August 2016 - Irving Park Lutheran Church

Tidings
from Irving Park Lutheran Church
August 2016, Volume 43, chapter 8
Crawling Babies Lead the Way
Phone: 773.267.1666
www.iplc.org
IPLC Office
[email protected]
SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE
9:30 Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 Coffee Time
STAFF
Rev. Erin Bouman
[email protected]
Dawn Benson
Church Secretary/Bookkeeper
[email protected]
by Pastor Erin Bouman
One Sunday in July, after I consecrated the bread and wine, as I looked up
to invite everyone to the table and to give directions on how to get there, there,
coming down the center aisle, was not one but two babies, both crawling
towards the altar at a clip. It was as if they were racing for a bite, or a blessing,
or perhaps for an early start at the role of communion usher, a role that children
often fill here, but who are usually at least a few years older than 1. It was a
joy to see these two babes—and they looked quite joyful, too.
Welcoming babies, toddlers, and children of all ages is something that this
church does very well. Several recent visitors have remarked upon it to me—
which also fills me with joy, how children are received in worship can make all
the difference in a family’s decision to come. I recently read a list of
suggestions that another church, on how they try as a congregation to welcome
children.1 Many of these suggestions are just what we do here, and are great
reminders of how and why we do so. Here they are:
Roger Bingaman
Dir. Of Music/Office Manager/
Tidings Editor [email protected]

Phil Bole
Custodian: [email protected]
Dwan Buetow
Praise Coordinator
[email protected]

Chris Richard
Director of Ensemble
[email protected]

Darcie Wadycki [email protected]
Nancy Hall [email protected]
Co-volunteer Sunday School
Coordinators
CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL
Eleanor Barrett
Phil Bole
Sarah Clausen
Sue Geisler
Jan Glure
Nancy Hall
David Heidorn
Eleanor Kepp
Richard Koehler
Holly Lundquist
David McKenzie
Bill Sherlock
Lee Stein
Sandra Stumme
Darcie Wadycki
COUNCIL PERSON EMERITUS
Lloyd DaMask
Gordon Johnson
Sharon Iverson
Richard Wielock

