The Messiah Messenger>
The May Messenger Issue #467

May 1, 2007

THE Messiah 
MESSENGER 
 
From the Pastor 
“A SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING  
THIS MONTH!” 
A special meeting of the congregation has been set by the 
leaders of the church for Sunday, May 20, 2007 following 
the 11:00 am service that day. The meeting should begin at 
approximately  
12:15 pm. This meeting has been called to discuss the 
planned additions and renovations to the building and the 
various options for funding this project. 
After the congregation overwhelmingly approved the proposed 
building plans at the February 4, 2007 Annual Meeting of 
the Congregation, a task force was assigned to formulate a 
plan to fund the project. Their proposal will be offered at 
this month’s meeting. 
It is obviously vital for every member of this congregation 
to attend this meeting and join in the discussion for the 
future mission of Messiah. You should have received a set 
of plans for the renovation and addition in the mail. If 
you have any questions prior to this meeting, feel free to 
contact me, any member of the Executive Committee, the 
Property Development Committee or the Funding Task Force.  
All members’ names are listed below. 
 
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE  
President: Carol Hrodey  
Vice Pres.: Vikki Hanson 
Secretary: Nancy Boomer  
Treasurer: Brad Kovach  
Financial Sec.: Dave Hanson  
 
FUNDING TASK FORCE 
Karen Black  
David Kaufman  
David Jensen  
Anne Wiberg  
 
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 
Bob Bisgard 
Dick Reeve  
Floyd Yager  
Carol H, Karen B, and Pastor Paul 
 
 
Join me in daily prayer for the future of Messiah and the 
vision necessary to further our mission: With Christ, 
Reaching Out and Welcoming All God’s Children 
God’s peace, 
 
 
Noteworthy News 
SAYING GOODBYE TO SUE 
On April 2, 2007, we lost one of our dearest and our best. 
Susan (Knuth) Nugnis passed away after a courageous 12-year 
battle with breast cancer. She was 56 years old. Sue was 
not only a member of Messiah, but was a teacher at the 
school for 20 years. A celebration of her life was held 
here on Thursday, April 5th, and included words from many 
of the teachers who knew her best. Mary Hannon (teacher) 
read this poem that she wrote in honor of Sue: 
 
When All That’s Left of Me is Love 
Now that I’m gone, remember me with a smile and laughter. 
If you need to cry,  
cry with those who walk in grief beside you. 
When you need me, put your arms around someone, 
and give to them what you need to give to me. 
Look for me in the people I’ve known  
and loved or helped along the way. 
Let me live through your eyes and in your minds and hearts. 
You can love me best by letting love live  
within the circle of your arms, 
embracing those in need. 
Love does not die, people do.  
So when all that’s left of me is Love, 
give me away as best you can. 
I’ll see you at home, where I’ll be waiting. 
 
Sue was a model of how to handle life’s adversities for all 
who knew and loved her. Her strong faith and positive 
attitude sustained her and helped her live her life to the 
fullest. She was quoted as saying “I am a person who has 
cancer. Despite the fact that I have the disease, I am a 
mother, a wife and a woman.” She will be remembered for her 
enthusiasm, energy, and dedication, and all who knew her 
will miss her greatly. 
 
NEW SIGN FINISHED 
Did you see our new sign? It looks beautiful! Thank you, 
Tom Vacala and friends, for our new beautiful sign! Thanks 
also to all of those who contributed financially to our new 
sign, as well as the new signs around the parking lot. Now 
we need help changing the wording on the sign. We need 8-10 
people to be our  
“Messiah Sign-Posters” – please express your interest by 
signing the sheet on Pastor’s office door, or by calling 
the office.  
 
Upcoming Events 
BROTHERHOOD SPRING DINNER  
Tuesday May 15th at 6:30 PM  
All "men and women" of Messiah (and your guests) are 
invited. Dinner is served downstairs in the Fellowship Hall 
at Messiah. Entertainment is provided by Bud & Norma 
Hinchman: "Musical Memories A La Mode." Sign up in the 
narthex. Program cost is $7.00 per person. 
 
