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6626 N. Oliphant Ave., Chicago, IL 60631 + www.edisonparkchurch.com + 773-631-9131 Mission: Mission: Mission: Mission: To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did...so that all may know Him.To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did...so that all may know Him.To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did...so that all may know Him.To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did...so that all may know Him.

February/March 2018February/March 2018February/March 2018February/March 2018

Vision Puts Flesh on MissionVision Puts Flesh on MissionVision Puts Flesh on MissionVision Puts Flesh on Mission There is a well-known portion of scripture

that speaks to vision. The author of Proverbs writes in 29:18a: 18181818 Where there is no vision, the people Where there is no vision, the people Where there is no vision, the people Where there is no vision, the people perish…” perish…” perish…” perish…” Edison Park Lutheran Church has as its mission to be a people living, loving, and serving as to be a people living, loving, and serving as to be a people living, loving, and serving as to be a people living, loving, and serving as Jesus did…so that all may know Him. Jesus did…so that all may know Him. Jesus did…so that all may know Him. Jesus did…so that all may know Him. We fulfill this mission through our long term dreams of what God is calling us to accomplish from the corner of Oli-phant and Avondale. Through worship, welcoming, fellowship, growing and education, and giving, out-reach, and serving God’s vision for us takes shape.

Jesus gave us the Great Commandment in

Matthew 22:37-40. You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This describes what worship is for us. It is an expression of our commitment and gratitude to God. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.” This takes the form of all the ways we .” This takes the form of all the ways we .” This takes the form of all the ways we .” This takes the form of all the ways we give, and the many ways we serve others. give, and the many ways we serve others. give, and the many ways we serve others. give, and the many ways we serve others. All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments....

As 2018 begins, and Edison Park Lutheran As 2018 begins, and Edison Park Lutheran As 2018 begins, and Edison Park Lutheran As 2018 begins, and Edison Park Lutheran

Church celebrates ninety years of mission and min-Church celebrates ninety years of mission and min-Church celebrates ninety years of mission and min-Church celebrates ninety years of mission and min-istry, we begin again to find ways to fulfill the mis-istry, we begin again to find ways to fulfill the mis-istry, we begin again to find ways to fulfill the mis-istry, we begin again to find ways to fulfill the mis-sion God has given us.sion God has given us.sion God has given us.sion God has given us.

Pr. Michael SparbyPr. Michael SparbyPr. Michael SparbyPr. Michael Sparby

Lenten Services on Wednesdays begin with Lenten Services on Wednesdays begin with Lenten Services on Wednesdays begin with Lenten Services on Wednesdays begin with Ash WednesdayAsh WednesdayAsh WednesdayAsh Wednesday———— February 14, February 14, February 14, February 14, and continue and continue and continue and continue on each Wednesday through March 21.on each Wednesday through March 21.on each Wednesday through March 21.on each Wednesday through March 21.

A soup luncheon follows each Noon service.A soup luncheon follows each Noon service.A soup luncheon follows each Noon service.A soup luncheon follows each Noon service.

Services at Noon and 7pServices at Noon and 7pServices at Noon and 7pServices at Noon and 7p

Palm Sunday WeekendPalm Sunday WeekendPalm Sunday WeekendPalm Sunday Weekend—March 24/25 Maundy ThursdayMaundy ThursdayMaundy ThursdayMaundy Thursday—7p only Good FridayGood FridayGood FridayGood Friday—Noon/7p

There will be no Saturday Evensong service on March 31as we wait for the sun to rise on

Easter morning.

Easter Sunday, April 1Easter Sunday, April 1Easter Sunday, April 1Easter Sunday, April 1 6:33a Sunrise Worship 9:00a Festival Worship 10:30 Festival Worship

LentLentLentLent 40 Days of Renewal40 Days of Renewal40 Days of Renewal40 Days of Renewal

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Church Office HoursChurch Office HoursChurch Office HoursChurch Office Hours 8:30a-10:30a—Sunday

