December 2015
Hope Lutheran Church
Long Grove, Illinois
Pastor Jim Andrews
ad·vent: noun The arrival of a notable person,
thing, or event. i.e. "the advent of television"
synonyms: arrival, appearance, emergence,
materialization, occurrence, dawn, birth, rise,
Development
In Christian theology: the coming or second coming of Christ.
Dear friends, while I would never be so presumptuous as to think of myself as a notable person, I am confident that the arrival of a new pastor at
Hope is as much a major development for all of you as it is for myself and
my family. This is a time of anticipation and great expectations for all of
us as we learn and grow together. It is my most sincere wish that in time,
our family will become one with all of you, as we begin to share our lives
and ministries with one another. And what better time to begin than
during the dawning of the Advent season: the time when we await the
re-telling of the Gospel stories of our Savior’s arrival as one of us—born in
human flesh. A time when we are also reminded of his second coming—
when he will appear to claim us for his own.
Most of you have become acquainted with my wife Laura and I through
the meet and greet back in October and from the conversations we have
had since. But for those whom I have still not met, here is a brief bio:
I am a second career pastor, having served for the previous four years at
Calvary Lutheran Church in the southwest corner of Chicago. Before
graduating from seminary at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago,
I served my home church, St. Mark Lutheran in Worth, IL in various
capacities. For eight years I served as the youth minister for the Junior
and Senior High School groups and for ten years sang and played
percussion on the Praise team that led worship for two of the worship
services each week.
My wife Laura was one of the two coordinators of the PADS site at St.
Mark for approximately six years and has recently left her position at a
Manor Care facility where she assisted in recreational therapy. My 25 year
old son, Dustin, is presently teaching in Malaysia, and my 21 year old
daughter, Natalie, has been studying computer graphics and lives on the
north side of Chicago. One thing you will quickly learn about our family is
that we are dedicated to outreach in the community. We believe in being
good stewards of the time and talents that God has gifted each of us
with.
(Continued on page 2)
Inside this issue:
President’ Note
3
Council
Highlights
3
Book Nook
4
Gift Cards
4
Grounds for
Hope Cafe
4
Fellowship
5
PHD
5
Youth
6-7
Women’s
Retreat
8
Hannah Circle
8
Calendar
9
Page 2
December 2015
(Continued from page 1)
Although we still reside in Worth, Laura and I are quickly getting our house in shape to sell, in
order for us to become residents of the Long Grove area as soon as we possibly can. We are
most excited about the move and the existing ministries at Hope that we soon wish to
become a part of. I am also anxious to learn as much as I can about the surrounding area in
order that I might perceive new ways that we may yet be able to develop in reaching out to
those in need, especially those who are in need of experiencing the love of Jesus Christ.
Since we are entering into the Advent season, I thought we might begin with a four week
Bible study during the Grounds for Hope Cafe time. Starting November 29th from 9:45 thru
10:45 a.m. , I will be presenting Christmas: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly. In this fourweek Advent study, author Richard B. Wilke focuses on people in the story of Christ’s birth.
There are those we associate with the joy and celebration of Christmas―the wise men, the
shepherds, and Joseph. Yet the author reminds us not to forget that the evil King Herod is
also part of the Christmas story, and how it is because there is evil in our world that we so
desperately needed―and need―a Savior. I will have a sign-up sheet in the narthex through
November 22nd. I hope you will set aside this time to reflect upon the holiday season on a
more spiritual level. By the way, even if you don’t want to make a four week commitment,
jump in at any time. I will make sure to have extra study materials available.
In the meantime, I am still determining my regular office hours, but if you need to speak with
me or if you have any pastoral care concerns, especially home, hospital or health center
visitation needs, please reach me at the church office or call my cell phone: 708-372-6742.
I am most excited to be a part of the Hope Church family and I pray that with your support
we will experience many wonderful and spiritually uplifting years together. Praise God from
whom all blessings flow!
Blessings to all of you throughout this Advent and Christmas season, from my family to yours,
Pastor Jim Andrews
December 2015
Page 3
Message from Chuck Johnson
Congregational President . . .
