The Magnificat 
Weekly

St. Mary's Episcopal Church        
Crystal Lake IL

Weekly E-Newsletter                                      December 13, 2018

In This Issue

 
Worship Times
Sundays, 8 & 10 am
Nursery available at 9:45
----------
Coffee Hour fellowship  follows both services;
join us for treats, and conversation

 

Children's Worship, for ages  3 through 2nd grade, meets in the Education Wing every Sunday

 at 10:00 am


 


Clergy & Staff
Amy Noe, Parish Administrator
Sandra Molyneux, Organist and Choir Director
-----
Parish Vestry  (term expires)
Marge Smith, Warden (1/19)
Tracy Higgins, Warden (1/20)
Peter Becker, Treasurer
Judy Tracy, Clerk of the Vestry
Members:
(1/19)   John Amrein, Peter Carroll, Jerry Kolarczyk
(1/20)  Amy Koegel, Judy Thornton, Sally Van Vranken
(1/21)   Steve Brooks, Stacy Cook, Jane Helmboldt

Monthly Events
 
The next CRYSTAL LAKE FOOD PANTRY volunteer opportunity is Saturday, December 29, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Contact Aimee Day if you can help.  
 
CENTERING PRAYER meets the first and third Tuesday of every month, at 7:30 p.m. in the Great Hall. 
Contac Rev. Fran with any questions, or for more information.
 
TAIZE is an ecumenical, meditative common prayer, incorporating song, chant, scripture readings, and silence.  People of ALL faith traditions are welcome this monthly candlelight service.  The services are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month at the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, 461 Pierson St.  The next Taize service will be held on Tuesday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m. (Note: one week earlier than usual due to the Christmas holiday)

A FREE COMMUNITY MEAL  is offered at St. Mary's on the third Saturday of every month.  The meal is served from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and ALL are welcome.  There is no RSVP required.   Free will donations will be accepted.  Please watch the newsletter and website for the menu, which will be published a week or two before the event.  The next  Community Meal is Saturday, December 15.


We Pray For
Parishioners: El & Dorothy, Carissa & Terry;  Gail and the family of Nancy;  Jack, Miles, Matthew, Bob, Carol, John, Matthew, and Elizabeth,  Mary, Gladys, Galen & Betsy, Harry & Marion, and all those seeking employment
Family/Friends: Christi Peete,  James,
Deacon 
Chere Bates; Joanne;  Lynn, Brian Rachel, Maria,  Kay, Virginia, Cora,  Saul, Naomi, Aimee, Susan, Brian, Mark,  Neil, Desmond,  Will, Tom, Tom, Tim,  Pat, Billy, Kay, Gary, Kevin,  Kelly, David, Susie, Carole, Diana, Kelly Marie, Lori, Kurt, Gail, Regina, Darcy, Julie, Betty, Sue, Nancy, Maggie, Nicci, Sarah

Those Who Have Died
Former parishioner,  Bob Drayton; George, father-in-law and friend of the Nyberg family;  Nancy, colleague of Gail Head

Those Serving in the
Armed Forces
Michael, Jeremy, Terry, Dan 

Birthdays Dec. 13-20
12.18  Leah Spychala
            Galen Vargason
            Sydney Derbas
            Samantha Wild
12.19  Jackie Wayne

If you would like your  name added to the birthday / anniversary list, please contact Amy in the Parish Office.

Quick Links

 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
News from The Episcopal Cafe



From the Rector

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary's,

This Sunday we will gather to celebrate the third Sunday of Advent. The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as "Gaudete" Sunday, which is Latin for Rejoice. Traditionally the third Sunday of Advent is considered to be a Sunday of 'lightening up" from the darkness of Advent as we move closer to the coming of Christ. It is the Sunday when we light the rose colored candle and many churches use rose colored vestments. Our readings from both Zephaniah and Philippians call us to rejoice in the Lord. As we prepare for Christ's coming I invite you to find time for quiet prayer and reflection. There are a few opportunities for you to join with others to observe this holy season of waiting and preparation .   St.  Ann's Episcopal Church, 503 W. Jackson, Woodstock, is offering an Advent Choral Evensong this Sunday December 16, at 4:00 p.m. St. Ann's, like St. Mary's, has a very gifted choir. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich Anglican Tradition of Evensong. In addition, this Tuesday December 18th is the next ecumenical Taizé service at First Congregational Church at 7:00 p.m, located at 461 Pierson in Crystal Lake . I invite you take advantage of these opportunities. Both services offer an opportunity for a contemplative, prayer experience with candlelight and music. 
 
This Saturday is our next free community meal. Stop in for great food and hospitality from 5:00-7:00 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends and to reach out to our guests during this season when many people find themselves alone and without a community, family or friends to gather with. This is a perfect opportunity to be the light of Christ to others. Come and share in the festivities.

Many Blessings,
Rev. Fran
 
December Community Meal

The next  Community Meal is this  Saturday, December 15 .   The meal is served from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and ALL are welcome.  There is no RSVP required.   Free will donations will be accepted.  Chef Tom is bringing back a favorite this month:
Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna), Salad , Rolls , and Dessert . Yum!
 
