LIFE LINE New Life Lutheran Church Newsletter September 2017

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1 LIFE LINE New Life Lutheran Church Newsletter September 2017 God s work. Our hands. Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. On this dedicated day of service, ELCA members are called to put their faith into action by engaging in a service activity. We are participating as a congregation to serve our community in a way that shares the love of God with all people. We will kick off the Sunday by coming together for One Worship Service at 9:10 am. Then we, as a church, are going to roll up our sleeves and get to work immediately following this worship. There are various service projects for all ages and varying interests. We hope you ll find an opportunity to participate with not only your family but the church family. Sign-ups are available in the narthex. Thank You Cards Provide cards of thanks and appreciation for each Officer on the Bolingbrook Police Staff and for each member of the Fire Department Staff. Homemade cards can be made during the time between services on Sundays up to September 10. All supplies provided. Or you can make your own at home or purchase a card and bring in to add to our collection. We want to make sure each officer and fire person receives one! Cards will be taken to the Police Station on September 9 and the Fire Houses on September 10. (Project Coordinator: Josh Schmidt) Goodie Baskets *NOTE: This part of this event will take place on Saturday September 9* Donate items, assemble baskets and deliver packaged goodies to each of the five Fire Stations in the Bolingbrook and to the Bolingbrook Police Department. Anyone can donate needed items to contribute to the baskets. Items can be dropped off at the church on Sunday or during the week. There will be boxes available in the narthex. Everything must be here by Saturday, September 9 in the afternoon. Baskets will be distributed to the Police Station on Saturday, September 9 at 5:45. Baskets for each of the Fire Stations will be delivered on Sunday morning. (Project Coordinator: John Beaugard) SNAPs Project This project will be outside work on Sunday, September 10 In This Issue Youth Education News Smart Money Smart Kids Red Cross Blood Drive New Life Retreat Oktoberfest Continued on page 2

The specific project and type of activity will depend upon the level of participation. This information as well as location will be emailed closer to that day.

2 and could include clean-up, seed collection or other work required to maintain the Natural Areas in Parks within Bolingbrook. We will be partnering with SNAPs, a volunteer group dedicated to restoring and protecting the natural areas managed by the Bolingbrook Park District. The specific project and type of activity will depend upon the level of participation. This information as well as location will be ed closer to that day. (Project Coordinator: Pastor Rakel) Free Car Wash We are offering free car washes along the front of our property along Route 53 on Sunday, September 10. There will be jobs for all ages. Hoses, soap, and cloths will be provided. If you are able, please bring buckets and rags. A free will offering for the service will be accepted which will be donated to Power Connection. (Project Coordinator: Jerry Streeky) Birthday Kits for Local Food Pantries Donate items and assemble kits to provide the goodies and decorations to make for a great birthday party. Anyone can donate needed items to contribute to the baskets. Items can be dropped off at the church on Sunday or during the week. There will be boxes available in the narthex. These kits will be distributed to local food pantries as something extra for families preparing to celebrate a birthday. (Project Coordinator: Suzanne Schorsch) Habitat for Humanity Work Project *NOTE: This event will take place on Saturday, September 9* This project will work with Habitat for Humanity at their site on Larkin Ave. in Joliet. Volunteers would work as runners for one of the twenty-two teams who will be building dog houses for the Homes for Hounds Habitat project. The event runs from 8:00 am 2:30 with volunteers arriving around 7:30 am. These runners would assist the teams to which they are assigned by gathering supplies from a centralized site. This will enable the team to complete their project more efficiently. There will be pet adoption groups, K-9 for veterans and other organizations at the event and promises to be a fun and energetic event. (Project Coordinator: Jerry Streeky) You can sign up for one or more projects. You may choose to donate items to one project and volunteer for a different one. Do what works for you! Once you sign up for an event, you will receive an from that coordinator with a reminder and any final details as needed. Please remember to wear your God s Work. Our Hands. yellow t-shirt to the worship service on Sunday, September 10th and/or on Saturday if that is the service project you choose participate in. If you don t have one and didn t order one; there are a few extras available for purchase. Otherwise, we invite you to wear a bright yellow shirt, if you have one. God s work. Our hands. Sunday is an opportunity for our congregation to live out our faith by serving others and providing a witness of our love for our community. We hope you can join us!

