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The Messiah Messenger>
The February Messenger Issue #464
January 31, 2007
From the Pastor
“THE REVELATION OF CHRIST”
In the month of February, we experience a dramatic shift in
the focus of our worship services – or do we?
The Gospel reading appointed for the Day of Epiphany,
celebrated on January 6th, recounts how the infant Christ
was first seen by the magi (Matthew 2:11). The Sundays
which follow, the Sundays after the Epiphany, explore
through scripture and song how the living Christ was
revealed to the early Christians, and points to how He may
appear to us today. This is the basis for worship during
the first part of February. But on Wednesday, February 21st
we begin the journey of Lent with Ash Wednesday services,
which marks the beginning of Lent. With ash on our
foreheads, we receive “a chilling reminder of our own
mortality.” It is a jolting change – moving from the search
for the living presence of Christ to a sense of our own
finiteness. However, Lent is a time to turn to God and
offer thanks as we remember the sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus
so that we might have new life. Reflecting on who we are,
we begin to see the revelation of Christ in our lives and
truly sense the depth of God’s love for us in the suffering
Christ. What an epiphany!
Beginning on Ash Wednesday with services at 1:30 p.m. and
7:30 p.m. and then on each following Wednesday evening at
7:30 p.m., we will remember and reflect on the mystery and
wonder of the Christ sacrificed. The services will focus on
the “Valleys of Lent.”
These services are based on Old Testament biblical sites
and provide us lessons for this sacred season. This worship
series will include dramatic presentations and meditations
each week. We still need a few actors and actresses. It is
not too late to use your talents for this sacred time.
Please join us on this epiphany journey.
May your journey bring you a revelation of God’s love and
new life in Christ,
Noteworthy News
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING!
The Souper Bowl of Caring is a youth-led, grassroots
movement of caring, the result of thousands of young people
joining together to fight hunger and poverty in their
communities. Since 1990, $33 million has been raised for
charities across the country.
Bring some dollars on February 4th. Our youth will be
collecting singles (or higher denominations) as a part of a
national effort to support local charities. We would like
to collect at least $200 for the Center of Concern and
Journey from PADS to Hope, our chosen community charities.
THE LUTHERAN SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
2007 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
NO EASY ANSWERS
Active Engagement with Challenging Texts
February 12–13, 2007 at LSTC
How do we provide a Biblical context for life in a changing
world? How do we deal with the tough texts, the ones that
we sometimes want to avoid? What insights into challenging
texts are provided by a Lutheran hermeneutic? Are there
riches in our theological tradition that can lead to a more
compelling Biblical interpretation for today?
The 2007 Leadership Conference will explore these and many
other questions through lectures, workshops and dialog
among participants.
Conference keynote leaders include:
Mark S. Hanson; Ralph W. Klein; David Rhoads; David Tiede;
Barbara Rossing; and Vitor Westhelle.
Messiah members Mark and Anne Wiberg were instrumental in
putting this program together. If anyone would like more
information, visit www.lstc.edu.
Upcoming Events
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, February 4th at 11 AM
Following a 10 AM Worship Service, the congregational
meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall at 11:00. We
will have a Pot Luck Lunch while we review the past year
and discuss the goals of the upcoming year. Annual reports
are already available to give members an opportunity to
review them before the meeting. We will be electing new
officers and voting on a budget at this meeting, so all are
encouraged to attend.
CONGREGATION CELEBRATION/
MARDI GRAS BREAKFAST!
Sunday, February 11th at 9:45 AM
In honor of Messiah’s Mardi Gras tradition, we will add
fruit, sausage and ham, and croissants to the menu, and
make the pancakes purple yellow and green! We will have
some masks for the kids to color, beads to string and
(maybe) we will face-paint or do tattoos! There will be
some adult activity sheets and a crown making craft. We
will get some fun music to play as well.
Then, at 11 AM, our children will sing and our jazz band
will play during the service. We welcome families from the
Child Care Center as well, as we celebrate the life of our
congregation before we move into the more somber season of
Lent. Invite your friends!
BROTHERHOOD VALENTINE DINNER
Tuesday, February 20 at 6:30 PM
Come join us for the annual Valentine Dinner at Casa Royale
(783 Lee St. in Des Plaines 60016 Ph: 847-297-6640). Our
own Tom Daniels has put together an evening of
entertainment for all to enjoy! "Everyone" is invited!
Tickets should be purchased in advance from a Brotherhood
member, and will be available in the narthex following
worship services. Cost is $25 per person. This is always a
great night out!
REMINDERS!
Naomi Circle Thursday, February 8th at 9:30 AM at Pat
Daniel’s house. Patty is at 1635 Forest Drive, Glenview,
IL. Call the office if you need her phone number for
directions.