Well, the new guy is here. Pastor James Andrews was installed as the Pastor
of Hope Lutheran Church on November 15, and is now the official leader of our
church. While we have already had the welcoming ceremonies, the actual work of welcoming
Pastor Jim comes now.
There are tons of sources that give advice on how to welcome a new Pastor, and much of the
advice is eminently practical. Importantly, wear your nametags and introduce yourself to Pastor as
often as possible. He has lots of new names to learn! Say hi to his wife Laura when you see her;
make the two of them feel welcome. Offer to help Pastor Jim with anything that he may need; he
doesn’t know where we keep things around here, or where things are in the community. Stop and
chat with him before and after service; let him know how nice you all are.
But there are other, more policy-level things that you can do as well. You can come to Pastor Jim
with ideas for things we can do to expand and enhance our work at Hope. You can accept with an
open mind and heart any new things that he may introduce. You can resist the temptation to say:
“we’ve never done that before,” unless it’s followed by “let’s see how it works.” You can avoid
complaining and negative comments. You can continue to worship God faithfully in this place, and
continue being the hands and feet of God by continuing the programs we have in place and working
on new ones. Most of all, you can constantly love and pray for Pastor Jim, Laura, and our family of
faith at Hope. This is the beginning of a wonderful new time for our church, and I know that as a
family, we will be led by the Spirit into greater and more fulfilling ministries. Welcome, Pastor Jim.
We can’t wait to get started.
November Council Highlights
*
Pastor Jim Andrews officially accepted a Call from Hope Lutheran
Church to be our Pastor.
*
Plans were reviewed in preparation for Pastor's Installation to take place
on November 15th with Pastor Cynthia Hileman presiding.
*
Council Directors are to forward their funding request with appropriate plan detail in
preparation for the 2016 Budget.
*
A Nominating Committee (Jeff Whitehead, Chuck Johnson, Kathy Whitehead, Don
Eggert, Doug Fritsch) was formed to fill open Council positions for the coming year.
*
Giving through October is $8700 behind last year and $17,900 short of budget.
To contact the church office: hopelutheran- [email protected] or go to the Website
(www.hopelutheran-elca.org) for links to the church office. (Or call [847] 634-2070.)
To send an announcement church-wide via e-mail and/or to have your e-mail address
added to receive announcements: [email protected]
To send a prayer request and/or have your e-mail address added to receive prayer
requests: [email protected]
To submit an article for the Newsletter: [email protected]
Page 4
December
2015
Do you believe God can do ANYTHING?
Our guest celebrity, Patsy Clairmont, will speak with wit and knowledge
about God's truths. Her stories will both strengthen and teach you. Patsy
is a well known author and speaker who helps you to see God's wisdom
in a whole new light!
When: Thursday, December 17, 2015, 9:00 am
Where: Ann Wood's house
25275 N Marilyn Lane, Hawthorne Woods
Movie: Women of Faith, 2013 Tour
Believe God Can Do Anything
Patsy Clairmont, Guest Speaker
Join us at our annual Christmas potluck breakfast, movie and discussion!
Questions: Call Nancy Harstad, 847-963-9302
Directions: Call Ann Wood 847-438-5469
GIFT CARD PROGRAM
I said it last month, but I will say it again - SO many possibilities for using gift
cards this month: groceries for your Christmas dinners - gas cards for your trip to
visit family - Christmas gifts, either using the cards themselves as gifts (kids and teens
love them, and they are super easy to mail) or using them yourself to purchase gifts your own every day shopping needs. I guarantee there is something you will purchase this month where a gift card may be used, so try it, you’ll like it!
You may go to www.mannagroup.net – then you click on Get Started in the middle of the screen. Next
screen - click on Forms/Order Forms at the top of the page. Next screen - click on Alphabetically.
Browse through and decide what gift cards you’ll be able to use that month. There are also hard copies of
the Vendor List on the info table at church. You may call or email either of us or Andie and tell us what you
want, or you may just write the cards you want on a note and leave it in the box on the info table – you do
NOT have to use the computer, so don’t let that deter you from ordering. Be sure to include a
check made out to HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH with Gift Cards marked in the memo line.
Orders and checks are due by the 1st Sunday of each month and the cards will be in the church office by
Tuesday. December orders are due on Sunday, December 6th. If you will not be at church that day, you
may give us your order or put it in the box on the info table whenever you are at church and we will hold it
until the order is placed.
