Sts. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church

 invites you to join us on

 Sunday, September 12th for the

Annual Outdoor Worship Service and Church Picnic

with the

First Day of Sunday School.

 Liturgy of Holy Communion
 at 10:15 a.m.

followed by the Picnic.

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy

food, games and fellowship.

(Help is needed with set-up for this service on

Saturday, September 11th at 10:00 a.m.)

Coming this Fall . . .

Sunday school begins next week on September 12th with a special outdoor worship service and the annual congregational picnic on the church grounds. The children’s and junior choirs rehearse at 9:00 a.m. every Sunday morning, followed by time with Pastor Lauritsen, then instruction and arts and crafts in the classrooms. Confirmation instruction will again be held during this time from 9:15-10:15 a.m. beginning September 19th. Please join us next Sunday and every Sunday for our ministry of Christian formation and nurture of the coming generations of disciples of our Lord Jesus. Invite your friends, neighbors and classmates.

Dale Hawes will be offering a Christian Drama Group on Sunday mornings beginning September 19th as an opportunity for all high school students and recent graduates. Rehearsals will be held from 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. as part of the Sunday school program in the newly decorated and dedicated youth room. These short plays and dramatic readings will correspond to the assigned Sunday Bible readings and will be offered occasionally during the 10:15 a.m. worship services. Develop your God-given talents while learning Biblical content; there are plenty of performing and tech roles for everyone to be involved.

A midweek, autumn Bible study in the Book of Job will be offered on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. until noon in the Friendship Room beginning October 13th through November 17th. This six-session series, entitled “Job and the Life of Faith: Wisdom for Today’s World,” will wrestle with some of life’s most perplexing questions: Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do good things happen to bad people? Is there a correspondence between sin and suffering, obedience and blessing? Can God be trusted? Why should we serve God if there are no guarantees? There are no neat propositions to be learned, no lists of easy answers, but if you are interested in the heart of what it means to be human, then join us on Wednesday mornings this fall. Please let Pastor know if you are interested in attending this study and discussion.

If you may be interested in serving as a communion distribution minister for our many brothers and sisters who reside in nursing homes, are recovering in rehabilitation centers, are hospitalized or homebound, please speak with Pastor Lauritsen who will be offering instruction and training in this important sacramental and visitation ministry to those who are unable to receive Communion with the congregation on Sunday mornings.

September 2010 Parish Newsletter

Join us for

“Worship on the Lawn”
Outdoor Worship, Sunday, August 1st, 9:15 a.m.
      
Singers are needed for a choral anthem on Sunday, August 1st for this worship service. Rehearsals for the anthem will be held this coming Sunday, July 25th following the 9:15 a.m. service and again on August 1st at 8:30 a.m. before the worship service. Please confirm with David Richards, Parish Musician, or Pastor Lauritsen if you will be singing.

Summer Parish Newsletter

Many, many thanks to everyone who assisted with the Covenant of Churches Vacation Bible School (VBS) program which was hosted by Sts. Peter and Paul during the evenings of this past week. So many people from our congregations and communities participated in this wonderful ministry which is a program that witnesses to our local congregations' unity in the mission of the gospel of our Lord Jesus. See photos of VBS in the photo album .

+The Rev. Dr. Juan Cobrda+

August 11th, 1930-July 1st, 2010

The Rev. Dr. Juan Čobrda passed from this life on the evening of Thursday, July 1st at Evanston Hospital where he was receiving hospice care after recently being diagnosed with liver cancer. The funeral liturgy will be held at Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church, 5106 North LaCrosse Avenue in Chicago. The visitation and funeral schedule is as follows:

Visitation: Thursday, July 8th, 2:00-8:00 p.m. at the church.

Funeral: Friday, July 9th, 10:00 a.m., at the church. No visitation prior to the service. 

Pastor Čobrda was born in Príbovce, near Martin, Slovakia on August 11th, 1930. Following World War II, his family fled to Austria, Germany and Italy as refugees before immigrating to Argentina where Pastor Čobrda served in the Argentine Navy for five years as an electrician. Following his service in the Navy, Pastor Čobrda studied four years at the new seminary in Buenas Aires which educated pastors from all parts of Latin America. He then studied English for one year in the United States at Wittenberg University.

Pastor Čobrda was ordained by the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina on December 14th, 1958 and served as the bishop of that church from 1966-76. In the city of Rosario in 1960 where Pastor Čobrda served for a year as an interim pastor, he met his future wife Žofia. From Rosario, he was assigned to Grandburg to organize a German and Spanish speaking congregation. During these seven years in Grandburg, Pastor Čobrda was active in community organizing efforts which brought about many services to that community, including a school, electricity, sanitation, streets and a post office.

