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 Volume 11 November, 2013

The RedeemerReview

Proclaiming Christ into the 21st Century

Imagine a trapeze artist walkingacross the sawdust floor of a circus tent.She walks purposefully and gracefullytoward the rope ladder leading to a tinyplatform high above. Slowly she beginsto climb, the ladder swaying as she as-cends. Upon reaching the platform, shegrasps the bar attached to another ropesecured to the top of the tent. Poised onthe edge of the platform, she pushes offinto the air, swinging forward and back,gaining speed.

At the same time, across from her,another artist holds his bar, steps off hisplatform, and begins to swing, soonmatching the rhythm of his partner.With fluid movements, he twists his bodyup and over the bar to hang by his knees.With his arms free, you realize he hasbecome the “catcher,” ready and waitingfor her to let go. Back and forth theyswing as the tension mounts. Suddenlyshe releases her bar and is flying through

the air. In that brief moment she experi-ences the profound freedom of lettinggo.

In the Buddhist tradition, the slo-gan “nothing to hold on to” is under-stood to be at the heart of spiritual prac-tice. When we try to hold on to anything,we are denying the reality of imperma-nence. Even though we know intellectu-ally that everything is changing, wesearch for ways to avoid this truth. Weexpend enormous amounts of energyseeking permanence and security, look-ing for ways to keep things as they are.We hold on.

Imagine what would happen to thetrapeze artist if she didn’t let go. Shewould swing indefinitely, stuck in theone back-and-forth movement, just oneway of being alive. She must let go to freeherself for new life. And so it is for us.

(cont on pg 2)

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Redeemer ReviewRedeemer ReviewRedeemer ReviewRedeemer ReviewRedeemer ReviewPublished Monthly by

Our Redeemer'sOur Redeemer'sOur Redeemer'sOur Redeemer'sOur Redeemer'sUnited Methodist ChurchUnited Methodist ChurchUnited Methodist ChurchUnited Methodist ChurchUnited Methodist Church

1600 W Schaumburg RoadSchaumburg IL 60194-3900

(847) 882-6116

email: email: email: email: email: orumc@orumc.orgorumc@orumc.orgorumc@orumc.orgorumc@orumc.orgorumc@orumc.orgWebsite: www.orumc.orgWorship Services:

 9:00 and 10:30 am and 6:33 pm

Pastor:Pastor:Pastor:Pastor:Pastor:Rev. Dr. Sunny AhnRev. Dr. Sunny AhnRev. Dr. Sunny AhnRev. Dr. Sunny AhnRev. Dr. Sunny AhnChurch Secretary:Church Secretary:Church Secretary:Church Secretary:Church Secretary:

Donna EchtnerDonna EchtnerDonna EchtnerDonna EchtnerDonna EchtnerDirector of Youth Ministries:Director of Youth Ministries:Director of Youth Ministries:Director of Youth Ministries:Director of Youth Ministries:

Marianne RogenskiMarianne RogenskiMarianne RogenskiMarianne RogenskiMarianne RogenskiEditor:

Jerry Mc Daniel

Letting go is a spiritual practice thatoffers freedom and space to grow andchange, cooperating with our imperma-nent reality rather than fighting againstit.

As we are approaching the season of“thanksgiving” or “gratitude” I am think-ing about how often we are pulled fromexperiencing the holiness of the presentmoment by thoughts of our past. Wemight remember a particularly wonder-ful thanksgiving in our life, wish it werelike that again this year, and despair atall the difficulties now surrounding us.Maybe we had a hurtful encounter witha friend or family member and are re-hashing what was said, what we wishedwe’d said, and wondering how it mighthave turned out differently. We could becarrying a deeply disturbing memorywe can’t seem to let go of, and when itcomes to mind, we go back over the inci-dent again and again, retelling the storyand rekindling old hurt and anger.

Wishing things were as they used tobe, reworking old conversations, and tell-ing our painful stories of abuse and injus-tice is natural. But if we do so to placeblame or dwell on another’s guilt, ourpain turns to resentment, and our livesfill with bitterness. Bitter people holdtightly to their past, remember everydetail of the story, and sink into self-pity. Captured by past events, they areunable to move forward into new life.The possibility of forgiveness as a meansof letting go of their hurt and bitternessmay never have occurred to them.

