Daily Notes of Grace

July events - Messenger 7 / 2010

Please Note

Jul 4, 11 -   Summer prayer emphasis

Jul 5, 12 -   Summer Book Study

Jul 7, 14 -   Summer Book Study (repeat)

Jul 18 -   Missionary presentation and luncheon

Jul 19 - 23 - Vacation Bible School

Jul 19 - 22 - Adult VBS.

Jul 25 - Workcamp worship, reception, presentation

Jul 31 - Jeremy Kings recital

Philip Knutson to be at Grace on July 18 - Messenger 7 / 2010

The sermons at the worship services and forum at 10 a.m. on July 18 will provide an opportunity for all to hear and to meet our Grace-sponsored global missionary, Pastor Philip Knutson. There will also be a luncheon after the 11 a.m. service. (See box below). Everyone is invited to attend.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ - Messenger 7 / 2010

From Senior Pastor Saïd Ailabouni

Are you looking back...?

The Gospel reading for Sunday, June 27, included a challenging admonition from Jesus. 

   To a man who wanted to follow Jesus but who wanted first to say farewell to his family, Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

   Have you ever tried driving to your destination while looking back? Jesus was on his way to be crucified in Jerusalem. He was committed to his mission of saving the world through his own suffering, death and resurrection. To follow Jesus required the ultimate commitment. It demanded the most from the men and women who wanted to join him. Eventually, some of them would give up on him. Some, like Peter, would deny him. However, in the end, those who truly believed in him as the Savior of the world were willing to give up their lives for the sake of the kingdom of God.

   What are you willing to do in response to Jesus’ admonition? How are you looking back in your own life when Jesus wants you to look forward? What would Jesus say to us as a congregation regarding moving forward in mission? I must admit, Jesus’ words are challenging.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Saïd Ailabouni

Financial Update May 2010 - deficit grows - Messenger 7 / 2010

Total offerings through May 31, exclusive of contributions for special appeals, were approximately $20,000 (6%) below the amount budgeted. Combined personnel and operating expenses were equivalent to budget in the five-month period, while focus appeal offerings were higher. As a result of the offerings shortfall, transfers from the Reserve Fund totaling nearly $17,000 have been made into the Operating Fund.

   The church needs the support of its members to help eliminate the deficit, and its leaders thank all contributors for their continuing financial support.

Pass on the Plate: Online Bill Pay Simplifies Offerings

It’s easy to make Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange a payee in your bank’s online bill-payment system! Simply use your envelope number as the “account number,” specify the purpose of your check in the “memo” section (e.g. weekly offering, specific blue-envelope benevolences or special appeals) and include the church’s address at 200 N. Catherine Ave., La Grange IL, 60525.

   An increasing number of members are making their offerings this way, thus avoiding the need to write paper checks. Treasurer Gary Hill is available to answer questions

Financial Secretary Opening

After many years of dedicated service to Grace, Dave Kopp is retiring as Financial Secretary.  This position is responsible for recording and reporting individual offerings and other contributions to the church for its various ministries, and is heavily involved in the pledging process each fall.  If you know a church member who might be well suited for this position, please contact Gary Hill, Treasurer.

From the Intern Pastor - Messenger 7 / 2010

Does My Head Look Big In This?  

A book discussion

Worshippers are invited to further their understanding of women and Islam in an unconventional way: by reading a novel written for the young adult audience and joining in a guided book study from 10 to 11 a.m., Sundays, August 1 and 8.

   Written by Randa Abdel-Fattah, “Does My Head Look Big In This?” tells the story of a Muslim teenager living in Australia who decides to wear the hijab, or headscarf. Readers, like the narrator, will likely learn that “putting on hijab isn’t the end of the journey. It’s just the beginning of it.” There will be time for questions and conversation during the book study on why Muslim women wear the head scarf, also called the hijab, and what it really means. 

   The class will be led by Laura Vetrone and Intern Pastor Dara Schuller-Hanson.

