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The Messiah Messenger>
The July Messenger Issue #469
June 29, 2007
THE Messiah
MESSENGER
From the Pastor
“THE SERVANT CHURCH”
Just this past Sunday, June 24th, we recognized two of
Messiah’s members for their work as volunteers in the
community. Rosemary Thurow was recognized for receiving the
Volunteer of the Year Award from Avenues to Independence.
This organization is a non-profit, charitable organization
providing residential, vocational, and daily living support
in a wide variety of programs for adults with autism,
cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, and other developmental
disabilities. Rosemary works in the resale shop, where the
proceeds support various Avenues’ programs. Bob Bisgard was
also honored during the service for receiving the Volunteer
of the Year Award from the Center of Concern last year. The
Center of Concern is a not-for-profit agency offering a
variety of social services to individuals of all ages
living in Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Maine Township, and the
Northwest Chicagoland area.
What fine examples these two faithful Christians are of the
church of Jesus Christ at work in the world! Each Sunday we
conclude services with a dismissal comprised of these or
similar words, “Go in peace. Serve the Lord.” Service is
the appropriate, thankful response to our God who forgives
us, sanctifies us, and bids us to go into the world to
spread the gospel through word and deed.
As we are reminded by a verse in “The Church Song”:
“We are the Church, the body of our Lord;
we are all God’s children. We have been restored.
The Church, it is the people, living out their lives,
it’s called, enlightened, sanctified
for the work of Jesus Christ.”
I would like to invite members of the church to tell us
about the work you do outside the walls of Messiah as the
church of Jesus Christ in the world. Every month “Messiah
Ministries” informs other members and the community of the
work we do to further the Kingdom of God. Let us share your
story with others.
Also, we will be starting a new column called “Did You Know
That…?” where we share interesting, fun facts about
ourselves with other members of Messiah. For example, when
I established a column like this at my internship church in
Indiana, one of the first entries was that a certain lady
had danced with Lawrence Welk at her wedding! Got an
interesting fact? Let us know.
Meanwhile, may God continue to bless and inspire you as you
serve the Lord!
Noteworthy News
FIRST-PITCH YAGER!
On Wednesday, June 13th, six-year-old Thomas Yager had the
honor of throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field! The
Cubs played (and beat!) the Seattle Mariners, and it all
started with Messiah’s own Thomas Yager, son of Floyd and
Kristin Yager. Floyd recently “won” the first pitch honor
as part of a charity silent auction. The whole Yager family
was allowed on the field, but Kristin and Michael had to
stay by the on-deck circle. Floyd and Thomas walked out to
the mound, as Thomas waved excitedly to Grandma and other
family members in the stands. Then, with a mighty heave,
Thomas threw a strike 65 feet that crossed the plate! Great
show, Thomas! Congratulations to the whole Yager family for
such a great time out!
“IN TO AFRICA”
Linda Stolz has left for Africa, to spread her ministry to
those in impoverished lands. Joining her this time are our
own John Fox, and Laurie Bachman, one of the Child Care’s
teachers. Laurie’s sister in law June also joins them,
having been inspired along with the others at a benefit
event last fall. We give thanks for all of them, and pray
in joy that the word and work of Christ shines through them
to those in need.
Linda’s organization, Global Alliance for Africa, brings
books and art supplies to children in Africa. While there,
Linda purchases resale goods from people, mostly women, and
sells them here in the States. The profits go back to those
artisans in Africa, allowing them to earn money for their
own livelihood.
For more information about the program, or to volunteer or
donate, visit their website at
http://www.globalallianceafrica.org.
Upcoming Events
(Remember: Always check with church office before you
schedule an event – there is a room assignment calendar
maintained by the Office Administrator.)
INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS
Tuesday, July 3rd, after 6 PM
Once again we will welcome the neighborhood onto our
grounds to watch the fireworks on Tuesday night, July 3rd.
We are offering parking passes to Messiah members and Child
Care families for the back (east) lot, and we will have
parking in our main lot for the general public. We will
ONLY be issuing passes for the forty spots in the back lot.
Church members can pick up a pass from David Swanson after
worship or call the office if they would like to park, but
PLEASE don’t take one unless you plan to use it.
Also, we will sell water and snacks like we did last year.
We are looking for donations of snacks (chips, cookies,
candy) that are individually wrapped and won’t melt. We’ll
also take juice boxes – we don’t need water, thanks to a
large donation from LGH.
NEW AL-ANON GROUP MEETING
July 11th at 1:30 PM
Messiah will begin hosting this group monthly in the
Library (Agape Room).
See Carol Smith if you have questions or want details.
NEW PILATES CLASS OFFERED AT MESSIAH!
Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 beginning July 11th
Certified Pilates instructor and Messiah member Missy
Vacala will hold a 6-week Pilates class in the Multipurpose
Room Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 PM beginning July 11th. Classes
are only $15 each/$90 for the whole 6 weeks. Call the
church office to sign up or for more info. This is open to
the public, so bring a friend! Participants should bring
their own “yoga mat” or heavy towel to work on, and a water
bottle. Missy will provide instruction, music, and some
free weights. If you can’t make all the classes that’s
okay, just come to the ones you can. Class size is minimum
10/maximum 20, so call today!
VBS IS FINALLY HERE!
July 23-27 from 9 AM - Noon
Registration will close July 16th. We always need more
helpers, so contact Julie Holzer if you can volunteer.
Thanks!
MESSIAH CRAFT NIGHT
July 20th at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall
This next session of our new small group will feature
another program designed around crafts. People may bring
with them any craft project that they are working on and
join us for some camaraderie, coffee, and snacks. We plan
to have some babysitters supervising young children while a
movie plays in the sanctuary. We may also use this time to
finish up some things for VBS, so everyone is welcome to
come and pitch in!
REMINDERS!
Men’s Breakfast Saturday, July 14th at 9:00 AM at Old
Country Buffet in Park Ridge (Dempster and Luther Lane).
Friendship Day There will be no Friendship Day in July or
August. September 27th will be "Ingathering" when we
package the health kits, layettes, and quilts for shipping
to the LWR warehouse. LWR is no longer requesting clothing.
We need help from 2 men and also if any ladies can offer
help for that day it would be appreciated starting at 9
a.m. We do not have the dates the trailer will be in the
parking lot, but usually is the first weekend in October.
We will need volunteers for that Saturday and Sunday to be
there when other churches bring in their boxes. A sign up
sheet will be in the narthex. "Angels in the narthex" will
continue through the Labor Day weekend. Thank you so much
for your generous contributions. "He won't forget the love
you have shown his people." ~ Hebrews 6:10 Eva Thoren,
Chair
Executive Committee None
WELCA Board July 11th @ 9:00 AM
Child Care Board None
COMING IN AUGUST…
Child Care Open House
Secretary on Vacation
This Month in Worship
WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS
All Sundays in June offer Worship at 10:00 AM.
July 1 – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
1 Kings 19:15–16, 19–21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5:1, 13–25;
Luke 9:51–62
July 8 – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 66:10–14; Psalm 66:1–9; Galatians 6:[1–6] 7–16; Luke
10:1–11, 16–20
July 15 – Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Deuteronomy 30:9–14; Psalm 25:1–10; Colossians 1:1–14; Luke
10:25–37
July 22 – Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 18:1–10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:15–28; Luke
10:38–42
July 29 – Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 18:20–32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6–15 [16–19];
Luke 11:1–13
CONGREGATIONAL BIBLE STUDY TEXTS
July 1 – 1 Corinthians 1-3, Divisions in the church,
proclaiming Christ crucified
July 8 – 1 Corinthians 4-6, Ministry of the Apostles,
sexual immorality
July 15 – 1 Corinthians 7-9, Marriage, food offered to
idols
July 22 – 1 Corinthians 10-12, Statutes to live by,
spiritual gifts
July 29 – 1 Corinthians 13-16, The gift of love,
resurrection
The first letter from Paul to the church in Corinth.
WORSHIP HELPERS
July 1 July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29
10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00
Acolytes Peter F Becca V Jenni H Tait J Andrew F
Communion Assistants John F Jim V Vikki H Julie J John F
Readers Trygve J Donna B Laura H Eric R Sam H
Worship Assistants Pat K Diane B Paul S David S Vikki H
Projection Jim H Jim H Peter F Jim H Jim H
Ushers Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S,
Roy S Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S,
Roy S Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S,
Roy S Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S,
Roy S Chuck S, Jackie S,
Russ S,
Roy S
Greeters Cindy N, Worknesh D Cindy N, Worknesh D Cindy N,
Worknesh D Cindy N, Worknesh D Cindy N, Worknesh D
Counters David H,
Bob B David H,
Bob B David H,
Bob B David H,
Bob B David H,
Bob B
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!
July 1 – Flowers are given from Valeria Bowman in memory
of Ed Bowman’s birthday.
July 8 – Flowers are given in honor of Dorothy Nagel’s
80th birthday by her children. Bulletins are given by the
Hauser Family for Ryan and Adam’s 6th birthday.
July 15 – Flowers are given for Irene Luck’s special
birthday. Bulletins are given by the Kovach family for
Kevin’s 12-year-old birthday.
July 22 – Flowers are given for Eric Ryczek’s 16th
birthday.
July 29 – Flowers and bulletins are given by the Yager
Family in honor of Thomas’ 7th birthday
Synod Assembly Reports
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE METRO CHICAGO SYNOD ASSEMBLY
1. On the fifth ballot the assembly selected the Rev. Wayne
Miller from Aurora as the bishop for the Metro Synod for a
term of six years.
2. The assembly passed a resolution that would provide
antiracism training to all office employees.
3. A resolution passed entitled “A Faithful Response to
Caring for God's Creation," which basically asks
congregations to be more aware of conservation issues. A
working group is already in place.
4. Dr Ralph Klein, of LTSC, pointed out that there will
always be issues that cause disagreement among members. He
recommends three questions be answered: "What was...? What
is…? What for...?”
5. The MCS Hunger Action Team would like the synod’s
congregations to meet the 2005 resolution that each
baptized member gives $5 to a hunger fund.
~ Respectfully Submitted by Char Lobitz
“LIVING IN GOD’S AMAZING GRACE…THANKS BE TO GOD”
A Report from the Metropolitan Chicago Synod Meeting held
Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel
in Rosemont.
Metro Chicago Synod has 217 congregations with 113,000
baptized members. The Synod headquarters for our Bishop and
his Staff is on W. Dickens in Chicago.
Messiah members Char Lobitz, Mark Wiberg, and Pastor Paul
Stolz were delegates to the 2007 Meeting.
Bishop Paul Landahl, outgoing Bishop, has competed a six
year term. In his final report Landahl spoke of our Synod's
established partnership with a Christian Synod in South
Africa. We are assisting financially in a ministry with HIV
patients.
Our Synod has also, a relationship with a Lutheran
Congregation in Hamburg, Germany. Hamburg is a "Sister
City" of Chicago. Mayor Richard Daley encouraged our church
to make this connection. Youth groups between Chicago and
Hamburg have already exchanged visits.
Landahl challenged us to grow in these next 5 years in a
Lutheran understanding of the Scriptures. Among other
things, this means reading the scriptures through the
central message: GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS
ONLY SON.
He also challenged the ELCA to be a welcoming church for
Lesbian and Gay Christians. He supports a proposed change
in ELCA policy which would allow people in committed same
sex unions to be pastors, if they are qualified and called.
This proposal will be debated at the August Assembly of the
whole Church Meeting at Navy Pier, August 6-12.
During his term as Bishop the Landahl family has faced
crisis. Mrs. Landahl was in a serious auto accident. Paul
has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Both are now doing
well. They thank the synod for our prayers and support.
The Bishop Elect is Wayne N. Miller, pastor of St. Mark's
Lutheran Church in Aurora, II. Miller called for RESPECT as
we live together in this diverse synod. He sees the
Bishop’s role as that of a servant leader who cares
passionately about the work that the church is doing. The
survival of the world depends on our being faithful
servants of Christ. His election as Bishop came as a
surprise to many. Miller’s clear and articulate answers to
questions certainly influenced the voting members of the
assembly. We will keep him in our prayers.
