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A PUBLICATION OF
OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
March 2014
Monthly
Reflections from Pastor Gerike
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:7
This has been quite a winter. By the time you’re
reading this, it might be warmer. It might even feel
like spring is on the way. But as we have moved to
Naperville, we have been greeted with cold and snow
and snow and cold. In fact, based on the first couple
of weeks we have been here, it appears that it snows
here every Saturday and at least once more each
week. And between the snows, it gets really, really
cold - cold which makes the ever-growing piles of
snow more like ice and makes my car hard to start.
Snow days have been piling up, too. With makeup
days, when will school be out for the summer?
But there’s a change coming. Even as I’m writing, I
see that there might be temperatures above 40 next
week. With that forecast, the cold becomes a little
more bearable and the snow seems a bit less
permanent. What makes the difference? Hope. Hope
that the current cold and snow won’t last forever.
Hope that things will change. Hope for a warmer,
brighter day.
In each of our lives, there are times of struggle and
pain, conflict and heartbreak. There are rough patches
and tough seasons. But there is good news. God is
with us in the midst of those tough times, never leaving
us alone. And God gives us hope. In this life and
beyond, we have the joy that God gives us, the peace
that passes all understanding. The struggles of today
aren’t the final word. God gives comfort for today and
hope for tomorrow.
The church season of Lent arrives in early March,
starting with Ash Wednesday on March 5. During
weekend worship this Lent, we will be thinking about
the theme “Beyond Expectations”. As God gives us
comfort and hope, it is beyond our expectation, even
more than we could expect. Jesus went beyond
expectations, even dying on the cross for you and for
me. “No one has greater love than this, to lay down
one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) That is
beyond our greatest expectations, that Jesus would do
that for you and for me. The cross where Jesus died for
you is a sign of God’s amazing love. During our
midweek services and adult education classes this
Lent, we will be looking at the cross, focusing on the
theme “Making Sense of the Cross”, guided by the
book of the same name, written by seminary professor
David Lose. I’m looking forward to that exploration, as
we learn more about God’s amazing love.
One more thing - do you know what the word Lent
means? It means Spring. So, in the midst of the snow
and the cold, I’m definitely looking forward to Lent.
In Christ,
Pastor John Gerike
Ash Wednesday is March 5. We will have services at noon, 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm, at Our Saviour’s
campus, with a light lunch following the noon service and a light dinner from 5:15 – 6:30 pm in the Fellowship
Center at Our Saviour’s campus. Please note, there will no 6:00 am service on Ash Wednesday.
Mid Week Lenten Experience
“At the heart of the cross is an element of mystery that can’t be
resolved either easily or entirely.“
Join us as we take a closer look at the book
Making Sense of the Cross
by David Lose.
Midweek Lenten Worship: noon and 6:30 pm
Soup Supper: 5:15 - 6:15 pm
Exploring Our Faith Sessions: 7:15 pm
Exploring Our Faith - During Lent, we hear about how important Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are. We
hear that Jesus died for our sins and that the cross goes to the heart of our faith. But, have you ever
wondered why Jesus’ death and resurrection are so significant? Or, what they mean to us today – in the 21st
century?
Starting March 2, Kris Reenstjerna will explore these issues during our Adult Education classes at 9:00 and
10:30 am on Sunday mornings in the Fellowship Center at Our Saviour’s campus. Then, starting on March
12, we will hold two classes at 7:15 pm, following the Lenten worship service.
Going Deeper: For those who attended the prior Sunday morning class and would like to go
deeper in the discussion. This will take place at the Inn Room at Our Saviour’s campus.
Repeat of Sunday: For those who were not able to attend the previous Sunday morning session,
this will cover the same material. This will take place in the Temple Room at Our Saviour’s.
Dr. David J. Lose's book Making Sense of the Cross will guide us as we grow in faith. Pick up your copy
today in the Fellowship Center or Open Door Cafe for $10. You can read 1 chapter a week to prepare for a
presentation, as part of a weekly book discussion. Everyone is welcome.
Opportunities During Lent
Share your stories about how God is working in your life and the lives of others! All articles are due on the
first Thursday of each month, for the following month’s publication. Please send articles and photos to Jean
Jepson at [email protected]. Here’s the deadline dates for the next 3 months.
