december 2016-january 2017 - clover sitesstorage.cloversites.com/edisonparklutheranchurch...michelle...

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Worship Life 2

Leadership 3

Worship 4

Growing 8

Outreach 10

Calendar 6,7

Inside this issue:

6626 N. Oliphant Ave., Chicago, IL 60631 + www.edisonparkchurch.com + 773-631-9131 Mission: Mission: Mission: Mission: To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did...so that all may know Him.To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did...so that all may know Him.To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did...so that all may know Him.To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did...so that all may know Him.

December 2016/January 2017December 2016/January 2017December 2016/January 2017December 2016/January 2017

HOSPITALITYHOSPITALITYHOSPITALITYHOSPITALITY As Christmas nears, we are reminded that Christ’s welcome into the world was not so pleasant. In the midst of the holiday season I think of hospitality. Hearts warm, and we are more inclined than ever to welcome people in the spirit of the season.

When I think of the Parable of the Prodigal I think of hospitality. There is so much to the story, yet the welcome home is the point at which I find myself sighing with a sense of deep peace. It is in the gesture of the father—his hands reaching toward his child with gentle intensity—where my reflections rest and are content to linger.

We all want to be welcomed home. We all, at some point, want to know and be known—and still be welcomed home. One hopes to be recognized—worn out, messed up, covered with the mud and madness that is life—but known and loved all the same. My brother, my sister, my neighbor, my friend in faith, my daughter, son, parent, stranger walking along the same path of life, ah, yes, it is you, still, welcome home!

Yes, as we take another step toward God’s day for us, we hope for nothing less than to be welcomed and accepted for who, and whose, we are—children of the Father, one and all. I few years ago I read Danny Meyer’s book, Setting the Table. In it, he writes: “I had begun to understand that business and life have a lot in common with a hug. The best way to get a good one was first to give one.” Meyer’s book is about the art and prac-tice of hospitality.

As most of you know—and many who also lean toward introversion under-stand—hugging is not always in the comfort zone of some. Introverts tend to hug with their eyes. I’m not usually a hugger in the traditional sense, though deep down introverts, I think, often wish they were huggers. Are any of you surprised by this revelation? I do enjoy a hug, though, when one comes my way.

The father of the prodigal may not have been a hugger either, but his eyes met, and knew, the silhouette of his child. Long before he was home he began to hug this weary, lost child with his eyes. Even as the hurt, heartache, disappointment and pain rushed through his mind, he could not help himself. Love for another, who walked the same path of life, was more powerful than all the traces of garbage and baggage still there. Even swine perfume would not hold back this love. May we know this love, and share it. It is Jesus’ love for us and for all.

May we be as welcoming to others as Jesus is to us, and be changed again by the story of the Christ child born in the manger.

Pastor Michael Sparby

Worship ScheduleWorship ScheduleWorship ScheduleWorship Schedule SaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday

5p5p5p5p

SundaySundaySundaySunday

8a8a8a8a

9a*9a*9a*9a*

10:30a*10:30a*10:30a*10:30a*

*Sunday School *Sunday School *Sunday School *Sunday School offered at both servicesoffered at both servicesoffered at both servicesoffered at both services

Christmas FestivalChristmas FestivalChristmas FestivalChristmas Festival Sunday, December 4Sunday, December 4Sunday, December 4Sunday, December 4

4p4p4p4p

EEEEddddiiiissssoooonnnn PPPPaaaarrrrkkkk LLLLuuuutttthhhheeeerrrraaaannnn ++++ wwwwwwwwwwww....eeeeddddiiiissssoooonnnnppppaaaarrrrkkkkcccchhhhuuuurrrrcccchhhh....ccccoooommmm ++++ 777777773333....666633331111....9999111133331111

Office , misc . , Sympathy & Celebration

Church Office Hours Church Office Hours Church Office Hours Church Office Hours 8:30a to 4p — Monday through Thursday

8:30-12:30—Friday

Opportunities to ServeOpportunities to ServeOpportunities to ServeOpportunities to Serve Bulletin Crew—Fridays at 9:00 a.m.

