Daily Notes of Grace

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ -- Messenger 6 / 2010

From Senior Pastor Saïd Ailabouni

Amidst all the change in the world, Christ remains the same

   Many things change in the world, but one thing will never change, and that is the promise that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8).

   God’s promises in Jesus Christ are what we cling to in all times – good times and hard times. It is Jesus who said to us: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). It is also Jesus who said: “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” (Matthew 19:14)

   The church is the body of Christ. The church is the hands, feet, heart and voice of Jesus Christ in the world. The church is a place of refuge and welcome for God’s children of all ages. The church is a place of healing for all people.

Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange will always be a place where all will be welcome, no matter their age. Grace will always be a place where all can worship no matter what their age is. 

Grace will always be a place where all can learn about Christ and decide to follow him. 

Grace will always be a place where all care for others in the name of Christ. 

Grace will always be a place where all God’s children, no matter their age, are empowered and equipped to serve others and reach out to them in the name of Christ.

I’m sure that you agree with these, our core values.

Reorganization 

   The reorganization of the program and support staffs at our church is not the focus of our mission, but it is a way to help us better serve the congregation and strengthen its changing mission in the community. Several full-time positions will be replaced by even more part-time positions. If you were not able to be at one of the three informational forums at the end of May, please contact me or Pastor Flessen or a Council member to help answer any 

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Dear Brothers and Sisters  (continued from page 1)

questions you may have. I find great joy in visiting with members who have questions. Please do not hesitate to call me and ask for time to talk.

   A videotape of the presentation and discussion is also 

available for your use to watch the meeting. 

   We will be ready soon to receive applications for the new, part-time positions. Position descriptions are available for you to request via email or from the office. We will, of course, continue to welcome the help of any volunteers who are able to donate their time to our work. Most of the new positions, however, will be paid positions due to the time and commitment required.

   “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” These are comforting words for me. I hope they are for you as well. 

In Christ,

Pastor Saïd Ailabouni

s.ailabouni@gracelutheran-lg.org

Financial Update April 2010 -- Messenger 6 / 2010

Total offerings through April 30, exclusive of contributions for special appeals, were approximately $14,000 (5%) below the amount budgeted. Operating expenses were slightly under budget in the four-month period, while focus appeal offerings and related payments were higher. As a result of the income shortfall, a transfer from the Reserve Fund of nearly $15,000 was made into the Operating Fund.

   The Rebuilding Together appeal raised just over $2600. Thank you to volunteers for your time and talent, and to others for continued financial support.

Prayer Service for Peace -- Messenger 6/ 2010

On Tuesday, June 15th at 7:30 p.m., a Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East will be held at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 East Main Street in Barrington.

   The service will include Bible readings, music, prayer, and sharing of timely information. In an ecumenical effort to more fully support faithful prayer until a just and lasting peace comes the Middle East, participating Illinois churches hold similar services on the 15th of each month.  To learn more, call 847-381-0243.

   A special guest, Ali Amr, a 19-year-old virtuoso, will share the exceptional musical talents he brought last year to Grace. He will also share his personal story of life in Ramallah on the West Bank, learning and performing music from an early age, and studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

   Ali is both a vocalist and an instrumentalist, playing the challenging qanun, a 72-string Arabic lap harp.  

   Everyone is invited to a uniquely inspiring evening of prayer, music, and dialogue.

God’s ‘stay-cation’ -- Messenger 6 / 2010

By Mary C. Lindberg

If you were God, where would you go on vacation? Just think, the whole creation to choose from: rainforests, fjords, canyons. No booking fees, no center seats, no 3-ounce limits. 

A prayer for our Stephen Ministers -- Messenger 6 / 2010

Stephen Ministry brings together men and women who are trained to offer ongoing care and support with persons experiencing a wide variety of challenges, including health issues, unemployment, family stress, divorce, grief and other life events.  Stephen Ministers, in one-on-one relationships, help people cope with their situations through confidential, focused listening, acceptance and spiritual support.  

