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The Messiah Messenger>
The June Messenger Issue #468
May 31, 2007
THE Messiah MESSENGER From the Pastor “GROWING SEASON” “Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful.” ~ 2 Peter 1:5-8 I was directed to this passage by one of our three confirmands who chose these words for her confirmation on Pentecost Sunday. It is a passage worth reflecting upon as we enter this time of year – growing plants, new wild animals being born, the sun shining down on us all, warming the earth and awakening us from the winter doldrums – even the green paraments on the altar cry out for growth and new life! Have you made plans as to how you will continue to grow in your relationship with our Lord? Suggestions on how to do this abound in this passage. And the church should decide how such emotions and actions may be nourished in worship and in the daily routines of life at Messiah. As we all make vacation plans and go to great lengths to “get away from it all,” may we be ever mindful of the necessity of staying close to God. Church services in exotic places, a devotional booklet accompanying you on your journey, daily silent time for devotions and prayers will lead to a deepening sense of belonging and purpose as a beloved child of God. As the writer of 2 Peter points out: “We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.” ~2 Peter 1:3-4 Dear Lord, Guide us this summer as we strive to grow ever closer to the divine nature you desire for each one of us. Use us. We open our hands in prayer to accept your guidance and your love. Amen. May the blessings and joys of this growing season be yours! Noteworthy News CONFIRMED IN CHRIST On May 27, 2007 we received several special young adults as full members of our church. Peter Fox, Becca Valenta, and Holly Norberg, having completed their 2-year confirmation journey, were accepted into the household of faith. Congratulations to them, their families, and their mentors. There was a reception following the service. MANNA GOING STRONG! Thank you to everyone who ordered manna gift cards in the month of May! Just in that order alone, Messiah made a profit of $255! That means since January, we have made over $430 in Manna orders! Let's see if we can double this amount by the end of the summer! Please consider placing an order if you haven't already, and see how easy and convenient it is. Contact Kristin Yager at 847-692-6260 or Char Lobitz if you have any questions. The summer order dates are as follows: Date order is due Date order is ready for your pick up Sunday, June 3, 2007 Wednesday, June 6, 2007 Sunday, July 8, 2007 Thursday, July 12, 2007 Sunday, August 12, 2007 Thursday, August 16, 2007 Sunday, September 9, 2007 Thursday, September 13, 2007 SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING OUTCOME A Special Congregational Meeting was held on Sunday 5-20-07. Funding options for the new addition were reviewed. A Funding Task Group that included Dave Kaufman, Karen Black, Dave Jensen and Anne Wiberg looked at current funds available and the projected costs of the projected, in addition to meeting with an ELCA representative. Based on their information, the Executive Committee felt it was important to get actual costs of the project and to look at a broad base of funding options instead of just a single capital campaign and therefore recommended to: • Get bids from construction firms on actual costs of addition. • Interview & hire fund-raising firm to work with us on funding. After a good discussion on the topic the recommendations were put in motion form and approved. Upcoming Events TEACHER AND GRADUATE APPRECIATION DAY Sunday, June 3rd at 11:00 AM We will be taking special notice of our graduates and teachers during the service on this day. Please join us in thanking them for all they do for our Christian education and our Child Care Center. If you have a graduate in your family, please let the office know by Thursday, MAY 31st so they can be included on the special insert for the bulletin. NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED Sunday, June 3rd at 11:00 AM service We will also welcome some new members to our congregation on Sunday the 3rd. Several people who have been joining us in worship recently have asked to join the church. Following the worship service we will also have a reception outside on our grounds to honor both our new members, and our teachers and graduates. Also… …Pastor Paul is instituting a First Friends program for new members. We need existing members of Messiah to “pair up” with new members. Responsibilities include contacting the new members to welcome them, introducing them around to others in the congregation, and notifying them of upcoming events. “First Friends” will do these things for one year after the new members join. Contact Pastor Paul if you are interested in this very special ministry. CONFIRMATION CAMP AT LOMC June 17-21 Our confirmation kids from this year and next year will be spending the week at Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center. This