The Heartbeat of
St. Charles’ Episcopal Church
630.584.2596 scecoffice@sbcglobal.net www.stcharlesepiscopal.org
All Church Meeting!
You are invited and encouraged to attend the August Vestry and Special Parish Meeting on Thursday, August 24 to elect a person to fill our vacant Junior Warden position.
Ken Dunham has decided not to commute from his new home in California for the monthly vestry meetings.
Not sure what a church warden does? Come to the meeting and ask. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm with the election to be the first order of business.
Clergy Notes
Summer is in full swing! I hope you are all taking advantage of the warm weather. Summer is a time of refreshment. A time when we take time off from our normal schedules and "stop and smell the roses." Whether it is a trip to a nearby beach or lake somewhere far away, we just seem to need a time away.
Vacation is also a spiritually renewing time. It is an important time that allows us to refocus our attention on what is really important in our lives; a time to get away from all the distractions of everyday life. Many take a vacation from church in the summer. This too can be healthy. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying sleep in. I'm saying try a different church. We all choose to come to St. Charles' for one reason or another. Visiting another church can help us refocus our vision of ourselves, and our relationship with God. We may remember why it is that we chose to come to St. Charles' in the first place and recapture the thrill of new faith. Visiting other churches is also a wonderful source of new ideas. It helps us stay out of that dreaded trap of "that's the way it's always been done." As we see how others approach their relationship with God and live out their lives of faith we gain new insight into ourselves.
We are a growing church. When I was at the diocesan office last week, I heard that we are one of the three fastest growing churches in the diocese. Growing is hard work, but we have accomplished it with grace. When we chose to grow three years ago by adopting our vision statement, we knew it was important to us to hang on to our identity. I think we have done that. There are many new faces, but the same spirit enlivens our work and mission. There is still more work to do so be sure and take time this summer to refresh yourself and your vision of who you are and who you are called to be.
Summer is a time of recreation, a time of play. The importance of play is often lost in a world that places so much importance on work. When we meet a new person, the first thing we ask after their name is "What do you do?" I don’t think that is a good thing. We are so much more than what we do. Play is re-creation, a life giving activity. It makes us young when we are older and matures us when we are young. Take some time to play this month. Play with your family. Play with your friends. And play with your church. You can even take the time to go over to a friends church to play. It will be time well spent!
See you in Church!
Bill+
From the warden...
HAPPY SUMMER
Boy, was it hot and humid, during the middle of July! That definitely reminded me of the Florida humidity. Let’s hope and pray the weather is nicer and more reasonable in August.
The August Vestry Meeting has to be moved from the 10th to the 24th. At that time we will hold a Special Parish Meeting to have the election to fill the vacant Junior Warden position. As of this time we only have one candidate and are still looking for more, if you feel you are being called to this position, please give Father Bill or me a call. We will also be accepting nominations from the floor.
Hope you had a chance to attend the Kane County Cougars baseball game on the 18th of July. What a great time, it was actually nice to sit and watch a game for a change. Usually I am up and down the aisles between innings doing usher things.
Tom has found another contractor to bid on our construction project. As I am writing this they are still working on their quote for the project, hopefully the quote will be finished in time for our vestry meeting and we can choose someone to begin doing the work. We’ll keep you up to date on the progress.
One more church business note: If you have noticed that you and your family haven’t made the birthday prayers list in the Pulse it may be that we don’t have a database sheet filled out for you. This allows us to have all your birthday and anniversary dates as well as the names of all your family members for nametag purposes. If you aren’t sure whether you have filled one out, fill out another! You can find the database forms on the table below the Prayer Concerns Board in Ludtke Hall.
With summer time here and all the traveling that goes with it, drive safely and enjoy your vacation. During this time do try and keep your pledges up to date.
Thanks for your continued patience while we get the air conditioning and fans coordinated, to offer a comfortable worship space for everybody.
Have a great rest of the summer
God Bless
Joe Ryan (Senior Warden) 630-762-0353
Happy Birthday
1 Phyllis Andrew
1 Lark Schuetz
1 Emma Foran
3 Ed Manning
4 Jim Hari
4 Gib Moore
5 Cory Blane
6 Avie Churchwell
8 Ginny Yeck
10 Cathy Stephano
12 Robert Bullen
13 Alex Hari
14 Mike Flood
16 Kerri Hildebrand
17 Douglas Robinson
19 Jacob Koch
20 Liz Carpenter
22 Wendy Bangs
22 Sarah Travis
25 Nancy Cooper
25 Jack Kelly
26 Jim Bachman
26 Ian Anderson
28 Hunter Godina
30 Jessica Anderson
Happy Anniversary
2 Bob & Diane Dickey
10 Bill & Margo Churchwell
12 Dave & Kathy Kaiser
12 Mike & Mary Zupke
12 Greg & Anne Van Zandt
19 Joe & Liz Ryan
20 Jan & Dalia Bach
26 Wink & Wendy Bangs
27 Doug & Susie Robinson
29 Bob & Holly Parks
30 John & Carol Paschal
30 Jeff Rixleben & Laura Graf
Our Sympathy Goes Out to...
