September 2005 Cornerstone

PASTOR WAYNE SEZ

“September”

Confirmation Class will begin Thursday, September 8th at 7:00 p.m. with a meeting of parents and students to receive confirmation material, discuss requirements, review the program, and answer questions.  Confirmation class is for all youth 6th-8th grades.

Adult Education Opportunities

This fall there will be three adult education opportunities in which to participate:

Rally Day is September 11th

Our Sunday school material will go back to the traditional classroom style of teaching. Gather the kids and welcome Christ’s teachings in your life.

Want to know what happened at the 2005 Church Wide Assembly?

Contact the church office for a tri-fold pamphlet description of the actions taken in Orlando in August. Also, you can find more information at the ELCA website.

We will welcome new members on September 18th at our worship service:

Joan Winter          Dennis & Millie Briner and family

SERVING IN WORSHIP

Assisting Minister

Deb Meyer

Ushers

Jim Claude

Wally Hochsprung

Dale Bollman

Sid Peterson

Counters

Pam Kovach and Carol Gard

RALLY DAY

Sunday, September 11th, will be the kickoff of the new Sunday School Season at Grace and Peace as we give bibles to all children entering the third grade and install Sunday School teachers.

Christian Education and growth in God's Word is a lifelong process.  The Christian Education ministry is very excited about the classes that will be occurring and invites you to check out the learning opportunities for the coming year, which will help us all grow and nurture in our faith.  Teachers are still needed—contact Sandy Peterson to volunteer.

Coffee Hour will be hosted by the Christian Education Ministry on Rally Day.  Please congratulate the children who received bibles and also learn about opportunities to serve on the Christian Education Ministry.  Beginning  Sunday, September 18, all classes will meet 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

SENIOR CHOIR BEGINS

Music is a beautiful and memorable way to share the gospel, and leading the congregation in worship is a privilege and a joy.

Another choir season is underway, and new voices are always welcome  You do not need be a proficient music reader or have a beautiful solo voice. We improve our skills together while we enjoy beautiful music and loving fellowship. If you can carry a tune and commit to most Thursday nights and Sunday mornings, then you qualify!

We rehearse Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the choir loft.

MANY THANKS

Dear Members of Grace and Peace,

Our sincere thanks for the Brunch held in our honor for our retirement.  What a blessing it has been to work for our church and to have such a wonderful church family.  Thank you for all the cards, phone calls and prayers. God bless you all.

- Jack and Maxine Horner

Thank you so much for the beautiful reception and for all of the gifts, cards, and well wishes. We are overwhelmed by your generosity. You are a family to us, and we will continue to pray for Grace and Peace, and we hope to visit often.

With love,

Gretchen, Ryan, Asa and Dulcie Church

To My Christian Family,

Hope you know how much your thoughtfulness is appreciated.  Thank you for all your prayers.

In Christ,

Suzanne A. Walsh

GRACE AND PEACE: WHERE KIDS ARE WILD ABOUT GOD!

Thank you to everyone who helped transform our church into a Serengeti adventure for VBS!  Your donations of time, ideas, snack items, safari animals, prayers and money helped us minister to a total of 44 children, as well as to our adult class.  One of our visitor children, in response to a daily challenge, brought a visitor of her own.  WOW! 

Our children witnessed the importance of knowing God, talking to God, telling others about God, loving God and working for God through song, crafts, games, Bible expedition, and even our evening snacks.

We also want to thank all of the families, including the children, who participated in the festivities during the week.  Family life is hectic and many of you had to rush from work or other commitments to be with us to share the VBS experience.  We hope that your participation was as meaningful for you as it was to us.

Please take a moment to look at all of the wonderful photos taken during VBS.  There are instructions for ordering if you are interested in copies.

We collected school supplies and our Serengeti Trekers brought in a total of 144 items to be donated to Lutheran World Relief.

