MentalIllness The devil doesn’t play fairly. His goal is to steal, to kill, to destroy. It matters not who is hurt in the process. He finds contentment in hatred and anger, in grief and shame, in brokenness and disorder, in sickness and death. Anyone who has suffered from chronic pain, heart disease, cancer, a hereditary condition, a physical handicap, or some other debilitating disease knows the temptation to despair. But temptations to despair are not limited to afflictions of the body. They are also there for afflictions of the mind. Though it isn’t talked about as openly, there are many who suffer from various types of mental illness. The most common type is depression, which takes many forms. But there are plenty of other types of mental disorders: anxiety, mood, psychotic, eating, impulse control, addiction, personality, obsessive-compulsive, post-traumatic stress, adjustment, dissociative, factitious, sexual, gender, somatic symptom, tic, etc. Unfortunately, most people do not rightly understand mental illness. They view it solely as a person’s mood, easily within a person’s scope to manage, or something that a person simply needs to “get over.” While there are mild and temporary forms of depression and disorders that can be managed with minimal or no treatment, there are many types of mental illness that are more serious and require medical, psychological, and/or psychiatric help. Our culture is finally talking openly about mental illness, its dangers, and its treatments. As a pastor, I fully support these efforts. It is not uncommon for me to offer pastoral care to those members who suffer from some type of mental illness. If this is something you struggle you, I invite you to speak with me so that I can help you with the spiritual side of battling this illness. Pastoral care won’t cure your mental illness any more than pastoral care will cure your cancer. But it is a very important piece in a much larger puzzle of helpful support. A few days after Easter I learned that one of the ladies I knew from my vicarage congregation — my supervising pastor’s wife, who is also a mother and grandmother — took her own life. Unbeknownst to me (and to most who knew her), she had been battling mental illness for some time and was even being treated for it. Her loving family did everything they could to provide her with the care and support she needed. Sadly, she was overcome by her mental illness and committed suicide. Below is a letter written by her husband (now a retired pastor) on behalf of their entire family to the congregation following her death. Though this letter went out publicly to the entire congregation and to former vicars and members, I will replace her actual name with “NAME” out of respect for their privacy.

It is with great sadness that we write to inform you of the death of our dear wife and mother, NAME. NAME died on Wednesday, April 19th, by taking her own life in her home. Most of you are unaware that NAME, for unknown reasons, had been battling deep-seated depression and anxiety for an extended period of time, something of which she and I had not openly spoken, out of a desire for privacy. NAME had been in counseling and was under medical treatment when she was apparently overcome by her mental illness. As is the case with so many suffering from this condition, no one fully understood how troubled she was or how deeply rooted this had grown. As Christians, we hold that the taking of one’s own life is contrary to God’s will. Yet we acknowledge that the fallen human nature results not just in sicknesses of the body, but also of the mind. At times, against all reason and logic, it turns our loved ones into individuals we do not recognize. The devil uses this to attack and overcome, to murder and kill. Jesus says in John 10, “The thief does not come except to steal, to kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep... And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

MAY 2017 NEWSLETTER

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” [Saint John 10:27]

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At this difficult time, we take special comfort in the promises that our Lord Jesus attaches to Baptism, especially the forgiveness of all sins, yes, even a sin like this one. NAME was baptized into Christ. NAME was one of his sheep. In the face of the unknown, our faith rests in Jesus and His Word, in His mercy, in His salvation. We turn not to despair. Jesus has broken the bonds of sin and death. He lives and reigns forevermore.

News of her death hit me quite hard, for I spent an evening with my former supervising pastor and his wife just last fall. We had a wonderful visit. I am thankful to have gotten to know her, and am even more thankful that she was baptized into Christ and she regularly heard His Word and received His body and blood. As stated so beautifully in the letter quoted above, “in the face of the unknown, our faith rests in Jesus and His Word, in His mercy, in His salvation.” This is true in health, in sicknesses of the body, and in sicknesses of the mind. One of the most difficult funerals I performed was at one of my former congregations, in which I had to bury a young mother who was overcome by her mental illness, took her life, and left behind a husband and infant child. If you have friends, relatives, coworkers, or classmates who suffer from any type of mental illness, encourage them to speak to someone and seek professional help. There is no shame in having mental illness. Like diseases of the body, diseases of the mind are among the many ways in which the brokenness of this world manifests itself. And if you don’t suffer from this yourself, learn to be understanding of those who do. Read up on this topic. Pray for those who are afflicted in this way, as well as those who treat them. And be a listening ear and a compassionate friend to them. Until our Lord Jesus returns on the Last Day, the devil will continue to steal, to kill, to destroy. That’s why we need to cling to Jesus Christ in faith in both sickness and in health. While diseases of the body and/or mind may afflict us on this side of the grave, we have a Savior who has conquered sin, death, and the devil for us. To Him we look. In Him we hope. And by faith in Him we live our lives. The devil might rob of us physical health, mental health, and even life itself, but he cannot rob us of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Our hope is and ever will be in Jesus Christ! PastorMumme

