First News is a monthly publication of: First Lutheran Church 1200 Pinecrest Court, Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 622-3022 firstlutheran@sbcglobal.net www.first4others.org Pastor Mark Haas…………………....(530) 344-9410 Vicar Kevin Foley...............................(530) 903-3102 Church Office………………………..(530) 622-3022 Editor Donna Kemppainen ………….(530)622-3022

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First News

F i r s t Lu the ran Chu r ch LCMS Mar ch 2016

Mon th ly Newsle t t e r

VOL. 136 NO.3

F i r st L u th eran Church LCMS 1200 P in ecrest Cour t P l a cerv i l l e , CA 95667

P hone 530 622 - 3022 ema i l : f i r s t lu theran@sbcg l oba l . net

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A Rabbit-Tale for March 2016

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Today is Wednesday, February 24, 2016. My wall calendar from Thrivent says it is the day we com-memorate the life of St. Matthias! You remember him, right? The Apostle who was selected to replace Judas Iscariot…chosen by the casting of lots, right? And that’s all we know about him other than he was numbered with the eleven other Apostles! It would be difficult to write a biography about Matthias, since it would all be speculation! Maybe he needs his own “Rabbit-Tale” column!

About three weeks ago, if you were driving from Placerville west on US 50, you might have noticed that the exit sign for Greenstone Road was beginning to peel…the white lettering on the green background just under the word Greenstone looked as if someone had torn the background and was attempting to remove it! And then we had that extremely windy Wednesday evening that took that same sign and nearly ripped it off its posts and actually turned the sign upside down! Did you see it? By use of forceful winds, it was a sign of spring for me…a month early, as spring doesn’t officially arrive until March 20: Palm Sunday this year! Usually Easter occurs in April, but there are enough times when it is celebrated in March that even Easter is a sign of spring!

Signs of spring…here are a few to consider! Our semi-annual clock adjustment comes on March 13 this year when we “spring forward” one hour in time! We lose an hour of sleep and the routine of reset-ting our clocks in the car or on the oven-range or the cuckoo clock and clock radio is necessary or we’ll be late for worship that day…right! Even though Daylight Savings Time comes annually in both the spring and fall, it amazes me that some forget to make the adjustment! It’s a sign of spring!

Another sign of spring is the season of Lent! In older usages of the English language, the term “Lent” originated from a word form that meant a “lengthening” of sunlight coming out of the darkness of win-ter (reflecting death) and opening up to light (meaning new life on Easter).

And another sign of spring is the opening of spring training camps for baseball in Florida and Arizona! All of the 30 Major League Baseball teams have reported for spring training and begun the team exer-cises to get back in shape for another pennant race culminating with a World Series in October. And who will you be cheering for this year? One opportunity this sign of spring gives me to plan for…is in “retirement” I hope to attend spring training games in 2017 in Arizona, following the “even year” Giant’s victory!

And yet another sign of spring, this year…yesterday when I went home for lunch, my son, Gregory, had left a note for me that said he would see me the next morning as he was going camping at Sly Park! The weather has been too warm for winter, so camping must be a sign of spring…hopefully we will have a very wet March and “winter into spring” will be memorable as another step in ending the drought! As it turned out, Gregory came home for breakfast with apple donuts from Apple Hill! Very good!

In 1859, Charles Dickens published his novel: A Tale of Two Cities. The opening sentences regarding the effects of the French Revolution on the cities of London and Paris sound remarkably current:

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"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolish-

ness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the

season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before

us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other

way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted

on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.”

As technology has made it instantly clear to us, an event in a remote location of the world can be known almost as soon as it happens! So, we know what ISIS is doing in the Middle East, daily! We are affected in our news reporting of downed aircraft, fires and earthquakes, shootings and kidnappings of children! We get heavy portions of political ramifications of yesterday’s primary voting, the predictions of a Supreme Court nomination, and the winnowing of the field of potential candidates for President…a field that may or may not be liked by a majority of the populace. It’s a sign of spring that by the end of March, the final candidates could already be in place for a long, bitter, election cycle. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times….”

