125 West Church St., Libertyville, Illinois 60048, United States
Current Events and Notices
The Very Rev. Joy Rogers is joining us!
The Very Rev. Joy Rogers is joining us!
The Very Rev. Joy Rogers is joining us!
A Letter From the Wardens:
The Very Rev. Joy Rogers is joining us!
The Very Rev. Joy Rogers is joining us!
Farewell to Deacon Hal
August 13, 2020
Dear Friends,
For almost 7 years, I have been blessed to serve as deacon at St. Lawrence Church. My first worship experience at St. Lawrence was in the Fall of 2012, and at once knew I was in the midst of a very special congregation. After completing the lengthy process to become licensed in the Diocese of Chicago, I met with the vestry in October, 2013 to receive their blessing to serve as your deacon on a regular basis. The passing of time has only served to strengthen my conviction that I had arrived at the right place at the right time.
My decision to retire from active ministry is not one I take lightly, but it has become abundantly clear to me that it is the right time to enter into one more of life’s transitions. It will mean more time to spend with our children and grandchildren; more time to read and write; more time for spontaneous travel. Our congregation is being guided by the most capable leadership I can imagine, and although uncertain times lay ahead, there is nothing this church cannot handle. With this assurance in mind my last Sunday as your deacon will be September 20, 2020.
A bit of time and space is called for, so for about two months, I will be exploring new venues in which to worship. However, rest assured that Linda and I will be back after that time has passed. My role will have changed; my presence will be less frequent. However, the connection with St. Lawrence will remain as strong as ever.
My years spent among you have been some of the most rewarding of my ministry. So many of you have touched me in ways that have overwhelmed me and enriched me; I am grateful if I have been able to return that in some small measure. So to you, my friends in Christ, what remains to be said is simply this: May God’s blessing and grace be upon you and remain with you this day and always.
Your Brother in Christ,
Hal
Keeping You Connected
New, Sermons and Speeches:Episcopal Diocese of Chicago
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/
Online services at National Cathedral
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.
HOPE Food Pantry
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!
Update on Rector Search Process
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
Update on Pledges
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.
Online Resources
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We are dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community. Your contribution today helps us make a difference.
