September 2015 Announcer

ADVENT LUTHERAN
CHURCH
ANNOUNCER
September 2015
HERE’S WHAT is
HAPPENING
at ADVENT in SEPTEMBER...
Troop 309 in this service project for the community.
More on page 4.
ADVENT LUTHERAN’S MISSION STATEMENT
*NURTURE our congregational family
*SPREAD God’s Word
*SERVE the identified needs of the wider community
Sunday, September 20
“NOW THE FEAST AND CELEBRATION”
September 5 & 6
HOLY COMMUNION
HOLY COMMUNION for Labor Day WEEK TWO of our AAA series: AVAILABLE
Weekend
1ST THEME SESSION FOR CONFIRMANDS:
Tim Leitner will be leading worship at
begin with lunch at 12:00 noon. Our theme for the
both services. We celebrate the gift of
Fall and Winter is THE OLD TESTAMENT.
LABOR, and the gift and call to DAILY
WORK, in liturgy, prayer, song & sermon. Wednesday, September 23
CHOIR PRACTICE BEGINS: Praise Team 6:30pm,
Sunday, September 13
Adult/High School Choir 7pm. Come and help us
GRANDPARENT’S DAY CELEBRAmake a joyful noise to the Lord!
TION at both services. Special liturgy,
prayers, sermon and blessing for grand- Saturday, September 26
parents. Special gift also as you leave
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP 1-3PM @ Ward’s. See article
worship.
on page 8.
WEEK ONE of special preaching and
PowerPoint series on becoming a AAA
Sunday, September 27
faith bearing adult: AUTHENTIC.
WORSHIP AT ADVENT 8:00AM
KICK OFF for Rotation Sunday School
WEEK THREE of our AAA series: AFFIRMING
and Adult Forum. Commissioning of Sun- WORSHIP IN THE PARK 10:30AM
day School leaders, helpers and first Ro- We gather at Northwood Park in Morton for an infortation teachers.
mal service of praise.
“GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS ELCA
ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC follows 10:30am serCommunity Service Workday, 2-5pm at
vice (see page 4).
several work sites. See article on page 4. BEAN BAG TOSS TOURNAMENT at the park after
picnic. Teams compete for coveted prizes in this
Monday. September 14
fundraiser for the National Lutheran Choir visit to
FALL BIBLE STUDY begins at 1:00pm. Johnna
Maragos will lead this interesting study. See page 5. Peoria in February 2016.
See “Make a Joyful
Saturday, September 19
Noise” article on page 5.
ADVENT serves at MORTON PUMPKIN FEST. We
will be working in Pumpkin Grille with Boy Scout
WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES continue through Labor Day Weekend
BIBLE MEMORY VERSE for September 5/6: Psalm 146:2 or 5
O’BRIEN’S OBSERVATIONS
RELIGION AND POLITICS DO MIX - IN EACH OF US!
Amid the wearying and disillusioning vortex of political life, at the state, federal and global level, with
much of the viciousness and violence complicated by religious movements, ideologies and conflicts, we are tempted BOTH to turn away from political involvement AND to see faith as an escape
from this madness. This easily moves into an attitude which is a default setting in our national mindset - religion and politics don’t mix.
But as followers of Jesus, we know - deep down - that such a simplistic platitude is not the answer
either. I found sharp insight to an authentically Christian take on the interplay of these two in an opinion piece by John Buchanan from a recent edition of the Christian Century magazine:
“The conventional maxim ‘religion and politics do not mix’ is not only wrong but misleading and
downright silly. Of course religion and politics mix. Our deepest values are often rooted in our religious beliefs and inform how we live, how we order our priorities, how we spend our time and money, HOW WE VOTE.
“(in response to the recent papal encyclical on climate change) Jeb Bush, a convert to Roman Catholicism, said he doesn’t get his economic policy from bishops and the pope. He elaborated, ‘I think
religion ought to be about making us better people and less about things that end up getting us into
the political realm.’ - that is, religion and politics don’t mix.
“But they do: we want better healthcare and education for everyone because neighbor love is one of
our deepest values and commitments. We want safe food, safe automobiles, and a judicial system
that guarantees equal treatment for all. And we want a sustainable environment for our grandchildren (because of that same deep commitment to neighbor love).”
