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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 March 23, 2008 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, – March 23 - 30, 2008
TODAY:	9:00 AM	Worship Service (HC) (Easter Sunday)
	7:30-8:30	Easter Breakfast (served also from 10:15 to 11:00)
	11:30 AM	Servicio de Adoración (SC)
School Spring Break…Classes to Resume on Monday, the 31^st
THURSDAY:	9:00 AM	Quilters
SATURDAY:	5:30 PM	Contemporary Service (HC)
SUNDAY:	9:00 AM	Easter Worship Service (HC)
	11:30 AM	Servicio de Adoración (SC)
	10:30 AM	Sunday School / Christian Growth Hr.

“My sister Norma sang her Easter praises early, and the many expressions of sympathy I received have helped me remember that fact as I grieved.  Thank you!  Laura L”.

MISSION SUNDAY POTLUCK is next Sunday, March 30. The Rev. Keith Haney, one of the facilitators for new mission congregations for the Northern Illinois District, will be the guest preacher and the speaker at the noon potluck. Plan to attend!

DRAMA MINISTRY. The Chancel Drama presented by the Drama Ministry Team on March 12 at the evening Lenten service was House and Home by Jeff Arthurs, performed by Al B., Natalie J., Chuck L. and Lynette W.  The reading of the Passion from Matthew chapters 26 & 27 during the Palm Sunday service was presented by Al B., Gabrielle B., Reggie J., Mia K., and Lynette W.  Special thanks to Carl F. for setting up the sound for both.

CHRISMONS are Christian symbols made into ornaments.  A group of St. Paul ladies are making them to use on our church Christmas tree beginning this year.  They are being made from quality pearls and gold beads.  Because they need to be large for our large tree the cost is approximately $10-$15 per ornament. There is no budget for these, so gifts to the Chrismon Fund would be much appreciated.  The church office is receiving your contributions--and with your help we will have a truly beautiful and meaningful tree this year!

CARD PARTY. Join the fun next Wednesday, March 26, at 1:00 PM in the St. Paul cafeteria. Please notify any Care Corps member that you are coming. Let us know if you need a ride.

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:

Lina J.	Fred M.	Jordan T.	Oliver 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 March 22^nd through 28^th

22:	Maria Koehne.
25:	Ralph Smith, Alicia Robinson.
26:	Jazmin Pruitt.
27:	Janet Weerts, Kimberly Holyfield.

ü For those who mourn,

The family of former member Martha (Wertz) Engel, who died recently in Wisconsin. A funeral service will take place tomorrow, here in our church, officiated by Pastor R. Bader of St. John, Lena, IL

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!”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

STEWARDSHIP CORNER. The women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. Confused and distressed at finding an empty tomb, they were further bewildered to hear the words of “a young man dressed in a white robe. . . ‘[Jesus] has risen! He is not here . . . Go, tell His disciples and Peter . . .” (Mark 16:5-7). Easter is the celebration of the Empty Tomb. Every Sunday we are reminded, “Go, tell!” Like the women, we may be “trembling and bewildered” (Mark 16:8), but, we, too, are emboldened by God’s Spirit to carry out His command. Go tell. He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

HAPPY EASTER FROM THE YOUTH GROUP!!!!! Appalachia News – The countdown is rolling: You now officially have one week and one day to give me your deposit to go to Appalachia and we have 11 weeks until we get to go! For those of you signed up to go, please don’t forget that our first meeting will be Sunday, April 6^th. PADS – A big thanks to everyone who donated towels for us to take to PADS last Thursday! Rummage Sale – The rummage sale approaches! We will still take donations of items and look forward to seeing everyone shopping through the sale! If anyone would like to volunteer time to help set up and take down, we will also gladly take that! Spring is coming; hallelujah!

EXODUS WORLD SERVICE, a Christian refugee assistance organization, invites you to attend the “Celebration of Hope” annual dinner on Friday evening, April 4, 2008. The reception begins at 6:30 with dinner at 7:15 at Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The dinner is complementary and reservations are required. An opportunity will be provided to make a gift to support this ministry. If you would like to receive an individual invitation and sit at a table with other St. Paul guests, please contact Angela Zabransky at 708-345-4795 by Thursday, March 27.

