Ash Wednesday Services

February 6, 2008

6:30 AM

12 NOON

7:30 PM

Stations of the Cross

Fridays through Lent at 12 NOON

Followed by a simple lunch of Soup & Bread

From the Rector...                                                        February 2008

Well, here we are in February. As I write this the temperature has fallen from the upper forties to near zero – Just another day in Chicago weather!! The sun is now blazing in my window, but seems to be having a difficult time warming the air outside. Sometimes, that’s just the way it is. (Frequently that’s the way it is in Chicago in February.)

            February has always been one of my favorite months, in spite of the fact that by now winter is getting really old. As a child it held the excitement of being my birthday month. (As one ages, the fascination of birthdays wanes a bit, though this year is a milestone – 50 years!) As a newlywed there was always the excitement of Valentines day and a chance to be a little more overt about demonstrations of love. Of course, February 12^th always brings an excuse to learn a little more about my favorite president, Abraham Lincoln. Still, the inside is really getting confining. Symptoms of cabin fever are starting to appear. In spite of all the evidence to the contrary, the potential energy of spring is beginning to build.

            In the life of the church we are beginning the season of Lent, a time of penitence and preparation. Lent comes really early this year with Ash Wednesday on the 6^th so be prepared. Why not join us for soup and stations on Fridays at noon. We do the Stations of the Cross (about 20 minutes of guided meditation on the passion of Jesus Christ) and then have a simple lunch of soup and bread and fellowship. You also might take on the discipline of an adult ed class or a bible study. There are many options available, both on Sundays and during the week. We will be organizing a newcomers class for those who want to find out more about what it means to be an Episcopalian and a member of this parish. Keep your eyes peeled for information coming soon to the pulse.

            Last week at the Annual Meeting we had a lot of debate about who we were and where we were going, though you might not have noticed. Our debate focused on our budget and our name. At times it got as blustery as a February snowstorm. Like a February snowstorm, though, I think it is the harbinger of new life and energy. We are passionate about this place and I wouldn’t want it any other way. The first step in moving to a new place is often a sense of uncomfortableness with where we are. As we move ahead together I am excited about the new leadership team we have. It is clear that we all have work to do, but I have no doubt that we are up to the task, because we are called to be here now. As I said on Sunday, we are called to be here now; the hands and feet of Christ in the world, but even more so, the hands and feet of Christ in the Fox Valley. If we are faithful we need have no fear. The adventure continues.

See you in Church!

Bill +

From the Wardens....

St. Charles' Episcopal Church is a leader in the Diocese

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you at the Diocesan Convention in November. It was historic, the first time that women had ever been nominated for our Diocesan Bishop. Women now make up about a third of all the rectors in our Diocese. Here's a little of the flavor of the voting November 10. There was great anticipation before the first ballot, with many of us speculating who the voting leaders would be. And then when the first results were announced, you could feel a sense of excitement when the Rev. Jeffrey Lee led in both the clergy and lay votes. But he didn't reach the required numbers. Then "the buzz" was that some candidates may drop out because they were well behind. If so, how would their supporters vote? As it turned out, to our surprise, no one dropped out after the first round. We didn't know what to expect. But it only took one more ballot to find a winner--Jeff Lee. When the results were announced there were cheers of joy--and sighs of relief to have a clear cut winner.

We are very proud of our rector, deacon and staff because they are clearly leaders in the Diocese. Father Bill has served on Standing Committee (the Diocese's board of directors) for some time. And at the convention he was elected an alternate delegate to the General Convention. Deacon Liz is the President of the Deacons' Council, co-chair of the Millennium Development Goals Task Force and also will teach at Deacons' School. Liz Ryan, our Director of Youth and Children's Formation, worked hard at the convention, and serves on the Youth Ministry Network and the steering committee for Happening, the high school retreat experience.

In addition to our clergy and staff, St. Charles' is also well represented in the Diocese by our lay members, especially our youth. Jess Elfring was a college delegate to the convention, and also helped lead some of the youth music there. Jess also serves on the planning committee for the Diocesan mission trip, and in the Youth Ministry Network. Nate Nesbit was a youth delegate and sang in the young peoples' choir. Nate also serves on the steering committees for Happening, and New Beginnings, the middle school retreat experience. Kim Ingraham is a co-rector of New Beginnings. And this is just the tip of the iceberg of our church's involvement with the Diocese. As you can see, St. Charles' really is a leader in the Diocese.

