A PUBLICATION OF

OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

March 2014

Monthly

Reflections from Pastor Gerike

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:7

This has been quite a winter. By the time you’re

reading this, it might be warmer. It might even feel

like spring is on the way. But as we have moved to

Naperville, we have been greeted with cold and snow

and snow and cold. In fact, based on the first couple

of weeks we have been here, it appears that it snows

here every Saturday and at least once more each

week. And between the snows, it gets really, really

cold - cold which makes the ever-growing piles of

snow more like ice and makes my car hard to start.

Snow days have been piling up, too. With makeup

days, when will school be out for the summer?

But there’s a change coming. Even as I’m writing, I

see that there might be temperatures above 40 next

week. With that forecast, the cold becomes a little

more bearable and the snow seems a bit less

permanent. What makes the difference? Hope. Hope

that the current cold and snow won’t last forever.

Hope that things will change. Hope for a warmer,

brighter day.

In each of our lives, there are times of struggle and

pain, conflict and heartbreak. There are rough patches

and tough seasons. But there is good news. God is

with us in the midst of those tough times, never leaving

us alone. And God gives us hope. In this life and

beyond, we have the joy that God gives us, the peace

that passes all understanding. The struggles of today

aren’t the final word. God gives comfort for today and

hope for tomorrow.

The church season of Lent arrives in early March,

starting with Ash Wednesday on March 5. During

weekend worship this Lent, we will be thinking about

the theme “Beyond Expectations”. As God gives us

comfort and hope, it is beyond our expectation, even

more than we could expect. Jesus went beyond

expectations, even dying on the cross for you and for

me. “No one has greater love than this, to lay down

one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) That is

beyond our greatest expectations, that Jesus would do

that for you and for me. The cross where Jesus died for

you is a sign of God’s amazing love. During our

midweek services and adult education classes this

Lent, we will be looking at the cross, focusing on the

theme “Making Sense of the Cross”, guided by the

book of the same name, written by seminary professor

David Lose. I’m looking forward to that exploration, as

we learn more about God’s amazing love.

One more thing - do you know what the word Lent

means? It means Spring. So, in the midst of the snow

and the cold, I’m definitely looking forward to Lent.

In Christ,

Pastor John Gerike

Ash Wednesday is March 5. We will have services at noon, 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm, at Our Saviour’s

campus, with a light lunch following the noon service and a light dinner from 5:15 – 6:30 pm in the Fellowship

Center at Our Saviour’s campus. Please note, there will no 6:00 am service on Ash Wednesday.

Mid Week Lenten Experience

“At the heart of the cross is an element of mystery that can’t be

resolved either easily or entirely.“

Join us as we take a closer look at the book

Making Sense of the Cross

by David Lose.

Midweek Lenten Worship: noon and 6:30 pm

Soup Supper: 5:15 - 6:15 pm

Exploring Our Faith Sessions: 7:15 pm

Exploring Our Faith - During Lent, we hear about how important Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are. We

hear that Jesus died for our sins and that the cross goes to the heart of our faith. But, have you ever

wondered why Jesus’ death and resurrection are so significant? Or, what they mean to us today – in the 21st

century?

Starting March 2, Kris Reenstjerna will explore these issues during our Adult Education classes at 9:00 and

10:30 am on Sunday mornings in the Fellowship Center at Our Saviour’s campus. Then, starting on March

12, we will hold two classes at 7:15 pm, following the Lenten worship service.

Going Deeper: For those who attended the prior Sunday morning class and would like to go

deeper in the discussion. This will take place at the Inn Room at Our Saviour’s campus.

Repeat of Sunday: For those who were not able to attend the previous Sunday morning session,

this will cover the same material. This will take place in the Temple Room at Our Saviour’s.

Dr. David J. Lose's book Making Sense of the Cross will guide us as we grow in faith. Pick up your copy

today in the Fellowship Center or Open Door Cafe for $10. You can read 1 chapter a week to prepare for a

presentation, as part of a weekly book discussion. Everyone is welcome.

Opportunities During Lent

Share your stories about how God is working in your life and the lives of others! All articles are due on the

first Thursday of each month, for the following month’s publication. Please send articles and photos to Jean

Jepson at jeanjepson@oursaviours.com. Here’s the deadline dates for the next 3 months.

