Volume 16 —Issue 5 Special points of interest: Page 2 & 3: MAY Missions Emphasis Page 6: BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES Page 8: Summer Outreach Fun! Receive New Members in June Page 9: JUNE Day Trip to Shrine of Christ’s Passion Page 11: MAY Worship Leaders Page 12: Report on Mendota Lutheran Home Annual mtg. Page 14: Department of CORRECTIONS A MONTH of MISSIONS 2-3 PARENTS’ CORNER. YOUTH NEWS 4 MAY CALENDAR 5 GIVING IN GRATITUDE. OFFICIAL ACTS 7 YOGA INFO & SCHEDULE 10 LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF WORK TIMES & MORE 13 Your MAY Bible Verse & SCRIPTURE READINGS for May on back page 16 Inside this issue: May 2017 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL DATE/TIME: Monday thru Thursday JUNE 5 TH thru 8 TH 9:00 to 11:00 AM During St. John’s Deep Sea Discovery VBS, kids will dive into God’s pres- ence by delving deep into His Word to see how He has been with His people every step of the way. Every kid will sail away each day saying “God is with me – wherever I go! He KNOWS me, HEARS me, STRENGTHENS me, LOVES me, and SENDS me!” Open to members, friends, neighbors—ALL kids 3 years old through 5 th grade are welcome. Register your kids today for a week of fun and adventure at St. John’s — REGISTRATION FORMS are available at the table in the Welcome Center. Fill one out and return by May 14 th . Or register ONLINE at St. John’s website: elcastjohns.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We are seeking volunteers to help implement and supervise craſt, game/ motor, and musical acvi- es during VBS. Prayerfully consider assisng in one of these areas. Please contact Robin Raupp 815.751.6918 or Wendy Merkel 815. 970. 0633 by May 14 th if you are willing to help out. John’s John’s John’s Journal Journal Journal WEEKLY WORSHIP TIMES > > > > > < < < < < WEDNESDAY 5:30 PM— Supper on Wednesdays † 6:30 PM WORSHIP SATURDAY † 5:00 PM WORSHIP SUNDAY † 8:00 AM WORSHIP 9 AM Educaon Hour 10 AM Fellowship Time † 10:30 AM WORSHIP > > > > > < < < < < SUMMER WORSHIP mes begin May 28 1 Worship Service Sundays @ 9:00 AM 10:15 AM Educaon Hr. Wednesdays and Saturdays will remain the same. Living in Christ — Sharing God’s Love 2017 VBS: Let’s dive into DEEP SEA DISCOVERY!
Transcript
Volume 16 —Issue 5
Special points of
interest:
Page 2 & 3: MAY Missions Emphasis
Page 6: BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES
Page 8: Summer Outreach Fun! Receive New Members in June
Page 9: JUNE Day Trip to Shrine of Christ’s Passion
Page 11: MAY Worship Leaders
Page 12: Report on Mendota Lutheran Home Annual mtg.
Page 14: Department of CORRECTIONS
A MONTH of MISSIONS 2-3
PARENTS’ CORNER.
YOUTH NEWS
4
MAY CALENDAR 5
GIVING IN GRATITUDE.
OFFICIAL ACTS
7
YOGA INFO & SCHEDULE 10
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
WORK TIMES & MORE
13
Your MAY Bible Verse &
SCRIPTURE READINGS
for May on back page
16
Inside this issue:
May 2017
VACATION BIBLE
SCHOOL DATE/TIME:
Monday thru Thursday
JUNE 5TH thru 8TH
9:00 to 11:00 AM
During St. John’s Deep Sea Discovery VBS, kids will dive into God’s pres-ence by delving deep into His Word to see how He has been with His people every step of the way. Every kid will sail away
each day saying “God is with me – wherever I go! He KNOWS me, HEARS me, STRENGTHENS me, LOVES me, and SENDS me!” Open to members, friends, neighbors—ALL kids 3 years old through 5th grade are welcome. Register your kids today for a week of fun and adventure at St. John’s — REGISTRATION FORMS are available at the table in the Welcome Center.
Fill one out and return by May 14th. Or register ONLINE at St. John’s website: elcastjohns.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We are seeking volunteers to help implement and supervise craft, game/motor, and musical activi-ties during VBS. Prayerfully consider assisting in one of these areas. Please contact Robin Raupp 815.751.6918 or Wendy Merkel 815. 970. 0633 by May 14th if you are willing to help out.
John’sJohn’sJohn’s JournalJournalJournal
WEEKLY
WORSHIP TIMES > > > > > < < < < <
WEDNESDAY 5:30 PM—
Supper on Wednesdays † 6:30 PM WORSHIP
SATURDAY † 5:00 PM WORSHIP
SUNDAY † 8:00 AM WORSHIP 9 AM Education Hour
10 AM Fellowship Time † 10:30 AM WORSHIP
> > > > > < < < < <
SUMMER WORSHIP times begin May 28 1 Worship Service
Sundays @ 9:00 AM 10:15 AM Education Hr.
Wednesdays and Saturdays will
remain the same.