Men’s Breakfast Saturday, February 10th at 9:00 AM at Old
Country Buffet in Park Ridge (Dempster and Luther Lane).
Friendship Day February 22nd. Please remember to 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. If you would like to work
at home, contact Eva Thoren 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.
"He won't forget the love you have shown his people"
~ Hebrews 6:10
Thanks…see you, and God Bless. Eva Thoren, Chair
MEETINGS
WELCA Board February 7th @ 9:00 AM
Executive Committee February 13th @ 7:30 PM
Child Care Board February 21st @ 7:00 PM
Property Development February 27th @ 7:30 PM
COMING IN MARCH…
Lenten Worship Services and Bible Study
Celebration Sunday/Pancake Breakfast
Holy Week Schedule Announced
This Month in Worship
WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS
All Sundays have 8:30 and 11:00 AM worship services
unless otherwise noted.
Feb. 4 – Fifth Sunday After Epiphany (10 AM worship only)
Isaiah 6:1–13; Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 15:1–11; Luke
5:1–11
Feb. 11 – Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Jeremiah 17:5–10; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12–20; Luke
6:17–26
Feb. 18 – Transfiguration of Our Lord
Exodus 34:29–35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12—4:2; Luke
9:28-43a
Feb. 25 – First Sunday in Lent
Deuteronomy 26:1–11; Psalm 91:1–2, 9–16; Romans 10:8b–13;
Luke 4:1–13
LENTEN SERVICES SCHEDULE
During Lent we will continue the schedule that we have used
for the past few years. Ash Wednesday is February 21st,
and we will have two worship services on that day at 1:30
at 7:30. Then beginning February 28th, we will have Bible
Study at 6:30 and worship at 7:30. The worship services
will focus on the “Valleys of Lent.” These services are
based on Old Testament biblical sites and provide us
lessons for this sacred season. Those wishing to
participate in the 40-day Choir then have Choir rehearsal
following the worship service.
Ash Wednesday, February 21st
1:30 Ash Wednesday Service
7:30 Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesdays, February 28 – March 28
1:30 Bible Study
6:30 Bible Study
7:30 Worship Service
8:15 40-day Choir Rehearsal
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!
Feb. 4 – Flowers and bulletins are given by Jim and Trudi
Handzel in honor of Mrs. Perzentka’s birthday.
Feb. 11 – Flowers are given in honor of Jackson Lobitz’s
second birthday.
Feb. 18 – Flowers are given in honor of Nickolas Ryczek’s
fifth birthday.
Bulletins are given by the Hauser Family in memory of
grandmothers
Viola and Evelyn.
Feb. 25 – Bulletins are given by David Hanson in memory of
his father.
Calendar
Messages
Greetings from Clare
Greetings from Arizona.
I’ve finally settled down in my own apartment and am
praising the Lord for all the blessing he has given to me!
My many thanks for all Messiah has done for me through all
these years. I miss all of you! God’s blessing to all and a
blessed Christmas and healthy, happy 2007!
Hugs to all, Clare
Thanks Hymnal Crew!
Thank you to Karen Black, Clare Doud, Jean E. Gilbert, Roy
Sues, and Floyd, Kristin, Michael, and Thomas Yager for
putting the bookplates in all the new hymnals… they look
great! Thanks also to the Child Care kids who took all the
old books out of the pews and put them in alphabetical
order for us.
Well done!
COMPUTER COMPONENTS AVAILABLE
1. 19” CRT Monitor – Samsung Syncmaster 950P, Cables
included
2. Stereo speakers w/ sub woofer – Boston Acoustics Model
BA635, Cables included
Anyone interested in these items should contact Bob Bisgard
at (847) 698-5505.
Annual Reports Available
If you didn’t pick up a copy at the Annual Meeting, and you
want a copy of the Annual Report, contact the office, and
we will be happy to mail one to you.
Youth Corner
WHIRLY BALL AND OVERNIGHT LOCKIN
Our youth group will be playing Whirlyball and then
spending the night at the Parsonage on February 3rd. Edith
Reeve or the Pastor will contact the youth individually
regarding time and activities.
Then, on Sunday morning, the youth will help with the Pot
Luck, and participate in the Annual Meeting. Most of our
youth group is confirmed, voting members of Messiah, and
have a vested interest in the future of our congregation!
