June 2005 Cornerstone

PASTOR WAYNE SEZ

June, Is It Worth the Effort?

Before we attempt a new do-it-yourself project we have to decide whether it will be worth all the effort. If it will cause us too much frustration, we may find someone else to do it, even if we have to pay for their time. The readings for June remind us that (fortunately for us) God doesn't operate that way. Though we are never worth the effort, he does everything necessary for our salvation.

Would you have gone to all the effort of calling Matthew, the tax collector, as Jesus did in Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (the Gospel for June 5th)? He seemed a poor risk, indeed. So did God's promises to Abraham. Yet, "against all hope" he believed, and it was "credited to him as righteousness" (read Romans 4:13-25). When we recognize God's valuing us and we trust him in return, then our lives can change. That was what God was looking for in Hosea 5:15-6:6. Because he hadn't seen any (they were content to sin and then offer sacrifices, when he wanted them to show mercy to each other), he decided to withdraw for a time. Perhaps they'd come to their senses. Jesus "withdrew" until the third day, Easter. Will his effort be seen in the mercy you show today?

When did Christ die? No, not the time in world history, but in your own. Paul's answer on June 12th (in Romans 5:1-8) is "when we were still sinners." We usually make an effort when someone has turned his or her life around; thank God he didn't wait for us to do that! Our intentions are no better than Israel's at Mt. Sinai when, in Exodus 19:2-8a, they promised, "all the Lord has said we will do." Fat chance! The human race has continued to live as "sheep without a shepherd" (as Matthew 9:35-10:23 describes the crowds around Jesus). So, our Lord continues to send us out, renewing and multiplying his efforts to save those not worth it (including us). You are both a sheep and an undershepherd. To whom would he send you?

Well, just how much are we worth? In Matthew 10:24-39 (the Gospel for June 19th) Jesus says we're worth more than the birds. That's not saying much until you remember that he makes the effort to care for them as well. He cared for us by dying and rising–and incorporating us into the results through Baptism. That's the message of Romans 6:1b-11. It is news that cannot be kept in! Jeremiah couldn't even keep in the Word when it was bad, as he writes in Jeremiah 20:7-13. So get out the Good News; it's worth the effort!

The readings for June 26th show us a great contrast: make getting to heaven a do-it-yourself project and "the wages of sin is death" (in Romans 6:12-23); but simply trust, and "if anyone gives even a cup of cold water ... he will certainly not lose his reward" (from Matthew 10:40-42). Trusting isn't always easy! In the Old Testament, one had to wait for the fulfillment of a prophecy to tell if the prophet were true; read Jeremiah 28:5-9. How much easier as we look back on the fulfillment of all God's promises in Christ! Our task is only to use each day to show ourselves, our Lord, and all who observe us that the effort God took to give us  "the gift...eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (from the Epistle)...was worth it!

SERVING IN WORSHIP

Assisting Ministers

Wanda Green

Ushers

Sid Peterson

Dale Bollman

Jim Claude

Wally Hochsprung

Counters                           

Carol Gard and Pam Kovach

ANNUAL BOOK SALE

The month of June is our traditional 10-cent book and magazine sale.  If you have any books or magazines you would like to contribute to the sale, please leave them in the library.  We will have the sale items on display in the hallway.  The sale will continue through the month of June.  Leave your money in the box provided at the back of the table.  The money will be used to buy new library books.

The Bookworms

Barb Hanson & Ruth Lied

SYNOD ASSEMBLY

Pastor Shelksohn and Roger & Linda Ericsson will represent Grace and Peace at the Synod Assembly in Springfield, June 9-11th.   We invite you to keep our representatives in your prayers during this time.  An offering will be taken from Grace and Peace–50% for World Hunger and 50% for our sister synod in Madagascar.  If you would like to donate, please designate the offering for “Synod Assembly.”

Summer Worship Schedule

Traditional Service - 8:30 a.m.

There will be no Sunday School classes

in the summer months, June through August.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to Bryce Allen Goff, who was conferred with the degree of Master of Arts in Christian Ministries from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary on April 30, 2005, in Springfield, Missouri.  May God richly bless the ministry of Bryce in the years to come.

Congratulations to Carol Gard for receiving from Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing the Margaret Reichelderfer Professional Excellence Award.

OUR GRADUATES

High School

Annie Farris

Jacob Hughes

Robyn Creasy

Sydney Jarrett

Jennifer Fredericksen

Nathan Jackson

8th  Grade

Jacob Bridgewater

GARAGE GANG ACTIVITY

Anonymous individuals have organized a MYSTERY DINNER for Sunday, June 12, late afternoon/early evening.  Everyone please meet at the church promptly at 4:00.  You will need to bring your good humor, a bit of cash (not much) to make a small purchase or two, and a willingness to work with other team members to solve clues to take you to parts unknown (local area of course) to enjoy delectable cuisine in delightful surroundings!