Worship Participants—serve one Sunday a month

MemorialsMemorialsMemorialsMemorials Edison Park Lutheran Church is grateful for the following: In memory of Gloria Tobin Gloria Tobin Gloria Tobin Gloria Tobin to the General Fund from Kathy Tobin In memory of Mickey and Franra Ehrhard Mickey and Franra Ehrhard Mickey and Franra Ehrhard Mickey and Franra Ehrhard to the General Fund from Wendy In memory of Jeff Wilk Jeff Wilk Jeff Wilk Jeff Wilk to the Foundation from Marge and Chuck Doud To Holy Family School from Marge and Chuck Doud, Russell and Karen Peterson To the General Fund from James and Shaman Galezewski To the General Fund in honor of Virginia Sorensen Virginia Sorensen Virginia Sorensen Virginia Sorensen from Craig Sorensen and Michael White

Prayer Requests (as of 11/17/16)Prayer Requests (as of 11/17/16)Prayer Requests (as of 11/17/16)Prayer Requests (as of 11/17/16) ◊ Bob Anderson

◊ Rich Bake (John Cherry’s cousin)

◊ Karen Bartel

◊ Gary Benson (Cousin of the Bensons)

◊ Leo Bernet (Sue Mark’s friend)

◊ Carol Bonk

◊ Beverley Brumm

◊ Rob Burke

◊ Marge Cherry (John Cherry’s mom)

◊ Fred Chipman (Mary Hanson’s brother)

◊ Tony Ciminllo (Rosalie Greco’s brother)

◊ Viola Collins-Brown

◊ Mae Dumas

◊ Ed Dunn

◊ Bob Franden (Cindy Anderson’s friend)

◊ Kay Grassl

◊ Mary Hanson

◊ Jacquie Hartmann

◊ Craig Heffernan

◊ Les Kinney

◊ Diane Knutson

◊ Abbey Kunneman (Paul Specialle’s niece)

◊ Pam Leeuw (Toni Juarez’s sister)

◊ Michelle Leibrock (Leibrock’s daughter-in-law)

◊ Van Lund

◊ Angela and Scott May and baby Tanner (Pam Arri-azola’s friends)

◊ Viola Moore (Chauncey’s grandma)

◊ Millie Placko (Sandy’s mom)

◊ Charlotte & Henry Rizzo (Friends of Khyla Baumhardt)

◊ Emily Skifano

◊ Clarice Smoot (Marilyn Baalson’s sister)

◊ Brian Sparrgrove (Barb Williams’ brother)

◊ Gary Spickerman (Marilyn Cook’s brother)

◊ Barbara Zage

◊ Those serving in the military from our congregation: John Minelli and Peter Specialle

Life & GrowthLife & GrowthLife & GrowthLife & Growth

Baptism: Baptism: Baptism: Baptism: November 20—Finnley Hendrix Shellberg

Wedding:Wedding:Wedding:Wedding:

November 26—Meghan Creighton and Thomas Nuzzo

New Member ReceptionNew Member ReceptionNew Member ReceptionNew Member Reception Sunday, December 11, 5Sunday, December 11, 5Sunday, December 11, 5Sunday, December 11, 5----7 @ Parsonage7 @ Parsonage7 @ Parsonage7 @ Parsonage

If you are new to EPLC, if you’ve been here a while but have not yet officially joined our congregation or if you have already joined but have not yet attended one of the receptions, you are invited to a reception at the pastor’s

home. Sign up at the Welcome Center.

Spiritual Gifts Corner Spiritual Gifts Corner Spiritual Gifts Corner Spiritual Gifts Corner Can you think of a SpiritCan you think of a SpiritCan you think of a SpiritCan you think of a Spirit----lifting sto-lifting sto-lifting sto-lifting sto-

ry? It may be an example of someone using their spiritual gift. Pastors ry? It may be an example of someone using their spiritual gift. Pastors ry? It may be an example of someone using their spiritual gift. Pastors ry? It may be an example of someone using their spiritual gift. Pastors and congregation members attended a recent conference to learn how to and congregation members attended a recent conference to learn how to and congregation members attended a recent conference to learn how to and congregation members attended a recent conference to learn how to let God use their Spiritual Gifts. When people do ministry based on their let God use their Spiritual Gifts. When people do ministry based on their let God use their Spiritual Gifts. When people do ministry based on their let God use their Spiritual Gifts. When people do ministry based on their Spiritual Gifts they are happier, more content and and the task at hand Spiritual Gifts they are happier, more content and and the task at hand Spiritual Gifts they are happier, more content and and the task at hand Spiritual Gifts they are happier, more content and and the task at hand is not considered a burden. It comes easy for them. When you hear a is not considered a burden. It comes easy for them. When you hear a is not considered a burden. It comes easy for them. When you hear a is not considered a burden. It comes easy for them. When you hear a SpiritSpiritSpiritSpirit----lifting story, text it to Ed at 816 806 9170. lifting story, text it to Ed at 816 806 9170. lifting story, text it to Ed at 816 806 9170. lifting story, text it to Ed at 816 806 9170.