The Christian Century, August 5, 2015, page 3
Rev. Buchanan’s words are both a challenge and assurance to followers of Jesus as we ponder our
connections to political life. Church and state do not mix, that is a fundamental principle of democracy. But politics and religious faith must mix - because our shared life is, or should be about the
COMMON GOOD - or as the Bible puts it - neighbor love.
Jesus held up “and you shall love your neighbor as yourself” as one with love of God as the FIRST
and GREATEST commandment. It is that commitment Christian people are called to live out as family, neighbors, coworkers and CITIZENS. Government, in particular, with all of its dysfunctions and
frustrations, is envisioned by the Bible as a crucial vehicle for assuring justice and care for all - especially the “widow and orphan” - the weakest and most vulnerable among us.
So let us get out and vote in the special congressional election this month. But more importantly let
each us mix our deep faith commitment to “neighbor love” with the politics of praying for, and working for - liberty, justice and mercy FOR ALL.
Blessed September,
Page 2
Please include these individuals in your
PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL PRAYER.
PRAYER does make a difference!
Pastor Dan TUHY underwent neck surgery on
August 13. He is at home and doing well, with the
usual discomforts which come from such major
surgery.
Lowell FRAIM is Bev Fraim’s brother-in-law.
Terminally ill with lung cancer.
Amber WALKER continues treatment for back
Becky GILLETTE underwent back surgery in Au- injury.
gust. She was able to be back home the next day
and is doing well.
Betty MARAGOS, Chris’ mother, in treatment for
another recurrence of lymphoma and dad, Mitchell
Theodora (Tippy) BACH, Rachel Ruhy’s mom, MARAGOS, who is still dealing with an autoimfell and fractured two leg bones. She has surgery in mune disease that is affecting his skin.
early August, and is in rehab at Lutheran Hillside
Village.
Cara HERBERNER, Tom Dougherty’s niece, undergoing stem cell transplant this month for nonMargaret HEIDENREICH had cardiac stint sur- Hodgkin's lymphoma. She and her family live in
gery in early August. She spent some time in rehab the Chicago area.
but is at home with lots of help from her family.
Mark Delicath beginning chemotherapy as a folCarol PETONKE has been feeling much better
low-up to lung cancer. He is Lynn Goffinet’s
after some surgical intervention. She’s been off an- cousin.
tibiotics for several weeks and is doing well!
Suanne HENDRICKS, another cousin of Lynn
Libit GLENN, long time friend of Dana Bischoff, Goffinet’s, continuing rehab following surgery for
was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a severely broken leg.
still investigating treatment options at this time.
Marissa GILLUM, granddaughter of Pollows,
Cindy FLOWERS, coworker and friend of Mugs still recovering from broken kneecaps and several
Major, bone marrow transplant for recurrent canbreaks in her jaw. She lives in Coal City, IL.
cer. She and her husband live in North Carolina.
Nina COLLINS, neighbor and friend of Chuck
Doug SNYDER has been struggling with the rigors Kinney, seriously ill with cancer, complicated by
of simultaneous radiation and chemotherapy. He
pneumonia.
asks for our prayers of strength and the desire to
eat!
Ed and Karleen PETERSON, friends of Chuck
Kinney, who live in Bartonville. Ed continues on
Paul KINSINGER, Art Herm’s cousin, diagnosed dialysis for kidney failure. Karleen is having
with brain cancer and receiving treatment. Paul
chemotherapy for cancer.
lives in Peoria.
Brenda VENNETTE, friend of the Doughertys,
recurrence of cancer, receiving chemotherapy.
Jeff JOHNSON doing well after several weeks of
radiation therapy.
Ron and Linda CARR, friends of the Majors.
Both are dealing with medical issues. Linda with
liver cancer.
Page 3
“God’s Work Our Hands” Work Day
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday, September 13
Let’s have a BIG CONTINGENT of Advent members involved in this Lutheran work day for the greater Peoria
community!
Locations to choose from:
CAMP KEARNEY: The camp can take a BOATLOAD of
volunteers. There will be opportunities to paint, do trail
clean up and other outdoor, landscaping kinds of work .
Advent Lutheran Church,
I can’t tell you how much the letter, card, and gift card means
to me! What a wonderful surprise. Please extend my thanks
to those that had a hand in this. We definitely ARE partners in
ministry. Thanks for embracing us as your own.
Thomas Mazzola
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY “BRUSH WITH KINDNESS”
Two worksites for 10-12 people each, doing a variety of
outdoor clean up, repair and maintenance tasks. This assists elderly, disabled and homebound homeowners.
