Issue #144 December, 2008

Newsletter oice T he V (630) 232-0165 (630) 232-4095 fax

www.genevalutheran.org

301 South Third Street Geneva, Illinois 60134

Our Mission Statement—As Baptized followers of Jesus we S.E.R.V.E.: Share

our faith in God.

Educate people to be

disciples of Jesus.

Reach out to gather others

into God’s loving family.

Volunteer our gifts & talents

in ministry.

Embrace the community.

Geneva Lutheran is an ELCA congregation.

Saturdays 5:30 p.m. Communion in Chapel

Sundays 8:00 a.m. Communion in Sanctuary

9:00 a.m. Missions CoffeeHouse, Free treats/drinks, LL 9:15 a.m. Education Hour 10:30 a.m. Communion in Sanctuary

Attended nursery is available on Sundays.

Alpha is over… or is it? How can something that was designed to bring people to Christ or help Christians grow in their faith be over so soon? Volunteers who helped with Alpha as group leaders and helpers and/or in food serving and preparation need to be thanked! The food and discussion groups were great. They were vital to the success of this course. As for the results, 55 adults attended regularly while about 40 others were present at least once. Fourteen people also attended the Alpha Weekend Event where they learned about the Holy Spirit—who He is, what He does and how they could be filled with the Spirit. All who attended were moved by the Spirit and left with a renewed enthusiasm for continued faith formation. Alpha is not about how many attended or how much food was consumed. Alpha is all about the relationships formed when spending 10 weeks with someone else who had the same desire to know Christ or grow in their faith. Alpha is all about growing in your relationship with God. How can you measure that? It can only be measured in the hearts of those who participated in Alpha. If you missed this opportunity to attend Alpha, stay tuned. It will run again in the Fall starting September 10, 2009. We look forward to seeing you, and any friends, family members or neighbors at Alpha 2009! If you have any questions, feel free to ask any of those who attended Alpha. If you attended Alpha and wish to share your faith story, please contact any Alpha 2008 Team Leaders—Ken Schlopkohl, Pastor Opp, Jamieson Olsen or Renee Riani.

Christmas Eve—Wed., Dec. 24 4:30 p.m.-Family Service

Children’s Choirs Adult-attended Nursery available.

10:30 p.m.—Worship Adult Choir, Handbells

Both evening services include Communion, Candlelight & Carols

Christmas Day—Thu., Dec. 25

11:00 am—Worship Communion celebrated.

1

Clearing out the Clutter Rev. Doug Opp, Senior Pastor

We celebrate our first Sunday of Advent on November 30. As this New Church Year begins, we take time to remember that the season of Advent is intended to help us to prepare ourselves for the true meaning of Christmas. Advent means “coming,” therefore we make ourselves ready for the coming of the Lord—the celebration of His First Coming and the anticipation of His promised Second Coming. Where do we begin in this preparation process? As people of faith, let me suggest, with ourselves, of course. We prepare our hearts and minds for Christ to live in us fully, and in doing so we get rid of the clutter within—the odds and ends of foolish thoughts and familiar sins we

find difficult to “let go and let God handle.” Advent is heart-cleaning time, so I encourage you to call upon the Holy Spirit to help make room for the best Guest anyone will ever know. Please note the guarantee, that when the Holy Spirit finishes with our hearts, you and I will have the best Christmas, ever! Due to the interest level during last Advent, I have added the following Advent wreath info to help us as a faith family properly prepare ourselves for the Lord Jesus’ Coming: The Prophecy Candle—“Lo, How a Rose Is Growing” LBW #58

Behold, a Branch is growing, of loveliest form and grace; as prophets sung foreknowing; it springs from Jesse’s race and bears one little Flow’r, in midst of coldest winter, at deepest midnight hour.

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son. Hebrews 1:1-2a The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2

The Bethlehem Candle—“O Little Town of Bethlehem” LBW #41 O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years, are met in thee tonight.

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, who origin is from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:2

The Shepherd’s Candle—“The First Noel” LBW #56 The first Noel the angel did say, Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay, Keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel.

An angel of the Lord stood before the shepherds, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see-I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people!” Luke 2:9-10 When the shepherds saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. Luke 2:17-18

The Angels’ Candle—“Angels We Have Heard on High” LBW #71 Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.

To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord! And this will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peas among those whom he favors!” Luke 2:11-14

New Member Reunion If you have become a member of the Geneva Lutheran congregation in the past five years, January 2004 to today, you are invited to a New Member Reunion on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 7:00 p.m. at church in the Chapel. My hope is that we can enjoy a brief time of fellowship and conversation in addition to some small group activities. We will also spend some time sharing ideas about future ministry/mission opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact me in person by phone at (630) 232-7062, or email pastor@genevalutheran.org. Pastor Doug

