| January 2013 | Year through 1/31/2013 | Budget to date | % of Budget | |
| Operating Income | ||||
| Pledged | $21,368.83 | $26,868.83 | $18,761.42 | 143% |
| Unpledged | $1,860.00 | $1,860.00 | $3,208.25 | 58% |
| Anonymous cash offerings | $217.86 | $217.86 | $416.67 | 52% |
| Other giving | $38.00 | $38.00 | $416.67 | 9% |
| Budgeted giving | $23,484.69 | $28,984.69 | $22,803.00 | 127% |
| Non-operating income | ||||
| Other benevolences | $360.00 | $360.00 | ||
| Building fund | $130.00 | $130.00 | ||
| Organ fund | $295.00 | $295.00 | ||
| Campus ministry | $594.17 | $594.17 | ||
| Other designated gifts | $45.00 | $45.00 | ||
| Non-operating giving | $1,424.17 | $1,424.17 | ||
| Total giving | $24,908.86 | $30,408.86 |
On Sunday, February 3, the congregation installed its new council for 2013. Your lay leaders for this year (listed in alphabetical order) are:
Louise Anderson (exp. 2014) Louise Anderson joined Augustana in 2010. She is a professor-emerita in the Department of Biolobical Sciences at the University of Illinois-Chicago where she studies plant enzymes, proteins and metabolism. She has served on council since 2011, most recently as Secretary.
Hope Anderson (exp. 2016) Hope Anderson serves as Treasurer for Augustana. She and her family have been members since 2010. Hope is a US Navy Veteran who served five years in Iceland and Hawaii as a specialist in antisubmarine warfare. She later earned a BS in accountancy from Northern Illinois University. Hope has 11 years of experience in commercial real estate, accounting primarily for class A office space in Chicago, San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Prior to the birth of her youngest child, she chose to put her career on hold to care for her family full time. She lives in Hyde Park with her husband Randy, and children, Grace (9), Willy (7) and Wesley (4).
Mary Emily Duba (exp. 2016) Mary Emily and her husband Jason joined Augustana in 2010. Mary Emily has served as a member of the Evangelism and Call Committees, as an art teacher for VBS, and as a leader of a Lenten series on practices of peacemaking and nonviolence, a particular passion of hers. She is a doctoral student in Theology and the University of Chicago, and currently serves on the editorial board of Let's Talk, the theological journal of the Metro-Chicago Synod. Before moving to Chicago, Mary Emily and Jason lived and worked as missioners in Cochabamba, Bolivia. They call Washington State home.
Mark Granfors (exp. 2015) has been a member of Augustana since 1981. He has served on the Property and Social Ministry Committees for 20 years, on the Congregation Council (1986-90, 2006 - present). He serves as the congregation's Financial Secretary, sings in the parish choir and keeps Augustana's website up-to-date.
Richard Krull (exp. 2014) Richard Krull and his family joined Augustana in 2003. Richard ran VBS for several year and has served on the Evangelism Committee He currently acolytes and ushers during the service. Richard teaches English and history in the middle school at the University of Chicago Lab Schools.
Andrew Lee (Campus Ministry Representative for 2013, exp. 2014) Andrew Lee started attending Augustana in 2005 as an undergraduate at the U of C. Andrew returned to Augustana in April 2012 after moving back to Hyde Park. He is a member of the Cantorei and often participates in Lutheran Campus Ministry activities. Andrew likes baking and riding his bike around Chicago.
Judy Merritt-Morgan (exp. 2015) Judy joined Augustana in 2008 and joined the Church Council in 2010. Since joining Augustana, Judy as has served on nearly every committee (notably, not Property). She is especially active in Evangelism.
John Nielsen (exp. 2016) John Nielsen and his wife Rachel joined Augustana in 2002 but they and their two children (Henrik, 10, and Elsa, 7) became truly active in the congregation after moving back to Hyde Park from New Orleans in 2010. John had been a member of the history department at Loyola University of New Orleans for the past four years after completing his PhD at the University of Chicago and is now an instructor at Benedictine University. John has taught Vacation Bible School and is in his second winter on the snow removal team (in that time he has had to remove snow once).
