The ACTS June/July 2017 St. Paul Lutheran Church In Jesus Name, Do justice, Love kindness, Walk humbly with God. Summer Worship Hours 9:30 a.m. in Sanctuary From Memorial Day weekend, May 28 through Labor Day, September 3 *** Outdoor Fellowship Begins June 11 Following the 9:30 service *** Sunday, June 4, Day of Pentecost *** Sunday, June 11 Holy Trinity *** Tuesday, July 4 Church office closed for Independence Day *** Have a safe and blessed Summer! Who is Love? Once again our world has experienced a terror attack. This time the victims were mostly children attending a concert of their favorite pop star. I cannot even begin to comprehend the kind of hatred that an individual (or individuals) must have to be able to carry out such an evil act. The bombing in Manchester, England has led to a lot of emotional responses from people all around the globe. But how do we as Christians respond to such evil and hatred. The Bible tells us exactly how we should respond. Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God, says John to the Christians of the first-century church; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God (1 John 4:7-8). This is a word that our fractured world desperately needs to hear. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. At the very heart of our Christian faith is the bold assertion that God is love. Not simply that God loves, but that God is love. Love is who God is. For starters, there is nothing in God that can be separated from love. In his first letter, John does not simply say that God loves, which would mean that God expresses love along with a number of other possible emotions: Anger, pride, jealousy, joy. No, John says, God is love. John backs this up by saying that God s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. This echoes the classic verse from the gospel of John, For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life (John 3:16). We know that God is love. Not because God says it, but because God does it. Continues on next page
From the Pastor (continued from previous page) But what do we mean by the word love? Is this just a human description of a warm and wonderful feeling? Not at all, insists John. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10). He makes the case that God is the source of love, and that this love is seen most clearly in the death of Jesus on the cross -- a sacrifice designed to bring us forgiveness of sin. As recipients of such amazing love, there is really only one response we can make: To show love to one another. And this is precisely what John recommends: Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. Love is who we are. These are challenging words, especially in a world filled with so much hatred. After all, John is not talking about an emotion here, but an act of the will that can have a transformative effect. If we love one another, God lives in us, and His love is perfected in us. If we take the bold step of loving one another -- friends, enemies, Muslims, Jews, Atheists, Christians -- God will live in us and bring that love to completion in us and the world. Such a powerful love can change our lives. It can eliminate fear, for perfect love casts out fear. It can also be a test of our integrity, showing that our words about love are matched by our actions. Those who say, I love God, and hate their brothers and sisters, are liars, insists John; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. When this Christian teaching takes root, an amazing fruit is produced. Mamie Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, was asked if she harbored bitterness toward the men who murdered her son. I did not wish them dead, she said. I did not wish them in jail. If I had to, I could take their four little children -- they each had two -- and I could raise those children as if they were my own and I could have loved them.... I believe the Lord meant what he said, and I try to live according to the way I ve been taught. The Lord did mean what he said: Love one another. Those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also, no matter their race, creed, culture or nationality. We are even called to love those who try to do us harm. And love, since it comes from God, is the only thing that can destroy hatred. Our distinctive Christian belief is this: We love, because God is love. In Christ, Pastor Jared Please note:: Pastor Jared and the Communications Team have decided to do a combined June/July ACTS newsletter for the summer. We will still have the weekly E-News and the weekly announcements. Page 2
