MESSENGERThe hymnal of my childhood was the red-bound Service Book and Hymnal (SBH). The Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and our current Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) followed

The Messiah M E S S E N G E R

65th Birthday Edition ............................ 2

From the Pastor ................................... 3

Messiah Ministries ............................. 4-9 Music Ministry, Assistance Ministry, Quilts & Kits,

Christian Education, Youth, Missionary

Calendar……………………………………………10-11

Happy Birthday Messiah ................ 12-14 Histories of Family Involvement at Messiah

Coming in May & June ........................ 15

This Month in Worship ........................ 16

Fundraisers, Church Business .............. 17

Church Leadership & Joys ................... 18

Prayers of The People ................... 18-19

Happy Birthday Messiah!

May 2019 - Issue #611

PLEASE NOTE: The deadline for next month’s Messenger articles is May 20.

The Messiah Messenger pg. 2 May 2019

65th BIRTHDAY EDITION

May marks the 65th birthday of Messiah Lutheran Church! It was officially organized and a constitution was adopted on May 7, 1954 with 38 charter member families.

However, the roots of Messiah Lutheran Church can actually be found in a Sunday School that started in 1951. A couple that lived in the area, Jennie & Bill Phillips would transport children to Sunday School in the city but ran out of room in their car so they decided to organize a Sunday School along with other parents. They found a place called Park Lane Community House where they could conduct Sunday School classes. Post cards were sent out and the Park Lane

Lutheran Sunday School began on April 22, 1951 with 20 children.

The Park Lane Community House consisted of one large room, with a concrete floor, a fireplace (no heater) and no water or bathrooms. In the winter months Mr. Phillips would arrive at 5:00 a.m. to start the fireplace and sometimes people put cardboard under their feet to keep their

feet a bit warmer.

The group added worship services beginning on October 21, 1951 with the support of Edison Park Lutheran Church. The first Ladies’ Guild meeting was held on October 25, 1951 and coffee cake and whipped cream cake was served – of course. The Sunday School’s first Christmas program was held on December 23, 1951 with 100 parents, friends and relatives in the

audience. Tables were pushed to one side of the Community House and used as a stage for the children.

At one point the group outgrew Park Lane Community House and the Sunday School and Sunday services were moved to East Maine Public School auditorium. The name changed to

Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1953. Ground was broken for the new church building on March 28, 1954.

Messiah’s first minister, Pastor Warren Weeg was installed on June 6, 1954. The cornerstone for the new building was laid on June 27, 1954. The church building that we worship in today was

dedicated on November 28, 1954.

Our campus has gone through various changes through the years, including the addition of the education wing in 1964, the addition of the bell tower in 1969 – and its eventual demolition in 2009 due to crumbling bricks. We’ve had a few renovations of the chancel area – going from

paneling and burgundy velvet drapes – to green stones (who remembers the green stones?) to our current cream color sheet rock with the beautiful, colorful banners. And in 2014 we dedicated our new space that finally includes an accessible entrance and bathrooms and a larger gathering space.

Messiah has been blessed with 7 ministers – Warren Weeg, Luther Keay, Gaylen Gilbertson,

Mark Larson, Paul Stolz and Lynne Morrow – along with dedicated assistant ministers, interim pastors, interns and lay leaders. Messiah has also long been blessed with many members who are ministers and who offer their time and talents to this congregation and for their gifts we are very grateful. Messiah has also been blessed throughout the years with many people who have been good and faithful servants and we are so grateful for all these many members, past and present.

As we celebrate our 65th Birthday, may we also look forward to the future of Messiah and learn how to build on our foundation to grow and continue to “With Christ, Reach Out and Welcome All God’s Children”.


FROM THE PASTOR

Sixty-five years ago, when Messiah Lutheran Church was founded, a gallon of gas cost 22

cents and a movie ticket cost 70 cents. The average price of a house was $10,000. Frank

Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney were the top singers of the day, though a guy named Elvis

Presley was beginning to get attention. One of the hit songs of the year was “Rock Around the

Clock,” by Bill Haley and the Comets.

When we think about the past—our nation’s past or our own—it’s easy to be nostalgic for

what seems like a simpler, easier time. But I’m sure life did not seem so simple or easy back in

1954. That era had its own kind of “fake news” propagated by Wisconsin senator Joseph

McCarthy, who was stirring up hate and division with unfounded accusations that top

government officials were Communists. There were huge racial divisions in 1954, the year that

the Supreme Court decided that racial segregation was against the Constitution— a ruling that

was met with a long and furious white backlash.

