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Greetings

Saturday, September 18th, the vestry met for a retreat and It was the first time we had gathered in person since March of 2020. It was a time of discussion, reflection, and laughter as we planned for 2021 and beyond. The retreat was lead by Mark Tomlinson, who took the vestry through a series of exercises designed to determine what is essential in the life of the parish. We learned that young people, music, and evangelism are top priorities. Now comes the task of doing the work that needs to be done. The four hours flew by, and we walked away feeling energized and enthusiastic about the future of the EEC.

Earlier in the day, I listened to an interview with The Archbishop of Canterbury. During the course of the interview, I learned the Church of England is also going through its own time of re-grouping and re-thinking for the future. Although the State sanctions the Church, England is like us, more secular than religious, and they too struggle to maintain buildings and energize their people. Archbishop Justin remarked that this was nothing new in the life of the Church. His advice for parishes and clergy was and is, "Do what you can, and let God do the rest." I admit these words were the most comforting I have heard in the last 18 months. I felt some stress leave my body, and I felt lighter listening to his advice. I commend it to you as well. I realized on Saturday, we are a team, and as humans, We can only do so much. But, there is much we can do. We can pray for our Church, one another and pray for ourselves. Spend time reflecting and contemplating what God is asking of us. Finally, spend time with the scriptures and learn from them.

To tell you all I love this place is an understatement. It has pained me deeply we cannot be together for coffee hour and parish events. In many ways, we have had to carry on not knowing what will come next. While it may seem like this pandemic will never end, there are glimmers of hope. Children are back in church; more people are getting vaccinated, and we have had many weddings in the past four months. It is easy to think like the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years who became more and more disenchanted with Moses and Aaron. But they made it to the Promised Land. I am confident we will as well. 
Diane+

A Word from our Wardens
Good morning!
Yesterday our Vestry met for the annual retreat, and a regular Vestry meeting.  We discussed lots of great ideas as Emmanuel moves forward, and the challenges facing us as a parish in the middle of the Covid pandemic.
We are grateful for being able to worship in person, grateful for the return of the choir, and grateful for the continued support, both financially and spiritually, of our parish family.
But we are frustrated that many programs and activities must be put on hold because of the Covid virus.  These include coffee hour, Christian formation, the adult forum, and the Day of the Dead celebration.
This is not a decision made by our Rector, Diane, or by the Vestry.  Again, this is not a decision made by Diane or the Vestry.  As an Episcopal church, we must adhere to the guidelines of the Diocese of Chicago.  Therefore, we will continue to follow the directions of the Diocese in order to keep all of us safe.
We hope and pray that as more persons in our community are vaccinated and fewer cases of Covid are reported we will be able to increase in-person activities at Emmanuel.  We ask for your patience and understanding during these difficult times.  Thank you!

Other Vestry News
Alan Gibby's departure to Atlanta left the position of Jr. Warden open. Susan Schmitz has been elected by the vestry to fill-in until the Annual Meeting in January. Susan has hit the ground running and along with Tim accomplished many tasks put on hold during the pandemic. Susan and her husband, Sam, attend the 8 am service. She is willing to listen to all your ideas concerning our parish.
 
Saturday September 25 10am-2pm
Emmanuel, Court Street and Second First churches.
There is still time to volunteer.

October 24th one service at 10:30
 
Sunday October 3rd, 8am and 10:30 in the church
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