Mars Hill Proclaimer
St. Paul's Episcopal Church February Newsletter 2023
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Dear Sisters and Brothers,
This month of February and this week, finds us preparing for Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. It may seem strange to you, but I look forward to Lent and to prayerful self-examination and renewed opportunity for growth and change where it's needed. For me right now that entails preparations for my retirement from being your Rector at St. Paul's parish which comes at the end of August this year. This letter to you--to anyone who may not yet be aware--is part of that. Life goes on apace at St. Paul's Sunday by Sunday and everything seems the same. But beneath it all there is something more in the works. I have a photograph to remind me of this on my wall. In it, is a stand of trees and forest with a line of newly sprouted wild mushrooms amid the leaves and green growth on the ground. As they do, the mushrooms probably sprang up as it rained overnight. There was no sign of them yesterday and yet now, here they are. After a rain they appear on the surface of the earth as if from nowhere. But the source of their sprouting lies under-ground in a system of fungus that goes on out of sight. So the source of change had been there all along. Our lives together are a little like that. Often, God is the unseen source of such change and growth and I pray to be held within that Source and pray that you are too.
By the end of this month, Lynne and I hope to have closed on a townhouse in St. Charles into which we'll move early this summer, in anticipation of ending our ministry with you all in late August. Some things do stay the same, though. Our gratitude to you for all our years of ministry together and for all that we've shared of our lives in Christ. Sunday by Sunday, I give thanks to God for you, the people of St. Paul's congregation in DeKalb.
With love,
Barbara+
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There will be two Ash Wednesday Services on February 22nd.
At 12:00 PM in the Sanctuary
and
At 6:00 PM with the Grace Place participants in the Parish Hall, followed by a Soup Supper for all.
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In February, between the services at 9:00 AM, there will be a study called "Episcopal 2.0" using the revised Episcopal Handbook. You can find copies at the DeKalb Library or you can find it on Amazon.
Plans are to have a book study in March between the services using the Amy Jill Levine book, Entering the Passion of Jesus, also available at Amazon.
Issues of Living Well Through Lent 2023 from Living Compass will be available in the Sanctuary and in Parish Hall. You can also download a pdf from Living Compass
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A classic best-selling manual on Episcopalian faith for lifelong followers, newcomers, and those wishing to sample and explore the beliefs and organization of the denomination.
Still providing helpful and insightful information about the Episcopal ethos with a certain amount of whimsy and complete accessibility, this revision maintains the best features of the original work, but adds an update and an expansion on the church today.
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Jesus risked his reputation when he entered Jerusalem in a victory parade. He risked his life when he dared to teach in the Temple. His followers risked everything when they left behind their homes, or anointed him with costly perfume. We take risks as we read and re-read these stories, finding new meanings and new challenges. |
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Designed for both individual reflection and for group study, this 84-page daily devotional provides a foundation for seeking a deeper experience of Lent, an experience that will help prepare us for the true meaning of Easter. |
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The Grace Place Campus Ministry's sacred altar was built with the six crosses from the 2008 memorial crosses. I have an appointment to meet with the NIU Regional History Museum. Brad Wiles told me,
"In our February 14, 2008 Memorial Collection, there is something called Why Six? Wisdom Whispers in Tragedy by Pastor Diane R. S. Dardon from NIU’s Lutheran Campus Ministry. " I plan to share more on the altar's history.
The three year Capital Campaign has 97% of requested $50,000 in pledges with 40% actual money received, so far. Thank you for the support of the capital campaign for the upkeep of our buildings. We will be monitoring the success of the sanctuary gutter repairs with the spring rains. At that point, we can discuss ceiling repairs.
The ECW will be meeting Saturday, February 25 at 11:00 with the place to be determined. Peg & Maureen have reports. ECW donations will be voted upon. Fundraisers ideas are encouraged for discussion.
On Feb 13, Lucinda & I are meeting with the Regional Office of Education ROE. On Feb 16 the Nicor Energy Assessment is scheduled with Rick & me. On Feb 16 I am attending a webinar about our compaion diocese: Mission Companionship with Sudanese Christians- American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan.
This month, we have been taking a closer look at billing & our current office & Internet needs; our updated ADS Alarm contract; and our Davy Tree Care contract & choices.
We are welcoming new vestry members. Safe Church training certification for the vestry & staff will be completed. Mother Barb's Episcopal 2.0 class is being well received & attended.
On a personal note, with great joy Bill & I are enjoying puppy kisses & Corgi wiggles of our 5 month old Oscar.
Your support and prayers for our parish are appreciated.
Jennie
Senior Warden
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Hello again!
