THE STAR Rooted JUNE 2018 in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church Elmhurst, Illinois Summer 2018 Sermon Series: The Ten Commandments, Today This summer, beginning with worship services on June 2/3, we will dive into the Ten Commandments. Each week in June and July, our sermon will focus on a commandment. In August, our sermons will focus on selections from 1 John, a book that invites us to consider what it looks like to live out these commandments in Christian community. Please join us this summer for this Ten Commandments review, as we think together about how to live out God s law of love in our lives. Date Scripture Focus Topic June 2 and 3 Exodus 20:1-6 1st Commandment June 9 and 10 Exodus 20:7 2nd Commandment June 16 and 17 Exodus 20:8-11 3rd Commandment June 23 and 24 Exodus 20:12 4th Commandment June 30 and July 1 Exodus 20:13 5th Commandment July 7 and 8 Exodus 20:14 6th Commandment July 14 and 15 Exodus 20:15 7th Commandment July 21 and 22 Exodus 20:16 8th Commandment July 28 and 29 Exodus 20:17 9th and 10th Commandment August 4 and 5 1 John 1:1-4 God s tangible word of life August 11 and 12 1 John 1:5-22 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves August 18 and 19 1 John 4:1-6 Testing the spirits August 25 and 26 1 John 4: 7-21 We love because God first loved us
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 2 A few words from Pastor Jennifer On the back of this beautiful picture was handwritten Isaiah 40:31 which reads, but those who keep waiting for the LORD will renew their strength. Then they'll soar on wings like eagles; they'll run and not grow weary; they'll walk and not grow tired." Our daughter, Rachel, cleans houses with a woman named Migdalia. Migdalia is from Puerto Rico and is (obviously) a talented artist. A few months ago, she handed this piece to Rachel. For your stepmother, she said to her, She needs this today. How did she know? She d never met me, much less had a conversation with me. How did she know that EXACTLY that day, I had needed to see an image of a woman soaring with an eagle, and to be reminded of what it means to wait for the LORD? Migdalia s art piece is in the windowsill above my kitchen sink. Seems like a strange place to put it, but most of my time at home is spent standing there - either cooking or cleaning. Which means that I ve spent a lot of time staring at that soaring woman these last couple of months, thinking about renewal and resurrection and what that means for my family. And for your families...and for the family of God we ve built together, which we call Epiphany Lutheran. Here s what I m thinking: Migdalia chose well: renewal and resurrection are strong, hopeful words. This passage from Isaiah which speaks so beautifully of renewal (and implies resurrection) has never failed to move me; it has always filled me somehow. It always makes me feel...more. What I never really thought about before is the shadow side of these words. Because in order to feel renewal, first one must feel emptied. In order to experience glorious resurrection, first something precious must die. And there are no shortcuts in the world of emptiness and grief. All we can do is live through it, in all its difficult, painful ambiguity. That s what it means to wait for the LORD. But if we can keep faith, if we can be patient and graceful with ourselves, with each other, and with whatever is causing us pain or trouble, then we just might get to soar like eagles. Eventually. That s the promise.
