eplc travelers enjoy lutheran heritage tour left...

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Worship Life 2

Leadership 3

Worship 4

Growing 8

Outreach 9

Calendar 6,7

Inside this issue:

Worship thru 5/22 Worship thru 5/22 Worship thru 5/22 Worship thru 5/22 Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday

5p Evensong5p Evensong5p Evensong5p Evensong SundaySundaySundaySunday

8a Traditions8a Traditions8a Traditions8a Traditions

9:15a Spirit Bridge9:15a Spirit Bridge9:15a Spirit Bridge9:15a Spirit Bridge

10:30a New Streams10:30a New Streams10:30a New Streams10:30a New Streams

Summer WorshipSummer WorshipSummer WorshipSummer Worship Hours begin 5/29Hours begin 5/29Hours begin 5/29Hours begin 5/29

SaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday 5p Evensong5p Evensong5p Evensong5p Evensong

SundaySundaySundaySunday 9:15a Spirit Bridge9:15a Spirit Bridge9:15a Spirit Bridge9:15a Spirit Bridge 10:30a New Streams10:30a New Streams10:30a New Streams10:30a New Streams

6626 N. Oliphant Ave., Chicago, IL 60631 + www.edisonparkchurch.com + 773-631-9131 Mission: Mission: Mission: Mission: To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did...so that all may know Him.To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did...so that all may know Him.To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did...so that all may know Him.To be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did...so that all may know Him.

May 2016May 2016May 2016May 2016

EPLC Travelers Enjoy Lutheran Heritage Tour

Left: Left: Left: Left: Augustinian Monas-tery where Luther stud-ied, took his vows and presided at Holy Com-munion the first time at this altar. Below: Castle Church in Wittenberg where Luther posted 95 Theses.

Left and Above: Left and Above: Left and Above: Left and Above: J.S. Bach—a most well know Lutheran, and one of his churches, St. Nicolai in Leipzig.

Above: Above: Above: Above: First Lutheran Church built after the Reformation in Torgau Castle (right).(right).(right).(right).

Edison Park travelers Edison Park travelers Edison Park travelers Edison Park travelers were: Walt and Alice Rybak, Barb Stewart, Judi Eastwood, Matt Haider, Marc and Kathy Erlandson, Ingeborg Petry, Deanna Jordan, Karen Knutsen, Lynn Zmija, Betty Gyllstrom, and Pr. Michael Sparby. We were joined by a group from First Lutheran of Richmond Beach in Seattle.

Below: Below: Below: Below: coffee break on road between Prague and Erfurt. Right: Right: Right: Right: Lutheran Ca-thedral in Berlin

EEEEddddiiiissssoooonnnn PPPPaaaarrrrkkkk LLLLuuuutttthhhheeeerrrraaaannnn ++++ wwwwwwwwwwww....eeeeddddiiiissssoooonnnnppppaaaarrrrkkkkcccchhhhuuuurrrrcccchhhh....ccccoooommmm ++++ 777777773333....666633331111....9999111133331111

Office , misc . , Sympathy & Celebration

Church Office Hours Church Office Hours Church Office Hours Church Office Hours 8:30a to 4p — Monday through Thursday

8:30-12:30—Friday

Opportunities to ServeOpportunities to ServeOpportunities to ServeOpportunities to Serve Bulletin Crew—Fridays at 8:45 a.m.

Worship Participants—serve one Sunday a month

Prayer Requests (as of 4/24/16)Prayer Requests (as of 4/24/16)Prayer Requests (as of 4/24/16)Prayer Requests (as of 4/24/16) ◊ Bob Anderson ◊ Vi Angell ◊ Cruz Anshutz (Yost’s friend) ◊ Angie Weickart Aviles ◊ Karen Bartel ◊ Gary Benson (cousin of the Benson’s) ◊ Cody Bloom (Barb Sanders’ friend’s infant son) ◊ Carol Bulawa ◊ Graham Bulawa ◊ Ed Butzbach ◊ Fred Chipman (Mary Hanson’s brother) ◊ Linda Christensen ◊ Tony Ciminllo (Rosalie Greco’s brother) ◊ El Vera Colburn ◊ Viola Collins-Brown ◊ Luke Conaway ◊ Mae Dumas ◊ Cheri Edwards (Carole’s sister-in-law) ◊ Betty Foss ◊ Harry Fritz (Barb Sanders’ friend) ◊ Christine Hamilton (Carole Edward’s friend) ◊ Craig Heffernan ◊ Mike Horner (Friend of the John Jackson’s) ◊ George Jensen (Cheryl Perschke’s Dad) ◊ Juan Juarez (Toni and Juan’s son) ◊ Margit Kegel ◊ Les Kinney ◊ Diane Knutson ◊ Shirley Krischke ◊ Abbey Kunneman (Paul Specialle’s niece) ◊ Bob Miller ◊ Blake Carolyn Sample (Niece of Lynn Bimmerle) ◊ Stacy Scanlon (The Kruse’s daughter-in-law) ◊ Lenora Schafer ◊ Bob Schippmann

◊ Emily Skifano ◊ Tony Smart (Duane Smart’s brother) ◊ Barbara Smith ◊ Clarice Smoot (Marilyn Baalson’s sister) ◊ Kenneth Stuart (Sandy Covey’s father) ◊ David Svendsen ◊ Mary Drislane Tichebault (Barb Sanders’ friend) ◊ Catherine Wierz (Jay and Carol Wierz’ daughter) ◊ Barbara Zage ◊ Those serving in the military from our congregation:

John Minelli and Peter Specialle

MemorialsMemorialsMemorialsMemorials Edison Park Lutheran Church is grateful for the following: In memory of Grace Seplak Grace Seplak Grace Seplak Grace Seplak to the Music Fund from Diane and Dale Peters. To the Foundation from Geraldine DeFalco, Jenny, Eric, Maddie and Will Woodford, Wanda Albright and Laura Walczak, Pamela Waldon, Stephen and Janice Luke, Carol Bergman, Arthur and Janis Seplak, William, Lynette and Diane Holly, Marge and Chuck Doud, Jerry and Mary Ann Janec, Lisa, Jim, Brian and Trevor Hackett, Steganie, Craig, Samantha and Allison Jahnke, Barbara Smith, Marilyn Meskan, Robert and Marianne Geiger. In memory of Karlyn Aderberg Karlyn Aderberg Karlyn Aderberg Karlyn Aderberg to the Music Fund from Dale and Diane Peters. In memory of loved ones to the General Fund from the Triv-eri Family.

Life & GrowthLife & GrowthLife & GrowthLife & Growth

Baptisms: Baptisms: Baptisms: Baptisms:

April 4: Zoe Mae Altman, daughter of Robert & Karen

Christian Sympathy:Christian Sympathy:Christian Sympathy:Christian Sympathy: Sympathy to the family of Rick Brown on the death of his mother, Kathleen (Kitty.) Sympathy to the family of Karyln Anderberg who died on April 17th.

P A G E 2

Spiritual Gifts CornerSpiritual Gifts CornerSpiritual Gifts CornerSpiritual Gifts Corner God is writing stories every week of ways the Holy Spirit is lifting people’s lives through the ministries of Edi-

son Park Lutheran Church. Overheard: “Your note came just at the right time, when I really needed a Spirit“Your note came just at the right time, when I really needed a Spirit“Your note came just at the right time, when I really needed a Spirit“Your note came just at the right time, when I really needed a Spirit----

lifter. Thank you for your support and partnership.”lifter. Thank you for your support and partnership.”lifter. Thank you for your support and partnership.”lifter. Thank you for your support and partnership.” - An Edison Park Church Leader. When you hear a Spirit-lifting sto-

ry, text it to Ed at 816-806-9170.

Spiritual Gifts Classes! Spiritual Gifts Classes! Spiritual Gifts Classes! Spiritual Gifts Classes! Monday, May 16 & 23. We invite you to discover your Spiritual Gifts and how they can

change your life by attending two sessions at EPLC: Both morning and evening sessions are being offered—10 am and 7pm. Sign up at the Welcome Center. Questions? Contact Phyllis Doyle.


Ministry Area—leadership

P A G E 3

Reflections from our Associate in Ministry (AIM) Dear Friends, A recent Facebook post made me pause to reflect on how much we take for granted. The point was that the things we take for granted, are the very things someone else is praying for. It made me stop to reflect on all the blessings I have. I try to do that as a regular discipline every day, but this post just hit me in a new way. Sometimes we complain, or wish we had more, or something better, and we forget that someone wishes “they” had what “we” have. There was another Facebook post recently about being grateful. It showed someone in an old car, admiring the new car next to him, wish-ing he could afford the new car. The next scene was a person on a bike, admiring the old car, and wishing he could af-ford a car. The next scene showed a person walking, and watching the person on the bike, and wishing he could afford a bike. The last scene was a boy in a wheelchair, watching the person walking, and saying, “he can go wherever he wants.” That really puts things in perspective doesn’t it? If we’ve never been sick, or suffered from an injury, it’s easy to take our health and freedom for granted. I can think of so many dear ones in our own congregation who either have faced, or are currently facing, serious challenges. I think of someone who has had 10 surgeries, trying to recover from knee replacement, someone who missed being in church on Easter for the first time in her life due to being home with bronchitis for 6 weeks, someone who is trying to heal after surgery, and healing is just so slow. I think of a young person who had to have a feeding tube because of weight loss, due to a painful food allergy. I think of those going through chemotherapy, and all the side effects that go with it. And I grieve alongside those who have lost loved ones. The simple things we take for granted – eating, drinking, walking, driving, climbing stairs, taking a deep breath, having family and friends – are gifts for which we should be grateful. May we remember to thank God for what we have. Blessings, Carole Edwards

Update from our Treasurer…Update from our Treasurer…Update from our Treasurer…Update from our Treasurer…It was a very blessed Holy Week and Easter at EPLC. The stripping of the altar on

Maundy Thursday, the solemnity of Christ’s death on Good Friday, the shock of the tympani at sunrise at 6:41 a.m., and the four glorious worship services celebrating Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. We invited thousands to our ser-vices with our special mailing and had the highest attendance in several years. Thank you for generously supporting the many ministries of Edison Park. It is with your help that the church can contin-ue to have growing, thriving programs and activities. It helps pay the light bill, heating, care of the building as well. Because Easter was in March this year, it is difficult to precisely compare our financials to last year at this point. That said, the facts at the end of March are that we are $30,000 below plan on income. Expenses are $16,000 above plan. So, the net result was $46,000 below plan. With the help of the Foundation through March, the net balance in the General Operating Fund was -$11,090. The Council and the Foundation are in alignment on the amount of assistance the Church will required for God’s work. The Congregation has approved a plan that continues to support the programs that are critical to our ministry. The challenge for the congregation is to reduce the deficit along with making sure the Foundation is healthy for the fu-ture growth and needs of our ministry. Thanks again for your gifts. Please pray for our ministry, Wayne Oberschelp Treasurer P.S. The Insurance Task Force is completing an evaluation of our policies with our carrier. We made several adjustments in coverages to better fit our needs. Also, we are pleased to announce that because of reduced claim experience at our church and churches in general, our annual premium will decrease by approximately $2,000!

