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The Messiah Messenger>
The March Messenger Issue #465
February 28, 2007
THE MESSIAH MESSENGER
From the Pastor
“WELCOMING SPACES”
It is difficult to predict how this will all develop.
However, I believe the congregation was quite excited about
the plans to add to our existing building. The architects
were present at the congregational meeting on February 4,
2007 and introduced the plans which will include adding a
multi-purpose room on the ground floor, handicapped
accessible bathrooms on the ground floor, and taking out
several smaller rooms inside the back entrance to the
church to provide us with an expansive narthex and
welcoming center.
Smaller drawings of these proposed building additions will
soon be provided by the architects and will be made
available to all members of Messiah.
While the price tag for the project is higher than expected
due to increased costs for labor and materials, the
Property Development Committee believes that the plan meets
the present building needs and is fiscally responsible.
David Kaufman has volunteered to head a committee to look
into ways to fund the project. Karen Black, the Director of
the Child Care Center, has also agreed to initiate
fundraisers at the school in order to provide funds for the
project that will benefit both the church and school.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members
of the Property Development Committee for their efforts
over the past year: Bob Bisgard, Karen Black, Carol Hrodey,
Richard Reeve, and Floyd Yager. Any one of these members
would be happy to discuss the proposed project with you and
answer any questions you may have. I would add my name to
that list as well.
As we look to the future together, I know that it is an
urgent matter to create a welcoming space for the families,
students, and support groups that already call Messiah home
- and to provide a place wherein, “with Christ, we may
welcome all God’s children.”
Please pray with me daily for the energy, courage, and
resources to make this project not merely a dream but a
reality – for the growing Kingdom of God!
God’s peace and blessings be with you and your families,
Noteworthy News
EVANGELISM AND STEWARDSHIP JOIN FORCES!
On January 30th, a group of eight people got together to do
some brainstorming about new ways to reach out to our
congregation and our community. Floyd Yager (Stewardship)
and David Swanson (Evangelism) discussed combining the
teams, and the group at large will be sending out a
Congregational Spiritual Gifts Survey. The goal is to make
our church’s members into disciples and getting more
involved in our Stewardship and Evangelism goals. Many
ideas were discussed about things we can do together to
reach out to our community, including:
• A Singles Club
• Movie Night
• Knitting Club
• Silent Auction w/ Food Bar
• Self Defense Classes
• Seminars on Outreach
• International Dinner
• Expanding Mailing List for Postcards
• Language Classes
• Customs Around the World
• Community Projects
• Book Club
• Take Bread or Cookies to Visitors as a Thank You
• Church Business Cards to All Members
We have tentatively set March 27th at 7 PM for our next
meeting and encourage everyone to attend and be part of our
team! Yours in Christ, David Swanson
SPIRITUAL GIFT INVENTORY
As we work to accomplish our 2007 initiatives of
“empowering and retaining existing disciples,” the
Stewardship/Evangelism team wants to help you identify YOUR
spiritual gifts, and help you to figure out how to use them
to help Messiah fulfill its mission. All member households
have received a packet that includes a letter, a survey
(inventory), and a scorecard.
The inventory does not take long to complete, and there are
no right or wrong answers. It will help you identify your
individual spiritual gifts. Take a few minutes and use this
tool to identify the gifts you have been blessed with and
share that information with us, so together we can work as
the Body of Christ and, with Christ, can reach out and
welcome all of God’s children.
Be sure to identify the name of the person on each score
sheet and return them to the church by Sunday March 18,
2007. You can place the sheets in the offering, or mail
them to the Church office.
Grace and peace to you, from Floyd Yager and David Swanson.
Upcoming Events
LENTEN WEEKDAY SERVICES AND BIBLE STUDY
Bible Study – Wednesdays at 1:30 and 6:30 PM
Worship Services - Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
Our mid-week Lenten Services will continue March 8th with
Bible Study at 6:30 PM, worship at 7:30, and Choir
rehearsal following the service. Our Worship Services focus
on the Topic of “Valleys of Lent.” For Bible Study we will
continue our study of “The Gospel of John.” Classes will
meet at 1:30 PM and 6:30 PM on Wednesdays, which is the
same schedule as last year.
