Volume 18 —Issue 4

May Journal St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran ChurchEvangelical Lutheran ChurchEvangelical Lutheran Church

A May Message from your Pastor … Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Risen Christ!

Alleluia! Christ has risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! We celebrated Easter in our homes this year - - boy did that feel weird or what? But none the less, the tomb is empty, Christ has been resurrected from the dead and death is defeated. Spring has sprung! Have you noticed the Spring flowers in bloom? The daffodils that line the parsonage sidewalk are beautiful! Despite the coronavirus shelter in place order, Spring blossoms bloom. Our farmers have begun working in the field and some are even planting. Gardeners are planning and planting their gardens as well. The trees are just now beginning to leaf out. It’s so nice to see those hints of green again. Just to let you know … as of this writing, I do not know when we will be able to return to worship in the Sanctuary. But when we do, we’ll plan our homecom-ing / Easter Resurrection Celebration that first weekend back at church. A few of us have been tossing around the idea of having a fellowship time after worship on that Sunday to celebrate our return to church. Please keep looking for emails, Facebook posts, and letters in the mail as to when we will be able to come together again. Also, that first Sunday back, we’ll also celebrate 4 students receiving their First Holy Communion. The following Sunday two 8th Grade students will Affirm their Baptism with the rite of Confirmation. I will continue to provide daily devotionals via email and U.S. Postal Service, a Tuesday recorded devotional and a recorded worship service for Sunday. This is a strange way of doing church – I miss you all. But remember, we are the church in the world – we’re deployed to share God’s Good News – just in a unique and new way.

May we all enjoy God's Blessings & Peace, Pastor Chris Schoon

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Love has not been cancelled

Prayer has not been cancelled

Conversations have not been cancelled

Kindness has not been cancelled

Reading has not been cancelled

Songs have not been cancelled

Worship, as a way of life, has not been cancelled

EMBRACE ALL THE GOOD THAT REMAINS!

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News from St. John’s Committees

Committees did not meet in April we are full of Hope for May meetings and activites but….We will see. Stay healthy keep washing your hands

The Stewardship committee usually hosts a blood drive in June it is still undecided by the Northern Illinois Blood Bank as to when this will be held at St John’s, we will let you know as soon as it can be scheduled. Thank you, Barb Voss Blood Drive representative from St John’s.

Our Sharing Pantry Can Use Your Help

As you might expect, more people are coming to the pantry for help with food. They are finding it harder to make their dollars stretch until the next paycheck. If you could make a donation in any amount to Our Sharing Pantry it would be a great help. Since we purchase groceries from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, we can get more food through them than going to a grocery store. You can make your check to St. John's Lutheran Church and write in the memo Sharing Pantry or to Our Sharing Pantry and mail it to St. John's Lutheran Church, PO Box 245, Somonauk IL 60552. We appreciate your help and so do our clients. Doris Miller St. John's Pantry Contact

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MOG Financial Update Since March 1st there were three withdrawals from the MOG Fund.

$29,250.00 Roof Payment to Custom Construction $29,250.00 Roof Payment to Custom Construction $43,800.00 FINAL roof payment to Custom Construction

Acting on the instruction of the members of the MOG committee Resource Bank invested an additional $25,000 in mutual funds. We are proceeding very carefully with the investment plan we agreed upon. As today we have invested $35,000. Below is the current status of the investment Ticker CUSIP Description Cost Market Value G/L VEIRX 921921300 VANGUARD EQUITY INCOME $10,000 $10,004.52 +$4.52 KLCIX 314172412 FEDERATED KAUFFMANN CAP $12,500 $14,153.12 +$1,653.12 BGSXX 665278701 PARNASSUS EQUITY INCOME $12,500 $13,347.51 +$847.51

There will be future withdrawals for the lift. There are two memorials to deposit-ed into the MOG fund. We had hoped to get these transferred in March/April but with everything going we are holding off and when the quarantine is over, we will get these moved. Please see the spread sheet for the current balance in the account. The roof Is completely paid off. Thank you, Nancy Miller, MOG

