FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PLANO, ILLINOIS
Volume 30, Issue 6 The Anchor JUNE/JULY 2017 INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Baptisms, Pentecost 2/3 Sunday, Scripture Readings, Thank You, Recipe - “7-Fruit Salad”, June/July Library News, College Graduates “Ruth Ann Ramblings” 4/5 Council Highlights, Help Wanted!, Prayer
List, Prayer Chain info
Book Club, Offering, 6/7 The two big worship opportunities for a church are Easter and Women’s Bible Study, Golden Harvesters, Christmas. The third biggest attendance in churches in the United New address, July discussion group, June States is mother’s day. This year at First Lutheran we would like to Calendar June Volunteers, 8/9 focus on two more special days for a greater celebration, Pentecost and July Calendar Reformation Sunday. Pentecost is a celebration of the coming of the July Volunteers, June 10/11 Birthday & Holy Spirit and this year Reformation Sunday is significant because of Anniversaries, June Prayer List th the 500 anniversary of Martin Luther posting the 95 thesis on the door July Birthday & 12/13 Anniversaries, July of the church in Wittenberg. This date is marked as the beginning of Prayer List, Diakonia™ info, the reformation. Inspirational story Worship has always been, and will always remain central to our VBS info, Fox Country 14/15 Players Theatre faith, our community, and our church. Luther wrote in many places that Academy info, Sunday School our first duty is to thank and praise serve and obey him. The ELCA Snippets puts it well when it writes on their website, “There is also a basic pattern for worship among Lutherans. We gather. We encounter God’s word. We share a meal at the Lord’s Table. And we are sent into the world. But we do not think about worship so much in terms of what we do. Worship is fundamentally about what God is doing and our response to God’s action. Worship is an encounter with God, who saves us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Sometimes the importance of worship gets lost in schedules. And sometimes the importance of worship gets lost in other priorities. And sometimes worship gets lost in the routine of worship itself. I think what the people of First Lutheran have learned once again is that celebration and a full service is a wonderful experience. A full experience when the choir is singing and the congregation is fully The engaged in worship. We have seen that at Palm Sunday and Easter and Scripture Readings mother’s day. We have seen that at my installation. We would love to for see it at a number of other celebrations as well. It is not only good for June & July can be found on us, but it greatly encourages others in the congregation not to mention Page 2. to witness that it brings to visitors. Pastor Black Page 2 Volume 30, Issue 6
Our New First Lutheran Church Members! We welcomed these new members into our church family through the sacrament of baptism.
Delaina Lynn Somma was baptized on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at First Lutheran Church Reed James Agajanian was baptized on of Plano. Delaina was born on Aug. 7, 2016 and Sunday, May 14, 2017 at First Lutheran Church her parents are Joseph Dominick Somma and of Plano. Reed was born on May 14, 2016 and Kylie Nicole Snyder. Baptismal sponsors were his parents are James and Laura Agajanian of Michael Somma and Tabitha Blue. Several family Millington, IL. Baptismal sponsors were Samuel members and friends joined in the celebration, and Melissa Anderson. Big sisters Olivia & including big brother Joseph. Elizabeth, great grandmother Nancy Martin, and Rev. Jonathan Black officiated. Welcome Delaina several family members and friends joined the to the First Lutheran church family. celebration. Rev Jonathan Black officiated. Readings for July 2017 Welcome Reed to the First Lutheran Church Readings for family. 7/2/2017 June 2017 Jeremiah 28:5-9 Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 6/4/2017 Romans 6:12-23 Acts 2:1-21 Matthew 10:40-42 Psalm 105:24-34, 35b 1 Corinthians 12:3b- 7/9/2017 13 Zechariah 9:9-12 John 20:19-23 Psalm 145:8-14
