05.24
12
by Alpine Summit ·
Worship Changes to 8:00 and 9:30 This Sunday
With Memorial weekend the schedule changes to summer hours, as the second service moves to 9:30 and Sunday School is off until September. However, this Sunday, May 27, is very special, in that it is the third biggest festival of the church year, the day of Pentecost, which recalls the coming of the Holy Spirit in power, according to Acts, chapter 2. The Church is born, and believers are made by the thousands.
At Alpine Church we will celebrate Pentecost by receiving three of our young people by Confirmation (Affirmation of Baptism) at the 9:30 service, and we also have a few new members to receive as well. These are indicators of how the Holy Spirit continues to give life to the Church today. Being Confirmed are Katy Damken, Brianna Geeser, & Conlin Pottinger. And being received by transfer of membership is the Bulthaus/Williams family (Bryce & Cindy Bulthaus, Corey Williams, and her three teenage children Brianna, Brandon, & Brett). Also being received by adult affirmation of faith is David Blascoe.
Even though Pentecost occurs on a holiday weekend this year, those who are not out of town still hopefully plan to be at church to participate in this holy day. The Spirit is alive and at work yet today. Read Acts 2 in preparation for worship. And if you want to join in the good-natured spirit of the occasion, WEAR RED!
Thought for the week: “What you do with today is very important because you will be exchanging a day of your life for it.” ~ Anonymous ~
Those Who Serve for May 27th
Ushers: (8:00) Arnie Johnson, Les Johnson, Curt Moen, Gil Okeson
(9:30) Jim Burnett, Martha Carlson, Bob Fanello, David McCue
Ambassadors: (8:00) Jeff & Jenny Schiess, Pat Anderson, Jan Tack
(9:30) Mike & Marlene Bukowski, Taylor Boustead, Diana Sundeen
Elements: (8:00) David & Laura DeNale (9:30) Taylor Boustead, Diana Sundeen
Acolytes: (8:00) Jordyn Turecek (9:30) Joseph Barron
Lectors: (8:00) Gwyn Brechtel (9:30) Violet Peterson
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Roger Bastian, Dale Olson (9:30) Bob & Violet Peterson
Altar Guild: Janet Gentry, Shirley Franks
It has been a faith filed year for Alpine’s Sunday School. In addition to our Bible lessons, we have been acting on our faith in very visible ways with our Faith on the Go projects.
October - raked lawns for some of our elderly congregants
November – labeled 25 cases of canned food for the Rock River Valley Food Pantry
December – sang Christmas carols and played instruments for the residents of Peterson Meadows
January – attended learning session given by the Altar Guild about the various objects and symbols in the sanctuary
February – attended special session on the malaria project by Pastor Meier and raised money for malaria nets
March – wrote letters and made up “goodie baskets” for the servicemen in Afghanistan
April – Made over 75 Mother’s Day cards and distributed them along with flowers to the residents of Rosewood
And last, but not least, we raised over $700 (final tally is not in yet) for the purchase of animals for ELCA’s God’s Global Barnyard from Jan. through May.
When we look back at the past year, all that we accomplished was in Christ’s name with the help of the Holy Spirit. God truly blessed us!
Thank you to all the dedicated and loving staff of Alpine’s Sunday School: LeAnn Peterson, Chris Deuel, Mari Hanson, Connie Dowling, Diana Sundeen, Teresa Bastian, Michelle Dahl, Barb Shelton, Michele Scott and Bob McVinnie.
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05.17
12
by Alpine Summit ·
One of the joys of any congregation is to see some of its young people enter the ministry of the Church. We have helped train ten vicars in recent years for pastoral ministry, and several men and women from Alpine have gone to seminary and become pastors. These people are now serving God throughout the country and world.
Last Sunday Scott Ralston from our congregation and our last Vicar, Andy Berry, graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Scott will be preaching at Alpine this Sunday, and a call committee will be present to hear him. When something becomes official we’ll announce it. We’ll have a cake and a card basket out for him this Sunday after both services, so you can give him a word of encouragement. Andy will be interviewing for his call in Littlefork, MN, this Sunday, and plans to be ordained on June 17 at his home congregation in Walker, MN. He and Rachel are getting married on June 23, so it’s quite an exciting month for them. We’ll have another card basket out for him/them, but they won’t be present on Sunday.
Also, our previous vicar, Ryan Lun, is returning to the United States from Hong Kong to get ordained and take a call in Quincy, MA, on June 10. He’ll have an outreach to the Chinese community as part of his call. If you want to send him a greeting, his address is: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 308 W. Squantum St., North Quincy, MA, 02171. We’ve sent him the pastoral alb he used while at Alpine as our ordination gift.
