The Salem LIFE NEWSLETTER OF SALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

SANDWICH, ILLINOIS

February 16, 2015 VOL. 42, NO. 2

“Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29

THE LAMB OF GOD

Dear Friend,

The “Lamb of God” is what Jesus is sometimes called in the Bible. As we consider the suffering and death of our Lord throughout this season of Lent, it would be helpful for us to better understand how Jesus is the “Lamb of God” for us today.

The theme of our midweek Lenten services is “The Lamb of God.” An important Bible reading each Wednesday will help us better understand how Jesus is the Lamb of God. Week 1: God providing Abraham a ram to sacrifice in place of his son will help us see Jesus as “The Sacrificial Lamb of God.” Week 2: the Hebrew slaves saved by the blood of lambs will help us see Jesus as “The Passover Lamb of God.” Week 3: a scapegoat taking away the peoples’ sins will help us see Jesus as “The Scapegoat Lamb of God.” Week 4: Isaiah’s description of the Suffering Servant will help us see Jesus as “The Suffering Lamb of God.” Week 5: John saying that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away our sins will help us to see Jesus as “The Cleansing Lamb of God.” Week 6: the book of Revelation referring to Jesus a lamb will help us to see Jesus as “The Heavenly Lamb of God.”

I am very enthused about our midweek Lenten series this year! I hope that you will find focusing on Jesus as the Lamb of God to be very meaningful as well. At each midweek Lenten service we will sing: “O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God, I love the holy Lamb of God. Oh, wash me in your precious blood, my Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God” (E.L.W. # 336).

Your Friend in Christ,

Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church Serving Christ!

1022 North Main Street—PO Box 105; Sandwich, IL 60548 Phone: 815-786-9308

email: salemlc@comcast.net web site: wearesalemlutheran.org

Staff Administrative Staff Shelly Claxton salem-shelly@comcast.net Michele Farley salem-mickey@comcast.net Bookkeeper Karen Wesson salem-karen@comcast.net Traditional Worship Coordinator Nancy Rex salem-rex@comcast.net Director of Contemporary Worship Libby Welsch salem-libby@comcast.net Organists/Pianists Gloria Gilbertson Connie Hanson Maintenance Nancy Hayes

Staff Office Hours: TUES.—THURS: 9 am - 4 pm closed for lunch noon—1pm

Pastor Reverend Wayne Derber

Home phone: 815-570-2088 Cell phone: 815-508-3435

email: salem-pastor@comcast.net Office hours: MORNINGS TUES. - SAT.

or by appointment

BAPTISM : We rejoice with the family of MATTHEW ALEXANDER JOHNSON who was baptized on January 25. Matthew is the child of Jennifer and Jeffrey Johnson. His sponsors are Ryan and Tracey Johnson and Stacey Johnson. Sheila Jonson is his grandmother.

DEATHS: Our prayers and Christian sympathy go out to the families and friends of: - Margaretta Maier, aunt of Donna Kimmey. - Nathaniel Martin, grandson of Bill and Fran Martin and brother of Hakila Schufelt. - Dorothy Hjort, long-time Salem member. Dorothy died recently in Sun Prairie WI where she had been residing in recent years. There will be a memorial service at Salem at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Lou Gallagher, 356 N. Water St., Batavia IL 60510. PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER Ben Burkett*, Steve Guyer*, Mick Kimmey*, Janet Klotz*, Beverly Mayer*, Shelly Claxton*, Happy Bingham*, Ione Bennett*, Irene Klotz*, Laura Allen*, Gloria Mikyska*, Jackie Cline*, Robert Abbey Jr.*, June Gorecki*, Jerry Claxton, G.L. Hartman, Kathy Needo, Tom Hill, Mike Hill, Shirley Guthmueller, Cecile Earnest, Claudia Krause, Jennifer Waters, Seth and Shawna Hoffman, John Meek, Tanya Kimmey, Tom Wysoglad, Anna Wilkinson, Anna Kissel, Larry Lunn, Marty and Claudia Kux, June Nixon, Bunny Kline, Nancy Niles, Florence Gudmunson, Rev. Gene Peisker, Jeanine Buller, Shawn Gilley, Hans Fladung, Karl and Kandi Bingham, and Mike Guzzardo and all people serving in the military, especially:

Joseph Kimmey*, Brian Chester, Stephen Clark, Matt Claxton, Michelle Cunz, C.J. Goodin, Jesse Hayden, Chris King, David Minton, Tyler Pellegrini, Colin Stahl, and Joel Watson

*indicates Salem members

Do you see names on our prayer list that should be updated? Please notify the office.

