north shore united methodist church february 2015 · 2015-01-27 · north shore united methodist...

North Shore United Methodist Church February 2015

www.nsumcglencoe.org

Hello Friends!

As February begins, we are entering into a time of great

excitement and business. The new Bible study, using

Adam Hamilton’s Making Sense of the Bible, will be

progressing rapidly through the Bible. During this

study, we will be exploring how to approach the Bible

itself and how to deal with difficult topics that arise in

scripture.

February is also the time this year that we enter into the

season of Lent. As we mark our entering into the

season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, we begin to enter

into a time of remembrance for the ministry and

sacrifice of Christ. This is the time of the year we

typically apply additional focus to our devotionals.

Having just completed a class on Christianity during

the Middle Ages, I have recently become aware of the

vast array of devotionals that were used during this

time period. Most often lay members, looking to more

quickly secure or better understand salvation, created

these devotionals. After the devotional gained

popularity among the lay members, the church would

accept it as its own. This gave rise to the use of the

rosary, labyrinths to mimic pilgrimages to holy sites for

those who could not afford to attend, and many other

similar practices.

One of the devotional practices used frequently by

mystics was that of fasting. Fasting means different

things to different people, and often has different

guidelines for each person who intends to embark on a

fast. In general, “to fast” is to spend a significant part

of the day, sun up until sun down, with a very limited

intake of calories. Some mystics are rumored to only

have consumed the Eucharist throughout their fasting

periods. During class, our professor admitted that he

had difficultly fasting, because whenever he tried he

would find himself thinking more about food than

devoting his attention to God, which was his intended

goal for the fast. This led to a discussion among the

class about our ability to fast, or lack of ability to do so.

Our discussion quickly shifted to our modern

perception of fasting that many commit to during the

season of Lent. This tradition involves giving up

something that we see as a typical part of our everyday

life in honor of the sacrifice Christ has given. As a

child, I vowed to give up luxuries such as chocolate or

soda. Often, we “fast” on items that are extras and are

not difficult to live without. More recently, many of my

peers have fasted on Facebook or other social media

outlets. These are also substances that one can typically

live without quite easily.

Because of this fasting on items that we quickly adapt

to and whose absence we no longer take notice of, I

have encountered a principle of adding a meaningful

practice to one’s lifestyle during Lent. Last year, I

partook in this by writing letters or emails to a person

each day of Lent whom I have found to be a blessing in

my life, and to have had a profound influence on me.

Others have added new devotional practices or acts of

centering to remind them of the great blessings that

God has provided. As we enter this Lenten season, I

hope you join me in discovering an act that is

meaningful for you and assists your remembrance of

Christ’s gift.

Blessings,

Caitlyn Butler



Lent is a solemn

time of the year

and one of the most

wondrous and

mystic religious

season in the entire

liturgical calendar.

Lent begins with

the observance of Ash Wednesday

throughout the churches in the Christian

denominations.

The season of Lent covers the 40 weekdays

(Sundays excluded) following Ash

Wednesday and goes through Holy

Saturday, the Saturday of Holy Week and

the day immediately before Easter Sunday.

During this season of penitence, it is

customary for many Christians not to eat

certain foods, as well as to abstain from

some activities, as a way to remember the

suffering of Jesus Christ. According to the

Concise Oxford Encyclopedia, a number of

these traditions have become somewhat

relaxed in some churches, except for the

“fasting” tradition in the Eastern Orthodox

Church, where adherence to it remains

strict.

“Mardi Gras,” a French term known in

English as “Fat Tuesday”, refers to events

of the Carnival celebrations which

culminate on the day before Ash

Wednesday. Popular practices of Carnival

(such as indulging in rich foods and

merrymaking) are in full force before the

fasting and religious obligations of the

penitential season of Lent begin. “Shrove

Tuesday” is also used to refer to Fat

Tuesday. It is widely known as Pancake Day.

The word “shrove” is a form of the English

Tuesday, coming from the word shrive,

meaning "obtain absolution for one’s sins by

way of Confession." Pancakes are associated

with the day preceding Lent (Fat Tuesday),

because they were a way to use up rich foods

such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the

obligatory fasting in the Lent season started.

