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_____________________] [_____________________ THE CARILLON Monthly Newsletter May 2018 First Presbyterian Church P. O. Box 1519 Rev. Dudley Elvery, Stated SupplyPastor Homewood, Illinois Vol. 53 No. 5 708-798-0490 Web Site: www.fpchw.org E-mail: fpchw@sbcglobal.net WHAT IS PENTECOST? his 12 disciples to go out into the world to minister and heal the sick on their own. It was at that point that they Pentecost is Sunday, May 20, this year. Pentecost in became ‘apostles’. Fifty days after Jesus’ death, as the Christianity comes 50 days after Easter. Pentecost liter- story goes, the Holy Spirit (part of the Holy Trinitity— ally means 50. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) descended onto the apostles, making them speak in In May of 2015, Wendy Thomas Russell wrote for PBS foreign tongues. This ‘Pentecostal’ experience allowed NewsHour, “From a historical perspective, Christianity the apostles direct communication with God, which sig- didn’t start with Jesus’ birth, his death, or even his naled a major shift in the religious landscape and laid storied ascension to heaven. It started with Pentecost— the foundation for what would become Christianity.” the day the ‘Holy Spirit’ entered a room holding Jesus’ She further explained her definitions for the men and apostles and entered each of them, an event which” their number. When Judas committed suicide out of marks the birthday of the church. According to Rev. Dr. shame for his betrayal of Jesus to His capture and cruci- Mark D. Roberts (of St. Mark Presbyterian Church of fixion, “that left only 11 apostles, so the remaining 11 Boerne, Texas, 2011), “For Christians, Pentecost is a voted in a replacement: Matthias. Matthias was there holiday on which we commemorate the coming of the during the Pentecost, which means he become holy with- Holy Spirit on the early followers of Jesus. Before the out ever having been a disciple.” events of the first Pentecost, which came a few weeks after Jesus’ death and resurrection, there were follow- Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts retells the events of that day ers of Jesus, but no movement that could be meaning- this way: “What actually happened on that day of Pen- fully called ‘the church’. Thus, from an historical point tecost? This event is recorded in the New Testament of view, Pentecost is the day on which the church was book known as The Acts of the Apostles. Chapter 2 be- started. This is also true from a spiritual perspective, gins, ‘And when the day of Pentecost…had come, [the since the Spirit brings the church into existence and first followers of Jesus] were all together in one place’ enlivens it. Thus Pentecost is the church’s birthday.” (2:1). All of a sudden, a sound came from heaven, like a patheos.com/blogs strong wind, filling the house where the people had gathered. Something like tongues of fire rested on their Wendy Thomas Russell explains her back story this heads. ‘And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and way: “At his Last Supper, Jesus legendarily instructed 1
began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak’ (2:4). …The languages SESSION REPORT spoken by the early Christians were intelligible (not Special Congregational Meeting, April 8, 2018 other worldly) and were heard by thousands of Jewish In the absence of Clerk Lauren Ulrich, Edward Wahl pilgrims who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate was elected Clerk pro tem for the meeting. Elder Kathie Shavuot. The content of the miraculous messages had to Darman presented the report of the Nominating Com- do with God’s mighty works (2:11). Many who heard mittee to nominate Karen Maurer to fill a vacancy in the these messages in their own languages were amazed, Session Class of 2020. With no other candidates, Rev. though others thought the Christians were just drunk Elvery declared her election by acclamation. (2:12). At some point, Peter, one of the leading follow- ers of Jesus, stood up and preached his first sermon. He Regular Session Meeting, April 9, 2018 interpreted the events of that morning in light of a pro- In the absence of Clerk Lauren Ulrich, Edward Wahl phecy of the Hebrew prophet Joel. In that text, God pro was elected Clerk pro tem for the meeting. mised to pour out his Spirit on all flesh, empowering Rev. Elvery included these items in his report: diverse people to exercise divine power. This would be Officiated the funeral service for Active Member/ a sign of the coming ‘day of the Lord’ (Acts 