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Luther Memorial Church of Chicago's monthly newsletter including an inspirational letter from Pastor Tim Brown, ministry outreach opportunities and monthly bible readings.
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Staff/ Council
Pastor’s Pen
Youth News
Bible Readings
Noteworthy News
Thanksgiving Info
Council Minutes
Council Minutes
Ministry Opp
Birthdays/Calendar
Prayer Page
Musical Musings
WELCA
Council Minutes
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Nov. 2011
Table of Contents
The Voice
LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH OF CHICAGO
Thanksgiving details on page 7Join us to share in thanks for this wonderful
congregation and to make sandwiches for the Night Ministry
If the only prayer you said in your whole
life was, "thank you," that would
suffice. ~Meister Eckhart
Church StaffTimothy Brown, Pastor
Bonnie Fallen, Secretary Lyle Harlow, Choir Master/Organist
Tim Heverin, Asst. to SextonAmy Holmes, Administrative Assistant
Brian Myers, Youth DirectorDorothy Tracy, Nursery Director
Briana Sprague Travis,Music Director
Luther Memorial Church of Chicago
2500 W Wilson AvenueChicago, IL 60625-3026
Phone: 773-539-3018Fax: 773-539-3599
Office Hours:Monday
10:00am-5:00 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday8:00am-12:00 pm
Thursday8:00am-5:00 pm
Friday8:00am-12:00 pm
Church Council
Marcia Mawe (President, Human Resources)773-784-5409 [email protected]
Scott Lorraine (Vice President, Property/Strategic Planning)773-677-4374 [email protected]
Lara Prestipino (Secretary, Education/Youth/Discipleship)773-583-3584 [email protected]
Aaron Schoof (Treasurer)773-401-1516 [email protected]
David Byerly (Stewardship)312-519-1484 [email protected]
Justin Kerstetter (Communications)312-543-0512 [email protected]
Margaret Renas (Leadership Development)773-368-7120 [email protected]
Jill Smith (Evangelism/Outreach)773-506-9474 [email protected]
To email the office: [email protected] for the weekly email or bulletin: [email protected]
To submit information for the VOICE: [email protected]
STAFF/COUNCIL
Sunday School TeachersVicki Thoms- 3 year oldsLaurie Nelson-4 year olds & KindergartenLisa Helverin-1st & 2nd gradesJenny Araujo-3rd & 4th gradesSusan Barreto-5th thru 8th grades
Helpers/ Floaters: Paula GiovacchiniNancy WallWendy Thompson
Art: Tom JohnsonMusic: Marcia MaweDrama: Joe Jensen
2-The Voice Nov 2011
PASTOR’S PEN
The Voice Nov 2011-3
Greetings Disciples at Luther Memorial,
November is here, and it is a time to give thanks. So as I write this, I echo my brother Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians as he gives thanks to God for all of the church and mentions them in his prayers (1 Thessalonians 1:2). I give thanks for you, for your dedication to God’s mission, and for your dedi-cation to the poor and the needy, the outcast and the stranger.
What do you give thanks for? Here’s a practice that I invite you all into. Take a sheet of paper and divide it down the middle. On one side, write down all of the things that you have, and that you give thanks for in your life. Once that is complete, on the other side write down those things that you want, think you need, or deeply desire in life.
Now take a look at both sides and ask yourself, “Which side would be more tragic to lose?” Now, for some there might appear “a job” or “a home” on the side of wants and desires. In that instance the question is quite difficult. But for most of us, I would offer the vast majority of us, to lose what we already have would be the most tragic. And because of this, we need to give thanks.
Always. For we have been blessed beyond belief.
As a response to our blessings, I invite you to dedicate yourselves to giving back in new ways. Per-haps this means asking yourself what God is calling you to give in offering this next year. Perhaps it means joining the LMC community on Wednesday, November 16th at 7pm for our Pre-Thanks-giving dinner where we’ll share a meal with one another, but also collect canned goods and cash for local pantries. Perhaps it means investing in one of our social ministries, or volunteering to usher or help out at our communal home, the church.
