Volume 50 Number 2 February, 2011

St. Luke’s

MESSENGER The newsletter of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Park Ridge, Illinois

REFLECTIONS: Telling the Stories of St. Luke’s

We were partners in ministry before a congregational meeting

voted to call me as lead pastor in 2003. We are partners in minis-

try as we journey together faithfully in mission at St. Luke’s. We

will be partners in ministry and mission beyond my resignation as

lead pastor at the end of February.

Past, present and future accompany any time of transition. Past,

present and future are all comfort zones of Christ’s Church for

Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

As Rebecca and I prepare to take leave from Park Ridge to move

to Switzerland, I am thankful that we will continue to be partners

in ministry and mission with St. Luke’s and all of Christ’s Church

throughout the world. We will remain members of St. Luke’s

(although we’ll rarely get to church in our home congregation)

and we will become associate members of the expatriate commu-

nity that makes up the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Geneva’s

English-speaking Congregation.

In that new, yet familiar congregational setting, people from

throughout the Church and all over the world will ask us about St.

Luke’s. What was it like? Was it dangerous to live in Chicago?

How did your church live out its faith? In answer, we will share

stories of St. Luke’s mission and ministry:

St. Luke’s is a faithful people – Word and Sacrament mark

their weekly assembly; education for all ages is provided;

even the youngest of the baptized are fed at the Table of the

Lord; Christ is known within the congregation and Christ is

made known beyond the walls of their building.

St. Luke’s is a courageous people – in the midst of economic

recession they had the vision to re-build a structure to house

the people of God and facilitate their ministry; they are not

afraid of speaking truth to power nor are they shy about be-

ing vulnerable; they extend a welcome to all people made in

the image of God.

St. Luke’s is a caring community – stories of Chance and

Curt and Bethel New Life and PADS and career transition

and Elijah’s Pantry and Endowment Fund grants and Christ-

mas Card Trees and so much more will give evidence to how

not only doors, but hearts are opened.

St. Luke’s members are a generous folk – The ELCA World

Hunger Appeal ignited their imagination to steward resources

of time, talent and treasure; they have the capacity to support

a congregational ministry while enabling mission to the wid-

er community, synod, nation and world.

St. Luke’s sees beyond its walls – in prayer through the Ecu-

menical Prayer Cycle; through sponsoring young adults in

global mission as well as mission staff; they travel to Arusha

to learn about the Church in Tanzania, they walk the cobble-

stones of Jerusalem’s Old City to hear prayers for peace sung

in counterpoint by Jews, Christians and Muslims; when re-

building their own church facilities, they build a new church

in India, provide housing in Jerusalem and rebuild lives in

Chicago.

They are a People of the Psalms – with voices they sing

God’s praise; with harp, lute, lyre, pipes, strings, drum, rain

sticks, Orff instruments they join the hymn of all creation;

they bring the hopes and fears of all the years, the lament and

joy of life into God’s presence; they know how to pray at all

times, in all seasons, for all circumstances of life.

They are a hungry folk who know that Christ is present in

table fellowship at meals, when bread is broken and food

shared.

It has been a profound privilege to serve as one of the many pas-

tors called to St. Luke’s in its 97 year history; to offer the gifts of

God for the people of God. As a congregation you have been

pastoral and prophetic, courageous and faithful and you have en-

tered deeply into my heart and shaped who I am. Thank you all.

May God continue to bless and keep you, God’s face shine upon

you with grace and mercy, God look upon you with favor and

give you peace.

Pastor Stephen M. Larson

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Birthdays and Anniversaries………………Page 2