is a great experience for the kids, who do things like bible study, and bake special unleavened bread for communion. Pastor Paul and Edith Reeve will be accompanying them as chaperones. They will leave Sunday afternoon to head to Oregon, IL where they will camp for a week! ST. LUKE’S BOTTLE BAND AT ST. MATTHEW’S Saturday, June 2 in Olson Auditorium at LGH This band has been featured on Wild Chicago and Late Night with David Letterman! The purpose of this event is to raise money for improvements in residents’ rooms. Call 847-993-4223 for more information about ticket prices and what you can do to contribute (like purchase an ad in the program, or be a sponsor of the event). REMINDERS! Men’s Breakfast Saturday, June 9th at 9:00 AM at Old Country Buffet in Park Ridge (Dempster and Luther Lane). Friendship Day June 28th 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 Executive Committee June 5th @ 7:00 PM WELCA Board June 6th @ 9:00 AM Child Care Board June 20th @ 7:00 PM COMING IN JULY… July Fourth Fireworks and Celebration Congregational Meeting Vacation Bible School and Program This Month in Worship WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS All Sundays in June offer Worship 10:00 AM. June 3 – Holy Trinity Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1–5; John 16:12–15 June 10 – Second Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 17:17–24; Psalm 30 Galatians 1:11–24; Luke 7:11–17 June 17 – Third Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 11:26—12:10; 12:13–15; Psalm 32; Galatians 2:15–21 Luke 7:36—8:3 June 24 – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Malachi 3:1–4; Psalm 141; Acts 13:13–26; Luke 1:57–80 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. CONGREGATIONAL BIBLE STUDY TEXTS June 3 – Acts 16-20, Timothy, Lydia, Paul in Athens June 10 – Acts 20-24, Macedonia, Paul at Jerusalem, Paul’s arrest June 17 – Acts 25-28, Paul’s defense, shipwreck, in Rome June 24 – The Book of Ruth, Short book about the great-grandmother of David. Scholars agree that the author of the Gospel of Luke also wrote Acts. As we look at the earliest church and its ministries, we reflect on our mission as Christ’s church today! 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! June 3 – Bulletins are given by John and Sue Fox in honor of the anniversary of Peter’s baptism. June 10 Flowers are given by Dan and Kevin Kovach for Mom’s Big Birthday. June 17 – Bulletins are given in honor of Edith Bunt’s 95th birthday by Bill and Sandy Downie. June 24 – Flowers and bulletins are given by the Yager family in honor of Michael’s fifth birthday. Messages Men’s Breakfast This monthly event is really turning into a great time of fellowship for Messiah’s men. Please join us if you are able on the 2nd Saturday of every month at the Old Country Buffet on Dempster at 9 am. We’ll see you there! THANKS, THANKS, THANKS Thanks so much to the anonymous donor of the spoons for the kitchen. It was a very pleasant surprise to find them. From the M.L.C.W. AND THE WHOLE CHURCH Summer Office Hours Beginning June 11th, the church office will be on summer hours, open 9 AM to 1 PM Monday through Friday. Jennifer will most likely be in the office until 3 PM anyway, but is only guaranteed to be there until 1 PM. Child Care Center Fun Fair Thanks to everyone who helped, attended, and bid on auction items for the Child Care Annual Fun Fair. We had a great turnout, and all the children had a really wonderful time. Thanks also to those who helped by praying for GOOD WEATHER! It was a picture perfect day! Memorial Day Marchers Another big thanks goes to those who marched in the Park Ridge Memorial Day Parade on May 28th. We love getting out in the community and strutting our stuff! Youth Corner SUNDAY SCHOOL WRAP UP AND THANK YOU! We had a great year at Sunday School. This year our lessons focused on The Ten Commandments, The Lord's Prayer, The Apostle's Creed, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. We had a lot of fun and made a lot of cool projects, and learned a lot along the way! We loved sharing the songs we learned with the congregation on Celebration Sundays! We would also like to thank the volunteers that came and taught parts of the curriculum...that really was special for the kids. The volunteers included Sue Fox, Julie Jensen, Carol Smith, Floyd Yager, Laura Hauser, Edith Reeve, the Confirmation Class, Pastor Paul and the High School Group. Thanks to everyone, especially the children and their parents...Rally Day 2007 will be on Sunday, September 9! We look forward to seeing you all there! VBS COMING SOON! HOW CAN YOU HELP? 