October Messenger 2015 - Peace Memorial Church

October, 2015
Vol. CVIII No. 8
“Growing Together in Peace”
Bible Presentation Sunday—
Sunday, October 18
When infants or children are baptized, the faith community makes a
commitment to be a part of that little one’s faith journey and to make
the story of Jesus Christ accessible to
them through the Holy Scriptures and
being living testimonies of the faith. At
Peace Memorial Church, we fulfill one
piece of this promise by taking time to
r e c o g n i z e o u r 3 r d gr a d e r s &
confirmation students and give them the
gift of a Bible. This will take place
during the 9:30 AM worship service on Sunday, October 18, 2015. All
3rd graders, confirmation students and older children/youth who have
not previously received a Bible from the church and would like to are
invited to participate on Sunday, October 18. Please help us by putting
families of children & youth who are interested in participating in
contact with us. For more information, please call the church office or
send an email to Pam Kueltzo at pkueltzo@pmcucc.org by no later
than Wednesday, October 14th.
Pastoral Search
Committee
The following persons have been
appointed by our President to the
Search Committee for the Interim
Pastor and Senior Pastor: Melissa
Maguire, Steven Baker, Pam
Cornyn, Michael Galati, Dennis
Kirscher, Phyllis Klaiber, Josephine
Kujawa, Linnea Rimkus, Ruth
Stewart and Carmen Vondrak. Our
thanks to each of them for agreeing
to serve.
Fall
Congregational
Meeting
Please mark your calendars
now for our fall congregational
meeting:
Sunday, November 15
Immediately following
worship
1
October 4 World
Communion
Sunday
W o r l d
Communion
Sunday offers
us a distinctive
opportunity to
experience
H o l y
Communion
in the context of the global
community of faith. The first Sunday
of October has become a time when
Christians in every culture break
bread and pour the cup to remember
and affirm Christ as the Head of the
Church.
We will also be collecting for
Neighbors in Need, a special mission
offering of the United Church of
Christ that supports ministries of
justice and compassion throughout
the United States. It is the tangible
way that we express our
connectedness and responsibility to
our brothers and sisters in need. (see
NIN article on page 4).
Worship Changes And The Reason We
Do What We Do In Worship
By Pastor Shana Johnson
As you will have noticed, there are some slight changes to the order and flow of the worship
service that we are implementing this Fall. As a way to get you more familiar and to explain the significance
of these changes, here is a brief overview of our new order of service.
PRELUDE
As you walk into the sanctuary you are walking into sacred space. We invite you to leave your
conversations, cares, and worries of this week and even the morning, behind. Come into this sacred space
with an open spirit and mind ready to receive the spirit of God afresh in your life. The Prelude is intended to
be more than background music or white noise, but rather a way to center and quiet yourself before God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & WORDS OF WELCOME
Our announcements are a reminder of the ways you can become an active part of the faith community and
use the gifts God has given you for service and thanksgiving. The welcome is a centering word or scripture
inviting us to song, celebration, prayers, and reflection.
*GATHERING SONG
This music, whether it is a choral piece, special music or congregational singing reminds us that our primary
purpose in worshipping together is to offer our praise and thanks to God. Worship is for God’s glory, not
ours.
*CALL TO WORSHIP
This call and response liturgy often reflects the theme of the day. It calls us (or compels and challenges us) to
consider how we are to live out the Word of God.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
The prayer of invocation (usually said in unison) serves the purpose of invoking God’s spirit and wisdom to
be with us in worship so that we will be changed by the worship experience.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
Historically, the passing of the peace was a way to signify reconciliation. The idea was that in order to
worship God with a free heart and spirit, one must first make peace with one’s neighbor. The passing of the
peace is a time to recognize the ways we strive for peace and unity as the body of Christ.
A TIME FOR THE CHILD IN ALL OF US
This is a special moment for children of all ages to hear a clear and concise message of how God is active in
our lives.
CENTERING SONG
This music, whether it is a choral piece, special music or congregational singing is to help us center ourselves
on the hearing and understanding of the Word of God for the day.