Thanks for donations of $687.44 for ELCA World Hunger Appeal.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS

SUNDAY, MARCH 8.

Don’t be late for church! Turn your clocks AHEAD one hour before retiring on Saturday, March 7.

FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS:

The February 10th council meeting was held at the home of Jan Dunn and opened with devotions. Pastor Wayne gave his report. The minutes of the annual meeting and also of the previous council meeting were approved.

For old business, the council: 1) discussed the upkeep of our website; 2) discussed that bids for roof repairs will be gotten in the spring; 3) set the schedule for council members and committee profiles to be in the LIFE

newsletter; and 4) decided not to send a donation to Lutherdale Bible Camp because we had recently sent them a donation.

New business items were: 1) approved Life Line Screening using our building on May 15th; 2)

discussed Endowment and Memorials Funds Board requesting input about the possible use of memorial funds: 3) designated the Lenten supper offerings to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal; the midweek Lenten service offerings to be divided equally between Open Door and Fox Valley Older Adults; and the Easter Sunday offerings to our General Fund; 4) discussed the need of a new treasurer due to the resignation of Val Schneider; and 5) discussed the upcoming C.R.E. (“Congregational Resourcing Event”).

The calendar and worship attendance were reviewed. Reports from committees were given.

The financial report was approved. For last month the General Fund had an income of $14,376 and expenses of $15,623 and the Capital Fund had an income of $4,928 and expenses of $6,191. The meeting was adjourned.

Getting to know your Congregation Council members…..

Throughout 2015 we will profile one of Salem’s Cong regation Council members in each issue of the Salem LIFE.

BONNIE GUYER Salem’s Congregation Council has chosen the theme “Approachable Communication” for this year. I am providing a short bio so you can get to know me a little better. I am currently serving the first full year of my second term on Salem’s Congregation Council. I am also serving my second year as the President of the Council. My primary committee responsibility is Christian Education, but I’m also involved with Stewardship. I really love working with the kids at Salem Sunday School. I enjoy getting to know people at Salem on a more personal level, so I welcome the opportunity to spend time with you, my church family. If you have a desire to get involved with Christian Education, see me. My husband Steve and I have been married for 44 years and live in Sandwich. We have three children – David, Jackie and Deborah and four wonderful grandchildren-Levi, Brandon, Samantha and Evan. I have worked in sales at WSPY Radio in Plano, for 33 years. My favorite pastimes include spending time with our family, especially the grandchildren, singing, playing

STEVE & BONNIE GUYER

"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE (2nd Commandment):

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” - Exodus 20:7

MARCH MEMORY VERSE (3rd Commandment):

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” - Exodus 20: 8

Featuring Salem’s Standing Committees…...

What do our committees do? Who is on the committee s? We will feature a different committee each month to help keep members informed about the various areas of congregational ministry.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Salem’s Christian Education Committee is responsible for all of the educational ministry programs of the congregation. This includes Sunday School for all ages, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation, Youth Ministry, Bible Studies and Book Study Groups. The committee meets monthly on the first Wednesday at 5:00 pm. The committee can always use new people. If you are not interested in serving on the committee, we welcome volunteers for teachers and helpers in many other ways. Please speak to any of the committee members if you have questions or comments.

New Leadership

At the Annual Congregational Meeting held on January 25th the congregation elected the following: 2015 Nominating Committee—Nancy Hayes, Heather Lissman, and Ruth White Synod Assembly Delegates—Sharon Adkins and Walter Farley Salem Endowment and Memorial Funds Board members—Lyle Anderson and Dean Lundeen

We are grateful for their willingness to serve our congregation. We ask your support and your prayers for each of them as they endeavor to fulfill the mission statement of the ELCA - God’s work. Our Hands.

Christian Education Committee members include Bonnie Guyer, Sharon Adkins, Mickey Farley, Leigh Kossman and Pastor Wayne.

