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News & Notes: Week of September 2, 2018
Father Scott Z and Charles Z
Announcements from Fr. Scott

8 a.m. service returns September 9 - Beginning Sunday, September 9, St. Ann’s will offer two services: 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. You can keep track of the service times and other events on the parish calendar on the St. Ann’s website.

Turning to Christ: A course for the Christian Journey, beginning Sunday, September 9 at 9 a.m. in the parish hall. On Sunday November 4, the Feast of All Saints, the whole congregation will be asked to renew our the promises made at our baptism. For seven weeks leading up to All Saints’ Day, between the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services, we will consider what it means to turn to Jesus and to make those baptismal promises. Come every week, or come when you can! All ages are welcome. 

Acolyte/Worship Assistant Training - After worship on September 16, a training will be held for all current acolytes and worship assistants, as well as anyone (child, teen, or adult) who would like to assist with worship as an acolyte or worship assistant. Let Fr. Scott know if you plan to attend.

Transforming Questions, Mondays this Fall - Are you someone who has been a Christian for a long time, but sometimes still wonders about the basics? Or are you someone new to God and the Church who wants to get a better idea of what this Christianity thing is really all about? In this class, we will seek to move into deeper life in Christ by engaging in some of faith’s most basic questions: Who is Jesus? Does God answer prayer? How do I read the Bible? Why bother with Church? What do I have to do to be a Christian? Each week we will gather for a meal, hear a talk on one of the central questions of the Christian faith, and then join in small-group discussion. Through both listening and sharing, we will wrestle with these foundational questions in the context of faith and in the company of fellow seekers. As we do so, we will learn more about ourselves, one another, and the Jesus we are seeking. The group will meet Monday nights September 17 to November 26 from 7-8:45 p.m. To participate, regular attendance is requested, and pre-registration is required. Contact Fr. Scott, zaucha@stannswoodstock.org to sign up or for questions.
  A Word from The Rev. Lynn White,
Priest Associate
Roots

“Lo, with the ancient
Roots of man’s nature,
Twines the eternal - - -”

England My Mother , Part II, Stanza I by Sir William Watson

It’s not only gardeners who have roots on their mind, continually thinking about feeding roots to make plants grow stronger or pulling out undesirable roots. The Media talks about sending in samples of one’s DNA to determine one’s roots, where we’re from. We are constantly reminded of roots by people who are willing to pull up roots in order to establish new roots and live a better and safer life. No matter where our roots, throughout history, God, The Eternal, is entwined in our stories, our lives, in roots of all kinds. From the beginning, recorded in the Book of Genesis, God created everything, and it was good. “…if the root is holy, then the branches are also holy.” (Romans 11:16)

Speaking of roots, about 10 days ago I noticed an article in our local newspaper about the Jewish Congregation, Tikkun Olam. The Congregation shares our space here at St. Ann’s. The piece was written about the upcoming Jewish holidays. The Jewish calendar is a lunar calendar, so dates vary each year. This year the article spoke about observing the High Holy Days in September. The story included an invitation to attend services. At 7:30 p.m., Sunday, September 9th there will be an Eve of Rosh Hashanah service and at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 10th will be the Rosh Hashanah service. Again, on September 18th, Monday, at 7:30 p.m. there will be a Kol Nidre service followed on Tuesday, September 19th at 10 a.m. observing Yom Kippur. 

Rosh Hashanah, literally meaning the beginning of the year, is the Jewish New Year. The Biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah, meaning day of blasting or shouting. The shofar, or ram’s horn, is blown. It’s also the traditional anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve and human’s role in creation. Special foods are eaten like apples dipped in honey, symbolizing a sweet New Year, and pomegranates with their multitude of seeds, symbolizing a fruitful New Year. According to Jewish tradition, on this day a person’s actions from the previous year are judged. The heavenly gates remain open until Yom Kippur.

Yom Kippur is also known as the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, the Sabbath of Sabbaths. The themes are repentance and atonement. The focus is on forgiveness, first from one’s fellowman and then of God. The day is observed with a 24-25 hour fast (depending if one is an Orthodox, Conservative, or Reformed Jew) and intensive prayer, much of it spent in worship. Whether Jewish, Christian, indeed all of humanity, ancient or present, our nature is to be holy as well as to sin and to need forgiveness. We all desire heaven’s open gates.

