RE-FOCUS A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church

Volume 32 April 2012 Number 4

JOIN US ON THE JOURNEY TO EASTER

Maundy Thursday April 5, 7:00 p.m. Foot Washing, Holy Communion, and Stripping of the Altar

With nightfall our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to begin the Three Days during which we participate once again in the saving power of Jesus' passing over from death to life. At the heart of the Maundy Thursday liturgy is Jesus' commandment to love one another. As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, we are called to follow his example as we humbly care for one another, especially the poor and the unloved. At the Lord’s table we remember Jesus’ sacrifice of his life, even as we are called to offer ourselves in love for the life of the world.

Good Friday April 6, 4:30 & 7:00 p.m. 4:30 - A hands-on worship experience for children,

families, and the young at heart 7:00 - A service of Scripture and darkness

At the heart of the Good Friday liturgy is the passion according to John, which proclaims Jesus as a triumphant king who reigns from the cross. The ancient title for this day - the triumph of the cross - reminds us that the church gathers not to mourn this day but to celebrate Christ's life-giving passion and to find strength and hope in the tree of life. In the ancient bidding prayer we offer petitions for all the world for whom Christ died.

Easter Vigil April 7, 7:00 p.m.

This is our Passover with Christ from darkness to light, from bondage to freedom, from death to life. This night is the heart of our celebration of the Three Days. The resurrection of Christ is proclaimed in word and sign, as we gather around a pillar of fire, hear ancient stories of our faith, and share the food and drink of the promised land.

CHRIST IS RISEN. ALLELUIA! Hallelujah! Jesus lives! He is now the Living One; from the gloomy halls of death Christ, the conqueror, has gone, bright forerunner to the skies of his people, yet to rise. Carl B. Garve, 1763-1841 ELW 380

Easter Sunday April 8, 7:45 & 10:00 a.m.

Christ is risen, indeed! On Easter morning, we stand gaping at the open and empty tomb with the women who followed Jesus throughout his ministry. With the women, we are called to proclaim the amazing news of the resurrection.

Take this opportunity to invite family, friends, and neighbors to hear the incredible story of God – you can even take them to breakfast…

A delicious Easter Breakfast will be served 8:30-9:45 a.m. A free will offering will be taken to benefit youth ministries at Reformation. (See page 3 for information on how you can help).

Sacred Space for Holy Week Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. In addition to the worship opportunities listed here, the sanctuary will be open during office hours for reflection and prayer throughout Holy Week. Resources will be available if you would like some guided meditation. If you are looking for some sacred space during Holy Week, please come and savor the presence of God.

Reformation Lutheran Re-Focus

Page | 2

Prepared

Lowell Michelson

Senior Pastor

Our whole lives have

been a preparation…

[They] have given us

all the material that

we need.

I have my mind on getting out of town. As I write, spring break for area schools is upon us and the Michelson crew has our sights on I-35 North. But before we roll out of town, we have many details to pull together and stuff to load into our vehicle. We are good at getting ready. We, you and I, spend so much of our lives preparing. We prepare our minds for tests and our buildings for inspections. We turn the soil and cultivate a garden. Before painting, we patch and sand the plaster or sheetrock. We (maybe you, but not me) train for marathons and condition our bodies for athletic teams throughout the off-season. We put on our game face when heading into a hostile meeting. We craft lesson plans before teaching, rehearse a piece of music for a recital, memorize lines for a play, and buy up bags of groceries before family arrives for the holiday. We like to be ready for whatever event, planned or unplanned, comes our way. So isn’t it odd that we are often flustered, or at least a bit uneasy, when asked to speak openly about our Christian faith? Many of us have been marked with the cross of Christ for years and frequently participate in worship, yet we don’t feel equipped to speak about matters of faith, hope, love and Jesus. Questions such as “How is God active in your life?” or “What does Easter mean to you?” make us wish we were in a different conversation. “Uh… well… I need more time to get ready for those questions!” Writer/comedian/actress Tina Fey, in her memoir Bossypants, reflects on nuggets of wisdom that she learned from Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels while participating in that cast. “[Lorne would say,] The show doesn’t go on because it’s ready; it goes on because it’s 11:30” – the time when the live show is aired. Fey says, “I think