Jean Nye (exp. 2016) Jean Nye has been a member of Augustana since 1993, but was away for ten years serving two congregations as an Associate in Ministry. Since returning in 2010 she has sung in the choir, been a music leader for the Sunday School, served as vice president of the Women of Augustana, and has been chair of the Worship and Music Committee. Jean is married to Jim Nye. They have two grown daughters and five grandchildren.
Peter Pytel (exp. 2016) Peter Pytel grew up as the oldest of four in a small city in northern Germany. He and his wife Dorothy moved to Chicago in 1996 to live close to her family in the local suburbs and for Peter to start his residency at the UC. They started coming to Augustana in the summer of 2011 in search of an environment that would nurture the faith life of their entire family including their two children Frederick and Maya.
Lise Sveen (exp. 2015) Lisa Sveen has been a member of Augustana since 1989. She met her husband, Paul, at Augustana and they have three children, Elsa, Erik and Elias. Lise has served the call, social justice, stewardship and finance committees. She is a Sunday School teacher as well.
Sarah Weicksel (exp. 2014) Sarah Weicksel and her husband Keith have attended Augustana since the summer of 2008 and became members in January 2009. She has served as a minister of the word and usher. Sarah is a Ph.D. candidate in the history department at the University of Chicago. Her research focuses on nineteenth century American social history, gender history and material culture.
Laura Williams (exp. 2015) Laura Williams joined Augustana in 2007 after moving to Hyde Park. Before joining Augustana she was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church on the South side of Chicago for over 30 years, where she served as Sunday School Teacher, vice-president of the women's group, and a member of the church council for 12 years, 8 of which she served as council president. Since joining Augustana, Laura has served as usher, greeter, and on occasion read scripture. Laura retired from the Chicago Public School System in 2002 after working 38 years — 26 as teacher and 12 as principal. Presently, Laura is enjoying her retirement by visiting with friends, reading and traveling. She also, enjoys, politics, doing volunteer work for various local, state, and federal elections. Most recently, She helped work for the re-election of President Barack Obama.
Gary Worcester (exp. 2014) Gary Worcester and his family, Elaine, Benjamin, Nathan and Jonathan, joined Augustana in 2000. Gary has served on the Worship and Music Committee, the Evangelism Committee, the Personnel Committee and several Call Committees. He has also served on the Church Council. A non-practicing attorney, Gary's special interests at Augustama include ushering, finding new ushers and retaining experienced ushers
The Church Council will hold its first meeting on Monday, February 18, at 7:30 PM in the GA room, at which time the members will elect officers and delegate committee responsibilities. Regular monthly meetings will take place on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM in the GA room. Look for monthly updates on council actions in the Grace Note, as well as minutes from the prior month posted on the bulletin board in the narthex.
The 2013 Congregational Meeting took place on Sunday, January 27, following the morning worship service.
Retiring Council President Kathy Anderson reviewed the transition and changes that took place during 2012 and thanked all those involved, including interim Pastor Kim Beckmann, incoming Pastor Jaeger, Campus Pastor Palmer, Cantor Dan Schwandt, Secretary Joy Tournoux, the Council, and the Congregation.
Nominating Committee Chair Byron Mitchell presented Hope Anderson, Mary Emily Duba, Jean Nye, John Nielsen, Peter Pytel, Andrew Lee, Laura Williams, Richard Krull, Sarah Weicksel, and Gary Worcester as candidates for election to the Congregation Council. The slate was voted in by acclamation.
President Kathy Anderson presented Sarah Weicksel and Gary Worcester as candidates to attend the Chicago Metro Synod meeting in June. They were elected by acclamation.
Pastor Jaeger summarized her pastoral actions and those of Interim Pastor Kim Beckmann. She discussed her goals and organizational tools. Pastor Palmer discussed the activities of the Campus Ministry, and Cantor Schwandt reported on the dedication of the new organ.
Reports of the parish committees and other ad hoc groups were approved. There were questions from the floor with regard to the Acoustics Fund. Mark Wilhelm indicated that the acoustics project will be passed to the Property Committee for further action. The Financial Statement and Proposed Budget were approved as presented.
Continuing Resolutions for establishment of a Music and Fine Arts Fund and of a Capital Improvement Fund were discussed and were passed by voice vote.
