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The Messiah Messenger>
The August Messenger Issue #482
July 31, 2008
THE Messiah
MESSENGER
From the pastor
SUMMER DAYS
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
These are the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer–days when
life’s pace slows down – days to picnic, swim, garden, walk
outdoors, travel, lay on the beach, read a book, or just
sit on our favorite chair outside and watch the world go
by. It is a time to be renewed, re-created and recreate. It
is a gift from God and I encourage you to take that time
for yourselves. We all know that the pace for many will
become hectic and over-scheduled once the kids go back to
school!
Some have commented that my schedule is rather fast paced
at the moment. And, I must admit, this is the case. I would
like to explain the reason behind this. As Interim Pastor,
with a congregation that has the Child Care Center and so
many other wonderful ministries, I have the need to meet
with those identified as members of the Leadership Team in
order to prepare for fall planning. It is a way for me to
hear about what people are doing at Messiah and what they
are responsible for. So I am meeting with those responsible
for Christian Education, for Outreach, for Worship, for
Women’s Ministries, for Men’s Ministries, for Building
Maintenance, for Finances. It is my way of getting on board
with all the marvelous things that are happening
here–things you already know but the newcomer doesn’t. It
is part of the Interim’s task to do this.
After I have completed these interviews, I will be meeting
with all the members of this congregation to hear what you
have to say. And then I will compile the data and work with
the Executive Committee and Leadership Team at prioritizing
the tasks ahead. Again, it is part of my role as your
Interim Pastor.
Rest assured, I am truly enjoying my time at Messiah and my
time away from Messiah. I am going to the beach, reading my
novels, listening to books on tapes, visiting with family
and friends...so I too am enjoying these lazy, hazy, crazy
days of summer. And I am especially enjoying the process of
getting to know more about all of you.
I am blessed to be here. And I look forward to getting to
know about you and working with you to bring glory to God
as the people of Messiah.
In Jesus’ Name,
Pastor Munker
Noteworthy News
ANNOUNCING A SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
On August 10, 2008 we will hold a special congregational
meeting to discuss and vote on several proposals to
increase security on our church grounds and in our
building. This will be a short meeting directly following
the worship service in the sanctuary.
This is an important topic, and we would like to have
everyone’s input.
MESSIAH PLANS
“WALK-A-BLOCK”
FOR WEDNESDAYS IN AUGUST
On Wednesday evenings, August 6, 13, 20, and 27, the
Evangelism Committee and Rev. Mark Wiberg invites you to
walk in the neighborhood. Meet at 6 PM in the Messiah
parking lot. You will be given a one block assignment and
several of our congregation’s brochures to hand out. This
is a good opportunity to meet our neighbors, and to pass
the word of our upcoming Fall events at our church.
The meeting time each Wednesday is at 6 PM. This
“Walk-a-Block” will take approximately one hour. Mark
Wednesdays August 6, 13, 20, and 27 on your calendar. Come
one time, or come all four times.
NEW PROJECTOR APPEAL
We have done some research and determined that it would be
better in the long run to replace the projector completely
than to attempt to get it fixed. The cost for this will be
about $5500. We have had some members offer to help offset
the cost, but we’d like to open this appeal up to everyone.
If you’d like to donate to the replacement of the
projector, please write “Projector” in the Other box on
your envelope, or use one of the pew envelopes and do the
same thing.
Upcoming Events
(Always check with church office before you schedule an
event – there is a room assignment calendar maintained by
the Office Administrator.)
YOUTH RUMMAGE SALE
August 15-16, 9AM - 3 PM
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 sale will run from 9am until 3pm
each day. At the end of the sale, any unsold goods will be
donated to a charity.
We are still taking donations! Contact Floyd Yager if you
need help getting stuff to the church. If you can bring it
yourself, please put it in the Fellowship Hall. Thanks!
GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR AFRICA’S
CHILDREN’S ART PROJECT
August 1-14 at Brickton Art Center
Opening Reception Sunday August 3, 3-6 PM
Global Alliance for Africa raises money for East African
orphans who have lost parents from HIV/AIDS by partnering
with African organizations to design and implement
innovative, economic-strengthening programs with the goal
of enabling families and communities to provide sustainable
care and support for orphans and other vulnerable children
affected by HIV/AIDS. Proceeds from this event and Art Fair
will benefit that mission. Free and open to the public,
call 847-823-6611 for directions/information.
PARK RIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S
FOURTH ANNUAL NIGHT OUT
Tuesday, August 5th from 6:30-9 PM
This great annual event will be held in Hodges Park (in
front of City Hall). There will be music, and food, and
games, and fun for all families, young and old! This is a
great way for the police and the community to work
together. We have the opportunity to distribute valuable
information about local crime prevention programs and other
information that may prove useful to our citizens.
CHOIR POTLUCK PICNIC PARTY
Sunday, August 24 at 2:30 PM
This annual gathering will be again at Tom and Pat Daniels’
lovely home in Glenview, 1635 Forest Drive. Choir members
and their families are invited (actually, everyone is
invited, choir member or not!). Bring a dish to share, such
as a salad, rolls/bread, entree or dessert, everything else
will be provided. RSVP with number of persons/ type of dish
to 824-847-0497 or tadpat@comcast.net. We sure hope you can
join us! In case of rain, excessive heat, mosquito
takeover, etc. we’ll picnic indoors!
REMINDERS!
Friendship Day There will be no Friendship meeting in the
month of August. We will resume with Ingathering on Sept.
25th. We hope some members will come to help us package our
quilts, health kits and layettes. We are no longer
collecting men's, women's or children's clothing. We need a
couple of men to help with the packing and weighing of the
items. Please remember the ANGELS IN THE NARTHEX FRIENDSHIP
KETTLE to help with the purchase of new items for the
Health Kits. Thank you and God Bless, Eva Thoren
Men’s Fix It Club Saturday, August 9th at 9AM. The men will
meet for breakfast in our kitchen, and then undertake some
projects around the building. This is a great way to help
out God’s house!
WELCA Board August 6th at 9:00 AM
Executive Committee August 12th at 7:00 PM
Leadership Team August 31st at 11:30 AM
COMING IN SEPTEMBER…
Rally Day Festivities
Sunday School and Adult Forum Returns
Choir Returns
This Month in Worship
WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS
All Worship Services are at 10:15 AM unless otherwise
noted.
August 3 – 12th Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 55:1–5; Psalm 145:8–9, 14–21; Romans 9:1–5; Matthew
14:13–21
August 10 – 13th Sunday after Pentecost
1 Kings 19:9–18; Psalm 85:8–13; Romans 10:5–15; Matthew
14:22–33
August 17 – 14th Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 56:1, 6–8; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1–2a, 29–32; Matthew
15:[10–20] 21–28
August 24 – 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 51:1–6; Psalm 138; Romans 12:1–8; Matthew 16:13–20
August 31 – 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Jeremiah 15:15–21; Psalm 26:1–8; Romans 12:9–21; Matthew
16:21–28
OFFERING REMINDERS
With the altered routines of summer, and the blessings of
vacations and seasonal events, our accustomed patterns of
attendance and offerings are often interrupted. Please keep
your offerings up to date. You can mail them to the church
office before you go away, or place in the offering plate
beforehand - or sign up for Simply Giving. Thank you.
David Hanson, Financial Secretary
WORSHIP HELPERS
August 3 August 10 August 17 August 24 August 31
10:15am 10:15am 10:15am 10:15am 10:15am
Acolytes Joe L Melissa H Jenni H Kevin K Andrew F
Communion Assistants Rich L Julie H Vikki H Pat K John F
Readers Anne W Tom D Laura H Tait J Joe L
Worship Assistants Vikki H Pat K John F Diane B Vikki H
Projection Ravi P Ravi P Jim H Jim H Jim H
Ushers Chuck S, Jackie S, Larry J, Arlene J Chuck S, Jackie
S, Larry J, Arlene J Chuck S, Jackie S, Larry J, Arlene
J Chuck S, Jackie S, Larry J, Arlene J Chuck S, Jackie S,
Larry J, Arlene J
Greeters Sue K Sue K Sue K Sue K Sue K
Counters Dave H,
Larry R Dave H,
Larry R Dave H,
Larry R Dave H,
Larry R Dave H,
Larry R
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!
August 3 – None.
August 10 – None.
August 17 – Flowers are given in loving memory of Susan
Claire Nugnis on her birthday.
August 24 – Flowers and bulletins are given in honor of
Olav Johnson by Joyce Johnson and the Herak family.
August 31 – Bulletins are given in honor of Vic and Donna
Berzins’ 25th wedding anniversary.
Calendar
Messages
Letter from Pastor Sue
Dear Brothers & Sisters at Messiah-
Thank you so much for my pot luck and especially my Theriot
jersey - I love it! It was my pleasure to serve all of you.