8:30a-3p — Monday through Thursday 8:30a-12:00p—Friday

MemorialsMemorialsMemorialsMemorials Edison Park Lutheran Church is grateful for the following: In memory of Ronald Uding In memory of Ronald Uding In memory of Ronald Uding In memory of Ronald Uding to the General Fund from Bri-an and Cheryl Izard, Douglas and Debra Wright, James and Susan Lazarz, Steve and rose Ann Lazarz, LaVerne Haff, Da-vid and Jennie Cherry, John and Diane Cherry, The Kriston Family and Michael R. Langford To the Foundation from Barbara Smith To the Music Fund from Jean Anderson, Christine, Patricia, Julie and their families In memory of our parents Martin and Edith BensonIn memory of our parents Martin and Edith BensonIn memory of our parents Martin and Edith BensonIn memory of our parents Martin and Edith Benson, Dionis and Katherine Haas to the EPLC Foundation from Tom and Sally Benson In memory of Diane Knutson In memory of Diane Knutson In memory of Diane Knutson In memory of Diane Knutson to the EPLC Foundation from Gloria Lucke In memory of Sharon Sawusch In memory of Sharon Sawusch In memory of Sharon Sawusch In memory of Sharon Sawusch to the EPLC Foundation from Barbara Smith In memory of Osa and David K. Svendsen In memory of Osa and David K. Svendsen In memory of Osa and David K. Svendsen In memory of Osa and David K. Svendsen to the EPLC Foundation from David Svendsen In memory of Vi Angell In memory of Vi Angell In memory of Vi Angell In memory of Vi Angell to the General Fund from Kathy Bilodeau and Terri and Mark Schmitz In memory of Edwynn Dunn In memory of Edwynn Dunn In memory of Edwynn Dunn In memory of Edwynn Dunn to the General Fund from Trudy Dunn In memory of Judy Sherman In memory of Judy Sherman In memory of Judy Sherman In memory of Judy Sherman to the General Fund from Ronald Sherman In memory of Anthony Barbasia and Christine Jankowski In memory of Anthony Barbasia and Christine Jankowski In memory of Anthony Barbasia and Christine Jankowski In memory of Anthony Barbasia and Christine Jankowski to the General Fund from Carlene DiNella In memory of Michele Robey In memory of Michele Robey In memory of Michele Robey In memory of Michele Robey to the General Fund from Dorothy Robey In memory of Kenneth Johnson In memory of Kenneth Johnson In memory of Kenneth Johnson In memory of Kenneth Johnson to the General Fund from Cecilia Roehrkasse and Delphine Housholder In memory of Harriet Kurz In memory of Harriet Kurz In memory of Harriet Kurz In memory of Harriet Kurz to the Music Fund In memory of Robert Anderson In memory of Robert Anderson In memory of Robert Anderson In memory of Robert Anderson to the EPLC Foundation from Kathy and Al Schmuttenmaer In memory of Jeff Wilk In memory of Jeff Wilk In memory of Jeff Wilk In memory of Jeff Wilk to the EPLC Foundation from Diane Wilk

Prayer Requests (as of 1/28/18)Prayer Requests (as of 1/28/18)Prayer Requests (as of 1/28/18)Prayer Requests (as of 1/28/18) ◊ Rich Bake (John Cherry’s cousin)

◊ Karen Bartel

◊ Fred Chipman (Mary Hanson’s brother)

◊ Viola Collins-Brown

◊ Rob Burke

◊ Richard Cameron (Rose’s friend)

◊ Mae Dumas

◊ Karen Dwyer

◊ Amanda Dymbroski (Phil Mauro’s niece)

◊ Sarah Gallanger

◊ Ron Gatz

◊ Harold Gohl

◊ Sal Greco

◊ Christine Hamilton (Carole’s Friend)

◊ Jane Jacobs (friend of Shelley Schwartz)

◊ Vera Johnson

◊ Cindy Juarez

◊ Irv Kaage

◊ Les Kinney

◊ Ralph Kudsk

◊ Ann Leibrock

◊ Rose Lewis (Cindy Andersen’s friend

◊ Julie Linnekin (Phyllis Doyle’s niece)

◊ Scott Lucke

◊ John Lund

◊ Kim Morandi

◊ Jim Murphy

◊ John O’Malley (John Cherry’s relative)

◊ Dick Pence

◊ Judy Pirok

◊ Shirley Rood

◊ John Rose

◊ Sharon Rose

◊ Richard Sears

◊ Christine Smith (Phyllis Bober’s granddaughter)

◊ Clarice Smoot (Marilyn Baalson’s sister)

◊ Virginia Sorensen

◊ Gary Spickerman (Marilyn Cook’s brother)

◊ Wayne Stachura

◊ Amy Vullmahn (Arlene’s niece)

◊ Payton Williams (Barb Williams’ granddaughter)

◊ Those serving in the military from our congregation: John Minelli and Michael Minelli

Life Life Life Life &&&& GrowthGrowthGrowthGrowth

Baptism:Baptism:Baptism:Baptism: Dylan John Hund

Wedding:Wedding:Wedding:Wedding: Rachelle Denecke and Brian Moran

Christian SympathyChristian SympathyChristian SympathyChristian Sympathy To the family of George DoeringGeorge DoeringGeorge DoeringGeorge Doering. To the family of David SeibelDavid SeibelDavid SeibelDavid Seibel.

To Nancy Carlsen on the death of her brother, WallaceWallaceWallaceWallace. To Mark and Kim Schaeffer and family on the death of

Mark’s mom, BettyBettyBettyBetty and Kim’s Aunt JeanAunt JeanAunt JeanAunt Jean. To Stefanie and Mike Swanson, Dana and Kristen on the

death of their daughter and sister, NicoleNicoleNicoleNicole. To the Wetzel family on the death of Alison’s mother,

Fran LedenbachFran LedenbachFran LedenbachFran Ledenbach To the family of Raul SuarezRaul SuarezRaul SuarezRaul Suarez, of our partner congregation in

Argentina, at his sudden death

P A G E 2

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Leadership Leadership Leadership Leadership Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Church Council; Finance; stewardship; property; Church Council; Finance; stewardship; property; Church Council; Finance; stewardship; property; Church Council; Finance; stewardship; property; synod and ELCA; All Saints Memorial Garden; etc.synod and ELCA; All Saints Memorial Garden; etc.synod and ELCA; All Saints Memorial Garden; etc.synod and ELCA; All Saints Memorial Garden; etc.

BenevolenceBenevolenceBenevolenceBenevolence Kindness, Compassion, Generosity, GoodwillKindness, Compassion, Generosity, GoodwillKindness, Compassion, Generosity, GoodwillKindness, Compassion, Generosity, Goodwill

P A G E 3

From the TreasurerFrom the TreasurerFrom the TreasurerFrom the Treasurer————

December was a good month financially. The congregation was very generous as we celebrated the birth of the baby Jesus. The year end financials were similar with the years in the past. We had a significant deficit between income and expenses. This deficit was made up by gifts from the Foundation. Thank God this asset has been continuing to be man-aged by talented and dedicated members of the congregation as they give the life-giving finances to the ongoing minis-try of this congregation. As 2018 begins please consider the individual giving that we all are doing and the many lives we are touching with those gifts.