One of the things leaders try to do is set a good example. As such, we have endeavored for a number of years to pay our fair share to the Diocese, "the common mission share." At the convention we could see the Diocese in action. The Diocesan staff is always there for us. It does so much we're not even aware of, and does it frugally. Your vestry reconfirmed our commitment to maintain our Diocesan pledge at the January vestry meeting.

Much is happening in your Diocese, and St. Charles' is doing its part to help.

God's peace,


Bo Smith (Sr. Warden)                                                                       

Colin Campbell (Jr. Warden)

P.S. Remember to see the miracles!

A Note from Anne Lander: 

Please consider being in charge of this year's rummage sale.

It's a great ministry to share with someone else here at church. Other than setting the date and making sure there are advertisements in the local newspaper and notices in the newsletter and Pulse, almost all the work falls within one week. There is a file with information on how past sales were run, and I will be more than happy to answer questions and help.

I have had the pleasure of organizing the sale for a few years but can no longer do it because I have changed work responsibilities/hours. The rummage sale is a worthwhile project for our church and the community, as well as on an individual basis. People coming to the sale get to see our building and talk with helpers here. Kind of a way for us to introduce ourselves without pressure. We also make some money to support our ministries.

Of course this ultimately helps our community. There is also the recycling issue: Passing on good items for reuse. Also, many people buying are either bargain hunters or those who depend on such opportunities to find good, useable clothes and other items that are within their budget.

 The parish members who come to help get to visit with each other as they work, and if they are here on the day of the sale, get to meet and talk to many visitors. It's really a lot of fun! Many of the same people have been coming to shop here for years.

I've enjoyed my time "in charge" and you will, too.

Give it a try!                                                                                                                                                   

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm you can look forward to fluffy pancakes, yummy sausages and drinks to wash them down! Our traditional pancake supper will be held in Ludtke Hall and your family, friends and neighbors are invited. Please sign up on the Pancake Poster on the kitchen door so we can be sure to have enough for everyone. Cost of the meal is: $5 per person. (Children 3 and under eat for free!) Anyone interested in helping please call Liz Ryan @ 630.584.2596 for more information.

A Thank You from the Salvation Army...

We received a letter from the Salvation Army to say “Thank You!” for our participation in their Angel Tree program. Jennie Zeigert, Social Services Director, said, “This year the parents who registered for the Christmas program were able to do Christmas shopping from the generous hearts of the community and the Angel Tree donations that the Salvation Army received. Each parent was able to shop for their children and give each child a warm winter coat, hat, gloves, socks, shoes, three articles of clothes, three toys and books. On top of that, the parents were able to pick out a board game for the family, a stocking full of goodies for everyone, and a special bag just for mom.”

Well done St. Charles’ Episcopal! We have once again lived out our Mission: We are a church with a big heart, shining the light of Christ, joyfully serving others.

Ever thought about ADOPTION?

There will be an informational meeting about Adoption at St. Patrick’s Church, 6N491 Crane Road, St. Charles on Monday, March 3^rd at 7:00 PM. The information will be presented by Sunny Ridge Family Center. Register free by calling Sunny Ridge at 630.754.4542 or visit their website www.sunnyridge.org .

Do you know there are companies who will match your gift to the church? You could double or triple your donation to St. Charles’ painlessly! 

Some of the companies who participate in this matching program....

Abbott Labs

Aetna

AIG, Inc.

Allstate Corp.

Altria Group, Inc.

American Express

American Intnl Grp

Amer. National Bank

Ameritech Corp.

Amoco Corp.

AMSTED Ind.

AON Corp.

AT&T

Bankers Life & Casualty

Baxter International

Bituminous Casualty

Burlington Northern Santa Fe

Leo Burnett Co.

Caterpillar Inc

CBI Industries

Central IL Light Co.

Chamberlain Mfr.

Chicago Title + Trust

Chicago Tribune

CNA Co.

Corn Products Intnl.

Deluxe Co. Fdn

Direct MarketingTech

Follett Co.

GATX Co.

Grant Thornton LLP

Greenpoint Fdn

Grenzebach, Glier & Assoc.

Harris Trust&Savings

Harris.Bancorp

Hartmarx Co.

Heller Financial

Hewitt Assoc. LLC

Houghton Mifflin

IBM

IDEX Corp.

Illinois Tool Works

The Interlake Corp.

Johnson & Johnson

Kemper Insurance

LaSalle Ntl Bank

MacLean-Fogg Co.

McDonald Corp.

Monsanto

Morton International

Nicor Gas

Northern Trust Co

Northwest Industries

NutraSweet Co.

Nuveen & Co. Inc

People’s Energy Corp

Pfizer Foundation

Phillip Morris

Premark International

Protection Mutual Insurance

Quaker Oats Co.

Rand McNally

Rexnord Foundation

RLI Insurance Co.

Sara Lee Corp.

Spiegel, Inc.

Square D Co.

A.E. Stanley Co.

State Farm Insurance

Tandy/Radio Shack

Thrivent Financial

TTX Co.

UBS

Unitrin, Inc.

U.S. Cellular

USG Corp.

W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Whitman Corp.

WMX Technologies

Zurich Amer. Insur.

These are just a few of the companies! For a complete listing see the bulletin board in Ludtke Hall.

What’s Up in Kids’ Formation?

The Purple Atrium is having so much fun learning about what Jesus did in His life. The class in the Green Atrium is studying the Parables of the Sower and the Good Samaritan. The children in the Blue Atrium are learning about the Prophets and what they did.

The Middlers/Thunder Chickens(?) know hunger is a problem that never goes away. In their class they’ve discussed what Jesus calls us do - just as Peter was instructed “feed my sheep” we need to remember to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Please be generous in your donations to the “Hunger doesn’t end after the holidays” food drive. You can drop off non-perishables in the baskets in the foyer and Ludtke Hall. All food they collect will be dropped off at Salvation Army on Valentines Day (because what better way to share our love?!).

The Jr. High had a great showing at New Beginnings! Kim Ingraham, Nate Nesbit, and Emily Thomson represented our church on staff at weekend #19 being held at St. Mary’s Park Ridge Jan. 25 - Jan. 27. (Our very own Kim Ingraham was one of the Co-Rectors, or leaders, of the weekend!) Participating were Avie Churchwell, Sarah Ditch, Kyle Ingraham, Kate Iten, Ian Rhead, Sarah and Emily Vitel. Please keep these young people in your prayers as they grow in their relationships with Christ and one another.

The High School says “Thank You” for your participation in the Super Subs Sale! They made all kinds of delicious subs on day of our Annual Meeting. Yum, did the church smell good! And huge thanks to Kathy Hari and Rich Foster who co-ordinated and shopped for this sale.

Announcements:

☺          February 3^rd is Boy Scout Sunday, wear your Scouting uniform!

☺          Bring your family to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 6pm to 7:30pm and enjoy the best pancakes and sausage anywhere! Cost: $ 5 per person, kids 3 and under eat free.

☺          High School students can fill out application forms for Happening 86 coming up Feb. 29 - Mar. 2.

            This is a great weekend experience and lots of fun. Cost: $ 45 before Feb. 8^th.

☺          Look for information about our diocesan summer camp program (Camp Chicago) and other events for youth throughout our diocese in our Pulse and online at www.episcopalchicago.org . If you need forms or any other info contact Liz Ryan at the church.

☺          Ludtke Scholarship Applications have been given out to graduating senior in our High School class. (If your graduating senior has not received a copy or has misplaced it, call Liz Ryan for additional copies.)

☺          Thanks to Mary Zupke, Regan Jancauskas, Mary Benjamin, Beverly for their help with the Annual Meeting Children’s Activities. A good time was had by all!

WE ARE THE STEWARDS OF THIS

HOUSE OF GOD

AND HIS HOUSE IS IN NEED OF CARE AND MAINTENANCE

If you would like to help finance any of the items in the

 “Safety and Health” or “Critical Maintenance”

Lists please fill out one of the

“pledge to help” cards and give it to a member of the Vestry

or to Ed Manning or Phyllis Andrew.

______________________ THANK YOU!__ __ ________________________

SAFETY AND HEALTH

1. Exterior Lighting Needed

·    Upper parking lot

·    North sidewalk from parking lot to front

·    Front of church (night visibility)

2. Repair and seal upper parking lot

3. Remove damaged and deteriorating shed from parking lot

4. Have kitchen and stove (including vent hood) professionally cleaned, checked for safety and sanitary conditions.

5. Replace garbage can in kitchen with a commercial grade, sanitary model

6. Repair/relocate gutter that is draining over (new) east door steps

7. Clean/repaint Scout Closet; relocate food that is presently stored in there

8. Clean North hall in basement

9. Replace older doors and locks in building with newer, more secure doors & locks

10. Add 2 more rails to (new) east door stairs; light stairs

CRITICAL MAINTENANCE

1. Paint all outside trim and repair and paint front pillars

2. Repair, caulk, weatherstrip or replace windows as needed

3. Tuck pointing as needed

“WISH” LIST

Outside:

1.   New, expanded parking lot and appropriate lighting

2.   Improve landscaping including:

·    Plantings along east wall adjacent to parking lot

·    Removing dirt mound from front lawn

·    Mulching all trees

·    Renovate landscaping in Memorial Garden ,

·    Landscaping area around south side wall

3.   Take down old gas lanterns

4.   Put up bronze sign (location to be determined)

5.   Remove broken bench from labyrinth area

6.   Clean chandelier on front porch

7.   Replace “Sandwich Board” signage in the front lawn with more permanent signage for advertising special services and events

8.   Columbarium area needs some work: Clean cement; spacers in patio are rotting (possibly replace that cement patio with a bluestone patio);

9.   Both Memorial Garden doors need new and better overhead lights.

10. Remove and store air conditioners from windows in the winter for purposes of aesthetic appeal of south building exposure and heat conservation

Inside:

New Hall area:

·    Automatic door closers for bathrooms

·    Wallpaper border in bathrooms need repair

·    Finish decorating new hall with large plant/tree and new pads for chairs

Kitchen

·    Replace cabinets in kitchen

·    Replace ceiling in kitchen

·    Sand and refinish wood butcherblock counter in kitchen, or replace with stainless steel (more sanitary)

·    New refrigerator – industrial type with ice maker

·    Re-label drawers and cabinets

Ludtke Hall

·    Paint and re-decorate Ludtke Hall

·    Move/replace curtain that separates the two sides of Ludtke Hall

·    More storage for tables & chairs/ better doors for ‘table and chair’ closet

·    Better lighting in Ludtke Hall

·    Clean carpet in Ludtke Hall

·    Throw away old couch

Sanctuary

·    Replace front door to church with doors that have glass panels like the new back doors

·    Third pew – left side: refinish

·    Do regular “high-up” cleaning 2 times a year (professional)

·    New shades for south windows

·    Windows above door need cleaning

·    Need appropriate sound system in sanctuary

Lounge/Library

·    Lounge/library needs carpeting, lighting, painting, new lampshades

·    Books need to be sorted, organized, etc.

·    Slip cover for couch and wing backs

·    Hall outside of Lounge: the cubbyholes on either side of doors should be made into closets with doors

General

·    Paint ALL trim in the entire church once every 5 years

Downstairs

·    Bathrooms downstairs are unkempt, old, need painting and updating

·    New utility sinks downstairs

·    New Storage cabinet in work closet

·    New curtains for classrooms

·    All rooms and halls downstairs should be painted every 5 years, including baseboards, doorjams and all trim

·    New window shades downstairs

·    Update Ludtke Scholarship Plaque in hall (several years behind)

·    Clean couches

·    General neatness (or lack thereof) needs to be addressed

·    Nursery needs to be thoroughly cleaned and painted

·    Storage areas downstairs – need to decide how to use that space and use it wisely. Make it usable and pleasant.

·    Re-tile entire basement

·    Back stairway, from kitchen to basement, should be painted white

·    Clean north hall

Music Room

·    Music room should be painted, including doors and trim.

·    Music room closets should be re-arranged for better usage

·    Music room closets should be dusted and cleaned regularly

And now for something completely different....

Someone we all know and love is turning 50! 

Father Nesbit is going to be celebrating the big 5-0 on Feb 26^th. Come to church on Saturday Feb 23^rd from 6-9pm to help him mark this milestone! Bring an appetizer or dessert to share, beverages will be provided. No presents please, but canned goods for the food drive, gag gifts or a good “roast” will be accepted.

Feb 2 Consecration of Bishop Lee 1 PM
Feb 2 Mardi Gras @6:30 PM
Feb 3 Seating of the Bishop 4 PM
Feb 5 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 6-7:30 PM
Feb 6 Ash Wed. Services 6:30AM, 12PM, 7:30PM
Feb 8 Stations of the Cross & Soup 12PM
Feb 9 Vestry Retreat
Feb 15 Stations of the Cross & Soup 12PM
Feb 15 Hesed House
Feb 22 Stations of the Cross & Soup 12PM
Feb 28 Soup Kitchen
Feb 29 Stations of the Cross & Soup 12PM
Feb 29 Happening #86, Emmanuel, Rockford

VESTRY

Bo Smith, Senior Warden

Colin Campbell, Junior Warden

ST. CHARLES’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The Rt. Rev Jeffrey Lee, 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

Beth Burnette, Administrative Assistant

phone: 630-584-2596

Fax: 630-584-8633

email: scecoffice@sbcglobal.net

Web site: www.stcharlesepiscopal.org