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The Messiah Messenger>
The September Messenger Issue #471
August 30, 2007
THE Messiah
MESSENGER
In this issue…
Different Look to Sundays this Fall
John Handzel Sr. Passed Away
Manna on the Move!
New Members at Messiah
Facing the Giants Movie
AIDS Walk Chicago
Friendship Day Ingathering
Adult Forum Schedule
Postcard from Navy Pier
Sunday School Rally Day
CROP Walk Coming Soon
Did you know that…?
From the Pastor
“A DIFFERENT LOOK TO SUNDAYS THIS FALL”
After careful deliberation, prayer, and discussions with
many church leaders, the Executive Committee has decided to
change the worship schedule on Sundays beginning September
16, 2007.
We will continue the summer schedule on September 2nd and
9th with one service each Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. Then
beginning on the 16th, worship each Sunday will begin at
10:15 a.m. Worship will be preceded each Sunday with Sunday
School, Adult Forum, the high school group, and
Confirmation, all commencing
at 9 a.m.
We will have a chance to reflect on these changes and
discuss this new Sunday schedule at the next congregational
meeting which will take place in late October of this year.
Leadership believes that these changes will greatly benefit
congregational life at Messiah in many ways:
1) All members will worship together each week and get to
know one another.
2) Those previously attending the early service in past
years will get to experience worship with the growing
number of youngsters now attending worship at Messiah.
There will be a children's message each week at this one
service.
3) The resulting larger group of worshippers each Sunday
will bring an added sense of excitement and joy to the
service.
4) Worshippers will encounter a wider range of worship
experiences.
Of course, with this change comes the question, "What kind
of service will be held each week?" For now, the intent is
to provide both traditional and more contemporary services
at Messiah as follows:
1) On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, the service
will be more "traditional" with chanting and the use of
what was known as the "green book services." These have
been included in our new hymnal.
2) On the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month we will be using
more contemporary formats for worship. Do not be worried or
afraid, these forms will be familiar to most if not all of
you. These forms of worship do not differ radically from
the traditional structures we now use.
3) When there is a 5th Sunday in the month, Messiah's band
will lead us, and our younger members will be readers,
assistant ministers, and communion assistants.
As with any change, there will be rough spots to iron out.
But, as with any legitimate change in the church, this is
being done in an effort to make disciples and grow the
church. May God be with us and bless us,
Noteworthy News
JOHN HANDZEL SR. PASSED AWAY
On Tuesday, August 21st John Handzel Sr., known to many as
“Skip,” passed away at his daughter’s home in Wisconsin.
Born September 14, 1928, Skip made a career as an architect
with Klien & Hoffman in Chicago for over 30 years. He and
Lorraine (who passed away last December) were married in
1952 and made their home in Des Plaines in 1956, followed
soon after by joining Messiah in 1957. Skip has been a
regular fixture around Messiah for decades, being the first
to greet Pastor Mark when he started here in 1997, and
taking on the responsibility in later years of changing our
altar banners and paraments. Skip is survived by daughter
Donna (Jeffrey) Koszczuk and sons James (Trudi) Handzel and
John Handzel, Jr., and grandchildren Beth Anne, Katrina,
and Joshua Koszczuk.
Skip’s quiet manner and dedication will be missed around
Messiah, and our prayers go out to his family, who are also
a close part of our Messiah family. Skip has missed his
Lorraine terribly, though, and our faith assures us that
they have been reunited in the embrace of our heavenly
Father. A memorial service will be held on Saturday,
September 8th at 1 PM at Messiah.
MANNA ON THE MOVE!
So far in the first 8 Manna orders for 2007 the church has
made about $630! Let’s see if we can match that amount in
the last 5 months of the year – and more than double our
profits from last year! Fall orders will be ready in time
for Sweetest Day and Halloween treats…November orders are
perfect for all of your Thanksgiving groceries…and we
always can use the cards in December!