In 1970, Pastor Čobrda was elected Third Vice-President of the Lutheran World Federation, a position which took him to many parts of the globe. Then, in 1975, the Cobrda’s, with their two children, Analia and Jan, came to the United States where Pastor Čobrda served congregations of the Slovak Zion Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, first at St. John Lutheran Church in Trenton, New Jersey, then at Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron, Ohio, and finally, Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church in Chicago during the 1980s. From 1993–2002, he served as bishop of the Slovak Zion Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Following his retirement, Pastor and Mrs. Čobrda continued to live in Niles where he frequently provided pastoral supply and interim ministry for area congregations. They moved to Mundelein in December 2008. They have been members of Sts. Peter and Paul in Riverside since 1993.

Funeral Liturgy

ELCA News Release

Summer Newsletter

Graduate Recognition Sunday, June 27th

Next Sunday, June 27th, the congregation will remember in prayer and recognize those members of Sts. Peter and Paul who have completed courses of study and have graduated this spring from eighth grade, high school, college, graduate and professional schools. Please join us to celebrate God's gifts of growth and wisdom as well as the accomplishments of our church family.

The dedication of the youth group room and mural which our young people have designed and worked on throughout the spring will also be held next Sunday following the 9:15 a.m. liturgy. Please join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony as we acknowledge Carol Melnyk and the youth of our congregation with their parents who have devoted many hours to this beautiful project!

Donations for the Vacation Bible School (VBS) “wish list,” will be accepted through Sunday, July 4th on a designated table in the dining hall. The Covenant of Churches VBS will be hosted here at Sts. Peter and Paul from Sunday, July 18th through Thursday, July 22nd.

Isabelle Boike will present a

Cello Recital

this Tuesday, June 22nd
7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

A light reception will follow the recital
in the Friendship Room.

The final home game of our congregational softball team will be held Friday evening, July 9th at 7:00 p.m. against Bethel of Westmont at the home field of Robinhood Park, 31st Street and Robinhood Lane (4-5 blocks east of LaGrange Road) in LaGrange Park. Show your support by coming out to watch the game and cheering for our home team! There will be no game the weekend of the July 4th holiday.

 The Riverside and North Riverside Covenant of Chuches will be sponsoring Vacation Bible School this summer during the week of July 18-22, Sunday evening thru Thursday evening, 6:30-8:30 p.m. here at Sts. Peter and Paul. Children age four to those entering fifth grade are invited to attend. For more information and a registration form, please open the following document: Vacation Bible School Registration  .

This Summer. . .

Sunday Morning Worship Schedule for Summer 2010
beginning June 6th thru September 5th.
Holy Communion at 9:15 a.m.
(Please note this is one hour earlier than the usual time.)
Service of the Word in Slovak at 8:15 a.m.

The regular Sunday morning worship,

education and choir rehearsal
schedule will resume on Sunday, September 12th .

June Newsletter

Graduate Recognition. . .

On Sunday, June 27th, the congregation will remember in prayer and recognize those members of Sts. Peter and Paul who are completing courses of study and graduating this spring from eighth grade, high school, college, graduate and professional schools, and completing residencies. We would like to have a complete list of the names of our graduates, the schools from which they are graduating, and a little about their future plans—all of which could be included in the Sunday bulletin and the Summer edition of the newsletter. Please speak with Pr. Lauritsen or Karen Rouleau if you know of graduates and can provide some information. We also hope that as many of our graduates as possible can be present at worship that Sunday.

Appalachian Service Project 2010

This year the ASP trip is scheduled for Saturday, July 31st thru August 7th in Tennessee. You must be at least 12-13 years old (or entering high school next year) in order to participate. Please see Sheryl Hallmann for further details.

 The Riverside and North Riverside Covenant of Chuches will be sponsoring Vacation Bible School this summer during the week of July 18-22, Sunday evening thru Thursday evening, 6:30-8:30 p.m. here at Sts. Peter and Paul. Children age four to those entering fifth grade are invited to attend. For more information and a registration form, please open the following document: Vacation Bible School Registration  .

Coming in June. . .

Sunday Morning Worship Schedule for Summer 2010
beginning June 6th thru September 5th.
Holy Communion at 9:15 a.m.
(Please note this is one hour earlier than the usual time.)
Service of the Word in Slovak at 8:15 a.m.

The regular Sunday morning worship,

education and choir rehearsal
schedule will resume on Sunday, September 12th .