Wayne Ammentop

Treasurer

We Need Your Help, To Help Us ServeWe Need Your Help, To Help Us ServeWe Need Your Help, To Help Us ServeWe Need Your Help, To Help Us Serve Please remember to contact Deacon Carole Edwards when you’re hospitalized, or whenever you’d like a visit. Hospitals usual-ly don’t let the church know. Even if you don’t want a visit, we would appreciate the opportunity to pray for your healing. We’d love to visit you in your home, or meet you somewhere for coffee anytime. Please let us know you would like a visit. Pastor Sparby and Deacon Edwards always welcome the opportunity to visit you. We have a great pastoral care team consisting of Deacon, Pastor, Stephen Ministers, and many others who are eager to visit when there is a specific need, or just for conversation. Call Deacon Edwards at 773Call Deacon Edwards at 773Call Deacon Edwards at 773Call Deacon Edwards at 773----580580580580----3617 or 3617 or 3617 or 3617 or cedwards@edisonparkchurch.com, or Pastor Sparby at cedwards@edisonparkchurch.com, or Pastor Sparby at cedwards@edisonparkchurch.com, or Pastor Sparby at cedwards@edisonparkchurch.com, or Pastor Sparby at 773773773773----580580580580----3607 or msparby@edisonparkchurch.com. 3607 or msparby@edisonparkchurch.com. 3607 or msparby@edisonparkchurch.com. 3607 or msparby@edisonparkchurch.com.

Scheduling a Baptism?Scheduling a Baptism?Scheduling a Baptism?Scheduling a Baptism? Contact the church office to begin the process.

Scheduling a Wedding?Scheduling a Wedding?Scheduling a Wedding?Scheduling a Wedding? Contact the church office to get your date on the calendar, and we’ll help you in the initial stages. A Wedding Director will be assigned to help with the

details of your special day.

Opportunities to ServeOpportunities to ServeOpportunities to ServeOpportunities to Serve Worship Participants—serve one Sunday a month

December Income YTD Actual Income YTD Budget Income December Deficit

$59,059 $494,026 $552,926 ($1,816)

December Expenses YTD Actual Expense YTD Budget Expenses YTD Shortfall

$60,874 $688,877 $672,926 ($194,861)

2017 Annual Reports are 2017 Annual Reports are 2017 Annual Reports are 2017 Annual Reports are available in the available in the available in the available in the

Narthex and on the Narthex and on the Narthex and on the Narthex and on the EPLC website EPLC website EPLC website EPLC website

ww.edisonparkchurch.comww.edisonparkchurch.comww.edisonparkchurch.comww.edisonparkchurch.com

New Member ReceptionNew Member ReceptionNew Member ReceptionNew Member Reception

We have not set the date for the Spring reception at Pastor’s, but we are gathering names of those interesed,. If you’re searching for a spiritual home and a faith family, we’d love to have you join Edi-son Park Lutheran Church. If you’ve already joined, but have not attended a reception, please plan on coming! Sign up at the Welcome Center.

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P A G E 4

Worship Worship Worship Worship Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Worship services and all things connected to Worship services and all things connected to Worship services and all things connected to Worship services and all things connected to

worship life; choirs, tech, altar care, worship life; choirs, tech, altar care, worship life; choirs, tech, altar care, worship life; choirs, tech, altar care, guest musicians, praise team; etc.guest musicians, praise team; etc.guest musicians, praise team; etc.guest musicians, praise team; etc.

Weekend Worship Schedule Weekend Worship Schedule Weekend Worship Schedule Weekend Worship Schedule

SaturdaysSaturdaysSaturdaysSaturdays 5:00pm 5:00pm 5:00pm 5:00pm –––– Evensong Evensong Evensong Evensong A calming blend of music, liturgical elements and multi-media.

SundaysSundaysSundaysSundays 8:00 am Traditions8:00 am Traditions8:00 am Traditions8:00 am Traditions A service centered in liturgy, scripture texts, hymn sing-ing, sermon, and communion at the altar rail.

9:00 am & 10:30am9:00 am & 10:30am9:00 am & 10:30am9:00 am & 10:30am–––– New Song New Song New Song New Song A mix of litanies, liturgies, traditional and contemporary music, a children’s time, scripture, sermon, and com-munion each week.

9:00 am Sunday Music in the Sanctuary9:00 am Sunday Music in the Sanctuary9:00 am Sunday Music in the Sanctuary9:00 am Sunday Music in the Sanctuary

February 4 + Sanctuary Choir with Synoma Hays + Combined Children’s Choirs February 11 + Sanctuary Choir February 18 + Sanctuary Choir February 25 + Celebration Ringers March 4 + Jennifer Nelson March 11 + Combined Children’s Choirs + Sanctuary Choir March 17 + La Verne Myers, solo handbells March 25 + Sanctuary Choir with Thomas Forde

Lenten Worship + Our Story of SalvationLenten Worship + Our Story of SalvationLenten Worship + Our Story of SalvationLenten Worship + Our Story of Salvation

Ash Wednesday + February 14th, 2018Ash Wednesday + February 14th, 2018Ash Wednesday + February 14th, 2018Ash Wednesday + February 14th, 2018 Services at 12noon & 7pm with Distribution of Ashes Soup luncheon follows the 12noon service.

