Nerissa Brueckbauer

From: St. Michael's Episcopal Church [camsells@stmichaelsbarrington.ccsend.com] on behalf of St. Michael's Episcopal Church [news@stmichaelsbarrington.org]

Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2012 5:30 PM

To: Nerissa Brueckbauer

Subject: News from St. Michael's Episcopal Church

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3/6/2012

In This Issue

Did you know...?

Anniversaries This

Week

A Shared Religious

Experience

Events &

Announcements

This Week in the

Atrium

Did you know...?

...the perimeter of the

nave at St. Michael's

includes a meaningful

display of the 'Stations

of the Cross', marking

fourteen distinct

moments during the

Passion of Jesus Christ,

beginning with 'Jesus is

condemned to death'

and ending with 'Jesus

is laid in the tomb?' We

are using a liturgy

known as Stations of

the Cross as a Lenten

devotion on

Wednesdays at 5:30

p.m. and you can find

the worship material by

clicking here.

Anniversaries

1 March 2012

Dear Friend,

Welcome to this week's issue of The Sword! Here's what's going on at St. Michael's...

Upcoming at St. Michael's:

More information for some or all of the following may be found

elsewhere in this Sword.

� This Sunday - Second Sunday in Lent

� This Sunday - Food for the Journey, 9:45 a.m., Touching

Sacred Things - more details below.

� A brief summary of all the Lenten offerings at St. Michael's

may be found by clicking here or on the website or in a flyer

in the Nave or the Church Office.

A Shared Religious Experience

Dear People of St. Michael's, One of the tenets of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is that

catechists live with the child a shared religious experience; our

job is to prepare the environment and proclaim the Gospel with

our words and life. No where is this more evident than the time

This Week

BIRTHDAYS 3.4 Amanda Couch,

Steve Maison

3.5 Kim Chapdelaine,

Valentina Scotti, Drew

Kunzon

3.6 Cassandra Arms,

Gustavo Lopez

3.7 Morgan Allord, Rick

Rowley

3.8 Katie Tomczyk, John

Davis

3.9 Nathan Smith,

Graham Erbs

3.10 Kyle Ferry,

Jennifer Tilly, Andrew

Gier, Marjorie Brown,

Susan Beuttas

REST IN PEACE 3.6 Sarah Logan, Henry

Greene, David Bailey,

Harry Strouse

3.7 Jerry Camper

we spend with children in intense preparation for First or Solemn Communion. We work very

hard to present The Word in the most objective manner possible, so that the words of the adult

do not impede the communication between God who speaks and the child, God's creature, who

listens and responds. We wait, or try to wait, in rapt humility for the child to reveal him or

herself. With this year's group of high-energy, boundlessly joyful group of children, we could barely

contain the enthusiastic responses. Six weeks ago we began by meditating on the parable of the true vine. We discovered that God

is the Vinedresser, Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. Julia said that the job of the

Vinegrower was to provide constant care - like God is always there for all the people who need

help to give them all that they need. We talked at length about the sap that flows through the

plant. What could that sap be? Grace suggested right away that the sap was made up of the stuff

of peace, joy and happiness. Jack described the sap as the joy that comes from the bottom up -

all through the vine and out to the very tips of the branches. Sullivan felt that the sap flowed

from the top - like the love of God flows down to His people. We decided that sometimes there

occur blocks in the branches that prevent the sap from flowing; poor choices, anger, selfishness

could result. Caden suggested that when we choose to "disinclude" someone, we are not

allowing the sap to flow. I love this term, "disinclude," that Caden coined because it takes an act

of intention to take someone from inclusion in the group to the point of "disinclusion." To

dislodge the blocks, or remove them, Jackson felt that yoga could calm you down, center you

and get that sap flowing again. Marjorie opted for sitting on the couch with a cup of hot

chocolate and thinking about the situation. Prayer and reading the Bible were unanimous

choices to maintain the closeness of vine and branches and maintain flowing sap. Grace prayed,

"I would like the Father to unblock all clogs." Clogs - perhaps a better descriptor than blocks. Will

and Jack wondered if Hitler and Osama Bin Laden were on the vine plant ---- I wonder, too. These are just a few of the wonderful moments we were privileged to share with the children.

