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Get ready for an exciting celebration of Jesus’ love filled with amazing Bible adventures, unforgettable songs, memory-making crafts, and life-changing missions.  Welcome to Avalanche Ranch, a wild ride through God’s word!  Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 16th – 20th 6:00 – 8:45 p.m.  Click on the Avalanche Ranch button to the left to register to participate or volunteer.

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).

 

 

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

April 29, 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,  April 29 -  May 6, 2007

TODAY:

9:00 AM

Worship Service (HC)

 

 

Servicio de Adoración (SC)

 

10:15 AM

Coffee Hour

 

10:30 AM

Sunday School / Christian Growth Hour

TUESDAY:

7:00 PM

Prayer & Praise

 

7:30 PM

Praise Team

WEDNESDAY:

7:00 PM

Deacons / Property

THURSDAY:

9:00 AM

Quilters

 

 

Choir Rehearsal

 

7:00 PM

Bible Class (Spanish)

SATURDAY:

8:00 AM

Altar Guild Federation Meeting

 

9:00 AM

Grounds Clean-up

 

5:30 PM

Contemporary Service (NHC) / Grounds Clean-up….

SUNDAY:

9:00 AM

Worship Service (HC) / Youth Confirmation  

 

 

Servicio de Adoración (SC)

 

10:15 AM

Coffee Hour 

 

10:30 AM

Sunday School / Christian Growth Hour

 

 

HYMNAL PICK UP.  If you ordered a hymnal for your use at home, you may pick it up in the cafeteria this morning, after the service. THANK YOU to Louise S., Marilyn Y., Marla K., Norman and Lorraine Z. for the many hours spent helping with the hymnals….OUR THANKS are due also to Len & Carla S. for refinishing the wooden table by the Baptismal font.

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY.  Sunday, May 6th, a group of our eight-grade students will make public an important statement of their faith and commitment.  

 

 

ORGANIST/MUSIC DIRECTOR.  Please pray for the Board of Deacons and Pastor Johnson as they begin the process of finding a permanent music director. Pray that God would strengthen us and give us joy to be in His holy presence. "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple" (Ps. 27:4)

 

WE HAVE A DCE INTERN!  Chelci S. has been placed at St. Paul as DCE for a year internship. Many of you already know Chelci and know how much of a blessing she will be in our midst. Pastor attended a workshop at Concordia University in Chicago on April 27- 28 to receive training as supervisor.

 

 

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:

 

Lydia G.

Joyce S.

Del M.

Helen D.

Ken H.

 

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  April 28th – May 4th

 

29:

Marie A.

30:

Jewel L.

May 1:

Karla K.

2:

Carol Z, Gregory L, Robert K.

4:

David L.

 

 

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!”

 

 

ü           For those who mourn,

The family of  LaDon Jackson, whose son Eric died recently.  He was buried last Friday, April 20th.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

HELP!  Next Saturday, May 5th, 9:00 AM on, we need your help with a variety of projects.  If you can lend a hand in washing pews, cleaning up the grounds, etc. we need you!  Call Jane in the church office (ext. 247), if you have questions…..We also need some help with repairing the hymnal racks in the pews.  If you can lend a hand please let Jane know.

CARE CORPS/PROVISO PANTRY.  This weekend the Bathroom Tissue Drive is again being conducted for the needy who receive food bags from the Proviso Pantry.  The goal of the pantry is to include a roll of paper each week. Thank you for your continued support!

 

 

FLAGSTONE NEEDED.  If you have any unwanted flagstone pieces around your place please bring it to the church.  A landscaping project for the area on the west side of the sanctuary is in need of those pieces.  Please call Jane at ext. 247 if you have any questions.

 

VBS NEEDS YOU!  We need help to get ready for an exciting celebration of Jesus’ love filled with amazing Bible adventures, unforgettable songs, memory-making crafts, and life-changing missions.  Welcome to Avalanche Ranch, a wild ride through God’s word!  Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 16th – 20th 6:00 – 8:45 p.m.  And we can’t do it without you!  Check out the VBS bulletin board or go to www.stpaulmp.org/vbs to find out how you can help!  You can even sign up online!  Contact Lynette Welter to find out more 708-383-1546 or lynette@stpaulmp.org.

