maverick june 2014

JUNE 2014

MAVERICK

2 A Letter from Pastor

3 June Worship

4 May Highlights

6 Tablets in the Classroom 8 Book Recommendations

10 Summer Smarts

12 Traveler’s Gala Re-cap

14 Vacation Bible School Overview

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

Middle School Civics Trip St. James seventh and eighth grade students had the opportunity to visit Washington, DC from May 28 - 30. As part of the social studies curriculum, students visit both Springfield, IL and Washington, DC while in Middle School.

GATHER • GO • GIVE • GROW 1

Dear People of God,

It is my pleasure to introduce you to our three graduating eighth graders. What delights me most about these young adults is the common bond they share that is not so common. On Tuesday, June 3, 2014 these three were lauded with a special recognition. We like to recognize achievement. That’s why we hold an annual Baccalaureate Service. It is our opportunity to give thanks to God as a community for the academic success of our students.

But this year we noticed something special. All three of our graduating eighth graders exemplify what it means to be a disciple. And, quite frankly, we think you know it too. Please don’t think we honor them for the sake of their own glory. We do so for the sake of the glory Christ is living through them. Let me tell you a little bit about their distinction.

Nia-Blessing Armstrong reveals an understanding of living her faith in the civil realm that is an inspiration to us all. She is passionate about urban gardening initiatives through Openlands leading her to meet with Governor Pat Quinn to enlist his support. Other environmental stewardship interests include volunteering with the Chicago River Conservatory, the American Kennel Club, PAWS, and the Shed Aquarium, where she is the youngest Shed Steward.

Between school and these volunteer responsibilities, she has helped prepare care packages for active duty soldiers, made bookmarks for children through the Chicago Public Library, and delivered food to the Lakeview Pantry. Being a disciple means caring for the things in God’s creation, and Nia-Blessing knows this well.

Now meet Alexander and Graham Louthan. These two brothers have a passion for gadgets and service and combine both in unique ways. Wanting to raise money for the American Cancer Society, they took every child’s lemonade stand and added a bit of technology with motorized lemonade stirrers and a motorized cash box.

Turning their passion for Halloween into cash came easy, as their annual high tech Haunted House ,contributed with the lemonade stand to help them raise over $8,000!

In addition, they have served meals monthly for the last year at Chicago Uptown Ministries for those who suffer food insecurity. Whether it is making gadgets for the operetta, guiding younger students at VBS in tower building, or sharing their love for roller coasters through Graham’s blog, www.journeythroughcoasters.com, these two are active and engaged, making learning the art of life. Being a disciple means using the gifts God gives you to serve others and Graham and Alexander know this well.

If you ever wonder what the value of St. James Education is, these three show us in their everyday lives. A St. James education is being a disciple, caring for God’s things and serving others. There is much to learn from these young adults for all of us.

2 JUNE 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 SpahnPastor Donovan

JUN

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HIP

8

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Services are on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. for the summer. Podcasts of Pastor Donovan’s sermons can be found on our website.

Pentecost

On Pentecost we celebrate the beginning of our time. This season from late spring to Thanksgiving is to remember that God’s work in the old and new testaments is for a purpose. We are the purpose. God’s work in salvation began with one man’s death and resurrection. But that death was atonement for all. And now we take our place in working together to bring this good news to our neighbors.

But this doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Not to rely on us, God sends His Holy Spirit to reside in the heart of all the baptized. Now as God’s forgiven, we are guided to forgive and share the news that brings to life a new creation.

Holy Trinity The first Sunday after Pentecost celebrates the revelation of God as three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. On this day we reflect how magnificent God is to care for us specifically as provider, savior and perfector. The Eccumenical Creeds (Apostles, Nicene and Athanasian) were written to provide guidance for the good news to find consistency its message.

This new creation becomes a reflection of God in three persons. The church as the local presence of God reveals His creating goodness, saving grace, and sustaining glory through its ministries and service to others.

The Second Sunday After Pentecost

This Sunday emphasizes God’s plan to send us out to be missionaries in our neighborhoods. He tells us to expect trial and difficulty. He warns us that this is not a glorious job, although it is for a glorious purpose. Jesus’ advice is to expect to be disliked for His sake and take comfort in God’s promise to guard you because of your faith for Christ’s sake.

How often do we shy away from sharing our faith because we don’t want to offend someone? Is that really the reason why we remain silent? Or could it be that we are afraid to speak because we prefer to be liked and choose to not confront a world that is hostile to God?

The Third Sunday After Pentecost

Today Jesus emphasizes the nature of spiritual war that clashes at the edge of the new creation and the culture it seeks to redeem. The old relationships of family are replaced with a new blood line, the blood of Christ running through the waters of the baptisms of all who follow Him. The new creation offers new rewards and a new inheritance.

