1. Art and Diseño

Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
FEBRUARY 2015 NEWSLETTER
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” [Saint John 10:27]
Deadly Sins: No Match for our Life-­‐Giving Lord Almost anyone who studies literature will eventually run across Dante’s Divine Comedy, a 14th century epic poem that
envisions the afterlife. Among its many components, this poem lists seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath,
envy, and pride.
Holy Scripture does not list seven deadly sins, but teaches us that all sin is deadly. When Paul writes, “the wages of sin is
death” (Romans 6:23), he doesn’t list any exceptions. Sin breeds death. That’s why Paul elsewhere exclaims, “you were
dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). James, too, reminds us, “desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin,
and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:15). Sin and death go hand-in-hand.
Thankfully, our life-giving Lord has rescued us from sin and death and given us new life in Him. “God shows His love
for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This blood-bought victory over sin, death,
and devil He gives to us in Holy Baptism. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as
Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). In
that water connected with God’s Word, “our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be
brought to nothing” (Romans 6:6). Having been clothed with Christ’s perfect righteousness, the question now becomes,
“How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1).
Though our flesh loves to downplay our sinfulness, Saint Paul does not let us off the hook. “Let not sin … reign in your
mortal body, to make you obey its passions” (Romans 6:12).
To the end that we might better understand some of the sins that threaten to reign in our mortal bodies, confess them, and
learn to guard against them, we will be taking a closer look at seven deadly sins this Lenten season. Each threatens to
ensnare us. Each threatens to sever us from the love of God in Christ. Each threatens to drive a wedge between us and our
life-giving Savior. Each threatens to impede the love and service we owe our neighbor. Here is a preview:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
lust fixates on the pleasures that absorb the mind;
gluttony preoccupies itself with feeding one’s inner emptiness;
greed places the love of things above the love of God and neighbor;
sloth is the spiritual laziness that slowly lets go of Christ and His gracious gifts;
wrath entails an irrational temperament and the seeking of vengeance;
envy involves looking at others with an evil eye;
pride exalts self and lies at the root of other sins.
Our only hope against these deadly sins, and every other deadly sin, is Jesus Christ. He took our
sinfulness upon Himself, paid its wages on the cross with His precious blood, and now freely
gives us forgiveness, life, and salvation in His name.
Join us this Lenten season, be filled with Christ and His forgiveness, and learn how He clothes us with chastity,
moderation, charity, zeal, meekness, generosity, and humility. Deadly sins are no match for our life-giving Lord. “For the
wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Pastor Mumme
February Birthdays
Calendar
Week of Septuagesima
Sun, Feb 1, 9:00 am
Sun, Feb 1 10:30 am
Sun, Feb 1, 12:30 pm
Tue, Feb 3, 5:00 pm
Tue, Feb 3, 7:00 pm
Wed, Feb 4, 4:30 pm
Wed, Feb 4, 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 7, 9:00 am
Responsive Prayer
Bible Class & Sunday School