I know this has been such a tough time for you and I hope I
was able to help you even for a short time.
You are all in my prayers!
Love and blessings,
Pastor Sue
I would like to thank you all for your prayers and good
wishes and also birthday greetings. I'm doing pretty good
now and I thank God for my Church and friends, and for all
the prayers and birthday greetings I received. Thank you
all and GOD BLESS YOU
Love, Clare Doud
Thank you to everyone who made my installation such a
joyous occasion–everyone who worshiped, Tom and Alan for
the beautiful string instrumentals, Sue and the upbeat
hymns, and all who worked on and attended the reception
afterwards. It was a wonderful, joy-filled day for me and I
am most grateful!
Blessings and peace,
Pastor Munker
REMINDER!
The Summer Blood Drive will be at the Park Ridge City
Council Chambers on Saturday, August 2, 2008 from 10AM to
3PM.
Manna Orders are due August 10th – great for back-to-school
items!
Messiah Ministries
SOCKS AND UNDIES FOR THE NIGHT MINISTRY!
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the sock and
underwear tree for the Night Ministry. We collected 145
pairs of Socks, 54 pairs of women's underwear, and 144
pairs of men's underwear for a grand total of 343 items!
We have been in contact with the group and will deliver the
items by the end of July. The Night Ministry are very
appreciative of our efforts.
TIME AND TALENTS IN A BALE
(Originally printed in the October 1999 issue of Lutheran
Women Today)
One April morning, six women piled quilts, many bags filled
with health care kits, and a heavy bag of bar soap into the
back of a minivan, then found seats in the van for
themselves. This was the Lenten offering of material goods
from the quilting group and our small congregation,
Lutheran Church of the Congregation in Roseville, MN. We
were taking it to the Lutheran World Relief warehouse in
Minnesota.
During our tour of the LWR warehouse, the manager showed us
how 40 quilts are strapped together into bales and wrapped
in burlap. The burlap then is stamped with the necessary
information. We walked among the piles of baled clothing,
mounds of large, stapled, sealed and labeled cartons that
contained kits of various kinds. Cartons of bar soap lined
up against one wall.
The previous week, four 40 foot ocean-going containers
filled with quilts, clothing, soap, and kits had been
shipped off for distribution overseas. One such container
can hold 280 bales of quilts, which adds up to 11,200
quilts to put on beds or become beds, provide disaster
victims with refugees with warmth, or privacy when hung as
room dividers - and to tell them someone cares. (Article
to be continued in next month’s Messenger.)
ANGELS IN THE NARTHEX
The Friendship bucket entitled ANGELS IN THE NARTHEX will
be in the Narthex under the stained glass windows through
Labor Day. 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. Items may be put
in either basket. A list of the layette items is available.
More information about InGathering and the pickup dates as
it becomes available.
Youth Corner
Check out all the fun stuff coming up for the rest of the
year!
August 15-16, 2008 – Messiah Lutheran Rummage Sale – Our
Rummage Sale is scheduled for 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. Donations are already being accepted from the
congregatoin 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.
September 13, 2008 -- Volunteering at Greater Chicago Food
Depository -- We will meet at Messiah early in the morning
on Saturday September 13th (7:30am) to leave and arrive at
the GCFD to volunteer from 9am – Noon. We will have lunch
and then drive back to Messiah. This will be a fun event
to which you can invite you friends. Some of you have
volunteered at the GCFD before. This is also an event
where your parents can join us!
October 24, 2008 – “Coffee House” Open Mike at Park Ridge
Presbyterian Church –Youth Group at the Park Ridge
Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a “coffee house” and open
mike night on Friday night October 24th. We have been
invited to join them and participate. More information
will be coming in the future, but mark your calendars now!
This is a great way to meet other Christians from the Park
Ridge Community…many with whom you may go to school!
November 1, 2008 – Annual Youth Spaghetti Dinner -- The
Annual Spaghetti Dinner will be this day. The Confirmation
Class that will begin in the fall of 2008 will only have 3
students, so I am sure they would welcome your help in
setting up, cooking, serving, and cleaning up. This is
always a wonderful event at Messiah and has been a great
tradition. I hope you will mark this date on your calendar
and come help us make this year’s event a success!
November 15, 2008 – Messiah Harvest Festival – The annual
Harvest Festival is scheduled for this Saturday. We are
always in need of volunteers to set up, host, sell
refreshments, and clean up and other activities.
