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The Messiah Messenger >
The March Messenger Issue #477
The March Messenger Issue #477
Feb 29, 2008
THE Messiah MESSENGER From the Pastor INTRODUCING PASTOR SUE Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am so happy to be with you. I don't know how long we will be in ministry together. However, I know we will both make the most of our time together. I was raised in LaGrange Park, IL. I graduated from Lyons Township High School. I was confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church of LaGrange. I graduated from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1976 with a B.A. in Spanish. I worked in retail management at Lord and Taylor, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. In 1989 I went to work for a small bank in our community. At that same time a new pastor came to Grace, LaGrange. His name was Jim Lundeen. He saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. Before I knew what was going on, I was Chair of the Evangelism Committee and then President of the council. I felt that God was calling me into the ministry and entered the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in September of 1993. I graduated in 1997. At that time I was called to serve a church in Oro Valley, Arizona. I began my ministry there in July of 1997 as their first Associate Pastor. I served Resurrection until December of 2006. My husband and I met in 1978 at Grace, LaGrange. We got married in October of 1979. Walt was a pharmacist and used to own three stores in the western suburbs until the mid 70's. He worked for other pharmacies in the suburbs of Chicago until we moved to Arizona in 1997. He retired and became very active in our new church until he became quite ill in 2001. He spent the last 7 years of his life in a nursing home. He was always sharing his faith and did that until he passed away last August. He was my biggest supporter and cheerleader. I miss him very much. I trust that our time together in ministry will be positive. We will share our faith with each other and with those we don't know yet. God bless you all, Pastor Sue Noteworthy News YOUTH GROUP LEADER During Pastor Paul’s recent illness, Floyd Yager has assumed responsibility for Confirmation and senior high classes. Floyd is currently taking classes to become a diaconal minister in the Lutheran Church. He is a young, compassionate, joyful family man and - he is a lot of fun! Floyd sent out a letter recently to about 15 high school-aged members of Messiah, outlining some of the upcoming activities planned for them. Some of these events are service projects. As Pastor Paul says, “There is great happiness to be found in serving and caring - just ask your parents. IN A WORLD THAT SEEMS TO CARE LESS, WE NEED TO CARE EVEN MORE.” The young adults are encouraged to invite friends to these events. And yes, they will also do some things just for fun! For a full list of planned activities through July, see page 11 of this newsletter, or visit the website at www.messiahparkridge.org/youth_page.html. Reaching out and welcoming our own young adults back into Messiah is a mission for the whole congregation. Do whatever you can to support Floyd’s efforts…be a chaperone, or a mentor, or just be a listening ear when the kids need to talk. With our help, we can make the Youth Group a vibrant part of Messiah again. UPDATE ON PASTOR PAUL Speaking of Pastor Paul, lets give you an update on his condition. He is currently at home, and has been there for a few weeks. He continues to do physical therapy on his knee, as well as working to regain his strength and stamina. He is busy helping Messiah in many ways, such as calling people, writing letters, and sending out email communications. He continues to undergo dialysis every week, and will do so until the transplant operation. If you have any questions, or concerns, or just want to talk, call Pastor Paul on his cell phone…he likes to hear from people! Upcoming Events (Always check with church office before you schedule an event – there is a room assignment calendar maintained by the Office Administrator.) HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE March 16 10:15 AM Palm/Passion Sunday Services March 20 7:30 PM Maundy Thursday Service March 21 1:30 PM Good Friday Family Service 7:30 PM Good Friday Traditional Tenebrae Service March 23 7:30 AM Easter Sunrise Service 8:30 AM Easter Breakfast 9:45 AM Sunday School Easter Egg Hunt 10:15 AM Easter Worship & Celebration Service Palm Sunday (also known as the Passion Sunday) worship services feature the congregation entering the sanctuary waving palm branches and singing. The responsive, dramatic scripture readings encompass the journey of Jesus from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem until his betrayal and crucifixion. Many people find that this is an enlightening introduction to Holy Week. The Maundy Thursday service celebrates the Last Supper of Christ and the birth of Holy Communion, and will feature 5 of our young members receiving their first communion. Please join us for this very special service. The Good Friday Family Worship service at 1:30 PM is the message of Good Friday for all ages. This will feature participation from our youth group, and is a great way to expose young ones to the serious nature of Good Friday. A Tenebrea Service is also offered later. This somber service includes the “Seven Last Words of Jesus” and ends in darkness. A Sunrise Service begins our Easter celebrations with entry into a darkened sanctuary, just as the women approached the tomb at sunrise. Easter Breakfast is a wonderful time of family fellowship that continues until the Easter Egg Hunt for the Sunday School children. There is no cost for the breakfast, and all are welcome to come and eat. At 10:15 AM, enter the sanctuary for the Easter Worship Celebration to cap off Holy Week with alleluias to the risen Christ. Children sing, the choir sings, the string ensemble plays, and the risen Lord is celebrated! Come, Let us worship God! COMMUNITY-WIDE EGG HUNT Saturday, March 15th at 9 AM On our grounds and playground! This was a huge success last year, with over 70 children coming to participate! We welcome all children and their families from the surrounding neighborhood to join us, and the Child Care Center as well. We have also invited those children who are able to join us from the pediatric unit at LGH. Volunteers will again be needed to stuff eggs, and a basket for candy and sticker donations will be set up in the narthex. Adult Forum on March 2nd & 9th will be dedicated to stuffing eggs – come join us! (The hunt will move inside if the weather is bad.) Note: This is in addition to our Sunday School Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday. REMINDERS! Naomi Circle Thursday, March 13th at 9:00 AM at Carol Smith’s house Men’s Breakfast Saturday, March 8th at 9:00 AM at Jimmy’s Restaurant, 1440 Rand Road in Des Plaines. Join us for fellowship and the best fresh-squeezed orange juice in town! Friendship Day March 27th at 9 A.M. If you plan to have lunch, bring your sandwich or whatever…dessert will be furnished. 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. Leadership Team March 2nd @ 11:30 AM WELCA Board March 5th @ 9:00 AM Executive Committee March 11th @ 7:00 PM Child Care Board March 11th @ 7:30 PM COMING IN APRIL… Youth Spaghetti Dinner MercyMe Concert Concordia Book Fair This Month in Worship WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS All Worship Services are at 10:15 AM unless otherwise noted. March 2 – Fourth Sunday in Lent 1 Samuel 16:1–13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41 March 9 – Fifth Sunday in Lent Ezekiel 37:1–14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6–11; John 11:1–45 March 16 – Palm / Passion Sunday Isaiah 50:4–9a; Psalm 31:9–16; Philippians 2:5–11; Matthew 26:14—27:66* March 20 – Maundy Thursday Exodus 12:1–14; Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; John 13:1–17, 31b–35 March 21 – Good Friday Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16–25; John 18:1—19:42 March 23 – The Resurrection of Our Lord – Easter Sunday Acts 10:34–43; Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24; Colossians 3:1–4; Matthew 28:1–10 March 30 – Second Sunday in Easter Acts 2:14a, 22–32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3–9; John 20:19–31 *This will be read responsively during the service by members of the congregation. ADULT FORUM SCHEDULE March 2 – We will stuff Easter Eggs for the Community-wide Egg Hunt for Kids March 9 – Stuff Easter Eggs again! March 16 – John Fox: Presentation on Trip to Africa March 23 – No Adult Forum – Easter Sunday March 30 – Video and Discussion: “Glory to God Alone: The Life of J.S. Bach” April 6 – No Adult Forum - Pancake Breakfast WORSHIP HELPERS We need ushers, acolytes, & communion assistants for the 7:30 service on Easter. Please let us know if you plan to attend that service and can lend a hand. 