Whatever it means, we are called to respond in thankfulness for all that God has given us. In this time where the secular world is focused on turkeys, stuffing, and potatoes, our hearts turn toward the one who is the giver of all gifts, the light of the world, the host of the great feast.
And that is worth giving thanks for.
I hope you are enjoying the sermon series and that you are being called to a new awareness of how you, as a Christian, are called to change the world.
A changed world is also worth giving thanks for.
See you in church…bring your Bibles,
Pr. Tim… September 2011 VOICE Numbers:
Offering: $18,901.85Avg. Attendance:
9am -11611am - 69
Brian MyersYouth Director
YOUTH GROUPwill meet on
TuesdayLuther Memorial
Sunday School Calendar
4-The Voice Nov 2011
YOUTH NEWS
Hello Church,
So what happens when you mix 25 young people with candy and no bed time? Well if you're a chaperone, you get no sleep! Not only that, but a very suc-cessful Lock-In. Long story short, the lock-in we had in October went great, so good in fact, that we're going to for-go sleep again on November 4th at Enchanted Castle in Lombard. LMC will be joining forces with the Youth Min-istry Network and several area churches for a night of fun and fellowship.
Things are going great with the Youth Group and I thank God for that. More and more this year I will be looking to the congrega-tion to have more active engagement with the Youth so please let me know if you are interested in helping out with our events!
As always, prayers and encouraged and welcomed!!
One of our goals across the board at LMC is to create a welcoming environment in all that we do. During the Celebration Service, or the 11 a.m. service, we present Communion and the Prayers in a format that is specific to this service and always includes music. We also feature "rowdier" music at certain parts of the ser-vice and more reflective music at other parts. All of this is pur-poseful; all of this is meant to open a door for you to worship more fully and engage in the words of the lessons, the themes of the seasons, and the sermon that Pastor Tim presents. Music has be-come an integral part of this style of worship, and that is something that I know a lot of our parishioners cherish. There have even been times when I have been overcome by the strength of the presence of God that I feel in the service through words, music and com-munity. I encourage you to fully engage, embrace every interac-tive part of worship this Sunday and experience something dif-ferent each week. Hopefully, the services that we prayerfully put together will be used by God to build you up and help you grow.
Briana TravisCelebration Band Director
Luther Memorial Church of Chicago
The Voice Nov 2011-5
BIBLE READINGS
Tu Psalm 5 Lamentations 2:13-17 Acts 13:1-12
W Psalm 5 Proverbs 16:21-33 Matthew 15:1-9 Th Psalm 70 Amos 1:1—2:5 Revelation 8:6—9:12 F Psalm 70 Amos 3:1-12 Revelation 9:13-21
Sa Psalm 70 Amos 4:6-13 Matthew 24:1-14 Su Amos 5:18-24 or Wisdom 6:12-16
Psalm 70 or Wisdom 6:17-20 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13
M Psalm 63 Amos 8:7-14 1 Corinthians 14:20-25 Tu Psalm 63 Joel 1:1-14 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 W Psalm 63 Joel 3:9-21 Matthew 24:29-35 Th Psalm 90:1-8 [9-11] 12 Ezekiel 6:1-14 Revelation 16:1-7 F Psalm 90:1-8 [9-11] 12 Ezekiel 7:1-9 Revelation 16:8-21 Sa Psalm 90:1-8 [9-11] 12 Ezekiel 7:10-27 Matthew 12:43-45
Su Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 Psalm 90:1-8 [9-11] 12 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Matthew 25:14-30 M Psalm 9:1-14 Zechariah 1:7-17 Romans 2:1-11 Tu Psalm 9:1-14 Zechariah 2:1-5; 5:1-4 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 W Psalm 9:1-14 Job 16:1-21 Matthew 24:45-51 Th Psalm 95:1-7a 1 Kings 22:13-23 Revelation 14:1-11 F Psalm 95:1-7a 1 Chronicles 17:1-15 Revelation 22:1-9 Sa Psalm 95:1-7a Isaiah 44:21-28 Matthew 12:46-50 Su Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm 95:1-7a Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25:31-46 M Psalm 7 Esther 2:1-18 2 Timothy 2:8-13 Tu Psalm 7 Esther 8:3-17 Revelation 19:1-9 W Psalm 7 Ezekiel 33:7-20 John 5:19-40