When followers of Jesus are confronted in this spiritual battle against the kingdom of death we need to rely on our new family in Christ. Here, in the local congregation, we find comfort and solace. We get strength and resolve. We offer support and encouragement. Here we find our home on earth and work to battle the edge of darkness for the sake of Christ’s light overtaking the world.


MAY HIGHLIGHTS

TRAVELER’S GALA

CONFIRMATIONOPERETTA

MAVERICK NIGHT

4 JUNE 2014

FELLOWSHIP ASSEMBLY KINDERGARTEN LEMONADE STAND

MOTHER’S DAY


MIDDLE SCHOOL TRIP TO WASHINGTON, DC

Technology can be an incredibly useful tool for education, especially within the realm of reading instruction. Young children need opportunities to develop the early “technology-handling” skills associated with early digital literacy, which are similar to the “book handling” skills that are typical of early literacy development. Tablets are a cost effective and lightweight option for our youngest learners. They allow teachers to customize their students learning to fit any level and learning style.

A tablet can be used to teach skills in a one-on-one, small group or whole group setting. One of the many purposes of tablets is to reinforce specific skills, especially in the areas of print awareness, phonics and vocabulary. This allows the teacher to collect data on the child’s retention of material taught in a lesson almost immediately. In addition, tablets allow groups of students to work together on tasks while the teacher can meet with small groups to either reinforce a concept or introduce a new one. In other words, it facilitates greater extensions for learning as well as greater differentiation and time on task.

Applications can also provide greater enrichment and interactivity. We can use creation apps, such as recording books with Sonicpics or telling stories with Sock Puppets or Toontastic. These applications allow students to experiment with creating stories in conjunction with others. We can also use recording apps like Croak.it to create short recordings of things like “what’s you favorite book right now and why?” or for children to record themselves telling a story for others to listen. Furthermore, early readers can use tablets to listen to stories. This method works to model and increase fluency to a greater degree than with just the classroom teacher. Children are able to engage with texts at varying levels at the same time. The tablets can also aid in social development as children who might not otherwise engage with other children are drawn into games, stories and activities through the interactive media that the tablet provides.

For young children, it is important to remember that the main goal is connections, i.e. using technology for students to interact with one another, as well as people on a global setting (FaceTime, Twitter, blogs, etc.), and to create together. Any exposure to technology for young children should be used for exploration and should include shared joint attention and language-rich interactions. In addition, we must keep in mind that the children, not the tablet, are the center of our classroom. We continue to strive toward our main responsibility, mission and commitment to provide the tools that are necessary in order to develop each child’s knowledge and creativity to reach the full potential that God has set forth for them. We believe that tablets will serve to enhance what already exists in our classrooms and bring our students to this next level of learning and development.

6 JUNE 2014

TABLETS IN THE CLASSROOMby Lynda Adams, Early Childhood Director

DISCOVERY WORKSHOPS

STEWARDS OF CHRIST’S CHURCH

Explore what God intends when we GATHER as His people in these Summer Discovery Bible studies. Each week we will enjoy fellowship together, learn what the Bible teaches us, and discuss how to apply our discovery to life at St. James.

God’s choice to restore His creation is to build from the inside out as He locates Himself in His word at a font, altar and pulpit. This is where Christ is, where we GATHER in His name.

Workshop 1 – June 11, 18, 25; A New Creation

This first Workshop will explore what Fellowship is and the importance of Fellowship as the entry point to the community. Gathering events are the means of God to form community. Just as Israel was gathered in Egypt and bound to God as His nation, so we are gathered out of this world and bound to Him as His new creation.

• Discuss the importance of hospitality and service as the core values of our Fellowship.

• Learn how we reveal Christ through our gathering events as a witness to God’s grace.

• Plan next year’s gathering events and strategize how to inspire more of us to be involved.


Continued on

Lynda Adams’ PicksEnemy Pie by Derek MunsonThe Flying Hockey Stick by Jolly Roger Bradford

Liz Koehneke’s PicksAll Elephant and Piggie books by Mo WillemsSnatchabook by Thomas Docherty

Meredith Boese’s PicksThat’s What Friends Do by Kathryn CaveIs Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten by Audrey Vernick

Kristina Buschle’s PicksI Want My Hat Back by Jon KlassenWhere’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple

Jennifer Kolovos’ PicksI recommend re-reading classic novels, such as The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I find that my perspective on books changes overtime so I enjoy re-reading my former favorites.

I love the book Larry Gets Lost in Chicago by Michael Mullin and John Skewes. Read the book and go on a tour of the city to see how many places your child recognizes from the book.

Jessica Lore’s PicksThe Five Love Languages by Gary ChapmanLove You Forever by Robert Munsch

Kristina Kaldis’ PicksJames and the Giant Peach by Roald DahlThe Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

Stephanie Bending’s PicksJake Drake seriesCupcake Club series

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS St. James’ staff has put together some summer reading recommendations for both children and adults.