MIDWEST FOOD BANK in Morton. Up to 24 people for
food packaging. Becky Ward will lead this group again.
LSSI Staff Appreciation Party did not work out for a variety
of reasons. We hope to do something special for the staff
& their families of this human services outreach of our
churches in the future. Because of this
change, the DINNER, DEBRIEFING and
DEVOTION concluding the day will take
place at First English Lutheran Church in
Peoria at 5:30pm.
OUTDOOR WORSHIP, CHURCH PICNIC AND
BAGS TOURNAMENT
When: Sunday, September 26
Where: NORTHWOOD PARK, North Main St., Morton
(3.7 miles north of Advent on Main Street)
What: Praise Worship in the park at 10:30am
Picnic Lunch at 11:30am
Bean Bag Tournament after picnic
Fellowship Committee provides fried chicken, drinks,
and table service.
BEAN BAG TOURANAMENT is fundraiser for National
Lutheran Choir coming to Peoria in Feb 2016. Sign up
your 2 person team on kiosk and join the fun!
Bring: Lawn chairs for worship and eating
A dish to pass
WELCOME TO SERVICE
AMONG GOD’S PEOPLE!
Church Council Officers, elected at August
meeting:
President: SCOTT WARD
Vice President: JOHN ZIAH
Secretary: KEN BISCHOFF
Treasurer: BRUCE SIMMONS
SIGN UP DEADLINE TUES, SEPT 8!
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Come join Advent's Boy Scout Troop 309
for Morton's Pumpkins of the Caribbean
Pumpkin Festival!
At least 20 volunteers are needed to work
at the Pumpkin Grille on Saturday,
Sept. 19th from 4:00 - 6:30pm.
Cashiers are also needed 4:00 - 8:30pm. Let Dana Bischoff know if
you are interested in cashiering as additional training is needed.
Sign up by September 6 on kiosk outside of church library. Please
include your email address on sign up form. The Chamber of Commerce needs confirmation of our commitment.
Free food has been provided in the past to volunteers!
Contact Dana Bischoff if you have any questions.
We also welcomed MATT HOVEY as a newly
elected member, and thanked VINCE KEENAN
and ART HERM for beginning their 2nd terms on
the council.
There is still one OPEN seat on the Council. The
executive committee asks for your suggestions.
Please contact any of those named above.
KROGER REWARDS PROGRAM
Homebound Members
Please sign up for Kroger rewards for Advent’s youth program.
Friends and family can sign up too!
We received $465.22 in 2nd Quarter...that’s from only 26
families. The more that sign up, the more we earn!
See April Announcer for detailed instructions.
Call church office for personal help!
Advent Lutheran’s NPO number is 10654
Page 4
Clarice Carriere
31 Waldheim, Morton
Bonnie Newman
191 E. Queenwood,
Morton Terrace, Morton
Betty Johnson
464 S. Minnesota, Morton
Endowment Fund Update
The Advent Mission Endowment Fund Committee, at its meeting on August 20th, approved a grant in the
amount of $500 to assist Brittany Dougherty with her upcoming medical mission trip to Ethiopia Africa in October. She will be traveling for two weeks with a fellow classmate and a professor to run a clinic to help provide
medication and education to the people in need, primarily in a small rural village seeing about 300 patients a
day. Brittany has volunteered to relay her experiences to the Advent Community upon her return.
The committee received a thank you note from Jolynn for the grant to assist her in attending the ELCA Worship
Jubilee held in Atlanta GA this past July.
The committee elected Marlon McDonald chairman to replace the undersigned.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the Advent Family for their trust in letting
me serve on the Endowment Fund Committee for the second six year span. It has been an interesting and rewarding experience as the Committee strived to further the outreach of Advent Lutheran with the income from
the gifts to the Fund. Again, thank you for the opportunity.
The next scheduled meeting of Endowment Fund Committee will be at 6:30 pm on Nov 19th in Church Library.
Dean Rohweder
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE - FALL 2015!
The summer is winding down and music ministry at Advent
will be getting into full swing! Here is an overview of the upcoming music year at Advent.
Choirs begin September 23: 6:30pm - Praise Team
7:00pm - Adult/High School choir
I used the money so generously donated to purchase several
new selections that I experienced in Atlanta, and I am very excited to share them with our choirs. I have selected the Christmas Cantata, and I know it will be another “hit”! We truly are
in need of additional voices in our choirs and will love to have
you join us. Advent IS very fortunate to still have choirs, but
the groups are not self sustaining. Please prayerfully consider
sharing your musical gifts!
