02.9
12
by Alpine Summit ·
Although we made our congregation’s annual report available even to those who didn’t attend the annual meeting, I can’t assume that everybody read it. Therefore, I would like to highlight a few things from the report submitted.
- This is our 70th year as a congregation. I would like for a few volunteers with a history here to step up and plan a few anniversary related activities. (The church started on “the edge of town” in a school at State & Alpine!)
- This is my 40th year in ordained ministry, the last 16 at Alpine. During this time we have trained and mentored 10 interns (vicars) who are now serving God all over the country (world). We also have two Alpiners in seminary.
- Because of births in the congregation not keeping up with deaths, and since some in our fellowship departed after an ELCA decision in 2009, our average worship attendance has slipped to 202 from a high a few years ago of 242.
- My five years of service on the Northern Illinois Synod Council will come to an end in
June. However, I have agreed to help lead an effort to raise aware- ness and funding for our ELCA’s Malaria Initiative, which hopes to raise an additional $15 million over the next few
years to control its effect. Malaria kills a child in Africa every 45 seconds, even though it is preventable.
- Our Alpine Academy will be hiring a new principal soon. My priority is that it be a person who will also connect well with our church. Good news awaits!
- I must determine an accurate recording of membership in our congregation, since we report many more members than we actually have at present.
Thought for the week: “Many of life’s failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” ~ Charles Dudley Warner ~
Those Who Serve for Feb. 12th
Ushers: (8:00) Rick Bried, Chuck Gentry, Irv Johnson, Dale Olson
(10:30) Dean Franks, John & Sharryn Franks, Marge Rakoczy
Ambassadors: (8:00) Matt & Debbie Hier, Volunteers
(10:30) Diana Sundeen, Taylor Boustead, Larry & Nancy Matthews
Elements: (8:00) Matt & Debbie Hier (10:30) Diana Sundeen, Taylor Boustead
Acolytes: (8:00) Brianna Geeser (10:30) Brett Williams
Lectors: (8:00) Lynn Valentine (10:30) Collin Gillette
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Chuck & Lynn Valentine (10:30) Holly & Renee Stohle
Altar Guild: Michele Scott, Laurel McVinnie
Praise Singers: Jaime Gillette, Bob McVinnie
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE
02.2
12
by Alpine Summit ·
Scout Sunday at Worship on Feb. 5
If you were in church last Sunday you saw a fine representation of the children and youth of Alpine as they took part in every aspect of the service, then served the meal before the annual meeting. We were very proud of them, and are pleased to see their faith development. Now this Sunday we affirm one of our youth-related ministries as we celebrate our relationship with Boy Scout Troop 57 and Cub Scout Troop 157, which we have sponsored for many years. Also, because it is Super Bowl Sunday, our work-campers will be offering sub sandwiches for sale at a reasonable price as a fund-raiser for 2012 work camp.
As I stated during the announcements last Sunday, we need for our youth to be active in their faith and church life, because they will need to assume leadership as the older generations pass away. Just in the few days since my return from vacation we’ve had three long-time active members of the church die. Lucille Thoren, Steve Hemenway, and Kay Okeson were very active in the life of the congregation, but God has called them home to His Eternal Kingdom. While we mourn their passing, we also invest promise in our young people.
Our youth ministries are varied, but each is important: Alpine Academy school, Sunday School and VBS, TACT camp, work camp, scouting programs, Confirmation, etc. We are especially grateful for adult leaders as well who mentor young people in the ways of the Lord and good citizenship. Thank you!
