The Heartbeat of
St. Charles’ Episcopal Church
630.584.2596 scecoffice@sbcglobal.net www.stcharlesepiscopal.org
Bibletimes Marketplace
It’s not too late to sign up for Bibletimes Marketplace! This wonderful summer program for kids ages 4 through 12 is still accepting registrations. Registration forms are available on the display in Ludtke Hall or from Liz Ryan. Tribes gather Monday through Friday mornings July 30 through August 3. They have the opportunity to join others in the church at it’s infancy where they
• hear the Gospel
• learn about the tribes of Israel with their small group in the back yard of Bethlehem Lutheran church
• bake bread
• learn about traditions and trades of the people of the New Testament
• watch dramas and play like children would in that time.
This is a cooperative effort that has been very successful and looks like it will be a hit again this year.
We are also eagerly accepting helpers - adults and older teens especially!
It takes over 85 adults to make this program work and we are still a few short, so give some thought to lending your gifts to the children of our church and the community.
You can do the following either all week or just for one day.
teach a Bibletimes trade or craft (we’ll teach you)
set up or take down
be an actor
help with childcare for leaders’ little ones
be a photographer from our church
or do any of a number of jobs!
If you see something you like to do, or are interested but need more information, call Liz Ryan 584-2596.
Clergy Notes
July is the month where summer really takes hold. The flurry of activity that comes with the end of the school year has died down. The heat and humidity that came and went during May and June is now here to stay. We slow down. Some of our jobs switch to a summer schedule that allows us to get out of work a little earlier on Fridays. Weekend trips take us to cool forests, or lakes and rivers where the water takes the oppression out of the heat. Slowly, the clench in the back that comes from constant hunching over into the winter wind of Chicago is released in a slow sigh. The formal, organized vacations will come in August. July is the time of occasional long weekends and mini-vacations.
Now that the church is growing we don’t have room to drop to two services anymore and so we chug along as we usually do with three services. And now that we have air-conditioning we don’t relax the dress code for those serving at the altar anymore either. I’m kind of missing the laid back summer routine, so don’t be surprised if I call for a vestment free Sunday sometime soon, just for old times sake.
July is also the month where we celebrate our nations independence. We have much to be thankful for. Every four years we have an election to elect our president. The change of power is marked by a parade and inaugural celebration. All citizens are allowed to vote and no one need fear for their life to exercise that right. It is not so in many other countries in the world. It is easy to forget how truly blessed we are and what a great responsibility we have been given. This fourth of July as you sit in your lawn chair or lie on your blanket in the park and watch the fireworks light up the sky, say a prayer for all those people who are cowering in fear of real bombs, people who through no fault of their own are living in countries where there is no stable government, or where other governments are forcing their will upon them. Say a prayer also for our government, that it may continue always to see itself and act as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
See you in Church!
Bill+
From the wardens...
When you read this it will be July - the middle month of the summer and I'm still waiting for things to slow to that "quieter summer pace" that Father Bill talks about.
The summer started with the Senior High School Mission trip to eastern Kentucky. It was an amazing experience. Don't miss reading Liz Ryan's mission report in this newsletter.
Thanks to Christy Becker's Communication team and Colin Campbell, we now have all new bulletin boards throughout the church. Dick Hattan and Evangelism are working on new interior signage for the church.
Erik Balisi has installed recording equipment so that you can now "hear" Bill's and Liz's sermons on the website (stcharlesepiscopal.org). Just go to the Sermon Page.
The Building Team is working on repairing the folding partition in Ludtke Hall and refinishing the choir floor in the church.
In addition:
*Cougars baseball - July 27th and August 9th
*Lay weeding in the Memorial Garden
*The new Photo Directory is almost finished. Do you have your picture in it?
With everything that is going on at our church, we are constantly in need of folks who are willing to live their faith by getting involved as we "joyfully serve others." What would you like to do? What talents has God blessed you with?
Our Hesed House ministry is particularly in need of additional help. Ask Phil Dripps or one of the Wardens how you can help.
