Newsletter - Trinity Lutheran Church
Transcription
Newsletter - Trinity Lutheran Church
Trinity Lutheran Church Volume 53, Issue: 3 March 2015 The Messenger Let’s Pray by Shirley Luttrell Inside this issue: Let’s Pray 1 Lessons & Hymns 2 Lenten Weekday Worship Lenten Reflection 3 Council Highlights 4 Advocacy Notes Vision Team 5 Thank You 6 The Rev. Andraé Crouch 7 First Communion Scout News 8 Five Loaves & Two Fish 9 Shining Stars Wish List 10 Easter Basket Easter Lilies 11 Relay for Life WELCA Spring Lunch 12 Memorial Gifts 13 Birthdays & Anniversaries In Need of Prayer Membership Updates Serving in the Military 14 Trinity Talks: Upcoming Events 15 Staff 16 Last year, I was invited to go to the ELCA Synod Assembly. I didn’t know what to expect. When we got there, the first thing we did was visit various booths representing different ELCA programs. One of the first I came across was one about the ELCA Malaria Campaign. The people at the booth were very friendly and passionate about the cause. I took some information and moved on. Later, we were encouraged to go to a workshop or two that was being offered. I saw one for the Malaria Campaign. Since my interest was piqued at the booth earlier, I felt that I was being called to go to the workshop. I learned some new things about how Malaria affects the lives of so many people and how the ELCA is working to help these people by teaching them about the importance of preventative measures, early detection, and helping them to get early treatment. The assembly continued and again I heard speakers talk about the Malaria Campaign. It seemed like every time I turned around, someone else was talking about it. I finally got it. God was calling me, and I was going to listen to Him. I asked for help from the Christian Education Committee, and they were all on board. Since then, we’ve had 2 fundraisers for the campaign: a bake sale and angel ornament sale. Thanks to all of your support, we are on our way to making a difference. Look for information around church and learn about Malaria and how the ELCA is working to control it. Maybe you’ll be moved to help too. Listen … God is calling Lesson and Hymns March 2015 Saturday: Contemporary/Holy Communion at 5:30 p.m. Sunday: Holy Communion at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Second Sunday in Lent - February 28 - March 1, 2015 Altar Color: Purple Readings: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38 Hymns: 757, 750, 769 Third Sunday in Lent - March 7-8, 2015 Altar Color: Purple Readings: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22 Hymns: 652, 637, 793 Fourth Sunday in Lent - March 14-15, 2015 Altar Color: Purple Readings: Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm: 107:1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21 Hymns: 803, 666, 337 Fifth Sunday in Lent - March 21-22, 2015 Altar Color: Purple Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 119:9-16; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33 Hymns: 379, 506, 465 Sunday of the Passion - March 28-29, 2015 Altar Color: Purple Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 14:1 - 15:47 Hymns: 344, 345, 335, 349, 346 Hymns are from Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2 Wednesdays in Lent Join your friends for the remaining Wednesdays in Lent, where we will learn about the role of prayer in the life of faith at 11:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. on the following days: March 4 What prayer is/is not. March 11 Why should I/we pray? March 18 How should I/we pray? March 25 Whom should I/we pray for and when? During Lent, share lunch after 11:00 a.m. worship or dinner at 6:00 p.m. before 7:00 p.m. worship. River Cafe on River Rd. south of Oakton St. will provide the soup lunch. The dinners will be potluck so bring a dish to share. Invite your friends, neighbors, or co-workers to join you for worship and for lunch or dinner. That’s sort of the realization I had this year, and with that I decided that the thing or things I gave up had to be an emotional sacrifice. A spiritual sacrifice. Lent is about getting closer with God. Spending more time with him, feeling connected. Does my grande triple skinny vanilla latte put up a barrier between myself and my relationship with the Lord? No. Does my giving that up bring me any closer to Him? I’d like to think that the answer to that one is also no. The following is an excerpt from the blog Diva and the Divine by Brianna Engebretsen. To read the full post go to http:// divaandthedivine.com/why-im-not-giving-upchocolate-for-lent/ As I got to thinking about what I wanted to give up this year, I went through my list of normal, logical choices to see which one seemed to fit. Some of my go-to Lenten “sacrifices” are: Chocolate Chips Starbucks Usually my sacrifice ended up being some unhealthy thing in my diet, and sacrificing it on behalf of the Lenten season seemed like a reason that would get the healthy habit to stick. As I was thinking about this, I came to the conclusion that this was not the right approach at all. How does giving up chocolate for 40 days relate at all to my relationship with God and Jesus? How can my “sacrifice” of an over priced latte once or twice a week for a handful of weeks even begin to compare