MESSIAH’S THIRD ANNUAL FAMILY FUN FAIR 
Saturday, May 19th 11 AM to 2 PM 
 
Join dozens of Messiah’s Child Care families at the MLCCC 
Third Annual Fun Fair! This is a great time with games, 
food, a silent auction, raffle prizes, moonwalk, and more! 
Proceeds benefit the Child Care Center. This is also an 
excellent evangelism opportunity…invite your family, 
friends, and neighbors for a day of fellowship and fun! 
 
SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING  
Sunday May 20th at 12:00 PM  
Called by the Executive Committee and the Property 
Development Committee to discuss and vote on actions to 
fund and begin work on the proposed structural changes and 
additions to the building. It is strongly recommended that 
everyone attend this meeting as we discuss the future of 
our mission in Park Ridge. 
 
PANCAKE BREAKFAST / 
CONGREGATION CELEBRATION 
Sunday, May 20th at 9:45 AM  
 
Join us for a delicious pancake breakfast between services 
on Sunday, May 20th! Reservations are not needed, and there 
is no charge for the event. This get-together has become a 
real favorite! This is the Sunday School wrap up for the 
year…our next breakfast won’t be until September!  
 
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE  
Monday, May 28th 
On Memorial Day, we will gather at the “step-off” point at 
9:45 AM, on Fairview Avenue, 1/3 block north of Talcott in 
front of Roosevelt School (slot number to be announced). 
The parade starts at 10 AM. This was a LOT of fun the last 
two years, and we will be using this as an evangelism 
opportunity, handing out Messiah Church and Child Care 
flyers, and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ! If you 
can help or march, let David Swanson know! 
 
REMINDERS! 
Naomi Circle Thursday, May 10th at 9:30 AM. The location is 
still to be announced – Val Bowman will call everyone when 
it is confirmed. This will be the last circle meeting until 
September. 
Men’s Breakfast Saturday, May 12th at 9:00 AM at Old 
Country Buffet in Park Ridge (Dempster and Luther Lane). 
Friendship Day May 24th at 9 AM. Come when you can and stay 
as long as possible. If staying for lunch, bring a sandwich 
or whatever you like. 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 AM service or Millie 
Anderson at the 11 AM 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 May 2nd @ 9:00 AM 
Leadership Team May 6th @ 12:00 PM 
Executive Committee May 8th @ 7:00 PM 
Child Care Board May 16th @ 7:00 PM 
COMING IN JUNE… 
Graduate and Teacher Recognition 
Summer Worship Schedule Begins 
Youth Confirmation Camp 
This Month in Worship 
WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS  
Unless otherwise noted, all Sundays in May offer Worship at 
8:30 and 11:00 AM. 
May 6 – Fifth Sunday of Easter  
Acts 11:1–18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21:1–6; John 13:31–35 
May 13 – Sixth Sunday of Easter  
Acts 16:9–15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5; John 
14:23–29 
May 20 – Seventh Sunday of Easter 
Acts 16:16–34; Psalm 97; Revelation 22:12–14, 16–17, 20–21; 
John 17:20–26 
May 27 – The Day of Pentecost/Confirmation Sunday (10:00 AM 
ONLY) 
Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24–34, 35b; Romans 8:14–17; John 
14:8–17, 25–27 
 
Please note that there will only be ONE service at 10:00 AM 
on Confirmation Sunday. 
 
SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE 
 
Beginning June 3rd, Messiah moves to its summer worship 
schedule. Worship will be at 10:00 AM only all summer, with 
no Sunday School, Adult Forum, Confirmation Class, or Bible 
Study. Choir also takes a break, and we enjoy special 
musical selections throughout the summer months instead. 
Watch the News, the Messenger, and the website for the 
2007-2008 Worship Schedule, which will be set by the end of 
June. 
 
ADULT FORUM SCHEDULE 
May 6 – Terry and Faith Fretheim "Hope in God in Times of 
Suffering" 
May 13 – Dr. John Davis, Dentist from Park Ridge - 
Presentation on his Medical Mission to Guatemala 
May 20 – No Adult Forum, class is finished  
until the fall. 
 
 
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! 
 
May 6 – Flowers are given in honor of Trygve Jensen’s 16th 
birthday. 
May 13 None. 
May 20 – Flowers are given in celebration of Tom and Pat 
Daniels’ 15th wedding anniversary. 
May 27 – Flowers are given by Dan and Kevin Kovach in 
celebration of their dad’s birthday.  
 
