The Carillon MAY, 2016

St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church

Everyone Engaging the Entire Community for Christ

Pastor’s Column - May, 2016

“Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:3 I can still hear the voice of Jack Brickhouse, long – time play by play announcer for the Chicago Cubs, saying, “Today’s infield, from third to first: Santo, Kessinger, Beckert and Banks. The battery of Jenkins and Hundley.” For most of my childhood and early youth, that infield for the Cubbies remained unchanged. When they played home games at Wrigley Field, there was no need for their names to be put on the back of their jerseys. We kids knew who they were just by the way they approached the batter’s box, how they adjusted their batting helmets, how they stepped out of the box between pitches, how they swung the bat. We emulated them in our back yards and on the baseball diamonds. Summer after summer, “Santo, Kessinger, Beckert and Banks, Hundley behind the plate.” The numbers 10, 11, 14 and 9 are forever emblazoned in my mind. Not as some worthless “lucky lotto” numbers, but as jersey numbers of men among men, constants among constants. In 1972, the Curt Flood Decision ushered in words like, “reserve clause” and “free agency.” As a child I had no idea what those words meant, nor did I want to. Though that decision rightfully protected the interests of the individual player, it meant that gone forever would be that security and comfort that so many of us kids longed for and needed: at least when April rolled around, there’d be, “Santo, Kessinger, Beckert and Banks, Hundley behind the plate.”

When our Lord God Almighty spoke to His chosen people of old in the book of Isaiah from the verse above, He was assuring them, as they faced perilous times of change, including captivity under the Babylonians, that He would sustain them—He would be the constant—in all their years to come!

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MAY GREETERS

10:00 AM Service

MAY 1, 2016 Julie & Jeff Albrecht

MAY 8, 2016 Darlene Seay & Cherie Weber

MAY 15, 2016 Marsha Doyle & Virginia Ehrich

MAY 22, 2016 Judith Cohrs & Joan Davis

MAY, 29, 2016

Jean & Dale Jacobs

“Everyone Engaging the Entire

Community for Christ ”

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He would not change. He would not be like those idols that the Babylonians would worship, idols who would come and go in their man-made images. Stone idols who would not be there to carry them, to sustain them and to rescue them. Read Chapter 46 of Isaiah, and be amazed at the proclamations our God makes, that He will “make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come...My purpose will stand.” Change is a constant now in the major leagues starting lineups—not only from season to season—often from month to month or week to week! So it is in on our earthly pilgrimage. Sometimes as children, as youth, as young adults and well into our senior years, we can easily offer up the question, “Why do things have to change?” Things will and do change throughout our lives, often to our dismay. That is why we have God’s word before us today, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you, I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” May you take comfort in these words, whatever you are facing in your life at this time. The Triune God remains unchanged, His promises to you remain unchanged. His love for you in sending His Son to suffer and die and rise from the dead, granting you forgiveness and eternal life remain unchanged. You have His promise on that—into eternity! I almost forgot: Go Cubs!

Thanks to everyone who came and

shared with Deer Creek Christian

School parents & children on April 15th.

What a wonderful experience for all who

attended. Deer Creek extends a “ Thank

You ” to St. Paul ’ s.

GOD IS GREAT AND GOOD!

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SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES

68 YEARS Betty & Ron Kregel

59 YEARS Ruth & Robert Anderson

Marion & Frank Gulick

MAY Wedding Anniversaries May the Lord Bless your Marriage

Love doesn't make the

world go ’round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

Gayle & Andrew Ahrendt May 10 Ruth & Robert Anderson May 19 Hildegarde & Rudolf Baum May 22 Athalia & James Butcher May 28 Cheryl & Donald Earp May 17 Cathy & Tom Engel May 27 Marion & Frank Gulick May 18 Kathleen & Larry Heusmann May 26 Dina & Chester Hiestand May 27 Allison & Brian Holtz May 26 Patricia & Dennis Jackson May 01 Betty & Ron Kregel May 07 Patricia & Mark Mantel May 10 Marie & John Mednansky May 03 Margo & Gary Schimmel May 17 Derek & Shelly Storch May 02

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Live the God Pleasing Life

Vocation. “You keep using that word. I don’t think it

means what you think it means.” (A little Princess

Bride quote) In our Lutheran churches we hear this

word a lot, or so we should, but what does it really

mean? Mr. Webster would define vocation as “a

strong suitability for a particular career or occupation,

a person’s employment or main occupation, especially

regarded as particularly worthy and requiring great

dedication”. We may even say, it is our purpose, life

fulfillment, or mission and apply it to whatever

capacity we want. More often than not, we associate

it with jobs, duties, or work we like doing, have a

passion for, or feel God has called us to do. Is this the

way Luther defines vocation? Is it more than just a

job that causes an emotional reaction?

