The World Sabbath of Religious Reconciliation

This is the third year in which we celebrated the World Sabbath at St. Joseph and St. Aidan’s in Blue Island. More than 60 people from many different religions, gathered at St. J and A to talk about their faith and to speak out for Justice, Equality and Peace. It was inspiring to see Christians, Muslims, and Jews, along with secular peace activists praying together and proclaiming that God calls us all to end war and to build a world of peace. Fr. Reinhart, our pastor, founded the World Sabbath 10 years ago in Detroit. We are pleased that our two congregations can work with him in this mission of interfaith peace making. The World Sabbath was videotaped for later broadcast on Comcast and CAN TV.

Lent

  Lent is a season of serious reflection, spiritual growth and personal renewal. In Lent, we follow of our Lord as he walked to Jerusalem and to the cross. In Lent, we renew our commitments to follow Jesus Christ as Savior and our Lord and we renew our commitments to serve Him in His church. Let us renew our commitments to live the faithful Christian lives He calls us to live. Let us renew our commitment to serve God as faithful and active members of His church.

    Many people see Lent strictly as a time for self-denial. They may take on a Lenten discipline of refusing to eat chocolate or pizza. This Lent, let us each take on a positive spiritual discipline, one that will benefit our soul and benefit our church as well.

Each one of us can:

1. Pray 20 minutes each day for other members of the parish.

2. Fast for one meal each day and give the cost of the meal to the church.

3. Study the Bible for 20 minutes each day and pray for our families.

4. Bring a friend or non-churched family member to church each Sunday.

5. Convince one new person or family to join our church.

6. Join the choir, the pantry program, or take on other responsibilities in church.

Vestry News

    St. Clement’s Senior Warden and the Vestry have invited Mr. Mark Braatan, a financial analyst and close friend of the parish to give us a series of coffee-hour presentations on Financial Literacy. He will help us create personal financial plans that will enable us to

use our resources more carefully and wisely so that we have more money for ourselves and more money to donate to our church.

Banner Squares at the Consecration

Each congregation in our diocese was asked to Contribute a “banner square” with a hand-drawn Symbol of their church. The squares from our two churches were prominently displayed on the altar and pulpit at Bishop Lee’s consecration.

We thank the Roby kids and Blanca Atwood for their lovely artistic work.

                              HOME COMMUNION

   If you, or members of your family need Home Communion or prayers, please call Fr. Reinhart at 708-528-9862. Remember to pray for one another, and for your church. As our vestry reminds us, please pay your pledges faithfully, and if possible… early.

Prayers and blessings.

Christmas

Soldiers.

Press Release

Archbishop Rev.Rowan Williams