 
 
Messages 
Confirmation Reception 
 
There will be a reception for our confimands following the 
service on May 27th. Please watch the YES! Sheets for an 
opportunity to help with that. 
 
Manna, Manna, Manna! 
 
So far in the first 4 Manna orders we have placed in 2007, 
the church has made a profit of about $175. Let’s see if we 
can make a profit of $200 on the next two manna orders – 
and double the profits we’ve made this year! May orders 
will be ready in time for Mother’s Day gifts…and June 
orders are perfect for graduations, teacher’s gifts, and 
Father’s Day! Don’t forget to use the cards for your weekly 
groceries, too! 
Orders placed by: Ready for pickup: 
Sunday May 6 Thursday May 10 
Sunday June 3 Thursday June 7 
 
Teacher and Graduate Recognition 
 
The first Sunday in June is traditionally when we recognize 
our teachers and graduates. Please let the office know if a 
friend or loved one falls in one of those categories so we 
can honor them during the worship service. Thanks! 
 
Spaghetti Dinner Gift Basket Raffle 
 
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Gift Basket 
Raffle by purchasing tickets at the Youth Spaghetti Dinner. 
Thanks especially to the Men's Brotherhood, Linda Stolz, 
The Choir, The Youth Group, The Child Care Center and 
Board, The Sunday School Children and Families, The 
Evangelism Committee and The Stewardship Committee for all 
of their very generous donations to create the ten 
wonderful gift baskets that were raffled. This was a great 
fundraiser, and we look forward to making this a part of 
the Spaghetti Dinner again next year. Congratulations to 
all of the winners...we hope you enjoy all of your gifts! 
 
Youth Corner 
YOUTH SPAGHETTI DINNER THANKS 
 
Thank you to each young person of Messiah who helped 
set-up, serve the spaghetti, and clean-up after the dinner. 
A special "Thank You" to Brad Kovach, Edith Reeve, and 
Cindy Norberg for their valuable help in the kitchen. We 
also appreciate the desserts that were donated for the 
dinner, and the other families who helped during the 
evening. The Youth Group appreciates Kristen and Floyd 
Yeager for their time and help on the evening of the 
Spaghetti Dinner. We served 87 plates of delicious 
spaghetti and raised $795.00 for the Youth Group. Thrivent 
Financial will be matching funds raised from the Youth 
Group event up to $795.00 dollars. Thank you Jennifer and 
thank you Nancy! 
~ Submitted by Pat Kovach 
 
VBS REGISTRATION STARTS MAY 1ST 
“Time Stone Travelers: Quest for God’s Ten Commandments” 
 
VBS is July 23-27 from 9 AM to 12 PM this year. The closing 
program and picnic is set for Friday, July 27th at 6 PM. To 
register online, visit our website www.messiahparkridge.org 
and click on the “Register for VBS” Quick Link on the home 
page. We will also take reservations in the church office 
beginning May 1st, but the online registration is 
preferred.  
 
We recently had a planning meeting, and while we are in 
good shape, there are still a few positions we need 
covered. We need two adults to Lead the 3-year-old and 
preschool rooms, and as many teen helpers as possible! Talk 
to Julie H to volunteer. 
 
Church Statistics 
 
 
Messiah Ministries 
UNITED POWER REPORT 
United Power members have been having meetings with the 
legislators in Cook County to gather support for the 
Governor's bill for health care for the uninsured. Irene 
Luck, Charlotte Baumgartner, and 2 other members met 
Saturday, April 21st with Representative Carolyn Krause. 
Although health care for her constituents has been a 
priority for her 10 years in the House, she cannot support 
the Governor's bill. The bill in not mandated. People with 
preexisting conditions and chronic conditions will apply 
for care. The healthy young hope illness or injury will not 
affect them thus leaving the insurance pool without needed 
money to help pay for the program. The Governor has not 
listened to any other voices to debate or alter his plan. 
Representative Krause has not decided whether to attend the 
meeting on April 29th. United Power has worked for almost 
10 years to help citizens get needed health care. We have 
improved access to health care for children. We believe the 
time is now and we support increased taxes to support this 
initiative for the uninsured. The taxes must be dedicated 
and not be diverted for another use. Thank you to all the 
Messiah members who attended our meeting on April 29th. 
~ Charlotte Baumgartner  
 