Congratulations to the First Solemn Communion Class of 2012: Calla Beverly, Marshall Beverly,

Emma Bishop, William (Will) Brooks, Marjorie Brown, Anne (Annie) Conners, Maureen (Molly)

Conners, Grace LaBarge, Jack Magro, Morgan Magro, Nick Magro, Sullivan Magro, Jack Maison,

Landon Marcinek, Jackson Paris, Eric Perrine, Grace Raymond, Caden Trautwein, Hannah Welsh,

Julia Welsh and Ella Younger. Many thanks to Julia Bishop and Meredith Perrine for organizing the dinner after our service,

and to all the families for their wonderful contributions. Additional words of gratitude to Letty

Allen and the Altar Guild, Robin Darrow, Kay Lewis, Father Raymond and Father Caruso for their

assistance with the program.

Nerissa Brueckbauer, Sue Beverly, Peggy Blass

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From the Rector:

Home Altar How-To.

Thanks to those who expressed further interest following my brief home altar presentation at

the 9:45 all-generations Lenten gathering on Sunday, February 26. I was particularly asked about

written materials and have put together a two-page simple guide, which you can find by clicking

here.

The Vestry's first meeting following the recent election of new members took place on Monday

evening, February 27. Among other matters, the vestry approved two special allocations from

our 2011 operating surplus. Further information on this and other highlights may be found

further down in this Sword.

In the Parish Family

Those for whom prayers have been requested:

Bill and Joanne, Carolyn, Paulette, Andy, Steve, Debbie, Phil, Terry, Art, Terry, Nancy, Brian, John, Scarlett & family,

Sandy, Mary, Amy, Fernando, Eli, St. Cyprian Food Pantry, military troops in danger including those from our parish,

especially Silas, Eric, Arielle, Taylor, Michael, Tim, Robert, Ryan, Bruce, and Zane.

The Renk Ministry Partnership Team is offering prayers during Lent for Renk Diocese at the end of the Prayers of the

People at each service. The prayers are included here, as well:

Sunday, March 4th, 2012

Pray for the over 68,000 refugees, mostly women and children, scattered

throughout Renk Diocese displaced by continued fighting at the border

between Sudan and South Sudan, facing hunger, disease and fear for their lives.

Pray for St. John's in Melut and St. Barnaba's in Maban, where they are seeking

refuge.

Let us pray for these innocent victims; for God to uphold them in their time of trial.

Events and Announcements Food for the Journey - Touching Sacred Things: A chance to learn about, see up close and touch objects

which make our shared worship possible, Sunday, 9:45 a.m.! Including, chalices (cups), patens (plates), vestments (what the clergy wear on Sundays), and more. Led by Father

Kevin and Ruth Silver.

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First Sunday in Lent, Practicing our Faith: Connecting our Faith with Life from Monday through

Saturday - a Success! A wonderful, all generational event was shared last Sunday at 9:45 a.m. Father Raymond discussed and then built a

home altar with the help of some eager children. Tina Summerfield invited us to go "deeper" this Lent. Robin

Darrow and Laura Dern assisted us in making crosses; Meredith Perrine helped in the preparation of prayer cards

and prayer journals; Vicki Montgomery instructed us in making prayer cloths; and Heidi Guthrie organized the

crafting of beautiful votives. Many thanks to Julia Bishop for organizing the refreshments and all of the many

individuals and families who contributed to the wonderful assortment enjoyed by all. Wednesday Night Lenten Series @ St. Michael's - Practicing Our Faith Our Wednesday Night Lenten gatherings got off to a great start this week. Father Patrick led a lively conversation

inviting us to think about the issues, obstacles and resources related to developing our own Spiritual Practices.For

those interested in getting a sense of the evening, we have two links.

� the Stations of the Cross (the worship service we are using during Lent at 5:30pm)

� Patrick's presentation on Spiritual Practices

If looking through either of these documents provokes any comments or questions, please do be in touch. In the weeks ahead we will be looking at the spiritual practices of LEADING AN INTENTIONAL LIFE (Mar. 7th),

