July 2024
Pulling faith-based books from my library shelf seeking guidance on when a church community is out of transition and into growth, I came up empty-handed. The reason for that, most likely, is because there is no firm answer, no Venn diagram, and no line in the sand saying you have crossed the finish line. There is a difference between reaching the end, where there would be nowhere else to go, and realizing that growth creates new transitions. Taking care of business has led us to take care of building upgrades, worship schedules, formation formats, leadership structures, lay ministry, and shared community opportunities. It is now time to design the next step.
We have the church, we have the steeple, we opened the door, but now we need the people. Our next transition is literal growth; how do we invite people in? This is not a new concept; in fact, it has been explored by multiple committees over my lifetime here. What do we offer, what do we do to help others understand what “an Episcopalian” is, and that at the Church of the Holy Apostles, they will find one of the world’s best, most caring, spiritual, tolerant, and kind congregations?
Status Quo is fine but eventually, unless new comes to stay, there will be a forced transition in the other direction and even that takes planning. Our accomplishments are many. Start thinking of how to celebrate who we are with the larger community. Another concert on our property? More performance pieces like Megan Wells, a bible study, continue working with Federated Church? All ideas are welcome as we transition into our next growth of outreach.
First and foremost, in the move toward outreach, a new website for Holy Apostles is almost complete. Thank you, Gaye, for being the go-between to the website designer. We have certainly come through a technology maze far beyond our ability to handle internally. The new domain name will be shared with everyone when it is actually up and running.
Auctioning the Susan Allen quilts at the Farmer’s Market for three days gives a chance to make a presence in the community, meet new people, and promote the church through art. The dates are Thursday, August 15, 29, & September 12, which is also the Latin Heritage Festival. Time is 4-7 pm. Sign-up in Lincoln Hall.
Ashley Piltz took a full-time position elsewhere and is no longer serving as Parish Administrator. A job description has been drafted and will be posted on Facebook. Once applicants are interviewed the new Parish Administrator will be selected and introduced. Michelle Permenter is being paid a stipend to produce the Sunday bulletin and assist Kelly Schultz with the newsletter. Kelly Schultz serves as editor of our newsletter with Michelle Permenter and Esmie Dahlstrom assisting her. Kelly belongs to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church but has taken on the role of editor for us. She has vast experience in social services. Sandy and Jim will be assisting Geoff with the Treasurer’s duties. The most current Treasurer’s Report can be found with the Bishop’s Committee minutes on the bulletin board above the coffee serving station in Lincoln Hall. The Diocese has signed a contract with Copley Roofing to begin the process of replacing the original roof of the church. The twice-repaired skylight and gutters are included in this project. An email will be sent out when more is known about the timeline.
Our ministries continue to breathe life and energy into our Holy Apostles’ home. Marsha’s creation of the new altar linens, praise of Tom’s compilation of Reflections and the idea they are sent to Bishop Clark, Gail bringing in Megan Wells to tell the story of St. Clair of Assisi, Penny keeping us updated on our Jean and our rise to surround her with love. Ron, purchasing and trialing a sound system for the church, Ray taking on sign duties, Dave making us braver toward new music, Nerissa turning us into formation crafters and Gaye working side by side with Big Table are only a piece of what keeps our motor running. Reports included in this newsletter tell a bit more about who we are and what we do.
Please continue to keep Harry and Jean in your prayers. Sign up for Morning Prayer, Coffee Hour, and Farmers Market. Talk to Marsha if interested in volunteering for PADS. See Nerissa if you would like a copy of “Judaism is About Love” by Rabbi Shai Held to read over the summer.
Formation begins again at 9:30 AM on Sunday, September 22.
Safe summer travels, may the light of Christ surround you,
Stacey
In this ongoing article, we pull things from our various Diocesan calendars and church websites to see what’s happening around us. For more information about what’s happening at the Diocesan Headquarters and the Cathedral of Saint James, you can always visit their websites: https://www.episcopalchicago.org or https://www.saintjamescathedral.org/
Please go to https://www.episcopalchicago.org to find out how St. Ann’s Woodstock, St. Mary’s Crystal Lake, and St. Paul’s McHenry have restructured to create a new church model. There is also information from Bishop Paula Clark about the sale of 65 East Huron.