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 3 If I think back over the last 12 months, we ve certainly had our share of emptying grief. In these last 12 months we ve certainly experienced painful and frustrating ambiguity. We ve experienced these things as individuals, and together as a church. But, like the first flowers of spring, there have been moments of stunning renewal, too. Like Pastor Anna joining our church and providing direction and stability to the youth programs. Like reaching out (literally) to head start children in the Austin neighborhood. Like Bunco for Bob, in memory of Bob Haley and his passionate concern for women s hygienic issues (even more amazing when we remember that last August, when we did our initial drive for feminine hygiene products, 90-year-old Bob wasn t even sure what those were!) And like this past week when one of the small groups from the Praying for our Children ministry announced that they were going to keep meeting this summer, even though the formal ministry is taking a break until September. So, any interested praying moms should to join them at one of the local parks so that kids could play...and moms could talk and pray. Some of these women don t even go to church, but they ve become church to each other! Make no mistake: the LORD is at work in this place. Not necessarily at the pace we d wish, or in the ways and places we d expect, but the LORD is working. Which doesn t take away everything that is wrong. But seeing the ways that the Lord is renewing the world around me has had a funny way of renewing my strength, too. I pray for you a summer of renewed strength and of soaring experience. Know that you put a smile on my heart. It is a privilege to be waiting for the LORD with you. --Pastor Jennifer
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 4 LYO/Confirmation Youth Other safety tips to maximize summer fun: As summer fun begins, Pastor Anna would like to take this time to remind all youth and families to have fun and BE SAFE. When out and about with friends and family, stop and think before acting, especially when around water or pools, campfires, or engaging in other fun outdoor activities. Ask yourself: "Am I safe doing this activity? What are the potential consequences of doing this activity, especially if an accident occurs? What is my plan to get home safely? Who can I trust and communicate with to help me with that plan?" Questions like these will keep summer activities fun and avoid dangerous situations and trips to the hospital. Wear (and re-apply) sunscreen. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer, and is caused by too much exposure to the sun without protection, but can be easily prevented with sunscreen and coverage. Make sure you pick sunscreen with a high enough SPF coverage for your needs (probably at least SPF 30). Drink water. If you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated. Especially in the summer, it's good to start the day with a glass or two, and then take plenty of water breaks throughout the day as needed. All Epiphany youth are invited to attend the Kane County Cougars game on Friday, June 15! (See the information in this issue of the Star.) Pastor Anna will drive the van for those who cannot attend with their families. Please let Pastor Anna know if you will be coming! Volunteer for Vacation Bible School! The theme for Epiphany VBS this year is "Camp Moose on the Loose", and will be held Monday, July 16 - Friday, July 20, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm every evening. Volunteers are needed to help out with children attending VBS, on crafts and activities. If interested in volunteering, please contact Scott Miller, scott.miller@epiphanyelmhurst.org. LYO and Confirmation families - stay tuned to your email or to church announcements from Pastor Anna for occasional opportunities for fun events and activities this summer! SAVE THE DATES Rising 9th Grade Pre-Confirmation Retreat: Saturday morning, August 25 - Sunday noon, August 26 (location TBA) Rally Day/First LYO meeting: Sunday, September 9 Confirmation Classes begin: Wednesday, September 12, 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Confirmation Sunday: Sunday, October 28, 2018, 9:30 a.m. worship service (rehearsal, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 27)
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 5 Sunday School Teachers Needed We are in need of additional Sunday School teachers for all grades (Kindergarten through 4th grade) for the 2018-2019 school year. Our vision is to have four teachers per grade, so that your commitment as a teacher is only once a month at the very least. Never taught? No problem. Our curriculum is easy enough and provides ideas for each lesson. Still hesitant? Scott Miller is always available for questions. We will have a meeting prior to Fall to review the upcoming curriculum and answer any questions. Please contact Scott Miller today at Scott.Miller@epiphanyelmhurst.org or (630) 207-5746 to add your name to our Sunday School family! Kane County Cougars Night Epiphany is going to the ball game on Friday, June 15! It s Faith Night for the Kane County Cougars as they take on the Wisconsin TimberRattlers, and Epiphany has reserved 50 tickets at just $5 each. The event features the Jesse White Tumblers, a baseball card set giveaway, post-game run the bases, and it s a fireworks night! Also this evening, the Northern Illinois Food Bank will be onsite at the ballpark. Anyone who brings a canned food item will receive a free ticket to another 2018 game. Sound like fun? Please email Pastor Anna at Anna.Ernst@EpiphanyElmhurst.org to let her know if you and your family will be attending. This event is for ALL AGES in the congregation! Pastor Anna will also be driving the church van as needed. Please do let Pastor Anna know if you would like to go ASAP, so that we can reserve more tickets if necessary. We re told it s likely to be a popular event and seats may fill up.
