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Transcript of October VOICE
Staff/ Council
Pastor’s Pen
Youth News
Bible Readings
Noteworthy News
SS Calendar
Council Minutes
Pub(lic) Theology
Ministry Opp
Birthdays/Calendar
Prayer Page
Musical Musings
WELCA
ELCA info
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OCTOBER 2011
Table of Contents
The Voice
LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH OF CHICAGO
Annual Halloween Party Saturday Oct 29th
at LMC time TBA
“You are wrapped in light as a garment O God, you ride on the wings of the wind”
Psalm 104:2-3
Church StaffTimothy Brown, Pastor
Bonnie Fallen, Secretary Lyle Harlow, Choir Master/Organist
Tim Heverin, Asst. to SextonAmy Holmes, Administrative Assistant
Brian Myers, Youth DirectorDorothy Tracy, Nursery Director
Briana Sprague Travis,Music Director
Luther Memorial Church of Chicago
2500 W Wilson AvenueChicago, IL 60625-3026
Phone: 773-539-3018Fax: 773-539-3599
Office Hours:Monday
10:00am-5:00 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday8:00am-12:00 pm
Thursday8:00am-5:00 pm
Friday8:00am-12:00 pm
Church Council
Marcia Mawe (President, Human Resources)773-784-5409 [email protected]
Scott Lorraine (Vice President, Property/Strategic Planning)773-677-4374 [email protected]
Lara Prestipino (Secretary, Education/Youth/Discipleship)773-583-3584 [email protected]
Aaron Schoof (Treasurer)773-401-1516 [email protected]
David Byerly (Stewardship)312-519-1484 [email protected]
Justin Kerstetter (Communications)312-543-0512 [email protected]
Margaret Renas (Leadership Development)773-368-7120 [email protected]
Jill Smith (Evangelism/Outreach)773-506-9474 [email protected]
To email the office: [email protected] for the weekly email or bulletin: [email protected]
To submit information for the VOICE: [email protected]
STAFF/COUNCIL
Sunday School TeachersVicki Thoms- 3 year oldsLaurie Nelson-4 year olds & KindergartenLisa Helverin-1st & 2nd gradesJenny Araujo-3rd & 4th gradesSusan Barreto-5th thru 8th grades
Helpers/ Floaters: Paula GiovacchiniNancy WallWendy Thompson
Art: Tom JohnsonMusic: Marcia MaweDrama: Joe Jensen
2-The Voice Oct 2011
PASTOR’S PEN
The Voice Oct2011-3
August 2011 VOICE Numbers:
Offering: $14,832.15Avg. Attendance:
9am - 8711am - 62
Greetings Disciples at Luther Memorial,
Sitting in my office on this bright September day, I can hear the kids from Waters Elementary playing on the playground through my open window. I’ve long since done away with turning on the A/C unit…it will be removed sometime next week. And I’ve begun looking toward the heavens to see when the leaves, which seem to always appear from nowhere in the Spring, will start to turn and fall.
I love Autumn. It’s my favorite time of year. It’s a time of transi-tion and change, a time of paying attention to the rhythms of the earth, and the rhythms of life. It’s a time to start giv-ing thanks for life in general, as the buds and flora around us become dust once again. A beautiful reminder of mortality.
And it’s also a reminder, for me especially, that there is opportunity all around us while we live and move and breathe. Opportunity to learn, to grow, to share with our neighbor. For we are not gone yet, even as we say goodbye to the leaves and the grass.
For instance, this Autumn you have the opportunity to grow in faith and Biblical knowledge as we dissect the book of Jonah together and find ourselves running away from God, lying the in the belly of a beast of a world, only to be renewed by God’s grace.
Or you could join us for one of our new forums Pub(lic) Theology, held at the Red Lion Tavern (4749 N Rockwell St), with our inaugural meeting being led by our new organist/choir master Lyle Harlow. He’ll be leading us through the thoughts of God found historically in music, and how music affects our spirituality.
Or you could sign up with one of the brand new WELCA interest groups meeting regularly to make connections with women across every demographic in our community.