I want to thank Mother Barbara, Jennie, and Lucinda for their faith in my ability to take on the job of Jr. Warden at St. Paul’s once again. I am never very confident in my competence as a “leader,” but I am hoping that with God’s help, these next couple of years will be positive and uplifting ones. We have all been dealing with various trials and tribulations in these past few years, due in no small part to the pandemic, and our church has made it through some rather rough patches. But we have much to be grateful for these days. While we have had to say goodbye to some previous members, we have also welcomed several wonderful new and active members who contribute mightily to the vibrancy of our church family. I am always grateful for and amazed at how involved and active our Vestry and congregation are, and at the ideas for growth that are being floated.
There are plans for an Ash Wednesday (February 22) evening service, combined with Grace Place, to be followed by a soup supper. Mother Barbara has started a very interesting book study on Sunday mornings at 9:00 for the month of February called “Episcopal 2.0.” Even though I’ve been a member of St. Paul’s church for over 20 years, my understanding of the Episcopal faith is definitely lacking, and this is a wonderful class, regardless of one’s background. We are also planning another book discussion to take place during Lent. Marilyn Cleland has proposed hosting a Classic Movie Night which could be held on a monthly basis; Lucinda Brunner is working on putting together a Chess Club for high school age youth to meet in our parish hall; Peg Newby and Jennie Cummings have begun some talks about possible social meet-ups or dinners. The ECW is regrouping and will be meeting on February 25th to have lunch and brainstorm about community outreach and possible fundraising ideas. All are welcome, and if you are interested in joining us, please talk to Jennie or me – we would love to see you there. I also know that the Green Team gardeners have been meeting and hatching grand plans for the Spring gardening season.
There are many ministries and ways to be involved at St. Paul’s. Our streaming team does a stellar job of making sure that those who are unable to attend services in person are still able to see, hear and participate each Sunday as well as on other special occasions. They could definitely use a few more folks to help out with that, and Hannah, Peg and Rick will be most happy to train anyone who may have an interest. The choir, although small in number, is a strong and cohesive group who would love to have any additional voices join us. The Taizé gatherings on first Fridays of the month are beautiful, contemplative and well-attended. There is always a place for more readers or musicians.
As we are all aware, in order for our church to grow and remain vital, we each need to do our part. Sometimes that means we need to step outside our normal comfort zones and explore something new. Perhaps that means reaching out to welcome a stranger into our fold. Maybe it means actually talking aloud about some new ideas for church outreach and/or growth that have been floating around in your head. How about signing on for a different ministry that you haven’t tried before? Or encouraging others to join one that you are familiar with. Whatever it means for you, know that God is with us, and that every effort is welcomed.
-Freyja Rasmussen-Johns
Junior Warden
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WEEKLY DEVOTIONS AND
OCCASIONS TO CONNECT
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WEDNESDAYS
Grace Place Campus Ministry meets at 6:00 PM for service and meal
THURSDAYS
Choir Rehearsals at 7:00 PM as scheduled
FRIDAYS
Evening of Taize at 7:00 PM on the first Friday of the month. Next gathering will be March 3.
SUNDAYS
Liturgy of the Word and Table
8:00 AM in Sanctuary (no music)
9:00-10:15 AM
Book Discussion
"Episcopal 2.0" classes - beginning in February
"Entering the Passion of Jesus" discussion - in March
10:30 AM
Liturgy of the Word and Table
In Sanctuary and on Zoom (with music)
Coffee Hour following
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Join us for a meditative candlelit gathering that is simple, beautiful, and more about praying and listening with the whole self than with the mind only.
Taizé, an ecumenical community in France, has long been committed to promoting and praying for reconciliation, peace, and unity.
Taizé Gatherings will be offered the first Friday of the month at 7:00 PM. They will also be Zoomed and streamed on Youtube. Look for the link on our website. You can also click on the picture above to watch February's gathering.
Plan to attend on Friday, March 3rd.
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TREASURER'S REPORT
JANUARY 22, 2023
This is my third full year as treasurer. I feel that this report is an accurate representation of the financial activity at St. Paul's during the past year. Sheila Appel at American Midwest Tax and Accounting keeps a Quickbooks record of our transactions, and I keep an independent record that I periodically reconcile with hers. Her help and advice is invaluable to me. I also want to thank your assistant treasurer Pat Brown for her advice and encouragement. This year's Vestry took an active and welcome role in preparing the 2023 budget.
Canon law requires that we operate on a cash basis (and not on an accrual basis). This means that money is received when it is deposited in our bank account, and disbursed when we write a check or have funds removed by electronic means. Also, canon law requires that our fiscal year matches the calendar year, January 1 to December 31.
