Holy Communion 8:30 am and 10:45 am
Sunday School & Adult Forum 9:45 am
"The Church in the Woods" began as a neighborhood gathering of faithful friends whose welcoming legacy is felt today through the warmth and openness of our members.
The first worship service was held on November 11th, 1962 with a little over 100 members. The church continues to grow, inviting the faithful to study, pray, grow spiritually, offer outreach and enjoy fellowship.
Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit
30 Riverwoods Road
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
847-945-1550
lutheranholyspirit_gmail.com
THE ADULT FORUM (BETWEEN SERVICES SEPT. - MAY)
Faith-based discussions in a small group with the pastors.Topics range from historical perspectives to interfaith issues and present day concerns.
THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY
Meets during the school year with special gatherings during the summer. Participants apply scripture to their daily lives with Christian support.
Sunday School is taught by creative, enthusiastic teachers who are invested in making learning a positive and rewarding experience. Sunday School is held each Sunday (Sept. May) between services.
Children ages three to six (Preschool - 1st grade) take part in engaging Bible-based lessons specially designed for their age and developmental levels. They attend Cherub Choir practice following their lesson.
Children in 2nd through 6th grade attend Bible-centered classes to help them grow in their knowledge of the Christian faith.
Vacation Bible School is an annual summer event that is always filled with excitement and learning. Young people from Preschool through 5th grade share in a week of V.B.S. with hands-on learning as they grow in faith while having fun together. Older youth are invited to participate as helpers, guides and teachers aides. Among the weeks highlights are an ice cream social on Thursday evening following a performance by those in V.B.S.
VBSRegistration12.pdf
Young people in grades 7 and 8 participate in confirmation classes. This is a special program designed to help youth grow in their knowledge of the Bible and the Christian faith (with special focus on our Lutheran traditions and identity.)
The program also provides an opportunity for service and the experience of other types of ministries in the greater church. The individualized learning format allows for flexible class schedules with clearly defined expectations and goals for the young people in their growth toward becoming confirmed members of Holy Spirit.
Adiaphora:
Official: "things indifferent" a term deriving from Stoic philosophy where it indicates the range of morally neutral actions neither good nor bad.The term figured in 16th century Protestantism. In the the successors of Luther deviated over the reinstiution of papal conciliar and episcopal jurisdiction of the ceremony of the Mass episcopal confirmation, confession, penance and absolution, vestments, and chants. The Pauline teaching 1 Cor 8:1-9:23 provides a guide to those seemingly indifferent matters that might create an obstacle or stumbling block to the Gospel and to others. The second controversy was during the reign of Elizabeth I over whether clerical vestments promoted Catholicism. something that is adiaphora is "non-issue' is left up to the discretion of the individual.
Unofficial: huh?
Garth:
Official: A grassy quadrangle surrounded by cloisters. 2. Archaic A yard, garden, or paddock.
Unofficial: We will not talk about tiny rivers running through the area (Garth Brooks).
Alb:
Official: A white linen eucharistic vestment reaching to the ankles, close-sleeved and girded at the waist.
Unofficial: this is the sound made by your throat when you hold your nose and swallow root beer. (try it)
Chasuble:
Official: a long, sleeveless vestment worn over the alb by a priest when celebrating the eucharist.
Unofficial: in Olde English Literature, when finding a tale by Chaucer to be implausable.
Tridium:
Official: refers to the three days right before Easter--Maundy Thursday--when Jesus has the Last Supper--Good Friday--when Jesus dies--Holy Saturday--the night that ends with the resurrection and the Easter proclamation of the empty tomb.
Unofficial: like tedium, learning about radioactive elements.
Narthex:
Official: In the early Christian and Byzantine churches, a porch or vestibule just inside the main entrance, and at the opposite end from the altar.
Unofficial: A museum-like open space featuring rotating exhibits, signup sheets, occasional donuts, and some pretty good coffee.
Introit:
Official: In the Roman Catholic church, the opening act of worship in the Mass, consisting usually of a psalm or part of a psalm followed by the Gloria Patri.
Unofficial: I really thought this was a software company.
Our annual Christmas Tree cutting party is a day long event filled with crafts, songs, a delicious meal and of course, the cutting of the church tree. Pictured at right, the tree is almost completely decorated within a few hours by the Men of Holy Spirit.
Click on the picture to see other photos and read the story about our party that appeared in local papers.
Throughout the year, we celebrate as a congregation through music, intergenerational activities and community outreach. The pictures to the right capture a few of these favorite times.