2:16-21; Ruling Elder/Deacon/Trustee Marvin L. Austin at Joel 2:28-32). Peter went on to explain that Jesus had the church on Saturday, April 14, 2018. been raised and had poured out the Spirit in fulfillment Presented a request from Elder Betty Owens for her of God’s promise through Joel (2:32-33). When the son and a friend to play music for the congregation crowd asked what they should do, Peter urged them to at Heavenly Perks on Sunday, May 20, 2018. The turn their lives around and be baptized in the name of request was approved. Jesus. Then they would be forgiven and would receive Noted that the Presbytery’s Commission on Ministry the gift of the Holy Spirit (2:37-39). Acts reports that must approve his request to enter training for about 3000 people were added to the church that day Transition Ministry at a COM meeting on April 10. (2:41). Not a bad response to Peter’s first sermon!” Updated the current status of the South Suburban Ministerial Association. Rev. Roberts also sermonizes: “Each Christian needs to ask: Am I serving God through the power of the Spirit? Clerk Ulrich stated in her written report receiving noti- Am I exercising the gifts of the Spirit in my life, both in fication of the death of Active Member/Ruling Elder/ the gathered church and as I live for God in the world? Deacon/Trustee Marvin L. Austin on Wednesday, April Pentecost is a time to ask God to fill us afresh with the 4, 2018. Church rolls show Marv was the 5th longest Spirit so that we might join in the ministry of Christ with continuing Active Member, having joined the congrega- gusto. And it is a time to renew our commitment to tion on March 7, 1948. fulfilling our cruial role in the ministry of God’s people Ministry highlights: in the world.” Congregational Life Ministry: May 20th is Pentecost. We encourage all to wear red as An estimated 55 persons enjoyed the Easter Breakfast a sign of the flames of the Spirit on the apostles or of the and following Heavenly Perks on Sunday, April 1, 2018. blood of martyrs. Join us for worship that Sunday at The Annual Ice Cream Social is tentatively scheduled 10:30 a.m. as we remember the birth of the Christian for Sunday, July 8, 2018. Church and the way that the Holy Spirit empowered the Faith Formation Christian Education Ministry: disciples to proclaim Jesus as Messiah! It all started with Rev. Elvery appointed Elder Karen Maurer to lead this the disciples gathered in prayer. It makes one wonder area of church ministry. just what might happen when we worship, pray, and share Communion together. Come, Spirit, Come! Monday Night Dinner Ministry: Elder Shirley Armistead reported that a large shipment COMMUNION SCHEDULE of donated frozen food items was received on Sunday, April 15, 2018, to be used for coming menus for several May 6 10:30 a.m. May 20 10:30 a.m. - Pentecost weeks. This is the second such donation received. Personnel & Administration Ministry: A policy question regarding out-of-state non-member use of our church sanctuary for weddings was covered. 2
Stewardship & Finance Ministry: With the approval of the 2018 Church Budget by Ses- sion in March, Elders Ed Wahl and Donna Moore re- ported that the monthly reports to Session are now in the new budget format. The Ministry Team has been noti- fied that our present Church Financial Recording Secre- tary Dan Hamilton will not be continuing in his position after 2018, and a search for his replacement must begin. The annual audit of the 2017 financial records will occur soon. Worship Ministry: Elder Kathie Darman thanked Deacon Laura Dillman for decorating the sanctuary with palms and Easter flowers. The following dates for Communion for 2018-2019 were presented and approved, as follows: 2018—May 20 (Pentecost); June 3; July 1; August 5; September 2; October 7 (World Wide Communion); November 4 (All Saints Day); December 2 (1st Sunday of Advent); December TBA (Still Night); and December 24 (Christmas Eve). 