Greetings

Do you remember or have you heard of Schoolhouse Rock? Schoolhouse Rock was a set of musical educational tv short films that taught a lesson or passed on information (they ran in the 70s and 80s with a brief revival in the 90s). I had two favorites, one about how a Bill becomes a Law (I’m Just a Bill) and “a magic number,” Three is a Magic Number!

My mind flashes to that song often in September. This September it pops up every time I watch Sports Center. The Cubs have a magic number. In baseball the magic number is the combinations of wins by the first place team and losses by those in pursuit that will bring a championship. The Cubs have a magic number.

I was raised in Detroit. Like most major league cities we only had one baseball team. I was raised an American League fan and it didn’t matter a whole lot who won in the other league. Now I live in the Chicago area, I have an interest in both leagues. This nonsense about not being able to cheer for the Sox AND the Cubs is silly. It is possible to like both Burger King and Arby’s, why not both baseball teams?

Besides, the Cubs have a magic number, and it is exciting. The Championship chase is exciting in any sport, in any career, in every life. Success is cool. The excitement of a 9th inning victory raises our spirits and gives us a rush of adrenaline. Watching the scoreboard when our opponents’ loss is posted gives us a spike of energy and drives us to enjoy the next deep breath.

All of us are called to a Championship chase. In baseball we are assured of 162 games. In the Christian’s race to the finish line we don’t have the luxury of a printed schedule. We need to score runs early and often. We need to roll up the victories in the early part of the schedule and never let up. Scoreboard watching has its’ place but the one in pursuit of us will never be eliminated.

Our magic number is one, the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit who assures us victory, not through magic or luck, but through the sacrifice that pays for our redemption. That knowledge that victory, that championship lasts for all time!

School News

The 9th Annual Walther Karen Erjavec Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing was a enjoyed by a sold out crowd at the Royal Fox Country Club in St. Charles. A special thanks to all of our golfers, donors and dinner guests. Some sponsors we’ve not mentioned yet in eNews & Notes include Kim Guiliano, Ryba's Fudge Shops (Orland Park), Ms. Leanne Digan of EuroBrands (Brookfield), Ms. Amy Guiliano of Panera Bread (Naperville) and Ken Schlotfeldt of Badger Air-Brush (Franklin Park). We are looking for committee members for next year’s event. Contact Anita Ward at 708.344.0404 to get involved.

The Walther Boosters have just authorized the purchase of a second 25-passenger van to transport our students. The work of this dedicated group of parents and friends is a sign of the commitment that makes the success of our school possible. The purchase of the van is also a demonstration of the faith the group has in the people of Walther. Current funds availed will cover about 90% of the $55,000 purchase. If you would like to support this effort, you can send a check to the school or make a gift online designated for the Boosters Wheels for Walther drive – CLICK HERE!

On Monday September 24, 2007 Walther will host the annual Grade School Cross Country meet at Thatcher woods. This is only one of the many events that we host as a sign of our commitment to the system of Lutheran Education. The 2007-2008 student body comes to us from 57 different zip codes and we seek to serve as many of their grade schools as possible as a sign of our partnership in the education of a new generation of leaders.

The restructuring of the Walther Lutheran High School Association has begun. We have brought our Walther Foundation on line. The Walther Lutheran Academy @Forest Park is open with more than 110 students. We have begun to see the fruits of the partnership that will serve the youth of our congregations. Things are happening. The reorganization will be fueled by hundreds of volunteers of all ages and from many different churches, both Lutheran and non Lutheran. Parents and friends, grads and the parents of grads will be needed to fill the volunteer leadership programs that will help to expand and extend our ministry. If you wish to be a part of the exciting Walther future contact our school office. For seventeen years, Walther students have been fighting hunger by participating in the Proviso Area Crop Walk. You can sponsor the Walther walking team with an online donation – CLICK HERE

Alumni News

The Class of 1972 reunion was held on Saturday, September 15, hosted by Peggy Larry DiFazio at her home. Reunion cochair Debbie Schumacher Wanderer was excited to see so many of her classmates turn out. Debbie Hoger Montgomery brought along photos from the group’s time at Walther. It was a trip down memory lane! The favorite shots included: the best looking legs contest, Homecoming and various sports teams. Alumni from Michigan, West Virginia, Minnesota, Oregon, Tennessee and all over the Chicago area were in attendance.

The Class of 1992 is set for their Homecoming 2007 reunion party at Seven Ten Lanes in Elmhurst. Chris Edwards and Aaron Villarreal are looking forward to hearing from their classmates for this milestone 15th reunion year! The big night is Saturday, October 13 from 8 p.m. to midnight. The cost is $30 per person.

If you’re in the Class of '57, '62, '67, '77, '82, '87, '97, '02 – it’s YOUR SPECIAL REUNION YEAR! CLICK HERE for details on reunions and all the Homecoming 2007 activities.

Go Bo! The Chicago Tribune sports page featured Walther alumnus Bo Flowers ’02. CLICK HERE to read the news.

God’s blessings

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