Financial Peace University
Youth Catechesis (1st Year)
Elders Meeting
Youth Catechesis (2nd Year)
Choir Practice
Preschool Board Meeting
Week of Sexagesima
Sun, Feb 8, 9:00 am
Sun, Feb 8, 10:00 am
Sun, Feb 8, 10:30 am
Sun, Feb 8, 12:00 pm
Sun, Feb 8, 12:30 pm
Tue, Feb 10, 1:00 pm
Tue, Feb 10, 5:00 pm
Wed, Feb 11, 4:30 pm
Wed, Feb 11, 7:00 pm
Divine Service
Thrivent Meeting
Bible Class & Sunday School
Council Meeting
Financial Peace University
Women’s Bible Study
Youth Catechesis (1st Year)
Youth Catechesis (2nd Year)
Choir Practice
Week of Quinquagesima
Sun, Feb 15, 9:00 am
Sun, Feb 15, 10:00 am
Sun, Feb 15, 10:30 am
Sun, Feb 15, 12:30 pm
Tue, Feb 17, 9:00 am
Tue, Feb 17, 5:00 pm
Tue, Feb 17, 7:00 pm
Wed, Feb 18, 4:30 pm
Wed, Feb 18, 7:00 pm
Wed, Feb 18, 8:00 pm
Fri, Feb 20, 3:30 pm
Sat, Feb 21, 8:00 am
Sat, Feb 21, 11:00 am
Divine Service
Thrivent Bake-a-Thon
Bible Class & Sunday School
Financial Peace University
Pastor @ Circuit Meeting
Youth Catechesis (1st Year)
Book of Concord Study
Youth Catechesis (2nd Year)
Solemn Divine Service
Choir Practice
BJS Conference
BJS Conference
Ladies Aid Meeting
02
03
12
12
14
14
15
17
18
18
21
22
22
23
25
25
26
28
Connor Henricks
Brian Rambeaux
Lisa Cruz
Amelia (Mia) Johnson
Hector (Manny) Martinez
Richard Schmidt
Moira Delaney
Karen McClain
Monica DeWitt
Nadine Parmenter
Anita DeWitt
Don Fiolka
Emily Nurczyk
Larry Jordan
Amy Jordan
Payton Murray
Rebekah Dobbs
Kelli Olifirowicz
Baptismal Anniversaries
08
11
14
16
17
17
19
22
26
27
Victoria Fox
John Gernenz
Patrick McClain
Kristina Learnahan
Mary Dobbs
Christa McClain
Alicia DeWitt
Rebecca Parmenter
Kayla Klobucher
Carol Kuroski
Wedding Anniversaries
18 Brian & Cindy Rambeaux
19 Al & Ann Gernenz
Church Activity Calendar
Week of Lent 1
Sun, Feb 22, 9:00 am
Sun, Feb 22, 10:30 am
Sun, Feb 22, 12:30 pm
Tue, Feb 24, 9:00 am
Tue, Feb 24 5:00 pm
Wed, Feb 25, 4:30 pm
Wed, Feb 25, 7:00 pm
Wed, Feb 25, 8:00 pm
Thu, Feb 26, 11:00 am
Thu, Feb. 26, 6-8 pm
Fri, Feb 27, 9am-Noon
Divine Service
Bible Class & Sunday School
Financial Peace University
Will County Dental Van
Youth Catechesis (1st Year)
Youth Catechesis (2nd Year)
Evening Prayer
Choir Practice
Pastor @ NICL Study
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Please remember that all activities
and special events scheduled for
Luther Hall must be noted on the
main calendar located in Luther
Hall. Christian Education events
(Sunday and midweek Bible Class,
Sunday School, Youth Catechesis,
etc.) and Council meetings are given the highest priority.
Please contact Dan Richerson, chairman of the Board of
Trustees, with any questions or special requests (air
conditioning, heat, tables, chairs, etc.).
2
Ash Wednesday
Individual Absolution
This year Ash Wednesday falls on
Wednesday, February 18. Join us as we
begin our 40-day journey to the cross
with a solemn Divine Service at 7:00
p.m. This service begins with corporate
confession and absolution and the
imposition of ashes, features Jesus’ words from the
Sermon on the Mount, and ends with the Lord’s Supper.
While the entire church year is one of acknowledging
our sins and receiving Christ’s forgiveness, the season of
Lent vividly holds before our eyes the consequences of
sin. Therefore, I have an invitation for you this Lenten
season. Our gracious heavenly Father gives you Christ’s
forgiveness in many forms. You receive it in the
corporate Absolution at the beginning of each Divine
Service. You receive it through the Gospel. You receive
it in the Lord’s Supper. You pray for it daily in the
Lord’s Prayer and in your personal prayers.