2019—January 6 (Epiphany); February 3; March 3; March 6 (Ash Wednesday); April 18 (Maundy Thursday); April 23 (Easter); May 5; and June 9 (Pentecost). With the coming 160th anniversary of the church in Halfway up the stairs December, there has been some interest expressed in Isn’t up, having a low-key observance and celebration. Any And it isn’t down. persons interested in planning for this event should It isn’t in the nursery. contact Rev. Elvery. It isn’t in the town. And all sorts of funny thoughts Respectfully submitted, Run round my head; Edward C. Wahl, Clerk of Session pro tem “It isn’t really Anywhere! FROM THE PASTOR It’s somewhere else Instead!” Halfway Down by A. A. Milne Many of our churches find themselves half way down the stairs, in between stages of their lives. We can learn Halfway down the stairs from Milne that the in-between times can be used to let Is a stair our thoughts and imaginations roam into new and “some Where I sit. where else” places. We also can learn from some other There isn’t any “in-between times” folks, the Hebrews on their exodus. Other stair Even as they wandered, God was with them through the Quite like Ark of the Covenant, which held the tables of the ten It. commandments, and through the daily manna. We can I’m not at the bottom, still carry and access the Ark as we attend to scripture. I’m not at the top; We can be reminded of the daily sustenance of manna So this is the stair whenever we gather at the Lord’s Table or whenever we Where invite the Lord to our table, at home, at community I always dinners, or anywhere. Dudley Elvery Stop. 3
[NOTE: Pastor Elvery will be on Study the universal language of music, its history, and its pow- Leave May 7 to May 13. There will be a erful impact on the world. The Summer Program runs guest preacher on May 13. The on-call for 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Jones pastor had not been determined at date of Center is proud to offer this program because it gives publication.] children a chance to participate in amazing hands-on activities that they would not otherwise have the oppor- FLOWERS FOR THE SANCTUARY tunity to experience. Sign up on the wall calendar in the Community Support: The next time you are in a local Narthex, or contact Betty at 798-8561, restaurant or store, you might see the Jones Center Sum- if you wish to donate flowers for the mer Program “Bus” on the wall or at the check out coun- sanctuary. Flower dedications may be in ter. Area businesses have partnered with Jones Center honor, memory, celebration of someone (thing), or to to support the 2018 Summer Program. Business owners “the Glory of God.” Garden flowers are welcome. are asking their customers to give a $1 donation in ex- change for a “bus”. Most people write their names on it, WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION but some write a special greeting. Thank you to Chica- go Heights Fresh Market grocery store, Los Compadres The Women’s Association will meet for a restaurant, Lassen’s Tap, and Three Star Restaurant for luncheon served by Lydia Circle on Thurs- being the first businesses to host this program. A special day, May 17, 12:30 p.m. in Westminster thank you to Let’s Pave for sponsoring the summer pro- Hall. Professional performer and member gram. To learn more about becoming a business partner Betty Owens will design and deliver a program of or sponsoring a child in our summer program, contact poetry, songs, and monologues. We have a lot to look the Center. Jones Memorial Center Newsletter forward to on this date. All members and friends, in- cluding men, are invited. The lunch fee is $5. Reser- vations by May 14 are encouraged. Contact Darlene TRUSTEE REPORT Giesbrecht at 334-4323. Darlene Giesbrecht The Trustees have awarded the contract for replacing the roof The Bake Sale was well received with proceeds in the systems on our buildings. The amount of $238. Appreciation is given to all who baked shingle color will be pewter and purchased goods. Charlene Hansen gray, which is not too different from the current one. One issue that must be solved be- CIRCLE MEETINGS fore we begin is to tuckpoint (or demolish) the chimney on the Aki Garden wall of the Christian Ed building. LYDIA– Thursday, May 10, 1 p.m. at Waterford Estates (?) There is water leaking into the building, the existing roof decking is damaged, and no solution to the problem REBECCA – Wednesday, May 9, 6:30 p.m. annual is inexpensive. It is thought that a more thorough inspec- Salad Supper at the home of Jan Bunker, tion by our insurance adjuster would have uncovered the 19630 Heritage Dr., Tinley Park. No lesson, problem. The lavaliere microphone used by Pastor El- but bring a salad to share. very is working much better now with the new batteries. The need for greater security at our exterior boiler room SUMMER AT JONES MEMORIAL CENTER door for our Monday Night Dinners was discussed. It Each summer, Jones was decided that we would install a viewing tube to en- Center hosts an eight able those inside to see who needs to be allowed in week Day Camp for 100 through that door. Jay Ruklic kids. This year, we will be learning about the world through Soccer STEWARDSHIP/FINANCE MINISTRY TEAM We are doing well for receiving your Per Capita through and Music. The first March, with 60% of the payments received so far. The four weeks of the program will introduce children to the amount is $33.61 per active member, including con- World Cup Soccer tournament. Patrick Nyarko, a pro- firmed youth who are now full members of the congre- fessional soccer player from Ghana, will visit the pro- gation. If you have not paid your Per Capita for 2018, gram, run drills, and sign autographs. During the last please send it to the church office or bring it to church four weeks of the program, the children will learn about 4
