CROSSCURRENTS - DECEMBER 2019 - St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
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CROSSCURRENTS
CURRENT NEWS AND THOUGHT FROM ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH
DECEMBER 2019
__________________________________________
FROM THE RECTOR DECEMBER 2019
God Moved Into the Neighborhood
The first chapter of the Gospel of John is one of my favorite chapters in all of
Holy Scripture. The first 18 verses are often referred to as the Prologue of the
Gospel, a sort of setting the tone and purpose for the entire book. Due to its
deeply poetic language and imagery, many scholars believe that this may have
been a hymn of the early Johannine community of Jesus-followers, used in
their communal worship.
One of my favorite versions of this Prologue comes from The Message, a
newer translation from the Greek done by (the late) Eugene Peterson, a
Presbyterian pastor, scholar, author and poet. He translated John 1:4-5, 9-14
this way:
“What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by.
The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it
out. . The Life-Light was the real thing: Every person entering Life he
brings into the Light. He was in the world, and the world was there
through him, and yet the world didn’t even notice. He came to his own
people, but they didn’t want him. But whoever did want him, who
believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made
to be their true selves, their Child-of-God selves. These are the God-
begotten, not blood-begotten, not flesh-begotten, not sex-begotten.
“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like
Father, Like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”
As I sat with this passage in this fresh translation, one
phrase kept jumping out at me – The Word became
flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. In
Jesus, God moves into the neighborhood – our
neighborhood, with us, right in the middle of us. In
Jesus, God makes his home with us, right where we are.
Advent (the four weeks leading up to Christmas) is a season that can be framed in several ways, all of them related and somewhat interwoven. Advent can be seen, not unlike Lent, as a season of penitence and preparation – a house- cleaning to make room for the coming of Christ. Advent can also be seen as a season expectancy, a season focused not only on the celebration of Jesus’ first coming into the world, but also of his return. It can also be seen as a season of hope, leading up to the celebration of the Light of Christ coming into the world (which we celebrate not only at Christmas, but also on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany). Regardless of which theme we emphasize, what we do during Advent is to make ourselves ready to celebrate Christmas, when God takes on flesh and blood and moves into the neighborhood. I believe this time of making ready, of house-cleaning and of preparation takes some intentional effort on our part. The commercial celebration of Christmas provides us with so many distractions – bright, shiny objects (literally!) that can capture our attention and lead us away from what it’s really all about. Our to-do lists grow and our calendars fill up, leaving little mental or physical space for reflection. It’s easy for me to get to Christmas and think, “Where did December go?” The problem with becoming over-scheduled and preoccupied with our many tasks in preparation for Christmas is that we can actually fail to notice God in our midst. I am reminded of another piece of the passage from John’s Prologue: “He was in the world, and the world was there through him, and yet the world didn’t even notice.” I know it is possible for me to get so caught up in planning and preparation for having a “good Christmas” – the idealized Christmas of my imagination – that I can miss the very basis for the celebration: that God became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. Maybe the same distractedness is possible for you, too. The profound truth of Christmas is that the God of the cosmos came to be with us, right where we are, in the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel (which literally means “God with us”). Advent can be a great time for reflecting on what this really means, not only for us as a church, but for us as individuals. Advent is a time of heightened awareness and intentional noticing. How do I see God at work in my life? In the lives of my family members? In the life of St. Andrew’s? In the neighborhood and community, too? Faithfully, Gregg+
WORSHIP AND
STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
NEW LECTOR SIGNUP
Sign up to read the First Reading at either the 7:45 AM or 10:15 AM service
through the Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 29, 2020
ADVENT MEDITATIONS 2019
“Peace on earth! Good will toward all.” In our fractious world the hope of peace
seems elusive. How can we realistically cultivate peace in our own lives and in the
lives of those around us? How can we contribute to peace within our families,
community and nation? Living Compass provides us with a series of meditations
throughout the Advent Season to help us practice peace with all our heart, soul,
strength, and mind. Pick up your free copy of Living Well Through Advent:
Practicing Peace with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind in the Gathering
Space and join us for discussion, as you are able, on Sunday mornings during the
Adult Forum, 9:15–10:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall.
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS
It is through the generosity of parishioners that the Altar Guild is
able to provide the wine, wafers, candles, and flowers for our
weekly services. The Altar Guild is responsible for the
acquisition and provision of all these elements for all services
and is funded solely by the contributions made through flower
memorials as well as through other designated gifts. Without
them, we would not be able to do so.
