From the Pastor s Pen

Transcription

1 Website: July 2018 On Facebook: three saints parish St John Lutheran Church St. Mark Lutheran Church St Timothy Lutheran Church 102 N Ida St, Lacon, IL W Pine St, Chillicothe, IL Routes 40 & 17, PO Box 158, Wyoming, IL Church Phone: Church Phone: Church Phone: smlcchilli@mediacombb.net Facebook: threesaintsparish Pastor s Cell Phone pastorlindastrader@gmail.com Parsonage Phone: From the Pastor s Pen I have loved hearing stories from parents whose children attended our Pentecost celebration; they told me about their kids singing God Is on the Move and Come, Holy Spirit, Come! well after the event had passed. Who among us can t remember some of the songs we learned as children? Most of us know Jesus Loves Me and This Little Light of Mine by heart. In preparation the hymn singing services to be held in each congregation on Sunday, July 29, I have enjoyed asking people what their favorite hymns are. I was even inspired to do a little survey among my Facebook friends. Most people had trouble coming up with just one favorite. That s because singing is such an important part of what we do when we gather for worship, fellowship, and faith formation events. It gives each of us the opportunity to join with the whole assembly in praising God and proclaiming God s love for us. Songs so often work their way into our hearts and stay there. Hymns and spiritual songs, even for those who aren t musical themselves, are key components of Christian worship and community because they form our faith, inspire us, comfort us, and most important, remind us of God s grace and faithfulness. And who couldn t use a song in their heart in these days of division and discord in our world? Who doesn t need to be reminded of God s love for all people? Who doesn t need to be reminded that God is God, and we are not? Hymns can be just the powerful reminder called for. Here are a few examples: Great Is Thy Faithfulness (ELW 733) Page 1 of 8 Pastor Linda Strader Pardon for sin, and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine and ten thousand beside! Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed thy hand hath provided; Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. My Life Flows on in Endless Song (ELW 763) My life flows on in endless song, above earth s lamentation, I catch the sweet though far-off hymn that hails a new creation. No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing? This Is My Father s World (ELW 824) This is my Father s world; oh, let me not forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father s world; why should my heart be sad? The Lord is king; let the heavens ring. God reigns, let the earth be glad! Be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts. (Ephesians 5:18b-19). Please join us and invite a friend or relative too as we lift our voices in song on July 29! May the Spirit place songs of comfort and joy in your hearts! In Christ s love and faithfulness,

2 Report from the Administrative Council Chairman The June 6, 2018 Administrative Council meeting was held at St Timothy s in Wyoming. Those attending were Pastor Linda, Warren Smith, Emily Fredrickson, Marshel Poff, John Landsverk, Gary Goodwin, & Denny Rewerts. Pastor Linda opened our meeting with a prayer and devotion. Minutes from the May 2 Administrative Council meeting was not available, so it will be reviewed and approved at our next meeting August 8th. The May Parish Financial report was reviewed and approved. In Pastor Linda s report to the council, she noted the following: 1. A 2 nd cross-generational faith formation event held on Sunday May 20 at 6:00 pm at St John. Was successful. There were 40 people in attendance, which is more that we have in Sunday-morning worship in any of our congregations. 2. A summary of all three Listening Sessions were attached to her monthly report. 3. A planning team for God s Work, Our Hands Sunday has been formed. An initial meeting will take place in June. This is a day which is set for the entire ELCA for taking the church into the world for service. This year, it has been set for Sunday September 9, Ruth Garrison from St Timothy; BonNell Hattan from St Mark and Bob Weber from St John have volunteered to serve on the planning team. We will have a joint worship service that day. 4. We will have a joint worship service on Reformation Sunday (Oct 28) at St Timothy. An alternative worship service will be offered at St Mark, Chillicothe, late that afternoon. 5. The parish secretary position is open and Pastor is waiting to hear from interested parties. 6. Our summer worship will be enriched at St Mark and St John with organ and piano music on the 3 rd and 4 th Sundays. Mary Conrad will play on the 3 rd Sunday at both churches and Page 2 of 8 Don Bauer will play on the 4 th Sunday at each of the churches. A hymn sign is being planned for Sunday July 29 th at all churches. 7. Preaching schedules are set for July and August. 8. Pastor is working on coordinating the sermon creation over the summer with the preaching pastors. Old business started to advertise for the Secretary Position just within our 3 churches. We will announce at each church before service. Peoria Chiefs Baseball Game August 2 nd, 2018 at 7:00pm plans are to be able to start distributing tickets about July 1 for all who want to go (cost $10 each) there is no price reduction for children. New Business. Pastor Linda will be at Synod Assembly, June 7 thru June 9. A gift card was purchased for Brian Coffey as a Thank You for all his service. St Mark s pork day in the parking lot will be held on July 28 th. Help would be appreciated. St Mark is buying a large tent, it will be available to the Parish for use. Future meetings: Our next meeting will be on August 8@5:00 pm at St Mark; no meeting in July; Meeting adjourned at 6:06pm. God Bless, Marshel Poff Admin Council Chairman ph Help Wanted! The parish council has decided to move forward in ministry by hiring a part-time parish secretary. The person in this position will provide important support to the Three Saints Parish and its mission to invite, share, serve together in Christ! If you are interested in applying for this position, or if you know someone who is, please contact Pastor Linda for a copy of the job description and the skills required. All members of the parish are encouraged to pray about this position, that God will call the right person for this job.