Monthly Connections articles for April are due on May 6
Monthly Connections articles for May are due on June 5
Monthly Connections articles for June are due on July 3
Feed My Starving Children MobilePack by Les May
In our world today, an estimated 6200 children dies each day due to starvation and
hunger related diseases. On February 14 - 16, 2014, at Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church in Naperville, our church community joined with 13 other Naperville
congregations in a Feed My Starving Children MobilePack. We made a significant
difference! Thank You! I’m pleased and so thankful to report to you the following
statistics of the 2014 MobilePack.
14 Naperville congregations of different faith backgrounds coming
together to work as 1
520,992 meals packaged in 10 shifts over 53 hours
2321 packing volunteers (2400 volunteers total)
$ 114,618 Total cost of the ingredients paid by the 14 churches,13 business
and civic sponsors, and individual donors.
These meals will feed 1427 children for 1 entire year!
As you can see from these photos of the event, there was excitement and a sense of fulfillment by the
participants, especially knowing the beneficial impact of their efforts. Pastor Gary, from Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church, welcomed each packing shift with these thoughts: “What a great way to celebrate love on
Valentine’s Day Weekend by packing meals for God’s starving children in the world”.
Our Saviour’s will be continuing our support of Feed My Starving Children this year by packing more meals in
small groups (30-60 volunteers) at the Feed My Starving Children Aurora warehouse during the next 3
quarters of 2014. Our next scheduled packing date is April 12, 2014.
On behalf of the Feed My Starving Children organization, and the children who will receive these meals, I
thank all the supportive and caring members of Our Saviour’s who participated in Feed the Need! 2014.
Keep checking the weekly and monthly connections for the updates and the next Feed My Starving Children
serving opportunities!
“Valentine Friends
and Olympic Big Run” by Kelly Gilligan
February arrived with record low temperatures, sub-
zero wind chill, and snow, snow, snow!! We warmed
up with Valentine fun with our friends. Exchanging
cards and treats and playing party games was a great
way to build friendship. It’s fun to deliver special cards
and treats to home-made Valentine bags and boxes.
Classroom parties planned by teachers and parent
helpers proved to be a class favorite. Thank you God
for friends and families to love.
The "Rope Warrior" entertained families in the
Celebration gym with his jump rope skills and
encouraged us to get moving and exercising! This
was a kick off to our February theme of "Healthy
Olympic Bodies." We set up winter games throughout
the month stretching and moving as we challenged
our friends and teachers to relays and sporting
events. It was fun to follow the Winter Olympics to see
how many medals the USA team won! There was fun
graphing opportunities, keeping track of the gold,
silver and bronze medals. We concluded the month
with our ½ K Big Run. We trained all month for the big
event. Classes chose team names and colors as they
decorated banners and trained in the gym.
When the big day finally came, not only did the
students dress in chosen class colors, but parents
and extended family came dressed in specific
colors, with banners to cheer on students and
classes. All students crossed the finish line and
received a red, white and blue Olympic ribbon as
they drank smoothies at the Open Door Coffee Bar.
We are so thankful for our healthy bodies and
opportunities to exercise them!
The first week in March we celebrate Lutheran
Schools Week. Parent volunteers have organized
daily activities for students and teachers. Teacher
Appreciation brunches are also planned. We are so
thankful to be able to provide a Christian education
for the 265 children that we serve. God is good…all
the time, and it is wonderful to be able to share with
the children the good news of Jesus! The preschool
children will also be singing in church in May sharing
this good news. Praise God!
Do you want to know more about The Children's
Center? Call Kelly at 630 - 281 - 4300 or come take
a tour of our beautiful facility. Tell your friends,
neighbors and grandchildren about us. We still have
a few openings for the remainder of this year, and
next school year for children ages 2-5. Come see
what The Children's Center has to offer. "Knowing
Jesus and Making Jesus Known" is the foundation
for all that we do. Come learn and play with us!
First grade children led the Lord’s Prayer during
worship on Sunday, February 16. Every family
with a first grade child was invited to participate in
the Prayer Stepping Stone class. Together they
learned the words to the Lord’s Prayer and how
to use it as a model for prayer. The first grade
children will continue to lead the Lord’s Prayer for
church school during the Large Group Opening
each week.
