Our Mission: “To know, accept and live the love of God and share it with others”

THE GOOD NEWS March, 2020

San Marcos Lutheran Church

WEDNESDAYS DURING LENT March 4, 11, 18, 25 April 1

6:30 - 7:00 p.m.Holden Evening Vespers

CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS Ascent Trio

March 29, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.See page six

BLESSING BAGS ASSEMBLY Sun., March 1st

10:20a.m. in Luther hallAll ages are welcome.

THE GOOD NEWSPage 2

www.smlcchild@sbcglobal.net Director: Ann Leong

Teachers: Leilani Duran, Theresa Mohn, Marit Greunke, Marlene Vasquez

San Marcos Lutheran Church3419 Grand Avenue San Marcos, CA 92078

(760) 727-1509smlc3419@sbcglobal.netOffice Hours: Tues. - Fri.

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.www.sanmarcoslutheran.org

All are Welcome! As a community of the people of God, the members of San Marcos Lutheran Church are called to welcome all people, regardless of age, economic status, ethnic background, gender, physical or mental ability, race or sexual orientation. We affirm that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or female.” (Galatians 3:28)

Sunday Worship Hours: 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School Children Ages 3-12 9:30 a.m.

Pastor David P. Jorstad Pastor Karla J. Halvorson

Council Members

Kevin Bauder, President Therese Balbo, Treasurer Anne McDaniel, Secretary Marilyn Monell Donna Johnson

Ludette McNicholls Daniel Weis Amy Mortensen Rachel Gustin Jack Anderson

Judith Moore, Dir. Music Emeritis

San Marcos Lutheran Preschool (760)727-0326

The next Newsletter article deadline is March 15th.

PLEASE CONTACT US!We want to include you in our prayers, arrange for pastoral visits, and inform the congregation, when appropriate. Please notify the Church Office (760)727-1509 when:

- A loved one or someone you know dies- You, or someone you know, is ill or grieving- You, or someone you know, is in the hospital- to plan a baptism, wedding, or celebration- You moved or your contact information haschangedIf office is closed, and you have an urgent need,contact Pastor David:home (760)798-1226, cell (619)917-2994 email:pastorjorstadsmlc@yahoo.comPastor Karla: (858)442-6761,email: pastorkarlasmlc@sbcglobal.net

Office Manager: Margo Scarpelli

Bookkeeper: Eunice Hanson Organist: Randall Sensmeier

Lenten Soup Suppers will begin Wed., March 4th at 5:30 p.m. in Luther Hall and will continue every Wed. through April 1st. Holden Vespers will follow from 6:30 - 7:00 pm. Please join us!

THE GOOD NEWS

Stumbling Over Jesus

John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”(Mark 9:38-50)

You have to hand it to the disciples. After all, they were only trying to preserve Jesus’ good name. How often have we tried to preserve the good name of Jesus and in doing so set up barriers causing others to fall?

Barriers are often erected with very good intentions. We wish to protect what we know. There is something comforting in a desire to preserve our heritage and traditions at a time when everything seems up for grabs. Fear always leads us to build walls, not bridges. Jesus will have none of it and has harsh words for those who construct stumbling blocks. This scares me, because I can easily identify with the disciples. I too want to protect the good name of Jesus.

But here is the thing. I’m a stumbling fool myself. The more I try to protect God’s good name, the more it seems that I find myself stumbling, stumbling over Jesus. This Jesus who challenges us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. The implications for his followers keeps getting harder. To follow Jesus means we can’t shy away from speaking out for the powerless and that we do not turn our backs on refugees fleeing persecution. Jesus clearly calls us to love our enemies and, yes, forgive one another, over and over again. Now that’s simply going too far!

St. Paul writes that Jesus is our stumbling block. The word is “skandalon” in Greek. It is related to our word, “scandal.” Jesus stands squarely in our path these days calling us to welcome the stranger, without checking papers. What this Jesus is calling us to do is scandalous, isn’t it? Challenging us to welcome others as Christ welcomes us!

These are challenging days to be a follower of Jesus. In times such as this the question before us isn’t, “What would Jesus do?” I believe we know that answer. The scriptures seem clear on that question. No, the question now isn’t “What would Jesus do?” Rather the question is, “What will we do?”