...the family of Suzanne Elander who died on July 7th.
...to Mary Elfring upon the loss of her mother, Win Garrett, on July 18th.
Congratulations to...
Sophia Ann Waldhoff is the newest granddaughter for Bill & Becky Kruse born on July 13, 2006.
Evening Eucharists & House Blessings
During the Summer, we take our midweek Eucharist service into homes. This is a potluck, Eucharist and House Blessing (optional for part or all of the house) on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:30 pm.
Aug 2 In the church
Aug 9 In the church
Aug 16 Ellen Johnson’s home
Aug 23 In the church
Aug 30 Tom & Sharon Miller
Look for sign up sheets in Ludtke Hall
ADULT FORMATION
Adult Formation Class to begin Sunday, September 17
On September 17 we will begin – again – to study our book of many beginnings: Genesis. In last year’s class we saw God begin again and again in the foundational stories of creation, fall, and flood. We saw yet another beginning with the call of Abraham, the birth of the covenant. All these beginnings provide a glimpse into a strange God – one whose “nature is not repose and abiding comfort, but a God of designs for the future, in whose will inscrutable, great, far-reaching things are in process of becoming” (Thomas Mann). They also provide a rich and often troubling psychological and social portrait of that strangest of all God’s creatures, humankind.
Please join us as we continue to investigate the developing relationship between God and humans in Genesis. After taking a bit of time to refresh our memories – so newcomers are certainly welcome – we will focus on the stories of Jacob and his children, particularly Joseph.
Classes will be led by Kristen Balisi and will meet Sundays at 9 am in Ludtke Hall. We hope to see you there.
Attention Crafters!
We're forming a committee to discuss the possibility of having a Holiday Craft Show at church as a fundraiser. Join us on Thursday, August 17th at 7 pm at the church. For information call Michelle Moore.
And Who is My Neighbor?
What Happened?
Yousra and Muhammad Is'hac Herbawi and their six children have lived in their home in East Jerusalem since 1989. In early June the Jerusalem Court of Local Affairs ordered the Herbawi family to obtain a building permit for the part of their home which houses their quadriplegic 24-year-old son Mansour by December 2006, or have it demolished. It will be virtually impossible for the family to obtain such a permit. The court also ordered the family to pay a fine of 15,000 Shekels ($3,400), which the family cannot afford, as both parents are in poor health and no longer able to work and the other five children are still in school.
Background Information
For over 15 years the Herbawi family has been fighting a legal battle to save their home in the Abu Tour neighborhood of East Jerusalem. In the past two years the Jerusalem Municipality has stepped up its demolition of Palestinian homes. Some 200 Palestinian homes have been demolished in East Jerusalem since the beginning of 2004, leaving more than 600 people homeless. While Palestinians' homes are being demolished because they were built without a permit, illegal Israeli settlements continue to be built and expanded in East Jerusalem. Demolitions of homes of Israeli Jewish citizens built without permits are unheard of.
What can you do?
Write polite letters of concern requesting a moratorium on demolitions of Palestinian homes, especially the Herbawi home, to:
Ambassador Daniel Ayalon
Embassy of Israel
3514 International Dr. NW
Washington DC 20008
Email: info@israelemb.org
169th Annual Diocese of Chicago Convention
Event Date: Nov 10, 2006 8:30 AM - Nov 11, 2006 4:00 PM
Location: Westin Chicago North Shore, 601 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling, IL 60090
Contact: Juleigh Ruby, Convention Registrar at (312) 751-4214
The Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago brings together clergy, lay delegates and general church members for two-days of learning, fellowship, worship, and transaction of the canonical business and legislation of the diocese. The two-day format—introduced in 2000—emphasizes formation through a varied offering of learning opportunities and unique worship experiences. Highlights include the bishop’s address, Friday evening convention dinner, convention Eucharist, and the learning opportunity workshops offered in four sessions Friday and Saturday. This gathering of the diocesan community is a time to celebrate our faith and work as the Episcopal Church in Northern Illinois, to further our witness through our strategic plan and vision, to attend to the canonical business of the diocese, to deepen our connections with one another, and to cultivate new understandings and skills as ministers of the Gospel.
