February 2015 - Immanuel Lutheran Church

FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE
Feb 1
Mark 1:21-28
Feb 11
Mark 1:29-39
Feb 18
Mark 9:2-9
Feb 25
Matt 6:1-6, 16-21
IN THIS ISSUE
Page 2
Pastor Mike’s
Article
Page 3-6
What’s
Happening at
Immanuel
Page 7
Youth/Appreciations
Page 8
Celebrations &
Prayers
Page 9
Giving Back
Page 10
Worship Leaders
Jesus said,
‘Follow me’
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow
me.” (John 1:43)
Here is the essence of the Christian life. Following Jesus. Doing what you see him doing. Treating others as you see him treating people. Trying to have, as the Apostle Paul says elsewhere, the same mind
and attitude as Jesus (Philippians 2).
This instinct that the Christian life is about following Jesus was captured succinctly in those rubber
bracelets many evangelical Christians sported a few years back: WWJD, “What would Jesus do?” Yes,
folks can over-simplify such an ethic into rather vacuous statements about love or reduce it to
“evangelizing” others. And, yes, there are many situations in our 21st century world that Jesus never
encountered or likely even imagined. I get all that. But I also get that to be a Christian is first and foremost to perceive in Jesus the in-breaking of God’s grace into the world and for this reason to try to
follow him in word and deed.
When it’s not over-simplified, such a commitment is a near monumental undertaking. Not only does it
take prayerful deliberation, particularly when situations are complex or vary greatly from those portrayed in the Gospels, but also in terms of just what a commitment demands. Turning the other cheek,
loving one’s enemies, welcoming those who are outcast? Such is not for the impatient or faint of
heart.
Perhaps that’s why the first Christians weren’t called “Christians” but were instead called “the people
of the way.” They knew they were establishing a community governed by a different perception of
God and a correspondingly distinct ethic. And they knew that such a life was a serious undertaking, not
a spiritual sprint but a long-haul journey. In both senses, they were the people of the way.
So I’ll say it again: To be a Christian is to realize that you have been called by God. Called to grace,
called to life, called to more. And in response to that call, to follow Jesus. Slowly, perhaps, imperfectly,
for certain, but to try to follow nonetheless.
Page 11
Follow. Not believe certain things about Jesus, but to follow him. Not to testify of either your faith or
your obedience, but to follow him. Not to have some kind of conversion experience, but just to follow
him. Theology, testimony, conversion – all of these things may come in time. But the immediate and
Page 12
enduring call is simply to follow. For as Jesus said to Philip, so also he bids us, for his call has come
Suggested Readings down through the ages in words as challenging to obey as they are easy to understand: “Follow me.”
Calendar
Prayer: Grant us the will, heart, and courage to follow Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
- See more at: http://elca.org/Living-Lutheran/Blogs/2015/01/150122-Jesus-said-Follow-me#sthash.YujRjuD1.dpuf
Living in
Christ,
Loving God’s
people.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
God has blessed us with many ways to learn and grow in faith. We have bible studies,
devotions, sermons, and so forth. These are blessings that can be used by God’s people for
spiritual growth. Lately though I have been thinking a lot about another way: Hymns. Many
hymns throughout time have been a comfort and a blessing to people in need. They have
taught us the faith. They have comforted us as we mourn. They are often the words of scripture set to the rhythm of God’s people. Many of them have rich history in and of themselves
that upon learning can make us appreciate them more. So, for my articles for a few months I
am going to look at some amazing hymns.
The first that comes to mind is When Peace like a River. The Lyrics were written by Horatio
Spafford (1828-1875). It was written amidst his sorrow as a way to express faith in hard times.
It was comfort to him and to many others. The lyrics bear the weight of his loss but his trust
as well. In the last stanza it culminates with Horatio’s trust that God’s promises will be fulfilled
in the resurrection. Here is the history I could find:
Teaching the
Horatio Spafford was a wealthy Chicago lawyer with a thriving legal practice, a beautiful home,
a wife, four daughters and a son. He was also a devout Christian and faithful student of the
Scriptures. His circle of friends included Dwight L. Moody, Ira Sankey and various other wellknown Christians of the day.
