116 East Church Street

Elmhurst, Illinois 60126

630.530.1434

www.episcopalchurchofoursaviour.org

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Introduction Our Aspirations for the Future Mission and Vision Our Beginnings and Recent History Our Worship Parish Life Our Organization Christian Formation Service Ministries and Outreach Our Finances Buildings and Grounds Community Life The Elmhurst Community The Diocese of Chicago

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The Search Committee conducted several small group forums on consecutive Sundays in March 2010 in order to glean as accurately as possible how our members view Our Saviour and what they hope for our future and in our next rector. Participation in the small groups was high and enthusiastic! The personality of Our Saviour can be described as small but mighty; vibrant in its socio-economic mix. People plug into the life of the parish where they are most comfortable and have the most to offer. Our members describe Our Saviour as a warm, welcoming and strong community, and as a loving and supportive congregation; very hospitable to one another and to newcomers. We strive to work together in a Christ-centered life for the good of the parish and the greater community. Our challenge is a call to greater involvement in the Elmhurst community. Although there is an ongoing participation by a small and faithful group in outreach, it is generally felt that we could be doing more, and that we need to share who we are to others seeking spiritual fulfillment and to others in need. We seek to grow, yet maintain a sense of strength and meaning in our relationships with one another. We have a love of music and seek to harness this passion and the gifts that we have to enliven our spirituality. It is no surprise therefore that our members cite the ability and willingness to foster strong community as one of the gifts and skills of our next rector. Because one of our greatest strengths is the ministry of our laity, we hope for a rector who leads by enabling and inspir-ing our ministry. We look for someone who projects energy and a positive image outside the parish community as well; a well-organized leader who is a great communicator and preacher; and someone who will help us be innovative liturgically, spiritually and programmatically within our tradition.

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We look to differentiate ourselves as a church that welcomes all with a diversity of pro-grams, with vital worship and with a distinctive ministry to those in need. Our Saviour envisions:

As we look to the future, we are ever mindful of the changes in our community, our society and the role of the mainstream church. Acknowledging the challenges that are before us, our parish is enthusiastic about our future possibilities. Our members have a clear set of priorities, and are energized to address those priorities. We believe our progressive theology and adaptable personality will serve us as we work to meet the needs of all spiritual seekers who come to know us. We feel we are positioned to take risks as a community of faith to make a difference in the lives of our members and in the lives of the local community.

A sustained approach to growing the congregation. We understand that growth is an outcome of articulating and doing our ministries well.

Focused and intentional programming for adults – formation for life – engagement in topics that are crucial to living meaningful lives in today’s society; and engaging people in identifying and developing their ministries within the church.

Vibrant and inspirational worship and music that feeds the spirit of the congregation and those visiting with us

Deepening our commitment to the local community and developing the kind of parish that is comprehensive in its mission to teach the lives of all seekers.

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Our New Rector Our Saviour seeks a new rector who will guide our congregation in becoming a vital witness of the ministry of Jesus. Someone who will continue to challenge our vision and join the congregation in turning this vision into an effective and meaningful reality. We seek:

A preacher and creative developer and innovator of worship and music…who delivers inspired and challenging sermons; engages our imaginations about ministry; and who appreciates the important role of music in our spiritual awakening.

A visionary leader…who can develop leadership for mutual ministry; can inspire others to engage in a new future. Someone who understands how to organize for growth, can delegate and can administer the business/fiscal aspects of the church.

A community builder…inside and outside the walls of the parish. Someone with a passion for reaching out to the needs of others; helping us develop a hands-on approach to outreach.

A pastor…who will walk with us in times of personal need, crisis and celebration. Beyond these key skills, we hope to find a rector who is compassionate, open-minded, energetic and models with us and to us a deep faith life. Someone who communicates openly and readily and is willing to challenge us spiritually to grow into the community God wants us to become.

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Our Vision

Gathered in Christ, our congregation seeks to know and share the transforming power of God’s love.