My guess is that life in 1954 felt pretty challenging to residents of Chicago’s northwest

suburbs. They had a lot on their hands with working at their job, building a marriage, paying

bills, and raising children.

It was amid all those everyday struggles that some people decided to give their time, money,

and energy to create Messiah Lutheran Church, a place where the message of God’s grace in

Jesus Christ would be preached, taught, and lived out. Those founders knew they needed the

gospel of Jesus in their lives, and they knew their children needed it too. They knew they

needed Christian friends to encourage them in faith. They knew they needed the challenge of

Jesus’ teachings to make their lives count for something bigger than themselves.

Anniversaries serve little purpose if they only make us nostalgic for the past. But

anniversaries are helpful if they make us

thankful for the examples of faith we have

been given. They are even more helpful if they

challenge us to think about how we want to

use our time, money, and energy.

If we were founding Messiah Lutheran

Church today, we would probably do it

differently. Perhaps we would not focus on

erecting a building. What would we focus on? How would we want to invest our time, money,

and energy as followers of Jesus and for the sake of the world? That’s a good question to

ponder as we celebrate Messiah’s 65h birthday! Faithfully, Pastor David


MESSIAH MINISTRIES

MUSIC MINISTRY An Anniversary Classic

Hymnals can mark the years of a lifetime. The hymnal of my childhood was the red-bound Service Book and Hymnal (SBH). The Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and our current Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) followed the SBH. Congregations also used “interim” hymnals, such as my all-time favorite, With One Voice.

But fundamental to all of these hymnals is the hymnal of ancient Israel. Called the Book of Psalms, it functioned as Israel’s foundational book of musical texts—texts that theologians think stretch back 3,000 years when Israel’s first kings began to rule—and is still in use today as one of the 66 books that make up the Bible. (Are there any musicians

whose texts are still being read and used after 3,000 years!?)

This is a month of anniversaries. Sixty-five years ago this month, Messiah began its ministry to the people of Park Ridge and surrounding towns. Three hundred years ago, the famed songwriter, Issac Watts, published a book called The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language

of the New Testament. In that book, he paraphrased 138 of the 150 psalms from the Book of Psalms. On May 5, the Gloria Dei Choir will sing one of his renowned hymns, “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” that paraphrases Psalm 90.

The author of Psalm 90 began this psalm with these words: “Lord, you have been our dwelling

place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

In verse one, Watts paraphrased these words about God’s eternal presence with words that bridge the past, the present, and the future in each of our lives as God’s children. They are

words that help us face the “stormy blasts” of life with trust and confidence in our Creator. O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home.

Bill Decker, music coordinator

Messiah Music History! Music has always been an important part of Messiah. Henning Olson, who served as the initial choir director organized a small choir of five or six voices in September 1951. His wife Ruth Olson served as the first organist. They used to carry a portable organ between the Community House and their home where they held practices. Other choir directors included Becky Weeg, Tom Willis, Lee Bruswald, Frank Kriegel, Tom Daniels, Sue Fox and Roger Turek. Various children’s choirs have also been organized through the years with leaders including Becky Weeg, Jean

Strand, Christine Keay, Nancy Byrne and Tom Daniels. The first choir robes were purchased in 1958 and have undergone various evolutions through the years. The choir loft was completed in 1968 and in 1973 a new organ was installed and dedicated. Organists have included Ruth Olson, Mrs. Miles, Tom Willis, Mary Kreigel, Esther Kaub Johnson, Karen Hoffman, Natalie Klanderman, Sue Fox and Roger Turek. Messiah has been blessed through the years with numerous musicians that have shared their talents both vocally and instrumentally. Music is an important ministry of Messiah and we are currently blessed to have Bill Decker as our new Music Ministry Coordinator!


THE HISTORY OF ASSISTANCE MINISTRY Messiah's Assistance Ministry started informally with persons having an urgent need of food, housing, clothing, counseling, etc. Our former pastors met with these individuals and helped as they could with limited resources and made referrals as needed.

As additional needs arose, the Pastor at the time started meeting with guests in the Sanctuary on specific days and hours. The guests talked with Pastor and were able to get a card to a grocery store when available and could look through donated clothing and food. They were able to rest and pray with Pastor. As numbers increased, Lay Leaders of Messiah started to help on a weekly basis starting in 2010. The addition of Friendship Place in 2014 brought new opportunities to provide fellowship and share a meal. The Assistance Ministry then had regular hours and guests had a specific point of entry to Messiah, the Vernon St. door. These guests are struggling to

obtain housing, food, clothing and jobs. We have helped with referrals, assisted with job applications and offered support and empathy. Community Thanksgiving Dinner was provided at Messiah from 2010-2015. The first dinner had 20 guests and the last dinner served 90 guests. Dinners were then stopped due to lack of volunteers.