Word,
At the very height of his financial and professional success, Horatio and his wife Anna suffered
the tragic loss of their young son. Shortly thereafter on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago
Fire destroyed almost every real estate investment that Spafford had.
Reaching the
world.
In 1873, Spafford scheduled a boat trip to Europe in order to give his wife and daughters a
much needed vacation and time to recover from the tragedy. He also went to join Moody and
Sankey on an evangelistic campaign in England. Spafford sent his wife and daughters ahead of
him while he remained in Chicago to take care of some unexpected last minute business. Several days later he received notice that his family's ship had encountered a collision. All four of
his daughters drowned; only his wife had survived.
With a heavy heart, Spafford boarded a boat that would take him to his grieving Anna in England. It was on this trip that he penned those now famous words, When sorrow like sea billows roll; it is well, it is well with my soul.
http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/it-is-well-with-my-soul-the-song-andthe-story.html
In Christ,
Pr. Michael Neel
ALTAR GUILD
We will not meet this month.
Stay tuned for our next gettogether!
RUTH CIRCLE
Ruth Circle will meet on Tuesday
afternoon, February 10th at 1:30
p.m. We will study the January
and February lessons on Trans-
BUSY HANDS
We will be getting together on
February 11th and the 25th at 9:00 AM.
If you are interested in serving in
this group, please contact Linda Stephens at (630) 553-1854. The ladies
have also made beautiful prayer shawls.
If you know of someone who could use
a prayer shawl, please take one.
forming Life and Faith. Bible
EDUCATION FOR ALL
study leaders are Carol Foster
At 6:30 p.m., on February 3rd and 10th, Pr.
Mike will be holding a bible study on spiritual practices in our busy world.
and Bev Borneman, hostess is
Bev. All ladies are invited to join
us for an afternoon of bible study
and friendship.
SERVANT HEARTS CIRCLE
We will be meeting on February 19th at
6:30 p.m. For more information about
Servant Hearts Circle, contact Lesli Ambrose.
MIDWEEK LENT SERVICES
February 18th: 7:00 PM |Ash Wednesday
service
February 25th: 6:00 PM | Soup Supper
6:30 PM | Lent Midweek service
March 4th: 6:00 PM | Soup Supper
6:30 PM | Lent Midweek service
March 11th: 6:00 PM | Soup Supper
6:30 PM | Lent Midweek service
March 18th: 6:00 PM | Soup Supper
6:30 PM | Lent Midweek service
March 25th: 6:00 PM | Soup Supper
6:30 PM | Lent Midweek service
Annual Meeting highlights
Treasurer’s Report – Joseph Bergthold discussed and reviewed the Treasurer’s 2014 Report (Attached). Joseph informed the congregation than no monies from the Miracle Sunday fund were used in all of 2014. Joseph welcomed
questions from the floor.
Total income to date: $167,476.36
Total Expenses to date $193,465.98
Net Income: $(25,989.62)
Nominating Committee: As outgoing members of the 2015 Council, Brian Anderson and Terry Morganegg will
serve on the Nominating Committee along with appointed members Michelle Halbesma, Wendy Drane, Lea Bateman and Sue Boldt.
Budget: Treasurer Joseph Bergthold reviewed and discussed Immanuel’s Budget for fiscal year 2015. He stated
that the only change to last year’s budget was a small raise for the Music Director, who has not had a raise in four
years.
Lesli Ambrose motioned to approve the 2015 Budget, Phyllis Corrigan seconded; motion carried.
Northern Illinois Synod Assembly: President Craig Borneman stated that we need two delegates to attend the
Northern Illinois Synod Assembly scheduled for June 14-15, 2015. Linda Stephens and Christopher Dove volunteered to attend
Hesed House Clothes Closet: Gena Gerdin discussed the Hesed House Clothes Closet ministry, telling the congregation that Hesed House is the 2nd largest homeless shelter in Illinois and serves over 200 of our homeless neighbors each evening. She explained to the congregation how the closet is run and what the volunteer’s duties are.