As time goes by, I hear more and more often from folks around church that the end of time is upon us…just look at the news for assurance! We’re obviously closer than yesterday. The signs of the times: spring, summer, winter and fall are to not scare but to encourage us that our Lord and Savior is in con-trol and on His Father’s time frame for the ultimate salvation of the world and creation! We as Christians know that Lent leads to Easter Resurrection, from death to life, whenever it arrives. It is good news for us… “It is the ‘Best’ of times!” Lent, this season of repentance, gives way to “grace,” as only God in His mercy can provide: Jesus, dying on a cross to forgive us for all of our sins, so that when death or the end of time arrives for us, we can be certain of our forgiveness of sins and with that forgiveness comes rescue from evil and the fulfillment of the promise of our eternal life and salvation in heaven! It’s a sign of spring that as daylight lengthens so does our opportunity to not only reflect on eternity, but also step up and help an unbelieving friend and neighbor, or family member to be introduced to Jesus! We join Jesus on His mission by our outreach and sharing of faith that has been so freely given to us! As Greg Finke quotes Eugene Peterson: “It is a long obedience in the same direction!”

A few days ago, when I went home for lunch, I noticed that all of the trees lining my street were sud-denly white with blossoms for future leaves. It must be a sign of spring! Today’s “Portals of Prayer” devo-tion spoke of God’s will for our lives: that we believe in Jesus and have eternal life! The devotion con-cluded, “We pray that we would believe in Jesus no matter what the Lord brings us today, tomorrow, or next year!” It must be a sign of spring that we are reminded that our Father is in charge and that even the creation and its seasons reassure us of God’s good and gracious will and His undying love for us in Christ Jesus! Have a great kick off for spring…see you on Easter!

Yours in Christ’s service,

Pastor Mark Haas, Soli Deo Gloria

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 7p OA Meeting

2 8:15a NIA Exercise 9a Walking Group 10a Fellowship Meeting 6p A.A. 6p Soup Supper 7p Lenten Worship

3 10a Joy in the Word Bible Study 5:30p BHG Practice 7p Al-Anon

4 8:15a NIA Exercise

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6 8a BHG Practice 8a Adult Bible Study 9a Contemporary Worship 9:15a Adult Bible Study 9:15a Sunday School 10:30a Traditional Worship w/Holy Communion Noon Confirmation 1p R.O.C.K. 7p A.A

7 8:15a NIA Exercise 9a Walking Group 5:15p Bells of Praise 6p Property Board 5:30p Bible Study on Revelation John Mooney 6:30p Jubilate

8 7p OA Meeting

9 8:15a NIA Exercise 9a Walking Group 6p A.A 6p Soup Supper 7p Lenten Worship.

10 7:30a Men’s Breakfast 10a Joy in the Word Bible Study 3:30p Upper Room 5:30p BHG Practice 7p Al-Anon

11 8:15a NIA Exercise 5:30p KBS

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13 8a BHG Practice 8a Adult Bible Study 9a Contemporary Worship w/Holy Communion 9:15a Adult Bible Study 9:15a Sunday School 10:30a Traditional Worship Noon Confirmation 1p R.O.C.K 6:30p A.A

14 8:15a NIA Exercise 9a Walking Group 5:15p Bells of Praise 5:30p Bible Study on Revelation John Mooney 6:30p Jubilate

15 7p OA Meeting

16 8:15a NIA Exercise 9a Walking Group 6p A.A. 6p Soup Supper 7p Lenten Worship

17 10a Joy in the Word Bible Study 5:30p BHG Practice 7p Al-Anon

18 8:15a NIA Exercise 9:30a Quilters

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20 8a BHG Practice 8a Adult Bible Study 9a Contemporary Worship 9:15a Adult Bible Study 9:15a Sunday School 10:30a Traditional Worship w/Holy Communion Noon Confirmation 1p R.O.C.K. 6:30p A.A

21 8:15a NIA Exercise 9a Walking Group 5:15p Bells of Praise 5:30p Bible Study on Revelation John Mooney 6:30p Jubilate

22 7p OA Meeting

23 8:15a NIA Exercise 9a Walking Group 6p A.A

24 7:30a Men’s Breakfast 10a Joy in the Word Bible Study Noon Maundy Thursday Worship 5:30p BHG Practice 7p . Maundy Thursday Worship 7p Al-Anon