Advent 1 Th Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Zechariah 13:1-9 Revelation 14:6-13
F Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Zechariah 14:1-9 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18
Sa Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Micah 2:1-13 Matthew 24:15-31
Su First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37
M Psalm 79 Micah 4:1-5 Revelation 15:1-8
Tu Psalm 79 Micah 4:6-13 Revelation 18:1-10 W Psalm 79 Micah 5:1-5a Luke 21:34-38
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
6-The Voice Nov 2011
“We’re in the middle of political frenzy right now: candidates, debates, polls. For some it’s entertaining, for others its annoying. But what if we looked at our lives, and how scripture plays out in our lives, through the lens of the political cycle? For six weeks in October-November Pr. Tim will be doing a sermon series that follows the political cycle:
November 6: God’s Stump Speech; Scripture: Matthew 5November 13: War Chest; Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5November 20: Election Day; Scripture: Matthew 25
So, now the question is less “Who will you vote for this year?” It’s actually, “Can you believe that God is voting for you to change the world?”
Congratulations David and Sara Byerly on the birth of their
son, Nathan Brandt ByerlyBorn 9/28/2011
9lbs. 15oz.22 inches
Catch the Holiday Spirit!
Come Shop LMC’s 7th Annual Holiday Market Fundraiser, lower level of the church, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sun., Nov. 20th! Please help spread the word among your family, friends,
neighbors and coworkers. All are invited for some holiday cheer, including great shop-ping, a delicious lunch and fabulous raffle prizes! Merchandise will feature handcrafted and
fair trade items from local area vendors and homemade cookies and other baked good-ies — perfect for holiday gatherings and gifts. This year’s market profits will benefit:
Thomas J. Waters Elementary School, Lincoln SquareGreater Chicago Food Depository
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Malaria Campaign for Africa
Individuals interested in participating as craft vendors should contact Linda Miranda for a registration form, which can also be downloaded from the “Happenings” section of the church website: http://www.luthermemorialchicago.org. Vendor table fee is $40. Please complete and return your registra-
tion form with the $15 deposit a.s.a.p. to reserve your space. Vendor fee balance is due Nov. 1st.
In addition, volunteers are needed to serve on the Holiday Market Planning Committee to help lead, organize and provide support for event set up/decoration, sales and cleanup. For more information, please contact: Michelle Beuscher (773-478-8815), Linda Miranda (773-334-8620) or Diane Schulte (773-583-5814).
Guiding Principles
Called into Community by Jesus Christ:
We Believe Prayer is Essential,
Encouragement Fuels Ministry,
Questioning is Healthy, All are Invited to Engage,
God is Speaking, We are Called to Act
We gather together in a Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner Wednesday Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m.
The turkeys will be roasting in the church kitchen. Sign-up sheets will be on the table near the font for appetizers, sides/rolls, salads, desserts, and wine. The planning committee will be seeking volunteers to set up, clean up, and wash dishes. Come, bring something to aug-ment our meal and also help support our local food pantries. Canned goods and thanksgiv-
ing staples will be collected for the Albany Park and Mayfair food pantries (our goal is 150 items); cash donations will be appreciated for the Ravenswood mealtime ministry for people
in need at All Saints Episcopal Church where church members prepare and serve meals due to lack of space to operate a pantry. Let us give thanks and give abundantly as we are able.
The Voice Nov 2011-7
Thanksgiving Eve service on Wed, November 23rd at 7pm. We'll be singing "We Gather Together," "Harvest Home", and other
Thanksgiving classics while giving thanks for all the blessings that God has given us this year.