P A G E 2

Budget PresentationBudget PresentationBudget PresentationBudget Presentation Sunday, January 22 @

11:30a

Annual Voters Annual Voters Annual Voters Annual Voters MeetingMeetingMeetingMeeting

Sunday, January 29 @ 11:30a


Ministry Area—leadership

Reflections from our Associate in Ministry (AIM)Reflections from our Associate in Ministry (AIM)Reflections from our Associate in Ministry (AIM)Reflections from our Associate in Ministry (AIM)

Dear Friends,

As we prepare our hearts during this season of Advent, and look forward to celebrating the birth of the Christ Child, we realize that another year is drawing to a close, and a new year is only weeks away. Although this is often a time for par-ties and celebration, many of us may find ourselves feeling anxious at this time of year. Maybe we’ve lost a loved one and we wonder how we will simply get through the holidays. Others may be estranged from friends and loved ones, and the holidays are a time of sadness as they grieve that separation. Some might be struggling with alcoholism and find this time of year particularly difficult as they attend social functions. And many are experiencing unemployment or underemployment, and wonder if they will ever be able to use their experience and skills to earn an adequate income.

I encourage you to seek out those who might be hurting at this time of year. Call and offer to spend time with them, listen to them, and invite them to church to worship with you. Pray for them and ask God how he might use you to be a blessing in their life. Many times we fail to reach out because we’re afraid of saying the wrong thing, so we avoid the person, or we avoid bringing up their grief. Most will tell you that it’s better to risk saying the wrong thing, than nothing at all. Let people know you care and that you want to walk the journey with them.

Christmas and New Year Blessings to you and your family!

Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry

Update from our TreasurerUpdate from our TreasurerUpdate from our TreasurerUpdate from our Treasurer————Thanks for responding to our requests for help and generously supporting the many

ministries of EPLC. Because of your gifts, we can pay our normal expenses, heat and light and take care of our beautiful church. Also, we can have growing, thriving programs and activities. As of October 31, we are $29,220 below plan on income. Expenses are $12,478 above plan. So, the net result is $41,698 be-low plan. With the help of the Foundation through October, the net balance in the General Operating Fund was $19,365. BUILDING MAINTENANCE: This fall we committed to a major project to continue fixing the bell tower and the other parts of the building brickwork/mortar. This project included multiple phases, repair and replacements of many bricks, grinding and tuck pointing. The project involved getting permits, aerial lift machinery and coordination with ComEd. The work was completed successfully and at a very competitive price. The cost was $14,400. This year we relied on the Foundation more than planned. Thank you to the Foundation for the additional help. This year, EPLC and the Foundation both stepped up to our Mission Statements. EPLC: “To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did.so that all may know him.” Foundation: “To support the mission of Edison Park Lutheran Church in a life-giving way.” We received our final gift for the year from the Foundation in October. We will be relying totally on your gifts to support our ministry until next year. If you are considering a special gift, now would be a fitting time to do it. And remember that another way to give is to donate stocks or other securities. Donating appreciated securities is one of the best and easiest ways to support Edison Park Lutheran Church. You can take advantage of significant tax saving by making a contribution. When you donate securities, you may claim their full fair market value as a charitable deduction on your personal tax return. Because you are donating rather than selling the securities, you do not report or pay capital gains tax on the appreciation, maximizing your gift while minimizing your taxes Please pray for our ministry, Wayne Oberschelp, Treasurer P.S. As you might know, I have been involved with the Foundation and the Church for a long time. Now I am no longer an officer of the Foun-dation and will not be on the Council because of term limits. This year I have seen excellent teamwork and dialogue in both organizations. Leadership on both sides is working very well with each other. I know that both organizations are living up to their missions and our ministry will be strong!

P A G E 3

October Income YTD Actual Income

YTD Planned Income

October Income - Expenses

$45,030 $416,535 $445,755 $345.03

October Expens-es

YTD Actual Expense

YTD Planned Expenses

YTD Shortfall

$44,685 $592,426 $579,948 $(176,236)


Ministry Area—worship

Vibrant Lutheran Worship Vibrant Lutheran Worship Vibrant Lutheran Worship Vibrant Lutheran Worship

SaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday 5:00pm5:00pm5:00pm5:00pm –––– Evensong Evensong Evensong Evensong A calming blend of traditional and contemporary music, liturgical elements and multi-media.