The Roof is

finished

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As of 04/13/2020 Current Balance $441,484.37 01/02/2020 Resource Bank Deposit $1,080,701.29 Balance $1,080,701.29 02/03/2020 Interest payment $1,158.60 Balance $1,081,859.89 02/07/2020 Roof Down Payment $43,183.15 Balance $1,038,676.74 02/07/2020 Pastors Desk and Chair $372.98 Balance $1038,303.76 02/07/2020 Fees $570.78 Balance $1,037,732.98 02/29/2020 Lift Down payment $13,320.00 Balance $1,024,412.98 03/06/2020 Endowment fund $446,595.00 Balance $577,817.98 03/07/2020 Fee $558.61 Balance $578,500.41 03/10/2020 Mutual Fund Purchase $10,000.00 Balance $568,500.41 3/18/2020 Purchase Mutual Fund Shares $12,500 Balance $555,000.41 3/19/2020 Withdrawal Roof payment $29,250.00 Balance $543,500.41 3/23/2020 Deposit Mutual Shares $77.43 Balance $526,827.84 3/25/2020 Withdrawal Roof Payment $29,250.00 Balance $497,500.41

And the Lift has

been Replaced

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Dear Sponsor,

I hope you are fine and doing well your activitios

I have written this letter to inform you the the almighty helped me and promoted

to primary seven, I really appreciate for that

I thank you very much for looking forward my studies

I have talked to my parents and they have told me that they are greeting you

And I still appreciate you for sending me the brancket may God be will you for

that I humbly request you to come with St John’s and visit me at school.

In my studies I would like to be a pilot if God wishes me for that.

I am a male Ugandan aged 16 years. ( He is 18)

I was born in 1/03/2002.

Your’s faithfully,

Harerimaana Geofrey.

Harerimaana Geofrey.

Gender: Male

Class Primary Seven

Date of birth: 1/3/2002.

Years 18 years

Nationality: Ugandan

(This was reprinted as Geofrey had printed his letter.)

Good Shepherd Pri_School,

PO Box 1540

Kamwenge’4th Feb 2020

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Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center

The purpose of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center (LOMC) is to be the

Church in outdoor settings, nurturing Christian faith and providing ex-

periences connecting the Word of God with the World of God. LOMC is

located in Oregon IL and offers summer camping experiences for youth

and children as well as a retreat and conference center for adults.

Additional information about LOMC can be obtained at www.lomc.org.

LOMC was our mission emphasis for April

Knitter Critters will be meeting on May 12th to knit and crochet baby afghans for the babies born at Valley West, a part of Northwestern Medicine, in Sandwich. Since we all have to be home, now would be a good time to knit or crochet a baby af-ghan. If you knit or crochet and need yarn or patterns, see the file cabinet located in the corner of the northwest room. Check out some of the thank you notes and pictures on the kiosk. If you need assistance or want to learn, you may speak with Elfriede Korallus 498-3943 or Tena Hamster 498-3326. Hearts and Hands Ministry provides aid within our congregation as volunteers lend a hand by providing meals to those recuperating from an illness or hospitalization or bringing home a new baby, etc. Stella Gard-ner coordinates this effort and would be happy to have more volunteers who are willing to provide a meal for fellow members of St. John’s. For details on how you can be a part of this warm and caring ministry, contact Stella at 815-761-1581 or the church office at 815-498-3667. If you know of someone who would benefit from this Ministry, contact Stella or the church office.

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Parent’s Corner for May 2020

When my grandmother was a young woman, most families needed

more than one income earner to provide food, clothing and shelter.

That held true for may parents’ young lives, also. But when I mar-

ried in 1957, more families than not could have those necessities

with only one income provider. We lucked out. We had choices.

Times were good and we prospered. The next years, my husband

spent learning the retail automobile business from service to sales to

leasing. In 1972, we purchased a rural automobile dealership. Seven

members of our professional circle bought dealerships in the same

year.

Two very short months later we were affected by a disaster beyond

out control. The

OPEC Cartel attacked out country by shutting down oil production

we depended upon. Gasoline was in short supply and that affected

everything and everyone in our country. Investments of education,

hard work, money and time didn’t matter. The automobile, construc-

tion and transportation industries were hard hit.

People went bankrupt. Six of our friends had to close their newly-

purchased dealerships. The just -built Aurora West High School sat

empty for lack of students from planned but never-built houses. We

adjusted, began again and were back to prosperity in less than twen-

ty years.

Now our whole country is again threatened by a mystery virus

with an attack on our energy independence added to our trouble.