Special Congregation Meeting - Update I just want to let all of you know the outcome of the Special Congregation Meeting which was held last Sunday on August 27.

The conclusion of the report was that New Life is ready and has the financial capacity and resources to conduct a successful capital campaign.

3 Special Congregation Meeting - Update I just want to let all of you know the outcome of the Special Congregation Meeting which was held last Sunday on August 27. The congregation was given a report of the findings on the capital campaign feasibility study conducted by Walsh & Associates in July. The conclusion of the report was that New Life is ready and has the financial capacity and resources to conduct a successful capital campaign. After a period of discussion, the question of conducting a capital campaign and hiring Walsh & Associates was put to the congregation for a vote. The vote result via written ballot was 49 voting yes and 19 voting no. The motion carried with a 72% majority. New Life has signed a contract with Walsh & Associates and the capital campaign preparation will begin in September. I want to thank all of those who attended the meeting and for the excellent Q&A that helped clarify the purpose and answer questions about the specifics of a campaign. I trust and pray that we as a congregation will make this capital campaign as successful as we can so that we can become unshackled by the burden of our debt and have the freedom to do the work we are called to do as the church. Imagine the possibilities!!! Grace and Peace, John Beaugard, Council President Saturday, September 16 will be Clean Up Day at New Life There are several jobs on the church grounds that need attention. A multitude of volunteers is needed. Come clean up the Lord s house to make it beautiful and inviting for all. A luncheon will be served. There will be a sign up sheet posted in the Narthex on the bulletin board.

Youth Education Ministry It s the start of a new year for our Sunday School programs! We want to build a thriving and vibrant community of our youngest members.

4 Youth Education Ministry It s the start of a new year for our Sunday School programs! We want to build a thriving and vibrant community of our youngest members. So we have brought in some new exciting material that allows for hands-on learning. We are providing structure for youth to have an opportunity to build relationships with their peers. We have planned time for youth to continue to connect with all generations in worship on a Sunday morning. And we remain as committed as ever to teaching all youth about God and the bible in relation to their world. KICK-OFF All youth are invited to kick off this fall by participating with their family in God s Work. Our Hands. Sunday, September 10. We will be having one worship service at 9:10 am! Afterwards, there are several service activities in our surrounding community. Sign-up sheets are available in the narthex. This is for all ages! DATES Sunday, September 17: First day of youth education for all ages. Sunday, November 19: Last day of the fall session of youth education. Thanksgiving December: All youth will be attending Sunday worship as part of the congregation. January 14: The second session of youth education will begin for all ages. PROGRAMS Elementary Sunday School: Age 3 5th grade Sunday mornings at 10:15 am This new curriculum will allow for hands on, interactive learning in fun and creative ways such as art, cooking, science, music, games and more. Every lesson is based on a bible story that follows the readings from our worship service. To accommodate our smaller class sizes and create opportunities for greater interaction among the youth; children will be divided into 2 groups: age 3-1st grade and 2nd -5th grade.

Confirmation Ministry: 6th 8th graders Sunday night: Dinner at 5:30, class 6:00-7:30 The new Confirmation Ministry is designed to include events that focus on learning, fellowship, and service to

The focus on Sunday mornings will be to worship with their family and be a part of the congregation.

member of the congregation. In preparation for that commitment, youth will attend a 5-week Confirmation class. They will receive the sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, October 22 at 10:15 am.

*Parents with children of all the ages listed above, should have received a letter in the mail with more detailed information and dates. If you did not, please call the church office. S.U.P.P.L.Y.

5 Confirmation Ministry: 6th 8th graders Sunday night: Dinner at 5:30, class 6:00-7:30 The new Confirmation Ministry is designed to include events that focus on learning, fellowship, and service to strengthen faith formation for youth and families. The actual curriculum will still focus on the teachings of Martin Luther using the Small Catechism, Lutheran Theology, and The Old and New Testament. The focus on Sunday mornings will be to worship with their family and be a part of the congregation. Rite of Confirmation 9th Graders Sunday night: Dinner at 5:30, class 6:00-7:30 This is a special time for 9th grade youth to affirm their baptism and faith and marks the passage to becoming an adult member of the congregation. In preparation for that commitment, youth will attend a 5-week Confirmation class. They will receive the sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, October 22 at 10:15 am. In addition, as a high schooler, they are invited and encouraged to participate with the high school youth group right away that meets Sunday mornings at 10:15 am. *Parents with children of all the ages listed above, should have received a letter in the mail with more detailed information and dates. If you did not, please call the church office. S.U.P.P.L.Y. High School Youth 9th-12th graders Sunday mornings at 10:15 am This group will continue to start their Sunday mornings at the youth house. They will return as a group to the worship service before communion. There will be service projects, fun fellowship events, and fundraisers throughout the year. This year s culminating event will be the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Houston Texas in June 2018!

