THE St. Philip’s Episcopal Church 342 East Wood Street Palatine, Illinois 60067-5357 (847) 358-0615 www.stphilipspalatine.org http://www.facebook.com/stphilipspalatine

The Rev. Jim Stanley, Rector

Christians from non-sacramental traditions will sometimes ask me, “What’s up with people making the ?” They often think we‘re using it as a kind of magic spell. Are they right? Sometimes, I catch myself making the sign of the cross and not even thinking about what it means. There’s no shortage of athletes and entertainers who make the sign of the cross before stepping in the batter’s box or going on stage.

The practice of marking someone with a cross-like symbol actually goes back to times. Space isn’t available here to go into that. Suffice to say it was often about seeking God’s mercy and/or lamenting the sins of the nation. In ancient secular cultures, an X or cross would signify ownership. Historians and archaeologists tell us the sign of the cross was an essential expression for the Early Church, even while the original apostles lived.

1 We are not supposed to make the sign of the cross a good luck charm. It is a holy practice rooted in the waters of Baptism. The first sign of the cross in a person’s life is usually the one the minister applies to the forehead of the newly baptized. Infant or adult - you are “marked as Christ’s own forever”. We now belong to because we trust in His death and resurrection.

Because of the current pandemic, our fonts - usually filled with baptismal or otherwise blessed water - are empty; but they will be full again. When I dip three fingers in that water and then make the sign of the cross, I want to remember all that it means: Jesus loves me and gave His life for me on a cross. I die with Him, but I am also raised with Him in the waters of Baptism. I am marked as His own...forever.

May our very lives be marked with the sign of the cross.

Mission Statement

SEEK…a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ SHARE…the love and compassion of Christ SERVE…others with open hearts SHINE…with Christ’s light, illuminating our world.

02 - Helen Burns 05 - Peg Davis 05 - Michelle Raymond 07 - Olivia Purcell 09 - Ann Fischer 09 - Robert Oles 10 - Mark and Marianne Raymond 09 - Mark Raymond 17 - Keith Kampert 17 - Jack Notzen 21 - Sophie Obara 24 - Diane Dugovic 29 - Chris Moore 2 29 - Tom Scanlan 2 Volunteer Service: 10:00 a.m. Please find a substitute if you Schedules: are unable to serve.

Chalice Guild Greeters Readers Nursery Bearers October 4 Christine Wood 10:00 a.m. none () Liz Huth-Taylor none needed none none needed Linda Purcell needed Lisa Gillette needed (Voice)

October 11

10:00 a.m. Judy Zawacke none none needed Peggy Morrill none none needed Karen Cappello needed (Reader) needed Grace Horner (Voice)

October 18 DJ & Marv Hill 10:00 a.m. Bonnie Wiggen none none needed (Reader) none none needed needed Christine Wood needed (Voice)

October 25 Karen Cappello (Reader) 10:00 a.m. Nancy Holian none none needed Lisa Gillette none none needed Kathy Svendson needed (Voice) needed

Counters: Kathryn Jones Mike Zawacke

* Volunteer schedules are subject to change. + There are also services on Tuesdays at 9:30 a. m.

This is stewardship month! Please prayerfully consider your support for St. Philip’s. 3 2020

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10:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. Rite I Service Tai Chi (via Zoom) (courtyard)

9:30 a.m. Morning Prayer (via Zoom)

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10:00 a.m. Columbus 8:00 a.m. Rite II Service Day – Tai Chi (via Zoom) Office (courtyard)

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11:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. . Vestry meeting Morning Prayer (via Zoom)

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10:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. Rite II Service Tai Chi (via Zoom) (courtyard)

9:30 a.m. Morning Prayer (via Zoom)

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