pastor’s column page 2 candle art - clover...

12

PARTING SHOT

Prince of Peace members Adam and Katie Thiesen stand next to the “Unconditional Love Shown Here” sign at the entrance to

Prince of Peace Church.

Visit us on the Web! www.princeofpeacelutheran.net

BENJAMIN AMENTA 2916 POLLY LANE FLOSSMOOR, IL 60422

A P R I L 2 0 1 4

I N T H I S I S S U E :

Pastor’s Column page 2 Parish Announcements pages 4 — 11 Stewardship page 5 Parish Calendar Insert

Prince Of Peace Newsletter

A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 667 W. 8th Street Chicago Heights, IL 60411 Parish Office: 708.481.3222 [email protected] Visit is on the web... www.princeofpeacelutheran.net Sunday Eucharist: 9.30 a.m. Holy Days: As Announced

EASTER VIGIL

CHAMPAGNE

RECEPTION:

April 19th!

Candle Art This year at Prince of Peace, our three affirmers (confirmands) are designing and carving the 2014 Paschal Candle. Through the use of art, wax, and chemistry (kyrie, eleison!), they have spent several Sundays perfecting their design and carving it into the blank candle. The candle makes its debut at the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday, April 19th, and will burn throughout the Great Fifty Days and then throughout 2014. Come and join us as we celebrate the Triduum and the wonderful work these young people have done!

2

F R O M T H E P A S T O R

SEVERAL YEARS AGO AFTER EASTER, I told our staff at Prince of Peace “things will calm down after Easter and we won’t be so busy.” We are still waiting for that lull to come, and perhaps such busy-ness is the re-sult of life on this side of Easter. In fact, things have not calmed down at Prince of Peace which is a sign of health in our communal life to-gether. By the time you get this newsletter, you will all have re-ceived a letter from me commu-nicating to you the end of my call as your pastor and the next part of my journey. As I wrote to you, that comes with mixed emotions. But particularly as we move towards the Triduum and the Great Fifty Days of Easter, I am reminded the pro-found meaning of this cycle of Easter renewal and what that has meant at Prince of Peace. Indeed, all parishes should be—and certainly Prince of Peace is an “Easter People” who are not left “comfortless” (as the scrip-tures say), but who are living in a call and a ministry that is never devoid of its “Easter busy-ness.” That work—given by God for this parish to do– is not the purview of a certain pastor, or even a certain time in its history. Rather, it continues onward be-cause Easter continues onward, and that is something in which we rejoice with a loud and robust “Alleluia.” So, what work yet needs to be done? As we move into the summer months, there is much that will require your help. We will need to work with PADS to prepare for the summer shelter in this place; we will need to tend to and hopefully expand our summer box gardens; we will need to prepare for another season of Godly Play in the fall; we will need to plan liturgies and execute them as a reflec-

tion of the particular charism of this parish; we will need to see to it that ongoing discussion of the faith continues to take place in both Faith Forum and our First Wednesday Group; we will need to trust God more than we trust the dis-ruption of transitions; we will need to believe

firmly the words that echo and ring through such transitions and which

mark the baptismal life: “Let your light so shine before oth-ers, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Fa-ther in heaven.” The work of Easter (which, as it turns out, never “slows down”) is the work of baptismal vocation. One of my jobs after I leave you and before I begin the next part of my jour-ney is to return to the parish of my baptism (Our Saviour’s, Waubay South Dakota) to visit the place where I was baptized and in which I was made a part of this ongoing Easter work (“...it never slows down”). And while that visit will certainly be special, each baptismal font that we approach speaks of this Eastertide work. It is a great mystery that our entire lives and the journeys that we are on

swirl around in those shallow waters which are—in reality—very much deeper than they first appear. The stillness of the water belies their “busy-ness,” and—no matter what the future holds—it is necessary that we return to that water again and again and again to seek what it is that God is giving us to do. The same is true for parishes, and will be true for Prince of Peace in these coming weeks and months. Christians, just like plants, need water to grow. And, just like the gardens on our front lawn, they will grow if continually renewed by baptismal water. We do not fling water on you during Eastertide as mere symbol. We fling it on you to make real

“The work of Easter...is the

work of baptismal vocation.”

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P A R I S H A N N O U N C E M E N T S

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S E R V A N T S I N C H R I S T

ALTAR FLOWERS/SANCTUARY LIGHT

APRIL BIRTHDAYS 4/7 Sharron Hanson

4/11 Brandi Stevenson 4/12 Karen Blackful

4/14 Carrie Lucas

4/16 Marilyn Neulieb

4/21 Austin Schuricht 4/23 Nancy Saski

4/27 Mark Veldhuizen

ASSISTING MINISTERS 4/6 Dave Elliot/Jim Sasaki

4/13 Dave Elliott/Greta Veldhuizen

4/17 Greta Veldhuizen (M)

