The fEBRUARY Messenger

Over the Pastor’s Shoulder

Most of us are relatively “health conscious”. We know that what we eat can either contribute to our physical well-being or work toward its demise. We therefore, do our best to make wise and informed decisions when it comes to the foods we put into our bodies. What’s the cliché? You are what you eat!

We also know all about the many dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. Personal experience has taught us that our bodies function best with regular exercise. We even feel better when we exercise. Whatever the form of exercise (swimming, jogging, walking, even gardening) we strive to keep moving. Use it or lose it, right?

Much the same could be said, regarding our minds. I’m told reading poetry aloud, balancing the check book, any problem solving activity (from crossword puzzles to Sudoku) all help to keep us sharp and alert.

Such activities even improve our brain age. How cool is that? The rest of our bodies might be getting older, but our minds can get younger.

Ah, but enough about our bodies, our minds. We are not just physical beings. We are spiritual beings. Truth is you can be physically fit, mentally sharp and still be in poor health. What have you done to care for your soul as of late? As your pastor am I not obligated to urge you to be every bit as “health conscious” when it comes to matters of the Spirit?

In the months to follow I’ll be using this column to reflect upon various activities; activities ranging from prayer to service that promise to promote spiritual well-being and maturity. In the meantime, might I encourage you in the same way as the writer of Hebrews encouraged the church of his day, “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. “(Hebrews 10: 24, 25)

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jim

Fuel for Thought

When Robin and I first started dating, I would pick her up from her parents’ house in my parents’ 1984 Dodge Aries. When we began dating, Robin lived out in the country, about a mile from where I grew up, but 15 miles from where I lived in the “city” (we were still unincorporated at this time) of Elk Grove, CA. Sacramento was 10 miles in the opposite direction, and you had to go to there to do anything fun. So for each of our dates I drove my parents’ car to Robin’s house, then to Sacramento, back to Robin’s house, then home, more than 50 miles.

The Dodge Aries and the Plymouth Reliant were Lee Iacocca’s response to the growing competition from the Japanese automakers. So, it got better gas mileage than most of the American cars of its time. With $5 I could replace most of the gas that I used during a week. If I could get the needle on the gas gauge beyond the ¾ full line my parents perceived that I had “filled the tank.” It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago that Robin and I were dating (20 years), but it is amazing how much has changed. Today $5 buys only just over one gallon of gas.

If gas had been over $4 a gallon when Robin and I were dating I am not sure that it would have impacted the number of times we saw each other each week. We were, after all, teenagers in love who merely tolerated any time that we were apart. The price of a gallon of gas would not have kept us apart. With the recent meteoric increases in gas prices I have heard a lot of discussion about curtailing unnecessary travel. As each of us evaluates our fuel consumption, as well we should, I hope that our love for God, and his love for us, is included in our calculation. Like the fire burning in the heart of an 18 year-old boy, I hope that our longing to be together to worship God and serve his church fuels our regular trips to Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church.

As we experience the worldly trials and challenges of our daily lives I encourage you to read and reflect upon the words of encouragement that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome during a difficult time, “Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing….None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us.” Romans 8:35, 37 (from The Message)

Pastor Scott

Adult Sunday School Schedule

Our Fall Adult Sunday School schedule is starting to come together. Here is a tentative schedule:

September: Richard Rung, retired Professor, Wheaton College. Subject: “The Gospel in America”

October: Troy Martin, New Testament Professor, St. Xavier University, Chicago. Subject: “I Promise to Hate, Despise and Abuse You Till Death Us Do Part”. Subtitle: “Marriage in a Narcissistic Age”

November: Dr. Timothy Johnson, Director of Field Education, Assoc. Professor of Ministry, North Park Seminary and former Trinity Pastor

February: Pat Petersen, Trinity member

March: Paul Koptak, Professor of Communication and Biblical Interpretation, North Park Seminary, Chicago

April: Richard Carlson, Professor of Ministry, North Park Seminary

May: Dr. Carol Noren, Professor of Homiletics, North Park Seminary

Make it a point to attend our Adult Sunday School to take advantage of all this knowledge. We are truly blessed!