Believing in God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we promise, with God’s help

to continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers. To persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever we fall into sin,

repent and return to the Lord. To proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as

ourselves and to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being

Our Mission

To share our love of Jesus Christ through * Worship in the Anglican tradition * Christian fellowship and hospitality * Spiritual growth as empowered disciples * Faithful stewardship of God’s gracious gifts * Service to others

To let God’s love for all of us be shown by our words and deeds

The Episcopal Church of Our Saviour Gathered in Christ...Sent Out to Serve

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The Episcopal Church is the oldest church in Elmhurst, and in fact dates back to before the town was known as Elmhurst. The area was known as Cottage Hill when the first regular service was held on October 6, 1862. It was in the dining room of the home of Thomas B. Bryan, a well-to-do Chicago businessman who later became one of the principal organizers of the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Bryan eventually converted the private bowling alley on his property to a place of worship. It was Bryan who also proposed to citizens of Cottage Hill that the name of the village be changed to Elmhurst, while meeting in the Byrd’s Nest Chapel, named after his wife, Jennie Byrd Bryan. The Byrd’s Nest Chapel was located at St. Charles Road and Cottage Hill Avenue. The first service conducted there was in April 1865, and the chapel served the Episcopal families of Cottage Hill (renamed Elmhurst in 1869) for the next 50 years.

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In 1945, The Rev. Chandler Sterling became the congregation’s priest, organizing a youth movement, holding Rector’s Evenings, spiritual healing and prayer services. The parish continued to expand, so much that in 1954 and 1957, the church acquired two additional properties and laid plans for a new church building.

In 1914, the Diocese of Chicago consented to form a mission in Elmhurst under the name Church of Our Saviour. In 1914-1915, the present chapel was erected on Church Street. The Rev. John Arthur, D.D., who served as pastor until May 1923, presided over the first service there on Palm Sunday. In 1930, the church purchased a rectory for its first full-time priest, The Rev. W. Ridley Parson, and his wife. In 1939, the steadily growing Church of Our Saviour was officially granted parish status. In 1940, the congregation purchased more adjoining property, and it built its offices south of the church proper in 1946.

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On October 15, 1960, the new building was completed and a dedication was held. When the new building was completed the parish was thriving. Then, in the late 1960s there began a gradual downhill movement. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, disagreements arose over several issues, including governance and adoption of the liturgical changes the Episcopal Church was introducing around the country. The congregation lost families. In the 1990s there was more erosion of membership as the parish became further weakened by declining pledge income and problems with the management of the endowment, which was being consumed to cover operating expenses. Finally, a delegation from the remaining (quite small and disheartened) congregation turned to the Diocese. In 2000 Bishop William Persell declared Church of Our Saviour a "distressed parish" and the Diocese began helping the parish financially as well as spiritually to turn things around. Traditionally, Episcopal parishes that reach that status rarely emerge successfully. Church of Our Savior, however, under the initial leadership of a Priest in Charge, and later our most recent rector, regrouped, and was successfully able in 2006 to become self-sufficient once again. The congregation has stabilized, and begun to grow in numbers. The parish has once again become a forward-looking, hard-working, productive and loving church. Our location and community makes us a church of many opportunities.

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Worship at Our Saviour consists of two weekly Sunday services and Wednesday morning Eucharist. A dedicated group joins on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 AM and Rite II services are held on Sunday mornings, with a spoken service at 8:00 AM and a sung service at 10:00 AM featuring a wonderful pipe organ and choir. Musical selections are taken from The Hymnal 1982 and supplemented by Wonder, Love, and Praise. Nursery services are available at the 10:00 AM service.

Our Saviour also provides several variations on the normal 10:00 AM service. The first Sunday of the month is Youth Sunday. The children of the church school and youth group participate in the Lessons and Psalms and Prayers of the People as well as bring forward the sacraments and collecting offerings before Communion. On the third Sunday of the month, prayers for healing are conducted in the Narthex. On the fifth Sunday, Our Saviour holds a combined service with the Church of South India. In addition, seasonal Wednesday night worship gatherings are offered on a regular basis. Church of Our Saviour holds two Christmas Eve services. There is a family service at 4:00 PM featuring a church school Christmas pageant, and an evening service at 10:30 PM. We also offer a full Holy Week schedule including services on Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday services.