If you need child care for any of the evening services or
studies, please let the Pastor know, and we will attempt to
arrange it. We will also be featuring drama skits in the
worship. If you are interested in participating, contact
Pastor Paul right away!
PANCAKE BREAKFAST /
CONGREGATION CELEBRATION
Sunday, March 18th
Join us for a delicious pancake breakfast between services
on Sunday, March 18th! Reservations are not needed, and
there is no charge for the event. This monthly get-together
has become a real favorite! We take time to discuss what we
have all been learning in Sunday School for the last month.
Then our children will sing for us in church at the 11 AM
worship service.
42ND ANNUAL PARK RIDGE MEN’S
PRAYER BREAKFAST
Saturday, March 17th at 7:30 AM
Park Ridge Country Club, 636 N Prospect Avenue
Through attendance at this inspiring event, the men of Park
Ridge manifest the dedication of themselves, their
community, and their nation to God, His plan and purpose.
Guest speaker will be Scott Engle, a local businessman.
Cost is $25 per person. Order forms are available in the
narthex. For more information, call 847-825-4630.
COMMUNITY-WIDE EASTER EGG HUNT
Saturday, March 31st at 9:00 AM
On our grounds and playground! We welcome all children and
their families from the surrounding neighborhood, and the
Child Care Center as well. We are also going to invite
those children who are able to join us from the pediatric
unit at LGH. We will need volunteers in the coming weeks to
help prepare for this event, so watch for opportunities on
the YES! Sheets.
Note: This is in addition to our Sunday School Egg Hunt on
Easter Sunday.
REMINDERS!
Naomi Circle Thursday, March 8th at 9:30 AM at Carol S.’s
house. Call the office if you need Carol’s phone number for
directions.
Men’s Breakfast Saturday, March 10th at 9:00 AM at Old
Country Buffet in Park Ridge (Dempster and Luther Lane).
Friendship Day March 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
WELCA Board March 7th @ 9:00 AM
Executive Committee March 20th @ 7:30 PM
Child Care Board March 21st @ 7:00 PM
Property Development March 27th @ 7:30 PM
Stew/Evan Committee March 27th @ 7:30 PM
COMING IN MARCH…
Holy Week Worship Services
Good Friday Family Day Camp
Youth Spaghetti Dinner
This Month in Worship
WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS
All Sundays have 8:30 and 11:00 AM worship services
March 4 – Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 15:1–12, 17–18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17—4:1;
Luke 13:31–35
March 11 – Third Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 55:1–9; Psalm 63:1–8; 1 Corinthians 10:1–13; Luke
13:1–9
March 18 – Fourth Sunday in Lent
Joshua 5:9–12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16–21; Luke
15:1–3, 11b–32
March 25 – Fifth Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 43:16–21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:4b–14; John
12:1–8
LENT AND EASTER SERVICES SCHEDULE
Wednesdays, February 28 – March 28
1:30 PM Bible Study
6:30 PM Bible Study
7:30 PM Worship – “Valleys of Lent” Series
8:15 PM 40-day Choir Rehearsal
Holy Week April 1 – 8
Palm/Passion Sunday, April 1
8:30 AM Worship
9:45 AM Christian Education Hour
11:00 AM Worship
Maundy Thursday, April 5
6:30 PM Seder Dinner
7:30 PM Worship and First Communion
Good Friday, April 6
12:30 PM Good Friday Craft Hour
1:30 PM Youth Good Friday Service
7:30 PM Traditional Good Friday Service
Easter Sunday, April 8
7:30 AM Early Service
8:30 AM Easter Breakfast
10:15 AM Kids Easter Egg Hunt
11:00 AM Celebration of the Risen Christ
WORSHIP HELPERS
March 4 March 11 March 18 March 25
8:30 11:00 8:30 11:00 8:30 11:00 8:30 11:00
Acolytes Peter F Tait J Peter F Tait J Peter F Tait J Peter
F Tait J
Communion Assistants John F Julie J, Brad P John F Julie J,
Sue B John F Julie J, Dan K John F Julie J, *
Readers John F Cindy N Vikki H Connie K Char L Trygve
J Carol S Erik R
Worship Assistants John F Diane B Vikki H David S Char
L Pat K Carol S Paul S
Projection * * Courtney J Tait J Courtney J Tait J * *
Ushers Skip H Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S,
* Skip H Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S,
* Skip H Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S,
* Skip H Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S,
Greeters * * * *
Counters David H,
* David H,
* David H,
* David H,
For Lenten Services at 7:30 on Wednesdays:
Acolytes: 3/7- Becca V; 3/14-Nick B; 3/21-Dan K;
3/28-Marissa R
Worship Assistant/Reader: David Swanson or Carol Smith
Ushers: Chuck and Jackie Steigerwald
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!