8-The Voice Nov 2011
COUNCIL MINUTESLMC Council Minutes – September 20, 2011
Council Members in attendance: Scott Lorraine, Margaret Renas, Marcia Mawe, Jill Brown Smith, Lara Prestipino, Pr. Tim Brown Dave Byerly, Justin Kerstetter Guests in attendance (for a portion of the meeting): Tim Klein, Lyle Harlow, Dieter Schulte, Larry Gehrke
Meeting called to order at 7:17pm with the lighting of a candle, time for reflection and an opening prayer. Quorum acknowledged.
Motion by Marcia Mawe to approve the prior meeting minutes. Second by Scott Lorraine. Approved by unanimous voice vote.
The council read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and held a discussion of time (what time is it for individuals, congrega-tion). In the next round of reaching out to members via phone, council members will ask this same question (what time is it for the congregation).
The organ team (Tim, Dieter, Larry, Lyle) made its presentation based on material previously distributed to the council: The report included significant detail and rather than summarize, the written presentation is attached in full as part of the minutes. The ultimate recommendation of the organ team was a Three Manual Rodgers Masterpiece Signature 376 Console (30 ranks). *The total cost would come to approximately $310,000 with Phase I requiring $150,000. *The council engaged the team in questions regarding the proposal. *There were no motions brought.
Aaron Schoof presented the Treasurers Report: This included a Profit & Loss though 8 months. In terms of ordinary income, July was a strong month, but it was offset by a weak August (3 pay periods, low attendance). Through 8 months, ordinary income was $(2,241), which is quite good.
Scott Lorraine presented a property update. Phase I of the electric work approved by the congregation is nearly complete. To date, funds totaling $36,646 have been disbursed with approximately $16,000 remaining. The anticipated time to completion is 2-3 weeks, at which point, the remaining balance owed will be paid. The emergency ejector pump failed earlier in the year and was replaced on an emergency basis. The emergency replacement pump had an estimated life of 6 months and it has now been 8 months in use. Scott requested three bids from plumbers to replace the pump on a permanent basis. Only one bid has been finalized at the time of the meeting at $16,800. Another plumber provided an estimate of $5,000-$7,000 but needed additional time to finalize his bid. The third plumber had submitted nothing but expected to. Motion by Marcia Mawe: Provided there are adequate funds remaining in the $12,500 discretionary alloca-tion as confirmed by the Treasurer and Secretary, allow up to $8,000 towards the purchase and installation of a new pump, provided that Scott receives three bids.
Scott proposed a friendly amendment to increase the amount to $10,000. Marcia accepted. 2nd by Margaret Renas. Approved by a unanimous voice vote.
Jill Brown Smith provided a brief website update. The church will move to a new server on 10/1/11.
Following the regular agenda items, the council members engaged in additional discussion regarding the presentation of the organ team. There were no motions brought. While the majority of council members were generally in support of a new organ, the cost and scope of the project are substantial, and additional time is needed to make a recommendation to the congregation.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:28 with prayer.
The Voice Nov 2011-9
LMC Council Minutes -October 20, 2011
Members Present: Jill Brown Smith, Marcia Mawe, Pastor Tim Brown, Lara Pres-tipino, David Byerly, Sott Lorraine, Aaron SchoofMembers Excused: Margaret Renas, Justin Kerstetter Meeting called to order at 7:13pm with the lighting of a candle, time for reflection and an opening prayer. Quo-rum acknowledged.
Minutes reviewed from last meetingMove to approve minutes as corrected by JBS, 2nd by SL
Proverbs 29:18 "People without a vision perish"What's in LMC's vision? Conversations shared in small groups and the focus of LMC was discussed. Areas we felt we excelled or that were most important to our members and visitors. Pastor Tim asked the group discuss what ministries we are known for now, and then he explained he's been working on LMC's vision in the training he's doing. He showed the below diagram, it was discussed, and he asked us to pray on it.
Community | Worship----------------------------- Justice | Hospitality
Aaron Schoof presented the Treasurers Report: Jan-Sept Giving is equal-ing our expenses. The Treasurer presented a review of cash reserves.