(Cont’d on page 4)
2
Worship Changes And The Reason We Do What We Do In Worship
(Cont’d from page 2)
SCRIPTURE READING
The scripture reading or readings are the passages that are not only the theme of the liturgy, songs, prayers
and sermon of the day, but are to be the words of study, challenge and reflection for the week ahead.
SONG OF PREPARATION
This music whether it is a choral piece, special music, or congregational singing, is to prepare our ears and
imaginations for listening to the message of the sermon.
SERMON
The sermon is not only a deeper explanation of the scripture, but an invitation to see and understand how we
are to live out this powerful Word in our lives.
SONG OF REFLECTION
This music whether it is a choral piece, special music, or congregational singing is a way to reflect upon the
message we have heard through the sermon.
PRAYERS OF GOD’S PEOPLE
These prayers are our family, corporate prayers that include prayers of intercession (praying for our church,
our loved ones and our world), our silent prayers, and the Lord’s Prayer.
OFFERING OF OUR TITHES AND GIFTS
The offertory is an opportunity for us to give back and to offer our gratitude for the ways God has provided
for us and blessed us.
*SENDING FORTH SONG
This music, whether it is a choral piece, special music, or congregational singing is a reminder of what we are
sent out to do in the world as disciples of Christ.
*BENEDICTION
The word benediction means “good word.” These good words are a blessing as we go forth to serve Christ
in the world.
*POSTLUDE
The Postlude is music that is to uplift and inspire us to be about
the tasks and responsibilities of ministry with boldness and joy.
Blessings,
Pastor Shana
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“Dare to
LIVE FULLY
Right Where You Are”
Neighbors In Need
The Neighbors In Need offering which we will receive on October 4, which is
also World Communion Sunday, supports the UCC’s ministries of justice and
compassion throughout the United States. Since 1997, the offering has been
divided between Justice and Witness Ministries (two-thirds) and the UCC
Council for American Indian Ministry (one-third).
The 2015 theme for NIN is "Unexpected Places" and connects to the work of
the UCC’s Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM) which is the voice
for American Indian people in the UCC. Justice issues that affect American
Indian life are communicated to the whole UCC by CAIM and our
denominational advocacy to address centuries of injustice stemming from the
Doctrine of Discovery, which claims that the USA is called by providence to
dominate the continent. In 2013, the United Church of Christ General Synod
joined with other members of the World council of Churches in a clarion call
to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery that authorized the genocide and theft
of native lands.
Historically, forebearers of the UCC established churches worked with
Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arickara, and Hocak in North and
South Dakota, Wisconsin, and northern Nebraska. Today there are 20 UCC
congregations on reservations and one urban, multi-tribal UCC congregation in
Minneapolis, Minnesota. These churches and their pastors are supported by
CAIM. CAIM is also an invaluable resource for more than 1,000 individuals
from dozens of other tribes and nations who are members of other UCC
congregations in the U.S.
Mission and Spiritual Care
Committee
By Ruth Van Hecke
The Mission & Spiritual Care committee regularly asks for donations for a
variety of charities and organizations. Our requests are made through mission
moments, posters and bulletin articles. In October we are focusing on the
PADS Shelter Program of Cook County. The mission of PADS is to provide
shelter and services to those who are homeless or at risk of becoming
homeless. The goal of the emergency shelter program is to provide hospitality,
food, and overnight emergency shelter to the homeless between October 1 and
April 30, seven days a week (including holidays). The sites are staffed entirely
by volunteers who prepare, supervise and clean sleeping accommodations,
along with preparing and serving dinner, breakfast, and a sack lunch. Peace
Memorial partners with St. Andrew church in Homewood who hosts PADS for
women and children. Donations received in October will be used for
purchasing food for this important mission. Lori Mason and other volunteers
work tirelessly to prepare, deliver and serve dinner one Wednesday night per
month. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Lori at 532-3611.
4
A Fall Women’s Retreat
at
Peace Memorial Church
October 24, 2015
9 am to 1 pm
All women of the church
and guests are welcome to
attend.
There are no
registration fees, but a free
will offering will be
collected to cover the costs
of breakfast and lunch.
Please RSVP to the church
office by Sunday, October
11.
“On the Lighter Side”
A little girl from Minneapolis
came home from church with a
frown. “I’m not going back
there anymore,” she announced.