2

Joy at Work—Excerpts from a sermon by Dennis Bakke Did you ever notice that most of the work carried out by the biblical heroes was secular in nature? Noah was a shipbuilder, a zookeeper, and a cruise line captain. Abraham, a real estate developer. Esther wins a Miss America pageant so she can enter a harem before she becomes queen. That's secular! My favorite is Daniel. He went to King’s college, and became president of Iraq. How's that for a Christian calling? Most of us are called to secular workplaces just like these, not primarily as evangelists or disciplers, but to serve the ordinary needs of society, including our own needs. We know that Jesus spent 75 to 85 percent of his working life as a carpenter. Since

there was no wood in the area to speak of… Joseph and Jesus and others probably had jobs as stonemasons or contractors building homes and structures… And note that the structures they built were mostly for Greeks and Romans who inhabited that city, not necessarily Jewish folks. Jesus probably spent most of his work life as a secular builder, not primarily to evangelize, or even to reveal himself as Christ, but to serve basic human needs. ...There are two great job descriptions given to each of us… One is the Genesis stewardship mission… or public ministry. The second is the Great Commission in Matthew – to make disciples of all people. I am in no way suggesting that the emphasis we place on making disciples should be diminished. Nothing is more important than leading people to a saving relationship with Christ. But it is no more important work or mission than managing creation to meet the ordinary needs of others, and along the way, fulfill our own needs. I am afraid that… without support, encouragement, accountability and equipping by the local church, many of us will not take our calling to secular work as seriously as God intended. We will put in our time to earn money to provide for our family and fill the offering plate at our church. We will save our best efforts for our volunteer roles at the church or para-church – "sacred" work over secular work. This is not the "sold-out" effort that God had in mind… That is why few people are experiencing joy in the workplace, the way God intended. Is that the way it's supposed to be? Is that because we don't believe God wants our people to aspire to this kind of full-time work?... I conclude with my favorite work story in the Bible – the Parable of the Talents. The master, the boss, sends his employees out to work. He encourages them to take lots of risk, and to make mistakes and to make important decisions as well. He wants them to undertake random acts of responsibility. Notice that the boss never makes any of the decisions about their work, never approves their projects. He tries to drive out fear of making mistakes in the workplace. The only person who gets hammered is the one who, in that work setting, gets all tangled up in risk management and fails to take chances and make important decisions. Then the leader calls them back to account for their work. Those who invested aggressively and risked the most get a "well done good and faithful servant." It sounds to me a little like Genesis where God turns over management of creation to Adam and Eve to name the animals and work in the garden to provide for basic needs. God even gives away to us the biggest single decision of our life: to choose or reject him. In the Parable of the Talents, the boss ends with this little tag line. He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and then he says: "Enter into the master's joy." Labor and opus are two Latin words for work. Labor is where we get our word labor. It conjures up work as hard, something I have to do but would rather not. And opus, as in "Opus No. 32" connotes the creative aspect of work. Our Catholic friends use the word opus in their Opus Dei, or "God's work," which celebrates our calling to secular work in a profoundly Biblical way. On Monday when we go back to God's work – Opus Dei – the secular work to which we are called, let us do it with passion, with joy and with love, befitting God's call on our life. It is our primary mission, done for the glory of God. Do it and enter into the master's joy.

Give Proportionately…

is our way of giving in relation to our abundance. We are to give according to our

“means,” not according to an income or budget. “… If the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12

Our Benevolence is helping … Our Benevolence is helping … Our Benevolence is helping … The season of Christmas is over, but the memory of your goodness lingers. Because you took the time to remember us with your thoughtful gift of $100.00, we were able to extend both hope and hospitality to many people who needed a helping hand. Thanks and blessings from us to you, who helped make this season more bearable—even for poor and homeless folks at Hesed House. Ryan J. Dowd, Atty, MPA, Executive Dir., Hesed House

3

Preparation, planning, practice. Amy Steenson, Director of Music Ministries Preparation, Planning, Practice. Often times these words can provide a measure of probable success. When a project is on the horizon, we often spend hours of preparation, planning and practice. Consider hosting a dinner party. Your preparation and planning tasks include determining your guest list, sending out invitations, planning the menu, shopping for food, cleaning your home, setting the table, preparing the food, hosting your guests, and cleaning up afterwards. It can be a daunting task. What happens if the turkey you were planning to prepare doesn’t thaw in time? What if the weather is treacherous and your guests aren’t able to attend after all? Even when all signs point to a positive, successful result after careful planning, preparation and practice,

sometimes we must admit that there is life beyond our control. Advent is coming. Advent is the time in our church year when we specifically look to and talk about preparation and planning. I would imagine that Advent is a thrill for the list makers among us. But the fact is, as much as we plan and prepare we must also acknowledge that practice is part of the process as well. Thankfully our faith journey has many opportunities to practice. Look around our Faith Community. We spend time in worship together; there are times for study, fellowship, mission, service. All of these are important practice opportunities for our growing faith. And we recognize, too, that some things are outside of our control. What we trust through our faith journey is that even when things seem out of control, God is there and will sustain us. As you make your preparations for your Christmas Celebrations this year, don’t forget Advent. Consider taking the time to plan, prepare and practice for your faith journey as well. Advent is a precious time, reminding us that Christ is coming again. We need to “Get Ready”! Musically, we are well underway in the preparation, planning and practice for our celebration of the birth of Christ. Those involved in the music ministry at Geneva Lutheran are looking forward to sharing their musical preparation, planning and practice with you in this Advent season. Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events: • Sunday, Dec. 21—we will celebrate Advent in a Lessons and Carols celebration based on the O Antiphons. • Sunday, Dec. 21, Swedish American Glee Club Concert at Geneva

Lutheran—2:00 p.m. • Christmas Eve worship—4:30 p.m.—Worship with GLC

Instrumental Ensemble, Chimes, Cherubs and Choristers, Candlelight and Carols

• Christmas Eve worship—10:30 p.m.—Communion Worship with Adult Choir and Handbell Ensemble, Candlelight and Carols Both services include a half hour prelude and carol sing prior to the service.