to the sacrifice that Jesus made for us that we are supposed to spend this Lenten season reflecting on?? They don’t. I want Lent to be about growing spiritually; about being a better person with a stronger, more caring heart and a deeper connection with our Savior, who during this Lenten time knew the sacrifice He would make at the end of it. I came across this article on Tuesday that sort of confirmed that the way my mind was going was appropriate for Lent. “20 Things to Give Up for Lent” started listing things like guilt, excuses, pride, and worry as the things we should be giving up for Lent (and forever). Again, things that are true barriers in your relationship with God which make it difficult for you to trust him fully and love Him completely. Now, I’m not saying that if you’re giving up cupcakes for Lent (that’s another one I did … just remembered) you’re copping out of the whole idea. Everyone’s journey is different and unique to them and their relationship with God and themselves. I would encourage you, my friends, to add another thing to the list of your sacrifice this Lenten season. Give up your chocolate AND give up the self-pity that might come with the body image you have of yourself that led you to sacrifice your favorite sweet to begin with. Give up Facebook as an addition to giving up gossip. Get the idea? Whatever your sacrifice, I pray that you use this Lenten season to strengthen your bond with our Lord and to truly feel the spiritual wholeness that comes from understanding the ultimate sacrifice that He gave us. We celebrate His death, and more importantly, His resurrection. Thanks be to God! 3 Balances of current assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 were compared to third-party documents, i.e. bank and brokerage statements and reconciled to the balance on the church ledger. Based on this review, there were no material discrepancies found. The audit committee performed some accounting test procedures to ensure proper recording of transactions. There is a total of five recommendations to the Finance committee. 2015 Budget: Sufficient votes were obtained at the annual meeting to pass the original budget as presented to the congregation by the council which would result in a projected $6,000.00 deficit. There was a motion during the final session of the annual meeting to amend the original budget to operate at approximately $10,000.00 dollar deficit with expenses increased to synod benevolence (mission support), youth/family, and music. The council is in the process of obtaining votes from those who attended the previous two sessions. Highlights from the February Council Meeting The following individuals were elected and have agreed to serve as the officers for this congregation: Dan Dorman - President Jim Hemzacek - Vice President Mike Scholzel - Treasurer Deanna Voss - Secretary Committee council liaison assignments: Pastor George Schelter’s Report Communication & Publicity - Jim Hemzacek Update on the new member class: There are two participants in our new member class which is meeting on Sundays. Finance & Stewardship - Norene Rolenitus Outreach - Deanna Voss Scholarships for students attending a Lutheran College: There are currently three students enrolled at Lutheran colleges from Trinity. Jason Henry, now in his second year at Valparaiso University in Indiana; Michelle Henry will be entering her first year at Valparaiso University in Indiana; and Haley Bobek will be entering her first year at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. These are three very fine students who are very involved in the life of our congregation. We are pleased to offer them these scholarships. Providing a nominal scholarship ($250.00 each semester) to Trinity students who are attending a Lutheran College continues to be a way for Trinity to offer support to our youth. The funds for this program come from the generosity of our members. If you are interested in contributing toward this fund above your regular offering, please mark your envelope “scholarship fund” and it will be placed into the restricted fund for this purpose. Property - Werner Stiller Boy Scouts - Belinda Mueller Vision Team - Shirley Luttrell WELCA (Women of the ELCA) - Belinda Mueller Worship & Music - Kevin Lang Youth & Family/Christian Education Michelle Henry, Desi Rae Stricker, and Dave Swanson Every member of the council welcomes and desires your input. Please share your thoughts and ideas regarding the fulfilment of our mission together with any member of council. Above all, we ask that you keep all members of the council, ministry committees, and ministry staff in your daily prayers. Treasurer’s Report: Peace be with you all, Examination of financial reports for year ending December 31, 2014: An audit committee consisting of Frank Hauser, Pat Kilcullen, and Janet Kittlaus met with financial secretary Jana Haas and Treasurer Mike Scholzel on the evening of February 11. Dan Dorman, Council President 4 Advocacy Notes From ELCA Advocacy in Washington D.C., here are the 2015 Priorities. Addressing root causes of poverty and injustice internationally. This year, ELCA Advocacy will work to pass the Food for Peace Act, the International Violence Against Women Act, and will address funding needs for