April 2015 - Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church

The Salem LIFE
NEWSLETTER OF SALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
SANDWICH, ILLINOIS
April 20, 2015
VOL. 42, NO. 4
“Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’” – John 20:19
PEACE BE WITH YOU
Dear Friend,
A few days ago I attended the funeral for my mother-in-law. Although her death was expected, a
death of a loved one is always a shock. Melody and I miss her very much.
A death of a loved one brings us into what I call the “fog of grief.” This is a time when one’s mind
seems foggy and one just mechanically goes through the motions of what needs to be done. A fog of grief is
what those women must have been going through as they made their way to a garden tomb on that first Easter
morning. They planned to anoint the dead body of Jesus. In their fog of grief, they were just doing what they
thought needed to be done.
But Jesus had risen from the dead on that first Easter morning! And when he appeared to his
followers, our risen Lord often told them “peace be with you.” I’m sure that he told his followers this because
peace was precisely what was lacking in their lives.
As he did for his first followers, so the risen Lord also comes to us in our foggy times of grief and
gives us his peace. Jesus gives us the peace of love, hope, and the assurance of eternal life in heaven. We
have peace believing that he is with us always. “Peace be with you.”
On Sunday mornings we share with one another the peace of the Lord. This is a very important act
that we do. Many of those with whom we share this blessing are very much in need of the peace of the Lord.
I know I am. Perhaps you are as well. “Peace be with you.”
Your Friend in Christ,
Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church
Serving Christ!
1022 North Main Street—PO Box 105; Sandwich, IL 60548
Phone: 815-786-9308
email: [email protected]
web site: wearesalemlutheran.org
Pastor
Reverend Wayne Derber
Home phone: 815-570-2088
Cell phone: 815-508-3435
email: [email protected]
Office hours: MORNINGS TUES. - SAT.
or by appointment
Staff
Administrative Staff
Shelly Claxton
Michele Farley
Bookkeeper
Karen Wesson
Traditional Worship Coordinator
Nancy Rex
Director of Contemporary Worship Libby Welsch
Organists/Pianists
Gloria Gilbertson
Connie Hanson
Maintenance
Nancy Hayes
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Staff Office Hours: TUES.—THURS: 9 am - 4 pm
closed for lunch noon—1pm
BAPTISM: We rejoice with the family of LINCOLN DENNIS BROWN who was baptized on Sunday,
March 22. Lincoln is the child of Phillip and Ashley (Kupp) Brown. His sponsors are Abby and Justin
Lahman.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: There will be a Memorial Service for Dorothy Hjort at Salem on Saturday,
May 2 at 2:00 pm. Dorothy was a long-time Salem member who had resided in Wisconsin for the past
several years. She died on February 9, 2015.
DEATH: We extend our sincere sympathy to the Derber family on the death of Melody’s mother.
Corrine Roys died last week in Iowa.
CONGRATULATIONS to Fred and Nancy Hayes as they celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER: Donna Kimmey*, Ben Burkett*, Irene Klotz*, Mick Kimmey*,
Beverly Mayer*, Shelly Claxton*, Happy Bingham*, Ione Bennett*, Laura Allen*, Gloria Mikyska*,
Jackie Cline*, Robert Abbey Jr.*, June Gorecki*, Virgil Cork, Jim Moore, Ethel Merkel, G.L. Hartman,
Kathy Needo, Tom Hill, Mike Hill, Shirley Guthmueller, Cecile Earnest, Claudia Krause, John Meek,
Tanya Kimmey, Tom Wysoglad, Anna Wilkinson, Anna Kissel, Larry Lunn, Marty and Claudia Kux,
Nancy Niles, Florence Gudmunson, Jeanine Buller, Shawn Gilley, Hans Fladung, Karl and Kandi
Bingham, Mike Guzzardo, and all people serving in the military, especially:
Joseph Kimmey*, Brian Chester, Stephen Clark, Matt Claxton, Michelle Cunz, C.J. Goodin,
Jesse Hayden, Chris King, David Minton, Tyler Pellegrini, Colin Stahl, and Joel Watson
*indicates Salem member
Do you see names on our prayer list that should be updated? Please notify the office.
GRADUATION INFORMATION: Please notify the church office if you have any graduations coming
up in your family—middle school, high school, college or beyond. We plan to honor them in a future
issue of the LIFE.