We would love the opportunity to share stories during coffee hour, and the kids would too.  Through planning, prayers, and support of many types, we know that we will continue to share that we are Wild About God!

In His Service,

Janelle Houge and Sandra Rodlund

2005 VBS Co-Directors

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, NORTHERN CONFERENCE

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

You don’t need experience. All we need are willing able bodies that want to help a friend in the community…Join in and fellowship with other churches to give Kendra Dixon a home for her family to call their own!!

New Building Schedule:

So you say, “I can’t do any of that."  We have more!!  Saturday, September 10th, the Women of Grace and Peace will be providing and serving lunch to the work crew.  Saturday, October 8th, the congregation of Grace and Peace will be providing and serving lunch for the work crew. 

If you are willing and able to help, please contact Keri Dodson, Sandra Rodlund, or Linda Ericsson.

FAITHFUL AND WISE

Ask most Christians what the word "stewardship" means to them, and you will most likely get answers that center around giving money to the church. But in reality, money is just one of the gifts God has given us to use to His glory. James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights." Faithful and Wise looks at how we can expand our giving into every facet of our lives:

Our possessions

Our time

Our talents and skills

Our physical environment

Our spiritual environment

Our money

When we serve God with all the gifts He has given us, the blessings to ourselves and others will be multiplied far beyond what we can imagine.  Join us for Sunday school, starting September 18, as we seek the path of faithful and grateful Christian stewardship. Discussions lead by your Stewardship Ministry, with the help of God.

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 BookS 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 4 Categories to choose from—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.

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

BRIDGES OF HUMAN COMMUNITY

AUGUST 20, 2005

The team from Grace and Peace led by Pastor Shelksohn and including Louise Cheatham, Annette and Ken Jackson, is to be commended for the fine seminar held at church on August 20.  The content of personal stories, Bible passages, exercises, and discussions were thought provoking and revealing. 

The team will be presenting the full program to a group of first-call pastors on October 11 and 12. They are associated with of the Central/Southern Synod Task Force on Racism.  They need our prayers and support for their commitment to the ministry.

We give thanks to each of them for agreeing to give of themselves to bring awareness and knowledge concerning “Bridges of Human Community.”

Nancy Claude

Roberta and Dave Dietrich

Linda and Roger Ericsson

Carol Gard

Cindy Shelksohn

WOMEN OF THE ELCA

I was recently alone on a road trip to Iowa and tuned to the XM Christian radio station, The Fish, for company.  You know how sometimes you hear a song and you can’t get it out of your head.  Well there were two songs I heard that evening that I can’t get out of my head!   One was called “Pray Now” and was to the music from the movie Shrek!  (Go ahead, sing it, you know the tune!)  I only remember those first two words to the song but would like to know the rest of them!  But then perhaps those are the only words I need to remember!  The other song I had never heard before either and those words stuck with me as well:  All I am is at the altar, so he can alter all I am.  Really something to think about, isn’t it.  I hope if you traveled and/or relaxed this summer, you had some reflection time and are now ready and refreshed for fall and all the opportunities and activities.

I would like to tell you about several opportunities to serve Grace and Peace.  A truly genuine and caring opportunity for service is assisting family and friends at the time of death of a loved one.  One way Grace and Peace can help during this difficult time is by providing an opportunity following the funeral service for a bite to eat, visit, and reminisce.  The Women’s Executive Board will be asking for 16 volunteers to create 4 teams with 4 individuals on each team.  When a funeral is to take place a team will be called upon to organize food donations and workers.  The teams will rotate responsibility of the funerals.  At the time, the church secretary would notify the Executive Board Secretary who will know which team is in line to handle the responsibilities and will notify that team.  Any one of us on the Board would be happy to explain this new concept to you in more detail.  It is our belief that with all of us working together we can best assist the family and Pastor at this time and also not have one individual shoulder the responsibility for an entire year.

Please say YES when we ask for your assistance!

The second opportunity for you to consider is offering to help with the Gently Used Sale scheduled for Saturday, October 8.  Without individuals to help promote, organize, and work the event, it cannot happen.  The Women’s Board is asking for help to make sure it does happen!  It is one of our largest fundraising activities and all proceeds are donated back to church and community projects and organizations.  A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in the great room so you can volunteer for whatever time you have available.  Again, if we all work together, this project will be a success. 

Please say YES when we ask for your assistance!

The Habitat for Humanity home is now under construction.  Grace and Peace will be serving food to the workers on Saturday, October 8.  This will consist of a mid-morning snack, a sack lunch at noon, a mid-afternoon snack, and plenty of drinking water!  Many people in the congregation have mentioned the fact that they are rather clumsy with a hammer and don’t know anything about electrical or plumbing work.  To provide a meal and refreshments to the workers is a great way to assist in the Habitat project.  More information will be forthcoming in the Sunday bulletins.

Please say YES when we ask for your assistance!

For the Women of Grace and Peace there is an event coming up on October  29.  The Northern Conference Fall Event Sonshine Brunch will be held at First English Lutheran Church here in Peoria beginning with registration at 8:30.  The program will be Harvesting Blessings by Sandra Freiheit.  Lunch will be served at noon.  The cost for this event is $9.00.  Information is posted on the bulletin board in the great room.  Women of Grace and Peace will be serving coffee and goodies that morning.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a large contingent in attendance and to hear and experience Sandra Freiheit’s presentation?  So please think about attending and say YES!

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

September 6 - 10:00 a.m.

Meeting at Church

Priscilla Circle

September 12 - 7:00 p.m.

Meeting TBA

Miriam Circle

September 13 - 7:00 p.m.

Roxanne Hochsprung’s Home

Rebecca Circle

September 12 - 11:30 a.m.

Sack Lunch at Church

aGAPe & LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF

In the latest issue of TOTO (To Others, Through Others), the publication of Lutheran World Relief to parish groups and individuals, there are many stories and paragraphs of information about the far-reaching work of this organization made possible by Lutheran churches and many other groups.

“Lutheran World Relief was the first international relief and development organization to earn the Standards of Excellence Award from the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations, based on our score on a series of benchmarks for strong management, our internal evaluation system for measuring effectiveness, and responsible governance and fundraising.  This highly regarded certification process is now being adopted nationally.”

“Supporters of LWR come from many places and for many reasons.  Some learn about us and our work, through their churches and support us as part of their personal commitment to helping people in need.  Others respond, through us, to calamities such as earthquakes, famine and tsunamis.  Regardless of how your relationship with LWR started, you’ve joined forces with a highly rated organization known worldwide for a variety of life-changing work.”

Besides the help given to communities with food, clothing, and other material goods, there are hidden benefits of LWR efforts in various countries around the world.  When we send layettes, for example, they do more than just cloth a small child. 

“We have met women who, for the first time since having their babies, brought them out in public simply because they had clothing for their babies,” says Brenda Meier, LWR Parish Projects Coordinator.  “These women are fiercely proud and would rather not be seen in public with an unwashed, undressed infant.  The LWR layettes provide the things new moms need to keep their baby healthy and adequately dressed.  This also allows mothers to re-integrate into their communities which is very important for social, educational, and even economic reasons.”

Check the list of items for layettes, school and health kits in the weekly bulletin and place your donation in the box provided in the church kitchen.

As Pastor Wayne said in his sermon on July 31, “Bring me what you get.” Every item is important, and the need is always there.

The aGAPe group is very excited to report that we have completed 150 quilts this season. This is the highest number we have ever done.  We are working steadily to finish as many as we possibly can.  Work days in September are Wednesdays, Sept. 7 and Sept. 21. Come at 11:30 with your lunch, and we try to begin work about noon.  Although Wanda Green has a change in her weekly schedule, she plans to continue sewing at home and sending her finished quilt tops to work day.  We thank her for her dedication to this project.