25 8:15a NIA Exercise 9:30a Quilters Noon Good Friday Worship 7p Good Friday Worship

26 Noon to midnight Easter Prayer Vigil

27 6:30a Easter Sunrise w/Holy Communion 7:40a Continental Breakfast 9a Traditional Worship 10:30a Traditional Worship 6:30p A.A

28 8:15a NIA Exercise 9a Walking Group 3p Stephen Ministry 5:15p Bells of Praise 5:30p Bible Study on Revelation John Mooney 6:30p Jubilate

29 30 31

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2016

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COMING AND CONTINUING IN MARCH 2016

LENTEN SEASON 2016

Join us in our annual Lenten walk to Calvary and then the Easter empty tomb!

Weekly soup suppers at 6 PM, followed by worship services at 7 PM.

This year’s theme is … Places of the Passion!

Maundy Thursday worship……….. noon and 7:00pm

Good Friday worship……………….noon and 7:00pm

No soup suppers prior to any of the above services

Join us in preparation for the great day of our deliverance from sin, death, and the power of the devil and the basis of our faith: Easter! JOINING JESUS ON HIS MISSION

HOW TO BECOME AN EVERYDAY MISSIONARY

There are Five Questions and Five Practices for Missional Communities:

1. How did you see God at work in your life this week?

2. What has God been teaching you in His Word?

3. What kind of conversations are you having with pre-Christians?

4. What good can we do around here?

5. How can we help you in prayer?

WEEKLY SPECIAL OFFERING BASKETS

Week 1 S.H.A.R.E. Week 2 Upper Room Week 3 H.E.L.P. Week 4 Nomadic Winter Shelter

The free-will offering basket for each of these entities is located at the usher’s table in the Narthex. Watch for a favorite or donate to all! Your gifts are gratefully received! Thank you!

MEN’S BREAKFAST Hey guys! Mark your calendar for the second and fourth Thursdays (March 10…and 24) at 7:30 AM! You are invited to a breakfast for guys held at the Golden Waffle Café on Broad-way, hosted by Ken Freese. Come to talk about spiritual and social issues, vintage cars, likes and dis-

likes, the Bible, and what’s ailing you! Join us for food and talk!

Walk with us to the Empty Tomb!

EASTER SERVICES 2016

Join us Sunday, March 27, 2016 for a Sunrise Service at 6:30 AM (highlighted with Holy Communion), followed by a continental breakfast at 7:40 AM, and then Easter services at 9:00 and 10:30 AM, featuring our Jubilate and

Hand Bell Choirs!

REVITALIZATION FUND We continue to receive donations to the “Revitalization Fund.” You may re-call that our stewardship program (2011) involved these items…Financial Growth by Three Means: (1) Commitment to tithing, (2) Increased contributions annually, and (3) Specific pledges to the Re-vitalization Fund. This Fund is designated for staffing salary and new programming beyond our budgeted items. Thank you for your considerations and any special donations, especially as we have taken on the Vicar’s salary and benefits! The Fund is currently around $58K! LUTHERAN TELEVISION

If you are looking for an LCMS television program, and you have DirecTV satellite program-ming, every Sunday morning at 8:30 AM on Channel 377 (TCT-Total Christian Television) broadcasts from Concordia Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, a 30 minute program of les-sons, choir, prayers and sermon called “Worship for Shut-Ins” is an option for you. If you need to miss a Sunday, try the program out! It is only available in the Placerville area on Di-

recTV.

Pastor Paul Janke shared this pray-er with us via email. Very good words to live by!

Concordia Wind Orchestra

Saturday, March 5 at 8:00pm

Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament 1017 11th Street, Sacramento

Free Admission– Freewill Offering Donations will go to support Cathedral social service ministries. See poster on bulletin board in Narthex

Lutheran High School

The Revenge of the Space Pandas. March 11-12 at 7pm

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5.00 for stu-dents. This family friendly comedy is the whimsical story of a boy, who is an inventor, and his two friends – Vivian and Bob, the sheep. With the invention of his two-speed clock, our three adventurers travel through time to Crestview, the Capital of a land 50 light years away. Its ruler, wants to detain them from returning home because he wants to keep Bob and make a sweater out of him. Will our trio be able to get back home in time for lunch? Contact the school at 691-2277 for any questions or for information.

