Keeping the Promises We Make: A Message from Bishop Lee

https://episcopalchicago.org/keeping-the-promises-we-make-a-message-from-bishop-lee/ 

Suspension of In-Person Worship: A letter from Bishop Lee

https://episcopalchicago.org/suspension-of-in-person-worship-continues-a-letter-from-bishop-lee/

While we are closed due to COVID19, we encourage you to go to the website of the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. They currently have morning and evening prayer each day, as well as Holy Eucharist on Sunday morning (10:15 am Central Time) available online. Please follow this link: www.cathedral.org/calendarto get the schedule page. Once there just click on the one you want to watch.

The Hope Food Pantry is now operating with a Drive-Thru format on Church Street for the foreseeable future. Since we are pre-packing bags with specific items, donations of money are the best way to help the food pantry effort. Go to www.thehopefoodpantry.org to donate online. Several employers in the area are matching or even doubling donations made to help the Covid-19 pandemic. Please check with your employers to see if this is available! Copies of the IRS 501(3)C Determination Letter are available for "Hope Food Distribution Services, NFP" if needed.

Lastly, volunteers are needed every Thursday at the Drive-Thru pantry of Emmanuel Faith in North Chicago. This is an easy way to really help our community. Hours are 2:30-4:30 Thursdays. Masks and gloves provided, social distancing strictly enforced. Last week we gave out 175 pre-packed boxes which were received with much gratitude. Families are welcome to volunteer together, just no children under 12 please. Contact hfds@stlawrencechurch.org to volunteer or donate. Thank you!

The Rector Search Committee continues to meet in order to advance the search process as best we can during the COVID19 crisis.  The committee is following the process as identified by the Diocese, with the first step to customize the Church Assessment Tool (CAT) which we have initiated. 

Prayer for the Rector Search Process

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on St. Lawrence Church, and so guide the minds of the search committee (Susan, BJ, Ann, Cecelia, Chris, Deborah, John, Kim, Linda, Steve, and Mary) who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Adapted from the Guidance Prayer for New Ministry from BCP, page 818

While there are currently no worship services at St. Lawrence, most of our expenses continue. If you usually put your pledge check in the weekly collection plate, or contribute cash to St. Lawrence without pledging, if you're able, please mail your check to the office, 125 W. Church St., Libertyville, IL 60048. Also, now is a great time to switch over to automatic pledge payments if you haven’t already done so. Here is the form you can use - just fill it out and mail it to the church office.

Finally, we understand that some of our parishioners may be experiencing financial hardship at this time due to job losses and other circumstances - if you need to adjust your pledge at this time, please send a note to the church office.