Look for a display quilt in October in the Great Room that will tell more about LWR’s ministries to the world.  We will be asking for $ donations to help send all the items overseas.

Bring items for the Gently Used Sale on October 8 and any appropriate leftovers will be boxed for LWR pickup on Saturday, Oct. 29, in Bloomington.

NEW BEGINNINGS...

Sunday School, Confirmation, Back to School, and Committees to make new plans.  Your bookworms have also added lots of new books to the library.  We are featuring three of them this month.

Books for Adults:

God’s best for you by Marilyn Morgan Helleberg

We all struggle with faith from time to time.  This book is a look at the lifelong process of Christian growth.  God gave you special gifts and a plan for your life.

A moment of weakness by Karen Kingsbury

As children, Tanner Eastman and Jade Conner were friends.  A scandal drives them apart, but one summer, they find each other again.  As they grow close a moment of weakness will tear them apart.

Thorn in my heart by Liz Curtis Higgs

You’ve never heard the story of Jacob, Esau, Rachel and Leah told quite this way before.  This story is told in the 18th century Scottish lowlands.  Liz Curtis Higgs also wrote Bad Girls of the Bible.

For Our Young Readers: 

My own book of animal stories edited by Lesley O’mara

Whether it’s dogs, cats, frogs and toads, or bears, this book will bring alive the animal world for children.

Walking the bridge of your nose by Michael Rosen

When you read this book be prepared to be puzzled, bamfoozled, bewitched and bedazzled.  Your tongue or your mind maybe twisted up and whirled in circles.  Hang on to your seats and be prepared to giggle.

Enjoy your September!

- The Bookworms

MISCELLANEOUS

SHARE Food

September 4 & 11 - Share Sign-up

September 24 - Share Pick-up

October Cornerstone Deadline

September 25, 2005

September Key Person

Barbara Bollman

September 5, 2005

Office Closed

PIANO CONCERT

SEPTEMBER 25, 2005, 2:00 p.m.

Rose Wilkinson will be presenting an organ concert at Snyder Village Center on Sunday, September 25th.  She will be presenting hymns, patriotic and classical selections.  Everyone is welcome.

YOUTH DIRECTOR POSITION

Because of the resignation of Laura Campagna as Youth Director, the Youth Committee is actively seeking a new Youth Director.  If you, or someone you know, is interested in this paid position please contact Kelly Smet or Paul Mueller.

LUTHERAN  OUTDOOR MINISTRIES CENTER

Fall Adult Retreat—September 25-27

“Seeking God’s Wisdom Or Be Wise

4 p.m. Sunday—2 p.m. Tuesday

Kay Price of Dunlap, Illinois will lead this retreat.  She is a professional storyteller, who will present 4 sessions mixed with interactive group activity.  Cost is $95 

Autumnfest Celebration—October 9

Activities from 9:30 to 4:00 p.m.  Hiking, Crafts, Games, Fishing, Songs, Canoeing, Pumpkin Carving, Cider Press, Tours.  Performances by Jr. Choir and Swing Choir.  Special Activities: Raptor Program, Prairie Hikes, History Village, Chain Saw sculpture artist. 

Fall Adventure Day (K-3rd) - October 22

Congregational Groups:  Join your friends from around the state for fun and games, cider making, arts and crafts and hiking.  You’ll also learn about the Word of God in the world of God.  10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.  Cost is $26 per person and requires a $10 non-refundable deposit.  Registration due by Oct 8.

Junior High Retreat—November 4-6

Fall Confirmation Retreat—November 18-20

Advent Retreat (3rd-6th grades)—December 2-3

Join LOMC’s staff and other third-sixth graders as we explore the history of the Christmas Tree and other preparations for celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Friday through Saturday at 5:00 p.m.   Cost is $48 per person and includes one night lodging, breakfast and lunch.