Living in Christ — Sharing God’s Love
2017 VBS: Let’s dive into DEEP SEA DISCOVERY!
MAY 2 Missions Emphases: May 1st thru May 31st
❤ LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF BABY CARE KITS INGATHERING
MAY 24,27,28 Special Offering for
❤ MENDOTA LUTHERAN HOME
HESED (overflowing love)
HOUSE Hello St. John’s parishioners! We have received our dates for serving meals at Hesed House this year. They are Wednesday, June 7, and Wednesday, August 23. Look for the sign-up sheet this month in the Welcome Center. As in the past, parishioners are asked to provide casseroles and desserts. Volunteers are also needed to serve at Hesed. Stewardship committee members shop for the groceries, prepare the rest of the meal, make lunches, and provide a simple breakfast. We have posted our menu on Hesed’s website. If you would love to help, but cannot serve or bake, a mone-tary donation helps us purchase the rest of the foods. We look forward to working together for and at Hesed House!
—Submitted by Connie Hamer on behalf of St. John’s Stewardship Committee
Did you know?
Today, Hesed House is the second largest shelter in the State of Illi-nois, and the largest shelter out-side of the city of Chicago. With the help of professional staff, alliances with outside agencies and 6,000 volunteers from 70 area churches, almost one thousand individuals (including 188 children) are served each year through Hesed House’s shelter and three housing pro-grams. Hesed House sees 16 newly homeless individuals each week – that’s one new homeless individual every 8 1/2 hours. Hesed House strives to get 16 or 17 individuals out of homelessness each week. Hesed House is a Public Action to Deliver Shelter, Inc. (PADS), and a 501(c)(3) organization. For a com-plete view of Hesed House pro-grams visit www.hesedhouse.org
PAGE 2 ST. JOHN’S JOURNAL VOLUME 16 — I SSUE 5
God’s work. Our hands.
Our p
rayers an
d gifts have p
ositive
effe
cts in th
e w
orld
.
For 150 years, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) has been a leader in child welfare services, and is one of the largest providers of foster care services in Illinois. LSSI serves approximately 2,500 children each year; currently 558 of them in the Northern Illinois Synod through offices in Rock Island, Galesburg, Nachusa, and Rockford. http://ww.lssi.org/
Often, children are unable to be placed in a home because of the
simple absence of a smoke/ carbon monoxide detector. Your donation will help children in need of a safe and loving home to be placed quickly.
Gift cards take up little room in the small spaces of LSSI offices and can be used for: Awarding a child who has met a goal on their service plan Helping a foster family get pre-pared to take in a child Providing clothing and other necessities to a child when first being placed Purchasing items for projects and activities at group sessions and fami-ly therapy Providing a gas card to a family so they can get to necessary appointments Providing Birthday, Christmas and other gifts to children throughout the year Purchasing school supplies Taking a child or family out to eat for a special occa-sion. Suggested gift cards (in any amount): Wal-Mart, Target,
Northern Illinois Synod Assembly 2017 IN-KIND OFFERING for LSSI
Walgreens, CVS, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Casey’s General Store, Toys R Us, Hy-Vee Grocery, Schnucks Grocery Woodman’s Gro-cery, McDonald’s, Subway, Culvers, Gas Cards (Shell, Mobil, Amoco).
Congregation Representatives for the NI Synod Assembly are asked to bring the donations of smoke/ carbon monoxide detectors and gift cards from the people of their congregations when attending on June 16-17. We can help LSSI care for the children of the Northern Illinois Synod!
Please place your gifts for LSSI in the receptacle in the Welcome Center starting in mid-May.
Details for
LWR Baby Care Kit
Ingathering
on page 13
Heartland Blood Centers is a non-profit community blood center supplying blood and blood products to patients in Illinois and Indiana area hospitals. Service is provided around the clock within a 12-county service area.
LOVE MY
NEIGHBOR?
YES. GOD WANTS US TO
“LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS
AS OURSELVES.”
BLOOD DRIVE HERE: June 8TH
St. John's members again have an op-portunity to visit prisoners awaiting sentencing at Stat-eville Prison in Joliet
IL. We participated in this program for a couple of years, but then the state stopped all visits to evaluate their program. At the same time, the group that organizes these visits did a re-write on their booklet. Now both elements are complete so we can resume our visits to prisoners at Stateville.
The next visit is Sunday, May 21st at 8:00 am. St John's members, with prior approval, that would like to participate in this visit, should check their name on the sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center.
If you are interested in partici-pating in future prison visits, sign up on the lower part of the sheet. We will contact you about getting prison clearance approval. For questions, contact DeAnne Zaeske.
—Submitted by DeAnne Zaeske, Missions C.
GOD
LOVES ME?
YES.
GOD LOVES YOU.
The Mendota Lutheran Home has been a place of love and security for many of our loved ones through the years. This special facility offers Sheltered Care, Rehab to Home, Private Unit with Rehab Suites, Skilled Nursing and Intermediate Care, Respite Care, Hospice and Palliative Care, In-Patient and Out-Patient Therapy.
The Mendota Lutheran Home has been providing exceptional, quality, long term care to the community and surrounding areas since 1952.
Its success is driven by a compassion-ate, professional team that is committed to providing the very best Christian care with a heartfelt touch. The Mendota Lutheran Home is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America.
The Mendota Lutheran Home is one of St. John’s designated ‘missions offerings’ during the month of May. We have an opportunity to support the residence with our spe-cial offerings on May 24th, 27th, 28th.
Returning Mission Opportunity: Prison Ministry at Stateville Prison
MENDOTA LUTHERN HOME - Where love is ageless...