• Christmas Day worship—11:00 a.m.—Communion Worship with Carols

December SERVE Group welcomes you to worship!

You are warmly welcomed and wonderfully served during Sunday morning worship in December by

the following GLC members. Please thank them for serving!

Craig & Karen Desens Mark & Janet Johnson

Chris & Joy Meade Cathy & Joe Mozden

Sue Nelson Barbara & Tom Noble

Kathy Panko Brian & Krin Peterson Judy & Tom Podjasek

Lynda Rivers Bill & Joyce Schultz Mike & Julie Slifka

Marty & Sandy Wambsganss

Chicago Swedish Glee Club

Come enjoy an afternoon of seasonal choral music. Hear the Chicago Swedish Glee Club in concert at Geneva Lutheran Church, Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2:00 p.m. A Free will offering will be

taken. The Chicago Swedish Glee Club, an all men’s chorus, was founded in 1869 and is the second oldest continuous performing all-men’s choir in the U.S. We hope you can join us to celebrate the Christmas Season and to enjoy fellowship together. Qs? Contact Amy Steenson, Director of Music Ministries 630-232-7036

Meet the band! Ali Cranmer, Youth/Young Adult Minister

On a cold Sunday Evening in November a group of fourteen Youth and Adults traveled north to a small school near Interstate 90. They all knew that they were heading to a concert of the most well known Christian Rock band of all times; but to their surprise the night ended up starting an hour earlier than originally planned. When they arrived at the college and stepped out of the cars, they were freezing; yet anxiously anticipating the night. Immediately they were told the reason for the early arrival—they were all going to get to meet the band! By the end of the night they not only met the band but they took pictures, got free posters, and received even more autographs after the show!

On Nov. 9, we took our Youth to see Superchick at Judson University. Although the music was EXCELLENT, the biggest joy of the night for me was seeing the students’ faces when they found out they had the opportunity to meet the band. It only took seconds for us to go inside, get their V.I.P. wrist bands and get in line to meet the #1 Christian Rock band of all time! At this point many of you are probably wondering what makes Superchick so well known… Their lyrics speak truth and realness into a world where many Christians can feel lost in their pain, or suffering. They also bring joy to a group that is rejoicing in what God is doing in their lives. For this generation, this is one musical group that helps our students to make sense of their faith, especially when they have questions.

“So stand in the rain; Stand your ground; Stand up when it's all crashing down You stand through the pain; You won't drown; And one day, what’s lost can be found. You stand in the rain.

“So stand in the rain; Stand your ground; Stand up when it's all crashing down

Stand through the pain; You won't drown; And one day, what’s lost can be found” -“Stand in the Rain” by Superchick

It was a night to remember. It was night to have fun and rejoice in what God is doing, and can do, in our lives. It was a night we will all never forget! Things to look forward to in December: • Live Nativity: Friday, Dec. 5. (More information to come.) • Club 56—Wednesdays—3rd—Finishing the Commandments, 10th—Board Game Night; 17th Christmas Party • Confirmation—Wednesdays—3rd—Live Nativity Rehearsal/Fitting; 10th—Service Project; 17th—Christmas

Party; 28th—Luigi’s Pizza 1:00-3:00pm • High School—Sundays—7th—11:30 a.m. Brown Bag Lunches into Chicago; 14th—11:30 a.m. Christmas Party

23rd—time TBA- Brookfield Zoo; 30th—time TBA- Whirly Ball! We hope to see you at some of the events!

4

• Are you married? • Are you single? • Do you have kids? • Would you consider

yourself young and looking for a group to connect with at GLC?

Well, you are in luck, on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 7:30 p.m. we will have our first ever Ice Cream Social at Colonial, Rt. 38 in Geneva. Please meet us there so we can discuss what you would like us to provide for you at Geneva Lutheran. Mike and I are really looking forward to meeting all of you! Call or e-mail Ali so that we can know how many people to expect! Qs? Ali Cranmer, (630) 232-7063, ali@genevalutheran.org.

College Age Ministry

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas… which means our college age students are back in town. Please call or e-mail Ali so that we can know how many people to expect!

• Saturday, Dec. 20—7:30 p.m., Game Night at GLC • Sunday, Jan. 4—Dinner and a Movie at Mike &

Ali’s House. Plan to be at their house by 6:00 p.m. Qs? Ali Cranmer, (630) 232-7063,

ali@genevalutheran.org.