Mr. Carlos Pena, vice-president of the ELCA, played a large
role in the leadership of the assembly. He reports that the
ELCA soon to be 20 years old, is represented through the
Lutheran World Federations in 60 different countries. The
World Hunger Appeal received $20 million in this past year.
This is the largest increase since 1991. In addition
members of our national church contributed $5.1 million to
the Disaster Response Fund.
The Synod received a new congregation made up primarily of
African American people. UNITED MISSION OF CHRIST has been
formed from three smaller churches which has disbanded.
Meeting now at North Austin Lutheran Church, these people
are filled with the enthusiasm of the Holy Spirit as they
begin their life in our Synod.
A number of resolutions were brought before the Assembly
for discussion and debated. These include: Antiracism
Training, Caring for God's Creation, Reviewing Work of
Advocate Health Care Network, and Confronting Christian
Zionism. The debate on these resolutions could be direct,
and forceful. Always, however, understanding the person
with whom I disagree was encouraged.
It was a privilege to be asked to serve as a delegate this
year as a Messiah member. If you have an opportunity to
serve in coming years, you will find the experience to be a
broadening, educational journey. I encourage you to take
advantage of this wide vision of the work of our Church.
~Mark P. Wiberg
Messages
Civil War Re-enactment
Visit Civil War Days at The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave. in
Glenview on July 28-29. Peter and John Fox are
participating as Union re-enactors. Hours are from 10-4 PM.
There will be encampments, chopping for Civil War articles,
refreshments, and a “skirmish” each day at 2 PM. Admission
is $5/adult, $1 /child. Parking is free.
Any questions, see Peter
VBS SETUP EMERGENCY
Because of a wedding on July 21st, we won’t be able to
decorate the sanctuary until Sunday, July 22nd after
worship. Please plan to stick around and help get Messiah
ready for the kids!
“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.
Youth Corner
CAMPFIRMATION – WHAT A BLAST!
Jenni Hanson, Becca Valenta, and Holly Norberg went to LOMC
June 17-21 for Confirmation Camp (or “Campfirmation”). They
made some new friends, had a good time, and learned more
about what it means to be a confirmed member of the body of
Christ. Thanks to Edith Reeve and Pastor Paul, who ran the
chauffer route, and pitched in when needed.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE AVAILABLE SOON
Thanks to a lot of work by Kristin Yager and the Worship
Planning team (Pastor, Tom Daniels, and Sue Fox) the
2007-2008 Worship Schedule will be available by the time
VBS comes around. We will provide our VBS families with
this schedule, encouraging them to join us for Sunday
School in the Fall. Look for the schedule on line at
www.messiahparkridge.org/schedules.html.
Messiah Ministries
Dear Friends in Mission,
Hoyo-hoyo! means welcome and were the words used in a song
to welcome our group by the people of Punguine village in
Gaza Province, Mozambique. We had traveled 3 hours by
mini-bus from the capital Maputo via the LWF office in
Chokwe to visit the rural community development committee.
This field visit was part of a weeklong regional
consultation held in Maputo, Mozambique sponsored by the
Lutheran World Federation / Department for World Service
(LWF/DWS) based in Geneva, Switzerland. As ELCA Global
Mission regional program assistant for Southern Africa I
was asked to represent the ELCA at the conference. We were
about 50 participants from several countries in the
Southern Africa region and related agencies such as the ELC
A, FinChurchAid, and Diakonie based in Germany.
The theme of the consultation was “Diakonia and HIV &
AIDS.” We heard reports from the various country programs
and from the related agencies concerning the theme. We
shared experiences and perspectives about the role of the
church and communities in preventing the spread of HIV &
AIDS and caring for people living with and affected by the
virus. We were reminded that diakonia is part of the
calling of all churches and every Christian and that
prophetic diakonia, shaped by a theology of the cross,
calls things what they really are, speaks truth to power
and addresses the root causes of poverty and injustice in
such a way that those served and those serving are both
transformed.
