January 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) January 2015 The Rev. Laura Gottardi-Littell, Rector Dear St. Philip s Family and Friends, Many blessings for the new year! I have always liked this time of year (except the weather). I like the idea of making a new start. The Roman god Janus for whom this month is named is the god of beginnings and endings, and of doors and gates. He has two faces: one looking forward, one back. So January, the door to the new year, is a fitting month to look back at highlights of the year at St. Philip s; and look forward to what s ahead. 11

2 2014 was a very abundant year at St. Philip s. There were many highlights; please forgive any omissions. Together, we: Honored our Volunteers with Volunteer Recognition liturgies; Trained 25 parishioners in Keeping God s People Safe; Refurbished the nursery, now regularly staffed with caring teens and adults; Joined Diocesan Thrive program to help increase parish vitality; Gained several new and returning members; Started a Confirmation class and had a Confirmation retreat; Experimented with new as well as traditional music, and enjoyed many anthems and instrumentals from the Choir; Arranged a visit from Dent Davidson, Associate for Arts and Liturgy on the Bishop s staff; Participated in a food packing event at Feed My Starving Children; Supported economically-challenged local families through Thanksgiving baskets and Angel Tree gifts; Fed many homeless people with home-cooked PADS meals; Streamlined new office procedures; started helpful new ones; Enjoyed many warm and hospitable coffee hours; Held a successful: Auction, Spaghetti Dinner, Bowling Fundraiser, Holiday Dinner, and Outdoor Movie Night; Worshipped together in many vibrant liturgies including: Christmas Eve, Holy Week, All Saints, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and a pet blessing; Hosted guest preachers including Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Rev. Clayton Thomason, and Courtney Reid; Baptized Danny and Olivia Purcell, Avery Grueber, and Madison Jo Wilder; Married Ed and LuAnn Kelly (now active new members); Celebrated the lives of Hilda Bouc, Margaret Henning, Brownie Spruance, Frances Krause, and Linda Oles; Hosted Celebration of New Ministry with the Bishop, parish, and guests; Celebrated the life of Jeanne Swichtenberg in an inter-generational tree-planting ceremony; 2

3 Supported local charitable organizations such as Faith Community Homes and St. Leonard s House; Held a productive Vestry retreat on coping with change; Took Ashes to commuters at the Metra stop on Ash Wednesday; Let our neighbors know about us at the 4 th of July Hometown Fest; Organized a newcomers committee to reach out to visitors and incorporate newcomers, and a quarterly Newcomers Brunch; Hosted a meaningful Lenten series on praying with Scripture and Christian meditation; Continued a successful book club with a wide variety of books, lively discussion and good fellowship; Replaced our outdated furnace, copier, and windows, refurbished pews, did electrical upgrades, hung new blinds in the library, and made other improvements; Remodeled and reorganized the narthex; Kept our grounds beautiful year-round; Survived a very tough Chicago winter! Looking ahead to 2015, we will continue to do many things on the above list (without the tough winter, I hope). We will continue to care well for one another and to be in mission to community and beyond. We will maintain our characteristic warm, familiar traditions, along with helpful and pleasant new traditions. Just a few highlights of the coming year: The Thrive Core Team and Accountability team will share monthly learnings from the Thrive program with the parish. Confirmation classes continue, culminating in October 2015 when Bishop Lee visits. Look for new opportunities for fellowship, fun, and formation. I look forward to a new year of sharing all this with you! In Christ s love, Rev. Laura, Rector, St. Philip s 3

4 2 Aubrey Hercules 5 Don Mueller 8 Gretchen Johnson 13 Kevin Thompson 16 Teresa Cichantk 21 Grace Liney 22 Alison Hill 24 Julie Swichtenberg 29 Amara Akogu 30 Madeline Rorrie 31 Bill Burns, Jr. 31 Rob Myers 20 Pamela Patyk & Don Mueller 21 Barb Moriarty & Michelle Wiejaczka 4