“I don’t like the Bible they use
in Sunday school.”
“Why not? asked her
astonished mother.
“Because,” the little girl
declared, “the Bible they use is
always talking about St. Paul,
and it never once mentions
Minneapolis.”
God is Holding Your Life:
A Worship Series on the Psalms
THRIVING
DESOLATION
WONDER
This six-week worship series starting on Sunday, October 11 will
focus on the expressions of ultimate trust in God through the Psalms.
The Psalms are the prayers of the Hebrew people and run the gamut
from praise to gut wrenching pleas for help. Through the poetry of
the Psalms runs a powerful thread—a reminder that we can trust God
to hold our lives. In this worship series, we take a break from the
work, anxiety, and stress that life can bring and hold fast to the Holy
Assurance that God is holding our lives.
Sunday, October 11
Sunday, October 18
Sunday, October 25
Sunday, November 1
Sunday, November 8
Sunday, November 15
“God Is Holding Your Life”
“Surely Goodness and Mercy”
“Desert Blues”
“Into Your Hands”
“There is a River”
“God’s love endures forever”
5
based on Psalm 121
based on Psalm 23
based on Psalm 63
based on Psalm 31
based on Psalm 46
based on Psalm 136
Mental Health Awareness Sunday
(This homily was given on September 26/27, 2015 (The Catholic church’s
designated mental health awareness Sunday) by Fr. Scott Donahue, President
and CEO of Mercy Home for Boys and girls. Note: Mercy Home in Chicago
is a not for profit Catholic organization, 99.7% privately funded, that has
helped more than 30,000 neglected, abused, and homeless children over it’s
125 year history.)
It’s an old childhood expression.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.”
Perhaps you’ve said it a thousand times. But as we grow older, we realized
that it’s simply not true.
Names are powerful. They can uplift. And they can destroy.
The names we call one another can confer dignity upon a person. Or they
can diminish that person, and bring them to tears.
As an old Chinese proverb goes: “The tongue like a sharp knife, kills
without drawing blood.”
Our names are given to us at the time of our baptism. They speak to the
profound dignity that God gives to each of us as His own Children.
There are examples throughout salvation’s history when our relationship
with God was intensified and a new name was given. Saul became Paul, which
means “prayed for.” Jacob became Israel, or “May God prevail.” And Abram
became Abraham—the father of a multitude of nations.
So why do I bring this up today?
This Sunday has been designated by our church as Mental Health Awareness
Sunday. A day when we are asked to reflect on the ways that mental illness
has impacted our lives. To work toward understanding mental illness so that
we may remove the stigma behind it. To extend Christian love and support to
those who are suffering from mental illness. And, a day to think about the
words we use. The names we give to others. And the power each of us has to
damage or heal.
In some way, through our loved ones, our friends, our family, mental illness
affects every single person in this church. Every single family knows someone
with a mental illness. So we need to work toward a better understanding of
what it means to have a mental illness. Maybe a good place to start is to
acknowledge that people aren’t “mentally ill.” People have a mental illness.
The distinction is critical in how we treat our brothers and sisters. Having a
mental illness is like having cancer. Or leukemia. Or cystic fibrosis. How
heartless would it be to say ‘that person is cancer?’ Or that ‘Jane is leukemia.”
We don’t. Because when one has a disease, it is not who they are. It’s what
they have. It’s the same with mental illness. Just recognizing that fact is a
great place to start. A great way to begin our journey into compassion for
those suffering from a mental illness. A first step toward acknowledging the
basic human dignity of people with mental illness. Toward removing the
shame and stigma that’s so often associated with it. A stigma that causes
people to do everything they can to hide the fact that there’s anything wrong at
all. And in so doing, they never reach out to others for help—even when it
could save their lives.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus encounters a person who is said to be afflicted by
demons. Interestingly, the etymology of the word demon is weakness. Who
among us doesn’t have some kind of frailty or weakness? We all do.
