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July 25th 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I am proud to announce the winner of the Pastor’s walk-up song. It is the theme song to Chariots of Fire from 1981. The winner is Diane Podolak. The reason why she picked this song is because she liked the music. The judges (Eloide & Patty) felt the same way. Congratulations to Diane and thank you to all those who entered.
Don’t forget next Sunday after worship service, it will be Doughnut Morning. Even if you come on Saturday, you are welcome to come. It will probably be around 10:00 a.m. We also have our Pistol Shrimp game that you are all invited to on Friday, August 5th at 7:00 p.m. We will meet somewhere on the 3rd base side.
I had a very relaxing and fun-filled week. Charlee, Kayla and Jeff came to our lake house Monday night. We pretty much swam in the lake in the morning and then the pool in the afternoon. I feel pretty water logged. Charlee loves the water and I love playing with her. On Wednesday night we had my niece and two children as well as my sister-in-law stay overnight. It was exactly why we bought the house – to be used. They had to go home Thursday and my other daughter and her family came up that night. We pretty much had enough time to vacuum and wash the sheets. Both their children, Xavier and Nolan love the water also. We pretty much kept the same schedule. I feel like a prune. It was a great week with my family.
Next Wednesday, we are going to have another meeting for the Long-Term Planning Committee. It will be at 7:00 p.m. Please bring your ideas. The focus of the last meeting was not only to help our church but also our community. Even if you have not made a meeting yet, please feel free to attend.
I have been talking about starting our Visitation Committee. We will do so in September. Currently, we have four members who have stepped-up to visit one or two members a month. I have also allowed them to choose the member(s) who they want to visit. One of the things they will be able to do is to bring communion to them. We will have a meeting sometime in August to train the volunteers to do so. Again, we have four. I am looking for at least ten. Please pray for this ministry and see if God wants you to help us out.
Thank you to all those who were involved with Vacation Bible School. I heard it was a great success. Special thanks goes out to Missy Pinter who organized everything. Awesome job everyone.
The garden is producing. Please feel free to come by and pick anything that you find. We even have a couple of tomatoes beginning to turn.
I hope you are enjoying your summer. Please, if you need anything, feel free to contact me. There is a reason why I put my email and phone on every letter.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Become familiar with the readings for July 23rd & 24th 7th Weekend after Pentecost
Genesis 18:20-32 Psalm 138 Colossians 2:6-19 Luke 11:1-13
July 18th 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
One of our church members promised me no rain for Saturday at the beginning of the week. As the week progressed, the chance of rain popped up. But her promise held true. We had a very good work day. Many things were accomplished by a dedicated, but small, group of people. I want to personally thank Don Anderson, Paul Piercy, Dave Hunt, Linda Parsons, Alice Mueller and Gregg Flaherty. They worked their tails off. Thank you all for your hard work.
I made the decision to move inside on Sunday. This member promised Saturday but not Sunday. It was raining at the YMCA early in the morning so I called it. Of course, not a drop at church. Thank you all for being flexible.
The garden is producing. Please come by and check it out. Not only is it a place for food, but it is also a place for prayer and contemplation. It is your garden. Please feel free to pick anything you may find. Herbs, cucumbers and yellow squash can be found most days. Had to laugh at Linda and Merle Walter. They both have been very involved in the garden. They went on a trip and when they came back, they had to check out how much the garden had grown. Pretty cool.
I am not able to announce the winner of Pastor’s drive-up scooter song yet. Thank you all who entered the contest. Hopefully in next week’s letter we will announce the winner.
Your church celebrated a baptism last Saturday. Marlee Kaye Mitchell was baptized. She did really well. Big brother helped. Marlee is the granddaughter of Bridget Wilmot who is one of our pianists. She was a very proud grandma!
S’more night was a success. A huge thank you goes out to our Evangelism committee who made it all possible. Our fire starters were fantastic.
Here are a couple of things we are working on in the summer:
- 1) Long-term Planning Committee is coming back. During the last meeting we discussed looking into opening our church to the needs of our community. We already do this in a few cases. The question is, can we do more? First of all, we need to find out what the needs of the community are? Working on this. If you are interested, please come join us.