In fact, we at St. Ann’s are all Judaic Christians, as all of us have roots in the Jewish faith. We read the Old Testament as a regular part of our worship services. Our Savior, Jesus, had Jewish roots. I believe that the more we know about our roots, the greater the possibility of understanding who we are, and the richer our lives and faith will become. As a matter of fact, Matthew 13:6 warns that without roots, plants wither away. In the same way, we need to understand our roots in order that we might flower and grow toward the light of Jesus Christ.

Here is an opportunity to learn more about our roots, perhaps even an opportunity to grow, serve, learn, and become more closely twined together. I have spoken with Debbi Viger of the Tikkun Olam congregation, and we are enthusiastically welcome. I might add, she told me about another root we share. We have a commonality. We both enjoy time after the service by delighting in food to eat and fellowship to share. No matter the faith,

To God be the glory. Amen.
Announcements
Congregation Tikkun Olam
Celebrating Holidays

During the month of September, Congregation Tikkun Olam will be meeting in the St. Ann’s building for the Jewish high holy days. All services are posted on the St. Ann’s calendar, so please be mindful of our shared space when using the building this month. If you’d like to learn more about Tikkun Olam, visit their website: http://www.tikkun-olam.org . (Please note that times indicated on the calendar below are for building use. Service times may be found at http://www.tikkun-olam.org/shabbat_services.htm ).
Woodstock Food Pantry Update

With the assistance of Howard McCarthy, 182 pounds of food and supplies were delivered to the food pantry. This gives us a total for June, July, and August of 339 pounds! Thank you to everyone for your generosity, as many families are assisted by these donations.

Donation requests for the Woodstock Food Pantry will be passed with the offering plates on the first Sunday of each month. Please take a slip of paper, buy the item, and place donations in the box labeled "Woodstock Food Pantry" in the parish hall. Thank you for your generosity! Our Woodstock Food Pantry board representatives are Jean Radford and Vic Chudoba.
Direct Assistance Program

Woodstock Area Community Ministries (WACM) has a program to assist families in need, known as the DAP (Direct Assistance Program). Currently, the small staff meets only twice per month on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church. There is a need for additional volunteers so that the schedule may be expanded to meet the needs of the Woodstock area. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Jay Needleman or Vic Chudoba.
Third Sunday Sack Lunches
Next Date: Sunday, September 16, 2018
Thank you to all who helped and donated for our Third Sunday Sack Lunch (TSSL) fellowship on August 19th . We delivered lunches to the shelter at Turning Point and to the McHenry County permanent PADS site on Kishwaukee Valley Road.
Our next Third Sunday Sack Lunch ministry will be on September 16th . Look for the donation signup sheet in the parish hall. If you have questions or comments, please just ask. Thank you for your continued generosity and participation,   Jay Needleman , (312) 608-1009.
Lobster Fest 2018 is October 20

As many of you are aware, this year's Lobster Fest is set for  Saturday, October 20, 2018 . This year, 100% of our proceeds will be given to TLS Veterans! TLS Veterans provides valuable assistance to our local veterans by providing housing assistance, employment assistance, veteran peer support, and transitional living. To find out more about TLS Veterans, please go to  tlsveterans.org . For more information about Lobster Fest, stay tuned, or contact Vince Castillo or Karen Kerbyson.
Rides to church?