on a Sunday and put your envelope in the offering plate. The summary of receipts and disbursements for the First Thank you to all who have paid through March and to Presbyterian Church of Homewood for the month end- those who paid in April. If someone does not pay his or ing March 31, 2018, is in the following chart: her Per Capita share, then someone else has to pay dou- Through March 2018 Budget ble to cover it for that person or family. General Fund Income Have you remembered our church in your will or estate Identified Giving $38,275 $130,000 plan with a specific amount or percentage amount be- Loose Offering 437 1,500 quest? Sadly, we can count on the fingers of one hand Initial Offering 590 500 Required Min. Dist./Stock Sale 0 5,000 the number of our deceased members since 2000 who Community Dinners Donations 2,155 4,000 have included a bequest to our church in their estate Other Income 1,847 8,000 plan or will. Let your blessings from God continue to Dividends & Capital Gains 8,644 10,000 work in God’s behalf long beyond your own days. Sale of Investment Shares 0 34,000 Endowment Fund Distributions 0 8,000 With the changes for 2018 in the new IRS tax laws, it is Transfer from Designated Fund 0 0 more beneficial than ever before to contribute to the Total General Fund Income 51,948 201,000 church using tax free direct transfers from your invest- General Fund Expenses ments and retirement plans. You can meet your pledge Missional Ventures $1,106 $6,500 in this manner. Why pay unnecessary taxes when you Faith Formation 186 1,800 don’t have to? Please discuss the details with your Facilities 13,865 52,800 investment advisor or tax planner to see how you can Staff 23,090 89,500 Transition 11,635 43,000 benefit from no-tax charitable giving to your church. Administrative Support 2,258 7,400 Purchase of Investment Shares 0 0 We need an average income of $4,000 each week to Transfer to Designated Fund 0 0 fund our mission and operate our church. This is inclu- Total General Fund Expenses 52,140 201,000 sive of pledges and identified giving as well as other income sources. So, how are we doing? Designated Fund Income $4,067 Designated Fund Expenses 16,885 Weekly average for January (4) $5,841 Weekly average for February (4) $4,554 Total Active Members—March 31, 2018 126 Weekly average for March (4) $2,790 Average Sunday Attendance—December 2017 58 Average Sunday Attendance—January 2018 54 Weekly average for 2018 (12) $4,329 Average Sunday Attendance—February 2018 43 Average Sunday Attendance—March 2018 56 HELP WANTED—VOLUNTEER NEEDED The volunteer position to be filled is Church Financial Summary through March 2018 (3/12 of Budget): Recording Secretary. After serving in this capacity for Income Over/(Under) 2018 Budget $1,698 Expenses Over/(Under) 2018 Budget 1,890 many years, Dan Hamilton has given notice that he will 2018 Total Net Income (Loss) to Date (192) not be able to continue after 2018 is concluded. The Stewardship and Finance Ministry Team is announcing this coming vacancy now to give appropriate lead time to nominate a replacement candidate and to give that CHRISTIAN FAITH FORMATION Through May and continuing to Sunday, June 10, the person time to be trained by Dan for his/her new duties. Adult Bible Study class will be discussing the weekly The successful candidate will need to be experienced Scripture passages selected for each Sunday as listed in with Microsoft Excel, which is the software used for the worship bulletin. Tentatively beginning Sunday, maintaining all of our individual giving records. Giving June 17 and ending Sunday, September 2, we will enjoy data will be provided weekly to the Secretary by the the final 12 video lessons in the series begun with the Counting Teams. The Secretary will periodically run first 12 lessons in summer 2017. The World of Biblical individual giving statements that will be handed out or Israel is an exciting