbilla  (friend of Ron Valentine)
Eric Ramos (resident of The Grove)
Donald P. Rand (friend of John Roberts)
Lavera Ray (resident of The Grove)
Emily Roane (twin sister of Kathy Roane)
Lucy Roe (friend of Jack & Patricia Kessie)
Ann Roome (former parishioner)
Dale Ruesch (father-in-law of Anita Ruesch)
Jill Ruesch (cousin of Anita Ruesch)
Patti Ruff (fiancée of Barbara Stutz's son)
David Schroeder (son-in-law of Sally Neuert)
Henry Schwenk (parishioner)
Joan Scott (resident of The Grove)
John Sivright (friend of John Roberts and others)
Sally Smith (friend of Debby & Ron Valentine)
Lawrence Stanley (father of Sue Babbs)
Kathy Stutz (daughter-in-law of Barbara Stutz)
Brad T. (friend of Ron & Debby Valentine)
Jamie Trotter (parishioner)
Nancy Wais (friend of Sarah Schneider)
Elena Walke (friend of Jack & Tricia Kessie)
Tom White (son of John White)
Alice Wirtz (friend of Nancy Whiteman)
Mary Woodward (resident of The Grove)
Addison & her parents & brother   (cousin of kClare McKellaston)
Ashley   (friend of Debby Valentine)
Beth    (friend of Kathleen Dewey)
Daniel   (friend of Sarah Schneider)
Dean   (friend of Marilee McGowan)
Elizabeth   (employee of Sarah Schneider)
Helen   (friend of Amy Fahey)
Janet   (friend of Kathleen Cleven)
Kelly   (niece of Marilee McGowan)
Kelly & Josh   
Laura & Phil   (friends of Nancy Whiteman)
Mandy   (friend of Ron & Debby Valentine's daughter)
Mike   (friend of Lynne Pike)
Peggy   (friend of Lynne Pike)
Stacy   (sister of Cory Schipfer)
Tucker   (friend of Ron & Debby Valentine)
 
For those who have died:   Father of all, we pray to you for those we love, but see no longer: Grant them your peace;  let light perpetual shine upon them; and, in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
 
Brad Burgess (friend of Debby & Ron Valentine)
Freeman J. Wood, Sr.
Kirkpatrick W. Dilling
Edith Wayman
Moncure D. "Monty" Paynter
Russell S. Fenton
Will Kelley
Jack L. Linn
Hugh R. Littell
Tom Sawyer

For those who are grieving:  Gracious God, surround all who mourn this day with your continuing compassion.  When grief seems never-ending, take them one step at a time along your road of death and resurrection in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
Prayers may be added to this list by completing the Prayer Request Card, which can be found in the pews and Parish Hall, or by emailing Sue Babbs at suebabbs385@gmail.com.
 
We invite you to join the Prayer Group which meets on Friday mornings, or the Prayer Network which receives email notifications and prays for needs as they are shared with us.  Contact Sue Babbs or Rev Ron Valentine for further information.
Have and Announcement of Upcoming Event?
Please send Weekly Announcements to Coty Colson at coty@stjamestheless.org byTuesday at noon.  Please include the following information: 
  • What is the "why" of this announcement? (For example, if you're setting up a service project, why do you feel excited about this event and why should others join you?)
  • Details of the event or announcement (i.e. Location, Date, Time)
  • Your contact information.