Dave Elliott/Janet Irvine (E) 4/18 Dave Elliott/Steve Homberg

4/19 Steve Homeberg/Janet Irvine

4/20 Greta Veldhuizen/Jim Sasaki

4/27 Dave Elliot/Jim Sasaki

LECTORS 4/6 Jean Scott/Colleen Larson 4/13 Janet Irvine/Lois Davia 4/17 Joyce Weckwert (m)/Gayle Homberg (e) 4/18 Joyce Weckwert (m)/Janet Irvine (e) 4/19 TBA 4/20 Katie Thisen/Lovell Spencer 4/27 Colleen Larson/Diane Moses

GREETERS 4/6 Janet Irvine 4/13 Helen Owens 4/20 Diane Matus 4/27 Mary Close

COUNTERS 4/6 Steve Homberg/Richard Fink 4/13 John Matus/Paul Swope

4/20 Diane Moses/Jean Scott

4/27 Don Forest/Greta Veldhuizen

ALTAR CARE Carolyn Hoogweg

GODLY PLAY DOORKEEPERS 4/6 Judy Balogh 4/27 Diane Moses

COUNTERS NEEDED! Prince of Peace is always in need of addi-tional volunteers to serve on Counting Teams. Benefits include: - Training! - Endless fun with a calculator! - Service to this parish community! - Camaraderie with other POPers! - Low time commitment! Do not be afraid! Sign up? Speak with Pastor Shebeck and we’ll get you squared away!

3


FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT

Greta Veldhuizen Parish President

On April 20th we celebrate the highest festival of the church year, The Resurrec-tion of Jesus; everything in

the Church’s life revolves around this celebra-tion of life that is restored. Each Sunday we confess our faith in the Creeds: HE was crucified, died and was bur-ied: HE descended to the dead. On the third day HE rose again and ascended into the heaven. This is what we as Lutheran believe. Then we celebrate the Holy Eucharist every Sunday, Jesus at the Last Supper identi-fied the loaf of bread and cup of wine symbol-izing his body and his blood to be shed. The Salvation of the world entirely de-pends on the resurrection of Christ; and that joyful fact helps us to give a resounding: “Alleluia!”

the notion that you need to be watered, and that only God can do that. God has promised to do it, and so we take that word of grace as being true enough to bank our whole lives (and our deaths!) on it. At the Great Vigil of Easter, you are each handed a candle as the acclamation is sung “The Light of Christ!” to which you respond “Thanks be to God!” Into a darkened Church you go, and what was once one light very quickly turns into many lights piercing the darkness as the Church “...sings the praises of this candle, which your servants the bees have made for your glory.” The first time I heard the “Bee reference” I about burst out laughing until I recognized what it was saying: that like us, even the tiniest of God’s creation has a part to play in the ongoing work of an Easter that knows no end. Everyone contributes, even bees, to the work God gives us to do. As you move ahead, Prince of Peace will likewise need “all hands on deck” to propel this parish for-ward, building on the good work that we have done and moving this parish to a new place of grace and renewal. So, as we come to the great Holy Week and the Triduum, please join us in entering again into this time of joy and hope. The ser-vices are long (to be sure!), but so is the Easter life: it appears, it does not slow down. Instead, it keeps going and even accelerates, calling us to unfurl our “Alleluia” banner and hang it up squarely in the places that we live. How will that banner yet be hung up in the life of this Parish? Where does it need to be hung and who needs to see it? Will you remember that it is hanging near the baptismal font when you need to touch the water and be reminded whose you are? Lord Almighty...will this every slow down? Nope. My prayers go with you as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the renewal of life. Remember that: we celebrate the life of God that has become our own life. Rev. Dr. Patrick H. Shebeck Pastor, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

THE PRINCE OF PEACE UTILITY FUND—WILL YOU HELP? Our “Utility Fund” up and running (no pun intended!) and you are invited to join us in this special appeal to offset some of our energy costs. Be-cause of the terribly brutal

winter, Prince of Peace has been hit particu-larly hard by our heating costs (our gas bill in February alone was $2300.00). Will you help us offset some of these costs by a special gift? Special envelopes to help are available in the Sunday bulletin, or you can send in your dona-tion directly to the parish office. Please mark on the memo line “Utility Fund.”

4


LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS CONTINUE Lent continues through

the first half of April, and—as has been the cus-tom at Prince of Peace—our midweek evening services will again be preceded by a simple soup supper. This is a time for simple prayer and fellowship, and you are welcome to join us!

GOOD SAMARITAN GROCERY CARDS Several times a month, Prince of Peace gives out grocery gift cards to drop-in people in need. These gift

cards—$25.00 each— are specifically to one of our local grocery stores, and do not allow re-cipients to purchase anything but food. We are always in need of more of these gift cards, and memorializing someone with the gift of a gro-cery gift-card is a great way to have a real, tan-gible impact on the lives of those in need. If you would like to give a card, they are $25.00 each; please speak with the pastor, and we will get you all set up!

ECO PALMS Once again this year, Prince of Peace will be using “Eco-Palms” on Palm Sunday. These palms are grown in a sustainable fashion and the farmers who harvest them are paid a fair and living wage, exhibiting our commitment as a parish to justice for those who work. Tradi-tionally, palms are taken home on Palm Sun-day and put behind a cross on the wall for the year. This year, you can feel especially good about your palm—it comes to us in a fair and just way!

