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The July Messenger Issue #469
The July Messenger Issue #469
Jun 29, 2007
THE Messiah MESSENGER From the Pastor “THE SERVANT CHURCH” Just this past Sunday, June 24th, we recognized two of Messiah’s members for their work as volunteers in the community. Rosemary Thurow was recognized for receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award from Avenues to Independence. This organization is a non-profit, charitable organization providing residential, vocational, and daily living support in a wide variety of programs for adults with autism, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. Rosemary works in the resale shop, where the proceeds support various Avenues’ programs. Bob Bisgard was also honored during the service for receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Center of Concern last year. The Center of Concern is a not-for-profit agency offering a variety of social services to individuals of all ages living in Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Maine Township, and the Northwest Chicagoland area. What fine examples these two faithful Christians are of the church of Jesus Christ at work in the world! Each Sunday we conclude services with a dismissal comprised of these or similar words, “Go in peace. Serve the Lord.” Service is the appropriate, thankful response to our God who forgives us, sanctifies us, and bids us to go into the world to spread the gospel through word and deed. As we are reminded by a verse in “The Church Song”: “We are the Church, the body of our Lord; we are all God’s children. We have been restored. The Church, it is the people, living out their lives, it’s called, enlightened, sanctified for the work of Jesus Christ.” I would like to invite members of the church to tell us about the work you do outside the walls of Messiah as the church of Jesus Christ in the world. Every month “Messiah Ministries” informs other members and the community of the work we do to further the Kingdom of God. Let us share your story with others. Also, we will be starting a new column called “Did You Know That…?” where we share interesting, fun facts about ourselves with other members of Messiah. For example, when I established a column like this at my internship church in Indiana, one of the first entries was that a certain lady had danced with Lawrence Welk at her wedding! Got an interesting fact? Let us know. Meanwhile, may God continue to bless and inspire you as you serve the Lord! Noteworthy News FIRST-PITCH YAGER! On Wednesday, June 13th, six-year-old Thomas Yager had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field! The Cubs played (and beat!) the Seattle Mariners, and it all started with Messiah’s own Thomas Yager, son of Floyd and Kristin Yager. Floyd recently “won” the first pitch honor as part of a charity silent auction. The whole Yager family was allowed on the field, but Kristin and Michael had to stay by the on-deck circle. Floyd and Thomas walked out to the mound, as Thomas waved excitedly to Grandma and other family members in the stands. Then, with a mighty heave, Thomas threw a strike 65 feet that crossed the plate! Great show, Thomas! Congratulations to the whole Yager family for such a great time out! “IN TO AFRICA” Linda Stolz has left for Africa, to spread her ministry to those in impoverished lands. Joining her this time are our own John Fox, and Laurie Bachman, one of the Child Care’s teachers. Laurie’s sister in law June also joins them, having been inspired along with the others at a benefit event last fall. We give thanks for all of them, and pray in joy that the word and work of Christ shines through them to those in need. Linda’s organization, Global Alliance for Africa, brings books and art supplies to children in Africa. While there, Linda purchases resale goods from people, mostly women, and sells them here in the States. The profits go back to those artisans in Africa, allowing them to earn money for their own livelihood. For more information about the program, or to volunteer or donate, visit their website at http://www.globalallianceafrica.org. Upcoming Events (Remember: Always check with church office before you schedule an event – there is a room assignment calendar maintained by the Office Administrator.) INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS Tuesday, July 3rd, after 6 PM Once again we will welcome the neighborhood onto our grounds