As the holiday season approaches, won't you please consider additional gifts to the
Altar Guild in memory or thanksgiving of loved ones. These gifts will be used to
purchase the poinsettias and flower arrangements for our Christmas celebrations.
We spend approximately $1,000 for these flowers and your contributions are needed
to help defray their costs. We very much appreciate your consideration. Should you
have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathy Nazzarini or Karin Anderson,
Altar Guild Directresses.
The deadline for the printed bulletin flower list
will be on Sunday, December 15.
POINSETTIA PROJECT
We will again be delivering poinsettias to local businesses
in the Community to wish them a Merry Christmas from
St. Andrew’s. Look for the sign up in the gathering space
to help.
Throughout Advent we will discuss the Advent meditations from the Living
Compass booklet Living Well Through Advent: Practicing Peace with All Your
Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. Free copies of these Advent meditations are
available in the Gathering Space. You can drop in on any of the Adult Forums
without having read the daily meditations. Each session is self-contained
December 1: Deepening Our Understanding of Peace.
Table discussions in the Parish Hall, 9:15–10:00 a.m.
December 8: Making Peace with Ourselves.
Table discussions in the Parish Hall, 9:15–10:00 a.m.
December 15: Making Ourselves Instruments of God’s Peace.
Table discussions in the Parish Hall, 9:15–10:00 a.m.
December 22: Practicing Peace as a “Holy Yes.”
Table discussions in the Parish Hall, 9:15–10:00 a.m.
December 29: NO ADULT FORUM
All-Parish Christmas Open House
All of St. Andrew’s is invited to drop in for holiday treats
at the home of Earle and Wendee Greene on Sunday, December 15.
The Open House will be held from 3:00-6:30 PM
(Prior to Advent Lessons & Carols)
The Greene House is at 4925 Bryan Place, just north of
the Tivoli Theater parking lot.
Please note: parking is only allowed on the west (even number) side of the
street; due to limited available parking, car-pooling is encouraged
Advent Prayers
and
Labyrinth Dedication
Saturday December 14
10:00am - 12:00pm
As we move through the contemplative Season of Advent, we can unintentionally
find ourselves worn out from the many celebrations we want to be part of.
We are offering a morning of prayers which is intended to help center us, slow us
down and set aside time to remember why we celebrate this Holy Season.
We will also use this time to properly dedicate our
beautiful Labyrinth.
Light breakfast fare provided.
CHRISTMAS 2019
The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Tuesday, December 24th -Christmas Eve
4:00 p.m. The Holy Eucharist , Pageant & Building of the Creche
The service is especially suited for families
with young children.
The Youth Choir will be singing
Reception in the Parish Hall.
10:00 p.m. Festival Choral Eucharist
Music by the Parish Choir
Incense will be used.
Reception in the Parish Hall.
Wednesday, December 25th -Christmas Day
9:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist - Rite II
Sunday, December 29th - First Sunday after Christmas
7:45 a.m. The Holy Eucharist –Rite I
10:15 a.m. The Holy Eucharist – Rite II– Enriching our Worship
There will be NO Formation classes
Regular Formation Classes resume on January 5, 2020
HOSPITALITY/GREEN COMMITTEE MEETING
The Hospitality Committee will meet on Saturday, December 7 at 10:00 AM in the
Phil Room. We will have an IMPORTANT meeting to plan for Christmas
Receptions. Everyone is welcome. You can join the committee at any time.
CHRISTMAS RECEPTION SIGNUP
We are looking for your wonderful Christmas treats, both sweet and
savory, to serve at the receptions after all Christmas services. Join in
to serve and clean up as well, if you are able. Thank you in advance
for your generosity and creativity.
REMEMBER TO TAKE CARE OF
YOURSELF
DURING THIS BUSY SEASON!
Come to the Healing Circle on December 12th and be relaxed and energized
with a gentle session of Theraputic Touch (TT)
How does it work? You sit quietly in a chair. The TT practitioner moves
her hands over your body, not touching, but about 6 inches away, connecting
with your energy system, to balance it.
How long does a session take? Each individual session will take about 20
minutes. However, the full healing circle will last about 60 minutes.
When is it? The 2nd Thursday of the month from 7 to 8 pm. This month,
we meet on December 12.
Where is it? Third Floor at St. Andrew’s Church.
Who is holding the circle?
Madonna Pence, a TT practitioner who is qualified through the Therapeutic
Touch International Association.
