Mars Hill Proclaimer
St. Paul's Episcopal Church December Newsletter 2022
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We are celebrating Advent and have entered into the new liturgical year now.
I confess that it is my favorite season. Jesus’ calls us to quiet ourselves and become watchful for the coming of God’s Kingdom among us. As the season progresses, we find it in fullness in the tiny person of an infant baby boy, born in no particular place and as far as anyone knew at the time, of no particular importance. There were intimations, for sure, with proclamations from angels. But angels, I think, then and now require quite a bit of discernment to know who it is speaking. Angels are seemingly rare and we are apt to not recognize them or their message if we are not quiet and watchful. And trusting. Trusting that God still has good news for us.
We are all feeling the absence of Lorraine Langer, our former Director of Music, given her resignation last month. I wish there was more that could be shared but employment issues are legal issues and details are personal. We wish her God’s blessing and all the very best in her next endeavors, that much I can say in full confidence. In the meanwhile, Hannah Buckle will be our Director of Music for the months to come.
I am especially mindful that this is my last Advent and Christmas with you all, as I will be retiring from the role of rector next August. In the meantime, we have much to do! We hope to continue offering Taize to our community on the first Friday of the month. I will be offering education sessions between the Sunday services, first beginning with a “how to” on Morning Prayer II in December, followed in January with my version of my version of “Episcopal 101.” Stay tuned for more info.
Lynne and I are wishing you all a holy, peaceful Advent and joyful Christmas to come.
Yours in Christ,
Barbara+
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Come to the St. Nicholas Party on Saturday, December 10th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Bring an appetizer to pass and your favorite beverage and share the joys of the Christmas Season.
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Pledge cards are in the mail and you can download one here. Listen to our testimonials about our St. Paul's home, too.
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Sunday - December 18
Morning Prayer at 8:00 AM
Service of Lessons and Carols at 10:30 AM
Saturday - December 24
6:00 PM Christmas Eve Service
followed by cookie reception
Sunday - December 25
One service
Service of Word and Table at 10:30 AM
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Welcome to new beginnings!! Next chapters. No this is not my misplaced March/April Spring article!! Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year, and it is nearing the end/beginning of my next chapter as I move off Vestry. For the past two years ironically, I have been on a journey rooted in upheaval and uncertainty. I have periodically shared snippets of my journey and how my Faith sustains me. This month is no different and I am sure a lot of you can relate. Let’s face it as my platoon sergeant used to say, “The only thing certain is CHANGE.”
Advent is a great time to spend truly evaluating what is important because of the constant barrage of commercialism, it takes intentional decisions, to not stray from the meaning of Advent. This past Friday we had a wonderful Taize service which helped us focus on God and the message of Advent. I pray that each of you find a unique way that fits your life to spend some time each day praying, meditating on the Advent journey.
We can all agree that it is very hard to see God when we look at the “big picture of what is happening in the world right now.” For instance, a friend who lives in Scotland posted a picture of her cat poking out of the sheets. That was not the interesting point, until she mentioned that her cat, never gets under the covers however, due to the extremely high heating prices in Europe, their house is cold … Anyway, you get the picture. This is a small derivative of one of the big pictures going on right now.
For the past months I have been seeing God in the smallest things… his timing and sense of humor make me smile. Yet, there is also frustration that when I can’t help those who are not doing as well. Then comes the WHY and the tendency to be overwhelmed, depressed, frustrated which is the opposite cycle to the one I try to live in –Trusting and Thanking.
So, what does all this mean? We at St. Paul’s are on a similar trip as we are of course exceedingly grateful for all that St. Paul’s has meant to each of us over the past decades/years depending on how long we have been attending. It cannot be overstated that we need to “reinvent” ourselves if we intend for St Paul’s to continue as a beacon of hope in this community for years to come. Tradition is the basis for Episcopalian practices, so I am not looking to upset the apple cart for anyone on that issue. But let’s face it as much as my favorite music is anything with an organ in it and BAROQUE era music, and while that is not an unusual opinion at St. Paul’s, I can assure you that most of the next generation is not going to feel the same way. So, while this is one radical “change” that we need to recognize and consider it does not have to be painful and drastic…. Non drastic options for example: having a different service for those who prefer more current music and or just having one 21st century song every other week.