Prayer emphasis to continue through summer - Messenger 7 / 2010

Prayer is our communication with God. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we are invited to keep communication open between us and God.

   Through July and August you are invited to receive the gift of prayer in three different ways:

Prayer Service for Peace -- Messenger 7 / 2010

On Thursday, July 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. All are welcome to attend this service of reading from the Bible, music, prayer, and sharing of timely information. As part of an ecumenical effort that began in December, 2000 to more fully support faithful prayer until a just and lasting peace comes to all citizens of the Middle East, participating churches in Illinois hold similar services on the 15th of each month..  

   To learn more, call 847-381-0243.

   As most, if not all know, excellent resources provided by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) can be found by visiting http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls.aspx

   Currently seen at that link:  a 16-photo slide show, recent additions concerning the situations in Gaza and the West Bank, details of a Holy Land Youth Mission Trip that will take place in July, background information and an updated status for the Mount of Olives Housing Project, and much more.  Since new links are often added, checking the Peace Not Walls link regularly is always encouraged.

Photo of Israeli wall in the West Bank from the ELCA site, http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls.aspx

Health and Wellness - Messenger 7 / 2010

Slow Down

Song adapted from Luke 24 

by Edwin Childs

Slow down, slow down, slow down 

   and see Jesus

Slow down and see the Lord face

   to face,

Slow down, slow down, slow down

   and hear Jesus

Oh hear His words, soft and clear

Slow down, slow down your 

   troubled soul and busy mind

Slow down and feel the peace he

   gives.

   July is a great time to slow down and bring oneself into balance. It’s an ideal time to rest, reflect, relax, read, replenish and repair the mind, body and spirit. 

   RX: Appreciate yourself, your friends and family. Get some exercise. Lie in a hammock. Bite into a juicy piece of fresh fruit! Drink in the beauty of nature and know that all is gift.

   

Ann Gornik, R.N., M.S.N., F.C.N., 

Advocate Parish Nurse

Stephen Ministry Training begins in September - Messenger 7 / 2010

Stephen Ministers are church members who have completed 40 hours of training which has prepared them to provide high-quality Christian care     to individuals experiencing a crisis or challenge. These might include grief, loss of a job, hospitalization, or loneliness. They meet one-on-one with care receivers for about an hour a week as long as they are needed.

   We share Stephen Ministry training with other churches. Training begins Thursday, September 30 at Evangelical Covenant Church in Hinsdale.  After a Christmas break, training will continue at Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange through March 17. 

   Those who are interested in learning more are invited to contact Dave Johnson, Marian Lynch, or Mary Vann, who are Stephen Ministry leaders or Pastor Susan Gerow, 708-352-0730, ext. 211.  Consider saying, “Yes, by the help of  God”

Hollywood Epic movie - Messenger 7 / 2010

Monday, July 12, 2010, at 1:15 PM, join us in Fellowship Hall to watch “David and Bathsheba.”  During a recent sermon (June 13), Pastor Said issued his “homework assignment” for all of us to re-read Chapters 11 and 12 in 2 Samuel. Only 58 verses long, these chapters form the basis for Director Henry King’s 116 minute,1951 B.C. (before Cinema scope) classic film. You might remember him as the director of our previous film, “The Song of Bernadette.” Mr. King’s career in Hollywood spanned the years 1914 through 1961, and included many exceptionally good movies.  

    “David and Bathsheba” stars Gregory Peck and Susan Hayward in the lead roles. And who better to play Nathan, the prophet that calls King David to task for his grievous sin, than Raymond Massy? Watch for Jane Meadows and future musical theater star Gwen Verdon, playing minor characters.

    The AllMovie.com review sums it up best: “Fans of Biblical epics will find a lot to like in David and Bathsheba . . .  there’s plenty of spectacle to fill the eyes, with gorgeous costumes, delicious Leon Shamroy cinematography, and fabulous sets . . . Throw in a grand Alfred Newman score and some nifty battle scenes, and the result is a good, if occasionally dawdling, Hollywood excursion into the Good Book.”