November 2005 Cornerstone

PASTOR WAYNE SEZ

November

When you think of the month of November, the first thing that comes to mind is Thanksgiving.  From the very beginning, the church has held up the concept of thanksgiving.  The word Eucharist means "thanksgiving" in Greek.  So Sunday after Sunday as the bread and wine is shared, it is a meal of thanksgiving in which we partake.

Thanks!

Cindy and I wish to thank all who shared thoughts and gifts with us on October 23rd your kindness was most welcome.

Grace and Peace Lutheran Church Serves

Human Service Center Thanksgiving Dinner

Tuesday November 22nd

St. Paul Episcopal Church, War Memorial Drive

Volunteers needed:

Kitchen Help 4:00 pm

Set up Help 5:00 pm        

Serving Help 6:00 pm

Clean up Help After Dinner

Donations needed to defray cost.

Items needed:

Pumpkin Pies

Jell-O Or Whipped Salad

People to Cook Turkeys

Sign up in the great room!

See Carol Luecht for details

THANKSGIVING SERVICES

Theme: “You’re Welcome”

Wednesday, November 23

12:00 Noon followed by Soup Lunch

7:00 pm evening worship

SERVING IN WORSHIP

Assisting Minister

Dick Joyce

Ushers 

Pam Kovach

Carol Gard

Linda Ericsson

Counters                           

Roger and Linda Ericsson

STEWARDSHIP

“Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.”

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Saying “Yes” to God is risky. A sensible person simply wouldn’t do it. Think about it. The prayer that many of us hear in church on Pentecost goes like this: “God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as you sent upon the disciples the promised gift of the Holy Spirit, look upon your Church and open our hearts to the power of the Spirit. Kindle in us the fire of your love, and strengthen our lives for service in your kingdom.”

That’s a very nice prayer. Who can argue with “open our hearts” and “strengthen our lives”? The prayer asks very large things in very comfortable phrases. Certainly, this prayer lets us sound like we are saying, “Yes” to God–but without taking any unnecessary chances.

But what if our Pentecost prayer went more like this: “Lord, rip open the sky and mark me with a fire of conviction so eternally sure that the very walls of unbelief and hatred and prejudice crumble before me. Storm me with the wind of the Spirit; seize me up and away from the minor crises that fasten my sight on the ground. Lord, set me on fire with the Word and with the passion given to the disciples.”  What would happen if we had the courage to pray that prayer? Would we hope God said “yes” to our petition?

But Isn’t God A “No”-Sayer?

Many believe that God is essentially a “No”-sayer.  The Ten Commandments, for example, if viewed only on the surface can seem to support that notion. Indeed, God does say “No.” God sets limits. And God expects obedience. The earliest stories in Scripture establish human accountability. To Adam and Eve, He asked, “Where are you?” and “What have you done?”  He establishes another accountability for humankind with the question to Cain of, “Where is your brother?” Cain’s response, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is answered with a resounding, “Yes.” Fundamental to being human beings, created in the image of God, is that we are accountable to Him. God continues to call out the questions: “Where are you? What have you done? Where is your brother?”

God The “No”-Sayer Is, At Heart, A “Yes”-Sayer

Though it may seem that Scripture is full of judgments, it is filled even more with the story of God’s love, gifts and promises. The Bible continually tells of God’s intention to keep His promises. In Scripture, a promise is never casual; it is always relational, always forward looking (1 Corinthians 1:20), and always of benefit to the recipient of the promise (Psalm 18:30). In addition, because the promises of God are dependable (Joshua 23:14; 2 Samuel 22:2-3; 1 Kings 8:20; 1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 10:23), they form the basis of hope (Jeremiah 29:10-11).

A Covenant Is A Promise And A Gift

Many of God’s promises were more like covenants, or agreements, combined with formal promises. A covenant into which God entered usually had these characteristics:

The Ten Commandments are not just out there floating at random, condemning the actions of the people of the world. They are the prescribed pattern of response–the way the chosen people were to say “Yes” to a “Yes”-saying God. The prophets, who called people to a life of faithfulness, did so not simply by threat of judgment. They did so as an appeal to the “Yes”-saying acts of God. Remember what God has done for you. Remember and live that “Yes”-saying response.

A covenant is a gift. It is a gift so generous and consuming that it calls for a response–a response of obedience.