(cont from pg 1)

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Forgiveness keeps us from beingstuck in the past and helps us find a waybeyond the prison of bitterness. Whenwe forgive, we let go of our emotionalattachment to what has happened, butwe do not forget or excuse the wrong thatwas done or the pain that was caused.Sometimes we are able to go to the per-son who has hurt us and offer them ourforgiveness. Many more times forgive-ness is something we do in our ownhearts without engaging the other per-son face-to-face. Either way, forgivinganother has no predictable outcome; itdoes not always lead to reconciliation,nor does it necessarily make a differencein the other person’s life. What it can dois transform the person who has foundthe courage to forgive.

I pray that we all become the trans-formed persons of God who let go of thepast with the courage to forgive in thisseason of “thanksgiving” to maximizethe joy of salvation in our life and the lifewith others.

Have a joyful Thanksgiving.~ Ribbit!~ Pastor Sunny~ Pastor Sunny~ Pastor Sunny~ Pastor Sunny~ Pastor Sunny

“Christian Gratitude”Sermon Series(4 weeks: 11/03-11/24):

The word “gratitude” comes from theLatin “gratia,” which means: agreeable-ness, or pleasantness. A miserable per-son lacks gratia, that is, he is unpleasantand disagreeable.

But gratia also refers to the state ofbeing thankful. So, the agreeable personis also thankful (gratia). He gives thanks,for he is grateful.

The two meanings of gratia are inti-mately linked; for the one (thankfulness)leads to the other (agreeableness)—thestate of being pleasant or agreeable.

Gratitude is first and foremost arecognition, or as the etymology of theword ‘recognition’ suggests, a “re-know-ing” or a “knowing-again.” It involvestaking a second look and recognizingsomething that was not grasped at firstglance.

It is a recognition that what was givenwas given gratuitously (without havingearned it). We will rethink about themeaning of Christian gratitude in thissermon series.

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Youth Newsby Marianne Rogenskiby Marianne Rogenskiby Marianne Rogenskiby Marianne Rogenskiby Marianne Rogenski

November3 Youth Group@ ORUMC 6:30-8:30pm10 Youth Group @ ORUMC 6:30-8:30pm17 Youth Group @ ORUMC 6:30-8:30pm24 Sr. High to soup kitchen 1:30-8:30pmJr. High to My Sweet Kake 6:30-7:30pm

On November 24 the Sr. High groupwill be going to the soup kitchen inRoger’s Park. Please arrive at church at1:30 and bring money for dinner. We getback to church at about 8:30pm. If youplan to go, please contact Marianne by11/17. We also need parents to drive. Ifyou can do that, please let Marianneknow by 11/10.

On November 24 the Jr. High will goto My Sweet Kake, 869 S. Roselle Rd, fortreats and fun. Please drop off at thestore at 6:30 and pick up at the store at7:30. Note the change in time.

December1 Youth Group @ ORUMC 6:30-8:30pm8 Youth Group @ ORUMC 6:30-8:30pm

Appalachia Service Project(ASP) News:

We had our first meeting in Octo-ber—thanks to all who were able to makeit! If you are interested in going on thetrip in June please contact Marianne assoon as possible for more info.

Our next meeting is January 23 butbe on the lookout before then for somefundraising opportunities! Also, forthose who are going, please remember toget your money in by November 1 ifpossible. There is space for more volun-teers, so tell your friends!

Allison Gorvett 11/9Nicholas Meyer 11/25Jonathan Dean 11/27Patrick Brock 11/29Kimberly Trenn 11/30

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Education News:by Marianneby Marianneby Marianneby Marianneby Marianne

Rogenski Rogenski Rogenski Rogenski Rogenski

Grow, Proclaim, Serve...One RoomSunday School: Thank you to all who arehelping with our One Room SundaySchool—it is going very well and is tonsof fun! Our teachers are amazing and wehave wonderful assistants and youthworking with the children!