June Newsletter

Confirmation Class Celebration and Youth Event on June 4th

All youth group and families of confirmation students are invited. . . The evening begins with a beautiful Taize Evening Prayer Service at Ascension Church in Oak Park, followed by an Ice Cream Party at Sts. Peter and Paul. The date is June 4th with Taize at 7:30 p.m., leaving our parking lot at 6:30 p.m. Bring your favorite ice cream flavor and we'll put it in the freezer before we leave. More details on this website under the "Youth Group" tab (under "Nurture"), or contact Carol Melnyk for details. RSVP required, and a sign-up sheet will be available in the Dining Hall.

Appalachian Service Project 2010

This year the ASP trip is scheduled for Saturday, July 31st thru August 7th in Tennessee. You must be at least 12-13 years old (or entering high school next year) in order to participate. Please see Sheryl Hallmann for further details.

The Young Musicians of Riverside
Violin Students of Kristine Boike
invite you to attend their
Spring Recital
Saturday, June 5th at 5 p.m.
All are welcome.
A light reception will follow the recital.

 Registration for our “Fun Through Learning” Summer Camp and Fall 2010 Preschool Program has begun.  For more information or to make an appointment to see our facility, contact Karen in the office or speak with Donna Tuider, Preschool Director (708) 442-5250. See additional preschool information on this website.

The Ladies Altar Guild will hold its Annual Birthday Luncheon and 50/50 Raffle on Thursday, June 10th at 12:00 noon. Tickets are $12.00 and may be purchased from any member. Seating requests are to be given to members at the time of ticket purchase. Volunteers are needed for clean-up after the luncheon. The last day to purchase tickets is Sunday, June 6th. If interested please see Vera Borysek.

   The Riverside and North Riverside Covenant of Chuches will be sponsoring Vacation Bible School this summer during the week of July 18-22, Sunday evening thru Thursday evening, 6:30-8:30 p.m. here at Sts. Peter and Paul. Children age four to those entering fifth grade are invited to attend. For more information and a registration form, please open the following document: Vacation Bible School Registration  .

Commemorate Memorial Day. . .

. . . in Riverside on Monday, May 31st at 10 a.m. in Guthrie Park (across from the Village Hall). The program will include a combined choir of singers from congregations in the Riverside and North Riverside Covenant of Churches which will rehearse at 9:30 a.m. that morning. Please speak with Ramona Suffern if you would be available to sing. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at United Methodist Church.

June Newsletter

Coming in June. . .

Sunday Morning Worship Schedule for Summer 2010
beginning June 6th thru September 5th.
Holy Communion at 9:15 a.m.
(Please note this is one hour earlier than the usual time.)
Service of the Word in Slovak at 8:15 a.m.

The regular Sunday morning worship,

education and choir rehearsal
schedule will resume on Sunday, September 12th .

Confirmation Class Celebration and Youth Event on June 4th

All youth group and families of confirmation students are invited. . . The evening begins with a beautiful Taize Evening Prayer Service at Ascension Church in Oak Park, followed by an Ice Cream Party at Sts. Peter and Paul. The date is June 4th with Taize at 7:30 p.m., leaving our parking lot at 6:30 p.m. Bring your favorite ice cream flavor and we'll put it in the freezer before we leave. More details on this website under the "Youth Group" tab (under "Nurture"), or contact Carol Melnyk for details. RSVP required, and a sign-up sheet will be available in the Dining Hall.

Appalachian Service Project 2010

This year the ASP trip is scheduled for Saturday, July 31st thru August 7th in Tennessee. You must be at least 12-13 years old (or entering high school next year) in order to participate. Please see Sheryl Hallmann for further details.

 Registration for our “Fun Through Learning” Summer Camp and Fall 2010 Preschool Program has begun.  For more information or to make an appointment to see our facility, contact Karen in the office or speak with Donna Tuider, Preschool Director (708) 442-5250. See additional preschool information on this website.

The Ladies Altar Guild will hold its Annual Birthday Luncheon and 50/50 Raffle on Thursday, June 10th at 12:00 noon. Tickets are $12.00 and may be purchased from any member. Seating requests are to be given to members at the time of ticket purchase. Volunteers are needed for clean-up after the luncheon. The last day to purchase tickets is Sunday, June 6th. If interested please see Vera Borysek.

   The Riverside and North Riverside Covenant of Chuches will be sponsoring Vacation Bible School this summer during the week of July 18-22, Sunday evening thru Thursday evening, 6:30-8:30 p.m. here at Sts. Peter and Paul. Children age four to those entering fifth grade are invited to attend. For more information and a registration form, please open the following document: Vacation Bible School Registration  .

