shipwrecked - rescued by jesusfirstgeneseo.org/documents/july2018chimes.pdf · july 29-august 2 ~ 5...
TRANSCRIPT
PAGE 1
CHIMES
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
Sharing Christ’s Love
July 2018
Volume 57, Issue 7
www.firstgeneseo.org
worship with us this weekend!
Saturday 5:30 p.m.
Sundays at 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.
Come ashore to Shipwrecked VBS where kids find out that Jesus rescues them
when life gets stormy, no matter the situation! Kids will participate in memorable Bible-learning
activities, with the help of our Bible memory buddies, sing and dance to fun and exciting songs,
play games together, create little take home toys that help them share God’s word, and get to
eat a lot of yummy food!
Our VBS is open to all children in our community who will be 3-years old by July 9th and potty trained
through kids going into 6th grade! Cost is $10 per child with a family maximum of $30. Make sure to fill out
a registration form today and drop in by the office, or in the offering plate! And remember none of this would
be possible without volunteers!
For more information about signing up or volunteering, please contact VBS director Morgan Sarber at
(309) 714-2732 ([email protected]) or Director of Youth & Family Ministry, Haylee Gustafson.
Shipwrecked - Rescued by Jesus
July 29-August 2 ~ 5 to 8 p.m.
As summer marches on, we continue our Partners in Mission program. Each weekend throughout
the summer months, we lift up the ministry of an organization that we work with as we are Sharing
Christ’s Love in our community and in our world.
In July, we will learn more about and support these ministries:
June 30 & July 1 ~ Osupuko Parish, Tanzania
July 7 & 8 ~ Another Child Foundation
July 14 & 15 ~ Fund for Leaders in Mission
July 21 & 22 ~ Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
July 28 & 29 ~ World Hunger
Continue bringing your coins to church each weekend for the noisy offering to support our Partners
in Mission. Stop by the bulletin board in the Fellowship Room and see how we are connected with
our partners all over the world!
Partners in Mission
PAGE 2
A Word
From
Pastor
Matt
Stewardship of Creation
In the baptismal rite for infants and
children, the presiding minister addresses
the parents of the candidates for baptism and
ask them if they can make promises. Some
of those promises include that they live with
their children among God’s faithful people,
bring them to the word of God and the holy
supper, place in their hands the holy
scriptures, teach them the Lord’s prayer,
the Creed, and the commandments, and
care for others and the world God made.
Again, we are called to do this. Here at
First Lutheran we are trying to reinvest in
this mission and ministry. Around ten years
ago this congregation had a Green Team, and
they did many wonderful things educating
people and enacting some real changes to
make this congregation more ‘green’. We
would love to get this going again. We will
be having a meeting on July 19 at 7 p.m. to
see if there is any shared interest here. If this
ministry is something that you would like to
do, then please come to the meeting or talk
with me about your interest. At this meeting
we will do a short Bible study and then open
it up for ideas, hopes, and dreams. All are
welcome and we hope to see you there.
In Christ,
Pastor Matt
Stewardship of Creation that we all call home
has been on my mind lately. Care for the
environment has been in the news lately and
has been and will be an ongoing concern for
every generation to come. It seems as if it has
been on others’ minds too. At the Northern
Illinois Synod Assembly (June 15-16) we voted
to adopt two resolutions regarding stewardship
of creation. They both include education,
promoting awareness, and enacting concrete
changes in our churches and world toward
becoming better advocates of the creation
God made.
I know we have a responsibility as people
of faith to care for the world God gave us. We
are called by God to steward (take care) of our
common home. I try my best to live this out by
recycling, turning off lights when I don’t need
them to be on, picking up trash when I see it
in our communities, driving less and walking
or riding bikes more, taking shorter showers,
using energy efficient bulbs, stopping my use of
straws/Styrofoam, using less paper, using/buying
less of everything, ending wasteful food habits,
flushing the toilet less, speaking up for those
who are affected the most by pollution and lack
of care of the environment, etc… There are so
many ways to help in this way that I have not
listed here, but encourage you to inquire about
further.