Orders placed by: are available for pickup on:
Sunday 9/9 Thursday 9/13
Sunday 10/14 Thursday 10/18
Sunday 11/11 Thursday 11/15
Sunday 12/2 Thursday 12/6
NEW MEMBERS JOINING MESSIAH
Several people have expressed interest in joining Messiah,
and we will officially welcome them to the congregation on
September 16th. The 10:15 AM service will be followed by a
reception in the Fellowship Hall. If you are also
interested in joining, but you haven’t spoken to Pastor
Paul yet, please do so. We will have a New Members’ Class
on Saturday, September 15th at 10 AM.
Upcoming Events (Remember: Always check with church office
before you schedule an event – there is a room assignment
calendar maintained by the Office Administrator.)
“FACING THE GIANTS” MOVIE SHOWING
September 14th and 15th at 7:00 PM
A failing high school football coach finds that in order to
succeed he must convince his team that there's more to
sports than fame and glory in an inspirational tale of
courage on the gridiron and the power of God's word.
Messiah will show this inspirational movie on Friday and
Saturday, September 14th and 15th, to be sure that everyone
has a chance to see it. Then, Pastor Paul will include
themes from the movie into his message for the next several
Sundays. We will also include discussions of the movie’s
powerful message in Sunday School and Adult Forum (see page
6). This event is FREE, and we invite anyone who is
interested in seeing this inspirational movie to join us.
2007 AIDS WALK CHICAGO
September 15th
Global Alliance for Africa focuses on strengthening
community and family capacities to provide education and
care for children who have lost one or both of their
parents due to HIV/AIDS. We work in close partnership with
local groups to identify and place orphans in extended
family and foster care family homes. Our integrated
approach enables community-based initiatives to provide
self-sustaining support for the children throughout our
programs. Global Alliance is organizing a team for the 2007
Annual Chicago AIDS Walk and Run. Join our team and help us
raise money to support the over 5,000 children our programs
are reaching in East Africa.
We are asking each GAA Team Member to set their personal
fundraising goal at $150 in pledges to help us reach our
goal of raising $15,000.
Registration is easy, just visit www.aidschicago.org and
click on the Run/Walk tab, which will bring you to the
event page. Register as a new or returning participant.
Click “join an existing team” and in the search box, type
“Global Alliance for Africa” – THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!! If
you don’t register as a member of the Global Alliance for
Africa Team, your fundraising pledges will not go to GAA!
Once you join our team, set your individual fundraising
goal. Then you can set up your own webpage where friends
and family can pledge to you specifically. It is that
simple! We hope you will participate in this Walk.
FRIENDSHIP DAY INGATHERING
Thursday, September 27th at 9 AM
“Ingathering” is when we package our quilts, layettes, and
health kits for transfer to the LWR warehouse. We need some
help that day to do this important work. If you can come
for a couple to hours, starting at 9 A.M. it would be
greatly appreciated. We need a couple of men also to weigh
and handle the boxes. The trailer will be in the parking
lot Saturday Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 PM and Sunday 0ct. 7
from 12 to 3 PM to received the donations from other
churches, and we need volunteers. The sign up sheet will be
in the narthex. A big thanks to all who have donated to
this project in any way. If you would like to work at home,
contact Eva Thoren or Millie Anderson during worship.
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
REMINDERS!
Men’s Breakfast Saturday, September 8th at 9:00 AM at Old
Country Buffet in Park Ridge (Dempster and Luther Lane).
Naomi Circle Thursday, September 13th at 9:30 AM at Doris
Preinitz’s house. Call Doris if you need directions to her
place!