SundaySundaySundaySunday 8:00 am Traditions8:00 am Traditions8:00 am Traditions8:00 am Traditions A worship service centered in hymns, scripture, sermon, and communion at the altar rail.

9:00 am & 10:30am9:00 am & 10:30am9:00 am & 10:30am9:00 am & 10:30am–––– New Song New Song New Song New Song A mix of litanies, liturgies, traditional and contemporary music, a children’s time with kids then being dismissed for Sunday School and returning to worship during the post-sermon hymn, the preaching text, choirs, sermon, and com-munion at stations and/or the altar rail.

2016 Christmas Festival2016 Christmas Festival2016 Christmas Festival2016 Christmas Festival Sunday, December 4th + 4:00 pmSunday, December 4th + 4:00 pmSunday, December 4th + 4:00 pmSunday, December 4th + 4:00 pm Our Music Department is excited for our upcoming Christ-mas Festival. Hosanna, Cherub, and Sanctuary choirs, Jubi-lee Ringers, guests vocalists Viola CollinsViola CollinsViola CollinsViola Collins----BrownBrownBrownBrown and Thom-Thom-Thom-Thom-as Forde as Forde as Forde as Forde and a chamber orchestra will help prepare our minds and hearts for the coming birth of the Savior. Our children’s choirs, with 25 children, will be presenting a reenactment of the first Nativity. Through choir anthems, congregational hymn singing, solos and a pageant, this will be an event to help get you in the true Christmas spirit! Come see the hard work the musicians have been putting in since September! A freewill offering will be taken during the concert. No tickets are required for the event and there is no admission fee.

Looking for transportation to the Festival?Looking for transportation to the Festival?Looking for transportation to the Festival?Looking for transportation to the Festival? Please sign up at the Welcome Center or call the church office. Our handicap accessible church van will be available complete with two chauffer's. They van will pick you up and drop you off right at your door step. Sign up today with your name, address and phone number to reserve your spot!

The Assistant Organist ProgramThe Assistant Organist ProgramThe Assistant Organist ProgramThe Assistant Organist Program The Assistant Organist of the Day will get to sit with the organist at the organ console during the 9:00 am Sunday Service and help out by pushing buttons, turning pages, and even playing a few notes. The main goals of the program are to learn about the job of the church or-ganist, experience worship more meaningfully, and most of all to have fun! No musical experience or skill required. Open to all ages (age 6 and older). Sign up now at the Welcome Center for dates beginning in January!

Christmas EveChristmas EveChristmas EveChristmas Eve + Saturday, December 24+ Saturday, December 24+ Saturday, December 24+ Saturday, December 24

4:00 p.m. Festival Worship 4:00 p.m. Festival Worship 4:00 p.m. Festival Worship 4:00 p.m. Festival Worship with Children’s Message and Children’s Choir

Note Time Changes!

9:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship 9:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship 9:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship 9:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship with Synoma Hays -Soloist, Choir, and Strings

10:30 p.m. Candlelight Worship10:30 p.m. Candlelight Worship10:30 p.m. Candlelight Worship10:30 p.m. Candlelight Worship

with Synoma Hays-Soloist, Choir, and Strings

Christmas Day + Christmas Day + Christmas Day + Christmas Day + Sunday, December 25Sunday, December 25Sunday, December 25Sunday, December 25 10:00 a.m. Festival Worship10:00 a.m. Festival Worship10:00 a.m. Festival Worship10:00 a.m. Festival Worship with Instrumentalists and Harp

The First Sunday of ChristmasThe First Sunday of ChristmasThe First Sunday of ChristmasThe First Sunday of Christmas————Dec 31/Jan 1Dec 31/Jan 1Dec 31/Jan 1Dec 31/Jan 1

Saturday, December 31stSaturday, December 31stSaturday, December 31stSaturday, December 31st 5:00 p.m. Worship

6:00 pm New Year’s Eve Dinner Sign up at the Welcome Center

Sunday, January 1stSunday, January 1stSunday, January 1stSunday, January 1st

10:00 am Worship ONLY

What Is The Meaning of Liturgical Colors?What Is The Meaning of Liturgical Colors?What Is The Meaning of Liturgical Colors?What Is The Meaning of Liturgical Colors? Advent:Advent:Advent:Advent: Blue is associated with Advent, suggesting hope. This association originated in Scandinavia, probably be-cause purple dye was too expensive for churches to use. Christmas:Christmas:Christmas:Christmas: White, calling to mind the purity of the newborn Christ, and to our light and joy in him.