As I struggle day by day with the question, “What will I do?” I keep stumbling over Jesus. I stumble over Jesus’ words and deeds. And as I stumble over Jesus, I trust that being a stumbling fool is really my only hope. Because this Jesus is the only one who will pick me up again and put me back on the path of abundant life, the abundant life of living into God’s dream of Shalom, loving God and neighbor.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor David Jorstad

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March 2020 Youth Events

March 1 Sunday School 9:30 Blessing Bags! Kids will help prepare and make cards, then lead in assembling the bags.

March 6-8 Middle School Retreat at Luther Glen

March 8 Regular Sunday school 9:30 am

March 8 Confirmation (for those not attending retreat) 3:30 at First Lutheran Vista

March 15 Regular Sunday school 9:30 10:20 Parenting in Faith Bible Study, Conference Room Youth Assisted Worship and Bible study/ Brunch at Gastaurers

March 22 Confirmation 3:30 at First Lutheran Vista

March 29 Regular Sunday school 9:30

Please join us for our Wednesday Soup Suppers, beginning Weds., March 4! Kid-friendly food available.

5:30 supper and 6:30 a 30 minute candle lit service.

Contact Pastor Karla PastorKarlasmlc@sbcglobal.net 858-442-6761 cell Senior High- Daniel Norris daniel.norris@sbcglobal.net

Jen Gastauer mrsgscience@yahoo.com Sunday School- Rachel Gustin, rachelanncgutierrez@gmail.com

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THE GOOD NEWS

TUES. MORNING BIBLE CLASSled by Pastor Dell & Pastor Fran

Olson Tuesdays, March 3rd & 17th10 a.m. in Luther Hall

MEN’S BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDYled by Pastor David

March 14th at 8:00 am in Luther Hall Phone Tom McDaniel for details

(760)644-0506.

WOMEN'S BAGELS & BIBLE STUDY Sat., March 21st at 10:00 a.m. in Luther Hall

FOR OUR LENTEN FOCUS, the Social Action Committee is asking for specific cleaning supplies for Interfaith clients moving from homelessness to permanent housing. This will be a most welcome gift when they make that very exciting move to their new home and need so many items to make it complete.Please look for the large Easter Basket. In it you will find paper eggs. The small eggs have one or two items to be purchased. The larger, solid colored eggs list several items. (Small egg=smaller cost, large egg=larger donation.) There is no specification on size – whatever you donate will be greatly appreciated. After you have made your purchase, please return the egg to the Chick next to the Easter Basket. Bring your item(s) to church starting March 22nd. Boxes will be set up for them in Luther Hall.On Palm Sunday, our Youth will add cards and group the items so each client will receive one of each - dish soap, dish pan, dish drainer, sponges, broom, dustpan, etc. Everything will be delivered to Interfaith during Holy Week.If you would prefer to write a check, please make it payable to San Marcos Lutheran Church and write “Interfaith” in the memo line.

Healing for Ellen Arney, Donna Huber, Pete Johnson, Kris Tange, and Linda Kent. Our sympathy to Marsha Harden at the death of her husband, Dick. May God bless all who mourn with the hope of the resurrection.

ADULT FORUMS SUNDAYS, 10:20 A.M. March 1 Blessing Bags! Help assemble Blessing Bags and take some with you to hand out to anyone who may be hungry. March 22 Come and join us at 10:20 in Luther Hall to learn about gun safety. The North County chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America will be here to present their organization’s efforts to prevent gun violence.March 29 Join us as we discuss the Gospel of Matthew and/or how Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) is going for you. All questions are welcomed!

FROM YOUR TREASURERJan. 2020

Income: $21,706 Expenses: $30,543December 2019 was among the strongest months of income ever for SMLC. However, January 2020 was not what we had anticipated to meet our needs. Expenses exceeded income in January by $8,837. We are looking for strong giving as we continue to move forward into 2020. Together we can make sure that our ministries thrive. Thanks for your partnership!

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THE GOOD NEWS

For several months, you have heard much about the North County Immigration Task Force that SML partnered with to co- lead the January fundraiser to support the needs of our immigrant community. The total of funds raised is not yet available but we are happy to report that figure is estimated to be close to $8000.00. Again, thank you to all who participated in any way to make it the success that it was.

Food donations for All Saints Food Pantry have been up more recently. The SAC agreed to continue our monthly $100.00 support through 2020 for this cause.

