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The Messiah Messenger>
The April Messenger Issue #478
March 31, 2008
THE Messiah
MESSENGER
From the Pastor
WHEN YOUR HUT IS ON FIRE
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small,
uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue
him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none
seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to
build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the
elements, and to store his few possessions.
One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find
his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up in the sky.
He felt that the worst had happened, and everything was
lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He
cried out, “God! How could you do this to me?” Early the
next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship
approaching the island! It had come to rescue him!
“How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man of his
rescuers.
“We saw your smoke signal,” they replied.
The Moral of This Story:
It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad,
but we shouldn’t loose heart, because God is at work in our
lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering.
Remember that the next time your hut seems to be burning to
the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the
Grace of God.
God bless you all,
Pastor Sue
Noteworthy News
“I SHALL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD…”
It is our solemn duty to report on the passing of four
people in March. These individuals impacted Messiah in many
ways, from small to large, and while we rejoice that they
are home now with Jesus, wearing their heavenly bodies, we
will still miss them.
Charles Johnson – Chuck and his wife Leona were flagship
members of Messiah Lutheran Church. Over the years he was
very active in the church. He served as a Sunday school
teacher, usher, treasurer, deacon, and president of the
men’s club. Charles passed away suddenly on March 17th due
to complications from the flu.
Rosemary Thurow – Rosemary and her husband Les have been
members for many years. Rosemary was a wonderful person,
sweet and generous. Several of her paintings and pieces of
art grace the walls of Messiah. She was always quick to
call and see how you were doing. Rosemary also succumbed to
the flu on March 18th.
Rev. Robert Furrebeau – Rev. Furrebeau filled in for Pastor
Paul for three weeks in January 2008, preaching messages of
hope and caring. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form
of cancer on March 13th, and passed away Easter Sunday.
Marjorie Ufkes – Rev. David Ufkes was an associate pastor
at Messiah many years ago. He is also married to Clare
Rodin’s daughter Linda. Rev. Ufkes’ mother Marjorie passed
away on March 13th after a prolonged illness.
Please keep the families of all of these dear people in
your prayers.
WELCOMING ALL GOD'S CHILDREN
Jackie and Chuck Steigerwald have certainly been great
examples of how to "Welcome All God's Children" to Messiah
through their efforts to coordinate ushers and greeters
over the last several years. Many people have related
stories about how Chuck and Jackie were the first people
they met, or they were the people who made them feel so
welcome at Messiah. After serving as head ushers for so
many years they are stepping down from their posts and
turning the reigns over to Connie and Dave Kaufman. We
thank them for their diligent and faithful service through
the years - and certainly look forward to still serving
with them at Messiah - but maybe now they can sit down for
Sunday services! We have all learned from their wonderful
example of "With Christ, Reaching Out and Welcoming All
God's Children." Thanks Jackie and Chuck!!
Upcoming Events
(Always check with church office before you schedule an
event – there is a room assignment calendar maintained by
the Office Administrator.)
A LIVE HISTORY LESSON!
Messiah Men’s Brotherhood invites everyone to an early
Sunday dinner with a presentation from civil war General
George Henry Thomas and accompanied by his lovely wife (in
full period dress).
Date: April 6, 2008 (Sunday)
Dinner time: 4:00 pm @ Messiah
Cost: $7.00 (under 12 $3.50)
Hear General Thomas, the “Rock of Chickamauga,” a southern
born general – who choose the Union over his family and the
South – recant his life and his participation in some of
the great battles of the civil war. Plus come early and
meet with Privates John and Peter Fox, troop members of the
1st Michigan Engineers, who will set up camp outside our
church with other troop members. Sign up is in the narthex.
43RD ANNUAL PARK RIDGE
MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST
Saturday, April 12th 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.
The breakfast begins with a welcome from Park Ridge Mayor
Howard Frimark. Guest speaker will be David J. Barker,
recently retired principle of Maine East High School. Cost
is $25 per person. Order forms are available in the
narthex. For more information, call Steve Huening at
847-698-6232.
NEW MEMBERS JOINING!
