8:00 a.m., Spoken Eucharist – Rev. Dr. Jane Clark, Presider and Preacher
10:00 a.m.,Eucharist with hymns – Rev. Dr. Jane Clark, Presider and Preacher
Many Thanks for an Amazing Holy Week and Easter
Early in the year, Dn. Mike Choquette met with the clergy from St. Ann’s, and St. Paul’s, the other two Episcopal Churches in McHenry County, to discuss sharing Lenten opportunities and Holy Week services between the 3 churches. That partnership resulted in beautiful and moving services in Holy Week, as well as weekly Compline, led by Dn. Mike, and a 3-part Lenten Learning Series on Zoom, led by all the clergy. While each church hosted a different service during Holy Week, parishioners from all 3 churches were involved, including combined choirs for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil.
None of this could have happened without the efforts of not only the clergy, but many, many volunteers from St. Mary’s, St. Ann’s, and St. Paul’s. Thanks to all the clergy, for coordinating and planning the services: Dn. Mike Choquette, Dn. Deb Lang, Fr. Scott Zaucha, and Rev. Eileen Shanley-Roberts. Thanks to Terree Emrich from St. Ann’s, who directed the combined choir, and to St. Mary’s parishioners, Gail Head and Peter Carroll, who led our own choir through several rehearsals in preparation for the various services. And a huge thanks to all the volunteers and participants from all the churches, who brought the services to life. St. Mary’s hosted Maundy Thursday, which included an Agape Meal for approximately 70 people - a big thank-you to all those who made it happen!!
So many people came together to make this a very special time indeed. If you did not participate in any of the Holy Week services this year – please make it a point to experience this in 2023. Easter cannot be fully celebrated and appreciated, unless you walk with Christ in the days leading up to the Resurrection.
St. Mary’s Makes Headlines!
Yesterday the Diocesan Newsletter was sent out, and the lead article is about the St. Mary's “For the Good of the City” initiative, in which we have partnered with The Raue Center for the Arts, and Celebrate Re-Entry. You can read the article on the Diocesan website.
Easter Flowers
If you made a donation towards the Easter flowers and would like to take one home with you, the plant may be picked up after the 10:00 a.m. service this Sunday.
Final “Chosen” Discussion This Sunday
For those of you who have participated in watching and discussing the series, “The Chosen”, during the past several months, the final episode will be shown this Sunday morning in the Great Hall, following the 10:00 a.m. service. Thanks to Missy Spengel, who introduced us to this amazing series, and has facilitated the discussions.
Crystal Lake Food Pantry Information
Volunteers are needed for the next St. Mary’s date at the Food Pantry on Wednesday, May 4. Shifts times are 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or 12:30 to 2:30 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!!
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.