to watch the fireworks on Tuesday night, July 3rd. We are offering parking passes to Messiah members and Child Care families for the back (east) lot, and we will have parking in our main lot for the general public. We will ONLY be issuing passes for the forty spots in the back lot. Church members can pick up a pass from David Swanson after worship or call the office if they would like to park, but PLEASE don’t take one unless you plan to use it. Also, we will sell water and snacks like we did last year. We are looking for donations of snacks (chips, cookies, candy) that are individually wrapped and won’t melt. We’ll also take juice boxes – we don’t need water, thanks to a large donation from LGH. NEW AL-ANON GROUP MEETING July 11th at 1:30 PM Messiah will begin hosting this group monthly in the Library (Agape Room). See Carol Smith if you have questions or want details. NEW PILATES CLASS OFFERED AT MESSIAH! Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 beginning July 11th Certified Pilates instructor and Messiah member Missy Vacala will hold a 6-week Pilates class in the Multipurpose Room Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 PM beginning July 11th. Classes are only $15 each/$90 for the whole 6 weeks. Call the church office 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. 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 call today! VBS IS FINALLY HERE! July 23-27 from 9 AM - Noon Registration will close July 16th. We always need more helpers, so contact Julie Holzer if you can volunteer. Thanks! MESSIAH CRAFT NIGHT July 20th at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall This next session of our new small group will feature another program designed around crafts. People may bring with them any craft project that they are working on and join us for some camaraderie, coffee, and snacks. We plan to have some babysitters supervising young children while a movie plays in the sanctuary. We may also use this time to finish up some things for VBS, so everyone is welcome to come and pitch in! REMINDERS! Men’s Breakfast Saturday, July 14th at 9:00 AM at Old Country Buffet in Park Ridge (Dempster and Luther Lane). Friendship Day There will be no Friendship Day in July or August. September 27th will be "Ingathering" when we package the health kits, layettes, and quilts for shipping to the LWR warehouse. LWR is no longer requesting clothing. We need help from 2 men and also if any ladies can offer help for that day it would be appreciated starting at 9 a.m. We do not have the dates the trailer will be in the parking lot, but usually is the first weekend in October. We will need volunteers for that Saturday and Sunday to be there when other churches bring in their boxes. A sign up sheet will be in the narthex. "Angels in the narthex" will continue through the Labor Day weekend. Thank you so much for your generous contributions. "He won't forget the love you have shown his people." ~ Hebrews 6:10 Eva Thoren, Chair Executive Committee None WELCA Board July 11th @ 9:00 AM Child Care Board None COMING IN AUGUST… Child Care Open House Secretary on Vacation This Month in Worship WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS All Sundays in June offer Worship at 10:00 AM. July 1 – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 19:15–16, 19–21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5:1, 13–25; Luke 9:51–62 July 8 – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 66:10–14; Psalm 66:1–9; Galatians 6:[1–6] 7–16; Luke 10:1–11, 16–20 July 15 – Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Deuteronomy 30:9–14; Psalm 25:1–10; Colossians 1:1–14; Luke 10:25–37 July 22 – Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 18:1–10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:15–28; Luke 10:38–42 July 29 – Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 18:20–32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6–15 [16–19]; Luke 11:1–13 CONGREGATIONAL BIBLE STUDY TEXTS July 1 – 1 Corinthians 1-3, Divisions in the church, proclaiming Christ crucified July 8 – 1 Corinthians 4-6, Ministry of the Apostles, sexual immorality July 15 – 1 Corinthians 7-9, Marriage, food offered to idols July 22 – 1 Corinthians 10-12, Statutes to live by, spiritual gifts July 29 – 1 Corinthians 13-16, The gift of love, resurrection The first letter from Paul to the church in Corinth. WORSHIP HELPERS July 1 July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00 