Youth Director Grant Pastor Brook Peterson of Irving Park Lutheran Church and Pastor Tim Brown of LMC are seeking a Thrivent Grant to assist with funds needed to hire Brian Myers as the Part Time Youth Leader for both churches. His time would be spent equally as part time is currently quar-ter time at LMC. The Grant will assist with the monies needed to adjust his salary. The request sought is a 2 year grant in the amount of $90,000 that can be possibly stretched to the three years.There will still be a youth budget requested, the grant will be supplemental. Brian would attend worship at each church twice a month and would retain his membershipMotion by JBS: A motion to approve Pr. Tim Brown and Pr. Brooke Peterson filing out a two year grant to Thrivent requesting monies totally $90,000 to secure Brian Myers as a part time Youth Director at both LMC and Irving Park Luther-an Church. 2nd by SL. Unanimously approved by voice vote
Opportunity to Provide Shelter:There is a person experiencing temporary homelessness who needs a warm place to sleep for two weeks. Council discussed issues including times of arrival and departure, and no agreement to store any personal materials on the premises. Motion by MM: Mo-tion to provide shelter from 9pm to 9am for two weeks beginning Friday, 10/21. Motion seconded by DB. Unamiously approved.
Organ ReviewThere were six options presented by the Organ Team for Phase 1 replacing the console. Triune was selected as the company to provide the console and the Organ Team is recommending a three console organ. Phase 1 will cost an estimate $99,000 with (con’t on Page 15)
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIESOngoing
Ministries at LMC
Lunch with PastorThursday
Nov 3 Beginner’s RoomJoin Pastor Tim in
conversation
Ravenswood Mobile Pantry
Nov 128:30-11:30 am
4332 N. Paulina StKerry John
Peace VigilTuesday Nov 15
7:30 pmSanctuary
Dieter [email protected]
Night Ministry PrepWed Nov 16 7:00 pmGym/Fellowship Hall
Diane [email protected]
Night Ministry Cookie Bake
Can be dropped off in LMC kitchen by Wed Nov 16 400 needed
Night Ministry ServingThurs Nov 17
RSVP onlyMark Pucylowski
10-The Voice Nov 2011
Bring your Bibles! When was the last time you cracked open
that Good Book?! It's difficult to know where to go in times of need to find that one pas-sage that spoke to you, or that one story that you made a
connection with, if you don't use the Bible regularly. Bring your Bible to church with you! Open it up and read from the
Scriptures during the service. Make notes in the margins. Highlight a passage. Circle a favorite phrase and then post it to Facebook later in the day. Use your Bibles, especially
on Sundays. Unsure how? Pr. Tim will help show you...
Children’s Tree for the Holiday Market Need: We need donated gifts to stock the Children’s Tree. Last year we had a benefactor who provided the first 20 or so gifts. We do not have that resource this year. Our goal is to have a stock of about 40 to 50 gifts that are in the age range of 3 -12 and value range of $5 to $15 or a bit more.
The Children’s Tree is a new feature of the Holiday Market. Children purchase chances to pick unmarked envelopes from a Christmas Tree. The chances are $1 per chance or 6 for $5. In each unmarked enve-lopes there is a ticket to choose a gift or receive a candy cane as a consolation prize. The gifts are tiered in groups of good ($5) , better ($10), and best ($15 or more). A winner gets to choose any gift within the tier shown on their ticket. The gifts for the children are donated gifts from the congregation and some area vendors. Ideally, you have some new or gently used birthday or Christmas gifts that are stored in a closet that were never given. Or, you have gifts that were received and not used. We will also accept new gifts that have been purchased. Any unused gifts will be donated to a local Children’s Toy Drive.
Please go through your closets and basements to find new or gently used gifts to stock the Children’s Tree. Bring them to church on the next two Sundays. E-mail Jerry Giese at [email protected] with any questions about the Children’s Tree.
Thanks for your help!
