Nov/Dec VOICE LMC Church Chicago

NOV/DEC

The Voice

2012

Table of Contents

Christmas Service Schedule

Staff/ Council

2

Pastor’s Pen

3

Youth News

4

Musical Musings

5

Noteworthy News

6

Holiday Market

7

Council Minutes

8

Council Minutes

9

5:00 pm Christmas Eve Family Service 11:00 pm Christ Mass Service

Please note the service reminders: December 23rd Christmas Program one service at 10:00am December 30th one service at 10:00 am

Advent Information 10 Birthdays/Anniv.

11

Prayer Page

12

Ministry Opp

13

WELCA

14

Meet Deaconess Claire 15

Please note the VOICE will be distributed every other month moving forward. Please use the weekly emails, website, bulletins and in-service announcements for up-to-date information. The church office hours are listed on page 2 if you need information by phone.

LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH OF CHICAGO

STAFF/COUNCIL

Church Staff Timothy Brown, Pastor Karley Berry, Nursery Attendant Bonnie Fallen, Secretary Tim Heverin, Asst. to Sexton Amy Holmes, Administrative Assistant Brian Myers, Youth Director Julie Manis Nursery Attendant Claire Schoeppe, Youth and Family Director Briana Sprague Travis,Music Director Steve Wimpffen, Sexton

Sunday School Teachers Vicki Thoms- 3 year olds Laurie Nelson-4 year olds & Kindergarten Jenny Araujo-3rd & 4th grades Susan Barreto-5th thru 8th grades Helpers/ Floaters: Paula Giovacchini Nancy Wall Wendy Thompson

Luther Memorial Church of Chicago 2500 W Wilson Avenue Chicago, IL 60625-3026 Phone: 773-539-3018 Fax: 773-539-3599 office.luther@gmail.com Office Hours: Monday 10:00am-5:00 pm Tuesday & Wednesday 8:00am-12:00 pm Thursday 8:00am-5:00 pm Friday 8:00am-12:00 pm

2-The Voice Nov/Dec 2012

Art: Tom Johnson Music: Marcia Mawe Drama: Joe Jensen

Church Council Marcia Mawe(President) 773-784-5409 marcia.mawe@gmail.com Scott Lorraine(Vice President) 773-677-4374 scottdlorraine@me.com Jill Smith(Secretary) 773-506-9474 jillbrownsmith@comcast.net Aaron Schoof (Treasurer) 773-401-1516 aschoof@northpark.edu Bruce Bowers 847-830-2829; brucebowers1@gmail.com David Byerly 312-519-1484 djbyerly@yahoo.com Misti Peppler 773.469.6390; mistikay@earthlink.net Lara Prestipino 773-583-3584 prestipinos@hotmail.com

To email the office: office.luther@gmail.com Information for the weekly email or bulletin: announcements.luther@gmail.com To submit information for the VOICE: voice.luther@gmail.com

PASTOR’S PEN Greetings Disciples,

One of my favorite poems is by Edna St. Vincent Millay: “My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friendsIt gives a lovely light!”

This time of year, November through December, feels a little bit like this poem to me. Somehow eight weeks fly even as we hustle and bustle through feasts and shopping, eating and drinking, hugging and holding. Turkeys lie prostrate on our tables, trees grow rootless from our living rooms, and all the while we run around barely enjoying any of it because we’re so “busy.”

We truly are affected with “affluenza,” the sickness of having too much: too much to do, too much to buy, too much to cook, too much to have, too much to open, too much to say. Affluenza.

But Advent, this holy time we’re about to enter into, is a time of housewarming. It’s busy; yes. But it’s a cozy busy…or at least it is supposed to. In the ancient world there came a conflagration of “holiday” and “holy day.” This was purposeful at Christmas. As Christians took over the pagan holiday of Saturnalia, of feasting and drinking and dancing and partying, they imposed upon it a “holy day” that was set aside for reflection, rejoicing, and remembrance. In this instance, remembering the Christ-child, the God-with-us.

But often our November-December times become more holiday than holy day…and we miss out on half of the point.

Observing the holiness of this time of year, as things become dormant, as we hang up some of our duties as lawn-cutters, garden tenders, and beach loungers in order to become candle-light readers, slow-cookers, and fire starters, can indeed help the season shine with a lovely light. We must be mindful, watchful, as we’re pregnant with the Christ-child who makes all things new.

Especially as we await all things being new in 2013.

