On this page:  FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN  UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES, FROM THE PARISH NURSE, NEWS ETC…, YOUTH MINISTRY, ELSEWHERE, SOMETHING TO SHARE, PEOPLE ARE VERY IMPORTANT, SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS, CALENDAR (including birthdays)

 

 

 

 

THE NEWSLETTER

of St. Paul Lutheran Church

AUGUST 2005

 

Echo God's Love

 

 

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.

 

Nuestro propósito es alcanzar a familias e individuos de todo grupo étnico y económico e involucrarlos en una relación sanadora y transformadora con el Señor Jesús y con otros en su Iglesia por medio del compartimiento de Su Palabra y Sacramentos.

 

Upcoming Worship Services

Click here for this week's calendar of events.

 

From the Pastor’s Pen                        

“B o d y     P a r t s”

 

 

It happened very quickly.  One day our family was part of a large parish; the next day we found ourselves part of a newly born mission congregation.  How all this came about is really unimportant.  But the change from a large established congregation to a struggling mission was both depressing and yet exciting.

 

For a number of months the fledgling congregation worshiped in what had served as the city’s Ration Board Building during World War II.  I remembered going there with my parents to obtain different colored tokens permitting us to purchase sugar and other products which were in short supply as a result of the war.

 

Every Sunday morning a group of us would rush over to the Ration Board Building to set up chairs and a makeshift altar.  We carried in hymnals and other worship materials.  Of course, following the service, everything had to be removed or taken down until the next week.

 

Eventually we were able to use the dance hall in the Memorial Building which was part of the city’s park district.  It was a bright, cheerful, place along the Fox River as it flowed northward toward Green Bay.  But there, too, we had our work cut out for us.  Every Saturday the city sponsored dances in the hall.  We would arrive very early Sunday morning to sweep the floor, set up chairs, cover the large dance pictures which hung on the walls with bed sheets, and air out the room from the smell of stale smoke and beer.  Of course, we still had to carry in the hymnals and return everything back to its proper place.

 

The growing congregation purchased a parcel of land, hired an architect, and set about to build its own sanctuary.  The winter before the church was built we held our Advent services in an old house which stood on the property as the dance hall was not available on Wednesday evenings.  Some of the men from the parish took out the non-bearing walls and reinforced the main floor of the house.  The basement looked like forest of 2 x 4’s.

 

When the time came for building our church, the congregation had the contractor set the foundation and put up the large wooden arches that would support the roof.  Everything else was done by the congregation members – men, women, and children.  The men did the hard labor while the women provided food and helped with lighter tasks.  The older children, such as myself, carried cinder blocks and helped wherever we could.  The finished building would easily seat 200+ people.

 

Everyone who helped felt needed.  They were truly a part of the congregation.  Our participation gave us a sense of belonging.  It wasn’t “their” congregation (whoever “their” was); it was “our” congregation.

In his First Letter to the Corinthians (Chapter 12), the Apostle Paul speaks of the Church as being a body with all its individual parts.  He points out how we are totally dependant upon each other.  The experience I had as a young boy in the mission congregation was living proof of Paul’s words.

 

When we do not participate, we miss out on one of the greater experiences one can have as a member of a Christian congregation.  By our lack of participation, we also hinder the work of others.  We certainly make their burden greater.  It isn’t always easy, nor does everyone get along all the time, but, in the end, the blessings of fellowship and the sense of taking part in the Lord’s work – even carrying cinder blocks – make it all worthwhile.  The losers in all this were those who had the time but failed to become involved.  Sadly, they were often the same people who were the first to criticize the work being done.

 

Why did my parents and others devote themselves to what was a two year building project?  The answer is simple: The Lord’s love for them and their love for the Lord and his Church.

 

May God bless each of us with a greater awareness of our place in the Body of Christ – the Christian community – and with willing hearts and hands to do whatever we can to advance his Kingdom.

 

FROM THE PARISH NURSE

Mrs. Marlene Groll

L Y M E    D I S E A S E

 

Lyme disease first became a public health issue in 1977, when the town of Lyme, Conn. observed a cluster of pediatric arthritis cases. Since then the illness has increased in incidence and in number of cases reported. The deer tick in north-eastern and north-central United States and the western black-legged tick on the Pacific coast are the carriers of Lyme disease.