3 The Pastor Is In! Pastor Linda s office hours* are as follows: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM-ish (after Bible study) until Noon, One Eleven Coffee, Wyoming. Thursdays, 9:00 AM-Noon, St. John Lutheran Church and/or The Coffee Hub, Lacon Fridays, 9:00-Noon AM at St. Mark Lutheran Church; except for the first Friday of the month, when they are 9:00-10:00 AM at St. Mark, and 1:00-3:00 at Happy Thoughts Coffee, Chillicothe Other times by appointment! * No office hours on Wednesday, July 4 LSSI's Handfuls of Hope Kettle Corn Enterprise Handfuls of Hope Kettle Corn is popped and packaged on-site at the Shady Oaks Developmental Training Center by residents of the adjacent Shady Oaks Homes. Located in Homer Glen, Illinois, Shady Oaks is part of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) and offers housing and vocational/social skills training to adults with developmental disabilities. The Handfuls of Hope Kettle Corn Enterprise provides job training and opportunities for our residents to earn an income for their work. Handfuls of Hope Kettle Corn is available for purchase. It can be used for a church fundraiser or perfect for a corporate or holiday gift. Please contact Daniel Asencio at for more information. A ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee to Headline LSSI Fall Gala on Oct. 6 Known to millions as the face of ABC News meteorology team, as well as for her third place finish on the 22nd season of Dancing with the Stars, Ginger Zee will be honored at the 2018 Amicus Certus Gala on Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Union League Club of Chicago. Save the date! For more information or to receive an invitation, contact Mariah.Heinz@LSSI.org Social Media Ambassadors We are currently looking for individuals to partner with and become social media ambassadors for LSSI. These ambassadors will be asked to post and share about LSSI and will receive excellent perks such as LSSI apparel, event discounts, and more. If you re interested, contact Tryg.Jensen@LSSI.org. God s Work. Our Hands. God s Work. Our Hands is a day set aside in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for service in Jesus name. The official day this year is Sunday, September 9. That weekend, the Three Saints Parish, along with congregations all of the country, will be engaging in some community service projects. In addition, we will have a joint worship service on Sunday, September 9, at 10:30 AM at St. Mark, Chillicothe. A potluck will follow. Watch for details! Women & Justice The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has published a Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice and is seeking honest feedback from individuals and congregations. Pastor Linda will be hosting a reading session of this document on Wednesday, July 18, at 2:00 PM at the parsonage (714 N. Benedict St., Chillicothe). You do not need to RSVP in order to attend, but to make sure there are enough copies of the statement for everyone, you are encouraged to let Pastor Linda know if you re planning to be there. (217) or pastorlindastrader@gmail.com. You can also download or order a copy ahead of time by going to and searching for women and justice. Page 3 of 8