So yes, there is a Christmas program at 10am on December 23rd. And yes we have two services on the 24th, 5pm and 11pm. And yes, we begin our Advent soup suppers on Wednesdays at 6:15 with simple hymns and short reflections at 7pm. And yes the youth are caroling on Friday the 21st. And yes, the young adult group is caroling on Saturday the 22nd.

But if all of those are just marks on your calendars, more things “to do,” then your candle will burn at both ends…but it’s light won’t be lovely. Yet, if we can make this time holy, sacred, set apart as though we are warming our voices to sing lullaby’s for a coming child, lighting candles to wait through the night, watching plays to find our part in the story. Then, my friends, though this season may fly by…it will be lovely.

See you then, bring your Bibles.

Peace, Pt… The Voice Nov/Dec 2012-3

YOUTH NEWS

Brian Myers Youth Director Youth.lmc@gmail.com

Hello Church, The Youth have been challenging me.

Don’t get me wrong, I mean this in an incredibly positive way. I have never met young people so engaged that leads them to investigate and question as much as they are. I feel very honored and blessed to be apart of this time in their lives. And you should too; the Luther community plays a very important role in the lives of the young people here.

One way that they are engaging ever deeper is with the new Youth Group and Confirmation format we started this fall. If you remember, last year Confirmation and Youth Group were | held on alternating Monday nights and now we are having both meet on the same nights together. It’s been great seeing the Youth involved more often and more intentionally.

Thanks be to God! Wondering what the Youth have planned for the rest of the year?

Here’s a snapshot of some of our upcoming events:

Luther Memorial Church Youth Group…

A CREED to believe in A COMMUNITY to belong to A CALL to live out A HOPE to hold on to

Monday, December 10, 2012 Youth Christmas Party Friday, December 21, 2012 Christmas caroling downtown at Cloud Gate (the Bean) Saturday, January 12, 2013 Service Project at the Ravenswood Mobile Food Pantry Sunday, January 13, 2013 Our Next Youth Service Sunday Youth Group is held on Monday evenings from 7-8:30pm. November Youth Group will be held on the 5 th, 12th and 19th and December Youth Group will be held on the 3rd and 10th.

4-The Voice Nov/Dec 2012

MUSICAL MUSINGS "The Punniest Music Plug I've Ever Written" Advent is almost upon us! We are preparing several special musical showcasfor Advent and Christmas, but the lists are certainly not finalized...

We've got a brass group coming, the Sunday School kids are preparing music for their Children's Program, the choir and band preparing for Sunday services and Christmas Eve, this is a SEASON TO CELEBRATE WITH AS MUCH MUSIC AS POSSIBLE! I know that there are couple of caroling events for you to attend, but I want to throw this out there...

es

Briana Travis but Celebration Band Director a

We have to season our services with music that will make us smile, help us worship, and cause us to reflect. This season is the best time to be involved in the music of the church, even if it is on a temporary basis. Pastor Tim told us just a couple of months ago about how we are to be salt (as we are told in Mark 5), and I think that music is the perfect seasoning to flavor our worship!

My call to you is as follows: Decide how you will season the season. Can you commit to participating as a musician in one or more of our services? I am extending this invitation to you without knowing what your talents are, but YOU know, GOD knows, and our music program is set up just for you! We have the choir organized so that people are welcome to participate when and how they choose. Some people join us for every service, but others only pick services here and there. Christmas Eve is even cooler because we often have "extra salt" with voices of visiting family members. Should you join us for the 11pm Christmas Eve Choir? The music is GREAT! For our Family Service on Christmas Eve at 5pm, we had some youth instrumentalists last year... Should that be you this year?

Can you offer Special Music for a Sunday Service at 9am or 11am on an instrument or with your voice?

Pray about these things. Talk to me. Be the salt of the season at LMC this year. It will be fun!

Come join the LMC Choir!

Here are the fall dates for rehearsal and performance times Rehearsal will run from 6:45pm-8:00pm. Childcare will be provided!

