This Sunday we will return to our regular worship times of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Please note that we will keep this schedule going forward. This Sunday, at 8:00 a.m., Deacon Mike will offer Morning Prayer with pre-consecrated communion made available to those who wish to have it. The Rev. Judith Doran will celebrate and preach at the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist. Coffee hour will follow both services. Gloria Peetz will be playing the piano at the 10:00 a.m. service. I am on vacation and will return to the office on Saturday July 17th. Deacon Mike is available for any pastoral emergencies or needs that may arise.
Things are getting very exciting around St. Mary’s as we move closer to the kick-off of the Raue Center providing outdoor music and performances on our grounds. The Raue has gotten city approval for their permit to offer music and plays on our lawn. They have begun to advertise this new venture, “The Raue Center Arts on the Green at St. Mary’s”, and tickets for the public will go on sale soon. The first performance is Saturday July 24. More information is coming soon. You may see the platform stage being put together and other signs that the Raue is preparing for their Saturday performances with us. This is so exciting. If you recall, this partnership with the Raue is just one new partnership that is forming in an effort to use our grounds and buildings “For the Good of the City.” We have the gift of all this space and now we are finding new ways to share it as a way to live out our Christian witness at this time in the life of St. Mary’s.
Blessings,
Rev. Fran+
We are very excited to partner with the Raue Center to bring the arts to our beautiful campus during the summer months. Tickets and information for all the upcoming shows are available on the Raue website. Deacon Mike is the driving force behind this amazing opportunity to share St. Mary’s with the wider Crystal Lake community. Spread the word, and join us this Summer, as strangers become neighbors, and neighbors become friends!
RIP Steve Buenning
Please continue to pray for the Buenning family, as they mourn the death of Steve on June 25. Steve & Betty, and their family were longtime members of St. Mary’s, until their retirement to the East Coast in 2017. The obituary and service information for Steve can be found online here.
Coffee Hour Hosting Returns!
We are happy to announce that now that COVID restrictions have been lifted we can resume our normal coffee hour routines! Several of you who have previously been hosts have expressed an interest in hosting again. We are reaching out to you, and to others who may be interested in this ministry.
Hosts are responsible for setting up coffee, providing a snack, which can be as simple as a coffee cake (supplies and other snacks will always be provided by the church, and cleaning up. Newcomers will be given instructions and help the first time. Opportunities are available for both Sunday services.
Weekly coffee hours are opportunities for us to enjoy fellowship and provide a welcoming place for newcomers. They exist because of the generosity of those who consider this their particular ministry. If you are interested please contact the church office, or send an email to Eileen Flynn, who will be putting together a schedule for the next few months. Thank you for your consideration!
Crystal Lake Food Pantry
Volunteers: The next food pantry volunteer opportunity is Friday, July 23. Shift times are 8:30-10:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., or 12:15– 2:15 p.m. Please contact Cate Williams if you are able to help.
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!!
Parishioners: Dn. Mike, John, Kristi, Ann, John, El, Roseann, Cindy, Betsy, Matthew, Glenice, and Shirley.
Family/Friends: Laura, acquaintance of Mike Higgins; Carelin, friend of Jane Helmboldt; Carmen, mother of Lorraine Taylor; Dawn, step-sister of Heather Robert; Billy, brother of Catherine Carroll; Betty; Jean; Don; Russ, missionary in Chile; Bishop-elect Paula Clark; Millie; Marilyn and Tom; Madeline; Tarsha; John; Danny; Pamela; Millie; Susan; Ted, Jeff, Tom, Nicholas (infant) and his family; Mark, Chris, Sarah, Douglas, Mark, Andi, Greg, Wayne, Scott, Sue, Sarah, Dave, Brynn, Neil and Des, Kyle, Rick, Sylvia, Jess, Joanne, Kay, Brian, Sarah.
Those Serving in the Armed Forces
Jeremy, son of John & Carolyn Kuykendall
Those Who Have Died (and Those Who Mourn)
Steve Buenning (Betty, Mark, Amy & Kevin, Margaret, and Emma)