Death, fear and financial disaster walk with us. So do other things.

We have practice in survival and restoration. We have the energy

and perseverance of a strong, God-loving people. We have God’s “ever

present help in time of trouble.” We have the assurance of Jesus’ tri-

umph over sin and death. The knowledge of these is a firm founda-

tion to give families hope and courage. We will prevail.

Submitted by Lois Spizzirri

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LWR (LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF)

WORK TIMES in May

Tuesday, May 19th, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. & 7-9 p.m. (bring your lunch)

. Wednesday, May 20th, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (bring your lunch)

As of this writing, all activities in the church have been cancelled because of the virus that is sweeping through the world. Hope you are all staying well! That means we did not get to have work days in March or April. Let’s hope by May work times, things will be back to a more normal state. We hope to get a lot done in May to make up for missing March or April. The Personal Care Kits have still not been delivered to Elgin, because that facility has been closed. We will take them as soon as we can. Even though we aren’t able to gather to work on quilts and kits, I know there are many people sewing tops and other items at home. That means we will have lots of quilts to tie when we are able to gather again. Please come spend a little time during work days! We hope that will happen in May, but stay in touch.. If you need something to work on and can’t find it, call Karol at 815-370-0883. Lisa Lee will be selling her beautiful cards the last weekend April of and the first weekend of May. The sale of the cards help buy yarn for baby afghans and diapers for the Baby Care Kits. The cards will be in the office as of April 24th if you are interested in purchasing them. If the church gets to be open in May, Lisa will sell in the Welcome Center as planned. She has Mother’s Day and general greeting cards available at different prices.

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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2

3

4

9:30am Food delivery

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6

7 8:30-10:30am Food Pantry

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9

10 11

12

13

14 8:30-10:30am Food Pantry

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16

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18 4-6 pm Food Pantry

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20

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8:30-10:30am Food Pantry

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24

31

25

26

27 28 8:30-10:30am Food Pantry

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May All worship times and

activities are subject

to cancellation

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2

3

4

9:30am Food delivery

5

6

7 8:30-10:30am Food Pantry

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9

10 11

12

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14 8:30-10:30am Food Pantry

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16

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18 4-6 pm Food Pantry

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8:30-10:30am Food Pantry

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24

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25

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27 28 8:30-10:30am Food Pantry

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May 2020

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Esther Circle

Normally meets on the

first

Wednesday

Of the month at

9:00am

The Women’s Circle

Groups of St John’s

REBEKAH CIRCLE Date: Cancelled for May

Time: Back this fall

Location:

Lesson: Jesus Lover of a Women’s Soul

“Journey Alongside New Testament Women as They Experience the

Love of Jesus” Jesus Christ treated women as no man had ever treated them before. His warmth, personal attention, tenderness, sound teaching, and compassion toward women were revolutionary. Journey alongside some New Testament women as they expe-rienced His love and care for them—the same love and care He offers to every woman today…

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5/01 Tom Harmon

5/01 Clay Noga

5/03 Erik Wold

5/06 McKayla Eaton

5/12 Morgan Potter

5/12 Grant Shoener

5/13 Dayton Rogers

5/14 Linda Martin

5/15 Monda Denault

5/16 Nancy Miller

5/17 Bob Reis Sr

5/17Mike Hamer

5/18 Mary Burgin

5/18 Kathy Westrum

5/19 Barb Johnson

5/20 Coleton Eade

5/21 Lorri Friel

5/21 Kendra Potter

5/24 Payton Christopher

5/25 Liam Wold

5/26 Andrew Hallman

5/28 Jackie Wendland

5/28 Richard Lumsden

5/30 John Chapp

5/30 John Guehler

05/06 Dave &Lee Mckenzie

5/06 Erik & Jessica Wold

5/07 Richard &Cheri Kossak

5/08 Mark &Lisa Lee

5/10 Tyler & Julie Christopher

5/17 John & Angie Shoener

5/29 Maury & Kara Killey

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The shingles are going on

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Church Staff: A. Administration i. Office Secretary: Becky Wollenweber (Diane Wold—temporary) b. Business i. Financial Recorder: Mike Hamer ii. Treasurer: Dave McKenzie c. Facilities i. Building Superintendent: Diane Wold d. Worship i. Accompanists: Jessica Ortega, Toni Lundeen, Darla Fraley, Becky Stephens