Our Lenten season begins in a couple of weeks. The committee is planning to do a twist on last year’s theme of a “Different Kind of Basket” to help Interfaith with its Transitional and Rapid Rehousing efforts. We will be asking for your donations of bath and kitchen supplies to help build baskets for those moving into a new housing environment get a jump start in their new home. On Palm Sunday, the Children’s Ministry will be involved with the assembly and making cards. Details coming!

Armadillos Busqueda y Rescate is a group who goes on search and rescue missions to provide water and basic medical aid for immigrants crossing the desert. The SAC has offered a Thrivent grant to them for future sweeps. Touch base with a SAC active member for more details.

The next Social Action Committee meeting is on Tues. March 10th at 7:00 in Luther Hall. All are welcome. For more information or questions please contact Donna Johnson at twilbfun@cox.net.

First Lutheran & San Marcos Lutheran Catfish Luncheon Wed., March 11th

$12.50 plus tip Meet at Bill Hanson’s at 11:30 am

(760-805-4565) 3627 Cerro Ave, Oceanside to Carpool to the Pacific View NCO club Camp

Pendleton

CONCERT SERIES PRESENTSAscent Trio

March 29th at 4:00 p.m.Ascent Trio strives to bring their jazz to new frontiers. Featuring Tonga Ross-Ma'u (guitar/piano), Andrew Michel (bass), and Charlie Weller (drums), these musicians came together with their shared vision to push further beyond their own limits and dig deeper into different facades of musical expression. They mainly focus on creating original material and work with pieces from their contemporaries as a source of inspiration, but also attempt to breathe new life into traditional repertoire through modern arrangements. Every performance is a chance for this group to explore into unfamiliar territory, weaving through moments of integrated success and unexpected obstacles. In the end, their determination to reach new heights prevails in the music they make.

COME CELEBRATE WITH PASTOR CHRISTINE BUMA

Sun., March 15th at Noon in Luther HallPastor Christine Buma, a regular visitor, invites friends and members of San Marcos Lutheran to a lite luncheon to thank you all for your warm welcome and to recognize 35 years of Ordination, and now her retirement.

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UPDATES

Upcoming Events:

3/2 (Mon) & 3/3(Tues): Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebrations with Green Eggs and Ham

3/8 (Sun): Daylight Savings Time begins; Spring forward your clocks on Saturday night!

3/12 (Thurs) and 3/13 (Fri): Parent Conferences (no school these days)

3/17 (Tues) and 3/18 (Wed): St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations...Wear GREEN

3/25 (Wed): Staff meeting! School Closes at 12~NO LUNCH BUNCH

3/26 (Thurs) and 3/27 (Fri): Birthday Celebrations for March kiddos!

Greetings and Blessings for a Happy Spring!

What a fun time we had at the Amazing Race! Thank you so much to all of our wonderful families whose generous Amazing Race donations to date are approximately $802 and $180 for the fight against childhood cancer! All remaining donations are due March 2nd! Picture Days are early this month...3/4 (W) & 3/5 (Th) ~siblings welcome! Parent Conferences will take place on Thursday, 3/12 & Friday, 3/13...sign-ups are posted on my window!

Mrs. Leong & Children’s Center Staff

2020-21 Registration is under way! Spaces are filling fast for Fall 2020! Tell your friends and neighbors! MWF and

TUTH spaces available...$25 Lunch Bunch referral credit for current

families!

3419 Grand Ave, San Marcos CA 92078 • 760-727-0326 • smlcchild@sbcglobal.net

Learn Live Share the Love of God

A quick reminder to parents that it’s im-portant that your children continue to follow all rules of safety and behavior we have in place in the Preschool while you are any-where on church grounds. There is such a sense of community here at the Children’s Center and while we love how our kiddos and adults are “playing” on church grounds, please keep in mind we are not supervising your children once you sign them out, nor are we looking out for danger outside our gates or making sure children are using their kind

words….Thank you!

Parent/Teacher Conferences:

March 12th & March 13th We can provide child care for your

enrolled child during your conference!