The Messiah Child Care Center started bringing canned goods for the guests and the Maine Township Food Pantry as their offering during their chapel service. These gifts are greatly appreciated. Gradually an Assistance Ministry Team was formed with a core of 8 - 10 persons and meals were planned and lunches "to go" were given. The Messiah congregation often contributed additional food, clothing and monies for this Ministry. Foods leftover from gatherings, coffee

hours, parties, etc. have been generously donated and the guests find Messiah to be a

welcoming, nonjudgmental place to visit weekly. The Assistance Ministry Team was granted a world hunger grant from the ELCA in 2017/18. Our Team then, with additional resources began serving more nutritional meals and "to go" lunches and continued to find additional resources for the guests we were serving. We did not receive the grant this year so are trying to be more creative in our meals and looking to local businesses to partner with us in providing food and resources.

The Scouts who meet at Messiah have been generous with donations of food during the year and socks, hats and gloves during the holidays. The Child Care Center also shares foods when they have excess. We have youth who volunteer when they are able which has turned out to be a good

experience for them and they are warmly welcomed by our guests. The needs of the underserved in Park Ridge and the surrounding communities

continue to be great. The Assistance Ministry Team hopes to be able to provide this needed outreach program with greater community assistance and with continuing congregational support.

With thanks, Connie Kaufman

MESSIAH MINISTRIES


MESSIAH MINISTRIES

THE ROOTS OF QUILTS & KITS

Quilts & Kits is a ministry of Lutheran World Relief (LWR). They send quilts and various types of kits around the world to areas of need because of natural and man-made disasters. Their work is explained on their website https://lwr.org.

The roots of Quilts & Kits T Messiah go back a generation to members of Messiah Lutheran Church Women. Our leaders included Millie Anderson, Eva Thoren and Doris Preinitz. Plus some of the many workers included Trudi’s mother-in-law Lorraine Handzel and Carol’s mother Betty Hrodey. The women used to meet on a Thursday morning in the Fellowship Hall and each session included a break for coffee cake and coffee, plus each person brought a sandwich for lunch. In between breaks for food, they sewed tops, pinned and completed quilts. A few of the women were known for frequenting yard sales to find items for baby kits!

As years went by, although the next generation was interested in continuing this ministry, we were working on Thursdays and couldn’t join the group. Eventually we tried working on Sundays after services but still found we were isolated meeting in the Fellowship Hall so we moved things to the Friendship Place.

There we’ve gained new helpers – including some of the men in the congregation and we’re beginning to see some of the next generation get involved! Besides quilts we now compile personal care kits and school kits. Members of Messiah contribute to Quilts

& Kits in a variety of ways through donations and hard work. The Child Care Center has become involved by making quilt panels to be used in quilts after the teachers shared the LWR ministry with the children. Our scouts have also contributed by decorating quilt tops and most recently some of our newest scouts helped make

panels to help celebrate National Quilt Day. Our Assistance Ministry guests also help when it comes to packing the quilts! We’ve set records in the numbers of kits sent and even some years with the number of quilts. We hope we can continue this ministry in years to come as the next generation continues to get involved!

Quilt assembly dates are set for the next 2 months:

**May 16 **June 23 Please join us to assemble quilts – and maybe make a panel or string a cord handle into a backpack or just hang out with us! We meet after the worship service in the Friendship Place! Meanwhile, keep on the lookout for deals on Personal Care Kit items – bath towels, bars of 4-5 oz soap, nail clippers, toothbrushes (ask your dentist!), and sturdy combs. And we can always

use monetary donations – a roll of batting is approximately $112! Checks can be made out to MLCW!! And later in summer we’ll start watching for Back to School sales (sorry kids!)

Trudi Handzel & Carol Hrodey


MESSIAH MINISTRIES

Christian Education

CONFIRMATION Messiah has one student completing the Confirmation Class on

May 12th.

Michaelene Marchetta has completed a three-year course of study and

has chosen to affirm her baptismal covenants in the Lutheran tradition.

Congratulations to Michaelene for her hard work and dedication. We are

proud of the outstanding young woman she has become and look

forward to seeing what God has in store for her going forward!!

CHAT ROOM Join us for Coffee & Conversation during Chat Room on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the

Friendship Place. Chat Room will be wrapping up for the summer as of May 19th. We’ve

appreciated having Pastor David with us the last few months and all he has had to offer!