Epiphany Confirmation Retreat—January 6-8

Winter Adventure Day (K-3rd)—January 28, 2006

Come explore the wonders of water, thawed and frozen, in God’s World while learning more about the importance of Baptism in this retreat designed for Kindergarten through Third grade students.  Cost is $26.

Single Again Retreat for Women—February 4-5, 2006

Join us for a retreat for women of any age who have lost a husband through divorce.  Children ages infant—11 years old are welcome for a nominal charge.  Programming will be provided for them during the adult sessions.  The cost is $93 for adults and $30 for children.

Scrapbooking Retreat—February 24-26, 2006

Everyone is welcome, beginners or seasoned “scrappers”.  Dyan Mowry, Creative Memories Consultant, will be the leader for this retreat.  She will have tools for you to use and supplies on hand to purchase.  Prizes will be awarded throughout the weekend.  One night—$80 Two nights—$135

Electronic copies of all brochures are available by e-mailing lorifagan@verizon.net.

All brochures are on display in the Great Room.

GRACE AND PEACE LUTHERAN CONGREGATION COUNCIL

August 17, 2005

PRESENT:  Paul Mueller, Pastor Shelksohn, Kelly Smet, Julie Smith, Linda Ericsson, Mark Rodlund, Richard Joyce, Mike Murphy, Roberta Dietrich and Carol Luecht.

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 Linda Ericsson.

AREAS OF MINISTRY AND BUSINESS

property –Carol reported that the Cry Room is in progress.  The mulch in the parking lot is being moved.  The heavy weed problem is due to the heat.  The basketball hoop backboard is broken again (there is a replacement in the shed) and the Community Action Ministry will be responsible for replacing this and future decisions about the hoop. 

stewardship – This ministry will meet on September 12th.

worship and music – A report was reviewed.   Becky Mueller has been hired as church organist.  A choir director has not been found yet.  A survey of the congregation will be taken concerning worship service times. 

youth  - Laura Campagna has submitted her resignation as youth director effective immediately.  A youth ministry meeting will be held August 28th.

christian education – Carol Luecht commented that she felt that VBS was a success and felt the coordinators had did a good job this year.  There were 44 children in attendance. 

community action –Still no date for the beginning of construction on the Habitat House.  The Human Service dinner will be coming up in November. 

endowment – Next meeting will be October 10th.

evangelism –Scott Houge is coordinator of the Cookie Ministry.  Pearl Insurance Agency has again sponsored the bulletin for a quarter.

finance –An audit has been scheduled for September 10th.  Budget worksheets for the ministries will be handed out soon.  A bequest will be coming from Bette Traenkenschuh’s estate.

long range planning – A building meeting will be held on August 16th.

nurture – A brunch has been planned to honor Jack and Maxine Horner for their retirement as custodians on Sunday, August 21st.  All receptions for new members will move to the fifth Sundays.

OLD BUSINESS

The Anti-Racism Seminar will be held at Grace and Peace Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 20th.

NEW BUSINESS

Our new insurance carrier, upon inspection of the building, sent a letter asking for the playground surface beneath the equipment to have a 6-9 in depth of absorbent material.  This would be very costly.  Wally Hochsprung will be asked to discuss this with the company.  The playground equipment is not used very often – possible solution would be to take it down.

minutes – The Minutes of the July 19, 2005 meeting were accepted as corrected- Roberta Dietrich was present; Under Nurture – No meeting in September changed to No activity in September; Under Pastor’s Report – No report changed to No written report.

women of grace and peace –No report.

pastor’s report – Pastor reviewed his report.  Pastor will be gone for the Labor Day weekend and Richard Joyce will fill the pulpit.  The Bridges of Community Seminar times are 8:30-5:00

executive council – Met and set agenda. 

Next Council Meeting is September 20, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.  Executive Meeting is September 12, 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 Dick Joyce and Carol Luecht.

Respectfully submitted,

Theresa Montgomery,

Recording Secretary

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