5

Rx for Holiday stress. Barb Christenson, Faith Community Parish Nurse

Look for Christ in Christmas. Fill your life with God and you will be filled with His peace…. What should be a time of joy and ‘peace on earth’ has somewhere along the way morphed into one of the most stressful times of year. Unrealistic expectations and unreasonable demands have created a different holiday atmosphere where people are stressed, depressed, overwhelmed and just plain exhausted. As Christians, we seem to have the exact same issues as non-Christians in the way we act or talk or handle the stress of the holidays. Or do we? Instead of focusing on just ‘traditional’ ways to reduce holiday stress such as diet, rest and simplification, I offer suggestions on how to bring a more intentional focus on the true meaning Christmas. I hope the following will help bring peace to the

season and a more meaningful and blessed Christmas Day. • Begin your focus with the beginning of Advent: Our GLC Advent Family Faire this year was a great way to begin

the season and get ideas to celebrate the holidays in a way that will honor God. It was also a great opportunity for our children to learn the meaning and traditions of Christmas.

• Share with family and friends your desire to change your focus towards celebrating Christmas. Perhaps that means there will be less gift-giving among family, friends and co-workers and more giving to those who are less fortunate in the community. Annual gift-exchange monies could be pooled and given to a needy family, food pantry or homeless shelter. You may be surprised how others follow your lead and come up with great ideas of their own!

• Find time to relax, nurture your spirit and reflect on the simple joys of the holidays. When you feel overwhelmed, take a break. Read a Bible passage daily or get a book with short Christmas devotions.

• Bake cookies or muffins and take them to residents in a local nursing home. • Sign up for a choir Christmas program/service. • Take time to share memories during your holiday gatherings. Sharing can bring laughter and strengthen family

bonds. It can also help bring healing to grieving hearts if a loved one has been recently lost. • Give special thanks in prayer – Before the holiday meal take time to give thanks to God for giving us his only Son

and for the family and friends gathered that day. And stay grounded in prayer daily. • Attend Christmas Service with family, and, if possible, invite extended family who live in the area.

Kids & Holiday stress Children often experience holiday stress due to over-excitement or sadness for lost loved ones. Signs of child stress: • Hyperactivity • Crying and sadness • Clinging or fear of strangers • Worry, nightmares, fear of darkness • Regression to immature behavior such as bed wetting or thumb sucking. • Increased shyness or aggression • Headaches, stomachaches and other pains • Talking of death or dying

Some ideas on how to help: • Manage your own stress. • Maintain normal household routines. • Talk with youth about their feelings at a level they can understand. • Encourage youth to express their feelings through drawings or playing. • Enforce established rules and consequences. • Include youth in planning a ceremony to remember and honor lost loved ones. • Teach youth about different cultural holidays . • Involve youth in holiday preparation; ask for and include their ideas. • Spend peaceful individual time with each child, doing quiet activities they enjoy. (Try just 10 minutes a day!) • Have your entire family plan and participate in giving (time, money, gifts) to someone less fortunate.

SOURCE:www.alexandriava.gov/mhmrsa Barb Christenson, our Faith Community Nurse, responds to spiritual, emotional & physical concerns, (630) 232-7037, barb@genevalutheran.org.

Ongoing Bible study groups are open for anyone to join at any time. No prior Biblical knowledge is required to attend. Topics are stand alone, so come when you can! Contact persons are listed below.

Weekly Groups Women’s Bible Study—Mon. at GLC, 9:30 a.m., Joni Mickelsen. Ladies’ Bible Study—Thu. at Opp’s home, 1:00 p.m., Julie Opp. Monthly Groups Meet in homes for study and fellowship.

Mary Circle—1st Tue., 7 p.m., Sep. thru Jun. Linda Kilburg. Sarah Circle—3rd Tue., 1:30 p.m. Sep. to May. Marian Dexter. Martha Circle—4th Tue., 7 p.m., Sep. to May. Karen Bentson.

6

Road to Coronation—Mornings or evenings? You decide! Pre-Lenten Bible Study planned for Thursdays, Jan. 15 to Feb. 19

The “Road to Coronation” six-session study is a vivid portrait of Jesus the Servant King—who welcomed outcasts as family, touched and raised the dead, performed miracles that made astonishing theological statements, and confounded the spiritual authorities of His day. Little wonder that five days after Jesus entered Jerusalem, the center of religious and political power, His "coronation" took place ... on a cross. Vindicated in the resurrection and enthroned in the ascension, Jesus calls us to listen, believe, and follow, and to find life by giving it away. This Bible study from Crossways International will precede the Lenten season, as to prepare our hearts and minds to hear the message

to come. And the lessons may challenge many of our assumptions about scripture. The material level is appropriate for high school students to adults. Barb Christenson and Renee Riani, study leaders, have both received Crossways training and have previously led this study. The cost for the full-color study guide is $14.00. The study guide is very detailed, contains discussion questions, and allows for you to participate, even if you are unable to attend all six sessions. Two gathering times are being considered for Thursdays, Jan. 15 to Feb. 19, mornings, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., or evenings, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., held in the Chapel. If there is enough interest, both session times may be offered. If you are interested in participating, please contact the church office, (630) 232-0165, to reserve your study guide, indicate your preferred study schedule, and if you will need childcare.