PAGE 3 ST. JOHN’S JOURNAL VOLUME 16 — I SSUE 5
To remember MLH with a special gift, please place your offering in a blue envelope provided for your convenience in each pew and at the sign-up table in the Welcome Center. Please remember to indi-cate ‘Mendota Lutheran Home.’
Read MLH Annual Meeting Report printed on page 12.
Prayer support for MLH’s residents, staff, volunteers, and work is always requested and appreciated.
1 John 4:19 We love, because He first loved us.
Heartland Blood Centers will be having a BLOOD DRIVE here at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Wednesday, June 8 during the hours of 3:00 PM through 7:00 PM. Please watch for the BLOOD DRIVE sign-up table in the Welcome Cen-ter in May, and, PLEASE DONATE blood if you are able. Thank you.
—Submitted by Barbara Voss St. John’s Blood Drive organizer and contact
When you have babies and toddlers, getting to church can be such a hassle. Feeding them, dress-
ing them, buckling them in and out of car seats and arriving on time can wear parents out before the day is half over. When you get there, you have oth-er worries. If you insist they sit still and be quiet, church may become a place they don’t want to go. If you give them free rein, the noise they make may disturb other people’s worship.
THANK YOU! The Parish
Education Committee would like to
say THANK YOU to our congrega-tion for the tremendous support with our soap drive. Due to your overwhelming contributions we were able to meet (and go beyond) our goal of 800 pounds of soap to be donated to the Lutheran World Relief organization! We are truly grateful and blessed to have such a compassionate, supportive, and giving congregation.
—Submitted by Robin Raupp
St. John’s Parish Ed. Committee
FAITH FAIR — May 14th St. John’s 1st and 2nd year confirm-ands will be having a Faith Fair during Adult Forum (9-10:00 AM) on Sunday, May 14th.
Abigail Denault (2nd yr)
McKayla Eaton (2nd yr)
Erik Gottlieb (2nd yr)
Lily Horsch (2nd yr)
Ryan Johnson (2nd yr)
Riley Merkel (1st yr)
Olivia Rogers (2nd yr)
Jenna Svoboda (2nd yr)
Please come and see and hear what they have to share
about their faith journey.
† CONFIRMATION will be held on Sunday, June 4th at 9:00 AM. Please come and attend to help support, recognize and celebrate St. John’s 2nd year students Affirma-tion of Baptism!
—Submitted by Robin Raupp St. John’s Parish Ed. Committee
Thank you confirmands! Confirmands, we wish to thank you very much for your help at all the Lenten meals this year.
Your pleasant willingness to serve made all of our jobs so very much easier. Thanks again!
—Submitted by Connie Hamer on behalf of the Lenten Meal Committee
St. John’s will Honor all 2017
H.S. Graduates — On May 6-7
High School Graduates will be honored at each service. Please help us avoid any omissions by letting us know about those in your family who have reached one of these important milestones. Please call the office 815.498.3667 with the name of the graduate and the school. Graduates will be asked to come forward for recognition at the service they are attending.
PAGE 4 ST. JOHN’S JOURNAL VOLUME 16 — I SSUE 5
Sometimes, there may be unex-pected incidents. Perhaps, your child may decide to crawl the length of the church under the pews between people’s legs during the sermon waring a can’t-catch-me grin. (I write from experience.) Not bringing little children to church is so much easier and how much can they learn, anyway? My granddaughter with a two-year-old son and a one-year-old daugh-ter wrestles with this every Sunday. Then, one morning at breakfast she had filled her son’s cereal bowl with Cheerios and gone to get milk. She turned back in time to see her
boy raise his bowl high with two hands and say, “Jesus Christ, given for you.” Is providing such a loved and loving foundation for children’s lives worth extra effort? Amen to that! As for those people who might be distracted by noise, they care enough about God to be at service. They care enough about God to be at worship. They care enough about God and your children to pledge to help you with them. Be easy.
Once again, we thank God for the abundant blessings and gifts which He gives us. How fulfilling and purposeful it is that we are doing His work with our hands.
This month we thank… ……those who help at funerals. During the time when individuals are grieving, it is comforting to have others to help organize and complete sad tasks. Pastor knows the questions to ask, answer, and give Christian reassurance. The ushers, audio operator, organist, custodian and office staff all complete their jobs with caring thoughts for the family and their guests; and, a thank you to members of St. John’s church family who come to support the bereaved by attending the funeral worship. During worship, two peo-ple on Altar Guild are present to place the pall on the coffin. When there is a meal, one of three meal committees works with the family to ensure that the luncheon and set-up go smoothly. Thank you. ……those who serve at Sunday Fellowship. Each Sunday fellowship time requires two volunteers to provide enough treats (8 dozen).