Anyway, my point is that we need to open our minds and broaden our thinking before it is too late. Let’s make this new beginning Advent, St Paul’s next chapter as well. Thank you for all you do big and small to help keep us going. A big shout out to Peg Newby and her husband and the Pralls for the beautiful Christmas trees. Also let me tell you more about RHYS PRALL. He keeps our building in great nick with so many things no one sees. He kindly wants no title (Sexton) no accolades and does it all out the goodness of his heart with his great skills. We would be lost without him!!!!!!
Lucinda
Senior Warden
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Dear St. Paul's Friends,
As we go into December, I wish each of you those quiet times in prayer and reflection where you can let go of stress and worries. I find our monthly Taize service has just this atmosphere. (First Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m.) I appreciate each of you and our opportunities to check in. Thank you for all the things you do for St. Paul's whether it is being a reader on Sundays, setting the altar, coordinating Zoom, playing the organ or singing, or dealing with vendors for repairs. You are each appreciated and a part of our family. Thank you.
Please come to the St. Nicholas Party that is set for December 10 in the parish hall from 6-8:00 p.m. This event reminds me of our dear friend, George, and his kindness and warmth. George and Jane hosted for so many years with great joy.
Please save the date for the church's annual meeting to be held January 29, 2023. A list of committees and opportunities to participate at St. Paul's is being coordinated. You are most welcome to learn new roles and have fun getting to know the many people that it takes to keep St. Paul's a vibrant, warm, and faithful community.
I am looking for ideas and perhaps donations to make the Children's Play Area more comfortable for caregivers and parents. Folks have donated new toys, coloring books, and books. I am looking for ideas for a higher loveseat or recliner for parents with babies. Someone with interior design knowledge would be helpful.
Thank you to everyone who donated to the three year Capital Campaign that goes to repairs and building maintenance. Pledges are most welcome yet.
This week the annual Stewardship Campaign kicks off. This pledge is for the day to day running of the church. The treasurer's reports and our expenditures are available on our website, as well as the vestry meeting minutes. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to me or a vestry member. This year we are trying something new and modern with video taped testimonials as to "why we pledge to St. Paul's." We have three volunteers, so far, and we would be happy to have more.
On November 20, Grace Place Campus Ministry hosted a Transgender Memorial Service at St. Paul's. I look forward to the day that such a service is not needed and transgender people are safe to live their lives. 500 names were read that night of people that were killed and so many more deaths were not reported. This was a somber, special service attended by many in our community.
A huge thank you to Pastor Mack Patrick for his service and care for the students attending Grace Place. Mack is starting a new chapter in his life with new challenges and is taking on a new position. The Grace Place board will continue with campus ministry in mid January with the NIU spring schedule with Supply Pastors as they start a formal Search for a new Pastor.
In November, Mother Barbara, Lucinda, and I attended the annual Episcopal Chicago Diocese Convention. My report is below. This month, our Endowment Committee met with our investment advisor, Matt Myre of Edward Jones. A Zoom video is available. The vestry has a slate of vestry members prepared for 2023 and discussions on the 2023 budget are in progress.
October 28, St. Paul's held our annual bonfire near the garden. We had sloppy joes and s'mores. We had grandchildren racing around and John even played his accordian. It was fun!
Gratefully,
Jennie
Capital Campaign
I am very grateful to the St. Paul's family for their generous and timely support of the recent Capital Campaign. I believe that this response reflects a strong commitment to our St. Paul's family. Sixteen families have made pledges, so far. $48,630 has been pledged for this three year campaign. $14,911.62 has been received, so far. Martinez Roofing installed new gutters in October with a cost of $6000. With the spring rains, we will be able to assess these new gutters and any needed ceiling repairs due to past water damage. We are currently collecting bids for repairs needed in the furnace room. Thank you to our committee members: Pat, Freyja, Michael, Maureen, and Jennie. If you have questions on the actual repairs, please feel free to speak with Jennie or Rhys. Quarterly updates on your pledge will be distributed quarterly with your regular statement from our church treasurer, Rick, for the three year capital campaign.