The Purpose of Christmas Advent 2008 Mid-Week DVD Based Series Coming Soon

Pastor Doug will be hosting a three week study on Wednesday evenings in December titled, "The Purpose of Christmas" featuring Rick Warren of "The Purpose Driven Life" fame. The schedule includes the following: • Wednesday, December 3rd - Christmas is a time for Celebration • Wednesday, December 10th - Christmas is a time for Salvation • Wednesday, December 17th - Christmas is a time for Reconciliation

Sessions will meet in the Chapel, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Invite friends and/or neighbors!

Bible Study Focus

Mark your calendars now for our next series of New Member Classes. If you have been visiting Geneva Evangelical Lutheran Church and would like to make a commitment of membership, we invite you to the upcoming Sunday morning classes at 9:30 a.m. in our Chapel. The classes will be held on three Sundays—Jan. 11, 18 & 25. We will receive New Members during the 10:30 worship service on Sunday, Feb. 1, preceded by a Celebration Reception from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please indicate your interest on the “I Worshiped” form,

Our next Property Committee meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 25, 7:00 p.m. in the D. Abramson Resource Center, LL. Hope to see everyone there!

Qs? Craig Elliott.

7

Homeless Shelter serving Sun., Dec. 14

Need Lunch-making supplies. Contact Mike/Julie Slifka for what is

currently needed. Thank you so much for your continued support of this ministry!

Missions CoffeeHouse in Fellowship Hall on the lower level (elevator-accessible) begins at 9 a.m. and serves FREE specialty coffee drinks, regular/decaf coffee, hot chocolate, tea & cider and pastries during the

Education Hour. Donations go to a special project during next summer’s Philadelphia Mission Trip. Come down and enjoy!

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Wednesday, Nov. 26

7:00 p.m. Come and celebrate God’s rich blessings!

Immediately following worship, please join us for the Annual Pie Fellowship. Sign up to attend and bring your favorite pie to share. Relax before the holiday rush, and enjoy some excellent pie and the fellowship of your church family. Qs? Contact Leota Sprague.

Hanging of the Greens Friday, November 28

5:30 p.m. Everyone welcome! Come help us celebrate the season while we decorate the church. A light supper will be served. Make this special evening a part of your family traditions.

Qs? Contact Mirta Alder or Carol Giertz

Sunday, Dec. 14 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Our Sunday school students will present their Christmas Program, “The Not So Silent Night,” on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 9:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. Everyone is invited to attend and discover why, indeed, our vision of a “Silent Night” may be a bit off base. The program will be followed by a Birthday Party for Jesus in Fellowship Hall, lower level. Cake and punch will be served. You will also have opportunities to meet and greet the program’s cast members. We hope to see you there!

News you can use!

Pastor Doug is very willing and available to visit you or a family member who may become a patient in one of our area hospitals. Due to national government HIPPA laws, we will not know of your hospital stay unless someone in your family provides that information to us. Please feel free to contact our church office, (630) 232-0165, or Pastor Doug, (630) 979-6340, to provide the opportunity to make a pastoral visit.

Head Usher Training & Review Pastor Doug and Barbara Noble will be conducting a Head Usher Training on January 18, 2009 between services in the sanctuary from 9:15-10:00 a.m. This is for current Head Ushers as an update and refresher on responsibilities, as well as for NEW Head Ushers.

We are looking for 12 more members (men and women) who would like to help at Worship Services as Head Ushers. As a Head Usher you would choose one month out of the year, either early or late services, to be responsible for working with and guiding our weekly Ushers as to their responsibilities during worship. When you hear the word Stewardship, the first thing most people think of is money. Stewardship is more then giving your money so Geneva Lutheran Church can keep its doors open. Stewardship is also a giving of your time and talent to help GLC run smoothly. If you can be a Steward in this way please call the church office to let us know., (630) 232-0165. Thanks!

8

Major Projects Team Update—111708 The MPT would like to thank everyone who attended and asked questions during our Town Hall meeting on our work to date with the architects and contractors. We would like to remind everyone to please get us any

questions or comments as soon as possible so that they can be considered prior to the finalization of the Master Plan in early December. You can contact any member of the MPT or you can send us an email at mpt@genevalutheran.org.

Can you help with Snow Removal?

Since Geneva Lutheran does NOT contract with an outside company for snow removal, we are in need of a Team of people to be responsible for snow removal each weekday and weekends. The City is responsible for Third St. sidewalk and our east parking lot; our circle drive and Franklin sidewalk will be plowed by two volunteers. Our custodian will be responsible for snow removal Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to noon, entry areas only. The entry areas are: 1) the circle drive main entry doorways/sidewalks, 2) Franklin St. entry doorway, 3) south entry doorway, and 4) sidewalk between our circle drive and Third St. The church owns a snow blower, and several heavy-duty shovels, and provides salt for sidewalks. Ideally, a couple of individuals or families would be willing to sign up for one day of the week, and if snow does fall, just show up and clear away the accumulation. Especially important, of course, will be Saturday afternoons prior to the 5:30 p.m. services, and Sunday mornings prior to the 8 a.m. service, and throughout the morning, to ensure safe passageway. Equally important will be Wednesday late afternoons/evenings for those attending Club Night, Cherubs, Choristers, Club 56, Confirmation, Chimes, Drama/Puppets and Adult Choir. Generally there are at least two groups, if not more, using the church every evening, with an occasional morning gathering on a Saturday. If you are able to commit to one day each week throughout the winter months, please call the church office, (630) 232-0165, and indicate the day(s) you are available to volunteer.