11/4- Sunday Service, 8:10am- “Great Gittin’ Up Mornin’” arr. Mark Hayes 11/6- Rehearsal, 6:45pm 11/11- Sunday Service, 8:10am- “Great God and God of Our Salvation,” by Cark F. Mueller 11/13- NO REHEARSAL 11/18- NO CHOIR AT SUNDAY SERVICE 11/20- Rehearsal, 6:45pm 11/25- Sunday Service, 8:10am- “Holy, Holy, Holy,” by Franz Schubert 11/27- Rehearsal, 6:45pm 12/2- Sunday Service, 8:10am- “Advent Prayer,” arr. Patrick M. Liebergen 12/4- Rehearsal, 6:45pm 12/9- Sunday Service, 8:10am- “Jesus, He Shall Be Great,” by Tom Fettke 12/11- Rehearsal, 6:45pm 12/16- NO CHOIR AT SUNDAY SERVICE 12/18- Rehearsal, 6:45pm 12/23- One Service at 10:00am, Choir participation to be determined 12/24- CHRISTMAS EVE 11pm Service, 10:10pm call time, “Sound Over All Waters,” by Paul Halley “The Birthday of a King,” W. H. Neidlinger “Baby’s Born in Bethlehem,” by Mary Val Marsh The Voice Nov/Dec 2012-5

NOTEWORTHY NEWS A New Church Directory is Coming LMC is getting a new picture directory, and we need your faces! No purchase is required for the photos, but feel free to use these as your Christmas albums. Please sign up at the back of the church for a time slot on Wednesday, November 28, Thursday, November 29th, Friday the 30th, or Saturday, December 1st. You can also call Lara Prestipino 773-386-2407

Save the Date for our Annual Congregational Meeting!

Join us Sunday, January 13th for one service at 10am with a meeting and potluck following.

We’ll be voting, approving and electing. Please don’t miss it.

Young Adult Volunteering at the Mobile Food Pantry: Saturday, December 8th We’ll meet over at Ravenswood Elementary School (at Montrose and Paulina) at 8:30am to help set up, set out, and serve food to our neighbors. We’ll be finished by 11am, and don’t be surprised if some folks decide to grab some brunch nearby. Please contact Christopher Brown at crittdawg@hotmail.com or pastortimbrown@gmail.com for more details.

Young Adult Caroling in Lincoln Square: Saturday, December 22nd Come to the church at 5pm to practice some carols, and then head out as a group to enjoy some festive singing to welcoming neighbors. Don’t miss this great Christmas tradition!

Winter Basketball at LMC! Are you interested in playing in a men’s basketball league at Luther Memorial this winter? Our men’s team plays on some Sunday afternoons from December-March, and has a great time competing against other church leagues in the city. Come and join us! Please contact Casey McMillin at (casey.mcmillin@wrigley.com) for more information and a full schedule.

Coffee Hour Revamp You may have noticed a few changes to coffee hour and we are going to be continuing to improve your experience.

Welcoming visitors and connecting with members, family and friends is an important part of our church going experience. There is a hospitality team that has been exploring ways to enhance this time at church. Our first step was bringing back the outdoor coffee hour during summer worship. It would be lovely to continue that, but Chicago winters aren’t exactly mild...so we are working to help people transition downstairs and feel comfortable, if this isn’t part of their Sunday routine. We will be looking for people to ‘host’ on Sunday mornings meaning that you will be there to help people find their way to coffee hour and make sure they have what they need. There are currently sign ups for the 9 am and 11am coffee hour hosts and the back of church. This is an important ministry at LMC, please consider getting involved.

You can talk to Misti Peppler, Jill Smith or Lara Prestipino. Our contact info is on page 2 of this issue of the VOICE.

6-The Voice Nov/Dec 2012

HOLIDAY MARKET INFORMATION LMC's 8th Annual St. Nicholas Holiday Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun. Nov. 18th Please help spread the word among your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

All are invited for some holiday cheer, including great shopping, a delicious lunch and a Children’s Tree! Merchandise will feature handcrafted and fair trade items from local area vendors and homemade cookies and other baked goodies — perfect for holiday gatherings and gifts or just eating.

The St. Nicholas Holiday Market is the opportunity for the people of LMC to benefit our community by giving of our Time, with the many jobs to prepare for that day.

Talents like baking cookies and other homemade items for our cookie walk and bake sale.

Money, from your donations and by shopping at the Market.

We choose to give to three communities - local, state, and worldwide.

In addition, volunteers are needed to serve on the St. Nicholas Holiday Market Planning Committee to help lead, organize and provide support for event set up/ decoration, sales and cleanup. For more information, please contact: jerry Giese at jerrygiese@mac.com.

Children’s Tree for the St. Nicholas Holiday Market The Children's Tree is a recently added feature of the St. Nicholas Holiday Market that provides many children with a great start to the holiday season.