In The Family…………………………….. Page 3

Many Thanks………………………………Page 3

Member Care News……………………..... Page 3

Council Notes and Financial Report.…….. Page 4

Mark Your Calendar …………………….. Page 5

Outreach and Community News…………. Page 6

Education for All…………………………. Page 8

Birthdays in FEBRUARY

1 Edward Grendahl, Mark Hendee, Joyce Robinson

2 Laurie Wit, Robert Larson, Don Williams

3 Paul Edison-Swift

4 Heather O’Reilly

5 Peter Burrows, Bonny Baker, Debra Sanger

6 Christie Brooks, Claranne English, LaVerne Messersmith, Leila Wooley, Katherine Kolz, Emma Luehr

7 Ken Schoy, Olivia Feldner

8 Scott Berg, Ashley McClelland

9 Christopher Anderson, June Ehorn, Kimberly Delaney, Kristen Quitno, Tom Fisher

10 Dave Adams, Gary Clark, Michael Lynch, Kristina Pearson, Jenna Zawojski

11 Alice Doose, Olivia Post, Annie Raeder

12 Albert Ehorn, Audrey Walczak, Mike Luehr

13 Pam Boyce, Jenny Calahan, Anna Gartner, David MacArthur, Csilla Megyeri, Kristi Weber

15 Liam Farrell, Laura Smith

16 Kathryn Boyce, Michael Zajac, Kennedy Gallagher, Paul Montgomery

17 Andrew DeVooght, Carly Fenili, John Lichner, Jennifer Wessel

18 Jim Buskirk, James Organ, Graham Hills

19 Beth Humbert, Betty Lundsberg, Gail Pearson, Betty Shoemaker

22 Andrew Schafer

23 Grace Nilles, Katelyn Nilles, Jordan Rogowski

24 Mitch Celik, Jeff Greve, Dick Hayden, Samantha Schafer, Finn Quitno

26 Beverly Ahlbeck, Jo Ellen Krantz, Brittany Brooks, Phyllis Meyer

27 Jerry Gudukas, Tim McCurry

28 Sarah Bennett, Stephanie Richter

2 Brian and Meaghan Tait

3 John and Mary Rhoton

4 Arthur and Nancy Stahlberg

8 Jeff Wilson and Patricia Gross

10 John and Cindy Nommensen

13 Keith and Nancy Lodding

27 Chris and Julie Stinnett

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO…

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THE LUTHERAN MAGAZINE The congregation sends THE LUTHERAN (magazine of the ELCA) to members so that they may be informed about the

work of the ELCA and have access to the thoughtful articles that are contained in the magazine. Members are encouraged

to make a contribution that will help pay for the subscriptions that are sent. The 2011 offering envelope box contains a

special envelope for your use in making such a contribution. It is located in the January section. The invoice for the

subscriptions is paid in early February. You are encouraged to make your contribution today. You may also use a PEW

ENVELOPE and designate your gift for THE LUTHERAN.

AS A COURTESY As a courtesy to those around you…..if at all possible,

please refrain from wearing any strong smelling

lotions and perfumes when you are in the building.

Strong scents can trigger severe allergic reactions to

certain individuals. Thank you!

FAREWELL AND GODSPEED FOR

PASTORS STEPHEN AND REBECCA LARSON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2011

Watch for a letter to be mailed to your home and for information

in the parish notes with more specific details about time and

plans for a congregational farewell for the Larsons as they move

to Geneva, Switzerland.

ST. LUKE’S MEMBER CARE

IN THE FAMILY... We welcome through the waters of baptism Mason Robert

Lyons (1/30), son of Jeb and Carrie Heiser Lyons….our

sympathy to Kathy, Dennis and Chris Figler on the death of

Kathy’s mom, Myrtle Westman.

MANY THANKS FROM.....

Kathy, Dennis and Chris Figler for the all kindness and

support their received after Kathy’s mom’s death…. Bea

and Ed Westrich for the poinsettia plant, cookies, cards,

flowers and phone calls they received…. Debbie Roman

for the gift card and many blessings received….Lutheran

Social Services of Illinois for the monetary gift from St.

Luke’s….Maine Center for the generous monetary

gift….Bethel New Life and The Night Ministry for all the

generous support…. Concordia Place for the very generous

donation to the Early Childhood Scholarship project….

WINGS for the monetary donation…. Journeys from

PADS to HOPE for the generous donations….

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ST. LUKE’S STAFF 847-825-6659

Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Larson, Lead Pastor - ext. 11 Rev. Kristina C. Weber, Associate Pastor - ext. 12

Rev. Dr. Malcolm L. Minnick, Pastor Emeritus - ext. 29 Anne Krentz Organ, Director of Music Ministries - ext. 14 Melinda Hoiland, Director of Children’s Choirs - ext. 15

Jeannine Oakes, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries - ext. 16

Jeanne Rice, Parish Coordinator - ext. 10 Annette Kern, Office Administrator - ext. 17

FROM PASTOR LARSON Thank you to all who responded so generously to our ingath-

ering for Nancy Olson! Thank you to all for the Christmas

cards and gifts that Rebecca and I received. (To the person

who left a silver rectangular box with a lovely pair of gloves

in my office mail box – thank you! There was no identifying

card on the box…. If you could call me I’d welcome the

chance to thank you personally!)

CHRISTMAS CARD TREE

The Social Ministry Committee wants to greatly thank the

following people in the congregation who participated in our

Christmas Card Tree appeal : Charlotte Argall; Thomas and

Diane Barounis; Penny Boyer; Brad, Lynne, Emily and

Madelyn Bugai; Jason, Amy, Matthew, Jake and Peter

Burrows; Barbara and Lee Burswold; Erik and Evelyn

Carlson; Sara, Liam and Evan Carolan; Gary and Barb

Clark; Norm and Elsie Duncan; Diane and Bruce Erickson;

June Feth; George Durr and Gail Freund; Jeff, Susan, Larisa,

and Eric Greve; Dorothy Hendee; Joanne and Bill Griebler;

The Henehan Family; Harold Hjelm; Brenna, Chad,

Brandon, and Charlotte Huovie; Jean Igoe; Carolyn and Lee

Joesten; Art and Nancy Johnson; Stan and Lenore Johnson;

Janice Jordan; Bill, Pam, and Kirsten Killean; Angie and

Wayne Krause; Gail and Bob Larson; Katherine Larson;

Stephen and Rebecca Larson; Darina and John Lichner;

Robert and Anita Lichtenvoort; Dick and Laverne

Messersmith; Phil and Lara Miller and family; Siri and Don

Nelson; Cindy and John Nommensen; Ruth Olson; MaryLou

and Tor Sandvik; Ken Schoy and Virginia Schoy; Lois

Shaw; Del and Jo Stutzman; The Timmer Family; Ruth

Trautman; Jim and Lu Trecker; David, Carol, Mindi and

Lanie Week; Dee, Wayne, W3 and Hanna Weinke; Bea and

Ed Westrich, and Leila Wooley.

