This Sunday we are celebrating the Last Sunday after Epiphany. We will be hearing the gospel story of Jesus’ transfiguration before he turns toward Jerusalem to face his crucifixion. This story of the transfiguration is always read on this final Sunday before Lent begins, as a reminder of Jesus’ true nature and true glory. We are reminded that his journey to the cross is a journey to new life and everlasting glory. Please join us in person at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. We will also have our Morning Prayer service on Zoom at 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, February 17 is Ash Wednesday and it marks the beginning of LENT. We will hold one in-person service at Noon, which will include communion and the imposition of ashes. We also will have a pre-recorded Ash Wednesday service on our YouTube channel that you can watch at any time. Please let us know if you wish to pick up ashes and communion from the church, or if you need ashes and communion dropped off at your door. Mike and I have a list of homebound parishioners, but we do not wish to forget anyone so please contact us and we can make arrangements with you.
On Sunday, February 21 at 10:30 a.m. we will hold our Annual Meeting on ZOOM. Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend this meeting and to come on by Zoom. You may of course come on by phone if you have no other option. The meeting will be 45 min to an hour and we will elect our new vestry, convention delegates and alternates for 2021, and churchyard committee members. There will also be a review of the 2021 budget. As always we will celebrate this past year and all that St. Mary’s has accomplished. A big thank you to Deacon Mike for helping to make this possible. We will practice some voting at this Sunday’s coffee hour after Morning Prayer, and again right before we begin our business at the meeting on the 21st. Please join us. Please note there is no in-person service on February 21; only Morning Prayer on Zoom at 9:00 a.m., and our Annual Meeting at 10:30 a.m.
To participate by phone only: 312-626-6799; phone meeting ID: 826 0737 1151
If you are participating by phone, you can access the same service document that Zoom participants can see by clicking here. The Zoom link, phone number, and ID will remain the same every Sunday.
Remaining February Worship Services
Ash Wednesday February 17
12:00 Noon in-person Eucharist with imposition of ashes
Ash Wednesday pre-recorded service on our YouTube channel
Ashes and Communion will be dropped off if you wish, and will also be available to be picked up at the church.
Sunday February 21 - Annual Meeting Sunday
9:00 a.m. Zoom Morning Prayer
10:30 a.m. Annual Meeting on Zoom
Annual Reports will be emailed to parishioners next week. Hard copies are available by request.
NO in-person worship this day; please join us on Zoom.
Sunday February 28
8:00 a.m. in-person Eucharist
9:00 a.m. Zoom Morning Prayer
10:30 a.m. in-person Eucharist
Please Note:
The parish offices will be closed on Monday, February 15, in honor of Presidents Day.
Lent Devotional Resources
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17, and the Living Well Through Lent 2021 resources are now available on the Living Compass website. There you will also find the annual Lenten Devotional, which you may download at no cost. (An e-book version is available through Amazon for 99 cents, or free if you have a Kindle Unlimited membership.) You may also sign up to receive daily readings via email, join the Facebook discussion group, and access all past daily readings.
Food Pantry Volunteer Opportunity
The next date that St. Mary's is scheduled to staff the Crystal Lake Food Pantry is on Friday, February 19. Shift times are 8:30-10:30 am., 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and 12:30-2:30 p.m. If you're interested, please contact Cate Williams and let her know you'd love to volunteer! Thank you!
Easter Flowers
The Easter Flower Chart is now posted in the Narthex. If you would like to help underwrite the flowers used for lilies for Easter Sunday (April 4), please sign your name, and the intention of your gift (in thanksgiving, honor, or memory of someone). The requested donation is $20, and checks may be made payable to St. Mary’s (note “Easter Flowers” on the memo line). You may also send a check to the parish office with the donation information.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
In a press release issued on January 12, the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is encouraging those identified in Phase 1B and Phase 1C complete a COVID-19 vaccine enrollment form, in order to determine vaccine needs for these groups. After completing the enrollment form and once a clinic becomes available to each group, additional information on how to schedule an appointment will be directly emailed to those who complete the form.
MCDH continues to vaccinate individuals who are in the priority Phase 1A group, but is preparing for future COVID-19 clinics for those identified in Phase 1B and Phase 1C. (The Phase 1A group includes Healthcare workers, as well as residents and personnel in long-term congregate care facilities.)
For Phase 1B and Phase 1Cenrollment, please complete and submit the enrollment form, which can be found here.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccine distribution in McHenry County, including links to Phase 1B and Phase 1C vaccine enrollment, please click here.
Co-Wardens Steve Brooks (1/21), and Mike Higgins (1/22)
Treasurer, Cate Williams
Stacy Cook, Amy Koegel (1/21)
Heather Horeled, Lorraine Taylor (1/22)
Cheri Dudek, Dorothy Nyberg (1/23)
We Pray For
Parishioners: Bill; Betsy, Cindy, Gail, Heather, Matthew, Emmett, Kristi, Elizabeth, Glenice, Shirley, and Margaret
Family/Friends: Tarsha, niece of Rev. Fran Holliday and Eileen Flynn; John, brother of the late Gladys Dockery; Billy, brother of Catherine Carroll; Danny, friend of the Choquette family; Leo, father of Dn. Mike Choquette; Pamela, daughter of Sharon Duffy; Terry, and his family/friends Sarah, Deb, Joe, and Will; Millie; Susan; Ted, Jeff, Tom, Nicholas (infant) and his family; Billy, Mark, Chris, Sarah, Douglas, Tom, Mark, Andi, Greg, Wayne, Scott, Sue, Sarah, Dave, Brynn, Neil and Des, Kyle, Rick, Sylvia, Jess, Joanne, Lauren, Lynn, Kay, Saul, Brian, Sarah.
Those Who Have Died
Don, relative / friend of the Meter family
Those Who Mourn
Chuck Meter, and his cousin, Mary Beth
Those Serving in the Armed Forces
Jeremy, son of John & Carolyn Kuykendall
Thanksgiving for Healing and Recovery
Nick, nephew of Catherine Carroll, and his mother, Katherine
