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The Messiah Messenger>
The November Messenger Issue #461
November 1, 2006
From the Pastor
“I M BLSSD”
I noticed this license plate displayed on the car in front
of me as I drove home the other day. It made me smile and
then it made me wonder – for it was proudly displayed on
the back of a large BMW 700 series sedan. The question
formed in my mind – did this sense of blessing result in
simple, personal contentment or did the realization of the
source of this “wealth” compel the recipient to share the
blessing with others?
As I pondered this question in light of our
Stewardship/Generosity Program this November, I recalled a
beautiful story I received through the mail several years
ago:
My friend Gregory told me that in church last Sunday he was
waiting for the collection to be taken. He had two bills in
his pocket, one twice the denomination of the other. The
smaller one, he decided, would be a perfectly adequate
donation. Without any warning, however, he remembered a
little episode he had read about the Vietnam War.
Two American soldiers in a combat zone were eating their
field rations while a young Vietnamese boy of about eight
or nine years old, homeless and hungry, watched them
intently. When they had finished their meal, one of the
soldiers took the piece of chocolate that was part of his
ration and handed it to the child. The little boy looked at
it for a moment. Then, very carefully, he broke it into
three pieces, put the smallest in his ragged pocket, and
solemnly offered the other two pieces to the soldiers.
"The memory of that story came right out of nowhere," Greg
said, "just as the collection plate arrived."
"And so?" I prompted. He smiled. "Do you have to ask?" he
said.
- Arthur Gordon
The collection plate will be passed by Messiah on
*Consecration Sunday, December 3rd, for the purpose of
planning our giving and teaching ministries for the coming
year. We cannot offer to teach, feed, provide worship and
grow a community of God without financial support. It is
in helping others that we are doing the work of Our Lord
and perhaps, at times, meeting the Lord as we come in
contact with the needy and the unchurched.
You will receive an Estimate of Giving Card and a Time and
Talent Sheet by mail in mid-November. Please let us know
you support the work of the church by responding to our
generous God, the source of all blessings. If you do not
receive a Card or Sheet, let us know. If you offer a one
time gift, if your offering is to pray for the ministries
of this church, whatever you want to put into the plate,
please do so by responding and placing the Card and Sheet
on the altar at a service on December 3rd, or by turning
them in to the office by that date. The more support
received as a thank offering to God, the more we can give
in support of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Pastor Paul
*Consecrate – to set aside for sacred purposes.
Noteworthy News
REACHING OUT TO CHILDREN IN NEED
Beginning November 5th, Messiah will start bringing our
Sunday School Program to the Pediatric Unit of Lutheran
General Hospital. This new outreach fits so well with
Messiah's new mission statement, and we are very excited
about this! The Child Life Specialists will review our
“Firelight” curriculum and we will attempt to bring the
same lessons we are teaching, making part of the lesson
more global so that all can enjoy. Most of the
curriculum's deeper-learning activities, with minimal
adaptations, will be global enough for all children, so
that we will be able to keep the main lessons the same as
our Sunday School program.
We need adults who would like to participate in this
outreach Sunday School Program on a regular basis to go
through the hospital's volunteer orientation program. Each
time we go, we need to have at least 1 certified volunteer
along so that the Child Life staff does not need to be
present. Any questions can be asked of David Swanson, or
myself.
Blessings! Julie Holzer
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF TRAILER REPORT
Messiah’s InGathering was great. Ten ladies and three men,
(Don Kovach, Skip Handzel, and Bob Bisgard) assembled and
packed the following items:
42 Quilts
37 Health Kits
67 Layettes
7 lbs Children's Clothing
9 lbs Women's Sweaters
9 lbs Men's Clothing
Many of the ladies work at home, making quilt tops,
knitting sweaters, making receiving blankets, and washing
clothes. They also shop year-round looking for items on
sale and at garage sales needed for this project. If you
would like to work at home, contact me at the 8:30 A.M.
service or Millie Anderson at the 11 A.M. service. Several
ladies have expressed a desire to learn to knit. If you are
interested, contact Carol Smith.