BIRTHDAYS
The Voice Nov 2011-11
Monday
7:00 PM-9:00 PM Fencing
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Playgroup
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Gentle Yoga
7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Pilates/CoreWork
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Lakeside Pride Brass Rehearsal
Thursday
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM Fencing
7:30 PM AA Meeting
Friday
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Hatha Yoga
Saturday
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Fencing
Sunday
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Prayer Group Meeting
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Prayer Group Meeting
Calendar of Events in November
at Luther Memorial
visit www.luthermemorialchicago.org for a
complete list of events and times
Nov 1Alexander Hernandez
Debbie FloccoJennifer Martin
Nov 4 Dontae Wilson
Nov 5Ivan Delgado
Nov 8Dave Kornecki
Tammi Kozlowski
Nov 9Conni Kawell
Nov 12 Catherine&
Teresa Nelson
Nov 13Daniel Nelson
Nov 15Carol Connolly
Nov 18David Thoms
Nov 20Pastor Tim Brown
Robert Klein
Nov 21Andrew PhalenWilliam Phelps
Nov 23David Bappert
Brian Steele
Nov 25Sheri Damery
Sarah McCarthy
Nov 27Gloria Pechous
Nov 29George Callister
Liam KingOwen KingSara Russell
Nov 30Andres Hernandez
Pub(lic) TheologyLocation: Red Lion Tavern 4747 N Rockwell
Time: First Thursday of the Month, 7:30-8:30Purpose: To come together in community and hear stories from one an-
other, talk intentionally about life, and gain insight into how God is working in our lives, our organizations, and the world.
November 3rd Mission: Lutheran Disaster Response-What does it
do? How is it organized? How can we help?Presenter: Mike Nevergall, Associate Director, Lutheran Disaster Response
December 1stMission: Caroling around Lincoln Square
Presenter: Briana Travis, Contemporary Music Director and Cantor of Luther Memorial
Prayer Chains
Prayer is a powerful tool. If you’d like to be
added to the PrayerChain list please
feel free!There are two groups:
one that connects through email and
one over the phone. If you’d like to join
either group or add a prayer request, please contact the captains.
Via Email: Jenny Araujo
Via Phone:Bernie Zommer847-827-0698
12-The Voice Nov 2011
Members/Life StrugglesGeorge CallisterAmy Current & MotherDenise & FamilyJune HanselmanKawell FamilyMichael and Frieda KrausOlga Lehman Harriet LuehrsKurt MatthesiusEileen MatthesiusCharlie and Sis MillerLois MooreMaureen PhalenClaudia RaackNaomi SchnurDavid & Mary SchulzCarol SharitsGertrude SniderMarian Thompson Kimberly Tracy Evonne WaughHelen Zoch
Friends/RelativesLife Struggle Amanda & daughtersNathan Arrington, Joan Cosmos, Ashley/Peppler FamilyAunt Cathy & Family Doug AthertonMark B.Barb & DianaBetsyCookie BaldacciNayra Armella Bernacki,AngelGutierrez, Mazzull FamilyNancy BowersCousin, JuliaCrawford FamilyMother of Amy CurrentDalton FamilyNancy DonnellyLiam Dooley & Family
Elizabeth’s Mother & FatherMarge EricksonCathy EweerDavid,Jack,Jillilan,Joanne,Danny Kurt August, Cathy, Shannon & JamesDavid FallenVicki GebhardtLeMont GarrettKris Garski & FamilyMarilyn GaugerFamily of Mary GerberBill GrobeFamily of Dean Howard KerrFamily of Chelsea LloydGrallini Family (Janis)Grandma Marge & Nancy HickeyGrant, Erica, Alex & PaulGreer FamilyMickey Gross-man & FamilyDave GustafsonDennis HaggertyJackie HammHope HathawayBob HeidkampMichael HernandezNancy Hickey & Marge EricksonJeannine HilbMartha HolmesCharlie HotaryJoan & Richard HuntDakota JimmersonJanet/Twins & FamilyJoeCarolyn & Kristin KelleyBurnetta KoenigMarian LanViolet LavalleeMelissa Llannas & baby HannahLowly FamilyMike MGrace McLeod
MichelleMother of Penny WernerMargaret, Milan, NevaehJim & Lynde NeeryBetty PhillipsRichard RaymondAdrian Gonzalez Rolon Jose & Sara Salas & BabyKyle Look, Steve SchoppeMike SeegertBonnie SenaRoberta SmithSteele’s GrandpaMichele Timble (Jimmy,Jack,Kate)Tom & PaulFamily of Betty TurzinskiPam VelascoWalker FamilySteve Winkelman
PRAYER PAGE
The Voice Nov 2011-13