Also, as you’ve noticed if you attend worship, our youngest seminarian, Eric Hanson, assists with our services when he is home (he also attends Wartburg). He just completed his first year, so has three more to go. We praise God for all those who hear a call to ordained ministry, and we want to encourage them as they pursue that career!
Those Who Serve for May 20th
Ushers: (8:00) Jim Anderson, Shirley Finger, Bryan Garrett, Volunteer
(10:30) Russ Hornbeck, Norma Lucas, Dick Nelson, Mike Schultz
Ambassadors: (8:00) Ron & Jan Pauly, Gene & Donna Seefeldt
(10:30) Bob & Chris Deuel, Eric & LeAnn Peterson
Elements: (8:00) Gene & Donna Seefeldt (10:30) Eric & LeAnn Peterson
Acolytes: (8:00) Conlan Pottinger (10:30) Samantha Gustafson
Lectors: (8:00) Carla Phillips (10:30) Terry Hodges
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Alan Garrett, Deb Okeson (10:30) Terry Hodges, Craig Shelton
Altar Guild: Kathy Mund, Cary Ralston
Praise Singers: John & Cary Ralston
Thought for the week:
“Opportunity
is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like
work.” ~ Thomas A Edison ~
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05.10
12
by Alpine Summit ·
This Sunday, May 13, is Mother’s Day in the United States. It’s one of those unofficial holidays in our country which honors the contributions of women in our nation. And we especially want to honor Christian women, and in particular those who have raised children to love the Lord. I remember traveling through Grafton, West VA, some years ago, the site of the first Mother’s Day. Organized by one woman as a tribute to her beloved mother, it became a near-instant national celebration of motherhood.
As is our Alpine tradition, we honor all adult women at worship on Mother’s Day. All women attending worship are mothers, aunts, sisters, grandmothers, Godmothers, mentors, or special influences to others. We believe all Christian women deserve to be honored with a flower and a thank you for giving of themselves to their families and communities as a way of expressing their Christian faith.
Also this Sunday, we will continue our third session in our adult forum series regarding the visioning for the future. Those who were not present last Sunday are urged to attend at 9:30 in the sanctuary. If you cannot because of a Mother’s Day activity we will endeavor to offer an alternate date, to be announced. However, it is important that all active members of the congregation participate in this visioning process.
Finally, I need to organize a group of new members as soon as possible. If you are considering membership in the Alpine congregation, or know someone who is, please communicate that with me at your earliest convenience. Thank you!
Thought for the week: “No one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
~ Charles Dudley Warner ~
Those Who Serve for May 13th
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, Lee & Jane Karlberg
(10:30) Terry & Pam Hodges, Craig & Barb Shelton
Elements: (8:00) Darold & Sharon Walker (10:30) Mark & Christine Stohle
Acolytes: (8:00) Katy Damken (10:30) Brett Williams
Lectors: (8:00) Rachel Cooley (10:30) Orv Kersten
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Rachel Cooley, Cally Damken (10:30) DiAnne Beynon, Maribeth Gillette
Altar Guild: Michele Scott, Laurel McVinnie
Praise Singers: Holly & Renee Stohle
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05.3
12
by Alpine Summit ·
Pastor Kurt Nordby, Assistant to the Bishop for
Mission, sends his deep apologies for not being with us last Sunday, as he came
down with the flu. However, several of
us took part in the sermon time, which went very well! At the same time, Pastor Nordby is
communicating with all 153 congregations of the Northern Illinois Synod about a
Funds for Mission “Miracle Sunday”, which we’ve been reading about, to be held
on May 20.
The purpose of “Fund for Mission” Miracle Sunday is to receive one-time gifts totaling $300,000 for our synod mission fund, which is instrumental in providing grants to begin and sustain new mission
starts in our synod. It also provides outreach grants, in partnership with the ELCA, to congregations in our synod that are undergoing redevelopment or renewal. Also, 10% of all gifts received will be tithed to our ELCA Malaria campaign.
Each week we’ve been including a story in our bulletin inserts regarding the mission we are doing in our Northern Illinois Synod, encouraging us to prepare to give a one-time gift. We’ll continue to include these bulletin inserts and letters for the next two weeks. Also, you will receive a special envelope which invites you to give a special offering for this mission appeal in our region. I plan to make a special donation, and I hope and pray that you will feel led to do so as well. Alpiners are usually quite faithful when called upon to help with special appeals in the church, and I encourage you to
do the same again for this one. We’ll pray for a great “Miracle Sunday” on May 20!