P A G E 4


Worship Continued

A Minute for Mission with MattA Minute for Mission with MattA Minute for Mission with MattA Minute for Mission with Matt A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with a priest about the hymn The King of Love My Shepherd Is. He asked me to add it to the funeral mass for an elderly Irish lady. We got to talking about the imagery of Jesus as the Shepherd and how we both found it so simple and yet profound. Unfortunately for me, our conversation got cut short by the start of the funeral. But that imagery evoked from that con-versation has not left. During our conversation, he brought up the painting of Jesus the Shepherd knocking at the door. This painting depicts Jesus knocking at what appears to be the front door of a house. A further look into the painting reveals that there is no handle on the front of the door. The only handle is on the inside - how does the door open? The person knocking on the outside has no way to open it. Whoever is on the inside must open the door. And those are not just any doors – they are the doors of our hearts. Think for a second about the state of your heart. Knock, knock. Is it open or closed? If you are like me, I instantly say the door is open and Jesus enters in! Amen! But then I take a deeper look and something else is revealed. My heart isn’t always completely open – and sometimes I just assume Jesus is going to enter through the outside handle. This handle, by the way, doesn’t exist.

Through Advent and the weeks after Christmas, we hear through scripture and song, about the coming of our Lord. We are a people lost in darkness. Darkness has sur-rounded us – physically and figuratively. Our days have the

shortest sunlight of the whole year. The news media has more dark than uplifting news to report. So we find our-selves waiting. Waiting…..waiting……waiting. We all are waiting for the day. We are longing for the day. That day when Jesus, our bright Morningstar, will be born. When he is born within us, his presence will calm our fears and anxieties and brighten our days. All this is such a pre-cious gift – however it doesn’t just appear all of a sudden. We have to be open to receiving it. It will not be able to enter through a shut door. We have to open the doors of our hearts when we hear the knocking. We have to make the effort to consciously look within ourselves and ask, Am I ready to receive him?

December is always a crazy busy month. From decorating the house, to buying presents, to baking, the list goes on. However, let us never get to busy to make time for our-selves. Our personal well-being depends on it. Whether it’s the first thing we do when we wake up, the last thing we do before we sleep, or even for a few seconds while on the commode. Take a moment to quiet the noise, refocus our minds, and quiet your heart. Find an image and focus on it – whether it is the Christmas tree, a candle, or your home nativity scene. Find a phrase to become your Advent Man-tra – even if it is as simple as “Come, Lord Jesus, Come.” Repeat it over and over– get lost in it, even if it is just for a minute or two. It’s a practice that is not always easy to do at first - but it is ever so important. Waiting requires pa-tience and patience is a virtue…so it will take time but it will be worth it. Your reward WILL be great in Heaven!

Let every heart prepare him room…and heaven and nature sing! (Isaac Watts, Joy to the World 267)

““““’Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more.’” ’Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more.’” ’Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more.’” ’Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more.’” ---- Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. SSSSeeeeuuuussssssss

Its that time of year again. Christmas season is upon us. While the hustle and bustle of Christmas season is both exhilarating and

exhausting, we, as Christians, need to take time to remember the reason that we celebrate. A little over 12 years ago, my wife

and I were blessed with the birth of our son. We named him Matthew. Though it wasn’t the main reason we chose the name,

while searching through baby name books, we learned that the meaning of the name Matthew is “Gift of God.” To us, a more

fitting name could not be had. While all parents experience times of trial, and we are no different, we are reminded every day of

our gift from God and all the blessings that come with him. We celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus, the ultimate Gift from

God. Due to His great gift and sacrifice of His Son, we are saved. There is certainly no greater gift. During this blessed Holiday

Season, please take time to reflect on His great gift-The Greatest Gift.

Since 1965 donations to the Edison Park Lutheran Foundation have helped sustain the life of Edison Park Lutheran Church.

Since it was established, over $2,000.000 have been gifted to EPLC to sustain and grow its ministry. We welcome your gifts

during this festive Christmas season and throughout the whole year.

