Life Line - December 2012
249 N. Bolingbrook Dr., Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Tel: 630.759.7636 Fax: 630.759.7790
www.newlifebolingbrook.com
www.fb.com/newlifebolingbrook
Where everybody is somebody and Jesus Christ is Lord!
GOD’S GLOBAL BARNYWARD
Have A Cow! or Just Give One.
Looking for a fun, meaningful, memorable Christmas
gift for that special someone? Donate a barnyard
animal in their name (after all, Jesus was born in a
barn!) Animals start at just $10, simply turn in cash
or check at the display in the Narthex and instantly
receive a custom card announcing your gift (for you to present to your
“giftee.”) This is a great gift idea for teachers, co-workers, hard-to-buyfor people, or people who already have everything! If you want something
more to unwrap, you can include your own “gag” gift with the custom card;
we suggest a rubber ducky for a duck, a piggy bank for a piglet, an full
(or empty) egg carton for baby chicks, goat cheese for a goat, a ball of
yarn for a sheep, a carton of yogurt or gallon of milk for a cow! Watch the
puzzled look on their face as they unwrap their “present”, then “present”
them with the card explaining their real gift ~ fun & memorable! Last year
many New Lifer’s gifted others at Christmas & some even used part of
their Christmas bonuses to purchase animals after Christmas! ELCA’s GGB
is sponsored by the Monday Night Women’s Bible Study (Sorry, we still
haven’t thought of a cool name for ourselves!) We’ll be in the Narthex
between 9-11 AM all during Advent (beginning Sunday, December 2nd.)
Be sure to stop by & check out our “mural’ as we watch our barnyard grow!
A Note from Council…….
On Saturday, November 10, New Life Hosted a panel discussion titled
Exposing Hunger. We had 5 speakers including the Master of Ceremonies
Pastor Paul. We heard stories from the Senior Center providing meals, from
several food pantries, DuPage Township, the Valley view School district,
and Power Connection. It was alarming to a point to learn of the number
of people in the local area that depend on support for the basic living
needs. Those that are currently involved in support activities are slowly
losing ground to the increasing number of folks needing help. In learning
that 180 students in local schools are homeless – 20 in the Bolingbrook area
– was very alarming, and to know that these kids are determined to get
their education to gain access to a better way of life – doesn’t this motivate
us to do something to help? Kim Owens from the DuPage Township urges
all who need help to seek it early when problems begin as help is available
before things become too desperate. Kim also describe her office as similar
to a hospital emergency room where all people are helped at all times –
there is no such thing as quitting time until all are helped.
Comments from Council members in attendance:
Suzanne Schorsch: Something I learned from the forum is that Seniors can
receive meals at the Levy Center at 11:30 on weekdays, and that there is a
GREAT NEED FOR DRIVERS for the Meals-on-Wheels program (they have
people on the waiting list to receive meals right now) If you can volunteer
to drive 1 or 2 days a month for an hour, they would appreciate it! The
DuPage Townsite website gave the following contact: Call 630-759-3411
and ask for Jean.
Mike Selep: Local hunger continues to grow. Great community resources
are helping to feed the hungry. Local Bolingbrook organization POWER
CONNECTION serves food to 3000 families per month. This is up from
2000 per month in 2011. POWER CONNECTION serves 100 new families
per month.
Joe Giganti: I learned that people who are suffering from hunger often
have other needs as well, such as housing, clothes, other items (toothpaste/
brush, soap, diapers, etc. In some cases, donating money will be more effective than buying food items. That is because the organizations receiving
the money can often buy at a cheaper rate than we can at retail stores, so
the money will buy more, and they know what their specific needs are at
any given time.
Mike Stoehrmann: I learned that donations to food pantries do NOT need
to be food! They can use monetary donations, as well as donations of your
time to help distribute food, meals, etc...
Norma Sabine: My "highlights” from the forum were the number of children in our area were on the lunch program at their schools or were homeless and living in motels.