MidMidMidMid----Week Wednesday WorshipWeek Wednesday WorshipWeek Wednesday WorshipWeek Wednesday Worship Services at 12noon & 7pm with Holden Evening Prayer Soup luncheon follows the 12noon service each week. The readings for our Wednesday Worship are stories offer a description of God, a metaphor of the resurrec-tion, and a reference to baptism. Various groups of the church will be preparing different interpretations of the story through various art mediums each week.

Lenten Art Gallery: Stations of the CrossLenten Art Gallery: Stations of the CrossLenten Art Gallery: Stations of the CrossLenten Art Gallery: Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross take you on a journey following the footsteps of Christ, and will immerse us in the biblical account of the last hours and days of Jesus’ life. Through image and pray, Christians are able to make a spiritual pilgrimage down the Via Dolorosa. This form of devotions can be found in many Western Christian Churches including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and roman Catholics. Our Art Gallery will feature coloring pages that have intricately been colored by various groups of all ages from within the church. Each of the stations will include a scripture lesson, short reflection and question to pon-der as your journey with Jesus. These stations will slow go up beginning the first weekend in March—with addi-tions being added each week as we move towards East-er. If you are interested in being a part of the Art Gallery, please contact Matt.

MenSing!MenSing!MenSing!MenSing! Sunday, March 11 at the 8:00 am Service 7:20 am Rehearsal in Sanctuary All men are invited to join in song together in song! Mu-sic will be available at the Welcome Center beginning on February 25th.

Holy Week & Easter 2018Holy Week & Easter 2018Holy Week & Easter 2018Holy Week & Easter 2018 Palm Sunday + March 24/25Palm Sunday + March 24/25Palm Sunday + March 24/25Palm Sunday + March 24/25 Including Procession with Palms and a Dramatic Reading of the Passion Gospel.

Maundy Thursday + March 29 Maundy Thursday + March 29 Maundy Thursday + March 29 Maundy Thursday + March 29 7:00p.m. Only7:00p.m. Only7:00p.m. Only7:00p.m. Only Jesus gives a new commandment— Love one another.

Good Friday + March 30 Good Friday + March 30 Good Friday + March 30 Good Friday + March 30

12:00 Noon and 7:00p.m.12:00 Noon and 7:00p.m.12:00 Noon and 7:00p.m.12:00 Noon and 7:00p.m. including The Seven Last Words of Christ soloist, choir, and instrumentalists

There will be NO Saturday service on March 31.

Easter Sunday, April 1Easter Sunday, April 1Easter Sunday, April 1Easter Sunday, April 1 6:33 a.m. 6:33 a.m. 6:33 a.m. 6:33 a.m. Sunrise Service

9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Festival Worship9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Festival Worship9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Festival Worship9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Festival Worship with choirs and brass

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P A G E 5

Foundation CornerFoundation CornerFoundation CornerFoundation Corner

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago”

Warren Buffett

Just over a half a century ago, a group of EPLC church members got together and decided to plant the seeds of what would become the Edison Park Lutheran Church Foundation. From these relatively humble beginnings, our fund has grown to amass assets that total over $2,700,000. We have been fortunate to have received some sizable donations, but most contributions are more modest. Regardless of the size of contribution, all work to grow this fund whose sole purpose is to help Edison Park Lutheran Church to flourish and grow. Since it was es-tablished, over $2,000,000 have been gifted to EPLC to sustain and grow its ministry. Sunday February 4th, we will once again celebrate Foundation Sunday. We wel-come all of you to stop down between services to enjoy refreshments and to find out more about the Foundation and the work we do here at Edison Park Lutheran.

Please ask a Foundation Director if you would like to

know more. Directors are: Dale Ammentorp, Joe Bartel,

Barry Bleeker, Mark Dupke, Gary Duszak, Kurt Gustafson,

Monika Hemm, Rick Janci, Wayne Oberschelp, Alice

Rybak, Paul Speciale and Klay Schmeisser.

Deacon Carole EdwardsDeacon Carole EdwardsDeacon Carole EdwardsDeacon Carole Edwards As I watched the Christmas tree come down and the ornaments put away, I began to wonder about our jour-ney over the next 12 months. It occurred to me that each of us could be like an “ornament,” nice to look at, but something we put away till next December. And I began thinking, do we want to be more like an “ornament” or do we want to be more like a “vessel?” A “vessel” can be like a ship, used to transport people or things to their destination, or it can be defined, as a bowl, cup, or a hollow duct or canal to hold liquids, much like our blood vessels. If we choose to live our lives as “vessels,” God can take us to people and places we could never have imagined. If we choose to let God use us, and use the spiritual gifts he has given us, we might be amazed at the path God sets before us. Regardless of how ill-equipped or broken we may feel, God will equip and use us if we have a will-ing heart. With God, failure is never final. Each day is a brand new start.

As we begin this new year, seek out opportunities to use your gifts. Identity ways God can use you to be a bless-ing to others. Blessings as we begin another year of min-istry together.