The liturgical calendar and assigned readings can also be found on this website at The Lectionary Page.
This quarterly article will include information on social events, fellowship opportunities, and special events.
We will continue to have coffee and fellowship following all Sunday services. We appreciate everyone who volunteers to host coffee hour. The sign-up sheet is on the bookshelf in the entryway in Lincoln Hall. Please sign up for a Sunday that works for you!
We have special events throughout the year, including Pancake Supper (which has been shared and hosted by Federated Church the last couple of years), Easter Brunch, Thanksgiving Pie feast, brunch with the Annual Meeting, Soup and Salad Symposiums with Federated Church, and receptions after Megan Wells’ performances.
We have an opportunity to assist with meals for PADS through Federated Church. Tom Martin from Federated said they have chosen the fifth Sunday and the first will be June 30. We hope to have more specific details on how we might assist soon.
Sunday 7/7 9:30 AM Morning Prayer
Wednesday 7/10 12:30–2 PM Shawl Ministry
Sunday 7/14 9:30 AM Eucharist–Father Scott
Tuesday 7/16 7:00 PM Bishop’s Committee
Sunday 7/21 9:30 AM Eucharist–Mother Judith
Monday 7/22 7:00 PM Book Club
Sunday 7/28 11:00 AM Eucharist–Father Carlton
Sunday 8/4 9:30 AM Eucharist–Mother Judith
Sunday 8/11 9:30 AM Eucharist–Father Scott
Wednesday 7/14 12:30–2 PM Shawl Ministry
Thursday 8/15 4:00–7:00 PM Wauconda Farmers Market
Sunday 8/18 9:30 AM Morning Prayer
Tuesday 8/20 7:00 PM Bishop’s Committee
Sunday 8/25 11:00 AM Eucharist–Father Carlton
Monday 8/26 7:00 PM Book Club
Thursday 8/29 4:00–7:00 PM Wauconda Farmers Market
Sunday 9/1 9:30 AM Morning Prayer
Thursday 9/5 7:00 PM Megan Wells Storyteller: Florence Nightengale
Sunday 9/8 9:30 AM Eucharist–Father Scott (Grandparent’s Day)
Wednesday 9/11 12:30–2 PM Shawl Ministry
Thursday 9/12 4:00–7:00 PM Latin Heritage Fest at Wauconda Farmers Market
Sunday 9/15 9:30 AM Morning Prayer
Tuesday 9/17 7:00 PM Bishop’s Committee
Sunday 9/22 9:30 AM Formation: “Judaism is About Love” Shai Held
Sunday 9/22 11:00 AM Eucharist–Father Carlton
Monday 9/23 7:00 PM Book Club
Sunday 9/29 9:30 AM Morning Prayer (Gold Star Mother’s Day)
Vicky Gallo and Janet Bristow founded the shawl knitting ministry after graduating from Hartford Seminary. It continued to spread from one group to another and into St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville, NC, where my mother attended and joined the ministry. After several visits to my parents, I noticed her basket of yarn and asked her what she was knitting–she then shared what her church was doing and a copy of the information they gave her for knitting prayer shawls.
I came home and immediately started knitting shawls and stacking them up, unsure what to do with them. When sharing what I was doing at coffee hour one Sunday at the beginning of 2005, many ladies immediately said they would like to participate. On January 13, 2005, we held the first of our Prayer Shawl Ministry gatherings. We have gifted shawls throughout the United States, Hawaii, Canada, France, England, and as far away as Africa. For many years, we have been blessed to gift shawls to area hospitals, nursing homes, veterans, and family members from a West Virginia mining disaster. We also have the privilege of assisting other churches and groups to begin their ministries in towns throughout the United States and Canada.