- 2) At the end of Sunday School, I talked about opening up communion to all ages. Currently, we instruct our children in 4th grade. Some of you remember when it was 8th grade. The thought is to make the communion table open to all ages. That does NOT mean we just allow everyone without careful discernment and instruction. Parents and children will have discussions together to see if they are ready. Age-appropriate instruction will be given over a period of time. Augsburg Fortress has materials for all ages. And if they are ready, they will receive communion.
- 3) I am also bringing back the Visitation Committee. This group will visit our homebound and be able to bring them communion. Pastor will also continue his visits. Still looking for many helpers. We currently have three who have expressed an interest. I am looking for at least ten. You will visit one, or at the most two people, a month. They will be the same people so you can develop a relationship with them. I will also train you to be able to give communion. Please consider this vital ministry.
My granddaughter Charlee is coming to visit this week. Oh yeah, the rest of the family is coming also. They will be staying in the house at Lake Wildwood. Therefore, I will be floating back and forth. Please, if you need anything, please call or text me.
The Church Council is meeting Tuesday, July 19th. If you have any thoughts or concerns, please talk to a council member.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Become familiar with the readings for July 23rd & 24th 7th Weekend after Pentecost
Genesis 18:20-32 Psalm 138 Colossians 2:6-19 Luke 11:1-13
July 11th 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I would like to share something with you. Something that happened this week and it is because of you. I hope you feel good about being part of St. John’s Lutheran Church. We are not perfect. We have many flaws. But it doesn’t stop us from trying to do what God wants us to do. Right now, it feels like God wants us to take care of the people in our community. So here is what happened:
A person called me a couple of weeks ago. She received the church’s number from someone who said St. John’s might be able to help. This feels good in itself- that St. John’s is getting the reputation of being a place where one can find help. A few years ago, this woman went to IVCC but for many reasons, she could not continue. But now, she feels she is ready to go. Unfortunately, she has a bill from IVCC that she must pay before starting back up. She asked if we could help. In my experience, school is one of those things that could, potentially improve your lot in life. She even offered to pay it back after she was done with school and working. So, your church paid her bill. She was very thankful. In truth, weeks later, I sort of forgot about it.
Last Thursday I received a text from her with her new student I.D. She even had fireworks going off in the caption. She was super excited. So, I became super excited.
I have no idea where this will end up. However, I know God does. I firmly believe that we are God’s hands and feet, and in this case – pocketbook. I continue to be so proud of this church. You all are amazing. And you know what, I wouldn’t be surprised six months later, a year later, or maybe even two, we might even get our first installment on the pay back of her “loan.”
Some of you have already heard this from me. In my preparation of the “Good Samaritan” sermon, I felt like the Holy Spirit was driving some major concepts into me. One, don’t ever walk away like the priest and the Levite did. They were expected to help and they didn’t. I really do believe that our church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, should never walk away from the needs of our community. One of our long term plans for our church is to utilize our building more to help with the needs of our community. This is where I can use your help. What are the needs? Can you please help me identify what they are? Call me. Text me. If you have an idea where we can step up even more, please let me know.
The lawyer asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responded with a parable, basically saying “everyone, including your enemy.” Not only do we need to be better neighbors within our own congregation, but we need to be better within and outside of our community. The Samaritan not only had “pity” on the stranger but then was moved to action. We are doing great things. I know some of you are working at food banks, sewing quilts, building ramps, being caretakers, etc., etc. One, do you need help? Two, can our church body do more? I don’t just want to pile more work on the few who volunteer for everything, but I want to mobilize our entire church body. Three, it goes back to the above, what needs to be done? Again, I would love to hear what you think.
I want to bring back our visitation committee. I will continue to visit the homebound. It is just getting a little harder for me. I would like our members to step up and say, yes, I will visit one or two members a month. I will also train you to give communion to the homebound. Please let me know if you are interested.
DON’T FORGET! S’mores night this Saturday after service (July 16). Come share a little treat and fellowship. We will probably do it in the North parking lot. If you usually come on Sunday, just show up around 6:45 or so.
We will also attempt another work day on Saturday, July 16th. Let’s start at around 10:00. A couple of goals:
- Paint the outside of the screened-in-porch. The inside is done. Hopefully(maybe) we will have the prep work done on the outside. If anyone wants to come over and help scrape and sand, beforehand, that would be wonderful.
- A few screens need to be replaced or repaired on the porch.
- All of the bushes around the church need to be trimmed. I have an electric trimmer. Does anyone else?