Many of our committee members were in attendance as well and used this
opportunity to gather information for their committee work in the months
ahead. We learned that hunger is a huge problem for many people both
close to us as well as in other countries. Our focus to expose hunger is uncovering a number of facts that demonstrate that all of us have the chance
to help in stemming the tide of a growing problem. Council urges all
members to use the gifts that God has given us to help in support of reducing the effects of hunger. If anyone has ideas, please contact a member of
council as we are constantly brainstorming for ideas on projects than can
help those in need.
Thank you, generous God, for feeding us with the gift of yourself, through
Christ. Amen
In Christ’s service,
Jack Schlea - Council President
New Life has a NEW website!
After many months of hard work from so many people, your church has a
brand new website!
Come visit us today at www.newlifebolingbrook.com. We have a
brand new look, more content and more ways to get information about
everything that is going on at New Life. But this is not end of a project, it's
just the beginning. If there is something you think we should add, let us
know so that we can continue to grow our little area of the internet and
spread the word of Christ and New Life to everyone!
If you do not wish your picture to be used on the New Life website please
let the church office know at [email protected] or
630.759.7636
Growing up, making a family Christmas Card to be
sent out far and wide to family and friends was an
Evenson family tradition. I have been a bit adamant
about starting a Christmas Card tradition in my own
family, Ben and myself and now little Linnea. I find
something very meaningful in condensing a full year
into a single message, thought, picture, to be sent
out and received by our family and friends. I treasure being on the receiving end of cards as well.
I write about cards and this tradition I hold close because I find myself gravitating to anchors this Advent. Traditions anchor us in time, reminding us of
the past, showing us what the new present looks like, sometimes even short
glimpses into the future. Music has long been an anchor for faith. Early
Christians gathered to eat a meal together and sing! Martin Luther wrote
many hymns, putting the Reformation to song (maybe even like a musical?)
One of the tell-tale signs of the holiday season is holiday music. The Advent
Tea is a festive gathering of women—and a beloved part of the gathering
for many is the tradition of singing Silent Night, in a circle around the Fellowship Hall, only strands of Christmas lights lit and glowing.
The Advent Devotional this year is all music. Hymns you know are there:
Silent Night and Go Tell It on the Mountain. Hymns you might know are
there: Prepare the Royal Highway and Mary Did You Know. Songs you
might not know are there: Come Now O Prince of Peace and Everlasting
God. Music familiar and new are our texts this year preparing us for receiv-
ing Christ once again. Beyond reading this devotional, we will be offering
3 opportunities to sing these songs, familiar and new, as we wait for Mary’s
due date to finally arrive. Sundays, December 2, 9, and 16, we will gather
for a short time, 5:00 to 5:30pm, to sing these songs that anchor us in our
faith and in our Savior.
You need not know harmony or have perfect pitch to join in. Come sing
or come listen, and anchor yourself in the tradition of welcoming baby
Jesus with notes, chords, rhythm and verses.
Hark, the glad sound! The Savior comes, the Savior
promised long; Let every heart prepare a throne
and every voice a song. --Hark The Glad Sound,
Advent Devotional for December 10th & 11th.
Pastor Rakel
Sharing the Advent Devotional
Sundays December 2, 9, & 16
5:00 to 5:30pm
We will sing the songs in the Advent
Devotional for the upcoming week, as well as
hear the devotions read aloud. Come enjoy the
music of the season and treasured writings of the
New Life congregation.
All are welcome: tone-deaf singers, harmonizers,
listeners-only, and Scrooges.
CHRISTMAS EVE PRE-SERVICE MUSIC CONCERT:
The Christmas season is fast
approaching and time to plan for
the Christmas Eve pre-service music
concert. This concert takes place at
10:30 pm, ½ hour prior to the
11pm Christmas Eve Candlelight
Service. All musically talented
members of the congregation
(vocalists, instrumentalists) are
invited to participate in this
concert. Please contact Roland
Johnson at 815-886-2175 or
[email protected] or the
church office at 630-759-7636 or
[email protected] to
sign up to take part in the Christmas music concert.
Operation Christmas Child Update
This year the Sunday school classes and New Life
Congregation filled 76 shoe boxes to spread God’s
love to children around the world.
Thank you!
Advent Schedule
December 2
1st Sunday of Advent
Advent Tea - 3:00pm
Sharing the Advent Devotional – 5:00pm
December 9
2nd Sunday of Advent
Sharing the Advent Devotional – 5:00pm
December 13 Christmas Caroling at Greenleaf
(meet at church to carpool at 6:30pm)
December 15 Children’s Christmas Program 4:00pm
“Christmas Around the World”
December 16 3rd Sunday in Advent
Chancel Choir’s Christmas Cantata
SUPPLY Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Sharing the Advent Devotional – 5:00pm
December 19 Las Posadas – 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall
December 23
4th Sunday in Advent
December 24 Christmas Eve
Family / Children worship with puppets - 5:00pm
Candlelight Service & Communion - 7:00pm
Christmas Special Music - 10:30pm
Candlelight Service & Communion - 11:00pm
December 25 – Christmas Morning
Worship with Communion 10:00am
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, January 27th
Immediately after the 11:00am Worship
We will be voting on the 2013 Spending Plan and electing new
church leaders. All Members are Encouraged to Attend
Childcare will be provided
Youth Ministry Calendar Fall 2012
More information on all events comes out to respective groups as dates
draw near. If you have any questions, please feel free to talk with identified
youth ministry liaisons:
Beth Girardier—Youth Education Coordinator
Amy Beaugard—JAB. Coordinator (6-8th grade)
Joe Moles—SUPPLY Coordinator (9-12th grade)
Pastor Rakel
Sally Minor—Confirmation Representative
June Charnevsky—Sunday School
December
SUPPLY
2nd
Caroling at Green Leaf at 6:30 pm
13th
15th
Sunday School Christmas Program 4:00 pm
th
Cantata Breakfast – SUPPLY
16
Las Posadas at 6:30 pm
19th
23rd & 30th No Sunday School
Children’s Christmas Program is Saturday, December 15 at 4:00pm
Come watch our children tell about how Christmas is celebrated in different
countries. If you have a child in Sunday School and still haven’t returned
participation form please do so ASAP.
LOMC Overnight
Opportunity for 3, 4, 5th graders to go to LOMC for an overnighter
January 11-12th. Cost is $65. Forms will be sent to all eligible to attend.
A Big Loaves of Love - Thank You!
Thank you to all of the New Life Congregation members that helped
deliver bread to the new residents of Bolingbrook. We delivered over 100
LOL’s (Loaves of Love) and we could not have done it without every one
of you. God Bless ~ Sandie Zihala – Outreach Committee
LAS POSADAS
It’s that time of year again as we take Mary and Joseph’s
journey and combine it with a special tradition from Mexico.
We will meet in the Fellowship Hall and travel as a group, door
to door and look for a place to stay. We get turned away at
every place except for church where we will enter and have a
fiesta. Please join us this year as we are partnering with Santa
Cruz Church in Joliet and our new friends from the South
Suburbs Immigration Project. There will be food, drinks,
Mariachi music, a piñata and no shortage of fun and fellowship!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
6:30 p.m.
Bob Beckett son of Dick & Laurena Beckett.
Stationed at Fort Carson.
SPC. Beckett, Robert
PO Box 13519
Colorado Springs, CO 80902
Eric Frederick Son of Charles & Vanda Frederick.
PFC, Frederick, Eric
3208 MacArthur Avenue
Room 253B
Fairbanks, AK 99703
Erik Gundersen Son of Roger & Amy Gundersen. Stationed F.E. Warren AFB
Lt. Erik Gundersen
62B Ft Warren Ave
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Please contact the office with information on your loved one that is
serving in the military.
Money Matters
Personal Financial Stewardship
Why God’s Word Cautions us about Debt
God cautions us from using debt because debt creates bondage to the
world and prevents us from allowing God to act freely in our lives! Reverend Bill Hybels in his “Achieving Financial Freedom” audiotapes discusses
reasons that God says “no” to debt:
Debt obligates a person to earn more money and to earn it constantly.
Working two or three jobs just to pay off debt is not the way to live.
Debt enslaves a person to a creditor (Proverbs 22:7). When the creditor
says, “Jump,” we say, “How high?”
Debt undermines joy. It is difficult to enjoy a weekend away or a dinner
out when we are deep in debt, because money spent for those activities
is money not spent on paying off credit card debt, which prolongs the
problem.
Debt erodes giving opportunities. God gives us the ability and the desire to
help others. The lack of money makes it difficult to respond to God’s
gracious prompting.
Debt imperils a Christian witness in two ways. First of all, we can be less
effective in our evangelism when we face daily tension and anxiety
over debt. Second, our witness to others suffers when they see or hear
about our financial difficulty.
Debt exaggerates character problems. Experiencing a problem with debt
may reveal character weaknesses such as impatience, discontentment, a
lack of self-discipline and even failure to trust in the Lord’s provisions.
Before you use your credit cards, you should be slow, deliberate, and
cautious. Prior to taking on debt, it is advisable to ask yourself some basic
questions, such as the following:
If I borrow, will I get something of enough value that it’s worth the
added obligation? Will the asset purchased appreciate in value?
Will the taking on of debt allow me to give, save, and maintain my lifestyle?
Have I considered giving up expensive activities and/or liquidating valuable possessions?
Does the borrowing fit my budget?
Will the borrowing cause any tension or anxiety in my family?
BLESSINGS FROM YOUR STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Adult Education
PSALMS
This 3 week class will provide a general background on the history of the
Psalms and their use as the prayer book of the bible.
We will cover 5 major forms or types of psalms as well as authorship of
the psalms. Selected individual psalms will be studied.
Many have sought encouragement and comfort in times of crisis or
despair from the Book of Psalms. The full range of human emotions is
found in the Psalms from joy and exultation to disappointment, sorrow,
anger, resentment and revenge.
If you are interested in learning more what Martin Luther called the
“Little Bible” within the bible be sure to attend.
WHEN:
December 2 – December 16
WHERE:
Genesis Room – 9:30-10:30 am
PARABLES OF JESUS
This is a 6 week class on a key part of the teachings of Jesus. About one
third of Jesus’ teachings are found in the parables.
WHEN:
January 6 – February 10
WHERE:
Genesis Room – 9:30-10:30 am
Name/Address/Phone change
Garrett, Laura
224Meadowbrook Drive
Bolingbrook, 60440
Dehnert, Melissa
368 Whitehall Dr. #106
Bolingbrook, 60440
(630)771-0661
AN OPPORTUNITY TO IMPACT THE HEALTHCARE OF PEOPLE
AROUND THE WORLD AT A LOCAL MISSION!!
You are needed to help us address the serious unmet medical needs of
people in developing countries. With your assistance Mission Outreach can
increase access to quality healthcare around the world through our medical
recovery and responsible redistribution program.
Each year hundreds of thousands of pounds of medical equipment and supplies are deemed surplus by U.S.-based healthcare providers. Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach recovers these usable items otherwise destined for
landfills. The surplus is then sorted, cleaned, repaired, inventoried, and
published in an online catalog where needy hospitals and clinics can “shop”
for what they need.
Mission Outreach has experienced an increased demand from healthcare
recipients all over the world. In fiscal year 2010, Mission Outreach shipped
1.28 million pounds of medical equipment and supplies (77 container
equivalents) to people in need throughout the developing world.