THE CARE CORPS MINISTRY supports the Proviso Food Pantry with financial aid as well as through the collection of needed commodities. On April 12-13 and April 19-20 the corps is sponsoring a collection of bathroom tissue and a new item very much in need: disposable diapers. These items cannot be purchased with food stamps. All sizes of diapers are needed, especially sizes 4 to 6. Cash donations will also be accepted. We encourage your support. Containers will be placed at all entrances to the church where you can deposit your donations.

SPANISH COURSE FOR BEGINNERS to start next Tuesday, March 25. Pastor Ruben Dominguez of Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicago will be offering a Spanish course for beginners. Classes will be offered every Tuesday at 7:30 till 9:00pm. The course will start on March 25 and will end on May 13. Trinity’s school building located on Meade and Wrightwood Avenues (across Riis Park in the Old Brickyard Shopping Mall neighborhood) in Chicago will be the course location. The cost is $90 dollars plus the textbook. For detailed information, please call 847-826-1646 and talk to Pastor Dominguez.

Our sincere thanks to members and friends who purchased Easter Lilies to beautify the chancel for today’s services.

ST. PAUL SCHOOL NEWS this week

Click here for school newsletter page

ANGELA ZABRANSKY…the school secretary, eloped with an elephant trainer. That was how the rumor ended. In reality, all that happened was that Angela went to the zoo and came down with a bad case of the flu. She’s back in the office and has proofread this edition of the Crusaders’ Adventures. Once a rumor starts, the story keeps building and it becomes almost impossible to stop. The tongue, even though it is just a small part of the human body, can deliver more hurt than a closed fist. Paul warned his fellow Christians, and he warns us too, about spreading rumors. He plainly tells us to encourage one another, not put each other down. In a most humorous skit, this was the message that Chelci Spiegel, Jeff Kiel, Mia Koehne, Jane Pluss, and Pastor Tom shared with the children in chapel. A special word of thanks goes to Chelci for a wonderful chapel. This week’s chapel speaker will be a representative from the Muslim Ministry. Please accept this warm invitation to worship with the children of your school. Chapel is held each Wednesday morning beginning at 8:45.

SPEAKING OF CHAPEL…As part of their offerings, the children are bringing canned goods to chapel to help support the local food pantry. If you would like to assist with this worthwhile project, bring a canned item or two when you come to church. Just place them in the narthex. THANKS!!!

ANOTHER WON…This past week, the 5^th & 6^th grade boys’ basketball team, coached by Ollie Hemmann, took to the road to play Immanuel – Hillside. Once again, your Crusaders’ offensive fired on all cylinders.

CHALK UP ANOTHER ST. PAUL VICTORY!!!

A PLAY…On Tuesday, the children in Junior Kindergarten will head for Concordia University to see the play, Dougly the Uckling. Just the name of the play says the “kids” are going to have a great time.

THE STRING CONTINUES…no, not the string on a yo-yo, but the string of league victories. On Tuesday, the 5^th & 6^th grade boys’ basketball team traveled to Forest Park to take on Walther Academy. Once again, your Crusaders were dominating on the court. With St. Paul in complete control of both boards, the Academy was denied any attempt at a second shot. On the offensive side of the court, your Crusaders were able to work the ball into the middle and hit the shot in the paint. St. Paul’s quickness at the guard positions created numerous fast-break opportunities. When all was said and done, the Crusaders walked off the court with a double-digit victory! GREAT GOING, ST. PAUL!!!

IF YOUR CHILD…participated in the Hoops for Heart or Jump Rope for Heart program, please be reminded that collection envelopes and donations are due on Monday, March 17^th. If you have any questions, please contact Bethany Vasilie at extension 222. THANKS!!!

SPRING BREAK…will begin on Good Friday, March 21^st, and continue through the following week. Are the “kids” looking forward to a week off of school…the answer is obvious.

WALK THE ROAD THAT MATTERS…no, not the road that leads to the Super Bowl or even the road that leads to the Final Four. The road that matters, the road Christ walked for you and me, is the one which leads to Golgotha. Beginning today and throughout the week, we have the opportunity to follow Christ on a road only He could walk. The week begins with the joyous shouts of “Hosanna” and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” from the crowd, while palm branches are strewn to pave the way of our Lord’s entry into Jerusalem. Yet, only a few short days later, one of His disciples betrays his Lord for thirty pieces of silver. That road now leads to the Sanhedrin where He is blindfolded, spat upon, and beaten.