She told the congregation that is a wonderful way of doing God’s work and encouraged congregation members to
give it a try. Speaking from the floor, Erika Pokorski shared her family’s experiences volunteering for the clothes
closet and stated that this special ministry is a true blessing for her family, including her children who also volunteer.
Sesquicentennial: Our sesquicentennial celebration will officially be celebrated on Pentecost Sunday, May 15,
2016. We will begin the celebration on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2015 and culminating on Pentecost Sunday 2016
with possible monthly events. President Craig Borneman stated that we are still looking for volunteers to help with
this committee. The first meeting will be scheduled in the near future.
President’s Statement: President Craig Borneman thanked everyone for their support during his recent four-year
term. He stated that we’ve done a lot of work and we wouldn’t be where we are today without everyone’s help. He
then handed his church key over to Immanuel’s new president Scott Davis.
CONFIRMATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Confirmation will meet Wednesdays on February 4th, 11th,
and the 25th.
Coming soon...
Luther League
February 6th -- BINGO at Hillside. From 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. we will play BINGO with the residents of
Hillside. Afterwards, if anyone is interested, we might eat at a local restaurant (each leaguer would be responsible for their purchase). If you come and play BINGO, you will not have to pay the $10 for the lockin.
February 27th -- Family Movie night with a LOCK IN following. Leaguers should get to church by 5:30
p.m. to set up. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.; movie starts at 6:30 p.m. After the project, we will lock the
doors and have some great times. Here are the ideas for the lock-in:
Make our own t-shirts
Make homemade cinnamon rolls
Games
Ping pong tournament
Do a public service project
Make homemade pizza
Movie: "God's Not Dead" with a discussion
You can also invite ONE friend. Cost will be $10 to cover food and shirt. The fee will be waived for the
leaguer if they play BINGO with Hillside. However, each friend will have to pay the $10. See Brenda with
any concerns.
Possible movies for Family Movie night: Big Hero 6
Then we will be having our annual ice cream social on Palm Sunday.
Sunday School
The Sunday School wishes to thank everyone that came out and supported the Sunday School
this last year. We ended 2014 with a great Christmas Eve program. Thanks to Brenda Karales
for writing the program, Emma Wallis and Arissa Wallis for directing and to Jane Wallis for being our music director.
The Sunday School finished up learning about Joseph in January and we will be starting to
learn about the Plagues and ending February learning about the Burning Bush.
The adult Sunday School will be taking their winter break. Stay tuned when the class will restart.
We also want to congratulate our newest student, Declan Warran, on being baptized. We are
so proud of you!
CELEBRATIONS
February Birthdays
Feb. 2
Brenda Corrigan
Feb. 5
Dale Nelson
Feb. 6
Matt Cox
Feb. 7
Feb. 16
Ed Guettler
Joe Hughes
Kailee Sampson
Feb. 20
Craig Borneman
Parker Dove
Feb. 22
Brooklyn Bergthold
Feb. 23
Kyle Corrigan
Dianne Nenne
Feb. 10
Glenn Sing
Feb. 12
Colin Cox
Feb. 24
Thomas Schoot
Kelli Dockstader
Feb. 26
Kara Dyer
Feb. 13
Delores Dierzen*
Feb. 14
Sharon Robinson
*80 years and older
Celebrate your birthday
with others!
Feb. 14 Tom & Jeanene Coziahr**
Feb. 21 Dale & Sue Nelson
Bring a cake mix and icing
for the Kendall County
Food Pantry!
Feb. 24 Frank & Rita Campbell
**50 years and over
Pray for:
Becky Johnson Berg; Mary Ann Gorham;
Pray for the safety of all of
those who serve their
country.
Betty Larson; Lois Tweedt; Millie Tripp; Glenn Sing;
Pray for all of those things
that we may not be able to
give words to, but lay
heavy on our hearts.
Wayne Borneman; Keith Kutzbach; family & friends of
Art Riemenschneider; Cathy Merkel; Russ Hughes;
Ronnie Bretthauer; John Nolden; Penny Darnell;
John Wayne Jr; Don Stroberg; Steve Andel;
Will Durland; Lindy & Zac Bailey; Marge Stevenson and
Dorothy Coppinger.