  If you are someone who needs a ride to church on Sundays, or if you are someone who can offer a ride to church for someone on occasion, please let Fr. Scott know at  zaucha@stannswoodstock.org
Children's Ministry

Parents with children are invited to sit in the front pews, where there is a small table and chairs for children. Episcopal worship is a visual as much as a spoken experience, and it helps children to see the action of the priest and altar attendants. Coloring sheets are available on the table, and don't fret about a little squirming!
Gospel Study Opportunity

Matthew writes (18:20) that Jesus says, "... where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."  Do consider joining fellow parishioners on Sunday mornings, after having coffee, for Bible Study . Most Sundays, 11:30 a.m., the Gospel for the following Sunday is pondered. Believing that Jesus is present in each of us, we listen to each person's questions, hear everyone's responses to the reading, and then discuss the impact on our faith and lives. A noted Episcopal Biblical scholar's lectionary is also part of the study to help deepen our understanding and faith. You, your thoughts, and ideas would add so very much. Please join us. For more information, ask  Vic Chudoba  or  The Rev. Lynn White .
WACM Multimedia Presentations with Live Performances

Musical Theater Charities of Woodstock and the Woodstock Opera House have announced additional stories behind the making of famous musicals. The shows combine scans of rare photos, original graphics, edited audio tracks and video clips, live performers, and a scripted narrative.   Ten organizations, including Woodstock Area Community Ministries, share in the profits. Buy tickets directly from the Woodstock Opera House , $10 for the matinee and $15 for the evening performance. See Jay Needleman for more information. Upcoming shows are at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesdays as follows:
  • The Creation of Oklahoma! - September 25
  • The Creation of My Fair Lady - October 23
  • Making a List: The Secular Songs of Christmas - December 11
Sign Up for Altar Flowers

If you would like to contribute Sunday altar flowers in memory of a loved one or in celebration of a special event, please sign up on the roster in the Communications Corridor, and send/make a contribution. The Altar Guild will take care of the rest. Contact Nancy Phillips  (815-337-2004) or Ruth Cotton   (815-479-9088).
St. Ann's Calendar
Weekly Events
  • Sundays, 8 a.m., Holy Eucharist
  • Sundays, 9 a.m., Choir Call
  • Sundays, 9 a.m., Education: Turning to Christ
  • Sundays, 10 a.m., Holy Eucharist
  • Sundays, 11:30 a.m., Bible Study
  • Tuesdays, 7 a.m. - 9 a.m., Coffee w/Fr. Scott @ Ethereal Confections
  • Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - Noon, Fr. Scott's Office Hours
  • Thursdays, 9 a.m. - Noon, Fr. Scott's Office Hours
  • Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Needlepoint
  • Thursdays, 7 p.m., Choir Practice
  • Fridays, 9:30 a.m., Bridge Group
  • Saturdays, 9:15 a.m., Centering Prayer
September Calendar
  • Sunday, September 9, 11:30 a.m., Choir Rehearsal
  • Sunday, September 9, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., Congregation Tikkun Olam Erev Rosh Hashanah Set Up
  • Sunday, September 9, 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., Congregation Tikkun Olam Erev Rosh Hashanah Service
  • Monday, September 10, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Congregation Tikkun Olam Rosh Hashanah Service and Oneg
  • Wednesday, September 12, 7:15 p.m., Finance Committee Meeting
  • Thursday, September 13, No Office Hours for Fr. Scott
  • Saturday, September 15, 9 a.m., Vestry Retreat Makeup
  • Sunday, September 16, 11:15 a.m., Third Sunday Sack Lunch Ministry
  • Sunday, September 16, 11:30 a.m., Acolyte Boot Camp
  • Monday, September 17, 7 p.m., Transforming Questions
  • Tuesday, September 18, 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Congregation Tikkun Olam Kol Nidre Set Up and Service
  • Wednesday, September 19, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Congregation Tikkun Olam Yom Kippur Morning Service
  • Wednesday, September 19, 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Congregation Tikkun Olam Yom Kippur Study Group
  • Wednesday, September 19, 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Congregation Tikkun Olam Yom Kippur Afternoon Services and Break-the-fast
  • Wednesday, September 19, 7 p.m., Vestry Meeting
  • Sunday, September 23, 11:30 a.m., Choir Rehearsal
  • Monday, September 24, 7 p.m., Transforming Questions
Click here for online calendar
News and Notes & Sunday Bulletin Announcements

News & Notes is published approximately every two weeks. To include an article in News & Notes, please email  Jen.Loacker@gmail.com.

To submit an article for the weekly announcements in the Sunday bulletin, please contact Fr. Scott Zaucha .
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