Sally Hedrick, a registered nurse who currently works in mental health
nursing and spiritual care. Sally is trained in TT and is pursuing TT
qualification.
Connie Butler, a licensed physical therapist who works with people with
movement difficulties. Connie is trained in TT and has utilized this modality
informally through the years.
Is this only for sick people? No. Everyone is welcome to feel better!
Participation is free. If you have attended before,
you are welcome and encouraged to join us again.
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
SANDWICH BOARD
The Sandwich Board signup is on the table in the Gathering Space
with the menu for the December 12 trip to Trinity, Aurora. You
can help by signing up to provide food items to complete our menu.
We will be precooking on December 11.
LITTLE FREE PANTRY
St. Andrew’s and Outreach has a new project to assist people in our community
in need of personal items and non-perishable food for lunches and dinners.
Our Little Free Pantry has been installed on the church
grounds near Saratoga and will contain Blessings Bags
and nutritious snacks.
Donations of warm hats, socks, underwear, granola
bars, small easily-opened soups, and other quick meals
are appreciated and can be placed in the Blessings
Bags area in the Gathering Space.
FOOD FOR FISH
FISH Pantry Ongoing NEEDS include: Toilet Paper, Personal
Hygiene Articles, Large Canned Meat (Stews, Chili, etc.),
Bars of Soap, Pudding and Jello, Canned Fruit, Paper bags &
Paper Napkins, Cereal and Paper Grocery Bags. Help us
FILL our grocery cart EVERY WEEK.
BLOOD DRIVE – DECEMBER 4
The quarterly blood drive will take place at St. Joseph’s from
3:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4th
First United Methodist Church
Tuesday night and Wednesday morning
December 24 & 25
Has been covered
(Public Action to Deliver Shelter)
1st Congregational Church, Downers Grove
Monday and Tuesday, January 6 & 7 and January 27 & 28, 2020
Since 2007, St. Andrew’s has staffed the PADS site at First Congregational
Church on Curtis Street in Downers Grove two times each January. That
tradition is continuing in 2020.
While the homeless population in our Western Suburbs is not as large as in
some other Chicagoland areas, there are many people who cannot count on a
good meal and a warm place to sleep. DuPage Pads is committed to providing
safe and hospitable shelter, support services and advocacy to people who are
homeless in DuPage County. Vital to this commitment is the collaboration with
religious and community groups in the county
The Overnight Shelter offers men, women, and families a safe environment.
The spirit of hospitality is a priority, as well as respect for each person. Staff
and Volunteers provide dinner, breakfast, and a bag lunch; sleeping space; and
support activities.
On January 6 & 7 and 27 & 28, St. Andrew’s will be cooking and serving
dinner and breakfast as well as staffing the site in shifts throughout the night.
During this very busy season, please consider joining fellow parishioners in
feeding and helping to shelter some of those in our community who temporarily
have no place to call their own. It’s a wonderful way to begin the New Year!
Signup sheets for January 6 & 7 volunteers and food donations
will be in the gathering space December 8.
Signups will be available for January 27 & 28
on Sunday, January 5.
REMINDER
St. Andrew’s will not be serving at 1st United Methodist Church P.A.D.S in
January, but will begin again at that site in February.NOTES FOR DECEMBER
Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming! Children’s ministry will be gearing up
for our annual Christmas Pageant as part of the Family Service at 4pm on
December 24! Starting on December 1, the First Sunday of Advent, the children
will be decorating our traditional Jesse Tree with Old Testament Story ornaments.
The Jesse Tree is like the Family Tree of Jesus from the time of the House of David
to His birth in Bethlehem. Be sure to come up closer to the Jesse Tree during
Advent to really see the range of creative interpretations of Bible stories! Try to
figure out the ornament about Good and Evil! Why is there an ornament with a
sling shot on it?-Oh! The story of David and Goliah!
The Sundays of December 15 and 22 will be spent learning about the incredible
story of the Angel Gabriel telling Mary that she has been chosen to be the mother
of our Lord and how Joseph, a carpenter, became her husband and they traveled
from Judea to Bethlehem. We have four crèche scenes that our classes will be
examining by role-playing. Children will know who Shepherds are and what their
job was! They will set up different crèche scenes until the story is familiar to them.
Finally, on December 22 we will celebrate Christmas Day in Sunday School and
the children will bring home something small for their family to enjoy! We will
not be having Sunday School again until Sunday, January 5!
DECEMBER 1 - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Jesse Tree ceremony in place of the sermon at the 10:15 service only. Youth
Choir sings in Church; Pre-K has class and comes up for Jesse Tree.