The New Covenant

Jesus affirmed that God did indeed give promises and gifts beyond measure, beyond what we could expect or demand. God in Christ gave life–new life now and eternal life to come. This giving was simply out of love (John 3:16) and not as a reward for anything we had done or would do or any other qualification on our part (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our response to that freely offered gift is a life of faithful service (see Matthew 16:24, John 13:35).

This new covenant has some of the characteristics of the old (for example, it is relational, dependable, given by God, for the benefit of those who receive), but it is no longer a covenant that depends on the obedience of those who receive the covenant to validate it. The covenant has already been established forever by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10); the blessings are secured (Acts 2:39). We who receive that covenant live in the grace and forgiveness it brings. We are made into a “new creation” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). We live in the promise and hope that Jesus offers (Ephesians 2:12). Because we are now the ones who are loved and redeemed, we are those who live a new life in Christ. That new life makes us able to say, “Yes” to God and to others. We live faithfully, in gratitude and hope (Romans 5:1-5). We say, “Yes.”

Living The “Yes”

By living the way of the cross, we do not gain heaven or earn God’s favor. We have already been given those things. We do not gain status or achieve blessings. God gives status and blessings as God chooses. We live God’s way, accountable for our time and talents and treasures, because we have said “Yes” to God in Christ–“Yes” by the power of the Spirit.

And, as “Yes”-sayers, we might be bold and pray: Lord, storm me with the wind of the Spirit; seize me and soar with me up and away from the minor crises that fasten my sight on the ground. Fire my eyes with a vision of what your Spirit, loose in my world, could tear down, heal, make new and make happen in my life and at Grace and Peace Lutheran Church. Amen and Amen. “Yes” and “Yes” again.

November 20 is Commitment Sunday

Prayerfully Consider Your Thankful Response To His Goodness

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Grace and Peace Lutheran Church will celebrate Christian Stewardship this year with a study titled "We Say Yes" commencing on November 20, with Commitment Sunday.  On that day, your Stewardship Ministry will host a thank you brunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by a performance of "To The Castle." Mark your calendars now!

"TO THE CASTLE" combines music, disarming humor, a clever story line and easily understood characters to invite audiences to see themselves as flawed-but-faithful stewards of God’s blessings. The residents of a medieval castle prepare for the surprising return of their King. Before the King arrives, each of them shares with a lowly sty warden (a pig keeper) a personal understanding and practice of stewardship. In the end, though, it is their surprising Ruler who teaches them the true meaning of God-graced stewardship, and encourages them in their lives of service to God’s will.

THANKSGIVING SERVICES

Our annual Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service will be Wednesday, November 23rd, at 12:00 noon.   A soup and sandwich luncheon will be served following the 12:00 noon service at approximately 1:00 p.m.

The evening Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd.

Again this year, a food collection offering will be received during the month of  November.  This collection of canned goods and nonperishable items will be donated to food pantries for their ministry to the city of Peoria's hungry.

There will be baskets in the great room and at the altar during November for your donations and  at the Thanksgiving Worship Service.

Thanksgiving is a time when we reflect and give thanks for God's care and abundance for our families and  respond from a thankful heart to God's command to "feed my children".

ENDOWMENT FUND GRANT APPLICATIONS

The Endowment Committee of Grace and Peace Lutheran Church accepts Endowment Fund Grant Applications throughout the year.  Requests involving community outreach and special ministries of Grace and Peace Lutheran Church are encouraged.  The Committee emphasizes giving to causes, which are new and different each year.  Anyone wishing to submit an application is asked to first obtain an application form from the Church Office.  Upon completing the application, return it to the Church Office anytime during the year.  Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year, however those received by December 31, will be those considered by the Committee for distributions of the following year commencing in March.

- Grace and Peace Endowment Committee

PEORIA DINING TOUR COUPON BOOK

Offered by

The Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria Area

The Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria Area are offering the Peoria Dining Tour Coupon Book again this year. They are now available and are valid until November 1, 2006. The cost this year is $35.00. Ten dollars from each book will go equally to the Lutheran Hillside Village and Lutheran Social Service of Illinois. Last year we were able to divide $6,500 between these two organizations.

This year the Dining Tour is bigger and better than ever! We’ve added a new category of food—PIZZA. That means your now have four categories from which to choose—FINE DINING, CASUAL, PIZZA AND FUN FOODS. This year there are over 300 valuable BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE coupons valid at local area restaurants. This book should appeal to all ages.