Carole Edwards, Deacon

June 28June 28June 28June 28----July 8, 2020 July 8, 2020 July 8, 2020 July 8, 2020 Oberammergau, GermanyOberammergau, GermanyOberammergau, GermanyOberammergau, Germany————The Passion PlayThe Passion PlayThe Passion PlayThe Passion Play We have an opportunity to visit this tradition which began in 1634, and takes place only once every ten years. The Promise—During the Thirty Years War the deadly plague raged throughout Europe, until in 1633 it reached even the tiny Alpine village of Oberammergau. During the next six months, so many villages died of the Black Death, that the townspeople took a solemn Vow—if God would release them from the plague, they would perform once every ten years the story of the Passion of Christ. From the moment the Vow was taken, no one else in the village succumbed to the plague and so the first Passion Play was performed in 1634. Our group would be among those in a hotel just two blocks from the performance. Other highlights of the 11Other highlights of the 11Other highlights of the 11Other highlights of the 11----day trip day trip day trip day trip are:are:are:are: Budapest, Hungary, Bratislava, Slovakia, Prague, Czech Republic, Nurnberg, Rothenburg, Heidelberg, Rhine River Cruise, Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau and Munich. If you may be interested, sign up at the Welcome Center, If you may be interested, sign up at the Welcome Center, If you may be interested, sign up at the Welcome Center, If you may be interested, sign up at the Welcome Center, pick up a brochure and send your deposit soon, or speak pick up a brochure and send your deposit soon, or speak pick up a brochure and send your deposit soon, or speak pick up a brochure and send your deposit soon, or speak with Pr. Sparby for more information. with Pr. Sparby for more information. with Pr. Sparby for more information. with Pr. Sparby for more information. We will be travel-ling again with First Lutheran of Seattle, WA. Space is limited, so register early.

Property Task Force is FormingProperty Task Force is FormingProperty Task Force is FormingProperty Task Force is Forming

A task force is forming and we could use your help! Would you serve? Sign up at the Welcome Center. Some items that will be addressed include getting estimate op-tions and plan for possible Lower Level projects including men’s bathroom renovation, South Hall flooring and North Hall flooring.

Veteran’s Task Force Military Veteran’s Task Force Military Veteran’s Task Force Military Veteran’s Task Force Military Chaplaincy ProjectChaplaincy ProjectChaplaincy ProjectChaplaincy Project

EPLC has been asked to consider supporting the ELCA program for chaplains. The Veteran’s Task Force is mov-ing forward and hopes to raise at least $1,000 by Memo-rial Day Weekend. This may become an annual empha-sis. There is currently a great need for chaplain support in the armed services. If you would like to help, simply mark your gift “Chaplains.”“Chaplains.”“Chaplains.”“Chaplains.”

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P A G E 6

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P A G E 7

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GrowingGrowingGrowingGrowing Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Edu-Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Edu-Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Edu-Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Edu-cation for children, youth and adults; programming cation for children, youth and adults; programming cation for children, youth and adults; programming cation for children, youth and adults; programming for children, middle school, and senior high; Bible for children, middle school, and senior high; Bible for children, middle school, and senior high; Bible for children, middle school, and senior high; Bible studies; forums; guest speakers; preschool; etc.studies; forums; guest speakers; preschool; etc.studies; forums; guest speakers; preschool; etc.studies; forums; guest speakers; preschool; etc.

PreschoolPreschoolPreschoolPreschool Registration for the 2018/2019 school year is underway. Information is availa-ble on the EPLC website or by contact-ing Preschool Director, Jennifer Williams.

Children’s MinistryChildren’s MinistryChildren’s MinistryChildren’s Ministry Valentine Art GalleryValentine Art GalleryValentine Art GalleryValentine Art Gallery In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Children’s Ministry is hosting a “Love is in the Air” display of EPLC (friends and family) wedding pic-tures. Please bring us your wed-ding photo! Please deliver your photos (and release form) to Jen-nifer via the office or Welcome

Center by Friday, February 9. All photos will be displayed in the Nordblad Atrium on Sunday, February 11, stop in and view them!

Children's Ministry will be doing "Pen Pals" Children's Ministry will be doing "Pen Pals" Children's Ministry will be doing "Pen Pals" Children's Ministry will be doing "Pen Pals" throughout Lent again this year.throughout Lent again this year.throughout Lent again this year.throughout Lent again this year. If you are inter-ested please sign up at the Welcome Center and Jennifer will send out more information. Adult Pen Pals will write the first letter to their pals ( a general letter to "Child of God") and place it in the mail-box in Norblad Atrium by Ash Wednesday (Feb 14). Children will then be assigned partners and answer let-ters the following Sunday and continue the pattern throughout Lent. Partners can meet for a pancake breakfast on Palm Sunday as a conclusion to the letter sharing!

YOUTH Serve at YOUTH Serve at YOUTH Serve at YOUTH Serve at

Feed My Starving ChildrenFeed My Starving ChildrenFeed My Starving ChildrenFeed My Starving Children

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We’ve been busy in preschool! Field trips to the River We’ve been busy in preschool! Field trips to the River We’ve been busy in preschool! Field trips to the River We’ve been busy in preschool! Field trips to the River Grove Nature Center and The Grove helped us to under-Grove Nature Center and The Grove helped us to under-Grove Nature Center and The Grove helped us to under-Grove Nature Center and The Grove helped us to under-stand the world around us; we searched for stars as we stand the world around us; we searched for stars as we stand the world around us; we searched for stars as we stand the world around us; we searched for stars as we awaited Jesus in December; winter is here! awaited Jesus in December; winter is here! awaited Jesus in December; winter is here! awaited Jesus in December; winter is here!