Thank you!

Mission Statement Revisited Your input is needed!

Our Geneva Evangelical Lutheran Church Mission Statement is:

As baptized followers of Jesus we S.E.R.V.E.

This coming February and March, 2009, on five continuous Sundays, we will explore the significance of our S.E.R.V.E. mission statement. An All-Committee Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 7:00 p.m., to begin planning for this upcoming Sunday morning emphasis. In addition to committee chairs and committee members, anyone else interested in helping to make this a huge success are also welcome. Your ideas and opinions are important as we plan for our vision for the future ministry and mission of GELC.

Qs? Pastor Doug, (630) 232-7062.

New Policies Adopted At the November 10, 2008, Council meeting, two policies recommended by the Finance Committee were approved and will be implemented starting January 1, 2009. The new policies are: • any requests for reimbursement for items purchased on behalf of GLC that include sales tax

will not have the sales tax reimbursed by GLC. As a tax-exempt entity, GLC is not required to pay sales tax on our purchases and we estimate that this policy will save GLC more than $1,000.00 per year. Copies of the GLC tax exemption letter are available in the church office; and

• all purchases in excess of $500.00, including purchases included in the budget, need to be submitted to the Finance Committee for review prior to the purchase of the item or materials. This policy will allow the Finance Committee better control of the cash flow at GLC and will also help to ensure that good purchasing practices are being used for larger purchases. The Finance Committee will be publishing a procedure and form for the review process shortly and will have it distributed to all committee leaders.

We appreciate that these policies may cause some short term inconvenience, but we feel in the long run that they will help us to better manage the resources of GLC. If you have any questions please feel free to contact any member of the Finance Committee or send us an email at finance@genevalutheran.org.

We are a Stephen Ministry

congregation.

If you, or someone you know, needs a confidential, supportive listener, please call Barb Christenson,

(630) 232-7037, ext. 3.

Pregnancy Support Team Are you pregnant and having some difficulties like a high/low AFP level, gestational diabetes, or have been put on bedrest? An Elizabeth Minister is waiting to listen and

support you as she has shared similar experience with you. Elizabeth Ministry is women-to-women support for critical

times during child-bearing years. Elizabeth Ministers are mentors, able to walk beside you during similar challenges you are facing. To inquire,

call an Elizabeth Ministry Team Co-leader, Chris Chippas. 9

Where can you hear Christian Music

whenever you want? Check out these Christian radio stations in the Chicagoland area. Listen to positive and encouraging messages in the music, 24/7!

• KLOVE—94.3 FM—Contemporary Music • WONU—89.7 FM—Alternative Music • WBGL—88.1 or 104.7 FM—Contemporary Music • WMBI—90.1 FM—Moody Bible Institute’s Radio Station—

Hymns/Gospel Music and Talk • Lutheran Hour—1410 AM Sundays at 9:00 a.m. or 1580 AM

Sundays at 9:30 a.m. • Or, check out their web sites, and listen on-line, anytime!

Having difficulty paying your rent, mortgage or utilities? Lazarus House has grant money that may be of assistance to you. To find out if

you can qualify, please call them at (630)587-5872. All calls are confidential.

Share with Gods’ people who are in

need. Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:10,13 Many thanks to

everyone who helped make GLC’s Blood drive on Oct. 27 a great success! Thank you to those who helped support the drive; and to those who were able to donate, making it possible to collect a total of 21 units of blood, which will go to save the lives of 63 people. Special thanks also to Leota Sprague for coordinating the drive. And please… mark your calendars for the next drive which will be Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009. The LifeSource mobile unit will be at GLC, 9a.m.-2 p.m. For questions please call Leota Sprague. Watch for additional info in the Bulletin after Christmas. “Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew25:40) Thanks also to everyone who helped with the Flu Shot Clinics on Oct. 27 and Nov. 2. More than 100 vaccinations were given to both GLC members and or surrounding faith community. The flu vaccination is currently 70%-90% effective overall, and does not cause the flu. It is strongly encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that individuals in the following categories receive the flu vaccination each year: • Children age 6 mo. to 18 yrs. • Individuals who are 50 years or older • Individuals with certain chronic health

problems • Pregnant women • Individuals who live in nursing homes

or other long-term care facilities • Anyone who lives with or cares for

those individuals listed above, including health care workers

I am writing to thank all who contributed to The WELL Project at Geneva Lutheran Church, from which a generous gift of $633.00 has been received toward the start-up of a Lutheran-Episcopal ministry to colleges in Chicago’s South Loop. Gifts like yours are crucial to this effort, for there are not enough

monies available through the usual benevolence channels to fund a new campus ministry. Your gift, along with other gifts received, is being held in a MissionPlus account of the ELCA’s Mission Investment Fund, where it and the others are earning interest as they await being put to use, when a campus pastor has arrived. The hope is that arrival may occur yet this semester. Again, thank you. We greatly appreciate your partnership in the beginning of this new ministry.

God’s peace, Lloyd R. Kittlaus, Pastor/Coordinator

Adult Forums meet at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall on the lower level during Missions CoffeeHouse.