And these are just the formal education opportunities, and don’t even delve into choir starting up, our work with The Night Ministry, Ravenswood Community Services, our Youth Group, or countless other activities going on here at Luther.
So, disciples, what will you do in this time of autumn change to change yourself?
See you in church…bring your Bibles,Pr. Tim…
Brian MyersYouth Director
YOUTH GROUPwill meet on
TuesdayLuther Memorial
Sunday School Calendar
4-The Voice Oct 2011
Hello Church!
So I gotta know...have you kept up with your end of the bargain? I'll give you a quick reminder. Last month I charged you to seek out a member of the Youth Group and ask them about the mission trip that we took to Ohio. This is just a friendly reminder in case you haven't asked them yet :) I know they have a lot of energy, but I promise they won't bite!
We're looking forward to some fun and faith building events this fall. First off, our High School Sunday School class doubled in size!! (Can I get an AMEN?!!) Also, we're looking to partner with a few area churches for a lock-in to be held at LMC. We'll be bringing together the Youth Groups of Lakeview Lutheran as well as ECT (Edgewater Congregations Together) to learn more about our relationship with Christ and how his love continu-ally changes the world. We're also looking to walk through a haunted house so if anyone has a suggestion on a good one please let me know!
Youth Group will be held this fall every other Tues-day on weeks opposite of Confirmation Class. In Octo-ber we'll be meeting on the 4th and the 18th.
Thoughts and prayers are always encouaged and welcome! Thank you all!
LOCK IN-Oct 7th! LMC will be hosting Edgewater
Congregations Together (ECT) and Lakeview Lutheran on Friday October 7th (7pm-7am
Saturday) for our first Youth Lock-In of the year.
YOUTH NEWS
The Voice Oct 2011-5
BIBLE READINGSSa Psalm 80:7-15 Jeremiah 6:1-10 John 7:40-52
Su October 2-8 Isaiah 5:1-7 Psalm 80:7-15 Philippians 3:4b-14 Matthew 21:33-46 M Psalm 144 Ezekiel 19:10-14 1 Peter 2:4-10 Tu Psalm 144 Isaiah 27:1-6 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 W Psalm 144 Song of Solomon 8:5-14 John 11:45-57 Th Psalm 23 Isaiah 22:1-8a 1 Peter 5:1-5, 12-14 F Psalm 23 Isaiah 22:8b-14 James 4:4-10 Sa Psalm 23 Isaiah 24:17-23 Mark 2:18-22 Su Isaiah 25:1-9 Psalm 23 Philippians 4:1-9 Matthew 22:1-14 M Psalm 34 Exodus 19:7-20 Jude 17-25
Tu Psalm 34 Amos 9:5-15 Philippians 3:13—4:1
W Psalm 34 Song of Solomon 7:10—8:4 John 6:25-35 Th Psalm 96:1-9 [10-13] Judges 17:1-6 3 John 9-12 F Psalm 96:1-9 [10-13] Deuteronomy 17:14-20 1 Peter 5:1-5 Sa Psalm 96:1-9 [10-13] Isaiah 14:3-11 Matthew 14:1-12 Su Isaiah 45:1-7 Psalm 96:1-9 [10-13] 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Matthew 22:15-22 M Psalm 98 Daniel 3:1-18 Revelation 18:1-10, 19-20 Tu Psalm 98 Daniel 3:19-30 Revelation 18:21-24 W Psalm 98 Daniel 6:1-28 Matthew 17:22-27
Th Psalm 1 Numbers 5:5-10 Titus 1:5-16 F Psalm 1 Deuteronomy 9:25—10:5 Titus 2:7-8, 11-15 Sa Psalm 1 Proverbs 24:23-34 John 5:39-47 Su Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 Psalm 1 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Matthew 22:34-46
M Psalm 119:41-48 Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 20-25 James 2:8-13 Tu Psalm 119:41-48 Deuteronomy 10:10-22 James 2:14-26 W Psalm 119:41-48 Proverbs 16:1-20 Matthew 19:16-22 Th Psalm 43 1 Samuel 2:27-36 Romans 2:17-29 F Psalm 43 Ezekiel 13:1-16 2 Peter 2:1-3 Sa Psalm 43 Malachi 1:6—2:9 Matthew 23:13-28 Su Micah 3:5-12 Psalm 43 2 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Matthew 23:1-12 M Psalm 5 Jeremiah 5:18-31 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
Tu Psalm 5 Lamentations 2:13-17 Acts 13:1-12
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
6-The Voice Oct 2011