(Cont’d on page 6)
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Video
Presentation of
Our Veterans
Sunday, November 8
Again this year, we would like to
honor our veterans in a special way
and we need YOUR HELP. We will
be putting together a special
presentation to honor those who
have courageously served our
country to protect the freedoms we
all are privileged to enjoy. If you
have a loved one or family member
that you would like to be included,
please provide the church office with
a picture, as well as the full name of
that individual, the branch of service
they were in, as well as the dates
they served.
Pictures will be
scanned and be given back. If you
provided pictures last year and
would like those to be used again
this year, just let us know. For more
information, please see Pastor Shana.
November
Messenger Deadline
Articles and news
for the November
issue
of
The
Messenger are due
into the office by
Monday October
12th.
The issue will be available for
pickup on Sunday, October 25th.
Mental Health Awareness Sunday
PMC Card Ministry
(Cont’d from page 5)
People with mental illness have “demons,” as many still refer to them. How
often do we hear about the tragedy of a famous celebrity or author whose gift,
whose shining light was extinguished too soon by his “inner demons”? And
how often do we hear that these demons were something that they “battled” in
life? These weaknesses.
The battle with these demons that surround mental illness is hard, and often,
people struggle with multiple ones. There is the illness itself and the ways that
it interferes with the full enjoyment of all of life’s fruits, the connection to
family, the kinship of friends. Then, in addition to that battle against the
disease itself, many try to medicate themselves discretely by abusing alcohol
or drugs.
Rather that healing, as medications are supposed to do, we all know how
these efforts to compensate actually make matters much worse. How they
vastly complicate life for the addicted. They are further stigmatized and
misunderstood as we judge them for these behaviors—behaviors that are really
symptoms of a larger, underlying affliction. Moreover, many with mental
illness have difficulty maintaining a job. Or they become homeless. Or even
incarcerated. In fact, a third of the people sitting in the Cook County Jail suffer
from a form of mental illness.
If demons are weaknesses, we have them too when it comes to how we deal
with those who suffer from mental illness. One of the demons many of us have
is the demon of fear. Fear when we encounter a person with mental illness. We
may not understand their behavior or we may not understand their language.
And so we’re scared of it.
When we encounter folks or know people who have a mental illness, the
words we use can lack compassion and alienate the person, pushing them
deeper into despair and shame, to battle their disease all alone.
“He’s crazy!”
“She’s a lunatic!”
“What a nut!”
“That guy’s bizarre!”
“He’s out of his mind!”
These are the types of expressions I bet everyone here has used at one time
or another. Why? Because we don’t understand. Fear grasps our minds and
hearts. So we demonize.
When we encounter or know a person with a mental illness. What is our
response? What is Christ’s response?
If you are in need of help, remember the following places:
1. NAMI Southwest (708) 425-0925 for support, education and advocacy for
persons with mental illness and their families.
2. Metropolitan Family Services Southwest (708) 974-2300 for counseling
and mental health services.
3. Emergency mental healthcare Center (708) 331-0500 for 24/7 emergency
mental health care.
By Judy Galati
On the 30th of august, volunteers
with the PMC Card Ministry met for
potluck lunch at
the Galati home. It
was a good day:
not too hot and not
too cold. The main
meal was served
inside. Afterward,
we gathered on the
deck for desserts and coffee. The
food was gourmet. I mean to say that
the card group is made up of
authentic food aficionados!
We have come together long
enough now that we are comfortable
with one another: joyful in the
service we are doing and the
friendships we are nurturing. We
invite any and all to join us! We are
a friendly group always open to new
volunteers.
On the 13th of September,
following the Rally Day Potluck,
volunteers gathered in the church for
card-making. During our work, it
was agreed that a card and monetary
gift would be sent to Beth Tooth
from our group. It was also agreed
that a donation would be made to the
September mission of the month.
We invite you all to browse our
card display located in the Narthex.
We have cards that are lovely,
touching, funny, friendly-you name
it! Donations serve the needs of our
church. And we thank you sincerely
for helping the PMC Card ministry
continue to do good work in this
great big world.
“Pause and Ponder”
Go outside and try to recapture the
happiness within yourself; think of
all the beauty in yourself and in
everything around you and be
happy.
Anne Frank
Be sure to read the letter enclosed in
this Messenger about “calling” a
new pastor and the process that is
involved.
