St. Mark Lutheran Church CrossBeams A publication of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Mount Prospect, Illinois

Transcription

1 St. Mark Lutheran Church CrossBeams A publication of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Mount Prospect, Illinois May 2014 Volume 53 Issue 5 Our Easter celebration was glorious-- I want to live Easter every day of the year. I want to be bowled over by the heady fragrance of lily and hyacinth. I want my ears to tingle with praise sounding from voice and bell, trumpet and organ. I want to revel in crowded pews and not-enough-bulletins-to-go- round, little girls in pretty dresses, and eager children s stories of bunny basket goodies. I want to process, to hold the cross high, to read scripture in the midst of the people. And I especially want to hear the conditioned, age-old response, He is risen, indeed! Yes, I want to live Easter every day. Heck, it isn t a matter of I want, I want, I want. Easter is what I need. You do, too, whether you ve thought about it or not, whether you know it or not! You and I need to count ourselves blessed to be part of a community of faith that celebrates in glorious fashion how God has entered into human history to show us a new way of being. Every Sunday, each little Easter, is an opportunity for us to shout out the good news that God sent Jesus to us, for us. And that Jesus did not come into the world to condemn it, but that it might be saved through him. We need to hear the good news that this man healed the sick, talked with the downcast, ate with the outcast, and did not yield to the Tempter s seductive promises. Yes, I need to live Easter every day. I need to hear the good news that this perfect Man of God forgave even those who did not think they needed to hear a healing word, and for his efforts was nailed to a cross as a Roman example of what others should not do. And that his death, when it came, as surely it did, was not the end. Death is not the victor in this story that we need to hear. God did a new thing God brought new life from death: Jesus, the light that shone in the darkness, lives on as the good we do for His sake. You and I can be the new GOOD thing that God did through Jesus by taking to heart what it means to obey His commandment: Love one another as I have loved you! God trusts us to do this! It s our mandate (commandment)! It s our challenge! It s our Easter joy! See you in the pew! Pr. Linnea Yes, by the Grace of God, I can live Easter every day!

2 Notes from the Vicar I m checking the weather report for this week, and I see something that, with four months of the year already behind us, I ve been long awaiting: a high of 80. It feels like it s been about a week short of forever since the weather was really, consistently nice, and I can t fully express just how happy I am to see the warmth and sun of summer finally overtaking the cold and dark of winter. With Easter Sunday behind us and Pentecost coming up fast, the church year is getting ready for summer as well. Soon we will be into what is sometimes called ordinary time, that time in the church year when we immerse ourselves in Jesus teaching and ministry during his life. In youth ministry at St. Mark, we are eagerly anticipating the end of the season and the planning for Vacation Bible School. We ve had a great year, and all the children and volunteers have done a fantastic job of working with some unexpected changes to the program. Everyone has stepped up and made this year of Wow, FaithWalk, and Shine what I would consider a great success. I want to extend my thanks to each and every person who led a lesson, organized a craft, served and cleaned up dinner, helped with a fundraiser, and attended an event. Youth ministry is a big undertaking, and it takes the dedication of many individuals to make it an effective and fun experience for our community s children. I also want to extend a thank you to the parents and students in our program, for a personal reason. I decided a couple months ago to try to start something new at Wow and FaithWalk a weekly offering. At the beginning of each session, we pass around an offering plate, just like in Sunday worship. We collect any offerings that children have brought, and when we are done, we say a prayer of thanksgiving together. To date, we ve collected over two hundred dollars with this offering, which I have to admit is a lot better than I thought it was going to go! I m extremely gratified and humbled by the generosity of St. Mark Lutheran Church. We are going to use this offering both locally and globally, supporting ministries here at St. Mark and through the ELCA Good Gifts program. This is an important expression of what it means to live as Children of God, and provides a powerful example and lesson for our young people about just what the Church can achieve when we come together as God has called us. I m looking forward to some fun and interesting ideas to explore in the next few months here at St. Mark keep your eyes and ears peeled for details on a number of opportunities for outreach, worship, and fellowship as we explore how we can be a Community of Christ, and as always, may God bless you and your loved ones and keep you in his care through all your life. Yours in Christ, Vicar Niles Eastman Thoughts from the Loft The strife is o er, The battle done; Now is the victor s triumph won! Now be the song of praise begun. Alleluia! (ELW #366 vs. 4) As we celebrate Easter, we do so with joyful praise to God. Musically speaking, this joy is found in triumphant song. However, I would encourage you this Easter season to listen in on the clashing chords, resounding cymbals, and therefore the challenges that lead to the final triumph. In Christ s victory over the cross, we find harmonious concord with God. With our eyes fixed on the wonder of the empty tomb, let us sing a fervent Alleluia! In Joy, Tim