“We’re in the middle of political frenzy right now: candidates, debates, polls. For some it’s entertaining, for others its annoying. But what if we looked at our lives, and how scrip-ture plays out in our lives, through the lens of the political cycle? For six weeks in Octo-ber-November Pr. Tim will be doing a sermon series that follows the political cycle: October 16: Picking the Candidate; Scripture: Isaiah 45 and Matthew 22October 23: The Primaries (aka Mudslinging); Scripture: Matthew 22 and Leviticus 19October 30: Damage Control and Spin Doctors; Scripture: John 8November 6: God’s Stump Speech; Scripture: Matthew 5November 13: War Chest; Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5November 20: Election Day; Scripture: Matthew 25
So, now the question is less “Who will you vote for this year?” It’s actually, “Can you believe that God is voting for you to change the world?”
LMC’s Annual Holiday Market Sunday, Nov 20th 10 a.m.- 3 p.m
All are invited for some holiday cheer, including great shopping, a delicious lunch and fabulous raffle prizes! Mer-
chandise will feature handcrafted items from local area vendors and homemade
cookies and other baked goodies
The market profits will benefit designated charitable causes. So be sure to save some
of your holiday shopping for our market and tell your family, friends, neighbors
and coworkers to come shop our event.
Individuals interested in participating as craft vendors should contact Linda Miranda
for a registration form, which can also be downloaded from the “Happenings”
section of the church website: http://www.luthermemorialchicago.org. The fee balance is due by November 1st.
In addition, volunteers are needed to serve on the Holiday Market Planning Committee.
For more information, please contact one of the following planning committee
members: Michelle Beuscher (773-478-8815), Linda Miranda (773-334-8620)
or Diane Schulte (773-583-5814).
Luther's Young Adults will be meeting Saturday
October 22nd at 6:30pm for the return of PING-PONG. Please
come out and join us for a few round of Ping-Pong and some board games. Bring a friend, bring a drink, and we will all order some
food together. If you are interested in more details please contact Chris Brown @ Crittdawg@hotmail.
com or Brian Myers @ [email protected] We had a great time at the last
tournament and expect to have another great time this go around. Hope to see you there!
In addition to the Young Adults Ping Pong Tourna-ment on October 22nd, there will be a Young Adults
gathering on October 23rd for a whole weekend of fun! Sunday, October 23rd, LMC will be host-ing a Young Adults Game Night with Live Music Entertainment (including some of our own!) at
The Money Shot Restaurant and Bar, 5695 N. Lin-coln Ave. The time is TBA, but plan on late after-
noon/evening hours. Entry is free and a full drink and dinner menu is available for purchase. We will provide various board and card games, but feel free to bring your favorite. We had a great
turnout for the last Young Adults event, and fun was had by all, so we hope to see you there!
The Voice Oct 2011-7
Luther Memorial Sunday School Calendar 2011-2012 LMC Sunday School has regular scheduled breaks/ days off and other adjustments to the regular Sunday schedule. We make every effort to keep these to a minimum and to provide plenty of notice. Please make a note of these important dates.
September 18 Classes begin. We will start in the sanctuary at 9:00 and proceed upstairs after the Children’s Sermon. November 27 No Classes---Thanksgiving Holiday December 18 Christmas Program. ALL are INVITED! December 25 Christmas Break. No classes will be held January 1 New Year’s Break No classes will be held. January 8 Classes resume January 8 Congregational Meeting-- One Service Sunday 10 AM *Sunday School will take place from 9:00-9:50 AM on these “One Service” days April 1 Palm Sunday----- One Service Sunday *Sunday School will take place from 9:00-9:50 AM on these “One Service” days April 8 Easter Sunday. No classes May 27 Memorial Day Weekend. No classes June 3 Last Day of classes. June 10 End-of-the Year Celebration/ Recognition during the 9 AM service.