Thought for the week: “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you will help them become what they are capable of becoming.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ~
Those Who Serve for Feb. 5th
Ushers: (8:00) Larry Graham, Michele Scott, Andrea Tack, Don Torgerson
(10:30) Scouts & DiAnne Beynon, Leroy Dokken, John Gustafson, Volunteer
Ambassadors: (8:00) Joni Graham, Lillian Hagen, Ruth Lindgren, Clara Rader (10:30) Scouts
Elements: (8:00) John & Sharryn Franks (10:30) Scouts
Acolytes: (8:00) Alex Todd (10:30) Joseph Barron
Lectors: (8:00) Roger Bastian (10:30) Scouts
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Roger Bastian, Dale Olson (10:30) Dick Nelson, Keenan Perry
Altar Guild: Gwyn Brechtel, Ardy Stevens
Praise Singers: Jan Hill, Tina Howe
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE
01.26
12
by Alpine Summit ·
Alpine Academy Dinner & Program, Saturday at 6 PM
Youth Sunday service at 10:00 AM,
Annual meeting of the congregation (with luncheon) at 11:30
Some dates are more important than others on the church calendar, and this is one of them. On Saturday evening we’ll host our annual fund-raising dinner and program, with silent auction, to benefit our school, Alpine Academy. Our program will feature dueling pianos, which should be very interesting. While the cost is free, everyone is invited to bid on any of several items on display and contribute to the financial aid fund for students who need it. This is the one big activity each year that includes both church and school families.
Then, on Sunday, we’ll have just one service at 10 AM. Annually, on the last Sunday of January, we celebrate Youth Sunday, when we encourage every youth and child in the congregation to participate in some capacity to help lead worship. The youth will also serve our luncheon to follow the service, as the congregation is summoned to the fellowship hall for the annual meeting. At the meeting we’ll elect six more council persons, hear reports from every committee, adopt a budget for 2012, and hear the pastor name the Volunteer of the Year. If you are an Alpine member, you are expected to be there, if possible.
Thought for the week: “How often we forget it’s the ‘here and now’ that’s important. Setting our sights on our destination, planning for tomorrow, worrying about the future, rushing towards whatever’s over the next hill…phew! This causes us to neglect the beauty of the present.” ~ Anonymous ~
Those Who Serve for Jan. 29th
Ushers: Youth
Ambassadors: Youth
Elements: Youth
Acolytes: Jordyn Turecek
Lectors: Youth
Lay Assistants: Youth
Altar Guild: Ardy Stevens
Praise Singers: Holly & Renee Stohle
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE
01.19
12
by Alpine Summit ·
Upon entering the church, one of the first things one sees is the wall that divides the narthex and the coat room. It has kind of a 1970’s look, with three arches and papers with announcements hanging there. We would like to modernize that wall and decorate it with photos and stories of our Alpine congregation to “personalize” it a little more.
Our Evangelism Committee, led by Dave DeNale, has taken up the challenge. He writes: “We are requesting from each of the families of Alpine a 3.5 X 5 photo of you and your family, in any suitable setting you desire, accompanied with a list of what each of your personal interests, hobbies, passions and occupations are. These will be framed and hung on the wall in the narthex. A scale drawing of the wall and how it will look once completed is on display in the narthex. We are doing this with the desire to bring the family of Alpine Lutheran Church closer, and to create a stronger family bond amongst one another.”
Obviously, this project depends on the cooperation of all of us. Feel free to use any photo you wish, and include as many family members as you want, even those who are no longer living at home. If you don’t have a photo you like, one of our church photographers can help you out some Sunday. Once the project begins to gather momentum, we expect it will generate enthusiasm. Getting started will be the hard part.
Keep an eye on the progress of the project, which will hopefully gather steam after the first of the year. Feel free to offer Dave any help you can render to transform the wall for the posting of the picture frames. He can also answer your questions about it. Changes sometimes take a while to get accustomed to, but they keep life interesting!
