Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Collect of the Day

Jesus, divine companion: As the day unfolds, give us strength to understand and eyes to see,as you teach us to walk the soft earth, related to all that lives. Amen.
How do we move forward from here?
A Message from Rev. Lisa
Updates from the Vestry
Help Us Plan

The Vestry reviewed the ways that Rev. Lisa and Staff are providing meaningful connection. We each described what we are doing each week. Some join Zoom, some watch the National Cathedral, others watch videos, some do it all and still others find it difficult to do anything right now.  Providing Lisa with this feedback  will guide her planning going forward. She wants feedback as she supports the parish right now.
Madagascar Update

The Vestry   approved a partnership agreement with the parish of Amboasary, Madagascar in the Diocese of Toliara.  The partnership is characterized as mutual, equal partnership in which we learn from each other. This is important to point out as it is not an “outreach” endeavor. One member said, “I think it is important for us to foster a meaningful relationship with Christians in such a different culture living such different lives from our own bubble in the suburbs.” We feel this will greatly benefit both parishes.
Beatles Mass

Next Sunday, May 17 , we will hold our Beatles Mass in an online format. Expect to hear music from St. James the Less's own "Fab Four" as well as scripture, a homily and prayers.

This year we will encourage people to make Outreach donations that will be earmarked for COVID-19 relief. This will get dispersed to our ministry partners and other COVID-19 relief missions. 
We are the Hands and Feet of Christ
Feeding the Transport Team
The need is still very great at the hospital, so we will be continuing to provide meals on Wednesdays for the transport team through the end of May.

We will be providing sandwiches, chips, a sweet, and a beverage for 20 people. All food must come individually wrapped from a restaurant or grocery store.  No homemade food permitted.

Thank you to everyone who has provided food. Can you step up and help? Click on the link below to sign up.

Donations should be dropped off at the church or Rev. Lisa's front porch by 10:00 a.m. on the Wednesday you have signed up for. Please contact Heather Mages with any questions or concerns about this effort!  hkmages@gmail.com; 630-452-7347
Reaching Out to The Grove Nursing Facility
Today, Rev. Lisa, Josh Langhoff, Denny Scully, John Stevens, Simon & Sue Babbs, and Phil Montross recorded a service for the residents of The Grove Nursing Facility. You may watch it by clicking here or on the image.

The residents of The Grove would love to hear from you! They are able to accept ONLY ELECTRONIC mail. So please write a note or a card, or have your child draw a picture. Then scan it, take a picture of it, and send it to Sue Babbs at suebabbs385@gmail.com . Is that too much technology for you? Then you may mail or drop your card off at Sue and Simon's house, and Sue will digitize it and send it to The Grove.
From the Chicago Diocesan Cycle of Prayer : 
We pray for Congregations in the Evanston Deanery: St. James the Less in Northfield; St. Augustine in Wilmette; Christ Church in Winnetka; Companion Dioceses of SE Mexico and Renk: Santa María Virgen in Xalapa; Glory Church.

For the Diocese of Toliara, Madagascar:  
We pray for all the clergy and people of the Diocese of Toliara, Madagascar, especially Bishop Todd & Rev. Patsy McGregor, Assistant Bishop Samy and his wife, Holy, & our sister Parish of Amboasary, led by Deacon Gaston and Catechist Tahiry. We pray for those in Amboasary who are gathering to study your Word and learn together, especially for those who are illiterate.

We pray for a limited spread of the coronavirus in Madagascar where medical treatments are not readily available, soap is a luxury item, water can be scarce and there are only 6 ventilators for the whole country.

In relation to the Coronavirus Pandemic:
Lord Jesus, during Your ministry on Earth you showed your power and care by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel your power of healing through the care of doctors, nurses and other carers.

Lord God, we pray for healthcare workers and first responders who are working longer hours with fewer supplies and with more risk of contracting the new coronavirus themselves. We pray especially for medical personnel in our own congregation. Renew their energy and sustain them, bringing your protection upon them. Multiply their supplies so they have the protective items needed to stay safe on the job. We also pray for our neighborhood hospital, Glenbrook, particularly the Paramedics, Hospitalists, and Transport Departments as they seek to heal and care for people. 

Take away the fear, anxiety and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them. 

Inspire and invigorate the research doctors to develop better tests to diagnose the virus, produce treatments to reduce its effects, create vaccines to prevent it, and identify protocols to eliminate the disease’s spread.

Lord, we are so grateful for all the people who continue to work each day so that people are able to eat and function as normally as possible. We ask that you bless and protect them as they serve. Give them grace to handle disgruntled customers. Keep their bodies healthy as they unload and stock boxes of supplies. Keep their cars and trucks running smoothly as they deliver needed supplies and food people have ordered online, and please protect them all from contracting the new coronavirus.

Holy Spirit, as families adjust to everyone being home, we ask that you guide people in their new realities. Give spouses grace for each other. Prompt worn-out parents to speak words of kindness and encouragement to their children. Help children find creative ways to experience the beauty of all you have created and continue learning.

Give us all the energy to communicate with one another and not isolate ourselves more than necessary. Give us strength and courage and trust in you.

God of the present moment, who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart; bring hope and courage to all who wait or work in uncertainty. Bring hope that you will make them the equal of whatever lies ahead. Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided, for your will is health and wholeness; you are God, and we need you. Amen.

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. 

Steve Baine (friend of Hope & Jim Martin)
Grant Beadle (friend of John Roberts)
Daniel Berry (son of Miriam Berry)
Wes Betsill (father of Kathleen Dewey)
Mary Blair (friend of John Roberts)
Frank Blunt (friend of John Roberts)
David Braun (uncle of Matthew Berry)
Rev. Hugh Broadbent (friend of Simon & Sue Babbs)
Debbie Carpenter (sister of David Mason)
Mary Cato (friend of Miriam Berry)
Norman & Cathleen Corfield (parents of Yvonne Watson)
Katie Cramer (friend of Glen Tracy)
Chase Curtis (friend of John Roberts)
Silvio DeBartelmaise (friend of John Roberts)
Connor Dolge (friend of Jack & Patricia Kessie)
Bill Fox (parishioner)
Tom Garretson (brother of Nancy Morr)
Peggy Greene (parishioner)
George Hartnett (friend of John Roberts)
Chip Herndon (parishioner)
RG Heydt (friend of Katie Synek)
Tom Hoffman (friend of Josh Langhoff)
Walter Holt (friend of John Roberts)
Jack & Tricia Kessie (parishioners)
Chelsea & Bill Kivland & family (relative of Colleen Schipfer)
Courtney Koshgarian (friend of Peggy Greene)
Gail Kotin (parishioner)
Piper Lefferdink (granddaughter of Judy Lefferdink)
Jon Lind (friend of John Roberts)
Judy Marquardt (parishioner)
John Marquardt, Jr. (son of Judy Marquardt)
Peggy Mason (parishioner)
Karen Mills Hensley (daughter of Mike Mills)
Meredith Montross (parishioner)
Tom Nekola (friend of Josh Langhoff)
Bruce Newman (friend of Ginny Baynum)
Elliott Otis (parishioner)
Bob P (friend of Sarah Schneider)
Eric Ramos (resident of The Grove)
Donald P. Rand (friend of John Roberts)
Lucy Roe (friend of Jack & Patricia Kessie)
Cory & Colleen Schipfer (parishioners)
Mary Schwenk (wife of Henry Schwenk)
Emily Senuta (mother of Chad Senuta)
Lindsey Sibell (friend on Bethany Senuta)
Brian Stanton (resident of The Grove)
Kathy Stutz (daughter-in-law of Barbara Stutz)
Patti Stutz (daughter-in-law of Barbara Stutz)
Jay Tanel (brother-in-law of Anita Ruesch)
Nancy Thompson (sister of Dorothy Generes)
Jamie Trotter (parishioner)
Scott Trumble (friend of Scott Swank)
Catherine Van Pelt (parishioner)
Elena Walke (friend of Jack & Tricia Kessie)
John White (parishioner)
Tom White (son of John White)
Fred Zweifel (son of Diane Sawyer)
Addison & her parents, Kara & Mark, & brother, William (cousin of kClare McKellaston)
Becky (friend of Katie Synek)
Daniel (friend of Sarah Schneider)
Dominic (friend of Sarah Schneider)
Larry (relative of Marilee McGowan)
Lisa (friend of Hope Martin)
Marie (friend of Marilee McGowan)
Nicole & Bill (daughter-in-law & son of Bill Lauck)

O God of grace and glory, 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.

Betsy Warren

We thank you for giving them to us to know and to love as companions on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by the call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers may be added to this list by emailing Sue Babbs at suebabbs385@gmail.com

We invite you to join the Prayer Network which receives email notifications and prays for needs as they are shared with us.  Contact Sue for further information.