All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small

All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.

Our pets are precious members of our family.

On this day as we honor St. Francis,

we invite you to bring your pets to

St. Charles Episcopal Church

for the

Blessing of

the Animals

Sunday, October 7, 2007

at 4:00 PM

in the side yard under the tent

994 N. 5^th Ave

St. Charles, IL 60174

For more information, call:

(630)584-2596

Pets of all faiths are welcome!

            October is probably my favorite month. It begins green and ends in a blaze of yellow brown and red. It is the month of harvest, of the turning of the leaves, and crisp mornings and the hint of wood smoke in the air. It is October when the shine has come off the excitement of back to school and the real work begins. Though I have been out of school for many years, every October I still feel the call to return to study. I usually scratch it by tackling a few days of seminary continuing education or digging in to a big or challenging book. I also frequently throw in a re-read of The Lord of the Rings, something I’ve been doing on and off since my college days.

            October is also a time to prepare for the long dark of winter. Garden beds are covered, window screens are washed and put away, replaced by storm windows. Snow blowers are dug out of the back corner of the garage and checked, spades are replaced by snow shovels, garden hoses are emptied and coiled for storage. The furnace is checked and cleaned and if you have a fireplace that still uses it, firewood is ordered and stacked.

            In church, October is much the same. The season after Pentecost has been going on all summer. The program year has begun and so many are returning to more regular attendance. For many it is a relief to be back in old patterns. The harvest comes in as children flood our formation classes with their special gift of joy and energy. The adults too return to the books as bible studies, book groups, and adult formation classes reform after the summer off. Even our pets and companion animals get into the act as they return for their annual blessing. The coffers of the church too receive their harvest as the returning people who had forgotten, remember their obligations and the Vestry and Treasurer breathe a collective sigh of relief.

            As we enter again the month of falling leaves I remind you that now is the time to prepare. If you want a faith that will last through those dark times, the time to prepare is when your faith is strong. Ask the questions now when you have time to look for answers. Take advantage of the many opportunities to learn and study NOW. Do not wait. It is hard to light a fire in the wind and rain, but it is easy to keep one going when the wind and rain come if the fire was already lit beforehand. Come to church now. Get involved. Light your fire of faith.

See you in Church!

           Bill +

From the wardens... 

There was something about Sunday, Sept. 16, our first day of the new church program year, that felt special. Most of us enjoy the summer and its warm weather, and hopefully get a little time off for vacation. But there is just something about this time of year, and being more focused on our faith. Did you feel it?

In addition to things like children's formation and choir that started up again Sunday, we also celebrated Time and Talent Sunday. Thanks to the efforts of Michelle Moore, Liz Ryan and many more, it was a success. The purpose was twofold--to make everyone aware of all the ministries we're involved in, and to seek more volunteers. We accomplished both. The array of displays was impressive, and a number of volunteers signed up. If you weren't able to attend, there are still plenty of volunteer opportunities. Just call or email the office. Thanks again to all involved.

If you've never been to an Interfaith Prayer for Peace service, we suggest you check one out. This friendly, casual service was started by our own Ed Manning and Mazher Ahmed of the Batavia Islamic Center more than a year ago, and brings together people of many faiths. Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Christian, Baha'i and others are all represented. In addition to strengthening our faith through prayer, this service broadens us and gives us all a better understanding of other cultures and faiths. Watch the Pulse for news of the next service, which will be held in October. For more information contact Ed at (630) 208-9136 or EKManning5@aol.com.

It's not too early to be thinking about running for vestry, the church's lay leadership. There will be several vacancies available, and all are encouraged to get involved. Make no mistake, it is a commitment--but a special one you won't regret. Please prayerfully consider this, and feel free to contact the office or any vestry member for more information.

We've found over the years that it's not unusual for pledge payments to run behind during the summer months, with a number of folks on vacation. Unfortunately, our expenses don't stop during the summer, so the church now finds itself in a little bit of a cash flow crunch. If your pledge is behind, if you could please see fit to bring it up to date, we would sincerely appreciate it. And if there's any way you could even pay some of your pledge ahead, that would really help. As always, if your financial circumstances have changed, just let Father Bill know.

God's peace,

Bob Parks (Senior Warden)

Bo Smith (Junior Warden)

P.S. Remember to see the miracles!