humanitarian relief and promote peace in the Middle East. In 2015, we will improve the treatment of migrants in-transit and seek opportunities to address the root causes of migration in Central America by ensuring policies uphold human rights and dignity. “Our calling to love of neighbor obligates us to act to prevent wars and seek alternatives to them” (ELCA Social Statement, “For Peace in God’s World”). Caring for all of God’s creation. We look forward to gathering support for a strong Endangered Species Act, working to protect water and air standards, and continuing to encourage a strong and proactive U.S. position in the negotiations for the Paris climate change agreement. “Made in the image of God, we believe that we are called to care for the earth as God cares for the earth” (ELCA Social Statement, “Caring for Creation”). Standing with our communities facing poverty and struggling with hunger and disease. Advocacy will work to help end hunger by enhancing domestic programs, including reauthorizing the Child Nutrition and WIC Act, supporting older Americans, establishing a sufficient living wage, securing funding for low-income housing, caring for veterans, ensuring a fair tax policy, and reforming education systems. “Out of deep concern for those affected adversely by poverty, we find it a moral imperative to seek a sufficient, sustainable livelihood for all” (ELCA Social Statement, “Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All”). When you sign up for the advocacy network, you will receive alerts from our Advocacy Staff in Washington DC. when your action is needed. BE AN ADVOCATE Visioning Team Update 126 individuals, ranging in age from under 18 to over 85, responded to the Trinity survey which was made available by the visioning team in November. There were over 550 responses to the open ended questions! One obvious conclusion is just how much the Trinity community cares. The team has been meeting to digest and summarize the wealth of information gathered. We expect to present the information to the council and staff in April. We will continue to keep you informed of survey findings. 5 Thank you for participating in our Caring Tree Project! 6 The Reverend Andraé Crouch The world of church music lost one of its most important figures on January 8. The Reverend Andraé Crouch, the father of modern gospel music, died following a heart attack in his native Los Angeles. At the time of his death, Crouch and his twin sister Sandra were co-pastors at the church their parents had founded. His legacy to the Church at large—his music—lives on in hymnals across the country, including Lutheran hymnals. At Trinity, we’ve sung “Through It All,” “Bless His Holy Name,” and of course “Soon and Very Soon.” These classic hymns were just one aspect of Crouch’s work from forty years ago, when he altered the face of contemporary Christian music. In the early ‘70s, when Christian pop music was just getting started, Crouch began using sounds from mainstream rock ‘n’ roll and R&B music in his gospel band, the Disciples. Before Crouch, the prevailing gospel sound was the call-and-response, mass choir approach of Thomas Dorsey (“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”) and the Rev. James Cleveland. The single best known example of this style is probably Aretha Franklin’s 1972 album Amazing Grace. This was church gospel born in the South and developed in Chicago, and rock and soul musicians had been borrowing from it for years. (Recall all the gospel harmonies and call-and-response in the Rolling Stones’ music, for instance.) In California, the locus of the hippie—associated Jesus Movement, Crouch started borrowing back. You can see the difference on the back cover of Crouch’s own ‘72 album, Soulfully: Crouch sits singing ecstatically at the piano, leading his six -piece band—co-ed, bi-racial, and Amplified—through a performance on The Tonight Show. They look for all the world like Sly and the Family Stone dressed up for church. From the beginning, Crouch didn’t just preach to the choir; he sought to bring Jesus to the world. “We are to reach people where they are, therefore our music must be appealing,” he once told an interviewer. Whenever Crouch came close to crossing over into secular music, he did so on his terms. Elvis Presley and Paul Simon included his songs on their own albums without changing a word. (Paul Simon didn’t actually sing “Jesus Is the Answer” - it was a feature for his backup choir, the Jessy Dixon Singers.) After the Disciples disbanded, Crouch arranged the choral parts on two #1 pop hits, Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” and Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” and on the soundtrack to The Lion King. When the mainstream music business wanted the sound of gospel music, they often looked to Crouch; and when they looked at Crouch, they saw someone who loved Jesus. At Michael Jackson’s memorial, a choir sang “Soon and Very Soon.” For all his outreach to the world, Crouch’s music profoundly affected what many Christians sing each weekend. 