The North Shore United

Methodist Church has

altered the traditional

Shrove Tuesday

celebrations by moving

them from the Tuesday

prior to Ash Wednesday to the Sunday

immediately preceding it, holding a pancake

breakfast that day and calling the Sunday

Demarche Gas (Fat Sunday). The alteration

was made to maximize attendance, as the day is

used by this church as a major fundraising

opportunity during the year.

Additionally, as part of the fundraising efforts of

the Sunday, the legend of the “Olney Pancake

Race of 1445” is reenacted (somewhat): the

legend tells of a woman who was cooking

pancakes. Upon hearing the church bells calling

to attend the morning service in observance of

the day before Ash Wednesday, she ran out of

her house with skillet and batter still in hand,

wearing an apron around her dress. No one is

positive about the accuracy of the legend, but it

surely adds to the fun and interest of “Fat

Tuesday” celebrations▣

Ash Wednesday February 18, 2015

Pancake breakfast – Sunday, February 15 @ 11:15 AM

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAgQjRw&url=http://www.holyfamilysisters.org/403/Lent.htm&ei=t5OxVOidMMSegwT0oIHwAg&psig=AFQjCNFRjb1PFuOXMDKzv52ng5ESK1EvAw&ust=1421010231858674



Join fellow church member in this annual event. Come to Barbee Hall ½ hour prior to kick-off time. Bring

food to share with others – chips, dip, chili, hot dogs, coke, popcorn, ice cream are suggested –

Don’t miss the fun!!!

February 1, 2015



OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS

For the family of Alison Moon and for Harold Peterson on the loss of Alice.

Ed Kemp and family.

Linda Fetzer.

For all those in need of healing.

Tull Monsees, who is at The Mather in Evanston.

For those who are unemployed and searching for meaningful work.

Ruth & Bob Woods.

For an end to gun violence in our cities.

For the Refugees of the Middle East.

Dinner/Movie Night

Be sure to mark your calendars and come join us

Friday, February 13, 2015 Barbee Hall – 6:30 PM

"Sleepless in Seattle"

President Barack H. Obama congratulates Second Lieutenant Jesse R. Bryant at his

graduation ceremony from West Point Military Academy, May 28, 2014. Jesse is the son of

Robert G. and Joy Bryant and grandson of long-time members of North Shore UMC,

Ellen Bryant and the late Robert H. Bryant.▣



****Correction needed to the

Nominating Committee list****

The following individuals appear listed under the FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE in the list printed in the January Chimes. This is an error. These names should be

listed under MISSIONS, instead.

Nancy Haynor Donna Kemp

David Langenbach

We apologize for the error. Please, make this correct to your list of volunteers.

~ Looking Ahead at NSUMC ~

Sunday, February 1, 2015 10:00 a.m. ~ Worship Service

11:00 a.m. ~ Adult Forum: "Fish Out of Water", Part I

Monday, February 2, 2015

10:00 a.m. ~ Bible Study 7:00 p.m. ~ Bible Study

Sunday, February 8, 2015

10:00 a.m. ~ Worship Service 11:00 a.m. ~ Adult Forum:

"Fish Out of Water", Part II Pastor Glenna at John Wesley Theological

Institute through Feb. 11, 2015.

Monday, February 9, 2015 10:00 a.m. ~ Bible Study 7:00 p.m. ~ Bible Study

Friday, February 13, 2015

6:30 p.m. ~ Dinner/Movie Night: Sleepless in Seattle

Saturday, February 14, 2015 9:00 a.m. ~ Trustee Meeting

10:30 a.m. ~ Church Council Meeting

Sunday, February 15, 2015 10:00 a.m. ~ Worship Service:

Caitlyn Butler, preaching Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, February 15, 2015 10:00 a.m. ~ Worship Service –

Caitlyn Butler, preaching Pancake Breakfast

Monday, February 16, 2015

10:00 a.m. ~ Bible Study 7:00 p.m. ~ Bible Study

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

7:00 p.m. ~ Ash Wednesday Service

Sunday, February 22, 2015 10:00 a.m. ~ Worship Service

Adult Forum: Loretta Bariffe, Director Family Focus – Englewood Barbara Javore out of office