5 Services: 8:00 A.M. Rite I 10:00 A.M. Rite II Please find a substitute if you are unable to serve. Altar Guild Acolytes Greeters January 4 8:00 AM Peg Davis Linda Craig Chuck Davis 10:00 AM Pat Peterson Linda Purcell Andrew Thompson Joshua Thompson Ross McIntosh Kathryn Jones January 11 8:00 AM Peg Davis Linda Craig Bill Burns 10:00 AM Nancy Holian Billie Tuttle Katie Gillette Isaac Thompson Ed Kelly LuAnn Kelly January 18 8:00 AM Peg Davis Linda Craig Chuck Davis 10:00 AM Janie Jenssen Bonnie Wiggen Danny Purcell Andrew Thompson Aubrey Hercules Bryan Littell January One Service Only -- Annual Meeting follows 10:00 AM Judy Zawacke Katie Swichtenberg Joshua Thompson Gary Morrill Peggy Morrill January Counters: Marvin Hill and Bob Purcell /6/2014 January 2015 Epistle 5

6 Services: 8:00 A.M. Rite I 10:00 A.M. Rite II Please find a substitute if you are unable to serve. Readers Chalice Bearers Nursery January 4 8:00 AM Alternates 10:00 AM January 11 D.J. & Marvin Hill Kevin Thompson Andy Obara Jessica Hill Carrie Raymond / Katie Swichtenberg 8:00 AM Alternates 10:00 AM Grace Horner Judy Zawacke Bob Purcell Julie Swichtenberg Carrie Raymond / Katie Swichtenberg January 18 8:00 AM Alternates 10:00 AM January 25 Kathryn Jones Linda Purcell Marion Gronlund Peggy Morrill Carrie Raymond / Katie Swichtenberg -- One Service Only -- Annual Meeting follows 10:00 AM Peggy Morrill Kevin Thompson Andy Obara Casey Littell Carrie Raymond / Katie Swichtenberg January Counters: Marvin Hill and Bob Purcell /6/2014 January 2015 Epistle 6 6

7 Newcomers News Bob and Jevan Wilkens Article, photographs, and captions by Jack Notzen. Welcome Bob and Jevan Wilkens I m sure we ve all noticed the handsome dark haired six-year-old boy who occasionally helps bring up the gifts before the Eucharist at the Sunday 10:00 AM Service. His name is Jevan Wilkens and his dad Bob Wilkens is as proud of him as Jevan is of his dad. Jevan attends Willow Grove Kindergarten and Bob tells me Jevan is a huge fan of Legos and that they have seen the Lego Movie a countless number of times. Bob was born in Peoria, Illinois and attended St. Paul Episcopal Cathedral, (also in Peoria ) when he was a child and when he was in high school. While attending Illinois State University, Bob met Myra; they were married a several years later. 7

8 Newcomers News continued Bob and Myra have lived in the San Francisco Bay area in California, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Houston, Texas; Naperville and Elk Grove Village Illinois, and have settled down with Jevan (their only child) on about one-and-a-half wooded acres in Long Grove, Illinois. Jevan is lucky to have Bob as his stay-at-home dad. His mom, Myra, is the Senior Vice President of Sales Training at Global Imaging Systems, a subsidiary of Xerox. Myra attends Temple Chai in Buffalo Grove, near their home, and Jevan occasionally accompanies her. Bob and Jevan have become regulars here at St. Philip s. Jevan not only enjoys participating in the Service, he loves the St. Philip s Nursery and its staff. Bob thinks the members of St. Philip s and Reverend Laura are great people and are beyond his expectations in friendliness and hospitality. Bob feels the smallness, intimacy, and friendliness of the people are St. Philip s greatest assets. Bob and Jevan sometimes have to get home right after the 10:00 AM Sunday Service, but their schedule often allows them to join us for coffee or juice and some St. Philip s goodies. When you see them at the Service, or one of the many St. Philip s events, make sure to give them a warm St. Philip s hello! 12/6/2014 January 2015 Epistle 8 8