Join us this Sunday, May 23rd for the Festival of Pentecost,

the fiftieth and final day of the Easter Season.

"Pentecost is a day of promises fulfilled. The promised Spirit of God is poured out. The baptized have become 'children of God' and 'joint heirs with Christ.' By the power of the Spirit we have seen the face of the Father in his only begotten Son and been saved by him. Bless the Lord, O my soul."

God our creator, the resurrection of your Son offers life to all the peoples of earth. By your Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire of your love, empowering our lives for service and our tongues for praise, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever (from Evangelical Lutheran Worship).

New members . . .

. . . are now being registered for reception by the congregation on Pentecost Day, May 23rd  2010. If you wish to make Sts. Peter and Paul your church home, please speak with Pastor Lauritsen at (708) 442-5250 or djlauritsen@sbcglobal.net .

Coming in June. . .

Sunday Morning Worship Schedule for Summer 2010
beginning June 6th thru September 5th.
Holy Communion at 9:15 a.m.
(Please note this is one hour earlier than the usual time.)
Service of the Word in Slovak at 8:15 a.m.

The regular Sunday morning worship,

education and choir rehearsal
schedule will resume on Sunday, September 12th .

Commemorate Memorial Day. . .

. . . in Riverside on Monday, May 31st at 10 a.m. in Guthrie Park (across from the Village Hall). The program will include a combined choir of singers from congregations in the Riverside and North Riverside Covenant of Churches which will rehearse at 9:30 a.m. that morning. Please speak with Ramona Suffern if you would be available to sing. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at United Methodist Church.

Confirmation Class Celebration and Youth Event on June 4th

All youth group and families of confirmation students are invited. . . The evening begins with a beautiful Taize Evening Prayer Service at Ascension Church in Oak Park, followed by an Ice Cream Party at Sts. Peter and Paul. The date is June 4th with Taize at 7:30 p.m., leaving our parking lot at 6:30 p.m. Bring your favorite ice cream flavor and we'll put it in the freezer before we leave. More details on this website under the "Youth Group" tab (under "Nurture"), or contact Carol Melnyk for details. RSVP required, and a sign-up sheet will be available in the Dining Hall.

Appalachian Service Project 2010

This year the ASP trip is scheduled for Saturday, July 31st thru August 7th in Tennessee. You must be at least 12-13 years old (or entering high school next year) in order to participate. Please see Sheryl Hallmann for further details.

 Registration for our “Fun Through Learning” Summer Camp and Fall 2010 Preschool Program has begun.  For more information or to make an appointment to see our facility, contact Karen in the office or speak with Donna Tuider, Preschool Director (708) 442-5250. See additional preschool information on this website.

The Ladies Altar Guild will hold its Annual Birthday Luncheon and 50/50 Raffle on Thursday, June 10th at 12:00 noon. Tickets are $12.00 and may be purchased from any member. Seating requests are to be given to members at the time of ticket purchase. Volunteers are needed for clean-up after the luncheon. The last day to purchase tickets is Sunday, June 6th. If interested please see Vera Borysek.

   The Riverside and North Riverside Covenant of Chuches will be sponsoring Vacation Bible School this summer during the week of July 18-22, Sunday evening thru Thursday evening, 6:30-8:30 p.m. here at Sts. Peter and Paul. Children age four to those entering fifth grade are invited to attend. For more information and a registration form, please open the following document: Vacation Bible School Registration  .

"I see children as kites. You spend a lifetime trying to get them off the ground. You run with them until you're both breathless. They crash. They hit the rooftop. They get tangled in trees. You patch and comfort, adjust and teach. You watch them lifted by the wind and assure them that someday they'll fly. Finally they are airborne: they need more string and you keep letting it out. But with each twist of the ball of twine, there is a sadness that goes with joy. The kite becomes more distant, and you know it won't be long before that beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that binds you together and will soar as it is meant to soar, free and alone. Only then do you know that you did your job" (author unknown).

New members . . .

. . . are now being registered for reception by the congregation on Pentecost Sunday, May 23rd  2010. If you wish to make Sts. Peter and Paul your church home, please speak with Pastor Lauritsen at (708) 442-5250 or djlauritsen@sbcglobal.net .