First Wednesdays

Wednesday, April 2, 10.00 a.m.

Pray + Laugh + Learn

“First Wednesdays,” typically occurs on the first Wednesday of every month; we gather for prayer, fellowship, and reading/discussion together. In September, we began reading Kath-leen Norris’ (Dakota, The Cloister Walk, Amaz-ing Grace) Acedia and

Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life. This book has raised all kinds of discussion regarding faith, apathy, and how Christians are called to make a dif-ference in the world even when “acedia” sets in.

10.00 a.m. Brief Morning Prayer in the Church

10.30-11.15 a.m. Fellowship, treats, and “Acedia & Me.”

Even if you have not been able to at-tend “First Wednesdays” before, you are always welcome to join us; books are provided, and the discussion is always fascinating. Come and join us! acedia, a slothful, soul-weary indifference long recog-nized by monastics.

All are welcome

9


TRIO VOCE in CONCERT at Prairie State College Auditorium, Monday April 21st at 7:30 pm

Jasmine Lin, violin ~ Marina Hoover, Cello and Patricia Tao, piano. Program: Haydn Trio in D major, Hob. XV: 24~ Zemlinsky Trio in D minor, op 3 ~

Schubert Trio in B flat major, D. 898 For the benefit of the Friends of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and the Prairie State College Foundation.

Adults $25 Students $5 Tickets for this event are available in the Parish Office

Thanks to a generous donation, the proceeds from the sale of these tickets directly benefit Prince of Peace Parish.

8


The Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Holy Week and Triduum Schedule at Prince of Peace

Palm/Passion Sunday + Sunday, April 13th

9.30 a.m. Blessing of the Palms and Celebration of the Holy Eucharist with the Visitation of the Bishop

Holy Monday-Holy Wednesday + April 14th-16th

7.30 p.m. Daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

Maundy Thursday + April 17th 10.00 a.m. Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

7.30 p.m. The Triduum Begins: Proper Liturgy with the washing of Feet and Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

Good Friday + April 18th

10.00 a.m. Morning Prayer with Sermon 12.00—3.00 p.m. Church Open for Private Prayer and Reflection

7.30 p.m. Adoration of the Crucified and Proper Liturgy for Good Friday

The Great Vigil of Easter + April 19th 7.30 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter

10.30 p.m. Champagne Reception (East Room)

Easter Sunday + April 20th 9.30 a.m. Festival Celebration of the Holy Eucharist with

Singers and Brass

5

S T E W A R D S H I P

gram will take a holistic approach, integrating with Lutheran HIV and AIDS programming in Na-mibia. Together, the two programs will raise the profile and reduce the stigma of both diseases within Namibian communities — bringing suc-cess to both programs. The Lutheran malaria program in Namibia is a community-based, comprehensive effort that is designed for long-term sustainability. An organ-ized volunteer infrastructure will cascade malaria education to the local levels. Access to preventa-tive supplies (such as nets, insecticides and tools

for environmental management), malaria treatment and malaria in-terventions for pregnant women will be dramatically increased. Ul-timately, and most importantly, lives will be saved from this pre-ventable and treatable disease. The ELCA is looking to you and to members of this church to help take the ELCA Malaria Cam-paign work into the next country – Namibia. If $250,000 is raised, there will be enough to kick-start programing in Namibia, the last country in their rollout plan. We ask you to pray and con-

sider joining thousands of ELCA members across this church and millions of people around the world in taking action. Please consider observing this day by making a special offering for the ELCA Malaria Campaign on Sunday, April 27, 2014. We are already making a difference in 12 countries in Africa. Together, we can make it 13. Gracious God, we confess that we often fail to hear the cries of our sisters and brothers around the world. Turn us outward and help us to listen and respond to the voices of those who suffer, especially those who live with the constant threat of malaria. Compassionate God, we pray for the young children who are so vulnerable to the devastating effects of malaria, and for the mothers and fathers who have lost beloved children to the disease. Comfort them in their grief and suffering, deliver them from pain and fear and fill them with your peace; Amen. -The Stewardship Team

April is here, and Lent continues – through April 12. Sunday, April 13, is Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week culminating with the paschal triduum, or the Three Days. The Three Days is at once the most ancient, the most intimate, the most solemn and the most joyful festival of the whole year of grace. It includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the great Vigil of Easter. The triduum or Three Days is at the center of these holy days; Lent flows to it and Easter flows from it. In these holy days we find both our identity and our mission – remembered in the past, made present through word and sacrament, and propelling us with invincible hope into the future. We ask that you commit to participating in this most ancient, in-timate, solemn, and joyful festival. Come and be awed. Come and be in-spired. Come and be reconnected to both your identity and your mission as a disciple of Jesus, the Christ. ============================== April is also Malaria awareness month with World Malaria Day coming up on April 25. This is another opportu-nity to do something big for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. For the last several years, the ELCA has observed World Malaria Day by dedicating an entire week to raising funds and awareness for our com-panions’ programs. To date, we have joined hands in 12 African countries to help fight malaria, and we have seen great progress. This year, let’s make it 13. For the ELCA Malaria Campaign, 2014 brings the opportunity to expand programming to include the country of Namibia. Namibia is one of just eight African nations on their way to achieving the Millennium Development Goal of a 75 percent reduction in malaria by 2015. Through the ELCA Malaria Campaign and malaria programing in Na-mibia, Lutherans will be a part of the final push to-ward achieving this target. The Lutheran program in Namibia will join successful malaria programs in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe as part of a regional effort in Southern Africa. Building on the strong foundation of these successful Lutheran pro-grams in the region, and the national momentum around malaria, the Lutheran malaria program in Namibia is positioned for success. The program builds on the past — and it will be a model for the future. The Lutheran malaria pro-

“Stewardship is everything we

do, after we say, ‘I believe.’”