Now, I’m not the best at all of these practices,
but I try. This world is a gift and we as people of
faith should be trying to care for the world God
gave us. And we should because we have indeed
made this very promise in our baptisms.
Photos, videos, and other highlights
have been posted on the Assembly website
at http://nisynod.org/assembly.
PAGE 3
First
Worship
& Music
June 30 & July 1, 2018 — Pentecost 6
This weekend’s texts include Lamentations
3:22-33, Psalm 30, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 and
Mark 5:21-43.
July 7 & 8, 2018 — Pentecost 7
This weekend’s texts include Ezekiel 2:1-5,
Psalm 123, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 and Mark
6:1-13.
July 14 & 15, 2018 — Pentecost 8
This weekend’s texts include Amos 7:7-15,
Psalm 85:8-13, Ephesians 1:13-14 and Mark
6:14-29.
July 21 & 22, 2018 — Pentecost 9
This weekend’s texts include Jeremiah
23:1-6, Psalm 23, Ephesians 2:11-22 and
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56.
July 28 & 29, 2018 — Pentecost 10
This weekend’s texts include 2 Kings
4:42-44, Psalm 145:10-18, Ephesians
3:14-21 and John 6:1-21.
First
Prayer
Please keep the following Lifelines petitions in your prayers:
World and Community: For our leaders: President Donald J. Trump and Governor Bruce
Rauner. For all who work for peace and justice. For those serving our country in the military,
especially Raul Falcon, Griffin Fleming, Josh Fleming, Jakob Gradert, Connor Luxmore, Taylor
McKean, Jessica Ruggles, Christopher Schwake, Christopher Unrath, Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders.
Church: For our bishops: Rev. Elizabeth Eaton and Rev. Jeff Clements. For our partners in ministry: Pastor Daniel
Meyan, newly installed in February 2018, and the people of Osupuko Parish in Tanzania, Rev. Raja Socrates, Bishop
of the Arcot Lutheran Synod, India. For missionaries who share the Gospel around the world. For Catherine Nelson,
seminary student. For Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. For our pastors, parish staff, Preschool staff and Church
Council (names listed on pg. 8).
Health and Wellbeing: Brittani and her baby born prematurely (Kathy Nelson’s friend’s niece), Judy Bonderchuk (Julie
Lewis’ friend), Mike Chavez (Andrew & Meredith Holt’s father), Judy DeBoever, Sherry Dickens, Jack Farnsworth (Jan &
Steve Weber’s grandson), Tim Janey (Sue Conrad’s husband), Evelyn Kline, Peggy Schram (Doris Swanson’s daughter) and
Doris Swanson.
Joys: We rejoice that Jay Sears is in remission. For the Recognition of Anniversaries of Rostered Ministers that
happened on June 15 during Synod Assembly. Deacon Linda Schmidt was recognized for 30 years of ministry and
Rev. Lynn Bergren was recognized for 40 years of ministry. On the marriage of Bethany & Austin Hughes.
Thanksgiving: On behalf of our family, we say thank you for all the prayers for our little boys, Easton Martin Lowe
and Ashton Harold Lowe born on November 29, 2017 (6 weeks premature) twin sons of Jared & Kathryn Lowe (Lenexa,
KS) and grandsons of Jayson & Diane Lowe. Our prayers have been answered and they are both growing and doing
really good! For the safe arrival for Abby Larson to Colorado and new opportunities for graduates. For a safe and fun
week of Confirmation Camp at LOMC in Oregon, IL. For the successful completion of the 31st
Assembly of the
Northern Illinois Synod.
Sorrows: On the deaths of Glen R. Anderson, member; and Marilyn Benzon, member.
If you wish to submit a prayer request, please contact the church office at 944-3196 or by e-mail [email protected]. If you
or a member of your family have a medical procedure planned or are admitted to the hospital, please call the church office. In the
event of an after-hours emergency please contact Pastor Matt at 703-505-9517.