Lent is a season of repentance. Re-pentance is turning away from sin, while we turn toward God for the forgiveness of sins. During Lent, we hear the Word of God and con-sider our lives in light of it. We confess our failures, and receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, and then commit ourselves to do better.

What does God say about giving to the Church? The Bible tells us. Our giving should be first fruits giving (Genesis 4:4; Proverbs 3:9). Our giving should be regular, on the first day of week, which has the Divine Service in mind (1 Corinthi-ans 6:1–2). Our giving should be proportional: according to our in-come (1 Corinthians 16:1–2), ac-cording to what we have been giv-en (2 Corinthians 8:12; Luke 12:48), our giving should be given with a spirit of eagerness and en-thusiasm (2 Corinthians 9:2), gen-erosity and liberality (2 Corinthians 8:20), cheerfully without compul-sion (2 Corinthians 9:7). Our giv-ing should be directed to those who teach us (Galatians 6:6–7) because a laborer is worthy of his hire, and we all know the going rate of such laborers in our communities (Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18).

Now consider your own giving in light of the Bible’s teaching. Are you giving of your first fruits, tak-ing it out of your paycheck first, or does God get what’s left over? Are you giving voluntarily and cheer-fully? Are you giving proportional-

ly and generously? Are you giving with eagerness and enthusiasm? Are you giving to your local con-gregation, sharing all good things with the one who teaches you? If your answer to any of these is “No,” then repent. Turn away from your sin and toward God for for-giveness. Confess your failure. Re-ceive absolution. And commit to do better. We know that the Spirit is willing but our flesh is weak. We believe, and we pray that God, through Word and Sacrament, would help our unbelief, our lack of trust in His ability to provide.

And this is precisely what God promises. This is what St. Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth: ““The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under com-pulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may about in every good work. As it is written, ‘He has dis-tributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for-ever.’ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will sup-ply and multiply your seed for sow-ing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all your generosi-ty, which through us will produce

thanksgiving to God” (2 Cor 9:6–15).

St. Paul tells us that the Lord of all will both supply and increase what you need to give to the church for its work in and for the world. He tells us that this work that God is doing in us will enrich and bless us in every way and through this it will produce thanksgiving to God. Everyone benefits. We will be blessed in our giving, and it will produce thanksgiving to God in those who receive it.

Giving to the church is not a bur-den, just like all of God’s teaching (1 John 5:2–4). They are not a bur-den because of He who gives it: the God who loves us and gave His only Son to die so that we may live. He loved us in that He sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons. . . . So we are no longer slaves, but sons, and if a son, then an heir through God (Galatians 4:4–5, 7). We are heirs. We receive the full rights of sons, a status that Christ our Lord achieved for us by His death, resurrection, and ascen-sion.

So we strive to do what He asks because we are His children. And when we don’t, we repent. We con-fess our sins. We receive absolu-tion. We desire to do better, pray-ing that God would work in us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

March 2016—L.C.M.S. Stewardship

Lutheran High School Auction!

Buy your ticket now to Lutheran High School’s annual Gala Dinner & Auction! The theme this year is “Music Is a Gift of God” and it will take place on Saturday, April 9,

2016 at the Sunrise Event Center in Rancho Cordova. Tickets are $50 per person or you can sponsor a table at various levels. If you would like to buy a ticket or want more information you can call the school office at (916) 691-2277 or email ip-owers@lhselkgrove.com. Friends, Neighbors & Alumni are welcomed! There will be a hosted bar, fine food, entertainment, silent & live auctions, and fellowship.

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Living Counter-Culturally

As Christians who have been redeemed by Christ and the cross which is a “stumbling block to the Jew and folly to the Gentiles.” (1 Cor. 1:23) The

preaching of the gospel and Christ crucified is foolishness and craziness to our world. The Apostle Paul stood before King Agrippa and Festus giving his testimony, and Festus inter-rupts him in Acts 26 and tells him he is “out of his mind.”