Lunch will be provided.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Become familiar with the readings for July 9th & 10th - 5th Weekend after Pentecost
Genesis 18:1-10a Psalm 15 Colossians 1:15-28 Luke 10:38-42
July 5th 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I hope you all had a joyful 4 th of July weekend. I think we sort of needed this break. I know I did. We had fun
with my oldest daughter’s family, swimming and paddle boarding at the lake house. Always fun to be with the
grandchildren.
A gold star goes to Eloide and Missy. They rescued us from the 1 st base side of the Pistol Shrimp game. I told
everyone to meet on the 3 rd base side and there, Paul Baker and I were sitting on the 1 st base side wondering
where everyone was? It never dawned on me that we were on the wrong side. Eloide gave me a lesson on
geography and there was a number of people from St. Johns sitting where they were supposed to be. Go figure
(What is a Pistol Shrimp game without getting a group shot with the mascot.).
While watching the game, I got an idea. Now, let me say first of all that not all my ideas are good ones. It is up
for all of you to decide. So, when a Pistol Shrimp batters walks up to the plate, their theme song is blasted on
the speakers. It made me think, what would be my theme song. It sounds like another contest. Here goes: For
a ten-dollar gift certificate from Burger King/McDonalds come up with a theme song for Pastor and he rides his
scooter up the aisle (or maybe before the sermon?). You also have to state why you picked the song. Email
me/text me/ call me your choice and explanation. Paul Baker is on the board first with an AC/DC song
Thunderstruck (Had to look that one up on YouTube). I still need an explanation from you Paul. Contest geos
to July 15 th . My wife Patty and Eloide will be in charge of picking the winners. Will we use it at church? One
never knows.
Not sure if we should schedule another work day? There is still a lot of work to do around the parsonage and
the church. The shed is done, thanks to Paul Piercy, Dave Hunt and Steve Ferguson. Hopefully, the inside of
the screen-in porch will be done this week. Carol Wenzel is painting the ceiling. The outside needs a lot of
scraping and painting. Then the bushes around the church need to be trimmed. Let’s schedule July 16 th as
another word day. If some of you want to work ahead of that day then we can adjust. I will let you know if we
truly need that day in the July 11 th letter.
The garden is ready to explode. The strawberries are done but the raspberries are beginning to ripen. Probably
another week for peppers and cucumbers. Make sure you check it out. If you need something, pick it. I know
the herbs are also ready to go. One of our members last Sunday had a handful of basil from the garden to take
home. Don’t forget to look at the two gardens over on the parsonage grounds near the shed. That is where you
will find the raspberries.
A short letter this week. If you ever have any question or if the church can help in anyway, please don’t hesitate
to call or visit.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
pandtredig@gmail.com
Become familiar with the readings for July 9 th & 10 th - 5th Weekend after Pentecost
Deuteronomy 30:9-14 Psalm 25:1-10 Colossians 1:1-14 Luke 10:25-37
August 29th 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
When I was a teacher I never liked September. It seemed to be the longest month of the year because it had some of August with it. It is hard to believe that we are going to roll into September this week. Time is flying by. Most of you know that already.
Did you know that September 1, 2019 (I’m pretty sure) was my first day on the job at St. John’s. I remember I was touring the church and I was in the Altar Guild room and I think it was Eloide that said, by the way, you have a funeral in two days. Yikes. If you remember, I came as an Interim Pastor. I also remember pulling up at the driveway of the Parsonage and there were probably a dozen people ready to unload the moving van. It was so unfair. It took us about 30 minutes to unpack where it took us a morning to fill it up. Leo Bruins was a human dynamo (Oh, to be youthful).
Since I am coming up on my 3-year anniversary, it might be time to reflect a little. I know I have hurt some feelings along the way. For that I am truly sorry. I appreciate those who extended your new pastor some grace as he was learning on the job.. I am also appreciative that I had 6-months on the job before COVID hit. Some of my friends who graduated after me, COVID is all they know.
I am so thankful for this church. I am so thankful for all the people who are actively involved in helping the church move forward. I am so thankful for the people who disagree with me and have come in and had a discussion with me about their disagreement. I am so very thankful for the people who are involved in committees, lead Bible studies, sew, build, are part of my staff, Sunday School teachers, gardeners, outdoor set uppers and all the volunteers that step up. Thank you. Thank you!