Annual Pledge Drive/Stewardship Campaign- "Thank you to Mary McGinn and the First United Methodist Church 317 N 4th Street (corner of 4th and Oak) DeKalb, IL 60115 for their assistance with our recorded testimonials. We are happy that First United will soon be our close neighbors at their new building off of Annie Glidden."
Jennie
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 - will resume in mid January
THURSDAYS
St. Paul's will offer a 2:00 PM service at OakCrest on the last Thursday of each month
FRIDAYS
Evening of Taize at 7:00 PM on the first Friday of the month
SUNDAYS
Liturgy of the Word and Table
8:00 AM in Sanctuary (Rite I, no music)
9:00-9:30 AM
Training to celebrate "Morning Prayer" service
Episcopal 101 classes - beginning in January
10:30 AM
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 this December's gathering.
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TREASURER'S REPORT
OCTOBER 13, 2022
I am going to be out of town for most of the next 2 weeks. I expect to be travelling during the scheduled October 23 vestry meeting. I will try to attend by Zoom, but I think it is unlikely to happen. I am happy to answer any questions about this report or the budget process by email, or in person when I get back.
As of October 13, our Heartland Bank checking account balance stood at $92,590.39. Earlier this month I took $47,000 from the Endowment Fund to be sure we can pay our bills for the rest of the year. This brings us to $157,000 taken out in 2022, which is just under the 7% authorized when we created the 2022 budget last January. I do not expect to need any more from the Endowment Fund this year.
We spent $19,502 from our General fund in September, and we took in $4,637 from pledges and regular contributions. We also took in $300 from the revolving and pass-through funds, and spent $231. We have spent 73.5% of our budgeted figures so far this year; we are 75% of the way through the year. The Rector’s Discretionary Fund has $430 in it.
As of September 30, the Endowment fund is valued at $1,828,061.57; this is painful to see. The Capital Fund at Edward Jones is $31,539.96. Our Apache stock was worth $253.52 on August 22.
We have received $13,711 for the Capital Campaign so far, with well over $45,000 pledged. This should keep the building running smoothly. Thank you everyone!
The vestry has allocated $5,980 to install new gutters on the sanctuary. I recommend that we not do any ceiling repairs until after the winter, to be sure that this work actually stops the leaks we have been experiencing.
We received a very nice $1000 gift for the Music Fund from a couple of former choir members who recently moved away. Thank you very much! And as a choir member I want to say thank you for singing with us. It was a real pleasure.
I am including a template for the 2023 budget with this report. It lists the amount budgeted for 2022, the amount we have spent so far (3/4 through the year), and the amount we spent in 2021. I also have some notes concerning various items. Many budget categories are self-explanatory, but others are a bit vague: to get an idea of what falls into given budget lines, please take a look at the “Detailed Expenses for 2022” list I send as part of the monthly budget sheet. The vestry, either as individuals or as a group, needs to fill in some figures on each line for next year. Please keep in mind that Mthr Barbara is retiring September 1 of next year, and this will have a big impact on the budget. Also, inflation is impacting us. I will answer any questions concerning the budget, and I will be going over the numbers carefully once the vestry starts working on this.
I want to inquire whether we have a snow removal contract in place for the coming winter. It’s beautiful fall weather now, but it won’t last.
Respectfully submitted,
Rick Johns, Treasurer
TREASURER'S REPORT
NOVEMBER 20, 2022
As of November 19, our Heartland Bank checking account balance stood at $78,916.72. This should carry us through the end of the year without further withdrawals from the Endowment Fund.
We spent $26,509 from our General fund in October, and we took in $6,476 from pledges and regular contributions. We also took in $1,439 from the revolving and pass-through funds, and spent $250. We have spent 83.2% of our budgeted figures so far this year; we are 83.3% of the way through the year. The Rector’s Discretionary Fund has $436 in it.
As of October 28, the Endowment fund is valued at $1,857,106.04. The Capital Fund at Edward Jones is $31,596.92. Our Apache stock was worth $253.52 on August 22.