it’s a great lesson about not being too precious about your writing. You have to try your hardest to be at the top of your game and improve every joke you can until the last possible second, and then you have to let it go.” What profound words for us mainline Protestant types who want to have our faith stories and thoughts about God outlined and rehearsed before ever speaking from our hearts and minds. Yes, it is important for us to give careful thought to these things, but we don’t need to be paralyzed when asked about our lives of faith. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “[In] your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” In reality, our whole lives have been a preparation. Our unique lives – rich with people, places, and experiences – have given us all the material that we need. And what about the books that we’ve engaged, the lyrics that have changed our thinking, and melodies that have moved us? We have been in cross training. Scripture has lodged itself in us through countless hours of liturgies, hymns and songs, prayers, and moments of celebration and loss. We’ve been preparing. Better yet, God has diligently been preparing us. God has been making us ready for this, that, and every other moment. Those preparations continue. In these coming Holy Days, we’ll have opportunities to hear about humility and compassion in action. God invites us to witness Love that is stronger than death. Looking forward to hearing your story,

You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.

Tina Fey

Reformation Lutheran Re-Focus

Page | 3

+ I want to thank the nurses of Reformation Lutheran Church for hosting the American Red Cross bloodmobile on March 4.

Your drive was very successful. Reformation had 17 participants, and we were able to collect 16 units! A stellar job once again by your committee and the members of Reformation. As you know, these lifesaving units will go to help 48 hospital patients in the upcoming weeks, as well as touch the lives of their family and friends.

Please extend the appreciation of all to those who helped make this drive so successful.

Jennifer Green - American Red Cross

Alleluia! Time for the Easter Breakfast

Sunday, April 8 – 8:30-9:45 a.m. Wake up your taste buds at the Annual Easter Breakfast! The Middle School and High School Youth will be hosting breakfast Easter morning, April 8, between worship services from 8:30-9:45 a.m. We need your

help to prepare a yummy meal. Look for our springy sign-up poster in the Narthex. We are seeking donations of specific breakfast treats: fresh fruits, canned fruits, fruit breads, orange juice, and egg casseroles. Recipes and cooking pans are available for those who donate egg casseroles. Questions? Contact Mary Brittain (733-5764) or Tera Michelson (733-1760).

Area 5 Hymn Festival

April 29, 5:00 p.m.

ELCA Area 5 musicians will present a hymn festival on Sunday, April 29, at 5:00 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1101 N. River Blvd. Readings, congregational singing, choral and instrumental music will be part of this celebration of the 5th anniversary of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend

this time of singing and fellowship. A reception will

Random Eggs of Kindness April 1, 11:15 a.m.

You’ve heard of Random Acts of Kindness? Take part in Reformation’s egg-stra special Easter version on April 1 - Random Eggs of Kindness. All are invited to gather in Parish Hall immediately following worship to fill plastic eggs with prizes. Take a dozen to hide anywhere you choose: bus stops, playgrounds, restaurants, all around town. A note inside each egg will identify it as a gift from Reformation. Egg recipients will even have a chance to leave a message on the church website. Let’s surprise Wichita with dozens of un-eggs-pected gifts of kindness and the hope of Easter.

Please consider making a donation of plastic eggs and some prizes to fill them. Gifts will be collected in the church lobby. Remember that all items must fit in a sealed, plastic egg. For safety reasons, no candy or other foods will be accepted.

Here are some ideas to spark your creativity. Let your imagination and kindness run wild!

Eggs filled with bus passes can be placed at bus stops; coin-filled eggs can be hidden near parking meters, toll booths, laundromats, or vending machines; toys, stickers, bubbles, or sidewalk chalk could be hidden in parks, playgrounds, or hospital waiting areas; stamp filled eggs would be a welcome surprise at post offices; tokens at Chuck E Cheese or The Alley; gift certificates or coupons for McDonald’s, Spangles, or Wendy’s for homeless teens; gloves, socks, soap, lotion, and toothpaste for Wichita’s homeless can be strategically placed outside the Community Breakfast.