-Clarence Stoughton

6

PARISH COUNCIL SUMMARY The parish council met in regular session on Wednesday, March 19. Much is happening dur-ing Lent. Our three Confirmands will affirm their baptism on Sunday May 4th. Greta will plan a reception for them after the service. Two of the three will be having a “Quinceanera” at Prince of Peace, a custom that is cherished in the Latino culture. The first was Sunday March 23rd. The Parish Rummage Sale will be towards the end of May or early June. Several volunteers are working on this event already. We will be working with PADS this summer on our parish garden with our guests from PADS. The Council authorized Pastor Shebeck to nego-tiate with PADS in a summer schedule for their use of our East Room. The Council agreed to post a “no gun” sign on our door. Respectfully submitted, Diane Moses, Council Secretary

PASCHAL CANDLE This year, we are thankful to the Matus family who have again donated the Paschal Candle in memory of Leo Matus. This year’s candle is particularly special, as it was designed, carved, and painted by our own three Affirmers: Ashley, Emily, and Erica. The Paschal Candle tradition-ally has three elements: a cross, the year, and the Greek signs for Alpha and Omega. The af-firmers formulated this design on the blank can-dle and carved it with the help of their sponsors and Catechist. Come and see its debut at the Great Vigil of Easter!

STEWARDSHIP

RETURN OF THE ALLELUIA Prince of Peace’s Catechumenate and Godly Play group produced an “Alleluia” that was “buried” (in the altar) on Transfiguration, March 2nd. The word “Alleluia” is not said or sung during Lent, and the “farewell” to the word is long a tradition in the Christian Church, where a banner with the word is either buried or hidden in some way. It will reappear at the Great Vigil of Easter.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS Last Lent, Prince of Peace hung in the Church the fourteen “Stations of the Cross” using contem-porary imagery. These disturbing im-ages were used as a Lenten Devotional by

many members of Prince of Peace Parish, and will be again this year (with some new sta-tions). You are invited to view the stations and take one of the “Stations of the Cross” guide-books from the back of the Church. At various times for our midweek liturgies, we will walk the stations as part of our Morning and Evening Prayer. If you have not made use of this devo-tional tool in the past, now is your chance! You may be pleasantly surprised at how mov-ing these images are when coupled with the story of Christ’s passion.

7


ALTAR FLOWERS & SANCTUARY LIGHT Prince of Peace Lutheran Church has a long-standing tradition of members giving the flowers and sanctuary light in honor or mem-ory of a loved one or special occa-sion. Sign up charts are posted on the bulletin board in the in the narthex, you may also call the par-ish office at708-481-3222 to make

arrangements. If you would like to give flow-ers the cost is $15.00 per vase. If you would like to give light-which lasts a week the cost is $10. Because no flowers are used during Lent, those who give during that season will have their gifts moved forward to Eastertide.

VISITATION OF THE BISHOP On Palm Sunday (April 13), Prince of Peace is happy to wel-come our Bishop, the Rev. Wayne Miller of the Metropoli-

tan Chicago Synod. Bishop Miller will pre-side and preach that morning, and then join us for Faith Forum.

SUNDAY FAITH FORUM CONTINUES God thinks the world is worth saving. When we are close to God, we too will want to save the world. Fo r anyone who dismisses Lent as a seemingly endless time

of self-sacrifice and introspection, this 6-week study for Lent offers a breath of fresh air. It con-nects prayer and other inner spiritual practices with outward actions of mercy and compassion. George Donigian guides you to grow in your prayer life by praying about daily news reports, discovering the needs around you, and respond-ing with love and compassion.

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM SUNDAY, MAY 4 Three young women will affirm their baptism at Prince of Peace on the Sec-ond Sunday of Easter, May 4th. Please join us and the families of Ash-ley Arebalo, Erica Decker, and Emily

Arebalo as we celebrate this milestone on the journey of faith. A reception will follow in the East Room!

EASTER GARDEN Please join Price of Peace in cele-brating the Resurrection of Our Lord as we decorate the alter for Easter by donating a lily, tulip or a hyacinth in memory of a loved one or friend or just to be part of

the Easter Garden. The cost per plant is $9.00. Please find an envelope in this newsletter; enve-lopes and payment must be returned to the office by Palm Sunday, April 13th.

On Saturday March 22nd, Prince of Peace celebrated the Quinceanera Mass for member Emily Arebalo. Pictured are Pr. Shebeck, Emily Arebalo, and Dr. Janet Irvine.

