February St. Philip s Episcopal Church. 342 East Wood Street Palatine, Illinois The Rev. Laura Gottardi-Littell, Rector

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1 THE EPISTLE St. Philip s Episcopal Church 342 East Wood Street Palatine, Illinois (847) February 2015 The Rev. Laura Gottardi-Littell, Rector Dear St. Philip s Family and Friends, We shared some awesome times in Advent and Christmas together! The season of Epiphany is likewise off to a meaningful and uplifting start. Hard to believe another Lent is almost upon us! Lent, like winter in Chicago, is an acquired taste. Lent and winter nearly always coincide for those of us in the Northern hemisphere. Sometimes Lent can feel like a reinforcement of winter: a dark and gloomy time. A friend once remarked during a particularly cold winter, you know the kind where the snow has turned to dirty slush and the wind seems to continually blow: The world feels pretty Lenten right now. Sometimes Lent and winter can be difficult. Over the years, though, I ve stopped seeing Lent as a depressing time of year that I dread, and have started to embrace it, even look forward to it. I like to think this is a sign of maturity, not just age. Lent is actually a fertile time to sow spiritual seeds in fallow ground that will later come to life. 1 1

2 The word Lent is an old Anglo-Saxon word for spring. It s related to the word lengthen. In springtime, days grow longer. Lent may be a dark time in some ways, but within it are the seeds of spring and Easter. What is our goal in Lent? What are we trying to accomplish? There are many ways to approach Lent. Traditionally throughout the Christian Church, it s understood as a penitential season. It s a time to remember our specific sins or mistakes, as well as our general tendency to be flawed, and to try to atone, which means make ourselves right with God, self, and neighbor. In Lent, atonement can take many forms: fasting, alms-giving, prayer, and confession, to name a few. Some people give up a favorite temptation such as chocolate or TV. Others choose to take on one or more disciplines, such as reading a daily devotional, regular exercise, and/or attending a Lenten program or Bible study. I have heard Lent described as a time to remember our death. I have also heard it said that Lent is a time to remember our baptism. Some people think of Lent as a 40-day period of wandering in the wilderness, as Christ was tempted in the desert by Satan for 40 days, and the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. The number 40 is significant in Biblical literature, and generally symbolizes a period of trial, testing, or probation. Noah s flood lasted 40 days and nights. Moses spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai receiving the 10 commandments. Jonah warned the people of Ninevah over a 40-day period that God was planning to destroy them because of their sins. Jesus appeared to his disciples during the 40 days between his resurrection and ascension. We celebrate Lent as the approximately six-week period leading up to Easter a period of 46 days and, if you don t count the Sundays, 40 days. Ash Wednesday, which kicks off Lent, isn t always on the same date each year: it s determined in relation to Easter, which can range from March 22 to April 25. Easter s date is based on lunar and solar calendars. The early church fathers decreed that Easter must always follow the Jewish Passover, because of the historical connections between the Last Supper, which was a Passover meal, and the events of the Paschal Mystery: the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. There are many ways to keep Lent. I don t believe there is one right way. In fact, I once heard a priest preach on Giving up Lent for Lent. She asserted that excessive focus on giving up and taking on things can actually get in our way. Sometimes Lent can feel like New Year s resolutions all over again: our self-imposed disciplines may not last, and can lead to feelings of failure, and that s not helpful. What has been helpful for me is to think of Lent as a period in which we have many opportunities to get closer to God. If eating chocolate gets in the way of my relationship with God, maybe it s good to avoid it for a spell. If going to a Lenten program helps me learn new ways to approach my spiritual life, that s a good investment. You get the idea. 2 2

3 I m excited about our plans for Lent at St. Philip s! Mark your calendars now for: Ashes-to-Go at the Palatine Metra Station on Ash Wednesday, February 18 th, 7:00-8:30 a.m. In this wonderful ministry we give ashes to commuters and let them know about St. Philip s. Two Ash Wednesday services at noon and 7:00 p.m. on February 18 th. Come for ashes, prayers, a short homily, and Communion. Living Compass Lenten booklets will be available in church for use as daily devotionals. These very accessible and thought-provoking daily reflections were written by Rev. Dr. Scott Stoner, who led two Vestry retreats at St. Philip s last year, and by other clergy and lay leaders. Deacon Laurie Michaels, of St. Michael s Episcopal Church in Barrington, will offer our Lenten series. Some of you remember Deacon Laurie who served at our Celebration of New Ministry last May. She will be our guest preacher at both services on Sunday, February 22.nd. Following the 10:00 service, she will lead us in a discussion of Living Compass Lenten reflections. She will be back the following Saturday, February 28 th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to join the Formation Committee and me in offering a Lenten Quiet Morning, with continuing conversation on Living Compass reflections, flute music by Grace Horner, and quiet time for journaling and meditation. We will finish up with noon-day prayer. If additional conversation about the Living Compass reflections is desired, we may add a third session later in Lent. I wish you a holy and healthy Lent! In Christ s love, Rev. Laura Rector, St. Philip s, Palatine Mission Statement SEEK a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ SHARE the love and compassion of Christ SERVE others with open hearts SHINE with Christ s light, illuminating our world 33

