Volume 71 Number 3 Rev. John A. Lang, Interim Pastor Kathy Skelton, Congregation Council President Benjamin Rivera, Cantor Greg Hummel, Organist Laurie Stivers, Associate Organist Bisi Oyenuga, Parish Administrator April 2015 Telephone: 847-864-4464 Facsimile: 847-864-4487 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ilcevanston.org From the Pastor Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Christ is Risen! Because He lives, we live also. This is our Christian faith. This is our Christian hope. We are a people of faith and hope. We are the people of Immanuel Lutheran Church. We gather to hear God’s Word. We pray. We sing. We are strengthened by Baptism and Holy Communion. We do this together under the grace of God. For a time you have permitted me to lead you as pastor. I am honored to have been able to serve in this ministry for the past nine months. I am grateful for your support and your prayers. Now it is time for me to move on. We are celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. We are celebrating our God who says, “Behold, I make all things new.” Indeed, the Apostle Paul writes, “Everything old has passed away; behold, everything has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) I have been privileged to be a forerunner like John the Baptist. I have played but an interim role. Soon a new pastor will come to Immanuel. He or she will be leading you into a new future that is built on the rich tradition of this The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 1 April 2015 congregation. When the Baptist was asked if he was the promised one, he said he was not. He looked to Jesus and said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” So too, I must decrease so that your new pastor may increase. I will be taking some time off after Easter. Nancy and I will have time to relax and get rejuvenated. Perhaps we will travel some. Later this summer I will begin supply preaching again when I am called to do so. My card now reads, “Have Gospel, Will Travel.” This is to be my calling for as long as God grants me health and wisdom. I Thank you again for letting me be your pastor for a while. I have treasured our time as people and pastor. May the Lord continue to bless you all. John, who was for a while, your Pastor Highlights In Holy Week Wednesday in Holy week This day was formerly called "Spy Wednesday," an allusion to the gospel accounts in which Judas is identified as the betrayer of Jesus. As Jesus endured the suffering of the cross, we are called to run the race of life with perseverance, confident of the joy to come. In the Three Days, which begin tomorrow evening, we will journey with Christ from darkness to light, from captivity to freedom, from death to life. Thursday is called "Maundy," which means "command," from the verse in John's gospel in which Jesus commands us to love another as he loved us. [At this service, you may come forward for individual forgiveness.] We hear about the Passover lamb, Jesus' last meal with his disciples before his death, and Jesus washing his disciples' feet. [You are invited to have your feet washed and then to wash the feet of another worshiper. You hold the heel, you pour the water, you wipe it dry.] [Finally we strip the chancel bare, to ready ourselves for Good Friday.] "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?" asks the hymn. As we enter into John's gospel for Good Friday, this is a good question. How are we "there"? How are we present to Jesus' suffering and death—in our hearts and minds, our communities, and our world? What is the meaning of his suffering and death for us? Good Friday worship invites us into such questions and through them forms our faith and guides our lives toward compassion. Traditions such as the Way of the Cross enable people to imagine themselves present with Jesus in his last hours before death. In Good Friday worship, we accompany Jesus to the cross with other witnesses who show various ways of being present—or not. A fearful Peter denies Jesus. A group of women keep watch and weep for Jesus on the cross. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus take care of his lifeless body. Watching, weeping, caring, and even denying are all common human responses to suffering. Becoming aware of our own witness and responses, we can be present more compassionately to Christ crucified, wherever and whenever we encounter him in suffering and injustice. Even as we consider how to "be there" in the face of suffering, we know that, as always, Jesus has gone first. The reading from Isaiah reminds us how Jesus, through his death, is present with us in our suffering. We can trust that wherever we go and whatever we go through, Jesus is "there"; he can "sympathize with our weaknesses" (Heb. 4:15). We know that we are not alone in our own suffering and death, and we consider what to do now with that knowledge. Good Friday draws us into a community that wonders together: how can we be "there" with Christ crucified in our world and share the hope of resurrection in such places? The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 2 April 2015 April 1: Wednesday in Holy Week April 2: Maundy Thursday April 3: Good Friday April 5: Easter Sunday (Resurrection of our Lord) Services will be held both at 12noon and 8pm for Maudy Thursday and Good Friday. Easter Sunday Sensory Idea Our worship spaces often fill with the scent of lilies or other flowers on this