Thank YOU

Thanks you to all who attended to our 7th annual Churchfest. A great time was had by all while enjoying the ""Retired Rascals"". We made approximately $625 toward the many St.Charles’ ministries. A great BIG THANK YOU goes out to the many helping hands to make this event happen. Matt Rhead and his kitchen staff of Bill & Margo Churchwell, Maria Foran, Jim Hari, Grace Rhead, Joe Ryan, & Bo Smith. Liz Ryan and her team for the wonderful Midway Games to keep our children entertained. The important Tent Crew, Set-up and Clean-up Crew, Advertising and Ticket Sales Wendy Bangs & Katie Thomson, and all the behind the scenes and last minute details that people stepped up to the plate to pitch in and help –– Thank you

Also a special thanks to all who donated raffle items - Wendy Bangs, The Churchwell Family/Plano Molding, The Hari Family, Karen Madura, The Miller Family, and Bernice Ward. Rich Foster was the winner of the 50/50 raffle. Thanks again, The Picnic Committee

Fantastic Funday

 Oct. 14

St. Mark's - Glen Ellyn

Fantastic Funday, an afternoon of music and magic for children, will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14 at St. Mark''s Episcopal Church, 393 N. Main St. (at Hillside Ave.) in downtown Glen Ellyn. The event is a fund raiser for St. Gregory Episcopal School in Chicago, which provides a K-8 faith-based education to boys from the poorest communities, preparing them for admission to the city''s finest high schools.

Fantastic Funday will offer two performances, which will run simultaneously. Bill Hooper''s "Music for Active Children" for children ages 2-7 features songs such as "Silly Little Ostrich" and "Dinosaur Dance."

For the older children, Michael Kett from Really Cool Magic will present "Professor Marvel''s Amazing Flea Circus."

Tickets for Fantastic Funday are $6.50, children under age two are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased or placed on will call by calling

Martice or Alexis at (773) 277-4447.

Tickets will also be available at the door.

SOUP KITCHEN

It may only be October, but many of us are already making our Thanksgiving Day plans. Please consider spending that day helping us to cook and serve a festive meal to the needy at Trinity Church in Aurora. Because our parish ministers to the poor and homeless on the fourth Thursday of every month, Thanksgiving Day is an opportunity to serve a fine meal to those who otherwise might go hungry.

This is a large undertaking, but many volunteers make it possible. We are looking for 8 people who will buy and cook an 11 – 12 and bring it to our parish kitchen the Tuesday before the holiday where it will be carved, and where gravy and stuffing will be prepared. We need other donations of food to complete the meal. We also need several people Thursday to transport the meal makings to Aurora, decorate the tables, and serve the meal. There are several jobs children can do. We serve our guests at their tables.

This is a wonderful opportunity for families to join together in sharing their time and services with others.

It is also a time for those who may be absent from their families to come together with their parish family on the holiday. Do you know anyone who will be alone on the holiday? Ask them to join us.

Our parish has always responded with enthusiasm to this endeavor. Please watch for the sign up sheet in Ludtke Hall at the end of this month to see how you can help. Questions? Call Liz Ryan at the church.

Can you bake? Our 2nd Annual Craft Show is Saturday, October 27th.

We need bakers to donate baked goods to sell at the show.

You could deliver them Friday night, 10/26 or Saturday morning by 9:30 AM. Thank you all for your support of this St. Charles Episcopal fundraiser.

Questions? Contact Fay Viverito canadafay[at]aol[dot]com or Michelle Moore teecher711[at]aol[dot]com.

Green Corner of Hope (Healing Our Planet Earth)

"Speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee." Job 12:8

Going fishing? Get the lead out! Fisherfolk need sinkers and jigs, but lead tackle is toxic and directly responsible for poisoning wildlife like loons and eagles, consumers of fish. There is a grown number of non-toxic alternative fishing weights made from bismuth, steel, ceramic and tungsten. Bans and restrictions on using lead equipment are in effect in ME, NH, VT, NY and Canadian national wildlife refuges. Buy alternative sinkers and jigs, and encourage stores to stock non-lead tackle. Tell others and get them to switch! For retailers, manufacturers and more info, go to the OEA's website: moea.state.mn.us/reduce/sinkers.cfm.

Ushers and Greeters

Several years have passed since the Ushers and Greeters have had a chance to review the procedures of their ministries. We plan to hold a series of sessions during which we will review the practices of this important ministry for the current roster of ushers and greeters and to introduce our new members. These sessions will last about 90 minutes and will be held on Friday, October 19, Saturday, October 20, and Sunday, October 21. The Friday session will start at 7:30 PM, the Saturday session at 1:00 PM, and the Sunday session at 12:30 PM. Attendance at only one is required.

Please think of any changes that you like to see in our procedures. We have a considerable degree of flexibility in scheduling and the conduct of our ministry. We want to make this function as pleasant for our ministers as we make it for our congregation.

Let Walker Bowman know your preferred time at BowmanWH[at]cs.[dot]com let Walker know and we will try to arrange a makeup session.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED

TO JOIN US IN CELEBRATING

THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION OF OUR LABYRINTH.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR

A SERVICE OF REDEDICATION

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2007

7:00 P.M.

ST CHARLES EPISCOPAL CHURCH

994 NORTH FIFTH AVE

ST CHARLES IL

RECEPTION FOLLOWING SERVICE

R.S.V.P.

THE CHURCH OFFICE: 630-584-2596

OR

 CATHY KOCH: C.N.KOCH[at]SBCGLOBAL[dot]NET

OR

 MARY ELFRING: MELFRING[at]COMCAST[dot]NET

Books!

The Women's Book Group meets the third Thursday of every month at the church from 7:30 - 9:00 pm.

New members are always welcome.

 The fall schedule is as follows:

October 18th     In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart: Help for the Hurting

                          by Ruth Graham

November 15^th A Deepening Love Affair The Gift of God Later in Life

                          by Jane Marie Thibault

Come, discuss, and enjoy the fellowship. Newcomers are always welcome.

Questions? See Wendy Bangs or Deacon Liz.

CROP WALK

An Opportunity.

CROP - Crops are raised for food. This is an appropriate name for a walk against hunger. CROP is also an acronym for Christian Rural Overseas Project. When CROP started nearly 60 years ago, food was collected across the United States from farmer's fields, transported by train to seaports, and put on freighters bound for Europe to feed those left hungry from the devastation of World War I. Today, CROP Walks raise money to continue the work started nearly 60 years ago.

No longer does the CROP Walk involve walks through farm fields to gather grain lost in harvesting. Instead, the walkers collect money to help those in need of food, clean water, and shelter. Of the money raised, 25 percent stays here in the Tri-Cities helping the hungry served by the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the Salvation Army Food Pantry, the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry, and Lazarus House. The remaining 75 percent of the money is sent to Church World Service. This organization of religious groups in the United States works to help others through the work develop the long-term resources necessary to raise their own food, to respond to emergencies, and assist refugees.

In the coming weeks, our church will prepare for the CROP Walk to be held on Sunday, October 21st. You can sign up to walk at the CROP table in Ludtke Hall. Walkers will be raising funds by asking for sponsors --- I encourage you to give even five dollars. Our goal is to raise $800.00 ($41 more than last year) and to have at least 12 walkers (3 more than last year).

This is an opportunity to respond to hunger both locally and throughout the world.

Please join us to help the less fortunate throughout the world by being a CROP walker or sponsor.

Nate Nesbit

Meet the Next Bishop!

There are six (6) opportunities to meet with and ask questions of the nominees for the 12th Bishop of Chicago. The sessions are open to clergy and lay people in the Diocese of Chicago and will occur between Tuesday, Oct. 23rd and Sunday, Oct. 28th.

The sessions closest to St. Charles are as follows:

Tuesday, October 23

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

393 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn

Registration at 5:30 p.m.; Welcome and Presentations at 6:15 pm

Wednesday, October 24

Church of the Redeemer

40 Center St., Elgin

Registration at 5:30 pm; Welcome and Presentations at 6:15 pm

Sunday, October 28

St. Luke's Episcopal Church

221 W. 3rd St., Dixon

Registration at 1:45 pm; Welcome and Presentations at 2:30 pm

The locations of the other presentations are: the south side of Chicago, Lake Forest, and Palos Park. Should you wish the times and locations of those meetings, please go to the diocesan web site. Your representatives to Diocesan Convention are Bob Parks, and Bo Smith. Deacon Liz and Father Bill are clergy delegates. As always, we welcome your thoughts and opinions regarding who might best serve as our next bishop.

Bring a Friend to Church

Sunday, October 21

The word Evangelism often evokes a feeling of dread and foreboding among Episcopalians. But it shouldn't be a burden and we've got an idea of how to make it easy for you. Many of us feel we have found something special at St. Charles Episcopal Church and would like to share that Good News with our friends and relatives. We have chosen Sunday, October 21, as Bring a Friend to Church Sunday. Our plan is for you to let us know who you'd like to invite to church and we'll do the rest. Write down the name and address of your guest and we'll send them a formal invitation by mail to join in our worship at whatever service you choose. Hopefully that service will be the one you attend. We'll have coffee and donuts available along with a welcome table to answer questions and distribute information packets. Mary Elfring has agreed to conduct tours of the labyrinth on that day, another one of the many reasons that our church is so special. We will be distributing forms to you at church over the next few Sundays for you to fill out with the names and addresses of your guests or if you choose, please email Dick Hattan with that information at richardhattan[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

UTO BLUE BOXES

It's that time of year again!

Take home a blue box and fill it with your spare change. Remember to give God thanks for whatever has blessed you that day. We will collect UTO boxes on the third Sunday in Advent, December 16th, so you have plenty of time to give thanks! Your contributions to UTO help you do your part in realizing the Millennium Development Goals.

United Thank Offering continues to be the backbone of mission support in the Episcopal Church. In 1889, UTO sent a female missionary to Japan and built an Episcopal church in Anvik, Alaska. Grants last year included $30,000 to renovate the old cathedral house in Bridgetown, Barbados into a center for HIV/AIDS education and $60,000 for a multipurpose building in Caracas, Venezuela to be used for programs serving children. Please take home a blue box and put your change in it each day. Need a Blue Box?

A Blue Envelope? More Information?

See Deacon Liz.

The MDGs

 What can I do?

EAT-IN TO HELP OUT

Invite your friends to a dinner at your home, and ask them ahead of time to bring with them whatever money they would spend on a dinner out in a restaurant. Explain that by coming to your house,

they will help to realize MDG #1: to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. Then, pass the hat!

The funds you collect can be put in the Sunday offering plate. On the pew envelope, designate your cash for MDGs and we will make sure it gets to Episcopal Relief and Development (er-d.org) or to our sister church St. Barnaba in Geiger, Sudan. (Your choice!) When you plan your EAT-IN TO HELP OUT party, Deacon Liz can provide you with materials to enhance your event.

Once again, here are the eight

 Millennium Development Goals.

By 2015, we will strive to:

Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education

Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women

Goal 4: Reduce child mortality

Goal 5: Improve maternal health

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development

Which ones speak to your heart - and what can you, as One Episcopalian, do to effect change?

I’ve Moved!

Patti Rixleben has moved back to Georgia for the winter months.

Please contact the church office for her new address.

Patti would love to hear from you.

Her birthday is January 3rd.

New Member Spotlight

Meet the Weiss Family

Paul, Jane, Colin, and Rogan Weiss have lived in Saint Charles for the past year and half. Paul grew up in the Joliet area and Jane grew up in…..well it is just easier to ask her. Paul and Jane are high school sweethearts. Jane received her teaching degree from NIU and taught 1st grade for 7years. After the birth of Colin, Jane took a leave from teaching to be a full time homemaker. Jane plans to return to teaching in the near future. Paul received his master's degree in Marriage and Family from NIU. Paul is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works part-time at DeKalb Youth Service Bureau as the Clinical Director and is a full-time Marriage Therapist/Educator at The Couples Clinic in Geneva. Colin is 3 ½ and just started preschool this year at Saint Charles Park District. Colin enjoys doing art projects, reading, playing in the garden, helping cook, and anything that has to do with dinosaurs. Rogan is 1 year old and his hobby is getting into everything he shouldn't. The Weiss's have a cat Simon, who enjoys leaving hairballs in unsuspecting places. Simon actually behaves more like a dog (don't tell him we said that he may take it the wrong way). In the morning, Simon enjoys snuggling up with Rogan when he is drinking his bottle and at night will keep Colin company in his room before bedtime. The Weiss Family enjoys camping, fishing, festivals, going to the zoo, and a number of other outdoor activities. Jane enjoys cooking and Paul, Colin, and Rogan like eating so we work well together.