We have received $15,911 for the Capital Campaign so far, with $49,000 pledged. This should keep the building running smoothly. Thank you everyone! We have spent $5980 on new gutters for the sanctuary.
General Fund spending in October was higher the last few months. This is primarily due to the quarterly property insurance ($4806) and security alarm ($471) bills, plus a $1890 bill for HVAC work from Dekalb Mechanical. I think a quick look at the HVAC maintenance contract might be warranted.
It is time for the annual pledge drive. Please be generous!
Last week we had a budget discussion meeting with Lucinda, Jennie, Mthr Barbara, Pat and me, in which we discussed many of the items listed in the 2023 budget template. Based on that discussion, I will fill in some numbers for the vestry to discuss in the next week or so. However, I need to tell you that our church budget is not sustainable for the long term. We are going to need to take increasing amounts out of the Endowment Fund. Pledge income is going to be at most 1/3 of our expenses, and most of the rest needs to come from the endowment. My current belief is that this is what the congregation wants: to keep up our current parish lifestyle and hope to grow the congregation, as opposed to drastic budget cuts and a reduced parish life. This is very difficult for me to say. The vestry definitely needs to know this and discuss it.
Respectfully submitted,
Rick Johns, Treasurer
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GRACE PLACE CAMPUS MINISTRY |
St. Paul's is the new host for Grace Place Campus Ministry for the weekly services and meals. You are welcome to join on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM in January when the gathering resumes.
Pastor Mack's last evening as Campus Minister was on November 30th and he was celebrated with a special meal prepared by Grace Place attendees.
We look forward to the new semester with a new minister and continuing this important ministry.
Various churches in town will be preparing meals for the gatherings. Watch for St. Paul's turn. Below is the card that was given out to the students with a "Food for Finals" treat bag at the November meal.
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Come and sing a joyful song!
The choir sings at the 10:30 AM services.
Watch for new rehearsal times.
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Bringing back a song (a prayer) for the congregation to learn and sing.
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Streaming Ministries
Enhancing the Quality of In-Person and On-Line Worship Services
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Streaming offers us the opportunity to share moments with our parishioners as well as family and friends and affords us the opportunity to engage the greater community.
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Our new 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
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YouTube and Zoom Links are below for easy access! |
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As we move into December, St Paul's garden has been put to bed for the winter. Only a few vegetables are yet to be harvested.
It was a successful growing year! Our total weight of fresh, organic produce has exceeded last year's amount. In 2022, we've grown 550 lbs of vegetables for our community so far, with more to come before we're all done this year.
Of all the ministries St Paul's provides, we are certainly very proud of our garden ministry. Each one of us knows how deeply meaningful it is as a church to help alleviate food insecurity in our community.
The vegetable garden we are so proud of exists because of the work of our hands. At St Paul's, 5 sets of dedicated hands bring the garden into being, from spring until autumn.
Kris is our Master Gardener supervisor. Her knowledge of gardening is vast to say the least. If Kris can't answer your gardening question, it probably is not worth knowing! We are truly blessed to have her at St Paul's!
Jocelyn is a life-long gardener with the know-how and determination to get the job done. She helps plan the garden and gets it up and running before she and Rhys spend the summer out of state. When she returns in the fall, she helps to finish everything up. She is a valued member of The Green Team!
Rebecca and Brad, our "dynamic duo", are the back-bones of the garden. They are 100% devoted to our work.
Brad is the strong, silent type. He is there for us with the heavy work, and sometimes he manages to get a word in edge-wise among the rest of the team, but not often!
Rebecca is the team member who makes sure our produce is carefully weighed, beautifully presented and packaged, and delivered on time. Her efforts are deeply appreciated!
And then there's me, the newbie. I ask a lot of questions, watch things being done, admire the garden's beauty, and hope to be asked to do jobs involving loppers!
Of course, St Paul's gardens are not limited to the vegetable garden, and I would be remiss not to acknowledge our flower gardener, Mary. She brings many years of experience to St Paul's. She manages the beautiful garden boxes in front of the church, with Mother Barbara's assistance. She also designed the Durning Memorial Garden and oversaw the placement of the gorgeous rose bushes there, which were added this year.