November 30 “Mere Christianity” - Lee Eysturlid December 7 “Mere Christianity” - Lee Eysturlid

All-Church Activities

10

Wild Wednesdays CLUB NIGHT starts at 5:45 p.m. with dinner in Fellowship Hall—just $2 per clubber and tasty as ever! We end it all at 7:45 p.m., spirits refreshed and energy spent. Club Night is for all GLC kids and their friends (we love it when you bring friends!) ages 3-years through 4th-

grade. Parents, volunteer NOW to help! It's fun, it's easy, it's satisfying, what are you waiting for? See schedule above.

Qs? Julie Slifka, Dir. Children’s Ministries, (630) 845-1594.

Sunday Schoolers are at it again, bringing in awesome offerings each week to Sunday school and donating it to great organizations that will put it to good use. For the months of September and October our offerings went to support the GLC members who participated in the CROP Walk. We collected an amazing $340! Up next will be Operation Christmas Child, an outreach by the organization Samaritan’s Purse. Our November and December offerings will be

designated to help offset the cost of shipping Christmas presents to children around the world. Watch our total grow each week on the wall outside Julie’s office. Think we can raise even more than $340? You bet we can!

Sunday School starts at 9:15 a.m. every Sunday in the Sanctuary. Qs? Julie Slifka, Dir. Children’s Ministries,

(630) 845-1594 or julie@genevalutheran.org.

Wild Wednesdays—Club Night, Club 56, Confirmation: Dec. 3, 10 All groups meet in the church 17 Club Night Christmas Party Potluck at 5:45 p.m. 24, 31 All groups off – Christmas break Jan. 7, 14, 21 All groups meet in the church

Middle/High School Youth: Wed., Dec. 17 Confirmation Christmas Party Sun., Dec. 21 Cheesy Christmas Sweater Party & White Elephant Gift exchange Fri., Feb. 27-Mar. 1 MS/HS Winter Xtreme Camp at Camp Timber-Lee, with Peder Eide. $129.

Weekend Worship: Nov. 26 Thanksgiving Eve Service and Pie Fellowship, 7:00 p.m. Dec. 14 Sunday School Christmas Program—9:15 a.m.

21 Swedish American Glee Club Concert 24 Christmas Eve Worship—4:30 & 10:30 p.m. 25 Christmas Day Worship—11 a.m.

27/28 Laity Weekend

Youth

Sunday School starts at 9:15 a.m. every Sunday in the Sanctuary.

Dec. 7 Christmas Prog. Rehearsal Sat. 13 9-11 a.m. Christmas Prog. Dress Rehearsal 14 Christmas Prog. “The Not So Silent Night”, followed by a birthday party for Jesus in Fellowship Hall 21, 28 No classes, all ages, Christmas Break Jan. 4 Regular classes resume

Laity Weekend Dec. 27/28

With the support of the leadership of our congregation we are moving forward with Laity Sat./Sun. worship services on Dec. 27, at 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 28, at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. While Pastor Doug is out of town visiting family, Craig Desens and Jim Warwick will be leading worship and providing the message. Because we will not have an ordained clergy presiding at worship on this first Sunday after Christmas, Holy Communion will not be celebrated. We are grateful for the ministry team of lay men and women who are interested and available to serve the Lord in this capacity here at Geneva Lutheran. The twelve days of the Christmas season remain a vital part of our yearly liturgical calendar, especially in our faith tradition. May our gracious God, the Giver of the most important Christmas gift ever given, bless our worship together!

11

Moms’ Fellowship Ministry If you have young children, you are invited to an ongoing support/fellowship group that meets one Monday every month in each other’s homes. They will gather Mon., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., location TBA. Each month is stand-alone; only bring a Bible.

Call/email Chris Chippas or just come!

Fun ‘n’ Fellowship

Men in Mission We meet each month on the second Saturday from 7-8:15 a.m. except in the month of December. The morning includes a delicious breakfast, prayer, a short Bible lesson, and a faith story. We are presently planning to participate in mission opportunities

outside of the church, giving our time and talents toward the Lord's Kingdom work in the Fox Valley and beyond. Our next Men In Mission gathering will be Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, at 7:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Qs? Todd Steenson or Pastor Doug, (630) 232-7062.

GLC’s Annual Women’s Retreat—Feb. 6, 7, 8, 2009 We are pleased to announce that Deborah Willhite, a member of Rejoice Lutheran Church will be the facilitator of the 2009 Women’s Retreat. The theme of the retreat is: "Extreme Makeover: Body, Mind and Spirit"--a retreat designed to help women bring balance and peace to their lives. You will have the option of choosing a 24-hour or 48- hour retreat experience. The retreat will be held at

Nazareth Retreat House, Batavia. Watch The Voice and Sunday bulletins for more details. To sign up, call Karen Bentson.

Send a Christmas Witness! In Fall 2006, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois used photos of local churches’ stained glass windows depicting nativity scenes to create Christmas cards. GLC’s sanctuary nativity window was chosen for one of the cards, and a professional photographer took the photo to create the card pictured at left. LSSI offered sets to GLC and we ordered many sets. Unfortunately, they arrived a little late (mid-December) for many of our members to use them for Christmas 2006. We still have sets for purchase—sets of 12 GLC window cards for $15.00. Quantities are

limited. Come to the church office to get your set(s), first come, first served. Send a wonderful Christmas 2008 message, straight from our own sanctuary! Reserve your set(s) today! Qs? (630) 232-0165.

