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The Messiah Messenger>
The September Messenger Issue #483
August 29, 2008
THE Messiah
MESSENGER
From the pastor
". . .let us run with perseverance the race that is set
before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of
our faith. . ." (Hebrews 12:1c-2a)
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Did you watch the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in China? I
have, and I must admit – each time the Olympics occur, I
get caught up in all the excitement, no matter what the
event! It is inspiring to see people from so many parts of
the world come together. They compete with each other but
they are united in the pursuit of the same goal – do their
best, represent their country, and win the gold medal.
The Spirit of the Olympic Games in particular is one that
celebrates what makes us strong as humans – discipline,
dedication, courage and encouragement. During a race, both
athletes and spectators rally together in the dream of
winning the prize. So I enjoy watching all kinds of sports
events, whether new records are set or not. What matters
most is the effort of the athletes and our recognition of
those efforts.
The 2008 Games in Beijing can inspire each of us in our own
daily efforts to accomplish our goals in daily life, be it
our family, our work, or our ministry. From the Olympians,
we learn the importance of coming together as one and
uniting in a common purpose. For Christians, that purpose
is living out God’s purpose of God’s Church.
The writer of Hebrews uses the image of a runner in a race
to illustrate the challenge for each follower of Jesus (Heb
12:1-2). When Jesus called us to become disciples we got
started on the track. With our eyes on Jesus we are now
running a race, living out God’s purpose, disciplining
ourselves in order to be models of the Godly life, moving
toward the finish line with perseverance. Paul writes in 1
Cor 9:24-25, "Do you not know that in a race the runners
all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a
way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in
all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but
we an imperishable one."
We observe in the Olympics that no matter where you are in
the race, you keep going. For Christians, that means that
no matter your age or station in life, we continue to live
our God’s plan for us as individuals, as a congregation and
as a denomination. It means there is always work to be
done, and God will be there, urging us forward. The Good
News for the Christian is that we all win! We all get the
Gold Medal!
As we begin our fall schedule, let us all work together to
focus our efforts on truly living out the mission God has
set before us as Messiah Lutheran Church–With Christ,
reaching out and welcoming all God’s children!
A co-runner with you,
Pastor Cynthia Munker
Noteworthy News
2008 HARVEST FESTIVAL COMING SOON!
On November 15th from 9 – 3 PM we'll host our 3rd Annual
Harvest Festival. Please save the date!! We'll need people
to help of course!! There will be more about how you can
help soon.
Also - for anyone who is "crafty" and would like to have a
table to sell your wares, space is free to Messiah members.
Or, if you don't think you'd have a whole table full of
things to sell or a whole day to man a table, we will have
an area called "Messiah Boutique" where we can include your
items along with others from Messiah. All we ask is that
you mark everything with your name and price so we can keep
track of what is sold. In addition, we ask that you give an
hour or so of time at the "boutique." Either way - start
"crafting" now for this fun November event!!
If you have any questions please see Carol Hrodey or Julie
Holzer.
CALL PROCESS
As we move into the fall season, we will begin to discuss
the call process to determine our congregation's readiness
to embark on this important step. There will be two
important aspects to this process - the first to update the
Congregational Profile and the second to form the Call
Committee. We have already heard from a few people who are
interested in participating on the Call Committee but will
need a few more when we are ready to proceed. We will keep
the congregation informed as we proceed. And as Messiah
considers this next chapter, please continue to pray for
God's guidance as He leads us forward.
VBS A SUCCESS!
Again, we had another great VBS program! We had over 60
kids enrolled (yep, that is up again this year!) and got
lots of great compliments from parents AND children about
how much they love VBS! Thank you, thank you, thank you to
all who donated their time and talents to this great
ministry and outreach opportunity!
Upcoming Events
(Always check with church office before you schedule an
event – there is a room assignment calendar maintained by
the Office Administrator.)
RALLY DAY
September 7th @ 10:15 AM
Our annual kick off to the Sunday School year begins!
Worship is at 10:15 – we haven’t decided yet if it will be
outside – and following worship is our family picnic! We
will have games and activities, and we will take some time
to “sign up” our kids for Sunday School classes. Sunday
School classes begin the following week (September 14) at
9:00 AM. Our Rally Day Picnic is a great time to invite
guests to Messiah.
We also welcome the choir back after the summer hiatus, and
many of our members who have been vacationing in places
abroad!
PILATES CLASSES RETURN!
Thursdays 7:30-8:30 beginning September 11th
(This time and date are tentative, based on response and
availability. Check the weekly bulletin for confirmation.)