DECEMBER 8 - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Regular Sunday School and focus on waiting for the Birth of Jesus; Creche
scenes are rotated through the Sunday School for role-playing.
In the Chapel, we light two candles on the Advent Wreath on the altar.
DECEMBER 15 - THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (focus on Mary)
Regular Sunday School with more sharing of Creche scenes.
We light the candle to remember Mary on the Chapel’s Advent Wreath.
Main characters in the Christmas Pageant rehearse at noon in the Church
without costumes. No Angels or Shepherds yet!DECEMBER 22 - FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
We celebrate the Birth of Jesus! We bring home a packet of Christmas
coloring pages and puzzle pages for Christmas vacation, plus
something small for each Family.
DRESS REHEARSAL for the Christmas
Pageant starts at NOON in the Church
Costumes for the Main Characters and All ANGELS will be in
Room #4, also called “the Bride’s Room”.
Costumes for ALL SHEPHERDS will be in the “Phil Room”, #5.
TUESDAY AFTERNOON, DECEMBER 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE
All Children in the Pageant will put on their costume before the service starts.
Those not in Youth Choir will sit with their family in Church until Hymn # 99,
“Go Tell It On The Mountain” begins! They will then go to their place to act
out their Part!
Youth Choir kids will rehearse at 3:15 with Mr. Hoover. Youth Choir kids will
wear their costumes not their Choir robes to process!
Choir kids will also go to their places! Angel Gabriel, Mary and Joseph to the
Sacristy, off the Altar: Inn Keeper and ALL other ANGELS and SHEPHERDS
to the Narthex. Our Narrator will go to the Pulpit!
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Congratulations to our December Birthday
kids in Sunday School
December 13 – Noelle Kelly will be 13.
December 28 – Thomas Mountain will be 9
ADVENT CHRISTMAS PROJECT!
The Sunday School will be collecting mittens and gloves
for men, women and children in all sizes to donate to
Hope’s Front Door in time for Christmas! Please choose a
pair of mittens with your child for them to clip to our
MITTEN TREE which will be in the Gathering Space!
Look for a tall Christmas Tree in the corner, across from
the stairs! Please be generous! We are off to a long Winter
already!!BOOK REVIEW
Looking for a good book to give to a child of any age? This Fall, A
BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD has come out with the
poetry and lyrics to the songs that MISTER ROGERS used to sing on his beloved
T.V. Show. Yes, there is a popular movie out too which you may enjoy watching
with your kids! This book, however is a resource to return to for the words to
“What Do You Do With The Mad That You Feel?” and that poem that you heard
him reassure toddlers with, “You Can Never Go Down The Drain”.
This book is full of favorites that you and your grown-up
kids will never forget such as “It’s You I Like”,
“Everything Grows Together” and of course, “Sometimes
People Are Good”. All of his poems and songs kept giving
children permission to act out their feelings but to realize
that their actions would have consequences. So many of
the poems and songs have messages for children! This
book is one that your Second or Third Grader could read
on their own or a very young child would like to have read
to them! The ISBN # to order this book is 978-1-68369-113-6. There are colorful
water color illustrations by Luke Flowers and the book is from Fred Rogers’ own
poems and song lyrics!
THANK YOU
During the season of Advent I want to express my thanks to all of the Sunday
School teachers and teacher substitutes who are Anne Nelsen (Middle School
Class), Rev. Earle Greene (Fourth Grade), Mrs. Staci Everaert (Third Grade),
Marnie Pyke, Dave Lerette and Patty Sarver (First and Second Grade) and to
Grace Cleary, Ruth Winningham, Marjorie Bell, and parents and grandparents
who help in the Pre-K and Kindergarten Class! I thank our reliable and best-
ever substitutes when staff are out and they include Colleen Loftus, Kara Parker
and Jeanine Detwiler as well as James Cohler.
I want to thank our Caregivers in the Nursery who
include Erin and Will Beatty, Sophia and Chloe
Kartsounes, Hillary Morris and others who are so helpful
but I do not have your names. Thank you! Thank you!
Merry Christmas!
Pray for the Children,
Dorinda Hicks
cell: 630- 709-5135
email: dhicks811@gmail.comYOUTH CHOIR
A big thank you to all the singers who sang on November 3, for All Saints Day
and Bishop Lee’s visit. You did a wonderful job singing our anthem. Thank you
also to the parents of these singers for helping to make everything run smoothly.