To all who donated to the LWR Friendship Kettle/Angels in
the Narthex, or any other way, we give you a big thank you.
It enables us to purchase the needed items for the layettes
and especially the health kits.
"He won't forget the love you have shown his people." ~
Hebrews 6:10
Thanks, see you, and God bless, Eva Thoren, Chair
Upcoming Events
THE MESSIAH HARVEST FESTIVAL
Saturday, November 18th, 10 AM – 3 PM
This is our Autumn Fundraiser and Fellowship Event! There
will be a Craft & Vendor bazaar down in the Fellowship
Hall. We will have concessions and a bake sale with yummy
harvest goodies too! We will also have a raffle - tickets
will be available at the Festival, as well as a prior to
the event. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to
the Food Pantry and receive 1 FREE raffle ticket.
At the same time, we will have a Fun Fair for the children
in the "Kid's "Corral" (a.k.a. the Multipurpose Room) with
games & prizes, craft projects, face painting, and more!
The fundraising part will come from raffle ticket sales,
and the bake sale. Crafters and vendors will donate many
of the items to raffle off. Outside vendors will pay a
table fee. Members and CC family vendors are requested to
make a donation to the raffle. If you have wares to sell,
contact Julie Holzer about setting up a table.
Tell your friends - entrance to the Festival is FREE, the
proceeds benefit the General Fund, and this is a GREAT time
to get a jump on that Christmas shopping!!!
THEN…
KAREN THAMES VOCAL RECITAL
Saturday, November 18th at 3 PM
Come for the fun, stay for the Voice! Karen Thames will be
performing a recital of classic “vocal art” songs and
spirituals. She studies voice with Karla Clark, a voice
teacher at Maine East High School. Karen did a concert for
us last summer, and her voice is truly amazing.
Accompanied again by our own Sue Fox, this concert is free,
and open to the public. If you come for the Harvest
Festival, wander upstairs at 3 PM and enjoy the music.
NEW MEMBERS INQUIRY CLASS
Saturday, November 18th 11 – 1 PM
Anyone interested in joining Messiah should speak with
Pastor Paul. We will be accepting new members on Sunday,
November 19th, and an Inquiry Class will be held on the
18th from 11 to 1 PM. Attending the inquiry class does NOT
obligate you to join Messiah, it can be for your
information only.
CONGREGATION CELEBRATION
Sunday, November 26th @ 9:45 AM
This will be another Pancake Breakfast (the last one was a
HUGE success!) that will feature a program from Rev. Phil
Knutson, our missionary in South Africa. We will also use
this opportunity to kick off our Hat/Mitten/Scarf Tree
charity drive, as well as our gift-buying for needy
families through LSSI. We will have a special Manna order
on that day to help with our charity gift giving, and we
ask that everyone bring a hat/mitten set (adult or child)
to the breakfast for our tree!
REMINDERS!
Naomi Circle Thursday, November 9th at 9:30 AM at Charlotte
Baumgartner’s house. Call the office if you need her phone
number for directions.
Men’s Breakfast Saturday, November 11th at 9:00 AM at Old
Country Buffet in Park Ridge (Dempster and Luther Lane).
Friendship Day PLEASE NOTE - Due to the fact that
Thanksgiving is the 4th Thursday, our November meeting will
be on November 16th. If you plan to stay for lunch, bring a
sandwich or whatever you like to eat. We start about 9
AM…come whenever you can and stay as long as you are able.
Delicious snacks will be served. Also, remember to save and
donate old sheets, blankets, drapes, and any material to us
to make quilts. They may be left in the Tower Room metal
box or the LWR box across from the office.
WELCA Board November 1st @ 9:00 AM
Child Care Board November 15th @ 7:00 PM
Property Development November 28th @ 7:30 PM
Executive Committee November 28th @ 7:30 PM
COMING IN DECEMBER…
Consecration Sunday
LSSI and The Night Ministry-Chicago Charity Drive
Christmas Programs and Schedule
Youth Corner
MISSION OPPORTUNITY FOR TEENS
There is a need for teen volunteers to just visit and hang
out with the hospitalized teens. If any of the youth are
interested in doing this, they can go through the
hospital's volunteer orientation program in December. Or
they can come along at the same time as the outreach Sunday
School, if they aren't a certified volunteer, and want to
help out. Talk to Julie Holzer for details.