Volunteers are the heart of Mission Outreach. We need your help to sort
and pack supplies, enter data, or assist in the warehouse. . Volunteers must
be 13 years of age or older. High School attendees can earn service hours.
Learn more at www.mission-outreach.org
Thank you to all the volunteers that dedicated so many hours to the Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach this year, and for reflecting the faith of New
Life. For those who have not found an opportunity to attend a mission
this past year, we hope that 2013 is your year to participate. All are invited
to start the New Year attending our first mission opportunity of the year,
which will be on Saturday 1/5 from 9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. We also are scheduled for Saturday 3/2 from 9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., hopefully either or both
dates work for new and experienced Mission workers. We will be meeting
at the church at 8:15 and will carpool to the warehouse. Please sign up in
the Narthex for any or all of these dates. Any questions please contact
Daryl Giganti at 630-759-7206 or [email protected]
Are your weekends already too busy? There are always shifts open during
the week between Monday – Thursday from 9-12 and 1-4, but hours can be
flexible. Please contact Betsy Johnson the Mission’s Volunteer Associate at
708/496-3900 to let her know that you are coming and what hours you
can work. The mission warehouse is located at: 5213 W. 65th Street,
Bedford Park, IL.
Seeking to provide care and compassion to our congregation, our community and
the world around us. The Care Team is an expression of faith: a response to God’s
new commandment in John 13:34-35, “As I have loved you, so you must love one
another.”
OPERATION CHRISTMAS - BOLINGBROOK
Oh the weather outside is...cold! And Christmas thoughts are already in the
air. So we wanted to let you know about several giving opportunities to
help families right here in Bolingbrook.
We will be collecting coats (new or clean gently used coats) in sizes
children’s small through adults. Please place in blue bin in fellowship
hall.
We will also have available the hat/mitten tree to collect those items as
well as scarves, socks, tights and underwear. The tree is located in
the Narthex.
And lastly, there will be families available to adopt. You can choose to
purchase items for one or all the members of a family in need right
here in Bolingbrook. Please see June to select a family.
Please consider how you can make this a season of giving for your family.
Items will be collected until December 16 so there is time to distribute them
before Christmas.
GIFTS THAT MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
Do you want to make a real difference this Christmas by purchasing unique
gift items AND improving people’s lives abroad? Consider purchasing fair
trade goods. It’s a win-win opportunity. The recipient will receive a finely
crafted, unique item. You will have supported and honored the dignity of
artisans and farmers around the world. You will have helped them send
their kids to school, build community wells, attend training and fund
community works programs. You will have helped women learn selfsufficiency and decision-making skills. To view the wide selection of beautiful ornaments, totes, jewelry, scarves, baskets and food items go to
www.lwr.org/handcraft. This is one of the many ministries supported by
Lutheran World Relief.
TUTORING
The New Life tutoring program is serving over 35 youth (2nd-8th graders)
from the community. But it’s not enough. We still have several students
on the waiting list. Won’t you please consider stepping forward to volunteer one hour a week? You can choose to serve on Tuesdays from 7:008:00 p.m. or Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. or both nights! Lots of
resources and help is available during the session so don’t worry if you are
puzzled by an assignment. If you are interested in assisting youth to reach
their greatest potential, please contact Daryl Giganti at 630-759-7206.
MOPS- CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
The MOPS group at New Life will be having a
special Christmas Open House on Thursday,
December 13 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Please come
join Moms from the congregation or community
for snacks and a simple craft for the children and
Moms. There will also be an opportunity for
fellowship and learning about what MOPS has to offer. This will be the
only meeting in December.
MOPS stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers”, but don’t let that confuse
you. MOPS is about meeting the needs of every mom of a child from conception through kindergarten. It is a chance for women to develop relationships with other mothers in the community, and to realize they are not
alone in the adventure of motherhood. MOPS is an internationally recognized Christian group. The group helps Moms to develop authentic friendships, challenges every Mom to grow as a woman, Mother and leader,
strengthen marriages, provide trusted parenting resources and draw Moms
one step closer in their relationship with Jesus.