MESSIAH CHILD CARE CENTER A big thanks to the children, families and staff of CCC for collecting $718,23 during the annual “Pennies for Lent” campaign and for presenting the check to Connie Kaufman to be used for food for Assistance Ministry! They presented the check to Connie at a recent Child Care Center Chapel! What a

blessing!!

Upcoming CCC activities include: Spring parent/teacher conferences. The Librarians from the Park Ridge Library will be

here Tuesday, May 7th.

Silent Auction for the Fun Fair begins Tuesday, May 14th. The silent auction will close Saturday, May 18th

at 2:15 pm. Get your bids ready!

The annual Child Care Center Fun Fair will be Saturday, May 18th from 11:00 m -2:00 pm Please let the CCC office know if you can help – please come out and support our Child Care Center!

CCC will be closed for Memorial Day. Please join us in Marching in the Park Ridge Memorial Day Parade!

Registration is open NOW for summer programs!

For more information on CCC Activities and Programs contact CCC

Office at 847-825-3767 or see the website at

www.messiahchildcare.com

http://www.messiahchildcare.com/


MESSIAH MINISTRIES Youth

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY WHAT A DAY!! Approximately 35 children, their families and staff from

Messiah Child Care Center came to worship on Sunday, April 7th to share their joys and music of praise with the congregation! What a great day! If you weren’t able to attend the service you can catch the service at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT6e-WCDB8A It’s a wonderful to experience!!

COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT!! The Community Easter Egg Hunt went off with out a hitch with about 100 children in attendance. Thank you to Laura Hauser and Tryg Jensen for coordinating and leading the

event. The Egg Hunt would

not have been successful if it weren’t for all the preparation help from CHAT Room egg stuffing and the volunteers who helped set-up the morning of the event.

Thank you you helping to continue this annual event.

YOUTH EVENT Youth of Messiah! Mark your calendars!! The next joint Youth Event of Edison Park, Redeemer, St. Lukes and Messiah Lutheran Churches will be held at Redeemer LC, 1006 Gillick St., Park Ridge on June 2nd in the evening. More details to come!! Contact Aly Allemeier with questions or to let her know you’re interested in attending.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT6e-WCDB8A


MESSIAH MINISTRIES

Words of appreciation to Messiah Lutheran for Global Church (Missionary) Sponsorship 3

Dear friends in Christ, Currently we have about 22 sponsoring congregations supporting us through ELCA Global Church sponsorship.

Only a relatively small percentage of ELCA congregations have signed covenants for missionary sponsorship. (It may be helpful to explain that ELCA Global Mission and World Hunger Funds come directly from ELCA congregations. We do not raise funds from the general public like many other relief or charity organizations)

We deeply appreciate the significant, generous and faithful support from Messiah over the years, since 1997, not only financially but through prayer and correspondence.

Mission as accompaniment stresses long-term (personal but not private) relationships – mission is a mutual journey for the whole church – it is not just a trip or a project for a few.

The ELCA GM approach to mission support/sponsorship in the past meant mission personnel did not have to go out and raise their own support on their own or “sell themselves” as individuals or families.

However we do understand the need and desire for accountability, transparency, interpretation and regular reporting and feedback on the part of sponsoring congregations.

Long-term (beyond 3 years) and short-term (from a few weeks or months – such as YAGM) each have unique aspects, strengths and weaknesses.

In our case the long-term support from sponsoring congregations has enabled me to experience and develop deep relationships and knowledge of the history and context of the churches and the

region (starting in 1982) including living through the Apartheid and post-Apartheid era, and learning several languages (Afrikaans, Sesotho, some isiZulu and Portuguese).

This has enabled me to be involved in longer-term projects such as the development of Christian education resource material (which started in 2007) in collaboration with Lutheran Communion in

Southern Africa member churches in 10 countries across the region for Sunday School,

Confirmation, Youth, Lay leaders and Clergy (www.lucsa.org) and also the annual production of the ELCSA Almanac (daily devotions and Sunday pericopes) in 8 languages for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA).

Currently I am working with the Lutheran church in Zimbabwe to develop a resource manual on conflict resolution and peace-building.

LUCSA is about to start a new project to study current practices regarding contextualization of

worship, liturgy and music and to help develop and share worship and music resources among Lutheran churches in the Southern Africa region.

