June 2018

​St. Paul’s Evangelical-Lutheran Church
109 S. Elm, Kewanee, Illinois 61443
Newsletter
Volume 29                                   June 2018                                           No. 6
               
The Holy Trinity
          
What the Doctrine of the Catholic Faith is Concerning the Trinity.
 
"All those catholic expounders of the divine Scriptures, both Old and New, whom I have been able to read, who have written before me concerning the Trinity, who is God, have purposed to teach, according to the Scriptures, this doctrine, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit intimate a divine unity of one and the same substance in an indivisible equality; and therefore that they are not three Gods, but one God: although the Father has begotten the Son, and so He who is the Father is not the Son; and the Son is begotten by the Father, and so He who is the Son is not the Father; and the Holy Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son, but only the Spirit of the Father and of the Son, Himself also co-equal with the Father and the Son, and pertaining to the unity of the Trinity.

"Yet not that this Trinity was born of the Virgin Mary, and crucified under Pontius Pilate, and buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven, but only the Son.

"Nor, again, that this Trinity descended in the form of a dove upon Jesus when He was baptized; nor that, on the day of Pentecost, after the ascension of the Lord, when there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, the same Trinity sat upon each of them with cloven tongues like as of fire, but only the Holy Spirit.

"Nor yet that this Trinity said from heaven, Thou art my Son, whether when He was baptized by John, or when the three disciples were with Him in the mount, or when the voice sounded, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again; but that it was a word of the Father only, spoken to the Son.

"Yet the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as they are indivisible, so work indivisibly. This is also my faith, since it is the catholic faith."
 
-- St. Augustine (ad 354-430), On the Trinity, Chapter 4
 
Note: St. Augustine here, and customarily, refers to the faith of the Christian Church as the catholic faith. This is because, as the word itself means, it is the  faith of the whole Christian Church. It is for this same reason that we declare in saying the Athanasian Creed (on Trinity Sunday) that what we are confessing is “the catholic faith, which, except a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.”
+ Pastor Eckardt

Renovation News: Assembly Votes to Remove Canopy; Plans for Chancel Proceeding
 
On May 6th the voters elected to remove the canopy over the altar. We are planning to set up scaffolding to do this and to proceed with plaster repair and painting very soon.
 
The Church Council on May 16th discussed a proposal for our chancel from Andrew Hattermann We have also heard from Andrew Hatterman, of Murals by Jericho in Peoria, who had a proposal for us. All agreed that although it was quite beautiful, including a new altar and altarpiece, as well as canvas artwork and design for the walls, the cost is prohibitive. We are in no position to spend tens of thousands of dollars, so the matter of whether or not to do something like this seems to have been decided for us. Therefore, there is no need for additional voters’ action at this time because the Council is not recommending the proposal.
 
At present we are looking instead to finish the work we began without making any changes to our current altar or cross. The funds we have can be used to pay Bob Harrison for plaster and painting, and possibly to install new chancel flooring and nave carpeting.
 
We are in the process of considering paint colors and shades that would best work to complement the rest of the church as well as to highlight the importance of the altar and chancel.
 
We also hope to restore the two capitals that were removed in the 1960s in the chancel. The capitals are the ornamented basses of the ceiling ribs that may also be seen throughout the nave. We may even build in columns at the two angled corners against the front wall, provided it is not too difficult.
 
If things go as planned, we would temporarily move the altar forward so as to put up scaffolding behind it. We would remain in the church for worship, but the appearance of the chancel wall would be a work in progress.
 
Pastor Completes New Book: Leave It Alone. You’ll Break It. Liturgical Observations.

For months I have been chipping away, little by little, at a project that has finally come to completion, a collection of Liturgical Observer columns I have written for Gottesdienst over the past  21 years, now under a single cover, entitled Leave It Alone. You’ll Break It. Liturgical Observations. This is another Gottesdienst book, retailing for $33.98, but it may be discount ordered at the printing house (www.lulu.com) for a 25% discount, bringing the price down to $25.49. But for an even lower cost, you can purchase one at St. Paul’s for just $20.00. All the proceeds will go to Gottesdienst, which is the liturgical quarterly owned by this congregation and having subscribers all across the country (and even abroad). Some of the things I noted years ago are just as worth noting again today, some ten or twenty years later. So here they are, observations from across the years, all of which have aimed, however inadequately, at supporting the Church and her historic liturgy.