 

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium. When ticks become infected with this type of bacterium, the disease is transmitted by their biting humans or animals. Therefore you may develop the disease if bitten by an infected tick. This disease is not contagious nor can it be spread from one person to another.

 

Early symptoms following a bite may include a circular "bull’s eye" rash at the site of the bite, joint and muscle aches, fatigue or a mild fever. These symptoms are not always displayed in the early stages but symptoms can develop from 3-31 days after the bite occurs. If early stages go unnoticed, later symptoms can include pain and swelling of joints, numbness and tingling of the hands, feet or back, increased fatigue, weakened facial muscles and the inability to concentrate.

Diagnosis and treatment in the early stages is important for a rapid and complete recovery. If left untreated, complications can arise months or even years after the infection. Antibiotics are the treatment of choice and need to be properly prescribed by a physician. It is also important to complete the entire course of medication as ordered.

 

Prevention will reduce the risk of contracting the disease. When in wooded areas for camping or recreation wear light colored clothing that covers your body. Long sleeves shirts and long pants tucked into socks would be a good choice. Walk in the middle of the trails to prevent rubbing against plants and use a repellent that contains DEET. Do not sit on the ground, on grassy areas or in leaf piles. Take a shower as soon as possible after returning from the outing. Check your body and those of any small children or pets that have gone with you. Wash clothing to kill any remaining ticks. Also check your own back yards for bushes or plants that may attract ticks. Please see bulletin board for more information.

 

Portions adapted from article by Maria Overstreet, RN,CCNS,MSN.

 

 

NEWS ETC.

JOB OPPORTUNITY  The Chicagoland Regional Office will be holding two career seminar events designed for professional individuals interested in learning more about the financial planning career opportunity with Thrivent Financial..  This is a great chance to meet with current associates and see what it takes to be a successful associate from those who know it vest. These events will be held on the evening of Thursday, September 15, 2005 with the first session at 5:00 PM and the second session at 7:00 PM.  For more information and to RSVP, please contact the regional office at 630/598-2113

 

I.C.E. YOUR CELL PHONE Excerpt taken from the Chicago Tribune.  A man had a heart attack recently at a theme park in Gurnee, sending emergency workers scrambling to find someone to notify because he was unable to communicate and had no identification with him.  He did have a cellular phone, and the Gurnee Fire Chief said workers dialed dozens of numbers to locate a family member.  Between their personnel and the park personnel trying to track down his family in the park, it took a considerable amount of time.  This has become a typical situation where the vast majority of times people carry their cell phone, but other identification they may not have.
            Now there is a simple idea spreading across the nation to help in such situations.  Cell phone users are asked to program into their phones the names and numbers of people they want contacted preceded by the acronym I.C.E., for “In Case of Emergency.’  That way, if paramedics and emergency personnel locate a cell phone, they can contact someone right away.
            A paramedic with the East Anglican Ambulance Service in England originated the concept because he said he often responded to calls where and injured or sick person had a cell phone, but it was unclear whom to call.  The ambulance agency’s Web site indicates that 75 percent of people don’t carry emergency contact information.  That becomes especially vexing when a person needs a medical procedure and there is no one to give immediate consent, said Matt Ware, an ambulance service spokesman.  Programming a cell phone is not the only way to keep your emergency contacts, just an easy one, he said.  The basic concept of sticking this information in your mobile was never to be a penance or be the be-all end-all for contact of the next kin.  It’s just an extra thing you can do that doesn’t cost any money.
            The idea of I.C.E. was first promoted in April, mainly through a Web site and circulating posters, fliers and e-mails within the health care industry.  But in recent weeks, some police fire and emergency departments in the U.S. have endorsed it and are spreading the word.  The Chicago Police Department has circulated an internal bulletin about the cell phone plan, and Gurnee issued news releases campaigning for the idea and saying the plan  would be promoted in schools.
            “It’s a good idea for people who carry cell phones to keep an emergency number in it,” said Pat Camden, a Chicago police spokesman.  “if a police officer finds someone in an accident and they are unconscious, this gives us a resource to reach out to the most important people.”