Please see my newsletters for more information at

www.southernafricanconnections.wordpress.com Thank you for your prayers and support. Yours faithfully, Philip Knutson Rev. Dr. ELCA Global Mission – Regional Representative – Southern Africa May 1, 2019 Johannesburg

http://www.lucsa.org/

http://www.southernafricanconnections.wordpress.com/


CALENDAR

Sunday Monday Tuesday

28

9:00 AM CHAT Room

9:00 AM Confirmation

10:15 AM Worship

11:30 AM Quilts & Kits

2:00 PM HKCC Worship

3:30 PM HKCC Fellowship

29

CCC Book Fair

5:00 AM HKCC AM Prayer

10:00 AM Pastor's Office Hours

11:00 AM Assistance Ministry

11:30 AM Miss Pat's Dance Recital

1:00 PM MLC Staff Meeting

7:00 PM Al-Anon Meeting

30

CCC Book Fair


7:30 PM Gloria Dei Choir rehearsal

5

9:00 AM CHAT Room


10:15 AM Worship



6






7


12

9:00 AM CHAT Room


10:15 AM Worship



5:00 PM Hope Advent Recital

13





14


6:00 PM CCC Board Meeting

19

9:00 AM CHAT Room


10:15 AM Worship



4:00 PM HKCC ordination service

6:00 PM Hope Advent Recital

20





1:00 PM Newsletter Articles Due


7:30 PM EC Meeting

21


26

9:00 AM CHAT Room


10:15 AM Worship



27





28



MAY 2019 Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1


9:15 AM Child Care Chapel

10:00 AM Pastor's Hours

12:00 PM Bulletin Articles Due

12:00 PM CCC Staff Meeting

8:00 PM HKCC PM Prayer

2


3:15 PM Women About

Business

7:00 PM NAMI

3


6:30 PM Pack 105 Meeting

7:00 PM HAC Bible Study &

Rehearsal

7:30 PM Promerce.com

4

11:00 AM HAC Worship

1:00 PM HAC Fellowship

3:00 PM Spaghetti Dinner


8





12:00 PM CCC Staff MTG

7:30 PM Gloria Dei Rehearsal


9


7:00 PM NAMI

10




Rehearsal


11

9:00 AM Brotherhood

Breakfast



15







16


7:00 PM NAMI

17




Rehearsal


18

11:00 AM CCC Fun Fair



22








23


7:00 PM NAMI

24




Rehearsal


25



29







30


7:00 PM NAMI

31




Rehearsal


1


1:00 PM HAC Fellowship



HAPPY BIRTHDAY MESSIAH!

Growing up at Messiah can provide a special foundation for individuals that can last a

lifetime. Here are three more families that are currently active members at Messiah

and whose families have deep roots in the ministries of the church.

Another family with four generations of involvement at Messiah is the Trestrail

family. The Trestrails have a rich history in

leadership and Christian education at

Messiah. Harry and Sue Trestrail along

with their four children, Karen, Joanne, Jim

and Terri moved to Park Ridge from

Chicago and joined Messiah in fall of 1962.

All four of the Trestrail children were

confirmed at Messiah while Harry and Sue

were active in the leadership of Messiah.

Harry served as congregation president

and Sue was active in Christian Education

as a Sunday School teacher and member

of the Nursery School board. Eventually

Sue became the church secretary, working with Pastors Keay and Gilbertson. The

Trestrail children became active in Luther League in high

school and Karen served as president of the league and was

instrumental in bringing Mama Rosa’s talent to the Spaghetti

Dinner! At one point Messiah had a women’s softball league

and all four Trestrail women played, along with four members

of the Flug family. Rumor has it there were injuries! There

was also a men’s softball league which Jim played in. Plus,

there was a women’s volleyball team that Terri was part of.

And then there was the bowling league which Harry and Sue

participated in as did Karen along with Sue Knuth Nugnis.

Karen was married at Messiah, as was Jim. Karen’s son, Jeff,

was baptized at Messiah. Karen joined the church’s nursery

school/day care in November 1977, and eventually became

Karen Black, aka “Miss Karen”, our current CCC Director. Terri joined the child care

staff later and has been our school’s only Kindergarten teacher. Karen’s son Jeff also

worked at the CCC at one time, where he met his future wife, Kristin. Two of Karen’s

grandchildren were baptized at Messiah too!


Then there is the Jensen family – three

generations at Messiah! Harold and Corrine

Jensen joined Messiah in 1957 along with

their sons Paul and David. Harold and

Corrine were active in a variety of

leadership and ministry roles at Messiah.

Harold taught sixth grade Sunday School

for many years and Corrine was a member

of the choir. Both Paul and David were

confirmed at Messiah and both played on

the Messiah softball team.