The Season of Advent

Light Bearers Needed this Sunday
During the season of Advent, families or individuals are invited to light the candles on the Advent Wreath. It is a very special moment to bring the light into church at the beginning of the service, and then light the Advent candles. We still need volunteers for both the 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. services. Contact Amy in the office if you are interested.

Advent Devotional Available
There are still copies of Living Well Through Advent 2018 , available on a Narthex table. If you wish, please pick up a copy and take it home with you. The booklet is being provided by Living Compass, a faith-based wellness ministry founded by the Rev. Scott Stoner.  

Advent Choral Evensong
You are invited to attend a service of Advent Evensong this  Sunday afternoon,  December 16, at 4:00 p.m. , at St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Woodstock. This will be a traditional, candlelit, contemplative service of music and prayer, embracing the mystery and beauty of the Advent season. St. Ann's is located at 503 W. Jackson St. in Woodstock.  See their website for further details: www.stannswoodstock.org

Christmas Flowers

The Christmas Flowers sign-up sheet is posted in the Narthex.  If you would like to donate poinsettias/greens to decorate the church for Christmas, sign your name and the intention of your gift (thanksgiving for..., honor of..., or in memory of...). The donation is $20.00. Checks may be made payable to St. Mary's, note "Christmas Flowers" in the memo line. You may use the envelopes on the bulletin board with the sign-up sheet, drop the envelope in the collection plate, or bring it to the office.  Please make sure to sign up by Wednesday, December 19 if you would like your name listed in the Christmas bulletins.  Thank you for helping to make St. Mary's look its loveliest this coming Christmas season!

CHRISTMAS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are still in need of Ushers and a Lector for the 10:00 pm Christmas Eve service. In addition, we need at least 1 usher for the 9:00 am Christmas Day service. If you will be attending either service and would like to help, please contact Amy in the office. Thank you!! And thanks to ALL who have volunteered for Christmas ministries.

Happy Anniversary Rev. Fran!

Congratulations to Rev. Fran as she celebrates the  15th Anniversary of her ordination to the priesthood . Rev. Fran was ordained on December 20 , 2003 at St. James Cathedral in Chicago, by The Rt. Rev. William D. Persell. Rev. Fran earned her MDiv. at Seabury Western Theological Seminary in Evanston IL in May of 2003. She served at Christ Church Waukegan, St. Richard's Chicago, and All Saints' Chicago, before being called to St. Mary's in 2014.
 
Graduation News

Anna Choquette , daughter of Mike & Terry Choquette, will graduate from the University of Dayton in Ohio this Saturday, December 15 th , with her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology.  Anna has been accepted into the Masters of Social Work program at the Ohio State University, and she starts her studies at Ohio State in the Fall. Congratulations Anna!
 

Food Pantry - Upcoming Saturday Service Day

Want to help serve at the pantry but can't make it on our regular service day?  Might you have family and friends that need something to do while visiting over the New Year Holiday?  St. Mary's has a unique Saturday service day opportunity.  We are scheduled to staff the pantry on Saturday,  December 29, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

No experience is needed - training is on the job, and any amount of time you can share is appreciated Please email Cate Williams if you are able to help on that Saturday.   Families and individuals are invited - we always have something for everyone to do!
 
 2018 Statements of Contribution
 
This week a statement of contribution will be sent out to all pledging members, indicating how much they have given through December 9.  This is done as a courtesy,as some lose track of their giving, a reminder offered as the year is drawing to a close that seems to be greatly appreciated by many. Pledging members are asked to check their statement, and if they have a question to contact the parish office.    Please note that in order for donations to be posted to 2018, they must be received in the office by 10:00 a.m. Sunday, December 30.   Thank you!!

2019 Pledge Cards

If you have not yet turned in your pledge card for next year, please drop it off, or mail it in at your earliest convenience. If you did not receive a pledge card, there are extras on the back table.   Thank you to those who have already made a pledge for 2019.
 
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES THROUGH EPIPHANY SUNDAY

Third Sunday of Advent - December 16
8:00 a.m. Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Eucharist  - hymns with guitar and keyboard
 
Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 23
8:00 a.m. Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Eucharist, with Choir
11:30 a.m.  Hanging of the Greens; help is needed to decorate the church for our Christmas services
 
Christmas Eve - December 24
5:00 p.m. Children's Candlelight Communion Service with a special visitor, building the crèche and carols. For the young
and the young at heart.
10:00 p.m. Christmas Carols led by the Choir followed by a Festive Choral Eucharist.
 
Christmas Day - December 25
9:00 a.m. Christmas Day Eucharist with Carols
 
Sunday after Christmas - Dec. 30
9:00 a.m. Eucharist with carols
(Please note, only ONE service this day)
 
Feast of the Epiphany - Sun. Jan. 6, 2019
8:00 a.m. Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Eucharist with Choir, celebrating the Three Kings' visit to the Cr è che
 
A Little Advent Humor


St. Mary's Episcopal Church |   210 McHenry Ave.   |   Crystal Lake IL  60014-6009
815-459-1009    |    parishofc@stmarysepiscopalcl.org