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Church of Our Saviour is a family of devoted and caring people. We worship together, help each other in times of need, and enjoy getting together for fun and fellowship. We understand that we often find Christ in and through each other, and that our faith is strengthened by our time together.

Greeters/Ushers - Hospitality at Church of Our Saviour begins with these individuals. The size of Church of Our Saviour usually allows greeters to act in a dual capacity as ushers. They typically arrive 15 minutes before the service and organize bulletins and building access. They are the first official faces people encounter, and they cheerfully welcome newcomers and parishioners. As ushers, they assist in the service by bringing the bread and wine forward, passing collection plates, and ushering parishioners during communion. Our ushers are usually couples who volunteer together. Near the end of the service our ushers count the number of worshippers. After services are complete, the ushers will collect any remaining bulletins from the pews and then relax at fellowship.

Fellowship - Each Sunday after our Worship Services, all in attendance are invited to have coffee, juice and a variety of treats as a part of our fellowship. This is the time when we all get to just talk about our week, our families and just get to know more of each other. Come pick up a pastry and let’s chat!

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Games Night – Come over with your favorite board game and side dish and have a ball! You’ll never forget the bonding experience of “Game Night” at Our Saviour. Build a hotel on PARK AVE., put your left foot on the Green and your right hand on Red or play out the scene of your favorite movie using muted acting skills. You’ll never look at your pastor quite the same once he’s been tied up into pretzel form on colorful dots or you’ve bank-rupted him with your monopoly on properties. Eat, Play and Have Fun!

Periodic Parish Outings – An afternoon movie, a group lunch, Bunko night or a concert and more are just some of the events our members have come together for. We always look forward to opportunities to expand our friendships beyond the walls of our church.

Prayer Shawl – Our Saviour has a group of skilled knitters who have combined their talents to create blessings for those in need of our Lord’s warmth. The Prayer Shawl group has made blankets, scarves and mittens for the homeless, the sick and others to remind them that God’s love will always surround and comfort them.

Epiphany Readers We have a book club that meets every week to discuss literature selections from spiritual life to the hope found within life’s struggles. Epiphany Readers share their book selections during services and invite all who are interested to join the discus-sion. We’re not as big as Oprah’s book club but we have lofty aspirations. Grab a book and join us!

Building Homes in New Orleans Have you ever smashed your thumb with a hammer, held a drill you didn’t know what to do with, or just looked at a 2x4 piece of wood? Well, that’s the extent of our carpentry skills too … and we take those skills and our good intentions to New Orleans each July. For five days we help build one home and change the lives of one family in need forever. Come join us make a real difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in New Orleans.

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Clergy and Staff

Interim Rector The Rev. Tom Haverly

Assisting Priest The Rev. Donald Judson

Assisting Deacon The Rev. John Nachtrieb (Wednesday)

Music Director Steve Potter

Sexton Charlie Chafee

Administrative Assistant Sheri Bush (Part time)

Vestry

The Vestry consists of a Senior and a Junior warden who share in leadership responsibilities and who, along with the rector, preside over the monthly meetings. These meetings follow Roberts’ Rules of Order and are governed by a code of conduct. The Vestry currently has eleven members. The election of the Vestry Wardens and members is conducted at the Annual Parish meeting in January. The Secretary and Treasurer are also selected at that time. The Vestry meets the third Thursday of the month. Twice a year the Vestry has a day long planning retreat.

The Vestry is organized around the SWEEPS ministries; Service, Worship, Evangelism, Education, Parish Care and Stewardship. Each ministry has a liaison on the Vestry who keeps the Vestry up to date on the activities within each of these six ministries. A monthly report by the Treasurer is posted along with the minutes from the meeting in the Narthex for the congregation to review.

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At Church of Our Saviour, our

Christian Formation reflects the

inclusive and creative goals of our

parish.