Special Classes are on a monthly rotation basis starting in October
Art (2nd Sunday of the month) Tom Johnson
Music (3rd Sunday of the month) Marcia Mawe
Drama (4th Sunday of the month) Joe Jensen
8-The Voice Oct 2011
COUNCIL MINUTESLMC Congregational Meeting Minutes – July 17, 2011Meeting called to order at 10:05. Quorum acknowledged – 39 active members were in attendance.
Marcia Mawe provided an explanation of the agenda and voting itemsBudget for electrical upgradeNomination of empty council sealInvestment team appointment
Scott Lorraine presented an overview of the electrical needs and what the proposed work would include. The current electrical work is not up to code and does not meet current or future needs.The church received bids from three contractors, all of whom noted the following:Church is underpowered for its current needsCurrent service is not sufficient to power a new organKitchen wiring presents safety issuesWork over the years has been piecemeal and designed for short term needs as opposed to a comprehensive long term plan. Martin Electric presented the most competitive pricing and has done satisfactory work for the church in the past. The property team requested authorization for up to $40,000 to pay Martin Electric for the electrical work.
Aaron Schoof presented the congregation with the current financial status as part of the decision making process. Total assets as of 6/1/11 were $606,966 with $117,841 in the operating and reserve account. The Treasurer recommendation was that the church finance the proposed work through the operating account.
The floor was opened for discussion of the proposed electrical work. Questions included:What is the timing and location of the workWill new appliances be required in the kitchen following rewiringWill the church fund the work from the organ fund or operating fundIs the operating account the best choice knowing that the church will also require work on the roofWill the system be upgradable, will it handle future needsWill the church require cosmetic repair from the removal of old conduit, it this included in the scope of work
Following discussion, Shirley Garrett moved that the congregation approve the $40,000 budget to allow Marvin Electric to commence work as proposed by the property team. The motion was seconded by Sean Harvey. The motion was passed by unanimous voice vote.
Margaret Renas presented the second voting item – the nomination of a new council member to fill the empty seat. A nominating committee was formed to fill the empty seat and it selected Dave Byerly. Following a presentation of Dave’s background and qualifications, the nominating committee recommended that the congregation elect Dave to fill the vacant council seat.
Marcia Mawe opened the election of the vacant seat to nominations from the floor. There were none. Sean Harvey moved to accept the recommendation of the nominating committee. The motion was passed by unanimous voice vote.
Marcia Mawe presented the third voting item – creating and appointment of an investment team. The responsibility of the team will be to determine what products the church will invest in. Following a brief discussion, Jenny Hernandez moved to create the investment team with the slated candidates. The motion was seconded by Dianne Betten. The motion was passed by unanimous voice vote.
Following the final vote, Kimberly Tracy moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Kurt Matthesius. The motion was passed by unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 10:34.
The Voice Oct 2011-9
Guiding Principles
Called into Community by Jesus Christ:
We Believe Prayer is Essential,
Encouragement Fuels Ministry,
Questioning is Healthy, All are Invited to Engage,
God is Speaking, We are Called to Act
Pub(lic) TheologyLocation: Red Lion Tavern 4747 N Rockwell
Time: First Thursday of the Month, 7:30-8:30Purpose: To come together in community and hear stories from one another, talk intentionally
about life, and gain insight into how God is working in our lives, our organizations, and the world.
October 6thMission: Music-What are we looking for? How does it help us see God?Presenter: Lyle Harlow, Choir Director and Organist at Luther Memorial
November 3rd Mission: Lutheran Disaster Response-What does it do? How is it organized? How can we help?
