THE STAR Rooted APRIL 2018 in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church Elmhurst, Illinois Saturday, March 24 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 25 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. March 29 7:30 p.m. Service of Holy Communion March 30 7:30 p.m. Service of Tenebrae April 1 6:33 a.m. Traditional Worship with Holy Communion 9:00 a.m. Easter Worship for Children and Families with Holy Communion 10:30 a.m. Traditional Worship with Holy Communion
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 2 A few words from Pastor Feltman On Thursday evening, March 8, Heather and I went with Pastor Moser and her family to Congregation Etz Chaim, a Reform Jewish synagogue in Lombard, for a Seder meal that is presented especially for Christians in the area. Etz Chaim (Hebrew for Tree of Life ) is a warm, welcoming congregation with a long history of engaging with those in the community who are not Jewish. You may know that the Seder is a traditional meal which remembers and re-enacts the story of the Israelites journey from bondage in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. It remembers the mighty and miraculous acts of God in freeing the slaves, but it also connects to the present day by acknowledging that there is still bondage in the world. When I participate in programs such as that one, I am always reminded that what we have in common is far greater than our differences. We want to be in a relationship with a loving God. We want our children to grow up with kind and generous hearts. We want to be in community with others who can support us and provide strength in difficult times. We want to laugh and sing. (Sometimes at the same time. Ask me about the song we sang about the one who destroyed the angel of death, that slew the butcher, that killed the ox, that drank the water, that quenched the fire, that burned the stick, that beat the dog, that bit the cat, that ate the kid!) We ll soon complete our yearly journey with Jesus to the cross. On Maundy Thursday, we ll enact our own Passover meal, made new with Jesus as the host. On Good Friday, we ll remember the painful death of the Word Made Flesh. On Easter Sunday, we ll celebrate the power of God to bring life out of death, to give freedom to captives, to give life and salvation when there seems only to be death and hopelessness. This time of year, the piety of Jews and Christians takes us to different places, but one thing unites us we are all participants in God s story of liberation. We all put our trust in the one who promises to free us from all bondage bondage to other human beings, to addiction, to sickness, to sin of every variety. My Lenten journey has been made richer by my friends at Etz Chaim. This Easter I will proclaim not only that Christ is risen! I will also pray with my Jewish brothers and sisters the words of Psalm 133:1: Hinei mah tov uma nayim shevet achim gam yachad. ( How good and how pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to dwell together. ) I ll see you in church on Sunday. Pastor Ron Feltman
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 3 A Message From Congregation Council In late February, Epiphany s church council completed its annual retreat. The annual retreat is an opportunity for pastoral and lay leadership to assess the state of church affairs, and reaffirm a course of action for the year that further embraces our mission statement - Rooted in Christ / Growing in Faith / Reaching to Invite and Serve. While we are enthusiastic about our outlook and the opportunities available to us to enrich faith based programming in 2018, our attention is increasingly focused on the physical condition of our aging facilities and infrastructure. Integrating and maintaining engineering continuity and safety among our various structures (built in 1954, 1969 and 1989 respectfully), poses material challenges. A reminder of these challenges was highlighted by the replacement late last year of our 63 year-old boiler at a cost of $85,000. The council is actively undertaking a comprehensive review of our current facilities to identify approaching facility needs and requirements. Along with this review, we will incorporate a framework that pairs the values of our mission statement with the potential of our current and/or future facilities demands. Over the next couple of months, a strategic capital plan will be developed and shared with the congregation. The congregation s input into the strategic plan will be a defining opportunity to shape the scope of this revitalizing capital project. This is a foundational moment for Epiphany and the council is excited about the purposeful dialogue ahead. Effective communication is the goal, and we are committed to making sure that a shared and sponsored vision is at the heart of any strategic capital plan. A corresponding capital financing campaign will be prayerfully considered as well. If you are interested in committing your time/passion/skills to this endeavor, please contact a member of Church Council. Together, we can ensure that the Epiphany Lutheran Church of tomorrow will continue to reliably invite and serve, as a special church home for generations to come. Report From The Musician Search Committee The committee searching for a new director of music has been hard at work interviewing and auditioning candidates, and there is good news! We have identified a musician that we would like to pursue further. Because this candidate does not currently live in the area, we are arranging for a visit to Elmhurst for an interview and audition. We hope that will happen in the next few weeks. If things work out with this candidate, we anticipate a start date sometime in the summer.