Calendar

Week of Easter 3 Tue, May 2 General Pastoral Conference Tue, May 2, 7:00pm Elders Meeting Wed, May 3 General Pastoral Conference Wed, May 3, 7:00pm Choir Practice Sat, May 6, 8:00am Lay Conference on Theology

Week of Easter 4 Sun, May 7, 9:00am Divine Service Sun, May 7, 10:00am Congregational Photo Sun, May 7, 10:00am Bible Class & Sunday School Tue, May 9, 1:00pm Women’s Bible Study Wed, May 10, 2:45pm Youth Catechesis 1 Wed, May 10, 5:00pm Youth Catechesis 2 Wed, May 10, 7:00pm Choir Practice Thu, May 11, 7:00pm Council Meeting

Week of Easter 5 Sun, May 14, 9:00am Divine Service Sun, May 14, 10:00am Thrivent Meeting Sun, May 14, 10:30am Bible Class & Sunday School Wed, May 17, 5:00pm Preschool Open House Wed, May 17, 7:00pm Choir Practice Sat, May 20, 8:30am Men’s Bible Breakfast Sat, May 20, 10:00am Altar Guild Meeting Sat, May 20, 11:00am Ladies Aid Meeting Sat, May 20 Confirmation Photo

Week of Easter 6 Sun, May 21, 9:00am Divine Service (Confirmation) Sun, May 21, 10:15am Confirmation Reception Tue, May 23, 7:00pm Book of Concord Study Wed, May 24, 6:00pm Preschool Graduation Thu, May 25, 7:00pm Festive Divine Service

Week of Easter 7 Sun, May 28, 9:00am Divine Service Sun, May 28, 10:30am Bible Class & Sunday School Mon, May 29 Memorial Day Wed, May 31, 11:00am Pastor @ NICL Study

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May Birthdays 04 Alaina Ziesemer 12 David Reimers 13 Ron Ruisz 14 Teresa Pape 15 Adam Mumme 16 Connor Delaney 16 John Henricks 16 Barb Potempa 16 Zachary Walter 19 Justin Kreier 23 Gregory Mazurkiewicz 23 Casey Pallek 23 Kyle Pallek 23 Elizabeth Pallek 31 Keith Fox

Baptismal Anniversaries 02 Ceili Delaney 02 Larry Jordan 02 Kyle Jordan 03 Kelli Olifirowicz 03 Laverne Stephens 04 Paul Edgar 10 Patricia Lewis 11 Pastor Mumme 13 Edward Cruz 14 Kane Murray 15 Don Fiolka 17 Terry Donaldson 17 Alaina Ziesemer 22 Isabella Cruz 22 Payton Murray 22 Parker Schilling 22 Christine Stocker 25 Adam Mumme 26 Tori Henzen 26 Kaleigh Reimers 27 Robin Wise ?? Teresa Pape

Wedding Anniversaries 06 Tom & Ginny Page 20 John & Lynn Henricks 27 Cory & Amy Edgar 27 Jim & Carey Zeller 31 Terry & Colleen Donaldson

Bible & Lutheranism Studies

Sunday Bible Class Topic: How We Got the Bible When: Sunday mornings @ 10:30 a.m. Where: Luther Hall Men’s Bible Breakfast Topic: Man Up! The Quest for Masculinity When: Saturday, May 20 @ 8:30 a.m. Where: Steak ’n Shake Women’s Bible Study Topic: A Sparrow’s Worth When: Tuesday, May 9 @ 1:00 p.m. Where: Luther Hall Book of Concord Study Topic: The Augsburg Confession When: Tuesday, May 23 @ 7:00 p.m. Where: Luther Hall

Video-Based Bible Class We will begin a video-based Bible Class on Sunday, May 7 titled How We Got the Bible. Dr. Paul L. Maier, an LCMS Lutheran and retired professor of ancient history at Western Michigan University, will discuss the production, canonization, and inspiration of the Bible. Then we will begin another video-based Bible Class titled Lost Books. This study will look at other ancient writings that claimed to be from God, including those “gospels” found in the last century, and test them against the standard set forth in God’s Word. Come, listen, ask questions, and learn!