Don’t miss this egg-citing event! Questions? Contact Tera Michelson (733-1760).

Stained Glass Windows

We are looking for any pictures of the stained glass windows that were in the original Reformation Church on East Kellogg. If you have pictures, please contact Ron Blum (295-7812). Remember, the windows could be in the background of pictures taken at weddings, parties, or other events.

Reformation Lutheran Re-Focus

Page | 4

Clothing Drive: In April, WELCA will collect women’s clothing for Dress for Success. It should be clean, in good condition and appropriate for job interviews. Beginning April 16 through April 23, clothing may be dropped off in the parish hall. Spring Cluster Meeting: An invitation is extended to all ladies to attend WELCA's Spring Cluster Meeting at Resurrection Lutheran in Haysville, Saturday, April 21, with registration starting at 9:00 a.m.

Cost: Registration: $ 1.00 Lunch: $ 4.00 In-kind donations: Food Bank Items

Topic: "Creative Prayer" Come discover new & not-so-new ways of enriching your prayer life and the prayer lives of others. There will be hands-on activities as well as information. Please bring a pair of craft scissors and be prepared to have fun. Meeting concludes with lunch. We look forward to seeing you.

Book Club Tuesday, April 17, 7:00 p.m.

The book club will be celebrating its two-year anniversary in April. There have been 21 book titles selected and discussed over this period of time. Our April selection is coincidently titled

“Friendship Cake” by Lynne Hinton, and discussion will be on April 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Since we are celebrating two years of this ministry, cake will be served. We do hope you consider joining us in our lively discussion and celebration. Questions? Contact Kalynn Blum (682-6793).

Stephen Ministry Informational Meeting April 28, 9:00 a.m.

You are invited to attend a half-day Informational workshop being hosted by Reformation Lutheran along with representatives from Stephen Ministries headquarters on Saturday morning, April 28. At the workshop you will have the

opportunity to meet members from surrounding congregations who are interested in initiating Stephen Ministry in their churches. Participants will learn how Stephen Ministry combines practicality, psychological integrity and theological depth to minister to those experiencing difficulty in their lives by providing them with Christian care giving. As a member of Reformation you may attend the workshop free of charge, but you must add your name to the sign-up list displayed on the pillar in the narthex before April 20. It is our hope that Reformation will be well represented.

Ephesians 4:12-13 proclaims Stephen Ministry’s Mission:

“....to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ…”

If you or a friend would benefit from Stephen Ministry services, please call the church office (634-0586).

Best Times of Life Monday, April 9, 12:00 p.m.

Best Times of Life, Reformation’s fellowship group for those 55 or more, will meet on Monday, April 9 at 12:00 p.m. in the Parish hall for our luncheon and program. This month, our program will be presented by

Teddie Barlow of Wichita’s Old Cowtown Museum. We will learn of new plans being implemented as well as programs available and the history of the Old Cowtown Museum. Bring a covered dish to share, your own table service and call either Betty Hayenga (682-2030) or Jolene Dougherty (776-2068) with your reservation so we will know how many tables to prepare. Come and join us for great food, warm fellowship and an informative program.

Women of Reformation Calendar All activities are held at the church unless otherwise noted.

April 2 Blanket Makers, 9 a.m.

April 10 WELCA Board, 2 p.m. Cornerstone Ministry, 3 p.m. at Via Christi Village

April 12 Rebecca Circle, 10 a.m. Judy Carlson, Lesson Leader

April 16 Blanket Makers, 9 a.m.

April 18 Dorcas Circle, 1:30 p.m. Doris Steg, Lesson Leader Betty Hayenga, Hostess at Church

April 30 Blanket Makers, 9 a.m.

Reformation Lutheran Re-Focus

Page | 5

Reformation Lutheran Church Financial Results through February 29, 2012

Budget To Date

Actual Favorable (Unfavorable)

Income $83,972 $83,023 ($949)

Expenses $88,598 $80,966 $7,632

N Net income/ (loss)

($4,626)

$2,057

$6,683

Compassion Weekend 2012 April 21-22

“Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

Many of us sang that song when we were little children. Through

this song, we are reminded that we are loved – and that all children around the world are loved. We are all wrapped in the embrace of God’s love through Jesus Christ.

