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From Pastor Wayne’s Desk: Dear Friends, It’s August and you know what that means! It’s time for the annual “the church is not on vacation” newsletter speech. The good news (at least for me): it’s as true now as it has always been. Worship continues including our music ministry. The choir is not singing but voices have been raised in song and have filled the sanctuary with good music. (Yours truly has signed up for August 15th. I’ll understand if you’re busy on that day.) And, since our sanctuary is air conditioned, the “it’s too hot” excuse is out the window. It goes without saying that the wonderful sermons you hear during worship continue. And continue. And continue. We still have coffee hours after worship because we always have time for fellowship and community building. And what better way than sharing a drink and something to eat! The Bible is filled with examples of hospitality, which was held in high regard, almost like a commandment. So we’re just doing what the Bible tells us to do. Many Sundays are signed-up for but you can call the office and find out what Sundays are open. If your garden has produced tons of zucchini and you need a place to serve zucchini bread, well, here we are! The Youth Group is alive and prospering during the summer. See their report for an update. Car washes, block parties, meetings, hosting other youth groups: their energy is invigorating. Their energy is contagious in the very best way. And here’s a hand for our visiting youth group from Country Club Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kansas City, MO. They are on a mission trip working in the city and staying here, enjoying our gym and our showers and the coolness of Fellowship Hall. They are giving of themselves during time they could have spent “goofing off.” Just shows you what a little faith and a bowl of Cap’n Crunch before you head off to work can do for you! Let’s learn from their “faith in action.” The Search Committee continues its important work during the summer. Say a prayer for them as they continue to seek pastoral leadership. They are working for you! The Nominating Committee is meeting during the summer months, preparing a slate of officers and ministry team chairpersons to implement the new constitution. They are doing work for you as well. Please say yes when you are asked. The church is about many people working together for the future of God’s kingdom. The Golden Fellowship is still meeting. This is a group of active people. They may not move as fast as they once did but they continue to have fun and work together. Most importantly, they keep up with each other. Every meeting has a time where they share what they know about who is not there at that meeting. No one is forgotten. Read their report in this newsletter as well. Of course the office is still open and Terri keeps the work of the church moving forward. Joan Allen and Don Westphal are making sure the bills are paid and our money is working for us. This kind of work doesn’t stop just because it’s August. Craig Helma, our new custodian, is working hard to keep this place clean and in good condition. He has worked hard to make the grounds and the gardens beautiful. So come and admire his handiwork. Come and admire your handiwork. (The flowers planted by the Sunday School are blossoming.) Come and admire God’s handiwork. I do hope that you are enjoying vacation times and that, if you need to get away, that you are, indeed, getting away and being refreshed. I enjoyed my family trip to New England and am looking forward to my upcoming trip to Santa Fe. But when you’re home, please stop by to worship with us and to be in community with those working hard so the church’s ministries continue. Keep cool! And blessings to all of you…. Pastor Wayne
__________________________________________________________________ By D. Josiah Montgomery, Organist-Choirmaster
Greetings to you in the blessed name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
I recently returned to Chicago after a two-week vacation in the South. I drove a brand new Ford Focus, which was very good on gas, drove the historic I-55 to visit Springfield, St. Louis, Memphis, Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Stuttgart, Walls MS, Horn Lake MS, Bartlett TN and Cordova TN. Likewise, I did a bit of site-seeing in these places.
While in Arkansas, I stayed with my best friend form college, Jackie Busby, and her family. I met most of her family when we visited her grandparents home, which was filled with ‘southern hospitality’ and food. The phrase, “ya’ll want something to eat,” seemed all too common in this place. While in Pine Bluff, I visited the oldest Episcopal Church in the State, Trinity Episcopal Church, built in 1870 and it seems to be in good shape. This parish has a school, dating from the 1950’s, that serves about 150 school children. Pine Bluff is also an historic African-American university best known for its band program: The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. I must add, the heat down yonder…..very hot. No wonder why the kids do their homework and go home!
After leaving Pine Bluff and Little Rock, I drove to the town of Walls Mississippi, to spend the rest of my time with my paternal grandparents, Sonny and Helen Luster. Walls sits at the far northwestern edge of Mississippi just next to Memphis. That first Sunday, I worshiped at Holy Communion Episcopal Church in Memphis. I could not believe that there were so many people in church. Entire families filled the pews, which were packed from front to back in a space somewhat the size of St. Peter’s. I was even more taken by the friendliness of the parishioners to both themselves and visitors.
During the 2.5 weeks, I got the chance to sit down and think; to think about the future of my life, and of life in the ministry. As I worshiped at Holy Communion at St. Thomas (Chicago) Episcopal Churches, I felt a sense of renewed oneness in the Lord. As I drove from Walls to Memphis that one Sunday morning, I heard a song on the radio saying: “I’ve got Jesus, and that’s enough,” and that is what I felt as I partook of the Holy Eucharist during the last two weeks. I felt refreshed, renewed, and reassured in grace and faith.