Please ask a Foundation Director if you would like to know more. Directors are: Dale Ammentorp, Joe Bartel, Barry Bleeker,

Mark Dupke, Gary Duszak, Kurt Gustafson, Monika Hemm, Rick Janci, Wayne Oberschelp, Alice Rybak, and Klay Schmeisser.

A blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year from the EPLC Foundation Board of Directors!

Foundation Corner

P A G E 5


P A G E 6 P A G E 6


P A G E 7 P A G E 7


P A G E 8

Ministry Area—growing

Youth

Senior High Meets Tuesdays Senior High Meets Tuesdays Senior High Meets Tuesdays Senior High Meets Tuesdays 6666----8p 8p 8p 8p ---- All high school students are welcome! Bring your friends! Good con-versation, check in with highs and lows for the week, time together, hot topics discussions on the issues facing our gen-eration and how our faith intersects with them, bible study, and always some good food! Contact Chauncey HarrisonContact Chauncey HarrisonContact Chauncey HarrisonContact Chauncey Harrison, Youth and Family Ministry Director—[email protected].

Thanks to all who donated items for the Night Ministry Christmas stockings, The Cross Training class filled 78 stockings last night. Also thanks to those who donated gift cards and sewed the stockings.

Two order dates in December for MannaTwo order dates in December for MannaTwo order dates in December for MannaTwo order dates in December for Manna

Thank you to everyone who purchased cards for the Night Ministry through this program; to-gether we donated $240. We will be offering two back-to-back sales in December, in time for Christmas. Order dates will be Dec. 4th and 11th, with pickup on the following Sundays, Dec. 11th and 18th. Please consider ordering gift cards not just for presents, but for all your holiday preparations, everyday errands, and donations to various charities. New order packets will be available at the Welcome Center and North Hall; order forms are also available on the church website. Thank you for your participation, Monika Hemm and Vickie Nelson

Preschool

Confirmation Christmas Party

Wednesday, December 21st (6:00pm-7:30pm)

All students are asked to bring an individually wrapped gift or a $10 gift card. The party will also feature a Gingerbread House Contest as well. Questions? Contact Chauncey Harrison

Thank you to everyone who donated Thank you to everyone who donated Thank you to everyone who donated Thank you to everyone who donated to and attended the very first EPLC to and attended the very first EPLC to and attended the very first EPLC to and attended the very first EPLC

Preschool Art Gallery.Preschool Art Gallery.Preschool Art Gallery.Preschool Art Gallery.

The children showed off their The children showed off their The children showed off their The children showed off their amazing artistic abilities while amazing artistic abilities while amazing artistic abilities while amazing artistic abilities while parents and attendees enjoyed parents and attendees enjoyed parents and attendees enjoyed parents and attendees enjoyed refreshments and fellowship.refreshments and fellowship.refreshments and fellowship.refreshments and fellowship.

Edison Park Lutheran

Church Preschool

Art Gallery

Saturday, November 19, 2016


P A G E 9

Adults

Book of Faith Book of Faith Book of Faith Book of Faith Bible Study and Discussion Bible Study and Discussion Bible Study and Discussion Bible Study and Discussion We meet at 8a on Sundays in the Conference Room.

Men’s Breakfast Men’s Breakfast Men’s Breakfast Men’s Breakfast Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Just Like Home Restaurant , 8501 W. Dempster St.

in Niles. Casual, good food, good friends, good

fellowship!

Next: December 10, January 14Next: December 10, January 14Next: December 10, January 14Next: December 10, January 14

Book Club!Book Club!Book Club!Book Club! 2nd Thursdays @ 7:30p2nd Thursdays @ 7:30p2nd Thursdays @ 7:30p2nd Thursdays @ 7:30p December 8 & January 12December 8 & January 12December 8 & January 12December 8 & January 12 Please join us on December 8th to discuss a heartwarming Christ-mas story entitled The 13th Gift by Joanne Huist Smith. After the unexpected death of her hus-band, Joanne had no idea how she would keep herself together and be strong for her three chil-dren--especially with the holiday season approaching. But 12 days before Christmas, presents begin appearing on her doorstep with notes from their "True Friends." As the Smiths came together to solve the mystery of who the gifts were from, they began to thaw out from their grief and come together again as a family. This true story about the power of random acts of kindness will warm the heart, a beautiful reminder of the miracles of Christmas and the gift of family during the hol-iday season.