The book is available for purchase, and a display is set up in the gym.
 
+ Pastor Eckardt
 
Picnic to be Last Sunday in June, Place TBA
 
The annual church picnic is to be held, God willing, on Sunday, June 24th, our traditional last Sunday in June, but the place has yet to be determined. Time will be as soon after church and Bible Class as you can arrive. As usual, it’s a potluck, and bring your own table service.

June Birthdays:
6/5 Linda Rowe         
6/15 Jill Powers
6/16 Berniece Harris
6/29 Jim Watson
 
June Ushers: Allan Kraklow, Steve Kraklow, Tom Wells.
 
June Anniversaries:
6/17/1967 Robert and Mary Beth Jones
6/18/1960 Sandra and John Verplaetse
6/18/1977 Fr. Burnell and Carol Eckardt
6/18/1966 Don and Sue Murphy
6/19/1977 Dana and Carol McReynolds
6/19/1966 William and Judy Thompson
6/27/1981 Steve and Gail Peart
 
Pastor’s Travel Plans in June
 
Pastor and Carol have planned a number of short trips in June.
 
First, Pastor and Carol will be leaving town on Tuesday, June 5th to visit Carol’s father in Florida, returning Saturday, June 9th. Therefore, per our usual custom there will be no mass on Wednesday night.
 
Second is a brief trip to Galena to see the hot-air balloon festival, June 15th-16th. Former members Jude and Scott Clapper will be joining us there. No worship schedule is affected.
 
Third is the annual Concordia Catechetical Academy symposium in the Milwaukee area from June 20th to the 22nd. This is always a worthwhile event for pastors and laity. If you are interested, see the note on page 4. On Wednesday the 20th there will be no midweek activities.

Tuesday Afternoon at St. Paul’s
 
Usually on a Tuesday at 5 p.m. a group of us meet in Pastor’s office to study Scripture. We have been studying Ephesians. Join us for a lively conversation.
 
Always Remember Saturdays
 
Every Saturday the church needs a crew of volunteers to help with cleaning, yard work, mowing, etc. If we get a nice group, we even like to enjoy a coffee break and lunch together sometimes. Join us if you can; the help is always welcome, and the more, the merrier.
 
We are always thankful for the volunteer spirit of our members, who put in so much of their time and treasure to help maintain the vibrancy of this little congregation.
 
Altar Guild Notes

• Color is WHITE for Trinity, May 27th.
• Color remains WHITE for midweek, May 30th.
• Color remains WHITE for the Octave of Trinity, June 3rd, then changes to GREEN for the Trinity season.
• No mass Wednesday, June 6th.
• St. Barnabas (June 11th) falls on a Monday. It will not be observed at Wednesday mass.
• Color is WHITE for Sunday, June 24th: the nativity of St. John the Baptist.
• Color is RED for Wednesday, June 27th when we observe SS Peter and Paul (transf., June 29th).
• Color is GREEN for Sunday, July 1st.
• Altar guild members are reminded to take a few moments when you prepare the altar to check candle wicks. Make sure they are not curled over. Also, when the teardrop oil lights are used, make sure the wick is showing.
• Sacred purificators should always be washed by hand in a dedicated bowl, from which the water is poured into the piscina. They are then hung to dry. DeAnne periodically takes these home to wash again in a dedicated load.

