ST PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH OF EVANSTON 1004 GREENWOOD ST. EVANSTON, IL 60201 SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30 A.M.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 9:15 A.M.—ADULTS 9:30 A.M. - YOUTH (PS - 6TH) PARISH OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY 1 - 6 PM

TUESDAY 9 AM - 5 PM WEDNESDAY 9 AM – 2 PM THURSDAY 9 AM– 3 PM

PHONE: 847.475.3403 FAX: 847.475.3550

www.stpaulevanston.org

All Members & Friends, Ministers

Rev. Betty E. Landis, Pastor 847.859.6136 (H) pastor@stpaulevanston.org

Kurt H. Westerberg, Director of Music

Olga Bojovic, Parish Assistant office@stpaulevanston.org Peter Hanson, President Harvey Wolf, Vice-President Nancy Hoffman, Co-Treasurer, Ex Officio Carol Garrett, Co-Treasurer Paula Ketcham, Secretary Debbie Nelson, Financial Secretary, Ex Officio Barbara Gazzolo Sabine Schuller Mary Williamson Pastor Betty Council Members

St. Paul 's Letter February 2012

What Lent Isn’t Dear Sisters & Brothers at St. Paul’s: As I read a recent article in our award-winning magazine, The Lutheran, I found myself saying, over and over: yes . . . yes . . . yes!! Here’s what David L. Miller wrote in Falling Into the River (February 2012, p.22):

If focused upon ourselves and our sins, Lent becomes a misguided exercise that magnifies our greatest obstacle to true relationship with God: the belief that the relationship depends entirely on us. We are created in the love of God for no other reason than to know and be complete in God’s love. What changes us is not knowledge of sin, but absorption into the One who is love. What transforms our vision and lives is falling again and again into the river whose streams make glad the city of God. ... Jesus invites his followers of every age to follow along, listen to what he says, and watch what he does as he surrenders his will to the loving mystery of God. Surrendering to [God]’s will, he extends his arms on the cross in God’s loving embrace of all that is - and all that we are. … Spiritual practices or disciplines are actions and patterns of life through which we encounter, experience and express God’s grace. Through them, the Spirit accomplishes the work of grace in our lives. Practices often involve what ancient Celtic Christians called “thin places,” where we see, feel, and know the glory of God shining from eternity into the present moment. These place us before God so the Spirit may more fully carry out the divine work within us, transform- ing us into the image of Christ for the sake of the world, loving what God loves, and sharing God’s passion for mercy and justice. … Some practices, such as fasting, confession and absolution, sharing the eucharist, forms of prayer and meditation on Scripture, are well known. But we can also create our own practices that help us pay attention to God and be drawn into God’s love, awaking a love for God with our whole heart, mind, and soul. I hope you see in the following pages, in the weeks leading up to Lent and as we begin our Lenten journey together this year, we offer many “thin places” for you to “pay attention to God and be drawn into God’s love” AND share that love with the whole world! Thanks be to God!!

+ Pastor Betty

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Come Grow Serve

From the Church Council President Dear St. Paul’s:

With Epiphany and now the Lunar New Year behind us, it is fair to say that we are now firmly planted in 2012. As is the tradition at St. Paul’s and in churches across the country, it is soon time for the annual congregational meeting. For us, it is on Sunday, February 5th, immediately following our worship service. There are the rigors of each committee writing an update for the annual report for all to read and financial statements to be compiled for the entire membership to review. The annual congregational meeting; however, is more than all of that. It is a time for us, as a diverse group of people that share important beliefs, to come together to discuss your hopes and dreams for our congregation. This is your meeting. You are the congregation and the stewards of what St. Paul wrote: “the mysteries of faith”. It is an unique privilege and responsibility, so we come together and share our thoughts. We are a vibrant community with much to share. Please make it a point to join the discussion we call the annual congregational meeting. There is much to discuss and much to celebrate with a very special group of God’s children. Taking a references from today’s social media: “c u there”. Blessings and Peace, Peter

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WORSHIP & ARTS

February 5th - 5th Sunday after Epiphany Annual Meeting and Lunch

February 12th - RIC (Reconciling in Christ) Sunday

On this day, worshippers are encouraged to join other welcoming congregations from various denominations in celebrating the witness to God's love for persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program recognizes Lutheran congregations that welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) believers. The complete Reconciling in Christ Roster now exceeds 450 settings, including congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, and other organizations. St. Paul’s has been a RIC congregation since 2007.