Under the theme “Reach Out,” the convention will build on last year’s Come and Grow message, stressing our relationships with our companion dioceses, and our efforts in development, evangelism and peace and justice. Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold and his assistant, Canon Carl Gerdau—the former diocesan and canon to the ordinary for Chicago—will be honored at the convention banquet Friday evening and be present for both days of convention. Bishop Persell also has invited the bishops of Chicago’s companions dioceses—Bishop Benito Juarez of Southeast Mexico and Bishop Daniel Deng Bul of Renk, Sudan—to attend convention.
The site for this year's convention is the Westin Chicago Northshore hotel and conference center in Wheeling at the Southeast corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Lake Cook Road. Chicago's convention will be one of the first major events at the new complex which is nearing the end of construction and is slated to open in mid-October. The Convention Planning Committee had worked diligently to locate a site in the south or southwest suburbs but could not find a hotel large enough or one available and willing to host the diocesan gathering.
If you are planning to spend the night at the Westin hotel, a discount rate of $109 per night has been arranged for convention participants (parking is free). For information contact the Westin at (847) 777-6500 (individual room reservations will not be accepted until later this summer.
Information on certification of delegates, and filing nominations and resolutions was sent out to clergy and delegates in early June. The booklet with schedule and forms can be viewed or downloaded at Convention Booklet at http://www.episcopalchicago.org
Deadlines:
$12.00 for Early Bird Registration - September 1, 2006
$20.00 for Regular Registration - September 2 - October 10, 2006
$35.00 for Late Registration - After October 10
For information contact:
Juleigh Ruby, Registrar Episcopal Church Center 65 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611 jruby@episcopalchicago.org
Labyrinth News
by Cathy Koch
Many thanks to Dick Babcock for repairing the outdoor labyrinth's information kiosk earlier this summer. We stock the kiosk with information brochures that are replaced frequently, especially in the summer months. Dick built the kiosk in 1997 and he is remarkable plus cute. (Lucky Gloria!) Thank you, Dick.
The labyrinth traveled to the General Convention with Nate Nesbit in June. We are so proud that our labyrinth could be used by the youth and all ages at the General Convention. The labyrinth had its beginnings at our church with the junior high youth group of 1995 under the guidance of Beth and Pat Parks and John Moore for a Lenten Pilgrimage Journey. Every year since 1995 our portable canvas labyrinth has been loaned to organizations and individuals. So far this year the following organizations have borrowed our labyrinth: Bethlehem Lutheran, St. Charles; Glenview Community Church, Glenview; St. Michael's Episcopal, Barrington; St. Simons, Arlington Heights and the ECW (Episcopal Church Women) - Aurora Deanery Quiet Day. Most organizations donate a minimum of $150 to our church for the use of our labyrinth.
Many first time walkers ask what the labyrinth represents. So here is some labyrinth terminology:
Chartres: a city an hour southwest of Paris and the name of its cathedral, rebuilt c.1190, where an eleven circuit labyrinth is found in the nave of the famous Gothic cathedral. Our labyrinth is a replica of the Chartres labyrinth.
Circuits: The number of times the path goes around the center. Since the labyrinth is not a maze, we can't use the term "paths" in the plural. There is only one path. The Chartres labyrinth has eleven circuits.
Center: The center of the labyrinth is an important symbol. In meditative walking, the center is never described as the goal. The center of the Chartres labyrinth is called the New Jerusalem.
The Petals: the Chartres-style labyrinth has six petals around the center. They offer many layers of symbols, including the six days of Creation, and the rose and the lily symbolic of Mary and of rebirth.
Labrys: The double-ax pattern between the turns on the path. The Chartres Labyrinth has ten labrys that form a cruciform.
Lunations: The outer cusps and foils that encircle the Chartres-style eleven circuit labyrinth are called lunations. There are twenty-eight per quadrant and they are symbolic of the lunar cycle.
A labyrinth is a pattern, usually in the form of a large circle, that has one path, beginning at the outer edge and leading in a circuitous way into the center. Labyrinths found in medieval churches and cathedrals are flat to the floor and called pavement or church labyrinths. (From The Sacred Path Companion by Lauren Artress)
Summer time is terrific time to walk our outdoor labyrinth. The birds seem to sing you along the way. There are many reasons to walk a labyrinth -- solace, strength, clarity, celebration, insight, to quiet the mind, to solve a problem, to pray...to listen.
If we really want to pray, we must first learn to listen; for in the silence of the heart God speaks. -Mother Teresa
If you have any questions regarding the labyrinth, please contact Sarah Travis, Mary Elfring or Cathy Koch.
What’s Up in Kids’ Formation?
Summer time and the livin’ is easy... ha!
While the classes are on vacation Youth & Children’s Formation curricula are being created and new teaching leaders are stepping forward!