Thursday BLAST!Thursday BLAST!Thursday BLAST!Thursday BLAST!

Pre KPre KPre KPre K————K: 5:15K: 5:15K: 5:15K: 5:15----6:15p6:15p6:15p6:15p

1st1st1st1st————6th6th6th6th————4:304:304:304:30————5:15p5:15p5:15p5:15p

Questions? Questions? Questions? Questions?

Contact Jennifer for PhilContact Jennifer for PhilContact Jennifer for PhilContact Jennifer for Phil

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Are the Boundary Waters call-Are the Boundary Waters call-Are the Boundary Waters call-Are the Boundary Waters call-ing your name? ing your name? ing your name? ing your name? Talk with Phil Mau-ro — let’s hit the wilderness this sum-mer — adults, parents, youth, kids! We’re planning a long weekend at Wilderness Canoe Base at the top of the Gunflint Trail in northern Minnesota. Nice facilities, fishing, canoeing and a possible overnight at a campsite, sauna, great food, and God’s good creation! A great trip for seasoned campers as well as those new to the wilder-ness experience. See more by going to dirtyhttp://campwapo.org/camp/wilderness

Library MakeoverLibrary MakeoverLibrary MakeoverLibrary Makeover—We are current-

ly thinking of ways to repurpose the Li-brary (attached to the North Hall) by mak-ing it more kid friendly. Our pre-K to 1st grade Sunday School students have been using it for classes and it could use some "brightening up". If you have any ideas or would like to help please contact Phil.

Video Game Night at EPLC!Video Game Night at EPLC!Video Game Night at EPLC!Video Game Night at EPLC! When? When? When? When? Saturday February 24th 6pm (after Evensong Worship service). Where? Where? Where? Where? In the North and South Halls of EPLC's basement Why? Why? Why? Why? To raise money for EPLC's Youth programs. Who? Who? Who? Who? Children of ALL ages are wel-come to participate, Adults Too! How Much? How Much? How Much? How Much? $10 per person.

What? What? What? What? We will have a Mario Kart tournament on the Nin-tendo Wii system with first place prizes and other games. Please sign up at the information desk or contact Phil (pmauro@edisonparkchurch.com) if interested. Feel free to bring some food to share. Get your racing gloves and watch out for those banana peels!

Support the EPLC Youth Ministry with Support the EPLC Youth Ministry with Support the EPLC Youth Ministry with Support the EPLC Youth Ministry with these ongoing fundraisers:these ongoing fundraisers:these ongoing fundraisers:these ongoing fundraisers: Manna Manna Manna Manna Manna for EPLC Youth is back again in 2018. Our next sales dates are Feb. 11th (pickup on Feb. 18th), and March 11th (pickup March 18th). New order packets will be available at the Welcome Center and North Hall, and can be downloaded from the church website. We look forward to seeing you, Monika Hemm and Vickie Nelson.

Yankee Candle Fundraiser:Yankee Candle Fundraiser:Yankee Candle Fundraiser:Yankee Candle Fundraiser: Back by popular demand, the Yan-kee Candle Youth Ministry Fund-raiser is open again. Go

to www.yankeecandlefundraising.com and use our group # 999977733. EPLC's youth programs will receive 40% of the proceeds. Thanks and keep on shopping!

Invigorate Youth Ministry by Recycling Invigorate Youth Ministry by Recycling Invigorate Youth Ministry by Recycling Invigorate Youth Ministry by Recycling Do you have an old Tube Television laying around that you’d like to get rid of? Are there old/unusable electronics (computer monitors, lap-tops, VCRs, etc.) cluttering up your basement? If you wold like to dispose of any old electronics responsibility and eco-friendly, let EPLC do it for you! We just ask for a donation (see below) with each item and we’ll haul them off to a certified recycling cen-ter for you. ALL donations will benefit the Senior High Youth Group’s trip to the ELCA National Youth Gather-ing in Houston, TX in June 2018. Contact Phil or sign up at the welcome center and we’ll specify a good drop-off/pick-up time/date. Suggested donation rate: Large televisions $50 Medium Television $40 Small TV’s or monitors $25 All others $ 20

Junior High/Confirmation Junior High/Confirmation Junior High/Confirmation Junior High/Confirmation meets Wednesdays meets Wednesdays meets Wednesdays meets Wednesdays

at 6pat 6pat 6pat 6p————Contact Phil Mauro at Contact Phil Mauro at Contact Phil Mauro at Contact Phil Mauro at pmauro@edisonparkchurch.com with any questions.pmauro@edisonparkchurch.com with any questions.pmauro@edisonparkchurch.com with any questions.pmauro@edisonparkchurch.com with any questions.

Senior HighSenior HighSenior HighSenior High————Meeting Day ChangeMeeting Day ChangeMeeting Day ChangeMeeting Day Change Meets Wednesday evenings at 7:30p, all high schoolers are welcome. Contact Phil Mauro with questions.

AdultAdultAdultAdult

Bible Conversation and Prayer takes place Sun-Bible Conversation and Prayer takes place Sun-Bible Conversation and Prayer takes place Sun-Bible Conversation and Prayer takes place Sun-days at 8a days at 8a days at 8a days at 8a — You Are Invited!You Are Invited!You Are Invited!You Are Invited! Looking for some spiritual nourishment? We invite you to come to Bible Conversation on Sunday mornings at 8 AM in the conference room for prayer and Bible Study. We use the weekly Augsburg Adult Bible Study as a guide for our conversations in studying God’s word. We would enjoy sharing our time with you. For more infor-mation, call Ed Kruse at 816-806-9170.

