On this page:  Calendar, Prayers, Announcements, St. Paul School News, Stewardship

 

 

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).

 

Because of technical problems we were unable to post the last few issues of the Chimes.  We apologize for the inconvenience. 

 

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

January 21, 2007

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,   Jan. 21 – 28, 2007

TODAY:

9:00 AM

Bilingual Worship Service (HC) – (Mission Sunday)

 

10:15 AM

Coffee Hour

MONDAY:

10:30 AM

Sunday School / Christian Growth Hour

 

11:00 AM

Potluck Dinner

TUESDAY:

      Parent Teacher Conferences  /  Book Fair

 

7:30 PM

Praise Team

THURSDAY:

9:00 AM

Quilters

 

      Parent Teacher Conferences  /  Book Fair

 

7:00 PM

Choir Rehearsal

 

 

Spanish Bible Study

FRIDAY:

      Parent Teacher Conferences  /  Book Fair

SATURDAY:

5:30 PM

Contemporary Service (HC) 

SUNDAY:

9:00 AM

Worship Service (NHC)            

 

 

Servicio de Adoración (NSC)

 

10:15 AM

Coffee Hour 

 

10:30 AM

Sunday School / Christian Growth Hour

 

BIBLE CLASS UPDATES:

 

  • January 28 and February 4, an introduction on the new Hymn book will take place.
  • February 11, there will be a Special Voters’ meeting to authorize the purchase of the new hymnals.

 

YOUR ARE WELCOME to join us this morning in a prayer of thanksgiving on the completion of the gym floor.  Meet us by the Gym door, before the beginning of the Bible Class.

 

THE CONTRIBUTION statements for 2006 were mailed this week.  Please call Jane in the church office if you have any questions about yours.

 

 

For use in printed publications, Right-Click on the filename below to download and choose "Save Target As" or "Save Link As"A NEW ADULT INFORMATION CLASS will start this coming Tuesday, January 23.  This group will study the teaching of the Lutheran faith and get to know more about each other and our Lord in an 8 week period.  Classes will only meet one evening (at 7:00 PM) per week.  Please feel free to bring your spouse or other interested family member to this class.  Materials will be provided.  Call Maria at ext. 240 and let her know you are coming. 

 

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:

 

Sammi J.

Carl D.

Evelyn V.

Vivian M.

Norma H.

Lydia G.

Mary D.

Luba M.

 

 

 

 

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  January 20TH  – 26TH  

 

20:

Ruben V., Johnny P.

21:

Melvin M.

22:

Juliet B.

25:

Dorothy J.

26:

Easton C., Jamie G., Angel J. H.

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FROM PASTOR JOHNSON.  “If you are in the hospital or are in need of pastoral care, please notify Maria in the church office.  If it is an emergency, please call my mobile phone (in printed copy of chimes).  Please don’t hesitate to call me at any hour if it is important; I keep the phone with me at all times.  If the matter is important enough to think about calling a pastor, by all means call me.  Please do not think you will disturb me or I will think the matter unimportant.  Thanks!”

WELCOME ALL Toddlers to Sunday School in the Extended Day Care room across from the cafeteria.  There will be playtime and a short Bible lesson/activity.  Parents are encouraged to attend adult Bible class or stay with their child, according to preference.  If there are any questions, please see Johanna Johnson.

 

STEWARDSHIP CORNER.  The night of Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples, he rose from the table, got a basin of water, and proceeded to wash His disciples’ feet.  They were embarrassed, for this was the task of a servant, not their Lord.  But He insisted.  We stewards must ask ourselves if we, too, are willing to do the lowly, the distasteful, the unappreciated, even the misunderstood in order to fulfill Christ’s command, “Feed My sheep”  (John 21:17).

HANDCHIME CHOIR.  The St Paul musical family announces the addition of a new choir…..a Handchime Choir.  This new and exciting choir will begin rehearsing on Monday, February 5th at 7 PM in the chapel.  If you are interested in joining this new ensemble, please see Stacia… or leave a message at ext. 244.

 

CAMPBELL LABELS.  Need volunteer(s) for Campbell labels for education and box tops for education.  If interested contact Mr. Grebasch at ext. 230.

 

ST. PAUL SCHOOL NEWS this week

Click here for school newsletter page

MOST PEOPLE…make lists; a shopping list, a vacation list, a to-do list.  A teacher’s list might look something like this…write lesson plans, grade papers, call this parent.  A student’s list might include…finish all assignments (?), take trumpet to school, basketball game tonight.  Often times, despite a list, things don’t get done.  We forget to purchase the butter at the store…left the toothpaste at home…the basement wasn’t cleaned.  Yet, God’s list was simple…save the world.  His list was completed when Jesus died and rose again for our sins.  The only way to get to heaven is belief in God’s completed checklist…. Jesus died for me!!!  This was the message Rebecca Hayes, our 3rd grade teacher shared with the children in chapel this past week.  Next week’s chapel speaker will be Del Mueller, a member of St. Paul and former professor at Concordia University.

 

IT MAY SEEM HARD TO BELIEVE…but Friday, January 19th, marked the end of the 2nd quarter.  As a result, parent – teacher conferences will be held Tuesday evening, January 23rd, Thursday afternoon and evening, January 25th, and Friday morning, January 26th.  Since communication is a key factor in the educational process, these conferences provide a forum to enhance each student’s opportunity for academic growth.

 

GO WILD FOR BOOKS…This week brings the first book fair of the school year.  Stop by and check out their choices when you come for your Parent – Teacher conference.  The fair will be open Tuesday, January 23rd from 6:00 – 8:00 PM; Thursday, January 25th from 3:00 - 5:00 PM and from 6:00 – 8:00 PM; Friday, January 26th from 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM.  Don’t forget to look at the classroom wish lists, too.  So…if you happen to be around St. Paul this week, please stop in at the book fair and pick up a selection for your child or grandchild.

 

RIGHT TO THE FINISH…This past Tuesday, the girls’ basketball team, coached by Kristin Ulrich, traveled to Immanuel – Elmhurst for yet another league contest.  The game was a real nail biter.  The lead changed hands throughout the entire contest.  As soon as St. Paul would take the lead, Elmhurst would answer with a three point shot.  As time ticked off the clock, it appeared that the team with final possession would have the advantage.  With time nearly expired, Elmhurst connected on a final shot and walked off the court with a two point victory.

 

SOLID TEAM PLAY…The 7th & 8th grade boys’ basketball team also took to the court against Immanuel – Elmhurst.  Solid defensive and aggressive play on the inside took its toll on Elmhurst.  Immanuel was unable to execute its offensive and was forced into taking the high percentage shot.  As the game progressed, your Crusaders took command of the contest.  When the final quarter expired, St. Paul headed into the locker room with a victory.

 

THIS WEEKEND…Since St. Paul was unable to hold its annual basketball tournament due to the replacement of the gym floor, the 7th & 8th grade boys’ basketball team will be participating in the Immanuel – Elmhurst Invitation tournament.  Their first game, was on Friday evening, January 19th  at 8:45, when your Crusaders squared-off against St. John – Lombard.  Look for the tournament results in next week’s edition of the Crusaders’ Adventures.

 

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT…The new gym floor is finished!!!  Your Crusaders are set to play their first home games of the season on Tuesday, January 30th, against St. John – Forest Park.  Let’s hope both teams will christen the floor with a victory!!!

 

A HEARTY WORD OF THANKS…goes to Zoar Lutheran Church – Elmwood Park for allowing St. Paul to utilize its gym for practices and to Walther Lutheran High School for the use of a van to transport the teams to practices.  THANKS SO VERY MUCH!!!

        GO BEARS!!!

 

FEBRUARY 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 FEBRUARY LETTER:

 

Last Saturday morning, the Board of Deacons and I gathered for a time in the word, prayer, and reflection. It was an exciting time considering what the Lord may have in store for St. Paul Lutheran Church. We split our time into four different hours. In the first hour, we dreamed what we would like St. Paul to look like when our Lord returns or after we as individuals have finished our course here on earth. In the second hour, we brainstormed ways in which we could see our dreams be fulfilled. In the third hour, we evaluated those ideas and chose which ones we felt were most critical. In the fourth hour, we developed a plan of action to fulfill our dreams right away.

 

We opened and closed each session with prayer. We asked for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and help. We asked for God to lead and direct His church.

 

We looked at four passages of Scripture, one for each hour. In Acts 2:14-47, we saw the early church’s dream come true—how the Lord added 3,000 in one day and also day by day through prayer, preaching, baptism, fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, and human care. In Luke 24:13-35, we saw the hearts of the disciples burning within them as they heard the Scripture and their eyes being opened by the Lord’s Supper. In Acts 1:1-11, we saw Jesus’ plan, mandate, and promise for us to be witnesses of Christ throughout the world. And, in Acts 1:12-26, we saw how Jesus removes obstacles (Judas) and works through chaotic situations to build His Church.

 

In the end, we decided that there were five critical areas in our plan of action:

 

1.    We must be more intentional about Prayer. We need to pray for one another, for the lost, for vigorous worship, and for powerful preaching. We need to equip, encourage, and find God’s people who are gifted to pray.

2.    We must be more intentional in our Worship. We need to serve all of our members and increase our praise our Lord in music and song. We already have musicians in our own congregation who should be using their gifts. We can learn more songs that reflect our diversity and theology.

3.    We must be more intentional in utilizing every one’s Spiritual Gifts. We need to discover what those gifts are in new members’ class and through surveys. We need to encourage members to pursue their dreams. We need to consider more laborers from our universities and our seminaries to assist us in our journey. God has given us many gifted people already. We are underutilizing our resources!

4.    We must be more intentional about Hospitality. Visitors and members must feel welcomed to our church on Sunday mornings. New members should find their community within our community right away. We have already started a “Hospitality Team” that will meet for the last 15 minutes of Christian Growth Hour (11:15-11:30am) on January 28, Feb. 4, and Feb. 11.

5.    We must be more intentional in reaching all Youth and Family. “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). As adults, we need to worship and serve more as God’s beloved children. We cannot let our teenagers drift away. Our services should always be “family friendly.”

 

This was a time of taking a hard look at ourselves but mostly a bold look forward! All of us left our time excited and encouraged about our future. God has given blessed us richly. Let’s be good stewards of His gifts. Thy Kingdom come!

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Pastor Johnson

 

 

FROM THE PARISH NURSE

 

Marlene Groll

 

We frequently see advertisements for herbal supplements in newspapers and magazines.  They tell us these supplements will treat and can even prevent some health conditions.  Herbal supplements are made from herbs and plants.  Some people mistakenly take herbal supplements in place of physician prescribed medications or decide on their own to use them in conjunction with prescribed medications.  This could be a fatal mistake.  Herbal supplements are not considered drugs or medicines but some of these work the same way as drugs do and may have harmful side effects if combined with prescribed medications.  They can interact with anesthesia and make some medications less effective or they may cause an allergic reaction.

 

In the United States, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) considers herbal and dietary supplements as foods, not as drugs.  This means they do not have to meet the high standards as drugs do for proof of safety, effectiveness and quality.  A manufacturer can sell an herbal product without proving that it does what it says it will do.  They can also be very expensive and not be covered by insurance plans.  The label may not be complete or accurate.  The active ingredients in many are unknown and the bottle may not even contain what the label states.  Some supplements have been found to be contaminated with metals, drugs and germs.  Be even more cautious about buying any supplements manufactured outside of the United States.  Clerks at health food stores are there to sell their products, and are no health care professionals so ALWAYS speak with your physician before trying any supplement.  Remember to include supplements and over the counter drugs as part of your list of medications when seeing a new physician or when admitted to a hospital.

 

It is best to avoid using herbal supplements if:

 

1.  You are taking prescribed medications such as blood thinners, something to lower your  blood pressure or you are regularly taking over the counter medicines such as aspirin. 

2.  A proven and safe prescription medicine is available for your medical condition. 

3.  You are pregnant or breast feeding. 

4.  You are scheduled for surgery as they can change effectiveness of anesthesia or cause complications such as bleeding or increased blood pressure levels. 

5.            You are younger than 18 or over 65 – Older adults metabolize medications differently and few herbal supplements have been tested on children.

 

Remember not all herbal supplements will be harmful.  Just remember to follow the above suggestions and consult your physician before buying supplements.  More information is available on the bulletin board.

 

HEALTHY HEART

(Adapted from Seasons For Wholeness)

Jane Geske, R.N.,C.Parish Nurse Coordinator Lutheran Home & Services.

 

As we enter the season of Lent, let us use our time to reflect and to prepare our hearts…physically, emotionally, & spiritually.

 

Physically:  Care for your body as you would for a prized jewel. Eat heart-healthy foods, exercise at something you enjoy, and get sufficient rest and recreation. “A heart at peace gives life to the body”.  Proverbs 14:30

 

Emotionally:  Love, acceptance and affirmation in our relationships help us to celebrate our oneness as children of the Heavenly Father. Learning to understand and deal with our emotions is so important. That includes our self-concept, ability to cope with life and struggles, and ability to manage our feelings and behavior.  Love one another deeply from the heart”.  1 Peter 1:22