The Children’s Tree is a game to raise funds for the Holiday Market. Children purchase chances to select unmarked envelopes from a Christmas Tree. The chances are $1 per chance or 6 for $5. In each unmarked envelopes there is a ticket to win a gift or receive a candy cane as a consolation prize.

The prizes ($10), and best ($15 or more). A winner gets to choose any gift within the group shown on their ticket.

The prizes for the children are gifts donated by the congregation and area vendors. Ideally, you can donate some new or gently used birthday or Christmas gifts that are stored in a closet but never given. Or, you have gifts that were received by your family and not used. We will also accept any new gifts that have been purchased.

Any unused gifts will be donated to a local Children's Toy Drive.

Immediate Need: We need donated gifts to stock the Children's Tree. We do not have a beginning store of toys this year as in the past. Our goal is to have a stock of about 40 to 50 gifts that are in the age range of 3 -12 and value range of $5 to $15 or a bit more. Bring them to church on the next three Sundays.

The Voice Nov/Dec 2012-7

Luther Memorial Church of Chicago Minutes from August Council meeting, August 28, 2012 Attending: Marcia Mawe, Misti Peppler, Aaron Schoof, Jill Brown Smith, Bruce Bowers, Pastor Tim Brown, Lara Prestipino, David Byerly, Excused: Scott Lorraine Opening – We Assemble in God’s Name 7:39pm Opened evening with scripture reflection from Marcia. Acts 16: 22-33 Added thoughts that we didn’t complete from the retreat “What are the needs of the neighborhood, Lincoln Square” can we deliver to people things that people aren’t expecting?

Discussed that we will not have our book discussion meeting tomorrow, we will reschedule soon. Please remember to read book to page 58.

We Present our Offering Present Minutes from May – motion to approve Marcia, Misti second Present Minutes from July Council Retreat – motion Marcia, Bruce second For future Council will have Council Summary in Voice, suggested minutes need to be housed on Cloud server.

Jill to ask Synod what their recommendation is for holding/saving council minutes.

Youth/Family Director Vicki Thoms guest to present position recommendation Committee: Todd Lido, Kurt Drain, Vicki Thoms, Ben Meyer, Tim Brown, Marcia Mawe Interviewed three very qualified candidates. There were at least 4 members of team that interviewed each candidate.

Vicki gave formal recommendation to hire Claire Schoep – Masters Student at Loyola, Liturgical History, previous Deaconess work has been in youth ministries.

Marcia made motion that we hire Claire Schoep effective immediately pending background check. Dave Byerly seconded. Vote unanimous. Part time salary $20,000 annually.

Discussed nursery – Jill will discuss status and work on next steps to have Claire take over nursery arrangements.

Sunday School – still looking for one more teacher.

Financial Report provided by Aaron Schoof Shared reports through July Discussion about encouraging congregation to give electronically. We haven’t discussed in a while. Need to make this process obvious and easy. Studies show giving increases/stays consistent and would be better for church.

Aaron will find out “giving per unit” and how things look after push from Annual Meeting in January Youth Expenses – we are approximately $6000 over budget, some has been recovered by donations from fundraising for the camps. Are there ways to offset and fundraise for this? Maybe need to address how this is handled for next year, fundraise ahead or kids pay to ensure we have the budget to attend.

Discussion with Pr Tim – we wanted to make camp affordable, took a risk that the congregation would make up the rest. Might go back to congregational to let them know we didn’t completely cover camp. Need to budget for next year. For rest of year, youth will have to watch budget and pay out of pocket.

Revenue vs expense we are approx. ($10,000) For year, ahead $2500 Expenses are going to be going up in coming months – staff position, health insurance

8-The Voice Nov/Dec 2012

President’s Report Brian and Pr discussed update to catechism program VBS went great – pictures will go on website Phase Voice out and make weekly emails as primary communication.

Open position for Voice Starting Sept 30, every other week. Velvet Elvis, Rob Bell New members – asking for class 10-12 people. Thurs, Sept 6th 7pm – anyone come if available.

Youth camp got great feedback.

Youth gathering in Detroit 2015 – should start talking in 2014 about fundraising Bill – interim organist, working great Choir meeting went well – Briana has sent out emails to people about choir. She has also picked out all music up to Advent.

Good feedback that members are excited to be asked to participate on teams, etc.

Zommer bequest - $25,000 and need to tithe $2500 of this.

Tithe – motion $1250 to benevolence, $1250 to Gateway to Learning Usher Training Good amount of attendance, new names are being passed to Diane Betten to add to rotation. Misti will share with council the sheet that she handed out to everyone at training.

