May 2006 Cornerstone

PASTOR WAYNE SEZ

THE EASTER QUESTION: WHO IS HE?

Jesus of Nazareth is known as an historical figure by many people. Across the religious spectrum, from devout Christian to confirmed atheist, opinions vary widely. Even for the person of faith, however, there is the ongoing need to review the witness of Scripture, and especially what our Lord said about himself. And that is the focus of the readings for May.

For us it may be two weeks after Easter, but in the Gospel for April 30th it’s still Easter, though in the evening of that day. When Jesus appears behind locked doors in Luke 24:36b-48, though the disciples have been hearing about "sightings" of Jesus, they still think he's a ghost. He has to eat some fish to convince them otherwise! And he calls them witnesses. Peter is the witness in Acts 3:12-19, when the religious authorities ask him how he healed a man who had been crippled. John is the witness when, in 1 John 3:1-7, he writes, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us!" Do you know people who think Jesus is as fictitious as a character in a ghost story? How might you make him palpably present for them as God's love incarnate? Words alone do not always get through mental blocks; sometimes it takes a life-sustaining touch or a little food for them to see Jesus alive with you—and them.

More than titles, relationships define who Jesus is. The analogy for May 7th is agricultural (and foreign to most people), but timeless. "I am the Good Shepherd," says Jesus in John 10:11-18. "And I lay down my life for the sheep." John reminds us of that truth in 1 John 3:16-24. That means our Lord will do anything for us, as we ought for one another. In Acts 4:5-12 Peter and John are questioned about the power of Christ at work in them. When we are faced with such questions, we can confidently answer that we are children of God. Thus, if someone asks who Jesus is to you, you might say, "Shepherd, Brother, Savior." And that will provide you opportunity to ask, "And who is he to you?"

Answering the question "Who is he?" means taking action. That's the obvious message in the readings for May 14th. When in John 15:1-8 Jesus calls himself the Vine to which we branches are attached, not only does he want us to stay attached; he's looking for fruit! Phillip is an example in Acts 8:26-40 when he instructs and then baptizes the Ethiopian official. How far would you go to be a fruitful branch? It is not unusual to feel guilty for not being as fruitful as the biblical heroes of faith. Fortunately, 1 John 4:7-21 includes the calming reminder, "God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." His love in us will provide all the nourishment we need to seize the opportunities he provides, no matter our past track record.

On May 21st,  Jesus' answer to "the question of the month" is "Friend!" That overly used, seemingly childlike simple answer, though, is fraught with difficulties. In John 15:9-17 our Lord points out being friends indeed means being friends in loving deeds. In Acts 10:44-48 Peter has taken the risk of coming into a Gentile's home—but so has the Holy Spirit come! How do we know to whom we ought to show Christian love? 1 John 5:1-6 says only, "love, obey, believe." What seems to be Law is actually only letting God's grace move through us as He gives opportunity. How can you be a conduit for your loving Friend?

On May 28th  our Lord prays to his Father for our protection by his Name (it is LORD); read John 17:6-19, part of his High Priestly Prayer. Why is it so comforting to know Jesus is praying for us? 1 John 5:9-13 proclaims, "He who has the Son has life." Even in his human nature he is appealing to the Lord, yet addressing him as "Father." So that the LORD's New Covenant people may mirror Israel, in Acts 1:15-17,21-26 Matthias replaces Judas. Have you let our Lord replace any other competing lords in your life?

SERVING IN WORSHIP

Assisting Minister

Wanda Green

Ushers

Jim Claude

Dale Bollman

Wally Hochsprung

Dave Moder

Sid Peterson

Counters

Vicki Bittner & Nancy Claude

Our Graduates

High School: Amanda Barnabe & Amy Barnabe

8th Grade: Abigail Jackson

Summer Schedule

The vote at the Congregational Meeting Sunday April 23, 2006 was very close and there were several ballots that were neither for or against the change. After careful thought, Dick Joyce suggested that we check with Roberts Rules for a correct interpretation of the results. Roberts Rules states: “When a quorum is present, a majority vote, that is a majority of the votes cast, ignoring blanks, is sufficient for the adoption of any motion that is in order”  We had 80 ballots turned in with 39=yes; 37=no and 4=abstain or didn’t care. Since there was not a majority of the total votes cast the motion DID NOT PASS.

THEREFORE, THE TIME OF THE SERVICE WILL REMAIN AT 8:30AM FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS.

