JANUARY 2014

MAVERICK

2 A Letter from Pastor

3 January Worship

4 December Highlights

6 Barnes and Noble Update

8 Trending at St. James

10 Big Body Play

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

Christmas Worship Christmas Eve was celebrated by over 500 people in two candle light Services of Lessons and Carols. This ancient service alternates traditional carols with Bible readings that tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Christmas morning welcomed 135 people to reflect on the birth of Christ and receive the Holy Supper. Praise God for the ministry of grace and God’s promise to come to us with His gifts.

GATHER • GO • GIVE • GROW 1

Dear People of God,

By now most of you will have put Christmas away until next year, and not just the boxes. Many people put away more than trees and tinsel. They pack up the story, the emotion, the happiness and the meaning as well. Let this be an encouragement to keep Christmas out for the whole year.

Let the attitude of generosity be an everyday event as you encounter endless opportunities to provide hospitality and grace in the lives of others. And don’t simply reveal generous care and concern for others, tell them, when you can, that your grace is a gift from God.

Tell them that your kindness is just a thankful extension of what God has done for you. Remind them that Jesus was born to heal the wounds between people and overcome the brokenness created by our lack of contentment. Make Jesus the reason for everything you do that is good and just and beautiful.

We are so compartmentalized that we fight against the very thing Jesus came to bring. We keep our “church” life separate from everything else so successfully that sometimes we forget that we even have a “church” life. It is easy to understand. The world makes it harder every year to feel comfortable about being one of God’s children.

In spite of what we are told, it is not impolite to talk about religion. If it is what we believe then we should want to proclaim it. Bears fans don’t hide their affinity for their team. Even Cubs fans wear the colors! So why are so many uncomfortable to simply talk about what God has done for them?

Be generous with your story and grace filled in your actions and thankful in your attitude, Christ has come to give you life. Share that life with those you know. God bless you.

In Christ,

Pastor

2 JANUARY 2014

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 Manager Catherine Sitz

Children’s Ministry Jennifer Donovan

Facility ManagerSam Herlo

Music DirectorMeghan Sleezer

ReceptionKatey Kerman

Early ChildhoodLiz KoehnekeMeredith BoeseJennifer KolovosKristina Buschle

ElementaryJessica Lore, First GradeKristina Kaldis, Second GradeStephanie Bending, Third GradeBrianna O’Connor, Fourth Grade

Middle SchoolBecky GorcycaKim MayNikki Hantel

SpecialsAndy Macaione, MusicAbby Parsons, Physical EducationMary Barber, Art

Fellowship CouncilErica ChandrasekharJonathan DrewsClark EverettCarl HibbenJason HockmanJennifer LarsonMichelle PennyJason SleezerPhil Spahn

Chili Cook-Off

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

Epiphany Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, remembers the visitation from the wise men of the East. It falls twelve days after Christmas. At the birth of Jesus the shepherds greeted him representing the faithful of Israel. The angels heralding His coming announce His presence to the heavens and the earth, and the wise men welcome Him on behalf of the gentiles reminding us that He is the savior for all the people.

King David Before Christmas we saw that God uses the underestimated as His heroes. What makes them so special is the quality of their heart, the integrity to love God and His people without judgment or reservation. This second David story shows how even the best human heart can be corrupted by sin.

Solomon

What do you give a man who has everything? Solomon was the richest man in the world, possessed everything that he ever wanted, but was left unsatisfied. What is it that makes a person content? What must a person possess to find peace? Solomon has much to teach us as we reflect upon happiness and contentment. Kings

Israel was prosperous under David. They continued to expand under Solomon. But, after Solomon? Israel began a descent no less dramatic than the fall of the Roman Empire. What led to their failure? Why did the nation created by God fall into division and end up losing the land God has promised to them? Here’s a hint – it has everything to do with who they worshipped.

Chili Cook-Off 09FEB

GATHER • GO • GIVE • GROW 3

DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

SANCTUARY DECORATING CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

COOKIE EXCHANGE CLASS PARTIES

4 JANUARY 2014

ADVENT SERVICES LIVING NATIVITY

SHARE THE GIFT

The annual Living Nativity included a community brunch this year. Families gathered to witness

the re-creation of Jesus’ birth through the actions of our preschool students. Narrated by Matthew and Catherine Sitz, this event is more than cute kids. Faith is formed by experience. When these children live in the awe of the costumes, the majesty of the moment, and the joy given to their parents and other worshippers we are creating for them a faith event they will never forget. Remember when we change up the schedule we are called to care for all the people. This includes the youngest among us.

