Services for Sunday, May 8

8:00 a.m., Spoken Eucharist – Rev. Jimmy Swarthout, Presider / Preacher

10:00 a.m., Eucharist with hymns – Rev. Jimmy Swarthout, Presider / Preacher

Update from the Wardens

There is a lot happening in a number of different areas at St Mary’s:

1. Confidential discussions are happening, with vestry approval, about the possibly of a part-time    Rector. We expect to be able to update you with more information within the next few weeks.

2. Choir Director candidates are being interviewed.

3. The Raue Center for the Arts, through successful grant applications, is investing in some upgrades to St Mary’s property and facilities.

Parish Administrator, Amy Noe will be out of the office for a few days this month due to elective surgery. The wardens are asking parishioners to consider volunteering their time in the office for a couple of hours per week. Please contact Amy to let her know of your willingness to help. Most of the tasks require little or no training. 

Thank you,

Doug Murphy

Mike Higgins

Graduation Season is Here!

Parents/Grandparents: If there is about to be a new graduate in your family, we’d love to share the good news! Please let us know all about your graduate (Junior High, High School, College, Grad School), the school they’re graduating from, and the school (or job) that will be the next step. You may include other information as well, such as scholarships or awards received.  A simple write-up can be submitted to the Parish Office. 

We will include all of our graduates’ information in upcoming newsletters. If you have a photo of your graduate that you’d like to share, please send that to the office as well. Thanks!

Crystal Lake Food Pantry Information

Paper Please. . . Donations of paper goods are greatly needed at the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. The pantry is not able to buy paper goods through the food bank, and clients are not able to use their SNAP benefits to purchase any paper goods such as toilet paper, Kleenex, paper towels, and napkins. Bring them to the church any time, and your Board members will get them over to the pantry. Paper goods are items that are lightweight, easy to carry and low cost that can be donated and will be appreciated by the clients. Thanks!!

If you were unable to help out last Wednesday, there is another opportunity to volunteer at the Food Pantry this month, on Wednesday, May 25. Shifts times are 8:15 to 10:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, or 12:00 Noon –2:15 p.m. If you’d love to help, please contact Cate Williams.

Forward Day by Day

Forward Day by Day, the Episcopal devotional guide to Bible reading, for the months of May, June, and July, is now available on a Narthex table, priced as marked. Please pick up a copy today.

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!!

Clergy/Staff    

The Rev. Mike Choquette, Deacon: Email Dn. Mike

Amy Noe, Parish Administrator: Email the Parish Office

Parish Vestry (term expires)

Co-Wardens Mike Higgins (1/23) and Doug Murphy (1/24)

Treasurer, Cate Williams

Dorothy Nyberg, Andrew Wild (1/23)

Stacy Cook, Bill Wayne (1/24)

Peter Carroll, Gail Head (1/25)

Prayer Requests

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.

Those Serving in the Armed Forces

Jeremy, son of John & Carolyn Kuykendall

Birthdays May 4-11

5.5  Sally Van Vranken