St. Charles’ Episcopal Church is truly a place of Miracles. Be sure to pay attention to the Miracles and God's continued blessings.
God bless each of you,
Bob Parks (Senior Warden)
Bo Smith (Junior Warden)
Our deepest sympathy...
to Fay Viverito upon the loss of her mother, Audrey Boyle on June 11th.
to Norm Stickler upon the loss of his mother, Marjorie Stickle on June 23rd.
One Liners from the Mission in the Mountains...
Our High School Mission Trip was a tremendous experience! Ask any of the young people who participated (translated: worked themselves to the bone!) and they will tell you that this was a faith-filled and inspiring trip. Please check out the photos* on the bulletin board in Ludtke Hall to get an idea of what happened during the week of June 11-16th in Prestonsburg, KY.
*No youths were injured or endangered in the making of these memories.
And ask us about....
“The Schuetz Chute” - Hannah Koch
“That’s no jive!” - Holly Parks
“Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t cut the mustard” - Kim Ingraham
“I don't think we could have been helping a more deserving person than Debra Leggit. Her optimism and faith were inspiring." - Damon Heikkinen
“What the heck is a 12 to 1 wheelchair ramp???” - Bob Parks
“We’ve painted the registers four times and NOW we’re buying new ones? - Dan Steamer
“Lots of fun, hard work, helping people, so inspirational, fixing up the kitchen, daisies - and now I can paint DOORS!” - Jillian Steamer
“God gave me back my voice before I could talk so I could praise Him!” - Liz Ryan
“Sure I can help with the wheelchair.”- David Trizzino
“Wow, I’ve never spent two hours in a Lowes before!” - Peter Van Nortwick
“We’ll get up an hour early and make everyone breakfast! Can we please?”- Christina Foster
“Fallen Rock Zone!!!” - Austin Schuetz
“Don’t back into the table, you’ll get streaks.” - Ali Blane
“Buns are important!” - Andrew Schuetz
“I love my air mattress!” - Emma Larson
“She said I was her hero.” - Brittany Towne-Mugge
“Who messed up my floor!?!” - Taushia Mugge
“That’s what I thought...” (in answer to the riddle of the measurements for the ramp) - Cory Blane
There are stories behind each of these one liners that are worth telling, be sure to ask! There will be a homily from the Mission Trip group in September.
Take me out to the ballgame...
Tickets for the July 27 Kane County Cougars baseball game are here! If you signed up to purchase tickets for that game, you can pay for them by making a check payable to St. Charles’ Episcopal Church (please note "baseball game" in the memo line). You can then drop the check in the collection plate during Sunday services, or deliver it directly to the church office. Money is due NO LATER than July 20. Tickets for the August 9 game will be distributed later, and money for that game will be collected at that time. Keep your eye on the Pulse for more details. Call Katie Thomson with any questions.
A Hearty Thank You!
Have you noticed new furniture for the church?
Thanks go to Jane and Bill Van Nortwick for the new couch in the Parlor and to Wink and Wendy Bangs for the welcome table in the Foyer.
A Communiqué from the Communications Committee...
The Communications Committee meets regularly under the leadership of Christy Becker. Members include Jan Bach, Ali Blane, Wendy Bangs, Julie Chadwick, Katie Ditch, Bo Smith and Liz Ryan. The Communications committee was busy reorganizing and rearranging Ludtke Hall. The Sign Up Sheets have been taken off the tables and placed in the northeast corner of Ludtke Hall. New bulletin boards were put up by Colin Campbell and Liz Ryan. If you pick up a bulletin or other information when you visit another church, why not post it on the “Parish Family” bulletin board. Share good ideas (from a previous parish or one you have visited) by contacting Christy (360-377-4369) or the other committee members.
Your new Pictorial Directory will be available later this summer.