Acolytes Peter F Becca V Jenni H Tait J Andrew F Communion Assistants John F Jim V Vikki H Julie J John F Readers Trygve J Donna B Laura H Eric R Sam H Worship Assistants Pat K Diane B Paul S David S Vikki H Projection Jim H Jim H Peter F Jim H Jim H Ushers Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S, Roy S Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S, Roy S Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S, Roy S Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S, Roy S Chuck S, Jackie S, Russ S, Roy S Greeters Cindy N, Worknesh D Cindy N, Worknesh D Cindy N, Worknesh D Cindy N, Worknesh D Cindy N, Worknesh D Counters David H, Bob B David H, Bob B David H, Bob B David H, Bob B David 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! July 1 – Flowers are given from Valeria Bowman in memory of Ed Bowman’s birthday. July 8 – Flowers are given in honor of Dorothy Nagel’s 80th birthday by her children. Bulletins are given by the Hauser Family for Ryan and Adam’s 6th birthday. July 15 – Flowers are given for Irene Luck’s special birthday. Bulletins are given by the Kovach family for Kevin’s 12-year-old birthday. July 22 – Flowers are given for Eric Ryczek’s 16th birthday. July 29 – Flowers and bulletins are given by the Yager Family in honor of Thomas’ 7th birthday Synod Assembly Reports HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE METRO CHICAGO SYNOD ASSEMBLY 1. On the fifth ballot the assembly selected the Rev. Wayne Miller from Aurora as the bishop for the Metro Synod for a term of six years. 2. The assembly passed a resolution that would provide antiracism training to all office employees. 3. A resolution passed entitled “A Faithful Response to Caring for God's Creation," which basically asks congregations to be more aware of conservation issues. A working group is already in place. 4. Dr Ralph Klein, of LTSC, pointed out that there will always be issues that cause disagreement among members. He recommends three questions be answered: "What was...? What is…? What for...?” 5. The MCS Hunger Action Team would like the synod’s congregations to meet the 2005 resolution that each baptized member gives $5 to a hunger fund. ~ Respectfully Submitted by Char Lobitz “LIVING IN GOD’S AMAZING GRACE…THANKS BE TO GOD” A Report from the Metropolitan Chicago Synod Meeting held Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosemont. Metro Chicago Synod has 217 congregations with 113,000 baptized members. The Synod headquarters for our Bishop and his Staff is on W. Dickens in Chicago. Messiah members Char Lobitz, Mark Wiberg, and Pastor Paul Stolz were delegates to the 2007 Meeting. Bishop Paul Landahl, outgoing Bishop, has competed a six year term. In his final report Landahl spoke of our Synod's established partnership with a Christian Synod in South Africa. We are assisting financially in a ministry with HIV patients. Our Synod has also, a relationship with a Lutheran Congregation in Hamburg, Germany. Hamburg is a "Sister City" of Chicago. Mayor Richard Daley encouraged our church to make this connection. Youth groups between Chicago and Hamburg have already exchanged visits. Landahl challenged us to grow in these next 5 years in a Lutheran understanding of the Scriptures. Among other things, this means reading the scriptures through the central message: GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON. He also challenged the ELCA to be a welcoming church for Lesbian and Gay Christians. He supports a proposed change in ELCA policy which would allow people in committed same sex unions to be pastors, if they are qualified and called. This proposal will be debated at the August Assembly of the whole Church Meeting at Navy Pier, August 6-12. During his term as Bishop the Landahl family has faced crisis. Mrs. Landahl was in a serious auto accident. Paul has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Both are now doing well. They thank the synod for our prayers and support. The Bishop Elect is Wayne N. Miller, pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Aurora, II. Miller called for RESPECT as we live together in this diverse synod. He sees the Bishop’s role as that of a servant leader who cares passionately about the work that the church is doing. The survival of the world depends on our being faithful servants of Christ. His election as Bishop came as a surprise to many. Miller’s clear and articulate answers to questions certainly influenced