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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 VBS for more information.

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).

 

God’s Ministry through you…

Sunday, June 3rd, 10:30 in the Sanctuary

The Board of Stewardship invites you to a presentation to explain the upcoming Ministry Fair here at St. Paul, planned for Sunday, October 14.

Come, hear how your group can reach out to God’s people here at this place and get them involved in His service and fellowship.

Kindly RSVP to the church office 343-1000 x 247.  Questions??  Contact Jane Pluss or Henry L.

 

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

May 27, 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,  May 27 – June 3, 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

MONDAY:

Church & School Offices closed in observation of Memorial Day

TUESDAY:

7:00 PM

Prayer & Praise

 

7:30 PM

Praise Team

THURSDAY:

9:00 AM

Quilters

 

7:00 PM

Choir Rehearsal

 

 

Estudio Bíblico

SATURDAY:

5:30 PM

Contemporary Service (NHC)

SUNDAY:

9:00 AM

Worship Service (HC)

 

 

Servicio de Adoración (SC)

 

10:15 AM

Coffee Hour

 

10:30 AM

Sunday School / Christian Growth Hour

 

 

THANK-YOU….THANK-YOU to the following people who gave of their time and effort the past May 12, at the Grounds Clean-up:  Norm A., Vern B., Betty Ruth B., Doug G., Lois J., Sue K., Marla K., Hank L., Laura L., Wayne L., Mark M., Mary M., Jane P., Nora S., Louise S., Robert W., Angela Z., Lynn Z..  Our gratitude goes also to the helpers who assisted at the Walther H.S. Service Day the past Thursday, May 17.  They were: Marli C., Gail & Doug G., Jewel & Chuck L., Laura & Henry L., Maria L., Wayne L., Paul M., Andy P., Jane P., Len & Carla S., Barb S.

 

PARISH NURSE OFFICE.  Marlene Groll, our Parish Nurse, will be back in her office on Tuesday, June 5.  If you have any questions or need assistance with medications, etc. please call the church office for information.  Jane Geske, Parish nurse coordinator, will be happy to return your call. 

 

THE NEW BANNERS.  “Quite a few people have wondered about the new banners in the sanctuary.  For all of them, here is a word of explanation.  The message of the new banners above each door at the front of the church, is that the gifts of the spirit, which are the words that are on each banner, should be celebrated all year long.  The colors represent the liturgical colors of the church year, however, are not as the colors appear during the year.  The banners are to help us feel the joy of the seasons and help celebrate each Sunday of the year as a gift of the Spirit.”  Len & Carla Schoepp.

 

 

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:

 

Hildegarde W.

Lois R.

Lydia G.

Norm U.

 

 

Jacie A.

Joyce S.

Mary R.

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.)

 

 

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          We pray for those celebrating birthdays the week of  May 26th – June 1st

 

26:

Joanne H., Mario M.

27:

Verna S.

28:

Dan G.

29:

George B. Jr., Joseph K.

30:

Jamie S.

June 1:

Lorraine C.

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

MINI-VAN FOR SALE.  Someone in the congregation has a Mazda MTV ’92 for sale.  Good condition.  New tires, exhaust and brake systems just fixed.  If you are interested, please call Maria in the church office, ext. 240.

 

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 PM.  And we can’t do it without you!  Check out the VBS bulletin board in the lunch room 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.

 

STEWARDSHIP CORNER.  A bumper sticker said, “Money isn’t everything, but it’s right up there with air and water.”  We live in a money-driven culture that often associates a person’s value by how much he earns and possesses.  In order to be labeled a success, many are driven to possess more and more.  Gaining wealth is often an obsession.  The Apostle Paul warns us, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).  Jesus warns us about wanting money and things:  “Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man ‘s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions”  (Luke 12:15).  With God’s help, we can keep material things from becoming overly important.

 

CHURCH AND SCHOOL PICNIC.  Put this on your schedule --the annual church / school picnic.  Everyone is invited to participate on SUNDAY, JUNE 10.  Bratwurst sausages will be on the grill, along with hot dogs and chicken, with serving scheduled to begin at 12:00 noon.   Meat and beverages will be available for a nominal fee.  If you can, bring a salad or desert to put add to the buffet table.  This would help assure plenty of side dishes to add to ones’ plate.  Until about 2:30 PM there will be a FREE BINGO and CONTESTS for ALL AGES, SPACE WALK and GAMES for children to add to the fun.  Come for food, fun, and fellowship. Friends and neighbors are welcome too!

 

HELP WANTED….. Anyone interested in working with the sound board on Saturday evenings or Sunday mornings, please contact Pastor Johnson in his office at ext. 241.

 

ST. PAUL SCHOOL NEWS this week

Click here for school newsletter page

 

A STANDING INVITATION…As always, you are invited to join the children at Wednesday’s 8:45 chapel service. This week’s chapel speaker will be our very own Pastor Johnson. 

