The Messenger JUNE 2015

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BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL The Messenger JUNE 2015 On May 17th, a reception was given in honor of Joy Semetulskis and

Mike and Joy are stepping down as co-superintendents of this ministry.

Congratulations to our 2015 Confirmation Class Jessica Stowe, Katelyn Krakar, David Jaje and Matt Ross BAPTISM Also, on May

1 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL The Messenger JUNE 2015 On May 17th, a reception was given in honor of Joy Semetulskis and Mike Whitman for their years of service and dedication to the Sunday School program. Mike and Joy are stepping down as co-superintendents of this ministry. We thank them for their commitment of time and talent to this program. We welcome Alyssa Krakar as our new superintendent. Congratulations to our 2015 Confirmation Class Jessica Stowe, Katelyn Krakar, David Jaje and Matt Ross BAPTISM Also, on May 17th, we welcomed Livia Rain Molitor. Livia is the daughter of Melethia and Duane Molitor. She is the sister of Taigen and the granddaughter of Wayne & Marilyn Molitor and John & Barbara McMullen. Welcome, Livia. Visit us at

BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL PAGE 2 Social Flock is

congregation for a Backyard Bash on Friday, June 12 starting at 7PM.

Please bring a dish or dessert to share (if you would like), a lawn

Join us for some fun with music, backyard games and great

ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR TO COLLECT SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR THE CHILDREN

provided a list of needed items: #2 pencils Blue/Black pens Red

lined index cards Pink erasers Kleenex Plastic pocket folders with

2 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL PAGE 2 Social Flock is celebrating its one year anniversary and is inviting the entire congregation for a Backyard Bash on Friday, June 12 starting at 7PM. Burgers, hot dogs, beer and pop will be provided. Please bring a dish or dessert to share (if you would like), a lawn chair and a beverage if you do not want beer or pop. Join us for some fun with music, backyard games and great conversation! ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR TO COLLECT SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE OPEN PANTRY Jodi Taylor organizes this drive and she has provided a list of needed items: #2 pencils Blue/Black pens Red pens Elmer s glue sticks Wide rule loose leaf paper 3X5 OR 4X6 lined index cards Pink erasers Kleenex Plastic pocket folders with prongs If you don t want to shop, you may make a monetary contribution or sponsor a child for a $20.00 donation. Mark your envelope School Supplies and we will make sure it gets to Jodi.

BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL PAGE 3 Our Lenten mid-week dinners were so popular we thought we'd see if we could keep our fellowship momentum going!

(The backyard bash will be our gathering for June!) She would like to know if there are any committees or groups interested in sponsoring one of these meals.

3 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL PAGE 3 Our Lenten mid-week dinners were so popular we thought we'd see if we could keep our fellowship momentum going! Heather Nilles is researching the interest in having a monthly meal prior to Wednesday night service over the summer. We are talking once in July and August. (The backyard bash will be our gathering for June!) She would like to know if there are any committees or groups interested in sponsoring one of these meals. The plan is to aim for mid-month Wednesdays, July 15th and August 12th but these are all changeable. Please let Heather know as soon as possible so we can get started with the planning. You may contact her at hamnilles@yahoo.com Needed: Eucharistic Minister Imagine not being able to get to worship or being able to participate in the sacrament of Communion. For some of our members, it is a real loss when physical limitations prevent them from getting to worship. Coordinating with Pr. Elaina, we have a team of two women in our congregation who regularly visit some of our homebound members. Pr. Elaina is looking to put together a second team. The team of two would make 2-3 visits per month, each visit lasting about an hour. A brief training will be provided for our volunteers. If you feel called to this kind of ministry, please speak to Pr. Elaina. Our active team, Ardy Wakefield and Karen Washagan, have found it to be very rewarding. It s a beautiful way to serve God s people. STATEMENT OF WELCOME FOR YOUNG CHILDREN To the parents of our young children, may we suggest: Relax! God put the wiggle in children; don t feel you have to suppress it in God s house. All are welcome! Sit toward the front where it is easier for children to see and hear. Sing hymns loudly, pray, and voice the responses with enthusiasm. Children learn behavior by copying you. If you are fired up about God, they will be too! Remember that the way we welcome children in Church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God, to Christ, to one another. Let them know that they are at home in the Church. Teach children some of the basic prayers, being able to join in with the prayers helps them feel they are contributing too. Attend worship often, children like and need routines where they can participate. To the members of the parish: A smile of encouragement is always welcome to parents with small, active children. If you forgot what it was like when your children were young and feel the need to step in and offer advice, reconsider and follow the example of Jesus. The presence of children is a gift to the church. They give us a future filled with hope.

BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL PAGE 4 Attendance awards were presented to Margaret Kissick, Nia Salmon, Eamon Salmon, Alexa Verhoeven, Matthew Ross, Adam Hagedorn, Jake Ahlberg, Sam Ahlberg,

BOOK CLUB will meet at Ti Amo Ristorante on Wednesday, June 17th at 1PM. Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline is the June selection.

4 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL PAGE 4 Attendance awards were presented to Margaret Kissick, Nia Salmon, Eamon Salmon, Alexa Verhoeven, Matthew Ross, Adam Hagedorn, Jake Ahlberg, Sam Ahlberg, Justin Wormsley, Grace Krakar, Jacob Nilles, Stephanie Wormsley, Katelyn Krakar, Autumn Nilles, Jane Howell, David Jaje and Jessica Stowe. BOOK CLUB will meet at Ti Amo Ristorante on Wednesday, June 17th at 1PM. Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline is the June selection. April and Alyssa Krakar for providing lunch for our Renew Refresh Education parent meeting Alyssa Krakar, Erin Kissick, Beth Howell, and Dave Molitor for serving on the Renew Refresh Education Team MariLynn Bergmark for adding a beautiful edge to our communion veil Pam Laasch and Don Garling for serving as voting members for the Synod Assembly Joy Semetulskis and Mike Whitman for serving as Sunday School Superintendents for years and years and years! Roberta Ahlberg for organizing the reception for Joy and Mike Ardy & Ross Wakefield for planting and nurturing the beautiful Bethany Garden Glenda Anderson for making books for our children about all the things we see in our sanctuary Council members Sandy Doebert, Zach Howell, Gary Gray, Scott Ahlberg, Kealy Schroeder, Kelsey Schroeder, Jeanne Reidel, Ralph Johnson, John Jaje, Jodi Taylor, Ryan Kwasneski and Pastor Elaina Ralph Johnson and Shawn Salmon for providing special music on Confirmation Sunday Scott Ahlberg, Bob Gotlund, Dick Gotlund, John Jaje, and Corey, Kerri, Kealy and Kelsey Schroeder for cleaning up the cemetery Nancy Mason, Dolores Gutowski and Gary Gray for counting each week s offering Lori Olkiewicz, Bill Laasch, Jodi Taylor and Karen Washagan for staffing the pantry each week Ardy Wakefield and Karen Washagan for serving as Eucharistic Ministers and visiting homebound members Lori & Keith Olkiewicz for donating a shelving unit for the pantry Jodi Taylor for organizing the scanning of old documents and photos for archiving Thrivent Choice dollars were gifted to Bethany from Jodi & Bruce Taylor. Visit Thrivent.com/ thriventchoice for more information to direct your Choice dollars to Bethany. WEDNESDAY, June 3 MONDAY, June 8 WEDNESDAY, June 10 FRIDAY, June 12 WEDNESDAY, June 17 WEDNESDAY, June 24 CALENDAR Pastrix Small Group, 5:30PM Church Council Meeting, 7PM Pastrix Small Group, 5:30PM Backyard Bash, 7PM Book Club at Ti Amo Ristorante, 1PM Pastrix Small Group, 5:30PM Pastrix Small Group, 5:30PM

BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL PAGE 5 David Jaje and Katelyn Krakar Old Quarry Middle School Jessica Stowe Vito Martinez Middle School Maria Falese Lewis University with High Honors Andrew Mason

Habitat's mission is to put God s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.

The houses are simple and decent, built with sustainable, energy-efficient means and resources. No experience or tools required. On-site training provided. Ages 16 and older may participate.