Follow up on badges, share lists with all ushers, continue the training with current ushers.

Hospitality Hospitality hour – signage, physical layout, coordinating the family hosts Discussion of Nominating Council Members Lara and Aaron’s positions are open – Lara and Aaron will serve on nominating team with 2 other members. They will nominate and recommend persons for Annual Meeting.

Annual Meeting Sunday, January 13th Action Items: Next meeting Tuesday, September 25, 7pm October 23, 7pm (will have budget discussion for 2013) Separate meeting for book discussion.

Closing: Motion to adjourn Lara, Aaron second Closing prayer Meeting closed 9:25pm August 2012 Offering: $19,940 Attendance: 9am - 90 11am - 76 September 2012 Offering: $25,697 Attendance: 9am - 168 11am - 79

The Voice Nov/Dec 2012-9

ADVENT INFORMATION Wednesday Advent Soup Suppers 6:15-7:30pm November 28th and going through Wednesday December 19th

Prepare for Christmas

With LMC’s Advent Family 2hr Retreat on Sunday, November 25 from 12:30pm-2:30. Invitations will be going out soon.

What is the Jesse Tree?

The symbol comes from Isaiah 11, and reminds us of the waiting that happened in looking for the promised messiah who was to change the world and redeem Israel. A 9th Century hymn might help us to see why this symbol has, for hundreds of years, given people hope and inspiration during Advent leading up to Christmas, “O come, O Rod of Jesse’s stem, From every foe deliver them That trust your mighty power to save, And give them victory o’er the grave.”

Greetings Disciples, One of my favorite poems is by Edna St. Vincent Millay: “My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friendsIt gives a lovely light!”

This time of year, November through December, feels a little bit like this poem to me. Somehow eight weeks fly even as we hustle and bustle through feasts and shopping, eating and drinking, hugging and holding. Turkeys lie prostrate on our tables, trees grow rootless from our living rooms, and all the while we run around barely enjoying any of it because we’re so “busy.”

We truly are affected with “affluenza,” the sickness of having too much: too much to do, too much to buy, too much to cook, too much to have, too much to open, too much to say. Affluenza.

But Advent, this holy time we’re about to enter into, is a time of housewarming. It’s busy; yes. But it’s a cozy busy…or at least it is supposed to. In the ancient world there came a conflagration of “holiday” and “holy day.” This was purposeful at Christmas. As Christians took over the pagan holiday of Saturnalia, of feasting and drinking and dancing and partying, they imposed upon it a “holy day” that was set aside for reflec10-The Voice Nov/Dec 2012

BIRTHDAYS

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 11/1 HERNANDEZ, ALEXANDER 11/1 FLOCCO, DEBBIE 11/1 MARTIN, JENNIFER 11/3 MATTEUCCI, MICHAEL 11/4 WILSON, DONTAE 11/5 DELGADO, IVAN 11/8 KORNECKI, DAVE 11/8 KOZLOWSKI, TAMMI 11/9 HAUT, GLORIA 11/9 KAWELL, CONNIE 11/12 NELSON, CATHERINE & TERESA 11/13 NELSON, DANIEL 11/15 CONNOLLY, CAROL 11/15 HAMMEGREN, GUNNAR MILES 11/18 KELSEY, JENNA 11/18 THOMS, DAVID 11/20 BROWN, PR. TIM 11/20 KLEIN, ROBERT 11/21 PHALEN, ANDREW 11/21 PHELPS, WILLIAM 11/23 BAPPERT, DAVID 11/23 SHIMKO, JUSTIN 11/23 STEELE, BRIAN 11/25 DAMERY, SHERI 11/25 MC CARTHY, SARAH 11/27 WIEMER, MATT 11/29 CALLISTER, GEORGE 11/29 LIAM KING 11/29 OWEN KING 11/29 RUSSELL, SARA 11/30 HERNANDEZ, ANDRES ____________________________________ DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 12/1 PONCE, CHARLIE 12/1 RUSSELL, JOHN 12/3 SNYDER, PAUL 12/4 MENEGON, KASARAH 12/4 RUDIE, JOANN 12/5 SHARITS-JOHNSEN, JUDITH 12/5 THOMA, CHARLES RYAN 12/6 SMITH, NELLIE 12/6 SMITH, SIDNEY 12/7 VIDINA, BETTE 12/8 SMITH, HUNTER 12/9 BOWERS, BRUCE 12/10 BARKENQUAST, LAURA 12/11 ALEXANDER, EMILIE 12/11 BRADY, THERESA MAE 12/12 PEPPLER, CAELYN