Respectfully,

Linda Ericsson

Council President

No Sunday School classes Memorial Weekend, May 28th

No Sunday School Classes during the summer months, June-August

MEET THE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Louise Cheatham

My Name: Louise Blanch Young-Cheatham

71 years old, the mother of 5 children 3 boys and 2 girls, 3 living, 2 boys dead. I was raised in the south in a Christian home. My dad was a Southern Baptist Minister. I feel like I was born knowing about God, love, respect for others and also taking care of others in need. My dad did not like it if you forgot your duty to some older person. We only had the bible and school books to read and sometimes a little newspaper called the Grit.

What do I Like to Do?

First and most of all, study God’s Word. Pray and sing and praise to the Lord. I love to cook and bake and feed people.

Pray with and for people throughout the world. I thirst for the Word of God and cannot seem to get enough. The more I study his precious Word, the more I want and need, more, more, everyday and sharing my faith gives me joy. I also give away bibles. I keep some in my car. I also give away small bears that have been blessed to the sick. I like traveling and photography. Seeing God’s creation feeds my soul, so much beauty. I have tried to capture as much as I can on film. I have been blessed to have seen 21 of the 50 states and 8 of the 13 Louisiana Purchased states.

I have talked to people across this country about God, also in Canada, asking one special question; “How can anyone look at all this and not believe in God?” and no one has ever been upset with me yet. Grace and Peace to you all. God loves you and so do I.

Louise

Richard Joyce

Name: Richard L. Joyce

Born: June 4, 1947 in Peoria

Parents: Leslie & Helen Joyce–Mom is living at Manor Care in Peoria

Graduated: Woodruff High 1965; Bradley 1981 Bachelors in Religious Studies

Attended First English Lutheran, Peace Lutheran, have been at Grace and Peace since the merger in 1994.

Married: Ann C. Fitzpatrick in 1966

Children: Julie married to Brian

Grandchildren: Jeffrey & Emily

Children: Keri married to Terry

Grandchildren: Noah, Caleb, & Peter

Employed at Caterpillar – 22 years; Currently a technical writer for Cat equipment. Previously employed at Logical Technology – Computer system analyst and network manager. Former council president and currently council liaison for Worship & Music Ministry.

Currently trained & commissioned as Licensed Lay Minister of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod. I enjoy preaching and teaching in the church.

Hobbies include spending time with the grand kids, model trains, umpiring girls softball, gardening, and mushroom hunting. Firefighter  and EMT on Dunlap Fire & Rescue Squad.

Sandy Peterson

Sandy Peterson is in her 2nd year of her 2nd term on the Church Council. During her tenure she has served as council liaison for the Christian Education committee. She sings in the choir and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Church Council. She enjoys the opportunity to work with the members of the council and learn how other ministries of the church operate.

Sandy and her husband, Sid, joined Grace Evangelical Lutheran church in 1970. For a few years while her husband was transferred by Caterpillar they were members of Lutheran churches in Burlington and Bettendorf, Iowa. Upon returning to the Peoria area in 1986, they rejoined Grace and welcomed the merger to Grace and Peace. Sandy currently works at Bradley University in the Dean’s Office of the Foster College of Business Administration.

Sandy and Sid have three children. Eric and his wife Beth were married at Grace and Peace in October, 2003. Eric and Beth reside in Chicago where Eric works for the Comcast cable network. Emily is women’s soccer coach at ICC as well as working in the Registrar’s Office. Stephen is an aspiring actor living in Los Angeles.

Sandy’s vision for Grace and Peace is for the church to grow spiritually in harmony and peace. In other words, to embrace the characteristics embodied in our name, “Grace and Peace”.

THE GARAGE GANG

The Garage Gang is traveling to the Conklin Theatre in Goodfield on Friday, May 26. The play is a comedy entitled “Everyone Loves Opal.”  The cost is $30 per person for dinner and the play. The drinks and tip are extra. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the buffet opens at 6:30 p.m. so all those who would like to car pool should be at the church by 5:15 p.m. Reservations need to be made by May 12. We  need at least 20 people. If you have questions call Dick or Barb Hanson. See sign-up sheet in the Great Room.

THRIVENT BUILDS WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International have joined together to create Thrivent Builds, a four-year, $100 million program designed to help provide a “hand up” to people who lack decent shelter.

The Peoria area has been selected for three of these projects. (1 in Pekin and 2 in Peoria.)  Volunteers are urgently needed to help with the work involved. Time periods for the work involved run from now until late-August of this year.

For further information, please contact Dave Moder via email or by phone.