CREATIVITY (Mar. 14th), WORK (Mar. 21st) and a ???MYSTERY SESSION???(Mar. 28th) [which we will tell you more

about soon]. Consider making these Wednesday night gatherings a part of your Lenten preparation. While each session is related by virtue of a common theme, they are stand-alone presentations. Even if you can only

make one week, are just interested in one of the topics, just want to pray the Stations of the Cross, or just want to

enjoy dinner with friends, you are welcome and this is for you! Soup and bread this week will be provided by Kevin

and Kary Caruso. If you would like to bring a salad, desert or drinks please contact Kevin at (773)-519-0159. THIS WEEK - Wed. March 7th WORSHIP: Stations of the Cross (5:30pm) DINNER: Soup, provided by Father Kevin and Kary Caruso (6:00pm) PROGRAM: The Spiritual Practice of... Leading an intentional Life (6:30pm) Paying attention to your intention. Intention is the energy behind what you say you want to do. What do you want

for your life? How can you make the best use of your time and energy? Explore what you'd like to do during this

Lenten season and gather some energy to put behind it! Wednesday, March 7th, 2012. Leslie Yerger will be our

presenter. And All The Angels Book Sale On Now

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Book Sale!! All Lenten books are 20% off during Lent. We have a LARGE selection to choose from!

From the Youth Minister UPCOMING YOUTH NEWS....check the March Calendar, linked here! MAKING LITTLE DRESSES FOR HAITI EVENT, MARCH 3RD! You are cordially invited to assist in making little dresses for Haiti on March 3rd from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the St.

Michael's Community Room.

� LIGHT LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED

� LOOKING FOR SEWERS TO HELP MAKE SIMPLE DRESSES

� FABRIC DONATIONS ARE NEEDED

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT HILARY SCHULTZ (847)849-0309 OR MICHELE PHILLIPS (847)304-4107. 50! Something March Event Please join the 50! Something group on Sunday, March 25 for community fellowship and dinner. Please gather at

the church any time after 4PM. Bring something to share - appetizers, salads, sides, or desserts - and bring your

own beverage, but coffee, tea and water will be provided. Even though Sundays are "free" days in Lent, we are

going to keep this gathering simple. In celebration of the Irish, we will serve our version of "Irish stew" as the main

course. We will again ask for donations to cover the cost of the main course, decorations, paper products, and any

other miscellaneous items. Look for a sign up sheet in the foyer to the Community Room in the next week or two.

Please let everyone know that all are invited - age is not a requirement - and encourage them to sign up! If you

have questions, please contact Clark Beverly or Judy Tammi (847.340.9358). See you there! Maundy Thursday Vigil To sign-up for the Maundy Thursday Vigil, please see the poster in the the Narthex.

Easter Flowers To have your donation printed in the Easter bulletin please submit an envelope by April 1st.

Envelopes are available in the Narthex.

Nicholas Alvin Johnson Memorial Scholarship Application Call 2012 marks the seventh year of the Nicholas Alvin Johnson Memorial Scholarship which is awarded to a high school

graduate for the purpose of college or university fees to a four year institution. The scholarship is awarded to a high

school graduate who has been and is active at St. Michael's, Church of the Redeemer in Elgin, or Holy Apostles in

Wauconda. The scholarship is in the amount of $2500 and is renewable for four years based upon meeting the

standards established by the Scholarship Committee. Application packets were mailed last week to all St. Michael's

high school seniors. If for any reason your senior did not receive the application packet please call the parish office.

Please note the deadline for submitting completed applications is 5:00 p.m. on May 1, 2012. For more information,

contact Nancy Holmes at nholmes@stmichaelsbarrington.orgor 847-381-2323 ext. 11. Little Red Wagon in March As we journey through Lent think of those who are having a difficult time putting food on their tables. You can help

simply by bring in a good item or two each Sunday to the Little Red Wagon in the narthex. This food will be going to

St. Cyprian Food Pantry which serves over 1,600 families. Items needed are cereal, canned vegetables and fruit, canned ham, instant potatoes, instant coffee, desserts and

cake mixes, crackers and snacks. Gift cards and donations to our Food Pantry Fund are also welcome.

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Received from Gene Dawson, Supervisor Barrington Township:

"Barrington Township thanks you for your generous contribution to the Food Pantry. What a great donation from

St. Michael's. Please thank your parishioners for all their generosity in supporting the food pantry."

Vestry Action

The Vestry's first meeting following the recent election of new members took place on Monday evening, February

27. Highlights of the meeting included the following:

+ We welcomed the Rev. Jim Steen, Director of Ministry for the Diocese of Chicago, who shared basic information

and thoughts about a vestry's legal and canonical responsibilities and thoughts on 'best practices.'