Thought for the week: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope or confidence.” ~ Helen Keller ~
Those Who Serve for Jan. 22nd
Ushers: (8:00) Arnie Johnson, Les Johnson, Curt Moen, Gil Okeson
(10:30) Jim Burnett, Martha Carlson, Bob Fanello, David McCue
Ambassadors: (8:00) Jack & Carla Phillips, Louise Hemenway, Nan Strom
(10:30) John & Sharryn Franks, Bob & Laurel McVinnie
Elements: (8:00) Allen & Deb Geeser (10:30) Eric & LeAnn Peterson
Acolytes: Brianna Geeser, Anna Peterson
Lectors: Craig Shelton, Terry Hodges
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Craig Shelton, Deb Okeson (10:30) Terry Hodges, Karen Conti
Altar Guild: Janet Gentry, Shirley Franks
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE
01.12
12
by Alpine Summit ·
There is no congregation where the pastor is not missed when he or she goes on vacation. That’s what it is here at Alpine this week while Pastor Meier is away. BUT, I am substituting for our pastor and want to write a few words to you…
Since my wife Nancy and I have joined Alpine after moving back to Rockford, we daily count our blessings of being a part of such a welcoming, caring, responding, and faithful congregation! You have given us a wonderful place to be in the pew instead of in the office and pulpit! The Lord led us to Alpine after some searching and we absolutely can say “thanks be to God”. If you ever feel a bit down or discouraged about our congregation, just talk to us — we will tell you of our view from the pew and how great Alpine is.
With Pastor Meier away, I hope I can serve you well from the pulpit but I look forward to our pastor’s return. I can’t duplicate our pastor but I do my best for a retired guy who has mostly left the pulpit but loves to be in the pew. And Nancy loves that Bell Choir more than you know! Thanks for making us Alpiners! Oh, and thanks for so many birthday wishes — they were deeply appreciated.
Pastor Larry Matthews and Nancy Matthews
Thought for the week: “Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.”
~ August Rodin ~
Those Who Serve for Jan. 15th
Ushers: (8:00) Jim Anderson, Shirley Finger, Bryan Garrett, Glen Lewis
(10:30) Russ Hornbeck, Jack Lucas, Dick Nelson, Mike Schultz
Ambassadors: (8:00) Bill & Diane Billert, Chuck & Janet Gentry
(10:30) Maribeth Gillette, Mari Hanson, Jeff & Jenny Schiess
Elements: (8:00) Chuck & Janet Gentry (10:30) Maribeth Gillette, Mari Hanson
Acolytes: Nicholas Chockalingam, Tanner LaFew
Lectors: Carla Phillips, John Fridh
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Alan Garrett, Dale Olson (10:30) John & Nancy Fridh
Altar Guild: Kathy Mund, Cary Ralston
Praise Singers: John & Cary Ralston
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE
01.5
12
by Alpine Summit ·
Happy new year to all our Alpiners! May this be a year that brings you an assortment of blessings, and may you draw closer to God than ever. Perhaps you are in the habit of making new year’s resolutions. If so, God bless you in your practice of them. Invite God to help you keep them, if indeed they are worthy of maintaining. Otherwise, good luck!
As I mentioned in my sermon on New Year’s Day, at Alpine Church we are speaking more about goals than resolutions. We’ve asked every group and committee in the church to come up with two attainable goals for 2012 that challenge you and give you a sense of direction. These might be vision goals that give you a good idea as to what you want to accomplish this year for the sake of the mission of the church.
My own goals, as I mentioned, are two-fold: (1) Insure that everything is in order and running smoothly in the church and school before surrendering my pastoral leadership at the end of this year; and (2) work with a committee that still needs to be organized to lead the congregation in celebrating the 70th anniversary of Alpine Lutheran Church. The actual date of the founding is the first Sunday in November. If you would be interested in serving on this committee, please communicate that to our office.
As you’ll notice when you come to worship this month, we are blessed to have a retired pastor, Larry Matthews, and two seminarians, Scott Ralston and Eric Hanson, assisting with our services. With no intern (vicar) on staff, they are a help and a blessing to have with us when they are available. Finally, remember that we resume our regular worship schedule this Sunday at 8:00 & 10:30, with Sunday School at 9:15.