Sunday, April 27th
We have had several people inquire about joining Messiah,
so we plan to officially welcome them as members of our
congregation on April 27th at the 10:15 AM service. Anyone
who is interested in joining, but hasn’t spoken to anyone
about it, can talk to Pastor Sue, or to David Swanson, or
even just call the office. We will have a light coffee and
treat reception following the service to welcome our new
folks.
REMINDERS!
Naomi Circle Thursday, April 10th at 9:30 AM at Val
Bowman’s house
Men’s Breakfast Saturday, April 12th at 9:00 AM at Jimmy’s
Restaurant,
1440 Rand Road in Des Plaines. If you would rather attend
the Park Ridge Men’s Prayer Breakfast, please let Rich
Seggeling know. Perhaps a large group of men from Messiah
could attend together!
Craft Night Friday April 18th at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship
Hall. We will be making Mother’s Day gifts for the children
in the LGH NICU to give their moms! This is a fun,
laid-back group…come on out and join us!
Friendship Day April 24th starting at 9 A.M. If you plan to
have lunch, bring your sandwich or whatever…goodies will be
provided. Please feel free to come for an hour or so if
that is all you can spare. We need more help to continue
this very important work. You will feel rewarded for your
effort. You may also work at home, making quilt tops,
making baby sweaters, and receiving blankets. Call Eva
Thoren at home for more info – 847-823-2594. Thanks and GOD
BLESS.
WELCA Board April 2nd @ 9:00 AM
Executive Committee April 8th @ 7:00 PM
Child Care Board April 16th @ 7:30 PM
COMING IN MAY…
Confirmation Sunday
Youth Overnight at NW University
VBS Registration Begins
This Month in Worship
WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS
All Worship Services are at 10:15 AM unless otherwise
noted.
April 6 – Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14a, 36–41; Psalm 116:1–4, 12–19; 1 Peter 1:17–23;
Luke 24:13–35
April 13 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:42–47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19–25; John 10:1–10
April 20 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 7:55–60; Psalm 31:1–5, 15–16; 1 Peter 2:2–10; John
14:1–14
April 27 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 17:22–31; Psalm 66:8–20; 1 Peter 3:13–22; John
14:15–21
ADULT FORUM SCHEDULE
April 6 – No Adult Forum - Pancake Breakfast
April 13 - Video and Discussion pt. 2: “Glory to God
Alone: The Life of J.S. Bach”
April 20 – Video and discussion on the Gospel of Matthew.
April 27 – Continued study of the Gospel of Matthew.
WORSHIP HELPERS
April 6 April 13 April 20 April 27
10:15am 10:15am 10:15am 10:15am
Acolytes Jenni H Joe L Tait J Kevin K
Communion Assistants Vikki H Rich L Julie J Brad K
Readers Connie K Kristin Y Julie J Cindy N
Worship Assistants Pat K Vikki H Diane B David S
Projection Ravi P Ravi P Ravi P Ravi P
Ushers Connie K, Rich L,
Dave H, Tom J Connie K, Rich L,
Dave H, Tom J Connie K, Rich L,
Dave H, Tom J Connie K, Rich L,
Dave H, Tom J
Greeters Val B Val B Val B Val B
Counters Dave H,
Floyd Y Dave H,
Floyd Y Dave H,
Diane B Dave H,
Floyd Y
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!
April 6 – Flowers are given in memory of Sue Nugnis by the
Child Care Center. Bulletins are given for family who has
died by Valeria Bowman.
April 13 – None.
April 20 – Flowers are given by Russ and Linda Raymond in
honor of family birthdays.
April 27 – None.
Messages
Fall Harvest Festival Date Set!
Mark your calendars for
Saturday, November 15th
which is when we will have the Annual Harvest Festival and
Craft Fair, benefiting Messiah Lutheran Church. The
Festival has grown every year, and we will begin doing
major planning in July. Keep an eye on the Messenger and
the News from the Pews for opportunities to sell, help, or
buy!
USHERS NEEDED!
No experience necessary! This is a great way to expand your
worship experience, while getting to “meet and greet”
people in the congregation.