Advent’s Anniversary Year will also provide opportunities for
additional music. I will be appealing to potential, interested
“ringers” to add chime music for each of our celebratory Sundays. I am planning on limited rehearsal time, and a beautiful
performance. Watch for the rehearsal dates and join us. We
have 3 octaves of chimes and I’d love to use them! Also, I’m
appealing to all our instrumentalists to become more involved
in adding their “voices” to worship.
Here is an update on the National Lutheran Choir fund raising.
We will have our main event through the “bags tournament” at
the Advent picnic, Sept, 27th. The entry fee is $25/2 person
team, with a goal of matching the generous $500 grant from our
Endowment Fund. I just heard from Salem, and they raised
$760 through a “talent show”. I am so grateful for the enthusiasm shown for supporting this concert!
I will be working very hard to make our
worship music intentional this year, a very
important lesson that I brought back from
Atlanta. Please join me in those efforts!
With One Voice,
Jolynn Lottman
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP FOR
CAREGIVERS
3rd Tuesday of every month
9:30—10:30am at Morton Public Library
Open to everyone
See kiosk for more information
"It's Good to Be Queen" Fall Bible Study
The reviews for Liz Higgs brand new book are five-star! "It's
Good to Be Queen" is currently #1 best seller in old testament
biographies on Amazon. Our Bible Study is going to find out
what everyone is so excited about!
The Fall Bible Study will be held every Monday at 1 PM beginning September 14th. No signing up - just come to the
study. Books have been ordered and should be available from
Johnna by Labor Day weekend for $9. They are also available
from Amazon for e-readers. Last spring our table-full of women
had wonderful discussions based on Mrs. Higgs thoughtprovoking study. You won't want to miss this chance to grow in
faith and friendship through her newest book release! Bring a
friend! Johnna Maragos will be the study facilitator.
Here is an Overview:
Sheba Journeyed Across the Desert with a Caravan of Riches,
Only to Find the Greatest Treasure of Them All. So Can You.
When it comes to famous queens of the Bible, we know the
good one, Queen Esther, and the bad one, Queen Jezebel.
Now meet the wise one, the queen of Sheba, who traveled to
Jerusalem to test the mind and heart of a king.
Her quest for wisdom will surprise you, challenge you, inspire you, change you. This wealthy royal from antiquity will
show you how to live boldly, seek after truth, ask the right questions, encourage others, receive graciously, and honor the Lord
above all. Shedding new light on this ancient biblical role model,
Liz Curtis Higgs unveils timeless wisdom for all who aspire to
please the king of Kings. Chapters are as follows:
Be bold and take frequent leaps of faith
Be open to whatever God has prepared for you
Seek wise counsel from trustworthy sources
Be humbled, trusting Him to lift you up
Be honest with God, with yourself, with others
Encourage everyone who crosses your path
Praise God in all things and in every season
Give generously, with open hands and heart
Receive graciously, to honor God and the giver
End well by loving well all the days of your life
Page 5
Grant Johnson
920 N. Charles St.
Apt. 113
Macomb, IL 61455-4418
GODSPEED and THANK YOU,
SANDIE!
Sandie Sutton, who has been our bookkeeper
for several years, and was also a long time
member of the congregation, has resigned her
position. She and her husband Rick have
moved full time to Petersburg, IL(near Springfield) where they have had a vacation home
for many years.
During her time as a member, Sandie was a
very active choir member and church council
member, serving at least once as president of
the congregation.
During her years as bookkeeper, Sandie has
done an awesome job of overseeing and organizing the financial resources of the congregation and modernizing and streamlining our
bookkeeping system.
We, the staff and financial officers of Advent,
will miss her TERRIBLY and we wish her
and Rick well as they put down full time roots
in a place they have long loved to visit.
We hope to see her at one
or more of the upcoming
anniversary events.
Her contact information is
available through the
church office.
Erin McDonald
1617 Fannin St
Apt 1206
Houston, TX 77002
Caitlin Anderson
Box 219
300 E College Ave
Eureka, IL 61530
Connor McDonald
318 N 9th St
MC #598
Monmouth, IL 61462
Luke Brodahl
Box 439
300 E College Ave
Eureka, IL 61530
Tyler McDonald
318 N 9th St
MC #599
Monmouth, IL 61462
Painting and wallpaper stripping opportunity!