Twice each year, members of the Holy Spirit congregation and friends from the community have a chance to "give the gift of life" in our Sunday blood drive. Our new fellowship hall is the perfect place for Lifesource to set up for a half day event which usually yields 30 to 40 units of blood. Participants are treated to juice and delicious homemade brownies after they donate. Stop by! Walk-ins are always welcome.
C.O.O.L. food pantry supplies four days of emergency food to clients referred by area agencies and churches. C.O.O.L. also assists those in need with transitional housing as they begin the journey back to self-sufficiency. In addition to monetary gifts, congregation members got an opportunity to participate in hunger issues by actually bringing food to the Church.
Providing Advocacy, Dignity and Shelter is a program that Holy Spirit has participated in for over ten years. Once a month, from October through April, we staff and provide meals for homeless individuals at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wauconda. We also staff the first shift (6pm - 11pm) on site, and attempt to cover all three overnight shifts if possible. Consider being part of this important hands-on ministry. Please see our Human Needs Council member for more information.
Several times throughout the year, young students from Lutheran Day Nursery visit Holy Spirit or meet with confirmands at their school. The visits are joyous and fun-filled. Pictured at right, the students play on the Holy Spirit playground and get to know some of the animals housed in Ryerson Nature Preserve, our neighbor to the South.
Our new bishop performing his first function, receiving the new congregation at Sagrado Corozon (Holy Cross) Lutheran Church in Waukegan.
He introduced Pastor Doug as chair of the Missions Committee and Holy Spirit presented a check for $1,000.
Since 2004 LCHS has worked with Thrivent Builds and the Lake County Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing for qualifying Lake County residents. Each year we have committed to provide work crews (over 500 volunteer work hours) and financial donations to build the homes. We typically commit to staff 6 work days (with a crew of 12 volunteers) throughout the building season (May-October). Work day volunteers must be 16 years old (any under 18 must have a signed parental consent form).
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit enjoys a wooded setting adjacent to the Ryerson Nature Preserve on the southern edge of Lincolnshire. It is not uncommon to see deer strolling past the sanctuary or narthex during Sunday services. Our property has undergone several improvements in the past few years, most recently in the form of a major addition that includes large multipurpose fellowship space and many classrooms. See the Building Appeal videos below for a better idea of what God has built.
Rev. Christine Nelson Meyer
Rev. Douglas L. Meyer
Pastor Chris was born on Chicago's south side but spent most of her childhood in Lincolnshire. She is a graduate of Stevenson High School and Augustana College (Rock Island). She received her Master of Divinity from The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. She was ordained into the ministry of the Illinois Synod of the Lutheran Church of America in 1978.
Pastor Doug was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota where he grew up in a rural community. After high school he attended and graduated from Augustana College (Rock Island). His Master of Divinity is from Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was ordained into the ministry of the Illinois District of the American Lutheran Church in 1977.
The Pastors Meyer have been at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit since 1992. Both pastors are involved in ministries of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod and the local community. The Pastors Meyer raised their three sons, Andrew, Timothy and Jonathan in Lincolnshire.
Contact the pastors to get involved with any of these important positions.
Assistant Ministers
Each Sunday our worship is led by the Pastors and Assisting Ministers from the congregation. It is not necessary that you be able to sing to be an assisting minister. Instruction is provided. Any confirmed member of the congregation is welcome to assist.
Coffee Hosts
The beverage so cherised by worshipping Lutherans is made ready weekly, either on Saturday night, or early Sunday morning, by one of a group of contributors known as Coffee Hosts. This simple task requires little time or technical training, and is greatly appreciated between services on Sunday morning when we gather for fellowship or fill our mugs and head off for Adult Forum.
Altar Guild
Many of our supporters contribute much with little recognition. The Altar Guild quietly ensures that the Altar for our weekly service is prepared for worship ahead of time.
Hymn Selectors
Throughout the year, volunteer Hymn Selectors plan our worship music. Careful thought goes into selection of timely and seasonal tunes, thematic placement within the church year, and the song's emotive characteristics. We always end our service on a high note, marching out of the sanctuary to do God's work. Using the Lutheran Book of Worship or With One Voice, side by side with advance copies of the Celebrate insert, and with a bit of guidance from our Music Committee, the choice is made - and sung. Interested? Contact Mike Duffy to get involved.
Ushers & Greeters
Worship, the central experience of a church community, continues to be very strong at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit. Many parishioners work to support the pastors in this endeavor, which often begins at the sanctuary doors. A smiling face, a "good morning" and a bulletin at the ready are provided by our ushers and greeters.