Thought for the week: Have your tools ready and God will supply the work.
Those Who Serve for May 6th
Ushers: (8:00) Larry Graham, Michele Scott, Andrea Tack, Don Torgerson
(10:30) DiAnne Beynon, Leroy Dokken, John Gustafson, Bob Peterson
Ambassadors: (8:00) Mark & Sandy Cooley, Roger & Bettie Everson
(10:30) Tom & Debbie Detzner, Taylor Boustead, Diana Sundeen
Elements: (8:00) Vince & Liz Bertolotto (10:30) John &Sharryn Franks
Acolytes: (8:00) Alex Todd (10:30) Tanner LaFew
Lectors: (8:00) Rollin Greenland (10:30) Bob McVinnie
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Rollin Greenland, Sid Robinson (10:30) Bob &Laurel McVinnie
Altar Guild: Gwyn Brechtel, Ardy Stevens
Praise Singers: Jan Hill, Tina Howe
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04.26
12
by Alpine Summit ·
As Alpine Lutheran Church continues to think about its future, it is helpful to utilize the resources of the larger church to which we belong, the ELCA. Our regional synod, of course, is Northern Illinois, presided by Bishop Gary Wollersheim. The bishop also has full-time assistants who have specific duties with our approximately 160 congregations. One of these assistants is Rev. Kurt Nordby, who relates to mission and stewardship in the synod.
We are pleased that Pastor Nordby is available to be with us at Alpine this Sunday, April 29. He will preach at both services, and he will lead the adult forum between services. Pastor Nordby hopes to work with as many members as can be present at the forum to discuss how we might better understand our mission in this community at this time. We know that next year will be a transitional one at Alpine, and he will help us get a head start on determining where the congregation might want to go from here. We hope that all active members plan to be present, both for worship and the forum.
I’ll be serving on a men’s Tres Dias this weekend, but I will be back for the entire Sunday morning to lead worship.
Thought for the week: “How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.”
~ George Elliston ~
Those Who Serve for April 29th
Ushers: (8:00) Allen Geeser, Rebecca Geeser, Carol Johnson, Jack Philips
(10:30) Mike Bukowski, Michelle Turecek, Darold Walker, Volunteer
Ambassadors: (8:00) Eugene Mund, Kathy Mund, Karl & Deb Okeson
(10:30) Diane Beynon, Louise Dorris, Volunteers
Elements: (8:00) Karl & Deb Okeson (10:30) Pam Hodges, Kyle Davison
Acolytes: (8:00) Nicholas Chockalingam (10:30) Jordyn Turecek
Lectors: (8:00) Bob Fanello (10:30) Holly Stohle
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Bob & Lori Fanello (10:30) Renee & Holly Stohle
Altar Guild: Janet Gentry, Ardy Stevens
Praise Singers: Nancy Broquist, Jan Hill
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04.19
12
by Alpine Summit ·
The above is the title of an article by the Rev. Dr. John Buchanan, editor of the Christian Century magazine, a publication I read regularly. For years he was Pastor of the prestigious Fourth Pres. Church near downtown Chicago, and a person I hold in high esteem. He points out that Easter is a season, not just a day, and “the most important Sundays in the church year are the Sundays afterward, when we are left, as were Jesus’ disciples, with the meanings and implications of what happened and the sense that nothing can ever be the same.”
The Scriptures for the Easter season (50 days until Pentecost) are replete with resurrection appearances of Jesus, and what that meant for early Christian believers and the first century Church. Indeed, nothing was the same as before. I suppose that makes sense. After all, if you had seen someone who was crucified come alive again, who spoke of God’s victory over death, I think that would breathe new life into you as well!
The challenge for us 21st century Christians is to see Christ alive and risen in our daily lives as well. Nothing is the same once we realize that our lives are given purpose, meaning, and an eternal dimension, thanks to what God has done for us in Christ. We become inclined to serve in ways that God calls us, we tend to view the events of this world through the eyes of a loving God, and we genuinely want what is best for the Kingdom, the Church, and God’s people. I urge you to keep the Easter spirit alive, not just for the day we celebrated the resurrection, but always. For what’s important is the life after resurrection!