March IncomeMarch IncomeMarch IncomeMarch Income YTD Actual IncomeYTD Actual IncomeYTD Actual IncomeYTD Actual Income YTD Planned IncomeYTD Planned IncomeYTD Planned IncomeYTD Planned Income March Income March Income March Income March Income ---- ExpensesExpensesExpensesExpenses

$51,790 $139,329 $169,247 $(13,218)

March ExpensesMarch ExpensesMarch ExpensesMarch Expenses YTD Actual ExpenseYTD Actual ExpenseYTD Actual ExpenseYTD Actual Expense YTD Planned YTD Planned YTD Planned YTD Planned ExpensesExpensesExpensesExpenses

YTD ShortfallYTD ShortfallYTD ShortfallYTD Shortfall

$65,008 $186,675 $170,199 $(47,346)


P A G E 4

Ministry Area—worship

Vibrant Lutheran Worship Vibrant Lutheran Worship Vibrant Lutheran Worship Vibrant Lutheran Worship With worship services ranging from traditional to

contemporary, we strive to bring worship experiences that draw all who pass through our doors closer to God.

Holy Communion is celebrated each week.

SaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday 5:00 pm EvenSong5:00 pm EvenSong5:00 pm EvenSong5:00 pm EvenSong A calming blend of traditional and contemporary music, liturgical elements and multi-media.

Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday 8:00am Traditions8:00am Traditions8:00am Traditions8:00am Traditions A more formal worship experience using traditional service elements including well-established hymns, sung liturgy, the creed and majestic organ music.

9:15am Spirit Bridge9:15am Spirit Bridge9:15am Spirit Bridge9:15am Spirit Bridge A blended service which spans and connects traditions with contemporary liturgy, a mix of traditional and contem-porary music and multi-media.

10:30am New Streams10:30am New Streams10:30am New Streams10:30am New Streams Heart-felt modern worship with a praise emphasis. This service is supported by new songs and multimedia.

Summer in the PsalmsSummer in the PsalmsSummer in the PsalmsSummer in the Psalms Do you have a favorite section of the Bible? Maybe a Bible verse that you have memorized and recite daily? For many people this answer may be the Book of Psalms. The Book of Psalms contains 150 psalms and each one of them provide valuable information about life’s most important questions. And while they were written thousands of years ago, they still provide us living in the 21st century with instructions and answers to life’s questions.

This summer, our worship will focus around the psalms. Each weekend we’ll be focusing our worship service around a different psalm. Some weeks maybe more joyful such as Psalm 100: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands! Other weeks might be more reflective as is Psalm 130: Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD. Whether our days are filled with joy or sorrow, the book of Psalms has some beautiful poetic inspiration to give us inspiration.

What psalm speaks to you the most?What psalm speaks to you the most?What psalm speaks to you the most?What psalm speaks to you the most? Why? Why? Why? Why? Share your fa-vorite psalm with us to help us plan the summer series. Drop them off to Matt Haider in the office or at the Wel-come Center on the weekends. Your responses will be used as we plan the summer series. Thank you for your partici-pation!

MenSing!MenSing!MenSing!MenSing! Sunday, May 15 at 8:00 and 9:15 am WorshipSunday, May 15 at 8:00 and 9:15 am WorshipSunday, May 15 at 8:00 and 9:15 am WorshipSunday, May 15 at 8:00 and 9:15 am Worship All men are invited to join in singing with other men on Sunday, May 15th. Sunday, May 15th. Sunday, May 15th. Sunday, May 15th. We will meet in the Sanctuary at 7:20 to learn one accessible anthem. The anthem will be based on a well-known melody. We’ll add some harmony, learn the text, and break forth in glorious song. At the 9:15 service, we will sing as the call to worship. Music will be available at the Welcome Center on May 8th. See you there!

Spring Musical Tales of Wonder! A Musical of StorytellingTales of Wonder! A Musical of StorytellingTales of Wonder! A Musical of StorytellingTales of Wonder! A Musical of Storytelling Sunday, May 22 at 9:15 and 10:30 am WorshipSunday, May 22 at 9:15 and 10:30 am WorshipSunday, May 22 at 9:15 and 10:30 am WorshipSunday, May 22 at 9:15 and 10:30 am Worship

Our adult and children’s choirs, handbells, praise team, and various instrumentalists will join forces for this one-act play. This will be the culminating event for our Music De-partment’s spring season. Two main characters, the "storytellers," retell familiar stories of salvation, focusing on creation, in musical renditions by Marty Haugen. We are fortune to have Synoma Hays and Wayne Miller as our sto-rytellers. Adult and children's choruses listen and respond in song and action bringing to life the timeless stories of our faith, passed on from generation to generation. From quiet reflective moments, to animal parades, be sure to mark your calendar now!

God’s Kids Sing! + June 27God’s Kids Sing! + June 27God’s Kids Sing! + June 27God’s Kids Sing! + June 27————30th30th30th30th God's Kids Sing! is a fun-filled, creative arts camp for children en-tering Kindergarten through 4th grade. Every day, participants will have a blast singing, moving, cooking and making awesome art projects. There will be a performance and gallery of art work on Thursday, June 30th at 11:30 a.m. for family and friends. Cost: $60 per participant

Bring a school friend and make some new ones - God's Kids Sing! is tons of fun for everyone!