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 6 Vacation Bible School 2018 Registration Open - Sign Up Now! Check It Out! "If your Electoral Excellency thinks one procession is not enough, marching around with singing and with bells, then do it seven times, just as Joshua did in Jericho..." wrote Martin Luther to a powerful Lutheran embracing the pomp of the old Catholic way. The reformer was not a comedian, but The Wit of Martin Luther reveals that hedid have a sense of humor. In particular, he enjoyed two forms of humor: exaggerated obsequiousness and the juxtaposition of pretense and earthiness. Eric Gritsch explains how examining Luther's banter is integral to understanding how he perceived life and God. This slim volume is a good academic read for intermediate students of theology. A surprising number of humorous books are in the library and can be checked out for FREE! --Assistant Librarian Teri JULY 16 - JULY 20 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. DINNER, CRAFTS, LESSONS, GAMES, MUSIC Ages: Entering K 5 th grade Sign up at www.epiphanyelmhurst.org (Under Growing In Faith tab) Questions? Contact Scott Miller: (630) 207-5746 or Scott.Miller@EpiphanyElmhurst.org
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 7 Worship and Travel As we approach summer, many of our Epiphany members will be traveling on vacation. You don t have to miss out on weekend church services while traveling. You can visit the ELCA website: http://www.elca.org/tools/findacongregation and find a local church at which to attend services while traveling. It s easy: just input the zip code of your location and search. You can get directions to the local church and links to their website. Another option, if you are missing Epiphany is to go online to http://youtube.epiphanyelmhurst.org and watch our services live or catch a replay if you miss the live stream. You may also access our YouTube channel by visiting our homepage at EpiphanyElmhurst.org and clicking the YouTube icon under the Follow Us header. Safe travels to all! Financial Secretary Position The church is seeking someone to serve as the Financial Secretary of the congregation to replace Cindy O Malley since her term will be ending later this year. For someone with bookkeeping and/or accounting experience, this is a great way to use your skills while volunteering a couple of hours each week. If you are interested, please call Jack Graham at the church at (630) 832-8457, or see Pastors Ron, Jen, or Anna. You may also contact Chuck Sutton at ChuckSutton@mc2energyservices.com, Ted Mandigo at TedMandigo@trmandigo.com, or Cindy O Malley at CindyOMalley@comcast.net for more information about the position. We sincerely appreciate all that Cindy has done for the church in this role for many years! Save The Date: July 15 Blood Drive with Heartland Blood Center 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Epiphany Center/Gym All donors will receive a free Chicago Bears T-Shirt as a thank you! Sign-up to come in June. Please contact Pastor Anna at Anna.Ernst@EpiphanyElmhurst.org, or (630) 832-8457 with any questions.
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 8 Did You Know?... (A Star feature brought to you by the Outreach Committee) Elmhurst Farmers Market, Wednesdays 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Vallette just east of York. A weekly market, farm fresh to your table every Wednesday through October 26 th. Children s Safety Town Open Road, Thursdays 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 511 S. York Rd. (near the Prairie Path); park on Vallette. Safety Town is open to the public and monitored by qualified Safety Town staff on Thursday evenings (weather permitting) for Open Road during the summer. Practice being a pedestrian on the sidewalks, use road safety while you ride your tricycle on the streets, and learn about railroad safety near the fully operational crossing gate. Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times when visiting Safety Town. All ages are welcome. Youngsters ages 4-7 with tricycles and helmets can ride through Safety Town. Fee: Free if you bring your own tricycle and helmet; $5 fee to rent a tricycle and/or helmet. Bicycles; bicycles with training wheels, roller blades, shoes with skates, and skate boards are not permitted. Movies in the Park - SING, Friday June 15 7:30pm. Wilder Park. Grab a picnic blanket and join us for a showing of the animated movie Sing. Come early for family fun and food trucks at 7:30 p.m. Movies begin at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m. June Jazz, Saturday, June 16 6:30 p.m. Elmhurst College Mall Elmhurst College s 23rd Annual June Jazz concert will feature famed jazz guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, bring lawn chairs, blankets, drinks and picnic food, and enjoy the celebration of summer and the arts. Families are welcome, and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Elmhurst Architecture Walking Tour, Sunday, June 24 2:00 p.m. Join a walking tour that explores modern architecture in Elmhurst including the Henderson House by Frank Lloyd Wright and McCormick House by Mies van der Rohe. Fee: $20 (Nonmembers)/ $15 (Members), Elmhurst Art Museum, (630) 834-0202
OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY 9 June Birthdays 1 Kim Haukland, Brian Samar, Eric Friesenhahn, Peyton Nelson 2 Suzan Ganser, Jeff Marti, Keenan Mueller, Neil Sutton 3 Shirley Swanson, Alisa Di Beasi, Ryan Pesek, Sara Steinecker 4 Bruno Albarello, David Kies, Samuel Kociak, Amana Healy 5 Arthur Miehle, Pamela Pozek, 6 Jon Rotermund, Phillip Browning, Kyler Peterson 7 David Wyman, Nicolas Sgarioto, Trevor Gulley, Christopher Dufort, Jr. 8 Brandon Allen, Pat Haidle, Chris Elsass, Eric Norquist, Alexander Carson, Kayden Kolb 9 Areina Connolly, Rod Durham, Melenie Becker, Morgan Mehring, Olivia Wentzel 10 Michelle Crowley, Amy Wilson, Ethan Sorenson 11 Louise Cripe, Tracy Hunt, Karen Norquist, Gene Semmelhack, Joshua Roucka, Daniel Davies 12 Cleo Tengroth, Suzanne Wilcox 13 Cricket Sawosko, Robert Laramie, Christopher Nolen, Madison Jones, Olivia Martin 14 Ingrid Durham, Bobby Smith 15 John Tegmeyer, Michael Pyne, Annette Edwards, Phillip Howell, Charles Toreja, Adam Marti 16 Sally Hammerle, Scott Hawkins, Michelle Szczepaniak, 17 Claire Doberstein, Alexandra Howell, Adam Camp, Luc DeGrace 18 Bruce Hill, Wanda Block, Roy Cook, Catherine Wilcox 20 Nathan Kriz 21 Patricia Samar, Linda Anderson, Kristin Rimington, Thomas Trimble, Dayle Mueller, Henry Kelley, Braxton Elsass 22 Jan Davis, Megan O Malley, Jacqueline Neidhardt, Lily Beerhalter 23 Alexander Milhavics, Simon Redfearn, Eric Solem 24 Lyla Crowley 25 William Rudhman, Adeline Roy 26 Donna Johnson, Sharon Semmelhack, Debbie Biery, Lisa Hedrick, Matthew Langer, Emma Johnson, Ryan Pickell, Kristofer Kammerdiener 27 June Knudsen, Christopher Samuelian, Rebecca Johnston, 28 Ken Cripe, Sean Caster, Jordan Wilson, Shannon Wilson 29 Riannah Hudson
OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY 10 June Anniversaries Anniversaries 1 Freddy and Chris LeBron David and Gina Wentzel 3 Gary and Susan Gross Patrick and Amy Jones 5 Ronald and Cheryl Richards 6 Marty and Tiffany Jensen 11 William and Melinda Hudson 12 Roy and Adrianna Cook 13 John and Kristine DeGrace Terry and Michelle Crowley 14 Wayne and Catherine Phelps Steve and Kristina Phelps 15 Harry and Marcia Ardinger 16 Greg and Ellen Lippert Bill and Susan Bonner 18 Ron and Karen Koval William and Janet Rudhman Maureen and Nate McPherson 19 Walter and Cricket Sawosko Lindsay and Eric Von Schaumburg 20 Steven and Amy Vesely 21 Bryan and Patricia Keller Troy and Kim Oder David and Karin Hawes 23 Scott and Paula Bublitz Cheryl and Charles Frieberger 24 Michael and Kristine Hanley 25 Steven and Roxanne Rickenbrode 26 Patrick and Jenny Barton 27 Martin and Virginia Larsen, Sr. 28 Ty and Lois Hodgson Glen and Suzan Ganser Mark and Susan Roucka Lito and Jennifer Toreja Timothy and Kristin Thomas 29 Scott and Letitia Bonthron Memorials Received In Memory of Michael Peters given by: Roy & Joan Schroeder Richard & Margaret Leabru In Memory of Marie Buford given by: Richard & Margaret Leabru In Memory of Marge Kostecki given by: Roy & Joan Schroeder In Memory of Grace Lippert given by: Mary K Hanson Art & Arlene Ahlgrim In Memory of Stanley Bogdavewicz given by: Roy & Joan Schroeder
OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY 11 In Our Prayers Our members: Dolores Barney, Richard Becker, Wayne Bell, Larry Bircher, Jennifer Damer, Sienna Dudley, Bill Friberg, Babette Halen, Martha Haley, Joyce Hill, Bruce Josephs, Catherine Knapp, Wes Odean, Roy Schroeder, Sr., Bob Sutherland, Marlene Tegmeyer, Maria Terracciano Our friends: Eli James Becker (grandson of Gwen and Richard Becker), Evelyn Boutin (Lito Toreja s sister), Greg Bukowski (friend of Sandra Vaughn), Laverne Budris (Lisa Budris mother), Doug Cygan (friend of Jack and Trisha Graham), Don Feld (Lisa Budris uncle), Ray Feld (Lisa Budris cousin), Mike Gavelek (friend of Bill and Annette Edwards), Gwen Gorman (daughter of Glen and Elsa Heinemann), Sylvia Graham (friend of Sandra Vaughn), Keith Groenwald (former member), Andy Hamblin (Jan Davis son), Lorna Hansen (Amy Rimington s mother), Jan Harms (Jen Mann s mother), Christa Johnson (friend of the Hedricks), John Johnson (Janet Rudhman s brother), Robert Kampf (friend of Daryl Bartelson), Kevorak Kahvedsian (friend of the Haidles), Jan Kopas (nephew of Mary Langer), Neil Kleinborg (friend of Shirley Swanson), Bob Krzyzewski (Lila Peters brother-in-law), Cindy Krzyzewski (Lila Peters niece), Lindsay Larson (Andrea Redfearn's niece), Bill Lentine (father of Trisha Graham), Marlene Lundgren (Lila Peters sister-in - law), Karen McCaa (sister of Amy Pilny), Betsy McKeever (Kristin Hall s aunt), Evan Thomas Mevis (Ruth Blair s grandson), Michael (friend of the Jones family), Marie Mueller (mother of Keelie Witzel), Gail Nerison, Nancy O Leary and Family (Sue Mooshool s sister), Joseph Paumier (father of Ben Paumier), Betty Patch (Lori Trimble s mom), Andrew Peters (grandson of Lila Peters), Joe Pilny (David Pilny s father), Amber and James Randall (friends of Gwen Becker), Nick Ross (Roy and Joan Schroeder s grandson), John Rossi, Paula Serfling-Nugent (Marlene Tegmeyer s daughter), Brandon Shores (Kim Ptak s cousin), Pat Swanson (Shirley Swanson s sister-in-law), Joan Sturino (sister of Dawn Sanders), Irma Tena (friend of the Johnson family), Matt Toole (friend of Phyllis Field), Tom Tyderek (friend of Joe Schram), John Van- Fleet (friend of the Tengroths), Jeff Vidt (Sue Kostecki s brother), Diane Viise (family of Annette and Bill Edwards), Eric Von Schaumburg (husband of Lindsay Rudhman), David Wells (son -in-law of Elsa and Glen Heinemann), Pete Yarema (friend of Joe Schram), Betty Zelent (Cindy O Malley s mother) STAFF DIRECTORY Ronald W. Feltman Pastor 630-832-8457 Ron.Feltman@EpiphanyElmhurst.org Jennifer S. Moser Pastor 630-832-8457 Jennifer.Moser@EpiphanyElmhurst.org Anna Ernst Pastor 630-832-8457 Anna.Ernst@EpiphanyElmhurst.org Jack Graham Office Administrator 630-832-8457 Jack.Graham@EpiphanyElmhurst.org Scott Miller Faith Formation Assistant 630-832-6416 Scott.Miller@EpiphanyElmhurst.org Maria Terracciano Custodian 630-832-8457 Maria.Terracciano@EpiphanyElmhurst.org Thank you to everyone who submits articles to The Star. Articles submitted are subject to review by the editor. Any significant revisions will be discussed with the author of the article. You may email contributions to: info@epiphanyelmhurst.org Deadline for submissions for the July edition is due Friday, June 15.