12

PARTING SHOT

Prince of Peace members Adam and Katie Thiesen stand next to the “Unconditional Love Shown Here” sign at the entrance to

Prince of Peace Church.

Visit us on the Web! www.princeofpeacelutheran.net

BARBARA ANDERSON 500 DEER TRAIL ROAD CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL 60411

A P R I L 2 0 1 4

I N T H I S I S S U E :

Pastor’s Column page 2 Parish Announcements pages 4 — 11 Stewardship page 5 Parish Calendar Insert

Prince Of Peace Newsletter

A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 667 W. 8th Street Chicago Heights, IL 60411 Parish Office: 708.481.3222 [email protected] Visit is on the web... www.princeofpeacelutheran.net Sunday Eucharist: 9.30 a.m. Holy Days: As Announced

EASTER VIGIL

CHAMPAGNE

RECEPTION:

April 19th!

Candle Art This year at Prince of Peace, our three affirmers (confirmands) are designing and carving the 2014 Paschal Candle. Through the use of art, wax, and chemistry (kyrie, eleison!), they have spent several Sundays perfecting their design and carving it into the blank candle. The candle makes its debut at the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday, April 19th, and will burn throughout the Great Fifty Days and then throughout 2014. Come and join us as we celebrate the Triduum and the wonderful work these young people have done!

2

F R O M T H E P A S T O R

SEVERAL YEARS AGO AFTER EASTER, I told our staff at Prince of Peace “things will calm down after Easter and we won’t be so busy.” We are still waiting for that lull to come, and perhaps such busy-ness is the re-sult of life on this side of Easter. In fact, things have not calmed down at Prince of Peace which is a sign of health in our communal life to-gether. By the time you get this newsletter, you will all have re-ceived a letter from me commu-nicating to you the end of my call as your pastor and the next part of my journey. As I wrote to you, that comes with mixed emotions. But particularly as we move towards the Triduum and the Great Fifty Days of Easter, I am reminded the pro-found meaning of this cycle of Easter renewal and what that has meant at Prince of Peace. Indeed, all parishes should be—and certainly Prince of Peace is an “Easter People” who are not left “comfortless” (as the scrip-tures say), but who are living in a call and a ministry that is never devoid of its “Easter busy-ness.” That work—given by God for this parish to do– is not the purview of a certain pastor, or even a certain time in its history. Rather, it continues onward be-cause Easter continues onward, and that is something in which we rejoice with a loud and robust “Alleluia.” So, what work yet needs to be done? As we move into the summer months, there is much that will require your help. We will need to work with PADS to prepare for the summer shelter in this place; we will need to tend to and hopefully expand our summer box gardens; we will need to prepare for another season of Godly Play in the fall; we will need to plan liturgies and execute them as a reflec-

tion of the particular charism of this parish; we will need to see to it that ongoing discussion of the faith continues to take place in both Faith Forum and our First Wednesday Group; we will need to trust God more than we trust the dis-ruption of transitions; we will need to believe

firmly the words that echo and ring through such transitions and which

mark the baptismal life: “Let your light so shine before oth-ers, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Fa-ther in heaven.” The work of Easter (which, as it turns out, never “slows down”) is the work of baptismal vocation. One of my jobs after I leave you and before I begin the next part of my jour-ney is to return to the parish of my baptism (Our Saviour’s, Waubay South Dakota) to visit the place where I was baptized and in which I was made a part of this ongoing Easter work (“...it never slows down”). And while that visit will certainly be special, each baptismal font that we approach speaks of this Eastertide work. It is a great mystery that our entire lives and the journeys that we are on

swirl around in those shallow waters which are—in reality—very much deeper than they first appear. The stillness of the water belies their “busy-ness,” and—no matter what the future holds—it is necessary that we return to that water again and again and again to seek what it is that God is giving us to do. The same is true for parishes, and will be true for Prince of Peace in these coming weeks and months. Christians, just like plants, need water to grow. And, just like the gardens on our front lawn, they will grow if continually renewed by baptismal water. We do not fling water on you during Eastertide as mere symbol. We fling it on you to make real

“The work of Easter...is the

work of baptismal vocation.”

11


Apr

il 20

14

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Mon

Tu

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ed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1

2 10am

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30pm

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S E R V A N T S I N C H R I S T

ALTAR FLOWERS/SANCTUARY LIGHT

APRIL BIRTHDAYS 4/7 Sharron Hanson

4/11 Brandi Stevenson 4/12 Karen Blackful

4/14 Carrie Lucas

4/16 Marilyn Neulieb

4/21 Austin Schuricht 4/23 Nancy Saski

4/27 Mark Veldhuizen

ASSISTING MINISTERS 4/6 Dave Elliot/Jim Sasaki

4/13 Dave Elliott/Greta Veldhuizen

4/17 Greta Veldhuizen (M)