In 1989 David married Julie Luck (he was the

lucky one!) at Messiah and around that time

Julie’s parents Frank and Irene Luck joined the

church and became active members of the

ministries at Messiah as well. David and Julie’s

sons, Trygve and Tait were both baptized at

Messiah and later confirmed. David and Tait

have both been active with Messiah’s Music

Ministry, while Julie has focused on Christian

Education as a teacher and CCC board

president. Currently she is active with

Assistance Ministry. David was president of the congregation at one time and now

Tryg serves as our vice-president. Leadership runs in the family!

Julie shared “that it is important to us that each new member of our family to join

has been instantly enfolded into a

caring congregation. The fact that so

many of the older members knew

Harold and Corrine is significant. The

intimate size and accepting atmosphere

of the church has allowed our sons to

share their talents.”

Although Paul Jensen moved to Arizona

many years ago, he visits when in town

and has maintained friendships he made

at Messiah. He points out that “Messiah

was the drumbeat of our family. Most of our joint social life was church centered. I

loved the casseroles and desserts at the pot luck dinners in the basement. Returning

for our parents’ funeral (dad) and memorial (mom) services at Messiah was a

moving experience and evoked a flood of memories. The strains of “Onward Christian

Soldiers” as exit music at both services rings in my ears.”


The family with a current member who has

the longest standing involvement is the

Hrodey family. Although only two

generations deep, the Hrodey’s go back to

1954 with George and Betty being charter

members of Messiah. Their daughter Carol

along with eventual college roommate, Barb

Donaldson were the first babies baptized at

Messiah in the baptismal font that was

donated by George and Betty. She likes to

say she “came with the bricks”. All three

Hrodey children, Ken, Don and Carol, were

confirmed at Messiah in the 60’s. Ken and

Don played on the softball team, Carol

played on the volleyball team and Betty and George were in the bowling league. They

were all active in Luther League too. George and Betty were league sponsors – twice!

Carol served as vice-president for a few years and her job was to make posters and flyers

– some things never change! Carol participated in the choir in high school and later when

she moved back to the area. George and Betty served in a variety of leadership roles with

George serving as the congregation’s third president. Many years later, Carol served as

the twenty-third president of Messiah and also only the second female president. Betty

also was active with the Messiah Lutheran Church

Women, while George was active in Men’s

Brotherhood. Don was also active in Luther League

and met his eventual wife, Nancy – daughter of

members Doris and Howie Preinitz and niece of

Stan and Eve Thoren. They were married at

Messiah in 1972, Carol has also been employed at

Messiah at various times – two summers as

summer office relief for Sue Trestrail, teacher aide

at CCC in the early 2000’s and temporary office

help beginning last year. Carol also notes as Paul

Jensen did that “Messiah was a core part of our

family life throughout the years. Not only were we

active in Messiah leadership and ministries, it was a big part of our social life. There was

a group of families we spent time with – even went on a couple ski trips with. I’ve

remained friends with many people from my youth at Messiah – we share a special bond

to this day that started at Messiah.”

So what is our “take-away” from sharing the histories of these families who remain

active at Messiah? Hopefully we see the joy of family involvement in church life and

what can be passed on to future generations. May we build on this foundation for the

future of Messiah and its ministries.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MESSIAH! 65TH

ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND CELEBRATION!! We’ll celebrate our 65th anniversary the weekend of May 4th-5th starting with:

MESSIAH’S WORLD FAMOUS SPAGHETTI DINNER! Saturday, May 4th

4:00 pm – 7:30 pm

In the Fellowship Hall

$12 for Adults/$6 for Children under 12

Also serving Spaghetti-To-Go!

The evening will be complete with a raffle and great

fellowship! Bring your neighbors and friends!

CELEBRATION WORSHIP SERVICE! Sunday, May 5th 10:15 am

Followed by a reception in the Friendship Place

Join us to offer our thanks to God for this place of

worship and the continued ability to “With Christ, Reach

Out and Welcome All God’s Children”!

MAY REMINDERS: Spaghetti Dinner, Saturday, May 4th 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Messiah’s 65th Anniversary celebration May 5th 10:15

Manna Orders due, Monday, May 6th 9:00 am

Men’s Brotherhood Breakfast, Saturday, May 11th 9:00 am

Confirmation Sunday, May 12th

CCC Fun Fair, Saturday, May 18th 11:00 am -2:00 pm

Quilts & Kits, Sunday, May 19th following worship service in FP

Memorial Day Parade – May 27th

COMING IN JUNE: Men’s Brotherhood Breakfast, Saturday, June 8th, 9:00 am

Pentecost – June 9th

Messiah Book Club – June 13 7:00-9:00 pm – next book is Nine Perfect Strangers

by Laine Moriarty. Book Club is open to anyone who enjoys reading. All are

welcome. If anyone has any questions, please contact Paul Holzer at 847-296-

0734.

