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The Messiah Messenger >
The February Messenger Issue #500
The February Messenger Issue #500
Jan 29, 2010
The Messiah
MESSENGER
FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This time of year, as the light of Epiphany fades into Lent, my thoughts are about taking a pilgrimage. Although my pilgrimage is geographically limited to the northwest suburbs of Chicago, there is a sense of connecting to others making similar pilgrimages - in current day, and those from the past.
"Dust", a video by Rob Bell tells how in ancient Judaic tradition, each and every rabbi had a disciple or, as in the case of Jesus, hundreds. The ultimate and highest honor and achievement in their educational system was to become a rabbi. The role of a rabbi was the most respected, prestigious role in the community. Jesus went through this educational system as a young Jew and became a rabbi. Jesus and other young Jewish children who desired to be a rabbi's disciple spent their time memorizing all of the scriptures and rabbinic writings so they could answer any question the rabbi might ask. Once accepted as a disciple by a rabbi, the youth would follow him everywhere and imitate everything he said and did so that the disciple would be just like the rabbi. There was, in a sense, a pilgrimage of faithful learning in place as a rabbi's disciple. At that time, there was a blessing in Hebrew that translates (roughly) to "May you be covered by the dust of your rabbi." If the disciple followed the rabbi closely enough, then the disciple would be covered in the dust from the rabbi's sandals.
On Ash Wednesday (February 17 this year), we use the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." As we gather to receive ashes, I invite you to remember those words with a new understanding. Not merely a reminder of our human mortality, we are also reminded of how we are connected to each other as disciples of our rabbi, Jesus. This year during Lent, won't you join us in learning about what it means to be dusty? I invite you to join us on this dusty journey called Lent. (Please see “This Month in Worship,” pp. 6-7 for the Ash Wednesday and Lenten schedules).
Our Lenten Services will be held on Wednesday evenings in the Sanctuary. We will gather in worship using the Holden Evening Prayer Service. The year-round retreat center Holden Village, is known for this service, a form of the traditional Vespers (an evening prayer service which dates back to the early Christian church).
During the services, we will have a Bible Study on the Psalms using resources from A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society by Eugene Peterson. We will read, study, share and discuss the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) that were sung by pilgrims on their way up to worship in Jerusalem. In these songs, we will explore themes relevant to us as modern pilgrims, as we learn to grow in worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community, and blessing.
May you be covered in the dust of your rabbi, Jesus.
Blessings to you and yours,
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
IN MEMORIAM
Al Preissner
Alfred Preissner was born February 8, 1931 in Chicago (Humboldt Park area). He attended Crane Technical High School, and studied college prep courses. He loved technical subjects, played football and wrestled on the school teams. Shortly following graduation he served in the US Army at Fort Lee, Virginia before the Korean crisis development. He returned to Chicago to perform engineering drafting and design with Mossner Engineering prior to joining his father’s plumbing business.
Al married his high-school sweetheart Dolores and together they lived and shared life in Park Ridge, raising two sons, Eric and Curt.
Al worked 45+ years on large industrial jobs and many of the newly developed hospital expansions in Chicago. Al worked on many of the University of Illinois’ buildings in Chicago and Champaign, where his sons would later study.
Alfred always made his best effort to make life better for his wife and family, as well as for the many friends he developed throughout his personal and professional career.
Alfred died peacefully on Sunday January 17, 2010 knowing his sons, daughter in-laws; grandchildren (Max and Kate) were proud and thankful for the love, guidance, and encouragement he gave them through their lives. Al will always be remembered and missed by his family and friends.
Carmen Loverme
Carmen Loverme, age 77, of Park Ridge, passed away Sunday, January 24, 2010. Beloved husband of Barbara, loving father of Michelle and Steven and dear Papa to Sarah, Zachary, Aidan and Dan. (Michelle, Steven, Zachary, and Aidan were all baptized at Messiah.)
Carm was born in Jamestown, NY. He proudly served in the US Air Force from 1952-1956. He married Barbara on October 10, 1964. He was an accomplished musician and teacher at the Litus and Wilkens School of Music. He was a Park Ridge police officer for 23 years, retiring in 1987. During retirement, he played the vibraphones, performing many playing jobs and continued to teach lessons to accordion and piano students. He was on the board of directors of the Chicago Accordion Club. He volunteered for 14 years to “Meals on Wheels” and the “Fish” organization. A member of Messiah Lutheran Church, he took pleasure in planting flowers at the church. He also enjoyed vegetable gardening and making bird houses at home.