Presenter: Mike Nevergall, Associate Director, Lutheran Disaster Response
December 1stMission: Caroling around Lincoln Square
Presenter: Briana Travis, Contemporary Music Director and Cantor of Luther Memorial
January 5thMission: New Year’s Resolutions for Faith
Presenter: Pr. Tim Brown, Pastor of Luther Memorial Church of Chicago
February 2ndMission: Love and All Things Dirty
Presenter: TBD
March 1st Mission: God and Money
Presenter: Christopher Brown and James Thyer, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
April 5thMission: No Meeting. Happy Easter!
May 3rdMission: Doubt Night
Presenter: Pr. Tim Brown, Pastor of Luther Memorial Church of Chicago
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIESOngoing Ministries at LMC
Lunch with PastorThursday
Oct 6 Beginner’s RoomJoin Pastor Tim in
conversation
Ravenswood Mobile PantrySaturday Oct 88:30-11:30 am
4332 N. Paulina StKerry John
Peace VigilSaturday Oct 15
7:30 pmSanctuary
Dieter [email protected]
Night Ministry PrepWed Oct 26 12:00 pmGym/Fellowship Hall
Diane [email protected]
Night Ministry Cookie Bake
Can be dropped off in LMC kitchen
by Wed Oct 26400 needed
Night Ministry ServingThur Oct 27 RSVP only
Mark [email protected]
10-The Voice Oct 2011
ANNUAL SCOUTER REUNIONInvited are all former and current Cub Scout, Scout and Girl Scout leaders, par-ents and members. Please contact all these people and pass on the invitation.
SCOUTER REUNION & POT LUCK DINNERSaturday, October 15, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.
LMC Gymnasium Please RSVP with Dorothy Witschonke at 773-588-3637 or Maria Bap-
pert at 773-728-8127 and let us know what dish you plan to bring.
Bring your Bibles! When was the last time you cracked open
that Good Book?! It's difficult to know where to go in times of need to find that one pas-sage that spoke to you, or that one story that you made a
connection with, if you don't use the Bible regularly. Bring your Bible to church with you! Open it up and read from the
Scriptures during the service. Make notes in the margins. Highlight a passage. Circle a favorite phrase and then post it to Facebook later in the day. Use your Bibles, especially
on Sundays. Unsure how? Pr. Tim will help show you...
JESUS & JUSTICE event at LSTC, 1100 E. 55th St., Chicago. Share Your Congregation’s Social Ministry Story at ‘Jesus & Justice’. On October 22, the
Metropolitan Chicago Synod (MCS) Justice Team, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) and Lutheran Advocacy–Il-
linois will host “Jesus & Justice: We Are Called to Act.”
The event will offer models of local, regional, national and international justice ministries that are currently working in congregations across the
synod. It will also offer new models for the engagement of congregational members, congregations and clusters of congregations in the develop-ment of local initiatives around church-based community development and justice advocacy. The event will take place at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The registration form for Je-sus & Justice is available on the Metropolitan Chicago Synod Web site.
Event organizers are looking for congregations to participate and share their social ministry experiences via either a display and/or brief work-
shop, and are specifically seeking congregations with strong, innovative and collaborative social ministries that are involved in advocacy, com-
munity development, community organizing and direct service. For more information, please refer to the flyer and application form on www.LSSI.
org. A great opportunity to tell about LMC’s work with the Night Ministry.