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! March 2 – None. March 9 – Flowers are given in honor of Jim and Trudi Handzel’s wedding anniversary. March 16 – Flowers and bulletins are given in honor of Kristin Yager’s birthday. March 23 – Easter Garden lilies are displayed on the altar. Bulletins are given in honor of Nick Boomer’s birthday. March 30 – Flowers are given by the Hrodey family in memory of Betty Hrodey’s birthday. Messages Easter Lilies Now on Sale They are $11 each. Check your weekly bulletin or the narthex for order forms, or call Jennifer in the church office to place an order. Deadline for ordering is Sunday, March 9th The lilies will be displayed on the altar on Easter Sunday morning, and an insert in the bulletin will list the names of those honored and remembered by the lilies. World Day of Prayer Friday, March 7th at St. Paul of the Cross Church, Washington and NW Highway. The topic this year is: “God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding” The service is at 10 AM, and a light lunch will be served after the service. All are welcome to come and pray together! St. Matthew Center for Health Seeks Volunteers Do you have expertise in fundraising, finance, estate planning, and are you interested in helping seniors in our community? If you have these skills, and want to find out more about participating in a joyful volunteer experience, please call Terri Gens at 847-635-4667. Volunteers are also needed to help with activities and visitation. Youth and adult volunteers have the opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of seniors. If you would like to be a part of this rewarding volunteer experience by working directly with seniors, please call Kelly Fitzgerald at 847-825-5531. The Silent Film Society of Chicago presents… the 1927 spectacle “The King of Kings” special screening Sunday, March 16th at 3pm Directed by the legendary Cecil B. DeMille, no Biblical subject was ever presented so magnificently on the motion picture screen – a remarkable, reverent transcription of the last weeks of Jesus before his crucifixion. The Silent Film Society of Chicago is honored to present Chicago organist Michael Jacklin, who will provide the musical photoplay accompaniment of the film with his original score. This Palm Sunday screening will be on the giant 45 foot movie screen at the historic Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago. Group tickets are available. Call 773-205-SFSC for more info and prices. Manna Order Dates Just in time for your Easter Baskets! Our order date for this month is March 9th, cards will be available March 13th! Youth Corner Messiah Youth Group Events - 2008 Friday March 14th, 6pm – Youth Lock-in at Messiah – We will take this opportunity to bring the kids together, get their input as to how to re-build our Youth Group, watch a movie, have dinner and popcorn, work on building an “art cart” to be used at Lutheran General Hospital, and in the morning hide Easter eggs for the Community Easter Egg Hunt at Messiah. 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 are $25 per person, but for Messiah Youth we will charge $12 with the youth fund covering half the ticket price. Ticket orders will be taken after worship on March 2 with the tickets being purchases on March 3rd. You can also call Floyd directly to place your order (847-692-6260)….Bring a friend and they will pay only $12 as well! We are inviting all Messiah members to attend, and hope to have a big youth presence. Saturday April 19th – Youth Spaghetti Dinner – The Annual Spaghetti Dinner will be this day. With only 4 students currently in confirmation class, they welcome assistance from other youth in putting on this event for Messiah and the Community! 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. June - Youth fundraising event at Messiah – We will look to the kids for suggestions but are considering a Car Wash at the church, running a rummage sale, or some other event to fund the Youth group. July – Youth volunteers for VBS at Messiah – More to come on this, but it is always a great time interacting with the kids and helping teach them about God and His great love for us. Messiah Ministries SOUPER BOWL OF CARING CONGRATULATIONS MESSIAH! Through Your Generous Donations We collected $474.50 for the Maine Township Food Pantry. Thank you for sharing God’s Abundance! Your gifts more than doubled the donation from last year. On www.souperbowl.org, Souper Bowl of Caring is reporting that $9,169,249.00 has been generated in 2008, with 13,628 groups reporting in! We were a part of that! We will