And each of us has a story to tell

– where we were born, what our family is like, what we experience each day, and where we are headed. For some children in the world, those stories also include heartache, fear, hunger and poverty. They may not be able to go to school, and they may not know how much God loves them.

We have an opportunity to change that story in the life of a child. On the weekend of April 21-22, Reformation will once again be hosting a Compassion Weekend. You will have the opportunity to consider changing the story of a child by sponsoring them through Compassion, which provides food, medical care, and a Christian education for children in need. Are you already sponsoring a child through Compassion? Let us know! We will be creating a bulletin board of children sponsored by Reformation folks, and would love to have information about you and your sponsored child, along with a picture of your child to post. Please share that information with Pastor Kristin (634-0586) as soon as possible. Thanks!

April will be a busy month for us! Reformation members are staffing the spring book fair; serving a salad luncheon to all the volunteers who have helped at Coleman this year, and assisting the AVID staff in their quest to be a Demonstration School nationally. AVID is a program in which underachieving students are identified and given extra support and organizational help.

The after school program kids will once again hike over to do some planting in the 3 large pots in front of the church. The Strolling Strings instrumental group will also perform at Via Christi Village in May during our regularly scheduled social time with the residents.

The Coleman Task Force thanks the membership for all you have done to help make the partnership thrive. With the construction of the new facility in the south-east sector, the demographics of Coleman will be altered. There well may be even more opportunities for us to be of help to the staff and students of Coleman in the coming year.

Coleman Task Force: Dallas Cronk, Sheryl Johnson, Marsha Sears, Suzanne Koch

Adult Bible Study: 1 John Beginning Wednesday, April 11 and Sunday, April 15

1 John is a book of comfort and challenge. It comforts us with the reminder that we are children of God. It challenges us to make our faith genuine by expressing in our lives what we believe in our hearts.

During the season of Easter, we will dig into this great book of Scripture, which we will also hear in worship on Sunday mornings. Join us for any of three opportunities to be a part of this study: Wednesdays, beginning April 11 at 12:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. or Sunday mornings, beginning April 15, at 9:00 a.m.

Reformation Lutheran Re-Focus

Page | 6

Camp Tomah Shinga

Spend a week surrounded God’s awesome creation and learn more about God’s love for you, all while you pray, swim in the pool, worship, hike in the woods, study God’s Word, cook outside, and maybe even sleep out under the stars! Hopefully, the new lake will be ready for canoeing—and maybe even fishing!

If you did not already get a camp brochure, pick one up at the church, check out the descriptions of the different awesome weeks at camp, and sign up soon. You can get a $25 discount if you register before April 1! And there is also a $25 family discount (per child!) for families sending more than one child.

There are programs for 1st-3rd graders, 4th-6th graders, 6th-8th graders, and senior high (based on the year you just completed). There are even mini sessions for the two younger groups if this is your first time at camp and you aren’t quite sure about going for a full week.

Confirmation Students: We will be attending Confirmation camp together, June 24-29.

Don’t let money be an issue. Scholarships may be available. See Pastor Kristin if you want or need more information about camp or about scholar-ships. You can also learn more about camp on the camp’s website: www.tomahshinga.com.

Citizens with the Saints ELCA National Youth Gathering

New Orleans, July 15-22

54 high school youth and adult sponsors will board a bus on Sunday, July 15 for a 13 hour drive to spend a week in New Orleans – where it is even hotter than Kansas in the middle of July! Sounds like a great time, doesn’t it? Yes, we may sound a little crazy, and it may not sound like your dream vacation,

but these 54 people are excited and gearing up for this trip!

Youth and adults from congregations in the Wichita area are gathering together monthly to prepare for the ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans this summer. On the 4th Sunday of every month, this motley crew comes together for games, group building, planning, and Bible study. We will be in New Orleans July 15-22, with the first couple of days full of sight-seeing and experiencing the richness of New Orleans, followed by five days of being fully engaged in the learning, service, fun and faith formation of the gathering itself.