February 19th - Transfiguration of Our Lord

Guest Pastor: Rev. Megan Jones (We will put away the Alleluias)

February 22nd - Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins

Noon - Service at St. Timothy’s in Skokie 7:30 pm - Service at St. Paul’s in Evanston

February 26th - First Sunday in Lent

February 29th - Lenten Mid-Week

6:30 pm Soup Supper 7:00 pm Taizé Service

Note: Due to declining mid-week attendance, we will only host one other (March 21st) mid-week

Soup Supper and Service this Lenten Season. Other Mid-Week Services (March 7th, 14th, and 28th) Options:

Grace Lutheran - 7:30 pm - Taizé Immanuel Lutheran - 7:15 pm - Vespers

Trinity Lutheran - 7:30 pm - Holden Evening Prayer

Please let us know if the timing of these other services are better so we can reevaluate our start time next year.

Altar Flowers/Coffee Hour Treats And. . . Thank you to all who responded to the request for the next three weeks. During the more

somber, penitential Season of Lent (6 weeks), we do not adorn our altar with flowers and we observe the Lenten discipline of fasting during Coffee Hour. If you wish to honor or

remember a loved one during that time, may we suggest a gift to our Roof Loan Fund? Just mark your gift specifically: Roof Loan Fund, the name of the loved one/occasion, and if you

wish for it to be acknowledged in our bulletin or newsletter. We will do so! Thank you.

http://www.lcna.org/ric/ric-congregations-listhttp://www.lcna.org/ric/ric-synodshttp://www.lcna.org/ric/ric-synods

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If you are unable to assist, please find a substitute and let the church office know. Thank you.

Worship Assistants - FEBRUARY 2012

Adult Sunday School - Sundays at 9:15am Sunday, Feb 12, we'll pick back up with the next chapter in the Armstrong book, "Sola Scriptura," which is Chapter

7. This will leave only one more chapter before we're done with the book. We're therefore talking about a next book to take us through the "spring semester" of Adult Class. A leading contender right now is

another book by Robert Farrar Capon titled Genesis: The Movie. We're not locked in yet by any means, so if you've been thinking about something else, please let us know. And as always, please feel free to drop by any time for a

fresh cup of coffee and some stimulating conversation - all welcome!

Kids’ Sunday School - Sundays at 9:30am Ages 3 through 6th Grade

Men’s Monday Breakfast & Study - Monday, February 13th at 7:30 am in the Library

Wednesday Morning Bible Study - February 1st & February 15th @10:00 am

Older Youth Saturday ―Play‖ All youth who are readers are invited to begin gathering every month for learning and acting out the

Bible Stories. Please see Meg Foster if you are interested and watch future bulletins for details.

Children of Abraham 2012 - Exploring Bible & Qur’an Texts Prof. Carol Schersten LaHurd has agreed to teach a four-week course beginning Tuesday, March

6th. Registration forms are available in the Narthex. See page

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

February 5 February 12 February 19 February 26

Coordinator Nancy Hoffman Diane DiFrancesco Louis Bell Marilyn Starenko

Assisting Minister Bill Kastilahn Louis Bell Anne Humphrey Paula Ketcham

Lector Joan Brandt Debbie Nelson Nancy Hoffman Carol Garrett

Communion Asst. Diane DiFrancesco Peter Hanson Merritt Napravnik Bill Kastilahn

Carol Garrett Martha Hanson Mary Prochotsky Kathy Kastilahn

Acolytes Micayla Jonas Benjamin Micayla

Gift Bearers/ Napravnik/Prochotsky Barb Horlacher Humphrey/Delmenico Salisbury

Family Carol Garrett Family Family

Greeter/Ushers John Croft Harvey Wolf John Croft Nancy Hoffman

George Siegfried Mary Williamson Melissa Gauger Louis Bell

Norma Siegfried Nancy Hoffman Merritt Napravnik Sue Salisbury

Joan Brandt Barb Horlacher Carol Garrett Larry Gartman

Counters Joan Brandt Louis Bell Joan Brandt Joan Brandt

Sue Salisbury George Siegfried Larry Gartman Sue Salisbury

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ALTAR GUILD Please see the sign-up chart across from the Sacristy. We now have many dates open, after Lent, for your flower contributions and appreciate your willingness to beautify

our sanctuary. Thank you!

Joan has been a member of St. Paul’s since 1948, when her family moved to Evanston from Massachusetts. She is a leader and vision-sharer in many ways: as the coordinator of the Altar Guild; President of St. Paul’s Women of the ELCA group; soprano in the choir; energetic Worship and Arts Committee member; and faithful Bible study member. Joan is always available to help with hospitality

and she generously provides cheese and crackers appetizers for our Sunday Soup Kitchen guests – multiple times a year! In the past, Joan has served as a Council member and Pastoral Call Committee

member. In 2011, she stepped out in faith and did something very new – she led the WelCOME capital campaign committee that raised matching grant funds to install an accessible, sanctuary entrance

ramp. Joan also volunteers her time at Ten Thousand Villages to benefit fair trade for artisans around the world. Because of her long service and commitment to the many ministries of St. Paul’s and the

world, Joan both connects us to our past visionaries, works to build up our current vision, and remains open to God’s leading in the future. We are very thankful for Joan, our 2012 Vision Keeper!

Our 2012 Vision Keeper - Joan Brandt

A FRIENDLY REMINDER - February 8th is the deadline for submit your Vision Keeper reservations. Please see the sign up board in the Narthex! Thank you.

On Tuesday, March 20th at Trinity Lutheran, Thrivent will be offering a free meal and workshop on retirement strategies. All are welcome - regardless of where you are on the retirement journey.

Thank You To Paula Ketcham for organizing and leading the Confirmation Cluster Service Project at our Sunday Meal on January 29th - our kitchen was full of youth and parents, together, making a delicious meal - from “scratch”! To all of our Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members who choose St. Paul’s for their Thrivent Choice dollars - we are very thankful for your extra donations!

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Children of Abraham 2012:

Exploring Bible and Qur’an Texts Tuesday evenings 7 to 9 p.m., March 6-27, 2012 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1004 Greenwood St, Evanston, IL 60201

(Green-wood St. and Maple Ave., 3 blocks from the Purple Line Dempster station) Exploring Bible and Qur’an Texts will engage participants in an explora-tion of Qur’anic texts with biblical parallels. They will learn about Qur’anic interpretation methods, while comparing texts on such topics as Moses and the Exodus, sin and forgiveness, and heaven and hell. Partici-pants also will have the opportunity to observe Friday prayers at an area mosque. The course will require about one hour of preparation time each week.

This series follows an introduction to Islam and the Qur'an course in Fall 2011, at-tended by an ecumenical group of Evanston-area Christians from more than 10 congregations. It will begin with a review of the fall series, so new people can join the group. Teacher and facilitator will again be Dr. Carol Schersten LaHurd, inter-faith lecturer and adjunct professor at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Islamic scholar Dr. Ghulam-Haider Aasi will join the group for one session. Fee: $20 includes The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics, 2008; M.A.S. Abdel Haleem, translator); $10 for anyone who has a Qur’an. Please RSVP‑‑with your phone number and e-mail address--by February 10: 847-475-3403 or office@stpaulevanston.org; please indicate if you do not need the Qur’an translation.

Co-sponsors: Invited:

mailto:office@stpaulevanston.org

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FEBRUARY MONTHLY MISSION* *remember Monthly Mission gifts are over-and-above your regular giving -

not everyone can (or should) give. We use them to highlight special needs within or special ministries outside of our annual ministry budget.

Our Warming Center guests need a comfortable, warm place to rest, a hot cup of coffee, tea or chocolate, a snack, and something to help spend the time before

they go out to face the cold. Your donation this month will allow Ralph, Martha, Joan (from Trinity) and other helpers to provide drinks, snacks and a cozy environment.