Registration is now open! Forms online or in the church office.

“Music is the art of the prophets and the gift of God.”

Martin Luther


P A G E 5

Worship Continued

A Minute for Mission with MattA Minute for Mission with MattA Minute for Mission with MattA Minute for Mission with Matt

At EPLC, I love to watch the transformation of the cross during Lent. On Ash Wednesday, we bring out the old wooden cross that has been in the congregation since the last live Christmas tree. The simple cross stands in the Chan-cel and reminds us of our sin. On Good Friday, this cross is moved to the front of the Chancel and draped in black fab-ric. The black fabric acting as a burial cloth – Jesus has died. Then this same cross, that for 40 days has represented death and darkness is transformed. This same cross is the first thing we see when the lights come up at the Sunrise service. But this same cross is not the same. It is now adorned with lilies and mums. It now is a sign of celebra-tion. A sign of victory. The victory of Christ through the cross. The victory of Christ where he crushed death for ev-er. The feast of victory, indeed. But this magnificent cross which is such an Easter tradition here was in fact barren and empty at one point. This year for the first time, I saw this cross as more than just an enhancement in our worship space. I saw it as a symbol of the crosses in our lives. The crosses that we are called to carry. The crosses that at times way us down with their weight. But which also through the journey, produce beauty. Remember Jesus’ infamous words, “Take up your cross, and follow me”? We know he’s not talking about a physical cross. He’s talking about a spiritual or metaphorical cross. To be honest, I don’t want to carry a cross at all, even if it is a metaphorical cross. I want the load I carry to be light, pain free, and happy. I’d prefer that there was nothing to weigh me down. If only life were that simple. But as Jane Fonda put it, “No pain, no gain.” (Along with feel the burn – but we’ll save that for another day.)

Throughout our lives we will have different crosses to bear. Usually we don’t choose them, but they are placed on us to carry. These crosses could come in the form of people: bosses, landlords, coworkers, or even family members. Peo-ple that are on our journeys but cause us more pain than happiness. Maybe these crosses come in the form of bur-dens: unemployment, health scares, and strain in relation-ships, abuse, or hurt. Circumstances or events that aren’t tangible yet place an incredible load on our backs. What-ever the cross, they are hard to take up. Most of the time, we have no choice but to carry on our journey. However, we must remember the power of transformation. The crosses in our lives aren’t all that different from the sanctuary cross during Lent. They all start out dark, ugly, and heavy. They break us down and force us to rethink everything. It wears and wears on us, but at some point we put that cross to rest. And only then – after it has un-dergone its suffering does it bursts forth, festooned with flowers and light. The important thing for us to remember is that for every cross there is an Easter cross. That Easter cross is the image we need to keep on our horizons as we carry our crosses. We must remember that no cross starts beautiful. But from the pain and suffering comes something beautiful. Maybe that something beautiful is a new person in your life. May-be that something beautiful is a new job that fell into your lap. That something beautiful is what helps us lay down the weight of that cross and feel reborn. The journey isn’t easy. No pain, no gain. The beauty however is worth it. The growth and transformation we receive allows us to be new people. We emerge from the weight of the cross only to spread our wings and flourish.

The Edison Park Lutheran Church Foundation is an important part of the stewardship of EPLC’s ministry. The Founda-tion’s mission is to support the ministry of EPLC in an ongoing life-giving way. Contributions remain in the Foundation in perpetuity. Only the interest and earnings of these contributions are used as gifts to ministry. Total gifts to the ministry of EPLC from the Foundation recently surpassed $2,000,000. There are many tax deductible ways to establish a legacy which would be available for the ministry of the church, in-cluding: Cash, CDs, Stocks, Bonds or Mutual Funds, Life Insurance, Naming Edison Park Lutheran Church, Inc. in a Will or Trust, Real Estate, Retirement Plan Accounts, Memorials or Honorariums. Did you know that you can avoid income taxes Did you know that you can avoid income taxes Did you know that you can avoid income taxes Did you know that you can avoid income taxes completely on a Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA?completely on a Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA?completely on a Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA?completely on a Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA?

Please ask a Foundation Director if you would like to know more. We would ask that you prayerfully consider taking ac-tion in your estate planning today to remember Edison Park with a life-giving gift. Directors are: Dale Ammentorp, Joe Bartel, Barry Bleeker, Mark Dupke, Gary Duszak, Kurt Gustafson, Monika Hemm, Rick Janci, Wayne Oberschelp, Alice Rybak, Klay Schmeisser and Jeff Wilk. Thank you for your consideration. Our Foundation Plaque has been renovated and moved to the hallway near Pastor's office. Please check it out!

Foundation Corner


P A G E 6

He has sh

own yo

u, O

man, w

hat is g

ood; A

nd what d

oes th

e LORD re

quire of yo

u

But to

do justly, to

love mercy, a

nd to

walk h

umbly w

ith yo

ur G

od? M

icah 6:8


P A G E 7

May 2016 Worship Participant ScheduleMay 2016 Worship Participant ScheduleMay 2016 Worship Participant ScheduleMay 2016 Worship Participant Schedule

8:008:008:008:00 8:008:008:008:00 8:008:008:008:00 8:008:008:008:00

Assisting MinisterAssisting MinisterAssisting MinisterAssisting Minister Jane Hammar Sheri Sears Kim Piskorowski Lynn Freitag

LectorLectorLectorLector Milt Gustafson Kurt Gustafson Marlene Nowakowski

Alice Rybak

Communion Asst.Communion Asst.Communion Asst.Communion Asst. Marc Erlandson Needed Jane Hammar Marc Erlandson