the voting members of the assembly. We will keep him in our prayers. Mr. Carlos Pena, vice-president of the ELCA, played a large role in the leadership of the assembly. He reports that the ELCA soon to be 20 years old, is represented through the Lutheran World Federations in 60 different countries. The World Hunger Appeal received $20 million in this past year. This is the largest increase since 1991. In addition members of our national church contributed $5.1 million to the Disaster Response Fund. The Synod received a new congregation made up primarily of African American people. UNITED MISSION OF CHRIST has been formed from three smaller churches which has disbanded. Meeting now at North Austin Lutheran Church, these people are filled with the enthusiasm of the Holy Spirit as they begin their life in our Synod. A number of resolutions were brought before the Assembly for discussion and debated. These include: Antiracism Training, Caring for God's Creation, Reviewing Work of Advocate Health Care Network, and Confronting Christian Zionism. The debate on these resolutions could be direct, and forceful. Always, however, understanding the person with whom I disagree was encouraged. It was a privilege to be asked to serve as a delegate this year as a Messiah member. If you have an opportunity to serve in coming years, you will find the experience to be a broadening, educational journey. I encourage you to take advantage of this wide vision of the work of our Church. ~Mark P. Wiberg Messages Civil War Re-enactment Visit Civil War Days at The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave. in Glenview on July 28-29. Peter and John Fox are participating as Union re-enactors. Hours are from 10-4 PM. There will be encampments, chopping for Civil War articles, refreshments, and a “skirmish” each day at 2 PM. Admission is $5/adult, $1 /child. Parking is free. Any questions, see Peter VBS SETUP EMERGENCY Because of a wedding on July 21st, we won’t be able to decorate the sanctuary until Sunday, July 22nd after worship. Please plan to stick around and help get Messiah ready for the kids! “Angels in the Narthex” The Friendship Day Kettle for Lutheran World Relief will be in the narthex June thru Labor Day. Our Friendship Day Ladies have a master’s degree in Bargain Hunting but that takes time. The congregation is our sole means of income. You have been very generous in the past and, we thank you. For about $5.00 we can put together a Health Kit, including a hand towel, soap, wash cloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, strong comb, nail file or clippers, and 6 (3/4”) band aids. Cloth diapers are about $10 a dozen, and each layette needs 4. We haunt garage sales for gently used baby shirts or onesies, sleepers, sweaters, and receiving blankets. If you or your children have any of these to donated, please place them in the MLCW box in the Tower entrance or across from the Office. Remember, He will not forget the love you showed to his people. Thank you and God Bless. Youth Corner CAMPFIRMATION – WHAT A BLAST! Jenni Hanson, Becca Valenta, and Holly Norberg went to LOMC June 17-21 for Confirmation Camp (or “Campfirmation”). They made some new friends, had a good time, and learned more about what it means to be a confirmed member of the body of Christ. Thanks to Edith Reeve and Pastor Paul, who ran the chauffer route, and pitched in when needed. SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE AVAILABLE SOON Thanks to a lot of work by Kristin Yager and the Worship Planning team (Pastor, Tom Daniels, and Sue Fox) the 2007-2008 Worship Schedule will be available by the time VBS comes around. We will provide our VBS families with this schedule, encouraging them to join us for Sunday School in the Fall. Look for the schedule on line at www.messiahparkridge.org/schedules.html. Messiah Ministries Dear Friends in Mission, Hoyo-hoyo! means welcome and were the words used in a song to welcome our group by the people of Punguine village in Gaza Province, Mozambique. We had traveled 3 hours by mini-bus from the capital Maputo via the LWF office in Chokwe to visit the rural community development committee. This field visit was part of a weeklong regional consultation held in Maputo, Mozambique sponsored by the Lutheran World Federation / Department for World Service (LWF/DWS) based in Geneva, Switzerland. As ELCA Global Mission regional program assistant for Southern Africa I was asked to