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OutreachOutreachOutreachOutreach

Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Some of what is covered in this Ministry Area: Car-Car-Car-Car-ing ministries; ing ministries; ing ministries; ing ministries; Outreach to Outreach to Outreach to Outreach to neighborhood, metro neighborhood, metro neighborhood, metro neighborhood, metro area, USA, and international; area, USA, and international; area, USA, and international; area, USA, and international; all all all all hospitality ministry; hospitality ministry; hospitality ministry; hospitality ministry; inviting and evangelism ministryinviting and evangelism ministryinviting and evangelism ministryinviting and evangelism ministry; ; ; ; new members; new members; new members; new members; all all all all

things fellowship; things fellowship; things fellowship; things fellowship; etc.etc.etc.etc.

Movie NightMovie NightMovie NightMovie Night————3rd Saturday at 6:30p3rd Saturday at 6:30p3rd Saturday at 6:30p3rd Saturday at 6:30p February 17February 17February 17February 17————The HelpThe HelpThe HelpThe Help March 17March 17March 17March 17————CanvasCanvasCanvasCanvas

Men’s Breakfast Men’s Breakfast Men’s Breakfast Men’s Breakfast Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Silver Stallion Restaurant, 1275 Lee St. in Des Plaines. Casual, good food, good friends, good fellowship!

Thanks from AlThanks from AlThanks from AlThanks from Al----Anon!Anon!Anon!Anon! Thanks again for the use of a room at Edison Park Luther-an Church on Thursday nights. It has been of great bene-fit to so many who have come for help across the years. Men’s AL-ANON

Thank you from the USO!Thank you from the USO!Thank you from the USO!Thank you from the USO! On behalf of the USO of Illinois, I would like to thank your youth for your contribution of Christmas cards in December. Your donation allows us to support more than 318,000 active duty, guard and reserve military and military families each year. Sincerely, Alison Ruble, President and CEO USO of Illinois

Thank you from Concordia PlaceThank you from Concordia PlaceThank you from Concordia PlaceThank you from Concordia Place

Thank you from Holy Family!Thank you from Holy Family!Thank you from Holy Family!Thank you from Holy Family! Dear Edison Park Lutheran Church, We are so grateful for your generous donation to be used to purchase Chromebooks for our students. What a wonderful gift! As you know, Holy Family’s mission is to provide our great children with a sound education—one that will prepare them to succeed in an ever-changing world. Your gift certainly helps us do just that. Thank you and God bless! Cynthia L. Schmidt, Director of Outreach, Holy Family School

We cannot thank you and the members of Edison Park Lutheran Church enough for your participation in our Ho-ly Family Christmas Gift Program... your spirit of giving is truly extraordinary. The children were so happy and grate-ful to receive your gifts, and you made their Christmas much brighter.

-Holy Family

-Thank you for the flowers you sent, they make the room and me a little brigher. I feel better each day, so I hope for a speedy recovery soon.

-Mike Skopick

-Thank you very much for the poinsettia, calendar and prayer book that was delivered to me.

-Charles Stein

We are truly blessed at EPLC!We are truly blessed at EPLC!We are truly blessed at EPLC!We are truly blessed at EPLC!

Thank you to everyone who donated to the mitten tree, participated in the Concordia Place and Holy Family gift giving, donated or delivered poinsettias to the home-bound, was a worship participant during the holiday sea-son, was involved in or came to experience the Christmas Festival...just to name a few things!

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A Way to Give While You Shop:A Way to Give While You Shop:A Way to Give While You Shop:A Way to Give While You Shop: AmazonSmileAmazonSmileAmazonSmileAmazonSmile Did you know that Edison Park Lutheran Church Foun-dation Inc. has a unique AmazonSmile link that makes it easier for people to find and support it? http://smile.amazon.com/ch/36http://smile.amazon.com/ch/36http://smile.amazon.com/ch/36http://smile.amazon.com/ch/36----6132796613279661327966132796 Click on the link when you purchase from Amazon. Remember to shop through smile.amazon.com, Remember to shop through smile.amazon.com, Remember to shop through smile.amazon.com, Remember to shop through smile.amazon.com, rather than www.amazon.com. Once you choose the Founda-tion every time you purchase 0.5% of the price of all eli-gible purchases, will be sent to the Foundation.

Argentina Mission TripArgentina Mission TripArgentina Mission TripArgentina Mission Trip————Depart Oct. 10, 2018Depart Oct. 10, 2018Depart Oct. 10, 2018Depart Oct. 10, 2018————Deadline approachingDeadline approachingDeadline approachingDeadline approaching The group is forming for our next mission visit to our partner congregation. At present we have a group of about eight. We are beginning to get into final formation of the group so plans can be finalized. Deposits are due asap. If you have If you have If you have If you have questions and are interested contact Pr. Michael Sparbyquestions and are interested contact Pr. Michael Sparbyquestions and are interested contact Pr. Michael Sparbyquestions and are interested contact Pr. Michael Sparby at 773-580-3607, or msparby@edisonparkchurch.com, or catch him while you are at church.