 

NEXT SUNDAY…during the 9:00 English worship service, the church will recognize two very faithful and dedicated service in the teaching ministry at St. Paul,  Frieda Zemke for 20 years at St. Paul and Sharon Boos for 10 years at St. Paul.  We are truly blessed by their ministry!!!

 

MY MISTAKE…At last Sunday’s voters’ meeting, I forgot to recognize Barb S. as one of the regular afternoon workers in the school office.  Barb…thanks so very much!!!

 

A GREAT TRIP…As part of the school’s social studies curriculum, on Wednesday, May 23rd, the 7th grade students boarded a bus and headed for Springfield, IL.  While at the state’s capital, they visited various historic and governmental sites including the Illinois State Museum, the Illinois Capitol Building, the Lincoln Tomb, and the new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum.  For an added bonus…since the group arrived early, they made an unscheduled stop at Lincoln’s home and saw a film on the life of our 16th president.  The film contained not only information about his life in the White House, but also interesting facts about his life prior to the presidential years.  Sharon Boos, Frieda Zemke, Sarah Zemke, and Doug Grebasch accompanied the children on this exciting field trip.

 

THE 8TH GRADE GRADUATION BANQUET…was held this past Saturday.  The event saw the 8th graders (almost graduates) and their parents enjoy a great evening.  Following the dinner, the parents had the opportunity to see and hear their children display their many talents and abilities.  This is a “super” way to end the school year.  St. Paul wishes to thank all the parents who helped make this event a real success.  A word of thanks goes to a number of the 7th graders and their parents for assisting with serving the meal and especially for the cleanup.  Special thanks go to Mrs. Timms and Mrs. Edwards for directing and organizing this end-of-the-year program.

 

JUNE MEANS SUMMER…SUMMER MEANS BBQ…BBQ MEANS MARKET DAY…Your grill is waiting…Baby Back Ribs (finger-licking good in your favorite sauce)…Ranch Steaks (rare, medium rare, or well done…you make the call)…Steakpatties topped off with a slice of cheese.  No matter what your meal plans are, you can’t go wrong by ordering from Market Day.  Market Day order forms are located in the narthex of the church and in the hallway between the church and the cafeteria.  Orders are due on Tuesday, June 5th, and the pickup date is Thursday, June 14th.  This is the last order until September.  So, just pick up a pencil and place your order today.  THANKS FOR SHOPPING MARKET DAY!!!

 

ORDER FROM INVENTORY…Although individual Manna orders have stopped for the summer, you may still order from inventory and reduce your child’s tuition.  Inventory includes the following cards:

BP Gas ($50), Burger King ($10), CVS Pharmacy ($10), Dominicks ($25), Exxon ($10), JCPenney ($25), Jewel ($10, $25, $100), Kohl’s ($25), Marathon ($25), Panera ($10), Shell Gas ($25), Speedway Gas ($25), Starbucks ($10), Ultra Foods ($20), & Wendy’s ($10).  If you wish to purchase Manna cards, just see Doug or Gail Grebasch on Sunday morning.

 

IN HONOR OF THE MEN AND WOMEN…who have served and are serving in our Armed Forces, some of whom paid the ultimate price that we might live in freedom, the school will observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 28th.  As a result, classes will not be in session.

 

Welcome to Avalanche Ranch: A Wild Ride Through God’s Word.

 

In just two short months, our church will go wild with kids seeking fun and adventure at our Avalanche Ranch VBS!  They’ll be worshipping God through songs and prayer, making Bible Point crafts, and discovering life-changing Bible truths in fun and memorable ways.

 

To have the best adventure possible, we need lots of volunteers who can give some time, energy, and love to the kids who will attend. So let me share a few ideas about ways you might be able to make this program a success.  Please check out the following list, then pray about where God might use you:

 

Station Leaders: Use easy-to-follow leader manuals and prepare one twenty-minute session each day.  Repeat that session…as you lead up to twenty children in…

 

• worship                   • crafts and missions                            • games  • storytelling

• snacks                    • daily closing show               • video Bible study and discussion

• PowerPoint drama, or  • preschool.                                   

                                                            

Ranch Crew Leaders: Shepherd a group of five elementary children through each day’s activities ..…and there’s no preparation!

 

Ranch Crew Leaders for preschoolers: Be a friend and helper to a group of five preschool children …again, with no preparation!

 

Still don’t see something that interests you?  We’d also love to have a…

 

• registration team                  • decorating team                    • photographer      

• publicity coordinator, and      • supply coordinator.

 

Guess what!  There are a few spots for anyone who’s dramatically inclined!  Whatever your gifts, abilities, and time commitment, we’ve got a place for you!

 

We believe that God will use this incredible program to reach many children with the message of his love, so please prayerfully consider your role in Avalanche Ranch VBS.  Feel free to contact me by e-mail, phone, or in person if you have any questions. (For more information about Avalanche Ranch, visit http://www.group.com/vbs. You can even connect with others who have volunteered in similar programs in the past at the VBS message boards.) 

Lynette Welter VBS Director.

 

 

 

 

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.