Carm was a welcome presence at Messiah, lending a hand (and a very policeman-ish authority) to our parking lots during July 3rd celebrations, lending his dry wit and humor to gatherings, and giving us the benefit of his experience and passion for the outside view of our church. He will be much missed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
(PLEASE always check with church office before you schedule an event – there is a room assignment calendar maintained by the Office Administrator.)
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD
CLEAN UP DAY
Saturday, Feb 6th @ 9AM
Organized by the Brotherhood
(but all are invited!) the task for this clean-up day is to "deep clean" and prepare the church for the Lenten season. Work will start with the narthex and move into the sanctuary depending on how many people can help. Contact Rich Seggeling or Russ Raymond if you can help.
MARDI GRAS POTLUCK LUNCHEON
Sunday, February 14th at 11:30 AM
In honor of our Messiah Mardi Gras tradition, we are having a pot luck after the Worship service. “Jambalaya," "dirty rice," and a "King Cake" will be provided , along with non-alcoholic "Hurricanes." Please sign up in the narthex if you would like to bring a side dish or dessert. Don't worry if you are unable to bring a dish! We will have crafts and activities for "all of God's children." Feel free to invite friends and visitors to this fellowship activity.
ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, February 7th following the worship service
This is the time of year that we review our accomplishments of the past year, and set goals for the coming year. Pick up an annual report on Sunday, the 31st, take a little time to read it over, and then be prepared to discuss and vote on our initiatives and our budget for 2010.
MONTHLY REMINDERS
Friendship Day - February 25th starting at 9AM or whenever you can come for an hour or more. Dessert will be served. Please bring a sandwich or whatever you like for lunch if you plan to stay. Don't worry if you cannot sew, we will teach you! Also you may work at home, making sweaters for the layettes, patterns available. Just check if there are other things you would like to do. Knitting lessons started in January. Trudi Handzel and Sandi Collie are now in charge of this program. Contact them if you have any questions. Thanks!
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Child Care Board
Tuesday, 2/16 at 6:30 PM
(moved due to Valentine’s Party)
Executive Committee Meeting
Monday, 2/15 at 7 PM
COMING IN March
Lenten Services Continue
Community Egg Hunt
Holy Week Begins
YOUTH NEWS
February 7th is the Souper Bowl – see the “Messiah Ministries” page for more information about that!
As part of the Youth network we are invited to “eSkape” for a lock-in on February 12th-13th. We're excited for an awesome night of fellowship, fun, new friends...oh, and laser tag, bowling, and video games. Our cost for the evening will be $40/person -- the Messiah Youth group will pick up $25 of the cost, but we are asking that each of the youth (Jr. and Sr. High) pay $15 to commit them to attend. The money was due to Mrs. Holzer or Mr. Yager by January 31st! If you didn't get your money in, it is not too late, but we need it soon so we can let the Youth Network know how many to expect from Messiah. You all have been talking about "fun" events and this will be nothing but fun. Bring a friend. We will meet at Messiah at 8pm and travel to Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights to be there my 9:00 p.m. for some opening activities and structured free time. There are two student bands lined up for the evening. Beginning a little after midnight, we will begin to shuttle youth over to eSkape in Buffalo Grove. We will be able to use their facility from 12:30 a.m.- 5:00 a.m.
To Save a Life -- There is a new movie out titled "To Save a Life". You can read about it at this website (http://www.tosavealife movie.com/index.php). To Save A Life is an indie movie about the real-life challenges of teens and the choices they face. I am planning to see this movie soon, and if there is interest from any of you, I would be happy to take you along with me. Let me know and we will make plans. Also, on February 26th Jeremy Camp, a really cool Christian artist, is playing a concert in Crystal Lake at 7:30pm. I am hoping to go and would love to have any of the Messiah Youth come along. If you are interested, let me know as soon as possible and we can pre-buy tickets!
Finally, we just became aware of an event on Sunday February 28th. At 4pm, there will be a "Battle of the Praise Bands" at Walther Lutheran High School in Melrose Park. Church praise bands will battle for your votes and bragging rights as the "Best Prasie Band." Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. This sounds like a lot of fun, and if we have anyone interested in attending, I would be happy to chaperone a group!
I am still working on an event with University Lutheran Church at Northwestern again. We are working to find a Friday evening to spend with them in March and attend a service event on Saturday morning.