March 4 – Flowers and bulletins are given in celebration of
Jim and Trudi Handzel’s 21st wedding anniversary.
March 11 – None.
March 18 – Flowers are given by the Yager Family in honor
of Kristin Yager’s birthday.
Bulletins are given in honor of Nick Boomer’s birthday.
March 25 – Flowers are given by the Hrodey Family in memory
of Betty Hrodey. Bulletins are given by the Yager Family in
honor of Kristin Yager’s birthday.
Messages
There will be a
Celebration of Life service for Betty Hrodey
on March 24th at 1:00 PM in the Messiah church sanctuary.
The Hrodey family invites you not to mourn but to celebrate
Betty's life.
Easter Lilies Now on Sale
They are $10 each.
Check your weekly bulletin or the narthex for order forms,
or call Jennifer in the church office to place an order.
Deadline for ordering is Sunday, April 1st
The lilies will be displayed on the altar on Easter Sunday
morning, and an insert in the bulletin will list the names
of those honored and remembered by the lilies.
Box Tops Fund Raiser
Messiah’s Child Care participates in the
Box Tops for Education Fund Raising Program. To help raise
money for our school, look for the Box Tops for Education
logo on everything from cereal to tissues. Then cut it out
and drop it in the big pink box in the hallway of the
Educational Wing!
First Communion
We will again be celebrating First Communion with boys and
girls who are eligible on Maundy Thursday, April 5th.
Please contact the Pastor to discuss this if your children
are interested in taking communion.
The youth would like to thank Mr.Yager and Mr.Valenta for
driving and staying with us to play whirlyball. We’d also
like to thank Mr. Yager for supplying the movie Facing the
Giants, and for all the other parents that donated our
snacks and breakfast.
Thanks for supporting your Messiah Youth!!!
Youth Corner
NEW YOUTH PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE
Since so many things are happening these days, the Youth
have elected to convert their page on our website to a
Calendar of Events! What is up next, you say? So many
things!
GOOD FRIDAY FAMILY CRAFT HOUR
Friday, April 6th 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Most schools are closed on Good Friday, so again this year
we will be offering our “Good Friday Craft Hour” for
families with school-aged children. We will spend time
making crosses and crafts. Then, families will attend the
Good Friday Worship Service at 1:30 PM. This service will
feature our Youth Group enacting the last steps of Christ
to the cross. This is a great way to expose the young ones
to the serious nature of Good Friday.
YOUTH SPAGHETTI DINNER
Saturday, April 21st, serving from 4:30 to 7:30 PM
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! This is one of our most popular events!
This is a fundraiser for our Youth Group, and it is always
a good time. Bring a friend or two with you to the dinner
this year. We have not decided on a program yet to follow
the dinner. Check the April Messenger for more details on
this event. Come out in support of our youth…we hope to see
you there!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL DATES ANNOUNCED
July 23-27, 9 AM – 12 PM
Hey, hey, hey! Here comes VBS 2007! We had a GREAT time
last year! And we are looking forward to an even more
successful VBS this year. We are still in the planning
stages, but we have decided on "Time Stone Travelers" for
our curriculum, and online registration will be available
beginning May 1st. We look forward to seeing you this
summer as we embark on a “Quest for God's Ten
Commandments.” Watch the News from the Pews and the
Messenger for opportunities to help!
Messiah Ministries
UNITED POWER REPORT
A meeting was held at St Francis of Assisi on February 6th.