4 Pause for Prayer in the community! At our first community Pause for Prayer service at Evergreen, there were nineteen people in attendance, and we were well received. Please join us at 10:30 AM on the first Friday of each month for a quiet, meditative prayer service at Evergreen Senior Living in Chillicothe. All members and friends of the parish are welcome to join us! The Holy Spirit is at work in the Three Saints Parish calling us outside the walls of our church buildings! Our next service will be held on Friday, July 6, 2018! Potluck & Outdoor Worship At 5:00 PM on Sunday, July 22, a community potluck and outdoor worship service will be held at Thomas Park in Wyoming. Chicken, table service, and drinks will be provided for the potluck, which begins at 5:00 PM. Worship will begin about 6:00 PM. All members of the Three Saints Parish are welcome at this event! Conference Summer Picnic Blessings this summer...when the very humidity reminds us of our baptism in Christ Jesus. Here's info on our first summer fellowship activity: What: Conference Summer Picnic Who: Northern Conference Leaders and Families Where: Faith Lutheran Church, Washington When: Friday, July 13 beginning at 6:00 pm Everyone should bring something to grill and a dish to pass. Pastor John will provide hot grills and lemonade. RSVP by Wednesday, July 11 to Pastor John Rothfusz: rothfusz@gmail.com Rev. Ryan H. Anderson Senior Pastor, First English Lutheran Church Dean, Northern Conference of the C/SIS Out at the Ball Game The Parish is planning another trip to the ball park on August 2 nd, The Peoria Chiefs will be playing Kane County at 7:00 pm Plans are to start distributing tickets about July 1 for all who want to go (cost $10 each). Each church will be posting a signup sheet for tickets on a first come basis. Gary can get more tickets in our group seating area (the quicker he knows how many more, the better the group seating). So be looking for the signup sheet and be sure to get your tickets for the game. Hog Roast is now the PIG OUT at St Mark The annual food in the parking lot pork event is being planned again this year at St Mark. It will be on July 28 th and there will be Pork Chops & Pork Burgers served from 11 am to 2:00 pm and from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm there will be Pulled Pork, Pork Chops and Pork Burgers. (see page 7) St Mark would welcome workers and desert donations from both St Timothy and St John. If you will be able to help at the event, please contact John Vacation Bible School St Timothy will be joining with the Methodist Church in Wyoming for vacation bible school July at 6 8 pm, at the Methodist Church. More information will be available later. You can talk to Marsha Goodwin for details. Would be glad to have names of those who might be able to help or who have children who will be attending. Page 4 of 8

5 July 2018 Three Saints Parish Preaching & Worship Schedule Sunday, July 1 St. Mark, Chillicothe (8:30 AM) Rev. Linda Strader St. John, Lacon (10:30 AM) Rev. Linda Strader St. Timothy, Wyoming (10:30 AM) SAM Brett Gosteli Sunday, July 8 St. Mark, Chillicothe (8:30 AM) St. John, Lacon (10:30 AM) Rev. John Sipf St. Timothy, Wyoming (10:30 AM) Sunday, July 15 St. Mark, Chillicothe (8:30 AM) St. John, Lacon (10:30 AM) St. Timothy, Wyoming (10:30 AM) Sunday, July 22 St. Mark, Chillicothe (8:30 AM) St. John, Lacon (10:30 AM) St. Timothy, Wyoming (10:30 AM) Sunday, July 29 (Hymn Singing Service) St. Mark, Chillicothe (8:30 AM) St. John, Lacon (10:30 AM) Rev. John Sipf St. Timothy, Wyoming (10:30 AM) Ways YOU can help Hands Helping Haiti There are several ways that the Three Saints Parish can help us provide care to our patients and friends in Haiti: 1. Collect items for hygiene kits: soap, lotion, shampoo, (small bottles like from hotels), toothbrush, small toothpaste, washcloth 2. Save empty prescription bottles (please remove the label) 3. Help make or provide supplies for sanitary supplies for the ladies and girls. Items needed: a. Flannel fabric. It can be old PJs, old flannel shirts, or old flannel sheets, or new flannel in any color, but also need white flannel. b. Old mattress pads (especially ones with water proof backing, but could be any kind of mattress pad or quilt batting. c. Also need gripper snaps. If you are interested in helping make these pads, please let me know! I would love to schedule some sewing days at any of the Three Saint churches! No sewing skills needed! Need people to sort fabric, cut out the pieces, sew them together and put on the snaps. Thank you for your help! Please contact us for more information. Ruth and Warren Smith, NEWSLETTER DEADLINE! Wednesday, July 25 please have all newsletter items to Marshel Poff (poffmw@mchsi.com). He will be putting together one newsletter for the entire parish! Page 5 of 8