represent the ELCA at the conference. We were about 50 participants from several countries in the Southern Africa region and related agencies such as the ELC A, FinChurchAid, and Diakonie based in Germany. The theme of the consultation was “Diakonia and HIV & AIDS.” We heard reports from the various country programs and from the related agencies concerning the theme. We shared experiences and perspectives about the role of the church and communities in preventing the spread of HIV & AIDS and caring for people living with and affected by the virus. We were reminded that diakonia is part of the calling of all churches and every Christian and that prophetic diakonia, shaped by a theology of the cross, calls things what they really are, speaks truth to power and addresses the root causes of poverty and injustice in such a way that those served and those serving are both transformed. The community development committee at Punguine village was comprised mainly of women. Each person introduced themselves and briefly explained their role in their community such as: HIV & AIDS activist, school council member, agricultural committee member, water and sanitation committee member and savings and credit committee member. A member of the committee then boldly asked about the purpose of our visit and what we were bringing. It was an awkward and revealing moment. We listened to difficult stories about the past floods and recent drought. One committee member said: “With LWF training we are overcoming the stigma that was there before in the village. We know we have to love and respect those with HIV & AIDS and give hope for the future.” Thank you for your support for the ELCA World Hunger Fund and Stand with Africa Campaign that help fund the work of the ELCA Global Mission, LWF World Service and companion church programs in Southern Africa. Thank you for your continuing prayers and support for our family and for your participation in God’s mission locally and globally. Yours faithfully, Pastor Philip J. Knutson, Capetown, South Africa Milestones BIRTHDAYS Martha Thompson, 7/2 Roy Sues, 7/3 Charles Boomer, 7/4 Carol Hrodey, 7/4 Katelyn Elder, 7/6 Donna Hannibal, 7/7 Alice Hulterstrum, 7/7 Les Thurow, 7/7 Adam Hauser, 7/8 Ryan Hauser, 7/8 Charles Johnson, 7/8 Joyce Tjhio, 7/9 Kevin Kovach, 7/11 Michaelene Marchetta, 7/11 Kim Melendez, 7/11 Dorothy Nagel, 7/11 Theresa Duty, 7/13 Christine Plaza, 7/14 Edith Reeve, 7/14 Ralph Dieball, 7/16 Anne Wiberg, 7/16 Joseph Ippolito, 7/17 Robert Kallas, 7/18 David Swanson, 7/18 Richard Reeve, 7/19 Eric Ryczek, 7/19 Wilbert Beyer, 7/21 Karen Black, 7/23 Clifford Paulus, 7/23 Samantha Valenta, 7/23 Irene Luck, 7/24 Lauren Plaza, 7/24 Robert Bisgard, 7/28 Chuck Steigerwald, 7/28 Evelyn Allemeier, 7/29 Thomas Yager, 7/30 Courtney Jelonek, 7/31 ANNIVERSARIES David and Julie Jensen – 7/8/1989, 18 years Laurance and Arlene Johnson – 7/10/1954, 53 years Eugene and Marilyn Borgeson – 7/24/1948, 59 years Messiah Leadership for 2007 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: Edith Reeve Adult Forum: John Fox Choir: Pat Daniels Music: Tom Daniels, Sue Fox Memorial Report This report is as of June 18, 2007. 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 the office. IN HONOR OF PETER FOX’S CONFIRMATION Given by: George Knuto Fund: Property Reserve IN MEMORY OF SUSAN NUGNIS to the CHILD CARE CENTER Given by: Mary Ann Petro, Kathy Cercone, Chris Marra, Mary McEnerney and Greg Macola, David and Susie Knuth, Michael and Maria Bauer Fund: Property Reserve Did You Know That…? Look here in coming months for interesting tidbits about members of Messiah’s Congregation! Prayer Requests Please include the following individuals and families in your prayers this month: Chuck Boomer Sue Bruce Joe & Evelyn Burval Ruth Corkill Mr. Dennis Ardene Ejnik Jean E. Gilbert Chris Jacobsen Corine Jensen Kennet Kennet Richard Levy Nancy Maher Aidan Ray Mary Reter Ronnald Rose Gloria Solum Pastor Sally Terrell Linda (Rodin) Ufkes We also want to remember in our prayers our military personnel: Kevin Hrodey, 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! Sam, Lauri, Emily, and Katelyn Hamden 333 Clubhouse Drive Bloomingdale, IL 60108 MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH 1605 Vernon Avenue Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 Church Staff Rev. Paul Stolz, 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
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