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The Messiah Messenger>
The June Messenger Issue #480
May 29, 2008
THE Messiah
MESSENGER
From the President
ONE STEP AT A TIME
When we look back over the last four years, it is
overwhelming to see the changes we have gone through as a
congregation in such a relatively short time. It was fall
of 2004 when Pastor Larson left Messiah and Pastor Straw
came on board as our interim minister. A year later in fall
of 2005 we called Pastor Stolz and benefited from his
ministry through October 2007 when we began his medical
leave, ending with his death on March 30, 2008. Meanwhile
we were fortunate to be able to rely on Pastors Wiberg and
McIntyre during much of Pastor Stolz’s absence and then we
were joined by Pastor Sauerberg as a temporary part-time
pastor. That’s a lot of change in a short span of time!
And in spite of all this change (or because of it), we
experienced a lot of changes in us, too! We’ve had a
resurgence of energy and growth – people have been stepping
up and getting the job done to carry out our mission! There
is a great deal of enthusiasm and momentum at Messiah these
days that we want to continue to build on. However, because
we have been through so much in recent years, we are also
in a vulnerable position and could potentially backslide if
we are not careful – and we definitely do not want to do
that. So that makes this interim period very important to
us, and that is why the synod encouraged us to be
thoughtful and deliberate as we take our next steps
forward.
The interim period is not just a gap in the middle of two
pastors. It is meant to be “an active time of ministry full
of new possibilities for bridging from the past into the
future,” according to information found on the ELCA
website. It’s a time of transition – a time to consider and
celebrate the past, an opportunity to assess current
realities and an ideal time to look forward and prepare for
the future. The ELCA sees it as a time for the congregation
and interim minister to collaborate on five developmental
tasks:
• Come to Terms with History
o Grieve the end of an era in the history of the
congregation.
o Identify and address unresolved issues.
o Celebrate past accomplishments.
• Examine Leadership & Organizational Needs
o Facilitate shifts in lay leadership.
o Examine changing leadership needs.
o Develop current & future leaders.
• Rethink Lutheran Linkages
o Reconnect with ELCA & synod resources and programs.
o Reflect on Lutheran theology and tradition as it impacts
mission and ministry.
• Develop Identity & Vision
o Look objectively at congregational strengths and
weaknesses.
o Examine the community context for ministry.
o Redefine the purpose and direction of the church.
o Orient toward the future.
• Commit to New Leadership
o Support the call process.
o Prepare for new pastoral leadership.
o Gather resources and organize to facilitate ministry
start-up.
The first step in entering this interim period was to
secure pastoral leadership. The leadership of Messiah
discussed where we are at and what we perceived our needs
to be and translated that into a job description. This was
submitted to the synod leadership, who after careful review
sent us mobility papers on a pastor with interim experience
and training. This individual has gone through an interview
process with us and has accepted the interim position
beginning at the end of June.
First Things First …
Before we introduce someone new, however, we must also say
farewell to Pastor Sauerberg. Pastor Sue came to us during
a very tough time and stayed with us and supported us
through an even tougher time. She was the “right fit” for
the time when Pastor Paul was trying to still lead us but
needed the support and consistency of a pastor at Messiah
to be his ears and eyes and legs when he could not be here.
When Pastor Paul died, along with several of our church
family members and friends, Pastor Sue weathered those
storms with us and reached out to us with great care and
compassion. For all she has done, we are very grateful. We
wish Pastor Sue well on her journey to find a permanent
call that is the right fit for her experience and many
skills. Please join us on her last Sunday, June 22nd for a
potluck luncheon to honor her and wish her God’s blessings
as she continues on with her ministry.
Interim Pastor
The following week (week of June 23rd), Pastor Cynthia
Munker will start as our interim pastor. Pastor Munker is
in her 12th year as an ordained pastor, after previously
working as a Head Start teacher in the Detroit area. She
served two churches as pastor and then entered into interim
ministry. She served as interim at St. Matthews Health
Center down the street from Messiah and then at Bethlehem
Lutheran Church in Chicago. Pastor Munker has also received
initial training in interim ministry with the ELCA. Please
come out and welcome Pastor Munker on her first Sunday,
June 29th. Her installation as our interim pastor will take
place in July.
Now What?
“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10
First, we breathe! We have been engaged in constant,
frenetic activities for an extended period of time and it
is important for us to catch our breath. We are mindful of
moving ahead with a call committee and the call process,
but first we need to give ourselves a chance to regroup a
bit. As we get to know Pastor Munker and begin to work
through this interim period it will become evident when its
time to push forward with the call process. Meanwhile, it
is important that we continue to carry out God’s mission
for us at Messiah – one step at a time.