The community development committee at Punguine village was
comprised mainly of women. Each person introduced
themselves and briefly explained their role in their
community such as: HIV & AIDS activist, school council
member, agricultural committee member, water and sanitation
committee member and savings and credit committee member. A
member of the committee then boldly asked about the purpose
of our visit and what we were bringing. It was an awkward
and revealing moment. We listened to difficult stories
about the past floods and recent drought. One committee
member said: “With LWF training we are overcoming the
stigma that was there before in the village. We know we
have to love and respect those with HIV & AIDS and give
hope for the future.”
Thank you for your support for the ELCA World Hunger Fund
and Stand with Africa Campaign that help fund the work of
the ELCA Global Mission, LWF World Service and companion
church programs in Southern Africa. Thank you for your
continuing prayers and support for our family and for your
participation in God’s mission locally and globally.
Yours faithfully,
Pastor Philip J. Knutson, Capetown, South Africa
Milestones
BIRTHDAYS
Martha Thompson, 7/2
Roy Sues, 7/3
Charles Boomer, 7/4
Carol Hrodey, 7/4
Katelyn Elder, 7/6
Donna Hannibal, 7/7
Alice Hulterstrum, 7/7
Les Thurow, 7/7
Adam Hauser, 7/8
Ryan Hauser, 7/8
Charles Johnson, 7/8
Joyce Tjhio, 7/9
Kevin Kovach, 7/11
Michaelene Marchetta, 7/11
Kim Melendez, 7/11
Dorothy Nagel, 7/11
Theresa Duty, 7/13
Christine Plaza, 7/14
Edith Reeve, 7/14
Ralph Dieball, 7/16
Anne Wiberg, 7/16
Joseph Ippolito, 7/17
Robert Kallas, 7/18
David Swanson, 7/18
Richard Reeve, 7/19
Eric Ryczek, 7/19
Wilbert Beyer, 7/21
Karen Black, 7/23
Clifford Paulus, 7/23
Samantha Valenta, 7/23
Irene Luck, 7/24
Lauren Plaza, 7/24
Robert Bisgard, 7/28
Chuck Steigerwald, 7/28
Evelyn Allemeier, 7/29
Thomas Yager, 7/30
Courtney Jelonek, 7/31
ANNIVERSARIES
David and Julie Jensen – 7/8/1989, 18 years
Laurance and Arlene Johnson – 7/10/1954, 53 years
Eugene and Marilyn Borgeson – 7/24/1948, 59 years
Messiah Leadership for 2007
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Carol Hrodey (262) 652-3187
Vice President: Vikki Hanson (847) 823-2117
Secretary: Nancy Boomer (847) 678-3048
Treasurer: Brad Kovach (847) 297-4883
Financial Sec.: David Hanson (847) 296-6796
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
Memorial Report
This report is as of June 18, 2007.
All gifts to the Memorial Fund are automatically
acknowledged to the giver by a personal note, which
includes a confirmation of the amount. Unless otherwise
designated, all gifts go into the Property Reserve Fund.
Addresses and envelope numbers on memorial cards or checks
are much appreciated.
The purpose of this report is to confirm that gifts are
received and properly allocated. If you don’t see your gift
listed here after 2 months, please contact the office.
IN HONOR OF PETER FOX’S CONFIRMATION
Given by: George Knuto
Fund: Property Reserve
IN MEMORY OF SUSAN NUGNIS to the CHILD CARE CENTER
Given by: Mary Ann Petro, Kathy Cercone, Chris Marra, Mary
McEnerney and Greg Macola, David and Susie Knuth, Michael
and Maria Bauer
Fund: Property Reserve
Did You Know That…?
Look here in coming months for interesting tidbits about
members of Messiah’s Congregation!
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
Corine Jensen
Kennet
Kennet
Richard Levy
Nancy Maher
Aidan Ray
Mary Reter
Ronnald Rose
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!
Sam, Lauri, Emily, and Katelyn Hamden
333 Clubhouse Drive
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
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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