Thought for the week: A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
Those Who Serve for April 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) Al & Marlene Garrett, Debbie & Allen Geeser
(10:30) Gwyn Brechtel, Jan Galster, Alyce Krusemeier
Elements: (8:00) Craig & Barb Shelton (10:30) Gwyn Brechtel, Laurel McVinnie
Acolytes: (8:00) Brianna Geeser (10:30) Brandon Williams
Lectors: (8:00) Donna Seefeldt (10:30) Lynn Valentine
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Cally Damken, Rebecca Geeser (10:30) Karen Conti, Keenan Perry
Altar Guild: Janet Gentry, Shirley Franks
Praise Singers: Chuck & Lynn Valentine
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04.5
12
by Alpine Summit ·
The most important festival in Christianity will be celebrated this Sunday, April 8, the Resurrection of our Lord, Easter Sunday. All else is secondary and dependent upon the belief that Jesus Christ, who was crucified, has risen from the dead and lives. Thus the congregation joyfully sings “Alleluia!” this Sunday. Identical festive worship services will be offered at 8:00 and 10:00 am.
If you are reading this message on Friday, please remember that our Good Friday Tenebrae (gradual darkening) service begins at 7 pm. It makes the Easter service all the more joyful to first remember the pain of the crucifixion. What Jesus had to endure to accomplish our redemption is powerfully expressed in our Tenebrae service, as we reflect on the seven last words of Jesus from the cross.
Youth and children are included in our celebration of Easter. Between services, from 9 – 10 am, our youth who are planning to attend this year’s Work Camp will host a breakfast. This is a fund-raising event to assist them with their expenses. Then, following the second service, there will be an Easter-egg hunt. Literally hundreds of eggs will be planted for kids to easily find to their delight. So be sure to bring them to take advantage of this opportunity.
Finally, the staff of Alpine Church and I wish you all a Happy Easter. Please invite your family and unchurched friends to join us for Easter services, in order to share with them the joy of the Resurection!
Thought for the week: “Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” – Conrad Hilton
Those Who Serve for April 8th
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, Ron & Jan Pauly
(10:30) Bob & Chris Deuel, Terry & Pam Hodges
Elements: (8:00) Ron & Jan Pauly (10:30) Mark & Christine Stohle
Acolytes: (8:00) Conlan Pottinger (10:30) Joseph Barron
Lectors: (8:00) Rollin Greenland (10:30) Lynn Valentine
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Cally Damken, Rollin Greenland (10:30) Chuck & Lynn Valentine
Altar Guild: Michele Scott, Laurel McVinnie
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03.29
12
by Alpine Summit ·
If there’s one week in the year that Christians ought to treat differently in terms of their worship and devotional life, it is Holy Week, the week that begins with Palm Sunday and leads up to Easter. It is the week we most remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us and the significance of His Resurrection. Here, then, is a summary of the events of Holy Week at Alpine, April 1 thru 8.
Palm Sunday, services at 8:00 & 10:30 AM.
The choir will offer the cantata, “Glory to Glory” at both services. We will enter the sanctuary carrying palm branches, singing “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Maundy Thursday, 11 AM and 7 PM.
On the night before he died Jesus gave the command to remember him through bread and wine, his body and blood given and shed for those who follow him. He also gave us the command that night to love one another. We’ll commune at candlelit tables around the cross.
Good Friday, 7 PM.
Through a dramatic Tennebrae (gradual darkening) service we will hear the seven last words of Jesus spoken from the cross, as recorded by the Gospel writers. Seven short meditations will lead us to Calvary, then we will depart in silence to await the resurrection of our Lord. (You may stay for prayer.)
Easter Sunday, 8:00 & 10:00 AM.
Christ is Risen! Halleluiah! The greatest and most important festival in the church year celebrates victory over death. Because Christ lives so too shall those who believe in Him! (Between services we’ll offer a breakfast from 9 to 10 as a fund-raiser for our youth work camp.)
I look forward to seeing all “Alpiners” during Holy Week!
Thought for the week: The key to heaven was hung on a nail!
Those Who Serve for April 1st
Ushers: (8:00) Larry Graham, Michele Scott, Don Torgerson, Volunteer
(10:30) DiAnne Beynon, Leroy Dokken, John Gustafson, Volunteer
Ambassadors: (8:00) Vince & Liz Bertolotto, Joni Graham, Clara Rader
(10:30) Tom & Debbie Detzner, Mike & Marlene Bukowski
Elements: (8:00) Alan & Marlene Garrett (10:30) Tom & Debbie Detzner
Acolytes: (8:00) Katy Damken (10:30) Samantha Gustafson
Lectors: (8:00) Bob Fanello (10:30) Larry Matthews
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Bob & Lori Fanello (10:30) Larry & Nancy Matthews
Altar Guild: Gwyn Brechtel, Ardy Stevens
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03.22
12
by Alpine Summit ·
March 24th Benefit Concert for
Matthew Erickson
The concert will be in the sanctuary at Alpine Lutheran Church
Time: 5-9 pm
Music by Silver & Epiphany – Mr. John Schmid, Alpine Academy’s band teacher, is a member of this band.