Romans 7:15-25a 6/11/2017 Matthew 11:16-19, 25- Genesis 1:1—2:4a 30 Psalm 8 Please mark on your calendars to come 2 Corinthians 13:11- 7/16/2017 and worship for our Pentecost service 13 Isaiah 55:10-13 Matthew 28:16-20 Psalm 65:1-13 as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Romans 8:1-11 6/18/2017 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Spirit. You are invited to wear red for Exodus 19:2-8a these services on the weekend of June Psalm 100 7/23/2017 Romans 5:1-8 Isaiah 44:6-8 3rd & 4th. After the Sunday service, Matthew 9:35—10:8 Psalm 86:11-17 Romans 8:12-25 there will be a short craft/lesson for 6/25/2017 Matthew 13:24-30, 36- Sunday School aged kids related to Jeremiah 20:7-13 43 Psalm 69:7-18 Pentecost. Don’t miss the important Romans 6:1b-11 7/30/2017 Matthew 10:24-39 1 Kings 3:5-12 celebration of the beginning of the Psalm 119:129-136 Christian Church. Romans 8:26-39 Matthew 13:31-33, 44- 52 The Anchor Page 3
Recipe Corner 1 honeydew melon, halved Stir well until sugar is dissolved. and seeded Add peaches and banana; toss to 7-Fruit Salad 1 pt. blueberries coat. 1 pt. strawberries, sliced Scoop honeydew with a melon Ingredients: 1 c. red seedless grapes, baller. ½ c. lime juice halved Combine melon balls with ½ c. water 1 kiwi, peeled and diced remaining fruit in a large bowl;
½ c. sugar or equivalent no- stir in peach mixture. calorie sweetener Instructions: Cover and refrigerate for one 2 peaches, peeled and thinly In a medium bowl, whisk hour. sliced together lime juice, water and Enjoy! sugar. 1 banana, thinly sliced
JUNE-JULY LIBRARY NEWS (submitted by Diane Schlesinger)
Have you ever wondered about heaven and what it is like? Most of us have. Many books and movies have been made on the subject. There are several in our library that you might like to read.
“A Travel Guide to Heaven” by Anthony De Stefano describes what the author thinks heaven will be like after his study of scripture. “Glimpses of Heaven” by Trudy Harris, RN, a former hospice nurse, tells the true stories of over forty patients as they reach the end of life. In “To Heaven and Back” by Mary C. Neal, MD, the writer tells of her own experience. Having drowned in a kayak accident, she tells of moving from life to death to eternal life and back again.
On a lighter note, we have two new books that were recently donated to us. Given by Jerri Lynn Baker, “Stranded at Romson’s Lodge” by J. L. Callison is a mystery - the story of two teens abducted and stranded after their kidnapper crashes. “Biking Across America” written by Paul Stutzman tells of his coast to coast journey and the people he encountered along the way. This book was donated by Ruth Ann Hoehn.
I’d like to thank Kathy Benoit and the Sunday school for giving the Sunday School offering in support of Congratulations to our college graduates: the Colorado Veteran’s Project. By the time you read this I will have Erik Tierney – received his Bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University on May 21st with proudly presented them with your a major in Political Science and minors in check. Thank so much for your Business & Classics. support of Homeless Veterans and my . Sarah Kuntzman – graduated from Northern Ruck March Illinois University with a Master’s in Jerri Lynn Baker Curriculum and Instruction on May 14th. Page 4 Volume 30, Issue 6
Ruth Ann’s Ramblings …(contributed by Ruth Ann Hoehn)
Elizabeth Cruciger was born to Polish nobility around 1500. Like Katie Luther, she entered the convent and was a nun who was influenced by the writings of Dr. Luther. She escaped the convent and lived with the Bugenhagen family in Wittenberg until she married in 1524. She has the distinct privilege of being known as the first female Lutheran hymn writer and poet. In addition to being a close friend of Katie Luther, it is believed that Elizabeth sat at Dr. Luther’s table talks in Wittenberg with her husband Caspar Cruciger, a theologian friend and colleague of Luther’s. Living in Wittenberg, hearing the pure preaching of God’s Word, and sitting at the feet of the Reformation’s foremost theologians, she was inspired to write the text to the hymn, “The Only Son from Heaven” (LBW 86). Elizabeth died May 2, 1535 in Wittenberg.
Catherine Winkworth (September 13, 1827 – July 1, 1878) was an English-language translator from London. She was born near the City of London and lived most of her early life in Manchester where her father had a silk mill. She subsequently moved with the family to Clifton, near Bristol.