The mercies of Christ are reassured to us in the taking of the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. We are renewed when we worship. We are refreshed by the joy of fellowship. But all is too vain when we are not serious about worship, fellowship and communion. When we care all to much about music, should it be contemporary or traditional, not singing because it bores us. When we fail to solve conflicts ethically and come up with a precise resolution and solution. When we care all too much about the way communion is done because of tradition rather than just participating.
However harsh this may sound, the reality of such is all very true. “Can’t we all just get along,” as Rodney King said? When will the ‘servant church’ arise and go forth? When will we be able to worship without complaint? Hopefully before Christ comes back to greet us all.
I wish all of you a blessed rest of the summer and hope that you will join me in worshiping with a contrite heart. As they say in the South, “Ya’ll come back now!”
Blessings,
Josiah
____________________________________________________________ Youth Group News
Dear St. Peter's,
We hope everyone is enjoying their summer! We sure are!
On July 10th we met for our monthly meeting. We started our remodeling for our youth group room, moving out old classroom furniture to make room for new things in order to make the room our own. If you would like to donate a ping pong table, foosball table, pinball game, or pool table, please call Jessica at 312-343-2149. We are looking for donations to turn our space into a fun gathering room.
On June 17th we held a car wash! The weather was awesome, but even better, we raised $400.00 in 3 hours. Half of the money we raised will be donated towards Cancer Research. The remainder will go back to our group to paint and decorate our room as well as provide transportation to future events or service projects. Special thanks go to Karl Peters who helped set up, take down, and everything in between, including washing cars! And thanks to Bruce and Diane Cluck for donating and borrowing supplies and cleaning up too! And extra THANK YOU’S to all of our neighbors and friends who came to support us! We appreciate you and hope we made your car sparkle!
On June 18th we welcomed the Kansas City Youth Group. Due to a delayed train, our guests arrived a little later than planned. Thanks to Al Dreuth and the Groth Family for helping drive everyone back to the church. Extra special thanks to the Groth's for providing dinner and the next days breakfast for our guests! You guys ROCK and showed true St. Peter's spirit and hospitality! Thank you!
On June 20th a few of us were able to join the Kansas City youth in a special game and dinner. We each received $2.00 each to make dinner in the neighborhood.
This exercise showed us what a life of privilege we have, but also helped us empathize for just a moment with struggles many of our neighbors in need face day in and day out! It also taught us that the scripture is alive today! Thanks and blessings to the Kansas City Youth Group for sharing their many gifts with us! We are very fortunate to have spent the time with this great group!
Our upcoming events include.....AUGUST BLOCK PARTY ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 14TH FROM 11AM - 5PM!!! This event will include a demonstration from the Self Defense / Martial Arts Group who will meet weekly at St. Peter's in Fall, a Girl Scouts table to show the fun of scouting, great food served by the NEW and upcoming St. Peter's Cooking Club, and super fun activities by the youth group. The Block Party will be fun for all ages!!! Please join us for a GREAT time!!! Lets make a new tradition for our church and our neighborhood!
We are looking forward to meeting 2 times (or more?) a month starting in September. As always, all middle and high school youth are welcome! Join us for a great time and bring a friend!
Blessings!
St. Peter's Youth Group
____________________________________________________________________ CHOIR NEWS By: Wilma Wieckert Clap your hands, all your nations; shout to God with cries of joy. -Psalm 47:1
Chancel Choir: We celebrate one birthday this month and that is Wilma's on the 25th. A great big thank you to our soloist in July and thanks to the soloists who signed up for August. We will resume rehearsals on August 25th. Bell Choir: Only one birthday to celebrate for August and that is Wilma's on the 25th. We will resume rehearsals on Tuesday evenings in the Bell Room at 7:15 on August 3rd.
I Said A Prayer For You Today
I said a prayer for you today, and know God must have heard.
I felt the answer in my heart, although He spoke no word!
I didn't ask for wealth or fame, (I know you wouldn't mind)
I asked Him to send treasures, of a far more lasting kind!
I asked that He'd be near you, at the start of each new day.
To grant you health and blessings, and friends to share your way!
I asked for happiness for you, all things great and small,
But it was for His loving care, I prayed for most of all!
-Author unknown
________________________________________________________ GOLDEN FELLOWSHIP NEWSLETTER By Thelma Faulstich, Secretary
____________________________________________________________ Dear St. Peter's,
After attending the Neutral Pulpit service in July, we continue to search for our called Pastor. We KNOW that this process is in GOD'S hands and we patiently search for the right person who will guide and serve St. Peter's towards our future.
At this time, we are refreshing our profile with the great things we have accomplished, such as the adoption of our new Constitution, our Youth Group, our updates to our spaces, and upcoming groups such as the Cooking Club. This time is our opportunity to work together, rediscover our mission, and accomplish great things together while serving our community. We will start accepting new profiles searching for our new Pastor who is out there, waiting to find us, and us waiting to find them.
Again, we have faith this process is in God's hands. With the support of the congregation, as well as the United Church of Christ, St. Peter's will be the beacon of light for our neighbors and community. Peace.
Blessings,
The Search Committee
___________________________________________________________ The Confirmation Class of 1960 is celebrating their 50th Anniversary on Sunday, September 26, 2010 and we are hoping for an impressive turnout. We will attend the 9:30 a.m. service and are planning a luncheon afterwards. Spouses and friends are welcome to attend also.