LUTHERAN OUTDOOR MINISTRIES CENTER

To the Congregation of Grace and Peace Lutheran Church,

Thank you for the recent gift to Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center from Grace and Peace Lutheran Church. You are a partner in an adventure to pass on the faith to thousands of children and adults each year through Christian outdoor camping ministry. We are blessed with so many people like you who love this place and support God’s ministry here on our 650-acre site. Your time, talents and donations are all part of that support.

This is an exciting time at LOMC. We’re preparing for summer camp and have used recent gifts for equipment to enhance our baptism theme “At the Water’s Edge.”  We have been able to increase our fleet of canoes, purchase flotation devices and fishing supplies.

Since camper fees only provide about 70% of the cost of a week at summer camp, your gifts are so important to the children we serve. Contributions are also used to provide meaningful adult programs, and we invite you to participate in our upcoming events.

Thanks again for your support of LOMC’s mission: “...nurturing Christian faith and providing experiences connecting the Word of God with the World of God..

Your co-worker in the Gospel,

Russ Senti, Executive Director

Amount Received:  $900.00—Purchase of a Tractor

How the NEW tractor aids our Ministry

The new tractor and the wagon allow us to give wagon rides on the Prairie to show such sites as the Freedom Tree, Aspen Tree Grove, Turtle Hill, Cricket Frog Pond and the Prairie itself. These are all things that God has blessed us with at LOMC. Some guests are unable to walk the trails and see these places. They can now ride in the wagon and see these sites. By doing these rides in an interpretive manner our guests leave with a view they didn’t have before going on the ride. When in the wagon and it comes over the crest of the hill, the sight of the prairie is an awesome view with all its colors, sounds or just the wind blowing. The sight of deer running or wild turkey going from one place to another is a wonderful sight. God has blessed us with a beautiful setting and we need to share it with all.

George Davis

Property Manager LOMC

YOUTH

Success

The Youth Group has done a successful job of raising funds for the events coming up for  the JLYO and LYO!

Please let them know how proud we are of them. As it stands, they have raised more than $700 towards different events.

If you didn’t get chance to purchase Butterbraids or Cookies and would like to, please see Gwen as we do have items still available.

And let me also thank you for supporting our Youth. They are the future of Grace and Peace, and they really do appreciate all the love and support they are given.

Youth Group News

Attention:  Not for Youth Only!!!

Everyone Welcome!!!

Fantastic Night of Fun, Baseball, Music and Faith

June 30th, O’Brien Field, Gates Open 5:30 p.m.

Featuring AVALON!

Sign up early in the Great Room so we can get group rates.

LIBRARY TREASURES

May is a good time to let our mothers know how much we love them. If your mother is gone let another woman know she’s appreciated.

Books for Our Young Readers:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Narnia—open a door and enter a new world.

Be Kind to Animals by James Duffy

Several children get upset when they see two boys throwing sticks and stones at the ducks in the pond. They learn a valuable lesson about themselves.

How Fletcher was Hatched by Wende and Harry Devlin.

Fletcher felt unloved when he saw Alexandra playing with the new baby chickens. He and his friends think up a scheme to get Alexandra’s attention.

Books for Our Adult Readers 

The Prince by Francine Rivers

She tells the stories of five men who faithfully sought after God in the shadows of God’s chosen leaders. They gave everything knowing their reward might not come until the next life.

A Dream Anew by Tracie Peterson

The Diamond V Ranch has flourished under the hands of Dianne and Cole Shelby. When a new family arrives in the area they soon realize they will stop at nothing to get their land.

The Sentence by Charles Colson

When he is released from prison his faith is challenged in every situation. He finds himself returning to prison to do a ministry there.

Remember our June booksale. If you have any books to donate please leave them in the library.

- The Bookworms

YOUTH GROUP NEWS

Kids In Christ (up to 5th Grade)

May 6th – Horseback riding ages 8 and above

Rides for younger ones will be on a lead only.

May 20th – Kartville, 2:00-4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 for go-carts.

There is a prize waiting for someone.  We need to arrive as a group so we can bring our own drinks and snacks.

JLYO (6th, 7th, 8th Grade)

May 6th – Horseback riding ages 8 and above

Pittsburgh Project August 2006.

May 20th – Kartville, 2:00-4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 for go-carts.

There is a prize waiting for someone.  We need to arrive as a group so we can bring our own drinks and snacks.

LYO (High School Age)

May 6th – Horseback riding ages 8 and above

May 20th – Kartville, 2:00-4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 for go-carts.

There is a prize waiting for someone.  We need to arrive as a group so we can bring our own drinks and snacks.

Leadership Lab - June 12-17

WOGAP - WOMAN OF GRACE AND PEACE

Are you getting enough zzzzz’s?  That is the Lutheran Woman Today emphasis for the month of May. I know I’m not and had better read the article in the magazine!  I have a book called Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much and there is a meditation that talks about the busy-ness of our lives and how we can’t experience the soothing regeneration of deep sleep. Both my body and the gas tank of my car have been running on empty lately!  Because of Easter and family events we have been traveling again, putting many many miles on our car and spending many hours in it!  As a passenger, I like to sleep in the car, however it isn’t the regenerating kind of sleep!  Although I didn’t sleep all that much on recent trips as we spent the driving time listening to the books The Five People You Meet in Heaven and The DaVinci Code. Big difference in the two books that is for sure!  But the books did make the time seem to go faster.

We experienced the joy of Easter and the Resurrection with my mother and sister in small town Minnesota. It was a beautiful Easter service!  The congregation sang the Lord’s Prayer and watched members of the congregation perform a liturgical dance. Old, young, single, married, moving in adoration and praise. The Easter joy carried over to family gatherings as well. We enjoyed a get-together with cousins and spouses on my father’s side of the family on Saturday. Some of these cousins I hadn’t seen in over 20 years!  My mother (age 90) was also in attendance and is the only surviving aunt!  This scenario will not be repeated again on earth!  It was a joyful weekend!

Now fast forward several weekends!  Coming up Tuesday, June 6, is our annual Grace and Peace Women’s Banquet!  A pot luck dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. Bring the following:  a dish to pass; women friends; daughters; mother; other female relatives. Table settings and beverages will be provided.

Suzanne Tietjen, author of 40 Days to Your Best Life – A Spiritual Journey to Contentment for Nurses will speak to us about her nursing experiences in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, how her faith sustains and carries her through difficult times and situations, and her writing career.

This event fits in so well with the theme of the Women of the ELCA:  Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls – Promoting Your Physical Health, Emotional Health, and Spiritual Health!  If you will remember, last year we had a speaker from HeartCare Midwest talking about heart health/physical health!  This year we are focusing on our spiritual health. Please plan on attending!

I know I talked about busy-ness and exhaustion however–if you haven’t yet filled out your Time and Talent sheet, please do so and under the section Women of the ELCA, please mark any/all items of interest to you. It takes all of us to work together in service to our Lord and one another.

GENTLY USED SALE

If you have an interest in working with the Gently Used sale, please talk with one of our Board members. This has been an excellent fund raiser in the past and we would like to have one again in the fall but we need your help!  And if you have the time and energy to do spring cleaning, set aside items that you can donate to the cause!

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

2006 GRACE AND PEACE WOMEN’S BANQUET

R_X For Spiritual Health

Tuesday, June 6

6:00 p.m.

Please join us for the annual Grace and Peace Women’s Banquet!  A pot luck dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. Bring a dish to pass; table settings and beverages will be provided.

Suzanne Tietjen, author of 40 Days to Your Best Life – A Spiritual Journey to Contentment for Nurses will speak to us about her nursing experiences in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, how her faith sustains and carries her through difficult times and situations, and her writing career. Her book is available in the church library.

This evening is just the prescription to aid your spiritual health! 

Invite family and friends to attend with you!

WOMEN’S CIRCLES

Ruth/Rachel Circle

May 2, 2006 10:00 A.M.

Sack Lunch, Meeting at Church

Miriam Circle

May 9, 2006  7:OO P.M.

Home of Juanita Eftefield

Rebecca Circle

May 8, 2006 11:30 A.M.

Sack Lunch, Meeting at Church

Woman to Woman

May 17, 2006  6:30 P.M.

Meeting at Church

aGAPe 

Even with small crews on the last 2 aGAPe days, we have 40 quilts ready to go. This year because of unusual gifts of both big pieces of fabric and pre-cut miscellaneous squares, we are making some new patterns for the quilts.

In May our aGAPe days will be Wednesday, May 3 and again on Wednesday, May 17. Come about 11:30 a.m. with your lunch and scissors. We try to start work about noon.

- Roberta Dietrich

SUNDAY FLOWER FUND

There were 3 Sundays in January when no one sponsored the altar flowers but, of course, the florist provided the bouquets as ordered, and we paid for them even though there were no contributions towards them.

Please look at the Flower Chart at the back of the sanctuary where you will find 3 Sundays in July with no one signed on the line. There are a couple more vacant Sundays in 2006 also. Please consider this way to celebrate one of our worship services and share the flowers with family or friends later.

The cost is $25 a Sunday or you can donate towards just one of the bouquets at $12.50. Please sign up soon.