During our 10:00 AM worship

service, child care is available in

our Undercroft, a delightful and

visually stimulating space for

children ranging from infants

through grade school. The

curriculum is “All Things New,

Curriculum for Today’s Episcopal

Children”.

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Church of Our Saviour has a Youth Group program for middle school and

high school aged children. The mission of the Youth Group is to assist with Outreach by

adopting a needy local family during the holidays, assisting with a local after school

resource center in collecting school, art supplies and snacks, and hosting the Annual

Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser.

Opportunities for adults at Church of Our Saviour are varied and currently consist of:

The Epiphany Readers, a dedicated group of readers, who meet every Sunday after

our Fellowship Hour. They discuss the current book they are reading and engage in

lively discussion.

St. Mary’s Guild, whose mission is outreach to children at an after school resource

center by providing them with Christmas Stockings full of wonderful goodies.

Weekly Bible Study on Wednesday nights

Advent and Lenten soup-supper programs

Periodic Instructed Eucharists, most often done during Lent

Inquirers Classes for Parish newcomers and visitors from the wider community

wishing to find out more about the Episcopal Church

Prayer Shawl Ministry

New ways to grow and develop opportunities for Christian Formation for adults are always

being explored. With new leadership and guidance, look forward to accomplishing this goal.

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Service ministry, reaching out to God’s people, is reflected in all that we do at Church of Our Saviour, and involves all age groups. We give generously and extend our outreach within our parish, within the Diocese of Chicago and our community of Elmhurst, within our country, and also beyond our borders.

Outreach within our parish is the concern of the Parish Care Ministry and includes fellowship, hospitality, pastoral care, and the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

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Outreach within our country includes what we contribute through the United Thank Offering and other agencies of the Episcopal Church, and importantly, our recent mission trips to New Orleans to help with Project Rebuild of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. Outreach beyond our borders, in addition to what we contribute to the annual Crop Walk, United Thank Offering, African Team Ministries, and

other programs of the Episcopal Church, includes support of our companion diocese, the Episcopal Diocese of Renk, Sudan, and our companion parish, St. Mark’s, Jelhak, in Sudan.

Outreach within our community and surrounding areas is extended through: Contributions to programs of the Diocese of Chicago. Membership in and support of the Elmhurst Walk-In Ministry (EWIM), a tax-exempt not-for-profit organization that provides compassionate, effective, non-duplicated emer-gency assistance to people in need within Elmhurst, families with children in Elmhurst schools, members of participating churches, PADS guests with written referrals, and tran-sients on a one-time basis. Parishioners, including children and youth, regularly contribute items to the EWIM food pantry. Participation in the Annual Elmhurst/Bensenville Crop Walk. Support of the After School Program of the York Community Resource Center through donations of funds, school supplies, mittens & scarves, and Christmas stockings filled with candy for the children they serve. Support of the Yorkfield Food Pantry that services people in Elmhurst and the surrounding area on a weekly basis. Contributions to the Souper Bowl of Caring, a youth-led alternative on Super Bowl Sunday to fight hunger and poverty in their communities.

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The Church of Our Saviour has experienced the same financial struggles that have been experienced by many other Episcopal congregations as well as various other church denominations. In the past ten years we have progressed from being a distressed parish receiving financial support from the Diocese in order to operate, to becoming a fully functional, financially independent church. This is not to say we have not had to institute prudent spending practices and seek creative processes for supporting the ongoing operation of our church.

In 2009 the Vestry instituted a program called the “Giving Tree” which allowed parishioners to select and pay for specific expenses incurred in the general operation of the church. Leaves were created with the various expenses and members of the congregation could select a leaf, place their name on it and hang the leaf on a small tree, symbolic of the church. These contributions were included as a part of the individual’s annual contributions and reflected in their quarterly statement. As one of our parishioners recently stated, we are small but mighty. Many of our members are very supportive in various ways both financially and with their personal time.

Our volunteer treasurer has been very dedicated to the creative financial management of our parish to ensure our solvency. She is always looking at various other programs and how they could possibly be of value to the operation of Church of Our Saviour.

