Download - Maverick - February 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

MAVERICK

2 A Letter from Pastor

3 February Worship

4 December/January Highlights

6 Monarch Awards

8 Mercy and Life Together

10 Traveler’s Gala

12 Trending at St. James

IN THIS ISSUE

STAY CONNECTED

ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL2101 N. Fremont Street I Chicago, IL 60614773.525.4990 I www.stjames-lutheran.org

WINTER WEEKENDS On Saturdays, January 17, 24 and 31, families were invited to St. James to participate in crafts, story time, snack and basketball. We had a great turnout and are looking forward to next year!

GATHER • GO • GIVE • GROW 1

Dear Friends,

By the time you read this, the Super Bowl will be over. Only one team will be champion. I expect the battle to be ferocious. The trenches will line up like infantry and at the snap the skirmish begins with brutal force. Lynch and Blount will be attacking the middle of the lines again and again weakening the wall of resistance with each blow. The quarterbacks with precision and efficiency will direct the cavalry on the flanks with screens and jet sweeps and then, without warning, call on the artillery with lobs to the middle or the big guns outside the lines. This is war.

On Monday morning we will know who won. There must be a winner and a loser. It is all decided on the field of play. The same is true for us in the church. The battle was fought. The stakes were high. The players left it all on the field.

After thousands and thousands of years, only God knows how many, God and Satan met on the battlefield. They fought with the passion born from knowledge only one would walk away amid the confetti to lift the trophy. Time was running out, the clock was ticking down, The Dark team was leading by 3. A final push at Calvary gave them 3 more for what seemed to be a certain victory.

But as the clock expired, a Hail Mary opened the tomb of death and released its prize. Christ rose from the dead. The victory belonged to the Light that no darkness can overcome. The pundits never saw it coming. Satan and his curse of death loosed its hold and sank into defeat. Christ won and we live in the victory.

Join me this Lent every Wednesday in the Community Center to explore what the victory means. Soup and salad suppers will open at 6:30. A Bible study called Life Together with a short prayer service will be from 7:00 until 8:00. The victory is won. Now lets live in it.

In Christ,

Pastor

LIFE TOGETHER

2 FEBRUARY 2015

ST. JAMES LUTHERANCHURCH AND SCHOOL

Senior Pastor Rev. Robert B. Donovan Jr.

Principal Warren Gast

Early Childhood Director Lynda Adams

Communications / Admissions Kate Donovan

Business Manager Martha Bulin

Office Administrator Olivia Ghiselli

Children’s Ministry Jennifer Donovan

Facility ManagerSam Herlo

Music DirectorMeghan Sleezer

Early ChildhoodBrittani MosinskiMeredith BoeseJennifer KolovosKristina Buschle

ElementaryLora Webster, First GradeKristina Kaldis, Second GradeStephanie Bending, Third GradeBrianna O’Connor, Fourth Grade

Middle SchoolBecky GorcycaKim May

SpecialsSean Watland, MusicMatt Runge, Physical EducationCynthia Heiniger, Art

Fellowship CouncilErica ChandrasekharJonathan DrewsClark EverettCarl HibbenJason HockmanJennifer LarsonMichelle PennyJason SleezerPhilip SpahnPastor Donovan

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Ephesians 4:7-16; Body Life Part II

This week continues our walk through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. We finish unpacking this passage about how unity is maintained and prospered. Unity is God’s plan; “all things united in Christ.” And the means of building up the body of Christ is through the “works of ministry” by the baptized in the local congregation.

Ephesians 4:17-24; Christ 101

In order to fulfill God’s purpose, we need to put away futile, deceitful, worldly thinking and action, and allow God’s true truth to enlighten both our mind and heart in order to transform our whole selves, not just our “spiritual and religious selves” into conformity with our creator.

Ephesians 4:25-5:2; A New Change of Clothes

Paul expands on what the self that has been renewed by God is to look like. Paul tells that it involves honesty with each other, reconciliation, laboring in order to have enough to share, guarding speech so that words will edify rather than tear down, and striving for a general harmony in the body through kindness, forgiveness, and self-sacrificial love.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent. For the next 38 days we will march toward the cross where Jesus enters Jerusalem to fulfill His Father’s will and purchase us from sin and death. On this night we begin our walk with repentance and humility. The journey begins.