7 After his death, the internet was full of tributes from gospel singers and contemporary Christian singers, both black and white. Michael W. Smith, another writer whose songs have made it into our hymnal (“Thy Word,” “Great Is the Lord”), told Billboard magazine, “I don’t think there is anyone who inspired me more, growing up, than Andraé Crouch.” Crouch carried gospel’s oral tradition into our age of recorded music and copyrights. Though his albums and concerts abounded with original melodies, Crouch also sought to get congregations singing quickly, which sometimes meant adapting gospel hymns everyone already knew. Part of “Bless His Holy Name” takes its melody and theme from Velna Ledin’s Sunday School classic “God Is So Good,” while “My Tribute” uses the title phrase of Fanny Crosby’s “To God Be the Glory” in a new setting. Worship leaders still gratefully use this technique when leading old songs with new refrains, like Chris Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).” “More than any other artist in Christian music, black or white,” says the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music, “Crouch eventually crossed the barriers to appeal to a racially diverse audience.” Since he died, one of my favorite Youtube discoveries has been Crouch’s rollicking 1980 performance of his song “I’ve Got Confidence” with— who else? - Tennessee Ernie Ford at—where else? - the Grand Ole Opry. Crouch leaves us a rich musical history worth exploring. Not only did he leave his fingerprints on music we sing every week, but his own music is a wonderful offering of praise to our God. ~Josh Langhoff Congratulations to Jaxen Ruben Lozano and Ian Ross Turner on receiving their First Communion on February 15 during the 10:30 a.m. service. Scouting News Sunday, February 8 was Scout Sunday at Trinity’s 10:30 service. Scout Sunday is a tradition which makes people in houses of worship aware of Scouting and to allow Scouts to live out their “Duty to God” pledge. Scout Law values like, “A Scout is Reverent”, strengthen youth character in their family, community, and faith. Upper Left: Scoutmaster Victor Kelly, Eagle Scout Derek Pace, Senior Patrol Leader Cole Kelly, Assistant Scoutmaster Karl Lindahl. Lower Left: lst Class Scout Dylan Pace, lst class Scout Kai Kelly, Scout Paul Davis and Sean Koziol. 8 “Five Loaves and Two Fish” Community Luncheon We just finished a very successful February Fish and Loaves luncheon. Now it is time to prepare for March. Fish and Loaves this month is on March 14. As always, we appreciate everything you as congregation members do to help support us in our mission. We are hoping to reach out further this month. As you may know, we depend upon your generous donations, whether they are meals, food items, or monetary. We have been running low on funds recently and we are reaching out to you for help. The money we use goes towards purchasing food when there are months when donations are light to ensure we have enough food each month. Even if every member only donates a few dollars, it would help greatly. If you are gracious enough to donate, we accept cash and checks (just make sure Fish and Loaves is written on the envelope) and we also accept gift card to stores such as: GFS, Jewel, Sam’s Club, etc. This month, there will be a sign up list with specific dishes we would love to have you make and donate for us. As always, you can also bring in whatever you have the means of bringing, we accept everything. We are also asking that if you cannot donate a meal this month, maybe you could help us by donating some non-perishable staple items we can always use in our pantry. Some of these items are listed: Ground Beef Sausage: Bratwurst, polish, smoked , breakfast Meatballs Frozen pizzas Boxed Mac & Cheese Boxed potatoes (any style) Boxed Noodle dishes Canned chili beans (GFS 111 oz. can) Hunts or GFS Tomato sauce (6 lb. 10 oz. can) Pickles (all types) Paper plates/napkins Fresh produce Plastic containers for taking home food (May be brought in morning of Fish and Loaves) Thank you so much for your continued support of the mission we all share for the last 5 years to help those who may not have the means to have a decent meal. Every little bit helps and hopefully our meals can help them more and more each month. As always, volunteers are always welcome and meet at 10:00 a.m. on the morning of Fish and Loaves. Please mark your calendar and participate in this great ministry! Saturday, March 14 from 11:oo a.m.—1:00 p.m. 9 Shining Stars is Back! Shining Stars is coming close!!!! Next month is the big Shining Stars event! This Shining Stars event is “An Afternoon with the Oldies: Songs from the 40s, 50s, and 60s”. This is a fundraiser event. The proceeds of this event will be split evenly between the Metro Chicago Synod, the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Food Pantry, and Trinity. There will be a free-will offering accepted throughout the show to help out. Date: April 26 Meal time: 12:30 p.m., Showtime: 2:00 p.m. Ticket Prices: Meal and Show $15 General Admission: Seniors (60+) and Children (10 and below) $10 Show Only $8 $6 Tickets for the event will be going on sale in early April. If you would like to order tickets in advance, you can call or email Deanna Voss: ([email protected] or 847-312-1895). Please make sure you include your name, number of tickets you would like, whether it is for the dinner and the show or show only. You will receive a confirmation email for