see you all next year! ABOUT SOUPER BOWL OF CARING Mission Statement: Utilizing Super Bowl weekend to mobilize youth to fight hunger and poverty in their local communities. Vision Statement: Transforming Super Bowl weekend into the nation's largest youth-led weekend of giving and serving. We believe: o The idea for the Souper Bowl of Caring is a gift from God. o Young people have the ability to serve and should be given opportunities to lead their communities in helping others. o Every dollar collected through the Souper Bowl of Caring should be donated directly to a charity selected by each participating group. o People of all backgrounds and beliefs can work together. o Hunger and poverty have a negative impact on individuals and the communities in which they live, yet there is joy in serving and giving to those in need. o The excitement and energy surrounding the Super Bowl can be used to engage young people in service while producing lasting hope for all people. PENNIES FOR LENT Our Child Care Center will once again be collecting “Pennies for Lent” during the 40-day lead-up to Easter. The children bring in their change to school, and deposit their pennies in large jars in each classroom. At the end of Lent, the money is turned in and a check is given to the Maine Township Food Pantry. Our kids raised $695.78 in 2007! Milestones BIRTHDAYS Jennifer Wagner, 3/2 Joyce Johnsen, 3/4 Marilyn Borgeson, 3/6 George Hrodey, 3/7 Kim Hanson, 3/8 Steven Helms, 3/8 Nancy Magerl, 3/8 John Fox, 3/9 James Valenta, 3/9 Julie Holzer, 3/10 Emma Penumaka, 3/12 Michael Berzins, 3/15 Debbbie Chervinko, 3/16 Jean E.Gilbert, 3/16 Eric Williams, 3/16 Samed Hamden, 3/18 Vera Koehler, 3/18 Zachary Loverme, 3/20 Nicholas Boomer, 3/21 Emily Demonte, 3/21 Adeline Sauer, 3/23 Mark Wiberg, 3/23 Kristin Yager, 3/24 Diane Williams, 3/26 Kris Christiansen, 3/27 William Downie, 3/28 Alan Christiansen, 3/29 Pierson Anderson, 3/31 Matthew Valenta, 3/31 ANNIVERSARIES Jim and Trudi Handzel – 3/8/1986, 22 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 February 24, 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 BETTY ORTAGGIO Given by: Eva Thoren, Val Bowman Fund: Property Reserve CORRECTION: In Memory of John And Lorraine Handzel Given by: Marilyn Baalson Fund: Music (originally reported as Property Reserve) Messiah movies Looking for a movie that the whole family can enjoy? Want something that supports our Christian values, but is good entertainment, too? This new section of the Messiah Messenger will feature movies from both the theater and available for rent that are great in both areas. Check here every month for “Messiah Movies,” reviewed by Jennifer, our own in-house movie buff. Miss Potter Blending lush animation sequences with live-action drama, director Chris Noonan (Babe) constructs this biopic about the personal life of beloved children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. This film features Academy Award-winner Renee Zellweger as the title character, co-stars Emily Watson and Ewan McGregor, and traces Potter's private life, as well as her contributions to literature such as the timeless "Tale of Peter Rabbit." This was a wonderful, beautiful movie. Not many people have heard of it, and we watched it with no expectations, but were thoroughly blessed and touched by the sweet, simple story of love, devotion, courage, and creativity. Very young children may not enjoy it because of the adult romantic themes, but it is a very “clean” wholesome film that everyone can watch. Anyone above the age of 8 will probably enjoy it (those romantic types, anyway!). It is a period piece, set in the world of England in the late 1800’s with beautiful costumes and locations, and quirky moments of animation, where Miss Potter’s “friends” Peter and Jemima Puddle-duck come to life! I HIGHLY recommend this film, available for rent on Netflix or at Blockbuster. 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 We also want to remember in our prayers our military personnel: Jason Hood (recently deployed to Iraq), 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! The Messiah Messenger In this issue… Introducing Pastor Sue Youth Group Leader Holy Week Schedule Community-wide Egg Hunt Readings and Worship Schedule Adult Forum Schedule Worship Assistants Schedule Lily Orders Being Taken World Day of Prayer “King of Kings”Special Screening Souper Bowl Thank You Miss Potter Movie an A-plus 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
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