Adult Education in July
Adult Education will take a break on July 1
and then resume on Sunday mornings at
9:45 a.m. the rest of the month. Pastor
Laura, Pastor Matt, and Sherry Dickens
will take turns leading discussion and Bible
Study on the topic of hospitality. Then, at
the end of the month, Pastor Laura will
begin a 4-session Bible Study on the Letter
of James. We will look for the gift of God’s
wisdom in this letter that Martin Luther
called an “epistle of straw.” Bring your
Bible and a cup of coffee and join us in
Conference Room A.
July 1 — No Class
July 8, 15, 22 — Hospitality Bible Study
July 29 — The Letter of James, Session 1:
What Is Wisdom?
PAGE 4
First
Worship
& Music
Grace Notes from Linda Schmidt, Deacon
YOU are invited:
To Second Sunday Choir – July 8; meet
at 7:40 a.m. and sing at 8:30 worship; open
to adults and youth ages 4th grade and up.
To ring in Glory Ringers (our handbell
choir); we have 3 spots open for next year—
we rehearse on Thursday evenings September-
May and play for 8:30 a.m. worship once/
month. Music reading is not a prerequisite.
It is a wonderful group that loves praising
God through music.
To come to Music Camp! If your child/
grandchild just finished 1st
-5th
grades—this is
the event for them! We met August 13-17
from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mornings are filled
with music, crafts, games, snack, and
instruments. We have lunch at church and
then our afternoons are spent away from
church: bowling/Dairy Queen; games at the
campground; swimming, etc. Registration
forms are available at the Welcome Center,
and on our website.
July 15 — 2 happenings to be aware of:
10 a.m. – LOMC Swing Choir will be
singing at our worship service.
3-8 p.m. – Praise Band Jam at the City
Park. The First Lutheran group performs at
3:30 p.m. Food is available from 3-7 p.m. All
proceeds donated to GROW Ministries. We
are looking for 8 pies to be served that day.
If you can help, please sign up at the
Welcome Center.
Thank You!
Many thanks to the following for the new
baptismal/funeral banner to be used in the
Fellowship Room:
• Julie & Jeff Kunkel for donating funds
in memory of Lorrin Buechler.
• Gail Hutchinson for making it, and
Eddielea Sheets for her assistance.
Clothing drive for Another Child
One of our mission partners in the month
of July will be Another Child Foundation.
This organization provides education and
other life-giving opportunities for orphaned
and at-risk children in Romania. This
summer, we will be hosting a clothing drive.
From June 30 to July 29, we will collect
children’s t-shirts and girl’s leggings. ACF
needs short-sleeved T-shirts for boys and
girls, sizes 3T through Adult Medium, and
leggings for girls in the same sizes. The kids
particularly like the “graphic tees” that can be
found at many stores, with favorite characters
or fun designs. Bring your donations to the
box marked “Another Child Foundation” in
the Fellowship Room.
PAGE 5
First
ministries
Outreach Ministry’s Volunteer Recognition
Many members of this congregation give of their time, talents and treasure help people, projects
and organizations outside the walls of First Lutheran. We notice and want them to know that their
efforts are appreciated. Each month we will recognize a FLC individual or group of individuals
that are doing “God’s Work” in our community and beyond.
Our volunteer Recognition of the Month goes to Mike Pries who for several years has
served our community on the Board of Directors of the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry.
Each week Mike delivers our donations to the Pantry. Mike, along with fellow Board
members, has spent countless hours searching for and signing the new, larger and safer
facility. He attributes daily prayer and the help of many volunteers for the success of this
project. As he concludes his term on the Board, we honor and thank Mike for his work
with this much needed ministry.
• Please contact Mike if you would like to serve on the Geneseo-Atkinson
Food Pantry Board of Directors or serve this ministry in any way.
MIKE PRIES
Save the Date
The 2018 Diakonia graduates will be recognized
at a special worship service on Sunday, July 8 at
3 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, Rockford, IL.