Book Club! Held in Nordblad Atrium Book Club! Held in Nordblad Atrium Book Club! Held in Nordblad Atrium Book Club! Held in Nordblad Atrium on Thursday, February 8 and Thursday, on Thursday, February 8 and Thursday, on Thursday, February 8 and Thursday, on Thursday, February 8 and Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 7:30 pmMarch 8, 2018 at 7:30 pmMarch 8, 2018 at 7:30 pmMarch 8, 2018 at 7:30 pm

Our February selection is entitled The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold which tells the story of Susie Salmon’s family mem-bers after she died at the age of 14. From heaven she is able to see her fami-ly members grieve for her and cope with her death in their own individual way. This is a tale that will touch your heart.

Please join us in March to read Glory Over Everything by Kathleen Grissom. Jamie Pyke, the son of a black slave and her white master, is living in the North in 1830 as a white, successful business-man. His carefully constructed world is turned upside down when Pan (the son of the man who saved Jamie from slavery) is captured, sold into slavery and transported to North Carolina.

Jamie must risk everything to possibly save Pan from the life that Jamie fled as a child. A story that will keep your interest to the very end.

Spiritual Gifts Corner Spiritual Gifts Corner Spiritual Gifts Corner Spiritual Gifts Corner Have you ever thought about what your purpose is in this life? God has gifted every Christian with Spiritual Gifts. Do you know what yours are? If you haven't seen the Spiritual Gifts Banner hanging in Norblad Hall yet, be sure to take a look. It's bound to get you thinking about your own spiritual gifts. We hope you'll consider attending the upcoming two-part Spiritual Gifts Discovery Sessions on consecutive Mondays - February 5th and February 12th at 6:30 PM in the North Hall. You'll discover what Spiritual Gifts are, what gifts you were given, and how they help you live a life filled with passion while glorifying God. After attend-ing the sessions, there should be no doubt as to what God's purpose for you is. Sign up in the Narthex to reserve your spot, and we will see you on Monday, February 5th.

Out and AboutsOut and AboutsOut and AboutsOut and Abouts

Let’s go to brunch/lunch and a concert! On Sunday, Feb-ruary 18th at 3p the Northshore Concert Band (Longtime EPLC members Jennifer and Bruce Nelson are both members of the Northshore Concert Band) is pre-senting: Truly Wonderful the mind of a Child is…

For more information pick up a flyer at the Welcome Center

Lenten Soup Lunch Task Force Lenten Soup Lunch Task Force Lenten Soup Lunch Task Force Lenten Soup Lunch Task Force Forming NowForming NowForming NowForming Now Marlene Nowakowski has offered to take the lead for Lenten Luncheons this year. Thank you! Will you help? If you will help with this traditional lunch fol-lowing our Lenten services at 12n, please sign up at the Welcome Center. Thank you for pitching in!

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TIME VALUE—DATED MATERIAL

Return Service Requested

Edison Park Lutheran Church 6626 N. Oliphant Avenue Chicago, IL 60631

Phone: 773-631-9131 Fax: 773-631-6690 E-mail: www.edisonparkchurch.com

SHINING THE LIGHT OF GOD

ON THE WORLD AROUND US!

Christmas Worship at Edison Park Lutheran ChurchChristmas Worship at Edison Park Lutheran ChurchChristmas Worship at Edison Park Lutheran ChurchChristmas Worship at Edison Park Lutheran Church

Christmas FestivalChristmas FestivalChristmas FestivalChristmas Festival Sunday, December 3 @ 4pSunday, December 3 @ 4pSunday, December 3 @ 4pSunday, December 3 @ 4p

Christmas EveChristmas EveChristmas EveChristmas Eve Sunday, December 24Sunday, December 24Sunday, December 24Sunday, December 24

@ 4p, 9p & 10:30p@ 4p, 9p & 10:30p@ 4p, 9p & 10:30p@ 4p, 9p & 10:30p

Christmas DayChristmas DayChristmas DayChristmas Day Monday, December 25Monday, December 25Monday, December 25Monday, December 25

@10a@10a@10a@10a

Holy WeekHoly WeekHoly WeekHoly Week

♦ Palm Sunday WeekendPalm Sunday WeekendPalm Sunday WeekendPalm Sunday Weekend————March 24/25March 24/25March 24/25March 24/25

♦ Maundy ThursdayMaundy ThursdayMaundy ThursdayMaundy Thursday————7p only7p only7p only7p only

♦ Good FridayGood FridayGood FridayGood Friday————Noon/7pNoon/7pNoon/7pNoon/7p

There will be NO Saturday service on March31NO Saturday service on March31NO Saturday service on March31NO Saturday service on March31 as we wait for the sun to rise on Easter morning.

Easter Sunday, April 1Easter Sunday, April 1Easter Sunday, April 1Easter Sunday, April 1 6:33a Sunrise Worship6:33a Sunrise Worship6:33a Sunrise Worship6:33a Sunrise Worship

9:00a Festival Worship9:00a Festival Worship9:00a Festival Worship9:00a Festival Worship

10:30 Festival Worship10:30 Festival Worship10:30 Festival Worship10:30 Festival Worship

Lenten Art Gallery: Stations of the CrossLenten Art Gallery: Stations of the CrossLenten Art Gallery: Stations of the CrossLenten Art Gallery: Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross take you on a journey following the footsteps of Christ.

Our Art Gallery will feature coloring pages that have intricately been colored by groups from within the church. Each of the stations will include a scripture lesson, short reflection and question to ponder as your journey with Jesus. Watch for the first stations

to go up beginning in March!