Lenten Midweek Services 2015 Theme: “The Lamb of God”

Suppers—6:00 pm Worship—7:00 pm

Date Sermon Bible Reading

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18 ............ “The Sacrificial Lamb of God” Genesis 22:1-14

Wednesday, February 25 ............. “The Passover Lamb of God” Exodus 12:1-13 .............................................................. Supper: Ruth Unit

Wednesday, March 4 .................. “The Scapegoat Lamb of God” Leviticus 16:7-10, 20-22 ......................................................... Supper: Methuselah Unit

Wednesday, March 11 .................“The Suffering Lamb of God” Isaiah 53:1-12 ................................... Supper: Fellowship & Member Support Committees

Wednesday, March 18 ................ “The Cleansing Lamb of God” John 1:29-36 ...................................................... Supper: Worship Committee

Wednesday, March 25 ................ “The Heavenly Lamb of God” Revelation 7:9-17 ............................................. Supper: Christian Education Committee

COMMUNITY LENTEN BREAKFAST SERIES —“Close Encounters of the Grace Kind” sponsored by the Sandwich/Somonauk Ministerial Alliance

Hosted by the Federated Church of Sandwich

Please join us each Wednesday during Lent beginning at 9:00 am for a continental breakfast, fellowship, worship, prayer and study. Everyone in the community is invited and encouraged to attend. A free will offering will benefit the Good Samaritan Fund.

FEB 18 “Sacrifice as the Means of Unity” Pastor Terry Jensen, Federated Church of Sandwich

FEB 25 “An Overflowing Love” Pastor Steve Mindrup, United Church of Sandwich

MAR 4 “Live Your Life in a Manner Worthy of the Gospel of Christ” Pastor William Weidenbach, St. John’s Lutheran Church

MAR 11 “It Is God Who Is at Work in You” Pastor David Johnson, Somonauk Baptist Church

Mar 18 “I Press on Toward the Goal” Pastor Michelle Prentice-Leslie, Union Congregational Church

MAR 25 “Keep on Doing” Pastor Wayne Derber, Salem Lutheran Church

LENTEN OFFERINGS HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED BY THE CONGREGATION COUNCIL AS FOLLOWS: - Lenten Supper offerings will go to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. - All Lenten envelope offerings will be divided equally between The Open Door and Fox Valley Older Adult Services.

Northern Illinois Synod 2014 Congregational Resourcing Event

Saturday, March 14, 2014, 8:30 am - 3:15 pm

at Kishwaukee College—21193 Malta Road, Malta, IL 60150

The NORTHERN ILLINOIS SYNOD CONGREGATIONAL RESOURCING E VENT is open to each and every member of the congregation. Everyone attending may choose to attend three of the more than 50 workshops offered throughout the day. These workshops cover a broad spectrum of topics concerning all areas of ministry. Brochures with full details and registration information are available in the narthex soon. If you have questions or would like more information, please ask in the church office.

Women are welcome to attend the upcoming overnight retreat at LOMC in Oregon, IL. It starts with women arriving at 6:00 pm on Friday, March 13. The retreat concludes after our dinner meal which starts at 6:00 pm on Saturday, March 14 so you could plan to be back to Sandwich by 8:00 pm. We will explore our faith journey using inspiration by Martin Marty’s book, Faith. The cost is $100.00 which includes lodging and three meals. All registrations and fees can be turned in to Sandy Mar-tens or the church office by March 1. (Note: extended deadline)

__________________________________ _________________________________________ Name Email (Your confirmation letter will be sent here.) ( ) I am willing to drive and can hold #____ passengers. ( ) My $100.00 is enclosed. ( ) Please find a ride for me. ( ) I will turn in $100 by 3/3/15. Friday Pot Luck (finger foods): I will bring ______________________________________________

CONTRIBUTION CLARIFICATION Just a reminder—when preparing your envelopes for Sunday offerings, please remember to fill out the outside of the envelope. If it is not specified if or how you want your contribution to be split between the General Fund and the Capital Fund, the entire amount will automatically be deposited into the General Fund. Without your direction, our counters have no way of knowing if you want it done any other way. Different teams of counters count the offering each week, and they do not have access to your pledge information. Please take a moment to write your wishes on your envelope. Thank you!

ATTENTION THRIVENT MEMBERS: Thrivent has posted your Choice Dollars to your account. At your convenience please direct your Choice Dollars by March 31, 2015 . You can either go on-line to Thrivent.com or you can call Thrivent at 1-800-THRIVENT.

FOURTH TUESDAY COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP FEAST — All are welcome at the February feast which will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 4:30-6:00 pm, at the United Church of Sandwich, 512 East Lions Road. Salem is scheduled to provide main dish casseroles. Please sign-up at the narthex sign-up table if you can help in this way.