If you have any questions about our upcoming events, please contact me....Thanks.
Do Justice, Love Kindness, and Walk Humbly with God,
~ Floyd Yager
THIS MONTH IN WORSHIP
Sunday Worship Focus Sunday School Adult Forum Confirmation
Feb. 7 5th Sunday after Epiphany
1st Lesson: Isaiah 6:1–8 [9–13]
Psalm: Psalm 138
2nd Lesson: 1 Cor. 15:1–11
Gospel: Luke 5:1–11 Mid Year Review
The New Testament Meaning of Service #5
Topic:
Give your gifts away
Feb. 14 Transfiguration of Our Lord
1st Lesson: Exodus 34:29–35
Psalm: Psalm 99
2nd Lesson: 2 Cor. 3:12—4:2
Gospel: Luke 9:28–36 [37–43a] Splash in the Spirit
Week 1
The New Testament Meaning of Service #6
Topic:
Living in Love
Feb. 21 First Sunday in Lent
1st Lesson: Deut. 26:1–11
Psalm: Psalm 91:1–2, 9–16
2nd Lesson: Romans 10:8b–13
Gospel: Luke 4:1–13 Splash in the Spirit
Week 2
The New Testament Building the Church #1
Topic:
Who will be our guide?
Feb. 28 Second Sunday in Lent
1st Lesson: Gen. 15:1–12, 17–18
Psalm: Psalm 27
2nd Lesson: Philippians 3:17—4:1
Gospel: Luke 13:31–35 Splash in the Spirit
Week 3 With Sunday School Building the Church #2
Topic:
Do you love me?
FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES
We hope you will join us for any or all of these Lenten opportunities. If you have a child who is the right age for First Communion, contact Pastor Lynne to get them enrolled in the class as soon as possible.
LENTEN WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17th -
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday services at 9:15 AM and 7:30 PM. Please note that the early service will be DURING our Child Care Chapel time! We will not be holding an afternoon service this year. THEN …
Wednesdays beginning February 24th
9:15 AM - Child Care Chapel (adults invited!)
9:45 AM - Bible Study - Women in the Gospel of Luke
6:00 PM - Light Supper
6:45 PM - First Communicants Class departs for study
7:00 PM - Holden Evening Prayer Service
(First Communicants Class joins at 7:30)
8:00 PM - All finished!
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS
Feb. 7 Feb. 14 Feb. 21 Feb. 28
10:15am 10:15am 10:15am 10:15am
Acolytes Thomas Y Nick L Phil H Tommy H
Communion Assistants Floyd Y Rich L Julie H Kim H
Readers Cindy N Anne W Tate J Neil H
Worship Assistants David S Pat K John F Diane B
Projection Jim H Jim H Jim H Jim H
Ushers Anne W,
Sue B Anne W,
Sue B David S,
Sue B David S,
Sue B
Greeter Val B Val B Val B Val B
Bread Providers Bud D Char L Brad K Sue B
Counters Dave H,
Rich L Dave H,
Rich L Dave H,
Rich L Dave H,
Rich L
FLOWERS AND BULLETINS
Sunday Flowers are given … Bulletins are given …
Feb. 7 Available. Available.
Feb. 14 By Char Lobitz in honor of
Jackson’s 2nd birthday. In memory of the Grandmothers, Viola and Evelyn, by the Hausers.
Feb. 21 In honor Nikolaus Ryczek’s birthday. Available.
Feb. 28 By David Hanson. Available.
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.
CALENDAR
MESSIAH MINISTRIES
MESSIAH MINISTRIES
FOOD PANTRY
WISH LIST
Thanks to an appeal from
Cindy Norberg last month,
we hope to collect more items
for the Maine Township Food
Pantry in the bins in the narthex.
Keep the following things in mind when donating:
Pop-tops are good for those folks who are homeless and don’t have access to a can opener (homeless).
Softer foods (not nuts or hard granola bars) for those who have bad teeth.
Check the EXPIRATION DATE on foods before you donate them – especially if they have been on your shelf for a while.
Toiletries and paper products are always welcome – shampoos, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, etc.
Healthy items are always a plus – canned fruit or vegetables vs. cookies or ramen noodles.