6 Prayer Corner Prayer for Those in the Armed Forces Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all men and women of our armed forces, and all who serve this country at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils that surround them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. (ELW Pastoral Care, 385) Within our congregation, we especially want to pray for: Zack Mulally, Alex Weistart, Stephen See, Kevin Polley, Josh Weaver, Kent Grzegorzewski, Savannah Trout and Jacob Kelley, as they serve to protect our country s freedom. Amen For Healing, Comfort and Encouragement for Members and Friends of the Congregation Struggling with Illness: Prayers for Homebound: members and friends of our congregation: Angie Ehlers Shirley Fenn, Eileen Rusk, Polly Rusk, Joan Fleming, Candy Smith, Alan Staley & Virginia Effland. Those with Ongoing prayer need: Samantha Guppy, Berkeley Stigall, Brittany Schaffer, Alex Barnhardt, Dennis Winn, Brett Tuttle, Addison Ragon, Karma Ritchie, Stephany Seaton, Jane Chavis, Judy Huff, Jim Gardner, Mary Funk, Velda Parsons, Bob Snyder, Diana Kindred, Mary Ann See, Earl Swendson, Dave Putnam, Barbara Hanson & BonNell Hattan. Those upheld in Prayer: Cindy Gorman, Joe Janucz, Tammy Hoopingarner, Janice Grzegorzewski, Dick Norton, Howard Lee, Greg Maxwell, Stewart Webb, Mark Francisvich & Breanna Foix. Calling All Bakers! The Toulon Health Care Center will be hosting its annual hog roast on Saturday, July 14. They have requested that members of area churches provide homemade pies and desserts to be served with the meal. Baked goods can be dropped off at the Center on Friday or on Saturday morning. Page 6 of 8

7 June- Special Events celebrated and Special Music are listed below. 6/3/18; Flowers were given by John & Carole Landsverk to celebrate their Wedding Anniversary Bulletins were given by St Mark Lutheran to the Glory of God Special Music None 6/10/18; Flowers were given by St Mark Lutheran to the Glory of God Bulletins were given by Jan Mulally to to the Glory of God Special Music None 6/17/18; Flowers were given by Jan & Marshel Poff to the Glory of God Bulletins were given by Jan & Marshel Poff to celebrate their granddaughter Lillian s 9 th Birthday Special Music Choir sang Good, Good Father! 6/24/18; Flowers were given by John Landsverk to celebrate Carole s Birthday Bulletins were given by Mardee Landsverk Happy Birthday, Mom Special Music None The cost is $50 per person ($25 is tax deductible.) Proceeds will benefit the Lutheran Hillside Village Benevolent Fund to support care center (nursing) residents who outlive their resources. Reservation forms will be available in August. Please call Lutheran Hillside Village Foundation; Phil King ( ) or Laurie Hahn ( ) for a form. Please consider inviting your family and friends. This is the foundation s biggest fundraiser of the year. We need your help to make it a success! If you are interested in scheduling a tour of the village on the day of the event, please call Stephanie Marchand ( ) by Sept. 14. Thank you for your continued support of Lutheran Hillside Village. July 28, 2018 Lunch Menu 11am to 2 pm Pork Chop or Pork Burger, Chips and Ice Tea or Lemonade All for $5.00 Enjoy a Gourmet Brunch and Help Others! Lutheran Hillside Village is hosting its 6 th annual Benevolent Care Brunch Extraordinaire on Sat., Sept. 22 from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Guests will be treated to your choice of delicious gourmet entrées prepared by our executive chef, Mark Shoopman, and his talented team. Page 7 of 8 Dinner Menu 4 to 7 pm Pulled Pork barbeque sandwich Pork Chop or Pork Burger Baked Beans, Slaw or Chips (Choice of two) Iced Tea or Lemonade All for $6.00 Also available: Hot Dogs Dessert Soda Water

8 1 July 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Day off 9-12 St John Office Hours 9-12 SMLC Office Hours 12:15 12:45 St Mark Pause for Prayer Day off 16 Day off St Tim Office one11 coffee- 6:30pm SMLC Church Council St Tim Office one11 coffee- 2:00 pm 714 Benedict Women & Justice St John Office Hours St John Office Hours SMLC Office Hours 6:00 pm - Conference Summer Faith Lutheran, Washington SMLC Office Hours 14 Toulon Health Care Hog Roast :00 pm outdoor worship (see pg 4) 23 Day off 24 St Tim / Methodist VBS 6-8 pm St Tim Office one11 coffee- St Tim / Methodist VBS 6-8 pm St John Office Hours St Tim / Methodist VBS 6-8 pm SMLC Office Hours 28 PIG Out! St Mark Lutheran 11-2 Lunch 4-7 pm Evening meal 29 10:00 am 2 nd Qtr SMLC Cong Meeting 30 Vacation 31 Vacation Page 8 of 8