NEWSLETTER

Every month our Newsletter Editor receives content for the next month's newsletter, organizing and laying it out, then formatting it for e-mailing and mailing via "snail-mail" to the congregation, and paper printing for general availability.  All of this is now done electronically, via e-mail, so meetings and extra trips to-and-from church are generally not required. The Calendar and "Serving on Sunday" is handled by the church office. If you would like to help out with the Newsletter in any way, please leave a message for the Newsletter Editor at the Church Office, at 847-395-3359.

A Big Thank You goes to: 

• Everyone who "cleans and preens" our church -- the parking lot, Narthex, Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, everywhere -- to make it hospitable and inviting for everyone;
• The Open Arms Team for volunteering and giving of their time and considerable energy to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
• The Allendale School Work Crew, as part of their work program, comes weekly to clean our church. These young men have very often gone "above and beyond" by doing the extra thing and helping to set up for events, such as the Lenten Simple Suppers. Several of these young men have also been invited to worship with us and have joined us on Sunday mornings.
  

PROPERTY TEAM

A reminder from our Property folks:  PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT USE TAPE TO FASTEN THINGS TO THE WALLS! This means ANY wall ANYWHERE - the nursery, Sunday School rooms, Narthex, etc. We are seeing paint peeling from the walls in rooms that have been painted in the recent past. This creates more work, as well as damages work projects that are completed. You can get some "stick-up" material from the church in the Church Office. 

 The following are the Teams which work together and individually to carry out various ministries within Saint Stephen.

PROPERTY TEAM ... is responsible for the care and maintenance of the building facilities, its contents, and the grounds. Included is janitorial oversight, snow removal, HVAC, landscaping and lawn care, and building and equipment maintenance. The Property Team also recommends improvements and renovations and works with the Council to implement them.

STEWARDSHIP TEAM ... encourages members to be generous in their use of time, talents, and financial resources in the work of the church, both at home and around the world. Particular emphasis is placed on support to the Metropolitan Chicago Synod and various programs of the ELCA, such as World Hunger. First-fruits giving and responding joyfully to God's grace are highlighted.

FELLOWSHIP TEAM ... develops and organizes activities and events to encourage greater friendship among the members of the congregation. As all people are welcomed at these social gatherings, we invite and encourage participation in all other worship, education, and service opportunities in the life of Saint Stephen. Events include Christmas caroling and gifting shut-ins, the annual church picnic, Easter brunch, family game night, the Kookie Walk, and various other seasonal parties and service opportunities.

SOCIAL ACTION TEAM ... determines ways to share the love of Jesus within the congregation and the community and encourages members to help care for their neighbors. Past projects have included Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Open Arms Food Pantry (OAM), Feed My Staving Children, Thanksgiving thank-yous to Police and Fire Departments, Adopt-A-Family Christmas program of OAM.

WORSHIP MINISTRY TEAM ... insures that worship is held regularly and in accordance with the traditions of the Lutheran Church, and sets the times for holiday and seasonal worship. The ministry Team helps to recruit, equip and support those who give leadership in worship, cares for worship materials (books, hymnals, paraments, vestments, musical instruments), and provides devotional and spiritual literature.

EVANGELISM TEAM ... motivates members to witness to their faith in and through daily life. Outreach is coordinated during efforts to "get out the word" to the surrounding community through print and radio advertising about opportunities for community-wide involvement in events such as the Fourth of July Parade, "Fireworks on the Hill," and the Big Easter Egg Hunt.

EDUCATION TEAM ... is responsible for the education of everyone at Saint Stephen. Areas of emphasis include the Adult Learning Hour, Sunday Bible Camp, Vacation Bible School, and support for our Junior High Confirmation classes and our Youth Group.

FINANCE TEAM ... is the team that has to do with money, overseeing all financial responsibilities through proper bookkeeping and banking procedures; examining insurance policies; arranging for auditing needs;  preparing an annual budget; and providing other necessary reports to and for the congregation. Memorials (Memorial Fund) and gifts to the church are overseen by this Team.