December, 2008 – To be Announced – Christmas Youth Event –
We will look for a volunteer service project we can do in
early December with the Youth Group to make the Christmas
season a little special for those not as fortunate as we
are. Perhaps it will be an afternoon of volunteering at
Lutheran General on the Pediatrics Unit, deliver gifts to
children, or some other project. Look for more
information!
Milestones
BIRTHDAYS
Marissa Reeve, 8/1
Jacqueline Steigerwald, 8/1
Zachary Hall, 8/3
Kristin Kopij, 8/5
Sandra Deines, 8/7
Ron Duty, 8/8
Kevin Kaufman, 8/8
Arlene Johnson, 8/9
Cindy Norberg, 8/10
Lois Anderson, 8/13
Barbara Shapiro, 8/13
Ronald Bittner, 8/14
Greg Nastali, 8/14
Ravi Penumaka, 8/15
Michael Deines, 8/20
Donna Berzins, 8/21
Belletech Deressa, 8/21
Abedi Markos, 8/23
Jean Nastali, 8/23
Clare Rodin, 8/23
Michele Valenta, 8/23
Brian Deines, 8/28
Samantha Knab, 8/28
Debra Oswald, 8/28
AnitaMarie Corkill, 8/30
Margaret Lobitz, 8/30
ANNIVERSARIES
Susan and Ed Kopij, 8/25/1974 – 34 years
Vic and Donna Berzins, 8/31/1983 – 25 years
Ralph and Teresa Lippert, 8/31/1997 – 11 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 July 20, 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 ELEANOR ANDERSON
Given by: Millie Anderson for Property Reserve Fund
Given by: John and Sue Fox for Music Fund
Messiah Movies
EVELYN
(Available on DVD.)
Based on real-life events, Evelyn follows the story of
Desmond Doyle (Pierce Brosnan), who is devastated when his
wife abandons their family on the day after Christmas. His
unemployment and the fact that there is no woman in the
house to care for the children - Evelyn, Dermot and Maurice
– make it clear to the authorities that his is an untenable
situation. The Catholic Church and the Irish courts decide
to put the Doyle children into Church-run orphanages,
splitting up the boys and girl. Although a sympathetic
judge assures Desmond that when his financial situation
reverses, he will be able to get his children back, money
is hard to come by. During that time, Evelyn and her
brothers suffer the abuses of living in orphanages while
Desmond struggles to secure finances. Now he must battle
the Irish Supreme Court to get his children back.
I think the reason I liked this movie so much is that the
father character, Desmond, is not a superman…he is
everyman. This is a sweet, thought provoking movie based on
true events. The way courts in the United Kingdom, and even
here in the United States, deal with custody issues
involving father’s rights can be traced back to these
actual events, and the decision by the Irish Supreme Court
in this case. Beautifully acted by Brosnan, and by the
young actors who play his children, this is a family movie
that all will enjoy. If you rent the DVD, there are
additional special features that include more information
about the original case, and the inspiring sequence of
events about how this story came to be made into a motion
picture. I highly recommend Evelyn as a movie to lift your
spirits.
Prayer Requests
Please include the following individuals and families in
your prayers this month:
Chuck Boomer
Joe & Evelyn Burval
Ruth Corkill
Mr. Dennis
Ardene Ejnik
Pearl Fox
Chris Jacobsen
Kennet
Richard Levy
Char Lobitz
Nancy Maher
Doris Prienitz
Aidan Ray
Mary Reter
Gloria Solum
Chuck Steigerwald
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
Please let the office know if you are moving! Thanks!
NEW DIRECTORIES THIS FALL
New phone number and address directories will be available
on Rally Day, September 7th. These are not photo
directories, and will replace the ones from Fall 2006. If
you have moved, or have new information (including email
addresses!) since 2006, please contact the office to make
sure we have the right info. If you haven’t moved, but
think your info might be wrong for some reason, do the same
thing! The last 3 Sundays in August copies of the DRAFT
directory will be available in the narthex. We invite you
to double check your information in those directories
BEFORE we print them all out!
The
Messiah
Messenger
In this issue…
“Summer Days”
Congregational Meeting
Walk-a-Block for Messiah
New Projector Appeal
Youth Rummage Sale
Choir Picnic Pot Luck
Thanks from Pastor Sue
Thanks from Pastor Munker
Angels in the Narthex
Socks and Undies a Success~
Movies: Evelyn
MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH
1605 Vernon Avenue
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
Church Staff
Pastor Cynthia Munker, Interim 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
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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