9 The First Sunday of Advent (November 30, 2014) Photographs by Jack Notzen, Captions by Jack Notzen and Rev. Laura The Season of Advent The first Sunday s bulletin and lectionary insert The Gillette family lights the first candle on the Advent wreath, symbolizing Hope. The Reverend Clayton Thomason, Guest Preacher, reminds us to Stay Awake as part of our preparations for Advent. 9 9

10 Advent Quiet Morning sponsored by the Formation Committee Information from Rev. Laura s Christmas letter and Kevin Thompson In her Christmas letter Rev. Laura said, On Saturday, December 6th, twelve parishioners and I experienced an inspiring and lovely Advent Quiet Morning sponsored by the Formation committee. Through conversation, readings from Scripture and other sources, music, journaling and Centering Prayer, we helped prepare our hearts for Christmas. Kevin Thompson added, Musical selections were from: Advent At Ephesus, by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles - and Christmas Meditations, Vols. 1-5, by Laserlight. The second Sunday of Advent (December 7, 2014) The Advent Wreath s second candle for Peace was lit. Linda and Lauren Smith read a Scripture passage beautifully. 10

11 After the December 7 th 10:00 AM Sunday Eucharist Celebration, St. Nicolas visited St. Philip s. He made the long trip from Myra, Turkey to pass out his gift --golden coins-- to the children of St. Philip s. Newcomers Brunch --hosted by the Newcomers Committee A welcoming brunch was held by the Newcomers Committee on Sunday, December 7th -- after the 10:00 a.m. service. Several new and returning members were there, and everyone enjoyed good company, delicious food, and holiday cheer. 11

12 Article and photographs sent by The Rev. Jackie Lynn, Ministries Associate, St. James Cathedral St. James Cathedral, 4 th Presbyterian Church and others on Sunday, December 7, 2014 Over 400 members of local congregations met to sing, to pray, to hear testimonies and to walk -- supporting our brothers and sisters who live in fear daily. The theme was 'Black Lives Matter'. Here are some quotes from those who spoke: Rabbi Levinsky said As a Jew who possesses the privilege of white skin and economic security, yet knows all too well what a history of hatred can do to a people, I call out for justice in American society. The Rev. Vicky Curtis, Fourth Presbyterian Church was there because we need to stop demonizing one another, and reexamine how we seek to protect live, not take it. The Rev. Liz Munoz, St. James Episcopal Cathedral: As a Christian I am called to stand with those crucified by oppressive and unjust systems. Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, and Trayvon Martin are but a few of the unarmed victims who have been killed in brutal attempts to "enforce the law". It's not about good cops or bad cops.. After walking in silence on the 'magnificent mile, we returned to the water tower to pray. The six or more religious congregations that gathered will be planning a forum series about race, justice, police and our community to be advertised for February and March 12 12

13 Holiday Dinner - hosted by the Lunch Bunch Monday, December 8, 2014 Photographs and captions by Jack Notzen The St. Philip s Christmas Party Sign St. Philip s cooks provides yet another marvelous Christmas feast for us all to celebrate together. Rev. Laura s family enjoys our Christmas Party. Ron and Anne Fischer; sit with Ed and Lu Ann Kelly. They look like they re enjoying the Christmas party. 13

14 . Holiday Dinner Singing Christmas carols in grand style -- accompanied by Mickey Moore and his mom, Chris Moore. Everybody joined in the singing and enjoyed it. 14

15 Holiday Dinner the Surprise Guest Santa Claus himself! jingling his reindeer sleigh s bells Jevan Wilkens talks with Santa. Bob Wilkens, Gary Morrell, and Mel Rorrie watch the magic. 15

16 The third Sunday of Advent December 14, 2014 Advent third week: the candle of Joy is lit. The Thompson men; Kevin, Isaac, Josh and Andrew deliver the scripture reading. Jack Swichtenberg, Linda Smith and Lisa Gillette provide assistance. Guest preacher Courtney Reid and Rev. Laura are in the background. On December 14, Courtney Reid, the Director of Operations of the Diocese of Chicago delivered the sermon, urging us to welcome, rather than fear, change, and to listen to people outside our Church and to young people, as their messages are often signs of the in-breaking of God s kingdom. Courtney Reid and Rev. Laura. 16