festive day. Connect this sensory experience to the text: the women brought spices to anoint their Lord. Instead, they learned of his rising from death. What became of those precious smelling oils and spices? What else smells of Easter? Ritual Egg hunts are a joyous way to celebrate Easter any year, but especially in year B when we read from Mark's gospel. The Lord is not found in the tomb, and the women are sent to look for him in Galilee. We are sent to be with Christ in our daily lives: "there you will see him." This can be playfully expressed by letting the children search for colored eggs around the church building. Quote "According to John, the spirit of God in our midst is Jesus 'coming back.' The spirit is the words of Jesus brought to mind in our presence and enlivened so that they also enliven us. The spirit is the unseen Lord present and giving life. The spirit is the community being loved by God and this community coming to see the unseen risen Lord. . . . We may say that the unseen Lord is especially seen again in this meal, in this bread and cup set out as his presence among us. Here he who has gone away—in death—comes back in that death held out to us as love. And so this meal is full of the spirit of God. This meal is the wind of God, fire of God, breath of God enlivening us as God's chosen ones. . . . Come and eat. In the meal is all of Easter and all of Pentecost at once, God coming and loving you, Father and Son present in the meal of the spirit." —Gordon Lathrop, Paschal Mission, (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, May 27, 1984) Quote And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen . . . ( Mark 16:2). "The early Christians saw the path of the sun, sinking blood-red in the west in the evening and rising brilliantly from the dark sea after the long night, as an image of the path of Christ, the sun, from the passion to death and resurrection. In the liturgy of Easter eve, that most impressive of all the ancient ceremonials, the focal point of the three days of Easter and the highlight of the church year, this transition—Christ's Pasch—is staged as a wonderful mystery of the sun. With the gray of morning, the night Vigil reaches its conclusion: The Lord invites his community—including its newly baptized and hence newly born members—to his table, which is laid with the "bread of eternal life" and the "communion cup of everlasting deliverance" because he has sacrificed himself as a grape on the wine The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 3 April 2015 press of suffering and, as wheat being sown upon the earth, has by his death brought forth much fruit. Insofar as the celebration of the eucharist at dawn on Easter morning makes it possible meaningfully to experience the transition from night into day, and the transformation from fasting to feast, it provides an all-embracing reflection of the mystery of the pasch as the Passover from imprisonment to freedom, from mourning to joy, from the cross to resurrection, from death to life, from anticipation to fulfillment" —from Paschale Mysterium, by Hansjakob Becker, trans. Peter Alexander, ABC Classics) The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 4 April 2015 Table of Contents News of Our Curch Community Organ Scholar Bio News of Groups and Committees Sewing News of the Wider Church and Community Soup Kitchen at St. Mark’s News of Individuals Jonathan Hoefker Ron Laudert John Wold Calendars Readings for April Birthdays for April Council: Minutes of February 2015 Council Meeting Church Calendar for April 2015 News of Our Church Community UPCOMING EVENTS Café Immanuel on Easter Sunday, April 5 Café Immanuel is this Sunday. Kim and Tom Couch will be cooking a few items for Easter Sunday. Few delectable dishes on the menu includes Ham, Swiss and Asparagus strata, with side of strawberries. There’s a possibility of Oatmeal being served; a side of warm coffeecake with side of strawberries will be on the menu as well. The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 5 April 2015 Organ Scholar In February the Worship and Music Committee along with our organists, Greg Hummel , Laurie Stivers, and Kathy Roderer heard five fine young organists in the audition for Immanuel’s 14 th Organ Scholar Award. The committee selected Keving Vaughn from Notre Dame as our winner. Below is Kevin’s bio and we look forward to his recital after Easter. Kevin Vaughn is Director of Music and Organist at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Elkhart, Indiana, where he has coordinated a multicultural and intergenerational music program since 2009. He holds an undergraduate degree in piano performance from Cedarville University, Ohio, and a Master of Sacred Music from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, where he studied organ performance with Craig Cramer and church music with Gail Walton and Andrew McShane at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. In the fall of 2013 he returned to Notre Dame to pursue a doctorate in organ performance. Kevin’s recent scholarly pursuits include manuscript research into liturgical prayers for the dead among women religious in medieval Germany and a thesis project on the liturgical music of twentieth century French organist Gaston Litaize (19091991). An active concert organist and accompanist, he appears regularly with baritone Stephen Lancaster in programs of sacred music for voice and organ as well as solo