My question for you is does the world look at you and say, “You are out of your mind?” Is your faith life and dedication to your Lord Jesus Christ so obvious that the world looks at you and thinks man he or she is really nuts. Do they see the amount of time you spend reading the Word of God, praying and going to church and bible study and think, he is real-ly different. Do they see the way that you treat others and think man she lives differently than everyone else. Do they look at you and think we need more people in the world like him, he’s different. Or do they look at you and think, nope there is nothing different at all about you, you are just like everyone else.

I am NOT saying that we should or need to broadcast our spiritual life to others, how much time we spend in prayer or scripture, no scripture actually says we should pray in private. Nor should we try and get our good deeds noticed so that others will think more of us. That is not the point. However with that being said, we are called to live differently than the rest of the world. And honestly, although we are not flaunting it, if the world is watching, they should see Christ in you and in the way that you live your life.

We have been saved by the suffering and death of Jesus Christ and his resurrection from the dead. This is how we are saved, but the gospel should also change us, and as God’s children we are called to live differently than the rest of the world. That our light might so shine before men, that they might see our good works and GIVE GLORY TO OUR FA-THER WHO IS IN HEAVEN! We are called to live in such a way that others would see God’s working in us. Live in such a way that the world takes notice.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the

gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workman-

ship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared

beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

Board of Trustees

March 2016 Newsletter Report

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. 1 John 3:16niv

On January 31st we held a special Voters’ Assembly meeting which was attended by 64 mem-bers. That was an excellent turnout and it was very pleasing to see. Two items were on the agen-da; the first was an issue of critical importance. The motion was to call our Vicar, Kevin Foley to be our senior pastor upon his successful completion of seminary and the retirement of our current pastor, Mark Haas; both of which take place in July of this year. The outcome was a resounding “YES”.

Our Circuit Visitor, Rev. John Paul Meyer helped lead the discussion and also explained that we won’t know for absolute certain until the seminary and Council of Presidents for our synod vote to approve this call when they meet in April. I was instructed to write a cover letter to submit along with our call application. (A copy of my letter is included on the next page).

I feel the Lord truly guided us in this process. Shortly over one year ago the BOT was struggling to find a part-time Youth Leader, Pastor Mark had retirement thoughts for the future, yet not knowing how his health would be, the date was a moving target and then a member approached me and suggested we may be better off looking for an Assistant Pastor, and that my friends, is how this all began. One could say we dodged a bullet of sorts but I honestly believe the Lord orches-trated the events for the greater purpose of His (our) church. Thanks be to God!!

The second agenda item was to accept the congregation’s preference on financing a new solar panel system for our building. The approval was to take the funds from the church savings ac-count rather than pay for financing the project. The caveat is, each month, (once the system is operational), we will pay ourselves back by transferring the cost difference of our typical utility bill back into that same savings account. It is estimated we should break even in 7-9 years. Once again I would like to thank Steve Kemppainen and the rest of the Property Board for their research and bringing this topic to the Board.

On a different matter, Ken Freese, Pastor Mark and I met with Rev. Ted Hartman to discuss where our focus should lie regarding our new 5-Year Strategic Plan. We will discuss this at our next Board meeting on February 23, 2016 (today).

Respectfully submitted- Laurie M Hertzberg – President Board of Trustees 626-7464

We are taking a survey. Do you read your newsletter? _____ Do you find it informational?_____?

Is there something not in it that you would like to see?__________?

What is your favorite, go to page? ____________________?

Would you rather receive it via email? ________? Clip this and drop it in the offering plate, it will help us to know what you like or don’t like about it! Thank you

Dear Distinguished Members of the Selecting Committee: It is with great enthusiasm I write this letter on behalf of the congregation to whom I serve. One year ago we learned our current pastor; Mark Haas was planning his retirement for July 2016. With the ability to foresee, we requested a colloquy vicar with the prayers he would be God’s an-swer to a dilemma we could face – that of being without a spiritual leader.

Dr. John Reynolds of Concordia Seminary blessed us with the placement of Vicar Kevin Foley. Our specific need was for someone who had the talent to reach out to our youth and to outreach to our community. Vicar Foley holds a BA degree in Christian education, has an extensive back-ground as a DCE and worked oversees with the LCMS World Mission.

Vicar Foley has faithfully served our congregation since August 1, 2015. He immediately took over the responsibilities as our Youth Leader and conducts the Lamb Sermons every Sunday. His warm personality and instinctive humor won the hearts of our children instantly. In truth, his Lamb Sermons grab the attention of all worshippers as we eagerly anticipate what story he is going to share next.

He is also scheduled to preach every other week, rotating the responsibility with Pastor Haas. It is most evident Vicar Foley prepares his message in great detail. He seldom uses notes and can frequently be found practicing in the sanctuary mid-week. He has delivered some of the finest messages I personally can ever recall. He takes his role seriously, but is able to laugh at himself. It is truly a redeeming quality that so few seem to possess. He has voiced new ideas and shared some exciting concepts he would like to implement when he becomes our new pastor. Our con-gregation takes our role as Christian servants to the community seriously. We are a very generous group but we need a leader who can take us beyond that of which we have already achieved. We faithfully believe Vicar Foley is that man. As evidence, the specially scheduled Voters’ Assem-bly meeting which was held to decide to call him was the largest turnout I have witnessed in the length I have been a member, and the vote was a unanimous decision to approve! As such, we implore you to honor our choice of calling Vicar Kevin Foley to become our new senior/sole pas-tor upon his successful completion of seminary, which coincides with Pastor Mark Haas’ retirement on July 31, 2016. We respectfully decline any other placement from the seminary graduates. In His service, Laurie McRae Hertzberg-President

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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!

Soup Supper

Joy in the Word Bible Class

Bunco

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The New Year, 2016, brought the church library a new, albeit anonymous, donation.

Early in January Two Wars We Must Not Lose appeared in the box for returned books but it was clear right away that it was a donation - it had no library stamp, category information or check-out card & envelope inside.

Two Wars We Must Not Lose was written by Bill Hecht, who received his B.A., B.D and Master of Di-vinity degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, Mt. Vernon, IL and as campus pastor at the University of Oklahoma. In 1967, he became executive di-rector of the Missouri State Republican Party and in 1969 served as vice president of the American Se-curity Council. In 1971, he became executive assistant to the chairman of the House Committee on In-ternal Security. He has been president of Hecht, Spencer & Associates since 1981. Among his many awards is the Miles Christi (Soldier of Christ) from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN.

This book was written in 2012 and carries the subtitle of “What Christians Need to Know About Radi-cal Islamists, Radical Secularists, and Why We Can’t Leave the Battle Up to Our Divided Govern-ment”.

The chapter titles include: “Living With the Most Secular President in U.S. History” “Modern-Day Muslims: Two Radically Different Views of Islam” “The Threat of Islamic Terrorists: A War We Dare Not Lose” “The Cultural War Being Waged by the Radical Secularists” “The Role Lutherans Can and Should Play in this Life and Death Struggle”.

Those are heavy topics but timely and the book is ready for checking out now. Thanks to whoever sent it our way.

The Library is for you – Check It Out!!

Marian, the Librarian

Letters to MarianMarianMarianMarian

March Birthdays

1 Ray Engler

3 Tom Davis

4 Maryanne Farley

5 Anne Hall

7 Phil Corson

Jean Haldamen

12 Donna Kemppainen

13 Liz Lawless

14 Andy Miller

15 Marcia Davis

Mindy Durand

Diane Lemke

Wendy Payton

16 Cameron Jones

18 Robert Kerr

Alice Ripley

26 Laurie Hertzberg

March Anniversaries

6 Bob & Gerry Henkell

22 Ray & Maureen Joannessen

25 Cameron & Sandy Jones

Rick & Pat Gundran

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PPPPrayer WWWWarriors CCCCorner –March 2016 Kathy Cass, Lay Prayer Minister

Shalom, my friends. If all goes to plan, this week there will be a flyer in the bulle�n promo�ng the Easter Prayer Vigil. The approach on

it is a li!le different and I wanted to expand on it. Just recently as I thought on the prayer vigil and making up the prayer pamphlet for

it, God gave me a new outlook on it and every �me we gather to worship Him. Whether we are actually taught or it is by inference

gathering for worship is something we give to God. But think about it. Who starts everything? Who brings us together? Is it not our

God? And what would it do to our worship experience if we thought of worship as par�es hosted by God to which He has invited us?

In the third chapter of Genesis, before sin entered into the picture, it appears God was daily in the habit of walking in the Garden of

Eden, experiencing Eden through their eyes. “Then the man and his wife heard the sound God the Lord God as He was walking in the “Then the man and his wife heard the sound God the Lord God as He was walking in the “Then the man and his wife heard the sound God the Lord God as He was walking in the “Then the man and his wife heard the sound God the Lord God as He was walking in the

garden in the cool of the day garden in the cool of the day garden in the cool of the day garden in the cool of the day –––– and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” Oh, so sad! God had intend they and us

should be in fellowship with Him! Now we are hiding from Him! He has given me the thought He s�ll desires to be in fellowship with us

- now. He does not want us to have to wait un�l heaven to be in fellowship with Him. What an amazing, loving God! When sin entered

in He did not give up on us. In spite of how bad we can be, He s�ll loves us and even before we reach perfec�on, He desires to spend

�me with us! Amazing!

So how about viewing every opportunity He gives us to worship Him as a party He is hos�ng to which He has invited us? What would What would What would What would

that do to our view and par�cipa�on in each Sunday service, Advent and Lenten service, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Goodthat do to our view and par�cipa�on in each Sunday service, Advent and Lenten service, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Goodthat do to our view and par�cipa�on in each Sunday service, Advent and Lenten service, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Goodthat do to our view and par�cipa�on in each Sunday service, Advent and Lenten service, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good FrFrFrFriday iday iday iday

services, prayer vigils, Christmas and especially Easter service?services, prayer vigils, Christmas and especially Easter service?services, prayer vigils, Christmas and especially Easter service?services, prayer vigils, Christmas and especially Easter service? Some of these commemora�ons do not seem to occasions to celebrate

but aren’t they?

They are ac�vi�es that no one should have to undertake, especially our God. However, our God determined they were necessary for

our salva�on, for the restora�on of our fellowship with Him. He celebrates them because were necessary for and accomplished His

Will! We should celebrate them because we are the recipients! And as I said before, He appears to not want to wait un�l we’re in

heaven to start the celebra�on.

My friends I am adding this part in long a9er I sent this ar�cle in because I thought I had finished it earlier in the month and sent in. But

our Lord gave me something more and I could think of no place other to add it while we were s�ll early in Lent. I have in the last few

weeks started saving the Sunday lessons inserts and using them in my daily devo�on/prayer �me. I confess while I try to honor our

God during the church service my connec�on with His Word at that �me is not as strong as when I read it over at my own pace and

meditate on it. I was reading over the Deuteronomy lesson from February 14 and our Lord put on my heart this something I should

share with you:

Deuteronomy 26:2 –you shall take some of all the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the Lord your you shall take some of all the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the Lord your you shall take some of all the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the Lord your you shall take some of all the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the Lord your

God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go to the place that the Lord your Godto the place that the Lord your Godto the place that the Lord your Godto the place that the Lord your God will choose, to make His Name will choose, to make His Name will choose, to make His Name will choose, to make His Name

dwell there.dwell there.dwell there.dwell there.

Any of you who have paid any a!en�on to the calls to Advent and Lenten services and the prayer vigils know that much of the empha-

sis has been on gathering in the church sanctuary. Just the joy and peace I have known and I am sure others of you also have known,

just put strongly in my heart that this is where we need to be. But I couldn’t tell you why. When I read this Deuteronomy verse above

God showed me the reason.

Some people say God is everywhere and I can talked to Him anywhere, so why do I need to make the effort to go to the church? That is

true but READ CAREFULLY THE SECTION I UNDERLINED ABOVEREAD CAREFULLY THE SECTION I UNDERLINED ABOVEREAD CAREFULLY THE SECTION I UNDERLINED ABOVEREAD CAREFULLY THE SECTION I UNDERLINED ABOVE. God is everywhere but He chooses special places to put His Name like

our church sanctuary. A person’s name does not mean to us what it meant in ages past. To us we usually choose a child’s name be-

cause it in some way appeals to us maybe �ed to a favorite rela�ve. But in ages past it meant much more: it could indicate whose son

you were, what your field work would be because usually the father’s work was passed down at least to the first born son, and I am

sure those who have studied names could tell many other areas in which names where significant.