Dave Elliott/Janet Irvine (E) 4/18 Dave Elliott/Steve Homberg

4/19 Steve Homeberg/Janet Irvine

4/20 Greta Veldhuizen/Jim Sasaki

4/27 Dave Elliot/Jim Sasaki

LECTORS 4/6 Jean Scott/Colleen Larson 4/13 Janet Irvine/Lois Davia 4/17 Joyce Weckwert (m)/Gayle Homberg (e) 4/18 Joyce Weckwert (m)/Janet Irvine (e) 4/19 TBA 4/20 Katie Thisen/Lovell Spencer 4/27 Colleen Larson/Diane Moses

GREETERS 4/6 Janet Irvine 4/13 Helen Owens 4/20 Diane Matus 4/27 Mary Close

COUNTERS 4/6 Steve Homberg/Richard Fink 4/13 John Matus/Paul Swope

4/20 Diane Moses/Jean Scott

4/27 Don Forest/Greta Veldhuizen

ALTAR CARE Carolyn Hoogweg

GODLY PLAY DOORKEEPERS 4/6 Judy Balogh 4/27 Diane Moses

COUNTERS NEEDED! Prince of Peace is always in need of addi-tional volunteers to serve on Counting Teams. Benefits include: - Training! - Endless fun with a calculator! - Service to this parish community! - Camaraderie with other POPers! - Low time commitment! Do not be afraid! Sign up? Speak with Pastor Shebeck and we’ll get you squared away!

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FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT

Greta Veldhuizen Parish President

On April 20th we celebrate the highest festival of the church year, The Resurrec-tion of Jesus; everything in

the Church’s life revolves around this celebra-tion of life that is restored. Each Sunday we confess our faith in the Creeds: HE was crucified, died and was bur-ied: HE descended to the dead. On the third day HE rose again and ascended into the heaven. This is what we as Lutheran believe. Then we celebrate the Holy Eucharist every Sunday, Jesus at the Last Supper identi-fied the loaf of bread and cup of wine symbol-izing his body and his blood to be shed. The Salvation of the world entirely de-pends on the resurrection of Christ; and that joyful fact helps us to give a resounding: “Alleluia!”

the notion that you need to be watered, and that only God can do that. God has promised to do it, and so we take that word of grace as being true enough to bank our whole lives (and our deaths!) on it. At the Great Vigil of Easter, you are each handed a candle as the acclamation is sung “The Light of Christ!” to which you respond “Thanks be to God!” Into a darkened Church you go, and what was once one light very quickly turns into many lights piercing the darkness as the Church “...sings the praises of this candle, which your servants the bees have made for your glory.” The first time I heard the “Bee reference” I about burst out laughing until I recognized what it was saying: that like us, even the tiniest of God’s creation has a part to play in the ongoing work of an Easter that knows no end. Everyone contributes, even bees, to the work God gives us to do. As you move ahead, Prince of Peace will likewise need “all hands on deck” to propel this parish for-ward, building on the good work that we have done and moving this parish to a new place of grace and renewal. So, as we come to the great Holy Week and the Triduum, please join us in entering again into this time of joy and hope. The ser-vices are long (to be sure!), but so is the Easter life: it appears, it does not slow down. Instead, it keeps going and even accelerates, calling us to unfurl our “Alleluia” banner and hang it up squarely in the places that we live. How will that banner yet be hung up in the life of this Parish? Where does it need to be hung and who needs to see it? Will you remember that it is hanging near the baptismal font when you need to touch the water and be reminded whose you are? Lord Almighty...will this every slow down? Nope. My prayers go with you as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the renewal of life. Remember that: we celebrate the life of God that has become our own life. Rev. Dr. Patrick H. Shebeck Pastor, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

THE PRINCE OF PEACE UTILITY FUND—WILL YOU HELP? Our “Utility Fund” up and running (no pun intended!) and you are invited to join us in this special appeal to offset some of our energy costs. Be-cause of the terribly brutal

winter, Prince of Peace has been hit particu-larly hard by our heating costs (our gas bill in February alone was $2300.00). Will you help us offset some of these costs by a special gift? Special envelopes to help are available in the Sunday bulletin, or you can send in your dona-tion directly to the parish office. Please mark on the memo line “Utility Fund.”

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LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS CONTINUE Lent continues through

the first half of April, and—as has been the cus-tom at Prince of Peace—our midweek evening services will again be preceded by a simple soup supper. This is a time for simple prayer and fellowship, and you are welcome to join us!

GOOD SAMARITAN GROCERY CARDS Several times a month, Prince of Peace gives out grocery gift cards to drop-in people in need. These gift

cards—$25.00 each— are specifically to one of our local grocery stores, and do not allow re-cipients to purchase anything but food. We are always in need of more of these gift cards, and memorializing someone with the gift of a gro-cery gift-card is a great way to have a real, tan-gible impact on the lives of those in need. If you would like to give a card, they are $25.00 each; please speak with the pastor, and we will get you all set up!

ECO PALMS Once again this year, Prince of Peace will be using “Eco-Palms” on Palm Sunday. These palms are grown in a sustainable fashion and the farmers who harvest them are paid a fair and living wage, exhibiting our commitment as a parish to justice for those who work. Tradi-tionally, palms are taken home on Palm Sun-day and put behind a cross on the wall for the year. This year, you can feel especially good about your palm—it comes to us in a fair and just way!