Lent Midweek
This Lenten season we will ponder anew Christ’s great
love for us during our five midweek Evening Prayer
services. These services begin on Wednesday,
February 25 at 7:00 p.m. and run approximately 40-45
minutes. If any groups within the congregation would
like to sponsor a dinner to precede one of these worship
services, please let Karen Moritz know ASAP. Dinners
will take place at 6:00 p.m. in Luther Hall only on
Wednesdays where a sponsoring group has signed up.
Lenten Sermon Series
Our Lenten sermon series theme is “Seven Deadly Sins
v. One Life-Giving Lord.” Join us for the following
midweek services:
Ash Wednesday, February 18
Pride
Wednesday, February 25
Greed
Wednesday, March 4
Envy
Wednesday, March 11
Wrath
Wednesday, March 18
Sloth
Wednesday, March 25
Lust
Maundy Thursday, April 2
Gluttony
However, have you ever considered receiving it
individually from your pastor? This is one of the many
tasks I am called to do. Some come to private confession
simply to hear the absolution individually applied. That
is a good enough reason all by itself. Others come
because they have guilt or shame over past sins, there are
specific sins that still plague them, and/or they desire not
only Christ’s absolution but also
pastoral counsel from God’s
Word and the specific prayers of
their pastor. I am here for that
too!
While there are many benefits to
individual absolution, many stay
away from this precious gift for
all sorts of reasons. “What if the
pastor tells his wife, the elders,
or someone else what I
confess?” Remember, I vowed at my ordination and
again at my installation at Divine Shepherd never to
divulge the sins confessed to me, and I take that vow
very seriously. Since God forgives your sins (whether
“small” or “big”), who am I to bring them up to anyone?
“What will the pastor think of me if he knows I ______,
or struggle with ______?” So you are a sinner like me,
have done things you regret, and struggle with certain
temptations. That is not shocking. Remember, we are
poor, miserable sinners by nature. It actually helps me be
a better pastor to you if I know your sins and struggles.
Individual absolution can be handled informally in my
office/study, but is usually done in the privacy of the
empty sanctuary. A typical order of Individual
Confession and Absolution is found in Lutheran Service
Book on pages 292-293. Also, know that I practice what
I preach. I, too, make use of brother pastors to receive
this wonderful gift. Ultimately, individual absolution is
not a requirement but a gift. When you desire it, know
that I will be happy to administer it to you and help you
in your walk of faith.
Pastor Mumme
3
Bible & Lutheranism Studies
Asleep in Christ
Sunday Bible Class
Topic: Hebrews
When: Sunday mornings @ 10:30 a.m.
Where: Luther Hall
Men’s Bible Breakfast
Topic: TBA
When: resumes in March
Where: TBA
Women’s Bible Study
Topic: Lutheranism 101, chapters 25-26
When: Tuesday, February 10 @ 1:00 p.m.
Where: Luther Hall
Book of Concord Study
Topic: Large Catechism, Lord’s Prayer, Holy Baptism
When: Tuesday, February 17 @ 7:00 p.m.
Where: Luther Hall
3:fifteen Youth Study
Topic: TBA
When: resumes in March
Where: Luther Hall
Fern Allison, a homebound member of Divine Shepherd
for the past four years, fell asleep in Christ on January 9
at the age of 92. She was given a Christian memorial
service at a funeral home up in Downers Grove.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”
[Revelation 14:13]
United in Christ
2015 BJS Conference
Brothers of John the Steadfast is hosting its 6th annual
conference — “When Heterodoxy Hits Home” — at
Bethany Lutheran Church in Naperville on February 2021. The conference schedule and registration information
can be found at steadfastlutherans.org/sched2015.php.
This conference will feature five guest speakers,
worship, and good food as well. All are welcome.
Planning Worksheet
You may not think about it very often, but there are
certain things for which you should do some planning.
