March 2006 Cornerstone

A LETTER FROM OUR MISSIONARY

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year from Honduras!  It's Wednesday morning and I want to write to you before I leave for one of my weekly trips to the Cañada. I've received various correspondence from so many of you in the last month or so—letters, Christmas cards, W2 forms, new books, snapshots, birthday cards—and I have to tell you, it is nothing but sunshine to hear from you. I do cartwheels through the office hallway whenever I receive a note from one of you angels.

Though I've been a bit out of touch for the last month or two, quite a bit has happened in the ICLH. Last December, I took a trip up to the north coast with some of the youth from Tegucigalpa. They had told me that the highway was bad heading up to la Ceiba, but I had not anticipated anything like what we encountered.  Huge pieces of the road had been washed away leaving unannounced 10 foot holes and cliffs in the road. Major bridges were missing and we crossed make-shift bridges made of cement blocks and toothpicks. We passed abandoned homes filled with four feet of mud, and frighteningly enormous rivers. Hours later, we arrived at Eva's house where much of the congregation was gathered organizing rice, beans, flour, and clothes.

 
Hurricane season hit hard in Honduras last year. Thousands of Hondurans died in New Orleans in Hurricane Katrina, and thousands more died in the tropical storms and hurricane tails that whipped the Northern coast.

 
Marcos had sent us the names and living conditions of 83 families in Chacalapa, one of the church's mission points. The community sits near one of the many rivers that empties about 10 miles later into the Caribbean Sea. The banks of the river, poorly maintained, look more like beaches than banks. In Chacalapa, many of the homes are made of mud and tree poles and are obviously very vulnerable in the face of natural disasters. The river destroyed many homes and took away the belongings, crops, and food of many families. In an attempt to find shelter, many of the families relocated to the community school, located on higher ground. Food quickly ran out, the trees were stripped of fruit, and people huddled together waiting for the rain to end. Illness began to spread: fungal infections, hepatitis, and dengue fever. Days later, help finally entered bringing food, medications, and some clothing to those most affected by the flooding.

 
Most of the families are employed by the enormous orange groves in the surrounding area. Although the people have lived on the land for generations, the orange groves are in the hands of several national and international enterprises and the average wage is about L.40 daily or roughly $2. Ten dollars a week doesn't stretch far for the large families in Chacalapa. There was hope that perhaps the government would assist in disaster relief, but, as Honduras was in a time of national elections, the poor and voiceless were sadly forgotten.

We visited families, held worship, and prayed in homes. In the face of children sick with hepatitis, young pregnant women that had lost their homes, and exhausting despair, the prayers cried out for justice, relief, and aid. Back in the main church offices, the staff worked on an emergency project together with ACT (Action Churches Together) to build sixty new homes in two of the communities most affected by the storms. The homes, with cinderblock walls and cement floors will be stronger in the future against the rains and winds. Now, at the end of January, the construction project is well underway and many families have new homes complete with a wall inside and a front step!

Undoubtedly, the sisters in the Cañada will ask about their Honduran brothers and sisters on the north coast. We'll sit together in one of the small, dark, dirt huts around a candle on the floor and they'll ask, "Lindsay, what do you know about the church in the north? Do you have news?"  "A little news," I'll say. And then I'll mention the indigenous community where we have begun to work, the homes built, the youth we helped treat for hepatitis. "We have to pray," they'll immediately say. Probably Lillian or Maria will say it. Softly we'll come together around the candle, swatting at the flies, mesmerized by the rays of sun beaming in though the thatch, and we'll pray.

 
Thanks for your prayers.

With hope,

Lindsay Mack

www.jude21.com

LENTEN MID-WEEK SERVICES

Our Mid-Week Services will be following the Old Testament from Creation to the Prophet Ezekiel. We will have a Soup Supper at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evenings with the exception of Ash Wednesday. All evening services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sign up to host a Soup Supper in the Great Room. Once a Soup has been chosen for a night we invite all members to bring their favorite recipes of that soup to dump into a large pot. Mine often is Campbell’s.

March 1st Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, March 8th: The Creation

Wednesday, March 15th: The Flood

Wednesday, March 22nd: The Testing of Abraham

Wednesday, March 29th: The Deliverance at the Red Sea

Wednesday, April 5th: The Valley of Dry Bones

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Sunday of the Passion: April 9th, 8:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday Communion: April 13th, 7:00 p.m.