5 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL PAGE 5 David Jaje and Katelyn Krakar Old Quarry Middle School Jessica Stowe Vito Martinez Middle School Maria Falese Lewis University with High Honors Andrew Mason University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana Habitat for Humanity s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat's mission is to put God s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. This non-profit ministry works with families in need and volunteers to build or renovate affordable homes in the United States and abroad. The houses are simple and decent, built with sustainable, energy-efficient means and resources. No experience or tools required. On-site training provided. Ages 16 and older may participate. We are looking into volunteer opportunities, particularly a one-day build, and are checking out the interest level of our Bethany members. Is this a service opportunity you would be interested in? If so, contact the church office at or send an to bethanylmt@aol.com Members of Bethany Lutheran Church gather each week around the communion table, reciting the words of Christ and participating in the sacred meal in remembrance of Jesus. That gift has been handed down generation to generation. As we recall the names of those who have died, our minds are filled with precious memories. We are their legacy, and much of what we have in both material and non-material things have been handed down to us from them. But what will we hand down to those who follow? How will we be remembered? Will we leave more than an empty spot in a pew? Reann Kwasneski, Christine Martinez, Brianna Olkiewicz and Kristin Washagan Lemont High School As you plan for the distribution of your assets at your death, consider a charitable bequest to Bethany Lutheran Church. This is one way your faith can be transferred to the next generation. This, and other types of planned gifts, can undergird our congregation s ministry in perpetuity, providing resources that will allow future generations of disciples to worship, serve others and continue the vital ministries of the church. Christians also can use their estates to demonstrate one final act of stewardship. Our possessions are gifts from God, and God has intended for us to use them wisely throughout our lifetimes. Through our estate plans, we can provide for our loved ones while also making a faithful distribution back to God to further God s work. We will be remembered by our giving.

BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL PAGE 6 Pastrix Many of us picked up the book Pastrix by Nadia Bolz-Weber and are looking forward to conversation over the coming weeks.

June 3 Week One Fall 2005, Chapters 1-3 June 10 Week Two Chapters 4-6 June 17 Week Three Chapters 7-9 June 24 Week Four Chapters 10-12 July 1 Week Five Chapters 13-15 July 8 Week Six Chapters 16-19

6 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL PAGE 6 Pastrix Many of us picked up the book Pastrix by Nadia Bolz-Weber and are looking forward to conversation over the coming weeks. We are meeting at 5:30 pm on Wednesdays and wrapping up in time for worship. This schedule shows what chapters we will be discussing each week. Come when you can! June 3 Week One Fall 2005, Chapters 1-3 June 10 Week Two Chapters 4-6 June 17 Week Three Chapters 7-9 June 24 Week Four Chapters July 1 Week Five Chapters July 8 Week Six Chapters Synod Assembly The Metro Chicago Synod met for their annual Synod Assembly on May at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Pr. Elaina, Don Garling, and Pam Laasch were Bethany s representatives joining over 100 other pastors, 215 lay voting members, and 60 visitors. Throughout the event, the theme, And a little child shall lead them, was lifted up as various congregations shared ministries that focused on youth and young adults. Workshops gave opportunities to learn more about adult education, affiliated mission community development, spiritual and palliative care, suicide prevention and mental illness, social media, immigration and our congregations, nurturing the faith of youth, racism and violence, responding to abuse, world hunger, Latino mission strategy, and crowdfunding. There were a couple opportunities for worship including a Jazz service of morning prayer. It was an inspiring two day event! The Assembly voted on four resolutions that provide direction for our Synod and call us to engage as a public church. Resolution on Criminal Justice: This resolution asks churches of this Synod to study the ELCA Social Statement, The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries, learn how the church can serve those involved in the Criminal Justice System, and encourage congregations to join Lutheran Advocacy. Resolution on Bread for the World: Bread for the World is one of ELCA s valued partners in advocacy as they ve worked on a bipartisan basis with Congress to pass legislation benefitting the hungry and vulnerable. This resolution encourages congregations and members to participate in this year s offering of letters, Feed our Children, and to join Bread for the World as individual members. Resolution on Hunger: ELCA World Hunger responds to hunger and poverty in the US and around the world by addressing root causes through a comprehensive program of relief, education, advocacy, sustainable development, community organizing and networking by which people are connected to resources they need to lift themselves out of poverty. This resolution asks congregations to take one measurable step to increase support and awareness of those in need and ELCA World Hunger. Also, one major focus of next year s Synod Assembly will be World Hunger. Resolution on US Government Aid to State of Israel: This was a debated resolution and a close vote. With its adoption, congregations of this Synod are encouraged to contact their congressional representatives and senators to encourage their support and action to terminate US financial aid until the state of Israel seeks a peace agreement, ends its occupation of Palestinian territory, and enables an independent Palestinian state.