Parents—don’t forget that on thefirst Sundays the students will all meetin the sanctuary first thing. On Novem-ber 3 they will watch the children’s choirsand then go back to class together wherethey will have a lesson and also takecommunion as a class. On December 1they will watch the children’s choirs, goto class together, and then return to thesanctuary to take communion with thewhole congregation.

Trunk or Treat: Thank you to all whocame to participate in or help with ourfirst ever Trunk or Treat event!

Advent Festival: Our annual AdventFestival will be November 30, 4-5:30pm,at ORUMC. This is a time for the wholefamily to come and participate in variousactivities having to do with Advent. Hopeto see you there!

Do you have an idea for family out-ings or events? The education commit-tee would love to hear any ideas or sug-gestions you may have! Please talk toMarianne.

Hanging of the GreensSaturday, November 30,4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Worship Team is inviting all peopleof God to join in decorating the churchfor the Advent Season. Please speak toJill Wood-NaatzJill Wood-NaatzJill Wood-NaatzJill Wood-NaatzJill Wood-Naatz for more information.

Community ThanksgivingWorship ServiceTuesday, November 26, 7:30 p.m.

The community Thanksgiving servicewill be held on Tuesday, November 26 at7:30 p.m. at Roselle UMC, 206 S. RushSt., Roselle, IL. This is a joint communityservice for Cook’s Corner Cluster of theElgin District. Please mark your calen-dar and join the service.

The 12th AnnualOpen Mic NightSaturday, Nov 2,7:00 pm

Mark your calendars now and startrehearsing! This is a great night for thewhole ORUMC family. Come out andsing, recite a poem, dance, play an in-strument, tell a joke, or just watch andbe entertained! There will be food, fun,and great acts for sure! Comingsoon…watch for our event wall in thenarthex for performer, volunteer, anddonation sign-up.

Questions? Contact GwynGwynGwynGwynGwynGreenwaltGreenwaltGreenwaltGreenwaltGreenwalt at jgreenwalt1@att.net or847-884-1392.

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Community CrisisCenterWinter Wear Drive

The Community Crisis Center col-lects gently used coats and winter wearfor men, women and children that aregiven out at no cost throughout the coldweather season. Used items need to beclean and not have missing buttons orbroken zippers. Please limit coats towarm jackets, parkas and car coats.

Accepted Items♦ Coats: gently used and new

parkas, jackets & car coatsparkas, jackets & car coatsparkas, jackets & car coatsparkas, jackets & car coatsparkas, jackets & car coats formen & women

♦ Gloves & mittens: gently used andnew. Please include dark colorsand heavy men’s gloves

♦ Hats: gently used and new. Pleaseremember dark colors for men

♦ Scarves: gently used and new

Please do not donate lightweightPlease do not donate lightweightPlease do not donate lightweightPlease do not donate lightweightPlease do not donate lightweightor spring items, sweatshirts, sweat-or spring items, sweatshirts, sweat-or spring items, sweatshirts, sweat-or spring items, sweatshirts, sweat-or spring items, sweatshirts, sweat-ers, long trench or dress coats.ers, long trench or dress coats.ers, long trench or dress coats.ers, long trench or dress coats.ers, long trench or dress coats.

Larger sizes are needed in bothLarger sizes are needed in bothLarger sizes are needed in bothLarger sizes are needed in bothLarger sizes are needed in bothmen’s and women’s items.men’s and women’s items.men’s and women’s items.men’s and women’s items.men’s and women’s items.

Donate BathTowels

Please donate new or gently usedbath towels for Community CrisisCenter’s Shelter Program (We do notneed washcloths, hand towels or kitchentowels).

Collections can be delivered to theCommunity Crisis Center at 37 S. GenevaStreet, Elgin, IL. Please call before mak-ing a delivery.

Each year the Crisis Center ShelterProgram provides safe shelter to 200women and their 200 children who arehomeless due to domestic violence orfinancial crisis. Services are available atno cost to the client.

The Community Crisis Center is anon-profit social service agency provid-ing services to individuals and familiesin Kane and NW Suburban Cook Coun-ties who are dealing with economic cri-sis, domestic violence or sexual assault.