Adult Fellowship Opportunities

Call the church office, (630) 232-0165, to indicate your interest, and the contact

person listed will call you.

Bunco—Anyone interested in joining the GLC Bunco Group this fall to enjoy fellowship while playing this fun dice game, contact the

office. Qs? Debbie Yagac. Bridge—Are you interested in playing the card game of Bridge? The GLC Bridge Group has more than 40 people meeting once a month, September through May. Beginners are welcome—training is available! Qs? Penny Sterling or

Janice Johnson-Mowen. Euchre Card Group—Beginners are welcome to come to learn at any point in the year. Next date is Fri. Jan. 9 at Renee & Anthony Riani’s. Men’s Fellowship Texas Hold 'Em will gather on Friday, Dec. 26, 7:00 p.m., at Steve Chippas’ home for men’s fellowship fun! The winner decides which GLC ministry receives the money.

Qs? Steve Chippas.

BookGroup is reading “Twenty Wishes” by Debbie Macomber for their gathering and discussion on Tue., Jan. 13, 7:00 p.m. in

our D. Abramson Resource Center, LL. Anyone is welcome! Qs? Karen Bentson.

12

Our Faith Community Parish Nurse, Barb Christenson, responds to spiritual,

emotional & physical concerns. (630) 232-7037

barb@genevalutheran.org

Faith Community

Nurse

You can HELP!

January SERVE Group Sign up Dec. 14 All individuals and families listed below are asked to meet downstairs at the CoffeeHouse on Sun., Dec. 14, to sign up for serving in January. Remember, you are asked to serve ONLY one month out of the year and it is important that you come and sign up for those areas in which you want to serve! Qs? Barbara Noble.

John Anderson Terry & Kris Crafton

Beverly Foley Al & Louise Hauge Steve & Heide Hein

Steve & Brandy Hunter Gary & Karen Hutchins

Richard & Darlene Larson Ray & Liz Meyer

Stig & Carol Ostgaard Don & Lisa Rieck

Keith & Kara Rollins Ric Tornberg

Erv & Shirley Zars

Our GLC Nominating Committee is actively seeking a person who is willing and able to serve as Congregational Treasurer in 2009, starting in February, 2009. If you feel called to serve in this capacity, please contact Lolita Moser. Thank you.

Help us save on postage costs! We will email you The Voice Newsletter each month, and you get it a few days earlier than by post! If you

wish to receive our newsletter by email, send an email to karen@genevalutheran.org. Thank you!

Sign up for 2009 Altar Flowers Call the church office to reserve your special date!

Celebrate a birthday, anniversary or baptism; honor a loved one; remember someone who has died. $30.00 each vase; checks made out to Geneva Lutheran, with “Altar Flowers” and your reserved date in the memo.

Qs? Susan Munch, Secretary, (630) 232-0165.

2008 Congregational Officers

President Jamieson Olsen Vice President Mary Louise Kohn Secretary Roger Conradt Treasurer Brian Blad Financial Secretary Bob Giertz

2008 Council Members

Chris Chippas Roger Conradt Jessica Leibow,Youth Rep. Craig Elliott Curtis Fraizer Denise Hays Mary Louise Kohn

Greg Lind Denise Martinez Jamieson Olsen Pastor Doug Opp Karen Prather Anthony Riani Don Rieck

Church Staff

Senior Pastor (630) 232-7062 Doug Opp - pastor@genevalutheran.org

Youth & Young Adult Minister (630) 232-7063 Ali Cranmer - ali@genevalutheran.org

Congregational Ministries Coord. (630) 845-1523 Karen Adams - karen@genevalutheran.org

Dir. of Weekday Christ. Ed. Prog. (630) 232-7085 Darla Craig - darla@genevalutheran.org

Parish Nurse (630) 232-7037 Barb Christenson - barb@genevalutheran.org

Director of Children’s Ministries (630) 845-1594 Julie Slifka - julie@genevalutheran.org

Director of Music Ministry (630) 232-7036 Amy Steenson - amy@genevalutheran.org

Church Secretary (630) 232-0165 Susan Munch - susan@genevalutheran.org

Custodian Dan Cadena Organist Deborah Ayotte

Committees & Ministry Teams/Chairs

Design—Darlene Larson Evangelism—Linda Kilburg Finance—None Memorial—John Anderson Missions—Steve Albertson, Denise Hays Personnel—Gary Hutchins Property—Craig Elliott Social Ministry—Ric Tornberg Stewardship—Mike Craig, Worship /Music—Charlie Mortiz Youth Ministry—Cathy Mozden, Tami Konrad

The Voice Newsletter Editor Renee Riani renee@genevalutheran.org

Calling all babies! We are looking for Baby Jesus for the Live Nativity; Three presentations will be given at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. Contact Ali Cranmer, Youth/Young Adult Minister, (630) 232-7063, if you would allow us to use your baby as our Baby Jesus for the Live Nativity! Thanks!