Luther used two German words to define the Latin

term vocatio, stand (station) and beruf (calling). He

taught, God gives all people a station in life but,

non-Christians don’t see it as such where Christians

recognize their calling from God and want to live in

that vocation to the best of their ability. In our

Christian freedom we know God does not need our

good works in our vocations to serve or appease Him.

But, Mark 12:31 tells us who does...our neighbors!

God provides for our neighbors’ needs through our

relationships with them. You see, God works through

physical means, real people, at specific times. He

uses bread, wine, water, burning bushes, incarnate

Jesus to provide for His people instead of poofing

things out of thin air. (If you want a god who poofs,

you’re going to need a genie.) Sometimes, you are

those means He works through, even when you don’t

want to be, and your neighbors are the people you

meet every single day in your family, church, society,

and occupation.

To find your vocations in life first, look within your

own household. Who is in there? A Mother? Father?

Son? Daughter? Husband? Wife? These are the most

intimate of relationships a person can have because

the amount of people who can replace you is minimal.

Your children only have one mother, your wife only

one husband, your parents only you.

These vocations are the most important to these immediate neighbors yet, they are the most overlooked because they are so normal. Our vocations in life are not always exciting or encouraging or something we necessarily want to do but, they are needed by the people surrounding you. Even if you are single, you are a part of a family, so serve and love the members in the specific way only you can.

Then, look to your spiritual family, your church body, to see who needs you there. The wonderful thing about this doctrine of vocation is that every person is needed and it is manifested in no better way than the church. The church needs every vocation to function and celebrates the differences between its members. The church needs widows to set up communion, children so others can serve them, the never married to lead committees, because they have the time to serve. In order to function the church needs a trustee unlocking the doors, an LWML lady cleaning the kitchen, a Jack of all trades cleaning the toilets, or members hearing God’s Word. We need all the members of the body of Christ to operate according to their unique function. The church needs you. In whatever broken state you are in, whether you give or receive, come.

Finally, look into your community and occupation. We

all have the vocation of citizenship and our country

exemplifies this in the best of ways. We live in a country

where our voices matter. As citizens we must vote,

educate ourselves for upcoming elections, call the police

when laws are broken, and even join the neighborhood

watch. The Lord has given us civil government for our

protection and as Americans we have the privilege of

ensuring that is always the case. You can serve your

community by volunteering or through your occupation

but in whatever you do, do it unto the Lord. Whether

you work inside or outside of the home, use your talents

and interests the Lord has given you and do the job well.

Show up on time, be fair, listen to your boss, complete

your tasks efficiently, be a good employee and serve

your neighbors, even when they’re strangers. It doesn’t

matter if you are an electrician, lawyer, government

employee, cashier, or make-up consultant, your work is

holy because as God’s child through baptism, you

yourself are holy.

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St. Paul’s Sunday School

Spring is in the air and that means Sunday School has only a few more Sundays left to share the word of God with the children.

Our last Sunday will be May 22nd. We will be holding a closing service in our opening room. If anyone would like to attend, we would love to have you. The children will receive gifts for attendance and our large Trophy’s for class attendance.

Our season just seemed to fly by, and with that I want to thank everyone who sends their child/ren to Sunday School or who has been gracious to Sunday School with monetary gifts, deserts, cans. Thanks to Brian Goers who takes the cans for recycling and brings Sunday School the money.

We will have some changes next September when Deer Creek will use some of our rooms, but it will all work out. With God nothing is impossible.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Summer.

Gloria Graham Smith Sunday School Superintendent

S.P.A.C.E. - MAY 19, 2016

St. Paul’s Adult Care Event

Come join us for a fun night!

All are welcome young and young

at heart.

A night out for special people and their caregivers.

Starting at 6:00 pm lite dinner

(Pizza & soft drink)

Then at 6:45 choose a movie

Come join us for a fun night

Everyone Engaging the Entire Community for Christ

Fiesta de San Pablo y Auto Mostrar

Sabado, 7 de Mayo 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

It’s fiesta time! Bring your family and

friends and join us on Saturday, May 7 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

for a time of lively music, authentic Mexican food, games and a classic

car show.

Viva St. Paul’s!!

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WORSHIP FOR SHUT-INS

MAY, 2016

Greetings from Lutheran Ministries Media, Worship for Shut-Ins

May 1, 2016 – John 16:33b “Overcoming the World” by Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III, Concordia Theological Seminary~Fort Wayne, IN The wicked, unbelieving world, moved by Satan, is opposed to God, His Word, and His people. Thus believers in this world will have tribulation. But Christ has overcome the world, and He helps us overcome the world.

May 8, 2016 – Luke 24:44-53 “So Close and Yet So Far” by Rev. James L. Elsner, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church~Stroh, IN Jesus is gone. He’s left us. Or has He? The Ascension of Jesus teaches us that He reins with us – even while He’s in heaven. How can that be?