PENNIES FOR LENT 
Every year, our Child Care children bring pennies and 
change in to their classes throughout the season of Lent. 
Then, during the last chapel before Easter, the money is 
collected, counted, and given to the Maine Township Food 
Pantry. Each year, the total goes up, but this year was 
truly extraordinary. Our children brought in $695.78 to 
benefit those who need assistance in our community.  
Thanks, children!! 
COMMUNITY-WIDE EGG HUNT 
While not exactly a “ministry” of Messiah, this was a 
terrific opportunity for Messiah to reach out and welcome 
the children of our neighborhood and Child Care Center. The 
event was a huge success, with about 75-80 children 
participating. Thanks to all who donated, stuffed, hid, and 
helped with this! We look forward to doing it again next 
year. 
 
Milestones 
BIRTHDAYS 
 
 
Arline Baranowski, 5/1 
Doris Preinitz, 5/1 
Jonathan Herak, 5/3 
Philip Holzer, 5/4 
Nancy Smith, 5/5 
Irene Tietz, 5/5 
Emily Hamden, 5/6 
Paula DiVita, 5/8 
Nancy Herak, 5/8 
Joshua Corkill, 5/9 
Craig Bittner, 5/10 
Trygve Jensen, 5/10 
Terry Johnson, 5/11 
Darrell Eckert, 5/12 
Tiffany Erthal, 5/12 
Elvera Beyer, 5/15 
Odell Duckett, 5/15 
Roger Jones, 5/15 
Helen Levy, 5/17 
Carla Hofland, 5/18 
Robert Scarpelli, 5/19 
Jacob Stolz, 5/19 
Joe Levy, 5/20 
Bradley Paulus, 5/20 
James Handzel, 5/22 
Alyson Allemeier, 5/23 
Clare Doud, 5/24 
Ruth Jeppesen, 5/24 
Terry McIntyre, 5/24 
Peter Nugnis, 5/25 
Jake Scarpelli, 5/26 
Brad Kovach, 5/29 
Michelle Litwin, 5/31 
 
ANNIVERSARIES 
Les and Nancy Herak – 5/5/1956, 31 years 
Floyd and Kristin Yager – 5/23/1998, 9 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 April 7, 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 BETTY HRODEY 
Given by: Yager Family, Marie Riggio, Wendy J. Poe, Jeanne, 
of son Daniel Ellenwood, William and Betty Abraham, Lynn C. 
Villani, Laurance and Arlene Johnson, Richard and Nancy Van 
Landuyt, William and Grace Ricker, Marshall and Marion 
Holmgren, Gloria Orlowski, Joyce Beet, Barb Ditthardt, 
Isolde Dannenhauer, Aileen Schmeller, Mr. and Mrs. Dean 
Johnson 
(The family has requested the memorials be given to the 
Capital Fund.) 
IN MEMORY OF SUSAN NUGNIS 
Given by: Dave and Connie Kaufman, Carol Hrodey, Char 
Lobitz, Joyce Tjhio and Family, Audrey Krell, David and 
Donna Hanson, Carolyn E. Nasheim, Brad, Pat, Dan, Kevin 
Kovach, Chuck and Jackie Steirgerwald, Valeria Bowman 
(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 
Ruth Corkill 
Mr. Dennis 
Ardene Ejnik 
Jean E. Gilbert 
Chris Jacobsen 
Corine Jensen  
Helen Joyce 
Kennet 
Richard Levy 
Nancy Maher 
Antonio Melendez 
Aidan Ray 
Mary Reter 
Ronnald Rose 
Gloria Solum  
Pastor Sally Terrell 
 
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 Moves to Report 
 
Don’t forget to let us know if you change your email 
address! 
 
 
 
The 
Messiah  
Messenger 
 
In this issue… 
Saying Goodbye to Sue 
Outdoor Sign is Finished! 
Brotherhood Spring Dinner 
MLC Child Care Fun Fair 
Special Congregational Meeting 
Manna, Manna, Manna! 
Teacher and Grad Recognition 
United Power Report 
Pennies for Lent 
Community-wide Egg Hunt 
VBS Registration and Planning 
 
 
 
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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