12/12 12/15 12/17 12/17 12/17 12/18 12/18 12/18 12/19 12/20 12/20 12/21 12/21 12/22 12/23 12/25 12/26 12/27 12/27 12/27 12/28 12/28 12/28 12/29 12/29 12/29 12/29 12/29 12/29 12/30 12/30 12/30

SHORES, CHRISTOPHER NAESE-BARRETO, SUSAN BETTEN-DAHL, DIANE GIBBS, KRISTI MAC QUARRIE, VIRGINIA FISCHER, MAC KENZIE KIRK, GUNNAR SHUGAILO, SHELBY O’CONNELL, MEGAN MOORE, L CAITLIN AYALA, VICTOR LIDO, TODD MATTEUCCI, MATTHEW WELSH, ABRIELLE ELIZABETH MENEGON, JANET DIETERICH, BENJAMIN MATTHESIUS, KURT SHAKILA WILLIAMS WILSON, DAVID WUNDER, CHRISTOPHER MARTINEZ, NICHOLE SCHULZ, LAURA WELDON, CHRISTINE COLEMAN, ASHLEY GIESE, CHARLOTTE MADISON, ASHLEY MARTINEZ, MICHAEL RUSSELL, SARA WEBER, SUSAN BRANNAN, CHRIS OHAMA, JANICE RENAS, MARGARET ___________________________________ ANNIVERSARIES 11/26 MICHAEL & CATHERINE CASSARELLA 12/10 MUHANNAD ALJUND & LAURA BARKENQUAST

The Voice Nov/Dec 2012-11

PRAYER PAGE Members/Life Struggles George Callister Paula Giovacchini June Hanselman Connie & Kris Kawell Jenna Kelsey Michael and Frieda Kraus Harriet Luehrs Sonja Martinez & Family Kurt Matthesius Charlie and Sis Miller Lois Moore Pucylowski Family Raack Family Naomi Schnur Dieter Schulte & Family David & Mary Schulz Raymond Shores Sr. Lila Suriano Gertrude Snider Jesse Thomas Marian Thompson Kimberly Tracy Helen Zoch Friends/Relatives Life Struggle Amanda’s Fat her Annika & Bo Johnson Christian Arroyo Doug Atherton Aunt Cathy Aunt Nancy Violet Bohr Jan Bollig Brian & Sarah Kent Byerly & Adam Byerly Katie-Martha Cammarata's sister McKenzie Colacino Coleman Family Cousin Jodi Curry Family Anne Dalton Daly Family Daniel Michelle Eggleston 12-The Voice Nov/Dec 2012

Gretchen DelaPena Elise Abbott Emmanuel Eric Family of Jeff Botrum Family of Louise McNamara Family of Liu-Suskind Father of Matt Wiemer David Fallen Agnes Fish Florence & Marshall Frank (Bethany’s Grandpa) Kellyn Gawell Jess Gipson Karen & Peter Graff M. J. Gulck James Jennifer Henderson and Family Nancy Hickey Reggie Hopkins Mary, Edward & Karen Ed K & Carol Jennifer, Bianca & Greg Ms. Jenn Bo Johnson Suzie Johnson/Marilyn Kaite & Steve’s Baby Carolyn Kelley Larry Klein Deanna Lange Barbara Liakakos Maddy & Walter Carol Maram Marcy Family / Mait Family Maribeth Mary & Edward Jen Masengarb Albert Mattox Abe Matthew Daniel Patrick McCarthy Michael & Amanda Meirwen Morrell Micah & Blair Muldoon Mother of Karl Raack Mother & Father (Kirk Family) Jackie Nelson Louise Nygard & son David

Ruth Olson-Jon Peppler's Aunt Tressie Paschal Jason Patino Dan Penny Eric Pietsch and Family David Prestipino Family Dianna Prestipino Joan Rice Irma Roman-Rivera Sally (sister of Laurie) Susan & Lisa Ted & Mary, Carol & Ed Tom Robinson Julie Samuelson Danielle Sipes Peyton Styles Eleanor Tacke Bonnie Taylor Ted & Mary Father & Family of Vaugh Walker David Webb Williams Family Donald Woscik Cathy Wrobll

Prayer Chains Prayer is a powerful tool. If you’d like to be added to the Prayer Chain list please feel free!

There are two groups: one that connects through email and one over the phone. If you’d like to join either group or add a prayer request, please contact the captains.

Via Email: Jenny Araujo incagirl2@yahoo.com Via Phone: new member needed. Please contact Linda Miranda lbak525@sbcglobal. net / 773-334-8620

Ongoing Ministries at LMC Lunch with Pastor First Thursday of the month Beginner’s Room Join Pastor Tim in conversation Ravenswood Mobile Pantry Second Saturday of the month 8:30-11:30 am 4332 N. Paulina St Kerry John kerrymercier@yahoo.com Peace Vigil The 15th of the month 7:30 pm Sanctuary Dieter Schulte schultedd@aol.com Night Ministry Prep Third Thursday of the month Alternating Noon/7pm Please check with Diane for timing Gym/Fellowship Hall Diane Schulte schultedd@aol.com Night Ministry Cookie Bake Can be dropped off in LMC kitchen by Third Wed of the month 400 needed Night Ministry Serving Third Thursday of the month RSVP only Mark Pucylowski markp@binnys.com

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES SAVE THE DATE: The BYOB Chili Supper will be on Saturday, Jan. 19, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Come warm up with us. More details to follow!

LMC Bookclub meets the last Thursday of most months at 7:30 pm in the church lounge. Everyone is welcome. Here are our upcoming books: Nov 29th: West With the Night by Beryl Markham West with the Night is the story of Beryl Markham-aviator, racehorse trainer, beauty--and her life in the Kenya of the 1920s and ‘30s.

Jan 31st: The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani This riveting historical epic of love and family, war and loss, risk and destiny is the novel Adriana Trigiani was born to write, one inspired by her own family history and the love of tradition that has propelled her body of bestselling novels to international acclaim.

Any questions please contact Sara Byerly: sabyerly@yahoo.com

All invited to the LMC Pre-Thanksgiving Pot Luck Dinner To be held on Wednesday, November 14th, 6:00 pm

Turkey and coffee will be provided. Please bring your favorite thanksgiving dish, dessert or wine to share! It’s a BYOB night. We will also be collecting food for the North Park Friendship Center or consider making a monetary donation to the Food Pantry and we will be preparing sack lunches for the Night Ministry. All welcome!

The Voice Nov/Dec 2012-13

WELCA NEWS WOMEN OF THE ELCA News The members of our coordinating council were installed at the 9 am service on September 30th. The members are as follows: Linda Miranda – President and leader of the Women’s Spirituality Group, Dixie Downes – Secretary and leader of the Service Group, Ellen Kelley – Treasurer, Diane Schulte and Lara Prestipino – co-leaders of the Knitting & Quilting Group, and Jenny Araujo – leader of the Bible Study Group. In addition to Diane’s role in the K & Q group, she also represents Mary Circle. Ellen Kelley is taking over as treasurer from Frieda Thoroe who is one of our founding members and has served as our treasurer for many years. We are extremely grateful to Frieda for her many years of service and hope she will enjoy many more years of just being a member of Mary Circle.

Our groups have begun their regular monthly meetings. The Bible Study group will be meeting on the last Thursday of each month beginning at 7 pm. The Women’s Spirituality group meets on the second Thursday of each month in the lounge beginning at 7:30 pm. The Service group and the Knitters and Quilters group are still working on establishing the day and time that will work best for the members of these groups. Please use the information at the end of this article to contact the leaders of those groups for more information.

Don’t forget to reserve your spot at our 5th annual Women’s Spiritual Retreat which is being held at the Cenacle Conference & Retreat Center on Fullerton Ave. Reservation forms are due by Nov. 4th if you want to stay over-night. The reservation forms are located on the magazine rack at the entrance to the church.

Looking ahead, please make a note of the following activities coming up: Nov. 14 at 6:00pm is the pre-Thanksgiving pot-luck, and on Sat., Dec. 8th beginning at 2 pm we will have our Christmas party which is being held at 2722 W. Leland Ave. After the feast on the 14th, we will help make sandwiches and fill the lunch bags for the Night Ministry. If you are able to attend the Christmas party, please bring food or drink to share. We’ll sing some Christmas carols, enjoy each other’s company, and relax for a couple of hours. Hope to see you at both events.

