The Heartbeat of
St. Charles’ Episcopal Church
630.584.2596 scecoffice@sbcglobal.net www.stcharlesepiscopal.org
7th Annual Pig Roast
Sunday, September 9
noon to 2 pm
Retired Rhythm Rascals, A Dixieland Band
Moonwalk – Midway Games
Raffle Items & 50/50 Raffle
Tickets: $17 & $7 (kids 3-11)
$2.00 Discount if bought before September 6th.
Church services:
7:30, 9:00 & 10:30 am
Time & Talents & Treasure
information on the different ministries and committees? Did you ever wonder how you could get involved? Did you ever ask – “What exactly is it that the Altar Guild does? Or how about those people that wear the “Usher” tags. Or you are wondering what your picture looks like in the New Pictorial Directory. Come and explore the displays after all three services (7:30, 9, 10:45) on Sunday, September 16th. We will have lots of surprises and treasures for you to discover. You can also talk to people who are leaders of different ministries and committees - ask questions - get answers - and then sign up for the activity or event that you are most suited for!
Clergy Notes
Here we go! Another program year is about to kick off. Another opportunity to get involved in the wider mission of the Church. Being a member of St. Charles’ Episcopal Church is more than just showing up to worship on Sunday morning. It’s about being the hands and feet of Christ in the world seven days a week. This month our newsletter is chock full of opportunities, new and old, to be a part of the wider ministries of St. Charles’ Episcopal Church. Maybe you’re not the reading type. Maybe you have questions or want to talk to someone face to face before you get on board. Well have I got a deal for you!! Coming up on the 16th of the month is just the day for you.
“Time and Talent Sunday” is the time to meet and greet the folks that shepherd all the various ministries that have found a home here at St. Charles’ Episcopal Church. It will be a time to find out all about the various activities that make us who we are. These activities not only help change our world, bringing new life and shining light in the darkness, but they are a great way to make connections with other people in the church. This helps to keep our church community one fellowship that just happens to worship at three different times on Sunday morning.
And if we are going to keep this new life growing and our light shining, we need your help in two ways.
First, if you have a passion for a ministry that you don’t find at St. Charles’ Episcopal Church, then step up and get it started. It was just about three years ago that our knitting ministry was only a dream. Now it is a shared ministry. I can’t guarantee that new ministries will catch on like it did, but I do know that true ministry happens where peoples passions meet the true needs of the world and they are almost all started by a small group of people. God may be calling you!
And second, and probably most important, we need to invite our friends. People come to church for a lot of reasons, but one of the most important is that they were invited by someone they know and respect. We know that people are desperately seeking to find meaning in their lives. Help them find the right meaning. Invite them to church. Invite them to our church. We’ll be better for it, and they’ll never be the same again.
See you in Church! (With a friend, I hope!)
Bill +
From the wardens...
September marks the beginning of our new program year and activity at the church is picking up. September 9th is our Annual Pig Roast. September 16th is Time and Talent Sunday and the beginning of Youth and Children's Formation and a return to our Fall Worship Schedule. Adult Education programs start on September 23rd. In addition, we continue our long time ministries at the Trinity Soup Kitchen and Hesed House. Now is the perfect time to put your faith into action. Read the Stewardship message in this newsletter, pray about what is the best way for you to give some of your time and talent back to God, and then do something!
Six of our parishioners have agreed to put their faith into action by serving on our new House Committee. Ed Manning, Amy Senn, Jane VanNortwick, Phyllis Andrew, Carol Paschal, Wendy Banks and Katherine McCleary will be joined by Joe Ryan and Henry Mora, vestry members for Grounds and Buildings, to serve on our first House Committee. It is the vestry's desire that this committee serve as an over-sight committee regarding the "look" of our church building and grounds. We would like them to guide us on questions like what color we should paint the outside of the church, what kind of trees should be planted and where, what a redecorated parlor would look like, etc. We are excited to have this committee in place and look forward to their counsel.
The good news is that we are a very active and growing church. The bad news is that we have all the normal growing pains. Our church space is tight and we need to do something about that. Dick Hattan has begun the process of identifying a space needs analysis firm that can help us maximize the space we have. Our church finances are also tight. Our needs continue to exceed our ability to pay for them. Please review your pledge to the church and be sure it is up to date. If you are not yet tithing (10%), see if you can move closer. God has blessed our church and we have a message of Grace and Love to share with our neighbors. Thanks for your help.
Remember to See the Miracles!
God bless each of you,
Bob Parks (Senior Warden)
Bo Smith (Junior Warden)
Fall Worship Schedule
7:30 am Holy Eucharist, Rite I with music
9:00 am Holy Eucharist with contemporary music
9:00 to 10:00 am Adult Formation – Study of the Acts of the Apostles
10:00 to 11:10 am Children’s & Youth Formation
10:15 to 11:00 am Adult Conversations
10:45 am Choral Eucharist, Rite II
Stewardship
St. Charles' Episcopal Church is a very busy place, even in the summer. We have many things going on and the need for many people to participate. As our new program year approaches, we are reminded once again how "many hands make light work." And giving of your time and talent is a major part of stewardship.
But, you say, isn't stewardship about the "pledge drive" and "money?" Please don't misunderstand; pledging your treasure is a part of stewardship, but only one part. As Christians we are called to be good stewards of God's kingdom. To do that, we must give of our time and talent as well as treasure.
Each of us is gifted with talents that make us special and unique in the world. Those talents, given by God, are meant to be used to the glory of God. Over the years, I have heard many people say, "But I'm not talented." I think God must be very sad every time he hears those words. He created each of us with our own special talents and would probably be profoundly pleased if we recognized them in ourselves so we could really use them in the best ways. What are your talents? Can you talk to anyone and make him or her feel welcome? Do you know how to get things done? Do you like to learn and share your learning with others? Can you sing or play an instrument? Do you have a great voice and read well? Can you work with a team to accomplish a goal? Are you creative? How are you using your talents, not only at church, but also in the world?
Time is another part of stewardship. In our very busy lives, giving time to yet another project is sometimes more than we can handle. It is during those busiest of times that we could probably benefit the most from being with our community of faith. If we take the time to give back to God, we may just find that we don't have to spend so much time on some of those other things that keep us so busy.
In September, we have “Time & Talent Sunday”, where you will have an opportunity to see all that we do here at St. Charles' Episcopal Church. There are many places for your time and talent here and they would be very welcomed wherever you choose to get involved. Come and practice your stewardship and see how you get fed in the process.
Worship Committee
The Worship Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 5 at 7:15 pm. If you have any comments, compliments, ideas, complaints that you would like to discuss, either use the “View from the Pew” note and place in the “Little Church” or contact a member of the Worship Committee.
Chair: Fr. Bill Nesbit Vestry Liaison: Cathy Koch Acolytes: Jamie Koch
Altar Guild: Barbara Bachman Altar Bread: Kathy Hari Bulletins: Lela Lowe
Choir: Phyllis Andrew Formation: Liz Ryan Deacon Liz Meade
Flower Guild: Carol Paschal Intercessors: Bo Smith Music: Dan Williams
Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Kathy Mertes Lectors & Ushers: Walker Bowman
9:00 Service: Kerri Hildebrand
Green Corner of Hope (Healing Our Planet Earth) "Speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee." Job 12:8
Alternative cooling: Using ceiling fans instead of air conditioners will reduce your cooling costs by at least 60%. Breezes make us cooler, because wind causes water to evaporate it is easier for us to sweat and stay cool. The human summer comfort zone is 72 to 78, but a ceiling fan breeze can make us feel cooler - raising our comfort zone to 78 - 82. Ceiling fans with air conditioners allow you to turn up the thermostat 6 degrees. Also, running a ceiling fan for 24 hours at high speed costs about 35 cents. Open windows at night (if the temp is less than 78) and use your ceiling fan in order to ventilate with a cool breeze instead of using the fan-only or ventilate switch on your air conditioner (which is more electricity then the ceiling fan). Lastly, be sure to buy Energy Star label ceiling fans. They are 20% more energy-efficient and can save you $20-$30 a year over other ceiling fans. (Don't forget running less air conditioning will save C02 emissions.)
From You Can Prevent Global Warming (and save money!) by Jeffrey Langholz, PhD and Kelly Turner.
Wellness presentation!
Please join us on Wednesday, Sept. 12th for a presentation in Ludtke Hall by our friends at the Holmstad. Geared toward Seniors and those who care for and about them, "Wellness - It's a Matter Of Balance" will be presented at 1 pm. This one hour presentation will discuss the many dimensions of wellness - spiritual, social, emotional and more- and will show how balancing these can maximize your well being. Light refreshments will be provided.
Labyrinth 10th Anniversary
On Sunday October 14th at 7 pm, we will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the dedication of our outdoor labyrinth. There will be a service beginning in the church and ending with a procession out to the labyrinth for its rededication. A reception in Ludtke Hall will follow. Not only has our labyrinth been walked by members of our parish, but many groups and individuals have come to learn about its history and its use as a meditation tool. Please join us for this special event and watch the Pulse for further details. For more information, contact Cathy Koch, Mary Elfring, or Sarah Travis.
Did you lose your Formation Registration Form?
Christian Formation for Youth & Children will start Sunday, September 16th at 10 am. To be sure we have enough teachers and supplies we are asking that you register your children as soon as possible. Registration forms are available on the table in the foyer or call Lela in the Church Office. Please be sure to have your registration forms in Liz Ryan’s mail slot no later than September 1st. This is going to be a year full of faith and fun, be sure your children do not miss it!!!
Why should I care about the Millennium Development Goals?
If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill," and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? James 2:15-16
Former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, when asked why Episcopal people should embrace the challenge of the Millennium Development Goals replied: "The Millennium Development Goals embody the response God calls us to give to our suffering world."
As Christians, we are mandated by God, in the person of Jesus Christ, to go and warm and fill the bodies, minds, and hearts of our brothers and sisters the world over. It is not enough to say, "We should" or to quibble over the wording of the goals, or that their origin is not from the church, but from a secular organization like the United Nations. To quibble over such details is to distract us from the real mandate - which is to Go - and to show our love in action.
Action requires participation.
This fall, we will be asking: What is yours?
Here, again, are the eight
Millennium Development Goals.
1. Eradicate extreme hunger and poverty
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development
Which one(s) tug at your heart strings?
Which one are you working to achieve?
What is your response?
Books, books, books!
The Women's Book Group meets the third Thursday of every month at church from 7:30-9 pm. New members are always welcome.
The Fall schedule is as follows:
Sep 20th God's Secretaries: The Making of the King James Bible by Adam Nicolson
Oct 18th In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart by Ruth Graham
Nov 15th A Deepening Love Affair: The Gift of God in Later Life by Jane Marie Thibault
Come, discuss, and enjoy the fellowship. Newcomers are always welcome.
Questions? See Deacon Liz or Wendy Bangs.
Hesed House News...
The response to the request for men's and women's underwear and socks for persons at Hesed House was fabulous. On Saturday morning, August 18th, we delivered 12 tee-shirts; 47 men's underpants, 51 women's underpants, 57 pairs of men's socks and 20 pairs of women's socks. The generosity of our parish does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated by those who are less fortunate than we are. Thank you to all who answered the call. However, there is still a need for these basic necessities. In trying to stay warm and dry, in trying to find employment and a hot meal, such basics as clean socks and underwear often are overlooked. Also needed are toiletries such as shaving cream, soap, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, nail clippers, chap stick. Did you travel this summer and have the “hotel amenities” still at your house? Those are just perfect for Hesed House as the guest only have the equivalent of ½ of a school locker to store all of the worldly possessions.
He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep." John 21:17
Women’s Bible Study Resumes
The Women’s Bible Study will begin meeting again on Wednesdays at 11:30 am beginning September 5th. All women are welcome to drop in at any time. For any questions, contact Julie Mugge at 513-6641.
The Acts of the Apostles:
The Way of Jesus in the Roman Empire.
The Sunday morning Adult Formation Class will continue to study The Acts of the Apostles, chapters 16 through 28, beginning Sunday, September 23rd at 9 am. The class ends at 10 am and meets in Ludtke Hall. The commentary, Acts by Jaroslav Pelikan (2005, Brazos Press, Grand Rapids, Michigan) will continue to be used as a study aide. Copies of the text will be made available. New students are welcome and encouraged to participate. Philip Dripps will teach the class (584-7041).
Fund raiser!
Carson's Coupon books? We are once again selling Carson’s Coupon Books for the Carson's Community Day on Saturday, November 10th. The books cost $5.00 but you get a coupon for $10.00 and eight 20% off coupons. We raised over $500 from the sale of these last year. Please contact Michelle Moore (830-5481 or teecher711@aol.com) with any questions or if you want to take some booklets to sell.
Soup Kitchen news
If you have not already worked with our parish Soup Kitchen Ministry at Trinity Episcopal Church, Aurora, fall is a great time to start. We’ve been making pasta salads this summer, but now we’ll be serving hot casseroles.
We prepare the main dish in our parish kitchen the Wednesday night before our Thursday lunch, starting at 7 pm. We try to be done by 8:30 or so. Then on Thursday, we car pool down to Aurora, leaving St. Charles’ Episcopal Church by 9:30 am. We prepare meal and cheese platters, wash fruit, arrange dessert platters, and mix up salad while the casseroles are heating. We serve cafeteria-style after the noon Eucharist. We usually are done cleaning up by 2 or 2:30 pm.
You do not have to be an experienced chef to join us. Older children who can help in the kitchen are very welcome. So, join us on the fourth Thursday of the month at Trinity, either by donating food, cooking on Wednesday night, or by serving the meal. See the sign up sheet in Ludtke Hall or call Liz Ryan at church (584-2596) or Barb Ross (879-4303).
Something’s Cookin’
Holy Casserollers, our once a month cooking group, will not meet in September due to the Pig Roast on September 9th. Those interested in a Sunday evening gathering that combines fellowship and making casseroles for parishioners in need please plan to attend in October. Parishioners may also participate by making donations to the shopping list available in Ludtke Hall in late September. We deliver to new parents, families experiencing some difficult transition or any other time extra comfort food will make a difference. Recipe ideas may be e-mailed to Liz Ryan or left in her mailbox. Questions: Liz Ryan (584-2596) or Wendy Bangs (377-1174).
A e NOTE FROM OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR – DAN WILLIAMS
CHILDREN’S AND ADULT CHOIR REHEARSALS START AGAIN ON WEDNESDAYS IN SEPTEMBER. The Children’s Choir will start rehearsals on Wednesday, September 5th at 6 pm and end at 7 pm. The Adult Choir rehearsals will not begin until Wednesday, September 12th. Adult Choir rehearsals are from 7:30 to 9 pm.
I hope to see all the "veterans" returning and many new faces as well. I hear many marvelous voices in the congregation each week, and often wonder why many of you are not singing with your choir. It really is a good time and an awesome ministry. Each week we gather to sing and socialize, and praise God through song.
What is particularly amazing about singing in such a great choir is that there isn't a single one of you that could by yourself impact people as profoundly as all of you can together. You are blessed here at St. Charles’ Episcopal Church, blessed with people who have the ability to sing well, and a spirit driving them to improve. Better yet, we want you to be a part of that, adding your talent and passion to a group trying to make a difference for God.
We're only given so many notes to sing in this life. So many people go to their graves with their music still in them. That is why you must embrace the talents you've been given to make a difference one life at a time to a world that is in desperate need of it. Music can do that. Don't squander your notes. Sing every one of them with care and beauty and craftsmanship, as if it were your last. Come to rehearsal ready to build your craft, singing with the fullest measure of your spirit. For you see, it isn't just a hobby. It is a ministry. You will make a positive difference in people's lives. And your own. You're bringing beauty and art to the world. Come join us, you'll see how great this journey can be.
Think about what joining the choir and making music could be for you, it's a marvelous opportunity to cast off your troubles, if only for a while. And then think of what your voice could mean to others and embrace the idea of singing with your choir. Offer your music to others, each of whom will receive it in their own unique way, finding a place in their hearts and minds to keep it for the rest of their lives. It could be your calling. It could be your ministry, It is an awesome one.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
The Communications Committee looks forward to participating in Time and Talent Sunday on September 16th. We are working hard to have our new photo directories here for distribution. We will be providing St. Charles’ Episcopal Church business cards for all parishioners that can be shared with friends, visitors to our church, when inviting a fellow parishioner to a meeting or event, or with outside contacts. Just add your name, e-mail and telephone number so that newcomers will have a contact. You could even add the name and meetings times of a ministry with which you are involved. Questions or suggestions: Christy Becker-Vestry member/Communications Chairperson (377-4369).
VESTRY
Bob Parks, Senior Warden
Bo Smith, Junior Warden
2008 2009 2010
Joe Ryan Henry Mora Dick Hattan
Mary Zupke Cathy Koch Katie Thomson
ST. CHARLES’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The Rt. Rev William Persell, Bishop
The Rev. William R. Nesbit, Jr. Rector
The Rev. Elizabeth G. Meade, Deacon
Dan Williams, Director of Music
Liz Ryan, Director of Youth & Children’s Formation
Administrative Assistant
phone: 630-584-2596
Fax: 630-584-8633
email: scecoffice@sbcglobal.net
Web site: www.stcharlesepiscopal.org