3 CrossBeams May 2014 What s Happening in Youth & Family Ministry? WOW (Wednesdays on Wille - our Christian Education program for youth preschool through 5th grade) & FaithWalk (our Confirmation program) will be coming to an end for this school year on May 28th. In WOW, we have been learning about the New Testament and Jesus life, death and resurrection. For our last day, we will have a Family Day with crafts, food and fellowship during our usual class and dinner time 5:00-6:30 pm. In FaithWalk, Confirmation Sunday, May 18, is quickly approaching and our confirmands are busy writing their Faith Statements. There are 7 students being confirmed this year: Carli Benn, Reidar Erbe, Izzie Jakubowski, Alex Mangrum, Jon Musser, Erin Schultz and Peter Velic. The 6th and 7th graders will be preparing the posters and gift bags for the big day. We will end the year with Stump the Vicar. Can the kids do it? We shall see. SHINE! (our High School Group) have gone to a Chicago Wolves hockey game and been serving others (see below). SHINE! will continue off and on through the summer. The FaithWalk and SHINE! kids have been busy helping others. In February, they collected food and money to support the Mt. Prospect Food Pantry, Lutheran Church of the Cross Food Pantry, Food for St. Mark Pads and for St. Mark s Backpack Ministry through the Souper Bowl of Caring! In April, the kids put together 60+ Easter Baskets for LSSI s HeadStart program to go to kids in 2 locations in Chicago. On Good Friday, a group of St. Markers went to Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg to pack food for Haiti. We packed 120 boxes in the 2-hour packing session, which is 25,920 meals. This will feed 71 kids for a year. Both groups have been helping with the backpack ministry by packing the weekly bags. The kids really love these Hands-on projects!! This summer 6 youth (Tim Blazek, Allison & Mallory Brask, Reidar Erbe, Valerie Goodrich, & Cisco Scaramuzza) along with 2 chaperones (Vicar Niles Eastman & Christy Supergan) will be going to Rossville, IN, to once again participate in a TeenServe Workcamp July Upcoming fundraisers will include Butterbraid coffee cake sales in May to be delivered in time for Father s Day and Buy-A-Mile in June. We will also be sending youth to Leadership Lab in late July. Plans have also begun for VBS. Vicar Niles and Pastor Linnea will be looking at curriculum and finding a date. More information will be coming soon! Peace be with you! Jill Galyon, Interim Youth Coordinator

4 CrossBeams May 2014 SpringFest 2014 On April 27th, St. Mark hosted our 2 nd SpringFest at the Center. This event is a wonderful opportunity to gather the community for food, fun and fellowship. Giacomo s supplied the pasta, meatballs and salad; Wa-Pa-Ghetti s the pizza; Dairy Queen the Blizzards; and Cumberland Bakery prepared the apple slices, brownies and sheet cake. All I can say is: Yum!! Guests enjoyed the Cake Walk, facepainting, Moon Walk & slide (which was sponsored by Friedrichs Funeral Home) and the Fish Toss, where you could win a goldfish to take home. This week I have heard many fish tales. In the entertainment room, we played Bingo for pizzas donated by Toppers Pizza, crown Cisco Scaramuzza as this year s St. Mark Idol, heard musical selections from some of the youth in The King s Players and enjoyed music from Rachel Potter and her band, Two Days Late. Again this year, the local businesses were very generous in supplying gift certificates and merchandise for the raffle. Thanks to many members for also putting together gift baskets and donating items. Thank you s go out to all the volunteers who helped clean the Center, bake goodies for the Cake Walk, help with shopping, and were there the day of the event doing whatever it took to make this a fun event for all! Special thanks to the planning committee Kim Branch, Karen Fleming, Diane Mockenhaupt, Kim Perlich and Rachel Scott for all their hard work and time away from their families. Thank you to all who came. I think a good time was had by all who attended! Jill Galyon Leadership Lab - July 21-26, 2014 at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL Leadership Lab is designed to assist youth in acquiring leadership skills that will be useful in our congregation, as well as, our community and the world. Leadership Lab is an intense week of study, worship, and building relationships. Participants must have completed 8th grade. There are different levels of study for high school through adult participants. Scholarships are available for all participants through St. Mark. The participant is only required to pay for their tee-shirt, which is $15. Contact Jill Galyon if you would like a registration packet. Registration is due by June 1st. The King s Players Present Bye Bye Birdie July 17-20, 2014 AUDITIONS: Saturday, May 10th, 1:00-4:00 pm Thursday, May 15th, 7:00-9:00 pm St. Mark Lutheran Church 200 S Wille St Mt. Prospect, IL CALLBACKS Sunday, May 18th 1-5 pm Open to middle school and high school students No appointment is necessary. Auditions will consist of vocal and dance auditions. Choreographer will teach a short dance routine; wear gym shoes or dance shoes. Be prepared to sing bars from any Broadway show. Bring your own sheet music in the correct key; an accompanist will be provided. Be prepared to list any conflicts during the rehearsal schedule: (Sunday afternoons and Monday Wednesday nights beginning May 20th.) St. Mark Community Youth Theatre In partnership with D214 Community Education For more information, including a downloadable audition form, please visit our website:

5 CrossBeams May 2014 CALENDAR Tuesday, May 27, 9am-3pm Quilting 2 nd floor, Education wing Friday-Sunday, July Young Church Women United Leadership Retreat Cenacle Retreat and Conference Center Lincoln Park Women of the ELCA 9 th Triennial Gathering Of Many Generations Charlotte, North Carolina Thursday-Sunday, July 24-27, 2014 Speakers, worship, workshops Servant events, films, exhibit hall More info available at welcatg.org. Thursday-Sunday, July Ninth Triennial Gathering Charlotte, North Carolina An Invitation from Metro Chicago Synod Women of the ELCA President If you are looking for a Christian organization that promotes the well-being of women and children and at the same time make new friends and have a good time, this is the organization for you. We want women to connect with other women in our synod, exchange ideas and learn what possibilities are out there for Christian women in our society. Young Church Women United Leadership Retreat Calling all young women! Mark your calendar for July to be part of the second young women leadership retreat at the Cenacle Retreat and Conference Center in Lincoln Park. Are you currently active in Church Women United, your church or your denomination? Are you told you are a great leader or want to focus on what is important to you? Then you fit the qualifications to attend the retreat. Questions and interests can be sent to ycwureps@gmail.com.

6 Council News In February the congregation voted on the new council members at the Annual Meeting. In March, the new council members were installed. In April, they took office. Below is the current Church Council and their responsibilities: Linda Olson President and Adult Education Eve Smith Vice President and Worship Stacy Drumtra Secretary Nancy Snell Treasurer Mark Sorum Property Linda Ernst Congregational Care Kevin Blazek Youth & Family Dianne Quast Outreach Marilyn Gosell Stewardship Rachel Potter Fellowship Mallory Brask Youth Representative FUN DAY AT THE CENTER WITH THE HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL 4 TH and 5 TH GRADERS If you want a day of fun (4 hours or less) interacting with 4 th and 5 th graders of Holy Family School then set aside Tuesday, May 27 th. We need balloon blower uppers, help with crafts, and game assistants. The children arrive at 10:00-10:15 am and leave at 1:00-1:15 pm. A couple of hours of your time will be very much appreciated. We have games upstairs and down, lunch with ice cream sundaes, craft project, nail painting and gifts for the kids. Let us know if you can help. Thank you! Regards, Cynthia Pershing and George Elder Referrals Rewarded St. Mark members who refer a student to the St. Mark Preschool and Enrichment Center, who remains for 30 days or longer, will receive a $25 gasoline gift card. Please notify the Preschool office of the student you are referring at: ext. 19 PreSchool Family Fun Fest - Saturday, May 31 at the St. Mark Center 1 Mile Run/Walk, Kids' Race, PreSchool Children Sing, Fun Events, Health/Fitness Presentations, Silent Auction, Door Prizes, and Food for Sale.

7 Mothers and the Great Cloud of Witnesses Guest Column Everyone is invited to submit an item of interest Send us an article for the next issue![we reserve the right to edit for space and/or content] "A mother's arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them." --Victor Hugo The Mother's Day story which I am about to share with you captures, for me, some of that sense of security which only mothers can provide for their children. It took place a few weeks ago when my office received a distress call from one of our patients. Her little girl had fallen and was bleeding from the most private part of her four year old body. My patient had called her pediatrician, but that office suggested taking her child to the nearest emergency room. Instead, she hoped that I could see her daughter since I knew the family and it would avoid a scary trip to the hospital for an examination by completely unfamiliar faces. After being assured that the bleeding was not life threatening and that the fall had been witnessed, I agreed to have her come right away to see if I could help. To my surprise, and that of our office, the new little patient had arrived with her great cloud of witnesses. The nurses had told me to get ready for something unexpected on the other side of the examining room door, but I was still not prepared for the incredible sight which was waiting for me there! To my delight and happy surprise...great grandmother, grandmother, and mother all greeted me as I entered. They surrounded their little one with love and devotion, giving witness to her that this was a safe place where no harm would possibly come to her. Rather than fear and tears, there were smiles all around. Every woman in that room was my patient, and the fourth generation was about to become another. The precious gift of trust which they showered upon me was also experienced by their sweet princess. She allowed me to perform my gentle exam and design a therapy plan because she was so relaxed and surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. My mother, mother-in-law, and grandmothers have all been witnesses for me at different times in my life. It was my mother who taught me how to pray after all...as her mother had taught her. I can relate to Abraham Lincoln's quote: "I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me." As people of faith, we have many who came before us to show the way. These are the saints and prophets, ancestors and friends who give us comfort and encouragement as we remember the lessons they have shared or read their faith stories in the Bible. Like my new little patient, my fear--even of death--has been dispelled since I have been surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. Mother's Day is approaching. As we continue our healthy spiritual journey, let us give thanks for all of the good mothers in heaven and on earth who are part of our great cloud of witnesses. In God's Love, Lanny F. Wilson "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." --Hebrews 12:1

8 JOURNEYS l The Road Home Dear Reverend Wilson, People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross On behalf of the homeless men, women and children, who have received food and shelter within the walls of your faith community, as well as JOURNEYS board, staff, and volunteers, our deepest thanks. Our area residents who have lived in our neighborhoods and found themselves homeless were welcomed by our living stained glass windows our magnificent volunteers. For, during the dark of night, Polar vortices, and winterstorms, they shined and not a single shift was left uncovered. It was during the dark of night that their colors were revealed in the beauty of humanity: The color of COMPASSION reaching out to assist all those in need in the best way possible The color of PRESENCE letting our homeless residents know they are important in this life The color of NON-JUDGEMENTAL ATITUDES asking no questions and accepting every human being The color of PASSION working to make this world more fair and just The color of HOPE encouraging everyone that we are here for them during their challenging journeys The color of OTHERS OVER SELF giving to others regardless of one s own personal needs As you gather for worship, I am sure that when you look around the congregation, those who make up the pieces of your living stained glass window will be known by joy, peace, and love that surround them. With sincere appreciation and gratitude, Pat Harrington Shelter Director Missionary News Greetings from Suriname! I am happy to be sending you the attached newsletter - April Since Christmas it has been a very busy few months - but it hasn't been cold! In January I spent three weeks in Florida visiting several missionary sponsoring congregations and individuals. Thanks for your continued prayers and support. There are resources on the missionary sponsorship program on the ELCA website if you and your congregation are looking for new ideas and stories. Peace and Godspeed! Kevin Jacobson