8 JUNE 2014

Brianna O’Connor’s PicksLemonade War series by Jacqueline DaviesSideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

Becky Gorcyca’s PicksEragon and Ender’s Games

Kim May’s PicksFor Adults: City of Thieves by David Benioff

For 7/8 Graders or Older (including adults):Read it then see the movie. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

For any age; great for a family read-aloud: The classic, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeiline L’Engle

Pastor Donovan’s PicksFamilies Where Grace Is In Place by Jeff VanVonderan

This book is one of the best parenting tools ever written. The author’s approach is to identify the difference between grace filled homes and law based homes. Those familiar with St. James’ Positive Discipline Model will appreciate how that wisdom can be applied to the family.

The Plantagenants; the Warrior Kings and Queens who made England by Dan Jones

Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitane, Richard the Lionheart, King John, this sweeping history of an incredible family spans 250 years and details the power of a family that reached from Ireland to Jerusalem. Easy to read, this book keeps you interested at every page turn. A great summer read.

Workshop 2 – July 16, 23, 30; Radical Hospitality

If we gather to receive God’s grace and invite the world to join us, how do we receive them? This Workshop delves into the nature of grace and hospitality as it applies to Sunday Worship Events.

• Learn what the Bible teaches about our worship life as the central activity of this new creation.

• Explore the roles and responsibilities necessary to elevate our worship life at St. James.

• Develop a plan to staff and support Sunday worship with radical hospitality.

Workshop 3 – August 13, 20, 27; Led by the Spirit God’s promise is that His Church will prevail until Christ returns to reign with the resurrected. He tells us to be ready and to show mercy, serving the needs of others as witness to His grace. To assure His promise is fulfilled, His Holy Spirit calls some to be pastors to organize and lead the saints to manage the local church.

• Discover your giftedness to lead and prosper the ministry.

• Learn how God calls each of us to follow our call in service to Him.

• Reflect on how God will use you to lead a segment of His ministry and participate in the salvation history while we wait for Christ’s return.

Nightly Schedule

6:00 – Grills and Fridge are open to come right from work for a bite to eat7:00 – Discovery and discussion8:00 - Fellowship continues

Invite others who are interested in building a healthy church.


Create stories with your children. Take turns making up silly stories or stories about your day. Record them so that you can listen to them again. Children love hearing their own voice and this will motivate them to continue telling more stories, plus when you’re tired you can give them headphones and let them listen back to all the old stories.

Take painting outside. Have the kids put on a bathing suit and let them explore by painting with their hands and feet. When they’re finished turn on the sprinkler or hose them off. The change in location is really exciting to children, as is the idea of painting with something other than a paintbrush. Get creative and experiment with all kinds of different outside art. – Lynda Adams, Early Childhood Director

Play I Spy! Look for letters or words wherever you are and turn it into an I Spy game. You can play this in the car, on the plane or at the grocery store!

Get out and about in our great city! There are many museums and events where you can facilitate conversations with your child so that they are engaged and learn about new things. – Liz Koehneke, Preschool

Chicago has so many great Farmer’s Markets to enjoy from spring until fall. Not only do they offer fresh produce, but they’re also wonderful for families. Click here for information on the best family-friendly

Keep learning alive this summer with these fun suggestions from St. James teachers!

Farmer’s Markets.

Bring your family and a picnic dinner to the Botanic Gardens for Nature Nights. This is an opportunity for your child to explore the Garden after hours and participate in discovery-based activities. There are several Nature Nights throughout the summer and each includes a short tram ride, planting project, and s’mores around the campfire. For more information and to register your family click here. – Meredith Boese, Preschool

Have your children plan, shop and make a family dinner. This is a fun way to work on math skills, such as counting and measuring. You could make this an even more exciting event by visiting the Green City Farmer’s Market located on 1790 N. Clark. Start a collection. Have your children collect rocks, insects, plants, books, or any variety of objects. This will help to enhance scientific skills such as observation, testing and predictions, as well as sparking natural curiosity and new learning about a particular topic. – Kristina Buschle, Kindergarten

Foster reading skills by having your child read a bedtime story to you each night.

Helping in the kitchen builds math, reading, and science skills! – Jennifer Kolovos, Kindergarten

SUMMER SMARTS

10 JUNE 2014

Go to the Target Family Fun Festival at Millennium Park. It runs from June 23 - August 24. On Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. kids will enjoy a special reading of a featured author - and the first 50 families will receive a free book.

Visit Green City Market at 1790 N. Clark onWednesdays and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. now through September. Bring your blanket and plan for a picnic after shopping for fresh produce and foods - and even some ready-to-eat specialties - at this bustling market right by the zoo. – Jessica Lore, First Grade

Read James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. After reading, watch the movie version. Have your child compare the similarities and the differences between the movie and the book. Don’t forget the popcorn!