In the Village church school the children heard the
stories of David and learned that when David
depended on the Lord he was unstoppable.
The Bible memory verse for the unit was:
The Lord said to Samuel, “Man looks at how
someone appears on the outside. But I look at
what is in the heart.” ~ 1 Samuel 16:7b (NIrV)
Weaving a friendship heart helped the children think
about being a true friend by wanting the best for their
friends...and that our best friend is Jesus. The paper
heart activity helped children remember that friends
care about each other despite distance or time apart.
In everything we do the condition of our hearts is what
matters to God.
The Village Church School and Prayer Stepping Stone
by Janine Norgaard
Stepping Stone classes focus on different faith
practices and are offered to children and their
families throughout the year. The next class is
Devotion Stepping stone for 2nd graders and their
families. Contact Janine Norgaard at
8th Grade Confirmation Retreat by Bobbi Jo Cyr
The 8th Grade Confirmation Retreat was last weekend, February 7-8, at
Lake Geneva Youth Camp! 91% of the 8th graders registered for the
retreat this year.
We had an awesome time getting to know each other, learning new ways
to pray in our prayer stations and connecting deeper with God and to our
faith in our workshops. We had a little fun in there, too! During
our recreation time, students played in the gym, ice skated, went tubing or
tobogganing, or played foosball and ping-pong back in our cabin. We
talked about what it means to be a confirmed member of the church and
about opportunities for the students in high school. What's next? The
confirmands will be working on their faith stories and preparing for their
confirmation interviews. Please lift them all up in prayer as they prepare for
this final journey to Confirmation.
Thank you to Pastor Jade and all the mentors, John Endrud, Fritz Gerlach, Nancy Kramer, Dave Mevis, and
Lori Patterson who made this weekend a success, and to our First Student bus driver who happened to be a
member of our church, Mark Hanson. To our parents – thank you for making this journey important for your
students. I can’t wait to read their faith stories and see them confirmed this spring on May 4.
Report From Urban Acacia by Dan Beirne
Growth Metrics
Action and Outcome
How has what I’ve been doing been contributing
toward the fulfillment Urban Acacia’s mission?
January was an exciting month in the realm of
leadership development. I had spoken with one of
our participants last month, Laura, about beginning
to work with me on the Social Event “branch” of
Urban Acacia’s events, and this month was the first
month we worked together. Not only was the date
and location chosen in a more timely fashion than
when I planned it, but she also took the initiative to
email everyone a series of reminders. Our bowling
event brought in eight participants on a very snowy
night. Via email, we later talked about how our
system worked that month, and we have made a
few adjustments for future events. She’s already
emailed everyone, and our partnership on these
events is off to a great start.
Since much of what Urban Acacia is has developed
out of the social character of a group of people in
the city, many of the things I/we do in our social
lives overlap with the mission of Urban Acacia. For
example, there is an annual trip that I take back to
El Salvador to visit where I served as a missionary
for two years, and this year for the first time,
I brought a delegation with me (two of whom are
Urban Acacia participants as well). Two of the four
that came are members of my band Distant
Brothers. We went to El Salvador to play in a
series of three benefit concerts, to raise money for
a community on the coast to build a pedestrian
bridge for the kids of their community to have a
safer route to school each day. In addition to a
delightfully successful event, and the bridge
construction being now under way, we also had the
opportunity to spend a good amount of time with
the kids I used to work with, playing and embracing
them and the whole family from the children’s
home, Concordia.
For the second time, the makings of our new small
group met in January. Seven people have expressed
definite interest, though our schedules and weather
have proven a significant obstacle. Three came in
December, and only one came this time in January.
While the turnout was admittedly frustrating, I did
have a fantastic conversation with the one participant
that came. She suggested that the “Come meet
everyone all at once” approach might be a bit much
for everyone to find the motivation to attend. If,
however, we were to just invite each of these
potential small group members to one of our social
events (like our Arcade Night this month), perhaps
that would serve as a more accessible entry point for
our newcomers. I think she is on to something, and I
plan to do just that.
Bethel Update, a True Success Story!
by Jim Sherman
As many of you may already be aware, Our Saviour’s services are no longer needed at Bethel, because...
they are now able to provide this on their own! After so many years, THEY made the jump to
independence! WOW! What a success story!