The total amount of money donated was $1,210 and it will

be placed in the Food Voucher Program at St. Luke’s. Thank

you so much and thank you also to Kyle and Gary

Cartwright for providing us with a new tree. It looked

beautiful.

MEMBER CARE MINISTRIES Many of the ministries formerly coordinated by Nancy Olson

are currently being coordinated by a team of volunteers. Our

Human Resources Committee is in the process of creating a

job description for the position however, the Congregation

Council has not yet authorized posting the position. The plan

is to move forward once we have a better idea on the status of

an Interim Pastor. Please contact the following for questions

related to these ministries:

Adult Children of Aging Parents – Claranne English at

clare.english@comcast.net

Home Visitor Coordinator – Mary Rhoton at

mrhoton@sbcglobal.net

Prayer Chain and Prayer Shawls – BethAnn Lynch at

bethann.lynch@earthlink.net

Spiritual Practices Team – chair of the month rotates among

members

Hospital Visits and Emergency Member Care – Pastors

Larson and Weber

Other ministries continue with the same contact people as

when Nancy Olson was coordinating those ministries (Flower

Delivery, Card Ministry, Women's Retreat, Splash, etc.). If

you have any questions about who is coordinating a particular

ministry, please ask Member Care Cabinet Coordinator, Sara

Carolan at sara@carolans.com, Pastor Stephen Larson at

slarson@stlukespr.org or Pastor Kristi Weber at

kweber@stlukespr.org

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COUNCIL NOTES

January Council Summary

Approved financial reports, subject to financial review,

received from the Operating Fund Treasurer and Financial

Secretary. Received reports from other leadership teams and

staff for consideration.

Received staff update report from Paula Zawojski, HR

Chair.

Received verbal update on the Church Building Project

and approved recommendations:

o To authorize CBT to make a final decision on replace-

ment of kitchen door and Henderson Hall within the

scope of the current project.

o To authorize CBT to make a final decision on best

method to refinish Henderson Hall floor.

Approved recommendation from FMT on behalf of

Church Building Co-Treasurers to transfer GIF interest

income to the GIF account for purpose of covering an ex-

penditure for printing.

After meeting as a Committee of the Whole to discuss the

proposed 2011 Spending Plan, approved recommendations

from FMT:

o To use 2010 carry-over funds to balance 2011 Core

Budget.

o To recommend to the congregation at its annual meet-

ing, a 2011 Spending Plan totaling $744,753; and that

the Executive Committee be authorized to adjust the

figure based on a final audit from Accountant’s report,

if necessary.

o To authorize the Treasurer, for the month of January,

to pay salaries and benefits based in the 2010 Spending

Plan and other expenses based on the proposed 2011

Spending plan.

Approved recommendation from HR on behalf of Pastor

Weber to postpone her sabbatical; to provide two addition-

al Sundays as vacation time in 2011; and, to continue to

fund the sabbatical account.

Ratified action of the Executive Committee with regard to

the executive of a contract with Jani-King for St. Luke’s

cleaning services, effective January 1, 2011.

Received verbal update on second capital campaign, ―Let

Your Light So Shine.‖ Kick off for the campaign is sched-

uled for March 6.

Approved motion to accept the resignation from Eric

Clarke with deep regret and thanks for his service on

council, effective immediately.

Approved motion to honor outgoing council members by

donating gift to the ―ELCA Fund For Leaders‖ in their

names.

Referred to Executive Committee the composition of the

final slate of voting members and alternates for the 2011

Synod Assembly for recommendation to the congregation

at the annual meeting.

By consensus, approved the members of a leadership team

to work with Bishop Miller to engage an Interim Lead

Pastor that will also function as an advisory/support team

when that person begins service.

Approved motion to call a special council meeting on Jan-

uary 30 following the annual meeting of the congregation

for purposes of electing and appointing officers and other

leadership roles for 2011.

2010 FINANCIAL UPDATE—”It was a good year!”

In 2010, we received offerings for the Spending Plan totaling $759,606 to provide financial support for the mission and ministry

outlined in the spending plan. We spent $729,166. We under spent the 2010 budget by $27,609. We had a year-end balance of

$30,440.

Analysis of Sources of Giving:

470 households contributed offerings to support the ministry.

46 contributors did not fulfill their commitment ($35,483)

40 contributors gave more than their commitment ($35,717)

192 contributors who had not pledged gave $110,571

The Financial Secretary, Don Nelson, reports: $289,614 given for the Building Fund - $3,804 for Mount of Olives - $2,338 for

Concordia scholarships.

Total giving for 2010 was $1,262,351 including the items already listed PLUS

World Hunger and Diaster Response ($32,730)

local benevolence ($820)

major repair fund ($3,144)

memorials/special gifts ($170,690)

Thanks to all for the generous support of God’s work.

After the last Sunday (Dec. 26), a total of $34,000 was brought to the church before the books closed on Dec. 31. This effort

shows the commitment of our congregation to provide the financial resources needed to do God’s work with our hands and

resources. God has blessed us in our ministries during 2010 and we strive to be a blessing to others. As we move into 2011, please

continue to be faithful in your participation in ministry and in your support through offerings, time given and abilities shared.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR BLOOD DRIVE—MARCH 15

The Social Ministry Team of St. Luke’s is sponsoring a blood

drive through LifeSource that will take place Tuesday, March

15, 2011 from 4:00PM-8:30PM.