Jan Sirabian – 847-537-7926 - [email protected]
Gina Vera – 847-439-0561 - [email protected]
Grounds for Hope Café – Adult discussion – coffee and treats in the large
fellowship hall Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. Come for fellowship and
conversation about faith, life, current events, scripture, the church and other
topics. Let Pastor Jim know if you have ideas for a series or a session.
Nov. 29—Dec. 20 Bible Study—Christmas: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
December 2015
Page 5
Fellowship
Past events:
Treats were served at the Special Congregational Meeting Sunday, October 18th. Thanks to Nancy
Harstad for organizing this event.
We bid Pastor Martha a fond farewell with a delicious potluck brunch on Sunday, November 8th.
There was much laughter and tears, but everyone was full! Thanks to Debbie Duffy and Joe
Peplow for help with setting up for the event. Many hands helped the day of the brunch. Thanks
to all including the members of Hope who provided all the great food!
What a celebration for Pastor Jim’s installation on November 15th! Thanks to Janice Peterson for
organizing this event. Decorating helpers included Gloria Heilman, Nancy Harstad, Paula Weglarz,
and Bill and Janice Peterson. Servers included Fred and Cindy Vogt, Jerry and Ellen Allen and
Debbie Duffy. Other treats were baked by Gloria, Paula, Nancy and Cheryl Chrysler. A special
welcome gift was provided to Pastor Jim and his wife Laura by Nancy, Paula, Ellen, and Karen
Meyer. I hope I included everyone – thanks to one and all!
Upcoming events:
The Women’s Retreat is scheduled for January 29-31, 2016 at the Inns of Geneva National in Lake
Geneva, Wisconsin. Women will be drawn closer to Jesus through worship, discussion, quiet
reflection, Christian service and more. The room cost is $121 per night and the retreat fee is $25
which includes four meals and the cost of the program. We welcome all women; scholarships are
available. This year we will be collecting the whole amount of the room and retreat fee as we have
to pay for the rooms at the Inns of Geneva National with one check. Please sign up in the narthex
on the bulletin board as soon as possible. Registration will close on December 10th.
Desserts will be served after Wednesday Advent Services in December. Please join us for
fellowship – special yummy treats will be served! The dates are December 2, 9, and 16.
Kathy Whitehead, Fellowship Director
Preservation of Human Dignity (PHD) Diaper and Coat Drive
Thank you to everyone who donated to the coat, mittens, boot, and hat drive for PHD. Our donations
were gratefully accepted by the baby closet and these items are now being distributed to the clients. We
collected 2 cans of formula, 10 blankets, 2 buntings, 47 new and gently used coats, 29 mittens/gloves, 25
hats, 1 scarf, 2 Bears shirts, and 4 pair of boots.
You have made a difference in the lives of these children. Blessings for a wonderful holiday season.
Paula Weglarz
We continue to help the Vernon Township Food Pantry with non-perishable food items.
Please contact Nicholas Gilbert (Food Pantry Volunteer) with questions at
847-540-7018 or email Nicholas at [email protected].
Page 6
December 2015
2015-2016 Youth Calendar
12/5
12/12
12/13
1/10/16
1/20
1/23
2/19-21
3/11
3/16
4/10
4/20
4/30
5/13
5/14
5/18
6/10-12
7/25-30
Feed My Starving Children 9:00 am
Christmas Dinner 5:00 pm
Christmas Cookie Walk (between services)
Bowling (After church, Lunch), Grades 9-12
New Horizons 6:30-8:30 pm
Spaghetti Dinner 5:00 pm (Blenderful Music Sing-Along)
Lake Geneva Winter Retreat, Grades 5-12 (Leave church @5:00 pm)
Feed My Starving Children, Grades 5-12
New Horizon’s 6:30-8:30 pm
Mini Golf (After Church, Lunch), Grades 9-12
New Horizons 6:30-8:30 pm
Steak Dinner/Silent Auction
Flower Sale Delivery
Flower Sale Pick-Up, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
New Horizons Bonfire (at Pankiewicz’s)
Lake Geneva Summer Retreat
Leadership Lab
Fundraising Article
Thrivent has come through again to help out some of our many
ministries right here at Hope!