It is not too late to support Share the Gift, our opportunity to provide money for student scholarships. Simply go online or pick up a packet in the office or narthex. Thank you for your generous support.

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6 January 2014

Barnes and Noble

DID YOU KNOW St. James preschool - fourth grade students have Library every week. Mrs. Bruegger and Mrs. Teske read them stories and they can choose books to check-out. Students in our middle school program check books out of classroom libraries.

On Saturday, November 2 the St. James Community gathered at the Barnes and Noble on Clybourn and Webster for our annual bookfair. Guests enjoyed hearing teachers read stories, viewing St. James students’ artwork, decorating cupcakes and shopping for Christmas gifts. St. James received a portion of the proceeds from the day’s sales, which resulted in $1,257.71 to purchase new books for the school. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event! Check out our new library books.

I’m DirtyKate and Jim McMullan

I Love it When You SmileSam McBrutney

How Santa Got His JobStephen Krensky

StuckOliver Jeffers

This is not My HatJon Klassen

Megastructures, Tallest, Longest, Biggest, DeepestIan Graham

Things That Go - TrainsParachute Press

The New Way Things WorkDavid Macaulay

The Coolest Cross-Sections EverStephen Biesty

The Amulet #2 The Stonekeeper’s CurseKazu Kibuishi

The Stonekeeper Amulet Series #1Kazu Kibuishi

Hate that CatSharon Creech

Swindle #1Gordon Korman

ZoobreakGordon Korman

Dead End in NorveltJack Gantos

Why Do Leaves Change ColorBetsy Maestro

Farm AnimalsDK Readers

Time for Kids Big Book of How

Oh, No!Candace Fleming

The Enormous Pearl HeistGeronimo Stilton

How Do Apples GrowBetsy Maestro

Extra YarnMac Barnett

OwenKevin Henkes

McElligot’s PoolDr. Seuss

DK Big Book of AirplanesAnne Millard

Bread Comes to Life: A GardenShumel Thaler

FramedGordon Korman

WonderstruckBrian Selneck

Fierce Yellow PumpkinMargret Wise Brown

SilverliciousVictoria Kann

Say Hello to ZorroCarter Goodrich

Big Nate I Can’t Take ItLincoln Peirce

Nowhere to Run 39 CluesJude Watson

This is Not a Good IdeaMo Willems

When a Dragon Moves InJodi Moore

Treasury of Egyptian MythologyDonna Jo Napoli

Building Our HouseJonathan Bean

The Day the Crayons QuitDrew Daywait

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Shake off those winter blues and enjoy piping hot chili on Sunday, February 9 at 12:00 p.m. Brew up your best batch of chili and submit it to the discriminating tastes of St. James worshippers. Corn bread and drinks will be supplied to help put out the fire. 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.

Invite your daughter, mother, grandmother, friend, next door neighbor or aunt for an afternoon of tea on Saturday, February 1 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Tickets can be reserved online, through January 21 and are $20/person. Then, they can be paid for and picked up in the office.

We need your help making our tea party a success! If you’d like to decorate a table check the “yes” box when you reserve your tickets. You need to supply your own place settings, linens and a centerpiece. Food and tea will be provided. If you would like champagne for your table, you must supply it. Tables need to be decorated on Friday, January 31 between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

TRENDING AT ST. JAMES

LEARN MORE ABOUT ST. JAMES’ ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Current St. James parents are invited to “Get Schooled” on what’s happening in grades 1-8 on Thursday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m. This evening is specifically geared toward parents with students in grades K-7 to gather information about our elementary and middle school programs. Parents will attend different grade appropriate mini lessons followed by a question and answer session.

TRAVELER’S GALA PLANS COMING ALONG

Details are being nailed down and items are coming in for our annual auction, The Traveler’s Gala! But, we still need your help. If you have an item to donate, or would like to help secure donations in the community, please pick up a letter and donation form in the office or access the donation form online. This year’s event will take place on May 2, 2014 at Salvatore’s Ristorante. We’re looking forward to a roaring good time!

KEEP WARM AT ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF

TEA TIME

HYGIENE DRIVE

Fifth grade students are collecting hygiene products for Lakeview Pantry in conjunction with a letter writing campaign for their Language Arts Class. If you’d like to participate, please drop-off hygiene products (deodorant, soap, shampoo, dental items, etc.) in the office or at church on Sundays. They’ll be collecting items through February 7. If you’d like to see samples of their letters click here and here.

8 JANUARY 2014

GETTING MARRIED AT ST. JAMES?

If you’re getting married at St. James, we invite you to a Wedding Fair on Thursday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. Hear popular wedding songs from professional musicians, meet local vendors and socialize with other couples who are getting married at St. James.

TRENDING AT ST. JAMES

PRINCIPAL SEARCH IN HIGH GEAR

With the Christmas season behind us the Principal Search Committee goes into high gear to find the school leader to guide our school forward. The committee is made up of Carl Larson, Clark Everett, Katie Hockman and Pastor. They will work with the Northern Illinois District to identify and interview prospective candidates. In support of their effort will be the Principal’s Curriculum Advisory Council comprised of Warren Gast, Lynda Adams, Stephanie Bending, Meg Greve, Stacy McGowan and Rich Lane. Please keep them in your prayers for God’s will to be done.

UPCOMING CLASSESFellowship Orientation January 11 at 9:30 a.m.Fellowship Orientation is a class for people who were confirmed Lutheran and would like to join St. James. It is offered every other month. Register online.

Power of We January 24-46Power of We is a relationship enrichment workshop designed for couples entering into marriage or looking to improve communication in their relationship. The three-day workshop takes place Friday, January 24 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25 at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 26 at 4:00 p.m. Register online.

Confirmation - Bible Overview January 12 - February 2 Parents and students survey some important Bible stories. This is a prerequisite for all other classes. Register online.

Confirmation - Christian Vocation January 12 - February 2This class discusses the four estates of our vocation and how we serve God and serve neighbor through the practices of stewardship, discipleship and citizenship. Successful completion of the Lord’s Supper is a requirement to register for this class. Register online.

Confirmation - Ten Commandments I January 12 - February 2Students review the content, history and meaning of the Ten Commandments. TC I is a prerequisite for TC II. May be taken at any time after completion of the Bible Overview class. Register online.

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BIG BODY PLAY

10 JANUARY 2014

“Big body play”—the sometimes rowdy, always very physical running, rolling, climbing, tagging, jumping, grabbing, and wrestling that most children love and many adults try to shut down—can and should be an integral part of every early childhood setting.

Big body play supports children’s physical development but it also supports the development of children’s social awareness, emotional thinking, and language skills. Research shows that big body play comes naturally to children. Children all over the world play this way, and that is why it’s so important that adults, both teachers and family members, understand and support it.

Younger children gain a lot of information about their bodies through big body play. For example, when a mother kisses or massages her baby’s body, her baby learns about where his body ends and the space around him begins. He also learns how different types of touch feel and the names for those feelings.

When a toddler jumps into her dad’s lap, or she runs to hug a friend, she learns how to control and regulate her body movements. She also learns that she should adapt the intensity of her movements in relation to another person. For example, she might run to hug her friend with less force than she uses to jump into her dad’s lap.

When children enjoy big body play they can also build both verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Through big body play, they learn to correctly interpret nonverbal gestures, like when my friend puts her hand up it

by Lynda Adams, Early Childhood Director

GATHER • GO • GIVE • GROW 11

means I should stop, but if she smiles it means I can keep going. Children will apply this skill throughout their lives in different social situations.

When children take turns jumping off a tree stump they practice taking turns.

And, because most children enjoy the play so much, they learn how to compromise. They might let other children go first and be strongest so that the play can continue. Children are also calmer for longer periods of time following very rowdy play. Greater learning is likely during these calm, focused periods.

But, big body play does not mean leaving young children to their own devices. Teachers are parents play the role of helping to guide and interpret in the following ways:

Organizing the Environment• set up a designated space for play• remove surrounding objects to ensure safety

Setting Rules and Policies• limit the number of people that are involved at a particular time • discuss cues to look and listen for to avoid injury

Supervising Play• closely monitor very physical play• watch for cues of discomfort or frustration

For more information about big body play, join early childhood teachers Liz Koehneke and Lynda Adams on Thursday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center. Drawing from evidence-based practice and the latest research, they will explain the multitude of benefits of big body play for young children’s social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development. They will also show how we organize the physical environment, set rules and policies, and supervise the play at St. James. Additionally, you will gain ideas and insights into what you can be doing at home.

Reserve Tickets Onlineschool.stjames-lutheran.org/tea

Saturday, February 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Community Center