Feb. 22 - Feb. 28, 2015

Monday, February 23, 2015 10:00 a.m. ~ Bible Study 7:00 p.m. ~ Bible Study



The first Adult Forum of 2015 was held on January 11 and featured speakers from the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN). Reverend Bonnie Beckonchrist is the Board Chair of the RMN and Bridget Cabrera is the Deputy Director. Bonnie spoke first and gave an overview of the history of the issues in the United Methodist Church surrounding the insertion of language in the Book of Discipline that is discriminatory toward homosexuals. The RMN works to create safe spaces for gay and lesbian members of the United Methodist Church. Bonnie said that there are 660 churches that have joined the RMN. By adopting a Reconciling Statement, a church becomes a Reconciling church. Such a statement can contain a number of categories of persons that the church chooses to specify are welcome. The Reconciling statement must contain at the minimum language that welcomes people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Bridget spoke about the current work that the RMN is engaged in and talked about an effort to effect changes in the culture and educate people about the issues. Just resolutions are sought in cases and people are encouraged to share their stories and reach reconciliation. The Reconciling Task Force is exploring the possibility of North Shore United Methodist Church becoming a Reconciling Congregation. The process will take time and a series of forums will allow members of the congregation to learn more about this issue. If you have any questions or comments, please contact a member of the Task Force: Ellen Paseltiner, Scott Javore, Mary Figueredo, Lisa Goodale, Ellen Bryant, and Joan Wiff.▣

Darlingside returns

arris Paseltiner and the Indie Folk Band “Darlingside” return to SPACE in

Evanston on Sunday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. to play a show along singers Heather Maloney and Tall Heights. Heather and Darlingside played previously at North Shore United Methodist Church in November 2013. Tickets are priced from $12.00 to $22.00, and are currently on sale. Purchase either at evanstonspace.com or 847-492-8860. SPACE is located at 1245 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. For questions, please contact Ellen Paseltiner, 847-251-5529 or [email protected] ▣

H

Harris Paseltiner Heather Maloney

February 1: Part 1 of the movie – "Fish Out of Water” with discussion following. February 8: Part 2 of the movie – “Fish Out of Water” with discussion following.

February 22: Loretta Bariff Director of Family Focus



SHARE THE DREAM

BY DAVID RUBENS

ince the article “Conducting a Dream”

appeared in The Glencoe Anchor, I

have been asked a lot questions about

the North Shore Chamber Arts Ensemble,

how it came into being and have its

performances at North Shore United

Methodist Church, and my relationship

with you all. Well, I’ll begin by saying that

after I returned to help my ailing folks in

2002, I used to go to coffee at 7 o’clock in

the morning at the Cariboo Coffee Shop, a

block away from my folks home at Park and

Greenwood. That got me ready for my day

and kept me sane.

That’s where I met both Bob Bryant and

Tim Fleming. Over time, Bob and I realized

that we shared similar experiences as

colleague professes. After Bob found out

about my musical history, he became intent

on getting me to produce a performance of

Messiah at church. He asked me about it

every morning for three years; if you knew

Bob you know how insistent he could be.

Tim saw how at loose ends I was with my

career; performing and teaching were

pretty much on hold in order to take care of

my folks; so he wanted me to get hooked up

with your organist, Fran Walker and Carol

Brown, the minister at that time, because I

needed a place to begin teaching again. One

thing led to another and Fran and I shared

the expenses taking care of the piano we

taught on in the Upper Room. We enjoyed

performing together occasionally on

Sundays at summer services. I even

conducted the choir for a time for dear Ed.

Fran made sure I picked the right repertory

so no one found themselves in musical

jeopardy.

I have to tell you that as a pre-teen, I was

part of the Scout Troop that met in the

basement of the church, Troop 24. But

that’s not all, the girl I went “steady” with

in junior high school was Carol Buck, that’s

when kids exchanged ID bracelets. She and

her family were members of the church and

contributed to the music program in a big

way – singing and playing – when Ed

Kemp’s father was the Direct of Music.

