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Of all the gifts for which we thank God, above all is the gift of Himself to us, His erring but redeemed children! “Whom have I in Heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides you” (Psalm 73:25).

Our purpose is to reach out to families and individuals of all backgrounds and bring them into healing and transforming relationships with the Lord Jesus and with others in His Church through the sharing of God’s Word and Sacraments.

THE CHIMES December 17, 2006 Listen to Sermon Here St. Paul Lutheran Church and School a multiethnic family of faith 1025 Lake Street * Melrose Park, IL 60160 Church Ph. No. 708-343-1000 * School Ph. No. 708-343-5000 Fax No. 708-343-8635 www.stpaulmp.org Rev. Thomas R. Johnson, Pastor  Mr. Douglas Grebasch, Principal

CALENDAR

EVENTS THIS WEEK AT ST. PAUL, December 17 - 24, 2006
TODAY:	9:00 AM	Worship Service (HC)
		Servicio de Adoración (SC)
		Coffee Hour / Christmas Sing-Along
	10:30 AM	Sunday School / Christian Growth Hour
TUESDAY:	7:30 PM	Praise Team
WEDNESDAY:	7:00 PM	Lower Grade Christmas Program
	8:00 PM	Directors
THURSDAY:	9:00 AM	Quilters
	7:00 PM	Choir Rehearsal
		Spanish Bible Study
SATURDAY:	5:30 PM	Contemporary Service (HC)
SUNDAY:	9:00 AM	Worship Service (HC)
		Servicio de Adoración (SC)
	10:15 AM	Coffee Hour
	10:30 AM	Sunday School / Christian Growth Hour

Wednesday, Dec. 20: Children Christmas Service followed by a reception in the cafeteria

YOU CAN still send your Christmas Greetings to all your St. Paul family and friends. You can add your name to the list of names to be publicized in the NEXT issue of The Chimes, Sunday, December 24.

REMEMBERING SYLVIA BEHRENS. On Monday evening, December 18^th at 7:00 PM, the Triton Community Band will dedicate its Winter Concert to the memory of Sylvia Behrens, as their way of honoring her long-time tenure in the band. Sylvia started playing her clarinet at the age of twenty and continued to be in various bands throughout her lifetime. The concert in her memory will be held in the Collins Center Auditorium of Triton College, east side of River Rd. and is free to the public.

THANK YOU! The Care Corps wishes to thank all who contributed cookies for distribution to the shut-ins this past Sunday. We are especially grateful to those who delivered packages. They were: Ruth ., Betty Ruth B., Kimberly F., Gail G., Lois J., Marla K., Chuck and Jewel L., Henry L., Bev L., Vivian M., Del M., Len and Carla S., Lorraine Z., Al and Carol Z.. Your assistance in delivering these gifts is greatly appreciated. Another thank you goes to the St. Paul members who again showed their caring spirit for those in the community by contributing so generously to the food drive for the Proviso Pantry. In addition to the foods donated, a total of $213 in cash and checks was also collected. Chuck L., Len S., and Al Z. delivered the boxes of food to Proviso Pantry.

Advent devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries are available online at: http://adventdevotions.net/. More information about Lutheran Hour Ministries is available at: http://www.lhm.org/.

Please include the following prayer needs in your personal and family devotions this week.

ü We pray for those in care facilities and at home who are physically unable to worship with us. We also ask God to heal and comfort the following members and/or friends of our congregation:

Florence D.	Hellen D.	Evelyn V.	Emily B.	Norma H.	Lydia G.
We also want to continue to remember those in nursing facilities, those who are recovering, and those who are receiving ongoing treatments.

*(If you would like us to pray for someone, please let Maria, our church secretary; know, either by phone or with a request card. Names of congregational members will remain on this list for 4 weeks unless additional requests are received.)

ü We pray for those celebrating birthdays the week of December 16^th – 22^nd

16:	Joanne L., Megan W.
17:	Regina C., Mariah E.
19:	Irmgard B.
20:	Audrey W., Tatiana O., LuzElva H., Zachary M.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

YOU ARE INVITED to experience the West Suburban Chorale’s Seventh Rendition of the Christmas Cantata “Born To Die” Opus 25, by Glenn Edward Burleigh, (composer of “Order my Steps”), that Second Baptist Church in Maywood - 436 S. 13^th – will present TODAY, Sunday, December 17 at 4:00 PM, also featured are guest choristers, soloists, musicians, and conductors. Admission is free! Bring a friend.