One of them must arrive at church by 8:15 a.m. to prepare coffee and lemonade, set up the snacks, and clean up afterwards. It is a blessing when folks sign up without having to be asked, and a joy when hosting to watch the little ones as they make their choices. Thanks! ……the Altar Guild. Each week this wonderful group works behind the scenes to prepare the altar and set up for communion. Provisions are made for carrying the elements to the altar during each service. A vol-unteer washes and irons commun-ion cloths each week and makes any necessary repairs. Volunteers change the paraments (altar cloths) which must be dry cleaned. Altar Guild members meet four times during the year to discuss seasonal worship changes, set schedules, and discuss with Pastor special ser-vices. For example, some services may need the altar draped or vari-ous items removed according to the season. Altar Guild volunteers also do much of the Christmas dec-orating in the church. Thank you, Altar Guild! —Submitted by Connie Hamer
on behalf of St. John’s Stewardship Committee
PAGE 7 ST. JOHN’S JOURNAL VOLUME 16 — I SSUE 5
Giving in Gratitude
+ OFFICIAL ACTS
FIRST COMMUNION: Maundy Thursday - April 13, 2017
Alex Barnes, Kaydence Eade Haley Michael, A J Parkinson
Easter Vigil - April 15, 2017 — Haley Lynn Michael
MEMORIAL SERVICE: April 8, 2017 —
Lois Irene Novey Bunch
Haley Lynn Michael — New member in the body of Christ, the church.
Marked with the cross of Christ forever.
Photo submitted by Diane Wold
Lorelei Lynn Killey — New member in the body of Christ, the church.
Marked with the cross of Christ forever. Photo submitted by Jeanette Pfeifer
Baptized in the name of
the Father, and of the +Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen!
The Farmers Market is a fun and easy event and we’d encourage St. John’s youth to join in, also. Yellow “God’s work. Our hands.” T-shirts are available at the church office for a donation while supplies last. St. John’s has a booth at the market most months to sell Fair Trade goods from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Stop by Somonauk’s Farmers Mar-ket to see what’s available and sup-port our booth as well on the first Thursday of each month during the summer.
St. John’s annual Ice Cream Social is scheduled for Sunday evening, July 16th. Building on the success of last year, we will include some simple children’s games for entertainment. The canopy will be set up in the east parking lot (weather-permitting) and ice cream and donated baked goods will be served. Sign-up sheets will be avail-able for those wishing to volunteer
to serve refreshments and/or staff the games. It would be especially great to see our youth sign up to help serve ice cream or help with the kids’ games.
—Submitted by Jean Lunt, Outreach Committee
To begin this summer’s events people from St. John’s will take part in Somonauk’s Memorial Day Parade & BBQ, Monday, May 29th. Friendly volunteers will distribute large Life Saver™ candies on ‘Jesus Saves’ cards and flyers with infor-mation about St. John’s worship times and programs. We look forward to sharing our smiles and friendly greetings with our neigh-bors during the Memorial Day activities. More information and a sign-up sheet is coming soon.
Thursday, June 1st, rain or shine, we’ll resume being a part of Somonauk’s Farmers Market by volunteering to help direct vendors from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on the first
Thursday of each month. Due to a positive response to the farmers market, there may be extra market days this summer which volunteers may sign up to work if they wish. Last summer, we were well known as the ‘great helpers in the yellow shirts’ and the organizer really appreciated St. John’s volunteers!
St. John’s counts welcoming
new members among our
many blessings from God!
Please spread the word to those wishing to become a part of St. John’s fellowship of believers (aka congregation). Tell those you know that a Public Reception of New Members (aka time during the worship service to officially welcome new members) will be held the week of June 7, 10, 11th.
SUMMER
ACTIVITIES
FOR
THE
WHOLE FAMILY
More surprises may be coming this summer—so keep your
eyes and ears open. Summer is a great time to be outside,
showing how St. John’s believes “God’s work. Our hands.” can be fun for everyone!
If you or someone you know de-sires to become a member in June, or would just like to know more about the mission and teachings of the Lutheran Church, please inform Pastor William or the church office of your wishes. New members may be received by transfer from anoth-er Lutheran congregation, or Affir-mation of Faith, or Baptism. Let us know how we can help you be-come a member of St. John’s. We look forward to welcoming you! You may reach the church office by calling 815.498.3667, or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]
PAGE 8 ST. JOHN’S JOURNAL VOLUME 16 — I SSUE 5
A L k Toward Summer Outreach at St. John’s
March 26
Middle school students, mentors, Pastor William and
Maury Killey, teacher, participate in
a lock-in held at ST. JOHN’S.
PAGE 9 ST. JOHN’S JOURNAL VOLUME 16 — I SSUE 5
Congregation DAY TRIP on JUNE 17, 2017— a bus trip from St. John’s
in Somonauk to THE SHRINE OF CHRIST’S PASSION in St. John, Indiana… ..
Experience the Passion of Christ. People of all faiths marvel
at the 40 exquisite life-size bronze sculptures, the original music and thoughtful meditations they hear at each scene. We invite you to come and experience this incredible jour-ney with us. The Shrine is handicap accessible and Club Cars are availa-ble (with a reservation). There is no charge to experience the Shrine. It is solely supported by donations and sales from the on-site Gift Shoppe. On the grounds of the Shrine, you can sit near the sculpture of Our Lord at the Last Supper, pray in the
Garden of Gethsemane, walk on the road to Calvary and witness the Empty Tomb. The group is planning on dining at Teibel’s Restaurant in Schererville, Indiana after touring the Shrine. Cost of the bus trip is $35.00 per person plus the cost of your meal. We have been given banquet menu pricing on dinner including drink, appetizer, entrée and dessert, ranging in price from $12.95 (plus tax) for their specialty of Fried Chicken to $17.25 for another spe-cialty of Perch or Shrimp. There are four additional entrees available at $14.95. Also offered are a vegetari-
an and gluten-free meal. We will add your dinner choice to the $35.00 for the bus for your total cost. If we fill the bus, everyone will receive a refund for part of the bus cost.