MISSIONARY SUPPORT

Lindsay Mack is still our assigned missionary, and she writes to us often by e-mail to keep us aware of her ministry. To sponsor her at $15 a week, please sign up on the chart on the table at the back of the sanctuary.

SUMMER'S "SIMPLE" COFFEE HOURS

Conversation, coffee, and a simple snack. Coffee hours do not have to be elaborate to be enjoyed. Summer is the time to take it easy–so why not volunteer to serve a simple coffee hour! The signup sheet is at the back of the sanctuary or contact Laura Tomblin.

At this time coffee hours on the following Sundays are still available:

June 11 July 2, 9, 23, 30 August 6, 27

September 10, 24 October 1, 8, 22, 29 November 19, 26

December 10, 17, 24, 31

MISCELLANEOUS

SHARE Food

April 30 & May 7 - Share Sign-up

May 20 - Share Pick-up

May Extra Item  $12

Summer Grill Season

June Cornerstone Deadline

May 21, 2006

May Key Person

Joyce Smith

May 29, 2006

Memorial Day

Office Closed

Lawn Mowing

The Property Ministry needs two more teams of 3-4 people each for mowing. Each team only mows once a month. Your church needs you.

Keys

We are revising our key list. If you have a key to the building, please let the office know and also the number on your key.

Thanks 

We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation and thanks for all of the cards, phone calls, e-mails and especially prayers during the loss of our 22-month old grandson, Joshua Cole Demel. God’s light is shining through all of you!

- Susan & Mike Mohler

GRACE AND PEACE LUTHERAN CONGREGATION COUNCIL

April 18, 2006

PRESENT:  Roberta Dietrich, Kent Anderson, Linda Ericsson, Barbara Hanson, Pastor Shelksohn, Don Howerter, Dick Joyce, Carol Luecht, David Moder, Sandy Peterson, Louise Cheatham and Mike Murphy.

President Linda Ericsson called the meeting to order.

Devotions were shared by David Moder and Pastor led prayer concerns.

AREAS OF MINISTRY AND BUSINESS

finance – Mike reported that the Operating Funds are depleting. To help fund VBS for this year a motion was made by Mike Murphy to implement “A Ton of Fun” campaign to bring aluminum cans to the church for recycling. Any excess funds will be placed in the operating fund.”  Barbara Hanson seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Finance Ministry is establishing a procedure for the dedicated funds and time limits will be set on these accounts.

long range planning – Don reported that David Dietrich, Roger Ericsson, Mark Priess, Nathan Ruby and Carol Luecht are members of this committee. A meeting date and time are being established.

nurture – No meeting. Barb thanked Carol Luecht for her work as chairperson of the Easter Breakfast – the profit was $408 which was placed in the Sanctuary Fund. Barb also reported that 19 children attended the Easter Egg Hunt.

property – Clean-up date will be April 29th. There are not enough people signed up for the mowing teams and Carol hopes to get two more teams. One of the electric stoves is broken.

stewardship – A written report was reviewed. Kent reported that Time and Talent sheets were handed out on Palm Sunday and they are still in the process of receiving these back. Stewardship Ministry will give the children jars to collect coins for VBS.

worship and music – Will meet on April 19th. A new person is needed to help Marcella Burris get greeters for the worship services.

youth – No report.

christian education  – Last Sunday School before the summer break will be May 21st. Coordinator for VBS is still needed.

community action – Dave reported he received correspondence from Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent who have joined efforts to build for people needing shelter. Volunteers are urgently needed. He will include an article in the May Cornerstone.

endowment – A schedule for presenting to the congregation the grant recipients has been assigned. The officers for the year: Chairman, Paul Bartholomew; Recording Secretary, Sid Peterson; Financial Secretary, Al Berg.

evangelism –Louise reported that this ministry is in need of members.  Louise has handed out bibles to people who need them.

minutes – The minutes from the March 21st Council meeting were approved.

women of grace and peace – No report. Mike Murphy inquired about a Men’s Group at Grace and Peace.

pastor’s report – Written report reviewed. Pastor and Cindy will host a Father/Child cookout at their home in June.

executive council – Met and set agenda. The Council members were asked to submit short biographies to Theresa each month for the Cornerstone

Next Council Meeting will be May 16th at 6:30 p.m. Executive Council will meet on May 9th 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 Sandy Peterson and Pastor Wayne.

Respectfully submitted,

Theresa Montgomery

Page content last updated: May 31, 2006

This web site is best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 using medium text size.

© 2004-2008 Grace and Peace Lutheran Church. All Rights Reserved.