I truly appreciated your help.
Now it’s time to prepare the music for the 4:00 pm Christmas Eve service on
Tuesday, December 24. This wonderful, joyful service is especially planned for
our younger worshippers. The music provided by the Youth Choir makes this a
special service for every member of the family. The adult choir will not be
singing with us for this service so it is especially important that all of our Youth
Choir members come and sing together.
The choir will also be singing on Sunday December 1, for the beginning of
Advent and the Jesse Tree decorating. We will have a short rehearsal after this
service. The choir will also be having our regular rehearsals after communion,
on December 8, 15, and 22, to prepare for the Christmas Eve service. Our
rehearsals will begin after communion and end at 11:45 am.
On Christmas Eve, December 24, we will rehearse with Mr. Hoover
and the organ, in the choir loft, at 3:15pm. This rehearsal is very
important because it is right before we sing in the service. The singers
will also participate in the Christmas Pageant during the service, and
each child will need a parent helper to help them get in and out of their
costume.
There will not be any choir rehearsal on Sunday, December 29. We will resume
our regular rehearsals on Sunday, January 5, 2020.
I’m really looking forward to the holidays and all the music our choir will be
singing. I hope everyone will be able to join us for our rehearsals and to sing in
church on December 1, and on Christmas Eve, December 24.
Sincerely,
Chris Stansbury.HOLY BAPTISM
Holy Baptism is administered on designated Sundays during
the service. Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter
Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints' Day (or the Sunday
after), the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (the first Sunday
after Epiphany) and the Bishop's visitation.
The First Sunday after the Epiphany, January 12, 2020 –10:15 AM
or 7:45 AM if you would prefer
Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 11, 2020 – 7:30 PM
The Day of Pentecost – May 31, 2020 - 7:45 AM or 10:15 AM
Godparents must be baptized Christians. It is recommended that they be either
a confirmed member of this parish or active in their own parish. Please call the
Parish Office to arrange for the Baptism and to schedule pre-baptismal
instruction.
YOUTH GROUPS
The Youth Group's holiday service event will be Feed My Starving Children
again this year!! We had such a great turnout and so much fun last year that we're
excited to repeat this event. Our reserved time
is December 7 from 11:30 am–1:00 pm at
their Aurora packaging facility, so please
plan on having youth dropped off at St.
Andrews no later than 10:45 am, and they'll
be back and ready to be picked up at 2:00 pm
after the event.
DRIVERS ARE NEEDED. JT and I cannot fit all of the youth into our car, so we
will need help with volunteer parent drivers. If you are a driver, you are more than
welcome to stay and help at the event too! Please RSVP to JT or myself for your
youth participant or as a driver. JT (773) 217-2471, Melanie (630) 863-1023
LET THERE BE HEAT!
Anyone who has been on the third floor in the winter knows that it
can be pretty cold. Proper heating is being installed on the third
floor the first week of December. Additional electrical will be also
be added to make way for the eventual addition of air-conditioning
in the space.EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN ST. LUCIA GUILD St. Lucia Guild will have their annual Christmas meeting on Wednesday, December 11th at the home of Nancy Stapleton, 1220 – 62nd Street, Downers Grove. The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM followed by the Christmas gift exchange and potluck lunch. Please call Nancy, 630-964-4494 if there are any questions about the meeting or directions.
ECW DOLLARS
HO-HO-HO!
ECW DOLLARS is ready for your
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NEEDS
ORDER DATES ARE:
December 1
December 8
December 15
UNITED THANK OFFERING (UTO)
The United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of The Episcopal Church for
the mission of the whole church. Through the UTO program, individuals are
invited to embrace and deepen a personal daily spiritual discipline of
gratitude. Twice yearly, these thank offerings are collected and blessed at the
Chicago Diocesan ECW Annual Meeting and the Diocesan Convention. All
funds collected through these thank offerings are gathered with offerings from
across the country to provide grants to parishes and social service agencies
connected to the Episcopal Church.
We have just completed our Fall UTO ingathering at St. Andrew’s and the final
Fall offering was $407.56. Including our Spring ingathering ($325.16), St.
Andrew’s will have contributed $732.72 to the UTO program this year. I am
very grateful for your incredible generosity. Once again, St. Andrew’s has
shown gratitude for the many blessings of this parish.
Our Spring ingathering will be on March 15, 2020. Please
pick up a Blue Box in the Parish Hall and begin to place your
extra change in that box as a way to show your gratitude.
O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good;
for His mercy endureth forever.” Psalm 136.