Catherine Winkworth spent a year in Dresden, during which time she took an interest in German hymnody. Around 1854, she published her book Lyra Germanica, a collection of German hymns which she had translated into English. Other collections were published in 1858, 1863, and 1869. According to The Harvard University Hymn Book, Winkworth "did more than any other single individual to make the rich heritage of German hymnody available to the English-speaking world." 27 hymns in the Lutheran Book of Worship (our green hymnal) were translated by Catherine Winkworth, including “Dearest Jesus, at Your Word” and “Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty.”
She also worked for wider educational opportunities for girls. She was the secretary of the Clifton Association for Higher Education for Women, and a supporter of the Clifton High School for Girls, and a member of the Cheltenham Ladies' College.
Catherine Winkworth died suddenly of heart disease near Geneva on July 1, 1878 and was buried in Monnetier. A monument to her memory was erected in Bristol Cathedral.
John Mason Neale (January 24, 1818 – August 6, 1866) was an Anglican priest, hymn-writer and hymn-translator. He was born in London, to the Reverand Cornelius Neale and Susanna Neale. He was educated at Sherborne School, Dorset, and Trinity College, Cambridge. Neale was named after the Puritan cleric and hymn writer John Mason, a descendant of his mother.
At the age of 22, Neale was the chaplain of Downing College, Cambridge. At Cambridge he was affected by the Oxford Movement and helped to found the Cambridge Camden Society (afterwards known as the Ecclesiological Society).
In 1854 Neale co-founded the Society of Saint Margaret, an order of women in the Church of England dedicated to nursing the sick. He was also the principal founder of the Anglican and Eastern Churches Association, a religious organization founded as the Anglican and Eastern Orthodox Churches Union in 1864.
Neale translated the Eastern liturgies into English, however, he is best known as a hymn writer and translator, having enriched English hymnody with many ancient hymns translated from Latin and Greek. There are 20 of his translations in the LBW, including “All Glory, Laud and Honor”, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, and “Good Christian Men, Rejoice.”
Catherine Winkworth and John Mason Neale are commemorated by the Lutheran Church on July 1st. The Anchor Page 5
Council Highlights – May 9, 2017 (see complete report on bulletin board at back of sanctuary)
Education Committee is exploring ways to fill the role of Nursery Roll Coordinator since Carol Robinson has stepped down. We express our gratitude for her dedication to this ministry. Planning two additional ‘celebration’ Sundays per year: Pentecost and Reformation. A committee will be formed to plan Reformation Sunday activities. Rental property repairs needed; we are still in discussions with LSSI for use of parsonage. Volunteer is needed to be in charge of, and attend training for, the community summer lunch program. The church constitution has been sent to the synod for review. Pastor discussed his focus on updating the committee structure, and the need to develop a long range plan for the church properties. Next meeting: Tues, June 13th, 2017 at 7:00 PM
Many of you may remember Alicia We are looking for a few (Marek) DeNio, a former Youth volunteers to help plan our Director at First Lutheran. Sadly celebration for Reformation her mother Barb passed away, th th Sunday this year October 28 Sunday, April 30 from a short th battle with cancer. Please consider and 29 . Ideally, we would like sending a card to Alicia as she and to meet at least once during her family grieve their loss. July/August to begin planning. Please Alicia (Dave) DeNio contact Pastor Black for questions or PO Box 412 willingness to participate. Thanks in Chisago City, MN 55013 advance for your work on behalf of the church.
PRAYER LIST: Carole Ardelean, Bill F., Rose Tullock, Mary Olson, Renee Lee, Scott Littlejohn, Heather D., Leslie, PRAYER CHAIN PARTNERS Amy, Sue Hyte, Mary Kincannon, 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM Joyce Schmitt, Alice Crawford, Linda Landis, Ann Hagemann (member), Shirley Tucek, Melody 1. Jane Hyte - 630-552-7095 Black, Sherry Anderson, Jesse Stonecipher, Don 2. Virginia Phelps - 630-552-3434 Sampson, Jesse Koch, Jackie Anclam, Kelsey S., 3. Diane Schlesinger 630-552-7533 Mark Coffman, Matt Papaeliou, Jim & Martha 4. Bev Vilmin 630-552-3550 Anderson, Carol Stubbs, the Nunez Family, Scott B., Paul Vammer, Linda Homer, Jodi & John 5. Theresa Bagg 815-786-5069 * (Phillips?), Delores Phillips, Juanita Hatcher, Eric 6. Erin Gillman - 630-715-0843 * Hatcher, Dorothy Burton, Marge Briggs, Greg 7. Staci Smith - 630-999-4117 * Feitl and Lori Black. 8. Karen DeBolt - 630-546-7451 *
Please remember those serving in the military. 9. Kathy Benoit - 630-816-3366 * 10. Brenda Albright - 630-277-6314 * Remember your own special needs as well. Those with a * use texting capabilities. Page 6 Volume 30, Issue 6
BOOK CLUB NEWS
The Book Club will meet on Wed., June 7th, 2017 at 9:15 AM.
