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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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