Monthly Connections articles for April are due on May 6

Monthly Connections articles for May are due on June 5

Monthly Connections articles for June are due on July 3

Feed My Starving Children MobilePack by Les May

In our world today, an estimated 6200 children dies each day due to starvation and

hunger related diseases. On February 14 - 16, 2014, at Good Shepherd Lutheran

Church in Naperville, our church community joined with 13 other Naperville

congregations in a Feed My Starving Children MobilePack. We made a significant

difference! Thank You! I’m pleased and so thankful to report to you the following

statistics of the 2014 MobilePack.

14 Naperville congregations of different faith backgrounds coming

together to work as 1

520,992 meals packaged in 10 shifts over 53 hours

2321 packing volunteers (2400 volunteers total)

$ 114,618 Total cost of the ingredients paid by the 14 churches,13 business

and civic sponsors, and individual donors.

These meals will feed 1427 children for 1 entire year!

As you can see from these photos of the event, there was excitement and a sense of fulfillment by the

participants, especially knowing the beneficial impact of their efforts. Pastor Gary, from Good Shepherd

Lutheran Church, welcomed each packing shift with these thoughts: “What a great way to celebrate love on

Valentine’s Day Weekend by packing meals for God’s starving children in the world”.

Our Saviour’s will be continuing our support of Feed My Starving Children this year by packing more meals in

small groups (30-60 volunteers) at the Feed My Starving Children Aurora warehouse during the next 3

quarters of 2014. Our next scheduled packing date is April 12, 2014.

On behalf of the Feed My Starving Children organization, and the children who will receive these meals, I

thank all the supportive and caring members of Our Saviour’s who participated in Feed the Need! 2014.

Keep checking the weekly and monthly connections for the updates and the next Feed My Starving Children

serving opportunities!

“Valentine Friends

and Olympic Big Run” by Kelly Gilligan

February arrived with record low temperatures, sub-

zero wind chill, and snow, snow, snow!! We warmed

up with Valentine fun with our friends. Exchanging

cards and treats and playing party games was a great

way to build friendship. It’s fun to deliver special cards

and treats to home-made Valentine bags and boxes.

Classroom parties planned by teachers and parent

helpers proved to be a class favorite. Thank you God

for friends and families to love.

The "Rope Warrior" entertained families in the

Celebration gym with his jump rope skills and

encouraged us to get moving and exercising! This

was a kick off to our February theme of "Healthy

Olympic Bodies." We set up winter games throughout

the month stretching and moving as we challenged

our friends and teachers to relays and sporting

events. It was fun to follow the Winter Olympics to see

how many medals the USA team won! There was fun

graphing opportunities, keeping track of the gold,

silver and bronze medals. We concluded the month

with our ½ K Big Run. We trained all month for the big

event. Classes chose team names and colors as they

decorated banners and trained in the gym.

When the big day finally came, not only did the

students dress in chosen class colors, but parents

and extended family came dressed in specific

colors, with banners to cheer on students and

classes. All students crossed the finish line and

received a red, white and blue Olympic ribbon as

they drank smoothies at the Open Door Coffee Bar.

We are so thankful for our healthy bodies and

opportunities to exercise them!

The first week in March we celebrate Lutheran

Schools Week. Parent volunteers have organized

daily activities for students and teachers. Teacher

Appreciation brunches are also planned. We are so

thankful to be able to provide a Christian education

for the 265 children that we serve. God is good…all

the time, and it is wonderful to be able to share with

the children the good news of Jesus! The preschool

children will also be singing in church in May sharing

this good news. Praise God!

Do you want to know more about The Children's

Center? Call Kelly at 630 - 281 - 4300 or come take

a tour of our beautiful facility. Tell your friends,

neighbors and grandchildren about us. We still have

a few openings for the remainder of this year, and

next school year for children ages 2-5. Come see

what The Children's Center has to offer. "Knowing

Jesus and Making Jesus Known" is the foundation

for all that we do. Come learn and play with us!

First grade children led the Lord’s Prayer during

worship on Sunday, February 16. Every family

with a first grade child was invited to participate in

the Prayer Stepping Stone class. Together they

learned the words to the Lord’s Prayer and how

to use it as a model for prayer. The first grade

children will continue to lead the Lord’s Prayer for

church school during the Large Group Opening

each week.