Those
Who Serve for Jan. 8th
Ushers: (8:00) Rick Bried, Chuck Gentry, Irv Johnson, Dale Olson
(10:30) Dean Franks, John & Sharryn Franks, Marge Rakoczy
Ambassadors: (8:00) Vince & Liz Bertolotto, Carole Rogers, Nan Strom
(10:30) DiAnne Beynon, Louise Dorris, Diana Sundeen, Taylor Boustead
Elements: (8:00) Ron & Jan Pauly (10:30) Diana Sundeen, Taylor Boustead
Acolytes: (8:00) TBA (10:30) TBA
Lectors: (8:00) Carla Phillips (10:30) Nancy Matthews
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Deb Okeson, Rachel Cooley (10:30) Nancy Matthews, Laurel McVinnie
Altar Guild: Michele Scott, Laurel McVinnie
Praise Singers: Jaime Gillette, Jan Hill, Bob McVinnie
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE
12.22
11
by Alpine Summit ·
Christmas & New Year’s Blessings From the Staff of Alpine Lutheran Church
Pastor Rick Meier
Richard Dowling
Lynn Valentine
Shirley Schou
Tim Babcock
Marge Broquist
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 5:00 PM
Christmas Day Festive Worship 10:00 AM
New Year’s Day Communion Service 1000 AM
Thought For the Week:
“One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness; it usually comes back to you.”
~ Anonymous ~
Those Who Serve for Dec. 25th
ONE SERVICE AT 10:00 AM
Ushers: Arnie Johnson, Les Johnson, Curt Moen, Gil Okeson
Ambassadors: Nancy Broquist, Mark & Sandy Cooley, Rachel Cooley
Elements: Cooley Family
Acolyte: Katy Damken, Brianna Geeser
Lector: Rollin Greenland
Lay Assistants: Rollin Greenland, Cally Damken
Altar Guild: Shirley Franks, Janet Gentry
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE
12.14
11
by Alpine Summit ·
CHRISTMAS EVE AT 5:00
As I stated at the beginning of our announcements last Sunday, “I have heard the cries of my people!” Several people were vocal about having the Christmas Eve service at the traditional 5:00 time, so that family dinners could be uninterrupted. So, as those who were present last Sunday know, we took a straw poll of those who plan to attend Christmas Eve worship as to the prevailing preference. It was clear that 5:00 had won.
For any inconveniences this causes people, we apologize. Those who serve on our worship and music committee were not aware of any conflicts to the original time announced, so we went with that. However, we believe in democracy, so we were willing to make the change. Our biggest concern, however, is that everyone get the message. We would feel terrible if people show up for worship at any time other than 5:00 and find an empty church on Christmas Eve. So please help us to communicate the message of the time change; and, of course, if you are in town we expect you and your guests for Christmas Eve worship.
Also, remember that for the next three Sundays there will be only one service at 10:00. That won’t change, so I’ll see you then!
Those Who Serve for Dec. 18th
ONE SERVICE AT 10:00 AM
Ushers: Jim Anderson, Shirley Finger, Bryan Garrett, Glen Lewis
Ambassadors: Jan Anderson, Pat Anderson, Jan Pauly, Nan Strom
Elements: Andrea Tack, Samantha Todd
Acolyte: TBA
Lay Assistants: Bob & Lori Fanello
Altar Guild: Kathy Mund
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE
12.7
11
by Alpine Summit ·
The fact that Christmas falls on a Sunday this year has caused us to make some changes to the traditional Christmas worship schedule. The Worship & Music committee met on two occasions with me to determine how we might accommodate the majority, but the result may be disrupting to the annual traditions of some. So we are respectfully requesting that you consider making necessary adjustments to your schedule, if possible.
First of all, the decision was to have one service at 10 AM on Cantata Sunday (Dec. 18), Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. This brings the congregation together for three Sundays in a row as we celebrate the holidays. Many people are out-of-town and others have guests who are visiting, but it will be fun to have us all together for a few weeks when we are able to do so. In fact, we’re requesting that for coffee hour on holiday Sundays members bring Christmas cookies or treats to share after the service.