Council Corner Nurture to Caring Ministry In Memory of Kim Hansen When my husband, Bob Marsh, and I joined St. Paul Lutheran Church in the spring of 2006, I had recently retired and moved here from New York. I was looking for new opportunities to use my free time. After involving myself in a few activities at St. Paul, including Altar Care and New Members, I joined the Nurture Board, under the co-chairs, Kim Hansen and Maureen Hickey. Kim, who became the acting chair, was a creative and energetic leader with a joie de vivre whose motto was, Just do it. Under her direction she expanded the opportunities for fellowship among members. We held an array of fund raising bazaars with books, crafts, doll clothes, and other homemade goods. During Advent, members made environmentally responsible ornaments and homemade cards; then they enjoyed a chili dinner afterwards. Our events included an Epiphany January party, Super bowl of Ministries, Potlucks, and festive church receptions. At Bingo night, a fundraiser for PRC, where thanks to Maureen s diligence, the donated prizes were exceptional. (I even won theater tickets!) In 2010 the board organized the creation of a new directory under the auspices of Lifetouch. We also created an inventory of medical supplies, such as walkers and wheelchairs for member shared use. Under the Nurture Board umbrella, Faith Circle, Book Group, Movie Night, Labor of Love, Men s Bridge Group, Mental Health Ministry, Holy Crafters, Theological Discussion, and New Members flourished. I was our board s liaison for New Members. Ann Hill and I prepared the traditional new members dinners of lasagna, salad, bread, and desserts while the other members of Nurture Board helped with setup, socializing with new members, and clean up. Kim presented an increasingly elaborate power point list of our ministries and activities, calling it our Dog and Pony Show. The other memorable event was the annual Adult Picnic, first at Busse Woods and then at Blackwell Forest Reserve where Bob and I flipped burgers and hot dogs while Cathy Godfrey lent participants her kayaks for a trip on the lake. During the first picnic, Tom Hansen fell into the lake, thus starting the annual, Tom Hansen Dunk in the Lake Award. For Rally Day, September 2013, Nurture Board helped with the first All Church Picnic including use of Kim s beautiful linen napkins, a tradition that continues today. Shortly after this event, we lost Kim to cancer. Dawn Amundsen and I agreed to share the chair of the board and carry on Kim s legacy. For two years we ran the board, with such fellowship activities, as Lenten Soup Suppers, a New Members reception between services, and a retirement party for Sharon Simms. Two memorable events were the Church Dinner with over 130 attendees to work on regrouping the ministries, and a dinner with the Green Team to receive the Earth Flag. Our umbrella ministries continued to grow with such new ones as Talk Nerdy, Women s Retreat, and Wine, Women and the Word, established by Cherie Schumm. In the spring of 2015,we learned that the council was restructuring the boards, and that Nurture would become Caring Board. In June of 2016 the new Caring Board met to organize its members. I didn t know what my commitment would be but I was elected to the Council and found myself the council liaison for the Caring Board. With wonderful co-chairs, Kathy Baids and Cathy Godfrey, it has been an exciting year welcoming Pastor Jared as well as sadly saying farewell to Pastor Bill and Pastor Fred. A highlight was the new Mardi Gras event, that we co-hosted with Serving Board. Our caring ladies are always willing to organize (even at very short notice) elegant, festive events. We now have eleven ministries under our umbrella. So Caring Board continues to provide activities, which nurture and care for the St. Paul community. I think Kim would be pleased! By Diane Marsh Page 3
Bulletin Board Worship at St. Paul Join us in worship at 9:30 a.m. Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For our service we use the narrative lectionary as our guide for readings in worship, which follows the sweep of the biblical story from Creation through the early Christian church. The texts show the breadth and variety of voices within Scripture and invite people to hear the stories of the Bible. Listening to the many different voices within Scripture enriches our life of faith. As you enjoy the summer months, remember that God s family continues to do ministry at and through St. Paul. Your offerings and presence at worship strengthen our church family and enable us to reach beyond our walls to help those in need, both here in our community and around the world. Help Plant Pentecost Geraniums Please join us for a Monday work day to plant the Pentecost geraniums and weed the West side of St. Paul. Monday, June 5, 9 a.m. 12noon. Questions? Contact Pat Noeske at (630) 462-7868 or Eleanore Richards at (630) 665-8168. Metro Chicago Synod Assembly - June 9-10, 2017. The 2017 synod assembly will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 9 & 10 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park, IL 60477. This year's theme is Yesterday, Today, and Forever and is based on Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. The Assembly Book of Reports is Available online at: http://www.mcselca.org/assembly/book.php. Check it out to find out what is going on in the Synod!. Volunteer Opportunity The Funeral Committee is updating their list of volunteers to help set-up, serve, clean-up or bring desserts for funeral receptions. If you would like to be added to our call list for this vital nurturing ministry, please contact Kathy Baids at 630-370-6108 or email kathy4pics@gmail.com. You will not have to help for every funeral but your assistance will always be greatly appreciated.. Serving Board Collection The Serving Ministry Board is collecting all brands and sizes of diapers and pull-ups for PRC clients during the month of June. Please place your items in the designated black collection bins in the narthex. Page 4
Bulletin Board Service-Learning Trip Please hold our 8 young people and adult mentors in your prayers as they prepare for this year s service-learning trip to serve our neighbors at the Oaks Indian Mission in Oaks, Oklahoma. The Oaks Mission is located in northeast Oklahoma. In the 1830 s, the Cherokee People were required by the United States Government to leave their tribal homeland in Georgia, during a forced relocation and devastating migration that became known as the Trail of Tears. This period of removal by force resulted in the deaths of one-third of the Cherokee Nation, and those who survived ultimately settled in what became Oklahoma. In partnership with Moravian Missionaries, a group of Cherokee people established a school in the 1840 s near what would become the community of Oaks. Lutheran missionaries arrived in the early 1900 s, and assumed responsibility for the mission school from the Moravians. The Oaks Mission became a formal children s home in 1926, and by 1977, the role of the organization had been expanded to include housing, food, clothing, supervision and education for children in need. Since then, the school s focus has been to serve at-risk and deprived children, in need of support services due to poverty and limited opportunities. Services provided by the Mission for children include: a loving home atmosphere, a spiritual foundation with worship and Bible study opportunities, Cherokee culture and language classes, outdoor recreation activities, tutoring, counseling, work programs and leadership training. Seeing Red - June 4 Regarded as the birthday of the church, Pentecost celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire on the disciples. The main sign of Pentecost is the color red. It symbolizes joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit. You are invited to wear red to worship on June 4 in celebration of the day. Are you interested in helping at PADS over the summer? Congregational Meeting set for Sunday, June 4 Our annual meeting to elect new council members will take place at 10:45 a.m. immediately following 9:30 a.m. worship this Sunday. Updates from the Treasurer, Audit Committee and Endowment Committee will be provided as well. The Annual Report will be available. Trinity Episcopal, Wheaton is now hosting yearlong PADS. If you hear the calling to feed the homeless (on Mondays) contact DuPage PADS at www.dupagepads.org, or 630-682-3846. Page 5
Let Us Pray... for these members and friends of St. Paul June prayers Week of June 4 Brian & Debbie Alley; Bill & Jane Brown; Julie, Michael Charles & Samuel Heliker; Brian, Teresa, Emily & John Keys. Week of June 11 Vernon & Sue Allen; Mark & Nancy Carlson; Brian & Kim Hollahan; Werner Kroeger; Chris Panttila; Demetrois & Amy Pappageorge. Week of June 18 Mike & Caryn Andrews; Dennis & Alicia Coughlin; Ann Holmstrom; Ron & Sue Lundal; Alan, Michelle, Amanda & Nathan Peterson. Week of June 25 Chris Arnesen; Matthew, Marcie, Jackson Nardi, Beckett, Grayson, & Ellie Crowley; Bob & Diane Marsh; Bob Polzin. July prayers Week of July 2 Tracie, Steve, Katie, Griffin, Nora, Anna, & Connor Bell; Eric, Abby, Caroline & Amelia DeMay; Christopher & Lauren Marshall; Trica & Ashley Seagren. Week of July 9 Elsie Bitterman; Karen & Duryea Edwards; Patty Fess; Nancy Hubbard; David, Rachel, Jack & William Morrissey; Hans, Lisa, Hunter, Tyler & Grayson Therron. Week of July 16 Tom, Lori, Justin, & Ryan Blackburn; Mary Frank; Dean, Lisa, Tyler & Parker Jackson; Mike & Jean Nass; Anthony, Sarah, Catherine, Joseph, Prince, Anthony Jr., Victoria & John Tarpeh. Week of July 23 Ron & Darlene Bohlman; Harold & Joan Gaede; Connie Gerardi & Gayle Meskimen; Paul, Rebecca, Vivian & Mitchell Johnson; Marguerite Wenzel. Week of July 30 Emily Breckman; Eileen & David Gustafson; Betty Justie; Patti & Lauren Kadmas; Kenneth, Kerri, Sienna & Mackenzie Keith; Richard & Nancy Wilen. Page 6
DeBoer, Barb 6/1 Pohl, Erica 6/1 Queewa, Aiah 6/1 Holstein, Cameron 6/2 Mullinger, Edward 6/2 Ryan, Sean 6/2 Beck, Pat 6/3 Hesselbaum, Zachary 6/4 Pohl, Laura 6/4 Schumm, Steve 6/4 Michalak, Alexander 6/6 Bateman, Anna 6/7 Boone, Charlie 6/7 Elges, Julie 6/7 Gustafson, David 6/8 Quinn, Christopher 6/8 Baids, Kathy 6/9 Brokos, J.T. 6/9 Richards, Grace 6/9 Andrews, Caryn 6/10 Pohl, Pete 6/10 Berndt, Ed 6/11 Heliker, Samuel 6/12 Holstein, Evan 6/12 Kerr, Mina 6/12 Glaybo, Robert 6/15 Trennert-Lukens, Cindy 6/15 Hubbard, Nancy 6/16 Amundsen, Dawn 6/17 Impola, Michael 6/18 Hengst, Kevin 6/19 Kohn, Terry 6/19 Chase, Dennis 6/20 Chase, Jason 6/20 Crowley, Beckett 6/20 Demich, Mark 6/20 Narup, Carol 6/20 Sodergren, Carl 6/20 Bergman, Emily 6/21 Grover, Chelsea 6/21 Baids, Rich 6/23 Bell, Tracie 6/25 Cox, Mary 6/25 Diehl, Ron 6/25 Huber, Bradley 6/25 Huber, Erika 6/25 Panttila, Chris 6/25 Voress, Logan 6/25 Kohn, Barb 6/26 Palicka, Adam 6/26 Panttila, Jacob 6/26 Breckman, Emily 6/27 Stegen, Cooper 6/29 Hill, Ann 7/3 Dickson, Craig 7/5 Hollahan, Brian 7/6 Vollum, Carol 7/6 Patnaude, Daniel 7/7 Pohlmeyer, Kyle 7/8 Sodergren, Marilyn 7/9 Cahalan, Jim 7/11 D Agostino, Sherri 7/11 Lindgren, Linnea 7/12 Rambo, Kathy 7/13 Therron, Lisa 7/13 Adams, Phil 7/15 Weidemoyer, John 7/15 D Agostino, Carlo (CJ) 7/16 Larson, Larry 7/16 Moody, D.J. 7/17 Nagele, Nicholas 7/19 Michalak, Benjamin 7/20 Elza, Emelie 7/21 Heine, Carl 7/21 Rambo, Scott 7/21 Brokos, William 7/23 Simpson, Matthew 7/23 Danielsen, Lillian 7/24 Young, Terry 7/24 Glaybo, Edna 7/25 Schneider, Kathy 7/25 Keith, Kari 7/26 Krohn, Mary 7/26 Marsh, Vanda 7/28 Baumgartner, Lynda 7/29 Akey, Barbara 7/30 Baids, Brian 7/30 McGinnis, Timothy 7/30 Page 7
Body, Mind and Spirit A recent study showed that men are 24% less likely than women to have seen a doctor over the past year. This means that many men are not getting the preventative health care that can make a huge difference in the length and quality of their lives. The top causes of death for men: heart disease cancer (prostate, lung and colorectal being the most common) accidents. Here are some GOOD CHOICES that men can do to protect their health: Reduce stress by developing a strong work-life balance and getting mental health support when needed. Make appointments with health care professionals and discuss concerns and lifestyle goals. Regular checkups save lives! Quit smoking, get enough sleep and observe moderate alcohol use. Develop a healthy eating and exercise plan. Stay up-to-date on vaccinations and preventive diagnostic testing. Develop a relationship with a physician. Regular doctor s visits allow both patient and doctor to monitor blood pressure, weight, blood sugar, mental health and other body systems. A consistent record can help your doctor identify and treat potential problems more effectively. During home improvement projects: observe safety measures, read all directions, wear safety equipment and allow for proper time for the task. Encourage regular checkups & healthy lifestyle changes. Encourage men to incorporate health concerns into their spiritual practices. Prayer, meditation. Works of charity can reduce stress and improve life satisfaction. Prayer Dear God, I m thankful for the men in my life. Care for them and guide them as they go through their days and give them the wisdom needed to care for themselves. Amen. Resources: Advocatehealth.com Men s Health Network: menshealthnetwork.org Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov/men Men s Health Month: menshealthmonth.org Page 8
SUMMER READING SUGGESTIONS By Marilyn Dashiell Here are some suggestions for summer reading beyond David Baldacci and Sandra Brown. These are books I especially enjoyed. Penny, Louise The Nature of the Beast Inspector Gamache must solve the mystery of a missing child, and a hidden rocket launcher, deep in the woods surrounding Three Pines. Residents of the village confess their past sins as a terrible secret is gradually revealed. Russo, Richard Everybody s Fool The irrepressible Sully is back in one of the most delightful books I have read in a long time. The characters are all too human, and I found myself marveling at their stupidity, self -preoccupation, and ingenious ability to get themselves into memorable scrapes. Hayes, Antonia Relativity A tender story of a youth coping with the affects of a tragic incident during his infancy which not only affected the workings of his curious mind, but built up a difficult barrier between him and his father. Scientific descriptions of the night sky give beautiful metaphors to the profound relationships in the book. Jiles, Paulette News of the world In the aftermath of the American Civil War, an aging itinerant news reader agrees to transport a young captive of the Kiowa back to her people in this morally complex, multi-layered novel of historical fiction. See, Lisa Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane I learned a lot of fascinating information about the production of tea, but it was the parallel stories of the young unwed mother on a Chinese mountain and her adopted daughter growing up in America that made the story so moving. This is amazing writing, and memorable literature, great for book discussion groups. Kalanithi, Paul When Breath Becomes Air On the way to becoming a leading neurosurgeon, the author is struck with lung cancer. Profoundly life affirming, this memoir tells what it is to be a doctor, and what it is to be a patient, with profound insight into both tasks. Beautifully written, an honest confrontation of one's own mortality. Highly recommended for everyone. Ryan, Jennifer The Chilbury Ladies Choir Charming and delightful account of the women left behind when the men volunteer to fight in WWII, as they vow to defy their vicar and form a historic choir without men. ***** Marilyn Dashiell worked as a reference librarian and readers' adviser at the West Chicago Library. She also worked in the Children's Department at the Wheaton Library. Marilyn holds a a master's in library science degree from Dominican University, a master's in Spanish from the University of Minnesota, and a BA from Gustavus. She is also a life-long Lutheran. Page 9
From the Congregation Financials, April 2017 St. Paul Baptisms Welcome to the family, children of God! The celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism of Freya Antoinette, May 28. The walk of welcome with Pastor Jared and Amelia DeMay, April 23. Page 10
From the Congregation Sundays at St. Paul Bryon and Pat Noeske after worship May 14 worship Brad Huber takes control! Adult Forum with Jamie Vonhoff Dawn Harrington and Eleanore Richards visiting the office. Blessing of high school seniors, May 14 Lector, Diana Troxel, May 28 We welcome you to join us in worship on Sundays this summer at 9:30 a.m. Page 11
St. Paul Lutheran Church, ELCA 515 S. Wheaton Avenue Wheaton, IL 60187-5213 Rev. Jared Olson Phone: 630-668-5953 Fax: 630-668-0020 Pastor email: pj@stpaulwheaton.org Office email: office@stpaulwheaton.org Website: stpaulwheaton.org Sunday worship: 9:30 a.m. (From May 28 Sept. 3) SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW Pictured at left, St. Paul member, Dr. Grace Wolf-Chase presenting at the 2017 Ecumenical Roundtable, for Science, Technology and the Church at the Lutheran Center in Chicago. Her topic today (April 28) was: Connecting Public Science Participation with Faith Communities. Grace is an Astronomer at the Adler Planetarium, an Associate at the University of Chicago, and an Affiliated Faculty member of the Zygon Center for Religion & Science in Hyde Park