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM. First Baptist Church of Oak Park at 820 Ontario Street, extends an invitation to our congregation to join them for its annual Journey to Bethlehem live nativity to be held TODAY - Sunday, Dec. 17, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, on the front lawn of the church. This is a five-scene retelling of the story of Christ’s birth. The scenes include the annunciation at Mary’s house, the journey of Mary and Joseph, the Magi at Herod’s place, the Shepherds’ Field, and the stable. Each scene is re-enacted by members of the congregation. The cast also includes sheep, goats, llamas, a donkey, and a camel. As a Christmas gift to the community, there is no charge for the event. Hot cocoa and hot cider will be served at the Welcome Booth.

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SHARE YOUR CHRISTMAS JOY. This is the last opportunity to buy a Red Poinsettia for the chancel Christmas decoration -to be picked up after the Christmas Day Service- (which then can be used as a gift for a needy person). Large plant (6+ blooms) price: $12. Place your order by Next Wednesday, Dec. 20 through the church office or give to an usher in a separate envelope marked “Poinsettia Plant”.

Name:______________________________________________Telephone: __________________

No. of Plants: ________ Payment included ____Yes ____No Amount: $_______________

ST. PAUL SCHOOL NEWS this week

Click here for school newsletter page

THE REAL MESSAGE…of the Christmas story won’t be found in the bright lights decorating your home. You won’t find it by admiring your beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Nor will it be found in the exquisitely wrapped presents carefully placed under that tree. The real message of Christmas can only be found in God’s personal letter to you. Through Scripture readings foretelling of birth of a Savior…to the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem…to the good news proclaimed to lowly shepherds…to the visit of the Magi. This is the real Christmas story that Frieda Zemke shared with the children in chapel this past week. Under the direction of Mia Koehne, the joy of this message was proclaimed in song by the Upper Grade Choir. During this week’s chapel, the lower grade children will share the Christmas message in the presentation of Jesus Lights the Way. (If you are unable to attend this week’s Advent service, please join us at chapel at 8:45 on Wednesday, December 20^th, and rejoice in the retelling of the birth of our Savior.)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR…The Lower Grade children’s service, Jesus Lights the Way, will be held in the church on Wednesday evening, December 20^th, beginning at 7:15. Please join the children as they journey back in time to that star-filled night a little over 2,000 years ago and walk with the shepherds and the Wise Men to Bethlehem and stand in awe of the greatest Gift ever given to mankind.

IN COMPLETE CONTROL…The girls’ basketball team continued league play this past week at Trinity – Burr Ridge. The name of the game was the fast break. With total control of the defensive board, your Lady Crusaders not only limited Burr Ridge to a single shot, but were able to connect on the outlet pass and go in for the layup. The score at the end of the 3^rd quarter read: St. Paul – 11; Burr Ridge – 0. With the game well in hand, Coach Ulrich was able to substitute freely and secure playing time for the entire squad. ONE MORE VICTORY FOR YOUR LADY CRUSADERS!!!

FOLLOWING SUIT…No, this does not refer to a card game, but rather to the 7^th & 8^th boys’ game against Burr Ridge. From the opening tip-off, it was clear who was in control. The Crusaders’ offensive ran like a well-oiled machine. In moving the ball quickly and effectively around the perimeter, Burr Ridge’s defensive just couldn’t react in time to prevent an opening on the inside. St. Paul was able to score at will from inside the paint. On defensive, the boys were able to clear the boards and hit the open man for an uncontested bucket down court. Once again, Coach Haak cleared the bench and gave court time to the entire team. GREAT GOING!!!

GEAR UP FOR GAME DAY…Are you ready for the Super Bowl? (The remote in one hand and a “munchie” in the other…with perhaps a little grilling at half time.) Market Day has all you need to gear up for the big game…Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, Buffalo Chicken Bites, Hot and Spicy Buffalo Wings, Breaded Mozzarella Sticks with Sauce, Boneless Pork Riblets (I love these.), Potato Skins, Jumbo Party Shrimp and ¼ Pound Beef Patties. Don’t forget about your favorites…ChicNSteakes, Ranch Steaks, and Seasoned Salmon. Market Day has it all. Orders are due by Monday, January 8^th. Pickup is set for Thursday, January 18^th, from 3:00 – 4:00.

GO BEARS!!!

CHRISTMAS IS ONLY A FEW DAYS AWAY…Are you finished shopping for relatives and friends? If the answer is “NO”…why not give him or her a gift certificate…you can’t go wrong with that. If you plan on treating yourself at Christmas time to something special…like a new LCD TV…why not purchase it through Manna gift cards? The gift cards are just like cash. Check out the list: Circuit City, Best Buy, Kohls, Borders, and so many other stores are available to you. Questions about the program? Contact Mrs. Koehne. (Note: The last Manna order before Christmas will be on December 18^th, with delivery on December 21^st. Given the volume of participation during the Christmas season, individual orders will be available for pickup on Thursday, rather than Wednesday.)