First Wednesdays

Wednesday, April 2, 10.00 a.m.

Pray + Laugh + Learn

“First Wednesdays,” typically occurs on the first Wednesday of every month; we gather for prayer, fellowship, and reading/discussion together. In September, we began reading Kath-leen Norris’ (Dakota, The Cloister Walk, Amaz-ing Grace) Acedia and

Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life. This book has raised all kinds of discussion regarding faith, apathy, and how Christians are called to make a dif-ference in the world even when “acedia” sets in.

10.00 a.m. Brief Morning Prayer in the Church

10.30-11.15 a.m. Fellowship, treats, and “Acedia & Me.”

Even if you have not been able to at-tend “First Wednesdays” before, you are always welcome to join us; books are provided, and the discussion is always fascinating. Come and join us! acedia, a slothful, soul-weary indifference long recog-nized by monastics.

All are welcome

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TRIO VOCE in CONCERT at Prairie State College Auditorium, Monday April 21st at 7:30 pm

Jasmine Lin, violin ~ Marina Hoover, Cello and Patricia Tao, piano. Program: Haydn Trio in D major, Hob. XV: 24~ Zemlinsky Trio in D minor, op 3 ~

Schubert Trio in B flat major, D. 898 For the benefit of the Friends of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and the Prairie State College Foundation.

Adults $25 Students $5 Tickets for this event are available in the Parish Office

Thanks to a generous donation, the proceeds from the sale of these tickets directly benefit Prince of Peace Parish.

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The Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Holy Week and Triduum Schedule at Prince of Peace

Palm/Passion Sunday + Sunday, April 13th

9.30 a.m. Blessing of the Palms and Celebration of the Holy Eucharist with the Visitation of the Bishop

Holy Monday-Holy Wednesday + April 14th-16th

7.30 p.m. Daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

Maundy Thursday + April 17th 10.00 a.m. Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

7.30 p.m. The Triduum Begins: Proper Liturgy with the washing of Feet and Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

Good Friday + April 18th

10.00 a.m. Morning Prayer with Sermon 12.00—3.00 p.m. Church Open for Private Prayer and Reflection

7.30 p.m. Adoration of the Crucified and Proper Liturgy for Good Friday

The Great Vigil of Easter + April 19th 7.30 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter

10.30 p.m. Champagne Reception (East Room)

Easter Sunday + April 20th 9.30 a.m. Festival Celebration of the Holy Eucharist with

Singers and Brass

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S T E W A R D S H I P

gram will take a holistic approach, integrating with Lutheran HIV and AIDS programming in Na-mibia. Together, the two programs will raise the profile and reduce the stigma of both diseases within Namibian communities — bringing suc-cess to both programs. The Lutheran malaria program in Namibia is a community-based, comprehensive effort that is designed for long-term sustainability. An organ-ized volunteer infrastructure will cascade malaria education to the local levels. Access to preventa-tive supplies (such as nets, insecticides and tools

for environmental management), malaria treatment and malaria in-terventions for pregnant women will be dramatically increased. Ul-timately, and most importantly, lives will be saved from this pre-ventable and treatable disease. The ELCA is looking to you and to members of this church to help take the ELCA Malaria Cam-paign work into the next country – Namibia. If $250,000 is raised, there will be enough to kick-start programing in Namibia, the last country in their rollout plan. We ask you to pray and con-

sider joining thousands of ELCA members across this church and millions of people around the world in taking action. Please consider observing this day by making a special offering for the ELCA Malaria Campaign on Sunday, April 27, 2014. We are already making a difference in 12 countries in Africa. Together, we can make it 13. Gracious God, we confess that we often fail to hear the cries of our sisters and brothers around the world. Turn us outward and help us to listen and respond to the voices of those who suffer, especially those who live with the constant threat of malaria. Compassionate God, we pray for the young children who are so vulnerable to the devastating effects of malaria, and for the mothers and fathers who have lost beloved children to the disease. Comfort them in their grief and suffering, deliver them from pain and fear and fill them with your peace; Amen. -The Stewardship Team

April is here, and Lent continues – through April 12. Sunday, April 13, is Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week culminating with the paschal triduum, or the Three Days. The Three Days is at once the most ancient, the most intimate, the most solemn and the most joyful festival of the whole year of grace. It includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the great Vigil of Easter. The triduum or Three Days is at the center of these holy days; Lent flows to it and Easter flows from it. In these holy days we find both our identity and our mission – remembered in the past, made present through word and sacrament, and propelling us with invincible hope into the future. We ask that you commit to participating in this most ancient, in-timate, solemn, and joyful festival. Come and be awed. Come and be in-spired. Come and be reconnected to both your identity and your mission as a disciple of Jesus, the Christ. ============================== April is also Malaria awareness month with World Malaria Day coming up on April 25. This is another opportu-nity to do something big for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. For the last several years, the ELCA has observed World Malaria Day by dedicating an entire week to raising funds and awareness for our com-panions’ programs. To date, we have joined hands in 12 African countries to help fight malaria, and we have seen great progress. This year, let’s make it 13. For the ELCA Malaria Campaign, 2014 brings the opportunity to expand programming to include the country of Namibia. Namibia is one of just eight African nations on their way to achieving the Millennium Development Goal of a 75 percent reduction in malaria by 2015. Through the ELCA Malaria Campaign and malaria programing in Na-mibia, Lutherans will be a part of the final push to-ward achieving this target. The Lutheran program in Namibia will join successful malaria programs in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe as part of a regional effort in Southern Africa. Building on the strong foundation of these successful Lutheran pro-grams in the region, and the national momentum around malaria, the Lutheran malaria program in Namibia is positioned for success. The program builds on the past — and it will be a model for the future. The Lutheran malaria pro-

“Stewardship is everything we

do, after we say, ‘I believe.’”