One of the things I have learned during this time is I would never want to be President. Better yet, I would never want to be the superintendent of schools. They just are not going to make everyone happy. I am also learning this. I am becoming okay with this, even though it still hurts a little. Please try to remember, with the help and guidance of the church council, I(we) am(are) trying to do what we think is best for the St. John’s.
Okay, enough reflection. Some things that came out of the last church council meeting,
- We have extended Sunday outdoor service through October 2nd. This will be our last outdoor service for this year.
- All plumbing work has been completed (Yay).
- We spent a lot of time going over the results of the survey you were asked to fill out by the Northern Illinois Synod. The results came in a while ago. We took time to discuss the results. We will be looking at a number of things throughout this year that were pointed out by the survey. One of the things we will continue to work on is communication between the leaders and the congregation. There seems to be a little misconception on the perception of both groups in some areas.
Some dates to remember:
- Did you know it was Eloide’s birthday last Saturday (August 27th)?
- Visitation Committee will be meeting on Wednesday August 31st at 6:30 p.m. It will be important for all who are interested to attend. Would like to implement visitations in September. Still looking for two more members.
- We have a blood drive Saturday, September 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For those who are sticking around for Labor Day weekend and can give blood, please consider making an appointment with Eloide.
- Rally Day is Sunday, September 11th. It is the first day of Sunday School. We will also have the blessing of the backpacks during church service.
- I have switched around the Bridging the Gap groups for September. Some may have different weeks or different partners or both. I will contact the new group 1. If you are not contacted, you are no longer in group 1.
Wishing you all a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend. May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Become familiar with the readings for September 3rd & 4th 13th Weekend after Pentecost
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 1 Philemon 1-21 Luke 14:1, 25-33
August 22nd 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Last Wednesday, we welcomed our very own David Msseemmaa and his family back home. Both David and his wife Kellen gave a presentation about their missionary work in Tanzania. They are doing some amazing things in the name of God. What a blessing to have them here and share their stories. We also got to know their daughter Shaddai and their son Babu. If you would like to support their work, please pray for them. If you would like to help them out monetarily, you can make a check out to the church, write in the memo David and Kellen, and we will make sure it is received by them.
Your church is saddened by the passing of Richard Petzing on Wednesday August 17th. Funeral service will be on Monday August 22nd at 11:00 a.m. Richard and Helen transferred to St. John’s in 2018 from Bethany Lutheran Church, Wenona. They have been married for over 67 years.
Our Long -Term Planning Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, August 24th at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Some things on the table are discovering ways to meet the needs of our community, a greater use of our building, helping empower our committees and creating long term plans. We would love to hear your voice. If interested in shaping the future of your church, please plan on attending.
Our Visitation Committee will be meeting on Wednesday August 31st at 6:30 p.m. This meeting is a kickstart for our visitations starting in September. We still have seven people wanting to participate. Still looking for ten. You will be paired up with one of our homebound members and the goal is to visit them once a month and bring communion. How to serve communion will be the major emphasis of this meeting. If interested, please let me know.
One more thing to put on your calendar. Rally Day is September 11. This will be the start of our first day of Sunday School. CSLE has planned all sorts of activities. They also have let me know that they still have a need for a third-grade teacher this year. Please prayerfully consider helping out.
For those who came to worship service this weekend, you noticed that the garden is in full swing. First of all, I want to thank all those who have made our garden a success. I have watched a lot of hard work done by them through my office window at the parsonage. One of the hoses is right next to my window. They are always a little surprised when I say hello. Tomatoes are turning, peppers are growing and squash and cucumbers continue to produce. Please feel free to come back and pick them. We also put extras on the refrigerator by the blessing box. People are taking them. It is truly becoming a community garden.
But the garden is more than food. It is a place to pray. It is a place to have a picnic. It is a place to simply relax and enjoy watching the birds at the feeder. It is your place. Please come and enjoy it.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Become familiar with the readings for August 27th & 28th 12th Weekend after Pentecost
Proverbs 25:6-7 Psalm 112 Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 Luke 14:1, 7-14
August 15th 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Thank you Paul Baker for preaching last weekend for me. He had a very difficult passage. I hope your spirit was moved by his message.
I played husband, father, father-in-law and grandparent on Sunday. Lake Wildwood hosted a Triathlon on Sunday. It was team Redig-Murphy doing the relay category. My wife did the swim, my son-in-law did the bike and my oldest daughter did the run. I did my part cheering them on. I also did my part watching the grandchildren. I had the best job. They did great. Everyone met or exceeded their personal goal times.
How many of you let your inner child play after worship on Sunday? Thank you to all those who helped with decorating the sidewalks. Thank you to Evangelism for organizing this event.
This Wednesday, August 17th at 6:30 p.m. our very own David Msseemmaa is going to speak at our church on what he and his wife are doing in Africa. Some of you know and support David. He is a missionary in Tanzania. His wife also does some amazing work with young women. I am hoping that you will come and listen and encourage this family’s outstanding ministry. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
We are creeping up to my goal of ten people to be part of the Visitation Committee. We are currently at seven volunteers. Still looking for more. We will have a meeting the last week of August. I will let you know. Not only will you visit but will also bring communion. The meeting will talk about how to do communion.
The Long-term Planning Committee will be meeting Wednesday, August 24th at 6:30 p.m. The fruits of this committee have already begun. They were the ones who reached out to Principal Sara with her wish list for supplies for Northview Elementary. St. John’s was outstanding, fulfilling their needs. Could we have everything in by the end of the week? Still looking for more members. Still talking about what this committee will work on. Hope you are able to come join us. All are welcome.
Made my first pot of tomato sauce for spaghetti this weekend. The tomatoes, basil and peppers all came from our community garden. The tomatoes are beginning to turn. I have a feeling we will have a ton of them in the next week or two. You can always help us pick them if you can. You better lock your car doors if you are coming to church. Never know what you might find in the front seat.
Well, I am still on vacation. See you at church on Monday.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Become familiar with the readings for August 20th & 21st 11th Weekend after Pentecost
Isaiah 58:9b-14 Psalm 103:1-8 Hebrews 12:18-29 Luke 13:10-17
August 8th 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Had a really nice week in Door County, Wisconsin spending time with my aunt Penny. It was a great time of relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. One more week of vacation.
Since I am on vacation, this letter will be short. I just want to make sure you know of some of the things that are going on at St. John’s.
First thing is there will be a Teen Night Thursday August 11th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will be hosted by Jake and Catie with supervision from Becky Delany. Pizza, games and a movie. 6th graders and up are invited. Feel free to bring a friend. Everything is free.
The church will be decorating our sidewalk on Shooting Park Rd. to welcome the children back to school. We will be doing this right after worship on Sunday, August 14th. All are welcome. Bring your children or your inner child and help us welcome the children back to school.
Our very own David Msseemmaa will be speaking August 17th at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. He is a member of our church who is a missionary in Africa. Please consider coming out and listening as he explains what he and his wife Kellen have been doing. Bring a friend. Refreshments will be served.
Thank you Jeff Whalen for your insightful message August 6th & 7th. Paul Baker will be preaching this weekend.
We are half-way there. There are currently five members who agreed to visit one or two homebound members a month and bring them communion. Still looking for another five. Please prayerfully consider taking part in this important ministry.
The Long-term Planning Committee will be meeting Wednesday, August 24th at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Remember, there will be no Music & Worship or Evangelism meeting this week.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Become familiar with the readings for August 13th & 14th 10th Weekend after Pentecost
Jeremiah 23:23-29 Psalm 82 Hebrews 11:29-12:2 Luke 12:49-56
August 1st 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
August. Even though I haven’t taught in a long time, it still gives me shivers. Not too long from now, our children will be back to school. Teachers also. Yikes. Don’t get me wrong, school is great. But for teachers (and former ones) August is still one of those months.
Speaking of going back to school, we are planning to welcome the students back to Northview again this year. We need all your help. After church on Sunday, August 14th, we would like to decorate our sidewalk on Shooting Park Road with chalk. All are welcome to help.
I will be on vacation this week and next week. My plan is to be back for both weekend services. My wife just finished up her coaching season and we would like to spend some time together before teaching and coaching start up again. The first week, we plan on going to Door County. Some of you may know our aunt from Bridging the Gap who lives up there. Her hospitality is awesome. The next week is up in the air. We have a couple of options. Because of vacation plans, Music & Worship and Evangelism are cancelled for the month of August.
There will be a Teen Night Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will be hosted by Jake and Catie with supervision from Becky Delany. Pizza, games and a movie. 6th grade and up are invited. Feel free to bring a friend. Everything is free.
