Discovering Christ’s community through building relationships September 2013

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, At the ELCA National Assembly in Pittsburgh, Elizabeth Eaton was elected as our new ELCA presiding bishop. Her six year term begins on November 1, 2013. The ELCA is made up of 65 synods, each with its own bishop, ours being The Rev. Wayne Miller, Bishop of Metropolitan Chicago Synod. When I first heard the news about our newly elected presiding bishop, I was pretty shocked, as I along with many others thought that our current presiding bishop, The Rev. Mark Hanson, would be re-elected. And so, as I began to digest this news, I could only understand this to be the work of the Holy Spirit, who still works in our world and calls us, as individuals and as the Church, to re-formation and renewal every day. I began to read articles about the assembly, about Bishop Hanson’s final remarks as presiding bishop, and was struck by his words about the Book of Acts—the New Testament book that records the beginning and spreading of the Christian Church. And what struck me was that if we read it only as a recording of history, then we miss something very important—the work of the Holy Spirit and the Church is on-going. It never ends. The Book of Acts is not a history book, but a manual for the Church and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Apostles had to adjust to the culture, the times and the people. The message of Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection, God’s love, mercy and grace incarnate in Jesus, remained the same. But how the message spread changed as the apostles moved throughout the world. And so, we must learn to adapt, too. Bishop Hanson told the assembly that as a denomination, we are at a crossroads—that we need to learn how to attract and keep young families. This means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and aide us in being open and adapting to new ways of doing things. Bishop-elect Eaton spoke of this at the assembly. She called the ELCA to focus on the Gospel and called us to our common mission. She encouraged us to, “Bring Jesus to whoever is living next door. Tell people to check us out; we’re open on Sundays.” Then she paused and reminded the assembly, “We are also seeing Sunday’s are a really bad time for many people. Maybe we have to be more flexible about making it possible for people to come.” I don’t know what that would look like here, but I am hearing God speak in a way that says we must look around us, look into our neighborhood and speak with our neighbors. If we want to be relevant, if we want to reach new people, we must begin to meet our neighbors and ask them about what is

This is a monthly newsletter Of Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, Oak Forest, Il

708-687-2432 rlcreflections@yahoo.com www.redeemerchurchoakforest.org. STAFF Interim Pr. Cynthia Munker revcmm@juno.com Office Admin. Deb Frawley Music Coord. – Jan Strojny Pianist/Organ– Amy Ogarek Sunday School Director- Linda McHugh President- Jim Gunner Vice President- Steve Nowlan We are an official PADS site

on Saturday nights from Oct through March

 

going on in their lives. We must begin to find out about the God they believe in, or the God they don’t believe in. We must pray for God’s guidance in this. We must make the effort to connect with those who live around us if we are going to attract new people, especially young families, and keep them. And, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into us, our congregation, and our denomination. It’s time. Your partner in this new season of the ELCA and Redeemer’s, Pastor Cynthia M. Munker  

 

The Book of Acts Bible Study will be offered on Monday mornings, 10-11:30am and Tuesday evenings,7-8:30 pm beginning Monday, September 16th. The six week course will focus on the work of the Holy Spirit and how the Spirit continues to lead and guide us today.  

 

 

 

 

“God’s  work.  Our  hands.  ”  Sunday  is  September  8th  

“God’  s  work.  Our  hands.”  Sunday  is  an  opportunity  to  celebrate  our  25th  anniversary  as  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  in  America—one  church,  freed  in  Christ  to  serve  and  love  our  neighbor.  We  are  a  church  that  rolls  up  our  sleeves  and  gets  to  work.  

 

On  September  8,  2013,  Redeemer’s  will  join  four  million  members,  nearly  10,000  congregations,  65  synods,  and  the  church-­‐wide  expression  for  a  dedicated  day  of  service.    We  will  clean  up  an  area  of  the  Park  District  for  two  hours,  immediately  following  worship.    If  you  have  a  Redeemer’s  tee  shirt,  please  wear  it.    If  you  don’t,  you  can  make  your  own.    Art  James  has  iron-­‐on  decals  for  white  or  light  colored  tee  shirts.    We  will  wear  our  tee  shirts  proudly  and  let  the  community  around  us  know  we  are  a  congregation  that  cares.  

 

 

WOMAN TO WOMAN Recently I had some free time and decided to watch a movie. As you might suspect, most DVDs in my drawer are musicals so it was a tough decision as to what I felt like singing, I picked "Phantom of the Opera" mostly because I don't know all the words and secondly, you just can't beat the genius that is Andrew Lloyd Webber. So, I'm watching and singing and sniffling all together and in general, having a good time. My favorite song is " Music of the Night” and I rewound the tape to play it a couple of times and then I got to thinking. What is the music of my night? I decided to pay attention when I went to bed that night. It was a balmy evening and the windows were open. Growing up I lived across the street from a firehouse, a block away from the train tracks and right on a busy street so there was always noise at night but we developed an aversion to it and slept right through it. Now I live on a partially wooded lot in back but a busy street in front. So the first thing I noticed was the quiet hum of cars driving by. Oh wait, did I say quiet? What's up with the motorcycle that seems to have stopped dead center in front of my house revving up his engine. And what insects are making that quacking noise? Crickets? Locusts? It sounds like the whole Duck Dynasty family is out there blasting on their duck calls. Now what? Oh great!! Two cats decide to have a fight under my front window. The screeching is unreal. The snoring next to me is other worldly also. That's it! I'm going to the other bedroom where the open window is in the back of the house away from the traffic and cats. Ahh!! Peace! Except now the fountains are going full force and are giving my bladder ideas. There is no music of the night! Only cacophony! Now that I'm fully awake I might as well just start a new book. Hope you have more luck and sweet dreams. Til next month-------------nice chatting with you. Jan Strojny  

 

 

 

Hope you got in a plethora of summer beach reading! Now it's time to get back to discussion and our first selection is "The Sandalwood Tree" by Elle Newmark. We also have a new hostess. The September book club will meet on Thursday, the 19th at 7pm at the home of Jo Phillips. Yeah! This book is a sweeping novel that brings to life two love stories, ninety years apart, set against the rich backdrop of war-torn India. Elle Newmark beautifully captures the sights, smells and sounds of India on the cusp of change, all while spinning a richly layered tale.  

 

 

Christian Education News

School has begun which signals the kick-off of Redeemer’s Sunday School on Sunday, September 15th. We will continue the VBS HayDay theme for Rally Day with another celebration “down on the farm.” We will sing VBS songs and install our 2013-14 teachers and staff during worship. Afterwards, the congregation is invited for “down on the farm” refreshments and games outside for all from HayDay. Be there or be square as we celebrate “Jesus will always love us, He’s my friend!”  

Please mark September 15th on your calendar and join us for worship on Rally Day. Sunday School and Confirmation classes will officially begin the following Sunday, September 22 at 8:30 am. with our opening in the sanctuary.

Looking forward to an exciting year, Hope to see you there.

Linda McHugh

 

 

 

 

TOGETHER WE COPE HELPING HANDS IN 2013: In the month of September we will be collecting canned soups, stews and chili for our October 1st target date. These items are

brought weekly to the food pantry at Together We Cope. Any and all items are welcomed anytime… with the focus being the item of the month. Let’s fill up our Food Baskets in the narthex! Thank you

 

My  nephew  Al  and  I  went  to  the  Thrivent  event,  Feed  My  Starving  Children,  on  Saturday  August  10th  at  the  Lincolnway  West  High  School  in  New  Lenox.  It  was  a  wonderful  event  and  a  great  teaching  moment  for  my  nephew.  We  did  not  know  what  to  expect,  but  all  the  organizers  and  

volunteers  put  us  at  ease  with  their  humor  and  friendliness.  We  watched  a  video  about  the  organization  and  about  how  we  can  all  change  the  lives  of  so  many  children  in  our  short  time  there.  After  the  video  we  were  put  into  a  large  hall  with  food  stations  where  we  were  taught  to  pack  up  the  food  with  teams  of  about  10  people.  There  were  a  lot  of  kids  there,  which  was  great  to  see  and  we  had  fun  competing  with  other  teams  to  see  who  could  pack  up  the  most  boxes.  Our  table  packed  up  enough  food  to  feed  97  children  for  a  year!!!    And  it  was  only  two  hours  of  our  time.  Al  loved  it  and  we  will  definitely  go  back  next  year.  

Marilyn  Fisher  

               

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Sue Moore; Debby Nowlan; Harriet Trombino; Amanda Frawley; Joan DeLeeuw; Bob Kropack; Sue Deems; Caitlin Nadolski; Lois Oset; Harold Carver; Sue Hanaway; Dick Werner; Emma Orta, Kelly Karesh; Emily Wheeler; Pat Brownlow; Ernest Christmas; Gloria Hahn; Ray Thompson; Elsabet, Nahom, Kaleb, & family. For those grieving, especially, Barb Groskopf and family, Dolores Sheputis and family. For newly elected Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, & outgoing Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson. Please pray for clarity of purpose, continued mission and unity within the ELCA.

Brothers  and  Sisters  in  Christ,  

Thank  you  for  all  your  prayers,  love,  visits,  hugs,  cards,  e-­mails,  phone  calls  and  support  during  the  past  10  months.  The  journey  is  now  complete  and  all  the  acts  of  kindness  and  love  have  made  the  bus  ride  a  little  easier.  

Thank  you  for  being  on  the  John  Boy  BUS.  

Thank  you  for  the  Meals  of  Love  during  John’s  illness  and  a  special  thank  you  to  all  the  ladies  who  brought  goodies  for  the  sweet  table  at  McKenzie’s  and  the  Celebration  luncheon  for  John  Boy.  

More  special  thanks  for  those  who  came  to  the  Campfire  on  Tuesday,  August  6th,  to  honor  John.  

              You  have  all  been  a  blessing.  In  His  Name,  

              Barb  Groskopf  and  family  

 

Our prayers and deepest sympathies go to Barb Groskopf and family on the passing of John; Dolores Sheputis and

family on the passing of Dolores’ sister.

May the love of Jesus Christ and the sure and certain promise of resurrection into life eternal bring them peace,

hope and healing in the midst of their grief.

 

Thank you to Barb Groskopf for bringing goodies to share with PADS and the congregation on August 11th. We are most grateful.

 

The Men's group took August off as far as Breakfast is concerned so lets have one September 21 at 8:30 A. M. at Kingsbury in Oak Forest on 159th Street. Hopefully we can have good attendance so we can discuss future projects. A Special thanks to all the ladies who came and helped with the tree cutting. Thanks to Mick Strojny, B.C. Cummens, Gary Rickert, Steve Nolan and Art James for all their help and equipment to cut down the 5 trees as well. We are looking to do a couple of dinners for PADS in the future- at least one before the New Year and one in the spring. Well, see you and keep smiling, with Christ in your heart. Dan Frawley

Dear Friends,

Please accept our belated thank you for your June donation of $567.50 for our food pantry and for your support of Together We Cope in our mission to assist south suburban families in crisis. Services like our food pantry, which currently provides groceries to an average of 65 families per day, are critical to such families as they cope with their crisis.

We are able to continue in our mission to assist area families in temporary crisis because of the support of partners like you. We thank you for your gift.

Sincerely,

Cate Dietz, Office Manager

Dear Friends in Christ,

Thank you for your recent gift of $100.00 to LSSI. We are grateful to your congregation for standing with us as we serve the poorest of the poor in Illinois. As Christians we believe that all things work together for good. Surely your congregation’s gift will bring good to those who rely on Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and its ministries. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness.

Sincerely,

David M.A. Jensen

Interim President/ COO

TUESDAY TUNE UPS

As the summer comes to a close, we keep going. We have “attempted” to keep up with the Zumba Gurus. Not too badly, I will admit. I am sure more of that will be happening in September. We have regrouped into walking buddies, to

tour the neighborhood. A couple of real troopers stay after our class to beautify the church’s grounds. That takes a lot of stamina to continue after a workout. We will continue to meet on Tuesday mornings at 9am throughout the

year. We hope you will make time out of your schedule to join us.

See you Tuesday!!

Across  the  U.S.,  Lutherans  have  been  coming  together  to  raise  awareness  and  funds  to  fight  malaria-­‐  and  our  work  is  making  a  difference!  In  TANZANIA:  

• The number of children under the age of five that are using bed nets to protect them from mosquito bites rose from 66% to 89%.

• There has been a 100% increase in the number of pregnant mothers receiving life-saving malaria treatment and training on how to recognize the symptoms.

• More than 700 health workers have been trained to diagnose and treat malaria.

• Nearly 1.2 million people have been reached with education on malaria prevention and control messages through Sunday school classes.

In fact, nearly THREE MILLION people in Africa have been touched through Lutheran World Relief’s malaria work to date. And as their health improves, so does their ability to earn a living, receive education and support their families.

 

1,  In  celebration  of  Tony  &  Amy  Ogarek’s  Anniversary.  

8,  In  celebration  of  Jennah  Kanacki’s  8th  birthday.  

15,  In  memory  of  Sandy  Krell.  

22,  In  celebration  of  Ben  Gunner’s  14th  birthday.  

29,  In  celebration  of  Andrew  &  Alec  Ogarek’s  birthdays.  

October 27th is still available to dedicate flowers. Please sign up on the chart in the Narthex.

 

 

One-on-Ones continue Throughout September

Pastor will continue the interviews regarding your faith journeys throughout September. She will meet you in your homes, places of employment, or in her office. There is a sign up sheet on her door, so please schedule a time to speak with her.

 

6, Tony & Amy Ogarek 8, Gary & Marilyn Rickert 10, Ray & Mary Ann White

8, Marilyn Rickert 10, Susan Deems 11, Jennah Kanacki 15, Carole Devos 25, Diana Carr Ben Gunner Cathy Thrun 27, Tom Schoenbeck 30, Andrew Ogarek LECTOR COMMUNION ASST.

Sept 1 Deb Frawley Andrew Ogarek Sept 8 Steve Nowlan Deb Nowlan Sept 15 Sunday School Crew Dan Frawley/ Alison Gunner Sept 22 Jeff Kanacki Jennifer Kanacki Sept 29 Jim Gunner Gary Miller  

Ushers for September: Jay Kropack, Joan DeLeeuw, Debbi Animagi, & Nancy Ulloa

Noisy  Offering  begins  September  1st  This  year's  noisy  offering,  taken  during  the  children's  sermon,  will  go  towards  buying  Malaria  Nets.    The  ELCA  has  a  year  long  campaign  for  

purchasing  Malaria  Nets,  $10  per  net,  in  order  to  wipe  out  this  mosquito  born  disease.    And  this  year,  we  will  pass  the  can  around  to  everyone  in  the  congregation.    So  come  prepared  to  drop  your  coins  into  the  can.  Let's  all  

work  towards  wiping  out  Malaria!  

Dear  Prayer  Shawl  Ministry  Ladies,  

  Thanks  so  very  much,  for  your  love,  prayers  and  the  beautiful  Prayer  Shawl.  

I  am  mending  and  getting  stronger  daily.  Your  prayers  and  concern  are  truly  a  blessing  and  deeply  appreciated.  

              God  bless  you,                 Our  love  and  prayers                 Ernest  &  Shirley  Christmas    

Dear  Redeemer’s  Lutheran  Church  women,  

  The  prayer  shawl  you  made  for  me  is  lovely.  I  have  it  on  as  I  write-­  the  yarn  is  so  soft  and  cozy.  I  love  the  plum  color  with  the  white.  Most,  I  appreciate  your  love  and  concern,  and  prayers.  

              Thank  you  so  much,  

              Sincerely,  

              Pat  Brownlow  

 

Dear Winnie $ Redeemer’s Church Women,

I want to thank you all so much for your lovely prayer shawl and all the prayers that you all said for me while I was in the hospital recovering from my heart attack. It is the most moving gift that I have ever received. The colors are perfect. Your shawl will come in handy down here in Florida because churches, restaurants and shopping malls are very cold. I am in much better health, so thanks for all your prayers. (they worked)

Sincerely, Gloria Hahn

 

 

Thank  you  to  all  those  who  continue  to  keep  our  grounds  looking  lovely  and  well  cared  for.    Special  thanks  to  Carol  Schaafsma   and  Winnie   French   for   coming   to   the   August  council  meeting  with  an  update  about  the  condition  of  our  bushes,  and  valuable  suggestions  on  what  steps  we  might  take   to   address   their   concerns.    We   are  most   grateful   to  you!  

 

 

Thank you, Jan Strojny and Winnie French for the beautiful new prayer shawls that you knit or crocheted these past several months. Those who have received them have been blessed with comfort and hope, knowing that each stitch represents a prayer on their behalf.

 

Thank  you  Pat  Kropack  and  Jan  Strojny  for  making  the  Blanket  of  Love  for  Steve  Schoenbeck  as  we  bid  him  Farewell  and  Godspeed  before  he  left  for  college.    The  blanket  serves  as  a  visual  reminder  to  Steve  that  he  is  surrounded  by  our  love  and  prayers  as  he  begins  a  new  chapter  in  his  life.    We  are  so  grateful  that  you  both  have  shared  your  gifts  and  handwork  by  making  this  blanket  on  behalf  of  Redeemer’s.      

 

 

Thank  you  Winnie  French  and  Carol  Schaafsma  for  hosting  the  lovely  fellowship  following  worship  on  August  25th.      The  fresh  baked  goodies,  fruit  and  cheese  trays  tasted  great  and  the  rearrangement  of  furniture  for  conversation  created  special  places  for  us  to  catch  up  with  one  another.    We  were  blessed  and  are  very  thankful  to  you  both.  

(A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board for anyone who would like to host a fellowship following worship).