your early order. Payment for these orders will be due the day of the event and your tickets will be waiting at Will Call for you. If you are still looking for ways to help out with the Shining Stars event and even receive a free meal ticket for the dinner, keep on reading. We are still looking for generous donations for our dinner. If you are able to help out, these are the items we are looking for: Jewel Fried or Grilled Chicken Casseroles (pastas, potato dishes, other side dishes) Salads (lettuce, fruit, coleslaw, potato/noodle salad) Pre-made refrigerated pie crusts Granny Smith Apples If you are able to donate some food for this event, please contact Deanna (information above) so we can take note and that way we will know how much food will still be needed. There will also be a bake sale going on during the dinner for those interested. The bake sale will be a free-will donation. If you would like to donate a baked good, please also let Deanna know. Thank you so much for your willingness to participate and donate. Property Committee Wish List Last month the parking lot “sealing and restriping” project was highlighted as a need. As a bit of background, let me explain about the Restricted Account called Building/Capital Fund. This fund is used for large building repairs and replacement of things like heating and air conditioning units or hallway carpeting. A contribution in an envelope marked “Building/Capital Fund” will get the money in that account. This month the Property Committee would like to highlight the need to replace the carpeting in the hallways. The cost for the parking lot sealing/restriping has been bid at $5000. There has not been an estimate received for the cost of replacing the carpeting, but once the parking lot sealing has been completed an estimate will be sought. Your contributions to the Building/Capital Fund are important in helping your Property Committee keep the Building and Grounds in good shape. Thank You ~The Property Committee 10 Easter Baskets One of Trinity’s favorite annual projects is the filling of Easter baskets for children who would otherwise not get one. On March 7-8, one Easter basket will be placed in the Narthex, and a second one in Fellowship Hall. These baskets will hold tags containing the names of children whose parent/s are being assisted by Lutheran Social Services of Illinois through their INTACT program. LSSI helps them by providing information about jobs that are available, and directing them to sources of service that will help them back on the road to recovery. Gift suggestions include: Non-perishable food items Small devotional books Children’s books Socks/Tube socks Wrapped Easter candy Coloring books/Crayons Small umbrella Activity books School supplies Shower gel Toothbrushes/toothpaste Small Easter toys Card games Child and family board games Most of these items are available in the Dollar Store to keep your cost to a minimum. We would appreciate you taking the filled baskets to the church office on or before Sunday, March 29. Every year the baskets become more beautiful. We have received reports that the families are both surprised and excited with the baskets. What a treat it is for us to see the baskets come into the office each year, knowing what pleasure they will provide. EARLY EASTER GREETINGS AND THANKS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. Joyce Moore HELP CREATE AN EASTER SUNDAY LILY GARDEN IN TRINITY’S CHANCEL To order Easter Lilies, complete this form and enclose payment of $15.00/plant. Send in form to the church office or place in offering basket. Please indicate how many Easter Lilies you are ordering: ________Lily/Lilies Deadline for ordering is Sunday, March 15. No orders will be taken after that date. Name:__________________________________Phone:_______________________Envelope #:______ Given in honor of:_______________________________Given in memory of:________________________ Please check one: _____I will pick up my lily/lilies after worship on Easter Sunday. _____I would like our church to share this gift with a shut-in. 11 Relay for Life Des Plaines New time: 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight New location: Maine West on the circle in front of the school Date: June 27 Once again Trinity will be fielding a team of Relayers. We are hoping that more Trinity members will join us. No more overnight camping, just 12 hours of fun, music, games, food, and raising money to help find a cure for all cancers. Sign up is easy. Go to: www.RelayForlife.org/DesPlainesIL, sign up and you are all set to start your fundraising campaign. We are having a big Kickoff Party at Club Casa Cafe on March 3 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. If you plan on coming to the Kickoff, please RSVP to Marlie Pykelny: [email protected]. Or call her: 847-317-0209. Come join us and see what Relay is all about. Trinity’s WELCA Spring Luncheon and Program Saturday, April 25 at 11:30 a.m. will feature: God is My Tour Guide—“Expectations” Suzette Horyza, Presenter Expectations We’ve all had it happen. We may have expected things to occur in a certain way. Then God reminds us that it is His will that shall be done. Join us for an afternoon of reflection as Suzette Horyza shares with us experiences involving having expectations in our lives. Suzette combines her ministry with stories from her years of directing tours to shared insights from her spiritual journey. Please join us for an afternoon of prayerful sharing. Mark your calendar. Watch for more details. 