organ recitals throughout the United States. During the 2013-2014 season Kevin was a semifinalist in the National Young Artist Competition in Organ Performance sponsored by the American Guild of Organists. He also holds the Guild’s Colleague certificate and is a former dean of the Saint Joseph Valley (Indiana) Chapter. Last summer Kevin completed a series of performances of the complete preludes and fugues of J. S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, a multi-year project ignited by the restoration of the grand piano at Saint Vincent de Paul Church. In 2010 he founded the Saint Vincent Concert Series that presents a wide variety of classical music programs (including organ, chamber, choral, and voice recitals) to the parish and community at no charge. In addition to duties at Saint Vincent de Paul Church, Kevin teaches organ at Goshen College and the Community School of the Arts in Goshen, Indiana, and serves as assisting organist at his own parish, Saint David of Wales Episcopal Church, Elkhart, Indiana. Sewing Daytime Sewers continue to meet the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 am. Evening Quilters will be meeting March 27 from 7-9:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. For the daytime Sewing Group, see Mid Carlson at church or call her at 847-864-3359. For evening groups, contact Chris Djuric at 847-864-5412. The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 6 April 2015 Social Ministry The Social Ministry Committee guides the congregation in extending Christian compassion and assistance to the ill, the aged, the orphaned, the underprivileged, the imprisoned, the homeless, the hungry, and others who have material or spiritual needs. OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE OR BE SERVED IN EVANSTON NEW SOUP KITCHEN ON WEDNESDAYS St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 1509 Ridge (at Grove) will be offering a Soup Kitchen on Wednesdays at 11:00. If you can help or volunteer to support this new ministry connected via the Interfaith Action Council please contact St. Mark’s at 847-864-4806 OTHER SOCIAL NEWS Lutheran Church of The Ascension at 460 Sunset Ridge Road, Northfield, IL 60093 presents A Family-Friendly concert that will delight all ages themed: Carnival of the Animals. This elite orchestra is comprised of some of the most talented teenagers from the Chicago area and around the United States. Carnival of Animals depicts an animal menagerie from elephants to fish to kangaroos! Concert is free and open to the public. Refreshments following the performance. Donations welcome. For more information, call 847-446-8335 or visit their website at www.ascension-church.org EVANSTON WOMEN’S HISTORY PROJECT This is a three year effort project to document and celebrate women who have made significant contributions to Evanston history. The goals of the Evanston Women’s History project are to bring Evanston’s Women’s History to life for the entire Evanston’s community and to make Evanston a women’s history destination for tourists and scholars. The Project partners with organization with interests in women’s history. Such as; Evanston Community Foundation, The Evanston History Center, The Frances Willard Historical Association, Shorefront, The Women’s Club of Evanston and the YWCA Evanston/North Shore. What will the Project do? The Project will focus on three areas of work – increasing knowledge, building leadership and growing Evanston as a tourist destination. The Project is funded through the Evanston Community Foundation’s Fund for Women and Girls. You can help by spreading the word and sharing the stories of Evanston women that you know. The Project is seeking community input in areas that are hidden but replete with stories of women who have played behind the scenes role in Evanston History. Your support and participation are key to making the Project’s goals become a reality. For more information; The Project is located at 1730 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201. 847-328-7500. Web address is:evanstonforever.org, or email at:[email protected]. The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 7 April 2015 News of Individuals JONATHAN HOEFKER We are sad to report that our dear friend and brother, Jonathan Hoefker has departed. We thank God for his life. And we glory in the knowledge that he is resting with in His Arms. RON LAUDERT Ron is temporarily at the Alden Estates of Evanston Rehabilitation, Health Care & Assisted Living Center. Located at 2520 Gross Point Rd, Evanston, IL 60201. Let’s show our love and support either stopping by to see Ron, or giving him a call (847) 328-8156. The main number to the facility is (847) 328-6000. GEORGE SCHIFF George Schiff has relocated to Alden of Waterford Health Care Center at 2021 Rand Drive Aurora, IL 60504. Letters and notes from his friends at Immanuel are appreciated as he settles into his new home. The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 8 April 2015 Calendar of Readings Readings for April 2015 April 5: Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Mark 16:1-8 April 12: Acts 4:32-35 Psalm 133 1 John 1:1-2:2 John 20:19-31 April 19: Acts 3:12-19 Psalm 4 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36b-48 April 26: Acts 4:5-12 Psalm 23 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18 Calendar of Birthdays April Birthdays Carol Krizman (April 1), Michelle Darian (April 3), Anne