Certified Pilates instructor and Messiah member Missy
Vacala will hold a 6-week Pilates class in the NEWLY
CARPETED Multipurpose Room Thursdays 7:30-8:30 PM beginning
September 11th. Classes are only $15 each/$90 for the whole
6 weeks. Email Missy at vitalfitness@yahoo.com to sign up
or for more info. This is open to the public, so bring a
friend! Participants should bring their own “yoga mat” or
heavy towel to work on, and a water bottle. Missy will
provide instruction, music, and some free weights. She is
also really good at customizing the workout for different
skill levels, so older folks are more than welcome! If you
can’t make all the classes that’s okay, just come to the
ones you can. Class size is minimum 10/maximum 20, so sign
up!
C.R.O.P. WALK COMING UP
The walk is on October 19th. A hot dog lunch served
12:30-1:30; registration at 1:30 and set-off ceremony
begins at 2:00 with step off shortly after. Our own Trudi
Handzel and David Swanson were involved in the planning
last year, and will soon be looking for people to walk with
them. More details in the October Messenger.
FRIENDSHIP DAY INGATHERING
Thursday, September 25th at 9 AM
Friendship Day will resume on Sept. 25th at 9 AM with
InGathering, which is when we package the layettes and
health kits to be sent to the LWR warehouse. We could use
some help with this project and we need 2 men to help with
the boxing and weighing. Usually we are finished buy 11 AM
We do have some "sit down" jobs if you are not able to
stand. Please come and help. I really think you will enjoy
it. The number of items packed will be in the October
Messenger. The trailer will be in the parking lot October 4
and 5. We also need help then. The sign up sheet will be in
the Narthex so look for it.
The Angels in the Narthex Friendship Bucket was a great
success. Thanks to all who contributed to it.
"He won't forget the love you have shown his people."
Hebrews 6:10
REMINDERS!
Friendship Day See article above for information about
InGathering. In November it is our custom to meet on the
3rd Thurs. due to Thanksgiving being on the 4th Thurs.
Men’s Breakfast Returns! Saturday, September 13th at 9 AM
at Jimmy’s Restaurant in Des Plaines. Join the Men’s
Brotherhood for breakfast and fellowship. There will be a
couple of months when the Men plan a “fix it” day. Those
will be announced as they are scheduled.
Child Care Board September 2nd at 7:00 PM
WELCA Board September 3rd at 9:00 AM
Executive Committee September 9th at 7:00 PM
COMING IN OCTOBER…
Annual Blessing of the Pets
Baptismal Class for Parents of
Children to be Baptized
Niles/Park Ridge CROP Walk
This Month in Worship
WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS
All Worship Services are at 10:15 AM unless otherwise
noted.
September 7 – 17th Sunday after Pentecost
Ezekiel 33:7–11; Psalm 119:33–40; Romans 13:8–14; Matthew
18:15–20
September 14 – 18th Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 50:15–21; Psalm 103:[1–7] 8–13; Romans 14:1–12;
Matthew 18:21–35
September 21 – 19th Sunday after Pentecost
Jonah 3:10—4:11; Psalm 145:1–8; Philippians 1:21–30;
Matthew 20:1–16
September 28 – 20th Sunday after Pentecost
Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32; Psalm 25:1–9; Philippians 2:1–13;
Matthew 21:23–32
RALLY DAY – A DEFINITION …
I asked myself what does “Rally Day” mean – what is it that
we are trying to do on “Rally Day?” It’s always been a day
to kick off the fall season and a transition from the
summer schedule to the fall schedule. A picnic; a
transition from the laid back summer days to the work of
the “regular” year. Oh yeah – time to work again! But I
still ask, what does “Rally Day” mean – what should we be
doing at this annual gathering?
So I looked up the word “rally” and here is what I found:
As a noun, it means a meeting, a gathering, an assembly or
a convention. OK – we’re gathering and assembling. But then
I looked at the word “rally” as a verb – an ACTION word –
and here is what I found: First – it describes “rally” as a
verb meaning to COME TOGETHER – or to UNITE, to SUPPORT, to
JOIN FORCES!!. Yes! That is what we need to do for “Rally
Day!” And then I looked a little further and there was a
second meaning of “Rally” as a verb – to RECOVER. We’ve had
a rough year – we are in a recovery phase, right? Not to
say that there still won't be tough times here and there,
but we have been working hard to get through the events of
this past year. It further described the verb to “rally” as
to PULL THROUGH, to GET BETTER, to IMPROVE, to REVIVE, to
RECUPERATE, to PERK UP, to MAKE A COMEBACK!!
So let’s COME TOGETHER on Sunday, September 7th to UNITE
and SUPPORT each other to REVIVE ourselves to PERK UP and
JOIN FORCES to continue our mission to “WITH CHRIST, REACH
OUT AND WELCOME ALL GOD’S CHILDREN”!!