Noteworthy News
NEW DEACON
Over the past couple of years the Metropolitan Chicago
Synod has developed a Synodical Deacon program. Last year
at the Synod Assembly the synod officially set apart its
first group of synod deacons. The purpose of the Synod
Deacon Program is for the certification and support of
those engaged in service as deacons in congregational
ministry. Requirements for the program include: Active
membership in an ELCA congregation for at least one year;
Application; Biographical essay; Entrance information
questionnaire; Interview with the Bishop’s Advisory Group,
the supervising pastor, and a leader of the congregation;
and a Program of spiritual formation and theological
education, such as Diakonia. This past winter Floyd Yager
completed the requirements for the program and was accepted
into the program after an interview with the Bishop's
Advisory Group on May 10th. The plans are for Floyd, along
with several others, to be set apart as a synod deacon at
the upcoming Synod Assembly on June 7th at 9:30 AM. As a
Deacon at Messiah, Floyd will continue to work on
developing Youth Ministry as well as working with the
Pastor in various areas of congregational ministry.
Congratulations on your accomplishment, Floyd, and thanks
for your hard work!
NEW MEMBERS JOINED MESSIAH!
On May 4th we were blessed to welcome some new members to
Messiah!
Dorothy Burger – “Dotty” to her friends, has been a visitor
for quite some time. Her background is in caregiving, and
we welcome her to Messiah with open arms!
Ralph, Teresa, Haley, Ralphie (and baby!) Lippert – This
lovely family comes to us from the Child Care Center. Haley
and Ralphie have been attending Sunday School all year, and
the Teresa is expecting their 3rd child later this summer.
Welcome, welcome!
MEN’S FIX-IT CLUB!
Messiah’s Brotherhood has apparently gotten tired of
getting together and just eating breakfast once a month.
With the help of Vic Berzins, they have started the “Men’s
Fix-It Club” where they will meet every month at Messiah,
have breakfast downstairs, and then spend the morning doing
small jobs around the church. A “congregational honey-do”
list, if you will! Anyone interested in joining in the fun
should show up the 2nd Saturday of the month ready to eat,
and then work! Sign up will be in the narthex, and
breakfast will be provided. The first “fix-it” (and clean
up) day is June 14th starting at 9AM.
Upcoming Events
(Always check with church office before you schedule an
event – there is a room assignment calendar maintained by
the Office Administrator.)
JUNE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, June 8th at 11:30 am (following the service)
This is our mid-year meeting. We have a lot to discuss,
considering the many changes that have affected our
congregation in the last months. We encourage EVERYONE to
be there.
CREATIVE MEMORIES EVENT FOR JUNE CRAFT NIGHT
Friday, June 20th 6:30-8:30 PM
This will be a special craft night, featuring a
representative from Creative Memories. She will go over
digital and regular scrap booking. This should be a lot of
fun, and we encourage everyone to attend…bring a guest!
REMINDERS!
Friendship Day June 26th starting at 9 A.M. If you plan to
stay for lunch, bring your sandwich or whatever, goodies
will be provided. If you would like to work at home to make
quilt tops, receiving blankets, or baby sweaters, please
contact Eva. Also please check garage sales for gently used
baby clothes, onesies, or shirts, sweaters or fleece tops,
sleepers or gowns, receiving blankets or hooded towels,
baby wash cloths, diaper pins, cloth diapers (we usually
have to buy these), clothes size birth to 24 months.
Instructions for sweaters are available. We cannot send
booties nor caps – LWR is very serious that only things on
their list be send. It may create a problem is everyone
doesn't get the same thing. List of layette items is
available. Call Eva Thoren at 847-823-2594.
WELCA Board June 3rd @ 9:00 AM
Executive Committee June 10th at 7:00 PM
COMING IN JULY…
Fireworks!!! Vacation Bible School!!!! Bunko Night!!
This Month in Worship
WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS
All Worship Services are at 10:15 AM unless otherwise
noted.