Friendship Day 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. (see article above)
WELCA Board September 5th @ 9:00 AM
Child Care Board September 11th @ 7:00 PM
Executive Committee September 19th @ 7:00 PM
COMING IN OCTOBER…
Lutheran World Relief Trailer Pick-up
2nd Annual Messiah Harvest Festival
Fall Congregational Meeting
This Month in Worship
WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS
New Fall Schedule Begins September 16th
September 2 – Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (10 AM)
Proverbs 25:6–7; Psalm 112; Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16; Luke
14:1, 7–14
September 9 – Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (10 AM/Rally
Day)
Deuteronomy 30:15–20; Psalm 1; Philemon 1:1–21; Luke
14:25–33
September 16 – Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (10:15 AM)
Exodus 32:7–14; Psalm 51:1–10; 1 Timothy 1:12–17; Luke
15:1–10
September 23 – Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (10:15
AM)
Amos 8:4–7; Psalm 113; 1 Timothy 2:1–7; Luke 16:1–13
September 30 – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (10:15 AM)
Amos 6:1a, 4–7; Psalm 146; 1 Timothy 6:6–19; Luke 16:19–31
ADULT FORUM SCHEDULE
In conjunction with showing the Facing the Giants movie, we
will also be holding some bible studies based on themes
found within the movie. These will take place at our Adult
Education Hour at 9:00am on Sunday mornings the weeks of
September 16th through October 14th. The topics we be:
September 16 - "Wholehearted" and "Prepare for Rain"
September 23 - "Attempt the Impossible" and "Never Give Up"
September 30 - "Complete Surrender" and "Live on Purpose"
October 7 - "Pray for Revival" and "Be an Encourager"
October 15 - Summary and Review
CONGREGATIONAL BIBLE STUDY TEXTS
September 2 – Psalms 1-5
September 9 - Psalms 6-10
September 16 - Psalms 11-15
September 23 - Psalms 16-20
September 30 - Psalms 21-25
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!
Sept. 2 – None.
Sept. 9 – Bulletins are given by Diane Wilson in memory of
Conrad Wilson.
Sept. 16 – Flowers are given in celebration of Kyle
Hauser’s 2nd birthday. Bulletins are given by the Hauser
family in memory of Norbert Hauser.
Sept. 23 – Flowers are given by the Jensen Family.
Bulletins are given by the Hauser family in memory of Aunt
Eiselle and Uncle Vlasta.
Sept. 30 – Flowers and bulletins are given by the Yager
Family in memory of Tink and Marilyn Paysoff.
Special report
A `POST CARD' FROM NAVY PIER IN CHICAGO
In 2007 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
celebrates 20 years since our founding. No longer a
"youngster," we are a church body of nearly 5 million
baptized members. Our congregations, of which Messiah is
one, can be found from Alaska in the North to the Caribbean
in the South; from New England, to Hawaii in the far West.
Give the size of our national church, it was "HUGE" to have
the Assembly gathered on Navy Pier August 6 through August
11. There were 1,071 voting members from the 65 Synods. The
bi laws require that 60% of those voting be lay people, 40%
clergy. It is also required that 10% of voters be people of
color.
Mark Hanson was elected to serve a second 6 year term of
the Bishop of our Church. Bishop Hanson's election was
warmly received by the Assembly. His leadership in these
times of change seems to be greatly appreciated by the
church at large. Bishop Hanson also serves as the President
of the Lutheran World Federation. The LWF represents 66
million Lutheran Christians throughout the world. Hanson
asked for and will receive the prayers of the Church as he
continues into this second term.
David Swartling, an attorney from Seattle, was elected
Secretary of the Church. He succeeds the Rev. Lowell Almen
who has held this important position since the Church's
founding. Almen was given the Servus Dei Award in
recognition of his 20 years of work.
Swartling was the only lay person among a number of clergy
who was among the finalists on the ballots for Secretary.
His election seems to indicate the high regard in which lay
people are held in the leadership of our church.
The most publicized decision reported in the secular press
was the decision asking the 65 Bishops of Synods to refrain
from imposing discipline upon clergy who are in committed,
life-long relationships with same sex partners.
The decision made by the 1,071 voting members received this
comment from Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson:
"I would say to all the people of this church, those
disappointed that we did not take action to change policy,
and those fearful that we are on the way; we’re still
engaged. Our best hope would be to listen to those with
whom we don't agree"
An ELCA Task Force is developing a comprehensive statement
on Human Sexuality. Congregations like Messiah Lutheran are
encouraged to participate in the study/ discussion that
will guide and influence the Social Statement to be
considered at the Assembly in Minneapolis two years from
now.
In other equally important work at the 2007 Assembly:
• Thanked military chaplains serve the young people of our
Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Chaplin Erik Wester
(formerly from Messiah), in full military uniform was one
of a number of chaplains present.
• Passed the budget for 2008-2009. It will:
o Finance 45 new congregations, sustain 180 challenged
congregations, and finance transformational ministries
taking place in 300 congregations.
o Give 18 million dollars to world hunger related
ministries.
o Support 285 missions in 84 separate countries throughout
the world.