MUSICAL MUSINGSWhat are the Psalms, and why do we sing them each week? “The word ‘psalms’ is derived from the Greek Ψαλμοί (Psalmoi), perhaps originally meaning ‘music of the lyre’ or ‘songs sung to a harp’ and then to any piece of music. From psallein ‘play upon a stringed instrument’ and then to ‘make music in any fashion.’ The Book of Psalms in its current, most commonly used form consists of 150 songs and prayers referred to individually as psalms and referenced by chap-ter and verse. They each have a poetic character with frequent use of parallel-ism. In addition to the title of the collection, which translates as ‘song’ or ‘hymns’ from both Hebrew and Greek, superscriptions (or headings) in many of the Psalms provide musical references and some direc-tion, in some cases even references to melodies that would have been well known by early congregations. Songs that can be identified as such in the Psalms include songs of thanksgiving (e.g., Ps 30), hymns of praise (e.g., Ps 117) and royal psalms, which may have been used in coronations and weddings. Identifica-tion of some psalms as prayers is also seen within the text, for example in the conclusion to Psalm 72, "The prayers of David son of Jesse are ended." The largest category of Psalms, though not grouped as such in the text, is that of lament (expressions of complaint and pleas for help from God). There appears to also have been an instructional function of the psalms as seen in their references to the law (e.g., Ps 1 and 119).”* As Lutherans, our worship employs the visual and musical arts as gifts from God, to be used for the instruc-tion of the people of God.ᶧ Each week, we sing the Psalm as a response to the first lesson. Sometimes the Psalm reinforces the message of the first lesson, such the Reformation Day reading from Jeremiah, outlining God’s new covenant with the houses of Judah and Israel, which is followed by Psalm 46, which can be imag-ined as the people’s rejoicing at the new covenant with their God. Many famous hymns are paraphrases of the Psalms. Psalm 46 was the basis for “A Mighty Fortess Is Our God,” or, as my grandmother called it with some satisfaction—and condescension directed at non-Lutherans in general— The Lutheran Hymn. Sometimes we sing a Psalm response to the First Lesson which is exactly the opposite of the tone of the first lesson—for example, the reading from Isaiah 45:1-7 from the October 16th is an old fashioned, “fire and brimstone” reading where God strips kings of their robes, levels mountains, and makes “weal and woe.” The accompanying Psalm 96 “Sing to the Lord a new song” is a testament to God’s greatness and glory. One might think of it as the liturgical equivalent of the sun coming out after a thunderstorm. The Psalm also serves the function of bridging the First Lesson (usually the Old Testament Lesson) with the Gospel reading of the day, which may be thought of as our weekly encounter with Christ. Once again using the example of the October 16th readings, the Gospel for the day was Matthew 22:15–22, with the famous quotation “give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." The Psalm, which begins “The LORD is king,” provides a connection to the Gos-pel which emphasizes the difference between God’s kingdom and the kingdoms of the earth. The next time you sing a Psalm in church, think about how it relates to the lesson that you’ve just heard, and how it connects to the Gospel message for the day—the lessons will be more meaningful, I promise! *WikipediaᶧLPM teaching materials Lyle HarlowDirector of Liturgical ArtsLuther Memorial Church of Chicago
14-The Voice Nov 2011
WELCA NEWSThe churchwide office of the Women of the ELCA offers many ways to stay connected and to stay in touch with issues that affect women. You can access the web site through our LMC web site. Just click on E.L.C.A. and at the bottom of the first page of that web site you will find ‘Women of the ELCA’. Other ways to be in touch include blogs (http://blogs.elca.org/women/), twitter (https//twit-ter.com/#!/Women of the ELCA), and facebook (http://www.facebook.com/WomenoftheELCA).