Professionally trained people will conduct the process and there

will be coffee and refreshments provided to each individual

after blood has been drawn. The Social Ministry Committee

will not be calling the congregation asking for donors this

year. Donors please use the website www.Lifesource.org and

enter St. Luke’s group code of RG14. Donors can also call

312/279-2958 to schedule or if you have any questions regard-

ing donating.

Donors must be 17 years of age and no upper age limit. Please

bring some type of identification such as a driver’s license, a

social security number or/state id.

WALK-INS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.

If you have any questions, please call Jean Igoe 8:30 am—5:00

pm at 847-298-0310 or after 5:00 pm at 847-224-7253.

Thank you.

FIRST TUESDAY MEN’S BREAKFAST Our next meeting will be on February 1 at 8:00 am begin-

ning with our pancake and sausage breakfast prepared by

our two chefs, Carl Blomgren and Art Johnson. If you need

a ride call Howie at 847-698-0152 or Don at 847-825-3673.

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ST. LUKE’S TO HOST SUNDAY SUPPER St. Luke’s will host the Sunday Supper at St. Paul of the Cross

Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, March 6. Thank you to

Kim Hendee for coordinating our participation in this

ecumenical and community wide ministry.

At our Epiphany Eve worship we sang the hymn, Christ be

our Light. One of the stanzas begins, Longing for shelter,

many are homeless.

The Sunday Supper outreach ministry had its origins in 2006

when the Park Ridge Ministerial Association (PRMA) tried to

establish a PADS shelter in Park Ridge for homeless people

seeking shelter. PADS is the acronym for Public Assistance

Delivering Shelter. The organization Journey from PADS to

HOPE worked with the PRMA to establish the framework for

a PADS site in Park Ridge.

However the proposal was too controversial and the goal of

establishing a Park Ridge PADS site was shelved in 2007.

―But we have to do something!‖ many people said.

Another stanza of our Epiphany Eve hymn begins, Longing

for food, many are hungry. St. Paul of the Cross stepped up

as the host to coordinate a free hot meal on Sunday evenings

during the PADS season of October to April. Most of the

Park Ridge churches jumped at the idea and in 2008 the

Sunday Suppers began.

Within a year, community organizations joined the churches

in the project. Perhaps you saw the article in the Chicago

Tribune or Park Ridge Herald Advocate on January 6th

Epiphany Day when the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce

hosted the Supper. The Park Ridge Senior Center and Rotary

Club are among other civic sponsors.

From its origins in 2008 the Sunday Supper ministry now reg-

ularly serves meals to 100 folk – individuals, families, chil-

dren – in a warm, hospitable and safe environment.

If you are interested in learning more about the Sunday Sup-

pers, or in assisting with our preparation and serving of the

meal on March 6th please contact Kim Hendee at

Hendee.kim@corp.sysco.com

Sunday March 6th is the last Sunday after Epiphany and also

the Sunday that St. Luke’s launches our second capital build-

ing campaign, Let Your Light Shine. It’s an appropriate day

to be singing, Christ be our Light, in many ways – but espe-

cially as we encounter the Christ standing in line among those

who are hungry and homeless.

QUILTERS ARE BACK Lutheran World Relief Quilt Workshop is returning on

Wednesday, February 16 at 9:00 am until 12:30 pm. The new

location for this group will be on the lower level, which you

can reach via the elevator. For more information contact

Angie Krause at 847-825-2574 or Alice Kolar at 847-823-

8788.

BEYOND OUR WALLS UPDATE During our Growing in Faith capital campaign 2008 – 2011

two Beyond our Walls projects were featured. Here’s an

update on where we stand for financial pledges received to

date:

Mount of Olives housing project for Palestinian Christians

in Jerusalem $ 28, 479—Pledged; $ 15,847.84—Received

Concordia Place in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago.

$ 24,255—Pledged; $ 14,412.83—Received

If you have paid your Beyond our Walls pledge or are up to

date with it, THANK YOU!! If you are still paying your

pledge, we hope to send the balance to our two projects by

Easter. Thank you for your support of our St. Luke’s

Building Project and these two Beyond our Walls projects!

Your support makes a huge difference in the lives of many

people. Thank you!

OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2011

Did you receive your 2011 Offering Envelopes?

At the request of our financial folks, we ask that

you no longer use your 2010 offering envelopes.

Please use the 2011 envelopes only. Thank you.

OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

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BETTER THAN A BLOG! Enjoy A Skype Conversation with Hartwigs and Stubbs

Bring your coffee and treats to the Spangler Room on Sunday, February 6, to connect face-to-face with our missionaries in

Tanzania. This is an opportunity to learn of the progress that has been made in developing a palliative care program based

in Lutheran hospitals, and of the progress in building a music department from the ground up in a Lutheran university.

We’ll have a chance to ask questions and express our appreciation for faithful and effective work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BEEN READING RANDY AND CAROL’S BLOG FROM TANZANIA? If you click on a link on St. Luke’s website, you’ll learn that . . .