In the Village church school the children heard the

stories of David and learned that when David

depended on the Lord he was unstoppable.

The Bible memory verse for the unit was:

The Lord said to Samuel, “Man looks at how

someone appears on the outside. But I look at

what is in the heart.” ~ 1 Samuel 16:7b (NIrV)

Weaving a friendship heart helped the children think

about being a true friend by wanting the best for their

friends...and that our best friend is Jesus. The paper

heart activity helped children remember that friends

care about each other despite distance or time apart.

In everything we do the condition of our hearts is what

matters to God.

The Village Church School and Prayer Stepping Stone

by Janine Norgaard

Stepping Stone classes focus on different faith

practices and are offered to children and their

families throughout the year. The next class is

Devotion Stepping stone for 2nd graders and their

families. Contact Janine Norgaard at

janinenorgaard@oursaviours.com.

8th Grade Confirmation Retreat by Bobbi Jo Cyr

The 8th Grade Confirmation Retreat was last weekend, February 7-8, at

Lake Geneva Youth Camp! 91% of the 8th graders registered for the

retreat this year.

We had an awesome time getting to know each other, learning new ways

to pray in our prayer stations and connecting deeper with God and to our

faith in our workshops. We had a little fun in there, too! During

our recreation time, students played in the gym, ice skated, went tubing or

tobogganing, or played foosball and ping-pong back in our cabin. We

talked about what it means to be a confirmed member of the church and

about opportunities for the students in high school. What's next? The

confirmands will be working on their faith stories and preparing for their

confirmation interviews. Please lift them all up in prayer as they prepare for

this final journey to Confirmation.

Thank you to Pastor Jade and all the mentors, John Endrud, Fritz Gerlach, Nancy Kramer, Dave Mevis, and

Lori Patterson who made this weekend a success, and to our First Student bus driver who happened to be a

member of our church, Mark Hanson. To our parents – thank you for making this journey important for your

students. I can’t wait to read their faith stories and see them confirmed this spring on May 4.

Report From Urban Acacia by Dan Beirne

Growth Metrics

Action and Outcome

How has what I’ve been doing been contributing

toward the fulfillment Urban Acacia’s mission?

January was an exciting month in the realm of

leadership development. I had spoken with one of

our participants last month, Laura, about beginning

to work with me on the Social Event “branch” of

Urban Acacia’s events, and this month was the first

month we worked together. Not only was the date

and location chosen in a more timely fashion than

when I planned it, but she also took the initiative to

email everyone a series of reminders. Our bowling

event brought in eight participants on a very snowy

night. Via email, we later talked about how our

system worked that month, and we have made a

few adjustments for future events. She’s already

emailed everyone, and our partnership on these

events is off to a great start.

Since much of what Urban Acacia is has developed

out of the social character of a group of people in

the city, many of the things I/we do in our social

lives overlap with the mission of Urban Acacia. For

example, there is an annual trip that I take back to

El Salvador to visit where I served as a missionary

for two years, and this year for the first time,

I brought a delegation with me (two of whom are

Urban Acacia participants as well). Two of the four

that came are members of my band Distant

Brothers. We went to El Salvador to play in a

series of three benefit concerts, to raise money for

a community on the coast to build a pedestrian

bridge for the kids of their community to have a

safer route to school each day. In addition to a

delightfully successful event, and the bridge

construction being now under way, we also had the

opportunity to spend a good amount of time with

the kids I used to work with, playing and embracing

them and the whole family from the children’s

home, Concordia.

For the second time, the makings of our new small

group met in January. Seven people have expressed

definite interest, though our schedules and weather

have proven a significant obstacle. Three came in

December, and only one came this time in January.

While the turnout was admittedly frustrating, I did

have a fantastic conversation with the one participant

that came. She suggested that the “Come meet

everyone all at once” approach might be a bit much

for everyone to find the motivation to attend. If,

however, we were to just invite each of these

potential small group members to one of our social

events (like our Arcade Night this month), perhaps

that would serve as a more accessible entry point for

our newcomers. I think she is on to something, and I

plan to do just that.