May 15, 2016 – Acts 2:1-11 “The Pentecost Harvest” by Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul Lutheran Church~Decatur, IN God would use the Jewish Feast of Pentecost. It not only prefigured God's harvest of souls for eternal life, but the actual day provided a wonderfully designed opportunity for many Jews, from many regions, to hear the wonderful news of the Savior, the bringer of true peace.

May 22, 2016 – John 8:48-59 “God’s Own Child” by Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast, Jr., President, Concordia Theological Seminary~Fort Wayne, IN The Holy Trinity is one of the great mysteries of the faith. Yet, through Jesus Christ, we come to know God as our Father. Through the waters of baptism the Holy Spirit gives us the gift of faith. Therefore each of us can gladly say, “I am God’s own child!” May 29, 2016 – Luke 7:1-10 “A Soldier’s Faith” by Rev. William Mueller, Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church~Fort Wayne, IN An unnamed soldier has a need that only the Lord Jesus Christ can fulfill. In the encounter between this soldier and the Savior we see the heart of faith and the glory of God.

Worship for Shut-Ins can be seen

every Sunday at:

11:30 am Eastern Time 10:30 am Central Time

Comcast Channel 138 Total Living Network, Sunday 11:30 am

DIRECTV Channel 377

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St. Paul’s Altar Guild will meet on

Sunday May 1st in the Parlor for

their meeting. Please attend!

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Vocations are more than just jobs we like to do, they are gifts the Lord has given us. We live the God pleasing life by living within our vocations, serving our neighbors, and sharing Christ’s love with one another. Acknowledge the vocations the Father has put you in right now and accept them as gifts even when you don’t like them, when they seem to be your cross to bear, when you disagree with God, or when you’d rather exchange your gift for another. We don’t get to pick and choose our vocations, we get to accept them as the gifts they are, and thankfully live in them. Christians don’t prove their Christianity through the t-shirts they wear, music they listen to, bumper stickers they have, or by quitting their job because they can’t say ‘Merry Christmas’. They show they’re Christians by glorifying the Father through the mundane activities of their vocations.

In Christ, Deaconess Katelyn

St. Paul’s Senior Saints

Our next adventure will be on May 11th at 5:00 pm to see “A Tribute to Elvis”.

Travis LeDoy will feature songs from Elvis Presley’s movie career. The reincarnation witnessed through his dynamic show is truly spectacular and offers the next best thing for those who never saw Elvis live! The Senior Series is held at Lincoln-Way North High School - Vollmer and Harlem Avenues - Frankfort. It is easy to drive to!

I have three (3) TICKETS that are for sale. The cost per ticket is $20.00. Friends are welcome!

Please let Gloria know if you can attend. We would love to have you come with us and share laughs and a good time.

Bring in The Summer Glow—Lutheran Youth Fellowship will kick off the summer with a celebration! Families and youth 7th-12th grade are welcome to join us for a BBQ, games, and more as we say goodbye to our seniors and welcome our freshmen!

Save the Date—June 5th at 7:00 PM!

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St. Paul’s Rummage Sale

Will be held

June 9 - 9AM-3PM

June 10 - 9AM-3PM

June 11 - 9 AM - 12 Noon

Drop Off Dates

June 1 - 8 to the gym (time to be announced)

June 5-7

Parlor & Gym (time to be announced)

Please come and help as this is a big job getting everything sorted out.

If you need information to drop off or help—please contact Dorothy Stelter or leave a message with the church office.

Remember...One mans junk is another mans treasure!

THANK YOU’S Northern Illinois District

Acknowledge and thank you for St. Paul’s offering of $180.00 dated

May 4, 2016

Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne thanks St. Paul’s for

$3,586.71 in 2015.

PASTORAL ACTS

May our Lord give comfort and healing to this family and strengthen

the faith of all of us.

April 15, 2016

Graese, Wilbert F. ‘Wil’ age 91 passed away on April 15, 2016. His funeral service was held here at St. Paul’s on April 23rd.

Committal was at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Flossmoor, Illinois

****** Baptism of Brian Anthony Anderson Sunday April 24th after the church service. Brian will be confirmed on Sunday, May 1st here at St. Paul’s.