+ Junior Warden Shan Atkins followed with a related presentation about the Vestry's strategic organization for

the coming year: key goals, basic structure, leadership needs, and more.

+ Outgoing Clerk Sally Smith was present and thanked for her several years of service as Clerk.

+ Craig Anderson, appointed to serve as Clerk for 2012 was also present and began his duties.

+ Members were informed that Average Sunday Attendance at St. Michael's increased by eight per cent in 2011

compared to 2010, a rise from 233 to 252. The numbers are kept and compiled as part of the annual Parochial

Report to the national church.

+ The question of allocating some of our 2011 operating surplus, explained to members at the January annual

meeting, was resolved by approval of the following motion: Moved, that, having ended 2011 with an operating

surplus, the Vestry directs the distribution from the surplus of a) $15,000 for parish outreach efforts, and requests

that the Outreach Committee report to the Vestry with a proposal for use of the funds no later than June 30, 2012;

b) $10,000 as a one-time special gift to the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, for use at the discretion of Bishop Jeff Lee

solely for the benefit of the diocese and its ministry, and requests that the bishop timely indicate to the Vestry how

the funds will be used; and be it further moved that the Vestry recognizes our collective need to agree upon

appropriate goals for our parish cash reserves and that these special allocations are not intended to set a precedent

or to communicate satisfaction with our present cash condition.

Around the Neighborhood The Community Meal, March 22, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at St. Michael's Episcopal Church and hosted by Barrington United Methodist Church. The Community Meal is a FREE meal hosted once a month at various churches and community centers in the

Barrington area. All are welcome. At the March meal spaghetti is being served. The Community Meal Cookbook

will be coming in January of 2013; submit your recipes to Sandy Hasse, shasse5@yahoo.com

SAVE THE DATE for Saint James' West Dundee Annual Corned Beef n' Cabbage Dinner March 10th from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Join us as we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with Irish dancers and the Dundee Scottish Pipe Band Purchase TICKETS at the Church Adults - $12 / At the Door - $15 Sr. Adults - $10 / At the Door - $12 Children under 12 - $6 / At the Door - $7

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Tutors Needed at Holy Family School! Some of our students in grades 3 - 8 are in need of immediate help. Could you give some time over the next 6

weeks to help a student succeed? One- and two-hour volunteer shifts are available Monday through Friday at Holy Family School. Tutors are needed

to work one-on-one with students in reading and math between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and in the after-school

hours of 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. If you can help a student, please contact Cheryl Collins, Principal, by email, collinscdw1@sbcglobal.net or at (773)

265-0550.

This Week in the Atrium Level I - 3 years through Kindergarten The Parable of the Found Sheep is our work(Luke 15:4-6). The Good Shepherd has

tremendous love for his sheep. He calls his sheep by name. He cares for them. They

follow him. The Good Shepherd is very aware and attentive to each of his sheep. He will

go in search of one that is lost. Once found, the Good Shepherd will rejoice with his

neighbors. Level II - First, Second and Third Graders Paschal Texts, John 18:1-14. We begin a different sort of work in the atrium today. We

will do a particular study of some of the Paschal texts during Lent. The first week we look

at the arrest of Jesus. Level III - Fourth and Fifth Graders We continue our work with the story of Moses, exodus and Redemption and Exodus and

Parousia. This week we continue to examine the plagues because the children are

fascinated with this work (Exodus 7:14 through Chapter 10). The children are still working on their reports. They

read about one of the plagues and report back to the group using a worksheet prepared by the catechist and

complete interpretive drawings. We are seeing some fascinating work!

St. Michael's Vestry      Kathy Sawyer Randolph, Sr. Warden | Shan Atkins, Jr. Warden

Pete Douglas | Lora Gier | Amy Magro | Dave Evans Dale Griffith | Sean Harrington | Pat Kane | Mike Savage 

 Christy Cressey | Bob Gilbert | Michele Philips | Lance Marcinek   John Davis, Treasurer | Sally Smith, Clerk

Joe Schmidt, Youth Representative | Madelyn Lanham, Youth Representative   The Sword  St. Michael's Episcopal Church | 647 Dundee Avenue | Barrington, Illinois 60010

phone 847.381.2323 | fax 847.381.3517

Copyright © 2011 St. Michael's Episcopal Church

St. Michael's Episcopal Church | 647 Dundee Avenue | Barrington | IL | 60010

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