BIRTHDAYS
The Voice Oct 2011-11
Oct 2Caryn DoeringMichael Kraus
Oct 3Rhonda Brown
Oct 4Aiyana Hernandez
Oct 5Logan & Trevor
Steele
Oct 6Robert Jones
Oct 7John LlywellynMartin DonaldVictoria Thoms
Lois Weber
Oct 8Donna Rice
David Schulz
Oct 9Lorraine Maj
Brandon Steele
Oct 10Erican Gibbs
Oct 11Dylan Kornecki
Oct 13Angela CooperMarian Nelson
Nicole Kerstetter
Oct 16Abigail & Sylvie Graff
Brian Bon DurantDerek Paschal
Oct 19Bernice Klein
Oct 21Thomas Koslowski
Oct 22Grace Lisota
Jenniffer Stanczak
Oct 24Brian Myers
Oct 27Tricia LlewellynJohn McCarthy
Glen Metros
Oct 28Audrey Downes
Laurie Nelson
Oct 29Adam Schur
Oct 30 Ben Damery
Anniversaries
Oct 2 David&Jill Smith
Oct 12 Arvid&Arlene Olson
Oct 13John&Sara Russell
Oct 19John Carter Brown
& Annalisa Lunn
Oct 25Peter&Michelle
BeuscherScott&Sarah LorrianeJude Lubandi&Sara
Mooney
Oct 27Dave&Emily
Kornecki
Monday
7:00 PM-9:00 PM Fencing
7:00 PM-9:00 PM Childbirth Class
(Pre registration required)
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Playgroup
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Gentle Yoga
7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Pilates/CoreWork
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Lakeside Pride Brass Rehearsal
Thursday
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM Fencing
7:30 PM AA Meeting
Friday
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Hatha Yoga
Saturday
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Fencing
Sunday
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Prayer Group Meeting
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Traditional Worship
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Celebration Service
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Prayer Group Meeting
Calendar of Events in October
at Luther MemorialEvents are held weekly unless otherwise specified-
visit www.luthermemorialchicago.org for a
complete list of events and times
PRAYER PAGEMembers/Life StrugglesGeorge CallisterDenise & FamilyFamily of Shirley GarrettJune HanselmanAnn-Marie & Matt HotaryKawell FamilyMichael and Frieda KrausOlga Lehman Harriet LuehrsAnna Lisa LunnKurt MatthesiusEileen MatthesiusMindi McCre-less & FamilyCharlie and Sis MillerLois MooreClaudia RaackNaomi SchnurDavid & Mary SchulzCarol SharitsGertrude SniderMarian Thompson Kimberly Tracy Tracy/Hunt Fam-ily (Uncle Kevin)Evonne WaughHelen Zoch
Friends/RelativesLife Struggle Amanda & daughtersNathan Arrington, Joan Cosmos, Ashley/Peppler FamilyAunt Cathy & Family Doug AthertonMark B.Barb & DianaBetsyCookie BaldacciNancy BowersCousin, JuliaCrawford FamilyMother of Amy CurrentDalton Family
Nancy DonnellyLiam Dooley & FamilyElizabeth’s Moth-er & FatherMarge EricksonCathy EweerDavid,Jack,Jillilan,Joanne,Danny Kurt August, Cathy, Shannon & JamesDavid FallenVicki GebhardtLeMont GarrettKris Garski & FamilyMarilyn GaugerFamily of Mary GerberFamily of Dean Howard KerrGrallini Family (Janis)Grant, Erica, Alex & PaulGreer FamilyMickey Gross-man & FamilyDave GustafsonDennis HaggertyJackie HammHope HathawayJeannine HilbJoan & Richard HuntBob HeidkampMichael HernandezMartha HolmesCharlie HotaryDakota JimmersonJanet/Twins & FamilyJoeCarolyn & Kristin KelleyBurnetta KoenigMarian LanViolet LavalleeMelissa Llannas & baby HannahLowly FamilyGrace McLeodMichelleMother of Penny WernerMargaret,Milan,NevaehJim & Lynde Neery
Paulo & Co-Workers in SomaliaBetty PhillipsRichard RaymondAdrian Gonzalez Rolon Kyle Look, Steve SchoppeMike SeegertBonnie SenaFamily of Chris StampSteele’s GrandpaMichele Timble (Jimmy,Jack,Kate)Timothy (missing Aurora boy)Tom & PaulFamily of Betty TurzinskiWalker FamilyWatanuki FamilySteve Winkelman Carl Yakawa
Prayer Chains
Prayer is a powerful tool. If you’d like to be
added to the PrayerChain list please
feel free!There are two groups:
one that connects through email and
one over the phone. If you’d like to join
either group or add a prayer request, please contact the captains.