June 1 – 3rd Sunday after Pentecost
Deuteronomy 11:18–21, 26–28; Psalm 31:1–5, 19–24; Romans
1:16–17; 3:22b–31; Matthew 7:21–29
June 8 – 4th Sunday after Pentecost
Hosea 5:15—6:6; Psalm 50:7–15; Romans 4:13–25; Matthew
9:9–13, 18–26
June 15 – 5th Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 19:2–8a; Psalm 100; Romans 5:1–8; Matthew 9:35—10:8
[10:9–23]
June 22 – 6th Sunday after Pentecost
Jeremiah 20:7–13; Psalm 69:7–10[11–15] 16–18; Romans
6:1b–11; Matthew 10:24–39
June 29 – 7th Sunday after Pentecost
Jeremiah 28:5–9; Psalm 89:1–4, 15–18; Romans 6:12–23;
Matthew 10:40–42
SPECIAL WORSHIP EVENTS IN JUNE
June 1 – Baptism: Tom and Pat Daniels’ grandsons
Teacher and Graduate Recognition
June 8 – Congregational Meeting follows worship
June 15 – Regular Worship Service
June 22 – Pastor Sue’s last Sunday with us
Pot Luck Luncheon in her honor follows worship
June 29 – New Interim Pastor Munker leads worship
Don’t forget that coffee hour on our front lawn follows
worship every Sunday in Summer!
Also our music in the summer features a “hymn sing” … let
the office know what your favorite hymns are, and we will
try to sing them this summer! Watch the YES! Sheets to
write down your favorites.
WORSHIP HELPERS
June 1 June 8 June 15 June 22 June 29
10:15am 10:15am 10:15am 10:15am 10:15am
Acolytes Kevin K Jenni H Joe L Tait J Andrew F
Communion Assistants Pat K Vikki H Rich L Julie J John F
Readers Larry R Joe L Dottie B Tait J Nancy H
Worship Assistants Diane B Vikki H John F David S Pat K
Projection Jim H Jim H Jim H Jim H Jim H
Ushers Dave K, Connie K, Brad K,
Kevin K Dave K, Connie K, Brad K, Kevin K Dave K, Connie K,
Brad K, Kevin K Dave K, Connie K, Brad K, Kevin K Dave K,
Connie K, Brad K, Kevin K
Greeters Jean R Jean R Jean R Jean R Jean R
Counters Dave H,
Bob B Dave H,
Bob B Dave H,
Bob B Dave H,
Bob B Dave 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!
June 1 – Flowers are given by Russ and Linda Raymond in
memory of Art and Dorothy Raymond.
June 8 – Flowers are in honor of Samson and Chuchu’s 3rd
year anniversary. Bulletins are given by John and Sue Fox
in honor of Peter’s baptism anniversary.
June 15 – Flowers are given in honor of Pat Kovach’s
birthday. Bulletins are given in honor of Mary Jane
Kovach’s birthday.
June 22 – Flowers and bulletins are given in honor of
Michael Yager’s birthday.
June 29 – Flowers are given in honor of Mary Jane Kovach’s
39th birthday.
Messages
Floyd -
We very much enjoyed meeting, learning, and serving with
you and the students this weekend! I want to thank you for
taking time out of your busy schedules to come to ULC for
such a great time. Also, many thanks for the canned food
donations. At worship today, many grateful and joyous
remarks were made regarding the number of items collected.
The residents of the Howard Area will be very appreciative,
as are we at ULC. It was great to get to know you and all
the kids, so I hope we can get together again some time in
the future.
Blessings,
Melanie
(from the Youth Group trip to ULC)
Summer Hours
From June 9th thru August 22nd the church office will be
open 9AM to 1PM.
Also, the church secretary is on vacation August 4-8, and
DESPERATELY needs someone to fill in for that week. Please
call the office if you can do it…this is a PAID substitute
position. Thanks!
Manna Order Dates
Manna orders will be due on June 8th at the congregational
meeting. Cards will be available June 12th.
Jim Seggeling's Eagle Scout Ceremony will be June 22nd
(Sunday) anyone wishing to attend please call Rich
Seggeling at 847-975-3610 by June 14th.
FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the fundraiser for
the Stolz family a success! It was a great evening
downtown and raised approximately $4500 that night, plus
another $1000 or more that came in afterwards. Linda and
the boys were overwhelmed and very appreciative of the
outpouring of continued support. A special thanks to the
following for their donations and/or participation in this
event:
Millie Anderson Char & Bill Baumgartner
Adrian Blanks Diane Blanks
Chuck & Nancy Boomer
Clare Doud Marilyn Duckett
Sue & John Fox Jim & Trudi Handzel
Vikki Hanson Laura & Neil Hauser
Julie Holzer Carol Hrodey
Dave & Julie Jensen Audrey Krell
Dave & Connie Kaufman
Ravi & Neenah Penumaka
Pat & Brad Kovach Edith Reeve
Rich & Jean Seggeling
David Swanson Tom Vacala
Kristin & Floyd Yager
Messiah Ministries
ANGELS IN THE NARTHEX
In June, the Friendship bucket entitled Angels in the
Narthex will be in the Narthex under the stained glass
windows. You have been very generous in the past and we
hope that will continue. Please do not feel any gift is too
small … or too large. All of the items for the HEALTH KITS
must be new. The layettes may be GENTLEY USED ITEMS. Most
people having the garage sales are very understanding when
you say it is for Lutheran World Relief. We have an MBA in
shopping so your money is spent very wisely. There are 2
ELCA boxes, 1 metal one inside the Tower entrance and one
across from the church office. Items may be put in either
box. A list of the layette items is available. Ingathering
is the 4th Thursday in September, the 25th. We assemble the
health kits and the layettes then. We need several men to
help that day and some ladies also. It is usually done by
noon...Please think about it. We assume the trailer will
again be in our parking lot, but that info is not available
yet. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS
REACHING OUT TO FAMILIES AT LGH NICU
To the congregation of Messiah Lutheran Church –
We have 11 day old twins in the NICU at Lutheran General
Hospital, and received a Mother's Day gift from each baby,
courtesy of your church. It was so kind of you all to reach
out in such a way. The contents of the gift were not only
sweet but quite useful. We are members of Trinity Lutheran
in Des Plaines, and it seems that since our troubles began
with preterm labor at 25 weeks, we have been surrounded not
only by good Lutherans, but by good Christians. Through
friends and family we have literally thousands of people
praying for our children, as well as the rest of the babies
in the NICU and the medical staff who care for them. It is
so marvelous to know that an entire congregation of
strangers would be involved in the growth and healing of
our babies through a kind gesture.
In His love,
Andy, Rachel, Gavin and Gretchen Rehan
Youth Corner
Messiah Summer Youth Group Events
June 14, 2008 -- Youth Outing: Parsonage Cleanup and
Re-decorate followed by Ice Skating and LASER TAG – We will
meet at Messiah at about 9am on Saturday and begin some
work to "clean up" the basement of the parsonage. The Men
of Messiah will be having a "fix it" day at the church, we
can put our muscle to work in cleaning, making small
repairs, and planning for the next stage of painting and
bringing in furniture to create a nice Youth Hangout. From
there we will continue on to Rink Side Sports at Gurnee
Mills Mall where we will have pizza, play in their arcade,
play LASER TAG, and ice skate. All of this for only $6
per student! It will be a fun event to which you can
invite your friends. We need RSVPs by June 8th so that we
can finalize chaperones and plans. Return time to Messiah
will be about 7:30pm.
July 3, 2008 – Park Ridge Fireworks at Messiah – The annual
Park Ridge Fireworks are on July 3rd. Invite a friend and
don’t miss it. We can also use your help to sell
refreshments!
July 18-19, 2008 – Youth Lock-in at Messiah to Prepare for
VBS – With Vacation Bible School right around the corner,
we will have a lock-in to have some food, fellowship, and
fun with all the Youth Leaders for the program. We will
learn the program and songs so that you can be ready to
help out with the kids that come to this special ministry
at Messiah. As many of you know, the VBS program continues
to grow. It is a chance for us to put our best foot
forward, so this evening of preparation will ensure we do a
great job. And, yes, we will find time for a game or two
of “sardines” in the church! Times TBA, but we most likely
will start about 6pm on Friday night.
July 28 – Aug 1, 2008 – VBS at Messiah – The Faith Finders
Detective Club will begin in full swing on Monday July
28th. We will need your help to lead the children, and
help teach them about God and His great love for us. VBS
had about 70 kids attend last year and we would love to
have you come help work with the kids, teach them the
songs, lead some crafts, etc. There is a role for
everyone, so please mark this on your calendar.
August 15-16, 2008 – Messiah Lutheran Rummage Sale – We are
planning to have a “youth run” rummage sale on Friday
August 15 and Saturday August 16. The proceeds will be
split between the Messiah Youth Group and the Maine
Township Food Pantry. The work will consist of bringing
out the goods for sale on Friday morning, running the sale,
moving unsold goods back into the Church on Friday evening
and then doing it over again on Saturday. We will have
sign-up for shifts on the two days. We will soon be
advertising to the congregation members to start collecting
“goods” they would like to have sold. This will be a fun
event, take some work, but should be a great way to
interact with your peers and work on behalf of the church
and the Maine Township Food Pantry.
A complete list of Youth Activities thru Dec. 2008 is
available on the “Youth” page of our website!