Hope you enjoyed the Doughnut Day on Sunday. Thank you to the Evangelism Committee for sponsoring the event.
Last year we made dinner once a month for PADS. We would like to do the same. We need a point person between PADS and the church. Anyone interested? Of course, we need as many volunteers as possible for this event. We are currently looking at the 2nd or 4th Monday of the month.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for another Evangelism activity. St. Johns will be headed to the Pistol Shrimp game Friday, August 5th at 7:00 p.m. We will meet again somewhere along the 3rd base side. Come on out and enjoy a little baseball and fellowship.
Mark your calendars for our next Blood Drive is Saturday, September 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
I want to introduce you to Norma and Larry Hoover (Pictured Here). I received their permission to put their picture in our newsletter. They live very close to me. I have seen them walk with their walkers many times close to the parsonage. One evening, I was looking out our window and I saw both of them resting on the side of the road. First, it was the cutest picture I have seen in a long time. Second, I couldn’t think of a better picture of love. So, I “hurried” to the garage, got on my scooter, and attempted to “chase” them down (words in “ “ are all relative). We had a great discussion in the middle of the street. They have been married longer than I have been born. Those things always amaze me. But this is what I brought out of our discussion. Even though, no doubt, they are still in love, God loves them more. This has been on my mind this week. I love my children and grandchildren, but God loves them more. I love my wife, but God loves her more. I love God, but God loves me more. Can you do me a favor this week? Look at someone you love this week. Really look at them. Acknowledge your love for them either verbally or silently. Then remember, always remember, that God loves them more.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Become familiar with the readings for August 6th & 7th 9th Weekend after Pentecost
Genesis 15:1-6 Psalm 33:12-22 Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Luke 12:32-40
September 26th, 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Have you ever heard the expression, “Don’t bring on trouble?” I wish I took that advice this week. On Friday, I had a doctor’s appointment with my neurologist at Northwestern Medical Center in Chicago. For a long time on my calendar, I was dreading this appointment. The thought of driving downtown Chicago scared the living heck out of me. I have really gotten used to the rural driving of the Illinois Valley.
Monday rolled around and I started bringing on trouble. I looked at that Friday’s date and started imagining all sorts of bad things happening. Have you ever done that? Maybe it is a doctor’s appointment or a meeting that you just know won’t go well. Maybe it is a test that you have to take or some activity that you are sure is going to be bad. You start to bring on trouble. It starts small and then becomes bigger than it really is. You begin to worry. I know I did. Oh, there were so many things that were going to go wrong. I started worrying more. Someone told me that worrying is a type of idol worship. Ouch. I forgot to trust God. Wondering if you have ever done that?
“Do not fear,” or something similar to this is one of the most basic commands given in the Bible. Angels say it a lot. Most of the time, it was thought, if you saw an angel you were going to die. But I am reminded of Jesus’ words about worry, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27) I am pretty sure Jesus never drove downtown Chicago, where blinkers mean nothing.
Friday rolled around and off I went. It was one of the easiest drives I ever had. I found a parking space right next to the entrance. The ride home took a little longer because of traffic but I got home safely. Not a piece of cake but definitely not what I imagined it to be. And usually, that is the way it goes.
I know some of you are waiting on news - results of a test…are you going to need surgery? … is it cancer? Etc.
Try not to bring on trouble. Try not to make it larger than it already is. Trust in the all-knowing God. Whatever the news, with God’s help, you will get through it.
When I got home, I said a quick prayer to God of praise and celebrated with ice cream. J
A couple of things going on this week.
- - Don’t forget to buy your Spaghetti Dinner tickets. It will be held on Monday, October 10th from 5:00p.m to 7:00 p.m. It will be held like last year. Come to the North parking lot and follow the signs. 10.00 dollars for adults and 5.00 for children. You can also donate a ticket(s) to the Blessing box.
- - For those who are interested in being part of the Long-Term Planning committee, our meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, July 27th at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome.
- - Does anyone need or know of anyone who needs a crib, a pack and play, as well as a chest of drawers? My youngest grandchild has moved into a big boy bed. Let me know if you do. If I don’t hear anything this week I will notify them to look elsewhere.