Make reservations for this outing by signing up at the table in the Welcome Center. Payment is due when signing up. Make checks pay-able to St. John’s Lutheran Church, place in a blue special offering en-velope indicating “Shrine bus trip,” and drop in offering plate or office folder.
—Submitted by Marion Gaffney
Solar Practice @ 8:00 AM Friday, April 7th Standing Poses Friday, April 21st Standing Pose Flow Friday, May 5th Balance Poses Friday, May 19th Abdominal Support & Cultivation Friday, June 2nd Backbends
Lunar Practice - PM time TBA Friday, July 7th Forward Bends and Twists Friday, July 21st Hip Openers & Twists Friday, July 30th Full Body Warm-up Friday, August 4th Inversions
Yoga classes are being offered twice monthly in the Fellowship Center at 8:00am on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month, which are April 7th & 21st this month.
Required materials: Yoga mat and comfortable clothing. All skills levels are encouraged and welcome. Class will be finished by 9:00am.
The standard agenda is: 7:30am Come early (optional) for quiet walk around the park. 8:00am Place your mat and self in the Fellowship Hall and reflect on weekly reading. 8:05am Begin class with demon-stration and practice of a standard yoga posture. Continue yoga practice using various DVDs; at least one spotter will be available at all times to assist. By 8:45am Relaxation, meditation 8:55am Closing prayer
Submitted by Linda Weidenbach
PAGE 10 ST. JOHN’S JOURNAL VOLUME 16 — I SSUE 5
Yoga Classes
Church Women United
May Friendship Day —
Theme: Kindling New Fires of Love Date: Friday, May 5 Time: 9:15 AM Place: Bethany Lutheran Church 235 E. Lundy Lane, Leland, IL
Rebekah Circle in May Date: Thurs., May 18th Time: 7:00p.m.
Location: Stella Gardner’s home Connie will be at church at 6:45 for anyone wanting a ride.
—Submitted by Connie Hamer
Celebrate! St. John’s will have
six more engraved bricks installed on The Good Samaritan Quilt Plaza at Lutheran World Relief Headquar-ters in Baltimore, MD this spring.
Our bricks support LWR’s Quilt & Kit Shipping Fund, helping to get vital provisions into the hands of people who need them around the world. God is good!
Memorial Day - May 29 We remember loved ones who served in the military and gave their lives. Some may also remember non-military family and friends who now live in Glory. May God grant peace to all. The Military Board.. .
in St. John’s Welcome Center recognizes St. John’s church family members and friends who are currently serving in a branch of the armed services. If you wish to include someone who is in the Service on St. John’s military board, please contact: Monda Denault 815-498-3836, or DeAnne Zaeske 815-498-2974.
“...little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of.”
—C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
PAGE 11 ST. JOHN’S JOURNAL VOLUME 16 — I SSUE 5
T
hank y
ou to
all o
f our w
orsh
ip le
aders.
W
hen yo
u are
unab
le to
be p
rese
nt w
hen sch
edule
d p
lease
contact th
e ch
urch
office
@ 8
15.4
98.3
667 o
r em
ail us at o
ffice@
elcastjo
hns.co
m
May 6
& 7
M
ay 1
3 &
14
M
ay 2
0 &
21
M
ay 2
7-2
8
SATU
RD
AY
5 P
M
Aco
lyte(s): Rylie M
erkel A
ssistin
g Min
ister: Jerry Lun
deen
G
reeters: A
lan &
DeA
nn
e Zaeske
R
eader: M
arlyn G
lover
Co
mm
un
ion
: Barb
ara Vo
ss,
C
ind
y Westb
roo
k A
ltar Gu
ild: N
ancy M
iller A
ud
io: D
iane W
old
U
shers: D
on
Ru
bis, B
ruce W
old
SUN
DA
Y 8
:00
AM
A
colyte(s): Jen
na Svo
bo
da
Assisti
ng M
inister: A
nita M
illigan
Gre
eters: Jim G
letty,
Stella G
ardn
er R
eader: Jean
Lun
t C
om
mu
nio
n: G
loria C
oo
k,
Julie G
ott
lieb
Altar G
uild
: Glen
da A
nd
rews
Au
dio
: Bru
ce Maso
n
Ush
ers: Kath
i Hasti
ngs, Ellie K
ulto
n
SUN
DA
Y 1
0:3
0 A
M
Aco
lyte(s): Ab
igail Den
ault
Assisti
ng M
inister: C
on
nie H
amer
Gre
eters: Heid
i, McK
ayla,
D
estin
y Eaton
R
eader: Sco
tt H
orsch
C
om
mu
nio
n: Lily H
orsch
, Mary
Ho
op
er
Altar G
uild
: Mario
n G
affn
ey,
P
hyllis Zo
ellner
Au
dio
: Gary G
affn
ey U
shers: M
ike Ham
er, McK
ayla Eaton
SAT
UR
DA
Y 5
PM
A
colyte(s): O
livia Ro
gers A
ssistin
g Min
ister: DeA
nn
e Zaeske
Gre
eters: Do
nn
a Gu
ehle
r,
M
arlyn G
love
r R
eader: A
lan Zae
ske
Altar G
uild
: Cara K
illey A
ud
io: N
ancy M
iller U
shers: Larry &
Do
ris Ro
gers