Please come and join the fun. If you haven’t attended a Garage Gang event before, don’t miss this one!  See you then!

MOVING

It is with sadness that we accept the resignation of Gretchen Church as our organist and choir director.  Gretchen & Ryan, Asa & Dulcie are moving to Bloomington at the end of July.  We are thankful for the service and great talent Gretchen has brought to Grace and Peace.  It is our prayer that the Gretchen and Ryan and family find grace and peace in Bloomington. 

As we will greatly miss Gretchen Church and family, we are inviting people to submit a cover letter, resume and a list of three references for the organist or choir director positions.

HEARTFELT THANKS

Members of Grace and Peace,

Thank you so very much for the gifts, cards and reception given for me for fifteen years as church secretary.  I was amazed at the number of cards (that’s the most cards I’ve ever received!) and most of all, I was so touched by your thoughtful expressions of love and thanks.  I will always cherish the memory of  that day.

                                                                          God Bless You All,

                                                                          Theresa Montgomery

Dear Pastor Wayne and friends at Grace and Peace,

Thank you so much for all the prayers, cards, calls and visits during my hospitalization and recuperation.  They were greatly appreciated!!

                                                                          God Bless You All,

                                                                          Marian Thumma

Thank you to our entire Grace and Peace family for all of your good wishes, cards and gifts as we prepare to move to the next chapter in our lives.  It has been so great being a part of this church the past several years.  Everyone was so welcoming and helpful through every stage of our lives with you.  Your friendship and support will be greatly missed.

We are currently planning to be in our new home by June 1, 2005 and hope that construction on our restaurant will begin by the end of June.

We wish you as the church much success as you start to grow both physically and spiritually.

                                                  With love,

                                                  Travis, Sandi, Nora and Kristen Smith

BE A STEWARD AND CARETAKER OF GOD’S LOVE AND BLESSINGS!

Share them with everyone!
 

Thank You and Thank God

Stewardship is about making choices, as individuals and in community. Stewardship is about being faithful disciples, caring for and managing all God has given us.

Stewardship is not just one part of Christian discipleship; it involves every aspect of life in all the stages of life.  It involves understanding how the choices we make affect others and our witness for Christ.

Stewardship is the grateful response to God's grace and goodness. We can best serve God by being grateful to Him.  What have you chosen to do as a grateful Christian Steward and Disciple?

Your Stewardship Ministry is thankful for every person in our Christian family. We are thankful for the leadership and compassion of Pastor Wayne.  We are thankful for every visitor who comes to worship with us.  We are thankful for the opportunity to gather and learn about faithful stewardship at our bi-monthly meetings. We are grateful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and ask for your prayers that we grow in faithful service to this most wonderful congregation at Grace and Peace Lutheran Church.  We thank God for all His blessings.  We thank Christ for our salvation. We thank the Holy Spirit for opening our hearts and leading us through the bevy of choices we have every day…and for the grace that allows us to make the right choices, such as the choice we’ve made to be part of the Stewardship Ministry.  Come join us!

Pastor Wayne Shelksohn, Cindy Shelksohn, Roxanne Hochsprung, Barb Hanson, Louise Cheatam, Mark Rodlund, Mary Whitledge (Council Liaison).

Characteristics Of A Generous Steward

Grateful – Generosity is born out of a grateful response to the abundance and blessings that God has showered upon us.

Faithful – Generosity is based upon the obedience to, the conviction of, the dependence upon, and the assurance of God’s promises.

Regular – Like breath itself, our generosity is essential to a full and healthy Christian life.

Proportionate – Generosity is based on being faithful with what we have been given, not on what we don’t have to give.

Tithe – Generosity understands that we are to return to God the first portion of all our resources – time, talent and possessions.  The Biblical standard for a tithe is 10%.

Responsible – As stewards we have been entrusted with God’s abundant gifts and blessings. Generosity calls us to be faithful with those gifts, using them for their intended purposes.

"To whom much has been given much will be expected."

Joyful – God loves a cheerful giver. Generosity should be done out of great joy and thanksgiving. It is a JOY to have been blessed by God to be a blessing in return.

Expectant – Generosity is an act that anticipates a promising future. Our God fills us with hope and possibility for our lives. As we live generously we do so with great expectance that our God will provide as He has promised.

The “Characteristics of a Generous Steward” are provided by KAIROS, a national resource development firm headquartered in St. Paul, MN, that will lead our feasibility study for the building fund.

WOMEN OF GRACE AND PEACE

You are invited!

The Women of Grace and Peace Banquet will be held on Thursday, June 23^rd, at 6:00 p.m.

The theme this year is “WEAR RED” for women’s heart health.

The ELCA is promoting Bringing Up Healthy Women and Girls. We will have as our special guest:

Gerri Hellhaker-Hall, Certified Nurse Practitioner

from HeartCare Midwest here in Peoria.