Mark your calendars now for the January gathering dates. New Life Lutheran Church will be hosting a MOPS group on the 2nd and 4th Thursday
of every month from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. officially beginning Thursday January 10, 2013. Membership will be open to all members of the community,
regardless of religious affiliation.
If you or a friend are interested in receiving information or joining this
group, to please contact Alyson Wold at 630-768-7756.
CARING FOR GOD’S CREATION -
Something that comes with all the Christmas gifts is….wrapping paper.
Consider using other items that can be recycled to wrap your gifts. For
example, the comics paper, brown paper bags with ink stamps or drawn
pictures on it, children’s paper artwork, or gift bags that can be reused.
COUPONING FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Many stores are offering a price match on advertised items for a limited
time during the holidays. So be sure to check the sale papers to ensure
you get the lowest price wherever you shop.
WALK TO JERUSALEM
Looking ahead to the New Year, here is a great opportunity the Care
Team will be offering again. The Walk to Jerusalem is a walking program
designed to increase the physical and spiritual health of our members. This imaginary trip to Jerusalem is accomplished by individuals logging their own physical activity each week. Then the individual “miles”
are added together with the goal of accumulating enough miles as a
group to reach Jerusalem by Easter. Stay tuned for more details about
the Walk beginning in January. Just in time for your New Year’s resolutions!
SAVE THE DATE
Our first blood drive of the New Year will take place on Sunday, January
20, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Donors from the drive in November will be eligible to give again.
FRIENDS IN FAITH COORDINATOR
We are currently seeking a volunteer to serve as
Coordinator for our Friends in Faith ministry. This
ministry has volunteers that bring the caring presence
of a friend and God to a Christian companion. Friends
in Faith is a ministry intentional about practicing our
faith in God’s call to love one another. Reaching out
to those who are experiencing transitions, changes in life
stages, or hardships to create meaningful relationships,
generate a spirit of compassion and show the love of
Christ. This one-on-one ministry recognizes the gifts and talents in the
congregation and the spiritual growth that emerges for individuals, small
groups, and the church community.
As Coordinator (or Co-coordinators), your task is to coordinate the
matching process of volunteers to people in need, facilitate the small
group enrichment sessions for volunteers, and recruit new volunteers. The
Coordinator provides support to the volunteers in their ministry. They
are also integral to educating the congregation about Friends in Faith and
involving church staff and pastors in promoting the ministry. Coordinator
should be able to make a two year commitment. Training of the ministry
is available. If you are interested in learning more, you can talk to Susan
Brown of the Care Team.
December Anniversaries
3
Mike & Sally Martin (46 years)
12
Fred & Colleen Mills
19
Debbi & Blaine Johnston
27
Joe & Abby Moles
30
Scott & Bonnie Bovaird
If you do not see your name & date here please let the church office
know. Have you moved or changed your phone # recently? If so it is
important that the Church office is contacted so we can up-date our
records. Thank you!
DECEMBER WORSHIP LEADERS
Greeters:
8:00am
Jerry Schmidt
9:30am
Nathan & Amy Foster
11:00am
Rich & Cathy Hess
Worship Assistants:
8:00am
9:30am
11:00am
Ushers:
8:00am
9:30am
11:00am
Jerry Streeky
Shireen Behzadi
Charlene Hopper
John & Jackie Schmidt, Pat Jahn, Fred Mills
Blumenstein, Karas, Nelson, &
Costello Family
Bruno & Maggie Sadowski, Cathy Taylor
Volunteers are always needed to help with worship - interested?
Contact the church office at 630.759.7636 or
[email protected]
MOPS
Christmas Open House
9:30 - 11:00am
Thursday, December 13th
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
BOLINGBROOK, IL
PERMIT NO. 116
PAID
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE