As our country faces violence, division, and great unrest, let us as Christians continue to stand firm in our faith calling for peace among all people. You are invited to join us tonight on Zoom at 7:30 p.m. to pray for peace for our nation during this time of unrest. Here is the link for that service:
To participate by phone only: 312-626-6799; phone meeting ID: 867 8479 1773
This Sunday we will be celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany, which marks the arrival of the wise men to the crib of the holy child and the revelation of Christ as the Messiah. We will be on Zoom with Morning Prayer at 9:00 a.m., and we will also be live-streaming a Eucharist celebration at 10:30 a.m. for Epiphany from our sanctuary. Gail Head will be playing the organ for us and our church is still decorated for this final Christmastide celebration. Let us gather and ask ourselves if we too are seeking the Christ child? What road are we really taking? In this time of darkness when hate and violence are so prevalent let us never cease to be a source of light to others. Let us continue to light the path toward peace and hope for all whom we encounter.
This past Advent and Christmas season we have been able to bring you live-streamed services, Zoom prayer services, and pre-recorded worship service, so that we can continue to worship as a community of faith. I wish to thank Deacon Mike Choquette, and Tom and Amy Koegel for their continued help. I also want to thank Doug Murphy, Bill Wayne, and Cameron Robert for additional help with live-streaming. We are so fortunate to have all of these talented people in our congregation willing to give of their time.
During this time of the pandemic I am very grateful to our treasurer Cate Williams for her continued leadership, and to Amy Noe who continues to serve our parish family in numerous ways. As most of you know, Amy goes above and beyond her job to help keep our parish connected.
Currently we are not able to hold in-person worship or gatherings in the church. When this changes and when we can bring in a small group of 25 or more we will return to safe, distanced in-person worship. I will keep you updated as changes occur.
Blessings,
Rev. Fran
Additional Prayers for our Nation
In addition to the Compline Prayers for Peace tonight, below you will find links to other online services that took place yesterday.
To participate by phone only: 312-626-6799; phone meeting ID: 826 0737 1151
If you are participating by phone, you can access the same service document that Zoom participants can see by clicking here. The Zoom link, phone number, and ID will remain the same every Sunday.
10:30 a.m. Live-streamed Service(no in-person worship; clergy, organist, and camera operators only.)
This service will also be recorded and available to watch at any time. If you wish to print or view the service bulletin, it is available here.
Food Pantry Volunteer Opportunity
The next date that St. Mary's is scheduled to staff the Crystal Lake Food Pantry on Wednesday, January 27. Shift times are 8:30-10:30 am., 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and 12:30-2:30 p.m. ContactCate Williams and let her know you'd love to volunteer! Thank you!
Co-Wardens Steve Brooks (1/21), and Mike Higgins (1/22)
Treasurer, Cate Williams
Stacy Cook, Amy Koegel (1/21)
Heather Horeled, Lorraine Taylor (1/22)
Cheri Dudek, Dorothy Nyberg (1/23)
We Pray For
Parishioners: Peter, Betsy, Cindy, Gail, Heather, Matthew, Emmett, Kristi, Elizabeth, Glenice, Shirley, and Margaret
Family/Friends: Millie, mother of Jim Krueger; Susan, friend of Daphne Starr; Ted, Jeff, Tom, Nicholas (infant) and his family; Billy, Mark, Chris, Sarah, Douglas, Tom, Mark, Andi, Maria, Greg, Wayne, Scott, Sue, Sarah, Dave, Brynn, Neil and Des, Kyle, Rick, Sylvia, Jess, Joanne, Lauren, Lynn, Kay, Saul, Brian, Sarah.