There are many great articles and the monthly Bible Study of Mark in the Gath-er magazine and Café is a great monthly online publication geared for young-er women (http://www.boldcafe.org/). Stay connected and in touch.
I was thrilled to hear that Leymah Gbowee was one of three women awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace this year. I feel blessed to have heard her speak at the Triennial Gathering in Spokane this past July. She is an amazing speaker who makes you want to get up and do something. I purchased the award winning documentary of her role in the peace process in Liberia entitled, “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”.
We will be showing this movie in January so look for the exact date and mark your calendars. It is not a movie that you will want to bring your children to even though there are children in the movie.
Also, please mark your calendars for our annual Christmas party which is being held on Saturday, Decem-ber 10 in my home (2722 W. Leland Ave.) beginning at 2 pm. All women are invited and asked to bring an appetizer, dessert, or beverage to share. We’ll sing some Christmas carols and enjoy time together.
See you in church,Linda Miranda, PresidentWomen of the ELCA at LMC
Bible StudyFourth Sunday of the MonthLounge 7:00-8:00pm
Prayer Shawls and Lap QuiltsSecond Sunday of the MonthGym/Fellowship Hall 12:00-2:00pm
Service GroupThird Sunday of the MonthLounge 12:00pmNOVEMBER: Meeting on Nov 6th
Women’s Spirituality GroupSecond Thursday of the MonthLounge 7:30-9:00pm
Mary CircleThird Friday of the MonthLunch
The Voice Nov 2011-15
installation and removal cost to be considered, bringing the total to $120,000. The or-gan team is requesting congregational approval of $150,000 with a $30K cushion for unexpected situations that may arise while working with an older building and piece-meal organ. The expected lifespan of the new console will be 50 years. Phases 2-5 will be for replacing pipes, the project total could reach $310,000.Concerns were raised about the capital needed for this project. There was a suggestion made to explore 501c3 status seeking support from outside grants and benefactors. Separation was deemed unnecessary as a separate board would be re-quired. Discussion followed deeming Phase 1 as a free standing campaign. A future capital campaign and the phases for the future needs can be discussed at a later date.Motion by SL: Council votes to recommend to the congregation that we follow the Or-gan Team’s recommendation of Phase 1 to solve our organ need and present and dis-cuss this at the annual congreational meeting in January. 2nd by MM. This vote was not passed unanimously, but was approved.
Electical UpdateThe first phase of the electrical project with be completed by early November.Ejector PumpThree bids will be gathered and the best bid will be awarded. Scott Lorraine is the team leader of this project is approved to award the job as he sees fit, while staying within the coucil’s discreationary budge-which is money that does need con-gregational approval-that totals $15,000 for the 18 month budget.Texas LandThe church has held property in a non annexed part of Texas for many years. An of-fer has been extended from a company in Texas and LMC is waiting to finalize the sale of $6000.00 for the land. The annual property taxes are $5/year. Jerry Giese will be seeing that the proper documentation is collected to complete the sale.
Stewardship Conference ReportDavid Byerly recently attended a conference that explored the vision and mission of churches, representatives from 26 churches were present. David will providing a report of his experience and the principals covered to the council and the congregation.
Nominating TeamThere will be three positions to fill this year on Council. A Nominating Team is as-sembling to nominate new congreagational members to serve.
Pastor’s Report-There will 15-20 new members joining soon. New member class date to be announced.-Pastor would like focus some energy on how we are building community as our num-bers continue to increase. Coffee hour will need to change to reflect this growth. -In the near future we will need to consider the growth of our youth/family minis-tries and begin praying and thinking about a minister/director to help with these needs. -Time to begin preparing for the Annual Congregational Meeting scheduled for Janu-ary 8th. There will be one service at 10:00am and the meeting will be at 11:30am. It will be a potluck lunch.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10pmLord’s Prayer recited and peace shared.