Milestones
BIRTHDAYS
Matthew Seggeling, 6/1
Christine Ruterschmidt, 6/2
Lorraine Elder, 6/3
Vikki Hanson, 6/3
David Tjhio, 6/5
Edward Corkill, 6/6
Susan Bromstad, 6/7
Katharine Scheck, 6/7
Jimmy Olson, 6/9
Maryanna Valenta, 6/9
Claudine Ward, 6/12
Nancy Boomer, /13
Susan Kopij, 6/13
Linda Raymond, 6/13
Paul Tietz, 6/13
Pat Kovach, 6/14
Avery Valenta, 6/16
Natalie Norberg, 6/17
David Divita, 6/19
Barbara Loverme, 6/22
Mary Jane Kovach, 6/23
Michael Yager, 6/24
Floyd Yager, 6/26
Sara Christiansen, 6/28
Jake Saul, 6/29
Jessica Saul, 6/29
LuAnne Jelonek, 6/30
ANNIVERSARIES
Neil & Laura Hauser, 6/3/1995 – 13 years
Samed & Lauri Hamden, 6/9/2007 – 1 year
David & Donna Hanson, 6/12/1965 – 43 years
Mark & Anne Wiberg, 6/18/1960 – 48 years
Joseph & Evelyn Burval, 6/20/1936 – 72 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 as of April 28, 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 ARNOLD MATTES
Given by: Millie Anderson for Property Reserve Fund
IN MEMORY OF CHARITY GROVE
Given by: Mildred Anderson and Paula DiVita for Property
Reserve Fund
IN MEMORY OF CHARLES JOHNSON
Given by: David Lindberg for Property Reserve Fund
IN MEMORY OF EDITH BUNT
Given by: Audrey Krell, Valeria Bowman, David and Donna
Hanson, Don and Mary Jane Kovach, Mildred Anderson, Lois
Bunt for Property Reserve Fund
Given by: Tom and Pat Daniels for Music Fund
IN MEMORY OF MARGARET MERRIMAN
Given by: Kristin Yager & family, Don and MaryJane Kovach
for Property Reserve Fund
IN MEMORY OF ROY SUES
Given by: Paula DiVita, Don and Mary Jane Kovach, George
Hrodey, Bunny and Lee Sues, William and Betty Kipple for
Property Reserve Fund
IN MEMORY OF PAUL C. STOLZ
Given by: Paula DiVita, George Hrodey, Marilyn Duckett,
Audrey Vandlick, George Johnson, Donna Koszczuk for Pastor
Paul Memorial Fund
Messiah Movies
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN
(Now showing in theaters.)
We rejoin the Pevensie children (Peter, Susan, Lucy, and
Edmund) as they are attempting to adjust to being back in
the “real world” where they are no longer kings and queens
of the magical land of Narnia. Suddenly they are
transported back to Narnia, lovingly created for the screen
by the best in today’s CGI. The movie tackles issues that
young people often have about being both a child and an
adult in the same body. Some viewers may struggle with the
fact that the storyline of the movie doesn’t follow the
book very closely, and a few minor storylines are left out
in the interest of time. But overall this is a beautifully
done, exciting, movie that explores the characters of the
children more deeply than the books ever did. My favorite
scene – Edmund, who has evolved from a snotty little
traitor in the first book/film to a “fell warrior” of power
and integrity, delivers King Peter’s challenge to the bad
guy. None of the children are actually children anymore,
and with the help of Aslan (God) they can become greater
than they ever thought possible in our world. There is some
battle violence, and some of the scenes are very dark and
could be confusing to younger viewers. But I recommend this
as a great family movie to see.
Prayer Requests
Please include the following individuals and families in
your prayers this month:
Chuck Boomer
Joe & Evelyn Burval
Ruth Corkill
Mr. Dennis
Clare Doud
Ardene Ejnik
Pearl Fox
Chris Jacobsen
Kennet
Richard Levy
Char Lobitz
Nancy Maher
Ann O’Keefe
Aidan Ray
Mary Reter
Gloria Solum
Carol Smith
Linda (Rodin) Ufkes
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
The
Messiah
Messenger
In this issue…
One Step at a Time
New Deacon
New Members Joined
Men’s Fix-It Club
Readings and Worship Schedule
Flowers and Bulletins
Worship Assistants Schedule
Summer Office Hours
Fundraiser a Success
Angels in the Narthex
Reaching Out to LGH NICU
Movies: Prince Caspian Review
MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH
1605 Vernon Avenue
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
Church Staff
Rev. Susan Sauerberg, 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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