Donations in the amount of $250 for our Thanksgiving Baskets, $250
for Hope’s Operation Christmas Child (our shoebox ministry) and $800
for Operation Christmas have been received. We are so blessed to
have Thrivent financially support our ministries!
The Sunday School Christmas program will be held on December
13th during the 11:00 service.
There will be no Sunday School on December 20th and
27th. Sunday School classes will resume on January 3, 2016
December 2015
Page 7
November has been a busy month for Hope’s Youth Group and December should be no different!
On November 14th our Junior High Youth Group got together to write letters of hope to WINGS (Women in
Need Getting Stronger) tenants. They also took some time for fellowship and of course food, prepared by
Mrs. Duffy!
During New Horizon’s, in November, our High Schoolers sent off College Care Packages to Hope’s
College Students. These packages, along with hand-written notes of encouragement will be sent just prior
to finals to help them study. Huge THANKS to those who donated candy and treats to be sent off. The
Youth also packed up Shoeboxes for the Operation Shoebox ministry. Both of these Junior and Senior
High events were great ways to show others that we care about them during the holiday season!
Hope Lutheran Church will participate at Feed My Starving Children on Saturday, December 5th from
9:00-11:00. Hope’s Youth are encouraged to attend, whether with their families or with their Youth
Group. Sign up in the Narthex! If attending with Youth Group, sign up in the Narthex, but be at church by
8:15 a.m. Youth attending with Youth Group will be treated to lunch following FMSC.
The Senior High will be celebrating Christmas together on Saturday, December 12th, beginning at
5:00 p.m. with a delicious Christmas dinner prepared by Debbie Duffy and a gift donation for Toys For
Tots. Please bring an unwrapped toy. Watch for invitations sent through the mail.
Sunday, December 13th is the date of Hope’s Annual Cookie Walk between services. Both bakers AND
shoppers are needed to make this event a success! We are asking every family with children in the Youth
Programs to help out by baking 10-12 dozen cookies to fill the tables in fellowship hall. The monies raised
will offset costs for ALL youth programs Cookies can be dropped off on Saturday, December 12, 1 - 3 pm
and again on Sunday, Dec. 13, 8 – 9 am. Please make sure to label what kind of cookies you made.
Volunteers are also needed to help make the event successful. For more information, contact Debbie
Duffy, [email protected].
Want to be kept in the loop with Hope’s Youth? Hope Lutheran Church Youth Group Facebook page is the
place!! Request that either Jennie Pankiewicz or Juanita Wundsam add you to the private Facebook
group.
Most important, Hope’s Youth Group wishes everyone a blessed Christmas! The best gifts around any
tree is the presence of family all wrapped up with each other! - Burton Hillis
Christmas Blessings from Hope’s Youth Committee: Tom Chrysler, Debbie Duffy, Ken Kring, Tom Meyer,
Jennie Pankiewicz, Stephanie Solomon and Juanita Wundsam
Cookie Walk Fundraiser 2015
The annual Christmas Cookie Walk will be Sunday, December 13,
9:30 to 11 am. We are asking every family to help out by baking 10-12
dozen Christmas cookies to fill the tables in fellowship hall. The monies
raised will offset costs for ALL youth programs. We need everyone to help.
out by baking for and shopping at this event. Look for a sign-up sheet in the Narthex.
We will be accepting cookies on Saturday, December 12, 1 - 3 pm and again on Sunday,
Dec. 13, 8 – 9 am. Please make sure to label what kind of cookies you made. We are also looking for volunteers to help out in order to make the event successful.
For more information, contact Debbie Duffy at [email protected].
Page 8
December 2015
SpaSpa-Themed Retreat Planned for Hope’s Women
Doesn’t a spa-themed getaway sound amazing?
Get away from the busyness of life as you relax with
friends, share laughter and stories, and spend time with
God. Join us at our Lavender Springs Spa retreat to
experience all this and more!
Lavender Springs Spa is a relaxing spa-themed retreat that the women of
our church are doing together. It includes worship, Bible study, and time for
laughter, as well as time for quiet reflection. We’ll be focusing on the book of
Psalms and will be encouraged by God’s faithfulness and love.