Church Council: President: Kathy Anderson Vice-President: Scott Horsch Secretary: Linda Johnson

Congregation Council: Jim Beal Mary Carlson Clay Noga Robin Raupp Lynn Skrzypiec Lois Spizzirri

Erik Wold

Lutherdale Bible Camp Representatives-2020: Nancy Miller, Karol Grandgeorge Synod Assembly Representatives-2019: Lynn Skrzypiec, Pr. Chris Schoon, Steve Schoon,

Cemetery Ministry Team: Bob Fraley, Glen Reuter, Doug Stahl

Endowment Ministry Team: Marion Gaffney, Wendy Merkel, Jeanette Pfeifer, Dale Robinson & Mike Hamer

Finance Ministry Team: Tom Harmon, Chuck Hoepe, Dave McKenzie, Bob Mueller, Joanne Robinson, Scott Horsch

Memorial and Other Gifts Fund Team: Tom Harmon Karol Grandgeorge, Connie Hamer, Lynn Skrzypiec and Nancy Miller

Church Ministries & Organizations Contacts: Altar Guild: Baby Afghans for Valley West Community Hospital: Tena Hamster, Elfriede Korallus CROP Walk: Mark Lee Growing Hope: Jerry & Toni Lundeen Global Missions: Lisa Lee Habitat for Humanity: Karol Grandgeorge Hearts & Hands: Stella Gardner House of the Little Ones: Linda Johnson LSSI Christmas Hope Chest: Heidi Eaton LWR Projects (Mission Quilts, Baby Care Kits, School Kits, Personal Care Kits, Sewing Kits): Karol Grandgeorge Meals on Wheels: Tena Hamster Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans: Lisa Lee Our Sharing Pantry: Doris Miller Partners In Mission - Uganda, Africa:Lisa Lee

Prayer Chain: Barbara Voss, Karol Grandgeorge Wedding Coordinator: Diane Wold

Parish Education: Youth Faith Formation, Confirmation Level: a. Primary Instructor—Scott Horsch b. St. John’s Congregational Council 3N1: 7—12 gr. Youth Ministry: Coordinators: Jason & Kim Boczko from Salem Lutheran Church, Sandwich Youth Ministry Connection from St. John’s—Julie Horsch Esther Circle: Jeanette Pfeifer Rebekah Circle: Connie Hamer Sunday School Coordinator: Nancy Miller

Chairpersons/Ministry Summaries: (Listed alphabetically by ministry) Cemetery Ministry: Doug Stahl Oversees the care of the church cemetery, maintenance and improve-ments.

Communications Ministry: Linda Johnson Seeks to improve communication with members and the community.

Fellowship & Hospitality Ministry: Mary Carlson Plans activities and recreational outings to promote friendship and fellowship in our congregation and community.

Finance Ministry: Scott Horsch Proposes the budget and administers incoming and outgoing funds.

Missions Ministry: Lisa Lee Provides a variety of opportunities to do God's Work with Our Hands. Organizes activities, publicize events and coordinate participation. Please join us in any way that works for you.

Outreach Ministry: Jean Lunt Reach out to the community by welcoming new neighbors with bread, hosting/participating in community events, following up with visitors, and bringing God’s love to St John’s ‘special members’ from cradle roll through the homebound.

Parish Education Ministry: Robin Raupp Oversees Sunday School Program, Summer Bible Day Camp, and youth related activities.

Property Ministry: Clay Noga Oversees the care of the church facilities and grounds, maintenance and improvements.

Stewardship Ministry: Lynn Skrzypiec Provides opportunities for members of our congregation to use their gifts and resources, which includes raising funds for special projects.

Worship Ministry: Lois Spizzirri Striving to provide Spirit filled worship opportunities in an atmosphere of hospitality.

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235 South Green Street P.O. Box 245 Somonauk, Illinois 60552

Church Office 815-498-3667 office@elcastjohns.com www.elcastjohns.com Follow and like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/stjohnslutheran churchsomonauk/

We’re on the Web:

www.elcastjohns.com

Newsletter of St. John’s Lutheran Church May2020

Worship Times

Wednesdays 6:30 pm Worship

Saturdays 5:00 pm Worship

Sundays 9:45 am Worship