The Ascension of Our Lord Thursday, May 25 is when we celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord with a festive Divine Service at 7:00 p.m. This festival always falls on the fortieth day following our Lord’s resurrection and celebrates Christ’s bodily ascended into heaven. Join us for this major festival in the church year.

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Baptized into Christ

Bradley Robert Learnahan, son of Steven & Kristina Learnahan and brother of Aubrey, was baptized into Christ on April 8.

George William Boyer, son of Ryan & Anette Boyer and brother of Charles, was baptized into Christ on April 29. We pray that Bradley and George will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ all the days of their life.

“As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” [Galatians 3:27]

Congregational Photo We are going to take our annual congregational photo on Sunday, May 7, immediately following the Divine Service. One camera will be used to avoid confusion on where to look. Digital images and/or prints will be made available soon after to any member who wants a copy. We want every member included, so make plans to join us for worship and then stay for this group photo.

New Church Logo

Divine Shepherd recently commissioned a new two-color church logo that incorporates our existing black-and-white logo (the shepherd’s staff and aureole). This new logo was donated by an anonymous member and approved by our Church Council. You’ll see this new logo in a number of ways in the future.

40th Anniversary of Our Name On 1 May 1977, Pastor Huxhold and the members of our newly formed congregation chose the name Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church. Unlike earthly shepherds, Jesus is divine—true God. Holy Scripture calls Him “the good Shepherd” (Jn 10:11,14), “the great Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb 13:20), “the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Pet 2:25), and “the chief Shepherd” (1 Pet 5:4). Even in Saint John’s glimpse of heaven, “the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their Shepherd” (Rev 7:17). We rejoice that Jesus Christ, our Divine Shepherd, laid down His life for us sheep and now leads us into His green pastures via His Word and Sacraments!

Congratulations

On April 25 Kristena Wise-Johnson was honored at the College of Arts and Sciences Senior Honors Convocation. She received an Honors Medallion for her academic performance during her time at Lewis University. She received this award for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Congratulations!

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Confirmation

Sunday, May 21 is the day when Vicky Fox will confess her faith publicly and receive our Lord’s true body and blood for the first time. Join her for the festive Divine Service and a reception in Luther Hall afterward.

Joyous Music We are truly grateful to those who contributed their musical skills to our worship services this past year. Chief among them is Christine Stocker, our cantor, and Joan Sturm, who assists at the organ. Our adult choir worked hard on numerous choral pieces throughout the year. Our heartfelt appreciation to Anne Drevlow, Nathan Geschke, Terri Kreier, Bobbie Light, Ruth Ogden, Kevin Pape, Brian Rambeaux, Dawn Rousar, Ron Ruisz, Joan Sturm, and Denise Ziesemer for all the hours they put in practicing and enriching our services. Our children’s choir has begun singing musical settings of Luther’s Small Catechism this spring. A special thank you to Adam, David, Rebekah, and Mary Dobbs for singing the faith for us. We also thank those who contributed their instrumental talents to beautifying our worship services, including: Jolene Delaney (flute), Ceili Delaney (flute), Moira Delaney (oboe), and Michael Shurhay (trumpet). Please take the time to thank them all. We greatly appreciate these contributions and join them in praising the Triune God with joyful music.

“I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.”

[Psalm 104:33]

Little Lambs News

Little Lambs Open House: We will hold an Open House on Wednesday, May 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for anyone who would like to visit the preschool and get more information on our classes. Ms. Terri will be available to answer questions about curriculum and the classroom experience. Registration forms will also be accepted during this time. Post cards are available to give to anyone you know who might be looking for a preschool. Please help us pass on the word! Teacher assistant needed: Little Lambs is looking for 1 or 2 teacher assistants for the 2017 school year which starts in September. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a minimum high school diploma or equivalent. Must be willing to take a physical and submit to a background check. The assistant would support the teacher in the classroom, work closely with children and do light housekeeping. Applications are available in the preschool office or you can contact Terri Kreier at littlelambs@ds-lcms.org or call 620-759-5300 ext. 2.

Terri Kreier, Director

Church Library Our “book of the month” for May is Christianity in an Age of Terrorism. In this book written shortly after 9/11, author Gene Edward Veith tackles the topics of holy wars, tolerance, secularism, terrorism, Christian citizenship, wars and rumors of wars, and the new cultural climate in which we find ourselves. Not only does the Church face new temptations, we also face new opportunities for the proclamation of the Gospel. You can browse the selection of books in our library by visiting librarything.com/catalog/DivineShepherd. Books may be checked out at any time by members.

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Ladies Aid Forty Year Old Congregation!! We joyously celebrated the 40th anniversary of our church. That’s a great accomplishment! Though our building has been around for 35 years, many of the furnishings have not been updated, refurbished, or replaced. We do that for our homes, including our church home, because it is good stewardship for our property. Divine Shepherd has a 35 year old kitchen that needs the same treatment. It needs to be updated, refurbished, and/or replaced. As a congregation we need to do this together. Although the Ladies Aid is willing to lead in this process, they cannot be solely responsible for the cost involved. The cabinets need to be replaced, the stove needs to be fixed or replaced, and additional lighting would be helpful. An important component of this project is to move the location of the stove. It is in the doorway causing the danger of burns for those who are moving in or out of the door. When the oven door is open it is even more difficult to enter or exit the room. A few dollars from each family/member will go a long way to build the nest egg that has already been set aside by the Ladies Aid. This project will take many years of rummage sales without your help. Please consider helping with this project. Put something in the offering plate marked for Kitchen Renewal or give your contribution to Judy Yuenger or Karen Moritz. Thank you for taking care of your church building. As you begin to replace items in your closet for the spring and summer seasons, put aside the clothing you have not worn all winter for the Rummage Sale. Clothing, household items, craft supplies, tools, etc. are always in demand. We also have an ongoing clothing drive; if you are not able to store the clothing until the rummage sale (June 22-24), please see Judy. Check out the large number of establishments listed on our Manna sheets (you can find them in Luther Hall on the cabinet by the outside door). The cards are useful for everyday items, graduation, gift giving, vacation, etc. Turn-in dates are May 7 & 21. All women are encouraged to attend our next meeting on Saturday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m.

Follow Us on Social Media

Facebook: fb.me/DSLCbolingbrook Twitter: @dslc60440

Thrivent Financial

The first quarter of Thrivent Choice Dollars has been entered into your account. Remember you may donate these to the church of our choice. Both our church and our preschool have accounts. Thrivent will serve refreshments in Luther Hall after the Confirmation Service. Plan to attend and celebrate with this year’s confirmand. The Lord bless you and keep you, Vicky. Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers who love to tell the story of Jesus and His love.

Coins for CareNet CareNet Pregnancy Services provides support, medical care, material goods, and mentoring to pregnant women, often in need. Divine Shepherd is once again participating in their annual “Coins for CareNet” drive. To help, pick up a baby bottle from the narthex beginning on or after Mother’s Day, fill with coins, dollars, or a check payable to CareNet, and return it to church on or before Father’s Day. Thanks!

Yard Work Our youth group is ready and willing to assist you with spring yard work, mulching, tilling, planting, cleaning gutters, etc. as a fundraiser for next summer’s Higher Things youth conference. Look for the signup sheet in Luther Hall. See Lori Mumme or Nadine Parmenter for more information.

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Making the Case Conference The annual Issues, Etc. “Making the Case” Conference is scheduled for June 9-10 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, Illinois. This conference is for pastors and laity and will feature six high-profile speakers on the topics of the Reformation’s Relevancy, Depression, Natural Law, News Discernment, Lutheran Piety, and Modern Day Prophets and Apostles. Registration is $120 and includes three meal. Lots of lodging options nearby. Register online at http://issuesetc.org/2017conferences/ or call 618-223-8385 with any questions.

CCA Symposium Concordia Catechetical Academy (CCA) is hosting its 24th annual symposium on June 14-16 at the Country Springs Hotel and Conference Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin. This year’s theme is the Second Article of the Creed and will feature the Rev. Rolf Preus and his sons as presenters. Several of our members have attended this conference in the past and thoroughly enjoyed it. Registration info will be posted in the near future at http://lutherancatechesis.org/symposium/. See Pastor Mumme with any questions.