When children are making noise in pews around you, resist the impulse
to look disapprovingly upon them and their parents. Such looks, even
when innocent, communicates that they are not welcome in our
congregation with their children. Trust the parents to provide the
necessary guidance for appropriate participation, know that a child’s
participation in worship is a learning process, and remember that
everyone, at every age, has their off days.
Offer praise to children when you see them really engaging in
worship—rather than when you see them sitting quietly. Say things
like, “You were singing that hymn so well, it really made me want to
join in, too.”
When children participate in worship, respond to them as you would
respond to adult members of the congregation. Say: “Thank you for
helping lead us in worship,” rather than: “You guys are so cute this
morning.” Children long to be recognized as contributing members of
a community. They grow out of cuteness, but they can lead worship
for a lifetime.
Get to know children by name. Pass the peace with them. Find out
what they care about and ask them about it. Listen to their concerns
seriously. Respect their physical and emotional boundaries.
Welcoming children in these ways makes good on the promise that we as a
congregation make in their baptism. Every time a child is baptized, we all say
together to them: “We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the
mission we share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God’s
creative and redeeming word to all the world.” And we know that it is not just
the child that we welcome. Jesus said,” Whoever welcomes this child in my
name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent
me, for the least among all of you is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48)
1
St. Paul Lutheran and Roman Catholic Community of Faith, Denver Colorado.
Around IPLC
Coffee Hour Hosts Needed End of Summer and Early
Fall It’s been lovely having treats outside after worship
some Sundays this Summer. Consider signing up to host on
a Sunday! The summer coffee time sign-up sheet is
hanging on the bulletin board in Victory Hall, or you may
contact Lee Stein (312) 608-1465 or [email protected]
Thanks!
Gentle Yoga Classes Continue: Wednesday Evenings
6:30 to 7:30 pm in Victory Hall
There’s a regular core group of participants from the
church, as well as some members of the community. You
or people you know are also welcome to come to this gentle
yoga class that incorporates mindfulness and meditation,
designed for seniors or anyone wanting a slower paced
exercise program. Participants are requested to contribute
$10 per session, a portion of which goes to the church. For
more information contact Janet Misbach:
[email protected]
A Notice to Sr. High Students and Parents
This year we will begin a new Discipleship program for Sr.
High students instead of our regular class on
Sunday mornings. Since you are now confirmed members
of the congregation, one of the expectations is participation
in church life. This program will offer many different kinds
of service and different levels of participation in church
missions and activities. Come on Rally Day in Victory
Hall to learn more about the program and what
opportunities are on offer!
Magic Mushroom Children’s Summer Program
Underway, Mondays – Fridays, 8:30-5, August 1-26
Pray for participants and teachers. Support the program by
donating spray sunscreen. There are still spaces available,
if you know of someone who may be interested, go to
ww.iplc.org and click on the mushroom, or contact Rachel
at [email protected]
Confirmation Retreat September 16 & 17
Confirmation Students (7th, 8th & 9th graders all invited!)
will go on a retreat at Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center
(LOMC) in Oregon, IL, the weekend of September 16th &
17th. We’ll have dinner at La Villa Friday evening, then
drive out to the camp for devotions and a night hike. The
next day we’ll continue to get to know one another through
team building activities, and a ride down their LOOOONG
zip line. We’ll return to church in the late afternoon on
Saturday.
Gym: Bids for Interior Work Under Discussion
The Property Team is reviewing bids for work on portions
of the gym interior. We are hopeful that some work on the
ceiling, lighting, and walls may be done this August and/or
early September. It’s also time to refinish the floors—many
thanks to the Saturday men’s Basketball players and the
Friday men’s volleyball players who have offered to help
with that last project. Thanks to all who so generously
support the Step Up Now Campaign that is funding this
work.
Chancel Choir Schedule
Two Special Summer Wednesday Evening Rehearsals—
8/31 & 9/7 at 8 pm. Then, beginning Sunday 9/11
rehearsals are every Sunday at 9:30 am (except 2nd
Sundays) and one Wednesday a month (the Wednesday
after the 2nd Sunday). The schedule is designed to
accommodate busy schedules and encourage drop ins – you
don’t even need to sit with the choir during church! Come
help beautify worship and be a part of a great group of
people.
Fine Arts Concert Series
2015/2016 Season
All concerts are free,
Sundays at 2 pm in the church,
followed by a reception in Victory Hall
Bell Choir Schedule
Wednesday 8/31, 9/7, 9/14 & 9/21 at 7 pm. We’ll play in
church on Sunday September 25th at the 10:30 service, and
again on November 20nd, with additional rehearsals prior.
Welcoming New Members
We plan to have another new member Sunday early in the
fall on Rally Day, September 11th, a celebration Sunday,
with everyone back from summer vacations, Sunday School
and choir restarting, and worship going back to the 10:30
am time. If you are interested in joining, or know of others
who are, please contact Pastor Bouman at
[email protected] or call the church office: 7773267-1666.
2
October 2nd
Apollo Trio
wind instruments & piano
December 11th
Anna Fermin and Trigger Gospel
Christmas Program
January 29th
Ben Melsky, Harp
April 23rd
The Sarasota Trio
Vitaly Briskin violin
Allegra Montanari, cello
Roger Bingaman, Piano
IPLC Opened its Doors to the Community with Meal July 28
About 50 people—church and neighborhood members, pantry clients,
and others—shared in a free meal the last Thursday evening in July. Our
partner in ministry, Hands to Help, which supports people in need on the
northwest side, hosted the meal, which was prepared by high school
students from Schurz’s BuildOn program. Meal recipients were so very
thankful for the food and hospitality.
Gayle Nelson, Director of Hands
to Help
Dee and Larry Kimpel were married on July 15., the service ended with a group picture.
3
1 Gabriel Neff
2 Alice Sherlock
2 Darcie Wadycki
5 Robert Driskill, Jr.
7 Camila Pulex
8 Don Hamilton
8 Niko LeBlanc
11 John Frank
14 Kathleen Cumbee
14 Meagan Sporrong
16 Kyra DeMarrias
16 Addison Stewart
17 Maxwell Engel
18 Eloise Sporrong
20 Amanda Joy Driskill
21 Gunner Wojtkiewicz
22 Dawn Benson
22 Sterling Kotche
23 Anthony Perez
25 Jesslyn Bowers
26 Dwan Kimpel
27 Molly Ward
31 Jessica Bacoulis
31 Ralph Greenslade
August Birthdays & Anniversaries
Acolytes
8.7 Alyssa Crook, Elena O’Grady
8.14 Jack Haneberg, Alyssa Crook
8.21 Grace Stumme, Ben Pulex
8.28 Jesslyn Bowers, Elena O’Grady
Lector
8.7 Deb Wojtkiewicz
8.14 Sue Geisler
8.21 Sandra Stumme
8.28 Eleanor Barrett
Assisting Minister- Communion Assistant
8.7 Lee Stein
Roberta Bole
8.14 Eleanor Kepp Larry Lundquist
8.21 David Hall
Dawn Benson
8.28 Kirsten Gettings Holly Van Essen
Partners in Worship
T I D I N G S
From Irving Park Lutheran Church
3938 W. Belle Plaine Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618-1997
Address Service Requested
Sunday September 11th
RALLY DAY & NEW MEMBER SUNDAY
9:15 Breakfast & Crafts, Meet New Members
10:00 Neighborhood Parade
10:30 Worship
Last day of 9:30 Worship is September 4th
(Labor Day Weekend)
Ian and Dawn Stewart, AUG 1 1999
Debra and Corey Wojtkiewicz, AUG 3 2002
Valerie and Nels Wadycki, AUG 5 2005
Debra and Kyle Rogers, AUG 6 1994
Roberta and Philip Bole, AUG 7 1982
Christopher Richard and Roger Bingaman, AUG 21 2014
Erin and Tim Bouman, AUG 22 1998
Ruth and Paul Clausen, AUG 24 1991