Carol Hrodey
WORSHIP HELPERS
September 7 September 14 September 21 September 28
10:15am 10:15am 10:15am 10:15am
Acolytes Melissa H Jenni H Andrew F Kevin K
Communion Assistants Julie H Vikki H John F Pat K
Readers Rich L Trygve J Cindy N Dottie B
Worship Assistants David S Diane B John F Pat K
Projection Ravi P Jim H Jim H Jim H
Ushers Bob B, Sue B,
David J,
Tait J Bob B, Sue B,
David J,
Trygve J Bob B, Sue B,
David J,
Tait J Bob B, Sue B,
David J,
Trygve J
Greeters Worknesh D Worknesh D Worknesh D Worknesh D
Counters Dave H,
Tom J Dave H,
Tom J Dave H,
Tom J Dave H,
Tom J
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!
September 7 – Flowers are given in memory of Conrad
Wilson’s birthday by Diane Wilson.
September 14 – Flowers are given by the Handzels in memory
of Skip and Lorraine Handzel.
September 21 – Flowers are given by the Hausers for Kyle’s
3rd birthday, and bulletins are given in memory of Norbert
Hauser
September 28 – Flowers are given in memory of Lance and
Tanya Blanks. Bulletins are given by the Hausers in memory
of Uncle Vlasta and Aunt Giselle.
Messages
Youth Rummage Sale Thanks
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of
those who helped with the Rummage Sale at Messiah on August
15th and August 16th. It took a lot of effort and we had
great participation from the youth, adult volunteers, and
some friends from Park Ridge Presbyterian Church. All in
all it was a successful event with nearly $500 for the
Youth Group at Messiah. The Youth will be donating half of
the proceeds to the Maine Township Food Pantry!
A big “thank you” to everyone who donated goods for the
sale. There were many "treasures" that were sold with the
remainder being donated to the Wings Resale Shop in
Palatine (http://www.wingsprogram.com/about.htm). WINGS
helps homeless and abused women and children by offering
integrated services that meet their needs for shelter,
education, guidance and support. They provide safe, secure
living environments, through transitional housing and
emergency shelter, in residential neighborhoods that allow
women to go to school, work, and care for themselves and
their children. They will sell the remaining goods in their
resale shops to raise funds for their mission.
We could not have pulled off the sale without the donation
of time and talent of our volunteers. While Kristin and I
were on vacation, much of the work fell to the youth who
came out to help -- Jenni Hanson, Tait Jensen, Trygve
Jensen, Joe Levy, Holly Norberg, and Eric Ryczek. In
addition a huge thank you to our Adult Volunteers -- Julie
Holzer, Laura Hauser, Vic Berzins, Rich and Helen Levy, and
Cindy Norberg. Without the help of each of these wonderful
members of Messiah we would not have had a successful sale.
In addition, a thank you all the Hauser family, who, along
with Jim Handzel, came the night before the sale and
carried many of the goods that were being stored in the
Fellowship Hall to the Narthex to make set-up on Friday
morning much easier!
Finally, a thank you to the youth volunteers from Park
Ridge Presbyterian Church, along with Scott Williams and
Youth Director Andrew Knoblauch, who came out to help on
Friday afternoon. We are looking forward to having some
joint youth events with their group in the future!
Thank you once again for making this event a success and
showing the true spirit of Messiah!
Floyd Yager
Dear Messiah Congregation:
Thank you for all the socks and underwear! The youth
outreach team was thrilled to have them to pass out to the
homeless teens that visit the Broadway Youth Center!
Rev. Julie Delezenne, Coordinator, The Night Ministry
Messiah Ministries – PADS Experience
When I first began my ministry in the south suburbs, new
PADS sites were being opened and I had the opportunity to
volunteer at several of the newly formed sites. I would
like to tell you about my observations, impressions and
experiences with PADS.
I would like to begin by addressing the issues that are
raised about “homeless” people. When speaking about the
homeless, the image that most often arises is that of a
long time street person—someone who may live under a bridge
or over a heated grate on a sidewalk. This is not the
population I found coming to PADS. Rather, I found families
who had lost their homes, mothers with babies or young
children, men who were out of work—all who came to the
shelter for meals and sometimes a place to sleep.
We often had more people coming for dinner who left after
the meal and fellowship than we had people who stayed to
sleep. Why? Because they did not have enough money to buy
food for themselves or their families. People had to make
tough decisions—keep their small apartment or live with a
family member, but go without food because of lack of money
and so they came to PADS to eat their dinner. For people
such as these, it was often their only meal for the day and
they were hungry.
Many who came to PADS had recently lost their jobs, or had
lost their home or apartment because they could not pay
their rent. Many were working poor. Often we had to wake
guests up between 4:30 a.m.– 5:00 a.m. in order for them to
catch several busses and travel 1- 2 hours to a job that
paid minimum wages. They could not afford housing and were
doing their best to get back on their feet. They paid their
taxes and worked every day to get ahead. But they relied on
PADS for food and shelter while working at bettering their
life.