We will start the new year on

January 12th with a look into the

past—The Wright Brothers by

David McCullough. Orville and

Wilbur Wright were men of far-

ranging intellectual interests and

ceaseless curiosity. When they

worked together, no problem

seemed to be insurmountable.

Wilbur was unquestionably a

genius. Orville had such mechan-

ical ingenuity as few had ever

seen. That they had no more than a public high school

education and little money never stopped them in their

mission to take to the air. Nothing did, not even the self-

evident reality that every time they took off, they risked

being killed.

FAMILY


P A G E 1 0

Outreach continued

The Mitten Tree is Coming!The Mitten Tree is Coming!The Mitten Tree is Coming!The Mitten Tree is Coming! Help us decorate the Mitten Tree, located in Norblad Atrium. We will be collecting new hats, scarves, and gloves again this year so that those less fortunate can keep warm. The collection will start November 26th and con-tinue through New Year’s Day.

Toy Collection for Toy Collection for Toy Collection for Toy Collection for Holy Family’s Little Learners Holy Family’s Little Learners Holy Family’s Little Learners Holy Family’s Little Learners

Please consider purchasing a Christ-mas gift for a preschool-age boy or girl at the Holy Family Little Learn-er’s Academy. There are still many tags available at the Welcome Center. The presents should be wrapped and returned to church by Friday, December 9th.

New Year’s Eve PotluckNew Year’s Eve PotluckNew Year’s Eve PotluckNew Year’s Eve Potluck

Please plan on joining your fellow EPLCer’s for a New Year’s Eve potluck following the 5p worship service. Sign up to bring an appetizer, salad, entree, side or dessert at the Welcome Center. There’s a spot to sign up to help serve and clean up. We’ll have lots of good food and New Year’s fellow-ship.

Concordia Place Wishing Stars ProjectConcordia Place Wishing Stars ProjectConcordia Place Wishing Stars ProjectConcordia Place Wishing Stars Project

If you bought a gift for the Concordia Place Wishing Stars Project, please return the wrapped gift to the Welcome Center by December 4th. Questions? Contact Pam Miller.

Phil’s FriendsPhil’s FriendsPhil’s FriendsPhil’s Friends Saturday, January 28Saturday, January 28Saturday, January 28Saturday, January 28

We will be going at the end of January to Phil’s Friends in Roselle to help put together com-forting care packages that are given to people battling cancer.

We'll meet in parking lot at 9am. Our session is 930-1130. We'll should be back to church by 12noon.

Argentina Partner Argentina Partner Argentina Partner Argentina Partner Congregation/SchoolCongregation/SchoolCongregation/SchoolCongregation/School

San Lucas is planning to bring some teachers/students to visit us in Chicago in 2017. We are very excited to help make this visit possible. If you would like to support the student’s trips financially simply mark the memo portion of your check “Argentina students,” or do the same if you give electronically. Thanks!

This is a very exciting time for our partnership. We’ve hosted several teachers, sent two mission trip groups form Edison Park, and now will welcome these wonderful stu-dents.


P A G E 1 1

Quick, Easy, Secure & Appreciated!Quick, Easy, Secure & Appreciated!Quick, Easy, Secure & Appreciated!Quick, Easy, Secure & Appreciated! Many give Many give Many give Many give during worship each week, during worship each week, during worship each week, during worship each week, but here are but here are but here are but here are several additional ways you can give.several additional ways you can give.several additional ways you can give.several additional ways you can give. 1. Scan to Give1. Scan to Give1. Scan to Give1. Scan to Give————QR (Quick Response) Giving Has ArrivedQR (Quick Response) Giving Has ArrivedQR (Quick Response) Giving Has ArrivedQR (Quick Response) Giving Has Arrived————To make it faster and easier for

smartphone users to donate, Edison Park is pleased to provide a Quick Response (QR) code which is unique to EPLC and, when scanned with a smartphone’s QR code reader, connects the user directly to our mobile when scanned with a smartphone’s QR code reader, connects the user directly to our mobile when scanned with a smartphone’s QR code reader, connects the user directly to our mobile when scanned with a smartphone’s QR code reader, connects the user directly to our mobile donation page. donation page. donation page. donation page. 2. Our Giving Kiosk 2. Our Giving Kiosk 2. Our Giving Kiosk 2. Our Giving Kiosk is hereis hereis hereis here, , , , and available where you may swipe your debit/credit card to give, register or pay fees

online. It’s easy and secure. It’s available surrounding worship, and also throughout the week in the office. 3. Give via Text Message3. Give via Text Message3. Give via Text Message3. Give via Text Message————You may now give by sending a text to EPLC’s number————773773773773----825825825825----5629. 5629. 5629. 5629. In the text mes-In the text mes-In the text mes-In the text mes-

sage line sage line sage line sage line put a $ in front of the amount put a $ in front of the amount put a $ in front of the amount put a $ in front of the amount you wish to give.you wish to give.you wish to give.you wish to give.

