St. Michael's Episcopal Church

Church School for Children (three years of age through the fifth grade): The Church School at St. Michael’s uses the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approach to religious formation with children three years old through the fifth grade. Catechists and Leaders gather with children each Sunday morning and share a common religious experience in which the religious values of childhood are predominant. We believe that God and the child have a unique relationship with one another and growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child. Children are provided their own, specially prepared environment, called an atrium, to foster the growth of that relationship. Scripture, liturgy, covenant, and sacrament are the basis for each week’s presentation to the children. Classes may also include special outreach projects, activities or preparation for special services. Children ages three through kindergarten begin the search for Christ and learn to meditate on the image of the Good Shepherd as found in the teachings of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program. In the first through third grades, children begin to expand their personal relationship with Christ to include the image of Christ as the True Vine, and the moral implications inherent in their meditation. Students in the fourth and fifth grades (called the Bridge) parallel their study of secular history with the religious history and find their place in it. The church school program for ages three years through fifth grade takes place at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings. They meet in classrooms, or atriums, on the lower level in the Church School hallway. Youth Formation: Serving youth 6th-12th grade Middle School students, grades 6 through 8, begin their weekly formation at 9:00 a.m. by participating in the family worship service. They continue at 9:45 a.m. when, after Communion, they leave the Nave and move to a classroom to have discussions relevant for the day. We continually discuss the presence of God in our daily lives, and how to live a Christian life every day. They currently meet in classroom #6 on the lower level. The High School Youth, grades 9-12, begin by worshiping together at the 10:45 a.m. service and following communion move to the Sturtz House (north of the parking lot) for formation until 12:00 p.m. These young adults discuss connections between the sermon and readings of the day and daily life. We regularly discuss both the joys and challenges of living a Christian life as a teen in today's society. Tenth graders also prepare for Confirmation. Both groups have additional opportunities to enjoy fellowship, education, and service activities outside of Sunday mornings. Contact Nate Nesbit at 847-381-2323 x18.

A ministry of St. Michael's Church. The preschool is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  The school serves children 18 months to 4 years.

Women's Bible and Book Study - this is a ministry of energetic, compassionate women who gather weekly to share and learn.

All Women of St. Michael's (AWSM) - growth and fellowship opportunities 

Spirited Sisters: This ministry offers fellowship and study for women who seek to deepen their faith and share their Christian journey with others. They come together for fellowship, prayer requests, and lively discussions related to what they study and its application to their lives.

Friday Morning 6:00 a.m. Gathering - coffee, prayer and spirited conversations about faith, hope and challenges.

Veterans Ministry (also open to women who have served in the military)

And All the Angels, a Christian book and gift shop, is located on the lower level of St. Michael's Church. The beautifully-appointed shop offers a wide variety of gift and decorative items, including: • Religious and non-religious gifts for all occasions • Jewelry • Christening outfits and accessories • Baby gifts • A large selection of wall crosses in many styles and materials • Custom-made gift baskets. • Bibles and Prayer Books • Devotional books • Journals Coffee is served in the shop on Sunday mornings and gift wrapping is provided. And All the Angels donates all its profits to charities benefiting women and children. The shop is staffed entirely by volunteers and new volunteers are always welcome. Our Mission: To provide tasteful, quality Christian books, crosses, music and gifts to St. Michael's parishioners and the community, and to donate all profits to support services for women and children. Shop Hours Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The choirs of St. Michael’s offer their talents at worship and special occasions including Christmas caroling, extended offerings, and special outings. St. Michael’s Chancel Choir is open to all adults and high school students in the parish and sings for the 10:45 a.m. service, as well as for special services throughout the year. The Cantor Choir is also open to all adults and high school students and offers more contemporary music in addition to some traditional and classic works during the 9:00 a.m. service. St. Michael’s Children’s Choir resume each fall with new musical opportunities for St. Michael’s youngest members. St. Michael's Handbell Choir is always happy to accept new members. Requirements are minimal and the Handbell Choir is an opportunity for almost anyone to be a part of the music making at St. Michael's. Reading music is not necessary — you just need to be able to count and to ring on cue! For more information about the music ministry please call Director of Music Ministries David Baker at 847-381-2323 x20.

The Outreach Committee functions within our parish to research and maintain the integrity of parish contributions to outside organizations. St. Michael's donates money to about thirty local and international agencies. Each year a percentage of the pledged money committed to St. Michael’s budget is designated for outreach efforts by the vestry. While there are small contributions specifically designated for outreach or to a particular need or agency, the annual parish outreach commitment is made through our pledged income to St. Michael's. These church funds are essential for many of the Episcopal and outside agencies to continue and maintain their critically needed ministries.

Acolytes Acolytes is a ministry for parishioners who desire to offer an important contribution to the worship here at St. Michael’s. Open to all parishioners ages eight years old to adult, this ministry is currently seeking adults and youth to join and serve at Sunday morning services. Altar Guild A wonderful ministry of service, the Altar Guild is responsible for the care and maintenance of vestments, the arranging of altar flowers, and the set up and cleanup of each service. Home Lay Eucharistic Ministry This is a group of specially trained Lay Eucharistic Ministers who carry the Sacrament (bread and wine) immediately following a Sunday service to those parishioners who, by reason of illness or infirmity, are unable to come to church to receive communion. Ushers Our ushers assist with meeting and greeting at the services. Their ministry is one of hospitality and is a great way for a newcomer to become more familiar with the people of the parish. They ushers also assist at funerals services throughout the year. Lectors Our Lectors are people, young and adult, with a gift for reading in public worship. They read the lessons at all Sunday and festival services of the parish. Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs) Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist with the administration of the chalice at our celebration of the Holy Eucharist. This ministry includes training and individuals are licensed by the bishop.

Renk Ministry Partnership January 2015 marked the 17-year anniversary of St. Michael's covenant relationship with the Diocese of Renk in South Sudan. It is one way the people of St. Michael's work in a specific and practical way toward implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. A fragile foothold of peace has been established in South Sudan, and we are fortunate to have a direct, personal means of helping strengthen it by investing in Christian leadership development and the rebuilding of social structure in Renk. The Renk Theological College was built and supported by St. Michael's Church as a key part of the Diocese of Renk's strategic plan for reweaving the social and economic fabric of the region so that peace can be maintained. In April 2004, the College was demolished by the Government of Sudan to build a highway, called Peace Highway to the South. St. Michael's raised $50,000 to rebuild the College, and on April 15, 2005, classes began in the new classrooms. The chapel is called St. Michael's. A delegation from St. Michael's visited Renk in 2006. April 2008 saw the kick-off for the next phase of our Partnership program: a capital campaign to raise $200,000 over the next three years to support the Renk Theological College. The Diocese of Renk has assumed primary responsibility for education in the region at all levels, and the College is committed to providing not only trained clergy but also skilled community leaders who can help foster sustainable social and economic development and thereby "lead the peace."