Reformation 500 Our Synod’s celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation continues on Sunday, June 25 with a festive Divine Service celebrating the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession. Come, celebrate with us, and re-learn how Lutheranism is still all about Jesus!

Prayer Chain

Several members of our congregation are part of a church prayer chain. If you (women or men) would like to join them in praying for our

congregation’s special needs, please contact Bobbie Light at 630-251-7860 or Pastor Mumme.

Sunday Treats Do you enjoy treats and fellowship after Sunday services? If so, please consider signing up on any given Sunday(s). Why not sign up with a friend? Empty slots means no treats. To enable our diabetic members to enjoy these treats, please consider supplementing some of the “sugary goodies” with crackers and cheese and/or fruit. The 2017 signup sheet is posted on the Luther Hall bulletin board. Monetary donations are accepted to defray the cost of drinks and paper products, which are supplied by Ladies Aid.

Bulletin Covers & Altar Flowers The 2017 flower chart and May–June bulletin charts are posted in the narthex. Sign up for any open Sunday(s) to celebrate a special occasion or to honor/remember someone. Cost of two bouquets is $40, $45, or $50 (subject to change). Cost of bulletins is $10. See Karen Moritz for details.

Planning Worksheet Whether you are young or old, please pick up a “Funeral Planning Worksheet” from Luther Hall, complete it, and return it to Karen or Pastor. You are always free to make updates to this worksheet as often as you want. These cold winter months are a great time to complete this worksheet. Thanks in advance for beginning the planning process.

Important Phone Numbers Church Office: 630-759-5300 ext. 1 Preschool: 630-759-5300 ext. 2 (Terri Kreier) Pastor Mumme: 815-676-4444 Prayer Chain: 630-251-7860 (Bobbie Light) Newsletter: 630-759-3188 (Karen Moritz)

(items are due May 29)

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Ink & Toner Cartridges The youth group continues to accept used toner and ink cartridges as a fundraiser. However, please note that the company we work with only accepts original Brother, Canon, HP, and Lexmark toner cartridges, and original Canon, HP, and Lexmark ink cartridges. These may be dropped off on the shelves near the entrance/exit in Luther Hall. Toner and ink cartridges not listed above may be recycled at Cartridge World. Thanks!

Amazon Smile Do you order online from Amazon? Did you know that a small percentage of your order can come back and benefit Divine Shepherd? Simply go to smile.amazon.com, select Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bolingbrook as your charitable organization, and shop like you normally do. Then, begin each of your purchases at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will do the rest. Our congregation will receive 0.5% of every Amazon Smile purchase made by those who designate our congregation as their charitable organization.

To God’s Right Hand

He has raised our human nature On the clouds to God’s right hand;

There we sit in heavenly places, There with Him in glory stand. Jesus reigns, adored by angels; Man with God is on the throne. By our mighty Lord’s ascension

We by faith behold our own.

LSB 494, stanza 5

A Mother’s Day Blessing If God has given you the blessing of being a mom, He has given you the promise that you will not be alone in doing it. You are the everyday hero, and He is the divine power that will give you everything you need the moment you need it. May His grace, peace, and love surround you this Mother’s Day, making you feel as special — and exceptional — as you truly are. Into a precious vessel God pours tenderness, and love, an understanding heart, and all the joy a child dreams of. He gives her His compassion and kindness like no other, then wraps her in a quiet strength and gently calls her Mother.

Memorial Day Prayer

Gracious Lord, heavenly Father, on this day we pause to remember the sacrifices made for freedom throughout the past centuries. We do indeed owe a debt of gratitude to those who have paid dearly

for the liberty we enjoy. Yet, O Lord, we know that good government, peace, and freedom are really gifts granted from Your fatherly hand, as we confess the Creed. As we remember those who have served our nation, help us to remember that civic duty, no matter how well done, does not grant entrance to Your kingdom. We are saved by grace, through faith in Christ, apart from our works. Freed from the Law’s demands, we know that we are now free to serve our neighbor for our neighbor’s sake. May the sacrifices of those who have gone before us serve as examples. When we meet those who have served, remind us to thank them. Almighty God, guide the leaders of our nation. Watch over those who serve in our armed forces, especially those far from home. And above all, grant that we, your children by faith in Christ, may find a field of service in which we may uphold righteousness, order, and peace; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lutheran Book of Prayer