4. Auto Pay through your bank4. Auto Pay through your bank4. Auto Pay through your bank4. Auto Pay through your bank————you can set up your offerings to be sent automatically from your account to the you can set up your offerings to be sent automatically from your account to the you can set up your offerings to be sent automatically from your account to the you can set up your offerings to be sent automatically from your account to the

church weekly or monthly.church weekly or monthly.church weekly or monthly.church weekly or monthly.

5. Simply Giving5. Simply Giving5. Simply Giving5. Simply Giving————is another automated way to give. Set it up through Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.is another automated way to give. Set it up through Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.is another automated way to give. Set it up through Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.is another automated way to give. Set it up through Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.

Thanks for your support! It Thanks for your support! It Thanks for your support! It Thanks for your support! It keeps our congregation a strong, and vibrant place to belong.. Choose a method of giving that works for you. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

For further information contact the office, or Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.For further information contact the office, or Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.For further information contact the office, or Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.For further information contact the office, or Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.

A way to Give While You ShopA way to Give While You ShopA way to Give While You ShopA way to Give While You Shop AmazonSmileAmazonSmileAmazonSmileAmazonSmile

Did you know that Edison Park Lutheran Church Foundation Inc. has a unique AmazonSmile link that makes it easier for people to find and support it?

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/36http://smile.amazon.com/ch/36http://smile.amazon.com/ch/36http://smile.amazon.com/ch/36----6132796613279661327966132796

Click on the link when you purchase from Amazon. Remem-Remem-Remem-Remem-ber to shop through smile.amazon.com, ber to shop through smile.amazon.com, ber to shop through smile.amazon.com, ber to shop through smile.amazon.com, rather than www.amazon.com. Once you choose the Foundation every time you purchase 0.5% of the price of all eligible purchases, will be sent to the Foundation.

Spiritual Gifts CornerSpiritual Gifts CornerSpiritual Gifts CornerSpiritual Gifts Corner Overheard: “I am looking forward to at-tending the Spiritual Gifts Discovery ses-sions scheduled for January 23, 30 and February 6. I just took my Spiritual Gifts in-ventory and am anxious to find out what it means. Will you attend the sessions with me?” When you think about Spiritual Gifts Discovery, thank about what makes you anxious to learn. God may have a pleasant surprise for you.

Save the Date!Save the Date!Save the Date!Save the Date! It's not too soon to register for the Spiritual Gifts Discovery.

Find out what your gifts are, how to use them and what your

passion is. You will be glad you did!

Sign up at the welcome center for 3 Monday nights at 7 PM -

January 23, January 30 and February 7.

.

Stephen Ministry is all about Christ-centered care in our community. Our Stephen Ministers are currently caring for many people in need, and our training class has six new Stephen Ministers who will be commissioned next Spring - they are finishing a third of their training pro-gram this week. Please contact Pastor Michael, Carole Edwards, or Bob Hotton if you or someone you know could benefit from a visit from a Stephen Minister.

Mark Your Calendars For These Upcoming Events at Edison Park!

Dec. 4 Festival Concert Dec. 9 Polar Express Dec. 24 Christmas Eve worship at 4, 9 & 10:30p Dec. 25 Christmas Day worship at 10a Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Worship 5p Dec/31 Potluck Dinner 6p Jan 1 Worship 10a ONLY Jan 22 Budget Meeting 11:30a Jan 29 Annual Meeting 11:30a Jan 29 EPLC on Ice 2p

Jan. 23, 30 and Feb. 6 Spiritual GiftsJan. 23, 30 and Feb. 6 Spiritual GiftsJan. 23, 30 and Feb. 6 Spiritual GiftsJan. 23, 30 and Feb. 6 Spiritual Gifts


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Edison Park Lutheran Church 6626 N. Oliphant Avenue Chicago, IL 60631

Phone: 773-631-9131 Fax: 773-631-6690 E-mail: www.edisonparkchurch.com

SHINING THE LIGHT OF GOD

ON THE WORLD AROUND US!

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