We’re sprucing things up for our anniversary celebrations
and could use your help. Several members have gotten a
great start on things, let’s keep things “rolling”!
Call the church office to volunteer. THANK YOU!
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts arrive October 11!!!
Advent's Boy Scout Troop 309 will be selling Original Glazed Doughnuts
at church on Sunday, October 11 as a fundraiser for their campouts and
related activities. Pre-orders are being taken for Special Variety Doughnuts, Original Glazed, and Coffees on sign-up form on kiosk outside of
church library. Deadline for pre-orders is Sept 24.
Glazed $8/dozen
Special Variety - $9.00/dozen: Chocolate Iced, Lemon
Filled, Raspberry Filled, Kreme Filled
Coffee—$9/bag of ground coffee
See Dana & Mark Bischoff for any questions!
FAMILY SERVICE OVERNIGHT
Noisy Can
Offering
September 20
Let’s make lots of
“noise” with our coin
deposits into cans
the Sunday School
students will pass
around during offering to support our
World Vision girl in El
Salvador, Wendy
Vasquez. THANK
YOU for your faithful support of this
ministry!
Peoria Area Dining Books
Peoria Area Dining books are available from Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria
(LWGP). The cost is $30 and proceeds are divided between Lutheran Hillside
Village and Lutheran Social Services. Last year 170 books were sold which generated over $1,900 for LWGP. Contact: Ruth Rohweder 263-2084 or Loretta
Dirst 263-1327 to purchase a book.
The Announcer as well as weekly bulletins are
online at
adventmorton.org
Page 6
Please stop by the bulletin boards in the
information hallway to see more about
upcoming meetings and gatherings.
Advent Lutheran Operations Fund
Income and Expenses Summary
Welcome
Dave Mills,
our new Bookkeeper!
Actual
We exceeded our goal of 15% for
Benevolence in July!
Thank you!
Even though we had $4,992
deficit in July, it’s far better than
the $20,000
deficit we had a year ago,
in July 2014.
Offering
August 2015
8/2/15
$ 9,087
8/9/15
$ 3,702
8/16/15 $ 6,683
8/23/15 $ 4,273
8/30/15 $ 4,316
Total
$28,061
2015
Month of July
Budget
Difference
Income
$
16,948 $
22,331 $
(5,384)
Expenses
$
20,119 $
22,321 $
(2,201)
Net
$
(3,172)
Actual
$
11
2015
July Year to Date
Budget
Difference
Income
$
149,531 $
156,319 $
(6,788)
Expenses
$
154,523 $
156,245 $
(1,721)
Net
$
(4,992)
$
74
Actual
vs. 2014
Benevolence 2015 Y-T-D: $
22,921
+13.8%
as % of Operating Income:
16.1%
(goal for year: Benevolence = 15% of Operating income)
Service Committee
WE CARE FOOD COLLECTION CONTINUES!
WeCare food supplies are in low supply so please consider donating
non-perishable food items during the month of September.
They are in great need! THANK YOU!
Suggested items:
Canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.)
Soup
Spaghetti noodles and sauce
Canned fruit
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Crackers
Hamburger Helper and Mac & Cheese
Cereals
Side dishes (instant potatoes, pasta, rice)
Please place in round purple plastic bin in hallway between
Family Life Center and kitchen doors.
Page 7
WE CARE SAYS
“THANK YOU” ADVENT
FOR DONATING 30 +
BAGS OF PANTRY FOOD
TO THEIR SHELVES IN
AUGUST!
More GROUPS AND GATHERINGS
PRIME TIMERS
Join us September 1st at noon in the Family Life Center
for food, fellowship and fun. We’ll make plans for the
year. Please bring a baby picture and we will see how
many of our friends we can identify. FOOD WILL BE
PROVIDED.
Ruth Rohweder & Sally Ferko
Fellowship Hour begins
Sunday ,September 13. The
schedule will be emailed to all
who have served in the past
and want to bless us with your
delicious goodies again this
year.
If you have not been involved in
this ministry, but desire to
serve, please email or call the
church office indicating "count
me in" and you will be placed
on the schedule.
Contact Teresa Johnson with
questions. THANK YOU!
Don’t
forget—
Scrip Turn-In Days
Sept 6 & 20
Busy Hands
Quilt sewing group resumes Tuesday,
September 8 at 9:00am. Come join us!