Please contact Wanda Green. They are also available in the church office. With the purchase of the coupon books, you will help us provide for needs at the Lutheran Home and at Lutheran Social Services and at the same time enjoy an evening out or lunch with a friend. These coupon books make great Christmas gifts.

FROM YOUR YOUTH DIRECTOR

LYO-JLYO and Kid’s in Christ November Sing-A-Long

November 19th 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Come sing with us! Get ready for the holidays, and have a fun night together—crafts and games, too!

Sign–up Sheet in Great Room

LYO and JLYO Ice Skating Party

Everyone Welcome

November 18th (Meet at the front door at 7:15 p.m.)

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Bring a friend!

They will need $2 for skates and $4 admission. Your youth will need $2 for skates- admission for your youth will be paid. Please let Gwen ASAP if you are planning on going! If you would like to volunteer to help with chaperoning that evening, let Gwen know.

Annual Northern Conference JLYO Martin Luther King, Jr., Weekend

Landmark Recreation Center

January 15-16, 2006

Cost per student is $20. Adult Sponsors are free.

This event begins at First English Lutheran Church at 10:30 p.m. Sunday night, moves to Landmark at midnight, and ends at Landmark at 5:00 a.m. Monday morning.  Musical guest this year is Christian Rapper, Agape.

We need to know how many will be going ASAP so that we can let Jill Goldhammer know within a reasonable amount of time. I think this is a good opportunity for our youth. Please let me know as soon as you can.

aGAPe

Bravo to the entire crew of aGAPe women!  We reached an all-time high in constructing 169 quilts this year.  Many thanks to all those who worked every time or were able to join us just once this year.  It takes the whole crew working together to make these quilts.  We have it on good authority that our quilts are among the finest made.  Other church groups make more but they are not designed to be beautiful or even attractive.  We try to bring beauty into the lives these quilts touch besides the practical use of them.

We will be taking a little break from aGAPe days at church although many of us will be working at home or in the stash of fabric we have at church.  I will be taking some work with me on the next trip Dave and I are taking.

- Roberta Dietrich

Lutheran World Relief Ingathering

On Wednesday, Oct. 26, we packed the quilts mentioned above minus the 22 we sent to the folks in Louisiana in September with our semi-load.  There will be a more complete report in next month’s Cornerstone but our numbers are close to those listed below:

142 quilts

100 school kits

37 layettes

48 health kits

besides some donated blankets and clothing.  We exceeded our previous numbers in every category except clothing.  Thank you to everyone who was part of giving supplies and money for them to these various projects.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF ILLINOIS

Christmas time is coming soon!  On Sunday, Nov. 20, there will be four options for you to be part of the annual gift-giving to the foster children of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.  We will have 80 names again this year.

THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS

Through the efforts of the Thrivent members at Grace and Peace we were able to give food baskets to 47 families totaling about 150 people in the month of October.  We had funds from the allotment to the congregation and applied for another grant from the Peoria/Stark County Chapter.

WOMEN OF THE ELCA

We have all noticed the change in temperature these last few days and have been readying our homes and yards for the winter months.   It may be cold outside but the warmth of Christian love is in our hearts.  I myself feel it every Sunday at worship through the Word, music, and fellowship.  This Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for my Grace and Peace family.

Women of the ELCA traditionally hold a Thankoffering Service in November to celebrate the discipleship of faithful women!  Grace and Peace is very fortunate and blessed to have women of faith worship and serve together.  Our Thankoffering Service will be held on Sunday, November 13, with a number of our faithful women participating and leading the service.  Throughout the year women are encouraged to set aside offerings in thanksgiving for all of God’s gifts.  These offerings will be brought forward during worship.  Thankoffering boxes and envelopes are available in the narthex for your prayerful consideration.

The Women of Grace and Peace have been especially busy the month of October, and November looks to be no different.  Opportunities this month include assisting with the annual Human Services Dinner; serving a noon luncheon on Thanksgiving Eve; assisting with the Hanging of the Greens/serving lunch following; and participating in the women’s groups.  If you are new to Grace and Peace, I will be seeking you out to tell you about each of our women’s groups, how special they are, and invite you to attend! 

In order to keep current, our Executive Board has reviewed the Constitution of the Women of Grace and Peace.  The last revisions of the constitution were adopted in November 1995.  It seemed appropriate after ten years to review the document again.  We have discussed and are proposing a few changes to the constitution.  The changes are not major.  We have made some terms more generic in nature to accommodate scheduling and have also more clearly defined others to allow for better continuity.  Drafts of the document (with the changes highlighted) are in the great room for your review.  The document was presented at our Fall General Meeting and will be voted on in November.  So therefore:

There will be a brief meeting of the Women of Grace and Peace to be held on Sunday, November 6, immediately following worship services.  The meeting will be held in the kitchen!  The purpose of the meeting is to review and vote on proposed changes to the constitution of the Women of Grace and Peace.  Copies of the proposed constitution are available in the great room.

One thing the Executive Board has also noticed is that our coffee income is not keeping up with the coffee expenses.  If you are serving coffee hour or other event, please consider leaving $1.00 in the ‘coffee can’ for each pot of coffee you perk.  These simple donations help defray the cost of the favorite Lutheran beverage!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

November 1 - 10:00 a.m.

Meeting at Church

Miriam Circle

November 8 - 7:00 p.m.

Sandy Peterson’s Home

Rebecca Circle

November 14 - 11:30 a.m.

Sack Lunch  at Church

New Women’s Board Members

A big THANK YOU to everyone who attended our Fall Program in October.

Linda Ericsson

Roxanne Hochsprung

Nancy Howerter

Officers will be appointed at our first meeting.  We are looking forward to a great year and hope that all women will be involved in 2006.

LIBRARY TREASURES

November is a time of thanksgiving for family, friends, freedom to worship and God’s beautiful colors in nature.

Our three adult books relate to freedom to come together as family, freedom to live in this country, and freedom of anxiety through Christ.

Books for our adult readers:

COME THIRSTY by Max Lucado

Have you been sipping out a swamp?  Pills may dull pain, money can buy things, and religion may pacify but not satisfy.  The busyness of church may hide a pain, but only God can quench the thirst.  This book explains how we can drink in Christ.

LEVI’S WILL by W. Dale Cramer

We travel to an Amish farm in Ohio.  Will’s father doesn’t recognize him, as it have been eight years since Will ran away.  Banned by his father and the old order of Amish the prodigal son returns home.

NIGHT SONG By Tricia Goyer

Jakub finds himself in the prison-led orchestra in one of Hitler’s death camps.  In the midst of weakness and starvation he learns much from a renowned conductor imprisoned with him.  "Night Song" is a story of grace and sacrifice amidst the horrors of World War II.

For our young readers: 

Grandma aggie and the bless-you bike ride by Neta Jackson

As Grandma Aggie goes on her bike ride, she meets many interesting people.  Some need double blessings.

Honk’s adventure by Richard Hays

Honk decides to leave Noah’s park because his friends are just too messy and dirty.  He will look for a new home and new friends.  He learns a valuable lesson as he travels looking for the perfect place.

TIME FOR BED by Mem Fox

When children close their eyes and sleep there are lots of other living things that do so also.  It points out the special bond between parent and offspring.

A very special Thank You to Dale Bollman for fixing the shelves in the children’s section which added lots of room for more books.

Thank God for your blessings.

- The Bookworms

MISCELLANEOUS

SHARE Food 

November 6- Share Sign-up

November 19- Share Pick-up

November Key Person

Joyce Smith

Office Closed

November 24-25

November 27

Come and join us Sunday, November 27th,  following Sunday School as we "Hang the Greens."  Lunch will be provided for the workers.    There will be fellowship, food and fun for everyone.  Mark your calendars and join in the fun as we begin the Christmas season in our church home. 

$2,100 was sent to Lutheran Disaster Relief for hurricane Katrina relief from personal donations of  members of Grace and Peace and also from our semi truck driver, Tim Miller, who donated back all left over gas money.

To my Church Family:

Thank you so much for the prayers, loving support and all the other many acts of kindness shown to me during my knee surgery and continuing recovery.  I am truly blessed to be a part of this "family".

- Grace Goff

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

The Human Service Center Thanksgiving Dinner provides a Thanksgiving meal for 150-200 people each year.  The dinner has been going on for 30 years.  For over 10 years our congregation has helped organize and serve this meal with great joy in service to our fellow man.  To volunteer, please sign up in the great room or contact Carol  Luecht.

Interfaith Caregivers Network

Ecumenical Luncheon & Volunteer Recognition

Thursday, November 10, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Tickets: $7.50

Reservations: Call 674-2071

Sponsored by Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

Grace and Peace Lutheran Congregation Council

October 18, 2005

PRESENT:  Paul Mueller, Linda Ericsson, Mary Whitledge, Sandy Peterson, Carol Luecht, Pastor Shelksohn, Kelly Smet, Janelle Houge, Dick Joyce, Julie Smith, Mark Rodlund and Roberta Dietrich.