   Gracious God, we lift up our Stephen Ministry in prayer today.  Grant wisdom and discernment to our Stephen Leaders, Dave, Marian, and Mary, as they guide others in this ministry. Grant patience and compassion to our Stephen Ministers as they faithfully meet with their care receivers each week. Grant healing and peace to the care receivers as they courageously share their lives. Grant open hearts to all others who are facing struggles so that they have the courage to seek and accept the help they need. And open the eyes and ears of all of us so that we might recognize those who are hurting in our midst and reach out to them in love. Help us to make Grace Lutheran Church the caring and loving community you have called us to be.  In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.

Health and Wellness - Messenger 6 / 2010

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.  (The Third Letter of John: Verse 2)

   Slowing down your pace, laying down your burdens, and receiving the gift of rest through the presence of God in the ordinary activities of summertime are some of the gifts of summertime. Basking in the warm glow of the sun can make people feel good in the short term, but the cumulative effects of sun exposure have long-term side effects.  Sun exposure puts people at increased risk of cellular damage, early wrinkling, age spots and skin cancer, including melanoma. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers some helpful tips for avoiding sunburn and for selecting and applying sunscreen.

Tips for avoiding sunburn

Whenever possible, avoid being in the midday sun.

A white t-shirt worn while swimming does not protect the skin; sunscreen must be applied under the t-shirt.

Wear a broad brim hat and sunglasses with UV protection.

Stay in the shade whenever possible.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin, if you can’t avoid being in the sun.

Tips for selecting a sunscreen

Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UV rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Pick a waterproof brand if you will be swimming or sweating.

Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before outdoor activities (for best results) so the sunscreen can be absorbed by the skin and is less likely to wash off with perspiration.

Apply sunscreen every 2-3 hours while in the sun and after swimming or strenuous exercise. Sunscreen effectiveness is affected by swimming, sweat, wind, humidity and altitude.

Use lip balm or cream that has SPF of 30 or higher to protect lips.

Use a water based sunscreen if you have oily skin or are prone to acne.

Be aware of the expiration date because some sunscreen ingredients might degrade over time.

Ann Gornik 

RN, MSN, FCN, Advocate Parish Nurse

Caregivers Support Group Meets Monthly - Messenger 6 / 2010

A caregivers’ support group is offered at Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the first Friday of each month.

   Caregivers may be adult children, spouses, relatives or friends caring for older adults.  Members of support groups typically offer information, advice and empathy to people having similar challenges or experiences. The most healthy and effective caregivers are those who seek and accept informational and coping support.  This group seeks to provide that valuable support.  

   For more information, call Facilitator Kate Marshall, LSW, of Interfaith Community Partners, a faith-based alliance with older adults, at (708) 579-8929.

Women of Grace service groups continue meetings in summer -- Messenger 6 / 2010

During June, July and August, the Women of Grace gatherings usually scheduled for the first Thursday of the month, as well as the small (Circles) groups that meet on the third Thursdays of the month, will not meet. However, the service groups (Projects Day and the Prayer Shawl Ministry) will continue meeting.

OPUS Walks, Cruises and Eats its Way through June -- Messenger 6 / 2010

Older People Up to Something (OPUS) and other church members will join forces to march in the La Grange Pet Parade on Saturday, June 5. Walkers are needed for this first-time Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange event, so OPUS members are encouraged to participate as fully as possible. Details regarding a meeting time and place will be posted in the bulletin.

ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) -- Messenger 6 / 2010

Thursday, June 3, Grace’s ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) group meets for an informal, “Dutch Treat” luncheon at 11:45 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month.  Blueberry Hill Breakfast Café, 49 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange (N.E. corner of Harris and LaGrange Road), is the location for our gathering of good fellowship, good conversation, and good food.  If you have never attended this luncheon, why not give us a try?