behind-the-scenes journey into that mailed to our members. The Secretary will keep records long-lost land. We meet at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday of pledges received and Per Capita payments. The nor- morning in the Church Parlor. Please join us! Ed Wahl mal weekly time commitment is less than two hours. Interested persons are asked to contact Donna Moore or Tuesday Bible Study at Panera Bread meets on Tues- Edward Wahl, co-chairs of the Ministry Team. Please days from 10:30-11:30 a.m. We are currently studying give prayerful consideration to serving your church with the New Testament books of Philippians and Galatians. this vital gift of personal stewardship. 5
Panera Bread is located in the Cherry Creek Plaza on welcoming community. The church coffee hour is not 183rd and Governors Highway in Homewood. Everyone just an after-thought following the worship service. It is welcome! (No purchase is necessary.) is where we extend hospitality to all people, long-time members and visitors alike. It is a welcoming place for Young Children’s Sunday School has a new (actually small talk or to explore deeper issues with someone who old) addition. “Moments with Children” with Pastor also seeks a personal connection. Ask a new member, Dudley will occur on the chancel steps after Passing of and many will say that they first “felt at home” during the Peace during worship. Then the children will walk worship and afterwards while sharing food and drink. down the hall with the teachers to the preschool class- room for Sunday School. “For every daffodil I see, I Please consider this article as open invitation to ALL wonder if a squirrel planted it.” – that’s members of the congregation and their families and the story Pastor Dudley told the child- friends to consider helping in this important ministry of ren in his first time with them on the hospitality by being a Heavenly Perks Partner. The chancel steps, leading up to our plant- task would involve helping to set up ing potato sprouts—God’s wonderful and bring food, serve and clean up. plan for ongoing life. Next came an overcoat that was You can volunteer for one Sunday or as his grandfather’s, then his dad’s, then his, because the many Sundays as you wish. Although story in Sunday School would be about the special coat you are most welcome to assist anytime Joseph’s father gave him because he loved him. Pastor of the year, the need is particularly Dudley will have something to show the children each great during the summer months of Sunday before they go to Sunday School. We all know July and August. Supplies are provided. All we need is that adults like those thought moments as much as the you! If being a Heavenly Perks Partner sounds like a children. Thanks, Pastor Dudley. Karen Maurer ministry that you would like to explore in the future, feel free to contact Jan Bunker or Shirley Armistead. Sign-up Circle Faith Formation: Our congregation actually sheets will be available on the Welcome Center begin- does several things that fall under the heading of faith ning June 10. We look forward to hearing from you. formation, all of which are planned to help participants Jan Bunker grow in faith. We usually think of the Women’s Circles as having their primary focus on service and the social support relationship that grows. But both our Circles PRAYER CARDS have a long history of studying a Biblical book or some The following members and staff of First Presbyterian aspect of a life of faith. A memorable study undertaken Church will receive a card telling them that the church is by Rebecca Circle was the book, The Faith Club, in praying for them. Please pray for those listed each week. which three women—one Christian, one Jewish, and Donna Moore one Muslim—struggle together to understand how to talk to their children about their own and other faiths. Week of May 6 Week of May 13 For a few years now, both Circles have used Horizons Dudley & Glenna Elvery Dorinda Jensen Bible Study, the Presbyterian women’s study published Kathie & Jerry Hazlett Blaine Jones annually. Many in our congregation used Who Is Jesus? Tom & Tricia Hentschel Melodee Leimnetzer of two years ago in small groups as well as an all-church Emmanual & Lee Hilario Nancy Llewellyn retreat led by Deb Way at Irons Oaks. The New Testa- Bob & Jonna James Karen Maurer ment book of Revelation was the Horizons study book Week of May 20 Week of May 27 several years ago, when Char Hansen, study chair for Deborah & John Maxwell Craig Miller Lydia Circle, helped everyone on retreat to a deeper Bruce & Heather Miller Cameron Miller understanding of this mysterious book. All women of Shannon Miller Nolan Miller the congregation are invited to join a Circle, either Ian Miller Samantha Miller Lydia that meets the second Thursday of the month at 1 Mickey Miller Donna & Vern Moore p.m. or Rebecca that meets the second Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Karen Maurer HOSPITALIZED CONGREGATIONAL LIFE MINISTRY In the hospital during the last month were Merle Sluis and Pat Steiner. Participating in Heavenly Perks is one of the ways where FPC members demonstrate their desire to be a 6