Bethel Update, a True Success Story!

by Jim Sherman

As many of you may already be aware, Our Saviour’s services are no longer needed at Bethel, because...

they are now able to provide this on their own! After so many years, THEY made the jump to

independence! WOW! What a success story!

This is really not a sad occasion - but a happy one. As the great Dr. Seuss said “Don't cry because it's over,

smile because it happened". And especially feel proud that we were all part of their success! We really do

want everyone we start out assisting at Our Saviour’s to become self-sustaining - on their own terms.

It would not have happened though without each of your generous, unselfish and time-consuming support.

There were no-rewards/no recognition for participating in this Ministry, just the thought that we were helping

some seniors who needed it and who had very limited other options. And, that we could bring some comfort

and a smile to real people that needed some backup, including some elderly diabetic residents that were

allowed only one affordable piece of candy a day, from their proprietor friends who ran the Pantry.

Thanks again for some wonderful years...that made Jesus Known to our friends at Bethel New Life! More

than that - Thank you to Tom Griffin, for providing leadership and to our organized teams or volunteers, and

to ALL of you for providing the ongoing walk-beside Service - that made this Alberta's Pantry Ministry

possible!

Safeguarding Your Legacy

The Legacy Journey is coming to Our Saviour’s in April. It is

an all-new, seven-week, biblically based class that teaches

you how to truly live and leave a legacy for generations to

come. This class will lead you deeper into investing, basic

estate planning, purposeful living, safeguarding your legacy,

and discovering the keys to generational wealth and true

generosity.

Relationships are a vital part of the human experience. We don’t walk alone because we were never

supposed to! God created us for community. But there’s one problem with community: It’s full of PEOPLE!!

And because people aren’t perfect, money has the power to totally disrupt even our closest relationships.

Fortunately, The Legacy Journey doesn't force you to chose between wealth and relationships. In

Safeguarding Your Legacy, Dave and Rachel walk you through four key relationships that are often

negatively affected by money. They also give you a framework for protecting both your legacy and your

relationships.

The Legacy Journey starts on Thursday, April 3, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the Adult Learning Center at

Celebration! Campus. You can register on line at www.oursaviours.com. If you have any questions, please

contact Joel Truemper at 630-357-3629.

Saturday Night Serves Up

Fellowship with Hospitality!

Join us on the first Saturday of the month after the 5:00 pm

service for some fellowship and fun! Get to know your

Saturday faith community and spend some time together.

Come for the service, stay for the fun! February 1 was their

first event for the new year, beverages and food were shared

and a good time was had by all.

Sign up with Sue Hollingshead at the 5:00 pm service and get

involved! Ask a fellow member, or a friend to join you in

hosting, serving, setting up or cleaning up. It’s a great way to

connect with others! The next event will be on March 8,

when the Saturday Night Team will host a reception for Pastor

John Gerike’s installation!

Call or text Sue Hollingshead to sign up or for more details at

630-918-0645!

Advocate Parish Nurse Notes Submitted by Dawn DeBoer

The Need for Glasses –

153 Million Reasons Lions Recycles for Sight According to The World Health Organization, 153 million people have uncorrected refractive errors (near-

sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism). Most of these vision impairments are quickly diagnosed and

easy to treat with corrective lenses. Still, millions of people in developing nations are pushed deeper into

poverty simply because they don't have glasses. They can't learn, because reading is difficult. They can't

work to the best of their ability, because they can't see clearly. It costs Lions less than US$0.08 to provide a

pair of recycled eyeglasses and change someone's life. For children, clear vision means a better education,

healthier development and a better quality of life. For adults, it means greater employment opportunity and

economic strength. For seniors, it means less dependence on others.

How does Our Saviour’s fit into this? The eyeglass donation ministry recently donated 44 pair of

glasses, and three sets of hearing aids, to the Lions' Club. These glasses will be refurbished and

distributed to those in need. There is a basket for donations in Luther Court, and glasses (and hearing aids)

can be placed there. We have students from District 204 who are able to clean them before the glasses are

taken to the Lions' donation site. Thank you to all who contribute to this ministry.