Be Thou Faithful Until Death

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BIRTHDAYS IN MAY

Allen, Rick May 20 Anderson, Robert May 30 Becker, Mark May 12 Becker, Stephanie May 26 Bloom, Woody MAY 11 Bova, Joe May 09 Brackman, Maillyn May 26 Capelli, Diana May 31 Chism, Jimmie May 18 Earp, Cheryl May 02 Engel, Michael May 15 Hurling, Richard May 13 Thomas, Jacari May 08 Kuersten, Marcella May 06 Lambert, Cornell May 07 Larcher, David May 10 Lauermann, Robert May 18 Lauermann, Linda May 28 Lauermann, Brenda May 19 Mayes, Juanita May 06 McGathey Zachary May 06 Ohlendorf, Marion May 15 Roeske, Cory May 17 Roseborough, Charles May 27 Roseborough, Ingrid May 27 Schultz, Robert May 14 Selent, Rudolph May 04 Sons, Cherie May 29 Stelter, Ruth May 21 Wirkus, Nita May 03

Special Birthday’s

Marcella Kuersten 95 years

Marion Ohlendorf 91 years

Ruth Stelter 90 years

Marilyn Brackman 86 years

Rudolph Selent 86 years

Robert Anderson 81 years

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to all of you,

Happy Birthday to you.

God’s Blessings to you,

God’s Blessings to you,

God’s Blessings to all of you,

God’s Blessings to you.

A Blessed Birthday From Everyone at

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

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LWML/LADIES AID Now there are varieties of gifts,

but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service,

but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working,

but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one.

1 Cor. 12 vs. 4-6 I bring greetings from the LWML Executive Committee and President Barb Belinski. We would like to share what is happening in the district and to invite all of you to the LWML NID Biennial Convention on September 23-25 at the Belvedere Events and Banquets in Elk Grove Village. Convention registration can actually be just a few clicks on your computer by registering on our website, lwmlnid.org The following is just a small preview of what you will experience by attending this exciting event.

SERVANT EVENT – Friday afternoon: Sewing Clothing Protectors for Bethesda Communion Opening Service – Friday at 7:00 p.m. Gifts From the Heart items for TLC pregnancy services is Elgin. Speakers – Dr./Rev Victor Belton, Jan Struck, Eden Keefe Song Leader – Lana Gibbons Selection of Mission Grants for 2016-2018 and New Officers Saturday Night Banquet, Entertainment, Sunday

Closing Service, not to mention lots of fun and

fellowship with your LWML sisters.

If you are interested to attend or just need more info please call me, Margo The International convention location has been changed from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque New Mexico on June 22-25, 2017. The theme is JESUS CHRIST Above All (Philippians 2:9) Convention goal is “Empowered by the Holy Spirit, through the Word and Sacrament, I will proclaim Jesus Christ above all. Closer to home, the fall workshop will be hosted by St. Johns, Country Club Hills. Invite and details to follow. Serving him, Margo

ANNUAL CIRCUIT WIDE ASCENSION DAY SERVICE

Please join us with other

Congregations from throughout our circuit as we observe Ascension

Day on Thursday, May 5.

This years host will be St. Paul, Thornton. Beginning at 6:00 pm

a mostaccioli dinner will be offered.

Worship, including the celebration of Holy Communion, will begin

at 7:30 pm.

For those wishing to participate in a mass choir for this service, additional information will be forthcoming as it is received. Join us for this time of

worship and fellowship on Ascension Day!

I

He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest

secret of a holy and happy life.

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1 6th Sunday of Easter Worship 10 AM w/communion Coffee Hour/ Bible Study/Youth/ SS 9 AM Confirmation

2

Worship Service

w/communion

7 PM

3

4 Church Council 7 PM Choir 7 PM

5

Ascension

of our Lord

Service

St. Paul

Thornton

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7 FIESTA/ CAR SHOW 11 AM-3PM

8 7th Sunday of Easter Worship 10 AM Coffee Hour/ Bible Study/Youth/ SS 9 AM Baptism Happy Mother’s Day

9

Worship Service 7 PM

10

Ladies

Book Study

6-8PM

Parlor

11

Sr. Saints

5PM - Elvis

Show

12

Bible Study

10 AM

Elders 7PM

13

14

15 Day of Pentecost Worship 10 AM w/communion Coffee Hour/ Bible Study/Youth & SS 9AM VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY

16

Worship Service

w/communion

7 PM

17

18

19

Bible Study

10 AM

SPACE

6-8:30 pm

Trustees

7PM

20

21

22 The Holy Trinity/1st Sunday after Pentecost Worship 10 AM w/communion Coffee Hour/ Bible Study/Youth & SS 9AM

23 Worship Service 7 PM

24

Ladies

Book Study

6-8 PM

Parlor

25

26 Bible

Study 10 AM

27

28

NO

Bible

Breakfast

29 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

Worship 10 AM

Coffee hour/ Bible Study/

Youth 9AM

30 Memorial Day

31 Worship Service 7PM

MAY, 2016

Sunday Worship 10 AM Monday Evening Worship 7 PM Coffee Hour/Bible Study /Youth Sunday School - Sunday 9 AM Church Office (708) 754-4493 Pastor Croon (708) 960-0395 www.splch.org

ALTAR GUILD MEETING SUNDAY, MAY 1ST IN PARLOR AFTER THE CHURCH SERVICE