The following is a five year recap of our pledging status, expenses and income and has been reviewed and approved by the Church of Our Saviour treasurer.

Five Year Pledging History

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Total Pledging Units

47 51 45 47 42

Total Amount Pledged

$72,840.00 $82,793.00 $79,994.00 $85,804.00 $86,704.00

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Church of Our Saviour Elmhurst Financial Position

Income

Expenses

$-

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

$160,000

$180,000

$200,000

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Diocesan Assistance

Outreach Income

Investment Income

External Income

Giving Tree

Other Congreg. Support and Misc. Income

Plate

Pledge

$-

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

$160,000

$180,000

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Financial, Insurance & Reinvestment

Diocesan Pledge

Outreach

Worship, Education and Evangelism

Facilities & Office Expenses

Staff

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Description of Church Property

The Church of Our Saviour is located near the center of Elmhurst, Illinois, on a tree-lined residential street. Our immediate neighbors are large private homes and a Congregational Church. The centrally located church site is two blocks south of the Metra train station and a block east of York Street, Elmhurst’s main thoroughfare.

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The main sanctuary, built in 1960, is of contemporary design, laid out as a Greek cross with soaring natural wood vaulted ceilings. This worship space received an award from the Church Architectural Guild of America in 1961. The four cross arms are A-frames with large triangular stained glass windows. Three of the interior arms are filled with pews, to seat 250 people. The altar and communion rail are in the open, immediately to the East of the building’s center. Rising behind the white Corinthian marble altar is a choir and organ loft. A sacristy is located behind the altar, beneath the choir loft.

The two-manual organ was installed by Gabriel Kney & Company of London, Ontario, Canada in 1966. A full rank of horizontal fanfare trumpets was added in 2007. Church of Our Saviour has hosted professional organ recitals, most recently featuring Canon John Schaefer, organist and choirmaster at Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Kansas City, Missouri.

There are three buildings on the one acre site. Our 1915 chapel, a Norman Gothic stone structure, holds up to 100 people. We now use it for weddings and small gatherings. The Church of South India (Anglican) holds regular Sunday services in the chapel. A second building, built in 1946, houses the church office and a multi-purpose room.

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The Narthex with extensions fills the space between the three buildings, providing connections between the main sanctuary and chapel. Other narthex entrances are to a well-furnished multi-purpose room, a smaller meeting room, the church office and to the parking lot. The north end of the narthex opens through large double doors, covered by a portico, to Church Street. This entrance is used for weddings and funerals. The undercroft below the main sanctuary has a large flexible space for Sunday school and other activities, a nursery area, kitchen, and washrooms. A stair chairlift, installed in 2007, provides handicapped access. The undercroft of the chapel is used for choir practice. On the main floor of the chapel a columbarium is adjacent to the narthex. Maintenance is provided by a dedicated buildings and grounds committee. Lawn mowing, trimming and gardening are done by parishioners. Snow is professionally removed. The buildings and grounds are well maintained. Sufficient parking is available on church property with overflow parking near by.

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Episcopal Church of our Saviour is uniquely focused on the lives of our own members as well as our community members. To that end we ensure that our events are open to all who wish to enjoy them. “Family and Togetherness” is the inspiration for our activities.

Pet Blessing – Once a year the community is invited to come out with their best friends. Dogs, cats, turtles and even rabbits all around the community are welcome to attend the Pet Blessing offered each fall. Let us offer your favorite little guy or gal the blessings of our Lord so that your pets may continue to offer the unconditional love and companionship that you have come to cherish in them.

The Blessing of the Back Packs – In the fall when school has begun, we encourage our youth, their friends and all from the community to come for the blessing of the “back packs”. It’s a wonderful way to begin an exciting new school year. We share, with the children, God’s message of the love and support and promote the love of learning.

Spaghetti Dinner – Each year the Youth Group sponsor a Spaghetti Dinner to benefit the charity of their choice. Our Youth Group does a fabulous job cooking, servicing and hosting the event. It’s always a fun night for anyone who attends and they experience a wonderful sense of accomplishment when they are able to successfully raise monies for their charity of choice.