Here’s the scoop:
When: Jan. 29, 2016 @ 6:30 p.m.to Jan. 31, 2016 @ noon.
Where: Inns of Geneva National, Lake Geneva, WI.
Cost: $267 single occupancy; $146 double occupancy; $106 triple occupancy;
$86 quad occupancy. Includes room, 4 meals and study materials.
Saturday night dinner not included.
Sign up in Narthex with a check payable to Hope Lutheran Church and
"Women's Retreat” written in memo line.
Deadline to register is Dec. 10, 2015.
Questions: email Joanne Johnson at [email protected] or call 847-913-1407.
Take time to relax, make new friends, worship, and draw closer to God.
Please join the women of Hope at Lavender Springs Spa.
Hannah Circle
We will not be meeting in December. All women of Hope are invited to join us on
January 26th.
Questions: Call Debby Duffy at (847) 934-1244.
Hope’s kitchen is missing a roaster. Do you have it?
?
6:30 p.m. Bell Choir
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
7:30 p.m. Board of
Trustees
14
6:30 p.m. Bell Choir
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
21
6:30 p.m. Bell Choir
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
28
13
11:00 a.m. Sunday School
Christmas Program
9:30—11:00 a.m. Cookie Walk
1:00 p.m. Korean Church
4:00 p.m. White Stone Church
5:30 p.m. Bowling
20
NO Sunday School
1:00 p.m. Korean Church
4:00 p.m. White Stone Church
27
NO Sunday School
ONE Service at 10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. Korean Church
4:00 p.m. White Stone Church
5:30 p.m. Bowling
7
1:00 p.m. Korean Church
4:00 p.m. White Stone Church
Mon
6
Sun
7:00 p.m. Praise Team
29
7:00 p.m. Praise Team
22
7:00 p.m. Praise Team
15
6:00 p.m. Worship &
Music Committee
7:00 p.m. Praise Team
7:30 p.m. Church Council
Meeting
6:30 p.m. Prayer Group
30
6:30 p.m. Prayer Group
23
6:30 p.m. Prayer Group
7:30 p.m. Advent Service
16
6:30 p.m. Prayer Group
7:30 p.m. Advent Service
9
6:30 p.m. Prayer Group
7:30 p.m. Advent Service
8
2
7:00 p.m. Praise Team
Wed
1
Tue
31
10:00 a.m. Worship
Service
25
7:30 p.m. AA Group
8:00 p.m. Korean
Congregation
18
7:30 p.m. AA Group
8:00 p.m. Korean
Congregation
11
7:30 p.m. AA Group
8:00 p.m. Korean
Congregation
4
Fri
26
7:30 a.m. Men’s Group at
Buffalo Restaurant
19
5:00 p.m. Youth
Christmas Dinner
12
7:30 a.m. Men’s Group at
Buffalo Restaurant
9:00 a.m. Feed My
Starving Children
5
Sat
SUNDAY WORDHIP SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m. Traditional Service
9:45 a.m. Sunday School, Sr. High Youth,
Grounds for Hope Cafe
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Service
7:00 p.m. &
11:00 p.m.
Christmas
Eve Services
24
9:00 a.m. Book Nook
7:00 p.m. Confirmation
Class
17
7:00 p.m. Confirmation
Class
10
9:00 a.m. Christmas
Tree Decorating
7:00 p.m. Confirmation
Class
3
Thu
December
2015
Page 9
1660 Checker Rd.
Long Grove, IL 60047
www.hopelutheran-elca.org
Declare God’s love.
Do God’s will.
Dance with the Spirit.
The Hopeful” is now available each month on our website:
www.hopelutheran-elca.org and also via email.
If you no longer wish to receive a paper copy of “The Hopeful,” please notify the
church office at the following email address: “[email protected]”
It will then be emailed to you in pdf format each month.
By reading the newsletter online (or printing it out yourself) you will save both
on paper and mailing costs! Don’t wait! Please contact Andie today. Thank you!
Find Hope on-line at www.hopelutheran-elca.org or join Hope on Facebook by
searching for ‘Hope Lutheran Church—Long Grove, IL’ and then clicking on the
‘Like” button. The Facebook page has updates on events at Hope, pictures and
other miscellaneous information.