Via Email: Jenny Araujo
Via Phone:Bernie Zommer847-827-0698
12-The Voice Oct 2011
The Voice Oct 2011-13
MUSICAL MUSINGS
"Praise and Worship""Praise and Worship" music is all the same, right? Sappy, lovey, Jesus is my best friend and I'm so happy.Wrong. There is a lot more to the music that we use in the Celebration/Contemporary service than that. Most contemporary songs that we use have direct scripture references just like hymns do. Many of them even share some lyrics or melodies from the old-school hymns we love. The significance and the words are still the most im-portant part; we don't just play songs that "sound good" when our band plays them. Each season, I read through the scriptures and les-sons for every Sunday, I take into account the message that needs to come across, and I prayerfully pick music that expresses those same things. It is never willy nilly. Some people are blessed to be moved by music, so we need to have a unified message, and Pastor Tim, Lyle and I all strive to share the fullness of the Word in each Sunday service.In both services, we introduce new songs on a regular basis, we utilize different styles, we bring back some of the favorites, but there is always a purpose and significance behind each song we include. Listen to the words of the songs that the band plays, read the words of the songs that you sing; the music of the church is not just to make you feel good, it's not just to break up the service, and it's not just to give you a reason to stand up. Music is a blessing to me, and I pray that you will be blessed by our music, as well.
Fall is here, all too soon for some of us, and with it comes changes to our liturgy to reflect the movement from the more casual summer to the more formal festival Sundays of autumn. We begin using ELW Setting One on Sunday, October 1; a wonderful new setting of the service written for Evangelical Lutheran Worship. I loved from the first time I heard it at its debut at the Institute of Liturgi-cal Studies at Valparaiso University in 2007, and I’m sure that the con-gregation of LMC is going to enjoy it as well. We also look forward to the fall decorating of the church with signs of the harvest, and to the Festivals of the Reformation, the birthday of the Lutheran Church, and All Saints Sunday, my favorite Sunday of the year. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback on the variety of new hymns and mu-sic that we’ve been singing in the past few months—if you have a favorite hymn that you would like to see in rotation, please write it down and put it in the offer plate, or send me an e-mail at [email protected] , so that we can include it as the worship team plans for the new year. Choir is in full swing, and we are looking for more members! The more people we have who are excited about singing, the more our music program can soar at Luther Memorial—if you have ever wanted to be in choir, now is the time. Choir meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:00. Handbells will also start in October; there is going to be an organizational meeting directly after the 9:00 service on Sunday, October 1, in the Beginners Room. If you are interested in ringing, please come! Experience is not necessary.
Lyle HarlowDirector of Liturgical Arts
Luther Memorial Church of Chicago
Our Fall Kick-off initiative was held on Saturday, September 17th. We enjoyed food and conversation with each other when we arrived. The purpose of the event was to explain our four new groups that will be meet-ing on a monthly basis throughout the coming program year. You will find a description of the four groups and contact information for the leaders and co-leaders of each group below. If you were not able to attend the kick-off but are interested in joining one or more of the groups, please call me or contact the group leaders directly. Look for additional information in the weekly ‘News and Notes’ information that comes out on Wednesday or in the Sunday bulletin. The annual convention of the Metro Chicago Synodical Women’s Organization will be held on October 29, 2011 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church located at 1500 W. Belmont. The deadline for registration is October 14th. The registration fee of $30 covers breakfast and lunch. The conven-tion begins at 8:15 am and ends at 3 pm. There are registration forms on the bulletin board in the hallway downstairs at church. There will be many wonderful speakers and participants are asked to bring In Kind gifts. This information is found on the registration form. We can carpool from church. We would leave church at 8 am. Thank you to everyone who attended and/or helped with set-up and clean-up on 9/17. I would especially like to thank Allison Phalen for coming to do child care.
The Groups of the Women of the ELCA at Luther Memorial Church
Bible Study- This group will meet monthly to engage in the Bible Study found in the monthly magazine ‘Gather’. This is a nine session study of the Gospel of Mark, which emphasizes what it means to follow Jesus Christ today. The study has been written by Patricia Lull an ELCA pastor. Jenny Araujo will be the leader of this group. Please call (773-784-1738) or email ([email protected]) her.