September

Greeters

7 Bill and Ginny Almer

14 Carol Latimer and Grandson DJ

21 Rhea Mauer and Roberta Karlson

28 Harry and Grace Persson

Ushers

Mel Mueller – Captain

Bill Almer

Geoff Panush

Robert Raines

Counters

Lori Cavallone

Paula Cassady

Thad Przybylowski

Nursery Schedule

7 Pat Klutcharch, Kelly Ford

14 Arline Mueller, Grace Persson

21 Rhea Maurer, Kellie Lee

28 Britta Johnson, Dee Rosengren

Women’s Tuesday Bible Study

The Tuesday ladies prove being flexible, resilient and faithful is indeed a given as they wend their way through the study year – September through the end of July. This summer was example of just how “going-with-the-flow” continued the camaraderie as the ladies participated in the on-going study of profiling Jesus. Becoming acquainted and aware were well-founded goals with meaningful carry overs.

Morning coffee with creative bakery began our Tuesday summer schedule at Barb Johnson’s followed by study and lunch. Often the “fruit basket” was laughingly upset as 26 ladies moved bakery out and lunch in but fun always followed each lesson and so it went for nine weeks.

Rita Quaid and Denise Krueger were our promised guest presenters who appropriately enhanced our lessons by contributing related insight to our theme, “Who is this Jesus?”

Our last Tuesday was at Barb Dorl’s with luncheon at the Olive Garden. This ended our year being truly grateful for God’s 10,000 blessings each day.

Our fall study will be central to what Jesus thought about Himself in regards to sin, repentance, forgiveness, salvation, faith, humility, the Sabbath, Heaven, hell, Satan, The Kingdom and the Second Coming. This hopes to be an exciting continuation to our previous study where we met Jesus as the Apostle of the Apostles, Lord, Mighty Warrior, Friend, Teacher, Healer, Prince of Peace, Lover of My Soul and Savior.

We study with no monthly time limit and never being completely finished we roll from one topic to another not like clockwork but somehow always “running the course” in slow motion.

Join us beginning September 2 at 9:30 A.M. in Trinity’s Fireside Room and learn with us.

Barbara Johnson

Sympathy

We extend our sympathy to the family of Rita Nicholls. Rita entered the life eternal on July 4. A funeral service was held at Trinity on July 8. Peace be to her memory.

Memorials Received

Memorials were received in memory of Rita Mae Nicholls, Vince Vitro, Reinhold Nilsson, Michelle Arnold, Stanley Engquist, Scott Hardesty, Susan Johnson, James Osborne Sr. and Jarlon (Osborne) Beranek.

September Birthdays

1 Denise Krueger

1 Paula Cassady

2 Kendra Goetz

3 Pedro Castillo

3 Marge Oberg

3 Arlene Sladek

4 Robin Richerme

6 Chris McShane

7 Richard Hellermann

7 Joseph Przybylowski

11 Matt Jackson

12 Rita Grijalva

13 Kyle Johnson

13 Dave Manthey

14 William Carl Shannon

15 Dorothy Panush

15 Brooke Heimerl

17 Zachary Karlson

17 Grace Rosengren

18 Marjorie Cassady

22 Sam Johnson

22 Megan Hardesty

23 Jack Ferrino

23 Norman Olson

24 Harriet Carstensen-Bernat

25 Kaylin Klutcharch

25 Zachary Trautmann

27 Barbara Dorl

27 Barbara Hellermann

27 Kristina (Rosengren) Dragstrem

29 Judith Engstrom

29 Maya DiPasalegne

Oops, we missed Anakin Schroder on July 8, Connor West on July 9 and Elizabeth West on July 28. Hope you all had a happy birthday.