Nilles Eleanor Slager friend of Bethany Greg Cook cousin of Carole Ross Diane Reyes mother of Cheryl Sabourin Audrey Gee relative of Virginia & Bob Hoster Pat Genardo friend of the Connellys Janet

7 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL PAGE 7 Bethany Members Ginny Connelly Frank Iwan Karen Rae Marie Heeren Carl Slip Johnson Rev. Glenn Bergmark IN OUR PRAYERS Peyton Kirk Norm Epler Theora Kujawa Leona Nelson Friends and Relatives of Bethany Members Joanne Bauer friend of Jim & Ginny Connelly Nancy Olin aunt of Heather & Mike Nilles Eleanor Slager friend of Bethany Greg Cook cousin of Carole Ross Diane Reyes mother of Cheryl Sabourin Audrey Gee relative of Virginia & Bob Hoster Pat Genardo friend of the Connellys Janet Kuchar daughter of Virginia & Bob Hoster Carol Blogg daughter of Pat Engwall Rudy Cozzi friend of Glenda & Ed Anderson Laurie Burda friend of Kealy Schroeder Gary Cobbett friend of the Bergmarks Gene Sobba uncle of Carole & Jim Ross Dan Herzing friend of the Iwan Family Bernie Schroeder father of Cheryl Hagedorn Craig Mikalayanaus neighbor of the Garlings Butch Jirgl friend of Ed & Glenda Anderson Kinley Ray friend of Ed & Glenda Anderson Debbie Hessert friend of Sue Gray Sean Clark friend of Kelsey Schroeder Marlene Johnson sister of Judy Faulhaber Michele (Mooney) Neff niece of Carl Johnson John Shea brother-in-law of Heather & Mike Nilles Valerie Aldridge cousin of Lori Olkiewicz Nadine Schroeder mother of Corey Schroeder Karl Knasiak brother-in-law of John & Kelly Jaje Marianne Carlson friend of Ginny Connelly & Karen Rae Justin & Stephanie Wormsley friends of Jodi & Bruce Taylor Dr. William Farrell physican of MariLynn Bergmark If you would like to add anyone to the Bethany Prayer List, call or the church office OR drop a note in the offering plate be sure to include your name. Conversely, if anyone listed is no longer in need of our prayers, please notify us as well. Bethany Lutheran Mission Statement Bethany Lutheran Church works to be a growing, living, faith community focusing on outreach. Following the example of Christ, we will share love, grace and hope and commit the resources of time, talents and wealth to our church, our village and all of God s creation.

8 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH LEMONT IL JUNE 2015 THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED FOOD STAPLES TO THE BETHANY OPEN PANTRY Rotary Club of Lemont/Homer Glen T.O.P.S. Chapter #2196 Jurgis Matulaitis Mission St. Matthew s Church Emmanuel Baptist Church Ben Stech St. Patrick Church St. Alphonsus Church Mary & Dave Staudt Julie Jilek Chuck Martinkus Eric & Sandy Anderson Ed & Glenda Anderson Lemont School District 113A Old Quarry National Junior Honor Society US Bank St. Matthew s Church Starbucks Coffee Oakwood & River Valley Cooperative for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing MONETARY DONATIONS TO THE BETHANY OPEN PANTRY WERE GIVEN BY Sarah O Donnell Michael & Denise Arnashus Gina & Ralph Pontrelli Brian & Donna O Donnell Maureen & Mark Skowronski Donald & Patty Krengiel Greg Gilbertson David Gorski Michelle & Dan Balich John & Donna Lichacz Matthew & Carolyn Zolecki Elsie Schultz St. Patrick Church Lois Miller Sandra & Donald Wall Michael & Rita Kuper BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH 500 LEMONT STREET LEMONT IL 60439

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