Any money raised at this concert will benefit the Matthew Erickson family, to help with medical expenses, now over $1,000,000.00
There will be many silent auction items – balloon designs for sale – and free will offerings will be accepted.
Matthew is the great grandson of Donald & Sue Erickson. He was born on Dec. 11, 2011 with avery rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. To learn more about him and their story visit www.chicagotribune.com/babychemo or follow them on Facebook @ Mathew Donald Erickson.
We have had many families asking how they can help:
Our school, Alpine Academy, will be accepting donations in the school office – make checks payable to: PNC Bank c/o Matthew Erickson.”Grey Matters” t-shirts and wrist bands can be purchased at www.greymatterstshirt.weebly.com
Thought for the week: Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you have decided to look beyond the imperfections.
Those Who Serve for Mar. 25th
Ushers: (8:00) Arnie Johnson, Les Johnson, Curt Moen, Gil Okeson
(10:30) Jim Burnett, Martha Carlson, Bob Fanello, David McCue
Ambassadors: (8:00) Bill & Diane Billert, Louise Hemenway, Nan Strom
(10:30) Eric & LeAnn Peterson, Craig & Barb Shelton
Elements: (8:00) Karl & Deb Okeson (10:30) Nancy Broquist, Marybeth Gillette
Acolytes: (8:00) Jordyn Turecek (10:30) Brett Williams
Lectors: (8:00) Andrea Tack (10:30) Bob McVinnie
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Rebecca Geeser, Dale Olson (10:30) Bob & Laurel McVinnie
Altar Guild: Janet Gentry, Shirley Franks
Praise Singers: Chuck & Lynn Valentine
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03.15
12
by Alpine Summit ·
Did you realize that, together with about 5 million other people, we are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America? And also, together with about 70 million other people around the globe, we are members of the Lutheran World Federation? Our church is involved in so many wonderful ministries that serve God and people that it behooves us to try to learn as much as we can about them.
One way to learn more about what our national church is involved in is to access our denomination’s website, www.elca.org . There you can read about all the mission work we’re involved in, you can access our social statements, you can learn about the work of the different divisions of the church, and you can even locate other congregations around the country if you’re traveling. Also, you can find a link to the ELCA world hunger appeal, the Malaria campaign, our disaster response ministries, and even make an online donation if you wish.
An article that caught my attention this week is written by our presiding bishop, Mark Hanson. There he explains in a letter to President Obama why we support the Dream Act, which is an immigration reform issue before Congress right now. We are a country of immigrants, he states, and those who have lived in this country virtually all their lives need to have access to an easy path to citizenship. As you peruse the website you can read about other issues we Lutheran Christians advocate for, and you can connect with missionaries around the world, some of whom we support directly.
Have fun learning more about your church using technology and the social media. It’s the way the younger generation gets its news these days!
Thought for the week: St. Patrick used the shamrock to teach people about the Godhead. Holding up a shamrock, he challenged them, “Is this one leaf, or three?” Inevitably, people replied that it was both, prompting St. Patrick to draw the analogy that so, too, is God: one God in three Persons – the Holy Trinity.
Those Who Serve for Mar. 18th
Ushers: (8:00) Jim Anderson, Shirley Finger, Bryan Garrett, Volunteer
(10:30) Russ Hornbeck, Jack Lucas, Dick Nelson, Mike Schultz
Ambassadors: (8:00) Ron & Jan Pauly, Jan Anderson, Carole Rogers
(10:30) Gwyn Brechtel, Jan Galster, Alyce Krusemeier, Volunteer
Elements: (8:00) Andrea Tack & Samantha Todd (10:30) Taylor Boustead, Dianna Sundeen
Acolytes: (8:00) Alex Todd (10:30) Anna Peterson
Lectors: (8:00) Carla Phillips (10:30) Orv Kersten
Lay Assistants: (8:00) Deb Okeson, Sid Robinson (10:30) DiAnne Beynon, Keenan Perry
Altar Guild: Kathy Mund, Cary Ralston
Praise Singers: John & Cary Ralston
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