The housing team reported that both the city and the state
have delegated very little money to build affordable
housing. A United Power delegation met with Todd Stroger,
Cook County Board President. Cook County has vacant land
that could be used for housing and a possibility exists
that in the future Todd Stroger would provide County land
for affordable housing. Mandated health care for all
Illinois citizens is an issue that United Power is working
toward. To be successful workers, business, insurance,
doctors, and hospitals must all work together in a play or
pay system similar to the plan Massachusetts established.
If any Messiah member is interested in helping with these
social issues please let me know so you can attend meetings
with me. We are also still collecting funds to cover our
annual dues of $2000 – just mark United Power in the
“Other” portion of your giving envelope.
Charlotte Baumgartner
PENNIES FOR LENT
Our Child Care Center will once again be collecting
“Pennies for Lent” during the 40-day lead-up to Easter. The
children bring in their change to school, and deposit their
pennies in large jars in each classroom. At the end of
Lent, the money is turned in and a check is given to the
Maine Township Food Pantry. Our kids raised $517 in 2006!
LGH ORIENTATION FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL HELPERS
Some of our Messiah members and friends have been taking
Sunday School lessons “on the road” over to the pediatric
unit of Lutheran General Hospital. What is helpful is if we
have a couple of people who are Certified Volunteers … this
means completing a training session that would allow our
group to be at the hospital without a hospital staff person
in attendance. Currently, we can only go over there when
they have someone available to “chaperone.” If you attend
the Volunteer Training, however, then we wouldn’t need to
bother the hospital staff. This is also an excellent
opportunity for some of our youth to reach out to other
kids there age who may be sick. There will be a volunteer
training day in March – contact Julie Holzer for details.
Special article
WORDS OF APPRECIATION FOR JOBS WELL DONE
Now that we have had our Annual Meeting and the “torch has
been passed” to a new leadership team, we need to pause and
thank the outgoing members of the team.
Dave Kaufman, our president for the past three years, led
us through our period of transition from Pastor Mark
Larson, to Pastor Gordon Straw to Pastor Paul Stolz. This
was Dave’s second stint as president of the congregation,
and he certainly didn’t know what he was signing up for.
But he brought organization and accountability to our
leadership team and helped us through this time of change
in good form. Dave also has given us the challenge of
greater fiscal responsibility. Although Dave was not able
to be here as much as he wanted to be this past year, he
has done a great job laying the ground work to help us move
forward into our next chapter of ministry at Messiah. Thank
you Dave for your hard work and the skills you brought to
the leadership team!!
Trudi Handzel, our secretary, has only been on the
leadership team for the past year – but you would never
know that since she has been an integral part of leading
this congregation in less formal, but no less important
ways over the last several years. Trudi serves Messiah as a
quiet leader, a true disciple; leading by her actions, hard
work, and by example. As a member of the leadership team
she has kept us accountable and on target with decisions
made and actions promised. We look forward to Trudi
continuing in her leadership roles at Messiah - the less
formal, more important ones! Thank you Trudi for your hard
work and all you do for Messiah!!
Les Herak, after serving as president of the congregation
for several years, took on the role of Stewardship Team
Leader. What can you say about Les’ heart and passion and
genuine care for doing God’s work at Messiah? It is not
easy to agree to continue in a new role after serving as
president for more than 5 years – but Les didn’t hesitate
and worked on our annual stewardship drives, bringing in
temple talks from the ELCA program designed to encourage
and inspire all members. Les is someone who leads with his
heart and can always be counted on when the going gets
tough. Thank you Les for your caring ways and concern for
doing God’s work at Messiah!!
When you see these fellow members around Messiah, please be
sure to offer them your words of appreciation for a job
well-done!! We look forward to all of them continuing as
God’s disciples at Messiah and continuing to lead us in our
mission “With Christ, Welcoming All God’s Children!”
