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The April Messenger Issue #490
March 31, 2009
THE Messiah
MESSENGER
From the pastor
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! These are the words that will ring out on Easter Sunday! This is what we celebrate every time we gather together in worship. This is the message we are to carry out into the world with joy.
"On Our Way Rejoicing" is a wonderful hymn which truly speaks of our lives as Christians—people of the Resurrection, who give thanks and praise to God always (the meaning of worship) in our daily lives.
The second stanza is my favorite:
Unto God the Father, Joyful songs we sing;
Unto God the Savior, Thankful hearts we bring;
Unto God the Spirit, Bow we and adore,
On our way rejoicing, Now and evermore!
This hymn identifies the joy we feel because of the salvation Jesus has won for us. It tells us who and how we worship. And it describes the task before us once we leave the church building and go out into our world. Joy doesn’t begin or end in the sanctuary but rather is a condition of gratitude for all God has done for us. It is a response, so we sing, keep thankful hearts, bow down and adore our Lord, in words and actions, always. This is how others know who we are and whose we are. It is the Christian way of life–the abundant life Jesus has promised us.
The refrain also identifies for us what it means to be apostles of the Risen One:
On our way rejoicing, As we forward move,
Hearken to our praises, O blest God of love.
We move forward, into the mission field, in love, compassion, forgiveness from Christ and for one another. We move forward in our grief, in our resentments, our weaknesses, our brokenness—confident that God will heal us. We move forward with the Gospel and the Good News of Jesus! And in our work, God considers it as praise and blesses us! So let us enter the mission fields around us in joy, with thankful hearts, eager to share our joy and our Lord with those who do not yet know Jesus.
In the Name of our Risen Savior,
Pastor Munker
Noteworthy News
A MOMENT TO SAY “THANK YOU”
Thank you to Linda Raymond for coordinating the cleaning and organizing of the sacristy and for all those who helped. What a joy to know where to find everything!
Thank you to everyone who helped clean out the boiler room on Saturday, March 14th. And special thanks to Pat Daniels for coordinating the event; Rich Seggeling for providing breakfast foods; and Carol Hrodey for coordinating lunch. Job well done, one and all!
Our mid-week Lenten suppers and “Faith in Daily Life” series has been a real hit! Many, many thanks to everyone who shared with us: Debbie Chervinko, Cindy Norberg, Diane Blanks, Paul Holzer, Sandy Deines, Carol Hrodey, Trudi Handzel, Neil Hauser, Joyce Tjhio and Russ Raymond; to everyone who provided food for our suppers; to Sue Fox and Donna Hanson for playing the piano each evening; and to all who attended. We have been well nourished physically and spiritually.
Once again, Floyd Yager taught our First Communion classes each Wednesday in Lent. We are grateful to you Floyd, for the instruction and time you have given our children. They report you made learning fun for them. Thank you.
Thank you to everyone who supported our book fair in December. We are pleased to report a profit of $651.67 for the Global Alliance for Africa—Kibosho Project. We are grateful for your generosity and support.
And a big thank you to all those who baked or provided bread for our worship services since Ash Wednesday: Bud Duckett, Tim and Diane Blanks, Joyce Tjhio and Sue Kopij.
BUY A BRICK!
This summer, the Child Care Center will be building a patio/garden outside Messiah’s back southeast door. The hope is to have a peaceful place to rest, read, laugh, and enjoy with the children. The patio will also be the home of a statue donated to honor the loving memory of Miss Sue (Nugnis), a dear friend, member, and longtime teacher at Messiah who died of cancer in April 2007.
We would like to invite members to join in the creation of the patio. The design for the patio is posted outside the CCC offices in the Educational Wing. Brick designs and order forms are available there, as well as in the narthex and on line at messiahchildcare.com.
There is limited opportunity to participate by purchasing an engraved brick to be placed in our patio. Order forms must be received by June 1st to be included. There will be a reception and dedication ceremony on Saturday, August 8th. Time will be posted when plans are finalized.
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
April 5 10:15 AM Palm/Passion Sunday Services
April 9 7:30 PM Maundy Thursday Service
April 10 1:30 PM Good Friday Family Service
7:30 PM Good Friday Tenebrae Service
April 12 7:30 AM Easter Sunrise Service
8:30 AM Easter Breakfast
9:45 AM Sunday School Easter Egg Hunt
10:15 AM Festival of the Resurrection Service
Palm Sunday (also known as the Passion Sunday) worship service begins with 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 find this an enlightening introduction to Holy Week.
On Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus’ Last Supper with the celebration of Holy Communion, as we welcome 3 first communicants to the Lord’s Table. But first we hear Jesus’ words of forgiveness, the command to love one another, and to wash one another’s feet.
The Good Friday Family Worship service at 1:30 PM is the message of Good Friday for all ages. It is a great way to expose young ones to the serious nature of Good Friday. At 7:30 is the service of Darkness and Light. It is a contemplative Tenebrea Service.
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 Festival of
the Resurrection worship service, as we sing praises to the Risen One
and celebrate the salvation Jesus won for us. Come, Let us worship God!
COMMUNITY-WIDE EGG HUNT
Saturday, April 4th at 10 AM
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. Note: This is in addition to our Sunday School Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday. (The hunt will move inside if the weather is bad.)
GOSPEL MESSENGERS CONCERT
Saturday, April 25th at 7:00 PM
We will be hosting The Gospel Messengers from Carthage College on Saturday, April 25th at 6:00 p.m. followed by a potluck. Tickets are on sale now! This is a fundraiser for the building, so help is needed to make this evening a success. Help is needed to publicize, sell tickets, help the choir with set-up, organize the potluck, host students in your homes, etc! We will be hosting 37-47 students along with the choir director so please consider opening your home!! Please let Carol Hrodey know if you can help organize what should prove to be a great evening!
REMINDERS!
Men’s Breakfast Saturday, April 11th at 9:00 AM at Jimmy’s Restaurant,
1440 Rand Road in Des Plaines.
Friendship Day Friendship Day will be Thurs. April 23rd starting at 9AM. If you plan to stay for lunch, bring a sandwich or whatever you like, dessert will be furnished. Please feel free to come for an hour or so if that is all you can spare. We need help to continue this very important mission work. You will feel rewarded for your effort. You may also work at home, making quilt tops, baby sweaters, receiving blankets and baby wash clothes. Just see Eva Thoren. Thanks and GOD BLESS.
Child Care Board April 14th at 6:30 PM
Executive Committee April 14th at 7:00 PM
COMING IN MAY…
Festival of Pentecost Sunday Memorial Day Parade
This Month in Worship
WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS
All Worship Services are at 10:15 AM unless otherwise noted.
April 5 – Palm Sunday / Sunday of the Passion
Isaiah 50:4–9a; Psalm 31:9–16; Philippians 2:5–11; Mark 14:1—15:47*
April 9 – Maundy Thursday (7:30 pm)
Exodus 12:1–14; Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; John 13:1–35
April 10 – Good Friday Tenebrae (7:30 pm)
John 18:1—19:42
April 12 – Easter Sunday Sunrise Service (7:30 am)
Isaiah 25:6-9; Acts 10:34–43; Mark 16:1–8
April 12 – Festival of the Resurrection (10:15 am)
Isaiah 25:6-9; Acts 10:34–43; John 20:1-18
April 19 – 2nd Sunday after Easter
Acts 4:32–35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1—2:2; John 20:19–31
April 26 – 3rd Sunday after Easter
Acts 3:12–19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1–7; Luke 24:36b–48
*This is a dramatic reading by members of the congregation.
ADULT FORUM SCHEDULE
April 5 – Lutheran Handbook – The 3 Most Rebellious Things
Jesus Said
April 12 – No Adult Forum, Easter Sunday
April 19 – Lutheran Handbook – How to Read the Bible
April 26 – Breakfast with the Gospel Messengers Choir
Sundays at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
WORSHIP HELPERS
April 5 April 12 April 19 April 26
10:15am 7:30am 10:15am 10:15am 10:15am
Acolytes Kevin K Thomas Y Tommy H Melissa H Nick L
Communion Assistants Pat K Floyd Y Kim H Julie H Rich L
Readers Rich L Teresa L Neil H Tait J David S
Worship Assistants Vikki H David S Diane B John F Pat K
Projection Jim H Jim H Jim H Jim H Jim H
Ushers Connie K,
David K Connie K,
David K Connie K,
David K,
Kirsten K,
Bill B Connie K,
David K Connie K,
David K
Greeters * * * * *
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!
April 5 – Flowers are given in memory of Susan Clare Nugnis.
April 12 – Easter Lilies are placed on the altar, and an insert will list the names of the people who have given them and whom they have been given for.
April 19 – Flowers are given in memory of Arlene Meskan.
April 26 – Flowers are given in memory of Matthew Ryczek.