Contact Lisa WinchelLisa WinchelLisa WinchelLisa WinchelLisa Winchel at 847-742-4088 or lwinchel@crisiscenter.org formore information or visitwww.crisiscenter.org

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Consecration of MemorialGifts

These loving gifts made to OurOurOurOurOurRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’s to honor the memory offriends and family will be consecrated onSunday November 3, 2013.♦ Contributions to the Sound System Fundin loving memory of Jim Evitts

♦ Contributions to the Sound System Fundin loving memory of Justin Miller

♦ Contributions to the Sound System Fundin loving memory of Paula Patterson

♦ Contributions to the Sound System Fundin loving memory of Harry SchlinkerPlease take a moment to notice the

Memorial Book, “In Remembrance”, keptin the Narthex in the Usher’s cabinet,and read through all the records of Me-morial Gifts that have been given to OurOurOurOurOurRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’s United Methodist Churchover the years. We are grateful for themany wonderful gifts that honor thememories of our church family.

If you are interested in learning moreabout legacy giving to ORUMC pleasejust ask any of the Memorial Committeemembers.2013 Memorial Committee

Carl Jeziorski, Julie Kuhn, JohnCarl Jeziorski, Julie Kuhn, JohnCarl Jeziorski, Julie Kuhn, JohnCarl Jeziorski, Julie Kuhn, JohnCarl Jeziorski, Julie Kuhn, JohnMachonis, Jerry McDaniel, JaneMachonis, Jerry McDaniel, JaneMachonis, Jerry McDaniel, JaneMachonis, Jerry McDaniel, JaneMachonis, Jerry McDaniel, JaneMartin, Karen Moore, Jim Naatz,Martin, Karen Moore, Jim Naatz,Martin, Karen Moore, Jim Naatz,Martin, Karen Moore, Jim Naatz,Martin, Karen Moore, Jim Naatz,Jeff RandallJeff RandallJeff RandallJeff RandallJeff Randall

My Homeby Inez Morganby Inez Morganby Inez Morganby Inez Morganby Inez Morgan

This house of mine is built of prayer,And I shall always remember whereAll through the day Godís Love was spreadAnd on into evening ëtil we were snug inbed.

His very presence fills this towerAnd love grows and blossoms like a fragileflower.

All doubts and fears are swept away,When a family bends itís knees to pray.

These memories will always remainInscribed by love on my heart and brain.Many have come for shelter to mefrom the storms of life, to escape from thesea of misery.

Here in my high tower,We have talked and shared for many anhour.

They all say itís special, and it will ever be,This castle of mine, from earthís cares free.

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Men’s SurveyOur church has been selected by

the General Commission on UnitedGeneral Commission on UnitedGeneral Commission on UnitedGeneral Commission on UnitedGeneral Commission on UnitedMethodist MenMethodist MenMethodist MenMethodist MenMethodist Men to participate in asurvey. One of the things that the Gen-eral Commission is hoping to learn ishow they can better serve local churches.They want to learn from churches likeours, how churches become more vitalthrough engagement with men’s minis-try. They will share their key learningwith us and offer our church supportbased on what they learn.

The GCUMM is asking that all sur-veys be completed before the end of Oc-tober. Please go to this link to take thebrief 20 question survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6Y93JG6.

In order to make the survey valuablewe need as many men as possible fromour church to participate. Please takethe survey only once.

If you have any questions about thesurvey or why we are participating, feelfree to call Steve MillerSteve MillerSteve MillerSteve MillerSteve Miller, 630-926-8373.

Gifts from the HeartOnce again, the congregation of OurOurOurOurOur

Redeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’s has the chance to brighten theholidays for a child by providing gifts tochildren through the program, Gifts fromthe Heart. This is the 27th year that theprogram has been implemented here. Mem-bers of the congregation are given the op-portunity to sign up for the number of chil-dren they wish to sponsor.

This year you may sign up in the narthexon October 27, November 3, November 10,or November 17. ChildServ requests that nomore than $40$40$40$40$40 be spent on each child. Thenames and ages of the children you sponsorwill be given to you on November 24 orDecember 1. Then the unwrapped gifts,bundled together for each child, are re-turned by Sunday, December 8. We mustdeliver all the gifts to ChildServ after church,so you must have the gifts returned tochurch by 11:00am on December 8.

ChildServ, the United Methodist agencythat serves foster and at-risk children, hasbeen very appreciative of our congregation’sefforts each year in providing gifts for chil-dren. This year, more than any other in therecent past, it is important that we reach outto those who are so affected by the economyand are in need. Gifts from the Heart hasbeen very well supported by the OurOurOurOurOurRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’s congregation and we hope that,once again, you will find that it is a veryworthy outreach to children, and you willfind it in your heart to add another orseveral additional children to your Christ-mas list.

If you have any questions about Giftsfrom the Heart, please contact CarolCarolCarolCarolCarolHollingsworthHollingsworthHollingsworthHollingsworthHollingsworth at 847-310-0491 orclh1325@comcast.net.

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Journey Through GriefThe loss of a loved one is a life-alter-

ing event. Journey Through Grief Journey Through Grief Journey Through Grief Journey Through Grief Journey Through Grief is asix-week course that will explore thetasks of grief, offer the opportunity toshare experiences with others who havelost a loved one, and provide informationon how to cope with loss. Each sessionwill provide both the support of otherswho are going through a loss and educa-tion about this difficult journey. The costis $30/person. Registration is requiredat 866-253-9426 orwww.alexianbrothershealth.org/events♦♦♦♦♦ When Option 1: 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3; Tuesdays, 10am-11:30am

♦♦♦♦♦ When Option 2: 01/08, 01/15, 01/22,01/29, 02/05, 02/12; Wednesdays,11am-12:30pm

♦♦♦♦♦ When Option 3: 03/18, 03/25, 04/01,04/08, 04/15, 04/22; Tuesdays, 1pm-2:30pm

♦♦♦♦♦ Where: Alexian Brothers Parish Services(25 E. Schaumburg Rd, Suite 106,Schaumburg, 847-981-3514)

ORUMC 50th AnniversaryOur Redeemer’Our Redeemer’Our Redeemer’Our Redeemer’Our Redeemer’sssss will be celebrat-

ing its 50th anniversary in 2014. We willbegin celebrating on Palm Sunday, the50th anniversary of the first worshipservice, and complete the celebration onOctober 12, the 50th anniversary of thechartering of the church. We are invitingprevious pastors to participate throughthe year, and to attend the October 12celebration.

We would like to notify previous OurOurOurOurOurRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’sRedeemer’s members and invite themto participate by visiting and/or sendingpictures and remembrances of events inthe life of the church.

We will be printing an anniversaryannouncement in November and inviteyou to include it with your Christmascards to former members.

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Personal Notes

DearPastorSunny,

Thank you for hosting another suc-cessful Crop for a Cause event atORUMC. We were able to raise $2000 forthe National MS Society. Your supportmeans so much to me! Please accept thischeck and use it as you see best.

Thank you again.Love,Laura Machonis

Our deepest sympathy to: Randy Randy Randy Randy Randy andNancy SchmidtNancy SchmidtNancy SchmidtNancy SchmidtNancy Schmidt and their family on thedeath of their son, Samuel SchmidtSamuel SchmidtSamuel SchmidtSamuel SchmidtSamuel Schmidt.

And to Jon MontgomeryJon MontgomeryJon MontgomeryJon MontgomeryJon Montgomery and hisfamily on the death of his father, Dr.Dr.Dr.Dr.Dr.Robert MontgomeryRobert MontgomeryRobert MontgomeryRobert MontgomeryRobert Montgomery.

Welcome to ourNew Members:Tom Noxon, brother of Greg NoxonDavid Miller, husband of Pam Miller

UMMPizzaSale

Thanks to all who purchased pizzasfrom the United Methodist Men.

We made a few extras, but WE’RESOLD OUT!

Thanks again

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Non-Profit OrganizationU. S. Postage PaidPermit No. 6

Schaumburg, IL 60194

Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church1600 W. Schaumburg RoadSchaumburg, IL 60194-3900

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Visit our web site: www.orumc.org