7
Silver Lake
Country Club
South Course
________
12:00 First Tee Off
________
Cocktails at 6:00
Dinner at 7:00
__________
Golf and Dinner
$90.00
Dinner Only $35
_________
OCTOBER 4, 2015
Tee Sponsorship
Gold $500.00
Silver $250.00
PMC CREW
Bronze $100.00
(Peace Memorial Church Community Renovation by
Ecumenical Workers)
Annual Charity Golf Outing
PMC CREW is one of the many mission groups at Peace Memorial
Church. CREW has actively partnered with Habitat for Humanity,
and more recently Tower Hill Camp in Sawyer, MI, helping both
with fund raising and construction projects. The proceeds of this
years’ outing will help fund a shower room renovation in Marshall
Hall at Tower Hill. Please come out for golf and dinner, or just for
dinner and some fun. Sponsor a Tee Box with your business or
personal message. Any and all donations will be appreciated.
Please help us make this a successful day for Tower Hill Camp.
8
RED NECK RAFFLE
AFTER GOLF
Prize Donations WELCOME
Contact PMC Office
708-361-6661
Den Kirscher on Facebook
or kirscher8@aol.com
Sunday School is off to a great start! Thanks to everyone who
came out and joined us in the official start of Sunday School in
our NEW HOME—the Family Life Center!
Come join us on Sunday’s for Worship at 9:30, then head on over
to the Deep Blue Adventure Zone with your Sunday School
teachers following the Children’s Message.
Sit in the tent for our weekly videos and to learn about the Bible
story for the week. Then head on into our new “under water”
craft area!
PARENTS—Download the Deep Blue app on your phones and
tablets so that your children can play games to reinforce the
weeks lesson and re-watch our video for the week! Stay
connected to what we are learning all week long!
Youth and Children Led Worship
Thank you to all the youth and children who
participated in leading and planning worship on
August 30th! You all did a spectacular job!
Thank you to the members of the congregation for
your support and encouragement of our youngest
members! Please continue to encourage their
involvement in the life of this congregation as you did
so beautifully this day! They have a lot to offer!
National Youth Event
July 26-30, 2016
Coronado Springs Resort Hotel—Lake Buena Vista, FL
Mark your calendar to attend the most magical United Church of Christ /
Disciples of Christ NATIONAL YOUTH EVENT (NYE) of all!
More details including exact departure/return dates and cost will come later,
but SIGN-UP EARLY! Registration begins soon and there are limited spaces
available at the discounted scholarship rate. This is an experience you don’t
want to miss and it only happens every FOUR years! SIGN-UP TODAY!
9
EDUCATIONAL SERIES
FOR THOSE SUFFERING
WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR FAMILIES
Peace Memorial Church is sponsoring an educational series for those suffering with
dementia and their families. The series continues this month and into December.
Although the sessions will be free, since a light lunch will be served for participants
we do ask that you RSVP through the church office at (708) 448-7833.
The series will be held in the Fireside Chapel.
Sunday, October 18,
Lunch at 11 am
Session starts at 11:30 am
Communication
Sunday, November 15,
Lunch at 11 am
Session starts at 11:30 am
Dealing with Dementia Behaviors
Sunday, December 13,
Lunch at 11 am
Session starts at 11:30 am
Healthcare options
PeaCe Village Craft Show
Saturday, October 17 — 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
10300 Village Circle Drive in the Grewe Center
This a fundraiser to support patio and landscaping needs for the
New Dining Venue
Parking and shuttle
Service available at
Peace Memorial Church
There will be:
Jewelry
Candles
Baby blankets
Handmade soaps
Decorative baskets
Pillows
Handbags
Needle crafts
Scarves
Christmas Ornaments
Goose Clothes
Holiday Wreaths
T-Shirts
Table Runners
Quilts
Flower Arrangements
Crocheted Creations
Personalized Books
10
Start your
Christmas Shopping
PEACE CAFÉ REOPENING
Peace Memorial Church’s own Peace Café reopened on Sunday,
September 13 after worship.
Stop by after church and check us out.
We are looking for people who are interested in
volunteering at the café. We will train you on how to use
the machines and make drinks.
If you are interested, please let Kathi Graben, Joanne
Bockmann, or the church office know.