She will speak to us about women’s heart health.

Where:  Grace and Peace Lutheran Church

What to Bring:  Your favorite dish for potluck.

Beverage and table service will be provided.

Please place your reservation in the “Banquet Box” in the Fellowship Hall.

We are all someone’s mother/daughter/sister/aunt/cousin/friend/co-worker.  Please come and bond with women & girls.  It will be great evening!

See You There!

And Wear Red!

Women of the ELCA

As you know, color is everywhere this spring!  If you have been in the mall or any of the Peoria clothing stores you can’t help but notice the bright and bold colored clothing on display.  Well it will be bright and bold here at Grace and Peace as well on June 23 at 6:00 p.m.   That is the date and time for the Women of Grace and Peace Banquet.  All women/girls/females of any age are invited to attend.  Our theme this year is “Wear Red” for Women’s Heart Health.  The Women of the ELCA will be launching a focus on women’s and girl’s health at the Sixth Triennial Gathering in San Antonio—their physical health, emotional health, and spiritual health—and we want to be a part of this exciting program.  So bring guests and your favorite dish for a potluck dinner.  A reservation box is in the narthex so we know how many to plan for.  Beverages and table service will be provided.

So think of something—anything to wear that is red!  And plan to come and have a good time! 

And speaking of the Gathering in San Antonio, five women of Grace and Peace will be attending!  Linda Ericsson, Nancy Howerter, Pam Kovach, Cindy Shelksohn, and Roxanne Hochsprung are registered and are looking forward to the Gathering.  The registration materials state:  “Whole women who are both bold and healthy can more fully engage and commit to God’s command to make disciples.”  The dates are July 5-10.  Please pray for all women who will travel to San Antonio in July that they may, as disciples, ACT BOLDLY to make a difference in the church, society, and the world.

So now that we are talking healthy, and now that choir and Survivor are over for the summer, anyone interested in walking the Rock Island Trail on Thursday nights?  If so, just come to the Alta Road entrance of the Rock Island Trail on Thursday evenings at 6:30.  Wear your walking shoes  and bring a bottle of water—that’s all you need.  Walk with your friends from Grace and Peace or alone at your own speed.  After about 30-45 minutes we will just perch ourselves on a grassy area at the entrance for a refreshing drink of water, some casual conversation, and a prayer of thanksgiving for our health and God’s beautiful creation!

Your Executive Board:

Roxanne Hochsprung, Coordinator

Nancy Howerter, Secretary

Linda Ericsson, Treasurer

Ann Joyce, Helen Hamilton, Sandra Rodlund, and Ruth

Grenzow, circle representatives

Women’s Circles

Ruth/Rachel Circle

June 7 - 10:00 a.m.

Meeting at Church

Sack Lunch

Priscilla Circle

June 13  - 7:00 p.m.

Sandra Rodlund’s  Home

Miriam Circle

June 14 - 7:00 p.m.

Coral Quitschau’s Home

Rebecca Circle

June 13 - 11:30 a.m.

Meeting at Church

Sack Lunch

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Welcome to Serengeti Trek and the Mane Event

A giraffe casually nibbles leaves from a lush acacia tree. A lion crouches in the tall grass watching a herd of zebras.   Suddenly an elephant thunders by in a cloud of dust. And you?? You’re standing on the vast savanna, gearing up for an adventure of a lifetime on a Serengeti Trek – where kids are wild about God!

Make your plans now:  Reserve July 31 – August 4 for your Trek through the wilds of Africa

aGAPe

We are getting quite creative using scraps, whole cloth, precise squares and strips in our quilts.  There is also a network of people around the city who seem to know that we make our quilts with double knit.  Gifts of fabric of all kinds are literally showing up on our doorstep so the work will go on.

So far we have at least 57 quilts finished, so only 356,383 more to go!  We, of course, will be adding ours to the vast collection from around the United States in October.  The LWR ingathering in 2004 was 356,440 quilts.

The aGAPe days are on 3 Wednesdays – June 1, June 15, and June 29, and will probably have both assembly of quilts and cutting going on in the various corners of the Great Room and kitchen. As usual we gather about 11:30 a.m. for lunch and then work starts at noon.  Please bring your lunch and cutting tools.

THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS

In the summer issue of the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans magazine, there are several great articles about good deeds and the rewards from them.  Six people were highlighted for their work in five areas to: teach, feed, shelter, clothe, and heal.  Their ages range from 17 to 84.  Here are some quotes from them regarding their passions for volunteering.

Jeanne and Ed say, “It all starts with one person.  You can’t just sit back and throw up your hands and say, ‘There are too many problems in this world and I can’t help it’ – because you can.”