AcolytesAcolytesAcolytesAcolytes Griffin Davis

Kai Kelly

Joseph Killmer

Alex Randerson

Gabby Randerson

Rachel Dupke

D Ammentorp

Kelly Gaertner

Aiden Lawrence

Liam O’Shea

Ryan O’Shea

Grace Perschke

UshersUshersUshersUshers Milt Gustafson Jerry Andersen David Svendsen

Don Johnson

Milt Gustafson Jerry Andersen David Svendsen

Don Johnson


Don Johnson


Don Johnson

Altar CareAltar CareAltar CareAltar Care Deanna Evers Joyce Weickart

Sheri Sears Lynette Iglehart

Donna Brady Marianne Triveri

Lois Johnson

Carolyn Nasheim

NurseryNurseryNurseryNursery Grace O’Shea

Ava Clafford

Karen Hemm

Sophia Galassini

Grace O’Shea

Ava Clafford

Madeline Erdman

Kenny Erdman

9:159:159:159:15 9:159:159:159:15 9:159:159:159:15 9:159:159:159:15 9:159:159:159:15

Assisting MinisterAssisting MinisterAssisting MinisterAssisting Minister Jane Hammar Sheri Sears Kim Piskorowski Lynn Freitag Needed

LectorLectorLectorLector Elisabeth Schwab Kathie Houck Phyllis Doyle Debbie Oberschelp Needed

Communion Asst.Communion Asst.Communion Asst.Communion Asst. Judi Eastwood Kathy Erlandson Needed Nancy Carlsen Needed

AcolytesAcolytesAcolytesAcolytes Liam O’Shea

Ryan O’Shea

Grace Perschke

Griffin Davis

Tyler Houck

Luke Burkum

Joey Calder

Kai Kelly

Joseph Killmer

Alex Randerson

Gabby Randerson

Rachel Dupke

Meghan Brown

Tyler Houck

Luke Burkum

UshersUshersUshersUshers Paul Specialle Marg Specialle Mary Hanson Matt Newton

Wayne Ammentorp

Sue Ammentorp Judi Eastwood

Bob Alcock Val Alcock

Dale Ammentorp Laura Rinard

Tom Benson

Sally Benson John Cherry Diane Cherry

Needed


Ava Clafford

Karen Hemm

Sophia Galassini

Grace O’Shea

Ava Clafford

Madeline Erdman

Kenny Erdman

Karen Hemm

Sophia Galassini

10:3010:3010:3010:30 10:3010:3010:3010:30 10:3010:3010:3010:30 10:3010:3010:3010:30 10:3010:3010:3010:30

Communion Asst.Communion Asst.Communion Asst.Communion Asst. Wendy Seibel Cindy Davies Barb Sanders Jan Wojciechowski Needed

UshersUshersUshersUshers Needed Barb Sanders

Jan Wojciechowski

Ingeborg Petry Roxie Hays

Betty Gyllstrom

Laura Johnson

Needed

Altar CareAltar CareAltar CareAltar Care Wendy Seibel Mary Gates Donna Calder

Beth Burke Bev Brumm Needed


Ava Clafford

Karen Hemm

Leilani Arriazola

Grace O’Shea

Ava Clafford

Madeline Erdman

Kenny Erdman

Karen Hemm

Sophia Galassini

May 1May 1May 1May 1 May 8May 8May 8May 8 May 15May 15May 15May 15 May 22May 22May 22May 22 May 29May 29May 29May 29


P A G E 8

Preschool news

Ministry Area—growing

It’s so hard to believe that preschool is wrapping up the school year! We have had a wonder-ful time together! Our final field trip will be to Wagner Farm. It’s one of our absolute favorite outings. Our “Graduation Celebration” will be held in the South Activity Hall on Friday May 27, 2016 at 10:00 am.

Please remember to pick up your plant orders on Friday May 20 before 12 noon or on Sun-day during services. Thanks so much for supporting us with this sale. Your generosity is ap-preciated.

Registration for “Itty Bitty Bible Camp” is underway! It will be held on June 14, 15, and 16

from 10:00-12:00. It is sure to fill so get those forms in now!

Youth

CrossCrossCrossCross----Training: ConfirmationTraining: ConfirmationTraining: ConfirmationTraining: Confirmation————Wednesdays @ 6pWednesdays @ 6pWednesdays @ 6pWednesdays @ 6p————our eighth graders are preparing to Affirm their

Baptism on May 15 at 10:30a.

Senior High Meets Tuesdays 6Senior High Meets Tuesdays 6Senior High Meets Tuesdays 6Senior High Meets Tuesdays 6----8p 8p 8p 8p ---- All high school students are welcome! Bring your friends! Good con-

versation, check in with highs and lows for the week, time together, hot topics discussions on the issues facing our gen-eration and how our faith intersects with them, bible study, and always some good food! Thanks to all who helped make the Youth Pancake Breakfast on Palm Sunday such a success! Contact Chauncey HarrisonContact Chauncey HarrisonContact Chauncey HarrisonContact Chauncey Harrison, Youth and Family Ministry Director—[email protected].