CONFIRMATION CLASS SCHEDULE
The Confirmation Class meets every Sunday at 9:45 AM during
Christian Education Hour. They will also meet with Pastor
Paul every other Saturday from 10 AM – 12 PM. The dates
are November 4 and 18, December 2 and 16, no class on
December 30.
We will revisit this schedule for 2007.
This Month in Worship
WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS
All Sunday services are at 8:30 and 11 AM.
Nov. 5 – All Saints Sunday
Isaiah 25:6–9; Psalm 24; Revelation 21:1–6a; John 11:32–44
Nov. 12 – Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
1 Kings 17:8–16; Psalm 146; Hebrews 9:24–28; Mark 12:38–44
Nov. 19 – Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Daniel 12:1–3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11–25; Mark 13:1–8
Nov. 23 – Thanksgiving Day (10 AM)
Joel 2:21–27; Psalm 126; 1 Timothy 2:1–7; Matthew 6:25–33
Nov. 26 – Christ the King
Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14; Psalm 93; Revelation 1:4b–8; John
18:33–37
SPECIAL WORSHIP SCHEDULE
There is something special happening at EVERY Sunday
service in November!
Nov. 5 – Kurt Hendel, guest preacher from ???
Nov. 12 - WELCA Thank Offering during both worship
services. Special envelopes will be available for this
annual offering that goes to ministries throughout the
ELCA.
Nov. 19 – Receiving New Members at 11 AM, reception
following the service
Nov. 26 – Rev. Phil Knutson (Missionary), Dedicate New
Hymnals, Kids Sing in Church!
PLUS – Thanksgiving Day (November 23) worship service at
10:00 AM
St. Lukes Park Ridge will also have an Ecumenical Service
on Wednesday, November 22nd at 7:00 PM.
ADULT FORUM SCHEDULE
Nov. 5 – Kurt Hendel, Martin Luther and his Theology
Nov. 12 – Linda Stoltz, Trip to Africa
Nov. 19 – John Fox, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address: A
Religious Document?
Nov. 26 – Rev. Phil Knutson, South African Mission (He will
speak at our Congregation Celebration/Pancake Breakfast.)
FLOWERS AND BULLETINS
The sign-ups for flowers and bulletins are in the narthex
by the hall to the Educational Wing. Flowers are $30, and
the Bulletins are $10. Envelopes are provided next to the
sign-up calendar, or you may simply write “Flowers” or
“Bulletin” on your regular envelope in the Other box.
PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO PAY FOR YOUR FLOWERS OR BULLETINS!
Note to all those purchasing flowers: Your flowers are
yours to take home!
If you wish to donate them to one of our shut-ins, please
be sure to
let the Altar Guild know. Thanks!
Nov. 5 – Flowers are given in honor of John and Sue Fox’s
27th wedding anniversary.
Nov. 12 – Flowers are given by Char Lobitz in honor of
Jarrett Lobitz’s fourth birthday.
Nov. 19 – Flowers are given in memory of Rev. and Mrs.
Harold E. Larsen by David and Donna Hanson.
Nov. 26 – Flowers are given by John and Sue Fox in honor
of Andrew’s tenth birthday. Bulletins are given in honor
of Rick and Edith Reeve’s 22nd wedding anniversary.
Messiah Ministries
UNITED POWER REPORT
About 100 people attended the Illinois Senate Candidate
Forum sponsored by United Power for Action and Justice,
which was held here at Messiah on October 22nd. A big thank
you to all the Messiah members who supported the event.
The meeting allowed the community to learn more about
Senator Axley and candidate Dan Kotowski. Some powerful
stories were told to illustrate the issues in education
funding, substance abuse, housing, and health care. Both
candidates answered yes they would work with United Power
on the 7 questions asked regarding the 4 issues. United
Power wants to work with whoever is elected and was
promised a meeting 3 months after the election. (Barak
Obama made the same promise, which he kept.)