Quilts & Kits, Sunday, June 23rd following worship service in the Frienship Place


THIS MONTH IN WORSHIP 1st Reading Psalm 2nd Reading Gospel

May 5th – Third Sunday of Easter

Acts 9:1-6, 7-20 Psalm 30 Revelation 5:11-14 John 21:1-19

May 12th – Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 9:36-43 Psalm 23 Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30

May 19th – Fifth Sunday of Easter

Acts 11:1-8 Psalm 148 Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35

May 26th – Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 16:9-15 Psalm 67 Revelation 21:10, 22-

22:5 John 14:23-29

WORSHIP TEAMS May 5 May 12 May 19 May 26

10:15 am 10:15 am 7:30 pm 7:30 pm

Acolytes Michaelene M Ralphie L Evelyn A Michael Y

Assisting Ministers Cindy N Pat K David S Andy T

Readers Novena C Michaelene M Erik G Andy T

Comm. Assts. Mary Jo M Teresa L Aly A Kristin Y

Ushers TBD TBD TBD TBD

Projection & Video Jim H & Paul H Jim H & Paul H Jim H & Paul H Jim H & Paul H

Altar Guild Marilynn D Nancy H Marilynn D Sue K

Counter Jim H Jim H Jim H Jim H

FLOWERS AND BULLETINS Sunday Flowers are Given By Bulletins are Given By

The sign-ups for flowers and bulletins are in the narthex near the entrance to the choir loft. Flowers are $40, and the Bulletins are $10. Envelopes are provided next to the sign-up calendar, or you may simply write “Flowers” or “Bulletin” on

your regular envelope in the Other box.

May 5 Brad & Pat Kovach in honor of Don & Mary Jane’s Anniversary

Available

May 12 Marilynn Duckett in memory of Bud Duckett

Available

May 19 Available Available

May 26 Available Available


FUNDRAISERS THIRTY-ONE GIFTS FUNDRAISER – Thanks to those who ordered from Thirty-One Gifts!

Many people expressed interest but orders were not as plentiful as we hoped – perhaps tax time dampened the enthusiasm! However, we will run this fundraiser again in fall in time for

Christmas gifts – so keep this in mind when you prepare your Christmas list! A BIRTHDAY PRESENT FOR MESSIAH!! Consider giving a “Birthday Present” for

Messiah’s 65th Birthday in the form of a monetary donation to help pay off MAP!! It’s clear that

Messiah has touched all of us in some special way – let’s all think about what Messiah has meant to us and our community over the last 65 years and consider honoring that with an extra donation for its birthday this year!

CHURCH BUSINESS EC Corner – April meeting included review of current pastoral presence with Pastor David

committing to stay with us at least through September. The group also discussed next steps in by having discussion with congregation about goals for Messiah.EC was contacted by LSSi about parsonage use but waiting to connect. Hope Advent working to upgrade confirmation room. 2 new board members needed for CCC and eventual replacement for Tryg on EC when he moves

to Minnesota. Also need reps for June synod assembly. Other discussion included possible Pentecost event with other Hope Advent and Hope Korean, upcoming events, finances, fundraisers.

April Attendance

Wk 1=156 Wk 2=52

Wk 3=100 Wk4=42

April Giving (general fund facility use, MAP)

Wk 1= $3273.63 Wk 2= $7518

Wk 3= $2999 Wk 4= $604

CHURCH LEADERSHIP

STAFF Interim Pastor: Rev. David Heim Music Ministry Coor.: William Decker Child Care Center Dir. Karen Black

Office Manager: Alaine Wong Bookkeeper: Laura Hauser Property Coordinator: David Hanson

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Paul Holzer Vice President: Trygve Jensen

Secretary: Vikki Hanson Treasurer: Larry Ryczek Financial Sec.: Jim Handzel

CCC BOARD Chair: Tim Saul, Erik Grove Secretary: Kathy Malyszko, Sue Kopij

Treasurer: Pat Kovach

ExTENDED LEADERSHIP TEAM Assistance Ministry: Connie Kaufman Altar Guild: Sue Kopij,