SUN
DA
Y 8
:00
AM
A
colyte(s): Evan
Go
ttlieb
A
ssistin
g Min
ister: Mary C
arlson
G
reeters: N
ancy M
aroscia,
Bru
ce Maso
n
Read
er: Ch
arles Ho
epe
A
ltar Gu
ild: Lin
da G
letty
Au
dio
: Drew
Milligan
U
shers: Tracy Skaggs,
G
lend
a An
drew
s
SUN
DA
Y 1
0:3
0 A
M
Aco
lyte(s): Bro
oklyn
Misen
er A
ssistin
g Min
ister: Ad
am K
illey
Gre
eters: Dave &
Lee M
cKen
zie
Read
er: Jeanett
e Pfe
ifer A
ltar Gu
ild: K
arol G
rand
george
A
ud
io: R
yan Jo
hn
son
U
shers: K
arie Misen
er,
Julie H
orsch
SAT
UR
DA
Y 5
PM
A
colyte(s): R
ylie Merkel
Assisti
ng M
inister: M
arlyn G
lover
Gre
eters: Ch
arles Ho
epe,
Barb
ara Vo
ss R
eader: Lan
ce Daven
po
rt A
ltar Gu
ild: N
ancy M
iller A
ud
io: D
on
Ru
bis
Ush
ers: Lind
a Weid
enb
ach,
K
yle Hu
ss
SUN
DA
Y 8
:00
AM
A
colyte(s): Lily H
orsch
A
ssistin
g Min
ister: Valeri Sp
izzirri G
reeters: M
ike & Lin
da G
letty
Read
er: Ward
Hearn
A
ltar Gu
ild: G
lend
a An
drew
s A
ud
io: Erik G
ott
lieb
Ush
ers: Bru
ce Maso
n,
D
rew M
illigan
SUN
DA
Y 1
0:3
0 A
M
Aco
lyte(s): Ryan
Joh
nso
n
Assisti
ng M
inister: A
lan Zae
ske
Gre
eters: Jeff an
d Em
ily Den
ault
Read
er: Jean Lu
nt
Altar G
uild
: Mario
n G
affn
ey,
P
hyllis Zo
ellner
Au
dio
: Bo
b Fraley
Ush
ers: Bo
b &
Jackie Wen
dlan
d
SAT
UR
DA
Y 5
PM
A
colyte(s): D
ou
glas Sho
ener
Assisti
ng M
inister:
Lin
da W
eiden
bach
G
reeters: To
m &
Marlyn
Glo
ver R
eader: B
arb V
oss
Altar G
uild
: Cin
dy K
arp
Au
dio
: Bru
ce Wo
ld
Ush
ers: Nan
cy Miller,
C
alleigh R
ogers
Sum
mer W
orsh
ip
Tim
es b
egin
today,
Sunday, M
ay 28.
On
e se
rvic
e @
9:0
0 A
M
SUN
DA
Y 9
:00
AM
A
colyte(s): Erik G
ott
lieb
Assisti
ng M
inister: B
ruce M
ason
G
reeters: M
ike & C
on
nie H
amer
Read
er: Do
ris Miller
Altar G
uild
: Nan
cy Maro
scia
Au
dio
: David
Go
ttlieb
U
shers: K
athi H
astin
gs,
Rich
ard K
ossak
PAGE 12 ST. JOHN’S JOURNAL VOLUME 16 — I SSUE 5
MENDOTA LUTHERAN HOME ANNUAL MEETING SUMMARY
The Mendota Lutheran Home annual meeting took place on March 19, 2017.
The following is a summary of the reports given at the meeting.
Nine church Representatives were present, 5 absent.
Total present:
20 Delegates, 5 Pastors, 5 Board Members, 3 Department Heads, and 7 Guests
2016 and 2017 Life Safety and Illinois Department of Public Health inspections went well.
All the recent infractions were corrected resulting in a 5 Star rating from Medicare and Medicaid.
There are new regulations that have been instituted to be rolled out over the next 3 years:
November, 2016. November 2017, and November 2018.
Census is beginning to increase over the past month after three years of low census.
A new budget has been developed and implemented for 2017. A cash flow will continue to be a concern for 2017
due to the slow reimbursement for Medicaid residents by the State of Illinois.
A new bracket for a cost effective Health Insurance plan for employees has been implemented successfully.
The Marketing Director created a new program to help raise income for the facility. It is named, “The Guardian
Angel Fund”. There is no description of the fund in her report. Ms. Krager will be present at St. John’s Luther-
an Church in Somonauk, Illinois on May 7, 2017 to speak to our members about the need to increase income for
Mendota Lutheran Home. The door offering for May 7th will be going to Mendota Lutheran Home. Ms. Krager
also has developed a Wish List with prices attached for additional gifts/funding possibility.
The Chaplain continues to have increased attendance at Sunday services by helping each resident to have Jesus as a
resource in their lives. An ice cream social was successful as was the Blessing of the Staff at Thanksgiving
which deeply moved the staff. The Chaplain has lunch with residents and moves from table to table visiting
with them, praying with them each month focusing on glorifying God.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Goode
Mendota Lutheran Representative
*Please note, Mary Carlson and Sharon Goode are 2017 Mendota Lutheran Home Representatives from St. John’s
Lutheran Church in Somonauk, Illinois. They were both on vacation when the Annual Meeting took place, therefore,
Jeanette Pfeifer and Evelyn Smith went as substitutes. The information for this report was taken from Department Head
reports given at the meeting.