NURSING HOMES IN MEMORIAM Mae Evert, Lemont Center Rehab; Donna Dekker, The names listed below are those who gave their lives in Manor Care East Palos; Betty Bednarcik, Prairie Manor; the service of their country in Pat Steiner, Windsor Estates Rehab, 18200 S. Cicero, war and whom we remember on Country Club Hills. Memorial Day. Charles Gregory 1863 SYMPATHY Maurice L. Colvert Robert G. Downey 1942 1944 Church sympathy is extended to the families of Margie Walter Richards, Jr. 1944 DiLeo (sister of Betty Ross), Samuel and Scott Wolford Walter E. Johnston 1945 (father and brother of Sally), and Marvin Austin. Peter Shrine 1945 Frank Bonham Wilford Hall Taylor 1946 1952 I am the Resurrection and the Life saith the Lord: he Thomas Victor Lorence 1955 that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he Park G. Bunker 1970 live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. JUNE CARILLON The deadline for having articles placed in the June GIFTS AND MEMORIALS Carillon is Sunday, May 20. Be aware that The Carillon is not published in July or August; informa- The following have been recorded in the Memorial Book in the Narthex: Andrew Pulec, John Bowman, tion for those months must also be in by May 20th. Samuel Wolford, Scott Wolford, and Marvin Austin. Please turn in all materials in writing to the church office for The Carillon mailbox or e-mail the Editor at GRADUATION LIST ewahl@sbcglobal.net. The Editor thanks all the May reporters for their assistance. J C =W= Help us be accurate with the June list of graduates that will appear in the church bulletin and in The Carillon. If you (or son, daughter, grandchild) are graduating this BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO: year, please let the office know by May 20. Use the May May form below or use the form in the Sunday bulletin or 4 Linda Cantway Cook 21 Betty Owens telephone the office or email. If you are not using a 10 Raymond Baird 24 Samantha Miller “form,” be sure to include name, school, degree, and 12 Mae Evert 25 Jonna James known future plans. May God grant birthday blessings to you all this year GRADUATE’S NAME ___________________________________ SCHOOL ______________________________________________ KIND OF DIPLOMA/DEGREE___________________________ PLANS??? ____________________________________________ THANK YOU Thank you to “Whom It May Concern” for the Easter Card I received signed by many Homewood friends. Getting that card made me feel remembered and loved. Shirley Smiddy 7
MAY 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 10:30 Tuesday Bible Study 9:30 Women’s Board Panera Bread 7:40 Chancel Choir 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 9:30 Adult Sun School 10:30 Tuesday Bible Study 1:00 Lydia Circle 10:30 Worship/Kids Sun Sc Panera Bread Communion --------------------------------- --------Pastor’s ----------------- ------------------------------------ ----------Study ------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------Leave ------------------- Heavenly Perks 5:30 Community Dinner 6:30 Rebecca Circle 6:30 Handbell Choir 7:00 Trustees Salad Supper 7:40 Chancel Choir 13 9:30 Adult Sun School 14 15 16 17 18 19 10:30 Worship/Kids Sun Sc 10:30 Tuesday Bible Study 12:30 Women’s Luncheon Guest Preacher Panera Bread Betty Owens -------------------------------- Heavenly Perks 5:30 Community Dinner 6:30 Handbell Choir MOTHER’S DAY 7:00 Stewardship Team 7:40 Chancel Choir 20 9:30 Adult Sun School 21 22 23 24 25 26 10:30 Worship/Kids Sun Sc 10:30 Tuesday Bible Study Pentecost – Communion Panera Bread Heavenly Perks Carillon Deadline 5:30 Community Dinner 6:30 Handbell Choir Graduate Deadline 7:00 Session 7:40 Chancel Choir 27 28 29 30 31 9:30 Adult Sun School MEMORIAL DAY 10:30 Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 Worship/Kids Sun Sc (Office Closed) Heavenly Perks 5:30 Community Dinner 6:30 Handbell Choir 7:40 Chancel Choir 8
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