4 02 Bill Peterson 02 Tom Tuttle 06 Mike Zawacke 09 Sarah McIntosh 09 Keith McIntosh 14 Ross McIntosh 21 Eric Schmalz 22 Judy Brod 22 Michael Moore 22 John Moore 28 Tom and Mary Turner Celebrate a Special Someone with Altar Flowers or Candles St. Philip s provides a special way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary or to commemorate a special event in your life by donating the altar flowers or sanctuary candle for any particular Sunday. If you would like to honor a particular person, event, or memory, simply sign up for a particular Sunday on the poster located immediately to the left as you enter the double-red doors. A donation for our beautiful altar flowers is just $45.00 and for the sanctuary candle is just $ (Please note the purpose of your donation on your pledge envelope or the memo section of your check.) What a way to thank God for all of the gifts in your life -- by brightening up the sanctuary with your donated candle or flowers! 44

5 February 1 8:00 AM 10:00 AM February 8 8:00 AM 10:00 AM February 15 8:00 AM 10:00 AM 12:00 noon 7:00 PM February 22 10:00 AM Altar Guild Acolytes Peg Davis Sophie Obara Jeanne Svendson Peg Davis Linda Purcell Peg Davis Nancy Holian Bille Tuttle February 18, Ash Wednesday Nancy Holian Bille Tuttle 8:00 AM Peg Davis Janie Jenssen Bonnie Wiggen Linda Craig Jenna Gillette Olivia Purcell Linda Craig Jack Swichtenberg Andrew Thompson Linda Craig Katie Gillette Joshua Thompson Linda Craig Danny Purcell Katie Swichtenberg Linda Craig Jenna Gillette Isaac Thompson Greeters Bill Burns Kathryn Jones Ross McIntosh Chuck Davis Ed Kelly LuAnn Kelly Bill Burns John Swichtenberg Julie Swichtenberg Bill Burns Chuck Davis Aubrey Hercules Lamar Jones Services: 8:00 A.M. Rite I 10:00 A.M. Rite II Please find a substitute if you are unable to serve. Readers Alternates Karen Cappello Linda Purcell Alternates DJ & Marvin Hill Kevin Thompson Alternates Grace Horner Judy Zawacke Alternates Kathryn Jones Linda Purcell Alternates February Counters: Aubrey Hercules and Lou Holian Peggy Morrill Kevin Thompson Chalice Bearers Andy Obara Bob Purcell Marion Gronlund Andy Obara Bob Purcell Nursery Jessica Hill Carrie Raymond/ Katie Swichtenberg Julie Swichtenberg Carrie Raymond/ Katie Swichtenberg Peggy Morrill Carrie Raymond/ Katie Swichtenberg Casey Littell Carrie Raymond/ Katie Swichtenberg 5 5

6 Memorial: Rev. Dr. Robert Grindrod photographs sent by Cindy McIntosh article by D. J. Hill He was a loving man, committed to his church. He was associate priest at St. Philip s -- from February to July, in He loved babies and children. He was the father of Amy Grindrod-Sierra, Marcy Grindrod, and Liam McNamara-Grindrod. He was committed to serving the deaf. He was a sign language interpreter and had provided signing services for many; including First Lady Betty Ford, Former President George H. W. Bush, Former Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He lived to see Christmas Day, He died the next day, after suffering a massive stroke. At his memorial service, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, in Belvidere, IL; on January 5, the first three rows were reserved the left side for his family; the right side for those with hearing impairments. There was a sign language interpreter. Bishop Lee presented the sermon.* In recent months, Fr. Bob had found love again and was engaged to be married to another priest, Rev. Karen King. A man of many talents, he designed her engagement ring. He loved music, especially using the guitar and ukulele. He brought both into worship services at St. Philip s. He loved to joke and hear people laugh. One Lent, he presented a class and mentioned that in the early church there was a faction that believed to become a Christian, a convert had to become a Jew first. That meant that if he were male, he would have to be circumcised. The men present squirmed uncomfortably at the thought, and the women giggled. Fr. Bob said he believed that was why that faction died out. He was also a serious scholar who loved to read. He once ed us because he was troubled about something that had appeared in the Epistle, involving church history. He was concerned because someone had misunderstood what he had said and had altered an important date. He was conflicted, because wanted the article to be accurate but he also he wanted to avoid making the writer feel badly. Father Bob loved St. Philip s. During the time we shared with him, his love and dedication to the parish and its people shined through. Many of us will miss him: his friendship, ready wit, and willingness to listen. * Bishop Lee shared his sermon, as requested. It is being sent separately. Fr. Bob Grindrod --picture taken on December 23, 2014, from Facebook. 6

