| Kim L. Beckmann, Interim Pastor | pastor@augustanahydepark.org |
| Elizabeth Palmer, Campus Pastor | campuspastor@augustanahydepark.org |
| Daniel E. Schwandt, Cantor | cantor@augustanahydepark.org |
| Joy Tournoux, Secretary | office@augustanahydepark.org |
| Andrew Stevens, Campus Ministry Peer Minister | andrewstevens@uchicago.edu |
| Mary Schoenbach, Campus Ministry Peer Minister | schoenbachma@uchicago.edu |
The other day I turned up an old set of papers and my eye caught the word Augustana. It turned out to be a story from about 15 years ago when I was a pastor in the Upper Peninsula, and had come to Chicago for LSTC Alumni Board. One of my members with a serious illness was in the hospital at Madison and I thought I could try to visit on my way back home. But I was looking to borrow “a cup of holy communion” to take with me. I'd checked the back seat and the glove compartment, and didn't have any communion kit or emergency stash. I'd seen Jay Rochelle, dean of chapel at the time, lock the sacristy door and leave for the day. I knew a few professors who might have some wine, but probably not hosts sitting in their desk drawers.
So I tried across the street at Augustana to see if you had any holy carry out. I'd done CPE with Bob Klonowski, your pastor at the time, and thought maybe I could borrow some communion from him. He was nowhere to be found, but the financial person (?) was there. Through the locked gate, I asked, “Please, could I borrow some communion wine?” No doubt suspiciously, she eyed me up and down. “I think I remember seeing you over at the seminary this week,” she said. “I'll let you in. But I don't have a key to the sacristy.” I explained my mission of mercy. And then, this part of the story cracked me up, I wrote about how she tried each of the hundred keys in the key box, trying to find it. She wasn't successful, but had the pastor's office key, wondering if he would be keeping some communion in there. When she opened his door… now Cantor Schwandt's office… there on the shelf was his communion set. The wine was a little old, but I poured it in my empty water bottle. There were two hosts in the box, so I wrapped them in a tissue. At the last minute, I grabbed two of Pastor Klonowski's little cups! (Make myself at home, why don't I??!) And then I left a note, so he didn't open an empty communion set on his next visit!
It was fun to come across this story of Augustana's hospitality to an itinerant stranger from a past that hadn't imagined I'd serve one day as an interim pastor among you. Now I've been on the other side of the gate in Augustana's role in this crossroads of Lutheran life! Our paths have crossed this way and crossed again. One of the workers from Lutheran World Relief who grew up in this church, and remembers especially the youth room, found herself here last Sunday for John Nunes', the President of LWR's graduation reception at Augustana. “Who knew?” she said.
Life in the Spirit is like that. The Holy Spirit gathers and sends, unites and spreads, the people of God. We're in one of those times, with graduations and summer's comings and goings, and with new leadership being discerned at Augustana and LSTC, where the pattern changes again. We say hello, we wave goodbye. Our lives remain connected, in the Body, at the Table, over time, over space. Summer blessings, everyone! May the Spirit continue to surprise us with friends along the path.
At a special meeting of the congregation on Sunday, May 20, Augustana voted to extend a Letter of Call to the Reverend Stephanie P. Jaeger! When the result of the vote was announced (57 yes, 2 no, and 1 abstain) the assembly broke into applause. The assembly also voted to revise the 2012 budget to cover unbudgeted expenses related to the call and the shortfall in budgeted expenses. At the close of the meeting we gathered in front of the altar for a group photo to e-mail to Pastor Jaeger.
After an early morning and somewhat delayed flight from LA, Pastor Stephanie Jaeger made it to Augustana just in time for appointments with the staff early in the afternoon on Monday, May 14. We packed in many opportunities throughout the day for Augustana folks to meet and greet Pastor Jaeger. She met first in a small group meeting with the “seniors” in the GA Room and immediately after with families out in the garden.
Chris Weber and Brandon Thompson fired up the grills for the potluck picnic and provided plenty of hamburgers and hotdogs for our meal together. Eighty Augustana folks turned out for the picnic and most stayed for the question and answer period. After the picnic, Pastor Jaeger met with those involved with Campus Ministry.
On Tuesday, Pastor Jaeger dropped in at Augustana for a little while before meeting with a realtor and checking out school options. Her trusted driver, Gary Worcester whisked her back to Midway for her return flight to LA.
Thanks to all who helped in the kitchen, especially Judy Merritt-Morgan, Robin Mitchell, and Louise Anderson and those who moderated discussions: Becky Krentz, Matthew Christian, Mark Wilhelm, Toby Chow, and Mary Emily Duba. And thanks to all who came out to meet Pastor Jaeger!
Wanted: Persons to pair up for Fellowship hour. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex or contact Robin Mitchell at either bezalels@hotmail.com or 312-927-4324
The goal: to help people meet and get to know one another through providing food for fellowship hour.
The duties: Bring a small variety of snacks such as crackers, cookies, baby carrots, grapes, veggies, breads, cheese, etc. Prepare coffee and lemonade and set up cups and mugs, cream and sugar, plates and napkins. Clean up tables, counters, empty and wash coffee urn. Load dish washer(s) with mugs, cups, plates, bowls, platters and silverware. Start the wash cycle.
Two or more together on a Sunday should make this less overwhelming and give the participants a chance to get to know their brothers and sisters better.
This year's theme for Augustana's Vacation Bible School is Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep with God. Join us for an adventure in mission and scripture! An online registration form is (will be soon) available on Augustana's website.
Volunteers needed! Do you like to do crafts, tell stories, lead games, or explore science? We need volunteers in many areas: session leaders, group guides, snacks, recreation, and coordination/administration. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Laura Wilhelm or 773-772-5469.
Mary Emily Duba and Toby Chow will be Augustana's 2 delegates to the Synod Assembly on June 1 & 2 at Tinley Park Convention Center. A full report will appear in the July/August Grace Note.
During the month of June, the Cantorei rehearses only on Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 10:35, just before the 10:45 liturgy, learning a simple psalm and anthem. If you've thought about joining the choir in the past, but just couldn't make the commitment to mid-week rehearsals, why not consider this brief opportunity to sing with us. Come to the choir room at 10:00 AM and we'll make a joyful noise together!
We will continue to have regular Sunday School through June 10th. All classes will meet together at the regular time on Pentecost/Memorial Day weekend. Vacation Bible School will be the following week, June 18-22. Be sure to sign up for VBS early, as our spots this year are limited.
None of this wonderful children's programming would be possible with our dedicated volunteers. (Thank you!!!!) We will be using the same curricular program next year, and will again need teachers who can make a full year — but not every Sunday — commitment. Please consider whether you are able to join our community as a regular teacher, a substitute, a helper for special events, and/or a volunteer for VBS.
Speak with Laura Wilhem or Amy Repp for more information on VBS or with Sylvia Glauster to learn about teaching during the year. We hope you can join us!