Joanne SchupbachTHE COOKIE WALK IS COMING!!
Save the date of Saturday, December 7. The sign up is in
the Gathering Space to bake and contribute your favorite
Christmas Cookies. Plan to BAKE, BAKE, BAKE (and
freeze) over Thanksgiving weekend!!
December 7 from 9:00 -10:30 AM cookies will be for sale in the Parish Hall "by
the pound" and you get to choose the ones you want. Get variety of cookies
without baking them all yourself.
Cookie drop-off will be Friday, December 6 during office hours,
9:00AM–3:00 PM and in the evening from 6:30-8:00 PM
Questions? Call Joanne Schupbach or Karin Anderson.
SAVE THE DATE!
Episcopal Church Women Lenten Retreat Day
March 14, 2020
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Whole Self Whole Heart: Our lives are divided into many parts. We feel the
push and pull of all we ask of ourselves and what others expect of us. We fail
ourselves and others too often. When we confess, “I have not loved you with
my whole heart” what is it that we are saying?
Brene Brown, an Episcopalian and research professor of Social Work and
author of many New York Times bestselling books, offers an answer to the
question of how to live with a whole heart. During a day long Lenten retreat,
The Rev Lisa Senuta will integrate Brene’s work with contemplative practices,
large group learning, personal reflection and small group conversation to guide
you toward the transformative compassion of God.
The Rev Lisa Senuta has been an Episcopal Priest for
18 years, current rector of St James the Less in
Northfield IL. She is trained in guiding groups and in
Spiritual Direction through the Shalem Institute for
Spiritual Formation in Washington DC. She is
married to Chad and together they are raising their
daughters.NEW SILVERWARE DONATION CORRECTION
On Celebration Sunday (October 21), I mistakenly said that the Vestry had
purchased new silverware for our use at parish events. The ECW has generously
provided the donation to us to purchase the new silverware. I am grateful to the
ECW for their generosity, and wanted to make sure to give credit where credit is
due.
Thanks,
Gregg+
Dear People of St Andrew’s
Susan and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the
wonderful reception on Sunday. I am so awed to have seen
so many of you, although I felt like the bride at a wedding
reception where I could only speak briefly and still missed
speaking with many of you. Thanks to everyone who made
the day possible and so joyous.
I was positively beaming with joy at the worship services as
we were in sacred community together, remembering how
much we have shared on our journeys. I felt as Father
Leswing said in his farewell sermon; “Don’t cry because it’s
over, smile because it happened.”
St. Andrew’s is a very special place. You are blessed to be
growing in numbers and spiritually. You are blessed with
growing families as well as wise elders and individuals who
devotedly contribute to community.
You will always have a warm place in our hearts.
Deacon Tom with warmest regards from SusanIt’s not too late to join us for Lunch!
Sign up in the Gathering Space
by Sunday, December 1
See or call Kurt (630-667-6221)
St. Andrew’s
Friday, December 6, 2019
$23.00 Cash or Check in advance to Kurt Wiesner.
Price includes tax and gratuity – for another great luncheon at RBK
A signup sheet is in the Gathering Space.
If you didn’t plan on attending and find you can last minute,
just show up!December Birthdays
12 Kathy Seidler
1 Miles Boone 14 Noelle Kelly
Joe Parker
16 Dan Mejdrech
2 Noreen Lopez Patty Sarver
Patrick Anderson Jillian Morris
Al Woitovich
3 Bill Hedrick
Bill Johnston 18 Alissa Kartsounes
4 Rolle Burgeson 19 David Pilz
Laurie Mack Tim Hickey
6 Jeff Burgeson 20 Holly Hickey
Tom Sarver
Jim Beatty 23 Ron Williams
Jim Fiala
24 Leslie Andersen
10 Barb Minster Esther Anders
Bob Von Dreele Jake Morgan
Jonathan Platt David Morgan
Christine Mountain
Diana Rhoads 28 Thomas Mountain
11 Bobbie Sieja 29 Kristi Maher
Pat Martin
Terese Ciciora
December Anniversaries
24 Bob & Jean Beatty
26 Chris & Anne Nelsen
30 Gregg & Laura Morris
JANUARY CROSSCURRENTS DEADLINE
Friday, December 13VESTRY RECRUITING
St. Andrew’s is looking for Vestry members for 2020. Vestry members commit to
attend monthly Vestry meetings (always held the evening of the third Thursday of
the month), help to set the parish’s direction, and listen for God’s call to
service. At the annual meeting in January, the congregation will elect four new
Vestry members to serve for three years.
If you are interested in serving, contact one of the following members of the
Vestry Recruiting committee:
● Miles Boone
● Wendee Greene
● Kurt Wiesner
● Mike Spitalli
● Laura Howland
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2020
Our 135th Annual Parish meeting will be held on the
Second Sunday after the Epiphany, January 19, 2020
There will be ONE SERVICE ONLY at 9:00 AM. At this meeting we will elect
a Warden and four Vestry members and delegates to the Diocesan Convention.
ANNUAL REPORTS
It is also time to prepare reports for the Annual Parish Report. If you are the head
of an organization or committee, please type your report and submit it to the
Church Office No later than, Monday, January 6th. These may be submitted
as a paper copy, faxed or emailed as an attachment in Word to:
jrobbins@saintandrewschurch.net
THANKS
Watch for 2020 OFFERING ENVELOPES in the gathering
space mid-December. Pick up the ones with your mailing label.
Reminder: If you give electronically, that form needs to be filled out and renewed
annually. Additional forms will be located near the offering envelopes.BUILDINGS & GROUNDS THANK YOUS
Buildings and grounds would like to thank Debbie Wilderman for her
participation this year.
Deb was our lead person on the Parish Hall remodeling projects. She met
with our consultant many times working on color combinations and blind
materials. It took a long 6 months but in the end with participation with
other church members she finished the project.
She also worked with the contractor in developing the design for the
Columbarium addition, getting the contract and scheduling installation
She also planted the beautiful annual flowers
around the church with the help of her husband.
The flowers looked beautiful
Please thank Deb for her hard work, when you see her around the church.
Buildings & Grounds would also like to thank: Jeff Roberts, Jeff Heller, Beverly
Lashus, Dave Pilz, and Gregg Morris for their participation cleaning up around the
building in preparation for upcoming events at the church.
GREEN TIP - FROM HOSPITALITY- GREEN COMMITTEE
"THE FOURTH R"
When it comes to knowing what to do with our garbage, most of us are familiar
with the mantra of the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. But did you know
there's a fourth R? Before we get to that, here's a refresher on the first three:
Reduce: Purchase products that require less packaging or to limit the
waste you are producing.
Reuse: Use a travel mug or reusable water bottle and avoid single-use
bags.
Recycle: Paper, plastic, glass, magazines, electronics, and more can be
processed into new products while using fewer natural resources and
less energy.
As recycling facilities struggle to keep up with the amount of waste they
receive, and China stopped accepting America's waste, recycling isn't the
best option. We all need to reduce our waste. For most of us, that means
buying less.
That brings us to fourth R: REFUSE. Refuse to buy, and
use what you have. Refuse plastic bottles, plastic bags,
straws, cups and plates that cannot be reused over time. Use
long-lasting, glass or paper alternatives.
St. Andrew's is committed to refusing to buy single-use plastics (straws,
disposable cups, plastic silverware). Most of these items cannot be recycled.
Instead, we're reusing silverware, plates, and mugs at coffee hour.
Let's practice the 4 R's at St. Andrew's and in our own homes.AN EVENING WITH LOUISE KELLY
A musical performance with special guest artists.
and Book Drive for SCARCE’s Book Rescue
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Door open at 7:00 PM
Show starts at 7:30 PM
$20 admission
or $15 with a gently used book
Original music will be performed from Louise's last album
"Cave Paintings and Silent Movies"
and from her new album,
"Two Gardens"
due to be released in April, 2020.
www.louisekelly.comPlease Save the Date
for a repeat of last year’s fun evening
Saturday, February 15, 2020
6:30 - 9:30 PM
Plan to join us for an evening that will include….
Conversation, Dancing, Resting, Eating, and Relaxing
Friends, Family, Neighbors, Visitors, all Guests Welcome
Music will be provided by a surprise guest DJ (aka Fr. Gregg)
Rock ‘n Roll, Slow, Fast, Line, etc. - requests accepted
Upstairs at St. Andrews - Third Floor
More Information in January’s Crosscurrents
See Kurt Wiesner if you have any questions
DIRECTORY UPDATES
ADDRESS CORRECTION:
MANKIVSKY, Tony
Unit 266, NOT 226
PHONE CHANGE:
CHENG / O’LEARY have dropped their landline.