If we missed your birthday, please let the office know so that it will be listed in the future.

Trinity Men’s Breakfast

Join us on Saturday, September 6, at 8 A.M. at Jedi’s Restaurant, 93^rd and Cicero. All men are welcome.

Thought to Ponder

God uses us as we are, placing us where we can best serve.

Confirmation Begins

Confirmation has long been an important ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Churches. The confirmation course of study covers two years and includes a sequential study of the Bible, church history and Christian doctrine. Traditionally confirmation is taught to middle school students and it is our hope and prayer that through confirmation that they will develop a first-hand faith in Jesus Christ, not because their parents do, but because Jesus has become real to them.

This year we will be reading, discussing, praying and studying the Old Testament together. We will begin meeting every Sunday morning before church at 9:30 A.M. on Sunday, September 7, in Pastor Scott’s study.

The Lonesome Theologians

We look forward to our morning worship service on Sunday, September 7, at 10:45 A.M. when The Lonesome Theologians will lead music. This group is a gospel bluegrass, country, rhythm and blues band. One of the members, Paul Koptak, is a professor at North Park Seminary in Chicago. He has been to Trinity on several occasions as our adult Sunday school instructor.

The group will continue to entertain us during our church picnic that will follow the morning service.

All Church Picnic

Join us for an all church picnic at noon on Sunday, September 7, following the worship service for games and a picnic lunch. Bring canned goods for the Salvation Army. The cost is $3 for adults and $1 for children.

Pryme Tymers

We pray that you had a relaxing, healthful and “cool” summer. Our Fall programs will begin 11 A.M. Thursday, September 11, and we hope you will be able to attend again. Here is the schedule for September:

In recognition of the national significance of 9/11, the Pryme Tymers will meet on Thursday, September 11, at 11 A.M., with a program entitled “America – We Stand”. South suburban Vietnam veteran, Peter Dudycz, will present an original video and CD honoring the servicemen and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as victims of 9/11. The morning also will include special music by Scottsdale resident, Julie Gustis. A ham loaf luncheon will be served at noon.

Then, on the 25^th, a barbershop quartet, Four Old Parts, will provide vocal harmony with songs from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. The noon entrée will be spaghetti and meatballs.

The cost of the afternoon is still only $6. Be sure to reserve your seat by the Friday before the event.

Trinity Ministry to Youth (TMY)

That’s TMY (Trinity Ministry to Youth), not TMI (too much information). Starting this fall the youth of Trinity will be getting together once a month for an activity, event or service project. Students who are in 7^th-12^th grades are invited and encouraged to participate.

On Sunday, September 14, we will be going to Hollywood Park in Crestwood. We will meet at the church at 1 P.M. and will return at 4:30 P.M. The cost is only $10, which includes pizza, pop/soda, 20 game tokens, one attraction pass and a round of miniature golf.

Please e-mail (intern@trinitycovoaklawn.org) or call (708-422-5111) Pastor Scott to let him know you are coming. Be sure to invite a friend.

For All Ladies of the Church

Miss Elouise Spencer, Executive Director of the Wellspring Center for Hope, will be making a presentation at the Thursday, September 18, meeting of Miriam Circle at 7 P.M. Mark your calendar to be present for an update on the work of this important ministry.

Choir Rehearsal

Our first choir rehearsal of the fall season will be on

Wednesday, September 17, at 7:30 P.M. in the choir loft. The

choir usually will sing on the first and third Sunday of each month and rehearse on the Wednesday beforehand. Please see Carol Raines for a schedule or if you have any questions.

Bridal Shower

All ladies and girls are invited to a bridal shower and luncheon in Peterson Hall for Kirsten Mateer and Stefan Torling on Saturday, September 20, at 10:30 A.M. Kirsten and Stefan are registered at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Please RSVP to the church office (708) 422-5111 by Sunday, September 14, 2008.

In·ter·ac·tion (ĭn'tər-āk'shən) n.