Calendar
See the Calendar Page
MESSAGES
Child Care Fun Fair
This is a congregational event with the Child Care Center! Coming May 15th, the
Annual Messiah Child Care Fun Fair Messiah members are asked to volunteer to run games the day of the event, which is a GREAT way to meet our CCC families. We are also looking for donations for the silent auction. All proceeds will go to the building of the new Memorial Patio on the SE corner of the building.
On Sunday, February 22nd, bibles were given from Messiah to Jessica Krawitz, Eric Morgan and Philip Holzer as they began First Communion instruction. They will make their First Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 9. Please remember them in your prayers and congratulate them as we welcome them to the Lord’s Table.
We need two people (preferably one male and one female) to act as synod delegates for Messiah at the Metro Chicago Synod Assembly on Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Rosemont, IL. We pay your expenses and you learn about the exciting ministries of our synod! Please see Pastor or Carol Hrodey for more information.
Manna Order Dates
We are changing our due dates – for the next 3 months orders will be due on the FIRST Sunday of the month. This just works better with holidays, etc. So April due date is the 5th, you will get cards in time for Easter!
Thank you to everyone who supported our book fair in December. We are pleased to report a profit of $651.67 for the Global Alliance Kibosho Project. We are grateful for your generosity and support.
WASHING OF FEET
Pastor is looking for people (young and old alike) who are willing to have their feet washed on Maundy Thursday, April 9. Please let Pastor know by April 8th if you want to participate in this.
New Parking Lot
We will be collecting paving bids in April, so if anyone knows of a reputable company they can submit the name to Patti Daniels by April 13th. Paving should be done in May, so the sooner the better!
Clean Up Day
A big thank you to everyone who helped with the clean-up day on the March 14th. A lot was accomplished and while there is more work to be done it was a great effort that is very much appreciated!
Volunteers Needed for Flowers
Barb and Carm Loverme are looking for some folks to help with the watering of the flowers over the summer. Contact them if you are able to assist. Also, we are accepting monetary donations to cover the cost of our outside flowers. Simply write “Outside Flowers” in the other box of your envelope. Thanks!
Gospel Singers Program Ads
Our Gospel Messengers concert is a fundraiser for building projects. One of the ways we will raise funds is to sell ads for the program. If you’d like to purchase an ad, or if you know of a business that might be interested, please put them in touch with Patti Daniels asap. Ad deadline is April 20th.
We have been enjoying our winter out here in Nevada, and now it's time for us to return to IL. In case not all of you know, our daughter Jennifer is getting married on May 23 at Messiah, and I am told that there is still much to be done before that day. Looking forward to seeing all of you soon.
Nancy Herak & Joyce Johnsen
Youth Corner
First of all....Thank you to all who were able to attend the Laser Tag, Putt-Putt Golf, Arcade, Concert, and Lock-in Adventure Saturday the 14th, and then helped out with the Pancake Breakfast. We had some fun and enjoyed the day! We had a pretty good turn-out and hope we can continue to do some events that are fun like that.
A couple of things for your calendars...
April 25- 26th, 2009 -- Gospel Messengers Concert at Messiah -- On this weekend we will be welcoming a singing group from Carthage College for a concert at Messiah. The Gospel Messengers will be performing. This will be a great chance for you to meet and interact with some college students as they come to perform, spend the night, and worship with our congregation on Sunday.
May 8-9, 2009 --- Overnight and Service Project at University Lutheran Church at Northwestern. As we did last year, we will go to ULC on a Friday evening and hangout with their group. Those that went last year had a good time. We will head out Friday evening, have dinner, worship, study, play games (they have a pool table and ping-pong), and just have fun. The following morning we will head out with their group to do a service project (last year it was the Food Depository) and we are working on exactly what that will be. We had a great time last year and we expect this year to be wonderful as well.
Finally, VBS will likely be the last week of July, the July 27th - July 30th. We are looking for adult volunteers but we can use you as well! We need to get FIRM COMMITMENTS of volunteers so we know we can put on this event. It has grown over the past several years, is a wonderful outreach to the community, and furthers our mission "With Christ, Reaching Out and Welcoming All of God's Children." If we are to build the Kingdom of God, reach out into the world and make disciples there is a wonderful place to start in children! We would hate to see this ministry fall away because we can't get volunteers to do the work we are called to do in this world!!!! So, please.....look into your heart, look at your calendar, and see if you can clear 5 mornings to spend time sharing the love of Jesus with about 60 or 70 young kids who will look up to you and admire your for that full week! Please let Mrs. Holzer or me know ASAP that you are willing and able to help.