Youth Group! Youth Group! Youth Group! Youth Group! If you are interested in getting a summer job or internship in Chicago, you should apply at onesummerchicago.org. One Summer Chicago employees over 20,000 youth and teens from Chicago every summer, I would high-ly recommend! - Chauncey

Preschool Spring Plant Sale: If you or-dered plants — delivery will be on Friday, May 20 @ 9a

White Sox Game Youth EventWhite Sox Game Youth EventWhite Sox Game Youth EventWhite Sox Game Youth Event

We are planning a trip to see our own CHICAGO WHITE

SOX play the Minnesota Twins on Thursday June 30 at

1:10. Club 456 Kids (with a parent), Confirmation and

Senior High kids are all welcome to attend! Advance Advance Advance Advance

tickets are a must!tickets are a must!tickets are a must!tickets are a must! A form and ticket/bus money must be

turned in NO LATER THAN MONDAY JUNE 6.NO LATER THAN MONDAY JUNE 6.NO LATER THAN MONDAY JUNE 6.NO LATER THAN MONDAY JUNE 6. Game

ticket and transportation cost is

$25.00 per person. We will depart

from church via bus at 12:00 noon

and return to church after the game.

Please email Jennifer or Chauncey

with questions.

Congratulations 2016 Confirmands!Congratulations 2016 Confirmands!Congratulations 2016 Confirmands!Congratulations 2016 Confirmands!

Luke Burkum Liam O’Shea Rachel Dupke Patrick O’Shea Tyler Houck Ryan O’Shea Grace Perschke Alex Randerson

Sunday School Helpers Needed Sunday School Helpers Needed Sunday School Helpers Needed Sunday School Helpers Needed

We have begun to plan our Sunday School program We have begun to plan our Sunday School program We have begun to plan our Sunday School program We have begun to plan our Sunday School program for next year! We are in need of several volunteers for next year! We are in need of several volunteers for next year! We are in need of several volunteers for next year! We are in need of several volunteers to help with groups on Sundays during our 9:15 to help with groups on Sundays during our 9:15 to help with groups on Sundays during our 9:15 to help with groups on Sundays during our 9:15 service. Materials, supplies and of course the kids service. Materials, supplies and of course the kids service. Materials, supplies and of course the kids service. Materials, supplies and of course the kids are provided! are provided! are provided! are provided!

All we need are some willing leaders with heart; All we need are some willing leaders with heart; All we need are some willing leaders with heart; All we need are some willing leaders with heart; whether it’s one week, 10 weeks or 20 we welcome whether it’s one week, 10 weeks or 20 we welcome whether it’s one week, 10 weeks or 20 we welcome whether it’s one week, 10 weeks or 20 we welcome your assistance! Please contact Jennifer if you might your assistance! Please contact Jennifer if you might your assistance! Please contact Jennifer if you might your assistance! Please contact Jennifer if you might be available or would like some more information on be available or would like some more information on be available or would like some more information on be available or would like some more information on what the specific needs are.what the specific needs are.what the specific needs are.what the specific needs are.


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Adults

Book of Faith Book of Faith Book of Faith Book of Faith Bible Study and Discussion Bible Study and Discussion Bible Study and Discussion Bible Study and Discussion Sundays at 9:15 and 10:30a in Conference Room. Starting May 29, we will be meeting for the summer at 8a.

Movie NightMovie NightMovie NightMovie Night————May 21May 21May 21May 21

3rd Saturday of the Month————@ 6:30p @ 6:30p @ 6:30p @ 6:30p Crocodile IICrocodile IICrocodile IICrocodile II

Just as the eccentric Australian is starting to adjust to life

in New York City, Dundee and his beautiful girlfriend are

targeted for death by a gang of ruthless drug dealers.

Dundee evens the odds by leading the big-city hoods into

the treacherous Australian outback. And before long, the

bad guys find out that Down Under could mean six feet

down under.

Join Us at Join Us at Join Us at Join Us at Book Club!Book Club!Book Club!Book Club! Thursday, May 12 @ 7:30p, Atrium Thursday, May 12 @ 7:30p, Atrium Thursday, May 12 @ 7:30p, Atrium Thursday, May 12 @ 7:30p, Atrium

We hope you will join us to discuss the Pulitzer Prize winning All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. This is a thrilling, pager-turner so you don’t want to miss it. It tells of Marie-Laure who lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the mas-ter of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. When she is twelve, the Na-zis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great-uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel. In a mining town in Germany, the orphan Werner grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find. Werner becomes an expert at building and fix-ing these crucial new instruments, a talent that wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the resistance. More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure’s converge.

Our members are always happy to see new faces joining our group. Try out the EPLC Book Club!

Upcoming books:Upcoming books:Upcoming books:Upcoming books:

June 9—Sue Monk Kidd, The Invention of Wings

July 14—Dave Eggers, The Circle

Ministry Area

—Outreach

Men’s BreakfastMen’s BreakfastMen’s BreakfastMen’s Breakfast Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m.

Just Like Home Restaurant , 8501 W. Dempster St.

in Niles. Casual, good food, good friends,

good fellowship!

Next: Next: Next: Next: May 14

Communications & Hospitality ProjectCommunications & Hospitality ProjectCommunications & Hospitality ProjectCommunications & Hospitality Project We’d like to get some large flat screens up in the building for announcements, etc.

Interested in helping? Contact Pastor Sparby.

Calling all Volleyball Players! Calling all Volleyball Players! Calling all Volleyball Players! Calling all Volleyball Players! Our Adult Co-ed volleyball group meets now through this month. These are great events, full of fellowship, fun, and exercise. We welcome a variety of ages and skill lev-els, and will be playing Tuesday nights fromTuesday nights fromTuesday nights fromTuesday nights from 8:30pm8:30pm8:30pm8:30pm----10:30pm. 10:30pm. 10:30pm. 10:30pm. Teams are balanced each week based upon the mix of players and their abilities. We hope you can join the fun! Please contact John Romano ([email protected]) for more information, or to confirm that you would like to participate.