1. The act or process of interacting. 2. Any of four fundamental ways in which elementary particles and bodies can influence each other, classified as strong, weak, electromagnetic and gravitational.

You are invited for food and fellowship at 1:30 P.M. on Sunday, September 21, at the Przybylowskis’ home (708 South Kensington Ave., LaGrange). Please RSVP to Pastor Scott at (708) 422-5111 or intern@trinitycovoaklawn.org.

The Interactions Group is members and friends of Trinity Evangelical Church who are in their 20’s to 40’s, married or single, with or without children.

A Warm Welcome

We would like to give a warm welcome to our new, part-time organist, Betty Aardema. Betty will play the organ for us about twice a month, beginning September 14.

Betty is well known on the Southside. She is originally from the South Side and has played the organ at many local events and churches. Betty is a member of Calvary Reformed Church in Orland Park and has been their organist at their original and current locations. She was also the organist at Green Oak Reformed Church in Oak Lawn for 18 years. She is married and has grown children and grandchildren.

Betty has tremendous expertise, experience and a heart for music in the church and service to our Lord. We look forward to having her be a part of our music ministry.

Sunday Service Flower Sign-up

A special thank you to Denise Kreuger who has arranged

for our beautiful Sunday morning flowers on the altar for the

past four years. The sign-up sheet for Sunday Service Flower

Donations will now be kept on the table directly inside the

church office. Feel free to stop by or call the church office and sign up. There are still a few open Sundays available this year.

A New Call

Congratulations to Craig, Mary and Caroline (Ellie) Pinley. Craig has accepted the call as Senior Pastor at the Evangelical Covenant Church of Paxton, IL. Their new contact information is:

446 E. Orleans Street

Paxton, Il 60957

217-379-3293

Church Chuckle

“I only know the names of two angels – Hark and Harold.” Gregory, age 5

Recent Address Changes

(and some not so recent)

Central Conference

4055 W. Peterson Ave.

Suite 106

Chicago, IL 60646

Roy and Joanne Anderson

2320 W. 113^th Place

Apt. 3308

Chicago, Il 60643

(773) 253-5488

Shirley and Lori Jaeger

5720 W. 108^th St.

#1D

Chicago Ridge, IL 60415

(708) 423-1996

Mitzi Maquet

5920 W. 55^th St.

Apt. 205

Chicago, IL 60638

(773) 459-5725

Lyda Lou Personett

10066 S. Hill Terrace

Building 19 Apt. 211

Palos Hills, Il 60465

(708) 233-1305

Ruby Cavanaugh

Michaelson Care Center

Room 233B

871 N. Batavia Avenue

Batavia, IL 60510-1247

(630) 406-5171

50^th Anniversary Celebration

Help! The 50^th Anniversary Committee is still looking for the addresses of former members, confirmands and friends so we can give them information on our May 16-17, 2009, celebration.

Please pass on any addresses that you have to Cliff and Britta Johnson or Pat Anderson or the 50^th anniversary mailbox in the church office. The committee will meet 7 P.M. on Tuesday, September 16.

Thank you to Vern Bergwall for all your help in delivering grocery items to the Salvation Army, clothing to the Salvation Army and toiletries to Pilgrim Faith Church for their PADS program.

Trinity Family

Again thank you so much for sending the monthly newsletter. I enjoy reading about your wonderful programs. Your ministry at Trinity is so impressive. My growing up at Grand Crossing was wonderful and I owe so much of my Christian walk to people there.

Marilyn Person Larson

You may have sent a lovely card, a floral piece or spoke the kindest words. Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much.

The family of Vince Vitro

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, kind words and the

flowers you sent as we grieved the loss of my grandmother. Your actions reflected the love of Christ. God bless. Scott, Robin, Ryan and Alyssa

Thank you so much for your donation of 116 pounds of food. Without the generous help we get from people like yourself, we would find it impossible to assist as many people as we do. Your donations are always welcome here. Please don’t hesitate to call if we can be of assistance to you and again THANK YOU!