 Good Friday: April 14th, 7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunrise: April 16th, 6:30 a.m.

Easter Festival Worship: April 16th, 9:30 a.m.

SERVING IN WORSHIP

Assisting Minister

Richard Shellman

Ushers

Carol Gard

Pam Kovach

Counters

Roger and Linda Ericsson

CLEAN UP DAY

Saturday, April 8, 2006

8:30 a.m. until done

Lunch will be provided.

Bring rags and buckets.

Inside and Outside Work

JOIN US

The Center for Prevention of Abuse 2006 Partners in Peace Luncheon will be held on Thursday, March 23, at noon at the Peoria Civic Center. The keynote speaker will be Rue McClanahan, best known for her role in the television series The Golden Girls. Pastor Shelksohn will be giving the invocation at the luncheon. Tickets are $35.00 and may be obtained by calling Lisa at the Center at 691-0551. Proceeds from this event will continue to provide help and hope to those in need and continue the programs of Youth Strength, Senior Strength, Inner Strength (sexual assault/abuse), Women’s Strength (domestic violence), and Family Strength. The Center for Prevention of Abuse asks for your help and support as they continue to work at building a safe and peaceful community. Any questions, ask Roxanne Hochsprung.

LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS

March 8: Chicken Noodle

March 15: Vegetable Beef

March 22: Potato

March 29: Cheese

April 5: Chili

All soup suppers will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the worship service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Hosts and hostesses are needed for each night. A sign-up sheet is in the Great Room. The host/hostess is responsible for serving and clean-up, in addition to providing soup crackers and drinks. They may also wish to provide a side dish, veggies, dessert, etc. Everyone attending the soup supper is asked to bring a serving of their favorite recipe of the Soup of the Day, and they will all be mixed together in the big roaster in the kitchen. The combination soup becomes a gourmet soup, never to be served again!

LENTEN STUDY GROUP AT SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

March 8th will begin our Lenten study to be held at Salem Lutheran Church. Breakfast will be served at 6:30 a.m.  The study will be taken from Max Lucado’s book, “No Wonder They Call Him Savior.”

CHOCOLATES, JUNK FOOD, CAFFEINE?

Is your Lenten tradition to give up something you indulge in? The reason for this tradition is your sacrifice is supposed to bring you closer to God. Has it worked in the past? This year instead of giving something up why don’t you do something new! How about intentionally giving thanks to God—by hosting a coffee hour? Pick a friend or two and serve together. The sign up sheet is in the back of the sanctuary, or contact Laura Tomblin.

These coffee hour dates are still available:

March 12

April 2, 9, 23

June 11, 18

July 2, 9, 23

August 6, 27

September 10, 24

Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

November 19, 26

December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

LIBRARY TREASURES

March is a reflective time as we enter the season of Lent and follow Jesus on His journey to the cross.

books for our young readers:

Prayer is... by Furn Kelling

A wonderful book to help children understand talking to God.

A CHILD’S GARDEN OF BIBLE STORIES by Arthur W. Gross

Stories from the Bible related to the old and New Testament.

BIBLE STORIES TO GROW retold by Mary Batchelor

Short stories and prayers.

books for our adult readers:

NEVER LOSE HEART by Joyce Meyer

A book of encouragement through all phases of life. It tells how to let Jesus walk beside you.

We are featuring two of Max Lucado’s books as you journey through the painful walk and death of Jesus.

He Chose the nails by Max Lucado

What about the crown of thorns, the garment taken, the wine-soaked sponge and the two crosses on the hill beside Jesus?  How Jesus suffered to give us eternal salvation.

Angels silent by Max Lucado

Another book to take a walk, His final walk. Follow His steps and stand in His shadow in His final journey.

We encourage you all to use these books or others in our library for reflection and meditation during Lent.

- The Bookworms

WOMEN OF THE ELCA

There sure have been some cold days in February!  Last month I wrote heart-warming words but now this month I feel like writing about cold fingers and toes!  I am a Minnesota native and one would think I would be used to the cold weather. Wally and I got married in February and it was 26 below zero that night!  Anyway, I have been freezing my fingers and toes when I take my two dogs outside each day. We don’t have a fenced in yard so, well, I have to take them out on a leash. Lots of times I get quite irritated, frustrated, and selfish in that they don’t do their thing fast enough!  Then when I am warmed up again I feel guilty about getting so mad at these two little short haired dogs (a Dachshund and a Chihuahua). They depend on me for everything—food, water, trips outside. I just finished reading a short book called Dog Psalms—Prayers My Dogs Have Taught Me by Rev. Herbert Brokering. There are two pages about commitment. One is from the dog’s point of view; and one is a human’s point of view and speaking to God. It is written in the book:  “I am dog. I believe in unconditional love. I am a life-long lover who will lie at your feet, on the bed, by your chair, at your side. When we have chosen each other, I will be there for you, with plenty. Out of my heart flows life and love. Unconditional love is the highest gift.”  So, on the next page the author speaks:  “God, you gave me your love before I met you. You do not hold back or tease me with what you give. I am learning the strength of your unconditional love. You have shown me your commitment throughout my life; you have committed to me beyond this life. You have promised me love I cannot comprehend.”  In pondering the pages of the book it’s true, I cannot comprehend God’s love or commitment. And I do get irritated, frustrated, and selfish with my spiritual life but regardless, God is relentless in his love for me.

There is so much information to provide to the Women of Grace and Peace this month! Please continue reading!

In conjunction with the physical, emotional, and spiritual health emphasis of the Women of the ELCA, we are offering Lenten Praise Moves sessions. Praise Moves was developed by Lynette Willis as a Christian alternative to yoga. Sessions will be held at the church on Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and April 5 beginning at 5:00 p.m. These sessions will consist of stretching, learning basic poses, scripture, and meditation. We will learn the poses and postures to be done as the Lord’s Prayer and the 23rd Psalm are recited. These sessions are for women of all ages. Each individual would only do what they feel physically comfortable with. Sarah Armstrong has taught yoga and is willing to help us correctly learn the poses. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a large towel if you think you will try the poses on the floor. It is hoped you will attend one, two, or all of the sessions. Following, stay for Lenten soup supper and Lenten worship.

World Day of Prayer will be held March 3, at 10:00 a.m., at First English Lutheran Church here in Peoria. World Day of Prayer is a well-established worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year. It is always the first Friday in March and is initiated and carried out by women in more than 170 countries and regions and brings together women of various races, cultures and traditions in closer fellowship, understanding, and action throughout the year. Everyone is welcome to attend!  (Men too!)

And speaking of First English Lutheran Church, last fall women came together at First English Lutheran Church for a fall conference event. Sandy Freiheit spoke and it was a great morning!  Several women from First English were certainly glad women from Grace and Peace were attending!  Funny thing happened—they needed to bake approximately 20 chicken pot pies, and that morning their ovens decided not to work!  So, enter women from Grace and Peace who brought some of the pies back to our church, baked them, and missed Sandy Freiheit’s talk!  Well, you can imagine how thankful the women at First English were that two of our women stepped in to assist. So thankful that they presented our women’s organization with one of their anniversary cookbooks!  It was in our kitchen but now I can’t seem to find it!  Does anyone know where this cookbook might be?

The Women of the ELCA Northern Conference will be holding a New Life Celebration at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bartonville on April 22.  The program is titled “Is It Well With You?” and will include revolving mini discussion groups on topics such as physical, mental, and spiritual wellness, as well as the Parish Nurses program and blood checks. Information is posted on the bulletin board.

That same weekend, April 21-22, is our own Grace and Peace Women’s Retreat at Living Springs Camp. This is a wonderful opportunity for ALL WOMEN of Grace and Peace to be together, refresh, and renew—a true retreat from your everyday activities. Be sure to check out the 10 Reasons to Attend the Women’s Retreat listed in this newsletter.

There really is something for everyone happening that particular weekend in April!

Then looking ahead to April and May, we will be recruiting teams for the Crop Walk and Race for the Cure. The Crop Walk will be held the last weekend in April and the Race for the Cure will be held on May 13. We encourage you to participate as walkers and/or supporters!  There is a way for each of us to participate in these worthwhile events!

And the final word is the Lutheran Woman Today March health emphasis:

Smile for good health!  A healthy smile is good for your entire body.

Your Executive Board: Roxanne Hochsprung, Coordinator; Nancy Howerter, Secretary; Linda Ericsson, Treasurer; Ann Joyce, Helen Hamilton, and Ruth Grenzow, Circle Representatives

Ruth/Rachel Circle

March 7 - 10:00 a.m.

Meeting at Church

Rebecca Circle

March 13- 11:30 a.m

Sack Lunch - Meeting at Church

Miriam Circle

March 14 - 7:00 p.m.

Soup Supper 5:45 p.m.

Meeting at Sue Sylvester's Home

Praise Moves - Fitness for His Witness!

“For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

- I Corinthians 6:20

In early 2001 Laurette Willis had an idea:  Something to move us to praise God, giving Him glory, and be beneficial for us…A form of exercise that would move us physically to better health and flexibility—while moving us spiritually to praise the Lord…Praise Moves.

The session begins with easy warm-ups and scripture affirmations. This is followed by stretching postures integrated with corresponding Bible scriptures and music. The session ends with relaxation and meditation on the Word. It is a program for EVERYONE!  You do only what you are comfortable with; you can stand or sit!

The plan is to offer the Praise Moves sessions once a week during Lent. What an appropriate Lenten discipline. Sarah Armstrong and the Women’s Board will be conducting the sessions with the aid of the Praise Moves video. You would need to wear comfortable clothes and bring a large towel or mat if you intend to sit on the floor for some of the postures. And it is best not to eat a large meal prior to the session.

The sessions will be held Wednesdays—March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and April 5—beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the church. On March 8, 15, 22, 29, and April 5, please stay for soup supper and Lenten worship.

Prayerfully consider attending.

“I present my body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is my reasonable service.”

- Romans 12:1

aGAPe

We had a great time at our first aGAPe session on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Sharon Bontz sent ripping to Wanda Green who is working at home right now by washing and cutting.

Our next session will be Wednesday, March 8, at 11:30 for lunch and work at noon. We are anxious to see the 40 plus backings that Kay Bartholomew has fixed up for us. We will be assembling quilts on March 8 and again on Wednesday, March 22. Watch the weekly bulletin for dates as we may add March 29 as well.

In the annual report, I wrote that with all the present disasters in the world, an estimate of 2.3 million blankets is needed. We could always use more help.

- Roberta Dietrich

LUTHERAN WOMEN OF GREATER PEORIA STYLE SHOW

“WORTH MORE THAN RUBIES”

The 21st annual Style Show to benefit the Child Abuse Counseling program at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois will be Saturday, March 11, starting at noon at the Pere Marquette Hotel. You should have received your invitations in person or you can check with Barbara Hanson who is the reservation chairperson. Reservation deadline is Monday, March 6.

There will be a special prize drawing for a diamond and ruby necklace besides the luncheon, style show, silent auction, and prize drawing baskets. Necklace raffle tickets ($5 each and you do not need to be present to win) are available beginning March 1 from Roberta Dietrich.

Nathan, Delaney, and Linda (Nathan’s mom) Ruby are involved from Grace and Peace as well as Hailey and Hannah Mueller.

Our congregation always supports this great cause. Wanda Green is the chairperson again so you know this year’s event will be a wonderful function.

BENEFIT CONCERT

The 13th annual benefit choir concert on Sunday, Feb. 12, was held at First English Lutheran as part of their 100th anniversary as a congregation. Five choirs and 2 bell choir groups from area Lutheran churches performed. It was a delightful afternoon of music ranging from gospel to Mozart.

A freewill offering was taken for the Benevolent Fund at Lutheran Hillside Village. With the matching funds from Peoria/Stark County Chapter of Thrivent, the event raised $2801.00. This event was sponsored by Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria.

EVENING BIBLE STUDY

Nurture committee is charged with helping to initiate new small groups when an interest arises. Several members have expressed an interest in an evening bible study as we currently hold our bible studies during the day.

If you would like to be a part of this, we will work to help organize a group. Please contact Kristina Glenzinski or any member of your Nurture

Committee.

MISCELLANEOUS

Even with the cold weather lately, no one has claimed the man’s black wool coat that is hanging on the coat rack in the narthex. Check your closet or with someone you know who was a visitor here.

Just a word of warning—any group that decorates the Great Room with items hanging from the ceiling needs to remove them before setting the alarm system and leaving. Any movement sets off the alarms and means another trip to church for someone to meet the police there.

New telephone directories are available in the Great Room.

Food Collection the 4th Sunday of each month. Donations go to the South Side Mission and we also have a small food pantry. Please leave donations in the baskets in the Great Room.

There are many sign-up spots left for altar flowers during the year. Cost is $25

April Cornerstone Deadline

March 26, 2004

SHARE Food Sign-Up

March 5 & 12  - Share Sign-up

March  25 - Share Pick-up

Page content last updated: March 15, 2006

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