We meet on the second Wednesday of each month in Lincoln Hall from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. We welcome everyone to join us for knitting, crocheting, making hats, tying fleece blankets, or just conversation. If you know of anyone who would like to knit or crochet, please invite them. Another way is to contact me through email at mktaylor730@hotmail.com or my cell 847-977-5399 if you would like more information.
Last but most importantly, we appreciate and continue to be blessed by Penny Treptow, Angie Pinder, Jeanie Miller, Gail Permenter, Julie Zuidema-Evans, Leslie Bachhuber, Marsha Taylor, and our friend Linda Thompson who diligently knit and crochet prayer shawls. After being blessed during our Eucharist services, the prayer shawls are gifted with a Footprints in the Sand bookmark, a booklet (for either general prayers, illness, or grief), and a pocket medallion. Shawls are available if you need one.
Bishop’s Committee meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, 7 p.m. in Lincoln Hall. The agenda, minutes, and Treasurer’s Report are posted on the bulletin board in Lincoln Hall and in a binder in the office.
The Holy Apostles book discussion group is celebrating Pride month by reading Gender Queer: A Memoir by author Maia Kobabe.
According to Wikipedia, ’Gender Queer: A Memoir’ is a 2019 graphic memoir… “It recounts Kobabe’s journey from adolescence to adulthood and the author’s exploration of gender identity and sexuality, ultimately identifying as being outside of the gender binary.” The cartoon format and simple presentation of the book make a complicated and sometimes confusing subject more approachable to all readers, regardless of sexual identity.
The American Library Association ranks this book as the most challenging of 2021, 2022, and 2023. While the author has stated that the intended audience for the book is ages 16+, it is considered an important resource for LGBTQ+ adolescents who may be struggling. Questions about age-appropriate content and censorship in school and community libraries will undoubtedly be part of our discussion.
If you would like to join us for our conversation, we will meet at Stacey Pyne’s home on June 24th at 7 p.m. Book Club meets on the 4th Monday of every month, with some adjustments around the holidays. All are welcome. Future months’ book titles are listed below:
July-Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
August-The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson
For more information about this month’s meeting or book group, please email Lisa Earley at lisa.earley@groble.me or ask any member for more details.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Angie Pinder - June 17
Grace Henecker - June 28
Lucy Reed - June 30
Jim and Angie Pinder - June 3
Michael Groble and Lisa Early - June 26
Susan Allen - July 1
Michael Matson - July 3
Daniel Caithamier - July 7
Ron Bedal - July 11
Gail Permenter - July 12
Harry Krause- July 30
Marsha Taylor - July 30
Geoff and Diane Cooper - July 5
Lisa Earley - August 1
Becky Deignan - August 11
Todd Seiler - August 11
Chris and Becky Deignan - August 16
Marci and Ray Suelzer - August 23
Michael Groble - September 14
The Lay Eucharistic Ministry (L.E. M.) is a vital part of Eucharistic worship. Gail Permenter, Marsha Taylor, Chris Deignan, Sandy Brown Stephans and Julie Zuidema Evans are trained to assist the Priest at the altar administering the wine cups, reading the second lesson and prayers of the people, and clearing the altar as directed by the Priest after Communion. LEM sign-up is on the whiteboard in Lincoln Hall.
Morning Prayer generally takes place on the 1st and 3rd Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Please sign up as the Lead on the whiteboard in Lincoln Hall. Liturgical readings can be found on the inserts in the back room or at https://www.episcopalchicago.org.
Eucharistic Services take place on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. Father Scott Barron presides at 9:30 a.m. on the 2nd Sunday and Father Carlton Kelley presides at 11 a.m. on the 4th Sunday of each month.
Music continues to be selected by David Antonides and performed by Ron Bedal or the subs that he finds when not available. The variety of hymns offered up has been fun and it may be we are becoming a congregation of singers.
Worship Development Team
Currently undergoing leadership changes and members will be notified of the next meeting.
Formation–Nerissa Brueckbaur
Some attendees of our monthly religious education gatherings mentioned many people may be unable to meet during the summer because of family obligations. Stacey and I thought we might want to do something different. About that same time, Father Carlton mentioned that the congregation at St. Andrew’s was reading Rabbi Shai Held’s book, Judaism is About Love.
This summer we invite you to read Rabbi Held’s book. It has been widely lauded by many as extraordinary. As one professor of Philosophy and Law at the University of Chicago put it, “This is a truly magnificent book, necessary for our troubled times. Shai Held, one of Judaism’s leading scholars and thinkers, rebuts facile stereotypes of Judaism that contrast Jewish law with Christian love, and demonstrates the centrality of love, imagination, and compassion in the Jewish tradition.” We would do well to remember that Jesus, himself, was a Jew and a very learned one. Let us explore together a familial faith tradition with a fresh lens.
We will meet in the fall to share our thoughts, observations, and insights. (Dates and times to be decided later.)
Copies of the book are available in the narthex. If all copies have been claimed, please email Nerissa at rissbrueck@aol.com.
(This quarterly article will feature important information about different aspects of the church or community. )
The Altar Guild of our church began back when Pat Smith, one of our esteemed founders, would pack the trunk of her car with vestments, altar linens, kneelers, and Eucharistic elements and tote them from her home to the local Legion Hall for Sunday services. We had no building yet in which to worship, but by the perseverance of several dedicated people, we had worship despite it. Years passed, temporary buildings were erected (still here), and the Altar Guild grew to several women who ensured all work was done to perfection. Our motto is: “Ordinary Tasks, Done to Perfection.”
Our duties include:
• Preparing the altar for service on Sundays
• Launder, iron, and store the linens properly
• Fill the holy water bowl and oil candles
• Polish the brass (with help from other parishioners)
• Welcome new members with training and appreciation
• Decorate the church each season, from Advent through Ordinary Time, with the appropriate colors and décor
We are so lucky to have many talented and creative members: Marsha Taylor has used her skills to repair old linens and create new ones for our altar. We will be blessing a new frontal for the altar this year to be used during the ordinary time between Pentecost and Advent. Her embroidery is beautiful and I appreciate her longtime membership, as I do all our members: Esmie bravely climbs ladders to drape the cross during Easter season after learning the trick (a very long extendable stick) from Penny, Diane makes sure the candles are filled each week, Leslie pitches in any time anyone is absent, Angie provides advice and coverage when needed, and Michelle helps clean up after services. We work behind the scenes to provide a beautiful environment in which to worship. One of our members, Michele Seiler, home-bakes the gluten-free communion bread for our use each week. All of their contributions are greatly appreciated.
We have come a long way from those days in the Legion Hall, but the journey has been satisfying and so spiritual. If anyone is interested in joining our group, please let me know: Gail Permenter, 630-843-1808.
(Our lay ministers have written some impressive reflections and this is where one will be shared.)
And here is an amazing thing: According to the gospel of John, Jesus says he appointed us to love others so that God will give us whatever we ask of him “in Jesus’ name.” So often this seems to be the magical tag-on to our prayers. But I wonder if the real “magic” is our living near the breath and heartbeat of Jesus so that when we ask of God, we are truly asking as a representative of Jesus in our world, in accordance with his love, on his behalf. As we love others in response to Jesus’ love for us and obey his command to love God’s children, there is no request that God would deny us. We live to “pay his love forward,” so that all God’s beloved children will know his love.
As I read this poem by E. E. Cummings, I encourage you to close your eyes, if you are comfortable, and imagine God walking beside you in the archetypal Garden and speaking these words to you in the intimacy of the relationship for which we all are created.
I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)
I am never without it (anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
I want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)
As I read this poem a second time, imagine Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, speaking these words to the loving Abba in the intimacy of the relationship which they continually share.
And, as I read this a final time, imagine yourself walking in an outdoor space you enjoy and speaking these words to the Holy Spirit, who lives in the indwelling intimacy of a relationship gifted to you.
“[I carry your heart with me (I carry it in]” Copyright 1952, © 1980, 1991 by the
Trustees for the E. E. Cummings Trust, from Complete Poems: 1904-1962
by E. E. Cummings
Thank you, Jesus, Abba and Amma, Holy Spirit, Amen.
