Final RIC Presentation
by Chris Maglocci
This Sunday, May 21st we will be doing our final RIC presentation before our June 25th Welcome Statement vote. We will share our updated welcome statement and continue to collaborate and refine it through small group participation. Pastor Tom Gehring will be leading us as we delve back into our “ Markers of an Inclusive Church” and troubleshoot various potential scenarios and how best to navigate them. We will attempt to practice our allyship, support one and another, and, with gratitude, work towards a more inclusive community. Please join us as we continue on our journey!
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Welcome Back, Pastor Tom Gehring
This Sunday, we welcome back Pastor Tom Gehring as our guest pastor. They will also be with us June 11-25 while we wait for an interim pastor. Pastor Tom currently works as a healthcare chaplain, providing spiritual care to people who are at high-risk for HIV.
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Pastoral Care during the Transition
Emergency pastoral care is available for the time we are using guest pastors and waiting for an interim. Contact Jan (office: 847-251-1730, cell: 224-261-0114) if you have a need in this regard. Because we value each other, we encourage all members of the congregation to be supporting each other and looking out for one another during this time.
Boundaries after Pastor Allison Leaves
In order to honor the shift in our relationship with Pastor Allison and be transparent about expectations, the Council has approved an agreement on boundaries. Below is a letter from Pastor Allison introducing this shift, followed by the boundaries agreement.
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If you have questions about any aspect of the transition, please email Council President Mylene at mylene.pollock@comcast.net.
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Happy Birthday to those born 5/19-5/25:
- Richard Rusz, 5/19
- Dano Johnson, 5/22
- Mylene Pollock, 5/22
Additions to the Prayer List:
- Harrison Kohlbrecher, infant grandson of Margye Smith's niece
We apologize for any omissions. If your birthday, anniversary, or new intention on the prayer list is not included, please contact churchoffice@stjohnswilmette.com to be added. Please also let us know of any personal or family milestones, including happy occasions or serious lifecycle events that you would like to share with the St. John's community.
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Pastoral Care during the Transition
Emergency pastoral care is available for the time we are using guest pastors and waiting for an interim. Contact Jan (office: 847-251-1730, cell: 224-261-0114) if you have a need in this regard. Because we value each other, we encourage all members of the congregation to be supporting each other and looking out for one another during this time. If you have questions about any aspect of the transition, please email Council President Mylene at mylene.pollock@comcast.net.
Boundaries after Pastor Allison Leaves
In order to honor the shift in our relationship with Pastor Allison and be transparent about expectations, the Council has approved an agreement on boundaries. You will find the letter from Pastor Allison introducing this shift, followed by the boundaries agreement, in this week’s e-news.
Bible Study Continues
Bible Study will continue meeting as a self-led group on Tuesdays at 11 am through the end of the school year. All are welcome to join us for reflection on scripture and engaging conversation. Your ideas and perspective are valued!
Pastor Allison’s Memory Book
If you have not had a chance to write a message to Pastor Allison or share a memory in her book, you may still do so. The book is available on the table in the gathering area for you to include your messages until the end of July. She would love to hear from everyone!
Our RIC Journey: Resources Available, Questions & Comments Invited
This spring, our congregation is continuing the internal reflection and learning needed to become not just welcoming, but fully affirming of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is called the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) process, which our RIC Team (Chris Maglocci, Chad Johnson, Molly Bolash, and Luke Rasmussen) hopes will culminate in an affirmative vote at our June congregational meeting to become an RIC church. Free resources on Biblical interpretation, supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, and queer terminology can be found on the table in the gathering area. The team would love to talk with you about your questions, comments, or concerns, so please reach out to have a conversation. You may also place anonymous questions in the rainbow box in the gathering area.
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Sunday, May 21
9:30 am Hybrid Worship with Children’s Church
10:30 am Coffee Hour
10:45 – 11:45 am RIC Presentation
12:30 - 2:00 pm Confirmation Class at Immanuel, Evanston
Tuesday, May 23
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Bible Study
Thursday. May 25
12:00 - 1:00 pm Zoom-only Men’s Lunch
Sunday, May 28 Pentecost
9:30 am Hybrid Worship with Children’s Church
10:30 am Coffee Hour
12:30 - 2:00 pm Confirmation Class at Immanuel, Evanston
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Sunday Sermon Video
If you missed last week's service or want to watch it again, you can view it here.
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Sixth Sunday of Easter
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Guest Pastor: The Rev. Tom Gehring
Assisting Minister: Alan Swanson
Crucifer: Aidan Maglocci
Minister of Music: Luke Duroc-Danner
Cantor: Audrey Neace
Minister of the Word: Emma Radde
Usher: Buckley Crist
Altar Guild: Susan Crist
Coffee Hour Hosts: The RIC Team
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