Gene says, “Our time is really not our time – it’s the Lord’s time, and there’s a reason why we’re here.  We should use that time to the ability and the gifts that the Lord has given us.”

David (84) says, “The ‘thank yous’ you get are better than money.  Those you keep and you don’t spend.  Volunteering is a great way of life.”

In another article, the headline says,

“Thrivent Financial, Members Give $7.5 Million in Relief”

“Thrivent Financial members and their congregations have gone the extra mile to help tsunami survivors in South Asia.  On Feb. 25, Thrivent Financial members surpassed the goal of donating $2.5 million to Lutheran World Relief’s Wave of Giving campaign, seven weeks ahead of the April 15 deadline for the Thrivent Financial member matching grant.

In addition to the $2.5 million match, Thrivent Financial made an initial donation of $1 million to LWR and an affiliate, Thrivent Life Insurance Company, gave $1.5 million to the disaster-relief programs of the ELCA, Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, and Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

‘Our goal is to help communities fully rebuild and recover’, says Kathryn Wolford, LWR president, ‘and this support ensures that we address the consequences of the tsunami in ways that leave communities better organized and able to reduce the impact of future disasters or crises.”           

MISCELLANEOUS

Share Food

June 5 & 12 - Share Sign-up

June 25 - Share Pick-up

July Cornerstone Deadline

June 26, 2005

June Key Person

Barbara Bollman

A big thank you to all the participants in the Lutheran Home “Bake Sale”.  It resulted in the sales of $783.30 and with matching funds of $600 from Thrivent; a nice sum of $1383.30 for the Benevolent Fund at The Lutheran Home.  Thank you again.

GRACE AND PEACE LUTHERAN CONGREGATION COUNCIL

May 17, 2005

PRESENT:  Paul Mueller, Pastor Shelksohn, Kelly Smet, Julie Smith, Sandy Peterson, Linda Ericsson, Mary Whitledge, MarkRodlund, Richard Joyce, Mike Murphy and Janelle Houge.  Building Committee chairman, Don Howerter was present as a guest.  President Paul Mueller called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Prayers were led by Pastor Shelksohn and a devotion was shared by Kelly Smet.

Sharing The Vision: 

Don Howerter, Building Committee chairman, presented to the Council the final recommendations from the Building Committee.  A motion was made to accept the recommendation of the Building Committee as presented.  The motion was seconded and carried.  The architect will now develop a three-dimensional rendering for review.

AREAS OF MINISTRY AND BUSINESS

finance –No meeting in May.  Mark reported that finances were good at the present time.

long range planning – Presented by Don Howerter during Sharing the Vison.

nurture – Nothing to report.

property –The City of Peoria has stated that they do not have the authority to install a stoplight at our corner but rather it is the State who has this authority.  Carol Luecht continues to investigate this process.

stewardship – An article for the June Cornerstone has been submitted.  This committee is also starting a new program, Stew for Stewards, a dinner and a video on Stewardship.

worship and music – A report was reviewed.  Gretchen Church has resigned as organist and choir director.  Gretchen’s last Sunday will be July 31st.  Richard Joyce reported that Licensed Lay Ministers are now able to serve communion with the approval of the Bishop. 

youth  - Kelly reported that the Mission Trip is almost full – possibly still one open spot.  Kids ‘N Christ will be the first Friday in June.  Pastor is looking at a Confirmation Camp at Augustana College, which is $150 per confirmation student.

christian education – VBS theme has been chosen – Serengeti Trek – dates are July 31st -August 4th.

community action –The start date for the work on the Habitat for Humanity House has been delayed by 4-6 weeks and will begin now in July sometime. 

endowment – The Central Southern Illinois Synod has requested the release to them of their Fund that has been managed by the Grace and Peace Endowment Ministry.

evangelism –Each ministry needs to review their description from the website and report any changes to Mike Murphy for the Member Resource Guide.  Pastor also reported that an ad has been purchased on the telephone cover and they are available in the great room. 

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

Pastor reported that there will be an Anti Racism one-day seminar held here at Grace and Peace Lutheran on August 20, 2005 from 8:30-4:30 and volunteers are needed to help.

minutes – The Minutes of the April 19th, 2005 meeting were accepted as written.

women of grace and peace – No report.

pastor’s report – Pastor reviewed his report.  Joan Winter and Terry Dies have requested church membership by transfer.   A motion to accept into membership Joan Winter and Terry Dies was made, seconded and carried.  Terri Dies, and Cameron and Jaycee Poshard will be baptized on May 22nd.  

executive council – Met and set agenda. 

Next Council Meeting is June 21, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.  Executive Meeting is June 13, 2005 at 5:30 p.m.  A motion was made to adjourn.  The Council closed with the Lord’s Prayer.  Devotions and Snacks for next meeting are Julie Smith and Mary Whitledge.

Respectfully submitted,

Theresa Montgomery,

Recording Secretary

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