Call the church office if you are interested, or say YES!
to ushering on the attendance sheet in the bulletin. We
would love to have some new faces to blend with the folks
that have been doing it for years!!!
Manna Order Dates
Last chance for Manna before Mother’s Day and Confirmation.
Graduation is coming, too! Order April 13th for April 17th
delivery!
Dear Friends,
It has taken me almost a year to choose a church in which I
feel comfortable. It is difficult to change churches when I
was at home at Messiah.
I hope I will be able to visit when I come to Park Ridge,
which is not very often these days.
Jackie Steigerwald keeps me up-to-date on the news.
Sincerely,
Jean Johnson
Delvan, WI
Youth Corner
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Due to scheduling difficulties involving several people at
Messiah (youth AND adult) the Annual Spaghetti Dinner has
been MOVED to NOVEMBER 1, 2008. Never fear…this annual
tradition will not be cancelled, just moved to the fall
because various commitments have made it almost impossible
to do in April.
Messiah Youth Group Events – April and May
Friday April 4th, 8pm – Contemporary Christian Concert
Outing to see MercyMe – The group MercyMe is playing at
Life Changers International Church in Hoffman Estates.
Tickets have been purchased…there are about 20 people
going! Attendees will meet at Messiah at 6 PM to carpool to
the event. Tickets are in Floyd Yager’s name, so everybody
needs to go together. This should be a lot of fun!!
Friday May 2nd and Saturday May 3rd – Youth
Outing/Overnight at University Lutheran Church at
Northwestern -- We are planning an overnight event with the
Social Ministry Committee at the ULC at Northwestern.
Messiah youth will go to ULC on Friday night and share an
evening of education about poverty and other social justice
issues. On Saturday morning following the presentation, we
will travel to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to
volunteer for several hours. The event is still being
planned, but we will keep you informed as we finalize the
details.
VBS REGISTRATION STARTS MAY 1ST
“Faith Finders Detective Club”
VBS is July 28-August 1 from 9 AM to 12 PM this year. The
closing program and picnic is set for Friday, August 1st 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. Watch the YES! Sheets
and the newsletter for opportunities to help!
Messiah Ministries
LETTER FROM REV. PHIL KNUTSON
I recently visited Hillbrow, which is one of most densely
populated urban areas in Africa with numerous blocks of
high-rise apartment buildings overlooking the downtown area
of Johannesburg.
Since the 1990’s and the end of enforced segregation under
Apartheid the demographics of the area have shifted
dramatically. Due to “white-flight,” and the influx of new
residents from other parts of Johannesburg and migrants
from neighboring countries, unemployment, overcrowding and
lack of upkeep by renters and landlords, crime and urban
decay have taken a heavy toll. However, the government,
private enterprise and non-governmental organizations
including churches have now entered into various
partnerships to bring about urban renewal in the city
center.
I was visiting Johannesburg with Pastor Brian and Kristen
Konkol who recently arrived in South Africa to serve as
country coordinators for the ELCA Young Adults in Global
Mission (YAGM) program. We came to visit Pastor Morwaeng
Motswasele who serves as an outreach pastor in Hillbrow and
to talk about future possibilities for ELCA young adult
volunteers/interns in the area.
In 2006 the Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA), under the leadership of
Bishop N. Phaswana, decided to work with the Hillbrow
Outreach Foundation established by the ELCSA (N-T). The
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Global
Mission agreed to provide some financial support for this
new urban mission outreach initiative.
Besides Sunday worship services and visits to apartment
dwellers in the area a wide range of activities are also
offered through the Outreach Foundation to local residents
including a music center, drama and dance workshops, a
sewing project, a computer-training center and care for
AIDS orphans.
Rev. Motswasele is involved in various outreach programs
including what is known as Kid’s Weeks, which are presented
as a positive alternative to life on the streets. Up to 300
children participate in these activities during school
vacations. Each day the children participate in a full
program of games, listening to Bible stories and doing
crafts, drama, music and sports on the church premises.
As companions in God’s Mission with the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Southern Africa we look forward to
learning from, walking and working with Pastor Motswasele
and the ELCSA Central Diocese in the Hillbrow urban
outreach program.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support for God’s
Mission locally and globally.