The 2007 Assembly adopted the Social Statement on
Education. Messiah member, Rev. Ron Duty has worked for
years in preparation on this statement. Adult Forum at
Messiah has participated in the discussion. Ron spoke
eloquently in favor of the Statement on Education. Included
in the discussion was concern for American Indian students.
Pastor Gordon Straw, our former interim pastor was present
as a visitor at the Assembly.
The President of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
addressed the Assembly. Acknowledging differences between
the church he serves and the ELCA, President Keisling
reminded us all that we Lutherans share but ONE message
with the world. The one message is Christ.
In closing let me say how much Anne and I enjoyed the week
at Navy Pier. It is a privilege to observe the ELCA in
Assembly carrying out the work of our church.
It was rich time reconnecting with good friends who we have
known for many years.
Prepared by Mark Wiberg
Messages
Claudine and Patrick Ward Have Moved to Washington DC
Claudine started her residency at Walter Reed Army Medical
Center July 1st and Patrick will start his new assignment
at the Pentagon at the end of August.
They are both still on active duty. Thank you for all your
prayers during Patrick's eight deployments in the last 6
years. Please continue praying for them as they start with
their new assignments. May God bless you all.
~Joyce Tjhio (Claudine’s mom)
Hostess Extraordinaire!
Many thanks to Diane Blanks for her work in getting our
hospitality helpers organized this summer! We all enjoyed
our Coffee Hours – thanks to those who helped serve, too!
FALL PILATES CLASS
Another session is scheduled to start September 12th at
7:30 PM. Call the church office to register for the class.
It is recommended that you consult your doctor before
beginning ANY exercise program.
July 3rd Thank You
Thanks to all who helped out this summer with the July 3rd
fireworks celebration. We raised over $500 that will go
toward our new building campaign!
Just a LITTLE BIT More!
Have you seen our new signs? Around the parking lot, in
front of the church, and out on the streets leading to
Messiah we have several beautiful new signs. We did not
quite reach our financial goal to pay for those signs,
however, and we could use a few more donations. We are
short by about $200 ($198.37 to be exact) so whatever you
can give would be much appreciated!
Youth Corner
RALLY DAY!
Sunday, September 9th
Rally Day is the “kick-off” for the Christian Education
year! Please join us on Sunday, September 9, 2007 after the
10 am worship service for a fantastic sports themed picnic
(get it? KICK-OFF!). Then have some fun and test your
knowledge of the church season with some sporting games!
This should get everyone excited for the upcoming year, as
well as the following "Facing the Giants" movie weekend.
Please register your children (ages 3 - 5th grade) for
Sunday School by visiting our “Christian Education” page on
our website.
We will again use the Firelight curriculum in the
rotational style, where we will cover one lesson for 4
weeks. The lessons we will cover are titled Circle of
Seasons: Living the Church Year. This is a great
introduction to the church seasons, which are a foundation
for worship and provide a predictable rhythm to grow in
Christian faith.
We are also looking for volunteers to help us teach the
curriculum, we would ideally like a commitment for an
entire 4 week rotation. If you are interested, or have any
additional questions, please feel free to contact Kristin
Yager, at 847-692-6260 or kyager324@aol.com.
Messiah Ministries
UNITED POWER REPORT
The organization “United Power for Action and Justice”
celebrates 10 years in October! Messiah has been a member
since the beginning. On Saturday, August 4, Irene Luck and
Charlotte Baumgartner attended a leadership retreat at the
Chicago Theological Union. The session opened with Rabbi
Lindner using the text from Deuteronomy verses 3 and 10 for
study. John Koval, one of the authors of “The New Chicago”
presented some ideas from his book. The thesis is that the
world is going through a revolution with changes in the
social, economic, and political scenes comparable to the
Industrial Revolution. The converging forces discussed were
globalization, economic restructuring, economic growth,
physical transformation, and immigration. Two power
analyses were given about Governor Blagojevich and Speaker
of the House, Michael Madigan. Since the central premise of
community organizing is relationships, it was felt to be
important that the membership understand how these 2 men
relate to others. After lunch, discussion focused on how to
broaden participation in United Power in the Chicago area
to be a more effective non-partisan organization for social
justice. The energy in the room was palpable as a range of
ages, religions, and ethnic members worked toward problem
solving together.