Night Depository Collection Update

Thanks to all who donated items for the hygiene kits

for the Night Depository. 80+ kits were assembled,

thanks to your generous donations. A big shout out

also goes to the Confirmation Class and Teachers

for their help in assembling all those kits. Your efforts on

behalf of those less fortunate are greatly appreciated!

Worship Technicians NeededWorship Technicians NeededWorship Technicians NeededWorship Technicians Needed We are currently in the process of looking for more peo-ple to add to our worship technician rooster. Worship technicians are the people who run the projec-tor/screen, PowerPoint presentations, and videos during our weekend worship services. It is a pretty straightfor-ward task, however it is crucial to our worship life to-gether. Sufficient training is provided before working the equipment alone. Previous experience in these areas is always helpful, but not necessary. A minimum of one weekend a month commitment is required. Contact Matt for more information.


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Outreach continued

Night Ministry Service OpportunityNight Ministry Service OpportunityNight Ministry Service OpportunityNight Ministry Service Opportunity

We will, once again, be serving a meal through The Night Ministry in the Uptown neighborhood on May 15th. Throughout Chicago, The Night Ministry Serves... • Homeless and runaway youth. • Working poor and homeless adults. • Uninsured and underinsured individuals seeking medical assistance. • Those in need of companionship and a caring ear. • Individuals seeking HIV testing. Others who have fallen through the cracks of our social service systems. Shoppers are needed to purchase items for those meals. Please take a sticky note(s) from the board in Norblad Hall to help with this. All items should be returned by Sunday, May 8th. Finally, we will need volunteers to help put together 150 sack dinners. You should meet in the kitchen at 4:30 pm on Sunday, May 15th. A group of 6 adults are needed on the 15th to travel to the Uptown Area to serve a meal to the homeless of that com-munity. Meet at church at 6:00 pm. Serving will be from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Please sign up for either putting together meals or serving in the Uptown Area at the Welcome Center. Thanks, in advance, for con-sidering these requests to benefit those in need of a hot meal.

Phil's Friends Phil's Friends Phil's Friends Phil's Friends is an outreach Edison Park works with to assemble care packages for

cancer patients.

Keep our partner congregation, San Lucas, in partner congregation, San Lucas, in partner congregation, San Lucas, in partner congregation, San Lucas, in Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina in your prayers. We hope to take another mission trip

to visit them in the fall of 2017. Will you join the group?

New Hope food Pantry New Hope food Pantry New Hope food Pantry New Hope food Pantry donations are accepted on an ongoing basis — place your food donations in the shopping carts in the Narthex.

Spiritual Gifts Classes! Spiritual Gifts Classes! Spiritual Gifts Classes! Spiritual Gifts Classes! Monday, May 16 & 23.

We invite you to discover your Spir-itual Gifts and how they can change your life by attending two sessions at EPLC: Both morning and evening sessions are being offered—10 am and 7pm. Sign up at the Welcome Center. Questions? Contact Phyllis Doyle.

Go Cubbies! If you ordered Cubs tickets for the September 18th game, pay-ment is due to Judi no later than June 15th. Tickets are $35/each Checks can be made payable to EPLC..


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Hospitality! Welcoming Others with the Hospitality! Welcoming Others with the Hospitality! Welcoming Others with the Hospitality! Welcoming Others with the Heart of JesusHeart of JesusHeart of JesusHeart of Jesus

THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE ALREADY THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE ALREADY THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE ALREADY THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE ALREADY STEPPED UP TO HELP WITH THIS MINISTRY!STEPPED UP TO HELP WITH THIS MINISTRY!STEPPED UP TO HELP WITH THIS MINISTRY!STEPPED UP TO HELP WITH THIS MINISTRY!

◊ 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays————FILLEDFILLEDFILLEDFILLED

◊ 4th Sunday4th Sunday4th Sunday4th Sunday————

◊ 5th Sunday (four times a year) 5th Sunday (four times a year) 5th Sunday (four times a year) 5th Sunday (four times a year) ---- Get a team of family and/or friends together!Get a team of family and/or friends together!Get a team of family and/or friends together!Get a team of family and/or friends together!

Do you have a heart for making people feel welcome? Do you have a heart for making people feel welcome? Do you have a heart for making people feel welcome? Do you have a heart for making people feel welcome? We need YOU! Hospitality is a hallmark of the Christian We need YOU! Hospitality is a hallmark of the Christian We need YOU! Hospitality is a hallmark of the Christian We need YOU! Hospitality is a hallmark of the Christian faith. Help with a shift for Sunday morning Coffee Hour faith. Help with a shift for Sunday morning Coffee Hour faith. Help with a shift for Sunday morning Coffee Hour faith. Help with a shift for Sunday morning Coffee Hour once a month. once a month. once a month. once a month. You’ll be trained, and there will always be someone to cover when you’re away. Get a team of 5-6 people together and take on this vital ministry. It can al-

ways be covered when you need to be away. To learn more contact Phyllis Doyle, or sign up at the To learn more contact Phyllis Doyle, or sign up at the To learn more contact Phyllis Doyle, or sign up at the To learn more contact Phyllis Doyle, or sign up at the

Welcome Center and we’ll be in touch.Welcome Center and we’ll be in touch.Welcome Center and we’ll be in touch.Welcome Center and we’ll be in touch.