I look forward to seeing many of you when we are in the USA
this summer on Home Assignment and at the Global Mission
Event in La Crosse, Wisconsin July 17-20, 2008.
Yours faithfully, Philip J. Knutson (Rev. Dr.)
ELCA Global Mission
Regional Program Assistant – Southern Africa, Cape Town,
March 5, 2008
Milestones
BIRTHDAYS
Lisa D, 4/2
Kimberly J, 4/2
Jennifer H, 4/3
William V, 4/4
Diane W, 4/4
Charlene L, 4/8
Russell R, 4/8
James S, 4/8
Connie K, 4/10
Richard D, 4/11
Karli V, 4/12
Stephen P, 4/13
Patricia D, 4/19
Sue Ellen F, 4/19
Bill B, 4/20
Heather G, 4/23
Trudi H, 4/23
Samson M, 4/23
Dylan H, 4/27
Jean S, 4/28
Eva T, 4/28
Eugene B, 4/29
Rebecca V, 4/29
Derek S, 4/30
ANNIVERSARIES
Les and Nancy H– 4/22/1977, 31 years
Greg and Jean N– 4/27/1985, 23 years
Messiah Leadership IN 2008
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: Floyd Yager
Adult Forum: John Fox
Choir: Pat Daniels
Music: Tom Daniels, Sue Fox
Memorial Report
This report is as of March 27, 2008.
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 Karen Black.
IN MEMORY OF CHARLES JOHNSON
Given by: Val Bowman
Fund: Property Reserve
IN MEMORY OF ROSEMARY THUROW
Given by: Val Bowman
Fund: Property Reserve
IN MEMORY OF ARLENE MESKAN
Given by: David A. Meskan
Fund: Property Reserve
Messiah movies
Check here every month for “Messiah Movies,” reviewed by
Jennifer, our own in-house movie buff.
DR. SUESS’ HORTON HEARS A WHO
After an elephant named Horton hears a cry for help from a
speck of dust, he's determined to protect the residents of
the tiny town of Whoville - despite ridicule from his
neighbors - in this adaptation of Dr. Seuss's beloved
children's story. Jim Carrey provides the voice of Horton,
and other stars lending their vocal talent include Steve
Carell as the mayor of Whoville and Carol Burnett as the
“keep-things-as-they-are” Kangaroo.
Not surprisingly, my 4-year-old really enjoyed this movie.
The good news is that so did this 40-year-old! The
animation was gorgeous, the characters were charming and
funny, and the message is as good now as when I first heard
it when I was four… that being, “A person is a person, no
matter how small!” About half-way through the movie I felt
a little like it really was a short story that got
stretched into a 90 minute feature, but I quickly forgot
that as the story built to its glorious, musical,
goosebump-inspiring climax. Now playing at the beautiful
new Kerasotes Theater at Golf Mill, this is a must-see!
Prayer Requests
Please include the following individuals and families in
your prayers this month:
Chuck Boomer
Joe & Evelyn Burval
Lee Cercone
Ruth Corkill
Mr. Dennis
Ardene Ejnik
Chris Jacobsen
Kennet
Richard Levy
Char Lobitz
Nancy Maher
Charlotte Pearson
Aidan Ray
Mary Reter
Gloria Solum
Chuck Steigerwald
Pastor Paul Stolz
Pastor Sally Terrell
Roy Sues
Linda (Rodin) Ufkes
Jane Whitecotton
We also want to remember in our prayers our military
personnel:
Jason Hood, 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!
Please write down Pastor Sue’s contact information:
Pastor Sue Sauerberg
7918C Knottingham
Darien, IL 60561
(630) 985-9132 H
(630) 550-7341 C
pastorsue54@comcast.net
The
Messiah
Messenger
In this issue…
From the Pastor
“I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord…”
A Live History Lesson!
New Members Joining
Readings and Worship Schedule
Flowers and Bulletins
Worship Assistants Schedule
Fall Harvest Festival Date Set
Manna Orders Due
Ushers Needed!
Letter from Rev. Phil
“Horton Hears a Who” Still a Great Story!
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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