Church statistics
END OF YEAR REPORT
Membership as of 12/31/2006 = 375
(as of 12/31/2005 = 375)
New Members in 2006 = 12
Members Deceased or Transferred = 12
Average Weekly Attendance as of 12/31/2006 = 109
(as of 12/31/2005 = 104)
Average Sunday School Attendance in 2006 = 20
Average Adult Forum Attendance in 2006 = 15
Total Visitors for 2006 = 469
(includes regular visitors who chose not to become
members)
Total Visitors for 2005 = 519
Total Visitors for 2004 = 804
Messiah Ministries
“BE AS ONE OF THESE…”
Nicholas Teng is 7 years old, a graduate of Messiah’s Child
Care Center, and the son of Miss Diane, one of the
teachers. Nicholas recently told his mom that, “Jesus is
telling me to collect money for poor people.” And that is
exactly what he did. Nicholas collected over $41, which he
then asked his mom to give to Pastor Paul. We have given
the money to the Maine Township Food Pantry in Nicholas’
name. They will be able to put it to good use.
Thank you, Nicholas, for your kind generosity, and for
showing Jesus’ love to those around you.
Food for Thought
COFFEE CUPS
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got
together to visit their old university professor.
Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in
work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor
went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee
and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass and
crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite
- telling them to help themselves.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the
professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking
expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and
cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the
best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems
and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality
to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and
in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you
really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously
went for the best cups and then you began eyeing each
other's cups. Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the
jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are
just tools to hold and contain life and the type of cup we
have does not define, nor change the quality of life we
live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail
to enjoy the coffee God has provided us. God brews the
coffee, not the cups. Enjoy your coffee!
Milestones
BIRTHDAYS
Thomas Vacala, 2/1
Jean Reeve, 2/3
Linda Larson, 2/4
Melanie Moon, 2/4
Jane Myers, 2/6
Kendra Corkill, 2/7
Sharon Johnson, 2/7
Claude’Martin, 2/7
Maureen Dieball, 2/8
Alfred Preissner, 2/8
William Norberg, 2/9
Russell Smith, 2/10
Pamela Helms, 2/11
Kristin Rosequist, 2/11
Julia Vacala, 2/13
Paolo Vacala, 2/13
Bob Hanson, 2/16
Linka Jones, 2/17
Joey Rosequist, 2/17
Lisa Saul, 2/18
Timothy Saul, 2/18
Nikolas Ryczek, 2/19
Marge Merriman, 2/23
Sarah Nugnis, 2/24
Rosemary Paulus, 2/26
Audrey Krell, 2/27
ANNIVERSARIES
David and Connie Kaufman – 2/28/1976, 31 years
Messiah Leadership Team for 2007
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
New leadership team will be voted in on Feb. 4th
For the Memorial, Honorarium, and Thanks to God Fund
This report is as of January 14, 2007.
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: David and Donna Hanson
IN MEMORY OF FRANK LUCK
Given by: Irene Luck (for Christmas Tree Fund)
IN HONOR OF BAPTISM OF ISABELLA RAE DIVITA
Given by: Her parents, Marti and David DiVita
IN MEMORY OF BETTY HRODEY
Given by: David and Donna Hanson (The family has requested
the memorials be given to the Capital Fund.)
IN HONOR OF NEENA KUMAR ON HER BIRTHDAY WITH THANKSGIVING
Given by: Her husband Ravi Kumar
IN HONOR OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHUCK AND JACKIE
STEIGERWALD
Given by: Millie Anderson
IN MEMORY OF LORRAINE HANDZEL
Given by: Charlene Lobitz, Tom and Pat Daniels, David and
Donna Hanson, Charlotte and Bill Baumgartner, Valeria
Bowman, Jean Reeve, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Steigerwald, Joyce
T. Tjhio, Irene Luck, Rick Reeve Family, Susan Bromstad,
Robert Bisgard, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Perzentka, Harry and
Kay Krampitz, Carol Hrodey, Eva Thoren, Aspirus Doctors
Clinic, Jerry and Barbara Valasek, Martin and Christine
Ruterschmidt, Millie Anderson, Doris Preinitz, Mark and
Anne Wiberg, David A. and Connie J. Kaufman, Elaine J.
Wehrmeister, Robert L. and Pamela Rogers
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:
Ruth Akula
Chuck Boomer
Joe & Evelyn Burval
Mr. Dennis
Ardene Ejnik
Pastor Eileen Harris
Chris Jacobsen
Corine Jensen
Kennet
Richard Levy
Nancy Maher
Sue Nugnis
Neena Penumaka
Aidan Ray
Resurrection Lutheran Church (burglary)
Mary Reter
Ronnald Rose
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.
Patrick’s younger brother Kevin Ward is an Army officer who
has been deployed for the second time for a year-long stint
in Iraq. We will be adding Kevin to our weekly prayer list.
Directory Changes
Please let the office know if you are moving! Thanks!
The Kumar Family
is now
The Penumaka Family
Ravi, Neena, and Heba Pearl Penumaka
Address and phone number remain the same.
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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