Paul and Jane Weiss will be interviewing new members of the church to be featured in the newsletter. New members will also be featured on a bulletin board in Ludtke Hall. So, if you are new to the parish or if you know of new members please let us know via email at p.weiss[at]sbcglobal[dot]net.

Thank you and we look forward to meeting you!

Stewardship Campaign

Several years ago I gave a homily on stewardship. The theme of that homily was "Stewardship is what I do once I say 'I believe.'" I truly believe that to be true. When we say "I believe," and act upon that belief, we take leaps of faith. We open ourselves to see the miracles around us and to experience the joy of those miracles. The world may not be as we expect it, but we could be opening ourselves up to even more than we could ever have expected.

When we live out our faith within a community, we open the gates to even more wonders. As we give of our time, talent and treasure, we provide marvelous opportunities as a group to accomplish much more than we could ever do alone. This past summer I had the awesome experience of working with our high school youth on a mission trip. When you hear about all that we accomplished on this trip, you will be awed. Kids realized gifts they didn't know they had. These very busy kids (and adults) gave of their time and talent and even contributed money to this project. I would venture to say that each person on this trip was changed in a way that could not have happened if we had gone out alone. I believe we all got much more than we gave.

We are approaching the "Pledge Drive" time of stewardship. We will be asking each of you to seek in your heart and prayerfully consider what you can contribute of your treasure to the community known as St. Charles' Episcopal Church. The work that we do and the place that we provide is a manifestation of our faith and love of God. Over the next month, we will do a play called "Stone Soup" in place of a sermon. Then you will receive your pledge card, which we will ask you to return by mid-November so the vestry can work on the budget for 2008. What we give of our treasure will determine how we use our time and talent to take care of God's kingdom.

What do you do when you say "I believe"?

What’s Up in Kids’ Formation?

Happy October!

Classes have started and the Formation Hall is buzzing on Sunday mornings! Our first day of classes saw the wonderful excitement of teachers and students of all ages!

            Karen Madura and Melanie Enberg have the pleasure of working with the children in the Green Atrium. Melanie is a first time leader and is doing a great job! These kindergarten and first graders are full of energy, wonderful singers and masterful question askers! They are learning that Jesus loves them and have started off the year learning that they can help others by saving their change to buy chickens through the Heifer project.

            Bill Yeck, Maria Foran, Julie DuJardin and John Benjamin are in the Blue Atrium. The children are learning about the Bible starting with Who wrote it, and working through all the What, Where, When, and How questions they will cover Old and New Testament this year as well as many parts of the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer. This group is also participating in the Heifer Project by saving their pennies for animals for needy families all over the world.

            Bill Van Nortwick, Beverly Nesbit and Ed Manning and their group are working on the New Testament. Their approach includes a study of how the New Testament stories lead us to Christ and how to be a Christian in everyday life. They will also be heading up the annual “Hunger doesn’t end with the Holidays” food drive in January and February.

            Lisa Parse and Sarah Travis are leading the Jr. High class. The curriculum is from a program called “PUSH”. An acronym of “pray until something happens” and they will be praying and studying Old Testament.      

Holly & Bob Parks and Cory & Ali Blane leading the High School class They are spending the year why this Jesus guy?

Announcements:

            ☺ There will be a Blessing of the Animals on Sunday Oct. 7^th at 4pm. Please plan to bring your non-human “family members”! And if you have no pets, just come and enjoy the service surrounded by God’s creatures great and small!

            ☺ There will be a “blessing of the trick or treaters” at all three services on Sunday Oct. 28^th . Children who are planning to go “trick or treating” on Halloween will receive a copy of the blessing and a special bag to collect their goodies in.

Looking ahead...

             * Diocesan Convention is coming up November 9^th & 10^th at the Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling, IL. There is something offered for everyone, from young children to adults. Look for Registration forms in Ludtke Hall for more information.

VESTRY

Bob Parks, Senior Warden

Bo Smith, Junior Warden

2008                        2009                        2010

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

Administrative Assistant

phone: 630-584-2596

Fax: 630-584-8633

email: scecoffice@sbcglobal.net

Web site: www.stcharlesepiscopal.org