The initial MEN'S FELLOWSHIP gathering is Saturday, Sept. 26, 1- 3pm at the Ward's in Groveland:
500 Norman Dr. Men age 21 and over are invited.
Brats, beans, chips & cold refreshments will be
served. If you want to bring something to share that
is great, but you do not need to. There will be tournaments of various games of skill, involving lawn
darts, washer toss, and a golf challenge. Bring a 9
iron and 3 balls you are willing to lose if you want to
be in the golf challenge (water hazard).
If questions, contact Bruce Simmons or Scott Ward.
See you there!
September
Meetings
Property
Tues, Sept 1
7:00 PM
YFM Advisory
Wed, Sept 2
6:00 pm
50th Anniversary
Planning
Wed, Sept 2
6:30 PM
Christian
Caregivers
Thurs, Sept 10
10:00 AM
Church Council
Tues, Sept 22
Fellowship 6:30pm
Meeting 7:00pm
Worship
No Sept meeting
Next meeting Oct 7
Lunch Bunch
Wednesday, September 16
11:30am
Weaver Ridge Restaurant
at Weaver Ridge Golf Club
5100 N Weaverridge Blvd, Peoria
Endowment Fund
No Sept meeting
Next meeting Nov 19
Please sign up on the kiosk for reservations.
Carpool from church at 11:00am.
Worship Committee Corner
Lutheran Hillside Village is hosting our
Benevolent Care Brunch Extraordinaire
Saturday, September 19
7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Guests will be treated to a delicious gourmet entree
prepared by our executive chef, Mark Shoopman,
and his talented team.
Cost is $50 per person. Proceeds benefit the Lutheran
Hillside Village Benevolent Fund to support care center (nursing) residents who outlive their resources.
Sunday, September 13 begins our Fall Schedule:
8:00AM Worship service
9:15AM Sunday School
9:30AM Adult Learning Forum
10:30AM Worship Service
Sunday, Sept ember 27
8:00AM Worship at Advent
10:30AM Outdoor worship at Northwood Park in Morton
Annual Church Picnic immediately following worship.
Bean Bag Tournament also. Get your teams signed up!
November 15
Reservation deadline September 7. Please see John 50th Anniversary Celebration with meal
Opem (309.689.2190), for reservation forms or call
Lutheran Hillside Village Foundation: Phil King Next Worship Committee Meeting: Wednesday, October 7
(309.683.1298) or Rosalie Park (309.683.1293).
Peace, Judy Stegmaier
Page 8
Youth and Family Ministry With Ella
Note from Ella:
What a busy August it has been! It was a month of planning for the year
ahead, but also a month full of activities. We had a special “Family Rotation Sunday School,” on the 23rd & 30th. The Blessing of the Backpacks
was during worship on Sunday the 9th and Saturday the 8th, and our
Family Service Overnight was that same weekend from Friday to Saturday. All the way back on August 1st I was wrapping up a week at Leadership Lab. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to have served on
staff the past three years at Leadership Lab. Lab is my favorite week of
the year, something I look forward to, and also a necessary time for recharging my spirit and growing closer to God. I really wish for more high
school youth and young adults from Advent to experience Leadership
Lab. If you are wondering what Lab is like and why people go, check out
this Why Leadership Lab video. The dates for Leadership Lab next year
are July 25-30, 2016.
A word from Skylar Williamson who spent a week at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center this past summer for
Sports Camp: “I went to LOMC and would like to share my experience with you. In [the picture on Ella’s bulletin
board] we were doing a team bonding activity. In the activity we were trying to make the shapes we were given into
one piece and use every shape we had. I found it to be awesome to work as a team! I had wonderful counselors and
couldn’t believe how fast 6 days went. I would like to thank the people at Advent for helping me
have the opportunity to go to LOMC for the first time. I found it to be an event worthwhile.
Some of the other activities I did were: played sports, went swimming, ate good food, had a
great talent show. Can’t wait to go back!”
SAVE THE DATE: SAT, NOV 7
SUNDAY SCHOOL ROTATION 1: CREATION,
begins September 13 and runs through the 27th.
Rotation Sunday School is for 3-year-olds on up
to students in 6th grade. We start in the sanctuary at 9:15am and the children are dismissed to the Family Life Center for snacks at
10:15am. Thank you to Rebecca Hack and Melanie Carpenter who are continuing their
support as Sunday School Coordinators. Shelley Hovey will be our 4th-6th grade Shepherd; we need Shepherds for 1st-3rd grade and Pre-Kindergarten. Our Rotation 1 teachers are Vince Keenan, Chuck Kinney, and Larry Williamson. Bruce Simmons is the opener. All 7th and 8th grade junior high students are invited to spend Sunday School hour
with Chip Carlson.
High School Sunday School will begin on September 13 in the youth room. All current
high school students are encouraged to go, and any adults are also invited to join us.
This year we will be learning about and experimenting with different spiritual practices.
We will work on connecting our faith to our busy, everyday lives. We will be doing things
such as acting out Bible Stories, meditating, dancing, and making music. Be prepared to
laugh and be a little ridiculous, but to also grow in your faith and relationship with God.
COMING SOON: PRAYER WALL. Have you noticed the inconspicuous cable installed on the narthex wall a few weeks ago? This is going to be our
new “leave a prayer, take a prayer” Prayer Wall. As a way to foster our
community faith and care for one another, all members and visitors of Advent will soon have the chance to write down and post a prayer on the wall
for others to read and pray for or even take home to pray about. The prayer wall will also provide an opportunity for something to do for those who
are waiting out in the hall before or after worship.
Page 9
BE LIKE JESUS JR.
This will be a mini “Be Like Jesus”
service day for 1st—3rd grade students. It will be held at Salem Lutheran church in Peoria from 10 am
to 3 pm. More details and registration forms to come!
Help us collect 100 boxes of crayons, colored pencils, or markers for Operation
Christmas Child shoeboxes for the Be Like
Jesus Jr. service project. Please drop off
donations at
Ella’s office.
Have old furniture? We are seeking
used but presentable coffee tables and/
or end tables for the youth room with the
couches. See Ella for details.
Ella’s Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Cell: (309) 339-5749
50th ANNIVERSARY UPDATE
The committee continues to work diligently on several
aspects of our emerging Celebration:
Putting final touches on the November 15 event, with Rev.
Bill Peterson as our guest at both worship services and at
the THANKSGIVING FEAST that day.
Developing the mailing list including former members and
others we think would be interested in taking part.
Assembling items for a historical exhibit, which will be
housed in the Sunday School room opposite the Family Life Center.
Your help with each of these projects is much appreciated.
Also, we ask your input and ideas for three projects for SEPTEMBER:
1). Developing a THEME motto for the Celebration, a brief phrase which can be used on printed
materials and memento items throughout the next year and a half.
2). Developing a LOGO, an image which we could use with the theme throughout the celebration.
3). Identify a MISSION PROJECT or projects for the celebration. Heeding God’s call to live not for
ourselves but for the world, we want to identify one or two special ministries as an Anniversary mission outreach.
You will be hearing a lot more about this at worship during September, put on your thinking caps,
and get those artistic juices going!!
Finally, two other ways you can assist in making our 50 th a party to remember!
1). Volunteer to help organize ONE of the 5 events. We have specific groups within Advent who
will facilitate the food and fellowship portion of each event. Pick an event and offer to assist whatever group is in charge that day!
2). We are also looking for photos, documents or other memorabilia from Advent’s history. If you
have such items, or know of someone who does, THANK YOU for letting us know. We would like
to borrow these items to use during this year-long celebration, make copies for our archives and
then return them.
Members of the committee are: Ruth Rohweder, Ruth Smith, Art Herm, Jolynn Lottman, Bev Potts,
Arlene Parr and Sally Ferko. Co-chairs are John Ziah and Judy Stegmaier.
NEXT MEETING is Wednesday, September 2 at 6:30PM in the church library. ALL MEMBERS are
invited to join us!
September 2015
Sunday Worship Assistants
Altar Guild:
Jill Veskauf & Alaina White
September 5 / 6
Ride for Danny: Veskauf
5:00 PM
Greeter: L:arry & Mugs major
Ushers: Bruce Simmons
Lector: Art Herm
Acolyte: Josh Tuhy
Communion Asst: Bruce Simmons, Mugs Major
9:00 AM
Greeters: Judy Stegmaier
Ushers: Dean & Jill Veskauf
Lector: Jill Veskauf
Acolyte: Kyleigh Carpenter
Communion Asst: Chip Carlson
Nursery: Keenan
September 13
Ride for Danny: Carlson
8:00 AM
Greeter: Carl & Karen Kaufman
Ushers: Larry & Mugs Major
Lector: Judy Stegmaier
Acolyte: Owen Keenan
Nursery: Hack
Happy September Birthday!
Grace
Dolly
Brett
Becky
Alyson
Scott
Carl
Otto
Sally
Norma
Heather
Caden
Jacob
Kayla
Elizabeth
Jacob
Larry
Alaina
Dana
Dan
Norma
Sarah
Tim
Cathy
Johnna
Simmons
Leader
Oakman
Ward
Unsicker
Ward
Kaufman
Roeder
Ferko
Larson
McLauchlan
Seffern
Seffern
Axsom
Hanson
Axsom
Major
White
Bischoff
Driscoll
Probasco
Hovey
Gillette
Worlow
Maragos
10:30 AM
Greeters: Ruth Smilth & Norma Probasco
Ushers: Dave & Becky Gillette
Lector: Dana Bischoff
Acolyte: Mark Bischoff
Nursery: Teresa Johnson
September 20
Ride for Danny: Hartseil
8:00 AM
Greeter: Judy Stegmaier
Ushers: Vince & Amy Keenan
Lector: Heather McLauchlan
Acolyte: Owen Keenan
Communion Asst: Heather & Craig McClauchan
Nursery: McLauchlan
10:30 AM
Greeters: Barb & Larry Williamson
Ushers: Chad & Shelley Hovey
Lector: Larry Williamson
Acolyte: Samantha Hovey
Communion Asst: Barb & Larry Williamson
Nursery: Nason
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
9/
1
1
Chip
Carlson
9/1
2
Tamra
Brodahl
9/1
4
Shawn Major
9/3
10
Bev
Potts
9/12
10
Miles
Wright
9/14
11
Rochelle Nason
9/15
11
Mugs
Major
9/16
13
Arlene Parr
9/18
14
Jack
Bartholomew
9/22
15
Emily
Schaefer
9/22
15
Sam
Hovey
9/25
15
Sam
Brodahl
9/26
15
Dan
Parr
9/27
16
Heather
McLauchlan
9/29
17
Ruth
Rohweder
9/29
18
Max
Williamson
9/29
19
Scott
Ward
9/30
19
20
21
Happy September
24
Anniversary!
25
27
Ryan & Tracie Williamson 9/3
28
Dean & Ruth Rohweder
9/9
Greg & Lori Prichard
9/12
Larry & Mugs Major
9/18
Kevin & Terri Hartseil
9/22
September 27
Ride for Danny: Parr
8:00 AM
Greeter: Ted & Linda Stahler
Ushers: Greg & Lori Prichard
Lector: Judy Stegmaier
Acolyte: Ian McLauchlan
Nursery: Sidell
9:00 AM
Greeters: Carole Petonke, Bev Fraim
Ushers: Marlon & Sheryl McDonald
Lector: Marlon McDonald
Acolyte: Skylar Williamson
Nursery: Maragos
Page 11
September Baptismal
Birthdays
2015 Ministry Goals for NURTURE, SPREAD and SERVE:
living God’s mission as God’s people, gathered and called together in Christ
NURTURE
1) Ready to fully implement Caring Contact Program in September
2) Men’s Fellowship Kick-Off Event Sat, Sept 26 1-3pm at Ward’s house. Yard games & fellowship
3) Women’s Bible Study begins Monday, Sept 14 at 1:00pm. “It’s Good to Be Queen” is study book.
SPREAD
1) Adopt Morton Villa and Morton Terrace CARE CENTERS. Two people have been recruited to
begin visitation program. We need more people to visit those who have few or no visitors.
2) Advertising Program now includes permanent church ad in Morton Times-News & Morton Courier.
Individual activities will be listed in the paper’s “events” section.
3) Targeted Fall 2015 date to implement Witness/Advent Ambassadors Committee
SERVE
Church Council is researching needs of Morton and surrounding
communities. Interviews of community leaders & organizations to
begin Fall 2015.
Advent Lutheran Church
1211 S. Main Street
P.O. Box 282
Morton, Illinois 61550-2449
309-266-5883
[email protected]
www.adventmorton.org
Pastor:
Rev. Dennis O’Brien
FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULE
BEGINS SUNDAY, SEPT 13
8:00 AM Worship
9:15 AM Sunday School
9:30 AM Adult Learning Forum
10:30 AM Worship