~ Submitted by Carol Hrodey
Milestones
BIRTHDAYS
Brian Hofland, 3/2
Jennifer Wagner, 3/2
Joyce Johnsen, 3/4
Marilyn Borgeson, 3/6
George Hrodey, 3/7
Kim Hanson, 3/8
Steven Helms, 3/8
Nancy Magerl, 3/8
John Fox, 3/9
James Valenta, 3/9
Julie Holzer, 3/10
Michael Berzins, 3/15
Jean E. Gilbert, 3/16
Eric Williams, 3/16
Vera Koehler, 3/18
Zachary Loverme, 3/20
Nicholas Boomer, 3/21
Emily Demonte, 3/21
Adeline Sauer, 3/23
Mark Wiberg, 3/23
Kristin Yager, 3/24
Diane Williams, 3/26
Kris Christiansen, 3/27
William Downie, 3/28
Alan Christiansen, 3/29
Pierson Anderson, 3/31
Matthew Valenta, 3/31
ANNIVERSARIES
Jim and Trudi Handzel – 3/8/1986, 21 years
Messiah Leadership for 2007
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Carol Hrodey
Vice President: Vikki Hanson
Secretary: Nancy Boomer
Treasurer: Brad Kovach
Financial Sec.: David Hanson
EXTENDED LEADERSHIP TEAM
Stewardship: Floyd Yager
Evangelism: David Swanson
CCC Director: Karen Black
CCC Board: Donna Berzins
Maintenance: Vic Berzins
Capital Campaign: Dave Kaufman
Property Committee: Various Members
WELCA: Eva Thoren
Brotherhood: Rich Seggeling
Christian Education: Kristin Yager
Confirmation/HS: Edith Reeve
Adult Forum: John Fox
Choir: Pat Daniels
Music: Tom Daniels, Sue Fox
For the Memorial, Honorarium, and Thanks to God Fund
This report is as of February 18, 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 HONOR OF THE 3RD BIRTHDAY OF HEBA PEUMAKA WITH
THANKSGIVING
Given by: Her parents Ravi and Neena Peumaka
IN MEMORY OF BETTY HRODEY
Given by: Brad and Pat Kovach (The family has requested the
memorials be given to the Capital Fund.)
IN MEMORY OF LORRAINE HANDZEL
Given by: Robert and Betty Franz, Lois Bunt, Brad and Pat
Kovach, Roy Sues, Audrey Krell, Mary Rutledge, Katherine G.
Ruthledge, The Mattisins, Lenore M. Dahlstrom, Darlene M.
Miller, Dorothy L. Wells, Blanch M. Westly, Lyte and Martha
Thompson (The Family requests the memorials go to the
Property Reserve.)
If there are any omissions in my report, I mean if you have
donated to this fund and it was not acknowledge by me and
not listed in my report, please let me know. This does
happen now and then and I certainly want to check it out.
If it did not come to me, I will certainly do everything I
can to find where it is. However please allow several
months … sometimes it comes in after the cut off date.
Also, to make things easier for your chair, donations not
designated, unless requests are made by the family, will be
put into the Property Reserve, a much needed fund.
I would like to thank those who put their address on the
Memorial Card. It saves me the time it takes to look it up.
Also if the family address is not available in our church
book, please include it along with the relationship. FYI,
the amount of the donation is acknowledged only to the
donor. If requested, I give a total amount to the Family.
REQUEST FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Please put your
envelope number on the memorial card.
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:
Chuck Boomer
Joe & Evelyn Burval
Mr. Dennis
Ardene Ejnik
Pastor Eileen Harris
Chris Jacobsen
Corinne Jensen
Kennet
Richard Levy
Nancy Maher
Sue Nugnis
Neena Penumaka
Aidan Ray
Mary Reter
Ronnald Rose
Pastor Sally Terrell
Linda (Rodin) Ufkes
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS - Richard Levy has a NEW HEART!
Surgery was performed on February 21st, and the prognosis
is excellent. Richard is resting comfortably, and is
healing at Loyola Hospital. Thank you for all your prayers!
We also want to remember in our prayers our military
personnel:
Kevin Hrodey, Jason Koesler, Tim David, Lars Johnsen, Kevin
Ward, and Patrick and Claudine Ward.
Directory Changes
Please let the office know if you are moving! Thanks!
No directory changes to report.
MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH
1605 Vernon Avenue
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
Church Staff
Rev. Paul Stolz, Pastor
Jennifer Schneider, Office Administrator
Karen Black, Child Care Center Director
Vic Berzins, Director of Property Maintenance
John Handzel, Property Maintenance
Worknesh Deressa, Custodian
Tom Daniels, Director of Music
Sue Fox, Organist
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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