APRIL HIGHLIGHTS:
The April 14th council meeting opened with devotions. Pastor Wayne gave
his report. The minutes of the previous council meeting were approved.
For old business, the council: 1) discussed the Congregational Resourcing
Event at Kishwaukee College; and 2) decided to get involved with Valley
West Hospital’s program “Community Health Network”; and 3) discussed
Salem’s website and Facebook.
For new business, discussed was the possibility of having a blood drive at our church on a
Sunday rather than on a weekday.
The calendar and worship attendance were reviewed. Reports from committees were given.
The financial report was approved. For last month the General Fund had an income of
$17,077 and expenses of $16,764, and the Capital Fund had an income of $6,183 and expenses of
$6,191. The meeting was adjourned.
Getting to know your Congregation Council members…..
Throughout 2015 we will profile one of Salem’s Congregation Council members
in each issue of the Salem LIFE.
JONI KNOX
Hi! My name is Joni Knox. I have been a member of Salem for many,
many years. My husband Jim and I were married for 50 years, and we
had Knox Jewelers for 30 years before retiring. We have four children—
Julie Pearson, Jerri Kuhn, Jill Gentile, and Jay Knox. We have ten
grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren (soon to be 6). They call me
“GG”. Jim passed away 7 1/2 years ago very suddenly.
I really love my church family. They are really important to me. I am on
the Fellowship Committee, Member Support Committee and
Contemporary Planning Committee. I sing with the Praise Team for
Contemporary Worship, play chimes and volunteer where needed, I
enjoy taking part in the church services and playing the piano when
needed.
I have been on the Council on and off for several years. My term will be
up at the end of 2015.
My hobbies are playing bridge several times a month and being around my family . I love to cook and
have my family for special dinners. I also love to can the vegetables from the garden and dry my
herbs for future use.
God bless this church and everyone in it.
APRIL MEMORY VERSE (4th Commandment):
“Honor your father and your mother.”
- Exodus 20:12
MAY MEMORY VERSE (5th Commandment):
“You shall not kill.”
- Exodus 20:13
Featuring Salem’s Standing Committees…...
What do our committees do? Who is on the committees?
We will feature a different committee each month to help keep members informed about
the various areas of congregational ministry.
FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE
Salem’s Fellowship Committee plans and hosts fellowship events that aim to involve everyone
in the congregation. They try to plan an activity for most months. In addition to the ongoing
participation in the Fourth Tuesday Community Fellowship Feast, the committee sponsors the
annual Garden Walk and such “family friendly” events as Game Night and the Annual Softball
Game and Picnic.
The Fellowship Committee meets on the first Sunday of each month during the Education Hour.
Committee members are Marilyn Wouda, Durk Hellinga, Pam Pescitelli, Laura Caupert, Libby
Welsch, Brent Pearson, Brenda Pearson, Sandy Martens and Joni Knox. Any of these
members would welcome input and suggestions from the congregation.
Salem Sunday School students and their families participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters of
DeKalb County “Bowl for Kids Sake” on March 15th. As a group they raised $354 for BB/BS.
Thanks to all of our bowlers and their supporters!
FVOAS SERVANT EVENT
PAINT DAY
Ten Salem members painted
several rooms at FVOAS on
March 21. We accomplished a
great deal of work in a short
time, and the FVOAS staff was
extremely grateful for our
services. Pictured in the front
row are painters Leigh
Kossman, Mickey Farley, and
Bonnie Guyer. In the back row
are Scott Kossman, Pam
Pescitelli, Steve Pescitelli,
Sharon Adkins, Pastor Wayne
Derber and Ron Cunz. Not
pictured is Dale White.
FUNERAL LUNCHES:
The Member Support Committee has
accepted with regret the resignation of Lisa Vandermeer as Funeral
Lunch Coordinator. We thank Lisa for her faithful service in this
capacity during the past few years. The committee is seeking several
persons who would be able to help with this important service to
bereaved families. The thought is to have several leaders who would
each gather a team of volunteers to be responsible for coordinating
luncheons as needed. There is no promise as to how often these
services would be needed, as funerals are not predictable. But during the past several years there have
been an average of only two luncheons per year. Please prayerfully consider how you might help. Contact
Laura Caupert (815-786-8955) or the church office to volunteer or to have questions answered.