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. Messiah Ministries UNITED POWER REPORT United Power supporters are continuing to call Senator Kotowski to encourage him to support Senate Bill 5 for affordable, sustainable health care for all Illinois citizens. Funding to support the health care program needs to be solved by the legislature working together on this issue. Only 2 weeks are left for the Illinois General Assembly to be in session. Our ELCA is working on the issue of increased spending for human services for people with disabilities and people living in poverty. These justice issues call for all of us to support our brothers and sisters in securing passage of legislation so those without resources may be given assistance. CALLING ALL LUTHERANS! YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED. AND NEEDED RIGHT NOW. LSSI is spearheading a large end-of-the-legislative session campaign to convince lawmakers that state investments in human services needs to be strengthened in the budget that is currently being negotiated in Springfield. There are two easy ways to send your message: By phone: Call toll-free 1-800-651-0315;* ask to be connected to your State Senator or Representative. If you’re not sure who that is, log onto LutheranAdvocacy.org and click on “Find Your Elected Officials.” By e-mail: Log onto LutheranAdvocacy.org, the Web site of Lutheran Advocacy- Illinois, the ELCA’s State Public Policy Office in Illinois. With a few clicks of your mouse, you can send a customized e-mail message to your state legislators. ANGELS IN THE NARTHEX The Friendship Day Kettle for Lutheran World Relief will be in the narthex June thru Labor Day. Our Friendship Day Ladies have a master’s degree in Bargain Hunting but that takes time. The congregation is our sole means of income. You have been very generous in the past and, we thank you. For about $5.00 we can put together a Health Kit, including a hand towel, soap, wash cloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, strong comb, nail file or clippers, and 6 (3/4”) band aids. Cloth diapers are about $10 a dozen, and each layette needs 4. We haunt garage sales for gently used baby shirts or onesies, sleepers, sweaters, and receiving blankets. If you or your children have any of these to donated, please place them in the MLCW box in the Tower entrance or across from the Office. Remember, He will not forget the love you showed to his people. Thank you and God Bless. Milestones BIRTHDAYS Matthew Seggeling, 6/1 Christine Ruterschmidt, 6/2 Vikki Hanson, 6/3 Christine Cilio, 6/4 David Tjhio, 6/5 Edward Corkill, 6/6 Susan Bromstad, 6/7 Katharine Scheck, 6/7 Jimmy Olson, 6/9 Maryanna Valenta, 6/9 Claudine Ward, 6/12 Nancy Boomer, 6/13 Susan Kopij, 6/13 Linda Raymond, 6/13 Paul Tietz, 6/13 Pat Kovach, 6/14 Edith Bunt, 6/16 Avery Valenta, 6/16 Natalie Norberg, 6/17 David Divita, 6/19 Barbara Loverme, 6/22 Mary Jane Kovach, 6/23 Michael Yager, 6/24 Floyd Yager, 6/26 Sara Christiansen, 6/28 Jake Saul, 6/29 Jessica Saul, 6/29 LuAnne Jelonek, 6/30 ANNIVERSARIES Neil and Laura Hauser – 6/3/1995, 12 years David and Donna Hanson – 6/12/1965, 42 years Mark and Anne Wiberg – 6/18/1960, 47 years Joe and Evelyn Burval – 6/20/1936, 71 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 May 20, 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: Rick and Carol Wilson, Don and Mary Jane Kovach (The family has requested the memorials be given to the Capital Fund.) IN MEMORY OF ARLENE MESKAN Given by: David Meskan IN MEMORY OF LORRAINE HANDZEL Given by: Don and Mary Jane Kovach IN MEMORY OF EILEEN NATTA Given by: Bob Bisgard IN MEMORY OF SUSAN NUGNIS Given by: Millie Anderson, Rich and Edith Reeve Family, Charlotte and Bill Baumgartner, Eva Thoren, Arnold and Frances Tetens, Alice Chen, John and Anne Summers, Clare Doud, Horst and Arntrud Siepmann, Doris Gann, Mark and Anne Wiberg, Eleaner Headly, Joanne M. Haberkorn, Dorothy Mankin, The Razus Family, Deacon Robert and Mary Bonta, Don and Mary Jane Kovach, Paula DiVita, Eugene and Marilyn Borgeson (The Family requests the memorials go to the Property Reserve.) ALSO GIVEN IN MEMORY OF SUSAN NUGNIS to the CHILD CARE CENTER Given by: Arnold M. Lund, Rita and Joe Kotowski, Teresa and Marcus George, Frank and Jane Whitecotton, Bob and Karen Black, Sandra Purl, Lynne and Brad Bugai, Wilfred F. Knuth, William and Sara Bond, Sharon K. Lewis, Dorothy Driessner, Cathy Omachel, Annette V. Gustafson, Christine M. Plaza, Kathy and Kyle Wood, Karen L. Neibarger, Diane and Bruce Erickson, Any Warlick, Gina Lee, Sheryl Jonagan, Tim Szygenda, Mary Ann Petro, Kathy Cercone, Chris Marra, Mary McEnerney and Greg Macola, David and Susie Knuth, Michael and Maria Bauer 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 Sue Bruce Joe & Evelyn Burval Ruth Corkill Mr. Dennis Ardene Ejnik Jean E. Gilbert Chris Jacobsen Grace Lutheran School Corine Jensen Helen Joyce Kennet Richard Levy Nancy Maher Aidan Ray Mary Reter Ronnald Rose Carol Smith Gloria Solum 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, Kevin Ward, and Patrick and Claudine Ward. Directory Changes Please let the office know if you are moving! Thanks! Les and Nancy Herak 757 Therese Terrace Des Plaines, IL 60016 847-296-8717 joycejohnsen@sbcglobal.net Les and Nancy are moving in with Nancy’s mom, Joyce Johnsen at the end of June. They will share her email address for a while. 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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