Hospitality & Community Life

Women of St. Chrysostom’s – A  group to enhance the community of female members and friends of the parish through group events that introduce potential members to the parish and raise funds for capital projects selected by the group.  Pat White, President; Judy Van Dam, Vestry Liaison

 Men Groups –  A group to enhance the community of male members and potential members of the parish through group social events, prayer and service projects to the parish and the greater Chicago area , which are selected by the group.  Each has its own character, directed by the members.   Alpha Group - Ben George, Chair of Alpha Group; New Group - Mark Fisher, Sr. Warden and Vestry Liaison

 Newcomers –  Activities include social events at the Church, Parish House,  parishioners’ homes or off-site events for newcomers.  The committee organizes the process of linking newcomers to appropriate clergy and lay contacts in the parish who can welcome them.  Lisa Valiani and the Rev. Danielle Thompson

 Foyer Dinner Groups and Dining Together - Organization of groups who meet periodically for dinner at parishioners’ homes or brunch at nearby restaurants to better learn about one another.  Barbara Jones, Vestry Liaison

 Parents with Young Children - Organization of events to welcome and enhance the experience of young adults and parents who are members and potential members of the parish, with a particular emphasis on parents of children in the parish day school.  Claire Hoppenworth, Vestry Liaison

 Garden Volunteers – Planting and nurturing the garden in the courtyard.  Eve Webster, Chair

 Adult Forums – Planning themes and speakers for the 10:00 adult education hour.  Ann Kadinsky-Cade, Chair

 Bible Study – Groups meeting on Wednesday and Sunday mornings to study and discuss the Bible.  The Rev. Ray Webster and The Rev. Danielle Thompson

WORSHIP

 Acolytes – Youth participation in worship processions in a variety of settings,  The Rev. Ray Webster and The Rev. Danielle Thompson, Audrey Williams

 Altar Guild – Preparation of main and chapel altars for service, including dressing the altar, maintenance of candles, arrangement of communion elements and other materials needed for each service.  Chuck Sanida, Chair.

 Wedding Guild – Preparation for weddings in the parish.  The Wedding Guild works in tandem with the Altar Guild. The Rev. Ray Webster and The Rev. Danielle Thompson 

 Altar Flowers – Purchase and arrangement of altar flowers.  Roger Stanley, Coordinator

 St. Chrysostom’s Guild (Greeters and Ushers) – Teams of ushers assist at regular services and special services (such as funerals) by greeting parishioners, distributing programs, assisting with communion, and welcoming newcomers.   Victor Elting and Charles Fisher, Co-chairs

 Lay Eucharistic Ministers - Lay persons who assist during communion during regular Sunday services and special services.  The Rev. Ray Webster and The Rev. Danielle Thompson

 Lectors (Readers) – Read the first and second lesson and prayers of the people during services. The Rev. Ray Webster and The Rev. Danielle Thompson, Audrey Williams

 Children’s Choirs – Teaching vocal and sight reading skills for performances at several services during the year.  Richard Hoskins, Music Director

ADMINISTRATION

 Communications Committee – Developing a communications strategy and implementing tools for the publicizing of parish activities by signs, letters and electronic media, improvement and maintenance of parish website, development of communications tools for use by staff and volunteers from the parish.  Connie Frydenlund, Chair

 Housekeeping Management Committee – Supervision of the weekly, monthly and seasonal housekeeping and cleaning of the parish facilities.  Barbara Jones, Vestry Liaison

Office Volunteers – Assistance in monthly closing of parish books, liaison with auditors, banking and other financial analysis, preparation of service programs.  Audrey Williams, Administrative Assistant; Janice Brinke, Part-time Parish Administrator

 Finance Committee – Development of investment policy and asset allocation and development of annual parish budget.  Scott Altamose, Chair and Vestry Liaison; Chuck Sanida, Treasurer

 Property Committee – Capital construction and maintenance of parish facilities.  Harvey Van Dam, Chair.

 Stewardship Committee - Capital and operating fundraising.  Craig Korte, Chair

 By-law Revision Committee – Review and possible revision of parish by-laws.  Richard Shepro, Chancellor

OUTREACH/ WIDER MISSION

 Cooking for Deborah’s Place -  Preparation of meals for delivery to Deborah’s Place (a shelter for battered women).  Noma Cave, Coordinator

 Employment Council – Organizes Monday evening programs to assist parishioners and non-parishioners to find employment and develop job hunting skills.  Michel Kadinsky-Cade, Coordinator

 Neighbors in Need Dinners – Preparation and service of a meal for 60 invited homeless neighbors once a month.  Bette Case DiLeonardi, Chair

 Cathedral Shelter Christmas Baskets – Coordination of donors and collection of donations of clothing, household goods and toys for needy families in the diocese.  Judy Van Dam, Chair

 Episcopal Charities – Liaison with Episcopal Charities, such as St. Leonard’s House for ex-offenders and other schools and programs.   James Neaylon, Chair

 Companion Diocese Relationships – Communication with, hospitality to, and fundraising for the Diocese of Southeastern Mexico.  Judy Bross, Chair

 Sustainability – Development of parish programs for sustainable parish operations.  Josh Davis, Chair

CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

 Sunday Church School & Youth Events – Teaching in Sunday school, organizing community building events.   The Rev. Ray Webster and The Rev. Danielle Thompson

 Day School – Volunteers to help support school events and programs.  Mary Ellen Christy, Day School Headmistress