Bishop Clements will preside. Sherry Dickens
will be among those graduates and invites all of
you to attend.
LOMC Camp
In June, we had 8 of our confirmation youth go to
LOMC Camp in Oregon, IL. They had a chance to go
canoeing, hiking, ziplining and learn more about God’s
love and grace. It was a fun experience for all of them!
Upcoming Opportunities
Save the Date!
• Sunday, August 5
Let’s soak up the sun!
You’re invited to First Lutheran’s Pool Party
at the Geneseo Aquatic Center on Sunday,
August 5. First Lutheran has reserved the
Poolside Room from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and
will provide sandwiches, chips, cookies and
beverages during that time. Pool hours are
from noon-6:00 p.m. and families can use their
pool passes or pay $7 per person to enter the
Aquatic Center and swim as much as you like!
Kids under 2 years of age are free! See you
there for sun, fun and fellowship!
• September 29-30
Congregational Camping Trip at Lutheran
Outdoor Ministry Center, Oregon, IL,
September 29-30, noon to noon. You may
bring your own tent, hook up your RV, or
reserve a bed in the retreat center. We will
have games and recreation for all ages on
Saturday afternoon, a campfire and cookout
on Saturday evening, and outdoor worship
on Sunday morning. Look for more details
in August!
PAGE 6
First
ministries
A Word of Thanks and a Word of Welcome
On June 30, Lynn Lindell will conclude her ministry as Financial Secretary. Lynn has
been a faithful member of the First Lutheran staff for about 8 years. Thank you, Lynn!
On July 1, Michael & Crystal Ficken assume responsibilities of the Financial Secretary
position. They will work together to complete the work. If you have questions about
your giving statements or about your offerings or other gifts, Michael will be the primary
contact person. You can reach him at 515-512-3679 or [email protected]. We welcome
Michael and Crystal as new members of the Finance and Stewardship teams of FLC!
As the Financial Secretary position moves from a staff position to a volunteer position,
Lynn and Michael and Crystal are working together to make sure there is a smooth
transition. Lynn will continue to offer support after July 1 on a volunteer basis. We give
thanks for the commitment and faithful work of each of these co-workers in the Gospel.
Council Highlights for June 18, 2018
Council was appreciative of the many
First Lutheran volunteers who helped at the
recent Synod Assembly. Congratulations to
Bill Nelson, as he was elected to the Synod
Ministry Support Committee.
Old Business
Received an update on the Sunday School
start-up (January 2019), which may require
a change in Sunday worship times. The
Council will ask for congregational input
on worship times during several September
forums.
New Business
• Information on a possible security system
was relayed. Scott Fitzpatrick is seeking
more quotes and Council will discuss the
possibilities more in the future.
• Lynn Lindell will be honored for her
service to the congregation as Financial
Secretary on Saturday night July 14th
.
Financial Report
General Fund Offering:
May actual $27,881
May budget $32,767
YTD actual $189,832
YTD budget $192,433
Net Income Over Expenses:
May actual $6,801 deficit
May budget $1,942 deficit
YTD actual $4,721 deficit
YTD budget $8,720 deficit
A Volunteer Opportunity
We are always looking for new people to join
the Counter teams. The Counters meet on
Monday mornings at the church to count
and deposit the previous week’s offerings and
receipts. Each team serves for a month at a time,
about every 4th
month. If you are able to serve
as a Counter, please contact Pastor Laura.
PAGE 7
First
ministries
A Special Note of Thanks
The Family of Glen R. Anderson wish to extend
our heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation for
your kind expressions of sympathy. Thank you
to Pastor Matt for a beautiful service and all of
your prayers and support during this difficult
time. A great big thank you to the Funeral
Ministry Team for a wonderful meal and to our
Church Family for all the delicious food. Thank
you for all of your love and support that have
helped us through this difficult time. May God
Bless you always.