This is really not a sad occasion - but a happy one. As the great Dr. Seuss said “Don't cry because it's over,
smile because it happened". And especially feel proud that we were all part of their success! We really do
want everyone we start out assisting at Our Saviour’s to become self-sustaining - on their own terms.
It would not have happened though without each of your generous, unselfish and time-consuming support.
There were no-rewards/no recognition for participating in this Ministry, just the thought that we were helping
some seniors who needed it and who had very limited other options. And, that we could bring some comfort
and a smile to real people that needed some backup, including some elderly diabetic residents that were
allowed only one affordable piece of candy a day, from their proprietor friends who ran the Pantry.
Thanks again for some wonderful years...that made Jesus Known to our friends at Bethel New Life! More
than that - Thank you to Tom Griffin, for providing leadership and to our organized teams or volunteers, and
to ALL of you for providing the ongoing walk-beside Service - that made this Alberta's Pantry Ministry
possible!
Safeguarding Your Legacy
The Legacy Journey is coming to Our Saviour’s in April. It is
an all-new, seven-week, biblically based class that teaches
you how to truly live and leave a legacy for generations to
come. This class will lead you deeper into investing, basic
estate planning, purposeful living, safeguarding your legacy,
and discovering the keys to generational wealth and true
generosity.
Relationships are a vital part of the human experience. We don’t walk alone because we were never
supposed to! God created us for community. But there’s one problem with community: It’s full of PEOPLE!!
And because people aren’t perfect, money has the power to totally disrupt even our closest relationships.
Fortunately, The Legacy Journey doesn't force you to chose between wealth and relationships. In
Safeguarding Your Legacy, Dave and Rachel walk you through four key relationships that are often
negatively affected by money. They also give you a framework for protecting both your legacy and your
relationships.
The Legacy Journey starts on Thursday, April 3, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the Adult Learning Center at
Celebration! Campus. You can register on line at www.oursaviours.com. If you have any questions, please
contact Joel Truemper at 630-357-3629.
Saturday Night Serves Up
Fellowship with Hospitality!
Join us on the first Saturday of the month after the 5:00 pm
service for some fellowship and fun! Get to know your
Saturday faith community and spend some time together.
Come for the service, stay for the fun! February 1 was their
first event for the new year, beverages and food were shared
and a good time was had by all.
Sign up with Sue Hollingshead at the 5:00 pm service and get
involved! Ask a fellow member, or a friend to join you in
hosting, serving, setting up or cleaning up. It’s a great way to
connect with others! The next event will be on March 8,
when the Saturday Night Team will host a reception for Pastor
John Gerike’s installation!
Call or text Sue Hollingshead to sign up or for more details at
630-918-0645!
Advocate Parish Nurse Notes Submitted by Dawn DeBoer
The Need for Glasses –
153 Million Reasons Lions Recycles for Sight According to The World Health Organization, 153 million people have uncorrected refractive errors (near-
sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism). Most of these vision impairments are quickly diagnosed and
easy to treat with corrective lenses. Still, millions of people in developing nations are pushed deeper into
poverty simply because they don't have glasses. They can't learn, because reading is difficult. They can't
work to the best of their ability, because they can't see clearly. It costs Lions less than US$0.08 to provide a
pair of recycled eyeglasses and change someone's life. For children, clear vision means a better education,
healthier development and a better quality of life. For adults, it means greater employment opportunity and
economic strength. For seniors, it means less dependence on others.
How does Our Saviour’s fit into this? The eyeglass donation ministry recently donated 44 pair of
glasses, and three sets of hearing aids, to the Lions' Club. These glasses will be refurbished and
distributed to those in need. There is a basket for donations in Luther Court, and glasses (and hearing aids)
can be placed there. We have students from District 204 who are able to clean them before the glasses are
taken to the Lions' donation site. Thank you to all who contribute to this ministry.
Key Differences in Heart Attacks Between Women and Men
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women. But when women have heart attacks, they tend to be
about 10 years older than men. Woman are more likely to have other conditions such as diabetes, high blood
pressure and congestive heart failure -- making it more vital that they get proper treatment fast. Unfortunately,
women are less likely than men to believe they're having a heart attack and more likely to delay seeking
emergency treatment. As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or
discomfort. But women are more likely than men to experience some of the other symptoms such as
shortness of breath, nausea/ vomiting, or back or jaw pain. (Source: American Heart Association)
If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs,
CALL 911! Get to a hospital right away for emergency medical attention.
Thrivent Choice Dollars Benefit Our Saviour’s
Did you know you can direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars to many places, including Our Saviour’s? You can
get more information about how to direct your 2013 designated Thrivent Choice Dollars® on Sunday, March 9
at the Our Saviour’s Campus. Vic Hildebrand and Matt Sander, from Thrivent, will be available on March 9, in
the Fellowship Center at Our Saviour’s Campus, to help you make choices about our direct your Choice
Dollars. Eligible benefit members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans have until March 31, 2014, to direct any
remaining 2013 Choice Dollars. After that date, the unused Choice Dollars expire.
Choice Dollars are part of Thrivent Choice®. Through this Thrivent Financial charitable grant program,
members can recommend where Thrivent Financial distributes part of its charitable grant funds each year.
You can direct those funds to Our Saviour’s, if you choose.
Births and Deaths We rejoice at the miracle of new life, and have been blessed with the following:
At the birth of Grace Evelyn Claud, granddaughter of Ruth and Scott Nelson.
Liza and Dave Schramm at the birth of daughter, Teagan Jae; grandparents are Sheri and Jay Baumgartner.
Janine and Dan Faber at the adoption of son, Dominic Joseph; grandparents are Bill and Anne Wentz.
We lift up in prayers:
Lynda DeVore and family at the death of her mother, Ione Henry.
Connie Halgrimson and family at the death of Connie’s husband, Ed Halgrimson.
Kelly Cassity and family at the death of mother and grandmother, Colleen Gravelle.
Carole Ann Kacz and family at the death of her mother, Marilyn Lipke.
Craig and Jennifer Schuler and family at the death of Craig’s brother, Keith Schuler.
Bill and Samantha Schnittker and family at the death of Bill’s mother, Margaret Ann Schnittker.
Elizabeth and son Ryan Loy, and family on the death of husband and father, Raymond Loy.
A Special Thank You From The Family of Ed Halgrimson
Dear Our Saviour’s staff and members,
It seems so important to extend a written “thanks” to all of you who have witnessed the loss of my dear “Ed”
following an eight-month illness with congestive heart failure. Your visits, prayers, and good wishes were such
a blessing during that time.
The out-pouring of cards, flowers, food, and visits, continue to help with my great need for acceptance of the
loss of my loving husband of 65 years. You, as extended “family” will sustain and encourage me. Thank you.
God is my refuge and strength.
~Connie Halgrimson
Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church 815 S. Washington Street Naperville, IL 60540 Phone: (630) 355-2522 Fax: (630) 355-2553 Web site: www.oursaviours.com
Our Saviour’s Mission "Knowing Jesus and Making Jesus Known" Our Saviour’s Vision Live it Out! Generous disciples impacting the world Worship Services Our Saviour’s Campus 815 S. Washington St., Naperville Saturdays at 5:00 pm, Sundays at 8:00, 9:00, 10:30 am Celebration! Campus 919 S. Washington St., Naperville Sundays at 10:00 am Leadership Staff Pastor John Gerike, Pastor Jade, Pastor Jon Dumpys, Pastor Al Creighton, Lynda DeVore Mission Partners Bohdan Hroboň - Slovakia Misheck Ruwa - Vida Humana, Chimoio, Mozembique For Children - (September - May) Church School is available from September - May for 3 year olds - 5th Grade on Sundays, 9:00 and 10:30 am - Our Saviour’s Campus 10:00 am - Celebration! Campus
For Youth (September - May)
Junior High - Surge
(Confirmation)
Sundays 12:15 - 1:30 pm,
Celebration! Campus
High School - Ignition
Sundays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm,
Celebration! Campus
Our Saviour’s Council
Lane Lewis - Chairperson
Julie Michael - Vice Chairperson
Bill Tadevich - Secretary
Lee Selander
Jennifer Schuler
Greg Nasman
Cindy Huenecke
Christine Robinson
John Updegraff