This Sunday on the 4th of July you are invited to join us for one 9:00 a.m. in person service, followed by coffee hour. Please note that this is the only service we will have on this Sunday. Beginning Sunday July 11, we are goingback to our regular worship schedule of an 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. service. This will be our permanent schedule going forward. We are taking a Zoom break over the summer, and in the fall we will introduce some worship opportunities on Zoom at various times for those who may be interested.
I wish to thank all those who helped make Gladys Dockery’s funeral service so memorable. A special thanks to Peter and Catherine Carroll as well as El Nyberg, for playing and singing for the service. Thank you also to those who helped set up the live stream. I got word that Gladys’s family in England did watch the service and they were so very happy that this could happen. Thank you again to everyone. Gladys’s niece Ruth is very appreciative of all our efforts.
On Monday night a group of 28 people gathered for a prayer vigil, with special intentions for the Buenning family as they cope with the loss of Steve. A number of Betty Buenning’s friends attended the service from Palatine and Lake in the Hills and were truly grateful that they could come and be together as they mourned the loss of their dear friend. Thank you Gail Head for playing the piano, and thank you Eileen Flynn for hosting a light reception in the hall. You all helped more than you know. Thank you to all who participated.
Versiti Blood Bank of Illinois has expressed their deep appreciation for our willingness to host a blood drive in our Great Hall this past Sunday. They reported that fourteen people donated blood and they are grateful. A few other persons tried to give blood but were deferred, however they truly appreciate everyone’s efforts. If you donated blood or tried to do so and wish to have a T-shirt please let me know. Everyone who participated in this blood drive is eligible to receive a free Pride shirt, as the month of June is Pride month. Thank you one and all.
Please note that after church this Sunday July 4th I will be on vacation, returning to the office on Saturday July 17. Deacon Mike is off this weekend, but beginning Tuesday July 6th he will be available for any pastoral care emergencies or needs that may arise. You may contact him directly or call Amy in the office, as Amy will return to the office on Tuesday July 6th, following the holiday weekend. You may also contact our wardens over the holiday while the office is closed if a need arises.
I hope that all of you have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend.
Blessings,
Rev. Fran+
Holiday Office Hours
The parish offices will be closed Monday, July 5,
in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
Whether you are staying in the area, or traveling,
please have a SAFE and HAPPY 4th of July.
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and with the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, p. 242
Sunday Morning Prayer - Thank You
As we wind down (Zoom) Sunday Morning Prayer for the summer, Rev. Fran and I would like to thank everyone who helped make this ministry a success. Sunday Morning Prayer gave us the opportunity to pray together and meet in fellowship during the height of the pandemic, and for many of us Sunday Morning Prayer was the highpoint of our week. Thank you to everyone who shared their gifts with us.
God's Peace,
Deacon Mike
Note from Parishioner, Catherine Carroll
Recently Catherine Carroll completed a two-year course of training in The Art of Spiritual Direction and Companioning, and was Commissioned as a Spiritual Companion by Sacred Journey Spiritual Companioning School. Fran has asked her to share a bit about what this means.
For about thirty years, I have had someone who acted as a Spiritual Director for me. Now the time has arrived for me to sit in the other chair and listen. To clarify, I would first like to say that the term “Director” is an older one and “Companion” or “someone who walks beside you” is more descriptive of this ministry today. At the basic level, Spiritual Companioning is about two people trying to discern what God is doing is one of their lives.
The Spiritual Companion is someone with their own Spiritual Director/Companion and who is also discerning God at work in themselves. Among other things, they can provide a safe place, listen attentively, give feedback empathetically, share some spiritual tools, and be there over the long haul.
Spiritual Companioning is NOT: psychological or pastoral counseling; medical, financial or legal advice; what you ‘must’ or ‘should’ do; required religious practices; or theology – defining God.
It is essential to acknowledge that the true Director is God the Holy Spirit. I could never embark on this new adventure, if God was not the true Host when two people gather.
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 (hebmonk@aol.com) who will be putting together a schedule for the next few months, beginning with July 11. Thank you for your consideration!
Thank You to ALL Who Participated in Our Blood Drive Last Sunday!
Parishioners: Dn. Mike, John, Kristi, Ann, John, El, Roseann, Cindy, Betsy, Matthew, Glenice, and Shirley.
Family/Friends: Leo, father of Terry Choquette; former parishioner, Steve Buenning; 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.