Encourage your child to make a piggy bank to keep track of their saved funds over the summer. Each week challenge your child to count their saved money. – Kristina Kaldis, Second Grade

Go on a scavenger hunt at a museum.

Play the license plate game: Try to find all 50 license plates! – Stephanie Bending, Third Grade

Keep learning alive this summer with these fun suggestions from St. James teachers!

Make a lemonade stand for humans AND dogs (water!) and donate your collected money to a local animal shelter.

Have a neighborhood-wide book drive and donate books to Open Books Literacy Center. – Brianna O’Connor, Fourth Grade

Visit the museum of Science and Industry and take part in one of their fab labs where you can work with a 3D printer or a laser.

Your family can make a solar oven together and try to cook hot dogs or make chocolate chip cookies. – Becky Gorcyca, Middle School

7/8 Graders: See the movie adaptations of The Fault in Our Stars and The Giver.

7/8 Graders: The Fantasy Fiction session of Open Books Publishing Academy will run from Tuesday, July 8 through Thursday, July 31. More information can be found here.

7/8 Graders: The Graphic Novel session of Open Books Publishing Academy will run from Tuesday, July 8 through Thursday, July 31. More information can be found here. – Kim May, Middle School

SUMMER SMARTS


12 JUNE 2014

Traveler’s Gala 2014A Roaring SuccessWe had a great time at this year’s Traveler’s Gala, held on May 2 at Salvatore’s! Guests participated in live and silent auctions and enjoyed a 1920s style party, which included live music, cocktails and a sit-down dinner.

Over $100, 000 was raised at the event. All proceeds go directly to St. James Lutheran School and will be used to provide academically enriching programs and resources necessary to secure a successful future for our students. Funds will be used for technology, staff development, instructional augmentation, field trips and scholarships.

Thank you to everyone involved in this year’s Traveler’s Gala. We couldn’t have done it without the amazing procurement team, generous patrons and donors, set-up and clean-up crews, night of volunteers, those who donated wine for the Instant Wine Cellar and everyone who attended.

Mark your Calendars! Next year’s gala will take place on Friday, May 1, 2015 at Nacional 27 in River North. How will you be involved?

FUN FACTSWe had a Roaring Good Time at the Traveler’s Gala! Whether you attended or were unable to, we thought you’d enjoy some of this year’s fun facts.

Most Popular CategoryThe most popular category was Teacher and Staff Outings with an average of 24.9 bids per item.

Best Performing CategoryThe best performing category was Class Baskets, which raised $5,293.00.

Best Performing ItemThe Limited Edition Illustration of Lincoln Park was the best performing item. It had 27 bids and sold for 224.24% of item value.

Total BidsThroughout the evening, 870 bids were placed on silent items.

Smartphone BiddingDuring the silent auction 18.9% of bids were placed using smart phones.

Paddle RaiseEvery year we raise our paddles in support of the St. James Scholarship Fund. This year, we raised $36,150 during this portion of the event. Thank you for helping to make St. James accessible to all. To view the video that was shown at the Traveler’s Gala click the image below.


Shipwrecked

14 JUNE 2014

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Day OneGOD GIVES US JESUS

“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9

We find ourselves on a desert island. The only way we can get off is for God to send His Son to be our Savior.

Day ThreeJESUS CARES FOR

A SAMARITAN WOMAN

“[Love] is not rude, it is not self-seeking.” 1 Corinthians 13:5

When we find out that the island we’re shipwrecked on is not deserted, we learn to share our love with others because God’s love is for everyone.

Day TwoJESUS HELPS A YOUNG

GIRL AND A SICK WOMAN

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4

While waiting for God’s rescue to happen, we have to care for each other just as God shows His kindness and patience with us.

SCHEDULE

Shipwrecked


VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Day FourJESUS FORGIVES ZACCHAEUS

“[Love] is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:5-6

Living in community is not always easy. Sometimes we get angry with each other, but love overcomes all things just as the love of Jesus takes away the Father’s anger at our sin.

Day FIVEJESUS LIVES FOREVER

“[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8

Saved! When we’re rescued from the island we’re back on the mainland of God’s heaven living with Jesus forever.

June 9-138:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

August 18-209:00 - 11:30 a.m.

August 21-229:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Click Here

to Register

GATHER GO GIVE GROW

church.stjames-lutheran.org/discoveryworkshops

DISCOVERY WORKSHOPSSTEWARDS OF CHRIST’S CHURCH

TOPICS

A New CreationJune 11,18, 25

Radical HospitalityJuly 16, 23, 30

Led by the SpiritAugust 13, 20, 27

NIGHTLY SCHEDULE

6:00 p.m.Dinner & Beverages

7:00 p.m.Discovery & Discussion

8:00 p.m.Fellowship Continues

maverick june 2014

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