Blessings,

Linda Rager (Salvation Army)

Thank you all for your good wishes and generous gifts for my retirement. I was truly overwhelmed by all your sentiments. The six years at Trinity flew by and I loved working in the office. The nicest people came through the doors at Trinity. God bless you all! Fondly,

Diana Eigenbauer

I wish to thank you for all the meaningful prayers, cards

and visits that were given to me during my time of recovery for my medical problems.

Jim Gaw

A special thank you for all the recent cards and greetings. I especially appreciate your patience during this time regarding phone calls and visits. My church family is truly a blessing.

Joyce Olson

Congratulations

Congratulations to Rachel Snow and Joshua Hickok who were married on July 19 at Trinity church. Rachel is the daughter of John and Debby Snow.

Congratulations to Kristine B. Olson and Philip Michael Cavallone who were married on August 2 at Queen of Martyrs Church in Evergreen Park. Philip is the son of Lori and Phil Cavallone.

Names in the News

w Andrew Snow, son of John and Debby Snow, is now in U.S. Air Force flight school in Oklahoma. His story on training to become a fighter pilot was featured in an issue of the Southtown Star.

w Lori Tricarico, daughter of Vern and JoAnn Bergwall, was highlighted in a series called “Spotlight on Moms” in the Forsyth Living magazine. Lori is a triathlete and lives in Cumming, GA, with children Sarah and Kayla.

w Another Bergwall daughter, Gail Van Horn of Naperville, also is a triathlete. She was profiled recently in the Naperville Sun. She and her husband, Brad, have two children, David and Lauren.

w Gary Kozak was recently featured in the August issue of Flight Journal magazine. The article highlighted Gary’s 1940 Ryan Aeronautical ST-A Special. Gary also received an award for the AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 Antique Outstanding Open Cock Pit Monoplane Bronze Age (1937-1941). The article is posted on the bulletin board near the back door.

Trinity Back Pack Project

We filled and distributed an impressive 91 back packs to students who needed them at three area elementary schools. Thanks to everybody who donated money (over $600) and/or school supplies. We were able to fill the backpacks, which were all generously donated. Thanks to Barb Bailey, Marlene Hardesty, Linda Kozak, Linnea Wimpenny, Pat Petersen and Pastor Scott the supplies were counted and the backpacks were filled in record time. Please remember the students who received these back packs in your prayers, as their needs are likely much greater than a few school supplies.

am 2008

2008 Covenant Annual Meeting

Living Our Affirmations: The Centrality of the Word of God was the theme of the 2008 Annual Meeting.

The meeting was held June 24-26 in Green Lake, WI in a beautiful air conditioned tent. Our typical day started with worship at 8 A.M., meetings all day and concluded with worship in the evening and then usually a reception till 11 P.M. It was jam packed! But it also was fun and interesting. I met many new people, randomly met people that had attended Trinity, saw old friends and acquaintances, and of course met people who knew someone at Trinity or knew of us by our Pastors (past and present). It was a great time for sharing in the Covenant body of believers. Here are some of the facts I would like to share with you.

Attendance at churches increased by 1.8%.
Ethnic churches grew in the past decade from 85 to 175.
Gary Walter was elected the new President.
Kristen Rae Nelson (former intern) was ordained to Word and Sacrament with 42 other individuals. Pastor Sandberg was on the platform participating in the service as an advisory member of the Board of Ordered Ministry. This was also the 25^th anniversary of his ordination.
The first Covenant Resource Paper was approved: The Evangelical Covenant Church and the Bible. Also approved was commissioning the second Covenant Resource Paper, with the working title of The Evangelical Covenant Church and the Ministry of Compassion, Mercy and Justice.
Delegates approved eight bylaw changes, numerous amendments were made and three resolutions were made.

These are some highlights of the meeting. A complete synopsis can be found on the Covenant’s website including video coverage. The website is covchurch.org. It really was an interesting experience with lots of challenging messages from great preachers, meetings that kept our attention with questions and dialog from the delegates and good fellowship with Covenanters.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Kozak, delegate

A Thrilling Ride!

It was a thrilling ride for the 100+ children who attended VBS’s SonWorld Adventure Park this past July. The church was transformed into an amusement park with adventures in Storybook Kingdom, Doubloon Lagoon, the Wild West World, Galactic Zone and the main stage. Each day’s theme focused on Choose to Believe, Choose to Act, Choose Forgiveness, Choose to Obey and CHOOSE JESUS. The children heard the Bible stories about The Blind Man, Ten Sick Men, The Paralyzed Man, The Rich Young Ruler and Thomas the Disciple. Each day’s activities included a skit, singing, Bible Story Time, Memory Verse Time, Crafts, Games and Snack Craft. Thanks to VBS families and friends we collected over $600 for our mission project, Seeds of Health for Children in Oaxaca, Mexico. Our Carnival and Program Thursday night was lots of fun. We had 70 children on stage singing the songs of the week and reciting the scriptures of each day.

A special THANK YOU to ALL of the volunteers. I would love to list you all by name, but am afraid I would forget someone. As I have said before each one of you is important whether you volunteer for an hour, day, a week or help with set-up at work days. But, a special thank you to everyone who was there all week and took on leadership roles, you made my job very easy. Thanks on behalf of the children and myself for a thrilling ride with Jesus! The children had a fantastic week!

Linda Kozak

Things to Remember

· The PADS Collection is ongoing. Items needed are new socks, new underwear and small toiletries. Used coats also will be accepted.

· CD’s of the worship service are available. The cost is $2 per CD. Fill out a form in the office or call for more information.

· Don’t forget we are still collecting canned goods and other items for the Salvation Army food pantry

Knit ‘N News

Christmas is coming. Start packing the boxes. It’s later than you think.

That’s the theme at the Seamen’s Church Institute in New York where the Christmas at Sea project is underway.

Thousands of knitted items will be prepared for distribution to the nation’s ocean-going and river mariners at Christmas. For some sailors, these are the only gifts they receive while sailing far from home.

Trinity knitters have been doing their share for 6 ½ years. The group recently sent its third package of the year – 45 scarves and watch caps. Trinity’s overall total is 1,111 knitted items since 2001.

Local knitters are Lois Carlson, Barb Dorl, Lois Flaws, Ruth Gustafson, Shirley Jaeger, Robin Jones, Diane and Dave Manthey, Audrey Post, Charlene Sandberg and Lorraine Sorensen.

Patterns are available in the church office.

By Popular Demand

Texas Caviar – from Robin Jones

(From “Coffee and” on Sun., Aug. 17)

½ c. sugar

½ c. canola oil

½ c. apple cider vinegar

Boil then cool completely.

1 c. red onion (finely chopped)

1 c. celery (finely chopped)

1 red pepper (finely chopped)

1 green pepper (finely chopped)

1 can each: black eyed peas, black bean, pinto beans

1 can vacuum packed corn niblets: (Green Giant is best)

Put all ingredients in a bowl. Add cooled sauce and let sit overnight in fridge. Enjoy with Tostitos scoop tortilla chips!

Events at Covenant Harbor

Women’s Fall Fellowship Sept. 12-14, 19-21

Carpetball Tournament Oct. 19

Welcome Advent (adult retreat) Nov. 9-12

The Cookie Workshop Dec. 4, 7

Christmas Dinner and Concert Dec. 5, 6

Fall Fest to Become Winter Fest

Fall Fest at Covenant Harbor is moving. In order to provide better programming, more time for churches to get their children’s programs together and to invite more kids, we’re moving Fall Fest to the winter. It will now become Winter Fest, February 27 – March 1, 2009.

Winter Fest is a weekend retreat designed for 4^th through 6^th graders to come individually or as a church group to get away, have fun and ultimately grow deeper in their relationship with Christ.

Registration forms and weekend retreat information will be available online and mailed to churches. Reservations are first come, first served and made with $30 non-refundable deposit per individual.

North Park University News

Homecoming Week is scheduled for September 20-28, 2008.

Here are a few events you may wish to attend:

Monday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 P.M. in Anderson Chapel – Prof. Klyne Snodgrass speaks about his recent book, Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus.

Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 P.M. in Anderson Chapel – Dr. G. Timothy Johnson, Chief Medical Editor for ABC News, will explore the question “Whose Life is it Anyway?” which is this year’s campus theme. His presentation will focus on healthcare policy. Dr. Tim is a graduate of both North Park College ’56 and Seminary ’63. You can check out the Homecoming Brochure posted on the church bulletin board or go online at www.northpark.edu to view all the upcoming activities for North Park University.

Pastor’s Book Club Returns

On Sunday, November 2, at 7 P.M. the Pastor’s book club will meet at Diana and Norm Nilsson’s home at 18130 Waterside Circle, Orland Park. We will be discussing The Last Lecture , by Randy Pausch, Professor, Carnegie Mellon.

A lot of professors give talks titled, “The Last Lecture”. Professors are asked to ruminate on what matters most to them as their teaching career winds down. When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn’t have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

In this book Randy combined the humor, inspiration and intelligence that made his lecture such a phenomenon and given it an indelible form. It is a book that will be shared for generations to come. (from the book’s jacket)

NOTE: Future read for the Pastor’s Book Club:

The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity, by William P. Young. In the words of Eugene Peterson “This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress did for his. It is that good.”

From Where I Sit

We have a pretty good history here in the Covenant Church, a church that was once named Mission Friends. That holds true at the local level too. Trinity has provided financial assistance year after year to missionaries in locations all over the world, and we continue to do so. But Trinity has gone a step further than just “checkbook evangelism”.

Several years ago, a number of our then-high-school-aged youth made the long trip to Nome, Alaska, to help a local church run its Vacation Bible School. More recently, a dedicated crew of Trinity members journeyed south, to New Orleans, to assist in the recovery that is ongoing in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

And now it is time for us to roll up our sleeves and help out again, not in some far off location, but rather in a place that, for many of us, will seem as foreign as one overseas, a place within a half hour of our sanctuary. A place with a history, now in decay. Perhaps a place you or one of your friends once called “my neighborhood”. A place called Englewood.

Atonement Covenant Church stands near the intersection of 71^st and Laflin, and struggles to be a source of hope in a land of despair. With a budget only the fraction the size of Trinity’s, Atonement provides meals to those in need. The parishioners give, not out of discretionary income, but from a paucity of monetary possessions. And they need some help from us.

Trinity has been asked to work in partnership with other Covenant congregations as different and distant as Winnetka Covenant and Oakdale Covenant, with other churches in between. What Atonement needs is workers, tradespeople, folks willing to put some sweat equity into the church and into the homes of its parishioners. This is not a “one and done” proposition - it is to be ongoing. That area did not fall into disrepair overnight, unemployment didn’t happen in a flash, the drug dealers and gang bangers didn’t magically appear one day. It took time for the area to decline, and it will take time to bring about its resurrection. Brother, can you spare some Saturdays?

One week won’t solve it, but one week can start it. The work our members have done at camp, in house, and in New Orleans needs doing at Atonement. The big difference is we have an opportunity to meet people we may be overlooking, to establish relationships of an ongoing nature and find out just how much we have in common with each other, instead of just reading about our differences.

Pastor Jim, Pastor Scott and son, Ryan, already been there once, and they will go again. What a true example of servant leaders. Please, join them. Please, help out with improvement of lives lived without the comforts we may be used to. Please, make new friends. It’s not every Saturday, and it’s not dawn to dusk. But the few hours from your life that you give can help make a world of difference in the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters.

Dave Noren