I would also like to thank Ryhs and Rick, who do the most labor-intensive work of the gardens. Their efforts are vital to us and are always deeply appreciated!
And above all, we thank our Lord for bringing the sun, the rain, the fertile soil, and the seeds with the spark of life within.
Respectfully submitted,
Jo Plenger-Schulz
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ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION
REPORT
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From Jennie Cummings:
This is my report about today's annual convention for the 2022 Chicago Episcopal Diocese. This convention is usually held around the third Saturday in November. It has been held via Zoom since covid. It was announced that the 2023 convention will be in person on 11/18/2023.
The candidates for election and the resolutions up for discussion and vote are provided early for study and discussion with the vestry and church. All of the materials to prepare for the convention are provided via the diocese newsletter and emails to registered delegates. I attended pre-convention meetings on the candidates and on the resolutions, via Zoom. The day of the convention there is a six hour commitment. The convention starts with Morning Prayer and the Bishop's sermon. There are officer reports and other orders of business presented. Then, the candidates and resolutions are discussed and voted on via a VPoll app. I find the convention easy to prepare for and very easy to participate in.
I want to encourage my parish family to consider participating in our conventions. I have been a delegate for many years and find it a heartwarming, interesting, well-organized, and rewarding experience. I am very proud to be a member of this diocese. I find it refreshingly kind to be around people that try to live a life of intentional inclusivity. No matter where each one of us is in our journey to grow in understanding our fellow human beings,
we try to be kind. We facilitate safe spaces. When I go to conventions, I notice the diversity and the safe spaces for others to express their diversity. This is what gives me joy and hope.
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The Bread and Roses Concert on December 3rd was a big success. The music was wonderful, and the church was packed. I haven’t seen that many people since several funerals before the pandemic. Everyone was masked and we all sang carols together toward the end. They moved the piano up in front of the organ and all of the singers stood in front.
I think it was a good thing we have let them share our facilities for rehearsals. This concert brought visibility to our church and was good publicity. It was a tribute and benefit for Safe Passage and there seemed to lots of donations. These ladies have lots of friends in the community.
Pat Brown
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There is a Yale Bible Study zoom discussion led by John Seraphine of Salem Lutheran Church on Mondays at 7:00 PM. All are welcome. This month the sessions examine the Christmas story from each of the four Gospels. Study guides and videos are available to prepare for each meeting. You can email John at heatherhopefarm.com for information and an invitation to the Zoom meeting.
We have again the Living Well Through Advent 2022: Practicing Simplicity With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind booklets available for home Advent devotions. You can also sign up to get them through your email at https://www.livingcompass.org/advent
We also have the Abbey Letter no. 292 Christmas 2022 booklet available in the rack near the Parish Office.
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Members gathered outside at the end of November for a bonfire created from the brush from the spent garden. |
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Grandchildren enjoyed toasting marshmallows and cooking hot dogs. |
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AT THE BONFIRE
28 people attended the late October celebration of the end of the garden season with sloppy joes and s'mores.
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POINSETTIA DEDICATIONS WELCOME |
We will once again have poinsettias on the altar for dedications to loved ones. Look for the envelopes in the Sanctuary or send your check and dedication to 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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November and December Birthdays and Anniversaries |
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Birthdays
11/3 Clifford Cleland
11/3 Jennifer Sitzes
11/8 Sandra Lee
11/8 Liam Stubblefield
11/10 Kathleen Johnson
11/11 Jacqueline Mounts
11/11 Robin Taylor
11/13 Lori Judkins
11/23 Dean Judkins
12/3 Ava Stubblefield
12/16 Martin Mounts
Anniversaries
11/12
Lonnie and Gail Piper
11/15
Tom Skuzinski and Michael Wise
12/6
Barbara Wilson+ and Lynne Jacobson
12/10
Kelsey and Kat Crawford-
Scott
12/13
Terry and Jackie Dickow
12/22
Rob and Peggy Russell
12/26
Dick and Peggy Dowen
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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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