The book for discussion is “Rosemary” by There will be a discussion group with Pastor Kate Clifford Larson. Black providing most of the discussion after Sunday worship on July 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th. The focus will be on topics related to the Reformation: The next meeting of the th Women’s Bible Study Sunday July 9 will be discussing the Lutheran perspective. Group will be th Thursday, June 15th . Sunday July 16 will be a discussion about the Reformation. The group will be going out for lunch. rd Sunday July 23 will be looking at specific Watch your bulletin for further hymns that Luther wrote. information. th Sunday July 30 we will be continuing to look at hymns Luther wrote (or another topic). Please join for some fellowship and learning after church on these Sundays in July.
Dan & Sharon Mikelson have moved. Their new address is: D3251 Rusty Rd. Stratford, WI 54484
Just a reminder: Newsletter Offering Report Pr. Black’s e-mail address is: [email protected]. THROUGH May 21st OFFERINGS RECEIVED He does not use the e-mail address that 4/23 $ 1,667.91 Received $ 69,879.06 was set up when Pr. Ernie & Pr. Paul Need $ 77,994.84 shared the pastoral duties. Please 4/30 $ 3,012.74 Over $ (8,115.78)
update your contact info so you can be 5/7 $ 3,866.16 sure Pastor is getting 5/14 $ 3,219.08 1/01/2017 - 5/22/2017 anything you may be CHECKING ACCOUNT sending him. Thank 5/21 $ 2,006.39 Beginning Bal. you. $29,613.06 Income GENERAL FUND BUDGET $77,214.50 Need Per week $3,714.04 Expenses (Annual Budget divided by 53 weeks) $67,018.07 The Golden Harvesters Ending Balance group has disbanded. $ 39,809.49 They held their final potluck in May. YTD YOUTH DIRECTOR DONATIONS: $487.00 The Anchor Page 7 June 2017
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3
6:30 PM - Stewardship 5:00 PM - Worship
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9:00 AM - Worship 9:00 AM - Quilting / 9:15 AM - Book Club Crocheting / Knitting
5:00 PM - Worship 6:30 PM - Worship & Music
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9:00 AM - Worship 9:00 AM - Quilting / 1:00 PM - Women’s Bible Synod Assembly @ Synod Assembly @ Crocheting / Knitting Study—Lunch Augustana College, Rock Augustana College, Island, IL Rock Island, IL
6:15 PM - Social Concerns 6:30 PM - Education/Youth? 7:00 PM - Church Council 7:30 PM - Outreach ? 5:00 PM - Worship
18 FATHER’S DAY 19 20 21 22 23 24 9:00 AM - Worship 9:00 AM - Quilting / Crocheting / Knitting
5:00 PM - Worship
6:30 PM - Property
25 26 27 28 29 30 9:00 AM - Worship 9:00 AM - Quilting / Crocheting / Knitting Page 8 Volume 30, Issue 6 June 2017 Worship Volunteers The Anchor Page 9 July 2017
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
5:00 PM - Worship
2 3 4 OFFICE CLOSED 5 6 7 8 9:00 AM - Worship 9:15 AM - Book Club
6:30 PM - Stewardship 5:00 PM - Worship
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9:00 AM - Worship Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School 9 AM - Noon 9 AM - Noon 9 AM - Noon 9 AM - Noon 9 AM - Noon
6:30 PM - VBS Program 5:00 PM - Worship 6:15 PM - Social Concerns? @ United Methodist Church
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Anchor Deadline 9:00 AM - Quilting / Crocheting / Knitting ?
9:00 AM - Worship
6:30 PM - Education/Youth?
7:30 PM - Outreach ? 5:00 PM - Worship 6:30 PM - Property
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 9:00 AM - Worship 9:00 AM - Quilting / Crocheting / Knitting ?
7:00 PM - Long Range Planning 5:00 PM - Worship
30 31 9:00 AM - Worship
(Potential ) Member Event - 1:00 PM (Set-up at 11 AM) Page 10 Volume 30, Issue 6 July 2017 Worship Volunteers The Anchor Page 11
JUNE BIRTHDAYS
1– Abigail Papaeliou
2– Taylor Corrado 3- Matthew Miller Coleson Turner 4- Jane Hyte The world is a chaotic and confusing place. Pray- Anne Sears er is the conduit that connects us to God and Aaron Weeks opens up the possibilities of direction and under- 5- Meghan Wilbanks standing. Prayer is not just for pastors. All of 6- Levi Baker, Grady Phillips God’s people are invited to pray on the behalf of Marshal Savistki others. Please include the following members of 7- Nancy Boring the First Lutheran family in your daily prayers: 11- Wayne Jones
12- Paige Beal, Linda Landis JUNE Nevaeh Peto 13- Kaylee Read, Laura Smith 1 - Eric, Erin, Paige, Harper & Wyatt Gillman 2 - Cary & Trudie Goldman 15– Elianna Black 3 - Ben, Deborah, Ryan, Jake, & Jordan 17- Leon Dettman, Melissa Murre Goldsmith 18- Andrew DeBolt, Kathy Hamlin 4 - Natasha Green & Mia Boudreau 19- Laura Agajanian, Paige Gillman 5 - Michael & Nan Grommes 21- Melissa Corrado, Greg Johnson 6 - Nick Grommes 22- Maggie Benoit, Emily Baker 7 - Jennifer (Fowler) Groom Darin Severson 8 - Eric, Becky & Jaxon Gwilt 23- Will Brown 9 - Ann Hagemann 10 - Wally & Kathy Hamlin 24- Barb Munson, Ethan Loebach 11 - Dennis & Sheila Harmon 25- Taylor Loux, Shirley Melin 12 - Eric Hatcher & Renee Lee Melissa Phillips 13 - Juanita Hatcher 27- Scarlett Anderson 14 - Bill, Lori & Bryton Heimann 29- Owen Anderson 15 - Jeff & Ruth Ann Hoehn 30– Dean Krause, James Wehrs 16 - Brad, Katrina, Jason, Jessica, Felicia & Kathrine Howell 17 - Bonnie Howell 18 - Robert, Dorsi, Andrew & Timothy Hubbartt JUNE ANNIVERSARIES 19 - Cora Hughes 1- Virgil & Jane Hyte 20 - Susan Hyte Mike & Ellie Campbell 21 - Virgil & Jane Hyte 2– Jeff & Ruth Ann Hoehn 22 - Randy, Theresa, Jonathan, & Justin Jensen Mark & Doris Fowler 23 - Carl & Joanne Johnson Todd & Lydia Boring 24 - Charles, Sandy, Megan, Michelle, & Michael Johnson 6– Erik & Rebecca Englehart 25 - Matt Johnson 11- David & Julie Loux 26 - Greg, Candy, Brooke & Cole Johnson 12- Robert & Erika Miller 27 - James Johnson 15– Lucas & Ashley (Harmon) Losic 28 - Michael Johnson 19- David & Cindy Maaske 29 - Joyce Johnson 22- Dennis & Shelia Harmon 30 - Wayne, Cozette, & Brandon Jones 24- Jim & Shelly Schmidt M.L & Karen Jacobson
26- Floyd & Sherry Anderson PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AND LET US 30- Conrad & Laura Smith KNOW YOUR BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY DATE, AND WE WILL UPDATE OUR RECORDS. THANK YOU. Page 12 Volume 30, Issue 6
JULY BIRTHDAYS 1 – McKenna Albertson
2 - Mike Johnson Darrell Meyer 4 - Rylie Loux The world is a chaotic and confusing place. Pray- Sheryl Welsch er is the conduit that connects us to God and 5 - Pr. Bruce Booher opens up the possibilities of direction and under- M.L. Jacobson standing. Prayer is not just for pastors. All of Rachel Superczynski God’s people are invited to pray on the behalf of Kaitlin Wehrs others. Please include the following members of 7 - Olivia Agajanian, Jim Johnson the First Lutheran family in your daily prayers: 9 - Bonnie Howell, Kyle Huhn 10 - James Agajanian JULY 12 - Penny Booher Jane Foster 1 - Forest, Colt & Kinslei Jones & Kayla Hale 13 - Jennifer (Fowler) Groom 2 - Carolyn Kedzierski 15 - Andy Hubbart 3 - Tim & Vicki Kern 4 - Royce, Jr & Royce III Kimmel and Heather 16 - Matt Wilbanks Engel 19 - Alice Crawford 5 - Courtney Klatt 20 -Tim Kupp 6 - Rebecca Klatt 22 - Keith Baker, David Loux 7 - Zachery Klatt 23 - Ashley (Harmon) Losic 8 - Connie Kolzow Norm Schlesinger, Adam Schindlbeck 9 - Jack & Kathy Koteles 24 - Jake Goldsmith 10 - Dean & Denise Krause Becky Gwilt 11 - Mitchell & Hannah Krause 25 - Troy Turner 12 - Tyler & Maria Krause 13 - Gilbert & Shirley Krause Royce Kimmel, III 14 - Sarah & Dan Kuntzman 26 - Dillon Ford, Ruth Ann Hoehn 15 - Tim & Diane Kupp 27 - Aden Baker 16 - Katie Lalor 28 - Lee Meyer, Liz Miller 17 - Linda Landis Adrianne Tullock 18 - Curtis & Lydia Larsen 29 - Mike Johnson, Terry Whitney 19 - Martin & Valerie Lincoln 31 - Wilma Simms 20 - Lucas & Ashley (Harmon) Losic 21 - David, Julie, Taylor & Rylie Loux 22 - David, Cindy, Jacob, Lucas & Ellen Maaske 23 - Bruce, Kristi, Trevor, Darren & Lindsay Magnotti
24 - Dakota Malert & Candice Rose JULY ANNIVERSARIES 25 - Brad, Holly, Ava & Ali Martin 26 - Nancy Martin 7 – Steve & Jayne Turner 27 - Bill & Judi Meier 9 - Tom & Renee Mahoney 28 - Shirley Melin 11- Bruce and Penny Booher 29 - John, Norma, Tristan & Lillian Meszaros 12- Tim & Kathy Tyler 30 - Rose Meszaros Dan & Sarah Kuntzman 31 - Darrell & Kathy Meyer 17- Mike & Nan Grommes Wayne & Cozette Jones
21- Tim & Vicki Kern PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AND LET US 22- Dale & Karen Torkelson (50 years) KNOW YOUR BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY DATE, AND WE WILL UPDATE OUR RECORDS. THANK YOU. The Anchor Page 13
diakonia™ Is Coming!
Are you ready to take the next step in your growth as a Christian and in your service to your congregation and community? If so, you are looking for diakonia™! The next series of courses will meet on Tuesdays, beginning September 5, 2017, at St. John Lutheran Church, 2650 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL.
Information Meeting Scheduled Find out more about diakonia™ and bring your questions:
Tuesday, June 20th, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. Firside Room, John Lutheran Church, 2650 Plainfield Rd. (Route 30 at Hennepin Drive, just east of Westfield Louis Joliet Mall), Joliet, IL
RSVP (or send queries) to Dr. Trenton Ferro, Location Manager, [email protected] or (724) 762-0305.
What is the diakonia™ program? diakonia™ is a two-year process of spiritual formation and theological education for baptized members of the Lutheran Church. This process occurs in three basic ways:
By thorough grounding in the classic seminary disciplines of practical, systematic, historical, and Biblical theology; By identifying particular skills and aptitudes in ministry and encouraging their use in the local parish and community; and By providing spiritual growth through worship, retreats, and a supportive community of fellow students, pastor-mentors, and instructors.
These are the tools diakonia™ uses to help equip God’s people for service in parish and neighborhood ministries. The primary theme and focus of the diakonia™ experience is the word of Jesus in scripture: “Let the one who would be great among you be your servant [Greek: diakonos]” (Mark 10:4).
The Missing Lamps In a certain mountain village in Europe several centuries ago, a nobleman wondered what legacy he should leave to people in his town. At last he decided to build them a church building. No one saw the complete plans for the building until it was finished. When the people gathered, they marveled at its beauty and completeness. Then someone asked, “But where are the lamps? How will it be lighted?” The nobleman pointed to some brackets in the walls. Then he gave to each family a candle which they were to bring with them each time they came to worship. “Each time you are here the area where you are seated will be lighted,” the nobleman said. “Each time you are not here, that area will be dark. This is to remind you that whenever you fail to come to church, some part of God's house will be dark.” Page 14 Volume 30, Issue 6
Fox Country Players Presents: The 2017 THEATRE ARTS ACADEMY
Fox Country Players will again be offering a Theatre Arts Academy this summer. Children ages 6-13 will attend classes from July 10 through July 21 (Mon – Fri from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm). The theme for this year is “Super Heroes.” The students will learn acting, singing, dancing and the art of costuming and stagecraft, with performances showcasing their work on July 21 & July 22 at 7:00 PM. High school students – we need HEROES!! Mentors are Superhero role models for younger Academy students. They assist at the Academy and, new this summer, Mentors will engage in a workshop-style experience with our incredible staff to prepare for their part in the Superheroes performances. All classes and performances will be held at Waubonsee Community College. Registration information and procedures can be found at www.waubonsee.edu/Xcelerate or call 630-466-2360 ; or check out www.foxcountryplayers.org . The Anchor Page 15
Sunday School Snippets
Sunday School Awards Twenty students were honored for perfect st attendance on Sunday, May 21 , plus another 20 for dedicated attendance. What an exciting day! Thank you to all the parents and grandparents who faithfully bring their students to Sunday School and church each week and to the teachers who work so hard each week to educate, inspire and love our kids! The kids did a great job singing and playing their instruments
Secret Pals are Revealed The biggest thanks goes to our adult secret pals for making the Sunday School so enjoyable and secretive for our student Vacation Bible School secret pals. Thank you for all your notes of Vacation Bible School will be held from July love, gifts and snacks you provided for the 10-14 from 9 AM-Noon for preschool through children. Sign up again next year for another 8th grade. What a blessing this ministry is— fun-filled year. The sheet will be at the sign up today—don’t miss it! sanctuary soon. Kids will take awesome adventures alongside some of their favorite Bible heroes and discover the qualities that make us truly Congrats to 2017 Graduates heroic in God. VBS Hero Central uses epic Congratulations to the First Lutheran high music, spectacular science, crafty crafts, school seniors: Lindsay Magnotti, Jessica heroic recreation, and fantastic Bible stories Howell and Desmond Nunez. to help kids discover their strength in God! Best wishes for a bright future to ALL of our college graduates: Erik Tierney (Bachelors) & High School and college students or adults Sarah Kuntzman (Masters). who are interested in helping with Vacation Bible School should sign up on the board on the back of the church.
Kids will be provided with yummy snacks all week. A snack donation poster is located at the back of the church. Thank you to everyone who has donated in the past and thank you in advance for your support this summer!!
Forms are available for Vacation Bible School. Check the table outside the church office. Mark Your Calendar— July 10-14 – Vacation Bible School!!! Times are Monday-Friday 9-Noon for all students and all programs will be held at First Lutheran Church Sunday, September 10 –First Day of Sunday School for 2017-18 School Year.
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage First Lutheran Church Paid Plano, Illinois Permit #3 PLANO, IL 200 N Center Street Plano, IL 60545 Phone: 630-552-8263 Fax: 630-552-7198 Email: churchsecretary1@ sbcglobal.net Return Service Requested
"First in Spirit, First in Faith, First in Outreach"
Statement of Purpose
Because God loves the world, we live and work together to: *Grow As Disciples
*Nurture other Disciples *and Make New Disciples
for the Kingdom of God!
& We are on the Web! firstlutheranchurchplano.com And on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.comFirstLutheran ChurchOfPlanoIl &
Hit the LIKE button! WORSHIP TIMES Pastor: Rev. Jonathan Black Saturday: 5:00 PM E-mail: Sunday: 9:00 AM [email protected]
Communion offered at both Secretary: Ann Hagemann services. E-mail: churchsecretary1@
A nursery ‘area’ is available. sbcglobal.net Deadline for the August OFFICE HOURS Anchor: Sunday, July 16!
Mon-Fri 6:30 am-12:30 pm Please be ready to submit articles by this date!