Carol and I remain lifelong friends. She

lives in Brooklyn now, and plays with many

New York City Symphony orchestras,

chamber ensembles, and for Broadway

shows. So my connection to this

congregation embraces many aspects of

growing up here; from camping with Mr.

Bradley and Mr. Scouts, to first

relationships with special friends, to now.

I have had a lifelong relationship with the

Methodist Church. I have served as soloist

and music director for 5 different Methodist

churches since I was a freshman in college.

The kinship I feel here transcends religious

denominations. It goes to the spiritual

connection that we have shared through

music for more than 5 years. That

connection is what Jenny Weber and I

discussed at lunch one day, and got

everything started for the ensemble. Our

efforts continue with Pastor Glenna, but

without you, and many, many others that

make our concerts possible, North Shore

Chamber Arts Ensemble would not exist.

I hope that answers the questions many

have asked and some that others may have

been reluctant to ask. My dream is that

through our efforts we will move together

to bring folks to the church that might

never know you and this special place.

Blessings,

David Rubens

S



◆

Few are the time-honored traditions at North Shore United Methodist Church, as

beloved and treasured as the Christmas pageant and the congregation-wide

Christmas luncheon. Both these events were celebrated on December 21, 2014. The

photos below captured some special moments during this festive day.



St. Valentine’s Day

and its development

February is the month dedicated to love.

Each year on February 14 many people

exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with

their special “Valentine.” This day of

romance is named for a Christian martyr.

But, who was this enigmatic saint and

where did the traditions of the day come

from? The history of Valentine’s Day and

its patron saint is shrouded in mystery. Not

many specifics are known. What we do

know is that February has long been

celebrated as a month of romance and that

St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today,

contains odds and ends of both Christian

and pagan ancient Roman traditions.

Some of these traditions date back to the 5th

century, with roots in the Roman holiday

Lupercalia: a very early, possibly pre-

Roman pastoral festival, observed between

February 13 – 15. The reason for

Lupercalia was to avert evil spirits and

cleanse the city, in order to release health

and fertility.

The Catholic Church recognizes at least

three different saints named Valentine or

Valentinus. One of the legends – and

perhaps the most famous – argues that

Valentine of Rome was a priest who served

in that city during the 3rd century. This

Valentine was condemned to death by

Claudius II, the Roman Emperor in power

at the time. Claudius noticed that single

men made better soldiers than those men

with wives and children, and so, the

Emperor outlawed marriages for young

men in order to build a stronger army. The

priest Valentine (of Rome), realizing the

injustice of the imperial decree, defied

Claudius II and, secretly continued to

perform marriages for young lovers. When

he was found out, he was sentenced to

death.

February 14; however, first became

associated with romantic love in the times

of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle

Ages. Previous to this time, St. Valentine’s

Day was simply a liturgical feast (St.

Valentine’s Day is an official Feast day in

the Anglican Communion and in the

Lutheran Church; a Feast which still exists

today). In 18th century England, the day

developed into an occasion when lovers

expressed their love for each other through

the giving of flowers and gifts. The current

St. Valentine’s Day customs developed in

early modern England and spread

throughout the Anglo-world in the 19th

century.

However, St. Valentine’s Day is not

accepted everywhere, more specifically in

the Islamic world, presenting conflicts both

with religious authorities as well as with

some political parties. In Iran, for example,

the day has been harshly criticized by

Islamic teachers, who see the celebration as

opposite to Islamic culture. Islamic officials

in Malaysia warned Muslims against

celebrating Valentine’s Day, linking it with

cultural pollution. In Pakistan, protests

erupted in Lahore against the celebration of

St. Valentine’s Day, labeling it as a day

aimed more “to consumerism than to love

and to convert the country into a secular

state”. In 2002 and 2008, religious police in

Saudi Arabia band the sale of all Valentine’s

Day items, or anything remotely related to

it, because the day is considered a Christian

holiday.

On the other hand, other countries of the

world have welcomed the day’s celebration.