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM
February 7th is the Super Bowl and, as they did last year, our young adults will take charge, as a Youth Group, of collections for the Souper Bowl of Caring (www.souperbowl.org). Last year we collected, with their hard work, over $1200 and 340 food items for the Maine Township Food Pantry. Planning has already begun ... posters are up, announce ments have been in the bulletin, and at Worship on Sunday January 31st, they did their first "Minute for Mission" and skit with two confirmation students to raise awareness. The real work is on the 7th, when they will have another announcement and short skit with the Confirmation Class. Then, after worship, as many youth as we can get will be in the narthex with soup pots to collect for the SOUPER BOWL. Let's do our best to help out the Maine Township Food Pantry!
The following is a list of items the food pantry is currently most in need of. Please do not donate large food service size cans.
Macaroni & Cheese, Cereal, Juice, Juice Boxes, Kool Aid, Canned Tuna, Chicken, or Salmon, Plain Rice, Rice-A-Roni, Canned Fruit, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Instant Potatoes, Canned White Potatoes, Peanut Butter, Jelly (18 oz. maximum size), Bisquick, Pancake Mix, Syrup,
Canned Pasta Meals, Boxed Meals, Cake, Cookie, & Brownie Mixes, Jell-O, Pudding, Cookies, Frosting Condiments - Ketchup, Mayonaise, Mustard, Pickles, Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa
Cooking Supplies - Flour, Sugar, Oil, Salt, Pepper
Cleaning Products - Laundry Soap, Dish Soap
Paper Products - Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Kleenex
Storage Products - Tin Foil, Plastic Wrap
Personal Hygiene Products - Shampoo, Toothpaste, Bath Soap
THANK YOU!!!
MESSAGES
Hymn Board
We have done some redecorating in the sanctuary, and part of that has included removing the Hymn Board from the front right wall of the sanctuary. Does anyone know if that board was donated by someone? We would like to know before removing it permanently.
Battle of the Praise Bands
On Sunday, February 28 at 4:00 pm , there will be a “ Battle of the Praise Bands” at Walther Lutheran High School , 900 N. Chicago Avenue, Melrose Park, IL. Church praise bands will battle for your votes and bragging rights as the “Best Praise Band.” Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and can be ordered by calling Belinda at 708-594-7924 or by emailing her at battle_of_the_band_tickets@yahoo.com. Ticket pre-order deadline is Sunday, February 21. All proceeds will benefit the Scholarship Programs at Grace Lutheran School , 4106 W. 28th Street, Chicago. Come join us for an afternoon of food, music and fun!
Thrivent Financial members invited to join in $3 million Helping Haiti effort
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members who want to make a financial contribution to support disaster response efforts in Haiti can have their donations to one of four Lutheran relief agencies multiplied by the fraternal benefit society.
To participate, visit www.thrivent.com/helpinghaiti and make a contribution to one of the following:
Lutheran World Relief
ELCA Disaster Response
LCMS World Relief/Human Care
WELS Committee on Relief
Thrivent Financial will add $1 to every $2 its members donate, up to a total Thrivent Financial contribution of $1 million. That means a potential of $3 million or more to support relief efforts: $2 million + from its members and $1 million added by Thrivent Financial.
For questions or alternative ways to donate through this program, please call 800-236-3736. When promoted, say “directory” and enter ext. 83003.
SPECIAL ARTICLE
TURNAROUND TEAM MEETING
Tuesday, January 12 was not a good day for many of our neighbors. 135 people in Maine Township were told they are losing their jobs. The cuts include 75 teachers.
Against this bleak background, 7 Messiah members met to continue talk of our congregation’s mission. We began with Paul Holzer reading a devotional from "Christ in our Home." We were reminded that God answers prayer.
Discussion focused on:
l. The people who regularly visit Messiah to receive help (financial and spiritual).
Questions: Can we come to know these folks as our brothers and sisters? What "gifts" might we receive as we come to know these people personally.
2. The families who depend on the Maine Township Food Pantry to supplement their effort to keep nourishing food on their tables.
Questions: Could our congregation connect the Bread of Holy Communion that we receive with donations of beans or peanut butter to the Pantry? Could Messiah be inspired to bring food items as regularly as we bring our offering envelopes---every Sunday of the year?
We ended our lively discussion with "GOD'S WORK, OUR HANDS," acknowledging the prayers of the congregation for our team. We are mindful of the work of the Holy Spirit in our team and in our congregation.
The February Meeting of the "dream team" will be on the THIRD TUESDAY. February 16. (Please note the change.)