PAGE 13 ST. JOHN’S JOURNAL VOLUME 16 — I SSUE 5
Tuesday, May 16th, 9 AM—3 PM (bring your lunch), 7—9 PM
Wednesday, May 17th, 9 AM—3 PM (bring your lunch)
We did It! We did it! We reached the goal set by the Education Committee of 800 pounds of soap. In fact we exceeded it by at least 50 pounds. The soap was delivered to Elgin on the April 3rd. Thank you to everyone who brought soap, gave money and the Endowment Committee for their generosity. Just think of how many people will benefit from over 850 pounds of soap!!
In May we are going to be working especially hard on Baby Care Kits. We will be accepting money to purchase diapers for the Baby Care Kits and yarn for the baby afghans for Valley West. Money can be placed in a blue envelope and marked appropriately. We will also be collecting a special item of the kit for each of the weekends in May.
May 6th & 7th — we are asking for T-shirts. May 13th & 14th — we are asking for pajamas or sleepers with no feet or night gowns. May 20th & 21st — we are asking for socks and hats. May 27th & 28th — we are asking for light weight dark colored hand towels.
All items should be for babies age 3 months to 2 years. There will be a bin located in the Welcome Center to receive these items.
Even though we are working very hard on Baby Care Kits for the month of May, the need for quilts never goes away. We have many people who have made tops at home. These tops need a center or filler and a back to be complete. Ties need to be made in each one to hold the layers together and then they are stitched around with the machine. Need-less to say, there are many steps and people are needed for each of these steps. Won’t you spend a little of your time Tuesday or Wednesday to help us complete some quilts? Coffee will be on and the fellowship is good. Come join us! Location for Piecemaker packets (for sewing at home) and completed baby afghans, completed quilt tops, kits and donated items for LWR Projects…baskets and hamper are located in the hallway by the kitchen. Thank you for your cooperation.
Just a reminder-donated items for use in quilts and for layettes should be clean and free of stains and pet hairs. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Questions??? Contact Karol Grandgeorge, 815-498-2668 or the church office. Knitter Critters meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month (May 9) to knit and crochet baby afghans for the babies born at Valley West, a part of Northwestern Medicine, in Sandwich. If you knit or crochet and need yarn or patterns, see the file cabinet located in the corner of the Matthew Room across the hall from the church office. Check out some of the thank you notes on the kiosk. If you need assistance or want to learn, you may speak with Elfriede Korallus 498-3943 or Tena Hamster 498-3326. Hearts and Hands Ministry provides aid within our congregation as volunteers lend a hand by providing meals to those recuperating from an illness or hospitalization or bringing home a new baby, etc. Tena Hamster coordinates this effort and would be happy to have more volunteers who are willing to provide a meal for fellow members of St. John’s. For details on how you can be a part of this warm and caring ministry, contact Tena at 815-498-3326 or the church office at 815-498-3667. If you know of someone who would benefit from this Ministry, contact Tena or the church office.
—Submitted by Karol Grandgeorge, LWR Project Co-Coordinator
LWR
Work
Times —
Remaining 2017 LWR Work Times: June 20-21 / July 18-19 / August 15-16 / September 19-20
October 17-18 / November 14-15 / December 12-13
❤ KishHealth System
Powerful Tools for Caregivers on Tuesdays, beginning May 2—June 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost for the class, plus class participants also receive a copy of The Caregiver Helpbook. Pre-registration is required. During weekly sessions, caregivers develop self-care tools to: reduce personal stress, change negative self-talk, communicate their needs to family members and healthcare or service providers, communicate more effectively in challenging situations; recognize the messages in their emotions, deal wit difficult feelings and make tough caregiving deci-sions. Please call 815-756-3000 for more information.
Hospice Volunteer Training Program — If you are a good listener and have a desire to make a difference in the lives of others, becoming a Hospice Direct Care Volunteer may be a good fit for you. As an integral part of our team, your compassion and flexibility will help each pa-tient and their loved ones be free to focus on the best quality of life possible during a difficult time. The next classes are Weds, May 3 —June 7, 9:00 a.m. to Noon, held at Valley West Hospital, Sandwich. This program is no charge but regis-tration is required. Please call 815-756-3000 for more information or register online at kishprograms.org
PAGE 14 ST. JOHN’S JOURNAL VOLUME 16 — I SSUE 5
Report of St. John’s gifts and offerings
received in March 2017 —Submitted by Mike Hamer, Financial Secretary
Account March 2017
General Building/Capital
House of the Little Ones $ 581.50
Dept. of CORRECTIONS: In the April Journal financial summary (for February), the money raised for KSVS was incorrectly reported. The total should have been $1,063.80. The $3,358 amount is incorrect.
“Your donation to Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans will help provide homeless and at-risk veterans and their families with needed assistance to reach self-sufficiency…” Excerpt from MSHV acknowl-edging receipt of donation from St. John’s in the amount of $1,894.00. St. John’s Mis-sions Committee wishes to thank all who donated to the benefit brunch and St. John’s Endowment Fund for matching those donations. God bless!
St. John’s April Journal included an article about an upcoming mission trip to Oaks Indian Mis-sion School in Oklahoma. That article was resur-rected from an old file that should have been “resting in peace.”