Organ Benefit Concerts – Once a year, Church of Our Saviour invites a well known area musician or a talented artist from Elmhurst College to play before parishioners and community members. Funds from the benefit go to various charities.

Chamber of Commerce Breakfast – Church of Our Saviour is reaching out in a new direction by sponsoring breakfast with local business leaders to promote the civic activities of Church of Our Saviour and further our recognition in the community. Breakfast will be held in the undercroft this year.

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Originally named Cottage Hill in 1845, Elmhurst was incorporated as a village in 1882 with 1050 residents. Elmhurst is a well-known suburb with big trees, broad lawns and a small town flavor located 20 miles west of Chicago's Loop. With a population of 43,298 the median household income is $102,887, and the median single-family home value is $342,701.

We are home to Elmhurst College, a private, four-year liberal arts school with about 3,000 students, and Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, which is currently constructing a new healthcare campus on the southern edge of town.

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Elmhurst’s downtown is a pleasing mix of specialty shops, restaurants, coffee houses, banks and service establishments. Several condominium and townhome developments have recently been added to the downtown perimeter, and the city has been improving the downtown area’s parking facilities, streets and sidewalks. Several smaller commercial areas are dotted throughout the city.

Most residences in the city are single-family homes, ranging from vast Victorian dowagers to more conventional suburban abodes. Recently, smaller homes have begun to be replaced with much larger, contemporary houses. Elmhurst has long been a desirable family community because of its excellent schools in District 205, including eight elementary schools and York Community High School. The high school and elementary schools have all been expanded in the past six years.

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The Elmhurst Art Museum, which was established by Eleanor King Hookham, a member of the Church of Our Saviour, garnered plaudits throughout Chicagoland as an important regional art center, opened in 1997. The Lizzadro Lapidary Museum has a large collection of Chinese jade carvings, the Elmhurst Historical Museum has artifacts documenting the city's history and the Theatre Historical Society documents the history of American movie theaters. The city also has its own symphony orchestra, an extensive park system with 428 acres of land, and a world class public library.

Nearly thirty houses of worship provide a spiritual core in the community. The Elmhurst Walk-In Ministry is sponsored by churches, businesses and organizations to provide information, referrals and emergency help for families and individuals in need. Various churches also have food, clothing and medical equipment available to needy families. Elmhurst is a very caring community.

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Church of Our Saviour and The Diocese of Chicago

The Church of Our Saviour belongs to the Diocese of Chicago. The parish is active in the diocesan life. We send delegates to the convention and make an annual pledge to the Diocese. The congregation of Church of Our Saviour has been very generous in its response to the challenges extended by Bishop Lee.

In response to Bishop Lee’s challenge in 2008-2009 for each church to support the Episcopal Relief and Development Program by purchasing one mosquito net to protect an African child per each member of the congregation, Church of Our Saviour raised $3668.00 and was able to purchase over 322 nets. This is more than 2 nets per parishioner. Bishop Lee’s challenge for 2009-2010 was to purchase a brick to help build a school for the children in Renk, Sudan. Church of Our Saviour again is raising funds for this effort throughout 2010.

The Diocese of Chicago partners with the Diocese of Renk in southern Sudan. Church of our Saviour has helped support St. Mark’s, Jelhak. This year Church of Our Saviour sponsored an “Evening with the Canon” organ concert fundraiser. From this event alone, $1700.00 was raised for our companion

In this cross motif, our tradition is reflected in the scriptural symbols of water, fields and the cross. These symbols also speak to our environment in Northern Illinois; the river symbol representing the network of rivers that define and connect this region’s communities, the furrows representing the rural experience and richness of our agricultural heritage, and the grid work representing the diversity and vigor of our cities, suburbs and towns.

Bishop Persell (retired)

Parish in Renk, Sudan.

Our parish is closely allied with the mission of the diocese. In keeping with our mission we are Gathered in Christ, Sent out to Serve.