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 4 New Member Orientation Sessions And Reception Those who wish to become members of Epiphany are asked to attend an orientation session prior to joining. The orientation sessions are typically held the week prior to the reception of new members and are at 10:45 a.m. in the Chapel. New members are received during the 9:30 a.m. worship service. If you would like to become a member of Epiphany, please contact Pastor Ron Feltman at (630) 832-8457 or ron.feltman@epiphanyelmhurst.org. Orientation sessions and new member receptions are scheduled on the following dates: Sunday, April 8 Sunday, April 15 Orientation Reception Adult Bible Study Beginning on Thursday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m., Pastor Moser will begin a 6-week class. We will be continuing our study of the Gospel of John. We need a minimum of five people signed up to hold a session of the class. If you are interested, sign up at the Welcome Center in the church entrance, or call the church office at (630) 832-8457. LYO News and April Dates Sunday, April 1 - NO LYO, Easter Sunday Sunday, April 8 - LYO, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 15 - LYO, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 22 - LYO, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 29 - LYO, 9:30 a.m. Pastor Anna will be on vacation Friday, April 13 - Sunday, April 22. For a spring/mother's Day treat, order some Butterbraids from our LYO youth! LYO will be selling Butterbraids for $14.00 each between the 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. services and after the 9:30 service, on Sunday, April 8. Please make checks payable to Epiphany Lutheran Church. Proceeds will benefit this summer's trip to Group Work Camp in Richwood, WV. You can also ask Pastor Anna or any LYO youth about Butterbraids before April 8 and they will help you order. Butterbraids will be available for pickup during the weekend of Saturday May 5 and 6 in time for Mother's Day weekend. Thank you for your support of the Epiphany youth!
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 5 First Communion Preparation As part of the Journey of Faith we will be holding classes in preparation for First Communion on: Sunday, April 15 at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. You need attend only one class. Young people who wish to begin communing may attend this class. Parent(s) need to attend with their young person. First Communion Sunday will be during worship on Sunday, April 29 during the 9:30 a.m. service. Younger children may also receive instruction, but please speak first with Pastor Ron. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions: What is the right age for my child to have communion? Holy Communion is one of the two sacraments we celebrate in the Lutheran church. The statement from the church outlines that since 1969 congregations have continued to lower the age of communion. Traditionally, at Epiphany Lutheran, we ve instructed children who are in the 5 th grade (or older) about receiving this sacrament. However, the time is best determined through mutual conversation that includes, parent(s), child, and pastor. The age at which your child should receive communion has nothing to do with how much they know, but rather how ready they are to respond to the gift of Christ in the Supper. If you have questions as to whether your child is ready to commune, please speak to Pastor Ron and he will help to discern what is best for your family. Can I elect to have my child wait? Can I have my child commune early? Yes and Maybe! If you wish to defer First Communion for your child, you may choose to do so. If you have a younger child who wishes to commune, please speak with Pastor Ron. If you have questions, please call Pastor Ron at (630) 832-8457, or email him at Ron.Feltman@EpiphanyElmhurst.org
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 6 Welcoming Guests At Easter Did you know that the time new individuals and families are most likely to visit Epiphany, other than Christmas Eve, is Easter Sunday? Did you know that we are mailing about 3,600 postcards to our Elmhurst neighbors inviting them to worship with us on Easter? Did you know that the most important factor in guests deciding to return after they have visited the first time is how welcome they felt? We hope all members of Epiphany will put themselves in welcome mode as they come to worship on Easter Sunday. Here are eight things you can do on Easter Sunday to make Epiphany a more welcoming place and encourage our guests to come again. 1. Pray as you are on your way to church. Pray for the guests. Pray for the services. Pray for the pastor and the sermon. 2. If you are able, park at the most distant spot available. Consider walking to church if you are close. Park at Lincoln School or Ahlgrim Funeral Home if you must drive. Save the closer parking places for guests. 3. Greet people. They may be guests. They may be members. It s okay to introduce yourself to either. 4. Look for people to help. You know the place well. Many others will not. Be a guide. Help someone who looks like he or she needs help. 5. Sit as close as possible to the front of the worship center. Save the back rows for guests and late entrants, so they don t have to walk past so many people. 6. Sit in the middle. Don t claim that aisle seat where people must walk over you or past you. 7. Sit closely. Our worship center may be packed. If so, be willing to sit cheek to cheek. 8. Pray as you leave. The Holy Spirit is likely working in many persons who attended. Pray for God s continual work in the life of those who have worshiped at Epiphany.