MAY MEALS-ON-WHEELS:
The Member Support Committee is also responsible for Salem’s
participation in the Meals-on-Wheels program. We are assigned for the month of May. The schedule of
drivers is complete, but Laura Caupert, Salem’s coordinator could use a few substitutes. If you are
available, please contact Laura.
CRADLE ROLL:
The Christian Education Committee is looking for a volunteer for an “at home” task
which requires about an hour per month. We maintain a “roll” of children up to age three. This ministry is
a very personal way to keep in touch with our younger families. Children are sent a greeting card upon
baptism and on their baptismal anniversary up to the age of three. On their third birthday they are sent an
invitation to Sunday School. The list is made, and cards and postage stamps are supplied. If you are
interested, please contact Bonnie Guyer or the church office.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK:
Twelve volunteers traveled to the Northern Illinois Food
Bank in Geneva for Salem’s first official work day on Thursday, April 9. During their three hour shift from
9:00 am—noon they packed 10,930 pounds (or over 5 tons) of potatoes. The next work day is tentatively
scheduled for the second Thursday morning of the month, May 14. We must commit to a number of
workers two weeks in advance, so please speak with Walt Farley ASAP if you are interested in being a part
of the group.
FOURTH TUESDAY COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP FEAST— All are welcome at the April feast which will be
held on Tuesday, April 28, 4:30-6:00 pm, at Union Congregational Church, 305 South Gage Street,
Somonauk. Salem is scheduled to provide salads. Please sign-up at the narthex sign-up table if you can
help in this way.
BOOK DISCUSSION—Our book discussion group is currently meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursdays now through
May 13. The book we are discussing is Radical Forgiveness: God’s Call to Unconditional Love written by
Brian Zahnd. This book refers to teachings of Jesus that can help us forgive people who have deeply hurt
us. Pastor Wayne is leading the discussions.
NURSING HOME MINISTRY—Pastor Wayne is scheduled to lead devotions at the local nursing homes on
Tuesday afternoon, April 28. Anyone who is interested may join him at Sandwich Rehab at 2:00 pm and/or at
Willow Crest at 2:30 pm.
MAY FRIENDSHIP DAY—Church Women United May Friendship Day will be held at Union Congregational
Church in Somonauk on Friday, May 1. Registration begins at 9:15 am. A continental breakfast will be
served, followed by the program “Journey of a Caregiver”. Rev. Michelle Prentice-Leslie of Union
Congregational will present the message. “The Fellowship of the Least Coin” offering will be taken at this
gathering. All women who plan to attend are asked to set aside a penny each time they pray and bring the
pennies on May 1. This offering is used to help programs aimed at women and children around the world.
MONTHLY FORUM—A new monthly forum has been started by area pastors. This developed out of the
success of the Lenten Breakfasts at the Federated Church. A different topic will be presented from 9:00 to
10:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. We will be meeting at the Federated Church of Sandwich.
On Wednesday, May 6th. Pastor Terry Jensen will lead a discussion on the topic of “Anticipatory Grief.” All
are welcome to attend.
PLANO/SANDWICH/SOMONAUK RELAY FOR LIFE will be held at Plano High School on Saturday, June 6,
2015 from noon to midnight. Anyone interested in being on the Salem Team may sign-up on the Pennies for
Hope table. Salem’s only fundraising for 2015 will be through the Pennies for Hope banks which are now
available in the narthex. You are also invited to contribute by sponsoring individual walkers. Mick and Donna
Kimmey will be retiring as Salem’s team captains after this year, their 10th year.
OAKS MISSION TRIP—A mission trip to Oaks Indian Mission in Oaks, Oklahoma is planned for July 27
through August 1. This trip is primarily for confirmation students, but others may go if there is room. Please
see Pastor Wayne if you are interested or have any questions.
IN-KIND DONATION FOR NI SYNOD ASSEMBLY—Food pantries supported by congregations throughout
our synod do provide food to the hungry of our communities. Unfortunately other basic needs of “the least of
these” often go unmet. Imagine not brushing your teeth because you have no toothbrush or not being able to
wash your hands because you have no soap. A director of a pantry hosted by a Northern Illinois Synod
congregation often hears requests for toiletry items that are not covered by state subsidy programs yet are
just as vital to the health and well-being of the people they serve. In an effort to provide for those needs, the
Northern Illinois Synod Social Ministry Committee will be collecting basic toiletries at the Synod Assembly,
June 19 & 20. Items to be collected include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, deodorant and
feminine hygiene products. Items collected will be distributed to food pantries through each of the
conferences in the synod. Watch for collection baskets for these items all through the month of May.