Smart Money Smart Kids Workshop Sundays starting September 17 - October 22 Cost is $60 per person/family and includes: Catered Dinner at 5:30 Video based workshop &materials at 6:00-7:30 Childcare

6 Smart Money Smart Kids Workshop Sundays starting September 17 - October 22 Cost is $60 per person/family and includes: Catered Dinner at 5:30 Video based workshop &materials at 6:00-7:30 Childcare provided, if needed You must register by September 5 so materials can be ordered. You can do that by: Registering online at Register in the narthex Or call the church office at Train up a child... Proverbs 22:6 Parenting is a tough job! As parents, we may not always know the best practices to instill the values we want for our children. As Christian parents, we may not know the resources available to help raise our children to think and act differently than society dictates. New Life is bringing such a resource to you. Financial expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey wrote Financial Peace University which some of you may have heard of or even attended a workshop. Now, along with his daughter Rachel Cruze, they are on a mission to equip parents to teach their children how to win with money. Over the course of 6 video based sessions they will walk you through what it means to raise money-smart kids. The importance of a strong work ethic and specific ways you can pass that on to your children. Teach parents about spending, saving, and giving. Talk about debt, why it s so devastating for young people, and how to teach your kids to avoid it especially when it s time to head to college or buy a car. Tackle some tougher topics like entitlement, enabling, and contentment so that you can help your kids define what enough means for them. Talk about relationships and how money often gets in the way. And finally, how to raise children who have the emotional, spiritual, and moral backbones to receive the financial legacy you might leave them one day. Dave Ramsey said, You may be excellent with money or not. You may be just starting your family. Wherever you are, you can teach from today forward and begin a new family tradition with money. You don t have to be perfect, nor do you have to be paralyzed by the mistakes of the past. You simply have to start. You can start today and grow money-smart kids. This workshop will teach you practical, tactical, spiritual, and strategic principles to intentionally teach your children how to handle money. We hope you will join us! This learning opportunity is open to the community as well so feel free to invite your friends and neighbors too! Coordinators Steve Ritz and Greg Krabbenhoft are ready to lead you along this journey!

Blood Drive Sunday, September 24 To be a blood donor is to love someone! If you know someone who is currently receiving blood transfusions you know how important this life saving gift is.

It could be due to an accident, surgery like open heart, transplant patient, or cancer patient. And since O is the most common, it is almost the most needed type.

7 Blood Drive Sunday, September 24 To be a blood donor is to love someone! If you know someone who is currently receiving blood transfusions you know how important this life saving gift is. But you can also love someone who you may never meet. There is someone who needs that lifesaving gift every day! It could be due to an accident, surgery like open heart, transplant patient, or cancer patient. And since O is the most common, it is almost the most needed type. Also type O can be used in emergency situations for any of the blood types. Less than 4% of the eligible population in Chicagoland area give this life saving gift through a blood donation. If blood donors gave 2-4 times a year (New Life hosts 4!), it would help prevent blood shortages. Anyone in good health, at least 17 years old and at least 110 pounds may donate blood. Also in Illinois, if you are 16 years old, you can donate with parental approval. Forms available on line at heartlandbc.org or at the sign in table on September 24. Our goal is 20 donors. If you have friends that would like to give, invite them to join you for the blood drive and stay for worship! Donors from March are eligible to donate again. If you were a double red donor; you would also be eligible to donate again! Sign-up in the narthex to select preferred time from 8:00 am Noon. Or sign up online at Or just walk-in. Remember to eat breakfast and bring your ID. We ll do our best to get everyone on the mobile coach that wants to donate! Additional fact: Did you know that by participating in the blood drive you are also supporting the Good Samaritan program at New Life? With each drive and each donor we earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards. In 2016, your support of the blood drives provided $50 worth of support for an individual/family in immediate need. Church World Service Walk. Give. Change the world. This year New Life will be joining the 35th Annual Naperville area Crop Hunger Walk Date: October 15, Rally 1:15 - Kick-off at 1:30 Location: Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E Gartner Rd, Naperville Feeding the hungry in this community and the world can be supported by your feet taking a few steps. Walk, roll, or run! We need people like you, who are ready to exercise their hope by supporting the Naperville area Crop Hunger Walk. Whether you would like to get outside and enjoy the scenery by walking or would like to sponsor a walker, please get involved. The information can be found displayed on the posters or see or our team captain, Krissy Krabbenhoft at KrissyKrabb@gmail.com Registration or a donation is easily accomplished at: 25% of donations from our church supports Power Connections. Join the New Life Team in changing the world! Be a headline of hope!

Save the Date! ELCA National Youth Gathering June 27-July 1st 2018 is the ELCA National Youth gathering, held in Houston TX. We will be gathering with 30,000 high school youth for five days!

Sunday, September 24, will be the National Youth Gathering Participant Meeting held at noon, after the 10:15 am service. We plan to join forces with Joyful Spirit across town.

8 Save the Date! ELCA National Youth Gathering June 27-July 1st 2018 is the ELCA National Youth gathering, held in Houston TX. We will be gathering with 30,000 high school youth for five days! Mark your calendars to join us for a gathering meeting to prepare for this exciting new journey! Sunday, September 24, will be the National Youth Gathering Participant Meeting held at noon, after the 10:15 am service. We plan to join forces with Joyful Spirit across town. We will discuss the registration dates, cost, transportation, fundraising, itinerary, and the cool events and activities being held. We hope our youth takes this opportunity to embark on this amazing and grace filled trip. It only happens once every three years! Save the Date for A New Life Retreat! November We re excited about a retreat that we ll be sponsoring titled Awaken Your Soul. At this retreat, you will be provided with the space and tools necessary to silence the clutter of the mind and connect with the quiet wisdom of your beautiful soul. Through guided meditations, journaling, group discussions, and Experimental Practices, you will start breaking the many chains holding you down. You will gain clarity, peace, and strength as we grow together into the people God created us to be. This retreat will be held on Friday, November 17 to Saturday, November 18 at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center. We will be leaving church at 5 on Friday, returning around 6 on Saturday. The cost is $100 per person. Meals and rooms will be provided. More information will be provided in the upcoming weeks. If you re interested or wish more information, please see Ken McConnaughy or Sue Ellwing-Ridley.

Were you one of those who attended our First Annual Oktoberfest last year or did you miss it?

This year, we re planning a traditional dinner followed by music, dancing, and lots of fun. You won t want to miss it!

9 Second Annual New Life Oktoberfest! Anniversaries for September Happy wishes to: Scott & Sarah Bovyn 9/9 Bob & April Clark 9/21 Lee & Kelly Dillon II 9/10 Bob & Cary Edgerton 9/7 Jose & Sylvia Galvicius 9/21 Doug & Ronda Goers 9/16 Were you one of those who attended our First Annual Oktoberfest last year or did you miss it? In either case, our Second Annual Oktoberfest, this year with a Polish spin, is scheduled to be held on October 14 at 5:30 in the Fellowship Hall. This year, we re planning a traditional dinner followed by music, dancing, and lots of fun. You won t want to miss it! We ll be providing the main course but could use your help by signing up to bring the needed side dishes and extras. They ll be a list of these needed items posted in the narthex. You won t want to miss this fun and entertaining event. Please RSVP to the church office, no later than October 6. And, please feel free to bring a friend! Martha & John Jr Kierstein 9/6 Sally & Ryan Minor 9/5 John & Lisa Mustonen 9/15 George & Jan Sanchez 9/12 Mike & Julie Selep 9/17 Jerry & Christine Streeky 9/15 Have you moved or changed your phone number recently? If so, it is important that the church office is contacted so we can update our records. Thank you. Feed My Starving Children Event September 20 Care team has another opportunity to pack food at Feed My Starving Children Aurora facility on Wednesday, September 20 from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Open to all ages over 5 years old and car pooling is available so if you are retired or off that Wednesday we would love for you to join us. There will be a sign up sheet in the narthex September 3. No worries if you can't do a Wednesday as we have an upcoming January 13, 2018 Saturday for all to attend!!