 

WALTHER LUTHERAN H.S.  On Sunday, October 16, Walther Lutheran High School’s Boosters Club will be sponsoring its annual Oktoberfest.  Oktoberfest 2005 will feature polka bands, singing groups, German sing-a-longs, Kid’s carnival games, a craft fair and silent auction, great German food –brats, kraut, German potato salad delicious homemade baked goods and Bronco Thrift Shop treasures will also be available. This fundraising event is. Bring your friends and family for a fun afternoon.  Admission is free.  If you wish to donate items for the silent auction or bake sale contact Autumn Haras at 773- 589-9823 (aharas@sbcglobal.net)  Arts & Crafts booths are available for a nominal fee, please contact Elizabeth Gallup at 708-456-9028.

 

INCREDIBLE LIGHT GATHERING.  All women are invited to attend the Incredible Light Gathering on Saturday, October 1st, at Hickory Ridge Marriott.  She the page enclosed in the print edition for details and registration form.  In addition, everyone is encouraged to contribute items on the following list for the “ingathering”.  These will be taken on the 1st and given to Lutheran Child and Services.  Please bring your items by Sunday, September 25, and put them in the box in front of the church.  Items requested are: 

 

2-pocket folders

Wireless notebooks

Liquid correction paper (fluid or correction tape)

Pens (blue, black, red)

Staplers, staples, staple removers

Glue, glue sticks

Erasable pens (blue, black)

Tape, tape dispensers

Construction paper

Erasers (not pencil tops)

Pencil boxes / Rulers / Pencils

Protractors / Poster board

Safety scissors

Safety compass

 

 

 

YM @ St. Paul

ST. PAUL YOUTH GROUP.  See the Chimes for youth group calendar events.

 

ELSEWHERE

 

 

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois  Golf ‘Fore” Kids 2005 sets record

            This summer a record of number of golfers throughout the state turned out to support LCFS and the children they serve – 369 to be exact.

            LCFS sponsored three golf outings in June (Springfield, Northern Illinois, and Mt. Vernon).  Business sponsors and individuals who generously help ed underwrite the cost of these events so that all the funds raised by the golfers could go directly to support the children at LCFS and its programs including foster care, counseling, adoption, intact family recovery, extended family support, housing advocacy, and food and clothing distribution, as well as the residents at Lutherbrook Child and Adolescent Center and Southern Thirty Adolescent Center.  All the staff and volunteers who worked behind the scenes helped make these events successful.  These events together  raised over $103,000.   Among the participants, Northern Illinois co-chairs, Don Offermann and our own Jamie S., and our chairman of the Deacons, John F.

 

St. Joseph High School, Westchester, will hold its annual reunion weekend on Friday, September 16th and Saturday, September 17th .  Friday, September 16 will be St. Joseph’s Homecoming football game vs. St. Viator.  An alumni reception will follow the game.  The reunion dinner/dance will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Wyndham Drake, Oakbrook, and the following classes will be honored:  1965 (4oth anniversary); 1975 (30th anniversary); 1980 (25th anniversary); 1985 (20th anniversary); 1995 (19th anniversary).  For more information contact the St. Joseph Development Office at 708-562-7488 or email Tracy Greco at tgreco@stjoeshc.org.

LEARN SPANISH at Nuevos Horizontes. The Triton College Community Center located in Melrose Park offers you the opportunity of learning Spanish while you go where the language is spoken, immerse yourself in the Latino culture, practice conversation with native Spanish speakers from different Latin-American countries. Adult Beginning Conversational Spanish courses will be offered this Fall, on Monday 6-7:50 PM, starting Aug. 29 – Dec. 12.  Spanish I is for children ages  8 -12), and will start on Sept. 12 through Nov. 14, on Monday, 4 – 5:30 PM.  For more information call or visit Nuevos Horizontes, 1708 Main St., Melrose Park, 708/649-2101.

 

SOMETHING TO SHARE…

Three Bullets

There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat.  He had an old rifle and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go out hunting and kill some wild game for dinner.   As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit. He shot at the rabbit and missed it. The rabbit ran away.  Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it. The squirrel disappeared into a hole in a cottonwood tree.  As he went further, he saw a large wild "Tom" turkey in the tree, but he had only one bullet left.

A voice spoke to him and said, "Pray first, aim high and stay focused." However, at the same  time, he saw a deer which was a better kill. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake.

Still, the voice said again to him, "I said 'Pray, Aim high and Stay focused."  So, the man decided to listen to God's voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild  turkey. The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer.  The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it. And, when the gun had gone off, it knocked the man into a pond. When he stood up to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a dead deer and a turkey to feed his family.