Women’s Book Group News
The Women’s Book Group is meeting on Thursday, July 19th at 7:30 pm to discuss
Being Dead in No Excuse by Gayden Metcalf. Copies are available through the library. It is a lighthearted look at Southern funeral receptions and community building. For more information contact Deacon Liz Meade scecdeacon@sbcglobal.net.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Invites you...
Are you looking for a ministry to join? Are you feeling creative? Did you want to learn something new this summer? Join the prayer shawl ministry as we gather, talk, knit and crochet, and pray on Thursday, July 5 at 7 pm and Tuesday, July 17 at 10 am.
Holy Casserollers!
If you are interested in helping provide “Emergency Meals” for those of our parish who are experiencing a time of need (new babies, illness, death in the family) come join us Sunday, July 8th at 7 pm in Ludtke Hall. Bring a fruit or dessert to share and your favorite simple casserole recipe. We will be cooking together and make several casseroles to be stored in our freezers for the right moment. This will be a monthly event and promises to be full of fun and fellowship! Can’t come that evening but interested – call Liz Ryan at church 584-2596.
Episcopal Day at Six Flags Great America
Calling all the “young and young at heart”!!!
Every year the Diocese of Chicago participates in the Province Five event to beat all events! We fill Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL with tons of Episcopalians! This year the date is Tuesday August 14th!!! If you and your family would like to go have fun in the sun and a Eucharist under the rollercoasters, order forms for tickets are available on the clipboard shelf in Ludtke Hall. Ticket prices are a deeply discounted $30 per person (a HUGE savings). Meal tickets can also be purchased in advance. But don’t delay, the deadline for ordering tickets is Aug. 1st to enable Sue Cromer, (Diocesan Youth Coordinator) the time to mail out your tickets to your home.
Youth & Children’s Formation Registration
Although it’s still the middle of the summer the Formation department is gearing up for Fall. To enable us to plan correctly we are asking all parents to register their children now for their perspective Formation classes. We want to make sure we have supplies and staff in the correct proportions to size of our program. To that end, you will find Registration Forms in the acrylic holder on the table in the foyer. Forms can also be found on the website (www.stcharlesepiscopal.org/stckidspage). You will note that each family will only fill out one form with each child listed separately on the lower portion of the page. Please fill out the form completely and return it to Liz Ryan, Director of Youth & Children’s Formation. You may e-mail the online form to scecyouth@sbcglobal.net or slip it in her mail slot at the church or mail it to:
St. Charles’ Episcopal Church
994 N. 5th Ave.
St. Charles, IL 60174
A Note from Susie & Doug Robinson
Finally sending you our new address. I had some problems with my computer after hooking it back up. But hopefully all is well now.
Our address is: 7825 Desert Bell Ave.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89128
702-838-2531
We have found a church about 10 mins from us. It happens to be an Anglican Church, St. George’s. We tried a couple of others in the general area, but they were just a little too liberal for us. So we are trying this one and see how it goes.
Our Best to everyone.
Susie and Doug Robinson
Another new (but temporary) address...
Sally & Gary Punch
1429 Alcovy Mountain Road
Monroe, GA 30655
Worship Committee Notes...
The Worship Committee meets quarterly to facilitate and encourage planning and communication between those ministries under Worship and the staff on a quarterly basis.
Committee members are:
The Church Staff
Fr. Nesbit- Chair
Deacon Liz Meade
Liz Ryan
Dan Williams
Lela Lowe
Jamie Koch Acolytes
Kathy Hari Altar Bread Team
Barbara Bachman Altar Guild
Phyllis Andrew Choir
Carol Paschal Flower Guild
Bo Smith Intercessors
Kathy Mertes Lay Eucharistic Minister
Walker Bowman Lectors & Ushers
Kerri Hildebrand 9 AM Host Families
Cathy Koch Vestry
In order to help facilitate and encourage participation from the congregation in our planning, a suggestion box "From the Pew" is out in Ludtke Hall. If you have any cares, concerns or compliments you would like to share with the Worship committee or the Vestry, please fill out a "From the Pew" comment sheet and deposit in the "church" or contact the appropriate representative. Some recent comments have been:
"Please, no gum chewing in church."