This report consists of 4 sections:
- Statement of Financial Position: where our money is kept as of December 31, 2022, and how it is divided up.
- A summary of Receipts and Disbursements for major categories.
- A summary of financial activity in various pass-through, revolving, and special use funds.
- A detailed list of receipts and expenditures in 2022, including a balanced
budget for 2023.
Respectfully submitted,
Rick Johns, Treasurer
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GRACE PLACE CAMPUS MINISTRY |
St. Paul's is the host for Grace Place Campus Ministry for the weekly services and meals. You are welcome to join on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM.
St. Paul's members Bill Cummings and Jo Plenger-Schulz are on the Grace Place Board this year. The old building is in the process of being sold, and there is a search for a new campus minister.
On Ash Wednesday, Mother Barbara will be leading the service at 6:00 PM with the Grace Place attendees and St. Paul's members, followed by a soup supper. St. Paul's will also provide the meal at the March 1st gathering.
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Our garden beds are sleeping through the winter, but The Green Team is not!
The Green Team, consisting of Kris, Jocelyn, Rebecca, Brad and Jo, are hard at work and meeting weekly in each other's homes to discuss goals and aspirations for the 2023 St Paul's growing year, which will span from March to October, or longer if we are lucky.
There are beds to be planned and eventually filled with vegetables that are most desired by our local food pantries at New Hope Church and Barb Mart. Various strategies to increase community involvement are being researched.Seedling supplies are being gathered and will soon be put to use.
Jo is considering ways to boost the garden's visual appeal, as well as bringing more pollinator plants to the garden.
The Green Team is already saving cardboard for the garden walkways, and may try using it to create future garden beds.
We would like St Paul's members to save cardboard for us as well. We need brown cardboard, not the dyed or colored kind. Corrugated cardboard is fine, as long as there is no plastic film inside it. We can arrange a cardboard drop-off site next month.
Much more planning awaits us. But the Green Team is very blessed to have very committed members.
Please be sure to read the updates about our garden in each Proclaimer, as we will need to ask for your help as we go forward.
Our gardening schedule will remain Mondays and Thursdays at 8 am. However, that is subject to change, depending on the weather and when we need the most help.
Respectfully submitted,
Jo Plenger-Schulz
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READ ABOUT ST. PAUL'S PATH MINISTRY
AT THE DIOCESAN WEBSITE
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The women of St. Paul's are invited to a meeting on Saturday, February 25 at 11:00 with the place to be determined. Peg & Maureen have reports. ECW donations will be voted upon. Fundraisers ideas are encouraged for discussion.
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Come and sing a joyful song!
The choir sings at the 10:30 AM services
and rehearses on Thursdays at 7:00 PM
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Streaming Ministries
Enhancing the Quality of In-Person and On-Line Worship Services
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Our streaming ministries sound and video system
continues to enhance our:
- Intelligibility of spoken and sung worship in-person and on-line;
- Ability to stream live via YouTube in tandem with Zoom to our Parishioners and community; and
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Ability to offer an Assisted Listening System (ALS) "Listen EVERYWHERE" to enhance their ability to hear the service more clearly.
Zoom is available for coffee hour, for the parishioners zooming in from home after the service on Sundays to join in fellowship and essentially any meeting (book group, vestry, staff, etc).
Streaming Ministers:
Hannah Buckle, Peg Newby, Katt Scott, Rick Johns
We need more Streaming Ministers!
Let Mother Barbara know if you can join this ministry.
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YouTube and Zoom Links are below for easy access! |
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Next to the window to the Parish Office there is a ledge with an AED machine - Automated External Defibrillator. If someone experience distress, the machine has easy to follow instructions to administer defibrillation. |
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Thank you so much to Mother Barbara and the people of St. Paul's for the generous Christmas gift. It is an honor and delight to work with such thoughtful and dedicated people!
Susan
Thank you's were received from from the Ulman Foundation (remember the bike riders who stayed here last summer!) and the Yale Divinity School. You can click to see the letters and they are also pinned to the bulletin board near the Parish Office.
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The Rector's
Discretionary Fund Collection
Donations allow us to assist people in need
in our community.
Remember that donations can be mailed at any time.
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February Birthdays and Anniversaries |
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Birthdays
2/3 Maureen Gerrity
2/6 Roy Mason
2/12 Bobby Russell
2/17 Kurt McMahon
2/25 Gretchen Schlabach
2/26 Freyja Rasmussen Johns
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church Contact Information |
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900 Normal Rd., DeKalb, IL 60115
Parish Office: (815) 756-4888
The Rev. Barbara A.T Wilson, Rector
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