. . .building a music department in a Lutheran College in Tanzania over a four-year period is no small task! However,

missionaries Randy and Carol Stubbs are beginning to see the fruit of their partnership with Tanzanian colleagues:

In 2007, Makumira University College became the only institution in the country to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in

Music. Since then six students have graduated, four have assumed music teaching positions in Bible schools, one is

completing his Master’s Degree in Ethnomusicology in South Africa, and one is working on a choral conducting

degree at Northern Illinois University. When he returns, he’ll be the second Tanzanian to be appointed to a permanent

faculty position in the Music Department.

A recording studio has been built, providing the opportunity for a host of Tanzania choirs to record their music and the

school to generate income for music scholarships and equipment.

Students have gone into the community to record traditional Chagga songs, a way to preserve them for the future.

Faculty has researched Maasai music.

Each semester is filled with a full range of degree classes, elective courses, choir rehearsals, concerts, music lessons,

hosting visiting music instructors from the U.S., Germany and Finland, choral conducting workshops, field trips for

concerts.

In the January Messenger, Randy and Carol told us that Global Mission and Makumira were working hard to ensure that

their positions would be retained for the next two years, allowing Tanzanians to complete graduate degrees and return to

take Stubbs’ places on the faculty. We rejoice that that indeed has happened!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHAT’S IN A NUMBER?

IN A YEAR OF GREAT ECONOMIC CHALLENGE, ST. LUKE’S

MEMBERS RESPONDED WITH GREATER THAN EVER

GENEROSITY FOR THE ELCA WORLD HUNGER APPEAL, a

total of $30,163. The Global Links Team had set a goal of $26,000, but

our gifts went well beyond! During the December Good Gifts Fair, St.

Luke’s members gave $10,224, which was then doubled at ELCA through

anonymous contributors. Camp Allegro participants swelled the total with

their gift of $1,700. More individuals responded at St. Luke’s than at any

time in the last ten years!

The numbers count because of the assistance rendered through these funds: farm animals for families in

a host of countries, agricultural training in Uganda, a food pantry in northern Illinois, Mobile Meals in North

Carolina, a community health program in Mozambique, water rehabilitation in Democratic Republic of

Congo, to name a few.

You are part of a life-giving program that truly makes a difference! THANK YOU ALL!

$30,163

CONTENTS OF THE 2010 CORNERSTONE

On August 1, 2010, St. Luke’s held a service to set the

cornerstone for the 2009-2010 building addition to the

church. Behind the cornerstone was placed a copper box

filled with current and past artifacts of St. Luke’s. In keeping

with the tradition established following the settings of the

1928 and 1971 cornerstones, a list of the contents of the 2010

cornerstone are now published below in The Messenger.

1. A Holy Bible (New Revised Standard Version)

2. An Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal

3. The most recent booklet of annual reports of St. Luke’s

4. A current copy of The Messenger

5. 2009 Member Household Directory—that is, the most

recent pictorial directory

6. ―Partial History of the Construction of the 2010 Addition

to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church: A Compilation of Articles

from The Messenger from January 2008 to July 2010‖

7. Current lists of: (a) 2010 Officers of the Congregation, (b)

Members of the Church Building Team, (c) Members of

the Building Project Planning Team, (d) Members of the

Interiors Committee, (e) Members of the Kitchen

Committee, and (f) Treasurers of the Building Fund

8. A letter to future generations at St. Luke’s, with gratitude

for the generations who have gone before us and with

hope for those who are yet to come

9. Five memorial plaques from the 1971-1972 addition

10. The 75th anniversary history of St. Luke’s

11. A Growing in Faith newsletter

12. A copy of the bulletin for the cornerstone-setting service

on August 1, 2010

13. Business cards of the architect and construction manager

14. The Chicago Tribune of July 29, 2010

15. The Park Ridge Advocate of July 29, 2010

16. The article from the May 13, 2010, issue of the Park

Ridge Advocate: ―Church aids Jerusalem housing

project, builds new addition at home‖

17. The bulletin from the 2009 Candlelight Service

18. The bulletin from the 2010 Easter Service

19. A DVD of the May 2009 Bottle Band Concert

20. The Our Town newspaper interview with Pastor Walter

Spangler about the history of St. Luke’s, including the

safe-in-the-well story

21. The article from The Messenger about the recovery of the

safe-in-the-well on October 14, 2009

22. Photographs of the recovery of the safe

Craig Moen, St. Luke’s Archivist

Page 7

New Creation

The Ruth Ratcliff Memorial Window New Creation (2010) is the first new stained glass window at St. Luke’s in over 50 years.

In structure and design, the window designed by Emily Carlson proclaims that ―in Christ we are a new creation‖ (2 Corinthians

5:17). The window frame presents the cross of Christ as both a tree of death and a tree of life as the arms of the cross extend with

new growth. Against the darkness of death, the window proclaims Christ as the life and light of the world (John 1:4). The colors

in the cross quadrants depict the four ancient elements of creation – earth, air, fire and water. Ancient creation embraces the

cross which proclaims our faith in the new creation of Christ crucified and risen.