Formed in 1995, we continue to meet to share food, fellowship, faith and fun. Meetings are scheduled throughout the church calendar, generally from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. All confirmed male members of Holy Spirit are members of M.O.S.T.
As part of its growth and evolution, M.O.S.T. continues to experiment with meeting formats and content. A variety of activities thus far has included formal and informal group discussions, softball, wallyball, billiards, dinner meetings, guest speakers, the construction of a patio, and other special projects.
Date Event Contact
Tuesday, August 30 Annual Planning Meeting Vic L.
Tuesday, September 27th Billiards Jeff V.
Saturday, October 1st Work Day Jim K.
Thursday, October 13th Tree Party Planning Mike S./Vic L./Dave T.
Sunday, October 16th Outdoor Football Night Eddie S.
Wednesday, October 26th Dinner - Octoberfest - Fritzl's Steve D.
Friday, November 4th Holiday Boutique Setup All
Saturday, November 5th Holiday Boutique Cleanup All
Friday, November 11th Paddle Ball - Tennaqua Dave T.
Friday, December 2nd Tree Cutting Pre-event All
Saturday, December 3rd Lutherdale Tree Party All
Tuesday, December 6th - 7pm Church Tree Setup All
Sunday, January 8th Church Tree Removal All
February 10th or 24th Bowling CUFF/MOST
February 10th or 24th Curling Tim M.
February 24th - 26th Men's Retreat - Lutherdale Vicar Dave
Thursday, March 22nd Dinner Out - "Rally Night" Dave T.
Saturday, April 7th Easter Setup All
Tuesday, May 1st Movie Night Vic L./Doug M.
Tuesday, May 22nd Driving Range - MOST & Kids Larry M.
Sunday, June 24th Church Picnic All
July - TBD Golf Outing Joe L.
Social gatherings are a wonderful part of our lives together. In addition to fellowship during Sunday worship, we welcome the congregation to join in adult as well as family-centered events.
Adults enjoy events such as the Progressive Dinner, Beef and Lobster Night, the Chili Cookoff (pictured at right) and evenings at Ravinia. Family events include the annual Church Picnic, Mardi Gras Celebration, and Christmas Tree Cutting Party.
Calendar of Events 2012
Expos Meeting Adult Forum Room and Lunch with the Pastor's follows at 12pm (bring your lunch)
01/17/12 10:30am meeting
Sunday's in February, Expos will have a table in the Narthex displaying and selling the Emergency Card Kits.
Expos Valentine lunch/bocce ball at Pinstripes in Northbrook 11am
Sign up in the Narthex
02/14/12 11am-2pm
Expos/Teen Event Sunday 9:40am
03/04/12 9:40-10:40am
Expos Meeting Adult Forum Room and Lunch with the Pastor's follows _ 12pm (bring your lunch)
03/13/12 10:30am meeting
04/10/12 10:30am meeting
05/08/12 10:30am meeting
Expos Meeting Adult Forum Roo, and Lunch with the Pastor's follows _ 12pm (bring your lunch)
06/05/12 10:30am meeting
Expos Meeting Adult Forum Room
Lunch with the Pastor's follows _ 12pm (bring your lunch)
07/10/12 10:30am meeting
08/14/12 10:30am meeting
09/09/12 10:30am meeting
Lunch with Pastors follows _ 12pm (bring you lunch)
10/09/12 10:30am meeting
Lunch with Pastor's follows _ 12pm (bring your lunch)
11/13/12 10:30am meeting
December 2012
Christmas Party-lunch with Pastors
Those formerly known as the retired group have decided to embrace a name.
The EXperienced People Of Spirit will now be known as the EXPOS. You dont have to know
what the name means to join the group.
Copies of our meeting minutes are available from the church office.
All retirees are encouraged to join. Don't forget our monthly Lunch with the Pastors program.This is an informal brown bag lunch time scheduled for Tuesdays.