What makes any sanctuary or designated place special is God chooses to have His Name dwell thereWhat makes any sanctuary or designated place special is God chooses to have His Name dwell thereWhat makes any sanctuary or designated place special is God chooses to have His Name dwell thereWhat makes any sanctuary or designated place special is God chooses to have His Name dwell there. He doesn’t limit Himself to one He doesn’t limit Himself to one He doesn’t limit Himself to one He doesn’t limit Himself to one

place but makes various places stronger points in which for us to connect with Himplace but makes various places stronger points in which for us to connect with Himplace but makes various places stronger points in which for us to connect with Himplace but makes various places stronger points in which for us to connect with Him. In these places with His Holy Spirit’s help, our spirits

can more easily make connec�on with His.

So I encourage you, invite you to come to each of the remaining Lenten services, the prayer vigil, and Easter celebra�ons. ISo I encourage you, invite you to come to each of the remaining Lenten services, the prayer vigil, and Easter celebra�ons. ISo I encourage you, invite you to come to each of the remaining Lenten services, the prayer vigil, and Easter celebra�ons. ISo I encourage you, invite you to come to each of the remaining Lenten services, the prayer vigil, and Easter celebra�ons. I prprprpray by God’s ay by God’s ay by God’s ay by God’s

grace you will find the prayer pamphlet for the vigil special. I would say, 90% of it is filled with the Scriptures, both forgrace you will find the prayer pamphlet for the vigil special. I would say, 90% of it is filled with the Scriptures, both forgrace you will find the prayer pamphlet for the vigil special. I would say, 90% of it is filled with the Scriptures, both forgrace you will find the prayer pamphlet for the vigil special. I would say, 90% of it is filled with the Scriptures, both for prprprprayerfully medi-ayerfully medi-ayerfully medi-ayerfully medi-

a�ng on and also praying. I felt really blessed as I prepared it and I long to share those blessings with you. Love in Jesusa�ng on and also praying. I felt really blessed as I prepared it and I long to share those blessings with you. Love in Jesusa�ng on and also praying. I felt really blessed as I prepared it and I long to share those blessings with you. Love in Jesusa�ng on and also praying. I felt really blessed as I prepared it and I long to share those blessings with you. Love in Jesus, K, K, K, Kathyathyathyathy

I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in

You; I will sing praises of Your Name, O Most High. You; I will sing praises of Your Name, O Most High. You; I will sing praises of Your Name, O Most High. You; I will sing praises of Your Name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1, 2

Please bring your recyclable

items to church on April 3,

instead of the 27th which is Easter! Thank you!

1

Announcements

Computer Basics Class

Only a few people were interested in this class so we will not do it at this time. Maybe after Easter we will consider doing it

for the few!

Easter Breakfast Sunday March 27 7:45 - 10:45 AM

Boiled Eggs, Coffee Cake, Muffins, Fruit Salad, Pancakes, Bacon, Sausage, Orange juice and Cof-fee

Free Will offering, all proceeds will go to help fund the youth groups trip to New

Orleans for the National Youth Gather-ing in July.

Lenten Services continue…

All Wednesday services are preceded (6pm) by a soup supper. Bring a pot of soup, bread of a dessert and join us for dinner and fellow-ship!

Worship Services

March 2, Lenten worship March 9, Lenten Worship March 16 Lenten Worship March 24 Maundy Thursday noon & 7pm March 25 Good Friday noon and 7pm

Easter worship!

6:30am Sunrise service with Holy Communion 9:00am Traditional Worship 10:30 am Traditional Worship

Fellowship events for March are not firm yet but there are many ideas on the table. A trip to the Observatory, train trip to Reno, Gardens of Fol-som, movie night. The Fel-lowship meeting will be after the newsletter is published so watch your bulletins for an-nouncements on Fellow

ship activities.