If you wish to provide in-kind donations, see Ralph Starenko or Martha Hanson for ideas of

things they most need each week. Here are ideas from other faithful donors: hot cider; magazines and books; small, unopened toiletries (from hotels); cheese & crackers; bread & cheese & butter for grilled cheese sand-

wiches; sweets (soft cookies, candies, & fruits); warm gloves, scarves, mittens, hats, and socks; and bus passes or train tickets.

Thank you!

Among Us:

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Marilyn Ziniel Nancy Franzon David Lasich David Bates David Foster

Stefan Westerberg Lukas Westerberg

Nathan Garrett Dorothy Pernecky

Amy Bell Sabine Schuller

Theodore Williamson Erika Nelson

Susan Salisbury

Note: For privacy purposes, we no longer list the

actual birth days in our Newsletters.

Please contact the church office with your questions or

concerns

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Notes from Our Music Director:

There are two DePaul musical events you may be interested in attending:

1) Friday, February 17, 8:00 p.m. , DePaul Concert Hall, 801 W. Belden, no admission charge

New Music DePaul features two works by DePaul Composers

George Flynn: Songs of Destruction

Kurt Westerberg: Vision and Prayer (on a text by Dylan Thomas)

2) Friday, March 9 – Sunday, March 11

DePaul Opera Theatre presents Leoš Janácek’s The Cunning Little Vixen 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday

2:00pm on Sunday Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E Balbo Chicago

Tickets range from $5 - $20.

St. Paul's own first soprano, Ashley Johnson Barney, is featured at the Friday and Sunday performance in the lead role of "The Vixen".

See Kurt Westerberg for more information or go to:

http://music.depaul.edu/NewsAndEvents/index.asp

Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company’s production of Gondoliers - March 9th, 10th & 11th at

University of Chicago's Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th Street, (Hyde Park) Chicago.

Friday and Saturday performances start @ 8pm

Sunday Performance starts @ 2 pm

Olga Bojovic is singing the principal role of Casilda.

For more info go to: www.gilbertandsullivanoperacompany.org

You also may be interested in seeing:

Del Leppke’s Rehab ―Home‖

Presbyterian Homes’ McGaw Care Center 3200 Grant Street

Room 324 847-492-6024

Cards, calls & visits are welcome - prayers are most helpful of all!

http://music.depaul.edu/NewsAndEvents/index.asp

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St. Paul’s WELCA

There will be no WELCA meeting in the month of February!

Submitted by: Joan Brandt, President

Looking Forward!

Spring Forward - Sunday. March 11th (3rd Sunday in Lent)

Women's Retreat from dinner on Friday, March 23rd through 2:30pm Saturday, March 24th. We reserved the Fireside Suite at Cabrini Retreat Center in Des

Plaines. We hope the women & women friends of St. Paul's will plan to attend. More details will follow (cost, speakers/leaders, activities) - in the meantime, please reserve the

dates if you are interested. Please let us know (as soon as possible) if you plan to attend - it will help us with our planning.

In the Light, PBetty & Gretchen Leppke

Congregational Life

Prepare for the Lenten Season of penitential discipline with a Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) PARTY!

6:30 pm - Appetizers/Drinks 7-9 pm - Dinner & Entertainment

Please sign up in the Narthex if you are coming and if you can bring drinks, appetizers or

desserts. The New Orleans -Style meal will be provided - free for ALL! We have invited our sisters and brothers from Grace, St. Timothy, and Immanuel for this evening of good cheer!

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A recent columnist, writing about his 50th birthday party: “The party will be a benefit for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, one of this state’s most indispensable organiza-tions.” LSSI is a ministry of the Illinois synods of the ELCA.

Congregational Leadership Training Opportunities in Lent

The synod office is offering, at no cost, six different congregational leader-ship training opportunities during Lent 2012. One opportunity is available on each of the six Saturdays of Lent from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The February session

will be held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 205 N. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068. The five March sessions will all be held at the Lutheran Center, 1st Floor, Augsburg Room, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631.

The six training opportunities are: Church Council Leadership; Property & Risk Management; Stewardship & Mission; Basic Legal; Accounting, Payroll, & Audits; and Volunteers & Resources.

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St. Olaf College: One of the many Lutheran colleges supported, in part, by our ELCA mission contributions. They are known, world-wide, for their music program and their choirs.

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