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 7 Men In Mission Pancake Breakfast Saturday, April 14, 2018 8:00 am - 10:00 am Epiphany Fellowship Hall All you can eat Pancakes, Sausage, Bacon, Fresh Fruit Ages 12 + $5.00 Ages 3-11 $4.00 Under age 3 FREE Family Price $11.95 Tickets on sale after services on March 24/25 and April 7/8. Or, you can pay at the door. Proceeds go towards helping those in financial need at Epiphany and in the community. Check It Out! The Biblical heroine Jael drove a stake through an enemy general's head. Judge Deborah told Israel's general Barak truth without concern for his ego. Later, following God somehow became synonymous with being nice. "Many women are nice... because they fear conflict and rejection. That's not peacemaking. That's peace-faking." Another motivation for being nice is the Pyrite Rule. Jesus explicitly speaks against the Pyrite Rule - Do unto others so that they will do the same unto you." To illuminate this gap between Biblical examples and current behavior, Paul Coughlin and Jennifer Degler wrote No More Christian Nice Girl: When being Nice - instead of Good- Hurts You, Your Family, and Your Friends. This book is an eyeopener; the reader may find she is more "nice" than she thought. It is written for women, but sensitive men may discover they have fallen into the same trap. "Peace, for the oppressed and broken, is not created through warm and fuzzy thoughts, but through the active, bold pursuit of justice." This book or biographies about Biblical figures can be checked out for FREE! --Assistant Librarian Teri
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 8 Saturday, April 7 th at 7:00pm Epiphany Center BUNCO FOR BOB Bob Haley was inspired by the feminine hygiene product drive held at ELC last August. Shortly before he died he was working to coordinate another drive. Let s pick up where Bob left off. Bunco is fun and it s easy. No previous experience is necessary. If you can roll dice you can play Bunco. Couples and singles welcome. We will collect cash donations and/or feminine hygiene products for Bridge Communities, an organization supporting the homeless in DuPage County. Refreshments will be served. Children middle school age and older are welcome to play. If you are interested in child care, please note that in your sign-up. Also, we are in need of card tables. Sign-up in the Epiphany Center (next to the poster of Bob), on the website http://epiphanyelmhurst.org or email Linda Anderson at jala2germany@yahoo.com. Epiphany Professional Referral Directory Care Corner is working on building a skills and talents directory. As we lift up families in need, we have been compiling a list of individuals and companies who have been helpful and trustworthy. The Care Corner feels this list could benefit our entire congregation. We all prefer to hire people we know or people referred by those we know. Examples of what we are looking for, but not limited to: Painting, dentistry, home repair, auto repair, appliance repair, roofing, plumbing, financial, taxes, HVAC, electrical, snow removal, yard maintenance, landscaping, tree trimmers, website design, pet care, nursing, home health care, chiropractor, babysitting, therapy/counseling, tutoring, music/voice teacher, graphic design, art If you would like to be included in the "for hire" directory for our members, or if you have an individual/company that you would recommend, please email the contact information to Amy Wilson AT AMYKWIL33@comsat.net. Members of Epiphany will be noted in the Directory.
Rooted in Christ Growing in Faith Reaching to Invite and Serve 9 Did You Know?... (A new Star feature brought to you by the Outreach Committee) Spring Flower Show Running through April 8, Wilder Park Conservatory Hours during March are 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; April hours are 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Located at 225 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst (southwest corner of Wilder Park). Admission is free. The Peanuts Movie with Snoopy Meet and Greet, Saturday, April 7 View The Peanuts Movie (2015) on the big screen at York Theatre! Snoopy and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest back home to win the love of his life (1 hr. 28 min., rated G). After the movie (11:00 a.m.- noon), Snoopy will be in Elmhurst City Centre Plaza for photo ops and other fun activities. 9:30 a.m. FREE. Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network, Saturday, April 14, Community Conversations What is EWAN? For 20 years the Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network has provided financial assistance to families and individuals experiencing tough times such as job loss, disability, divorce or sudden unforeseen circumstances that leave them unable to pay a bill. EWAN is a place you can turn to for help. Presented by Jackie Crnkovich, Executive Director of EWAN. Reserved Seating - Call-(630) 306-7077. 10:00 a.m. at Elmhurst City Hall FREE. Elmhurst College Spring Choral Concert, Sunday, April 15 2:00 p.m., Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, Elmhurst College. The concert features the Elmhurst College Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Women s Chorus. Admission is free. Courts Plus Health and Wellness Fair, Saturday, April 21 Discover tips and resources for maintaining a healthy lifestyle! Meet with personal trainers, complete a free health screening and pick up free samples from health vendors. Attendees can win raffle prizes and giveaways. Stop by and receive a two-week free trial membership to Courts Plus! Courts Plus, 186 S. West Avenue, Elmhurst. 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. FREE. Elmhurst Public Library - Homebound Delivery What is home delivery? Library staff and volunteers will deliver any type of circulating library material (books, audiobooks, CDs, etc.) to homebound residents. Who is eligible? Any person who is temporarily or permanently unable to come to the library because of illness, disability or other factors who lives within the City of Elmhurst (excluding unincorporated areas) is eligible for home delivery service. When is it available? Home delivery service is available year-round or seasonally. How do I apply? If you, or someone you know would like to use this service, please contact the Elmhurst Public Library via email at reference@elmhurst.org or phone at (630) 279-8696 and ask for the 2nd floor Information Desk.
OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY 10 About Our Members Congratulations to our own Shawn Biery for receiving Cancer Kiss My Cooley s Carter Kettner Hope award! Founded in 2011, Cancer Kiss My Cooley is a Huntley, IL based 501(c)3 charitable organization. They are dedicated to raising community awareness towards pediatric brain tumors. CKMC grants Kisses of HOPE, which are special moments or experiences tailor made for the patient and their family. They receive their Kiss of HOPE referrals aged 0-18 years old through their established partnerships. They are partnered with the brain tumor program at Lurie Children s Hospital in Chicago, IL and Journeycare, a Barrington, IL based community agency that provides hospice and palliative care services to children facing serious or life-limiting illnesses. April Anniversaries Anniversaries 1 Robert and Deborah Dickert 24 Michael and Natalie Stufflebeam 3 Barbara and George Szczepaniak 25 Jonathon and Chris Elsass 10 James and Jill Mueller 26 Douglas and Virginia Johnson 12 Shawn and Debbie Biery Rick and Christine Pfaff 17 Ted Mandigo and Shirley Swanson 27 Michael and Susan Kriz 18 Jason and Amy VanDenBrook 30 Michael and Lisa Hartley 22 Michael and Dee Dee Bandy John and Linda Anderson David and Emily Gonzalez
OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY 11 April Birthdays 1 Chip Johnson, Karen Koval, Michael Bandy, Brooke Bandy 2 Kelly Connolly, Julia Dierksheide, Alexander Wilcox 3 Cheryl Camp, Susan Bonner, Gail Sopron, Natalie LeBron, Maxwell Carson, Willem Caster, Dawson Wells 4 Virginia Larsen, Kevin Doberstien, John DeGrace, Erin Puckett, Melissa Clark, Katherine Wegmann, Hannah Hinrichs 5 Kristine Lundine, Virginia Aylesworth, Andrew Wyman 6 Martha Haley, Vince Hradil, Ryan Casey 7 Kimberly Thielbar, Lauren Kriz 9 Edward Schneider, Greg Taylor, Brian Parker 10 Lois Hodgson, Eric Felson, Callie Klatt, Karly Witzel, Shaun Hammerle, Ryan Nowak 11 Robert Hedrick, Heather Feltman, Laura Pesek, Wayne Kimble, Madeleine DeGrace, Claire Pfaff, Cole Wilson 12 Debbie Cripe, Susan Mooshool 13 Joseph Valladeres, Evan Wendell 14 Allison Wilson, Kristine Hanely, John Pozeck, Maureen McPherson, Nathan Russo, John Tobin 15 Shannon Wolsztyniak, Katharine Connolly, Andrew Wehekam, Kyle Hallongren 16 Beth Kunesh, Claire Cartwright, Chris LeBron, Kristin Thomas, Emily Rathbone, Christian Dierksheide 17 Rich Reichert 18 Michael Schrage, Ethan Proctor, Ethan Hanyzewski 19 Joyce Urness, Karin Boullion, Wayde Triska, Brian Adams, Kimberly French, Maya Zubradt 20 Dianne Gutterman, Wendy Hurst, Tyler Ptak, Piper Michalski 21 Lori Trimble, Mike LoPiano 22 Blake Becker, Brady Reeves 23 Laura Fries, Steven Kroll 24 Marlene Tegmeyer, Jennifer Edwards, Madison Casey 25 Pat Frigo, Lynn Sutton, Amy Roy, Megan Foster, Seth Meyer 26 Betsey Markwald, Raeya Penland, Sabrina Gibbs 27 Mike Lewis, Joan Wincentsen, Bob Rathbone, Bart Lupa, Kelly Phelps, Robin Banesek, Holt Puckett, Sophia Allen 28 Irmgard Olson, Kristin Hall 29 Eugene Hallongren, Larry Bircher, Dave Hanebuth, Emily Shclosser, Alex Gibbs, Leia Rose Samuelian 30 Audrey Holmer, Edward Samuelian III
OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY 12 In Our Prayers Our members: Dolores Barney, Wayne Bell, Larry Bircher, Marie Buford, Jennifer Damer, Sienna Dudley, Bill Friberg, Babette Halen, Martha Haley, Joyce Hill, Catherine Knapp, Roy Schroeder, Sr., Bob Sutherland, Marlene Tegmeyer, Maria Terracciano Our sympathy to the Lippert family on the death of Grace Lippert on March 13, in Bismarck, ND after a long illness. Grace and her husband Wilbur, members of Epiphany since 1958, moved to Bismarck in September to be closer to family. A funeral service will be held in Bismarck where Grace will be buried. The Lippert family will likely hold a memorial service at Epiphany at some time, but plans are pending. For those wishing to send cards their address is 3112 North Colorado Drive, Bismark, ND 58503. Please remember the Lippert family in your prayers in their time of grief. 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), Don Feld (Lisa Budris uncle), 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), Greg Lechowski (friend of Joe Schram), Bill Lentine (father of Trisha Graham), Steve Loosemore (Tracy Hunt s cousin), 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), Patti Paul (friend of Curt Clifford), 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, Brandon Shores (Kim Ptak s cousin), Pat Swanson (Shirley Swanson s sister-in-law), Joan Sturino (sister of Dawn Sanders), Bill Tarnow (friend of Joe Schram), Irma Tena (friend of the Johnson family), Matt Toole (friend of Phyllis Field), John VanFleet (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 (sonin-law of Elsa and Glen Heinemann), 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 Deadlines for submissions for the May edition are due Friday, April 20.