News From New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lake Zurich, Illinois

News & Announcements

Mid-Week Lenten Service Schedule

The overall theme for the Lenten sermons for 2010 is 'We Preach Christ Crucified,' taken from the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:23. This theme reflects the fact that all of the sermon texts for this series are taken from New Testament epistles. Even though the texts are from epistles, the series works into the sermons the events and people involved in the Passion History.

Ash Wednesday, February 17, Pastor Bauer, More Precious than Life (Philippians 3:7-11)
2nd Mid-Week Lenten Service, February 24, Pastor Cordes, The Reason to Endure (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Mid-Week Lenten Services begin at 7:00 PM. A supper is served at 6:15 PM prior to the service. If you'd like to prepare a meal for supper, please sign up on the sheet located on the bulletin board at church.

Sunday School Stories for February

February 7-The Fall of Jericho-Joshua 6

February 14-The Sun Stands Still-Joshua 9:1-10:20, 21:43-45

February 21-God Chooses Gideon to Lead Israel-Judges 6:1-16,25-27,34-40

February 28-Samson-Judges 13:1-14:6; 15

Adult Bible Class

Talk about a visual feast! The Sunday morning Bible class has been studying the visions given to the prophet Zechariah, and learning the lessons God wanted (and wants) his people to learn from those pictures. Get an eye full by giving Sunday morning Bible class a try in the new year.

Preschool News

For the month of February both classes will be very busy. The 3 year old class will be learning all about 'shapes' this month. Every day they will learn a new shape reinforced by singing songs and doing a project that corresponds with the shape they are learning for that day. In the 4 year old class we will be learning about 'hearts, Friendship & Love' the first two weeks in February and then for the last two weeks we will learn about A Healthy Me. Both classes will have a Valentine's Day Party the end of week two. They will even get to wear their pj's to school that day!

In the 3 year old class they will go on a field trip to Jewel-Osco at the end of the month to discover shapes in their world. The 4 year old class will have a special visit from Sue the Dental Hygienist on the 17th.

Finally, during Jesus time both classes will be learning about some of the miracles that Jesus preformed while here on earth. I think it will be a fun & exciting month for all!

Mrs. Lori Dundore--Preschool Teacher

New Life Choirs

The New Life Tone Chime Choir will rehearse on Tuesday, February 16th and will play in church on Sunday, February 21st.

The New Life Singing Choir will practice on Tuesday, February 23rd and sing in church on Sunday, March 7th.

Fellowship Bowling Outing

Join us for our fellowship bowling outing on Sunday, February 28th from 12:15-2:00 PM.

Only $5 per person!

Includes:

2 games of bowling
Shoes
Pizza
Soda

Lake Zurich EXPO

Our church has once again signed up to have a booth at the Lake Zurich Expo. The Expo will be held at the High School on Saturday, March 13 from 9-3 PM. Volunteers will be needed to man the booth.

The Outreach Committee has decided to use the booth to promote the new additionspecifically, the New Life Cafe. The booth will feature samples of coffee and hot chocolate which will be served at our 'Cafe' style booth. It should be a lot of fun.

Game Night

Coming soon - game night for adults! Saturday March 13th at 7:00 pm. Mark this date on your calendar! Details to follow in next month's newsletter!

Work Nights

Work nights are held on Wednesday nights from 4:00-9:00pm. Here's a description of a typical work night. Participants arrive whenever they can get here. They work with other members doing a variety of jobs, such as insulating walls, hanging dry wall, moving dirt, etc. At 6:00 PM, someone serves a meal for those who are here. Then, folks go back at it until they have to leave. Most are usually gone by 9:00 PM. If you have been hesitant about showing up for work night, hopefully the description of what happens will ease your fears. Just come. Tools will be provided. You don't have to be a member to come and help.

Work Night Meals

You may be saying to yourself, ''I'd like to help with the renovation but I'm not physically able. What can I do to help?'' It's simple. Provide a simple meal to those who are here on work night. Work night usually begins at 4 pm on Wednesdays and continues until 9:00pm or later so those that are here don't get a chance to eat supper. Bring over a bite to eat at 6 pm so the volunteers have a chance to eat something and get re-energized. Members can also come straight from work and be assured of not missing out on supper before helping with the renovation. A sign-up sheet is located in the lower level if you'd like to help. If you have any questions, speak to Rachel Bauer.

Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are needed to bring something to eat and drink after the service on Sunday mornings. Volunteers are needed to provide a simple meals for the workers on work night Wednesdays at 6:00 PM. Sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin board in the lower level at church.

Prayer Circle

Perhaps some of you are unaware of New Life's Prayer Circle and may wonder about it. Currently a small group of members who are available accepts prayer requests from New Life members and their friends. It is not in any manner a substitute for Sunday morning prayer requests which our Pastor conducts during the Service. The Prayer Circle is over seen by the Elder.

How does it work? A member generally contacts, often during the week, Pastor or the Elder requesting prayers for themselves, family or friends. The Elder telephones the Prayer Circle members with the request. So, if you would be interested in joining the Prayer Circle please let Pastor or the Elder know. We will be happy to add your name to the list. We can always use more people.

Ushers Schedule

Please note that there have been some minor changes to the Usher Schedule to include new members and those recently confirmed. A new list of teams is posted on the bulletin board in the entryway. If you are a male confirmed member of this church, you are on the list. The monthly calendar will let you know when it's your turn to usher on Sunday morning.

Greeters Schedule

If you would like to be added to the Greeters Schedule, talk to Rachel Bauer or drop her an email at nlelc@aol.com. Being a greeter is easy. It means that you show up at church 15 minutes early, stand inside the front door, and personally welcome everyone who walks through the door. You'd be surprised how much a simple hello means to a first time visitor, a newer member, or a longtime friend. Don't be shy & give greeting a try!

Church Cleaning

Looking for a way to be involved at church? How about being added to the list of Cleaners for the Week? You can sign up as an individual, as a family, or pair up with another individual or family. Yes, we are all busy, but it doesnt take more than an hour when two or more are working together to get the job done. Again, talk to Rachel Bauer or drop her an e-mail at nlelc@aol.com. You will be reminded when its your turn to clean by checking the church calendar and by the announcements for the coming week in the church bulletin. Thanks in advance for your help!

College Scholarship Fund

A college scholarship fund has been set up for Cody and Jesse Willer. Gifts to this fund can be sent to the Willer Family Fund, c/o Cambridge Bank, P.O. Box 987, Lake Zurich, IL 60047-0987.

WELS Lutherans for Life Pregnancy Counseling Center

Lutheran Christians support the cause of life. We seek to protect unborn human life. Part of our effort is the operation of a Pregnancy Counseling Center in Mundelein, Illinois. The center offers pregnancy testing and counseling. It also has a clothes bank for mothers who are in need of clothing for their children.

The Center operates through the generous contribution of area WELS members. If you would like to support this worthwhile cause, you can send a gift to WELS Lutherans for Life at P.O. Box 37, Libertyville, IL 60048. Donations made to the Center can also be matched through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The center is also always looking for volunteers and donations of baby clothes and formula.

Service Men & Women

Posted on the New Life Network bulletin board are names and addresses of service men who are acquaintances of the members of our congregation. If you'd like to write a letter of encouragement, simply take a slip with a name and address on it home, and mail out a letter. If you know of service men or women and would like to include them, bring the name and address along to church.