The snake (Satan) was dead simply because the man listened to God.   Moral of the story: Pray first before you do anything,  Aim and shoot high in your goals, and stay focused on God. Never let others discourage you concerning your past. The past  is exactly that "the past." Live every day one day at a time  and remember that only God knows our future and that he will not put you through any more than you can bear. Do not look to man for your blessings, but look to God only. He has prepared in advance for you in your favor. Wait, be still and patient: keep God first and everything else will follow.   

 

PVI (People are Very Important)

….Please keep in your prayers the following church members who have been hospitalized and/or recuperating at home: Gladys M., Lee Ann H., Erna F., Alinda W., Lina J., Marilyn Y., Alma M., Jane L., Norma H., Barbara P.

 …A Thank-You card was received in the church office from member Dorothy Z. to her friends and members of our congregation:  I’m sure you hear it all the time, considering the kind of people you are.  I don’t know how to express myself without simply saying ‘Thank-you.’ I am not going to say ‘You shouldn’t have,’ because to tell you the truth, I am so glad you did.  It really meant a lot to me.  Thank you all for your prayers, thanks to the Care Corps for the beautiful picture of our lovely church. I appreciate your sending it to me.”

….Our sympathy goes to the family of Alma Barber, whom our Heavenly Father called to her eternal rest the past July 30.  A funeral service was officiated in our church by our interim pastor, David Kluge.

….To long time member Verna Scott on the passing of her daughter Katrina Julia Hand this past August 10.

 

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED

 

From July 24 through August 14, 2005

 

B:  Birthday      A:  Anniversary      M: Memorial      G: Gift     T/O:  Thank-offering      S/O:  Special  Offering

 

Church End.:  M:  Alma B.   B:  Ver B.  (Total: $360)

Care Corps:  B:  Erna F.   G:  Alexander F. G.   (Total: $75)

A. Guild:  B:  Ruth S, Erna F.  M:  Anna S.  (Total: $126)

 

 

Weekly CALENDAR and birthday listings are always in the Chimes.

 

                          (HC) Indicates that there is Holy Communion in this service.                             

                                             S e p t e m b e r    2 0 0 5

 

Happy Birthday to the following Members who celebrate their birthdays in September:

                   SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

 

 

 

1.  Marilyn H.

3.    Henry M., Jena M.

4.    James A., Dominique S.

5.    Barbara K.

8.   Howard N., Mary F., Barbara G.

9.   Stacia P.

10.  Felix C., Jessica T., Gabriela B., Laura B.

11.  Rachel B., Rebecca G.

12. Rev. Ruben Dominguez.

13. Elaine S., Gabrielle B., Adam W.

14. Margaret S., John W., Charles S.

17. Charles L., Sharon B., Thomas H.

18.  Ernestine A.

19.  Mary K., Tina B.

20.  Jeannine K.

21.  Rachel B.

22.  Arme D.

24.  Elizabeth M., Sarah G.

25.  Roedonther P., Elizabeth T.

26.  Sarah Nicole G.

27.  Paul S., Thaddeus S.

28.  Marie L., Gail G.

29.  Bertha D., Emily B.

30.  Demetrice W.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

2

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

5:30  Cont. Service

4

 

  9:00  Worship Service (HC)          

          Worship Svc. Spanish

10:15  Coffee Fellowship

10:30  S.S./Christian Growth Hr.

 

 

5      Labor Day

Offices Closed

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7:00  Praise Team

7    

 

 

10:00  Bible Study

 

 

 

7:00  Deacons/Prop.

8

 

 

9:00 Quilters

 

 

3:00 Market Day P/u

9

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5:30  Cont. Svce.  (HC)

11      

 

 9:00  Worship Service

          Worship Svc. Spanish

10:15  Coffee Fellowship

10:30  S.S./Christian Growth Hr.

 

 

12

   

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

7:00  Praise Team

14

 

 

10:00  Bible Study

 

 

 

7:00  Stewardship/Ed

15

 

9:00 Quilters

 

        Mailers

 

7:00  Choir Rehearsal

        (Resumes)

16

 

 

 

 

 

3:00  Faith-Love-Sex,

      (Over Tea Program)

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5:30  Cont. Service

18 

 

  9:00  Worship Service  (HC)

           Worship Svc. Spanish

10:15  Coffee Fellowship

10:30  S.S./Christian Growth Hr.