Your funeral is one of them. What are the important
dates in your life? Who are your loved ones? What is
your confirmation verse? What are some of your favorite
Scripture verses and hymns? Whether you are young or
old, please pick up a “Funeral Planning Worksheet”
from Luther Hall, complete it, and return it to Karen or
Pastor. You are always free to make
updates to this worksheet as often as
you want. These cold winter months
are a great time to complete this
worksheet. Thanks in advance for
beginning the planning process.
Kurt Bendoraitis and Jessica Wojnarowski (Pastor
Geschke’s granddaughter) were united in holy
matrimony on January 10 in a service here at Divine
Shepherd officiated by Pastor Geschke and Pastor
Mumme. This wedding took place with the permission
and blessing of Saint Peter Lutheran Church in Joliet,
where Jessica is a member. God’s richest blessings to
you both as you seek to reflect the union of Christ and
His bride, the Church!
“What therefore God has joined together,
let not man separate.” [Matthew 19:6]
4
Alms Fund
Divine Shepherd’s Alms Fund assists members in need
with gift cards to local grocery stores, gas stations, and
pharmacies. Gift cards of any amount (typically $10 or
$25) are welcome and can be purchased through the
Ladies Aid Manna program. Especially useful are gift
cards to local grocery stores (Meijer, Walmart, Jewel).
See Pastor Mumme or any of the elders if you have
questions or would like to make a donation.
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good
to everyone, and especially to those who are
of the household of faith.” [Galatians 6:10]
Prayer Chain
Several of our members are part of a church prayer
chain. If you (men or women) would like to join them in
praying for our congregation’s special needs, please
contact Bobbie Light at 630-251-7860 or Pastor
Mumme.
Preschool
This is the month of love and, along with celebrating
Valentine’s Day, we will also be exploring how the Post
Office works, taking care of our teeth, and exploring our
senses. Our Bible stories will focus on the ministry of
Jesus, and the children will finish up learning the
Apostles’ Creed. Starting on Sunday, February 1 we
will begin our Pastry Puffin’s fundraiser to raise money
for playground improvements. If you are interested in
ordering, look for one of our Little Lambs or board
members. We also have the Will County Dental Van
visiting us on Tuesday, February 24. They are
providing free exams for the children, but will see adults
for a fee. They do take insurance, so if you are
interested, please let Ms. Terri know so she can get you
the paperwork needed.
Little Lambs is currently enrolling for the 2015-16
school year, so if you are interested and need more
information, please contact Little Lambs Preschool or
Terri Kreier.
Stewardship:
Be Merciful
“Be merciful as your Father in heaven is merciful”
(Luke 6:36). The word for mercy Jesus uses here means
more than being kind. It means to be concerned about
our neighbor’s state and well-being, even as our
heavenly Father cares for our state and well-being.
Our heavenly Father gave of Himself. He sent His onlybegotten Son in human flesh, to become one of us, to
suffer all that we suffer, and to endure all what we
endure. He took upon Himself what rightfully belongs to
us (sin and death) in order that He could give to us what
rightfully belongs to Him (forgiveness, life, and
salvation). He entered our state for the sake of our wellbeing, died in our place, rose for our justification,
redeemed us to make all things new. He entered our state
so that by water and His Word we would be granted
entrance into His state as children of our heavenly
Father.
Jesus, therefore, calls the Church to the same. “Be
merciful even as your Father in heaven is merciful.” He
asks the Church to give of herself, to enter into her
neighbors’ state for their well-being. And the Church
gives of herself the only thing in her that is worth giving.
As the Body of Christ, she gives Christ to her neighbors.
She gives out the same mercy that she has received. This
is how the Church lives (in the forgiveness of sins
received in the means of grace) and, therefore, what the
church does.
And since this is how the Church lives and what the
Church does, this is likewise how Christians live and
what Christians do. That is why joyfully returning our
firstfruits to the Lord is so important. It ensures that the
proclamation of the forgiveness of sins continues. It
ensures that our neighbors’ state and well-being is cared
for and attended to. It ensures that our neighbors have
access to our heavenly Father’s mercy just as we have
received it.