Saturday October 10, 2015
Peace Memorial Church
5:00 p.m.
German Polka Music
Pick-a-prize raffle
50/50 Raffle to support the purchase of AED
defibrillators for our local fire department
Menu
Brats, Hot dogs, and German potato salad
Sauerkraut and Apple Strudel
Beer and Wine will also be served
Tickets: $10 Adults
$ 8 Seniors (65 and up)
$ 5 Children (up to age 12)
11
Tickets will be available soon
and can also be purchased at the
door.
Our Members
And Friends
PEACE MEMORIAL UCC
10300 West 131st Street
Palos Park, IL 60464
In Sympathy
 William Franz, passed away
September 12, 2015
Congratulations
 Joe and Rose Signore on their 60th
Wedding Anniversary on
September 30th.
Time Change
Sunday November 1
Looking ahead to November
please remember
to turn your
clocks BACK one
hour before you
go to bed on
Saturday,
October 31st.
Peace Memorial Church
33rd Annual Christmas Party
Now the “Harold M. Krug Memorial
Christmas Party”
Sponsored by The Landscaping and
Garden Volunteers
The Garden Chalet
11000 S. Ridgeland, Worth
6:00 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2015
Dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Dance to the music of The 3 J’s
$35.00 per person
Tickets available in Zion Hall
12
10300 West 131st Street,
Palos Park, IL 60464
Phone (708) 448-7833
FAX (708) 448-0824
www.pmcucc.org
Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m.
Church School 9:45 a.m.
Rev. Shana Johnson . . . . . . . . . Senior Pastor
Rev. Sarah Lohrbach . . . . .Director of Youth
and Children’s Ministries
Robert Mohr. . . . Director of Music Ministry
Tom Osborne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organist
Amanda Christofanelli. . . .Children’s Music
Director
Pamela Kueltzo. . . . . . . . . . Office Manager/
Editor
Linda Carlson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Financial &
Record Keeping Secretary
Peace Memorial Residences
3200 W. 101st Street
Evergreen Park, IL 60805
Peace Village
10300 Village Circle Drive
Palos Park, IL 60464-2666
(708) 361-6091
Linda Beushausen . . . . . . Executive Director
Peace Village Circle Inn
(708) 671-2470
Diane Oremovich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Administrator Circle Inn
13
14
October 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
1
7 pm
Confirmation
Lock-in
7
7 am Volunteers
9 Crafters &
Quilter
12:30 pm Bible
Study Peace
Lounge
2 pm Worship
Peace Village
6:30 pm Bunco
Peace Lounge
6:30 pm Youth
Group
8
9
13
14
15
10:30 am Bible
Study Peace
Village
7 am Volunteers
9 Crafters &
Quilter
12:30 pm Bible
Study Peace
Lounge
20
21
22
7 am Volunteers
9 Crafters &
Quilter;
Messenger
Helpers
12:30 pm Bible
Study Peace
Lounge
7 pm Trustees
7 pm Choir
28
29
6
Sunday School
9:30 am Worship;
Communion;
Neighbors in
Need Offering
9:45 Sunday
School
11 am Christian
Ed. Meeting
7 pm Residence
Board Meeting
10:30 am Bible
Study Peace
Village
118:30 am
12
7 pm Men’s
Basketball
November
Messenger
Deadline
25Messenger
Pickup
8:30 am Adult
Sunday School
9:30 am Worship;
9:45 Sunday
School
11 am Mission
Committee
11:30 am
Confirmation,
1:30 pm Book
Discussion
Peace Lounge
Sat
3
UCC
Confirmation
Day at Elmhurst
College
10
5 pm
Oktoberfest
Zion Hall
7 pm Choir
16
17
23
24
30
31
7 pm Choir
7 pm Men’s
Basketball
188:30 am Adult 19
Sunday School
9:30 am Worship;
Children’s Bible
Presentation
9:45 Sunday
School
11 am Lunch
11 am Fellowship
11:30 am Dementia
Series,
Fireside Chapel
2
7 pm Choir
48:30 am Adult 5
Adult
Sunday School
9:30 am Worship;
Mission Sunday
9:45 am Sunday
School
11:30 am Bunco
11:30 am
Confirmation,
Fri
11 am Worship
Committee
10:30 am Bible
Study Peace
Village
7 pm Men’s
Basketball
7 pm Alzheimer’s
26
27
Support Group
10:30 am Bible
Study Peace
Village
7 am Volunteers
9 Crafters &
Quilter
12:30 pm Bible
Study Peace
Lounge
7 pm Men’s
Basketball
Family Life Ctr.