DID YOU KNOW?
Our newsletter can be downloaded from our web site at: http://www.immanuelyorkville.org/Newsletters.html
Newsletter submissions are always welcome!
Please submit all items by the 20th of each month to: [email protected]
GIVING
BACK
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
YEAR-TO-DATE FINANCIAL REPORT
Do you have a couple of hours to spare on February 5th and the 19th to
help those in need? If so, sign up on the sheet on the back table and join
Pastor Mike and others as they serve at Hesed House’s Clothes Closet
from 4:30pm–7:00pm. This ministry provides those less fortunate with
necessary clothing items. As always, Hesed House will also receive any
clothing donations you may have.
—
January 1– January 24, 2015
INCOME
Operating Fund Income
$6,767.00
Parsonage Income
$1,100.00
TOTAL INCOME
$7,867.00
Collections for the Kendall County Food Pantry will be accepted until the
last week of the month. The pantry accepts all donations of food and necessities —personal products are always a critical need. Grab an
“Inasmuch” bag from the back table and fill it with personal products
and return it to the table.
EXPENSES
Benevolence Resolutions
Church Administration
Parsonage Expenses
Pastoral Services
$268.00
$1,155.13
$75.00
$4,237.42
Property Insurance & Taxes
$465.41
Repairs & Maintenance
$576.00
Utilities
Worship & Fellowship
TOTAL EXPENSES
TITHES AND OFFERINGS MADE EASY
$2,029.50
$175.00
$8,981.46
NET OPERATING INCOME
($1,114.46)
NET INCOME
We are on our way to earning a check from Goodsearch! The more
people that use Goodsearch.com to search the web with Immanuel
selected as their cause, the bigger our check will be! Immanuel also
earns a percentage from online purchases made via Goodshop. Make
the switch and help us grow our check.
($1,114.46)
You can now access the online giving page for Immanuel Lutheran
Church by scanning the QR code above. Simply scan the QR code with
your smart phone (a code reader app is required), and your browser
will take you to the online giving area. The online giving page allows
you to regularly tithe or make a one-time offering for the operating
fund, memorial fund, Sunday school fund, flowers for the altar, missions,
and the building fund.
OUR STAFF
PASTOR
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
MUSIC DIRECTOR
MICHAEL NEEL
ANA PETRIC
MICHELLE SMITH
PHONE: (630) 553-5368
PHONE: (630) 553-5368
PHONE: (630) 553 5368
(585) 472-0470 [Emergency]
EMAIL: [email protected]
Sandy Collman
Ryan Bateman
Dhane Hardecopf
Pat Lippold
Bill Behrens Sr.
Bill Behrens Jr.
Bruce Sampson
Pat Lippold
Bill Lippold
Beth Hage
Sandy Collman
Brittany Strause
Hayley Schoot
Erika Pokorski
Brenda Karales
Bill Behrens Sr.
Bill Behrens Jr.
Bruce Sampson
Pat Lippold
Bill Lippold
Beth Hage
Sandy Collman
Parker Dove
Alexis Polizzi
Erika Pokorski
10:30
9:00
10:30
ASSISTING 10:30
MINISTER
10:30
ACOLYTES
COUNTERS 11:30
USHERS
9:00
Lynn Molitor
Sharon Robinson
9:00
READERS
Erika Pokorski
Beth Hage
Bill Lippold
Pat Lippold
Bruce Sampson
Bill Behrens Jr.
Bill Behrens Sr.
Sharon Hosler
Linda Stephens
Dave & Kathi Dockstader
Jim Follmer & Carol Bowen
Calvin & Jane Wallis
10:30
GREETERS
Kent & Lea Bateman
FEBRUARY 15
Steve & Michelle Halbesma
FEBRUARY 8
Brian & Arlene Anderson
TIME FEBRUARY 1
9:00
ROLE
February WORSHIP LEADERS
Erika Pokorski
Christian Polizzi
Trey Ambrose
Sandy Collman
Beth Hage
Bill Lippold
Pat Lippold
Bruce Sampson
Bill Behrens Jr.