Many thanks to all who helped out with the luncheon fundraiser at our congregation's annual meeting! The food that we served was delicious and healthy. We raised $408.32, all of which will go directly toward our 2013 programming budget. Many students and Augustana members contributed toward this luncheon, from helping with set-up or clean-up to bringing a salad or dessert to contributing financially. We are so grateful for all of your support!
Already in 2013 we have held two special collections to benefit global ministry efforts. Thanks go to all who donated toward the purchase of Spanish language Bibles for churches in Costa Rica, a project spearheaded by the cousin of Phil Hefner and facilitated by the Lutheran non-profit Orphan Grain Train. We raised $300.
On February 3, we held a special collection specifically for the ELCA Division for Global Mission in honor of Rosanne Swanson who is currently teaching at the Mekane Yesus seminary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Thanks to all who contributed to our total of $333.
At year-end 2012, your financial leaders distributed the special collections gathered throughout last year to support local and regional ministry partners. For example, as in past years, donations gathered at summer picnics were shared with the Hyde Park Kenwood Interfaith Council Hunger Programs to combat hunger in our own neighborhood. The offering gathered at Pastor Stephanie's installation was shared with two mission churches in the Synod, Shekinah Chapel and Iglesia de la Santa Cruz. Below is a list of the organizations that received our support in the form of miscellaneous benevolence in 2012.
On Sunday, January 27, just in time for our annual meeting on the same day, we welcomed Andrew Lee as a new member to Augustana. Andrew formalized his relationship with our church where he has been an active worshiper and campus ministry participant for 7 years. Andrew sings in Augustana's choir. A graduate in Sociology of the U of C, Andrew now works at the U of C libraries. He enjoys bicycling, and he had generously offered to serve as the Campus Ministry representative to our church council.
Please join us for the spring meeting of the LSTC Guild on Saturday, April 13th. The program, which will take place in room 350 of the seminary building, will begin with coffee and registration at 9:00 AM. (Please note the earlier-than-usual starting time.)
We are honored to have as our presenter Dr. James Nieman, the new president of LSTC. A catered lunch will follow for a cost of $15. RSVP by Monday, April 8th, to Tyrone Holland, LSTC Advancement Office or 773-256-0712.
Please also consider becoming a member of the Guild. Your donation of $10 will help to support the international student community. Direct your donation to LSTC, Office of Advancement, 1100 E. 55th Street, Chicago, IL 60615. Questions? Contact Jean Nye at 773-643-9208.
Hyde Park-based Chicago Chorale will present J.S. Bach's Passion According to St. John at Rockefeller Chapel, on Palm Sunday, March 24, 3:00 PM. A free pre-concert lecture will be presented by Dr. Martin Marty, Professor Emeritus in the Divinity School at the University of Chicago (and a Lutheran pastor), one hour prior to the performance, in Ida Noyes Hall.
The St. John Passion presents Bach in his most urgent, most stream-lined, most theatrical mode. Fully an hour shorter than his Passion According to St. Matthew, it effectively “cuts to the chase” in its presentation of the Biblical narrative, with dramatic, tension-filled interchanges between characters, emotional outbursts from choir and soloists alike, heart-breakingly expressive arias, all on a foundation of choruses and chorales which ground the listener in the shared, communal aspect of Bach's art. Chicago Chorale's 2013 presentation of this masterwork, supported by a grant from the Elizabeth L. Cheney Foundation, features Steven Soph as the Evangelist, Gerard Sundberg as Jesus, along with soloists Ellen Hargis, Susan Druck, William Bennett, and Paul Tipton, and an orchestra of period instrument specialists, lead by concertmaster Elizabeth Blumenstock.
Now in its 12th season, Chicago Chorale's repertoire ranges from the sixteenth century to the present and includes well-loved choral works as well as overlooked masterpieces, but always music that stimulates and challenges its listeners. Their November 2012 concert was named the #1 classical music concert of 2012 by Chicago Classical Review, edging out the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, Music of the Baroque, and a host of other Chicago-based groups.
Conductor and Augustana member Bruce Tammen will speak about the work, and its relationship to Lutheran worship and liturgical practice, at Augustana's Adult Forum, on Sunday, March 17, one week prior to the concert. In addition, the public is invited to an open rehearsal on Saturday, March 2, 10:30-12, at Hyde Park Union Church, 56th and Woodlawn, Tickets are available here; by phone, through Brown Paper Tickets (800-838-3006); and at the door ($5 extra). Large-scale Bach concerts at Rockefeller are very popular, especially during Holy Week; Chorale's performance of Bach's B Minor Mass, two years ago, sold out. Best to purchase tickets in advance.
