May 2009

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Awards Sunday

Our Christian Education ministry under the leadership of Cheryl was honored today. Each teacher received a bouquet of flowers in appreciation for the many hours they donated supporting our children and adult school programs.

Awards were given to our church school students for their attendance during the year. James was honored with his parents for his attendance. He is wearing his bronze medal that he won in the chess competition at the Junior Olympics.

We also honored our graduates. Josiah graduated from high school and received an Orthodox Study bible.

As part of the program our junior Olympians were honored.

Mark was presented with an Icon of Jesus Christ. He logged up the most reading credits in our Adult School of the Seventy under the direction of Else.

Junior Olympics

Opening ceremony of the Junior Olympics organized by Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox and the Greek Orthodox Metropolitate of Chicago. St. Luke parish has been invited guests for over ten years. We thank Fr. Nicholas Jonas and Sts. Constantine & Helen Church for their invitation.

The lighting of the Olympic torch brought to the podium by a runner. At this moment the 10 K adult race began.

The St. Luke Junior Olympic team under the leadership of Chuck. The coaches were: Nick, Fr. Andrew, John, Mark and Luke.

Madeline, Emma and Adriana waiting for the beginning of competition.

Emma receiving her silver medal. Our Olympic team received two bronze and a silver medal.

Recent Improvements

Thanks go out to all our parishioners as they labor to help improve our property and glorify God. A stone and flower garden was been added over the cement slab for the new sign.

Construction of the new curb was completed as the sprinkler system was redone, the drainage was directed towards the rear of the property, and new sod was laid.

The old church wall sconces were replaced to beautify the walls and add additional lighting.

As part of our classroom renovation, the toddler room was painted, new cabinets were installed, and a mural of Noah's Ark was placed on the wall.

The cement stairs going into the old basement were tiled.

IOCC Annual Banquet

The dinner is annual event in Chicago which supports the International Orthodox Christian Charities. This is a photo of the head table with Archbishop Job. Metropolitan Iakovos, Bishop Peter and Bishop Ireney and other gathered guests.

Archbishop Job, giving the blessing with Metropolitan Iakovos in the background.

The delegation from St. Luke: Phil, Caye, Fr. Andrew, Anthea (dinner coodinator) and Mark. Our parish gave over $900. to the IOCC.

Our Icon Lady

During the school year, Anthea, our icon lady goes to the various classrooms and teaches the children about icons and their meaning. We thank her for the time she spends on this worthy project.

A Visit To The Garden Center

During our monthly visit to the Garden Center For The Handicapped, Father Andrew held up a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. He said, "Both are different but each has its own purpose. Just like all of you are different and have your own talents. And sometimes the screwdriver and pliers work together to get a job done, just like you also work together.

Following the service, refreshments were served and Matushka Miriam Nelson visited with the clients.

Hike For Life

St. Luke has been supporting an emergence pregnancy assistance organization called PASS for many years. Each year PASS has a fundraiser call Hike for Life. The photo shows our youth organization along with Fr. Andrew who will be riding his bicycle getting ready to begin the hike.

The hikers resting after completing the planned distance.

Fr. Andrew returned last because he covered the entire length of the trail on his bicycle.

When the hike was finished all were served hot dogs and hamburgers cooked by volunteers.

Two large tents were set up in case it rained. It was cloudy and cold but many supporters gave up their Saturday to participate.

PADS Thank You Dinner

The last activity for our PADS program was a dinner honoring all the volunteers who dedicated their time to support the homeless.

PADS is a community program were local churches provide shelter and food for the homeless. This is our second season as a member church. We fed and housed a total of 560 women and children once a week over a seven month period.

PADS Leader Recognized

Fr. Andrew presented Tom our PADS facility manager and Icon of St. Luke. Many of the homeless guests have complemented Tom on the efficiency of the program and his personality hospitality.

Children's Sermon For May

This months Children sermon was about Pascha, the Myrrbearing women and the meaning of the empty tomb. Fr. Andrew used several items as symbols of Christ's resurrection such as candles, an empty box, a rock and the grave cloths.

He explained to the children how the Myrrhbearing women used candles to light the way to the tomb. When they arrived, the tomb was empty so the empty box and the rock which covered the tomb was rolled away. When they looked inside they saw the graves cloths and the Angels which told them Christ had risen.

Young Eagles

Some of our young parishioners went to Clow International Airport in Bolingbrook Saturday morning to participate in the Young Eagles flying for youth. Followed by a picnic at Whelon Lake in Naperville. Fabuous experience and other than the wind, the picnic was great -- and the park has a cool dog park as well as bike/hiking paths and a waterfowl and fishing lake.

Sitting in the plane.