After meals we had fellowship, television and games,
in which some participated. But many were tired and
therefore went to bed early, particularly those who had to
go to work in the morning. My overall experience with PADS
was quite positive. I can’t remember a time when a guest
felt that the world owed them anything and they were always
polite and grateful for what they were given at the PADS
site.
As a pastor and a Christian, I know to whom much is given,
much is expected. PADS is the work of the Church—to be the
hands, heart, feet, mind and body of Jesus. It is what we
are called to be and what we are called to do.
Pastor Munker
Youth Corner
Check out all the fun stuff coming up for the rest of the
year!
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 – The 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.
Confirmation Class Begins Again
We are approaching the beginning of the confirmation year.
As previously communicated, last year, we changed
confirmation to be a three-year program. This year, we will
have our year studying the Bible. The curriculum we use is
from “To Know, To Live, To Grow” from Augsburg Fortress. We
will plan to meet during the normal Christian Education
Hour each week from 9am – 10am. At one of our first classes
we will also agree upon a time where we can get together
for a 2 hour “Lutheran Learning Experience” session, once a
month for some fellowship, fun, learning, and review. We
will do a variety of things to reinforce learning and to
deepen student’s relationships with God and with one
another.
Milestones
BIRTHDAYS
Ardene Ejnik, 9/1
Joey Olson, 9/1
Isabella DiVita, 9/2
Leona Johnson, 9/2
Effie Laster, 9/5
David Hanson, 9/8
Victor Berzins, 9/9
Lauri Hamden, 9/9
Mary Jelonek, 9/9
Melissa Litwin, 9/9
Melissa Vacala, 9/10
Daniel Christiansen, 9/11
George Magerl, 9/11
Melvin Shapiro, 9/12
Caitlin Levy, 9/13
Marilynn Duckett, 9/14
Michael Hanson, 9/14
Donald Wageman, 9/14
Kyle Hauser, 9/16
Tom Hanson, 9/17
David Jensen, 9/18
Richard Levy, 9/18
Teresa Lippert, 9/20
Mary Reter, 9/20
Holly Norberg, 9/21
Lois Patterson, 9/21
Worknesh Deressa, 9/22
Stacey Hall, 9/22
Steve Loverme, 9/23
Julie Jensen, 9/25
Anthony Czarnik, 9/26
Barbara Valasek, 9/26
Thomas Daniels, 9/27
Pat Fragale, 9/28
Joe Hulterstrum, 9/28
Linda Ufkes, 9/29
ANNIVERSARIES
Marv and Luanne Jelonek, 9/8/1979 – 29 years
Jennifer and Neil Wagner, 6/26/1987 – 21 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
CCC Director: Karen Black
CCC Board: Donna Berzins
Maintenance: Vic Berzins
Stewardship: Floyd Yager
Evangelism: David Swanson
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 august 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 RUTH CORKILL
Given by: Millie Anderson, Phil and Andrea LeBoy for
Property Reserve Fund
IN MEMORY OF JENNY STABB
Given by: Millie Anderson for Property Reserve Fund
Given by: Char Lobitz for Flower Fund
Prayer request updates
Dear Friends at Messiah:
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers for our mom Doris
Preinitz. She is deteriorating both physically and mentally
so your caring is especially important to us. Please
continue to pray for mom and for us.
Bill Preinitz and Nancy and Don Hrodey
An Update from Joyce Tjhio:
Thank you, Messiah, for your prayers for Patrick and
Claudine (Tjhio) Ward, and for Kevin Ward. Patrick is
nearing the end of his military career (Air Force), and
will be working in the private sector soon. Claudine is
about half-way through the 9 years that she “owes” the
military for her education, she is currently still
finishing her medical residency in DC.
Patrick’s youngest brother Kevin got married the end of
May. He and his new bride Emily will be moving to Italy in
a few months. Kevin was in Afghanistan for more than a year
before the wedding, and he will for sure be deployed again
while stationed in Italy.
Your prayers continue to keep these (and other) special
people safe, and they are much appreciated. Thank you for
your continuing prayer support of our military personnel.
Prayer Requests
Please include the following individuals and families in
your prayers this month:
Joe & Evelyn Burval
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 MONTH
We will be mailing out the new phone directories next week.
These are not photo directories, and will replace the ones
from Fall 2006.
The
Messiah
Messenger
In this issue…
Running with Perseverance
Harvest Festival Coming Soon
Call Process
VBS a Success
Rally Day
LWR InGathering
Rummage Sale Thanks
Night Ministry Thanks
PADS Shelter Experience
Prayer Request Updates
No Movie This Month
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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