17 At Coffee Hour Peggy and Gary Morrill hosted coffee hour on Sunday, 12/14/14. I thought their snowman s message was most appropriate. Anne and Ron Fischer celebrate their 50 th Wedding Anniversary with their grandsons, Jordan and Cole. Advent the fourth Sunday December 21, 2014 The Swichtenberg family Jon, Julie, Jack and Katie light the fourth advent candle, representing love and give a Scripture reading. Onlookers include Rev. Laura, Faith Hanshaw, Olivia Purcell, Lisa Gillette and Danny Purcell. Jack 17

18 Highlights of the Vestry Meeting December 21, 2014 by Linda Smith; and Rev. Laura 1. The Thrive program begins on Jan. 9, 2015, with a retreat. Please let Rev. Laura know if you are interested in being a part of this program or the Accountability Team to help St. Philip's maintain and increase vitality. 2. The Annual Meeting is January 25, Committees will need to get their annual reports ready by January Thanks to Mark Raymond and Ed Kelly for leading the Financial Planning seminar. 4. Thanks to the Mission and Outreach Committee for organizing the Dec. 31 PADS dinner. 5. The Vestry voted to post No Guns In God s House signs around the church. These signs are provided by the Diocese. 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 18 18

19 How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland s Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe, by Thomas Cahill Grace Horner is offering to lead a short series of Book Club discussion on this book. Some of you may find the idea that the Irish saved civilization preposterous, but Grace suggests that those folks are being affected by centuries of bad press and that they should give this book a try. For those of you who find the idea intriguing and wonder when, what and how the Irish might have saved civilization, should find this book a good and engaging read. WHEN: Wednesday, January 14 th at 7 PM in the Foote Library Wednesday, January 28 th at 7 PM in the Foote Library Wednesday, February 11 th at 7 PM in the Foote Library Article by Grace Horner. She will also host the discussion. Why the day of the week change? Grace has a conflict with Tuesdays and this also gives folks with a similar conflict a chance to participate in a book discussion group. Notice it is also every other week, this is also keeping in mind that it is winter. The book is available at virtually all of the local public libraries as well as at book stores and online. There should be a few copies available in the Foote Library as usual. Session 1 Introduction How Real is History? Chapter 1 The End of the World: How Rome Fell and Why Chapter 2 What Was Lost?: The Complexities of the Classical Tradition Pages 1 68 (We will get a taste of pre-christian Ireland and explore Greco-Roman culture) Session 2 Chapter 3 A Shifting World of Darkness: Unholy Ireland Chapter 4 Good News from Far Off: The First Missionary Chapter 5 A Solid World of Light: Holy Ireland Pages (We explore Celtic Ireland, meet Saint Patrick and begin to see how Christianity changed the Irish and how Christianity was changed by the Irish) Session 3 Chapter 6 What Was Found: How the Irish Saved Civilization Chapter 7 The End of the World: Is There Any Hope? Pages (We get to see what the Irish did at a critical time in history) Consider participating in what should be an interesting book discussion. 19

20 New Year s Day Parish office closed Epiphany of our Lord (transferred) 8:00 HE I 10:00 HE II Commissioning of Thrive core members No Catechesis 9:30 HE II Epiphany of our Lord 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 11:30 a.m. Lunch Bunch meets 4:00 p.m. Day 1 of 2 Thrive Retreat 7:30 a.m. Day 2 of 2 Thrive Retreat 8:00 HE I 10:00 HE II Guest Preacher: Bill Beers Catechesis 9:30 HE II 5:30 p.m. - Confirmation meeting at Sturtz House 7:00 p.m. Book Club 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 8:00 HE I 10:00 HE II Catechesis vestry meeting 9:30 HE II 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:00 HE II Combined Eucharist Annual meeting with lunch 9:30 HE II 7:00 p.m. Book Club