 

RECYCLING NEWS.  We met our goal!  We recycled 6 tons between January – March, and received a check for $200.  since we have begun our recycling program in June 2006, we have recycled over 30 tons of paper, earned $422, and have saved 80 cubic yards of landfill space.  The only drawback so far is, instead of “the dog ate their homework”, the school kids are now using the excuse “their homework is in the recycling bin”!  A new contest is beginning in May. If we recycle 8 tons between May – August, we will receive and additional $200.  Keep bringing in your paper!

 

SAVE THE DATE!! Get ready for an exciting celebration of Jesus’ love filled with amazing Bible adventures, unforgettable songs, memory-making crafts, and life-changing missions.  Welcome to Avalanche Ranch, a wild ride through God’s word!  Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 16th – 20th in the evenings.  Our goal is to serve 100 children this year!  Go to www.stpaulmp.org/VBS  for more information and to register to volunteer on line.  Contact Lynette Welter for more information.

 

On Sunday, May 6, Paul S. will join more than 16,000 walkers and volunteers across Illinois in the 2007 MS Walk. He'll be showing his support by fund raising for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the 20,000 Illinois families touched by multiple sclerosis. The money raised at the 2007 MS Walk supports programs, services and vital research into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis. He's accepted the challenge to raise funds for these programs. Your support will help him reach that goal, which in turn will make a difference in the lives of 400,000 Americans living with multiple sclerosis. He hopes you will join him either by walking along side him or making a donation to this goal to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.  Speak to Paul about how you can give your support or visit:  www.msillinois.org and follow the links for MS Walk 05/06/07 to search for Paul's name.  Thank you and bless you.

 

 

 

Starting immediately, and for security reasons, we’ll be requiring that EVERYBODY entering the school and/or the church building sign in the visitors log sheet located at the school entrance, and also wear a visitor’s pass.  Please do not be offended, we might know very well who you are, but this is necessary for everyone’s protection.

 

 

 

ST. PAUL SCHOOL NEWS this week

Click here for school newsletter page

 

THE LORD HAS RISEN!!

 

PETER’S FISH MARKET…If you’ll recall, early in Peter’s ministry, Jesus asked Peter to drop his fishing net, leave his boat, and follow Him.  Jesus told Peter that someday soon, he would become a fisher of men.  After three years of attending the “Jesus School of Fishing,” it became time for Peter to pass the final exam and get his “Men Fishing License” and Peter miserably failed the test.  He denied Jesus, not once or twice, but three times.  With his hopes of “men fishing” dashed, Peter went back to his boat, picked up his net, and spent an unsuccessful day on the lake.  However, after Jesus’ resurrection, our Lord called Peter again to be a fisher of men.  “Cast your net on the other side,” Jesus told Peter.  Peter did…and the net was filled with fish.  Jesus had forgiven the “side” of Peter which had denied his Lord and opened up to Peter the other “side”…the “side” filled with opportunities to share the Good News of his risen Savior.  The same holds true for each of us…our old sinful “side” has been forgiven and we need to fish on the other “side,” the “side” of opportunities…opportunities to win souls for Christ.  This was the message Pastor Doug Groll shared with the children in chapel this past week.  This week’s chapel speaker will be Jessi Schneider, our very own Kindergarten teacher.

 

EXCITING…is only one word to describe the outdoor education experience that awaits the 8th graders this week.  On Monday, April 30th, the 8th grade class will board a bus and head for Walcamp, located in Kingston, IL, approximately 75 miles northwest of the school.  The students’ day will begin with a brisk “wake-up” call at 6:30, followed by 7:15 devotions.  The class will be involved in a number of major units throughout the week.  Units include microorganisms, survival, and orienteering.  Their religion unit will bring them closer to their Creator.  A word of thanks and recognition goes to their teachers:  Chuck Haak, Frieda Zemke, Sharon Boos, and Rebecca Hayes for their willingness to be involved in this week-long adventure.  A special word of thanks goes to Chuck Haak for all the time and effort he has taken in planning and preparing this educational experience.

 

SPEAKING OF WALCAMP…This Wednesday, the children in the 2nd and 5th grades will board a bus and head for Walcamp.  They will also spend the day exploring the wonders of nature and discovering the beauty God created for His children.  Their teachers and guides for the day will be the 8th graders.  Look for more exciting details in next week’s edition of the Crusaders’ Adventures! 

 

NOW IS THE TIME…St. Paul has received a substantial number of applications from families with children at St. John – Forest Park, families from other nonpublic and public schools in the area, and from families new to the community.  As a result, if you are aware of individuals considering having their child(ren) attend St. Paul Lutheran School for the next school year, it is imperative that they call the school office and establish an appointment ASAP.

 

IT’S GRILLING TIME…With the arrival of warm weather, now is the time to “fire up” that grill and do some serious grilling.  Ranch Steaks or Marinated Sirloin Roast cooked to perfection…Baby Back Ribs flavored with your own special sauce…Fully Cooked Chicken Italian Sausage…Vidalia Onion Burgers or 1/3 Pound Steakpatties or Pepper Jack Burgers…all sizzling on hot coals.  Now doesn’t that make your mouth water?  Check out the special “Get Grillin’” section of the Market Day form.    If you order any two Get Grillin’ items, you will receive a FREE bottle of Market Day’s Limited Edition Grilling Sauce.  Don’t forget your favorite desserts and appetizers.  So pick up a pencil and place your order today.  Order forms, located in the narthex and in the hallway between the church and the cafeteria, are due by Wednesday, May 9th.  Pickup is set for Thursday, May 17th, from 3:00 – 4:00.  THANKS FOR SHOPPING AT MARKET DAY!!!

 

NOW IS THE TIME…with the arrival of Spring and the need to “spruce up” your yard with plants and fertilizer, or perhaps to purchase a lawnmower, Home Depot and Sears cards from Manna are the answer.  Manna cards also provide you with the opportunity to assist your school through everyday purchases (i.e. gas, groceries, and household essentials).  MANNA cards and certificates are just like cash…there are no processing fees involved.  (At Kohls, you can even pay off your existing credit card bill.)  Orders placed on Monday may be picked up each Thursday.  It doesn’t get any easier than that.  Pick up an order form from the box located in the hallway leading from the church to the cafeteria or in the church narthex…place your order…and drop the form in the slot in the

School office door.

 

 

 

 

MAY 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 MAY LETTER:

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” —Acts 2:42- 47, ESV

 

Something was going right with the early Christian Church. She was small but she was growing. The growth was both deep and wide. What was the formula? And how can we apply that magic bullet to help St. Paul Lutheran Church grow deep and wide? Don’t you want a piece of the action?! I sure do.

 

Well, (un)fortunately, God leaves no room for utilitarianism or a “quick-fix” to satisfy our American impatience and need for instant gratification. There is no formula or magic bullet. “The Lord added to their number day by day.” The Lord did it…period.  Maybe a better question is: “What does it look like when the Lord is adding to our number or gearing up to add to our number?” The Scriptures are clear about this. And the Book of Acts gives us that picture—especially in the first few chapters.

 

The Early Church cared. They cared about the truth of God. And so, they cared about hearing God’s word. They cared about all of God’s gifts that He wants to give: forgiveness, life, and salvation through the Word, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. And so, they got together often to enjoy those things—both in public worship and their homes.

 

The Early Church cared. They cared about one another. They cared that everyone had what they needed. They sacrificed their own stuff to help those in need. They were excited about being part of each other’s lives. They were at the Temple on Sundays and in each other’s homes Monday through Saturday. They not only cared, they even seemed to like each other.

 

When you went to the Temple on Sunday and to Simon Peter’s house for lunch on Tuesday, you heard the same simple message. That message came from the Apostle’s mouth in his sermons and Bible studies. That message came from the gifts of God that you received on Sunday morning. And that message came from the demeanor, interest, and hospitality of the people around you.

 

And what is that message? You matter. You matter to God. You matter to me. You matter enough to God that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to live, die, and rise for you. You matter. You matter enough to the Jerusalem Church that we will sacrifice our time, gifts, and money. You matter enough to me…by the way, why don’t you come over for supper on Thursday night?

 

This coming fall, St. Paul would like to take a step in the direction of these first century brothers and sisters in Christ. We hope to begin small group ministry with the prayer that God will create more opportunities for caring communities in our church body. If you are interested in leading a small group or being part of one, please let me know. Small groups may be what you and I need to hear God’s message: “You matter.”            

 

Yours in Christ, 

Past