Respectfully submitted,
Charlotte Baumgartner
CROP WALK 2006
At first tally it would appear there were about 170
walkers, 38 volunteers and a first deposit of about $14,500
from contributions turned in on the day of the walk. Below
is a listing of the number of walkers from each church.
There are still many donations to be collected, but both
reports are that Messiah’s contribution to the Walk this
year DOUBLED over last year. Congratulations to walkers,
pledgers, and all who were involved!
Redeemer Lutheran (7 walkers)
St. Mary's Episcopal (13 walkers)
St. Luke's Lutheran (30 walkers)
St. Andrews Lutheran (6 walkers)
Messiah Lutheran (7 walkers)
Our Lady of Ransom (24 walkers)
Mary Seat of Wisdom (2 walkers)
First United Methodist (19 walkers)
Park Ridge Presbyterian (31 walkers)
Niles Community Presbyterian (4 walkers)
Park Ridge Community (24 walkers)
Maine Township (2 walkers)
Thanks to Tom Daniels, John and Peter Fox, Trudi Handzel,
David Hanson, David Swanson, and Linda Stolz for walking
this year!
REV PHIL KNUTSON
From: Rev. Phil Knutson October 4, 2006
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
If you looked on the ground at the ELCA Youth Gathering in
San Antonio, TX and at the Global Mission Event at the
University of Massachusetts this past summer you might have
seen some 3 1/2" green cardboard circles with the words
"PICK ME UP" written on them. If you did pick one up and
looked on the other side you would have read: "BAM! You
just picked up a landmine. Thousands of children each year
mistake them for toys, and the explosions leave them
without arms, legs or eyesight. Many die. The U.S. still
hasn't signed the Mine Ban Treaty, though more than 140
countries have. Visit www.lwr.org/advocacy to take action.
Sadly, the issue, like millions of buried landmines, won't
go away easily. It is estimated that more than 110 million
active mines are still scattered in 68 countries around the
world. It will take hundreds of years and billions of
dollars to remove all of the mines. Anti-personnel mines
cost $30 to manufacture, but cost $300 - $1000 to
neutralize.
Overall, African children live on the most mine-plagued
continent. Angola and Mozambique are two
land-mine-affected countries in the Southern Africa region
where I work as Global Mission regional program assistant.
Although a peace accord was signed in 2002, landmines still
continue to take their toll on the population. Farmers in
many rural communities cannot return to their fields
because of landmines. The Lutheran World Federation and
Lutheran World Relief, along with other organizations are
working with the respective governments to raise awareness,
train de-mining experts and to fund rehabilitation programs
for victims.
The Strategic Plan for Mission in the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America entitled “Faithful Yet Changing”
challenges us to "Step forward as a public church that
witnesses boldly to God's love for all that God has
created." I would like to encourage you to learn more
about the effects of landmines and become involved in the
efforts to ban their use and help the victims.
Thank you for your continued participation in God's Mission
locally and globally. Thank you for your prayers and
support for our family and for the church and all God's
people in Southern Africa. Yours faithfully,
Philip Knutson
ELCA Global Mission, Regional Program Assistant
Cape Town, South Africa
Milestones
BIRTHDAYS
Viviann Markech, 11/1
Grace Palos, 11/1
Valeria Bowman, 11/3
Charlotte Baumgartner, 11/5
Lisa Paulus, 11/7
Robert Reter, 11/7
Katelyn Hamden, 11/8
Laurance Johnson, 11/12
Richard Reeve, 11/15
Mary Jo Marchetta, 11/17
Shannon Hall, 11/18
Carolyn Kopij, 11/19
James Rosequist, 11/19
Joseph Milios, 11/20
Terri Hogan, 11/22
Kirsten Kaufman, 11/23
Carmen Loverme, 11/24
Donna Hanson, 11/25
Betty Stinnett, 11/25
Jean Strand, 11/25
Reena Wagner, 11/25
Brian Bittner, 11/26
Mark Wilson, 11/26
Andrew Fox, 11/27
Jenny Stabb, 11/28
ANNIVERSARIES
John and Sue Ellen Fox – 11/3/1979, 27 years
Alyson and Scott Allemeier – 11/7/2003, 3 years
Richard and Edith Reeve – 11/24/1984, 22 years
Messiah Leadership Team for 2006
President: Dave Kaufman (847) 788-0442
Vice President: Carol Hrodey (262) 652-3187
Treasurer: Brad Kovach (847) 297-4883
Secretary: Trudi Handzel (847)359-7830
Financial Sec.: David Hanson (847) 296-6796
Stewardship: Les Herak
Evangelism: David Swanson
Child Care Center: Donna Berzins
Visioning Task Force: Floyd Yager
For the Memorial, Honorarium, and Thanks to God Fund
This report is as of October15, 2006.
NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT MARK DONATIONS AS “BUILDING FUND.”
PLEASE DESIGNATE EITHER “CAPITAL FUND” OR “PROPERTY
RESERVE.” IT IS VERY CONFUSING TO YOUR CHAIR AND THE
COUNTERS. THANK YOU.
IN MEMORY OF OLAV JOHNSEN
Given by: Ragnhild Hogelee, Mark and Anne Wiberg, Charlotte
and Bill Baumgartner, Eva Thoren, Irene Luck, Paula DiVita,
Rick Reeve Family, Salvatore W. Gaeta, Roger and Doris
Elmer
BEQUEST OF CLARENCE KNUTH, IN MEMORY OF ROLLAND KOEHR AND
JOSEPH KUHEL
Given by: Paula DiVita
IN MEMORY GORDON LIND
Given by: Wilbert and Elvera Beyer
IN MEMORY OF BETTY HRODEY
Given by: Millie Anderson, Gail and James Pearson, Dorothy
Pollack, Les and Nancy Herak, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Baumgartner,
Sheldon Township Cemetery, Teachers and Staff of Milford
Grade School East Campus, The Cooney Family, Bev and Ollie
Stair, Irene Luck, Linda Decker, Audrey Krell, David and
Connie Kaufman, Mark and Anne Wiberg, Marilyn and Eugene
Borgeson, Leeann Lambrecht, Susan Bromstad, Paula DiVita,
Pat and Ron Langfield, Richard and Barbara Pittman, Sheldon
Fire Department, Roy Sues, Rick Reeve Family, Robert
Bisgard, Robert and Joanne Hrodey, Lutheran Deaconess
Assoc. of Chicago, Doris Preinitz, Wilbert and Elvera Beyer
The family has requested the memorials be given to the
Capital Fund.
NOTE: As of this date, the hymnals have been paid for. The
sign fund is still open for donations as we wish to correct
the signs not on church property and add more signs around
the neighborhood.
Millie Anderson, Chairperson
(847)692-2385, E-Mail: MillieAnderson@CompuServe.com
Prayer Requests
Please include the following individuals and families in
your prayers this month:
Dolores Broezell
Chuck Boomer
Joe & Evelyn Burval
Mr. Dennis
Ardene Ejnik
Lorraine Handzel
Sue Horger
Chris Jacobsen
Richard Levy
Susan Lyle
Nancy Maher
Sue Nugnis
Aidan Ray
Mary Reter
Jenney Schafrik
Pastor Sally Terrell
Linda (Rodin) Ufkes
We also want to remember in our prayers our military
personnel:
Kevin Hrodey, Jason Koesler, Tim David, Lars Johnsen, and
Patrick and Claudine Ward.
Directory Changes
Please let the office know if you are moving! Thanks!
Clare Rodin
(C/O son Lee Rodin)
12638 W. Merril St.
Avondale, AZ 85323
Mergitu Zenbaba
2708 Village Green Dr.
Apt. A3
Aurora, IL 60504
Brian Uteg
11501 Beacon Ave.
Huntley, IL 60142
New Phone Directories are available in our narthex. We
have decided that we will only MAIL directories to those
people who call and request them. If you are unable to
come to church and pick up a directory, please call
847-823-6984 and ask Jennifer to send you one.
Messiah Lutheran Church 1605 Vernon Avenue Park Ridge, IL 60068
p 847.823.6984 f 847.823.6996
Office@messiahparkridge.org
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