In the Wind
May 15—Lifeline Screening
May 24—Summer Worship Schedule Begins—9am Single Service
July 15-19—ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit
July 20-23—VBS: “Christmas In July—Stars! Angels! Shepherds!
Kings!”
August 16—Rally Day
In 2008 six members of Salem attended a Green
Congregation Training Workshop at LOMC. From that
workshop, Salem’s Green Team was born. The group adopted
a mission statement: “Caring for God’s creation through
education, action and commitment.” In the ensuing years, the
Green Team has worked to live up to that mission statement.
At one of the early meetings the team drew up a list of ideas for action. It is interesting
to look back and see how many of these ideas have become common practice in our
congregation. Here is the list:
1. Purchase reusable canvas bags in two sizes with picture and name of Salem Lutheran Church.
2. Recycle bins in kitchen.
3. Inquire about recycling by disposal provider.
4. Request that parishioners bring in rinsed, crushed cans for recycling.
5. Share “green” ideas in LIFE and Good News.
6. Have receptacle for safe disposal of fluorescent bulbs, batteries and cell phones.
7. Become active in “Adopt-a-Ditch” Program.
8. Fair Trade Products Sales—already done in many churches.
9. Sponsor a “Clean-Up Sandwich Day”.
10. NO MORE STYRFOAM!
11. Explore option of e-mailing The LIFE.
12. During Earth Day Sunday worship share “Covenant of Creation”.
13. More plants in new building.
In addition to most of the above, the Green Team:
1. has established Salem’s Prayer Garden. Additional pavers to memorialize or honor loved ones
are available at any time. Please inquire in the church office.
2. has begun the “Cans for a Cause” program. Aluminum cans are collected and sold to a recycler.
There are containers near the outer kitchen stairwell where clean aluminum cans ONLY may be
deposited. Proceeds have benefitted a number of causes. Local causes which will benefit in the
future are Our Sharing Pantry, FVOAS, The Open Door, Good Samaritan Fund, Safe Passage,
Hesed House, Hope Haven, and Northern Illinois Food Bank.
3. together with the Property Committee has organized and overseen the care of the church
grounds.
4. is planning to create a Monarch Butterfly Garden in the west lot this spring.
5. has scheduled “Adopt-a-Road” walks for 2015. The dates are Saturdays,
April 25, June 27, August 29 and October 24. We will meet at Prairie View
School at 8:30 am. Mark your calendars. Walkers of all ages are welcome
to join in.
6. will meet on the first Monday of each month at 5:30 pm.
Green Team members are Ron Cunz, Jan Dunn, Mickey Farley, Walt Farley, Nancy Hayes,
Becky O’Hanlon and Pam Pescitelli. Anyone who is interested in joining the Green Team is
welcome at any meeting. You do not have to be an official member of the Green Team to
participate in any activity. All are welcome at any event.
Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church
1022 North Main Street P.O. Box 105
Sandwich IL 60548
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit
Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Sandwich, IL
Permit No. 41
SERVANT AUCTION—APRIL 26
How would you like to help SERVE from your pew and in return have dinner
cooked for you or go for a canoe ride or have someone work on your lawn?
SAY WHAAAAAT????!!!!
Yep, you can! Salem will be having a Servant Auction on Sunday, April 26, 2015, in the
Sanctuary, during the 9:15 Education Hour. At this time Salem members who have gone on mission
trips in the past will be auctioning-off themselves to serve YOU!
The funds raised at this auction benefit the Servant Events Fund, which helps many of us go on
mission trips and serve OTHERS. What you’re doing is, as the popular saying goes, “paying it
forward.” Services auctioned off in the past have included babysitting, lawn care, chopped firewood,
seats at a dinner party, house cleaning or organizing, a canoe ride down the Fox River, and monthly
brownie baking!!
If you’ve been on a mission trip in the past, please be thinking of YOUR auction item. If you’re
planning on going on a Salem mission trip in the future, please share your talents in this auction. OR
if you just want to help-out, we welcome your services to be auctioned-off…THANK YOU!!