 
In Our Prayers
Our list of prayer intentions at mass includes the names on the lists below.  To update the lists please inform pastor.   
    in our parish:
Emilie Ricknell, John Ricknell, Linda Rowe, Mary Hamilton, Emmy Wear, Sue Murphy, Don Murphy, Joyce Long, Steve Peart, Bea Harris, Dick Melchin, DeAnne Anderson, Svetlana Meaker
    and also:
Anna Rutowicz [granddaughter of Harrises]
Jodi Rutowicz [daughter of Harrises]
Julie Ross [Svetlana Meaker’s daughter]
Jill Matchett [at request of Diana Shreck]
Annie Eastman [at request of Svetlana Meaker]
Steve Draminski [friend of Jim Watson]
Kathy Nussear [Joyce Long’s daughter, cancer]
Bud Harfst [Sue Murphy’s brother]
Harold Woods [Sue Murphy’s brother-in-law]
Pam Helmkamp
Dick Heiden [Carol Eckardt’s father]
Pastor Kenneth Wegener
Elizabeth Godke [Sharon Field’s mother]
Kathy Hopkins
Jesse Armstrong
Michael Nelson
Brandt & Oneda Hendrickson [Ricknell relatives]
Bob Laskey [friend of Monroe Kemerling]
    in the military, especially:
John Eckardt
Donny Appleman [at request of the Ricknells]
Thomas Kim [at request of the Shrecks]
Michael Creech [at request of the Murphys]
Katherine Creech [at request of the Murphys]
Richard Heiden [at request of the Eckardts]
Carter Wills [grandson of the Thompsons]
Luke Van Landigan [grandson of Dick Melchin]
Jaclyn Alvarez [daughter of Kris Harden]
Traven Wetzel [at request of Kris Harden]
Shawn Wetzel
Eric Verplaetse [Sandra’s grandson]
Jake Mahaffey
    in trouble: especially
any unborn children in danger of abortion
those suffering from unrest, persecution, and imprisonment in Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, North Korea, and elsewhere
 
Altar Guild, Elders 2nd Tuesday
 
The usual first Tuesday meetings for June are moved to the second Tuesday this month: June 12th.
 
Thanks Be to God for Sacrificial Giving and Volunteering
 
The members of this parish have always responded to the needs of the parish with dedicated, sacrificial giving of contributions and volunteering time, for which we are bound to give thanks to Almighty God. Our special spring cleaning day was no exception. Answering the call for special volunteer help on May 19th (and earlier that week) we had some 18 volunteers who worked feverishly to accomplish many needed items:

• Vacuuming, dusting, wet-mopping, and dry-mopping the church, the pews, under the pews, the carpet, the chancel, the balcony; also the gym, bathrooms, hallway, and offices
• Cleaning out leaves in the window-wells
• Mowing, raking, and tidying the yard in front of the school and to the west of the church
• Painting the railing at the ramp
• Painting the windowsills on the west side
• Painting the grates in front of the church

 
The weather cooperated and enabled us to go to the Eckardts’ backyard garden for a hot  dog roast Carol had set up.
 
The dedication of our membership is a testimony to the grace of God that has given his people thankful hearts and a willingness to keep this church in good order.
 
CCA’s 25th Symposium Features Pastor
 
The annual Concordia Catechetical Academy Symposium will be meeting in Waukesha, Wisconsin, from June 20-22. Its theme is The Gift of Creation and Her Redemption in Christ.  This year’s symposium is particularly intended “for parents, pastors, teachers, and homeschoolers: An exploration of Lutheran Catechesis materials for catechizing on God’s gift of creation and her redemption in Christ,” but is always a worthwhile event for anyone else. Pastor Eckardt is one of the speakers this year.
 
Details are posted in the hallway

Shut ins
 
Mary Hamilton at home
Joyce Long at home
Emilie Ricknell at home
Dick Melchin at Hammond-Henry extended care in Geneseo.
Emmy Wear at Williamsfield retirement home
 
Welcome Home, Mary
 
After a convalescence of several months at her son’s home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mary Hamilton has returned home again. Welcome back!

Recruiting for Catechesis
 
Catechesis concluded on March 17th; we now look forward toward the recruitment of new members. Do you know someone? A family member or co-worker, perhaps? The schedule is flexible for any adult who has interest. The best way to pick up new members is by personal invitation coming from you! That is, our members are our best resources when it comes to bringing new members in. Be sure to pick up a tract or two from the rack in the hallway to have available.
 
Church Council Moved to 2nd Wednesday
 
The Council meeting is moved to the 2nd Wednesday this month (June 13th), due to Pastor’s travel plans.

Illinois Family Institute

I recommend the Illinois Family Institute our members. It provides educational materials and is a strong advocate promoting the family, marriage, and pro-life causes in the State of Illinois. I will be making their occasional newsletter available in the narthex. You can check out their web site at www.illinoisfamily.org.
-Pastor

The Lighter Side
 
An Alternative Medical Dictionary

• Artery The study of paintings
• Cauterize Made eye contact with her
• Colic A sheep dog
• Dilate To live long
• Enema Not a friend
• Fibula A small lie

 
St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church
   109 S. Elm Street
   Kewanee, IL 61443