JANUARY NEWSLETTER ITEMS:

As the Newsletter is very cumbersome to duplicate online, a few important items from the most recent issue are included here. We will endeavor to keep them up to date.

PASTOR JOHNSON’S JANUARY LETTER:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14a). Two thousand years ago, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity was born of the Virgin Mary. The eternal Son of God became Man. Wow! It is a profound, theological thought. No one can adequately explain how Jesus has two natures but is still one Person—not any more than one can adequately explain how God is One and yet is three Persons. But it is true even though it surpasses human comprehension

But it is also model for ministry in Christ’s Church.

When Adam and Eve first sinned, God did not strike the ground with lightning and rebuke them with thunder. He walked in the Garden and spoke with them. He asked questions that He already knew the answers to. He did not come and overwhelm Adam and Eve with theological truths and the Law; He came to them as a Person. He came with harsh words—yes—but, even more importantly, He came with the promise of forgiveness in the Seed of the woman. The Seed of the woman is the Messiah, the One born of a virgin, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Word became flesh. Jesus came as a Person. He walked with us, spoke to us, ate with us,

and cried with us. He taught God’s Word using stories and word-pictures. His own life, death, and resurrection are the real-life drama of our victory over death and the devil. The Bible is still the best reality drama—even before reality television shows.

God still wants the Word to be enfleshed into the lives of the world around us. And it is His will to use the husks of flesh called “you” and “me.” You and I are the enfleshed Word in the world. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Cor. 5:20).

Who “knit you together in your mother’s womb”? Who gave you the gifts you alone can bless the Church with? Who gave you that home with those neighbors who don’t have a church? Who gave you that job to work with those fun and obnoxious unbelievers? Who “desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth”? And so, why would it surprise you that God wants to use us where we are as we are?

Knowing that God wants His Word to come through our flesh is very comforting. We do not need to be a gregarious, door-knocking evangelist to be useful in Christ’s kingdom. We don’t need to hit people hard with the Gospel. We just need to be ourselves—to believe that God will use us as He designed us, gifted us, and placed us. Let us pray for an opportunity to see the Word communicated through our flesh this Christmas season. We will see God open doors and hearts. What better way to celebrate Christmas than to rejoice over the Word becoming flesh in the lives of those around us! Merry Christmas!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Johnson

FROM THE PARISH NURSE

Marlene Groll

End of Year Reflections

Earlier this month I received a card from Roger W. Paulsberg, President/ CEO of the Lutheran Home and Services congratulating me on my 5^th Anniversary as a Parish Nurse. Although I did not begin my work here at St. Paul until January 2002, I had completed my orientation requirements at the Lutheran Home in December 2001. Those years passed quickly as I began to work and become better acquainted with the St. Paul family.

I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, concern, cards, visits and phone calls during my recent unexpected hospitalization. Once again I was reminded of God’s goodness as he guided my physicians and caregivers. I promise to take my medications as ordered, attempt to watch my diet and increase my exercise which I pray will enable me to serve my Lord and those around me for many years to come.

As we journey through the Advent and Christmas seasons of our church year, let us once again be thankful for the gift of the SON sent into our midst to be with us during those times of health and illness. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Pastor Johnson and his family send everyone at St. Paul a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We have been so welcomed and blessed in our transition to St. Paul. There are so many of you that have helped us and made us feel at home in Chicago. God’s blessings to all!

L. W. M. L.

(Mission Sunday)

Plan now to attend the Potluck Dinner on Sunday, January 21.  This is sponsored by the Lutheran Women's Missionary League.  Our guest speaker will be Hicham Chehab, a former Lebanese Muslim.  He was an active member of the Islamic Militia, became a Christian, and is now working with POBLO, People of the Book Lutheran Outreach.  It is a fascinating story, and one that adds to the information of the Bible Class this fall that compared Christianity and Islam.   To be able to hear this account, and to share a good dinner of dishes people bring to share, promises to be a great fellowship opportunity.  The ovens will be on to heat or keep foods warm, so bring your covered dish, salad, or desert to the lunchroom as you come to church.

RECYCLING FOR OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE

St. Paul is participating in a paper recycling program!

This program will help teach children (and adults) about environmental stewardship, reduce our waste hauling costs and raise funds for our church and school.

We want ALL your Newspaper, Magazines, Office and School Paper, Catalogs, Mail, Paperback books, Hardcover books (covers removed)

Please DO NOT include: Plastic, Glass, Metals, Trash, Cardboard, Phonebooks

The bin is located in the church parking lot off Lake Street.

If you have any questions please contact Jane Pluss at 708/ 343-1000 ext 247.