Calendar of Events 2011 - 2012
August 21
Parent and Teen Meeting - 10:35am
Teen Room schedule and 2012 New Orleans and fundraisers
September 11
Rally Sunday-please sign-up to bring treats - 10:45am
September 18
Breakfast with Expos, meet Vicar Dave - 9:45am
October 2
Car Wash- support teens going to New Orleans 2012
October 22
Paintball at Promise Land, WI ToSt/MOST event
October 23
College Care Package assembly 9:30am teen room
October 30
Thanksgiving Basket Collections begin
November 13
Assemble Thanksgiving Baskets 4pm
December 3
Tree Cutting Party in Wisconsin
December 11
Decorate church for Christmas
4-6pm (sledding - 1pm)
January 1Practice for teen-led service
January 8Practice for teen-led service
January 15Practice for teen-led service
January 22Practice for teen-led service
January 29Practice for teen-led service
February 2Mardi Gras Pancake dinner
February 5
Souper Bowl of Caring and Teen-led Service
April 21
Movie/fundraiser (New Orleans) Trouble the Water _ Pickwick in Park Ridge
(fundraiser with church members and friends invited)
Directors and actors come to the movie and speak after
April 29
ToSt Breakfast with the 8th graders Egg Harbor - 9:35am
May 13
Assemble Meals for Night Ministry 9:30am
May 18
Deliver Meals and Work Night Ministry
Meet at Church 4-9pm
July 18
Youth Gathering in New Orleans
Holy Spirit has a history of fine music and choirs. We welcome all musicians of the church to share their gifts both in worship and special gatherings. Our church organist performs at all church services.
The Adult Choir includes adult and high-school aged members. The choir participates in Sunday worship, alternating between first and second services. A variety of music is performed, including classical, spirituals and gospel music. Musicians also have the opportunity to present special musical offerings at festival times during the church year.
The Bell Choir also assists in offering musical accompaniment to worship services and includes adult and youth members.
The Youth Choir consists of 2nd through 6th graders and allows them to explore religious musical traditions and participate in musical programs.
The Cherub Choir meets during Sunday school and introduces our preschool through 1st grade children to music in a relaxed, fun setting designed to foster a love of music.
Summer Music opportunities allow interested individuals to share their unique musical talents in a relaxed atmosphere during outdoor and indoor worship services.
Christians are stewards of this earth. Our first responsibility is the wise use and care of all the resources on this planet. Sharing our time and talent with others is a way in which we enhance our lives. God has given each of us unique abilities which we use to support ourselves and our families. In gratitude for all of God's gifts to us we return to him a portion of what we have received.Tithing is a goal toward which we strive. Scripture speaks of returning to the Lord 10% of our income. This makes stewardship a spiritual discipline.
Synod Support
Each year, the congregation commits to a level of support for the work of the greater church throughout the Metropolitan Chicago Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In addition, we have also committed to supporting the work of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, our church's social service agency and the largest of its type in Illinois.
Hunger Fund
Every second Sunday of the month we take a special second offering for hunger. This special offering is committed to those in need. We send 50% of the money received to the World Hunger Fund of the ELCA which distributes the dollars both in this country and overseas. We also contribute 25% of the funds to C.O.O.L. Food Pantry in Waukegan and 25% to Elijah's Pantry in Chicago.
Our property has undergone several improvements in the past few years, most recently in the form of a major addition that includes large multipurpose fellowship space and many classrooms.
During 1967, a time capsule was sealed in a wall of Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit. The copper box was found during construction of our last addition in 1993, put in a closet and forgotten. Found again, the capsule was opened to celebrate our 40th year, as we begin a new construction project. Below are pictures of the time capsule opening between services on January 19th, 2003.
Letter to the Future.pdf
Holy Spirit is beautiful year round
The Circle of Hope Columbarium and Garth is a beautiful and inspirational resting spot for the cremated remains of members of our church and their families. It proclaims honor and memory on its plaques. In an affirmation of life and joy, it occasionally serves as a backdrop for wedding photographs and other happy occasions. The Circle of Hope Columbarium and Garth is registered as a religious cemetery with the State of Illinois. Three members of Holy Spirit Church serve as Trustees of the Columbarium and Garth, in consultation with the pastors and under supervision of the church council. We pray that the Circle of Hope will continue to bring peace to all those who visit.
We welcome to the Lords table all baptized Christians who confess Christs real presence in, with and under the bread and wine. Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at Holy Spirit using a variety of liturgies from our Lutheran tradition. Over the course of a year we use all three settings in the Lutheran Book of Worship as well as alternative settings such as "Now the Feast and Celebration." Worship is at the center of our lives as people of God and the sacraments are the source of our strength for mission and ministry. Young people and others not receiving communion are welcome at the Lord's Table to receive a blessing with the whole congregation.
Worship is for the Whole Family
Each Sunday's service includes an interactive lesson oriented towards the younger members of the congregation. In addition, children's bulletins and quiet "busy bags" are available for children to use during the worship service. We encourage parents to help their children become comfortable attending worship. A staffed nursery is available for those children who are still making the transition to sitting and listening quietly.