Therefore, I say, let us be merciful even as our Father in
heaven is merciful.
adapted from LCMS Stewardship Ministry
5
Ladies Aid
Thrivent Financial
Please continue to support the Manna Card Program.
Not only are these cards good for gift giving, but also for
everyday purchases (food, gas, etc.). Profits from this
fundraiser are used to supplement various church
projects. Turn in dates are February 1 & 15 and March
1, 15, & 22 with pick up the
next Sunday(s). See Marge
is you would like to buy
pre-purchased Starbucks,
Walmart or Home Run Inn
Pizza cards. $48,389 in
Manna cards were
purchased in 2014 and
rebates were given to Little Lambs Preschool, our Youth
Group (for Higher Things), the Capital Expense Fund,
etc. Profits benefit many church functions/organizations.
If you haven’t done so, please contact Thrivent and
donate your Choice Dollars to Divine Shepherd. You
need to do this every quarter. There is often a special
incentive that brings even more dollars to our church. If
you have any questions, please contact Bill Tilker.
When packing away or getting rid of winter items, think
about saving them for our annual garage sale on June 46. More information will be forth coming. Contact Lori
Mumme if you have any questions.
Officers for 2015 are:
President:
Vice President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Judy Yuenger
Lisa Cruz
Kathy Wilson
Karen Moritz
All women are encouraged to attend the February 21
meeting at 11:00 a.m.
LCEF and You
Our congregation has its
mortgage loan through Lutheran
Church Extension Fund (LCEF).
Not only do they offer loans to
LCMS congregations and church
workers, they also offer some
wonderful savings, investment,
and retirement accounts.
Parents and grandparents, LCEF’s YI Club (young
investors club) is a savings account for children 18 and
under that pays a 3.5% interest rate on the first $1000,
which is an incredibly good interest rate in today’s
market. Plus, you have access to this money 24/7 in a
variety of ways. Accounts opened with LCEF also
benefit Divine Shepherd, as we receive a portion of our
mortgage interest back in the form of an annual rebate
via LCEF’s Shared Blessings program. Visit
lcef.org/yi_club/index.cfm for more info.
Choice Dollars: At our monthly meeting in January, we
made a review of funding to the church, congregation,
and the community. We will continue to fund many of
the same needs and any others that funds permit.
Mark your calendars. We will again sponsor these
events:
February 15:
April 5:
May 10:
May 17:
June 21:
October 25:
Bake-a-Thon
Easter Breakfast
Mother’s Day Remembrance
Confirmation Reception
Father’s Day Remembrance
Oktoberfest
The annual Bake-a-Thon is scheduled for Sunday,
February 15. We need your help, so dust off those
cookbooks and make a breakfast or dessert item for the
sale. Profits will benefit various church needs. See Barb
Potempa if you have any questions or can help with
setting up or taking down.
Thrivent will sponsor the annual Easter Breakfast on
Sunday, April 5 between services. This is a fundraiser
our Youth Group for attending the Higher Things youth
conference. Please contact Lori Mumme or Nadine
Parmenter if you can contribute food for the breakfast.
A signup sheet will be posted in late March.
The next meeting will be held on Saturday, February 8
at 10:00 a.m. All members are encouraged to attend.
Amazon Smile
Do you order online from Amazon? Did you know that a
small percentage of your order can come back and
benefit Divine Shepherd? Simply go to
smile.amazon.com, select Divine Shepherd Lutheran
Church in Bolingbrook as your charitable organization,
and shop like you normally do. There’s no need to
change your existing Amazon login; it works with
Amazon Smile as well. Simply begin each of your
purchases at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will do the
rest. Our congregation will receive 0.5% of every
Amazon Smile purchase made by those who designate
our congregation as their charitable organization.
6
Confirmation
Sunday Treats
Four of our congregation’s youth will undergo the rite of
Confirmation and receive the Lord’s Supper for the first
time on Sunday, May 17. Join them for this big day!
Do you enjoy treats and fellowship after Sunday
services? If so, please consider signing up on any given
Sunday(s). Empty slots means no treats. Consider
bringing fruit and/or crackers and cheese for our diabetic
members. The 2015 signup sheet is posted on the Luther
Hall bulletin board. Monetary donations are accepted to
defray the cost of drinks and supplies.
Vacation Bible School
VBS is scheduled for July 27-31 (2015). If you are
interested in being the director, please contact me. As
always, many volunteers are also needed.
Robin Wise, Christian Education Chairperson
Important Phone Numbers
Church Office:
630-759-5300
Preschool:
630-759-3995 (Terri Kreier)
Pastor Mumme:
815-676-4444
Prayer Chain:
630-251-7860 (Bobbie Light)
Newsletter:
630-759-3188 (Karen Moritz)
(items are due February 24)
Cleaning Help
We are looking for a few members to help clean our
sanctuary and facilities once a month on a rotating basis.
Can you give an hour? You are welcome to work alone
or be paired with others. Times are flexible. Contact
Dan Richerson (trustee) at 630-310-2381 to help out.
Tax Letters
F.Y.I.: 2014 Tax letters showing your year contributions
were placed into your church mail slot for you to pickup.
If you had moved over 30 miles away this past year,
your tax letter was mailed out. Any questions, please call
me at 630-739-4447.
Barb Potempa, Financial Secretary
Treasurer’s Report
As of 12/31/14
Expenses
Income
Actual
$181,896
$160,772
Mortgage Balance:
Organ Loan Balance:
Budget
$194,957
$195,104
$226,700
$3,168
Bulletin Covers & Altar Flowers
The 2015 flower chart and February–March bulletin
charts are posted in the narthex. Sign up for any open
Sunday(s) to celebrate a special occasion or to
honor/remember someone. Cost of two bouquets is $40,
$45, or $50 (subject to change). Cost of bulletins is $10.
See Karen Moritz for details. 2015 Altar Guild
members are Katie Dobbs, Anne Drevlow, Karen
Moritz, Lori Mumme, Laverne Stephens, Joan
Sturm, Kathy Wilson, and Judy Yuenger.
LCMS Members in Congress
This past month the 114th U.S. Congress was sworn into
office. Among the newly elected Senators are two
LCMS Lutherans: Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) and Ben
Sasse (R-Nebraska). Reelected as Representatives are
five LCMS Lutherans: Larry Buschon (R-Indiana),
Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Erik Paulsen (RMinnesota), Dave Reichert (R-Washington), and John
Shimkus (R-Illinois). Please keep these and all elected
leaders in your prayers as they serve our country.
Lord God, as I pray for all who are in authority, I thank
You especially for the form of government given us in
our beloved country. Give me the grace with my
fellow citizens to value the officers and the magistrates
of our government as those sent by You. Instill in me that
respect and honor that is due them. Lord, endow them
with wisdom for their several duties, with a spirit of
sacrifice for the common welfare, with mercy and
justice, with uprightness and kindliness. Correct the
evils of selfishness, greed, a vain desire for honor, or
abuse of power among us as well as in the other
governments of the world. Grant that the true purposes
of government may prevail, safeguarding peace and
prosperity, so that we may live soberly and uprightly in
Your sight and have opportunity to tell of You and Your
kingdom. These petitions I direct to You because in Jesus
I know You as my Father and Lord. Amen.
Lutheran Book of Prayer, #114 For Government
7
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your
steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly
from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever
before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You
may be justified in Your words and blameless in
Your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in
iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew
a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from
Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from
me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and
uphold me with a willing spirit.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will
declare Your praise. For You will not delight in
sacrifice, or I would give it; You will not be
pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of
God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite
heart, O God, You will not despise.
Psalm 51:1-5, 10-12, 15-17
8