Jenny Anderson
Wayne & Shelley Anderson and Family
Mark & Darla Anderson and Family
Dave Anderson
Gordon & Nikki Rehn and Family
Lutheran World Relief School Kits
Items for Lutheran World Relief school kits
will be collected in July and August. Following
is a list of items that are needed to pack in cloth
drawstring backpacks to send overseas.
• 70–sheet spiral notebooks (no loose-leaf paper)
• rulers (30 cm)
• pencil sharpeners
• blunt scissors
• #2 unsharpened pencils
• black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink)
• Crayola crayons (16 or 24 count)
• 2 ½” erasers
Please Note ~ Each school kit requires four
of the 70-sheet spiral notebooks. Donations may
be left in the basket outside the church office.
Thank you for giving a child the opportunity to
go to school!
Women’s Ministry
Cover Girls Quilting
Come and work with the “Cover Girls” on
a variety of projects including tying quilts
made of donated fabrics and assembling
several care kits for Lutheran World Relief.
You are welcome to come any time you
can help on Wednesday, July 11 at 9 a.m.
in Grace Place. The need is great!
Women’s Bible Study will be held on
Wednesday, July 18 at 9 a.m. in the
Fellowship Room. We will be using the
Lutheran magazine, “Gather” for our study
guide. All women are welcome to join us
for this time of fellowship and Bible Study.
A Note of Thanks
Dear Members of the Funeral Ministry Team,
Please accept our sincere thank you for the wonderful
hospitality and lunch that was served at the church
following the funeral of our mother, Marilyn Benzon.
The food was delicious and wonderful. The warmth
of those who served was tremendous. And we so
appreciate those members who donated and baked
food for our family and friends to eat. It is always so
refreshing to return to Geneseo and be greeted and
cared for by such wonderful members of the First
Lutheran Church. Thank you so much again for the
great ministry you perform for those who grieve the
loss of loved ones.
Peace and joy to you all,
Steve & Sue Benzon
Food Pantry Collection
The Geneseo Food Pantry is collecting Sloppy Joe sauce, pickles, taco seasoning, canned pasta, beef broth, insect
repellent, foil, razors, bleach and size 5 diapers to share with those in our community. Donations may be left
in the basket by the church office.
Another way to help! ~ We will be collecting donations of new school supplies during July and August. Our
goal is to provide new school supplies to every child in need within the 228 School District. If you want to help
us reach our goal, you may drop off donations at the Food Pantry anytime during normal business hours.
PAGE 8
114 E. Main Street
Geneseo, Il 61254-1566
309-944-3196
www.firstgeneseo.org
e-mail: [email protected]
A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 91
Geneseo, IL
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
First Lutheran Church
Council
Ray Bergles—President
Cathy Runty—Vice-President
Brian Hofer—Secretary
Rollin Setterdahl—Treasurer
Jodi Barnhart, Roger Bengtson,
Nancy Cassens, Gary Daniels,
Dawn Ebarb, Scott Fitzpatrick,
Johanna Hager, Peter Johnson,
Taylor Wildermuth
Meeting Schedule:
Cabinet — No meeting in July
Council — No meeting in July
Ministries — No meeting in July
Preschool staff
Misty Slaymaker, Director
Mary Williamsen, Margi Ficken
Next Chimes deadline:
Tuesday, July 10
Staff Directory
Rev. Laura Kamprath
Rev. Matt Kamprath
Linda Schmidt, Deacon
Director of Worship & Music
Mary Jo Brummet
Parish Administrator
Haylee Gustafson
Director of Youth & Family Ministry
Jennifer Johnson
Programs Meal Coordinator
Jim Luikart
Parish Accountant
Charlene Daniels
Custodian
Office hours
Monday-Tuesday-Thursday
8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday
Office Closed
Closed for Lunch ~ Noon–1 p.m.
Staff schedule
Rev. Laura Kamprath
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Rev. Matt Kamprath
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Linda Schmidt, Deacon
Director of Worship & Music
Monday-Thursday
Mary Jo Brummet,
Parish Administrator
Monday-Thursday
Haylee Gustafson, Director of
Youth & Family Ministry
Monday-Thursday