Bill Behrens Sr.
Brad Pokorski
Sandy Stone
Bruce & Laura Devick
Craig & Jen Borneman
FEBRUARY 22
•10:30am | Worship
•6:30 PM| Midweek Lent
Service
•9:30am | Sunday
School
25
•5:30 PM | Confirmation
24
•9:00am | Worship
23
No Confirmation
•9:00 AM | Busy Hands
22
•10:30am | Worship
•9:30am | Sunday
School
26
•6:30 PM | Servant Hearts
Circle
•4:30 PM | Hesed House
15
7:00 PM | Ash Wednesday Service
17
•10:30am | Worship
•9:00am | Worship
•7:00 PM | Council
Meeting
•9:30am | Sunday
School
19
•5:30 PM | Confirmation
•6:30 PM | Education for
All
12
18
•9:00 AM | Busy Hands
•1:30 PM | Ruth Circle
•9:00am | Worship
16
11
10
8
9
•6:30 PM | Education for
All
•9:30am | Sunday
School
•10:30am | Worship
Caring Visits
•5:30 PM | Confirmation
Caring Visits
•9:00am | Worship
•4:30 PM | Hesed House
5
4
3
2
1
Thu
Wed
Tue
Mon
Sun
•6:00 PM | Family Movie
night
27
20
13
•6:30 PM | BINGO at
Hillside
6
Fri
28
off and Game night
•4:00 PM | Chilli Cook-
21
Valentine’s Day
14
7
Sat
SUGGESTED READINGS FOR FEBRUARY
Feb 12 Psalm 50:1-6; 1 Kings 11:26-40;
2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Feb 24 Psalm 77; Job 5:8-27;
1 Peter 3:8-18a
Feb 1
Feb 13 Psalm 50:1-6; 1 Kings 14:1-18;
1 Timothy 1:12-20
Feb 25 Psalm 77; Proverbs 30:1-9;
Matthew 4:1-11
Feb 2
Feb 3
Feb 4
Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm
111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark
1:21-28
Feb 14
Psalm 35:1-10; Numbers 22:1-21;
Acts 21:17-26
Feb 15
Psalm 35:1-10; Numbers 22:2228; 1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Feb 16
Psalm 35:1-10; Jeremiah 29:1-14;
Mark 5:1-20
Feb 17
Psalm 50:1-6; 1 Kings 16:1-7;
Luke 19:41-44
Feb 26 Psalm 22:23-31; Genesis 15:1-6,
12-18; Romans 3:21-31
2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6;
2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9
Psalm 110:1-4; Exodus 19:7-25;
Hebrews 2:1-4
Feb 27 Psalm 22:23-31; Genesis 16:1-6;
Romans 4:1-12
Psalm 110:1-4; Job 19:23-37;
1 Timothy 3:14-16
Feb 5
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; Proverbs
12:10-21; Galatians 5:-15
Feb 6
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c ; Job
36:1-23; 1 Corinthians 9:1-16
Feb 18 Joel 2:1-2, 12-17;
Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians
5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6,
16-21
Feb 7
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; Isaiah
46:1-13; Matthew 12:9-14
Feb 19 Psalm 25:1-10; Daniel 9:1-14; 1
John 1:3-10
Feb 8
Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11,
20c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark
1:29-39
Feb 20 Psalm 25:1-10; Daniel 9:15-25a;
2 Timothy 4:1-5
Feb 9
Psalm 102:12-28; 2 Kings 4:8-17,
32-37; Acts 14:1-7
Feb 21 Psalm 25:1-10; Psalm 32;
Matthew 9:2-13
Feb 10 Psalm 102:12-28; 2 Kings 8:1-6;
Acts 15:36-41
Feb 11 Psalm 102:12-28; Job 6:1-13;
Mark 3:7-12
Feb 28 Psalm 22:23-31;
Genesis 16:7-15; Mark 8:27-30
Feb 22 Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10;
1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
Feb 23 Psalm 77; Job 4:1-21;
Ephesians 2:1-10
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