~ Mark Wiberg
MEMBER INFO
BIRTHDAYS
Ethan Ash, 2/2
Jean Reeve, 2/3
Linda Larson, 2/4
Melanie Moon, 2/4
Jane Myers, 2/6
Kendra Corkill, 2/7
Maureen Dieball, 2/8
William Norberg, 2/9
Kristin Rosequist, 2/11
Bob Hanson, 2/16
Linka Jones, 2/17
Joseph Rosequist, 2/17
Lisa Saul, 2/18
Timothy Saul, 2/18
Nikolaus Ryczek, 2/19
Sarah Nugnis, 2/24
Rosemary Paulus, 2/26
Audrey Krell, 2/27
ANNIVERSARIES
Dave and Connie Kaufman,
2/28/1976, 34 years
LEADERSHIP
STAFF
Pastor: Rev. Lynne Morrow (847) 612-6950
Director of Music: Tom Daniels
Organist: Sue Fox
Child Care Center Director: Karen Black
Office Administrator: Jennifer Schneider
Bookkeeper: Helen Levy
Property Maintenance: John Handzel, Jr.
Custodian: Worknesh Deressa
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 Board: Donna Berzins
Property Coordinator: Patti Daniels
Stewardship: Floyd Yager
Evangelism: David Swanson
Friendship Day: Trudi Handzel,
Sandi Collie
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
Publicity: Teresa Lippert
Contact the Church Office for phone numbers or email addresses for these folks.
MEMORIAL REPORT as of January 28, 2010
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.
No new memorials to report for this time period.
MESSIAH MOVIES
THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG
(STILL IN SOME THEATERS!)
Down in New Orleans during the fabulous Jazz Age, young Princess Tiana (voice of Anika Noni Rose) searches for true love and comes face-to-face with snooty Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos), ancient voodoo priestess Mama Odie (Jennifer Lewis) and the evil Dr. Facilier (Keith David). But with the help of her mother (Oprah Winfrey), a crooning alligator and other friends, Tiana's fairy-tale dreams may come true after all in this Golden Globe nominee.
I enjoyed this movie a LOT more than I expected to! I wasn’t really in the mood to see a “princess movie,” but I had promised Jess I would take her. Imagine my surprise when I found myself laughing, crying, and tapping my feet to the wonderful score. This was an excellent return by Disney to the strong focus on storytelling that marked classics like Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast – character-driven, great songs, beautiful animation, and enough emotional depth to not feel like a bit of fluff. The voodoo bad guy, Dr. Facilier, was a bit scary, and some people may have a problem with the black magic implications of this villain. But he nowhere near as terrifying as Disney’s A Christmas Carol (DO NOT see that movie with a child under 10 years old … seriously, it scared me silly, and Jess spent ½ the movie with her eyes covered – by me!), and those superstitions are a part of the culture of New Orleans and the Bayou, which this film portrays beautifully. My favorite character was actually the Cajun firefly, Raymund, and my favorite scene was Ray’s family lighting the way through the swampy Bayou. I do recommend this film as good family entertainment – if nothing else, the music will keep you humming all the way home!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please include the following individuals and families in your prayers this month:
Viv Beyer, Charlene Boss, Val Bowman
Lois Bunt, Evelyn Burval
Sara Christiansen, Clare Doud, Ardene Ejnik
Pearl Fox, Ruth Jeppeson, Victor Jiminez
Larry & Arlene Johnson, Jean Johnson
Kennet, Richard Levy, Aidan Ray
Richard Reeve, Chuck Steigerwald
Linda Ufkes, Richard Wilson
We want to remember in our prayers our military personnel:
Jason Koesler, Tim David, Lars Johnsen, Kevin Ward and Claudine Ward.
We also want to remember in prayer our college students: Julie Berzins, Bobby Hanson, Trygve Jensen, Joey Ejnik, Stephen Plaza, Eric Ryczek, Adrianne Blanks, Kevin Kaufman, James Seggleing, Paul Stolz Jr., Natalie Norberg
DIRECTORY CHANGES
Please let the office know if you are moving! Thanks!
Sorry for the delay … directories have been submitted to the company, and we should get a “proof” back soon to finalize and send out.
Thank you for your patience.
The Messiah
MESSENGER
1605 Vernon Avenue
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
Phone: (847) 823-6984
Fax: (847) 823-6996
Child Care Center Phone: (847) 825-3767
E-mail: PastorLynne@messiahparkridge.org
Office@messiahparkridge.org
Homepage: www.messiahparkridge.org
Child Care Email: messiahchildcare@sbcglobal.net
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