CHENG, Elaine 630-915-3564 (Cell)2020 COLOR PHOTO DIRECTORY
FINAL 2 PHOTO DAYS
DECEMBER 1 & 8
As previously announced, we are updating our
2018 Color Photo Directory with a 2020 edition
to be printed and distributed at our Annual Parish
Meeting in January. We have two remaining
photography sessions, between and after Sunday
services on December 1 and December 8, for
family and individual photos. Miles Boone,
Senior Warden and professional photographer, is
our “Photo Master”.
Photos will be taken in the 2nd floor “Brides
Room” #4 next to the Nursery from 9:00 AM
until 10:00 AM, and resume at the conclusion of
the 10:15 service until approximately noon.
A signup sheet is in the Gathering Space for you to indicate the day you plan to
have your photo taken. You do not have to notate any specific time, as the
process takes only a few minutes. There will be seating available in the hallway
outside the photo room.
Everyone will be asked to complete an information sheet verifying names, home
address, phone numbers (land line and/or cell), and e-mails, etc. This extremely
important information for communicating with our St. Andrew’s members is
confidential and is not shared or distributed anywhere.
You may have a new photo taken, instruct us to use your picture from our
existing directory, or submit a personal photo. Please contact Jennifer Robbins
or Kurt Wiesner with any questions.
As we all know, having a photo directory to associate names with faces is a great
asset for our entire parish family, so please plan to participate in this import
event. Nothing will be sold or promoted so this is a totally stress-free, enjoyable
process.
Please be sure to have your Photo
and information included in our Directory!!!!!Next
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDARS
December 14 Advent Prayers & Labyrinth Dedication
10AM-Noon
December 15 All Parish Open House - 3:00-6:30 PM
@ Earle & Wendee Greene’s
Advent Lessons & Carols – 7 PM
December 17 ECW Ornament Exchange – 7PM
@ Kathy Johnston’s
January 19 Annual Parish Meeting
One Service – 9 AM
January 25 Louise Kelly Concert – 7:30 PM
upstairs@standrews
February 9 Russ & Heidi Smith Visitation
Daughters of the King Tea
February 15 Valentine Party/Dance
February 26 Ash Wednesday
March 6 Life Line Screening
March 14 Women’s Retreat
The Office will be Closed
for Christmas
December 24, 25, 26
and December 31
FROM THE PARISH REGISTER
Pray for those who have been hospitalized
or had surgery
Barb Kanzler, Carol Wandschneider
Pray for those Confirmed and Received
Grace Bell Cleary David Jude Morgan
Connor Thomas Hickey Jacob Holden Morgan
Russell William Johnston Hillary Jane Morris
Frederick William Kuhlman Colin Charles Nockels
Rose Nancy Kuhlman Luke Phillip Wilson
Harrison Hastings Maher
Vera Dicke
Barbara Sue O’Dell
Michelle Ashley Robbins
MILESTONES
Pray for those who have died
Zane Schubert
Colleague of Laura Morris
Louis Adams
Great Uncle of Melanie WaszkowskiSaint Andrew’s Episcopal Church
1125 Franklin Street Downers Grove, IL 60515-3551
Phone 630-968-9188 FAX 630-968-0576
E-MAIL email@saintandrewschurch.net
Parish Website www.saintandrewschurch.net
Diocesan Website www.episcopalchicago.org
THE STAFF
The Right Rev’d. Jeffrey D. Lee Bishop
The Rev’d. Gregg A. Morris Rector
Kathryn R. Nazzarini Parish Music Director
James Hoover Organist
Jennifer Robbins Parish Administrator
Chris Stansbury Youth Music Director
Dorinda Hicks Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Sally Hedrick Chaplain
Joanne Schupbach Chaplain
Mike Spitalli Chaplain
Chris Ponstein Bookkeeper
Janine Pickett Parents Day Out Director
Melanie & JT Waszkowski Youth Group Leaders
THE PARISH VESTRY
Miles Boone, Senior Warden Wendee Greene, Junior Warden
Mark Frankart, Parish Treasurer
Barbara O’Dell, Clerk of the Vestry
2017 2018 2019
Anna Chika Christopher Mountain Jim Haley
James Cohler Lisa Pocius Kurt Wiesner
Janie Bouzek Cross Cathy Roberts Debbie Wilderman
Colleen Loftus Pattie Woitovich
WEEKLY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday 7:45 am Holy Eucharist – Rite I
10:15 am Choral Eucharist – Rite II
Wednesday 7:00 am Holy Eucharist
Thursday 9:00 am Holy Eucharist
Saturday 7:30 am Morning PrayerYou can also read