At the center of the window there is a quatrefoil, an opening as if to image the cross as the place of meeting God – the place of

reconciliation between God and humankind. (2 Corinthians 5:18) Around that open center point of reconciliation, the quatrefoil

symbolizes the number four as an image of wholeness – the four Gospels where we meet Christ, Ezekiel’s four winds from which

God’s Holy Spirit breathes life even into dry bones (Ezekiel 34:9-10), the four seasons of a year, the four ancient elements of

creation, the four means to love God with all our heart, soul, might and our neighbor as ourselves.

In the daylight, creation’s light shines through the window to illumine the multitude of ministries within St. Luke’s. The window

prisms the light and casts rainbow color into the atrium as a hospitable sign that all are welcome in the church. Then as one exits

the building beneath the window, the Light of Christ inspires a mandate to mission as all are sent out into the whole world to ―Go

in peace and serve the Lord.‖

In twilight and as night darkens, the lights of St. Luke’s ministry and mission within shine out through the window into the

community as if to proclaim St. Luke’s intention to be a servant church in the community and world.

Therefore, if any one is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has passed away,

behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us

to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – 18

EDUCATION FOR ADULTS

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Adult Forum- Sunday mornings 9:45-10:45 am

February 6- Better Than A Blog! Enjoy a Skype Conversation With the Hartwigs and Stubbs

Bring your coffee and treats to the Spangler Room to connect face-to-face with our missionaries in

Tanzania. This is an opportunity to learn of the progress that has been made in developing a palliative

care program based in Lutheran hospitals, and of the progress in building a music department from the ground up in a Lutheran

University. We’ll have a chance to ask questions and express our appreciation for faithful and effective work.

February 13- Guest Speaker: Rev. Susan Johnson, National Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

Rev. Johnson will talk about some projections and speculation about the future of the church.

February 20- A Special Coffee Hour Farewell

Farewell and God be with you to Pastors Stephen and Rebecca Larson, who are moving to Switzerland. Come and thank the

Larsons for their ministry among us!

February 27- How Do We Relate to Lutherans Around the World?

Members Pastor Don McCoid, ELCA Executive for Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, and Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl,

Coordinator of the ELCA Malaria Initiative and HIV AIDS strategy, will help us understand how Lutherans from around the

world work together through the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). The LWF is a global communion of Christian Churches in

the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF now has 145 member churches in 79 countries all over the

world, representing over 70 million Christians. They will include a brief report on the issues that confronted the LWF Assembly

in Stuttgart, Germany, last summer. In addition, they will introduce us to the work that the LWF does with Action by Churches

Together (ACT). This is the group in which Rebecca Larson has been called to serve.

All are welcome!

Adult Education - Wednesday evenings 7-8 pm

February 2, 9 & 16- Bible Study of Exodus!

Join us as we begin a study of the book of Exodus, which contains many exciting stories, including the birth of Moses, Moses

at the burning bush, the ten plagues on Egypt, the first Passover, pillars of cloud and fire, parting of the Red Sea, bread from

Heaven, water from a rock, the Ten Commandments and making a Tabernacle. In the Exodus story, God leads the Israelite

people out of Egypt and out of slavery. The conversation is growing. Discover new ways to open Scripture! The Book of

Faith Initiative calls ―the whole church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order

that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered, and sent by the Word‖.

St. Luke’s member, Pastor Paul Stone, is leading this study focusing on the book of Exodus, the second book of the Old Testa-

ment. The resource, ―Book of Faith‖, is being used which will provide another perspective on scripture as participants explore

key themes and texts within Genesis. Please join us as we learn more about God’s written Word!

February 23- New Bible Study begins!

All are welcome!

Library Notes St. Luke’s Library now has its shelves filled again, and we’re excited to welcome you back in to browse, read, relax, and

maybe check out a book to take home. We are open Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 – 8:00 P.M.

Although we are still working on organizing some resources, we hope you’ll come in and take a look. Remember to sign your

name and date on the book card, place it in the Circulation Tray, then jot the date on the date due slip in the book, to remind

yourself to return it in four weeks. Enjoy!

EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH and FAMILIES

Page 9

LASER TAG LOCK-IN AT ESKAPE FOR JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH

All 6th – 12th graders are invited to a lock-in at eSkape on February 11 and 12. For only $40 you will get unlimited

amounts of laser tag, bowling, video games set on free play, pizza and pop. Meet at St. Luke’s Friday, February 11 at

8:30pm to carpool to Our Savior Lutheran in Arlington Heights where we will meet up with several local ELCA youth

groups for a few hours led by a theatre troupe called Friends of the Groom. We’ll head to eSkape at midnight. The

lock-in ends at 5am and we will carpool back to St. Luke’s for you to get picked up at 5:30am Saturday, February 12.

This is one lock-in you won’t want to miss! Friends are welcome!

THE AMAZING RACE – VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

This year’s VBS will focus on our theme verse from our

Sunday School year, Hebrews 12:1 “let us run with per-

severance the race that is set before us.” VBS will be

from July 11-14. Registration packets will be mailed

toward the end of the month. Sign up early!

HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER MISSION TRIP

We are exploring a few different options for a mission trip

during the last week of July. Check your mail and e-mail

for an upcoming info meeting and decisions about where

we will go and what we will do!

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH FORUM ON SUNDAY MORNINGS

Hey high schoolers, have you met our

new youth forum leader? Kate Allen has

been meeting with the high schoolers on

Sundays from 9:45am-10:45am in our

new youth lounge. Stop by for an hour of

highs, lows, and hot topics!