7 by Janie Jenssen Back in September, my daughter Deb raised money for Special Olympics Illinois by doing a Coaster Challenge at Great America. Thanks to many friends at St. Philips that contributed, Special Olympics was able to raise $49,000! As some of you know, Deb has been skating and coaching figure skating for many years. This is why I am always cold - - all those years in ice rinks! One of Deb s other passions has been working with Children and Adults with Special Needs. This past November, Deb was in the Chicago Tribune: for helping to develop a Special Skater class at Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills. She enjoys watching her athletes skate and the excitement of competition. I was fortunate to attend a Special Skater Competition recently, It is unlike any competition I have been to! It showed me that God makes no mistakes! There was joy in every skater s face that day! Deb s next stop with her team will be in February, at the Special Olympics Skating Championship -- in Romeoville. This type of opportunity would not be possible if it were not for Special Olympics and generous contributions! Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. (John 7:24) St. Philip s has gone virtual! Please visit our website and Facebook page for detailed information about what s going on in the church and how to get involved! Website: Facebook: St. Philip s Episcopal Church Palatine 7 7

8 Photographs and captions by Jack Notzen. Reverend Clayton Thomason was our guest preacher in Advent and told us to stay awake as part of our preparation for Advent. On the first Sunday of the Christmas season, he reminded us that the THE WORD, in fact all words are important! Rev. Laura with Guest Preacher Rev. Bill Beers -- who reminds us everyone is deeply loved by God, and that that we can extend this love to our hungry neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean by supporting Food for the Poor (brochures and envelopes in the coatroom). 8

9 by Jessica Hill In January, St. Philip s Thrive Core Team met for their first overnight retreat at Techny Towers in Northbrook. The Core Team (including Rev. Laura, Bob Purcell, Jack Notzen and Jessica Hill), along with people from a number of other congregations within the Chicago Diocese, began a two year-long series of monthly seminars and overnight retreats in the hopes that the knowledge, resources and spiritual guidance they gain from the Thrive program will serve to enhance the growth and prosperity of St. Phillip s. The Core Team will report to the Accountability Team every month, indicating what they are learning and gaining from the Thrive program; and how new ideas can be introduced to St. Philip s in a way that encourages growth while respecting the values and traditions that make St. Philip s the church we all love so much. Stay tuned for updates throughout the year! Our Thrive Core Team: Jack Notzen, Jessica Hill, Rev. Laura and Bob Purcell 9

10 News from the Book Club by Grace Horner On Wednesday, January 14 th, we met and had a lively discussion about Thomas Cahill s How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland s Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe. I brought in some information about the author and his series called the Hinges of History. This is the first book of the series. In fact, the other five books in the series could be considered as candidates for further Book Club options. After exploring the Introduction we moved into the variety of things that came into play that led to the very gradual fall of the Roman Empire. Then we explored the Classical Traditions, especially focusing on Virgil s Aeneid, and the writings of Cicero, Plato and Augustine of Hippo. We became familiar with classical learning and the stagnation of the Roman Empire. On Wednesday, January 28 th, we will be immersed in the pagan world of the Irish-Gaelic Culture which is quite different from the Greco- Roman Culture. We will meet St. Patrick as a shepherd and a slave and read about his miraculous escape. We will follow Patrick through his Ordination and his thirty-year mission to the Irish; which led to some major cultural changes to the Irish Culture, as well as to Christianity. Please join us for our last session on Wednesday, February 11 th, when we get into how the Irish saved Western Civilization, and how they did it. We will wrap up with what was retained and what was lost after the Synod of Whitby. 10

11 Highlights of the Vestry Meeting January 18, 2015 by Lisa Gillette 1. Thrive program: Bob Purcell, Jack Notzen, Jessica Hill, and Rev. Laura Gottardi-Littell provided positive feedback and summarized primary ideas and concepts with regard to parish leadership and teamwork discussed during the Thrive kick-off meeting; 2. The 2015 Budget was approved by the Vestry; 3. The Lenten Series was discussed; Rev. Laura talked with the Vestry about the Lenten series she and the Formation Team have designed 4. The Vestry thanked and praised outgoing Vestry members Ross McIntosh, Casey Littell, and Bob Purcell.for their outstanding efforts and all of their contributions to the vitality of this parish. Rev. Laura distributed parting gifts to each of them; 5. Bob Purcell was nominated for Junior. Warden in Kim McDonald was nominated to the Vestry; 6. The Ad Hoc Publicity Committee will meet in February to discuss publicity of Lenten and Easter events; 7. Ross McIntosh s nephew painted the Youth Group s room; 8. The Vestry Retreat will occur on March

12 8:00 HE I 10:00 HE II Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Ellen Wondra from Seabury-Bexley Seminary Catechesis 9:30 HE II 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Valentine s Day 8:00 HE I 10:00 HE II Volunteer Thank-you Celebration Catechesis 9:30 HE II 7:00 p.m. Book Club 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 11:30 am Lunch Bunch meets Ash Wednesday 8:00 HE I 10:00 HE II Catechesis Vestry meeting 9:30 am HE II 7:30 a.m. Ashes-to-Go at Metra Station 12:00 p.m. HE II 7:00 p.m. - HE II 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 8:30 a.m. Thrive at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Downers Grove 8:00 HE I 10:00 HE II Catechesis 9:30 am HE II 5:30 p.m. Confirmation meeting at St. Philip's 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal