Prince of Peace Welcomes New Pastor
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Prince of Peace Lutheran Church July 2021
Love God - Follow Jesus - Invite All
Prince of Peace Welcomes New Pastor
At a special congregation meeting held on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 1:00 pm in the Worship Cen-
ter and virtually, via ZOOM, the congregation voted overwhelmingly in favor to extend the call to
Pastor Erin E. Clausen to serve as the next pastor at Prince of Peace.
Pastor Erin, her husband, Tom, and daughters, An-
ya, Lilly, and Kyrie are thrilled to be coming to
Prince of Peace!
Her tentative first day in the office will be on Mon-
day, July 19, 2021. Pastor Erin’s first Sunday lead-
ing the congregation in worship will be on Sunday,
July 25, 2021.
Pastor Clausen’s deep faith, genuine character, en-
thusiastic spirit, caring outreach, and steadfast
commitment will serve our congregation’s needs
well now and into the future.
Please give Pastor Erin and her family a warm wel-
come!
Lifting of Restrictions
In keeping with the move to Phase 5 of pandemic restrictions by the State of Illinois, the Congregation Council
has revised our restrictions for worship and other gatherings as follows, effective immediately.
• We will not require reservations in advance.
• We will no longer screen worshippers at the door.
• We will continue using individually packaged Communion elements on a temporary basis.
• Outside groups may resume meetings at POP provided space is available, at staff discretion.
• Congregational singing is permitted during services.
• Fully vaccinated persons may choose to take off masks or wear them. Those not fully vaccinated are polite-
ly requested to wear them.
• Livestreaming of services will continue.
• Refreshments will be served by volunteers after worship in the Fellowship Hall, starting in July.
"O come, let us worship the Lord!"
The Retired Pastor’s Page
By Pastor Peter Hellstedt
Dear Friends,
By the time you read this, I will—no, wait—(you might get this as early as June 21, and I’ll still be
around). In any case, this is my last chance to put in writing the message that I most want to con-
vey: thank you!
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your pastor. Thank you for your friendship to Cheryl and
me. Thank you for your spirit, your energy, and for your commitment to the mission of Prince of
Peace. Thanks especially for your kind words of appreciation in these past weeks, and for putting
together a special farewell celebration.
Though I won’t be your pastor any longer, I know we will cross paths from time to time (Home De-
pot, maybe, or Trader Joe’s). I will miss you greatly, but new things are in store for me as well as
for you, and God is good, all the time.
My congratulations to Pr. Erin Clausen as she begins the call here soon. I know you will give her
the warmest of welcomes, along with your ongoing support. You will all be in my prayers!
With deepest thanks,
Pastor Peter Hellstedt
Music Notes...
by Scott Uddenberg
The Music Notes column (Scott and family) is on
a much needed and well deserved vacation. Scott
and family will return soon.
Vacation Bible School
Join us via Facebook Livestream.
July 12th thru the 16th
6pm to 7:15pm
Explore with Mrs. Wagner
& Dr. Diggingstone.
We'll see you there!
2
Continuing the Diversity Conversation
DEI Belonging Story
by Cyndi Hayward
This quote about faith is one of my favorites. It captures how we can think about
diving into our diversity, equity, and inclusion journey as well as the many other
changes currently happening at Prince of Peace. We have been a Reconciling in
Christ (RIC) congregation for 25 years so this is not the beginning of our story. I’ve
been a member for 18 years and my own chapter in that story was about 10 years
ago. I was in a low place, struggling with my faith, and living with a fear of uncer-
tainty. I was recently divorced and in the process of figuring out my next chapter. It
felt very overwhelming. I was starting a new relationship with Heather, who is now
my wife. As I introduced her to family and friends, the reception was not going
well. I was struggling to figure out my new world and not sure of the response we
would get from everyone at church or even if our family belonged at Prince of
Peace anymore. I had a few people from our congregation pick up that I was in a
low place and encouraged me to lean more on this community. I was attending a small bible study group at the
time and one evening I poured out the whole story with no idea how it would turn out. The group just sur-
rounded me with love and acceptance. These women became a great source of strength for me, and I can trace
my firm belief that I belong at Prince of Peace as a child of God to that night. I’m sharing this story because it
is my hope that others who are unsure of whether or where they belong will find an equally accepting commu-
nity here. This is what makes it important for our congregation to continue focusing on this.
This picture shows what belonging can ultimately look like once the fences and other barriers are removed.
After the implicit bias sessions with Pastor Sunitha Mortha last fall; a group of us (Mary Cage, Heather Hay-
ward, Tom Mueller, Mary Simonis, Valerie Thompson, Seven, and Janet Ichida) have been getting together to
discuss how we can continue to move us forward. We are writing articles in Tidings, adding informational vid-
eos and prayer to our worship, and putting up more visible signs that this is important to us. This month Mary
Cage and her grandchild, Devon, share their story (page 5) with us about what it means for Devon to identify
as non-binary, which is neither male nor female. Heather Hayward has a short guide on pronouns (page 4) to
help all of us learn new skills in navigating these conversations. We will soon be adding rainbow/heart decals
to our doors. We are hoping it serves as a symbol that we are a congregation where people don’t have to strive
to fit in to genuinely feel like they belong.
3
Understanding Pronouns
by Heather Hayward
I would like to start off by saying Happy Pride Month! As we heard in the June 6th video from Reconciling
Works, Prince of Peace needs to be intentional about welcoming all. So as our congregation continues to
move forward in its DE&I journey, this month I would like to discuss the topic of pronouns and why they mat-
ter. A person’s pronoun is unique to the individual, and correctly using someone's pronouns is one of the most
basic ways to show your respect for their gender identity. Gender identity is defined as one's own internal
sense of self and their gender, whether that is man, woman, or nonbinary. Nonbinary is an umbrella term to
describe any gender identity that does not fit into the gender binary of male and female. Since gender identity
is an important piece of all our identities, we need to begin to shift our language to avoid further assumptions
of gender identity that may possibly harm transgender and gender nonconforming people. Small changes in
language can make a big difference in people’s lives. When a person shares their pronouns, they are naming
the pronouns that they want to be referred to by in the singular third person (when referring to that person
while talking to someone else). Often, when speaking of a singular human in the third person, these pronouns
have a gender implied, such as “he” to refer to a man/boy or “she” to refer to a woman/girl. The vast majority
of people go by the pronouns sets “he/him” or “she/her.” An increasing number of people are using “they/
them” pronouns because they don’t want to go by pronouns with a gender association. There may be times
when we make assumptions about the gender of another person based on the person’s appearance or name.
These assumptions aren’t always correct, and the act of assuming (even if correct) can send a potentially harm-
ful message that their gender identity doesn’t matter. A great way to create and normalize space for people to
share their pronouns is first to share your own. If you are attending an event, you can write on your name tag
the pronouns that you go by in the corner, near your name. If you are writing an email, you could include your
pronouns in your signature line. If you are on Zoom, you can add your pronouns in parenthesis after your
name. I invite everyone to continue learning more about pronouns with the resources below, and hope you
have a better understanding of why it matters to everyone in our congregation that we make an effort to be re-
spectful to another person’s preferred pronouns.
Resources on Pronouns , Gender Pronoun Fact Sheet ,
ELCA LGBTQ+ Resources ,The Gender Unicorn
Book Collection for Viator House of Hospitality
by Chris Chason
Thank you to all who donated books to Viator House of Hospitality. Our collection was delivered to
the house in early June. In fulfilling the requests for books in easy-to-read English, we provided 43
books in these categories:
fiction (fantasy, adventure, science fiction, historical fiction)
children’s dictionaries
student thesauruses
dual-language dictionaries (French-English and Spanish-English)
American History
American Government/Citizenship
These books are a blessing to the young men and will enrich their English learning.
4
Pluralism
There is no ideal, people just have different experiences of gender. Some adhere to more traditional
expressions of gender whereas others find authentic expression outside of these norms. Pluralism in
the context of gender means not wishing that someone has the same experience of gender as you.
It means accepting and celebrating difference where it occurs, just as we celebrate the abundant di-
versity of creation.
Devin’s Story Mary Cage
(Herman and Mary Cage’s grandchild)
The first time I was introduced to the broader use
I had always experienced twinges of discomfort, of pronouns was at a Lutherans Concerned (now
ever since I was a child, but it wasn’t until I was Reconciling Works) Assembly. Someone asked
18 or 19 that I felt the full heaviness of years of me what my preferred pronouns were, I had no
acting, inauthenticity. It was like I had built an idea what they were talking about. The nonbi-
entire shell of character around myself that was nary issue of not totally fitting into either male or
not me. It affected my behavior, told me to gravi- female roles was explained to me, and I said my
tate towards, and what to eat. So much of this preferred pronouns were she/her. I didn’t think
character was tied to my conceptions of gender. much more about the issue.
To break from this was to allow myself to grow
and change without resistance. When Devin, our grandchild, was home for
Thanksgiving in 2018, they told me they had
For many, sex and gender align, for others they changed their pronouns to they/them. We talked
do not. For those who experience gender fluidly about their feelings of both masculine and femi-
or rigidly in a way that does not feel well encap- nine energies. I could definitely see that in them.
sulated by their gender assigned at birth, an im-
posed gender identity can feel intensely limiting. It doesn’t feel natural to refer to a single person in
the plural. It still does not come naturally for me
Changing my pronouns to they/them helped me to refer to Devin as they/them. However, I am
open up to the world and explore connecting in a getting better at catching myself, sometimes after
different way. Being myself, authentically, makes I’ve referred to Devin as him. I love Devin and am
it easier to relate with all people. You can really very proud of our open and honest relationship. I
tell when someone is comfortable in their own will continue to make mistakes and he will contin-
skin. ue to forgive me. It’s very Important to me to not
only love Devin but accept how they feel about
I think it is important to view it this way: express- themself. It will continue to be an interesting jour-
ing gender fluidly has not isolated me from the ney.
world, but rather brought me more in contact with
it. Going through this change has made me more
compassionate, more willing to forgive and ac-
cept others the way they come. We should not
stand for cultural restraints on authenticity.
Family Ministries
by Karen Wagner
Registration information for next year’s Sunday School will be mailed out later this summer.
Contact Karen Wagner at wagner@princeofpeace.net if you have any questions.
5
Early Childhood Programs at Prince of Peace
By Lisa Isaacs
After finishing a short but fun year, we had our fun summer camp two days a
week in June and will start it back up for two weeks in August. The children
have had fun with many outdoor activities and summertime themes. We are getting ready for the
fall and it will be here before we know it! Kindergarten will be on hold for this year due to low en-
rollment, but we plan to bring it back in the fall of 2022! COVID has changed some things, but not
the resolve of out preschool families and staff. We look forward to a fun and active year in the
school! Happy summer!
Registration for 2021 - 2022
We will continue to accept registrations during the summer months. If you know of families look-
ing for a quality, Christian preschool, please let them know about the programs here at Prince of
Peace Preschool and Kindergarten. We have many program offerings. Come for a visit or call to
learn more about our outstanding early childhood program at Prince of Peace! (847) 885-7036.
Registered church members receive a 10% discount for preschool.
PADS Update - July 2021
Thanks to generous donations of food from Prince of Peace shoppers, we
have been providing healthy meal boxes for suburban homeless throughout
the pandemic.
Over 100 PADS guests have been housed in area hotels since last
April. As of now, there is no further information as to whether Journeys will
continue this program for the remainder of the summer. We will keep you
updated on the upcoming fall PADS season as discussions are underway
for safely reopening church sites that want to participate in shelter for the
homeless.
Journeys broke ground on June 7th for a new facility providing year-round, 24-hour comprehensive
client support, shelter and permanent housing. Services will include long-term case management,
primary healthcare, substance abuse treatment, vocational development and ongoing food assis-
tance. The 2 story building will also include year-round shelter with separate accommodations for
men, women and families, plus onsite permanent affordable apartment units. With the growing de-
mand for emergency and ongoing assistance throughout the region, this building will provide much
needed hope and care for area homeless. To learn more, visit their website at jour-
neystheroadhome.org
6
Stephen Ministry
Ooooh . . . Ahhh
By Janet Ichida
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. Ephesians 4:26
A major part of Fourth of July celebrations is the brilliant fireworks
that light the night sky with bursts of color and explosive charges. My
enthusiasm spills over with “ooooh’s” and “ahhhh’s” of these explo-
sive, dazzling wonders. How can they possibly fill a tube with chemi-
cal mixtures that will form a smiley face or lips in the nighttime? I’m
an ardent fan of ones that completely fill the sky with color changing
from purple to gold. Bob watches for the sparkle of waterfalls while
Stephanie likes the booms you can feel in your heart. My eldest
grandson shows a rare aggressive side preferring the ones that loud-
ly pop at people’s feet while my Oliver likes the good old sparkler.
(You did know I was a grandma, didn’t you?)
Half of fireworks is the waiting. The sky needs to be dark enough to truly enjoy the effects of
these pyrotechnic explosions. I bet the vast majority of us have spent many hours sitting out on
blankets, watching the antics of the young and old alike while imbibing a favorite beverage or
two. Fireworks are part of tradition; we tend to go to the same displays sitting in the same
spots for years. We can complain about mosquitos, dislike the heat and crowds but become
mesmerized at the first boom. You can actually feel the excitement as you await the “ooooh’s”
and” ahhhh’s” of those around you.
It’s kind of amusing to realize that we are far from the happy frenzy of night time explosions
when loud outbursts happen within our own walls. My father was an alcoholic. I feared his en-
trance into my childhood home after he sipped more than a few of his favorite beverages. A
sudden pall descended when we heard the garage door go up as we waited for the aggressive
ugliness. Another acquaintance of mine was mild and almost meek until the hands of jealousy
gripped his soul. You prayed to be away from these explosions. I still do my best to avoid any
and all conflict in the relationships around me.
It’s devastating to me to realize that there are many of us with similar backgrounds. Fiends like
alcohol, unemployment, jealousy, monetary issues and envy cause explosions around us. In-
stead of bright colorful lights in the sky, verbal and physical outbursts can be all too common.
Chronic pain can bring people to the end of their ropes and detonate a spasm felt straight to
our hearts and souls. Frustration ignites behaviors feared by many.
This July, I pray you will get your opportunity to “ooooh” and “ahhh” at the colorful beauty that
sizzles and pops aloft as we celebrate the birthday of our nation. When you’re transfixed on
the fireworks in that night sky, know that God is watching over you. He has provided our con-
gregation with trained lay persons who are ready to meet with you virtually or in-person to dis-
cuss the explosions in your life. Go to God in prayer and then seriously consider getting more
information about the Stephen Ministry program. It’s free and confidential! It’s time for you to
talk about the explosions around you until they fizzle to the wind! Give us a call!
Linda Heisel Janet Ichida Pam Johnson Mary Simonis
(312) 209-2869 (630) 307-8336 (847) 382-7521 (847) 571-2541
7
Board of Youth Scrip Fundraiser
The Board of Youth is offering a year-round fundraiser for PoP Youth through Scrip. Scrip is a com-
pany that provides a means to purchase gift cards from over 750 restaurants, gas stations, stores
and more. Gift cards can be delivered to your home or sent electronically to your recipients (Ecards).
Never forget to “shop” for a gift again. A percentage of each gift card purchased will go towards all of
our youth programs, retreats and National Youth Gathering.
In order to purchase gift cards you need to go to their website, enroll and create your profile. You
will be able to order through out the year using this same profile. Click on: Enroll
(shopwithscrip.com). In order for Prince of Peace to receive the funds you must enter the following
enrollment code: FL937A3E82873. Click register, create a username and password and fill in the
necessary information (note: you can skip the student name/classroom questions). You only need to
do these steps the first time you visit the site. It’s easiest to register from a computer or tablet the
first time. After that...shop away!
Please consider shopping with Scrip and helping to fund Prince of Peace Youth programs!
From the Board of Stewardship:
Hello Prince of Peace Family from the Board of Stewardship.
You may recall if you attended worship on April 18th of this year the temple talk given by Tim Urness.
Tim Urness is the Regional Gift Planner for the ELCA Foundation for Illinois. Tim is an integral team
member of the ELCA Foundation. Tim is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and secur-
ing new, ongoing, and planned gifts from individuals in support of synods, congregations, and the
ELCA.
What can a Regional Gift Planner do for you? Assist Lutherans in reaching their Charitable Goals and
Cultivate planned gifts as part of an Estate Plan.
In addition to a Bequest in your Will or Estate Plan, there are many ways to create a lasting legacy. If
you have a Donor Advised Fund, you or your heirs can direct a gift to a charity once per year. Gifts to a
Donor Advised Fund are tax deductible* according to IRS regulations and the money grows tax free. If
you don’t have a Donor Advised Fund already, Tim Urness with the ELCA Foundation can help you
start one. Donor Advised Funds are a great way to involve family members in charitable giving deci-
sions and stewardship. If you have felt good about supporting Prince of Peace during your lifetime, con-
sider how you can make Prince of Peace a part of your legacy by talking with Tim.
You can contact Tim Urness at 331-444-3120 or tim.urness@elca.org.
*Tax benefits depend on individual circumstances. Consult with your tax advisor or accountant for spe-
cific benefits.
8
Schaumburg Township Food Pantry
We are all so excited vacation time has come and things are open-
ing again. But for many in our community, the need to feed families
is still there. I urge you all to add a few items to your shopping list
and drop off in the bins in the fellowship hall. Yes, the bins are back
and waiting to be filled. As you can see, there is a great need for
beans, in all colors, dry and canned. Pantry supply has been de-
pleted. It is a great source of good, inexpensive protein. As al-
ways, I thank you for generosity and love to our community. Have a
safe summer.
This list can always be found on the church website under Board of Serving Ministries.
July 2021 Food List
• dry pinto beans, red kidney beans, navy • condiments such as ketchup, mustard,
beans, black beans, great northern white mayo, barbeque sauce, relish, pickles, sal-
beans ad dressing, mushrooms, gravy, olives,
• dry lentils seasonings
• canned black beans, kidney beans, refried • baking items such as Jiffy Mix, cake mix,
beans, chick peas frosting, oil, sugar, flour, baking soda
• pasta Roni • shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodor-
• white or brown rice ant, toothpaste, shave cream, razors
• large 19 oz. canned soups (Progresso, • baby diapers (sizes 3, 4, 5, 6), wipes
Campbell’s Chunky) • paper towels, tissue, toilet paper
• boxed pasta noodles • fresh fruit such as apples, oranges, Cuties,
• jarred pasta sauce (Ragu, Prego, etc.) bananas, grapes, strawberries, blueberries,
• canned spinach, beets, asparagus, sauer- grapefruit, kiwis, peaches, pears, plums,
kraut, zucchini, carrots, lima beans melons, etc.
• canned pineapple, apricots, plums, cranber- • fresh vegetables such as green beans,
ry sauce, applesauce, mandarin oranges broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, as-
• canned meat (chicken, turkey, ham, Spam, paragus, spinach, lettuce, cauliflower,
etc.) beets, kale, mushrooms, etc.
• cream soups (chicken, mushroom, celery) • refrigerated items such as butter, yogurt,
• raisins, trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, granola cheese, orange juice, etc.
bars • frozen Items such as frozen vegetables, fro-
• pudding, Jell-O zen fruit, frozen boxed meals, waffles, etc.
• bottled juice, juice boxes
9
Prince of Peace Book Club - July
by Kathy Tweeten
The Prince of Peace Book Club will meet July 30, 2021 via zoom at 10 AM. If re-
strictions for COVID have changed by that time, I will send out a note for
us to meet at church. We’ll be reading Fifty Words for Rain by Asha
Lemmie. In post World War II Japan, Nori, the illegitimate daughter of a
Japanese aristocrat and a Black American GI, is hidden
away to conceal the family shame. All Nori knows is the
attic she is confined to until she meets her legitimate half-
brother, Akira. This complicated story is about shame
and the need for acceptance.
Questions, please call Kathy Tweeten at 847-971-0192 or email kat8@aol.com
POP GOLFERS
The 2021 Annual Church Golf Outing is scheduled.
While we continue waiting to see pandemic improvement with current vaccine distributions, it is
hoped that by August many ways of our lives will be more in line with 2019. However, the future is
still unsure. With that said, we remain positive and have scheduled the 2021 Annual Prince of Peace
Golf Outing - Saturday August 14, 2021. As in the past, we will tee it up with our friends from
Christus Victor Lutheran Church at The Bridges of Poplar Creek. The current plan is to just play golf,
but we are considering some type of social gathering afterwards, depending upon the pandemic
conditions in August. So, if you are interested in playing, please note this date on your calendar. The
golf committee will continue monitoring the pandemic impact and provide future updates via the Tid-
ings. If you have any questions, suggestion or wish to join us, please let me know - Doug Beshears
(630-991-3597).
HELP WANTED - Read To Learn Adult Literacy Volunteers
New Tutor Training will be held in late August. Call (847) 718-7724 to register.
We meet at Prince of Peace on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30 to 3:00PM for 10 weeks in the
Fall, and for 10 weeks in the Spring.
Any questions? Call Pam Johnson (847)382-7521.
102nd Saturday Date Night
July 10, 2021
Summer Breeze is the place to be for our July gathering. We will continue to enjoy the
outdoor music venues – this time at “Schravinia” located on the grounds of the Prai-
rie Center for the Arts. Maggie Speaks is the band. They will begin at 7pm, and we
will gather at 6pm. Bring your own chair, favorite summer beverage, dinner or
snacks. Hope to see you there!! RSVP to help us know who to look for and how much space to
“save”; please text Jill at 847-754-7657.
**Mark your calendars – August date night will be held on the 3rd Saturday, August 21st. Details to
come!
Save the Dates!!
Deaf Ministry “Dine to Donate” Fundraiser Events:
Wednesday July 21, 2021 Village Tavern All Day
Wednesday August 11, 2021 Lou Malnati’s All Day
Wednesday September 8, 2021 Garibaldi’s All Day
Wednesday October 13, 2021 Buona Beef All Day
Be on the lookout for fundraiser flyers on our Prince of Peace Facebook page to use for ordering
your meals during these event dates.
Adult Learning Opportunities
Passages meets through Zoom - contact Karen Wagner at wagner@princeofpeace.net for Zoom
meeting codes.
Men’s Bible Study meets through Zoom—contact Tom Pfeifer at jets820@comcast.net for meet-
ing codes.
Rebekah Circle - meets through Zoom, the 3rd Wednesday of the month
at 1:00PM. Please contact Elaine Scholtes or Pam Johnson for meeting
information.
Other groups are cancelled until we are allowed to be together again.
Please contact the church office at 847/885-7010 for more information.
Prince of Peace Mission Statement
Love God – Follow Jesus – Invite All
11Tidings Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church PAID
A Reconciling Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
Schaumburg, IL
930 West Higgins Road Permit No. 36
Schaumburg, IL 60195
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Worship Schedule:
Upcoming Events (regular services are currently suspended)
Live streaming via Facebook on Sundays at 9:45 am
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church of Schaumburg
June 27 - Pastor Hellstedt’s Last Sunday
Pastor Hellstedt’s Retirement Picnic Prince of Peace Staff – Here to Serve!
June 30 - Pastor Hellstedt’s last day at PoP Retiring Pastor Peter Hellstedt
July 12 - 16 - Virtual VBS - streamed on FB Incoming Pastor Erin Clausen
Director of Discipleship Karen Wagner
July 25 - Pastor Erin Clausen’s first service Director of Music Scott Uddenberg
August 14 - PoP Golf Outing Organist Collin Crowl
Preschool & Kindergarten Director Lisa Isaacs
Church Secretary Sonia DeLuca
Nursery Attendants: Lore Mueller
Stay Safe Donna Beall
Sarah Biancalana
Yvonne Preston
Tidings Editor Leslie Beck
Prince of Peace Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phone: 847/885-7010 FAX: 847/885-0211 Preschool Phone: 847/885-7036
Email: church@princeofpeace.net Web Page: www.princeofpeace.net
Editorial Note: The August 2021 Tidings deadline is
Monday, July 12, 2021 at 9AM.
We welcome submissions by email (Tidings@princeofpeace.net), faxed, typed or
legibly handwritten.
If you would like to receive your monthly Tidings Newsletter via email, please
submit your email address to the church office, 847-885-7010 or
church@princeofpeace.net.You can also read
