Thank you to Deacon Mike and the other McHenry County Clergy for providing us with an extensive Lenten Program, which ramps up to a full Holy Week. As you know, we have a very full service schedule, with combined choirs from all three churches on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday evening, and an Easter Vigil on Saturday evening. On Good Friday, St Paul’s has Stations of the Cross at Noon.
The wardens would like to organize car pooling for parishioners that would like to attend any of these services. Please contact Co-Warden, Mike Higgins, if you would like to attend any of these services.
Doug Murphy, Co-Warden
Mike Higgins, Co-Warden
Holy Week Service Schedule
Please join us as we partner with St. Ann’s, Woodstock, and St. Paul’s, McHenry, to observe most of our Holy Week Services. (Each parish will hold their own services for Easter)
MAUNDY THURSDAY, TONIGHT, April 14 at St. Mary's
6:30 pm service with Agape Meal
GOOD FRIDAY, April 15
12:00 Noon, Stations of the Cross at St. Paul's, McHenry
7:00 pm Liturgy of Good Friday at St. Ann's, Woodstock
HOLY SATURDAY, April 16 at St. Ann's, Woodstock
7:30 pm Easter Vigil
EASTER SUNDAY, April 17 at St. Mary's
8:00 and 10:00 am Eucharists
St. Ann's Episcopal Church
503 W Jackson St, Woodstock, IL 60098
St Paul's Episcopal Church
3717 W. Main St., McHenry, IL 60050
Keeping Watch at the Altar of Repose
Following the Maundy Thursday Eucharist, an extra host, consecrated during the Eucharist, will be taken to the special “Altar of Repose”, a holy table set up in the front of the Nave, as a vivid symbol of Christ’s presence in the Garden. Parishioners are encouraged to “keep watch with Christ” (for one hour) anytime following the end of the service, until 12:00 Midnight. There are still some slots available on the sign up sheet in the Narthex.
Services for Easter Sunday, April 17
8:00 a.m. spoken Eucharist,
with renewal of Baptismal Vows
Fr. Jimmy Swarthout, Presider/Preacher
10:00 a.m. Eucharist with hymns;
renewal of Baptismal Vows
Fr. Jimmy Swarthout, Presider/Preacher
Palm Sunday, April 10
We were blessed with beautiful weather last Sunday, and were able to process outside with our palms at the start of the 10:00 a.m. service. Many thanks to our supply clergy for the day – Rev. Dr. Eileen Shanley-Roberts, at the 8:00 a.m. service, and Rev. Dr. Mathew Idicula, at the 10:00 a.m. service.
Mask Mandate Update
Per the Diocese of Chicago, masks will no longer be required in the building, although they are recommended, especially for the vulnerable or unvaccinated. We ask that you please be respectful of any individual who chooses to continue to wear a mask. Coffee Hours and any receptions with food/drink will be scheduled as volunteers become available.
Crisis in Ukraine – How You Can Help
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with Anglican agencies and other ecumenical partners to provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine. You can help by donating to the Ukraine Crisis Response Fund. Your support will help meet critical needs for people who have been displaced, including food, cash, blankets, and hygiene supplies. The easiest way to donate is online. If you would rather send a check, there are forms available on a table in the Narthex. Thank you!!
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen
Parishioners: El, Sharon, Carol, Ruth, Kristi, Cindy; Edward, John, and Matthew.
Family/Friends: Frances, aunt of Catherine Carroll; Dan, colleague of El Nyberg; Joey, step-mother of Heather Robert; Ted, brother-in-law of Jane Helmboldt, and his wife, Ginny; Andi, friend of Carissa Nyberg Stanich; Chris, colleague of Rick Noe; Brent; Eric; Laura; Dawn; Betty; Jean; John; Pamela; Mark, Douglas, Greg, Wayne, Scott, Sue, Sarah, Dave, Neil and Des, Rick, Sylvia, Kay, Brian, Sarah.