CHILDREN’S CENTER NEWS

MARCH 2020

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THE GOOD NEWS

March 1First Reading: Second Reading: Gospel:

March 8First Reading: Second Reading: Gospel:

March 15 First Reading: Second Reading: Gospel:

March 22First Reading: Second Reading: Gospel:

March 29First Reading: Second Reading: Gospel:

First Sunday in Lent Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11

Second Sunday in Lent Genesis 12:1-4a Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 John 3:1-17

Third Sunday in Lent Exodus 17:1-7Romans 5:1-11John 4:5-42

Fourth Sunday in Lent 1 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Ephesians 5:8-14John 9:1-41

Fifth Sunday in Lent Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11John 11:1-45

FOOD COLLECTION is Sunday, March 1st

2) Therese Balbo4) Ava Nolan6) Don Arney

Rachel Norris8) Donna Huber9) Jean Kahn10) Nancy Klinger

13) Jolene HansonDylan HudlowKaylee Hudlow

17) Jan Parthemer20) Linda Eller26) Riley Lott28) Mark Kottke

30) Nicholas Capezzone

Ryan HaganCastile KottkeMarie Schilke

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March 2020San Marcos Lutheran Church

Page 10

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 7

89:30-10:15 am Informal Worship Service 9:30 am Sun School 11:00 am - Noon Trad Worship Svc 10:15 am Fellowship 12:15 pm Visitation Comm.7:00 pm AA, LH

9

10 111:30 pm Centering Prayer Group, Sanct 10:30 am Preschool Chapel, Sanctuary 11:30 am AA, LH 11:30 am Men's Lunch, 5:30 pm Lenten Soup Supper 6:30 Lenten Svc7:00 pm Choir

12

7:00 pm AA, LH

13 148:00 am Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study, LH11:00 am Memorial Svc for Mary Fawcett

15 3rd Sun in Lent9:30 am Informal Worship Service 9:30 am Sun School 11:00 am - Noon Trad Worship Svc 10:15 am FellowshipNoon Retirement Lunch for Pastor Buma, LH

7:00 pm AA, LH

16

11:30 am AA, LH

17 181:30 pm Centering Prayer Sanct10:30 am Preschool Chapel, Sanctuary11:30 am AA, LH 5:30 pm Lenten Soup Supper 6:30 Lenten Svc7:00 pm Choir

1910:30 am Preschool Chapel,

Sanctuary

7:00 pm AA, LH

20

10:10 am -noon St. oseph Chapel,

Sanctuary

2110:00 am Women's Bagels &Bibles, LH

9:30-am Informal Worship Svc9:30 am Sun School 11:00 am Trad Svc 10:15 Fellowship10:20 Adult Forum 10:40 am Sun Sch meeting7:00 pm AA, LH

22 4th Sun.in Lent 11:30 am AA, LH

24 25 11:30 am AA, LH

26 27

29 5th Sun. in Lent9:30 am Informal Worship Svc 9:30 am Sun School 11:00 am Traditional Worship Svc 10:15 am Fellowship

4:00 pm Concert7:00 pm AA, LH

30 31

23

11:30 am AA, LH

10:10 am St. Joseph Chapel, Sanctuary

2nd Sun. in Lent

8:30 - noon Youth Room in Use

10:30 am Pre-school Chapel, Sanctuary

7:00 pm AA, LH

10:10 am St. Joseph Chapel,Sanctuary

2 3 4 5 6

11:30 am AA, LH

11:30 am AA, LH

10:00 am Bible

Study, Nursery

10:00 am Bible Study, LH

10:30 am Preschool Chapel, Sanctuary 11:30 am AA, LH1:30 pm Centering Prayer Group, Sanctuary 5:30 pm Lenten Soup Supper 6:30 Lenten Svc 7:00 pm Choir

Election, LH in Use All Day

11:00 am Staff Meeting

7:00 pm AA, LH

10:10 am St. Joseph Chapel, Sanctuary

LH in Use 10- 12:30

8:30 - noon Youth Room in Use9:30 am Pastor Karla's Bible Study, LH

10:30 am Preschool Chapel, Sanctuary11:30 am AA, LH 5:30 pm Lenten Soup Supper 6:30 Lenten Svc7:00 pm Choir

28 7:00 am - 3:00 pm LH in Use9:00 am Council Retreat at McDaniels

6:00 pm Womens Retreat Recap7:00 pm Social Action

Middle School Retreat - Sun.

1:00 pm Memorial Service for Dick Harden

11st Sun in Lent9:30-10:15 am Informal Worship Svc 9:30 am Sun School 10:20 am Blessing Bags, LH 11:00 am - Noon Trad Worship Svc 10:15 am Fellowship 12:15 pm Endowment 7:00 pm AA, LH

Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicinebut a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

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