Irene Luck and Charlotte Baumgartner thank Messiah for
giving us the honor and privilege to represent you for 3
years. Connie and Dave Kaufman will be our representatives
beginning in September.
~ Submitted by Charlotte Baumgartner
C.R.O.P. WALK COMING UP
The walk is on October 14th. A hot dog lunch served
12:30-1:30; registration at 1:30 and set-off ceremony
begins at 2:00 with step off shortly after. Our own Trudi
Handzel and David Swanson have been involved in the
planning this year, and will soon be looking for people to
walk with them. More details in the October Messenger.
CRAFT GROUP OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY
Our Friday Night Craft Group will be using some of its time
together to assemble small craft packets for children in
LGH’s NICU and Pediatrics Unit. If you are able to join us
on the 3rd Friday of the month, many hands make light work,
and we’d love you to come!
Milestones
BIRTHDAYS
Ardene Ejnik, 9/1
Joey Olson, 9/1
Isabella DiVita, 9/2
Leona Johnson, 9/2
Paul Stolz, 9/3
Effie Laster, 9/5
David Hanson, 9/8
Victor Berzins, 9/9
Lauri Hamden, 9/9
Mary Jelonek, 9/9
Melissa Litwin, 9/9
Melissa Vacala, 9/10
Daniel Christiansen, 9/11
George Magerl, 9/11
Melvin Shapiro, 9/12
Caitlin Levy, 9/13
Marilynn Duckett, 9/14
Michael Hanson, 9/14
Donald Wageman, 9/14
Kyle Hauser, 9/16
Tom Hanson, 9/17
Ruth Corkill, 9/18
David Jensen, 9/18
Richard Levy, 9/18
Mary Reter, 9/20
Holly Norberg, 9/21
Lois Patterson, 9/21
Worknesh Deressa, 9/22
Stacey Hall, 9/22
Steve Loverme, 9/23
Julie Jensen, 9/25
Anthony Czarnik, 9/26
Thomas Daniels, 9/27
Pat Fragale, 9/28
Joe Hulterstrum, 9/28
ANNIVERSARIES
Marv and LuAnne Jelonek – 9/8/1978, 28 years
Neil and Laura Hauser – 9/26/1987, 20 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 August 20, 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 IRENE LUCK’S BIRTHDAY
Given by: Chuck and Jackie Steigerwald, Valeria Bowman
Fund: Property Reserve
IN HONOR OF EMMA MARVEL PENUMAKA
Given by: Ravi and Neena Penumaka
Fund: Property Reserve
IN MEMORY OF HELEN JOYCE (CLARE DOUD’S SISTER)
Given by: Audrey Krell
Fund: Property Reserve
Did You Know That…?
Tom Daniels is a pilot? He used to own his own small
airplane. Once when he was flying in the Caribbean, he had
engine trouble out of site of land! He managed to LIMP his
plane to the nearest island (Andros Island) for an
emergency landing, and had to wait for a replacement part
to be flown in from another nearby island! A very exciting
adventure indeed!
Terry McIntyre was a locomotive engineer? He was on the
Chicago Rock Island and Pacific R.R. line, running freight
trains between Kansas City, Des Moines, and Eldon, Iowa.
And, while serving as an ELCA missionary to Thailand, was
Umpire-in-Chief for the Greater Bangkok Baseball
Association...past lives indeed!
(We still want interesting facts and tidbits about YOU!
Send them in to the office!)
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
Larry Dietrich
Ardene Ejnik
Chris Jacobsen
Kennet
Richard Levy
Nancy Maher
Aidan Ray
Mary Reter
Gloria Solum
Pastor Sally Terrell
Linda (Rodin) Ufkes
We also want to remember in our prayers our military
personnel:
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!
Claudine and Patrick Ward
555 Massachusetts Avenue NW
#1411
Washington, DC 20001
Please also note in your directory that John (Skip) Handzel
has passed away.
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
Angela Berger, Bookkeeper
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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