12 Hello Pastor Schelter, Brad, and Linda I want to say Thank You for the beautiful service and the outstanding music for our mother’s memorial service. We received a lot of compliments from our family and friends. My mother was very fond of music and those songs were great to celebrate her life. Everything went extremely well. Regards, Mark Lindahl Below is a list of people who have made a memorial contribution to: RUTH LINDAHL Brian & Wendy Chau Joyce Moore Dick & Mart Tabatt DAVID ULRICH Larry & Cindy Burns Mr. & Mrs. Robt. Olson (CHOIR SUPPORT) Herb & Sandy Schmeisser Eugene D. Schnarr BETTY JANE PENNINGTON Mr. & Mrs. Robt. Olson (CHOIR SUPPORT) KEVIN RIX Anonymous Beth Benson Dorothy Dalbke 13 FRED WAGNER Walter & Joyce Brown Art & Jocelyn Murray (CHOIR SUPPORT) Dick & Mary Tabatt Patricia Wasco 1 Michael Ball, Hayley Bobek, Happy Anniversary! Robert Hiller, Corinne Militz, Julie Rains 6 Don & Joyce Moore 3 Doris Burns 4 Carol Engberg, Lauren Kyrouac 14 Fred & Dorothy Gilbertsen 5 Kyle Amati, Bailey Brzezowski, Agnes Kirchwehm, Dan Kuska 19 Larry & Cynthia Ball 6 Caleb Clukey, Victoria Flood, 24 John N. & Susan Rasmussen Susan Rasmussen, Michele Wold 7 Ellen Brannan, Carolyn Miller 29 Steven & Amy Kimmel 8 Karl Lindahl, Justin Mustari 10 Donald Hallberg, Kathleen Maatta 11 Michael Buric, Natalie Ehorn, Lawrence Luttrell FIRST COMMUNION 12 Kathy Dueball Jaxen Ruben Lozano 13 Capri Stricker Ian Ross Turner 14 Adam Tedeschi, Megan Wegrzyn 15 Chelsea Kellogg DECEASED 16 Ashley Karling, Vivian Niebuhr Joan Green 17 Angela Malmberg, Christopher Springer, Jessica Tribuzio David Ulrich 18 Brittany Logothetti, Ross Stricker Fred Wagner 19 Jaxen Lozano, Jean Voss 20 Matthew Mustari, Harold Wigginton TRANSFERRED 21 Beverly Albrecht Rich & Carol Andersen 22 Olivia Bitcon, Marilyn Witney 24 Elizabeth Anderson, Robert Green 25 Rossana Leslie 26 Logan Nordentoft, Brian Pflomm 27 Amanda Baird, Joan Green, Mallori Oztekin, Marissa Oztekin 28 Kristine Kernan, Dolores Townsend 29 Marisa Engberg, Brett Hargesheimer, Rich Miller Serving in the Military: Phil Ehorn, 30 David Volkmann Randy Harper, Adam McGill, Michael Spans, 31 Evan Teague, Tyler Teague Erich Strathmann, and Rollie Swanson. In Rehab: Alden Des Plaines: Will Gardner Rosewood Rehab: Sylvia Schaffer At Home: Polly Allenson, Luke Alvarez, Betty Anderson, Ray Anderson, Robert Bochat, Hannah Borreson, Andrea Choban, Bernetta Cropp, Marlene Dahlquist, Lorraine Drbull, Kim Ebby, Denise France, Rick France, Pat Gardner, Diane Goodman, Sue Johanson, Kevin Johnson, Donna Kinderman, Kathleen Kordowski, Tom Krauss, Helen Lewin, Judy McCorkle, Don Moore, Tommi Siek-Nelson, Vicki Ortiz, John Rasmussen, Meagan Rudman, Norma Schaefer, Dan Schaffer, Renee Schwingbeck, Jason Sloan, Sonya Stahl, Jim Stenstrom, Judy Swanson, Kathie Swanson, Robert Swanson, Ron Swanson, Terry Swanson, Kyle Vrenios, June Westerberg, Wilbert Westerberg, Julie Wetzel, Nate Wetzel, Gertrude Whitton, Harold Wigginton, and Sophia Zematis. Messenger articles for the April issue are due by March 15. Please send all articles directly to Amy Hearne at [email protected] 14 Trinity Talks: Where faith connects our community The Trinity Men’s Breakfast is held on the third Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. It’s at the Silver Stallion Restaurant in Des Plaines. This month it will be on March 17 Women’s Fellowship Group Activities for March: Unfortunately two of the Maine schools are going to do a musical on the same day. We will meet at church at 3:00 p.m. and leave at 3:10 p.m. Some may want to see one of the shows and some might want to see the other. We will carpool. March 12 - Maine West: Joseph at 4:00 p.m. in the Auditorium - Cost: FREE March 12 - Maine East: Legally Blonde at 4:00 p.m. in the Auditorium - Cost: FREE Maine South will be doing Shrek (the musical) on April 23. We will do the same thing. Meet at church at 3:00 p.m. and leave at 3:10 p.m. We will carpool. *Our next meeting will be on Monday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m. in the church library. Theater & Theology Group is a group of Trinity members and their friends, made up of couples and singles of all ages. The 3rd Saturday of each month, they attend a recently released movie at a local theater followed by a visit to a nearby restaurant for a discussion about the movie. If you are interested, each month the movie, theater, and time are posted on: http://www.trinitydesplaines.org/ ttmain.html/ or the Trinity Lutheran Church Group on Facebook. If you are not already a member of the Trinity group, ask to join. You can also call Jim Hemzacek: 847-420-4574. Please call and ask about this group. Pat Kilcullen: 847-824-8847 Property Committee Clean-Up Day is Saturday, March 21 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. We are in need of people to do window cleaning, painting, etc. Join us Saturday, March 21! WELCA Naomi Circle will meet Monday, March 9 at 1:00 p.m. at Church. Women of Trinity Breakfast will be Thursday, March 19, at River Cafe, 1640 River Road, Des Plaines. Call Beverly Johnson: 847-296-5351, if you plan to attend. For a ride, call Beverly, she will arrange for someone to pick you up. Come and bring a friend! It’s an opportunity to meet with other women from Trinity for fellowship and chatting. Church Women United: Come, bring a friend, and celebrate World Day of Prayer at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, March 6 at 9:30 a.m. The theme for World Day of Prayer 2015 is based on what Jesus said, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” Please bring a casserole or salad for lunch to share. For more information, please contact Beverly: 847-296-5351. Also, please bring a non-perishable food item for the Des Plaines Self Help Closet & Food Pantry. 