Marie Wilkinson (April 4), Lucia Swanson (April 6), Susan Ross (April 8), Jaya Nambiar (April 12), Joe Simchak (April 16), Jerry Larson (April 17), Luke David Moy (April 17), Tiffany Rose Shiff (April 24), Myrtle Wangerin (April 27). The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 9 April 2015 Council The role of the Council is to hear the reports of committees, groups, and individuals within the church and make decisions for the church. Council meets on the third Thursday of each month, at the church. IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting on February 19, 2015 Present: Sara Krentz Pr. John Lang (ex officio), Hal Larson, Kit McCarthy, Eliza McDaniel, Kevin McDaniel, Caroline Nakic, Kathy Skelton (presiding), Laurie Stivers , Charly Yarnoff (recording), Excused: Greg Hummel, Ryan Knohl, Rachel Tollett Guests: Mary Ann Kearns (financial secretary), Melisa Larson (call committee), David Lindquist (architect), Jim McCarthy (property committee), Joe Simchak (treasurer), Steve Warner (call committee) The meeting was called to order at 7:31 p.m. Comments from the Council. None Devotions: Pr. Lang read from “Invitation for Extended Service” from the ELW Agenda was adopted as amended. Minutes of the Jan 15 2015 meeting: MSC to accept the minutes as presented. Minutes of the Jan 25 2015 meeting: MSC to accept the minutes as presented Financial Reports (Simchak and Kearns). We are a little under in the offering for January because of cold and snow. Expenses are under because we don’t have a full-time pastor. Funds are in balance. There are typos in income and expenses that will be corrected. Groups and Organizations (Youth Group): No report. Counters Schedule: Feb. 22: Charly, Kit March 1: Kevin, Hal March 8: Laurie, Caroline March 15: Sara, Eliza Report on Windows-- David Lindquist recommends protecting the stained glass windows in order to mitigate the coldness in the sanctuary. His proposal will cut the heat loss by half. Seven small windows in sanctuary: He proposes adding regular custom-made, single-hung manufactured windows to protect the small stained glass windows. He’s gotten bids for windows manufactured by 3 well-respected companies (Marvin, Pella, and Kolbe). Jim McCarthy asked whether there can be overheating that causes the caming in the stained glass windows to melt. Lindquist answered that the windows are made of a material that will mitigate that problem. He also recommends that nothing be done to the stained glass window themselves except The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 10 April 2015 cleaning before the window system is installed. We may also want to deal with any broken panes. The estimate from Vanderwerff Construction is about $60,000. The bid does not include the 4 windows in the narthex. The cost of those windows would be about $6000, not including installation. Three large windows in sanctuary: Bid from Acme Glassworks to install protective windows over the stained glass is about $120,000. These windows will also cut down on the noise from outside the building. They have a maintenance-free guarantee. The windows will not be able to be opened, but they will help keep the sanctuary cooler in the summer. Jim McCarthy asked whether the radiators in the sanctuary are sufficient. Lindquist said that because the radiators are cast iron, they hold more heat. Lindquist is convinced that the glass work will make a huge difference in the heating of the sanctuary. Total time to do the job would be approximately 14 weeks. Instructions for counting the offering: Mary Ann Kearns gave instructions for counting the offering. Special Committees a. Call committee – Kit/Charly: Melisa reported that the Ministry Site Profile (MSP) is a very important document because the candidates see that first and therefore it provides their first impression of Immanuel. In revising the MSP, the call committee kept in mind the congregational survey as well as changes that have happened in the congregation over the last year. Charly pointed out that Greg Hummel had noted that unemployment is not increasing in Evanston, so Charly recommended replacing “unemployment” with “homelessness.” Laurie asked who our final reference would be, and Charly recommended Ryan Hathaway. Another possibility is Liz Hanson. Hal moved that the revised MSP be adopted, with the understanding that the committee change the word “unemployment” to “homelessness” and that someone be added as a final reference. b. Memorials & Honors Committee – Chair: Carol Krizman; liaison: Laurie c. Mutual Ministry – Susan Ross. No report. Two more people are needed. d. Personnel Committee – An advertisement has been placed for the parish administrator position. 14 applications have been received. e. Stark Fund Committee - Chair: Fred Rakowsky; Liaison: LS. No report Standing Committees a. Education - chair: none; liaison: Charly. No report. b. Evangelism - chair: none; liaison: Kit. Kit will not be the liaison after this month. Caroline will take over as liaison. Kit reported Terri Simchak's observation that the letter mailed to church visitors seems to be a “kiss of death” because those people do not come to church again. Council will look at the letter to see if the wording needs to be changed. c. Fellowship – co-chairs: Terri Hummel, Kathy Skelton: liaison: Kathy d. Finance – chair: Joe Simchak; liaison: Sara Krentz e. Property – chair: Jim McCarthy; liaison: Kit f. Social Ministry – Chair: Nicolai Schousboe; liaison: Charly. No report. g. Stewardship - co-chairs: Melisa Larson, Rachel Tollett; liaison. No report i. Youth Advisory Board – chair: none; liaison: Eliza. No report The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 11 April 2015 Old business: A. RIC task force report – We are completing a survey that will help us figure out at what pace we should go in the RIC process. We will invite a more diverse group to comprise the task force. Nicolai has joined the taskforce. New business: a. Fellowship Hall Use: Jim McCarthy’s sister would like to use Fellowship Hall from June 4 to 7 (8:30 to 3:00) for a massage therapists’ conference. It would involve 30 people and 15 massage tables. They are willing to pay $1200. On Sunday, June 7, they would need to be downstairs in the youth room and choir room. Jim will follow up with his sister and report back to Kathy. b. Weight Watchers Signage: They would like to put up a long-term sign. We need to find out more details about what they want. Marge Wold will get more information and report back to Kathy. c. Parking Lake Street Church: The church would like to donate less for their three parking spaces. We recommend asking them for $750 per year. d. Pastor John’s report: Pastor Lang has decided to end his interim pastorate after the second Sunday in April. He recommends arranging for supply pastors after that. Hal recommended that council have a meeting before the next scheduled council meeting to discuss whether we can get away with just supply pastors; how to deal with visitations, funerals, etc. We should discuss how we would like to celebrate Pr. Lang’s service to us. Next Council Meeting will be held on March 5 at 7:30 to consider a backup plan when Pr. Lang ends his interim on April 12. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Charly Yarnoff Worship & Music Committee Report Committee members met to review worship plans for Holy Week and the Easter season, including scheduling a Clean-Up Day on Saturday, March 28th beginning at 9:45am. There will again be a “Break the Lenten Fast” celebration following the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 4th. People are encouraged to bring finger foods and beverages. Special music is planned for our Easter celebration on Sunday, April 5th following breakfast served by Café Immanuel. Further planning of worship beyond April 12th will depend on the Council’s actions towards securing pastoral leadership. The Committee agreed that recognizing our musicians at the end of the choir season worked well last year, and therefore set Sunday, May 31 st as Church Music Sunday. The Organ Scholar Recital & Reception is planned for Sunday, May 3 rd beginning at 4pm. Our scholar, Kevin Vaugn, an organ performance doctoral student at the University of Notre Dame, will perform what promises to be an amazing concert followed by a champagne reception served by the committee. The Committee discussed Immanuel’s transition to using the Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal and a new 11x17 all-inclusive worship bulletin format. These changes have been successful due to the careful planning and extra ordinary efforts of Pr. John Lang, Rachel Tollett, Benjamin Rivera and Greg Hummel. Due The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 12 April 2015 to the upcoming changes in the pastor position, the committee agreed to continue to make any necessary adjustments to the bulletin format, to continue to gather feedback from the congregation, and to consider additional re-formatting changes when a permanent pastor is on staff. Our implementation of the ELW has been made possible through donation of a good portion of the hymnals that we need. Including the liturgy and hymns in the bulletin also reduces the number of hymnals needed. Taking those factors into account, the Committee estimates that 80 additional hymnals are needed. With Council approval, we are inviting individuals and families to donate hymnals to Immanuel. Donated hymnals will have a plaque identifying the donor (if so wished by the donor) and their commemoration (in memory of, in honor of, or to the glory of God). The cost per hymnal is $25 (includes shipping). Those interested in donating can either complete a form at Immanuel and include payment, or email the information to the Parish Administrator ([email protected]) and mail payment to the church office. The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 13 April 2015 ELW Donation Form I want to donate ___ Evangelical Lutheran Worship Hymnals to Immanuel Lutheran Church. The cost of each hymnal is $25 (includes shipping costs). If I would like, a plaque will be placed in each hymnal with the following information: Name of giver: Select: In Memory of:___________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ________ In Honor of:___________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ _______ To the Glory of God Please include payment with your order. Your donation is greatly appreciated. The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 14 April 2015 Call Committee Report The month of March has been a very busy time for Immanuel’s Call Committee, for which we are very grateful. During the month the committee received the names of four candidates. Three were interviewed, and we declined to continue with the fourth. Over the next six weeks, the committee will complete the next steps in the discernment