Confirmation Class Celebration and Youth Event on June 4th

All youth group and families of confirmation students are invited. . . The evening begins with a beautiful Taize Evening Prayer Service at Ascension Church in Oak Park, followed by an Ice Cream Party at Sts. Peter and Paul. The date is June 4th with Taize at 7:30 p.m., leaving our parking lot at 6:30 p.m. Bring your favorite ice cream flavor and we'll put it in the freezer before we leave. More details on this website under the "Youth Group" tab (under "Nurture"), or contact Carol Melnyk for details. RSVP required, and a sign-up sheet will be available in the Dining Hall.

Appalachian Service Project 2010

This year the ASP trip is scheduled for Saturday, July 31st thru August 7th in Tennessee. You must be at least 12-13 years old (or entering high school next year) in order to participate. Please see Sheryl Hallmann for further details.

May 2010 Parish Newsletter

 Registration for our “Fun Through Learning” Summer Camp and Fall 2010 Preschool Program has begun.  For more information or to make an appointment to see our facility, contact Karen in the office or speak with Donna Tuider, Preschool Director (708) 442-5250. See additional preschool information on this website.

The Ladies Altar Guild will hold its Annual Birthday Luncheon and 50/50 Raffle on Thursday, June 10th at 12:00 noon. Tickets are $12.00 and may be purchased from any member. Seating requests are to be given to members at the time of ticket purchase. Volunteers are needed for clean-up after the luncheon. The last day to purchase tickets is Sunday, June 6th. If interested please see Vera Borysek.

Your Change can Change a Child's Life

We've all heard the expression that “children are our future.” If you believe this is true, then join the campaign of the Community Life Committee, “Your Change can Change a Child's Life.” Beginning Sunday, May 2nd, drop your spare change into the change-collection jar located in the dining hall. We will continue to collect your spare change on Sundays until Thanksgiving at which time we will donate the  contributions to the Illinois Masonic Children's Home in LaGrange. This organization helps children facing abuse, abandonment and neglect; those with family difficulties; those suffering from depression; and those living in poverty, among other issues. The mission of the Illinois Masonic Children's Home is to provide a positive and safe living environment for the children they serve. Remember, “your change can change a child's life.”

  The Riverside and North Riverside Covenant of Chuches will be sponsoring Vacation Bible School this summer during the week of July 18-22, Sunday evening thru Thursday evening, 6:30-8:30 p.m. here at Sts. Peter and Paul. Children age four to those entering fifth grade are invited to attend. For more information and a registration form, please open the following document: Vacation Bible School Registration  .

Join us this coming Sunday, May 9th, at 10:15 or 8:15 a.m. for a special tribute

 and prayers of thanksgiving for our mothers.

] 

2010 Mission Dinner

(photos by Lawrence Bakalich)

Confirmation Class Celebration and Youth Event on June 4th

All youth group and families of confirmation students are invited. . . The evening begins with a beautiful Taize Evening Prayer Service at Ascension Church in Oak Park, followed by an Ice Cream Party at Sts. Peter and Paul. The date is June 4th with Taize at 7:30 p.m., leaving our parking lot at 6:30 p.m. Bring your favorite ice cream flavor and we'll put it in the freezer before we leave. More details on this website under the "Youth Group" tab (under "Nurture"), or contact Carol Melnyk for details. RSVP required, and a sign-up sheet will be available in the Dining Hall

May 2010 Parish Newsletter

 Registration for our “Fun Through Learning” Summer Camp and Fall 2010 Preschool Program has begun.  For more information or to make an appointment to see our facility, contact Karen in the office or speak with Donna Tuider, Preschool Director (708) 442-5250. See additional preschool information on this website.

Your Change can Change a Child's Life

We've all heard the expression that “children are our future.” If you believe this is true, then join the campaign of the Community Life Committee, “Your Change can Change a Child's Life.” Beginning Sunday, May 2nd, drop your spare change into the change-collection jar located in the dining hall. We will continue to collect your spare change on Sundays until Thanksgiving at which time we will donate the  contributions to the Illinois Masonic Children's Home in LaGrange. This organization helps children facing abuse, abandonment and neglect; those with family difficulties; those suffering from depression; and those living in poverty, among other issues. The mission of the Illinois Masonic Children's Home is to provide a positive and safe living environment for the children they serve. Remember, “your change can change a child's life.”

Appalachian Service Project 2010

This year the ASP trip is scheduled for Saturday, July 31st thru August 7th in Tennessee. You must be at least 12-13 years old (or entering high school next year) in order to participate. Please see Sheryl Hallmann for further details.

 If you are a male thirteen years of age and older and interested in playing softball for Sts. Peter and Paul during the 2010 season please contact Tom Michaels at (708) 354-5076.