15 Trinity Lutheran Church STAFF SENIOR PASTOR George M. Schelter “We are a community of faith that receives God’s love and responds with thanksgiving by serving our neighbor and welcoming all with Jesus as our example.” MINISTERS OF MUSIC Josh Langhoff and Brad Whaley CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY Melissa Hemzacek Cathy Williams 675 East Algonquin Road Des Plaines, IL 60016 OFFICE ADMINSTRATOR Linda Kuska Phone: 847-827-6656 Fax: 847-827-4215 FINANCIAL SECRETARIES Bob Dwiel and Jana Haas We’re on the Web! CUSTODIAN Ernesto Neira www.trinitydesplaines.org Messenger articles for the April issue are due by March 15. Please send all articles directly to Amy Hearne at [email protected] 16 MARCH 2015 Trinity’s Worship Schedule MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICE (NO COMMUNION) Wednesday - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday - 7:00 p.m. WEEKEND SERVICES Saturday - 5:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Sunday - 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Communion at all services unless listed Trinity Education Hour Sunday Sunday Monday 1 9:15 a.m. WELCA 10:30 a.m. Baptism: Maiya Rose Tedeschi 4:30-7:30 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 6 Spaghetti Dinner (FH & K) 2 8 9 9:15 a.m. Tuesday 3 10 1:00 p.m. Naomi Circle (FH) 6:30 p.m. Finance (CTR) Faith Stepping Stone: “MY CHURCH” - GRADE K (March 22) Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 4 5 6 7 11:00 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Lenten Luncheon 6:00 p.m. Lenten Dinner 7:00 p.m. Worship 7:30 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 6 (FH) 9:30 a.m. World Day of Prayer (S, FH, & K) 10:00 a.m. Altar Guild (L) 4:30 p.m. Praise Team (S) 11 12 11:00 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Lenten Luncheon 6:00 p.m. Lenten Dinner 7:00 p.m. Worship 3:00 p.m. Women’s Fellowship Outing (MEET AT CHURCH— MAINE EAST OR MAINE WEST PLAY) 7:00-9:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 6 Committee Meeting (L) 7:30 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 6 (FH) Faith U New Member Class 10:30 a.m. YOUTH QUAKE WEEKEND Friday-Sunday 13 14 11:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. Community Luncheon (FH & K) 4:30 p.m. Praise Team Sunday School Wednesday 15 16 17 18 19 7:00 p.m. Council (L) 8:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast (SILVER STALLION) 6:00 p.m. American Cancer Society (L) 11:00 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Lenten Luncheon 6:00 p.m. Lenten Dinner 7:00 p.m. Worship 9:00 a.m. Women’s Breakfast (RIVER CAFE) 7:30 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 6 (FH) 24 25 26 11:00 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Lenten Luncheon 6:00 p.m. Lenten Dinner 7:00 p.m. Worship 7:00 p.m. Center of Concern (L) 7:30 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 6 (FH) Adult Bible Class - 9:30 a.m. Confirmation (no classes - Youth are to attend Dinner and Worship) 20 THEATER & THEOLOGY 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Church Clean-Up Day 4:30 p.m. Praise Team 7:00-9:00 p.m. Family Event: (FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN) LAST DAY TO ORDER EASTER FLOWERS Trinity Music Ministry APRIL MESSENGER ARTICLES DUE Sunday Youth Choir - 9:15-10:00 a.m. (No choir on March 8) 22 23 11:00 a.m. Women’s Fellowship Group (L) Wednesday Jubilate Handbells - 5:45-6:30 p.m. Chancel Choir - 7:45 p.m. 21 9:15 a.m. Blood Pressure Screening (FH) 9:15 a.m. Faith Stepping Stone: “MY CHURCH” - Grade K 30 29 EASTER BASKETS DUE 31 27 28 4:30 p.m. Praise Team Trinity Lutheran Church Our Youth make an IMPACT March 2015 In the News: EASTER BREAKFAST Come Out and Support our Confirmation Ministry! Confirmation Fundraiser Easter Sunday, April 5, 9:00-10:15 a.m. Sausage, Eggs, Sweet Treats, Juice, Coffee, and Milk Adults $7.50, Children $5, Families $25 Prayer Partners are back! PRAYER PARTNERS Join us as a sponsor for the High School Mission Trip Prayer Partner: $20 All proceeds directly benefit the Sr. High Mission Trip 2015 Page 2 Trinity Lutheran Church In the News: Good Friday Bible Camp! Trinity Lutheran Church invites your children to WALK THROUGH HOLY WEEK with us! On Good Friday, April 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We invite all children (friends and neighbors), ages 3 to 5th grade, to spend the morning learning about and experiencing Holy Week from a child’s perspective. We will use a Vacation Bible School format with stories, music, crafts, snacks, and much more. Contact Cathy Williams: [email protected] for sign-up or more information. In the News: Easter Egg Hunt Join us after the 10:30 a.m. service on Easter Sunday, April 5, for our Easter Egg Hunt! This event is open to all children through 5th grade. There is no cost to participate! If it is warm enough we will have it on the front lawn and garth. If not, it will be in Fellowship Hall. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us and don’t forget to bring your basket to collect all those eggs. In the News: Stepping Stone Ministry Trinity’s kindergartners and their parents are invited to attend the Stepping Stone Ministry: “My Church”. We will take a “tour” of the sanctuary, uncovering its symbols and artwork, discovering things and learning some of the “churchy” vocabulary words we use to describe things. Please join us for this joyful event. We will meet Sunday, March 22 at 9:15 a.m. in the church. A wonderful way to honor the baptismal promise “to place in their hands the Holy Scriptures” is to gift Trinity families and their children with a Bible to be used throughout the year in devotions, Sunday School classes, and family prayer. This is an important step in the life of Christians. All families of third through fifth grade students who have not received their Bibles are invited to attend this class. The class meets for four weeks beginning April 26 at 9:15 a.m. For more information contact Cathy Williams: [email protected] Volume 3, Issue 3 Page 3 Get to Know: A few of our 2015 College Graduates Some of our older students are getting ready to celebrate! College graduates are wrapping up the end of their school year and are preparing for graduation! Charlene Maahs Mark Johanson Will graduate from Western Illinois University with a degree in Law Enforcement & Justice Administration with a minor in psychology Will graduate from Western Illinois University with a degree in Law Enforcement & Justice Administration with a minor in fire science She is currently interning with Schaumburg Police Department He will intern with Arlington Heights Police Department this summer Following graduation, she plans to seek a full-time job, possibly out-of-state She hopes to travel after graduation He plans to participate in the Buffalo Grove police exam this spring Melissa: Taking a Step Aside As many of you are aware, the past year and a half has been an adventurous journey for me, with great highs and lows. With a new job that takes me across northern Illinois, as well as the need to work many weekday evenings, I have been unable to give our TLC youth and families the full attention and energy they deserve. During my time as Youth and Family Minister I have been challenged greatly, yet found so much joy in it all. I am so blessed to have held this position that was always much more than a “job” to me. From here forward I will work with members of TLC to continue the HS youth group. I will continue to run the fundraisers for the mission trip, carry out the mission trip and all it requires, and attend Youth-Led Worship each month whenever possible. Beyond these areas I can no longer commit myself to Youth and Family Ministry in its full capacity. It is my hope and desire that this transition is seamless. Thank you all for your unconditional support of our youth and of me. I have always felt blessed to be able to serve in the capacity you’ve allowed me. God has truly blessed me through the relationships I’ve made with the youth, families, and members of this congregation. Thank you! Although I will no longer be serving in the full capacity of the Youth and Family Minister, I know God is not done with Trinity in my life. There is much more He has in store for me at TLC, although I’m unsure what that may be. God surely works in ways that we only come to understand after we trust and wade through to the other side of the waters. I’m excited to see where He takes me. I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you … Ephesians 1:16-18 We are seeking volunteers to lead lessons with the high schoolers on Monday evenings. If there is a *lesson or topic that you would like to help lead with the HS youth group, we would love to have you! Whether you have a lesson idea of your own to teach or would lead a pre-planned lesson, please contact Melissa: [email protected] *Potential Lesson Ideas: Prayer, Your Faith Story, Books/People of the Bible, Sharing the Good News with others, or any topic of your choice.. Trinity Lutheran Church I Child, Youth, and Family Ministries Intentionally M Maturing Melissa Hemzacek Cathy Williams P Praising 675 E Algonquin Rd. Des Plaines IL 60016 Phone: 847-827-6656 Fax: 847-827-4215 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] A Acting C Connecting T Touching Lives March 2015 1 2 3 4 Lenten Dinners 5 6 Youth Quake 7 Youth Quake 8 Youth Quake 9 10 11 Lenten Dinners 12 13 14 YLW 15 YLW 16 17 18 Lenten Dinners 19 20 21 Feed My Starving Children 7:00-9:00 p.m. 22 23 Faith Stepping Stone: “MY CHURCH” (GRADE K) 9:15 a.m. 24 25 Lenten Dinners 26 27 28 29 31 April 1 No Lenten Dinner 2 Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m. 3 10:00 a.m.— Noon Walk thru Holy Week 4 Easter Vigil 7:00 p.m. 30