Thanks for the many ways that you continue to support the youth of this congregation and help to make this trip possible!

First Communion Class Sunday, April 1, 11:30 a.m.

Christ invites us to his table! A First Communion Class will be held on Sunday, April 1, at 11:30 a.m. Those who attend this class will receive their first communion on Maundy Thursday at that service during Holy Week when we remember in a special way the very first Lord’s Supper.

The class, which is designed for young people and their parent(s), is approximately 3 hours and will begin with lunch. Don’t worry, though. We won’t just be sitting around a table for 3 hours! We’ll be learning more about communion in fun ways, and even baking the bread that will be used for worship on Thursday evening.

Any young person, regardless of age, who wishes to begin receiving communion is welcome! If you believe your child is ready to receive communion, please be encouraged to bring them to the class, and contact Pastor Kristin (634- 0586) to let her know you will be attending!

Reformation Lutheran Re-Focus

Page | 7

Soul Food Resumes Wednesday, April 11

Fill your heart AND your belly…

Wednesday nights

6:15-7:15 p.m. Dinner, Served in the Narthex ($3 suggested donation) 6:30 p.m. Adult Handbell Choir, Sanctuary 6:45-8:00 p.m. Confirmation, Parish Hall Senior High Gathering, Youth Room Adult Study, Conference Room 7:30 p.m. Parish Choir, Sanctuary It’s back! We’ve had a great time sharing in Lenten meals over the past couple of months, and are now excited to return to our regular Wednesday night schedule. All are welcome to join us for the Soul Food meal, followed by choirs and learning opportunities, including confirmation, high school youth group, and an adult Bible study, starting up again on Wednesday, April 11.

Yellow Bag March Food Challenge Peanut Butter Round Up

April’s Yellow Bag food challenge is peanut butter. Nothing packs a protein punch like good ol’ peanut butter, the number one food item in Open Door’s food pantry meal boxes. Round up a

jar or two of the smooth or crunchy stuff to be shared with our hungry neighbors. Please place your donations in the bins just inside the doors to Parish Hall.

April Choir Schedule

April 1 - Palm Sunday, Parish Choir, Handbell Choir, Sunday School April 5 – Maundy Thursday, Parish Choir April 6 – Good Friday, Parish Choir April 7 – Easter Eve, Cantors April 8 - Easter,

7:45 a.m. Cantor/Brass; 10:00 a.m. Parish Choir, Handbell Choir, Brass April 15 – Easter 2, Parish Choir April 22 – Easter 3, Cantor April 29 – Easter 4, Parish Choir

Spring Cleaning 2012 It’s that time again, the annual chore of spring-cleaning the house and the garage, right? Please keep us in mind when you do, for those items you no longer have use of that would mean so much to someone less fortunate. As you

know, I’m speaking mainly of clothing. We are at extremely low levels right now, so I will again; republish a list of needed items below for your reference. This past March weekend, we again cooked for and served approximately 80 less fortunate brothers and sisters at our monthly Community Breakfast at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in downtown Wichita. All had plenty, thanks to our very capable and professional kitchen staff who kept it hot and coming and to our serving staff that kept the plates filled with pancakes and eggs, plain or the works, fruit and bread, peanut butter and jelly, coffee and orange juice. As we approach somewhat warmer temperatures, the needs for the homeless change from the winter months, for example, no heavy winter coats (save until next year or we will!) Here’s the list:

Backpacks! Pants, Slacks (Blue Jeans, Dockers, etc.) Jackets, Sweaters, Sweatshirts, Shirts, Blouses Jogging/Athletic Suits Socks, Stockings, Shoes, Boots Baseball Caps, Hats, Belts Toiletries (Individual) Sunglasses Paperback Books Umbrellas Cold/Hot Thermal Cups Food Stuff: Individually Packaged Crackers,

Cookies, Granola Bars, Juices, Candy Bars

Thanks again to each and every one of you who donate your time and skills, your money, clothing and most of all, we want to thank those who pray for this most important ministry and for those we serve.

Until next time, in His Service, Bob L. Livingston, Community Breakfast volunteer Susan Martin, Coordinator