A trip to Oaks is not being planned for 2017, however watch for other mission trip opportuni-ties being offered.
PAGE 15 ST. JOHN’S JOURNAL VOLUME 16 — I SSUE 5
Church Staff: Pastor: Rev. William C. Weidenbach Jr. Treasurer: David McKenzie Organists/Pianists: Darla Fraley, Toni Lundeen, Margaret Page, Becky Stephens Financial Recorder: Michael Hamer Building Superintendent: Diane Wold Church Office Manager: Pat (pj) Mason Church Office Secretary: Joanna Pantoja Wedding Coordinator: Diane Wold Church Council Officers: President: Ward Hearn Vice-President: Kathy Anderson/Finance Secretary: Linda Johnson/Communications Congregation Council Members/Committees: Kathi Hastings/Property Mary Hooper/Fellowship & Hospitality Adam Killey/Worship Mark Lee/Stewardship Jean Lunt/Outreach Robin Raupp/Parish Education & Youth DeAnne Zaeske/Missions Mendota Lutheran Home Representatives-2017: Sharon Goode, Mary Carlson Lutherdale Bible Camp Representatives-2017: Nancy Miller, Karol Grandgeorge Synod Assembly Representatives-2017: Ward & Cheryl Hearn, Mark & Lisa Lee, Caitlynn Merkel Cemetery Board: Bob Fraley, Glen Reuter, Doug Stahl Endowment Fund: Marion Gaffney, Beth Gottlieb, Mike Hamer, Vicky Huss, Don Loux, Finance Committee: Monda Denault, Chuck Hoepe, Valerie Spizzirri
Church Ministries & Organizations Contact People: Altar Guild: vacancy Prayer Chain: Nancy Strever, Barbara Voss Joyful Noise: Anita Milligan, Darla Fraley Compassion In Action Ministries (C.I.A.) Baby Afghans for Valley West Community Hospital: Tena Hamster, Elfriede Korallus Community Health Network (CHN): Sharon Goode CROP Walk: Karie Misener Fair Trade: Karol Grandgeorge, Barbara Voss Foods Resource Bank: Jerry & Toni Lundeen Global Missions: Tom Martin, DeAnne Zaeske Habitat for Humanity: Karol Grandgeorge Hearts & Hands: Tena Hamster House of the Little Ones: Linda Johnson International Holiday Market: DeAnne Zaeske, Tom Martin LSSI Christmas Hope Chest: Heidi Eaton LWR Projects (Mission Quilts, Soap, Baby Care Kits, School Kits, Personal Care Kits and Sewing Kits): Karol Grandgeorge Meals on Wheels: Tena Hamster
Continued in second column...
Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans: Monda Denault Our Sharing Pantry: Bob Wendland Partners In Mission - Uganda, Africa: DeAnne Zaeske
Parish Education: Youth Faith Formation: Pastor William Weidenbach Jr., Maury Killey, Youth Faith Formation Instructor St. John’s Congregational Council 3N1 7—12 gr. Youth Ministry: Coordinators - Scotto & Leigh-Leigh Kossman from Salem Lutheran Church, Sandwich Youth Ministry Connection from St. John’s - Anita Milligan Esther Circle: Jeanette Pfeifer Rebekah Circle: Connie Hamer Sunday School Coordinator: Robin Raupp
Chairpersons/Committee Summaries: (Listed alphabetically by committee) Cemetery Committee: Doug Stahl Oversees the care of the church cemetery, seeing to maintenance and improvements.
Communications Committee:
Fellowship & Hospitality Committee: Mary Hooper Plans activities and recreational outings to promote friendship and fellowship in our congregation and community.
Finance Committee: Puts together the budget and administers incoming and outgoing funds.
Missions Committee: DeAnne Zaeske Your Mission Committee provides a variety of opportunities to do God's Work with Our Hands. We organize activities, publicize events and coordinate participation. Please join us in any way that works for you. (Revised November 2016)
Mutual Ministry Committee: Jeanette Pfeifer Encourages the congregation to prayerfully consider, together, God's desire for ministry in our church and community.
Outreach Committee: Jean Lunt Develops ways to reach out to the community in invitation to worship, delivering bread to new residents and ‘mugging’ newcomers.
Parish Education Committee: Robin Raupp Oversees Sunday School Program, Summer Bible Day Camp, and youth related activities.
Property Committee: Kathi Hastings Oversees the care of the church facilities and grounds, seeing to maintenance and improvements.
Stewardship Committee: Mark Lee Provides opportunities for members of our congregation to use their gifts and resources, which includes raising funds for spe-cial projects.
Worship Committee: Adam Killey “Striving to provide Spirit filled worship opportunities in an atmosphere of hospitality.”
Wednesdays
6:30 PM
St. John’s Fellowship Hall
For all people, all ages—
individuals, families, guests,
members, drop-ins, drop-outs.
If you’re hungry, come early
(5:30 to 6:30 PM) to have
supper before worship.
WORSHIP/HOLY COMMUNION
from 6:30 to 7:00 PM.
May 2017 Newsletter of St. John’s Lutheran Church We’re on the Web:
www.elcastjohns.com
St. John’s Lutheran Church 1860 ~ 2017
235 South Green Street P.O. Box 245
Somonauk, Illinois 60552
Pastor: William C. Weidenbach Jr. www.elcastjohns.com pas-