If you are from our class, or know anyone who is, and would be interested in attending please contact me with your (their) information. Hoping to see many of you there! Karen Rehn Marose kmmarose@yahoo.com Other contacts: Pat Franklin Morris or LaDonn Sieck Meyer Since the class of 1959 did not have the opportunity to celebrate, we invite them to join us also. ____________________________________________________ This year St. Peter’s will be celebrating Confirmation Reunion Sunday on September 26th we are celebrating the following Confirmation Reunion Anniversaries: 75th – 1935, 50th – 1960, 25th – 1985 and 10th – 2000 We invite those from last year to join us also, those years are: 75th – 1934, 50th – 1959, 25th – 1984 and 10th –1999 _____________________________________________________________ * In memory of Marlene Gutman, who passed away July 9, 1985, from Mrs. Lora Wright and Mrs. Ella S. Petersen (This Old Church Fund). * In memory of my dear husband, Ralph Allen, from Joan Allen (Altar Flower Fund). * In loving memory of our mother, Doris Giordano on her and Dad’s wedding anniversary, July 23rd, from Bill & Pat Giordano (Altar Flower Fund). * In memory of my husband, Ed, from Irene Schubert (Altar Flower Fund). Gift of Gratitude * In honor of family birthdays and anniversaries for the month of July 2010, from Mrs. Ella S. Petersen (Gift Fund). * In honor of my granddaughter, Angela Eder, on her 22nd birthday, July 14th, from Grace Pastor (This Old Church Fund). * In honor of my granddaughter, Natalie Pastor, on her 22nd birthday, July 18th, from Grace Pastor (This Old Church Fund).
_____________________________________________________________ MONTHLY MEETINGS AND EVENTS Prayer Requests - Pray for successful surgery for my friend, Matilda, and my grandson, Garrett Augustyn. –Lil Asbury - Prayers of thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Hilburt Klein, who passed away at age 90. –Pastor Wayne - Prayers for my brother, Craig and his wife, Suzanne as they start their new life together. –Pastor Wayne - For complete recovery of our daughter, Pat. –Gloria Traub - For Fritz and Curtis, that they have a good week at Bible camp. –Phil & Kathy - Pray for my grandson, Tim, as he finishes his Peace Corp commitment in Guatemala and returns to the U.S. –Irene - Pray for my son, Richard, who is having hip surgery. –Carolyn Peters - Please pray for positive test results for Linda and continue to pray for Carmeline. –Carol K. - Prayers for good test results. –Linda - Please pray for Marge Madak who is having serious medical problems. –Grace Pastor -Please pray for our dear Kathy Rodway for her recovery. –Carol Smallwood _____________________________________________________________
A preacher said, "Anyone with 'special needs' who wants to be prayed over, please come forward to the front by the altar." With that, Joe got in line, and when it was his turn, the Preacher asked, "Joe, what do you want me to pray about for you?" Joe replied, "Preacher, I need you to pray for help with my hearing." The preacher put one finger in Joe's ear, placed his other hand on top of Joe's head, and then prayed and prayed. He prayed a "blue streak" for Joe, and the whole congregation joined in with great enthusiasm. After a few minutes, the preacher removed his hands, stood back and asked, "Joe, how is your hearing now?"
Joe answered, "I don't know. It’s not until next Thursday."
__________________________________________________________ CHURCH STAFF Interim Pastor …………………….…....Rev. Wayne MacPherson Organist/Choir Director…………...…..…D. Josiah Montgomery Pastor Emeritus …..…………………………Rev. Charles F. Mayer OFFICE STAFF Administrative Assistant/ Bulletin, Beacon and Website Editor.................................................Therese Starodub Evening Secretary/Genealogy……...………. Kathleen Unizycki Evening Secretary/Advertising……………Charlotte Kraszewski Caretaker…………………………………………….…Craig Helma Part-time Custodian ……………………………..Sherman Peace CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERSPresident…………………………………………...….Linda OssmanVice-President…………………………..………....…..Roger Ranke Secretary…………………………..…………….....…Sandy Damlos Treasurer…………………….…….………………….....…Joan AllenFinancial Secretary…..……………..…………..Donald WestphalSunday School Superintendent………...……….…..Kathy Groth Moderator……………………………………...………….Tom TraubCo-Moderator………………………….………...…….Bruce Cluck ELDERS TRUSTEES DEACONSJoan Allen Karl Peters Bruce Cluck Margot Hofman Ray Peters Curtis LaBargeKeith Koshmider Tom Traub Allan DreuthEllen Szelina Carol KoshmiderLil Asbury Diane CluckSandy Damlos
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CHURCH OFFICE SUMMER HOURS Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Church Office: 2805 N. Linder Avenue, Chicago, IL. 60641 Phone: (773) 283-1118 - Fax (773) 283-4932 Office Voicemail press “0” – Pastor Wayne’s Voicemail press “1” Church E-Mail: stpeterucc@sbcglobal.net Rev. MacPherson’s E-Mail: pastorwayne_stpucc@sbcglobal.net Website: saintpetes.net
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