On Sunday, March 17 at 4:00 PM LSTC will host the Lutheran Choir of Chicago in a concert of choral music for Lent under the theme “The Lamb: Grant us Peace.” The choir is directed by Wilbert O. Watkins. Tickets available at the door.
The Grand View Choir from Grand View University will perform a concert at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, March 13th at Augustana as they prepare to depart for their tour of Denmark. Grand View is a liberal arts university of the ELCA in Des Moines, Iowa. The choir is directed by former Augustana Director of Music (1988 to 1995) Kathryn Pohlmann Duffy. Dr. Duffy received her Ph.D. in musicology from the University of Chicago and has led the Grand View Choir on numerous tours, including a European tour to Denmark and Germany in 2005.
The choir is also in need of host homes for the student singers. A warm bed and a morning breakfast is all that is required. Please let Cantor Schwandt know if you are available to host at least 2 students. Come and support one of our ELCA college choirs as they share their music with us. Don't miss this event!
The eighth annual “Taste of Hyde Park” — a dinner and silent auction to benefit the Hyde Park Transitional Housing Project (HPTHP) — will take place at St Paul & the Redeemer Church, 4945 S. Dorchester, on Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. It features a buffet dinner provided by Hyde Park restaurants, a silent auction and musical entertainment by Willie Pickens. The donation is $35 in advance, $40 at the door, $25 for students with ID, $15 for children ages 6-17, ages 5 and under free. Patrons contributing $100 or more will be recognized in the program. Tickets may be purchased, prior to March 2, through a HPTHP Board member, or by email, or phoning 773-595-4921.
HPTHP provides housing and mentoring services to homeless families for up to two years, helping them to achieve independent living. Founded 2002 by the Hyde Park cluster of Interfaith Open Communities, HPTHP is supported by many Hyde Park and Kenwood congregations, individuals and businesses and by the Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council.
During fellowship times on Sunday mornings — 9:30–10:30 and 12:15 on — in Gorder Hall, our community is making a hand-stitched quilt to be blessed and distributed through Lutheran World Relief. On Thursday evenings, children and youth will lead the congregation in making blankets for Project Linus and working on the quilt for Lutheran World Relief. Gather at 5:30 PM on Thursdays before our Lenten Soup Suppers to help.
Mothers of Augustana, are you in need of increasing your exposure to adult conversation? Please join us for an interdenominational Bible study for mothers of young children every other Thursday from 9 - 10:30 AM — this month: March 14 and 21. We are studying the book of Colossians, and new members are always welcome. We meet at the home of Donna Dortzbach at 4524 S. Ellis Ave., and quality childcare that includes a Bible story, singing, and craft time is provided for a nominal fee (approximately $5). If you'd like more information, contact Richelle Stackert.
On Friday, March 1, we are invited to join our ecumenical neighborhood friends for Taize Hyde Park. We gather the first Friday of each month at 7 PM for this contemplative service of prayer, song, and scripture. Usually we meet at Hyde Park Union Church but this month Calvert House will be hosting the service: 5735 S. University Ave.
On Thursday evenings during March students will be joining the rest of the congregation in Midweek soup suppers, worship, and living Scripture discussion.
On the Sundays in March prior to Spring Break (March 3, 10, and 17th) we will continue our Lenten series on the ELCA's Social Statements for our campus ministry lunchtime discussions, which are held immediately after the 10:45 service. Each of these lunch discussions will focus on the same social statement that will also be covered that day in adult forum. If you happen to miss the adult forum some Sunday and the topic seems interesting to you, stay for lunch even if you don't self-identify as a student! (I promise you won't be the only non-student in the room.)
As usual, please keep the students of Hyde Park in your prayers as they deal with the stress of midterms and finals, vocational discernment, and uncertainty about future plans. The students are well aware of Augustana's support and encouragement, and it means a lot to them!
During Lent, in our adult forum, Sundays 9:30 – 10:30 AM, we will be focusing on selected social statements of our church, the ELCA:
The social statements are available on the ELCA website. A few copies will also be available in the narthex.