For those of you who might be interested in knowing more about the Women of the ELCA I would encourage you to check out the website for the church wide organization: www.womenoftheelca.org. For those who are chronologically younger or those who are just young at heart check out www.boldcafe. org. Café is an award-winning web-based magazine for young adult women who want to build community, participate in advocacy, and strengthen their faith. It incorporates a Lutheran perspective but is a great read for any woman who is interested in how faith can relate to every-day life. Happy reading.

Yours in Christ, Linda Miranda

Group Leaders Contact Information Bible Study - Jenny Araujo - incagirl2@yahoo.com or 773-784-1738 Knitters and Quilters - Lara Prestipino - prestipinos@gmail.com or 773-583-3584 & Diane Schulte 7773-583-5814 Service Group Dixie Downes Dixie.downes@lssi.org or 847-679-2631 Women’s Spirituality Group - Linda Miranda – lbak525@sbcglobal.net or 773-334-8620 “The Punniest Music Plug I’ve Ever Written” Advent is almost upon us! We are preparing several special musical showcases for Advent and Christmas, but the lists are certainly not finalized...

We’ve got a brass group coming, the Sunday School kids are preparing music for their Children’s Program, the choir and band preparing for Sunday services and Christmas Eve, but this is a SEASON TO CELEBRATE WITH AS MUCH MUSIC AS POSSIBLE! I know that there are a couple of caroling events for you to attend, but I want to throw this out there...

We have to season our services with music that will make us smile, help us worship, and cause us to reflect. This season is the best time to be involved in the music of the church, even if it is on a temporary basis. Pastor Tim told us just a couple of months ago about how we are to be salt (as we are told in Mark 5), and I think that music is the perfect seasoning to flavor our worship!

14-The Voice Nov/Dec 012

MEET DEACONESS CLAIRE Our new Youth and Family Ministry Director, Deaconess Claire Schoepp, was born in Eindhoven Netherlands, but grew up mostly in New Jersey and IL. Her family's moving around instilled a love of travel and culture in Deaconess Claire. The moves have also helped her see what life looks like from someone on the outside of any community before they really are welcomed in. "That's one of the things that drew me to LMC -- it's such a welcoming community. It didn't take long to feel like this could be a good place to call a church home." Deaconess Claire attended Valparaiso University where she studied Theology, Spanish, and Humanities and was a Deaconess Student. Valpo was a good place to explore calling and Deaconess Claire found her heart drawn to diaconal service and community. While Deaconess Claire is now working on a MA in Biblical Languages and Literature at Loyola University, she finds her calling to be somewhere between the academy and the church. "Far too often there is a chasm between theology and faith and young people, especially children, get lost in the shuffle. I want to make sure that our young people grow up to have the tools to ask good questions so their faith can continue to grow." Deaconess Claire's largest hopes for her ministry at LMC include to encouraging families to grow together in faith as they learn what it means to be the light of Christ in our neighborhood, city and world. For her, this means building community, connecting people, and making sure that we are equipping even our littlest ones with those stories that shape us so well to be servants of God and thereby to serve our neighbor.

Dear Friends in Christ, What a joy and a blessing it has been to come on board as the Youth and Family Ministry Director here at LMC. I love that we are paying attention to the needs of our young families intentionally & thank you for your partnership in that effort.

You’re probably still wondering who is this Deaconess lady? Well, I want to get to know you too...I do better if I can put faces with names. So here are some good questions to ask me when you see me: A) What is a Deaconess? B) What is the name of the story book you wrote for your nephew? C) Who is your favorite young adult author? D) How many times have you been to Spain?

It’s hard to believe it but Advent is just around the corner and then Christmas. This year, we’re going to try teaching about an old tradition that may be new to some of you at LMC. It’s called a Jesse Tree. A JesseTree is a depiction in art of the ancestry of Jesus and it particularly reminds us that God chooses to work in some of the most unexpected places and with some of the most unexpected people. The Christmas program (December 23) will be based on this Jesse Tree tradition.

On November 25th Pastor Tim and I will be heading up an Advent Family 2hr Retreat from 12:302pm. Families are invited to stay for lunch and spend some time working together on making an Advent Wreath, devotions, singing, and good fun. We’ll also be working together on ornaments we’ll use for this year’s Christmas Program...they’ll be themed around the Jesse Tree. But don’t think this is only for older kids. Praying our way through Advent is something families even with the littlest ones can do.

Looking forward to praying with you this Advent and being thankful that God is revealed in the least likely places...especially Bethlehem.

Until my weekly email, Deaconess Claire

The Voice Nov/Dec 2012-15