Don’t forget, our first meetings are coming up for those who want to receive their first communion before 4th Grade. The dates are Wednesdays, October 5th and 12th from 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. One parent must attend with your child. It is imperative that you come to both meetings. If interested, please let Pastor know.
Hope you have a great week. If you need my help, please let me know. May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Become familiar with the readings for October 1st & 2nd 17th Weekend after Pentecost
Hab. 1:1-4; 2:1-4 Psalm 37:1-9 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Luke 17:5-10
September 19th, 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I did something this weekend that I don’t normally do. I am not a big fan of reunions. I have never gone to my high school reunion. The thought scares the living daylights out of me. I was pretty focused in high school. My athletics took off and I worked really hard improving my talent. I hung around people who were involved in swimming. While others were going to football games, I was working out. While others were hanging out at the mall, I was working out. My friends were those who were working out with me. Don’t get me wrong, reunions are fine. I just really don’t like going to places where they might know you, or of you, but you don’t know them. That is how I pictured my high school reunion would be.
So, Patty and I are traveling to Madison, Wisconsin where I went to school. I also swam there. We are headed to a reunion of the college swimmers. Yes, there are a lot of people I don’t know. I hope I will know a few. I will definitely know one, because he talked me into it. I will give you an update towards the end of the letter.
Have you sort of figured out how I write these letters? Sometimes I write them all at once. But most of the time it takes me a few days because I am waiting for the activity to occur. For instance, I want to tell you about the Open House at the parsonage on Sunday night. I can’t because it is only Friday. Have to wait for that one also.
One of the things that did happen was our church hosted dinner last Monday at PADS. From what I hear, it went great. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped out in many different ways. Thank you. A special thank you needs to go out to Gerlyn Koehler. She was the one to take on the burden to organize everything. Thank you Gerlyn! She is still looking for volunteers. Give her a call.
One thing to put on your calendar: Monday, October 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., C.S.L.E. is hosting their annual Spaghetti Dinner. Tickets are 10.00 dollars for adults and 5.00 for children 10 and younger. They will be selling them at the end of each worship service for the next two-three weeks. Please consider supporting this cause. Also, look for items on the chalkboard to donate. One last thing: If you would like to donate a ticket to those who visit our blessing box, we plan to make tickets available to them.
Also, those who are involved in the Long-Term Planning committee, I need to move the date of our next meeting to Tuesday, Sept, 27th at 6:00 p.m.
Does anyone need or know of anyone who needs a crib, a pack and play, as well as a chest of drawers? My youngest grandchild has moved into a big boy bed. Let me know if you do.
Okay, I had a lot of fun. Saw and talked to a number of people I have not seen for a long time. Patty asked me if I would go again and I quickly said “No!” Okay, I am not going to reflect too much here but here are a couple of thoughts. One, that was a different me a lifetime ago. Yes, it was fun to get reacquainted with people I swam and hung out with in college, but we all really moved on. We shared a lot of stories, but they were just memories.
Finally, it is just really hard to travel where you are at the mercy of someone else, not knowing where things are, not knowing where to go, having to travel to get there, etc. Plain and simple, it is just harder for me.
Why does it always rain on our Open House? Okay, it was nothing compared to last time. Just a few sprinkles. I hope everyone who came enjoyed themselves. I know I did. Thanks for sharing some of your Sunday night with us.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Become familiar with the readings for September 24th & 25th 16th Weekend after Pentecost
Amos. 6:1a, 4-7 Psalm 146 1 Timothy 6:6-19` Luke 16:19-31
September 12th, 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I know it is September, but it feels like the start of a new year. All sorts of ministries are starting this month. We had Rally Day in between the drops of rain this Sunday. I love the excitement and enthusiasm the children bring to the church. Thank you to Missy and all the teachers who will spend time with the children each and every Sunday. Teaching our children may be one of our most important ministries.
Speaking of teaching your children, Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) starts this Wednesday (September 14th) at 6:00 p.m. Students should have already received an email from the Whalens who will lead this ministry. I know they are looking forward to an exciting year with your son or daughter.
Another ministry starting this Monday is dinner at the PADS shelter. The second Monday of every month will be our night to bring dinner. Thank you to Gerlyn who is heading up this ministry. Thank you to all the volunteers who have already signed up to bring meals. dessert or sides. There is always room to volunteer. Speaking of volunteering, we need help serving the food at the shelter December through May. It lasts about an hour starting around 5:45 p.m. Either sign up at church or let Gerlyn know. Thank you. Families are welcome
It is also a week of meetings with Music and Worship and Evangelism. If you have any fresh ideas, please make sure you share them with your pastor or anyone on those committees.