Key Differences in Heart Attacks Between Women and Men

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women. But when women have heart attacks, they tend to be

about 10 years older than men. Woman are more likely to have other conditions such as diabetes, high blood

pressure and congestive heart failure -- making it more vital that they get proper treatment fast. Unfortunately,

women are less likely than men to believe they're having a heart attack and more likely to delay seeking

emergency treatment. As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or

discomfort. But women are more likely than men to experience some of the other symptoms such as

shortness of breath, nausea/ vomiting, or back or jaw pain. (Source: American Heart Association)

If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs,

CALL 911! Get to a hospital right away for emergency medical attention.

Thrivent Choice Dollars Benefit Our Saviour’s

Did you know you can direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars to many places, including Our Saviour’s? You can

get more information about how to direct your 2013 designated Thrivent Choice Dollars® on Sunday, March 9

at the Our Saviour’s Campus. Vic Hildebrand and Matt Sander, from Thrivent, will be available on March 9, in

the Fellowship Center at Our Saviour’s Campus, to help you make choices about our direct your Choice

Dollars. Eligible benefit members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans have until March 31, 2014, to direct any

remaining 2013 Choice Dollars. After that date, the unused Choice Dollars expire.

Choice Dollars are part of Thrivent Choice®. Through this Thrivent Financial charitable grant program,

members can recommend where Thrivent Financial distributes part of its charitable grant funds each year.

You can direct those funds to Our Saviour’s, if you choose.

Births and Deaths We rejoice at the miracle of new life, and have been blessed with the following:

At the birth of Grace Evelyn Claud, granddaughter of Ruth and Scott Nelson.

Liza and Dave Schramm at the birth of daughter, Teagan Jae; grandparents are Sheri and Jay Baumgartner.

Janine and Dan Faber at the adoption of son, Dominic Joseph; grandparents are Bill and Anne Wentz.

We lift up in prayers:

Lynda DeVore and family at the death of her mother, Ione Henry.

Connie Halgrimson and family at the death of Connie’s husband, Ed Halgrimson.

Kelly Cassity and family at the death of mother and grandmother, Colleen Gravelle.

Carole Ann Kacz and family at the death of her mother, Marilyn Lipke.

Craig and Jennifer Schuler and family at the death of Craig’s brother, Keith Schuler.

Bill and Samantha Schnittker and family at the death of Bill’s mother, Margaret Ann Schnittker.

Elizabeth and son Ryan Loy, and family on the death of husband and father, Raymond Loy.

A Special Thank You From The Family of Ed Halgrimson

Dear Our Saviour’s staff and members,

It seems so important to extend a written “thanks” to all of you who have witnessed the loss of my dear “Ed”

following an eight-month illness with congestive heart failure. Your visits, prayers, and good wishes were such

a blessing during that time.

The out-pouring of cards, flowers, food, and visits, continue to help with my great need for acceptance of the

loss of my loving husband of 65 years. You, as extended “family” will sustain and encourage me. Thank you.

God is my refuge and strength.

~Connie Halgrimson

Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church 815 S. Washington Street Naperville, IL 60540 Phone: (630) 355-2522 Fax: (630) 355-2553 Web site: www.oursaviours.com

Our Saviour’s Mission "Knowing Jesus and Making Jesus Known" Our Saviour’s Vision Live it Out! Generous disciples impacting the world Worship Services Our Saviour’s Campus 815 S. Washington St., Naperville Saturdays at 5:00 pm, Sundays at 8:00, 9:00, 10:30 am Celebration! Campus 919 S. Washington St., Naperville Sundays at 10:00 am Leadership Staff Pastor John Gerike, Pastor Jade, Pastor Jon Dumpys, Pastor Al Creighton, Lynda DeVore Mission Partners Bohdan Hroboň - Slovakia Misheck Ruwa - Vida Humana, Chimoio, Mozembique For Children - (September - May) Church School is available from September - May for 3 year olds - 5th Grade on Sundays, 9:00 and 10:30 am - Our Saviour’s Campus 10:00 am - Celebration! Campus

For Youth (September - May)

Junior High - Surge

(Confirmation)

Sundays 12:15 - 1:30 pm,

Celebration! Campus

High School - Ignition

Sundays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm,

Celebration! Campus

Our Saviour’s Council

Lane Lewis - Chairperson

Julie Michael - Vice Chairperson

Bill Tadevich - Secretary

Lee Selander

Jennifer Schuler

Greg Nasman

Cindy Huenecke

Christine Robinson

John Updegraff