Cindy Norberg

Brotherhood: Rich Seggeling CHAT Room: David Swanson Confirmation/Youth: Pat Kovach Memorials: Office Manager Women’s Svc. Group: Trudi Handzel

Carol Hrodey Worship Assistants: David Swanson Worship Readers: Rich Levy Ushers: John 17 Fellowship: David Swanson Prayer Cards: Jackie Steigerwald Sign Ministry: Staff

CONGREGATIONAL DEACONS Floyd Yager and Jennie Read Robles


JOYFUL THANKSGIVING (APRIL) Today we celebrate the children of our Child Care Center, their teachers, and children everywhere. We are thankful to all of the CCC families and teachers that joined in worship last week. What a treat to see all of the children singing their songs! Thanks to all who donated and stuffed the eggs for the Community Egg Hunt. We would not be able to host such a fun event without all of your help! Christ is risen! Alleluia! Thank you to everyone to helped with planning and executing the Easter Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunts and thank you to those who participated in these festive events that celebrate the Easter Season.

MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS

Carol Hrodey in honor of Messiah’s 65 years of ministry and in memory of George &

Betty Hrodey

MESSAGES

THANK-YOU We continue to say THANK YOU to everyone who is pitching in and

helping during Pastor Lynne’s leave of absence – prayers, support & words of

encouragement are appreciated We also continue to be grateful for Pastor David’s

ministry & leadership during this time and are happy to announce that Pastor David

will extend his ministry with us. Thank you Pastor David!

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE As of April 28th Worship Bulletin

Those who mourn:

The family and friends of Jill Turek

Those who are ill, in recovery, or facing

adversity:

Bishop Miller, The Dumerer Family,

Pastor Lynne Morrow and the Fogel Family

Trudi Handzel Jim Handzel The Hauser Family

Carol Hrodey Bob Kallas The family of Debbie

Dietrich

Don & Mary Jane Kovach Richard Levy

Daniel Kovach

Maria Raicia (mother of Laura Hauser)

Pat & Ted Gradt (friends of The Jensens)

Ruth Perzentka (Mother of Trudi Handzel)

Terry DeSchepper (friend of David Swanson)


Ron Sersen (friend of David Swanson)

Sue Loew (member of a CCC family)

Those who are homebound:

Arlene Baranowski, Barb Loverme, Dorothy Nagel, Eva Thoren

Those serving in the armed services and first responders:

(those known to us & all those who serve)

Brandon Ajyek Tim David Tyler Daye

Jerred Engvall Bobby Hanson Jenni Hanson

Mikey Hanson Tom Hanson Andreas Johnson

Jason Koesler Joey Rosequist Claudine Ward

Officer Matt McGannon

Those attending college:

Rachel Daye, Tommy Hanson, Melissa Holzer, Phil Holzer, Kevin Kovach, Nick Levy,

Haley Lippert, Dina Salemi, Arden Sasek, Jake Saul, Jessica Saul, Paul Song, Christian

Travis, Thomas Yager

Those who celebrate:

BIRTHDAYS: Helen Levy, 5/17

Joe Levy, 5/20

Bradley Paulus, 5/20

James Handzel, 5/22

Amber Saul, 5/22

Alyson Allemeier, 5/23

Bradford Kovach, 5/29

Janitha Chellian, 5/31

Michelle Litwin, 5/31

ANNIVERSARIES

Don & Mary Jane Kovach,

5/5/1956, 63 years

Floyd & Kristin Yager

5/23/1998, 21 years

Arline Baranowski, 5/1

Harold DiVita, 5/1

Ralphie Lippert, 5/3

Philip Holzer, 5/4

Paula DiVita, 5/8

Nancy Herak, 5/8

Trygve Jensen, 5/10

Darrell Eckert, 5/12 Please let us know if you do not see your birthday or anniversary here!

We want to be sure to celebrate you!


The Messiah M E S S E N G E R

1605 Vernon Avenue

Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

Phone: (847) 823-6984 Fax: (847) 823-6996

E-mail: [email protected]

[email protected] Homepage: www.messiahparkridge.org

Child Care Center Phone: (847) 825-3767

Child Care Email: [email protected]

Child Care Homepage: www.messiahchildcare.com

Place Stamp Here

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

In this issue:

Happy Birthday

Messiah!

Assistance Ministry

Quilts & Kits

Christian Education

Youth

May & June Events

Anniversary Celebration

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.ameritech.net/users/messiah/homepage.html


http://www.messiahchildcare.com/

Documents

MESSENGERThe hymnal of my childhood was the red-bound Service Book and Hymnal (SBH). The Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and our current Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) followed