9 ELCA Missionary to Suriname PASTOR KEVIN L. JACOBSON Website for ELKS: Newsletter - April 2014 Visit by Members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Park Ridge, Illinois and ELKS and ELCG Laiasons to the Companion Synod Relationship with Florida - Bahamas Synod From February 11 to March 3, 2014 I had two visiting groups from the ELCA. First there were five members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Park Ridge, Illinois who came to Suriname and then we traveled together to Guyana. They were able to witness first-hand the ministries of both the ELKS and the ELCG, experience the life and culture in the two countries and 'pitch-in' by helping around the church. St. Luke's is an ELCA Missionary Sponsoring congregation and have taken similar 'mission trips' in the past to learn and grow in their understanding and faith. Following their visit two members of the Global Mission Committee of the Florida - Bahamas Synod, Pr. Tom Unrath and Ms. Chris Klafs came to hold discussions with the two churches related to the future of the relationship. Chris is not pictured because she took the photo above. A New ELKS Church Board and Office In December 2013 a new ELKS Executive Committee of four people was elected at a Church meeting. They were installed in January 2014 and immediately took up their new responsibilities. It was also agreed that each of the four congregations of the ELKS would have one representative on the Church board, therefore the board will consist of 8 voting members and others serving as advisors to the board. One of their first actions was to move the church office to two empty office spaces under the house where I live on Benjamin Street. A new sign board is in place and the office is up and running. Pr. Marjory Slagtand was elected as President of the ELKS, this is significant because since the church began over 270 years ago this is the first time that a pastor has served officially as a member of the ELKS church board. Moving Forward with two Building Projects: Paulus Kerk and Senior Citizen Housing Under the guidance of the new church board and with new committees in place, the ELKS has set as a priority the completion of two building projects with which I am involved. It is our hope that both will be completed in 2014, however we will be seeking some additional financial assistance to complete both projects.

10 St. Mark Foundation Scholarship Applications are now available on the narthex coffee table & at the Evergreen Entrance Welcome desk. Applications are due by noon Friday, June 20. LUTHERDALE MINISTRIES Position Posted Greetings from Lutherdale! I would like to enlist your help in finding someone to become part of the Lutherdale maintenance team for the 2014 summer. The position requires a heart to serve camp and a willingness to work long hours in all weather conditions. Previous experience doing basic home repair is helpful but not necessary. Ideally, the staff member we are looking for would be a college-aged person with the desire and ability to live on site and be part of the summer program when not performing maintenance tasks. I would also like to talk to anyone who might be interested in this position but can only help on a part-time basis or has limited availability or other restrictions. If you know anyone that is interested, please refer them to me. I can be reached at or eric@lutherdale.org. Eric Benz Operations and Facilities Manager OTHER EVENTS Lutheran Church of the Ascension One Tree, Many Branches Concert Series As the next concert in the One Tree, Many Branches series, they are proud to be presenting Maestro Alan Heatherington and the Chicago Master Singers on Saturday, May 17 at 4:30 pm. The much celebrated Chicago institution, the Master Singers will bring a rich and varied program of sacred music by Austrian, Slovenian, Croatian and American composers a cappella choral works of astonishing power & beauty. They will be performing this program during their summer 2014 European tour. The concert is free and open to the public where free will offerings are greatly appreciated. Refreshments following the performance. Concert Venue: Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 460 Sunset Ridge Rd., Northfield, IL For more information: call or visit Lutheran Choir of Chicago Lutheran Choir of Chicago will perform their last concert of the season entitled ALLELUIA. It is an expression of praise, featuring music by Bach, Handel, Beethoven, Randall Thompson and Eric Whitacre. The concert will take place on Sunday, June 1 st at 4:00 pm at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 1072 Ridge Ave., Elk Grove Village. A reception will follow the concert. For more information: diva6953@sbcglobal.net.

11 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 4 pm Men s Corned Beef Dinner Set-up 6:30 pm Bell Choir 7:30 pm Adult Choir 2 6 pm Men s Corned Beef Dinner 3 8 am Chapel Service 10 am Worship 11 am Rachel s Day & Awareness Picnic 4 6 pm PADS Volunteer Dinner 7 pm Youth & Family Committee 5 5 pm Basketball 6 pm Intern Committee 8 pm Basketball am Volleyball 11 am Bible Study 5 pm WOW 6 pm WOW/FaithWalk Dinner 6:15 pm Children s Choir 6:30 pm FaithWalk 6:30 pm Basketball 11 am Preschool Mother s Day Tea 6:30 pm Bell Choir 7:30 pm Adult Choir 7:30 pm Basketball 8 7 pm Basketball am Council Retreat 1 pm The King s Players Auditions 11 8 am Chapel Service 10 am Worship HAPPY MOTHER S DAY 18 8 am Chapel Service 10 am Worship CONFIRMATION SUNDAY 1 pm The King s Players Auditions 5:30 pm SHINE! 1 pm Book Club 5 pm Summer Supper 7 pm Mary Circle 5 pm Basketball 8 pm Basketball am Ruth Circle 12:30 pm Deborah Circle 8 pm Basketball 7 pm Council Meeting 7 pm Student Recital 7:30 pm Basketball am Volleyball 11 am Bible Study 12:30 Preschool 5 pm WOW 6 pm WOW/FaithWalk Dinner 6:15 pm Children s Choir 6:30 pm FaithWalk 6:30 pm Basketball 21 9 am Volleyball 11 am Bible Study 5 pm WOW 6 pm WOW/FaithWalk Dinner 6 pm Preschool Program 6:15 pm Children s Choir 6:30 pm FaithWalk 6:30 pm Basketball 15 1 pm Senior Lunch 6:30 pm Bell Choir 7 pm The King s Players Auditions 7:30 pm Adult Choir 7:30 pm Basketball 6 pm Basketball 6:30 pm Bell Choir 7:30 pm Adult Choir 22 4 pm Basketball 7 pm Basketball Pizza Party 7 pm Basketball 8:30 am The King s Players Orientation Meeting am Chapel Service 10 am Worship 1 pm The King s Players Rehearsal & Set building 5:30 pm SHINE! Memorial Day Office Closed Holy Family Day Set-up am Quilting 10 am Holy Family Day 7 pm The King s Players Rehearsal & Sets 7:30 pm Basketball 28 9 am Volleyball 11 am Bible Study 5 pm WOW Family Day 6 pm WOW/FaithWalk Dinner 6:15 pm Children s Choir 6:30 pm FaithWalk 6:30 pm Basketball 7 pm The King s Players Rehearsal & Sets 6 pm Basketball 6:30 pm Bell Choir 7:30 pm Adult Choir am Preschool Family Fun Fest Set-up 31 8 am Preschool Family Fun Fest

12 St. Mark Lutheran Church 200 South Wille Street Mount Prospect, Illinois May 2014 St. Mark Lutheran Church 847/ Fax 847/ Staff Lead Pastor Linnea Wilson Vicar Niles Eastman Music Director Timothy Spelbring Parish Administrator Nancy Hundley Office Administrator Jill Galyon Preschool Director Kris Lebrecht Sunday Worship Chapel Service ~ 8 am Worship Service ~ 10 am Fellowship/Education Hour 9 am Office Hours Monday Thursday 8:30 am 4:00 pm Friday 8:30 am 12 pm noon