There are many ways to volunteer at New Life!

10:15 Volunteers needed Ushers: 8:15 Jerry Schmidt, Daryl & Joe Giganti, Nancy Leiting 10:15 Sherry & Greg Krabbenhoft, Beth

5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to New Life. Just visit smile.amazon.

Volunteers are always needed to help with worship. Interested?

org Save these dates now to join us serving and celebrating in the month of October.

10 There are many ways to volunteer at New Life! September Worship Leaders Worship Assistants 8:15 Jackie Schmidt 10:15 Carie Mackey Greeters: 8:15 Mort & Carol Erickson 10:15 Volunteers needed Ushers: 8:15 Jerry Schmidt, Daryl & Joe Giganti, Nancy Leiting 10:15 Sherry & Greg Krabbenhoft, Beth Girardier You can help support New Life by simply shopping on Amazon! Every time you make a purchase AmazonSmiles donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to New Life. Just visit smile.amazon.com, search for New Life Lutheran Church, Bolingbrook, IL and shop while Amazon gives! Volunteers are always needed to help with worship. Interested? Contact the church office at or officemgr@newlifebolingbrook.org Save these dates now to join us serving and celebrating in the month of October. Oktoberfest Saturday, October 14 at New Life at 5:30 CROP Walk Sunday, October 15 in Naperville starting at 12:30 Recycle Year-Round! A monthly recycling focus for September: Tennis shoes Nike outlet store only 9th Grade Rite of Confirmation Sunday, October 22 During 10:15 worship Reformation Sunday, October 29 One Worship Service Shopping Cart Ministry Sept Focus Peanut butter, jelly, goldfish crackers & school snacks; diapers & wipes

11 SEPTEMBER 2017 Sun NA at 7 Mon AA 7 & 8:30 Tue Al Anon 7 Wed NA 10 am AA 8 Thu Ladies AA 7 Fri PANN 7 Sat Al Anon Study 8:45am Al Anon 10 am 1 2 Oasis Choir Practice 8 Celebration Band Rehearsal 9 am Oasis Prayer Service Worship 8:15 & 10:15 am Labor Day Church Office Closed Oasis 7 Bible Study 10 am Worship Comm 6:30p Christ Center of Hope 7p Oasis Choir Practice 8 Celebration Band Rehearsal 9 am Executive Comm 7:15p Mutual Ministry God s Work. Our Hands. Sunday One Worship 9:10 am Oasis 7 Church Council 7 Bible Study 10 am Christ Center of Hope 7 p Oasis Choir Practice 8 Celebration Band Rehearsal 9 am Church Clean Up Day Worship 8:15 & 10:15 am Confirmation 5 Oasis 7 Outreach 7 Bible Study 10 am Christ Center of Hope 7 p Care Team (Chapel) 7 Oasis Choir Practice 8 Celebration Band Rehearsal 9 am Smart Money Smart Stewardship 7:30 Kids 5 24 Blood Drive Worship 8:15 & 10:15 am Confirmation 5 Oasis 7 Bible Study 10 am Tutor Orientation 7 Christ Center of Hope 7 p Oasis Choir Practice 8 Celebration Band Rehearsal 9 am Smart Money Smart Kids 5

12 Manage Your Giving Online! New Life is excited to announce that you can now manage your giving online! Giving online is easy and allows you to set up automatic recurring contributions and view your complete online giving history from anywhere you have access to the Internet. Simply follow these easy steps: 1. Visit 2. Click on the Donate Online button, 3. Click on the Create Profile button, then 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to create an online profile and to schedule your recurring contributions. If you already give via Simply Giving, your profile will link automatically when entering your address, and you can manage your contributions online at your convenience. You may also scan this QR code to immediately access the online giving page. Sunday Worship 8:15 & 10:15 AM New Life Lutheran Church 249 N. Bolingbrook Drive Bolingbrook, IL (630) Visit us on the web at Where everybody is somebody, and Jesus Christ is Lord! New Life Lutheran Church 249 N. Bolingbrook Drive Bolingbrook, IL PLACE STAMP HERE

LIFE LINE New Life Lutheran Church Newsletter January 2018

LIFE LINE New Life Lutheran Church Newsletter January 2018 Kick off the New Year with a healthy habit be a blood donor! Our first blood drive of 2018 is January 14 from 8:00 am 12:00. We encourage you