process, including participating in worship led by candidates. We are very excited about the possibilities and gifts presented by each of these candidates, and are looking forward to gathering additional information. April 22nd is the anniversary of the Call Committee’s first meeting together. Over a year ago Immanuel members completed our survey and participated in small discussion groups. In the countless Call Committee meetings, interviews and conversations, we studied Immanuel’s survey results, reflected on the congregation’s recent history, and identified gifts & challenges within Immanuel. We thought deeply when asked by candidates to explain Immanuel’s practices, identify ways members wish to grow in their faith life, and how it all fits with Immanuel’s response to God’s call. We’ve also learned about things that are happening in other Lutheran congregations and our community. During the same time span, the congregation has also gone through a period of reflection and growth in response to changes within Immanuel. It’s about time for a “check-in” conversation together. On Sunday, May 3rd immediately following Coffee Hour, the Call Committee will host a “Chat about the Call Process.” Committee members will share insights & lessons learned, answer questions, and talk with participants about how Immanuel is responding to God’s call to mission. All are invited!! The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 15 April 2015 Festive Game Night on March 8th Our first ever game night with members of the New Community Church was a big success! With over 20 members from each congregation, the room was filled with energy and a desire to become acquainted. Following the meal, Andrea Knohl and Laura McDaniel deftly led a fun group game, which kept everyone engaged, young and old alike. New connections were made and there is a desire to have more events together, especially among our youth. Thanks be to God! There truly is no distinction in the Body of Christ! The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 16 April 2015 The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 17 April 2015 Tyler demonstrating his “theatrical talents”!!! Members of Immanuel Lutheran Church & New Life Community Church during game night….. The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 18 April 2015 Growth The first of several conversations about growth and how to help Immanuel collectively move forward began on March 22nd. Informed by her work on the Call Committee, leading Youth Groups, and over 20 years of organizing people, Laura McDaniel invited participants to look at potential through the lens of fellowship. To set the tone, an introduction was given on the following topics: Wanted: An Easy Answer – After interviewing over a dozen call candidates, a prepackaged, simple solution to growth has not bubbled up. The call of a full-time pastor will provide energy and help to shape our vision. However, it is unrealistic to believe that the new pastor will simply gallop in on a white horse and execute “ELCA Easy Answer #453”. Growth for Immanuel is our challenge to solve. All the basics we need, we already have. Let’s get organized. Evangelism – Multiple definitions exist. Does evangelism mean spreading God’s word to all or having a Membership Drive? How do we balance both needs? Community – People everywhere seek to connect. It happens on the soccer field on Sunday mornings, on playgrounds, and in coffee shops. The Immanuel community is a real strength of the congregation. How can we capitalize on this? Momentum – Energy breeds energy. When people are engaged, friendships strengthen and work becomes light. Congregational Initiative – Growth is more than the work of one person or even one committee. To be successful, expansion efforts must become a collective congregational focus, executed with intention. The meeting was then opened up for conversation, with emphasis on: First entry points – Is it likely that worship will be the first point of contact for newcomers? Does it have to be? What other opportunities exist, capitalizing on the Immanuel’s strengths and people’s innate desire for community? Building from the Outside In – What programs do we offer or could we offer which would help bring people into our building? How can worship and Bible study play a role? What about sheer silliness and fun? Let’s worship, study and pray, but let’s also play together. Building from the Inside Out – We need to take ourselves out of the building, as a group, to make Immanuel more known in the local community. Many of our current service efforts focus on sending things out. Let’s show our faces to our neighbors. What organizations can we partner with to expand our exposure in the Evanston/Rogers Park/Skokie/Wilmette area? How can we begin by building on existing ties members already have? How can expanding our community footprint bring members to us? A brainstorming session followed. There is more work to be done and conversations will be scheduled soon. Come Holy Spirit! The Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church 19 April 2015 Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church 616 Lake Street Evanston, IL 60201 The Reverend John A. Lang, Interim Pastor Church Office Telephone: 847- 864-4464 Church Office Facsimile: 847- 864-4487 Website: www.ilcevanston.org E-mail: [email protected] Change Service Requested
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