Milestones
BIRTHDAYS
Kimberly Jones, 4/2
Jennifer Herak, 4/3
William Valenta, 4/4
Diane Wilson, 4/4
Charlene Lobitz, 4/8
Russell Raymond, 4/8
James Seggeling, 4/8
Connie Kaufman, 4/10
Richard Daniels, 4/11
Karli Valenta, 4/12
Stephen Plaza, 4/13
Patricia Daniels, 4/19
Sue Ellen Fox, 4/19
Trudi Handzel, 4/23
Samson Markos, 4/23
Dylan Harris, 4/27
Jean Seggeling, 4/28
Eva Thoren, 4/28
Eugene Borgeson, 4/29
Rebecca Valenta, 4/29
Derek Smith, 4/30
ANNIVERSARIES
Greg and Jean Nastali – 4/27/85, 24 years
Les and Nancy Herak – 4/30/77, 32 years
Messiah Leadership IN 2009
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
Property Coordinator: Patti Daniels
Stewardship: Floyd Yager
Evangelism: David Swanson
WELCA: Eva Thoren
Brotherhood: Rich Seggeling
Christian Education: Kristin Yager
Confirmation/HS: Floyd Yager
Adult Forum: Rich Levy, David Swanson
Choir: Pat Daniels
Music: Tom Daniels, Sue Fox
Altar Guild: Linda Raymond
Memorial Report as of March 25, 2009
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.
We give thanks to Russell and Linda Raymond, who have had all our communion ware refurbished and brass chancel furnishings refinished in memory of all Messiahs saints—past and present.
IN MEMORY OF GLORIA SOLUM
Given by: Charlotte and Bill Baumgartner, Chuck and Jackie Steigerwald, Irene Luck, Carol Hrodey, Mildred Anderson, Jim and Trudi Handzel for the pew bibles
IN MEMORY OF PASTOR JOE HULTERSTRUM
Given by: Charlotte and Bill Baumgartner, Chuck and Jackie Steigerwald, Irene Luck, Dave and Donna Hanson for Property Reserve
IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM BREWER
Given by: Martin and Christine Ruterschmidt for the Music Fund
Messiah Movies
FIREPROOF
Available on Netflix or Blockbuster
Kirk Cameron plays Capt. Caleb Holt, a dedicated firefighter whose marriage to his wife, Catherine (Erin Bethea), has taken a severe turn for the worse and is about to end in divorce. But just when hope seems to be running out for them, Holt's Christian father intervenes, challenging the couple to a 40-day experiment that he hopes will give them a renewed love not only for each other, but also for God.
My husband and I watched this movie together after our daughter went to bed. I am glad because while I think this is an important film, and the basic theme is founded in faith, this is not a “family” movie due to adult situations. I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone under 10 or so, use your best judgment. I WOULD definitely recommend it for couples to see together. Whether you have a solid, happy marriage, or if you are struggling to stay civil to each other every day, you will learn something from this movie. It shows very strongly that putting God at the center of your marriage can help you cope with the “daily grind” of married life. Kirk Cameron is very good as Caleb Holt, an angry, defensive man who doesn’t clearly see his wife clearly for who she is. I will admit that some of the dialog is a bit amateurish, but on the whole this was a very good movie.
Prayer Requests
Please include the following individuals and families in your prayers this month:
Lois Bunt
Evelyn Burval
Ardene Ejnik
Pearl Fox
Chris Jacobsen
Ruth Jeppeson
Larry and Arlene Johnson
Kennet
Richard Levy
Nancy Maher
Lois Oset
Helen Paul
Sumdara Rao
Aidan Ray
Mary Reter
Chuck Steigerwald
Linda (Rodin) Ufkes
Anne Wiberg
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!
We have several people who attend our worship regularly, but have not yet become members. The office has contact information on most of them, but it is our policy to not publish contact information without permission and/or foreknowledge. When someone becomes a member, they give that permission (or not) when they fill out their “New Members’ Form.” If you are trying to reach someone, and they are not in our directory, please call the office and we will be happy to help.
The
Messiah
Messenger
In this issue…
“On Our Way Rejoicing”
A Moment to Say Thank You
Buy a Brick!
Holy Week Schedule
Easter Egg Hunt
Gospel Messengers Choir
This Month’s Readings
Adult Forum Schedule
Worship Assistants
Many Messages
Youth Events Coming Up
Memorial Report
Movie: Fireproof
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
John Handzel, Property Maintenance
Worknesh Deressa, Custodian
Tom Daniels, Director of Music
Sue Fox, Organist
1605 Vernon Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068
p 847.823.6984 f 847.823.6996
PastorLynne@messiahparkridge.org
Office@messiahparkridge.org
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