Pastor Tom and Patty are also having an Open House on Sunday, September 18th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dessert and refreshments will be served. I am still so surprised how many of you have not been in the Parsonage, or haven’t been in it for a very long time. All are welcome to come and check it out.
Yes, there was a Charlee sighting this week. My daughter Kayla surprised us this weekend and came up from St. Louis to visit us. What a great surprise. They were at the lake house most of the day on Saturday. Charlee wanted to spend most of the day in the water (she did). She is a big kindergartener these days. I wonder how many first days of school she has in her future?
Even though it is a busy week, please feel free to come in and chat. Love to hear from you.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Become familiar with the readings for September 17th & 18th 15th Weekend after Pentecost
Amos 8:4-7 Psalm 113 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Luke 16:1-13
September 6th, 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples”
John 13:35
Proclaim the Gospel
Grow in Love
Serve One Another
St. Johns’ Mission Statement
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Rally Day is Sunday September 11th. It is our first day of Sunday School. I would love to see all of our children there (along with their parents). I am sure it is not too late to sign-up. It is also our first Sunday back to our 10:15 a.m. time. During the worship service, we will also bless the back packs. Please have the children bring them along.
We had a few meetings the past two weeks. First of all, we had a Long-Term Planning Committee meeting. We are still gaining our footing with this committee and trying to find our purpose. We are always looking for members to help.
Last week, we also had a Visitation Committee. Seven members were trained to go out and visit our homebound and bring them communion. Again, this is another committee where we are always looking for help. It is never too late. Also, if you have a loved one that you want me or a member to visit, please let me know.
I feel a need to follow up on my sermon from last weekend. The Gospel reading was from Luke 14:25-33. I added verses 34 & 35. You might want to read it before you continue reading this letter.
Jesus is talking about what it takes to follow him. He describes the cost, the cost in relationships and possessions. But here is my take on it. He is talking to the crowd who have yet to decide if they are going to follow him and be his disciples. Most of you have already made that decision. You come to church. You already believe in Jesus Christ.
That is why I added those last two verses. Because I believe those last two verses speak to you and I. We are salt. We are believers in Jesus Christ. But Jesus gives a warning to us also. It appears we can lose our saltiness. We can lose our passion for Jesus Christ. We can just be going through the motions. Jesus warns that if salt loses their saltiness, it is worthless. Ouch.
I am not foolish enough to believe that the only way to follow Jesus is to go to church. However, it may be one way to get re-charged and to hold on to our salinity. But we should also be followers of Christ at our work place, in our homes, and the raising of our children or at your assisted living facility. It is a lifetime commitment. It is a lifetime allegiance. No part-timers. There are no days off. There is no retirement. You are done following Jesus when you take your last breath or when Jesus comes back again. Either way, it is a win-win situation.
But your church does need your help. Here’s the numbers I have trouble with. We have roughly 450 people on our rolls. Of those 450 people, we have roughly 150 people coming to church or watching us on-line. Of those, we have about 50-60 people volunteering for everything we are doing at church and its ministries. They decided that one way they can be disciples of Christ, is to help at church. However, those 50-60 people are getting tired. They are being asked to do the work of many.
But I can’t let this drive what we are doing at church. We have so many things going on where we could use your help. Let me highlight two of these things.
- 1) PADS Dinner – Your church has volunteered to make dinner for the people at PADS on the second Monday of the month. Can you bake dessert? Can you make a meal? Gerlyn is the person who is spearheading this effort. If you can help in any way, give her a call.
- 2) Helping Northview and Parkside – we already started this effort. St John’s responded exceptionally to their call for help regarding personal clothing. Awesome job. But we are also looking for ways that we can help the children to attend these schools. We are exploring many different kinds of relationships. One of them is helping them with after school learning. That takes people, maybe it’s you.
Please rest assured, we will not forget our members and our already existing ministries.
I would love to talk to anyone with ideas or who are willing to help. Please call or come in. My door is always open.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always .
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Become familiar with the readings for September 10th & 11th 14th Weekend after Pentecost
Exodus 32:7-14 Psalm 51:1-10 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Luke 15:1-10