"Please start the service ON TIME (especially the 10:45 AM service)."
"How about a jazz service?"
"Please remind people to be quiet and considerate before the services and socialize after the service".
These comments are discussed and noted at the Worship quarterly meetings.
Let us hear from you. WE are the church.
Out of Town...
Liz Ryan will be out of town helping her mother recover from knee replacement surgery from August 5th through September 2nd. She will be available via e-mail (scecyouth@sbcglobal.net) and by cell phone 630-890-7099 should you need to contact her.
Sudan Update
Dear Friends,
Warm greetings to all of you.
Russell Randle, DC lawyer, very involved layman with the Diocese of VA, Christ Church, Alexandria, and Renk Diocese (Canon to St. Matthew Cathedral, Renk) has recently returned from his 3rd trip to Renk and will be flying here on July 12 to bring us all up to date news on the partnerships between Chicago churches and Renk. He has very important information, and gathering together on July 12 will be the most effective way to communicate with all churches here. (He is coming at his own expense, with encouragement from Bishop Daniel and Fr. Joseph.)
DATE: Thursday, July 12, 2007
TIME: 7:00 pm – simple salad supper
7:30 pm – powerpoint presentation by Russell Randle, followed by Q&A
PLACE: St. Michael's, 647 Dundee Ave., Barrington, IL 60010 - 847-381-2323 website: www.stmichaelsbarrington.org
PURPOSE: Update on your link with St. Barnaba, Geiger, along with other partnerships between Chicago and Renk
Please RSVP to Jackie Krause (847-381-5518 or email jackkraus@aol.com) as soon as possible. This is a most important opportunity for all of us.
Amnesty International's
Interfaith Urgent Action Project
The Interfaith Urgent Action Project (IUAP) is a way for members of churches, synagogues, mosques, religious organizations and all faith communities to respond to the cruel and inhumane treatment of their fellow human beings.
The IUAP is part of the Amnesty International’s Urgent Action Network (UAN), established 30 years ago on the belief that people of all faiths have a vital role to play in the work of eliminating injustice and the practice of torture and executions. The IUAP is also part of the Interfaith Network for Human Rights at Amnesty, which mobilizes people and communities of faith to stop human rights abuses.
I would arrange for one Urgent Action notice to be e-mailed to me each month. What we do at that point is up to those participating in the IUAP. We could meet one Sunday between services to discuss the UA and jointly decide on a response, we could decide on a petition that all interested parishioners could sign, I could forward the UA to all the participants and we could write individual letters, or we could decide what to do depending on the UA. There are guidelines to follow when composing a letter. I estimate that this work would take an hour or two each month and will get easier with experience.
If you would like to see an example UA, see, phone, or e-mail me. We need a minimum of three other participants before we start this work.
Jim Bachman
KENT’S KIDS
While you are sorting through children's clothes this summer, please remember that Sarah Travis is collecting children’s gently used t-shirts and sandals. Kent McQueen who is a dear family friend, is in Iraq. He wrote home and said there is a need for these items for the kids. Please look for the box in the parish hall that says, Kent's Kids. Thank you.
Millennium Development Goals Quiz
How well do you know what we're trying to accomplish by the year 2015? Take this short quiz and see how you measure up! (Answers at the bottom of the page.)
Fill in the blanks:
1. Eradicate extreme _________ and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary _____________
3. 3.Promote gender equality and empower _________
4. Reduce _______ mortality
5. Improve maternal _________
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, _______ and other diseases
7. Ensure _______________ sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for _____________
Answers:
1. poverty
2. education
3. women
4. child
5. health
6. malaria
7. environmental
8. development
VESTRY
Bob Parks, Senior Warden
Bo Smith, Junior Warden
2008 2009 2010
Joe Ryan Henry Mora Dick Hattan
Mary Zupke Cathy Koch Katie Thomson
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