Ephesians 5:3-15; The Right Light

Paul expounds on what this renewal means when it comes to the reader’s new relationship with the world. Immorality and impurity must be eradicated out of the life of the Christian and out of the life of the Christian community because not only does immorality bring wrath rather than inheritance, but the readers have been redeemed from darkness into God’s light.

Services are on Sundays at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Podcasts of Pastor Donovan’s sermons can be found on our website.


DECEMBER/JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

WINTER WEEKENDS

LIVING NATIVITY

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CHRISTMAS MORNING

HYGIENE DRIVE

ADVENT SERVICE CLASS PARTIES

BOY SCOUT FAMILY OUTING


St. James is once again participating in the Monarch Awards. The Monarch Award is given annually to an author and/or illustrator of a book voted as their favorite by participating K-3 children in Illinois. The award is sponsored by the Illinois School Library Media Association and is designed to encourage Illinois students to read critically and to become familiar with children’s books, authors and illustrators. The award is named in honor of the Monarch Butterfly, Illinois’ state insect. The butterfly symbolizes growth, freedom and change - qualities that also characterize the emergent reader.

In February during Library, students will be read the books on this year’s Award Master List below. Which book do you think will be our students’ favorite?

MONARCH AWARDS

The Day the Crayons Quit Written by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Creepy Carrots!Written by Aaron Reynolds, Illustrated by Peter Brown

Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin Written and Illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

Each Kindness Written by Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

Frog and Fly: Six Slurpy Stories Written and Illustrated by Jeff Mack

Helen’s Big World: the Life of Helen Keller Written by Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Matt Tavares

If I Built a House Written and Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Jimmy the Joey: The True Story of an Amazing Koala Rescue Written by Deborah Lee Rose and Susan KellyIllustrated by Susan Kelly

Like Bug Juice on a Burger Written by Julie Sternberg, Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

A Little Book of Sloth Written and Illustrated by Lucy Cooke

Look Out, Jeremy Bean! Written by Alice Schertle, Illustrated by David SlonimMe. . . Jane Written and Illustrated by Patrick McDonnell

Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and the Secret Mud That Changed Baseball Written by David A. Kelly, Illustrated by Oliver Dominguez

Mo Willems Presents That Is Not a Good Idea! Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems

Nic Bishop Snakes Written and Illustrated by Nic Bishop

Over and Under the Snow Written by Kate Messner Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

Penny and Her Marble Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

The Princess and the Pig Written by Jonathan EmmettIllustrated by Poly Bernatene

Prudence Wants a Pet Written by Cahtleen Daly Illustrated by Stephen Michael King

Take Me Out to the Yakyu Written and Illustrated by Aaron Meshon


8 FEBRUARY 2015

“Be merciful as your Father in heaven is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

The word for mercy that Jesus uses here has a more concrete meaning than what we typically associate with mercy. It means more than just being kind. It means to be concerned about your neighbor’s state and well-being. Thus, Jesus taught that we are to care, to be concerned about our neighbor’s state and well-being even as our Father in heaven cares for and is concerned about our state and well-being.

How has our Father in heaven cared for our state? How has He shown His concern for our well-being? How has He showered this mercy upon us?

He gave of Himself. He sent His only-begotten Son

in human flesh, to become one of us—a man—and to suffer all that we suffer and to endure what we endure—a fallen world full of sinful people, temptation, the attacks of the devil, and death.

He took upon Himself what rightfully belongs to us—sin and death—in order that He could give to us what rightfully belongs to Him—righteousness, purity, eternal life, and victory over the temptation of Satan and this fallen world. That is how He cared for our state. That is how He was concerned for our well-being.

He entered into our state for the sake of our well-being, died in our place, rose for our justification, redeemed us to make all things new. He entered our state so that by water and His Word we would be granted entrance into His state as children of our Father in heaven. In other

MERCY AND LIFE TOGETHER


words, He had empathy toward us, which resulted in true sympathy.

Jesus, therefore, calls the church to empathy and sympathy for her neighbors. “Be merciful even as your Father in heaven is merciful.” He asks the church to give of herself, to enter into her neighbors’ state for their well-being. And the church gives of herself the only thing in her that is worth giving.

As the Body of Christ, she gives Christ to her neighbors. She gives out the same mercy that she has received. She gives the mercy that the heavenly Father poured out upon her through the sending of His Son. And she does it through the preaching of the forgiveness of sins in Word and Deed, in Word and Sacrament. For this is how the church lives—in the forgiveness of sins

received in the means of grace—and, therefore, this is what the church does. What else can she do?

And since this is how the church lives and what the church does, this is likewise how Christians live and what Christians do. That is why giving to the church is so important. It ensures that the proclamation of the forgiveness of sins in Word and Deed continues. It ensures that our neighbors’ state and well-being is cared for and attended to. It ensures that our neighbors have access to our heavenly Father’s mercy just as we have received it here in time for all eternity.

Therefore, I say, let us be merciful even as our Father in heaven is merciful.

FORWARD TO AT THE TRAVELER’S GALA

Fabulous Food! Experience the bold flavors of 27 Central and South American countries. This year guests can choose from four entree options prior to the event. Meal choices will be revealed soon.

Participating in the paddle raise for scholarships so more of God’s children can experience a high quality, Christian education.

Specialty cocktails! In addition to a full open bar, guests will enjoy sangria, margaritas and mojitos prepared by a mixologist.

Getting to the gala will be a piece of cake. N27 offers valet parking, is a block from the Chicago brown line, and cabs are plentiful.

Mango Tres Leches

Pre partying for Cinco de Mayo.

Dressing up. The Traveler’s Gala is a good excuse to put on your favorite suit or cocktail dress.

Going out after the gala ends. Nacional 27 is located in River North, a hot spot for going out in Chicago. After the gala ends there are multiple options for an after party - all in walking distance.

Inviting friends to help celebrate St. James.

Seeing the auctioneer in action and putting our paddle to good use.

Enjoying a grown-up evening without children.

Trying something new. Plan your bidding strategy right and you may get to go home with a gift card to a new restaurant, a cut and color at an awesome hair salon or a vacation to someplace you’ve never been.

Sipping beverages on the outdoor patio. Our auction is the first day the patio is open. Welcome Spring!

Helping raise money for educational enhancements (including field trips!), technology, professional development and scholarships.

This year’s annual auction, The Traveler’s Gala, will be held on May 1 at Nacional 27 so St. James staff came up with a list of 27 things we’re looking forward to this year. We can’t wait to celebrate the mission of St. James Lutheran School with you!

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Unwinding after watching the middle school students at the Track and Field Meet earlier in the day.

The opportunity to secure a spot in an exclusive sign-up party.

Corn Fundido

The competition. Going head to head with friends and strangers to win a once in a lifetime experience during the live auction.

Using the maximum bid feature so we don’t have to babysit the silent items we’re bidding on.

Not waiting for a drink. The professional wait staff at the large circular bar will take good care of you.

Latin music. Get into the theme by enjoying great tunes.

Watching a special message from the students during dinner.

Bidding from smart phones.

Seeing the creative side of the students by viewing (and bidding!) on the class projects that they’ve worked hard on all winter.

Building community with parents, church members, staff and friends of St. James.

Searching the chalkboard walls in the bar for messages from students.

Checking out the Instant Wine Cellar. Only one lucky winner will get to take it home, but everyone will get to see the amazing bottles of wine donated and favorite memories written by the community.

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WANT TO BE PART OF THIS EXCITING EVENT? Viva St. James! We’re so excited for this year’s Traveler’s Gala and need your help to make it a success. There are several ways to get involved:

BECOME A TRAVELER’S GALA PATRON

Help underwrite expenses of the event, so more of the auction proceeds will be able to support the educational needs of the school. The Patron card can be found here.

DONATE A BOTTLE OF WINE

Donate a bottle of wine to the Instant Wine Cellar, a very popular live auction item! Bottles should be a minimum of $25 and can be dropped off discretely in the office or at church on Sundays.

HELP SECURE DONATIONS

Help us secure donations from local businesses. Click here for a link to our online donation form. Alternatively, click here for a pdf of the donation form.


Instant Wine CellarTRAVELER’S GALA

A one of a kind collection of wine donated by the St. James community will be auctioned off to one lucky winner who will capture a cellar full of taste temptations.

Please fill out this card, attach it to your favorite bottle of wine (minimum $25 value) and bring it to the office or church on Sunday.

SALUD!

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FAVORITE ST. JAMES MEMORY ___________

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NAME OF WINE _____________________

TRENDING AT ST. JAMES

ASH WEDNESDAY

Join us for a divine service with communion on Ash Wednesday, February 18, at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you there.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

Our Valentine’s Day celebration for students in kindergarten through grade 8 includes our annual Jump Rope for Heart. That week we will focus on being heart healthy. Our students will demonstrate their jumping skills on Friday, February 13 in the gymnasium beginning at 2:15. Come early for pick-up and cheer them on! Many students also participate in the event by taking pledges for the American Heart Association.

HOW CAN I GROW AS A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST?

Small Groups are a simple and beneficial way to be part of the community, make friendships, serve others and explore the gift of faith given in Christ. Currently, we have small groups studying C.S. Lewis’ book Mere Christianity, Dietrick Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship, and Science and the Savior. Room is available for new groups forming right now. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information. Please tell us your availability ie weeknight, Sunday morning, etc.

The Men’s Network is a unique opportunity to enjoy the company of other guys, do a little Bible study, toss a few beers, and serve at St. Paul’s Home, a Lutheran Senior Home here in the city. Contact Warren Gast, [email protected], or Jeremy Butterfield, [email protected].

Men’s Network at St. Paul’s Home

12 FEBRUARY 2015

CHILI COOK-OFF

Shake off those winter blues and enjoy piping hot chili on Sunday, February 15 at 12:00 p.m. Brew up your best batch of chili and submit it to the discriminating tastes of St. James worshippers. Register your chili online.

Not a cook? No problem. Simply attend the Chili Cook-Off and be a judge by tasting the entries and submitting your vote for the best.

WINTER BREAK

Classes will not be in session from February 16-20. School will resume Monday, February 23. Enjoy your winter break!

TRENDING AT ST. JAMES

UPCOMING CLASSES

Basics Begins February 10An overview of the Christian faith by looking at the Bible, our heritage as Lutherans and what God’s will is for us today. Classes are suitable for people desiring information about the Lutheran Church or for those who want to become a part of the St. James fellowship but come from a non-Lutheran background. Basics is offered on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. and is repeated each Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Register Online.

Confirmation - Worship February 8 - March 1Worship is the heart of the Christian life. In Worship, God fills us with His Word, His Sacraments, and sends us out into the world by the power of the Spirit to serve each other. In this class, students will learn about the meaning and reasoning behind the rituals of worship. Successful completion of the Lord’s Supper is a requirement to register for this class. Register Online.

Confirmation - Lord’s Prayer II February 8 - March 1An overview of prayer in general and specifically the prayer our Lord taught us to pray. Each class is four weeks. LP I is a prerequisite for LP II. May be taken at any time after completion of the Bible Overview class. Register Online.

Confirmation - Ten Commandments II March 1 - 22Students review the content, history and meaning of the Ten Commandments though two sequential classes. Each class is four weeks. TC I is a prerequisite for TC II. May be taken at any time after completion of the Bible Overview class. Register Online.

Confirmation - Lords’ Supper March 8 - 29Once the previous courses have been completed then a student may register for Lord’s Supper instruction. Parents are required to attend these classes as well. Successful completion qualifies for an invitation from the Congregation to receive the Supper and the gifts it promises. Register Online.

Confirmation - Baptism March 8 - 29Students will learn about the means of grace and how God works through Sacrament to adopt us as His children and how that should inform our lives in vocation. May be taken at any time after completion of the Bible Overview class. Register Online.

LENT DINNER AND BIBLE STUDY

A Lenten Bible Study with prayer service will be offered every Wednesday between Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday. A soup and salad buffet will open at 6:30 p.m. Bible study commences at 7:00 p.m.


Chili Cook-Off

Enter Todaychurch.stjames-lutheran.org/chili

Feb. 15 at 12:00 p.m.

Download - Maverick - February 2015

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