“God’s Work. Our hands.” - Mission Road Trip 2015 Be sure to get April 25-May 2, 2015, on your calendar. First Lutheran, DeKalb, is sponsoring this spring trip to New Windsor, Maryland to help process quilts and kits donated to Lutheran World Relief for overseas shipment. We also spend time at SERRV warehouse unpacking and processing third world artistic work for distribution in the US. This week of learning, sightseeing, and helping with mission of our church at the national/international level is truly rewarding and faith building. Dennis and Bev Heaney will coordinate the trip. They invite your questions (815-748-7124). More information is on the green brochure available in Salem’s church office. If you have questions, talk to Walt Farley.

Church Women United hold World Day of Prayer on March 6 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Somonauk, with a 9:15 am registration and refreshments to begin at 9:30 am. All area churches are invited to this event. Please plan to attend this service to join with our Christian sisters in fellowship and prayer. The main biblical text for the 2015 service is John 13: 1-17. After washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus asks this, "Do you understand what I have done for you?” How would we respond to that? Our sisters from the Bahamas, who wrote this worship service, immersed themselves deeply in the reading of the text to find the answers in Jesus' gesture of love - a radical love.

2015 RELAY FOR LIFE: PLANO/SANDWICH/SOMONAUK— PLANO HIGH SCHOOL SATURDAY, JUNE 6th—NOON to MIDNIGHT

- There will be a kick-off rally on Sunday, February 22, 1:00-4:00 pm at the Sandwich Moose. - Mick and Donna Kimmey will be retiring as Salem’s team captains after this year, their 10th year. Anyone interested in being on the Salem Team may sign-up on the Pennies for Hope table. - Salem’s only fundraising for 2015 will be through the Pennies for Hope banks which are now available in the narthex. - You are also invited to contribute by sponsoring individual walkers. - Brenda’s Frozen Custard will be donating a portion of their sales to Relay for Life on Wednesday, February 25, 11am—9pm. Other restaurants will be doing similar promotions. Please watch the newspapers for info.

BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE —-Salem Sunday School is inviting everyone to join them for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of DeKalb County Bowl for Kids’ Sake at Idle Hour Lanes in Sandwich on Sunday, March 15th at noon. Consider getting a team of family and friends together or join one of the teams already in place. Please speak to Bonnie Guyer if you are interested in participating. If you are unable to participate, please consider sponsoring one of our Sunday School bowlers.

FVOAS SERVANT EVENTS WORK DAY— Salem’s annual “Helping-out” day at Fox Valley Older Adults will be Saturday, March 21. They would like us to do some interior painting. We’ll meet there at 8:30 am and be done by 2:00 pm. Coffee, donuts and lunch will be provided. We always have a lot of fun working together as we serve others; and, best of all, they are SO appreciative! All are welcome—many hands make light work!

SERVANT AUCTION—Salem will be having a Servant Auction on Sunday, April 26, 2015, in the sanctuary, during the 9:15 Education Hour. At this time Salem members who have gone on mission trips in the past will be auctioning-off themselves to serve YOU! The funds raised at this auction benefit the Servant Events Fund, which helps many of us go on mission trips and serve OTHERS. If you’ve been on a mission trip in the past, please be thinking of YOUR auction item. If you’re planning on going on a Salem mission trip in the future, please share your talents in this auction. OR if you just want to help-out, we welcome your services to be auctioned-off. THANK YOU!!

GERMANY TOUR—Rev. Greg Mayer is hosting a Germany tour in July, 2015. The tour will include Following the Steps of Martin Luther and Traveling the Romantic Road and the Rhine River. Brochures are posted on the hall bulletin board. For more information you may call Rev. Mayer at 309-232-1202.

Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church 1022 North Main Street P.O. Box 105 Sandwich IL 60548

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage PAID

Sandwich, IL Permit No. 41

LENT BEGINS ASH WEDNESDAY , FEBRUARY 18, 2015.

SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION WITH IMPOSITION OF ASHES 1:00 & 7:00 PM

LENTEN MIDWEEK WORSHIP SERVICES Theme: “ Lamb of God”

Wednesdays, February 25th; March 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th

7:00 PM SOUP SUPPERS BEFORE EACH MIDWEEK SERVICE

beginning at 6:00 PM