Regarding Christmas Eve, the decision was to have only one service this year, since we’re all expected back at 10:00 the next morning. The 10 PM service on Christmas Eve has been lightly attended in recent years, so we thought canceling that one would be acceptable. While the 5:00 has been the bigger service, moving it to 7:00 could possibly be a compromise hour between the two traditional times for Christmas Eve worship. During the year all our evening services (Lent, Thanksgiving) are 7:00.
If this presents an inconvenience to you, we’re very sorry. We simply request that both those who prefer 5:00 and those who prefer 10:00 make an attempt to come together for Christmas Eve candlelight worship at 7:00 PM. We’ll use a new service this year, “Oh, Come Ye, Oh, Come Ye to Bethlehem.” I hope to see you!
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
“The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time”
~Abraham Lincoln~
Those Who Serve for Dec. 11th
Ushers: (8:00) Rick Bried, Chuck Gentry, Irv Johnson, Dale Olson
(10:30) Dean Franks, John & Sharryn Franks, Marge Rakoczy
Ambassadors: (8:00) Don & Judy Gugliemetti, Lillian Hagen, Ruth Lindgren
(10:30) Nancy Ewert, Jan Galster, Alyce Krusemeier
Elements: (8:00) Allen & Deb Geeser (10:30) Pam Hodges, Kyle Davison
Acolytes: (8:00) TBA (10:30) TBA
Lectors: (8:00) Craig Shelton (10:30) Kim Gustafson
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Craig Shelton, Sid Robinson (10:30) Kim Gustafson, Keenan Perry
Altar Guild: Michele Scott, Laurel McVinnie
Praise Singers: Jaime Gillette, Bob McVinnie
PLEASE CLICK HER TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE
12.1
11
by Alpine Summit ·
One of the great traditions of the Christian Church is to have a formal time of preparation as we head toward Christmas. That preparation is called “Advent,” a Latin word meaning “coming.” Christ is coming: past, present, and future. For four weeks we light Advent candles, read a special daily devotional, and prepare the way for the celebration of Christ’s birth. We remember that this is a religious holiday, even as secular society becomes more and more commercialized and draws away our attention.
To help with your observance of Advent the church has purchased several copies of the devotional guide, “What Are We Waiting For?” You can read a Scripture, prayer, and meditation for each day, either privately or with your family. For children we have Advent calendars with a small window to open each day. And we’re giving out a new key “fob” that has an Advent message for you on your key
ring. If you didn’t get these last Sunday, pick them up this Sunday or call the office to reserve them for you.
For the next two Sundays we’ll follow our usual schedule for worship at 8:00 and 10:30. However, on December 18, the 4th Sunday of Advent, the choir will present its Christmas cantata, “God Is With Us,” at 10 AM. Also, here’s the Christmas schedule:
Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24: 7:00 PM
Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25: 10:00 AM
New Year’s Day, Sunday, Jan. 1: 10:00 AM
Thought for the week: “TGIF – Thank God I’m Forgiven”
Those Who Serve for Dec. 4th
Ushers: (8:00) Larry Graham, Michele Scott, Don Torgerson, Andrea Tack
(10:30) DiAnne Beynon, Leroy Dokken, John Gustafson, Bob Peterson
Ambassadors: (8:00) PatAnderson, Jan Tack, Lee & Jane Karlberg
(10:30) Tom & Debbie Detzner, Maribeth Gillette, Mari Hanson
Elements: (8:00) Lee & Jane Karlberg (10:30) Tom & Debbie Detzner
Acolytes: (8:00) Jake Greeny (10:30) Jordyn Turecek
Lectors: (8:00) Rachel Cooley (10:30) John Fridh
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Rachel Cooley, Deb Okeson (10:30) John & Nancy Fridh
Altar Guild: Gwyn Brechtel, Ardy Stevens
Praise Singers: Tina Howe, Holly & Renee Stohle
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE