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

On Sunday February 6, high school youth will be collecting canned

goods and monetary donations for the Maine Township Food

Pantry. As the Super Bowl approaches, please consider not just

who you hope will win the football game but the many people who

depend on support from the Food Pantry. Thanks in advance!

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

All families are invited to an evening of fellow-

ship on February 19. Check your e-mail and

parish notes for more details about this fun new

event!

6TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHICAGO

The 6th graders have been hard at work memorizing the 23rd Psalm. On Sunday February 6 they will participate

in worship at Fourth Presbyterian where the 23rd Psalm is recited after all have received communion. Parents,

please check your e-mail and send in your RSVP!

WORSHIP and MUSIC

Choir schedule for February 2011

All are welcome! The choirs are always ready to welcome new musicians. Please join us!

Group Rehearsal time Contact

Cherub Choir 4:30-5:10 p.m. Wed. Melinda Hoiland

Junior Choir 5:15-6:15 p.m. Wed. Melinda Hoiland

Orff Ensemble 6:45-7:30 p.m. Wed. Melinda Hoiland

Youth Choir 7:00-8:00 p.m. Wed. Anne Krentz Organ

Celebration Ringers 8:00-9:00 p.m. Wed. Anne Krentz Organ

Chancel Choir 7:45-9:00 p.m. Thurs. Anne Krentz Organ

Sanctuary Choir 9:45-10:30 a.m. Sun. Anne Krentz Organ (twice per month)

Chicago Philharmonic Chamber Players – Feb. 6 at 3:00 PM

The Chicago Philharmonic Players will return to St. Luke’s for another chamber concert on February 6 at 3:00 p.m. They

will present a concert entitled Valentine’s Romance that will feature music by Stephen Sondheim; several passionate tangos by

Piazzolla, Two Songs for Voice, Viola and Piano by Brahms; von Weber’s Piano Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano; and

Couperin’s Le Rossignol en Amour. Performers are Jessye Wright, mezzo-soprano; William Billingham, piano; Donna

Milanovich, flute; Karl Davies, violin, viola; and Margaret Daly, cello. The concert is underwritten by Park Ridge Cultural

Arts Council and Michael Becker Fine Violins and supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council. Tickets are $15 in advance

($10 seniors, 65 and older) and $20 at the door ($15 seniors, 65 and older). Students are free. Tickets may be purchased in

advance at Michael Becker Fine Violins located at 28 Third Street in Park Ridge, at Allegro Music Center, 800 West Devon

Ave., online at www.chicagophilharmonic.org or by phone at 847.866.6888.

Why is the season of Epiphany so long this year?

Ash Wednesday, the first day in the season of Lent, often takes place during the month of February, but not this year! You

may have noticed that we are experiencing more Sundays after Epiphany than usual. Here’s why: the liturgical calendar is

based on the lunar calendar, with the date of Easter calculated for the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal

equinox. The date of Easter this year is April 24, which is nearly the latest it can ever possibly be. Ash Wednesday will not

take place until March 9.

Page 10

Date Occasion 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Sun.

Feb. 6

5th Sunday after Epiphany Orff Ensemble

Sanctuary

Orff Ensemble

Chancel

Sun.

Feb. 13

6th Sunday after Epiphany Youth

Flute Choir

Chancel

Flute Choir

Sun.

Feb. 20

7th Sunday after Epiphany Sanctuary

Celebration Ringers

Chancel

Celebration Ringers

Sun.

Feb. 27

8th

Sunday after Epiphany Chancel

Youth

WORSHIP IN FEBRUARY

February 6 - Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Isaiah 58:1-9a [9b-12]; Psalm 112:1-9 [10]; I Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16]; Matthew 5:13-20

The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle prays for churches in Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands

Let your light shine Both Isaiah and Jesus speak about the consequences of faith, the living out of our relationship with God. In so doing, both use the image of light. Isaiah anticipates light that breaks forth like the dawn; Jesus tells us to let your light shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to God. In coming weeks and months, St. Luke’s will explore those themes in a variety of ways. Today we give thanks to God for the witness of Isaiah and Jesus.

February 13 - Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; I Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37 The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle prays for churches in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Malta

Guest Preacher: ELCIC Bishop Susan Johnson

Living into a deeper discipleship In speaking to his followers Jesus calls them into a deeper discipleship, taking the commandments they were familiar with and expanding upon them. How is Jesus calling us to deeper discipleship today? Is it more law, or more grace?

February 20 - Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18; Psalm 119:33-40; I Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23; Matthew 5:38-48

The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle prays for churches in France, Germany

We belong to Christ St Paul addresses the church in Corinth with imagery of a skilled master builder establishing a foundation. Paul laid the foundation and others have built on it. But the foundation is Christ to whom we belong. Many have built up the foundation of St. Luke’s and we all continue to build upon it in a variety of ways – today’s texts provide numerous examples of that construction. Our foundation too is Christ and it extends throughout the world to all the Church.

February 27 - Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany Isaiah 49:8-16a; Psalm 131; I Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6:24-34

The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle prays for churches in Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino

Living with gratitude and trust We can be tempted to turn our attention to the things we think will provide security: food, clothing, home, grades, job, health, assets. Worrying over how to keep what we have or improve our ability to get what we want threatens to consume us. Jesus says, “can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” How does a life of gratitude and trust invite us to strive first for the kingdom of God?

Page 11

EMBARRASSMENT

An online dictionary offers this definition of the term Embarrassment:

―Embarrassment is the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public‖

Today, we would like to bring to your attention the unnecessary ―Embarrassment‖ suffered by our members, our

friends and our neighbors due to job loss. Please consider the following facts about today’s unemployment

situation.

Fact #1 – The December national unemployment rate of 9.4% is the 3rd highest level of unemployment since 1948.

So, if you, a family member, a friend or your neighbor is unemployed, there must be no ―Embarrassment‖ since we

are all suffering in one of the worst employment situations in over 60 years.

Fact #2 – As of December 2010, in the USA:

6.4 million people were in an active job search that has lasted 27 weeks or longer.

31% of all people active in a job search have been searching for new employment for 12 months or longer

If you, a family member, a friend or your neighbor has been engaged in a job search for 12 months or longer, this is

perfectly normal in this economy and all must feel no embarrassment, inadequacy or guilt for being jobless for 12

months or more.

Fact #3 – As of December 2010, in the USA, there are 1.3 million discouraged workers. Discouraged workers are

defined as persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them.

If you, a family member, a friend or your neighbor has become discouraged over the possibility of ever working

again, this is a common conclusion and all must feel no embarrassment for having this belief.

We need the assistance of all of our members to help rid our congregation of needless ―Embarrassment‖. Here’s

how you can help! Please let us know if:

You or anyone in your family is currently unemployed

You or anyone in your family fears they may become unemployed in the future,

A neighbor or friend is currently unemployed or may become unemployed

Once we become aware of our members, family members, friends and neighbors that are unemployed, we will reach

out to them and introduce them to the services of the Lutheran Job Search Network.

(see: www.mypersonaljourney.org )

ST. LUKE’S CAREER TRANSITION TEAM Did you know that the St. Luke’s Career Transition Team now works

with 25 area congregations. For more information about this ministry,

contact Pastor Mac Minnick, Jeff Bork or Paul Sheehan and check out

the bulletin board in the hallway across from the new first floor restrooms

for more updates and job postings.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat WEDNESDAY COW SCHEDULE:

4:30 Cherub Choir

5:00 Drama

5:15 Junior Choir

5:15 COW meal

5:15—7:00 COW Meal

6:45 Orff Ensemble

7:00 Youth Choir

7:00 Adult Education

1

8:00 First Tuesday Men’s Breakfast 7:00 Roots Teacher Training 7:00 OMC 8:00 NA

2 12:00 Bridge Club 1:15 FMT 4:30 COW 5:30 Confirmation 6:30 LYLS 7:00 Adult Education 8:00 Celebration Ringers 8:00 Al-Anon

3

9:30 Bible Study 10:45 Career Transition 7:45 Chancel Choir 8:00 AA

4

3:00 Congregation PADS 7:00 Bridge Group 8:00 AA 8:00 Al-Anon

5

6 Epiphany 5

Elijah Pantry 8:30 Worship 9:45 Education Hour 10:00 Flute Choir Rehearsal 11:00 Worship 3:00 Chicago Philharmonic Players

7

8

9:30 WELCA/Elizabeth 12:30 WELCA/Eunice 1:00 WELCA/Joanna 7:30 Church Council 8:00 NA

9

4:30 COW 5:30 Confirmation 7:00 Adult Education 7:30 WELCA/Sarah 8:00 Al-Anon

10

9:30 Bible Study 12:30 WELCA/Rachel 6:30 Worship Cabinet 7:15 Flute Choir Rehearsal 7:45 Chancel Choir 8:00 AA

11

MESSENGER DEADLINE

8:00 ESkape lock-in 8:00 AA 8:00 Al-Anon

12

8:30 Men’s Bible Study Lasagna Dinner set-up 10:00 HR Committee

13 Epiphany 6

8:30 Worship 9:45 Education Hour 11:00 Worship 5:00 Lasagna Dinner

14

7:15 Global Links

15

7:00 Prayer Shawl 7:15 Property Task Group

8:00 NA

16 4:30 COW 5:30 Confirmation 6:30 LYLS 7:00 Adult Education 7:30 LYLS Training 8:00 Celebration Ringers 8:00 Al-Anon

17

9:30 Bible Study 1:00 Library Team 7:45 Chancel Choir 8:00 AA

18

Family Fun Outing

8:00 AA 8:00 Al-Anon

19

20 Epiphany 7

8:30 Worship 9:45 Education Hour 11:00 Worship Larson Farewell—TBA

21

22

7:00 Member Care Cabinet 7:30 Outreach Cabinet 8:00 NA

23

4:30 COW 5:30 Confirmation 7:00 Adult Education 8:00 Celebration Ringers 8:00 Al-Anon

24

9:30 Bible Study 7:30 WELCA/Naomi 7:45 Chancel Choir 8:00 AA

25

8:00 AA 8:00 Al-Anon

26

8:30 Men’s Bible Study 9:00 Quilters

27 Epiphany 8

8:30 Worship 9:45 EducationHour 10:00 Recorder Consort 11:00 Worship

28

7:00 Education Cabinet

FEBRUARY 2011