Coffee Hour TreatsCoffee Hour TreatsCoffee Hour TreatsCoffee Hour Treats You’re always welcome to help supply coffee hour treats. Drop them off in the office, the Welcome Center, the kitchen Sunday morning, or simply put them in the freezer labeled “Coffee Hour.” Thank you!

Quick, Easy, Secure & Appreciated!Quick, Easy, Secure & Appreciated!Quick, Easy, Secure & Appreciated!Quick, Easy, Secure & Appreciated! Many give Many give Many give Many give during worship each week, during worship each week, during worship each week, during worship each week, but here are several additional ways but here are several additional ways but here are several additional ways but here are several additional ways you can give.you can give.you can give.you can give.

1. Scan to Give1. Scan to Give1. Scan to Give1. Scan to Give————QR (Quick Response) QR (Quick Response) QR (Quick Response) QR (Quick Response) Giving Has ArrivedGiving Has ArrivedGiving Has ArrivedGiving Has Arrived————To make it faster and easier for

smartphone users to donate, Edison Park is pleased to pro-vide a Quick Response (QR) code which is unique to EPLC and, when scanned with a smartphone’s QR code reader, when scanned with a smartphone’s QR code reader, when scanned with a smartphone’s QR code reader, when scanned with a smartphone’s QR code reader, connects the user directly to our mobile donation page. connects the user directly to our mobile donation page. connects the user directly to our mobile donation page. connects the user directly to our mobile donation page.

2. Our Giving Kiosk 2. Our Giving Kiosk 2. Our Giving Kiosk 2. Our Giving Kiosk is hereis hereis hereis here, , , , and available where you

may swipe your debit/credit card to give, register or pay fees online. It’s easy and secure. It’s available surrounding worship, and also throughout the week in the office.

3. Give via Text Message3. Give via Text Message3. Give via Text Message3. Give via Text Message————You may now give by send-

ing a text to EPLC’s number————773773773773----825825825825----5629. 5629. 5629. 5629. In the text In the text In the text In the text message line message line message line message line put a $ in front of the amount put a $ in front of the amount put a $ in front of the amount put a $ in front of the amount you wish to you wish to you wish to you wish to give.give.give.give.

4. Auto Pay through your bank4. Auto Pay through your bank4. Auto Pay through your bank4. Auto Pay through your bank————you can set up your you can set up your you can set up your you can set up your

offerings to be sent automatically from your account to the offerings to be sent automatically from your account to the offerings to be sent automatically from your account to the offerings to be sent automatically from your account to the church weekly or monthly.church weekly or monthly.church weekly or monthly.church weekly or monthly.

5. Simply Giving5. Simply Giving5. Simply Giving5. Simply Giving————is another automated way to give. is another automated way to give. is another automated way to give. is another automated way to give.

Set it up through Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.Set it up through Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.Set it up through Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.Set it up through Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.

Thanks for your support! It Thanks for your support! It Thanks for your support! It Thanks for your support! It keeps our congregation a strong, and vibrant place to belong.. Choose a method of giving that works for you. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

For further information contact the office, or Carole For further information contact the office, or Carole For further information contact the office, or Carole For further information contact the office, or Carole Edwards, Associate in Ministry.Edwards, Associate in Ministry.Edwards, Associate in Ministry.Edwards, Associate in Ministry.

Changes to Newsletter Changes to Newsletter Changes to Newsletter Changes to Newsletter MailingMailingMailingMailing————Practicing Good Practicing Good Practicing Good Practicing Good

StewardshipStewardshipStewardshipStewardship With the increased accessibility of newsletters and communication up-dates online, we will be transitioning how we get the newsletter out. It will also be a cost savings in printing and postage. BUT, we won’t change the BUT, we won’t change the BUT, we won’t change the BUT, we won’t change the current process for those wanting it current process for those wanting it current process for those wanting it current process for those wanting it mailed. mailed. mailed. mailed. 1. Those who want the newsletter mailed will need to sign up with the office/Welcome Center 2. All others, if you give us your email address, will receive a link to access the newsletter online the day it is published. Sign up through the Welcome Center or office. If you are already receiving the newsletter via email, you are all set! 3. Copies will always be available at 3. Copies will always be available at 3. Copies will always be available at 3. Copies will always be available at the Welcome Center.the Welcome Center.the Welcome Center.the Welcome Center. 3. In addition, it’s always on our web-site—www.edisonparkchurch.comwww.edisonparkchurch.comwww.edisonparkchurch.comwww.edisonparkchurch.com

Sunday, June 5Sunday, June 5Sunday, June 5Sunday, June 5 11:30a11:30a11:30a11:30a----2:00p2:00p2:00p2:00p

There is only one service this Sunday at 10:30a!

Please be sure to bring a lawn chair.

2016

StewardshipStewardshipStewardshipStewardship————Living Our FaithLiving Our FaithLiving Our FaithLiving Our Faith Responding to God’s GraceResponding to God’s GraceResponding to God’s GraceResponding to God’s Grace


TIME VALUE—DATED MATERIAL

Return Service Requested

Edison Park Lutheran Church 6626 N. Oliphant Avenue Chicago, IL 60631

Phone: 773-631-9131 Fax: 773-631-6690 E-mail: www.edisonparkchurch.com

SHINING THE LIGHT OF GOD

ON THE WORLD AROUND US!

Tales of Wonder Sunday, May 22, 2016

9:15 and 10:30 am Worship A Musical of Storytelling

Synoma Hays and Wayne Miller, Storytellers

Cherub, Hosanna, and Sanctuary Choirs Praise Team, Handbells, Instrumentalists

eplc travelers enjoy lutheran heritage tour left...

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