-Clarence Stoughton

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PARISH COUNCIL SUMMARY The parish council met in regular session on Wednesday, March 19. Much is happening dur-ing Lent. Our three Confirmands will affirm their baptism on Sunday May 4th. Greta will plan a reception for them after the service. Two of the three will be having a “Quinceanera” at Prince of Peace, a custom that is cherished in the Latino culture. The first was Sunday March 23rd. The Parish Rummage Sale will be towards the end of May or early June. Several volunteers are working on this event already. We will be working with PADS this summer on our parish garden with our guests from PADS. The Council authorized Pastor Shebeck to nego-tiate with PADS in a summer schedule for their use of our East Room. The Council agreed to post a “no gun” sign on our door. Respectfully submitted, Diane Moses, Council Secretary

PASCHAL CANDLE This year, we are thankful to the Matus family who have again donated the Paschal Candle in memory of Leo Matus. This year’s candle is particularly special, as it was designed, carved, and painted by our own three Affirmers: Ashley, Emily, and Erica. The Paschal Candle tradition-ally has three elements: a cross, the year, and the Greek signs for Alpha and Omega. The af-firmers formulated this design on the blank can-dle and carved it with the help of their sponsors and Catechist. Come and see its debut at the Great Vigil of Easter!

STEWARDSHIP

RETURN OF THE ALLELUIA Prince of Peace’s Catechumenate and Godly Play group produced an “Alleluia” that was “buried” (in the altar) on Transfiguration, March 2nd. The word “Alleluia” is not said or sung during Lent, and the “farewell” to the word is long a tradition in the Christian Church, where a banner with the word is either buried or hidden in some way. It will reappear at the Great Vigil of Easter.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS Last Lent, Prince of Peace hung in the Church the fourteen “Stations of the Cross” using contem-porary imagery. These disturbing im-ages were used as a Lenten Devotional by

many members of Prince of Peace Parish, and will be again this year (with some new sta-tions). You are invited to view the stations and take one of the “Stations of the Cross” guide-books from the back of the Church. At various times for our midweek liturgies, we will walk the stations as part of our Morning and Evening Prayer. If you have not made use of this devo-tional tool in the past, now is your chance! You may be pleasantly surprised at how mov-ing these images are when coupled with the story of Christ’s passion.

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ALTAR FLOWERS & SANCTUARY LIGHT Prince of Peace Lutheran Church has a long-standing tradition of members giving the flowers and sanctuary light in honor or mem-ory of a loved one or special occa-sion. Sign up charts are posted on the bulletin board in the in the narthex, you may also call the par-ish office at708-481-3222 to make

arrangements. If you would like to give flow-ers the cost is $15.00 per vase. If you would like to give light-which lasts a week the cost is $10. Because no flowers are used during Lent, those who give during that season will have their gifts moved forward to Eastertide.

VISITATION OF THE BISHOP On Palm Sunday (April 13), Prince of Peace is happy to wel-come our Bishop, the Rev. Wayne Miller of the Metropoli-

tan Chicago Synod. Bishop Miller will pre-side and preach that morning, and then join us for Faith Forum.

SUNDAY FAITH FORUM CONTINUES God thinks the world is worth saving. When we are close to God, we too will want to save the world. Fo r anyone who dismisses Lent as a seemingly endless time

of self-sacrifice and introspection, this 6-week study for Lent offers a breath of fresh air. It con-nects prayer and other inner spiritual practices with outward actions of mercy and compassion. George Donigian guides you to grow in your prayer life by praying about daily news reports, discovering the needs around you, and respond-ing with love and compassion.

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM SUNDAY, MAY 4 Three young women will affirm their baptism at Prince of Peace on the Sec-ond Sunday of Easter, May 4th. Please join us and the families of Ash-ley Arebalo, Erica Decker, and Emily

Arebalo as we celebrate this milestone on the journey of faith. A reception will follow in the East Room!

EASTER GARDEN Please join Price of Peace in cele-brating the Resurrection of Our Lord as we decorate the alter for Easter by donating a lily, tulip or a hyacinth in memory of a loved one or friend or just to be part of

the Easter Garden. The cost per plant is $9.00. Please find an envelope in this newsletter; enve-lopes and payment must be returned to the office by Palm Sunday, April 13th.

On Saturday March 22nd, Prince of Peace celebrated the Quinceanera Mass for member Emily Arebalo. Pictured are Pr. Shebeck, Emily Arebalo, and Dr. Janet Irvine.

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