15
7 pm Choir
Birthday Greetings
October 2
David Skala
Bob Mohr
October 5
Kevin Hutchinson
October 7
Bradley Denton
Linda Forsythe
October 8
Alexander Przybylski
October 11
Ken Kamper
Amanda Ferris
October 16
David Hook
Shana Johnson
Jason Tooth
October, 2015
October 18
Walter Krug
Mary Ann Ochsenhofer
Hunter Perry
October 19
Susan Burnett
Linda Metz
Diane Oremovich
October 21
Ryan Marek
October 22
Sandra Hecker
Cindy White
October 23
Jeanine Gerard
William Smolik
Amy Szymborski
October 24
Mia Lisak
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October 25
Kailey Jirsa
Mya Watson
October 26
Julie Jirsa
October 27
Kimberly Skala
October 28
Susan Freund
Wayne Hoefler
Edward Marks
October 30
John Hoessler
Jayne Przybylski
PEACE MEMORIAL CHURCH
United Church of Christ
10300 West 131st Street
Telephone: (708) 448-7833
Palos Park, Illinois 60464
Fax: (708) 448-0824
www.pmcucc.org
Rev. Shana
Johnson
Senior Pastor
Rev. Sarah
Lohrbach
Director of Youth
and Children’s
Ministries
Robert Mohr
Director of Music
Thomas R.
Osborne
Organist
Amanda
Christofanelli
Children’s Choir
Director
Pam Kueltzo
Office Manager
Linda Carlson
Accountant
September 23, 2015
Dear Members and Friends of Peace Memorial Church,
Our congregation’s traditional practice of “calling” a pastor affirms the
active presence of God’s spirit in the search process. We prayerfully seek a
pastor with particular gifts and skills while recognizing that candidates
are also engaged in a Spirit-led discernment process. Thus our church
enters into a covenant with a new pastor always knowing that God may
sometimes call that pastor to a new ministry setting.
In the days that have elapsed since Rev. Shana Johnson mailed us her
resignation letter, we have been keenly aware of God’s new calling for her
even as we have experienced a profound sense of loss. It is not easy to
think about ending a spirit-filled seven year ministry. These next three
months together will be a precious time, and we will inform you soon
about our plans for special events to celebrate Pastor Shana’s ministry.
The members of the Board of Trustees have already been approached by
some of you with the question, “Our pastor is leaving...what will we do?”
We want to assure you that we have already been in touch with an
Association minister of the Illinois Conference, Rev. Jonathan Knight. The
Interim Pastoral Search Committee met with Rev. Knight to hear directly
from him about UCC procedures during a time of pastoral transition. He
suggested that we share with you this brief overview:
1. We will select an interim pastor to provide continuity in worship,
pastoral care, and administrative duties. Rev. Knight will advise
us on this process; he has assured us that he has several excellent
candidates available who offer the specialized skills needed during
a transition time. This pastor will not be a candidate for the
“settled” position.
(Cont’d on page 18)
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(Cont’d from page 17)
2. After the interim pastor is in place, we will initiate a search process for a
new pastor in accordance with our constitution. We will invite all of you to be
part of a self-study that will identify our church’s pastoral needs. And we will
develop a church profile for our potential candidates.
3. Our Conference office will advertise our vacancy among UCC clergy all
across the country. Our search committee for a settled Senior Pastor will read
ministerial profiles, screen candidates, conduct interviews, check references,
and eventually select a candidate who will be recommended to the entire
congregation.
We send this letter so you will know that we are taking steps to think about our future. We will keep you informed on a regular basis. For now, let us express our
gratitude to God for Pastor Shana’s ministry and enter into a time of celebration with
her and her family. Please keep them in your prayers even as you know from experience that she will be praying for us.
In Christ’s name,
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