Prayer Shawls & Lap Quilts- This group will knit or crochet shawls and/or construct lap quilts for members who are homebound or hospitalized. Other articles may be constructed as a need is made known. Prayers and some Bible study will also be part of this group. Lara Prestipino (773-583-3584 or [email protected]) and Diane Schulte (773-583-5814) will be co-leading this group. The first meeting is scheduled for Sun-day, October 9, 2011 beginning after the second service.
Service- This group will select service projects throughout the year. They will be the organizers and other congregational members will be invited to participate. The projects may be on-going or one time only. If you have a desire to work for the greater good, this group is for you. Bring your ideas and your energy. Caroline Mergl ([email protected] or 773-878-1393) and Dixie Downes (847-679-2631 or [email protected]) will be co-leading this group. The first meeting is scheduled for October 16th after the second service. Meet-ings will be held in the lounge on the third Sunday of each month.
Spirituality Group- This group will read and share reflections about the book, ‘Welcome to the Wisdom of the World….and its meaning for you’ by Joan Chittister. The book talks about the universal spiritual insights distilled from five religious traditions. The group will also participate in prayer, try some meditation practices, and enjoy some quiet time where you can leave the stressors of the world at the door. Linda Miranda will be leading this group (773-334-8620 or [email protected]). The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 13, 2011 with other meetings scheduled for the second Thursday. This group will meet in the lounge at church 7:30 pm to 9 pm. See Linda for a copy of this book.
Yours in Christ,
Linda Miranda, President
14-The Voice Oct 2011
WELCA NEWS
The Voice Oct 2011-15
METRO CHICAGO SYNODICAL WOMEN’S CONVENTION will be held Sat., Oct. 29, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1500 W.
Belmont. All women are invited. Advance registration fee of $30 includes continental breakfast and catered lunch. A limited number of scholarships will be provided. Contact Dixie Downes if interested ([email protected]); she serves on the MCSWO board. Registration forms will be
hanging on the WELCA bulletin board outside the gym. Forms and fees are due to the SWO trea-surer before October 14. Key speakers include former Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl on the
ELCA Malaria Initiative; Jane Otte on LSSI’s Prison Ministry project, Storybooks for Children; and Kevin Bercaw on LSSI’s new Autism Initiative. Convention offerings will be shared with church-
wide Women of the ELCA, and the programs related to the speakers. In-kind gifts will be appreci-ated: hardback books, ages 3-5, especially baby books (no metal, spiral binding, no attachments, not even bookmarks per prison requirements); twin-bed size linens, kitchen supplies, and paper products for the new Autism group homes. Interested persons may sign up in advance for a tour
of the new senior apartment building adjoining St. Luke’s, following convention adjournment. Two of our church members are residing there now. Free parking in lot adjacent to the church.
MISSION SUPPORTSeventeen percent (17%) of mission support dollars received from congregations in our Met-ropolitan Chicago Synod is kept locally for our Ministry Partners. The largest recipient is Lu-theran Social Services of Illinois. Founded in 1867, LSSI is one of the largest faith-based so-cial service providers in Illinois. It served nearly 70,000 people in Fiscal Year 2010 through 190 programs at 83 program sites across the state. LSSI helps people of all ages, races, in-
comes, and religions to address important needs and make necessary changes in their lives. Stay informed, be inspired, get involved! Together we do make a difference!
The Service Group will be collecting hygiene kits for women coming out of prison via the LSSI Prisoner & Family Ministry program called Connections. Many of these women re-entering the
community in the Chicago area have no homes and are placed in shelters which do not pro-vide these necessities. Connections staff links formerly incarcerated women to community re-
sources such as food pantries, job-training programs and substance abuse treatment. Con-nections also conducts in-prison orientation sessions as well as individual support, anger
management and therapy sessions for ex-offenders. There will be a box in the narthex labeled LSSI for donations. A list of needed items will be available with bulletins on Sunday morn-
ings. Beginning Sunday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 30, we are asking for 6 oz. tubes of tooth-paste and adult soft toothbrushes plus 2.6 oz. size deodorants. We will collect different items
each month until we have enough to prepare complete individual one-gallon Ziplock bags.