The VOICE. A Note... from Congregation President: David Barnes OF ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH

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1 The VOICE OF ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH A U G U S T A Note... from Congregation President: David Barnes Unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days; no leavened bread shall be seen in your possession, and no leaven shall be seen among you in all your territory. You shall tell your child on that day, It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt. When in the future your child asks you, What does this mean? you shall answer, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. (Exodus 13:7-8, 14, NRSV) In the Old Testament, one of the purposes of Israel s worship was to instruct the next generation in the ways of the Lord. The annual ceremonies surrounding the Passover were yearly reminders of their deliverance by God from Egypt, and an opportunity to teach their children about God s provision for His people. Our own worship services provide similar opportunities for instruction. When our children ask us about the significance of communion, it is likewise an opportunity to explain to them how the bread and the wine represent the provision that Christ provided for us by His sacrifice on the cross. However, another important mechanism by which we teach our youth about God and the Bible is Sunday school. Every year many of our members take time each Sunday morning throughout the school year to instruct their classes about our Lord and His work. We have been blessed to have so many dedicated and caring teachers for our Sunday school classes, and our thanks go out to all of them. This year we are especially grateful to Lora McKenzie and Linda Pohlman, each of whom served the church over 20 years in this role, and who have entered their well-deserved retirement. Anyone who is interested in helping with Sunday school can contact members of the Parish Education committee (Rhonda Doran and Connie Saunders). This year there are openings for teachers in the 4-year old and kindergarten classes. Finally, there is always a need for subs, especially for the younger grades. I would also like to encourage all of the parents in our congregation to enroll their children in Sunday school for the fall. Registration forms will be available soon and are currently available on our website: Have a great rest of your summer! David Barnes The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 1

2 ST MARK STAFF Pastor Terry Breum Pastor Bill Shields Sharon Schranz Office Administrator Nancy Noffke Office Assistant Greg Urbanik Facility Manager Michael White Janitor Ink Cartridge RECYCLING We are on Facebook! Search: St. Mark Lutheran Church Items can be brought in and placed in the boxes outside the church office! If you have any questions, please call the church office at Please note: We are no longer able to recycle the large laser/toner size cartridges please just the small ink jet cartridges Thanks! Are you moving? Changed your phone number? Gotten married? Had a Baby? Moved out of your parents house? We try to keep our records current, so please let the church office know! Simply fill out a change of address form found on the FYI Bulletin Board in the Narthex, or your information to Nancy@smlc.info Thanks! Make everyone happy and sign up to be the host/hostess of the Fellowship hour! Sign up sheets are on the wall outside of the kitchen door Thanks! Being Hospitalized? Please be sure to tell them you are from St. Mark in Lindenhurst! We are frequently being mixed up with members of St. Mark s in Wadsworth! Thank you! August 15th for the SEPTEMBER VOICE! During the summer months, please phone before stopping into the church office to be sure someone will be here to help you! Thanks! If you would like to request prayer please contact Amy Paxton at pax10@comcast.net The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 2

3 St. Mark Lutheran Church FOR CHRIST AND HIS KINGDOM Terry Breum Pastor William Shields Pastor You are cordially invited to a cake reception to celebrate the 25 th Anniversary of Pastor Terry Breum s Ordination When: Sunday, August 18, 2013 During Fellowship Hour 9:00 am 10:00 am Where: St. Mark Lutheran Church The Fellowship Hall Questions? Please call Sharon Schranz or Nancy Noffke (church office) 1822 E. Grand Avenue / Lindenhurst, IL Phone: Fax: The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 3

4 Sacrament Of Baptism Baptized into the family of God at St Mark: Chase Robert Cullen Son of Nick & Erin Cullen Gauge William Gorsline Son of Greg & Roxanne Gorsline Samantha Mariel Kerns Daughter of Ken Kerns & Maricelis Collazo Evan Michael Mammoser Son of David & Erika Mammoser May the guiding presence of God be with Chase, Gauge, Samantha & Evan as they grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Life is a series of ups and downs. For some, the hard times can be overwhelming. God never intended us to go through these tough times alone. St. Mark has an active Stephen Ministry program that is here to serve. Stephen Ministers go through several months of formal training. We are not ordained ministers but have signed a covenant to minister to those in need. We meet on a one on one basis. You may just feel the need for a sounding board, and we are here to listen. If you are experiencing difficult times and would someone to talk to, please contact us. There is no charge and the conversation is ALWAYS kept confidential. Please contact Judy Kless, John Florip or the church office for more information. NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN: Galatians 5:13, "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." The Elders, who now serve as our nominating committee, are pleased to announce that the nominating process for Church Council positions is under way. Elections will take place at the congregational meeting in November. Any suggestions for nominees should be submitted to Doug Sweeney. Board of Elders and Pastors According to the St. Mark Constitution our Annual Meeting will be held on the second Sunday of November. This year that date is Sunday November 10, To review the responsibilities of Church council positions please refer to the St. Mark Constitution which can be found on the resources page of the church website. The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 4

5 ST. MARK RUMMAGE SALE August 8th, 9th & 10th C.O.O.L. Food Pantry: AUGUST: Pasta & Rice Pastor Shields will be leading the next NEW MEMBER CLASS which will begin on Sunday, September 8th at 9:30 am. The Rummage Sale is almost here! Everyone should have empty attics, basements, garages and houses. If you still have donations please bring them to church ASAP. If you need help getting them here give us a call. We still need baked goods and help setting up and working the sale. Anytime you can give is greatly appreciated. We will especially need help on Saturday the 10th at 7 pm to clean up, pack up and get the church back in order. Sign up sheets with working times are in the church hallway. Call Laurie Kerns or Sue DeYoung with any questions. COOL The need for food is greater than ever. If you are able, please consider donating a few extra items. The pantry can always use non-perishable food items - canned fruit and vegetables, soup, dessert mixes, boxed potatoes, etc. Please place food donations in the yellow bins found by either entrance. Food donations are taken to the Cool Food Pantry West, located at Trinity Lutheran Church at W. Highway 134, Ingleside, IL They are open Mon 1-5pm; Wed 10am-2pm; 4th Sat 11am-1pm. Thank you for your ongoing support! This class will run for 6 weeks. Participants will be received at the altar at the 8am service Reformation Sunday- October 27th. Class location will be announced soon! If you are interested in joining St. Mark, please just show up for the class. (Meet in the narthex outside of Pastor Shields office.) Questions? Please speak with Pastor Shields. The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 5

6 Missouri Musings: Priorities by Bob Yarbrough Jesus asked some really good questions. Here's one of them: "Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (Matt. 6:27) The obvious answer: nobody. He also gave excellent counsel. Here's his advice in response to the question above: Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matt. 6:34). People obsess over the most trivial things. I just read this important warning in a magazine: "Pin a coladas are delightful, but pursing your lips too often as you sip can exaggerate fine pucker lines." Obsession with the trivial can be tragic. On June 12 in Lebanon, IL, a 44 year old man drowned. He went into a pond to retrieve his lost fishing pole. Apparently the water was deeper than he expected. He ignored the "No Swimming" signs. Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (Matt. 6:33). Summer brings so many collateral concerns. The garden. The lawn. Vacation (maybe). Too much rain. Not enough rain. The economy. Bills. Employment or lack thereof. Health. Relationships. Actually, we're beset by worries not just in summer but year 'round. This is a great time for a priority check. Do we really trust Jesus? Then our biggest summer priority should be to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." This doesn't mean we ignore all the other things, or that all the other things don't matter. It does mean we won't waste too much energy worrying about pin a colada pucker lines. Instead, we'll get God's help in centering our lives on what matter's most to him. Seek ye first the kingdom of God And its righteousness And all these things shall be added unto you Allelu, alleluia Ask and it shall be given unto you Seek and you shall find Knock and the door shall be opened unto you Allelu, alleluia We do not live by bread alone But by every word That proceeds from the mouth of God Allelu, alleluia With One Voice Hymnal #783 The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 6

7 HELP WANTED Opportunities to Serve Sunday School is in need of teachers for our younger classes such as 4 year olds and Kindergarten, as well as a teacher for an older class. Please contact Tricia Cholewinski, Kim Higgins or Rhonda Doran if interested. St. Mark Nursery Committee is currently looking to hire a Nursery Supervisor to start this September. We are also seeking volunteers to assist the Nursery Supervisor during worship service and Sunday school hours. If you may be interested or know of anyone who may be interested please contact Rhonda Doran, Karen Gerold, Jen Kumpula, Jackie Sanderson or Lisa Shields for more information. Busy Bags for Little Hands needs a volunteer to help prepare the children s busy bags for worship services. Bags have small busy toys, crayons and a coloring sheet in them. Each week they need to be cleaned out and prepared for the next week a commitment of about 1 1/2 hours a week. In the past, you would be part of a team doing this. If you are interested in this ministry please contact Linda Olson or Lynn Johnson for more information. Pads Help Wanted The PADS season will be here before you know it. We are in need of a very special volunteer or two this year. We are looking for one or more people who would be willing to be a morning clean up site person. This person/people would work on a rotating basis on Saturday mornings supervising and helping with the PADS clean up. This would include taking all the linens off the Pads and sorting into bins for the laundry people, wiping down the Pads, sweeping and moping floors, cleaning the bathrooms, cleaning the dishes, taking out all garbage, putting all PADS supplies away, breaking down tables and whatever else needs to be done to get the church back in order. We have one person now and the more we get the less often you would have to do it. You can even team up with a friend and cover a week together. We have groups and people who help work, but need a leader there each week. If you would be interested or need more info call Laurie Kerns. The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 7

8 Registration Forms are now available for SUNDAY SCHOOL! Class begins September 8th at 9:30 am All Children need to register! Forms are available online and will be available soon at church! Exciting news! Beginning Sunday, September 8 th, the church nursery will once again be staffed for families who wish to leave their children (ages birth to 4 years old) in capable loving hands during worship and Sunday school hours. For more information please contact: Rhonda Doran, Karen Gerold, Jen Kumpula, Jackie Sanderson or Lisa Shields Please keep all food and beverages be confined to the fellowship hall. Let s all pitch in to keep our church clean! -Property Management BUSY BAG NEWS : Kaitlin Tiernan is turning in her crayons Thank you for giving time the past few years to prepare the busy bags to help our children during our church service. THANK YOU! WHERE IS THE POP MACHINE? The pop machine has been relocated in the back Sunday School area by the staircase. Proceeds from the pop go to support the youth group! Beginning Sunday, September 1st worship times return to Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:00 am & 11:00 am The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 8

9 From The Field Mission Trip Notes by Randy Shanahan On June 22, 2013, forty-seven members of St. Mark Lutheran Church left Lindenhurst to go to Eagle Butte, South Dakota, for a weeklong mission trip to the Cheyenne River Reservation. Cheyenne River is home to four sub-groups of the Lakota Sioux nation. Many were excited as the vans were loaded and made ready for the journey. Multiple families of all ages were to make the trip. As the four vans left the church parking lot, I began to look back over the last two years. I remembered the first meetings that took place, and the prayers that this mission trip would be something that God would be happy with and that He would be glorified through. Over the past two years I had told many people that my wife and I would be going on this trip and that we were ready to go and could not wait to see what would be in front of us as we began our work. I continued to pray to God to make this trip possible for us and for the group, because there were many things that could occur to halt our efforts. As we traveled farther along the highway, I began to think about what role God had in store for me and whether I could meet the challenge of what I would face in the week ahead. Would I have the courage to deliver God s message? Did I have the ability to speak to people of another culture and to understand their world in relation to mine? Could I live for a week with members of my own church that I only knew casually, and be an active member of team, and deal with all of the usual side issues that go with group living? I had all of these questions. But I thought about 1 Peter 5:1-4, concerning shepherding God s people in the midst of suffering. I had studied this passage and I knew that God would not let our mission fail. No matter how we might perceive the outcome, God s hand would prevail and the message would be delivered. God s love for all of His children would be seen and made known to the folks in Eagle Butte. I can tell you that God positively answered all of my questions and empowered me to do His will every day, one day at a time. Yes, at times it was hot. Yes, at times, when I was in the kitchen preparing meals for so many, the task seemed daunting. But I knew that others were living in that hot sun day after day with little water, food, or shelter. Yes, at times I had to look at myself, and review my life, and think about how I was affecting others, both positively and negatively. As I met those who needed so much and complained so little, I began to understand how we are so blessed to live, and to work, and to have many good things in our lives that others do not have. I began to learn about myself, about my fellow workers from St. Mark, and about the people that we had come to serve. Our theme (and lesson for the week) was Broken, Restored, and Empowered. We learned that each one of us is broken by sin. But Jesus came to restore us all. And now He empowers us to tell others about the good news. Here are some closing thoughts. Would my wife Peg and I do this again? Absolutely! The Lord has placed His people on our hearts. I talked to many people who have no one to care for them, and they need to know that someone does care about them and their problems. These people also showed me that there are times when I need to know that God cares for me, and that He is always there no matter what the struggle or the outcome. I was able to see firsthand the work of God in my life and in the lives of others. I am asking you to pray that God will work in your heart the same way that He worked in my heart on this trip, and that He will continue to work powerfully in the hearts and lives of His beloved children everywhere. Your Friend In Christ ~ Randy Shanahan The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 9

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11 David Barnes Karen Barnes Emily Barnes Caleb Barnes Jerry Doran Rhonda Doran Joe Doran Dan Doran Sarah Friedle Alexis Friedle Abby Friedle Adam Friedle Lee Halverson Jen Halverson Sarah Halverson Morgan Halverson Melanie Hamelton Mallori Hamelton Abagail Hamelton Laurie Kerns Dale Kumpula Jen Kumpula Lindsey Kumpula Aaron Kumpula Danny Meltzer Tammy Miller Jordan Miller Kylie Miller Gary Olson Linda Olson Jeff Rudolph Michelle Rudolph Allyson Rudolph Julia Rudolph Bill Schirato Heather Schirato Jessica Schirato Zach Schirato Brian Schuster Holly Schuster Adam Schuster Emily Schuster Randy Shanahan Peg Shanahan Pastor Bill Shields Kaitlin Ward Kayla Weidner The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 11

12 From The Other Side Of The Van Mission Trip Notes by Peg Shanahan As Randy said, forty-seven of us from St. Mark traveled to Eagle Butte, South Dakota, to love and serve the Lord s children on the Cheyenne River Reservation. It was a trip that I alternately dreaded and looked forward to for two years. From the first meetings, I was glad to help organize and spread the word about the trip. But I feared going tremendously. I don t know my Bible well enough to witness to anyone. I m not one to start up a conversation with people I don t know, especially if those conversations could potentially bring up bad memories for me. And as the time for the trip grew nearer, we were getting ready to move. How could I possibly do it all? But God knew my heart. He knew that, in all things, I wanted to support Randy. And this trip was extremely important to Randy. First, I had to receive clearance from my doctor. He told me that my ankles were now strong enough and that I was physically able to be on my feet all day. God had gently taken away my last excuse and He was saying to me, Trust me I want you to go. I finally started looking forward to the trip. We started off the trip with a long day and a half journey in a minivan just luggage, Randy, and me. We talked about the scenery. We talked about the excitement of being away from home and all of its worries. But we didn t talk about the overwhelming fear that I had of not being good enough for God, of not being equipped to do His work, of not being able to really contribute anything to this trip. After all, I was the organizer in our family, not the evangelist. As we got closer and closer to Eagle Butte, I felt more and more afraid about my limitations in my walk with God. When we stopped at the Lewis and Clark memorial on the Missouri River, Pastor Bill asked all of us to pray for the success of the mission trip. And he asked if anyone had a specific prayer request. Finally I got up the courage to say it: Can we pray for those of us who are terrified about going on this trip and meeting these people? There, I said it. I was scared out of my pants to do this. Was God going to strike me down for admitting it? I should have remembered the example of Moses when God sent him before Pharaoh. Pastor Bill said to me, Do you have enough courage to pray for that in front of all of us? God never gives us something to do without also giving us the strength and the grace to carry it out. We just have to trust Him. So, as God did for Moses, He gave me the words as I poured out my fear to him in front of forty-seven others (with my eyes closed!), and he settled my fear for a little while. I had felt ashamed at my fear and my lack of trust. But after coming clean with God, I just felt relieved. And I felt more trust in Him. I wish I could say that I was ready to do whatever he asked of me. I wanted to be ready. But mine was a big fear, which had grown over the past two years and during the day and a half in the van. But I had trusted in Randy and I had trusted in Pastor Bill. Now it was time to trust in God. It s amazing what God can do with you when you trust Him with your thoughts and fears, and focus on what He wants from you! He wanted me to focus on loving and serving His children. He wanted me to see them through His eyes and with His heart. Loving others as God loves them is an amazing gift. We only need to be open to receive it. Yours In Christ ~ Peg Shanahan Peg & Randy Shanahan The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 12

13 The Marriage You've Always Wanted Conference Led by Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the best-selling Five Love Languages, this conference is not a dry, formal marriage seminar it's a time of fun and discovery that can help you build the love relationship of your dreams. Whether you're getting married in six months or have been married 60 years you'll get solutions you can use. With biblical advice and a healthy dose of laughter, Dr. Chapman gives valuable tips on breaking unhealthy patterns and choosing to develop a God-honoring, happy marriage. Couples both married and engaged will benefit from practical sessions addressing topics like communication differences, dealing with criticism, understanding love languages, and making sex mutually fulfilling. Join us for a day that will be a highlight for your marriage! Sept. 21, :00am to 3:30pm Lutheran Church of Atonement 909 E Main St. Barrington, IL Cost and Registration Register Online Register online. If you register during the "Early Bird" rate for your conference, you will receive a complimentary copy of "The Marriage You've Always Wanted". With Every ticket, a conference notebook & pen are included! Before July 21 July 22- Sept 20 Sept 21 Individual Registration $40 $45 $50 Couples (2@ $75/$85) $37.50 $42.50 NA Register by Phone (800) Travel Arrangements Meet at 7:30am in St. Mark s Lutheran Church parking lot to car pool or you are welcome to drive separately. St. Mark s Lutheran Church Contacts Charlie and Pam Burke The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 13

14 St. Mark Library Book Corner Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? These are some of the deepest questions people ask. And often they suspect the answers have something to do with God: Is He real? What is He really like? Is it possible to have a personal relationship with Him? Can He answer my deepest questions? Ray Pritchard s book An Anchor for the Soul: Help for the Present, Hope for the Future was written for those who want to know God. Pritchard says, If that describes you, then I have some good news for you: it is possible to know God deeply and personally and to experience His power in your life. An Anchor for the Soul is a straightforward, easily readable book the perfect introduction for those just beginning their Christian journey, or for those considering new steps towards God. It helps answer the toughest questions and gives hope for a new kind of future. You can find this book under call number PRI in our church library. Confirmation Registration/Information Night for the Confirmation classes will be Wednesday, September 4th The Confirmation Registration/Information Night is for students and their parents and is designed to explain the St. Mark Confirmation program, curriculum and requirements. You will also have the opportunity to sign up for your student s required acolyting times and ministry opportunities. Each student will also be photographed for the Prayer Pal program. The second year and first year students and their parents are asked to come at 6:15pm to turn in registration information and participate in a joint meeting. For your convenience, registration packets will be available beginning August 18 th in the narthex near the church office. The completed forms can be brought back the night of registration or earlier to the church office. Attendance at the Registration/Information night is still required! The St. Mark Confirmation program is open to anyone entering 7 th grade through adult and requires a 2-year commitment. Classes meet on Wednesday nights beginning on September 11 th. Second year students will meet from 5:45 6:45pm. First year students will meet from 7:00 8:00pm. The Confirmation Retreat is scheduled for October 19 th. If you have any questions, contact the Confirmation Committee, Kristen Cousineau Debbie Plishka Janet Gedville Jill Bartlett The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 14

15 Bible Study Fellowship starting again this Fall Where do men get the answers to lead, manage, even survive it all? In the Bible. Bible Study Fellowship will be starting on September 9 with a men's class in Arlington Heights on Monday nights at 6:55pm. To learn more or if you are interested in carpooling to this weekly evening bible study, please contact Brian Schuster ( ) or Lee Halverson ( ). You can also visit bsfinternational.org for more details. Upcoming St. Mark Church Community Nights WHERE: Wendy s Restaurant 370 S US Highway 45 - Lindenhurst, IL (Rt. 45 and Sand Lake Rd) TIME: 5 pm to 8 pm DATES: Aug 15 Sept 19 Oct 17 Dine in or Carry Out! We receive 15% of Wendy s sales during these Community Nights! Funds received to date are being collected to purchase a projector for the fellowship hall! Amount Earned: $1, as of June 2013 STEWARDSHIP CORNER: Sharing what God has first given us, Our Time, Talent and Possessions We hope you have been enjoying your summer and are looking forward to our fall season of all the activities that make St. Mark a very special place. This past couple of months we past a milestone, with the completion of the very successful Adopt-a-square fund raiser! With your generous support and the funds designated from 2012 rummage sale, we generated enough funds to not only carpet the entire first floor; but now Property and Management can complete additional areas in the building. We will be able to carpet the nursery, Sunday school wing stairs and other areas as needed. The Stewardship committee wishes to thank everyone for their generous support! Together we got it done and with that said, Stewardship is asking that no more contributions be designated for the carpet fund. Remember to continue your tithes and regular offerings during the summer; your faithful help is very much appreciated. Thank you all again and we will be looking forward to a wonderful fall season. Carl Norlin, Anna Ward, Pete Bolender and Larry Johnson The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 15

16 The VOICE The VOICE ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH 1822 EAST GRAND AVENUE LINDENHURST IL Address Service Requested Return Postage Guaranteed NEXT VOICE DEADLINE August 15th, 2013 Dated Material Please Rush OF ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH Non-Profit Org U S Postage P A I D Lake Villa, IL Permit No. 4 Stephen Ministry St. Mark Lutheran Church Phone: (847) Fax: (847) Worship Services: Saturday: 5:30 pm Sunday: Sept - May 8:00 & 11:00 am June - Aug 8:00 & 10:00 am Sunday School (Sept - May): 9:30 am The VOICE OF ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH Terry Breum, Pastor Bill Shields, Pastor Sharon Schranz, Office Admin Nancy Noffke, Office Assistant Greg Urbanik, Facility Manager a monthly publication of St. Mark Lutheran Church Visitors Welcome! The VOICE of St. Mark August 2013 Page 16