President Paul Mueller called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Pastor Shelksohn led prayers and Paul Mueller shared a devotion.

Areas of Ministry and Business

worship and music - Dick reported that a 90-day evaluation will be given for Becky and Camilla.  The committee is still discussing changing the worship time.

youth - Kelly thanked Janelle for organizing and leading the pumpkin and pizza night for families on October 7th.  There was a good turnout and both children and adults enjoyed the night.  A motion was made by Kelly Smet and seconded by Janelle Houge to accept the recommendation of Gwen Womack for Youth Director.  The motion passed.  There will be a 90-day trial period ending at the end of December at which time the position and Gwen’s performance will be evaluated.  Gwen will meet with Pastor on a weekly basis to train, schedule, plan and coordinate events.  Gwen has planned a Halloween party for all youth and their parents on October 29th.  Gwen has secured four businesses for donations of food and prizes.

christian education - The Praise Puppeteers were enjoyed by everyone on October 9th.  The Children’s Christmas Program will be held on December 11th during the Sunday School Hour.  Pastor will have a Children’s Christmas Service on December 18th during the Sunday School Hour.  Confirmation Camp for 2006 will be planned by the Christian Education Ministry and Pastor.  A budgeted amount of $100 was requested for two cabins, $50 per cabin.  The Christian Education Budget was submitted to Finance. 

community action - Linda reported that the Habitat House is almost completely finished.  The basketball hoop will be taken down and the new one will be put up this spring.

endowment - This ministry met on October 10th and brainstormed for more recipients for the Endowment grants.  The funds from the Grace and Peace Fund will be requested to finish the year for the Youth Director’s salary.

evangelism - This ministry is in need of more members.  Coffee mugs have been purchased with the Grace and Peace logo with a bookmark listing our times and address to give to visitors.

finance - Pledged income is behind at the end of September.  The 2006 budget is being drafted.  Requests from all the ministries are still not in.  Dick Joyce reported that a purchase for computer parts for $140 would come out of the Office Technology Fund.

long range planning - The Building Design will be presented on Sunday, October 30th following Coffee Hour by Don Howerter.   The architects from Architectural Design will also be present to assist in the presentation.

nurture - The annual wiener roast and hayrack ride were held and there was a good attendance. 

property - Carol reported that the parking lot has been seal coated.  The air conditioning unit is still working and will be repaired if and when necessary.  One of the sump pumps went out and has been replaced.  The Cry Room is completely finished.  The budget was worked on and will be given to Finance.

stewardship - Plans continue for the Stewardship drive with the theme, “Yes We Can”.  Mary has submitted the articles for the Cornerstone and bulletins.  Commitment Sunday is November 20th with a light lunch to follow and then a performance of “To the Castle” a musical for Stewards.  Next meeting is November 7th at 6:30 at Mary’s home.

OLD BUSINESS

Nominating Committee will be contacted to begin their search for names for the 2006 slate.  The staff evaluations are completed.  The Thanksgiving Dinner for the Human Service Center will once again be completely organized by our church and also all the cost.  Sign up sheets for volunteers and donations will be in the Great Room.

NEW BUSINESS

Council will host the Coffee Hour on Sunday, October 23rd in honor of Pastor Shelksohn for Pastor appreciation Month.

minutes - The minutes from the August 16th and September 20th council meetings were approved as written.

women of grace and peace - October 26th will be the fall business meeting of the Women of Grace and Peace held at church at 6:30 p.m.  November 13th will be the Women’s Thankoffering Service.  The women of Grace and Peace served the Habitat for Humanity workers lunch on October 8th.  A new plan for Funeral Dinners has been developed which uses four teams of volunteers in a rotation manner.

pastor’s report - Pastor reviewed his report.  Last Council meeting a motion was made to accept into membership Michael and Susan Mohler and  David and Mary Jane Moder.  The motion was passed.  Pastor requested that Christine Mowry and Christopher Honeycutt be received into membership; a motion was made and passed.  On October 30th these three families will be received during church and two children, Jeremy and Kara Honeycutt by Baptism. 

executive council - Met and set agenda. 

Next Council Meeting is November 15, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.  Executive Meeting is November 7, 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 Sandy Peterson and Mark Rodlund.

Respectfully submitted,

Theresa Montgomery,

Recording Secretary

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