In China, a man gives chocolate, flowers (or



Black History Month

Black (African-American) History Month is a month-long, annual celebration observed in the United

States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Both the United States and Canada celebrate during

February; the United Kingdom celebrates in October. The precursor to Black History Month was

created in the United States in 1926. Historian, educator and publisher, Dr. Carter G. Woodson,

founded a week-long celebration he called "Negro History Week." Dr. Woodson selected February

to honor Frederick Douglass and Pres. Abraham Lincoln, both of whose birthdays occur during the

month.

The event had a lukewarm reception. By 1929 The Journal of Negro History was able to note;

however, that with only two exceptions officials with the State Departments of Educations of "every

state with considerable Negro population" had made the occasion known to that state's teachers and

distributed official literature associated with the it." Negro History Week grew in popularity

throughout the following decades, with mayors across the United States endorsing it as a holiday. In

February 1969, the expansion of Black History Week to Black History Month was first proposed by

the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University.

The first celebration of the Black History Month took place at Kent State one year later, in February

1970. In 1976, as part of the United States Bicentennial, the informal expansion of Negro History

Week to Black History Month was officially recognized by the U.S. government. President Gerald

Ford spoke in regards to this, urging Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often

neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." (Taken from the presidential archives at the University of Texas)

Black History Month was first celebrated in the United Kingdom in 1987, and Canada's House of

Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in 1995 and honored black

Canadians.

The usefulness and fairness of this even raises criticism and debates on an annual basis. Morgan

both) to the woman that he loves. In

Finland and Estonia, the day translates into

“Friend’s Day”. As the translation indicates,

the day is more about remembering friends

rather than significant others. The day was

not celebrated much in India until 1992,

when due to programs in commercial TV

channels such as MTV and radio programs

running love-letter-competitions catapulted

the celebrations into the masses.

Even though, many people nowadays still

see Valentine’s Day only as big sales of

flower, candy and cards, a less cynical

approach to St. Valentine’s Day allows us to

view the expression of a most important

aspect of this holiday; that is – love and

appreciation for others – not simply an

abusive exploitation of such noble feelings

as love and friendship..▣

Black History Month stimulates annual debates about the continued usefulness of the month. In The

International Journal of Radical Critic, actor Morgan Freeman said: “I don’t want a black history month.

Black history is American history.” He argues there is no White History Month because the white race

does not want its history relegated to one month of the year only.

The fairness of designating one month to honor a single race has also been questioned. Many people

are concerned about the “hero worshipping” the month focus on. However, some of these fairness

questions have been rectified by the many celebration currently in place; e. i., National Hispanic

Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, LGTB History

Month among them.



Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr challenged us

to build a more perfect union and taught

us that everyone has a role to play in

making America what it ought to be.

After a long struggle, legislation was

signed in 1983 creating a federal holiday

marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr. The federal holiday was

first observed in 1986. In 1994,

Congress designated the holiday as a

national day of service.

The MLK Day of Service empowers

individuals, strengthens communities,

bridges barriers, addresses social

problems, and moves us closer to Dr.

King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

Each year, members of the North Shore

United Methodist Church unite their

efforts in service. Below are some

pictures of the 2015 MLK Day of

Service.

MLK

DAY O

F S

ER

VIC

E 2

01

5

MK

L D

AY

OF

SE

RV

ICE

20

15



Senior Pastor . . . . . . . . .Rev. Glenna Olumstad Youth/Children Ministries. . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dr. Barbara Javore

Student Intern. . . . . Caitlyn Butler Choir Director. . . . . Ed Kemp Organist. . . . . . . . . . Tomoko Shibuya Nursery Attendant. .Nancy Gandelman Secretary. . . . . . . . . . Peggy Bucklin Custodian . . . . . . . . . Rick Short

The DEADLINE for March 2015 articles-submission is 02/20/2015. Please contact Carlos

Figueredo ([email protected]) or call him at 773-451-6701.

Church chimes February 2015

February Greeters and Ushers

Greeters Ushers

February 01: Judi and Jim Simmons Rob Powell*

February 08: Cherie, Peter Abels and family Walter Calhoun

February 15: Barb Lepman and Tim Fleming

February 22: Ellen Paseltiner

*Captain

North Shore United Methodist Church 213 Hazel Av., Glencoe, IL 60022 Office: 847-835-1227 Pastor’s cell 847-767-5106 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nsumcglencoe.org

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