Atrium news: Karen Madura returns this year as a teacher in the Green Atrium with the excellent help of newcomer-to-Formation Amy Custer and in January the addition of Jacki McCullough. They should be ready for anything! And Kathryn Manning and John Benjamin return with the addition of Bill Yeck who has joined them after two successful years in the Middlers class.
The Middlers News: The Leaders this year will be: Ed Manning, Bill Van Nortwick and Beverly Nesbit. This should be an interesting mix of leadership skills and the kids will have a great time!
The Junior High has a fun and interesting Bible study coming this year. With a look at the Bible as a whole and the major points of interest in each section and some fun games to go along with it, it promises to be a memorable year! Leaders for the year are: Lisa Parse and Sarah Travis. We would love to add a male perspective to this group so if you are interested in helping out, please contact Liz Ryan.
The High School leaders will be Bob & Holly Parks along with Mike Ditch! We’re working on getting one more female leader to assist in this group to allow for some continuity when Bob & Holly have to travel for business! This group will continue to sponsor outreach and fund-raising projects as they work toward a mission trip this year.
Remember – Registration Forms for Formation have been mailed out. If you haven’t received a form for your family, please be sure to see Liz Ryan as soon as possible. This will enable us to have class lists and materials available when we start class on Sunday, September 17th.
This month...July 31- August 4 – Bibletimes Marketplace! This program is for children from 4 years through 5th grade and is our version of a vacation bible school. The Marketplace is a cooperative effort with Bethlehem Lutheran church where it is held. ADULTS – We could still use your help as actors and set up and take down crew. If you are available to be a part of the staff for the week or any part of it please contact Liz as soon as possible!
Coming August 15th – Episcopal Day at Six Flags Great America! Order forms for tickets are on the table in Ludtke Hall. Price: $25 for children and adults (a real discount off the regular price!)
August 26th - All Formation leaders for the 2006-2007 year are encouraged to participate in the Adults Who Work With Children, Youth and Adults conference. Save the date! See Liz Ryan for registration forms.
Pray for Peace
The Evening of Interfaith Prayer for Peace has been rescheduled for Friday, August 11th at 7 pm at Calvary Episcopal Church. The church is located at the intersection of Illinois Route 31 and Main St. in Batavia. Please plan on attending. For more information, please contact Ed Manning at 630-208-9136.
Pig Roast!
Mark your calendars – Our Pig Roast will be Sunday, September 10th. This extravaganza is one that you will not want to miss. Tickets will go on sale in August. Games for the children, food for the adults. More information in your September newsletter.
Interested in helping?? Contact Mary Benjamin.
ECW Fall Forum
Episcopal Church Women Fall Forum will be held at our church on Saturday, September 23 from 9 am to 1 pm.
Dr. Clarice Boswell will present a program on
Pre-civil War Quilts: Their Hidden Codes to the Freedom of Slaves Through the Underground Railroad.
Donation of $10.00
RSVP by Tuesday, September 19 to
Susan O’Brien 708-535-3156
Stewardship Event
Author and church growth consultant Kennon Callahan will lead a seminar on his 12 Keys to Effective Church: Mission and Stewardship, Monday, September 25 through Thursday, September 28 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 647 Dundee Ave, Barrington.
Callahan's approach is aimed at helping to grow generous congregations and generous givers who focus on ministry and mission to the real hurts, hopes and needs of their communities. In the Diocese of Chicago, several congregations have adopted Callahan’s approach and experienced significant growth in membership and stewardship. The seminar is arranged so that you may either attend all of the sessions or just the evening sessions if that better accommodates your work schedule.
Afternoon Sessions: (M,T,W,Th) 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Evening Sessions: (M,T,W) 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fees: Special Seminar Registration rate for Diocesan Members only is $100. This does not include meals. The normal fee for a Kennon Callahan conference is $250 - $300. We are pleased to offer members of the diocesan community a significant discount. Please note: As of August 1st, registration will be open to the entire Episcopal Church and the Ecumenical community in Chicago. Seats are limited, so register early! See the web announcement at episcopalchicago.org for more information on the program and to download registration forms.
Questions:
Logistics:
Rev. Leigh VanderMeer : 847-381-2323 lvmeer@sbcglobal.net
Program:
Rev. Jarrett Kerbel: 847-823-4126 smecjarrett@sbcglobal.net
Registration:
Ms. Elizabeth Erickson 312-751-4211 eerickson@episcopalchicago.org
ST. CHARLES’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH The Rt. Rev William Persell, Bishop The Rev. William R. Nesbit, Jr. Rector The Rev. Elizabeth G. Meade, Deacon Dan Williams, Director of Music Liz Ryan, Director of Youth & Children’s Formation Lela Lowe, Administrative Assistant phone: 630-584-2596 Fax: 630-584-8633 email: scecoffice@sbcglobal.net Web site: www.stcharlesepiscopal.org