Family of Christ Lutheran Church Page 1 email: office@foclutheranchurch.org

The Illuminate April 2015

A publication of Family of Christ Lutheran Church

Family of Christ Vision Statement

Family of Christ is a family of God where all are welcome as we worship and grow in spirit and in life by…

Connecting the scriptures with our Christian faith and life experiences

Serving and caring for our neighbors and communities

Building relationships between people of all ages and walks of life

Transforming our world by teaching love, grace, peace, and kindness

Moving purposefully into God’s future

and we ask God to help and guide us.

Pastor’s Reflection

Have you ever found an old letter, perhaps written

generations earlier by a family member long since

gone, and found your imagination sparked with

wonderings about the life that gave rise to the words

on the page? Have you imagined their loves,

struggles, laughter or tears? Perhaps they wrote to a

loved one fighting on the front line of the Civil War,

or maybe they were on a voyage to a new land and

life. They may be letters of the ordinary events of

life, but somehow the mere age of the writings lend

them a certain kind of romance. If you have read an

old letter like that, then you know what I mean. You

also know that what you are reading is only half the

picture. You are in a very real sense overhearing

only one side of the conversation. It’s very easy to

assume or imagine realities that are far from what

really happened, or the people that actually lived. So

it helps to know a bit about the person. Are they

from the old country, pioneers, or long since settled?

Is theirs a time of peace or conflict, want or plenty?

What was the family like, the community, the

country? There are so many questions to be asked.

Reading the letters of the New Testament is exactly

like reading those old letters. We are reading

someone else’s mail, so we are in a very real way

overhearing only half of the conversation. Like those

letters of old, without good background information,

the letters of the New Testament can be greatly

misinterpreted. That’s why bible study should

always include things like context, genre, language

and history. Our church library is full of great

resources. If you have not participated in bible study

in a while and would like to get started, there are

options! My bible study meets on Tuesdays, Linda

and Edie’s on Wednesday nights. There are two

home studies, one at the Crisps’ on Monday nights,

and a women’s group at Donna Lucky’s on

Wednesday. Perhaps you might like to begin a new

group. We’ll help you with that! Give me a call,

stop by, or email me and I’ll help you get started.

Blessings, Pastor Kit

The Illuminate Page 2 www.foclutheranchurch.org

Adult Christian Education Offerings and Small Groups

Sunday: A seminary professor once

said, “One person’s great new idea is

another person’s heresy.” It was his

way of saying change and progress

within religious traditions are often

viewed with suspicion and contempt

by traditionalists. On the other hand,

traditionalist have a way of calling us

back to our roots and asking

important questions before jumping

on the bandwagon of each new thing.

In fact, the heresy, heretics,

controversies and scandals of prior

generations provide good fodder for

conversation as we consider the

Church within our rapidly evolving

context. Join Pastor Kit as we take a

look at some of the major “heresies

and heretics” in Christian history and

ask how they might inform the

contemporary conversation of the

Church. Meet Pastor Kit in the

Library @ 9:45.

Monday Night @ 7:00 – Bible Study

at the home of Jerre & Sharon Crisp.

Tuesday 10:00 A.M. – Tuesday

morning Bible Study Join us as we

take on the text for the upcoming

Sunday Pastor Kit will meet in

classroom 4.

Wednesday 1:00 P.M. – Small

Group Bible Study @ Donna Lucky’s

Wednesday Family Night Bible and

Book Group led by Edie Dietzen and

Linda Marousek

March 29

Palm Sunday

8:30am & 11:00am

April 2

Seder Meal 5 pm

Worship 6:30 pm

April 3

10 am to 5 pm Prayer

Labyrinth

Good Friday 6:30 pm

April 5

Easter Sunday

8:30am & 11:00am

Breakfast 9:30am

Holy Week & Easter

Schedule

April Birthdays 2 Lynne Dalleck 2 Pat Shaw 6 Karen Yankee 8 Thomas Koon 9 Kerry Goerl 12 Jim Staub 15 Debra Jones 20 Curtis Matthews 21 JoAnn Collier

22 Hazel Olson 23 Jeanne Downing 23 Zach Johnson 23 Keith Lowery 26 Ione Connaughton 26 Jaden Jans 28 Cleo Norcia 28 Ken Groel

April Anniversaries 12 Brian & Jeri Hanneman 17 Dan & Pastor Kit

Labyrinth Meditation Walk

Good Friday

10:00 until 5:00pm

For over 400 years Christians have used the labyrinth as a tool for

meditation and deepening the spiritual journey. Prayer and meditation while

you walk the single path of the labyrinth can be a source of solace, bringing

quiet to a distracted or overactive mind. When the stress, challenges and

losses of life stir up difficult emotions, walking a labyrinth can help restore

your inner peace, and through the quiet meditation give you the spiritual and

emotional space to move toward the clarity you seek. As a spiritual tool, the

calming and quieting effect and the metaphorical symbolism of the labyrinth

combine with your spiritual journey, allowing you to ponder life's greater

mysteries

No matter how you use the labyrinth, its power lies in its ability to provide a

disciplined approach to prayerful and reflective meditation and to focus the

mind on a short journey with God, even in the midst of the busyness of life.

Easter is all about sharing blessings!

HE IS RISEN! We are Easter people and what

that means is we see life and the world as filled

with possibilities! We are not afraid to try new

things, make mistakes or stretch and grow

because the Jesus of Easter makes all things

new. As spring flowers bloom and our thoughts

begin to move toward summer, let’s be looking

for those opportunities around us to bring the

love and blessing of the risen Christ to those we

meet along the way. That’s what it means to be

the Church out there. HE IS RISEN! HE IS

RISEN INDEED!

Family of Christ Lutheran Church Page 3 email: office@foclutheranchurch.org

Ministry Opportunities

WHERE: Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 NW 129th St, Vancouver, WA

DATE & TIME: Sat. April 25 4pm—7pm

PRICE: Bracelets are $12 at the door

($10 if bought in advance)

This carnival serves as a very important

fundraiser for the preschool. Your help is

essential to a successful event. If you know a

child that would enjoy games, food, and fun

bring them to the carnival. It’s an enjoyable

time for all, this will be a fun-filled event for

young children.

The carnival takes many hands to run and they

need your help! Please consider volunteering to

help & sign up for a shift. Shift #1 runs from

3:45-5:30 and Shift #2 runs from 5:15-7:00.

Sign-ups will be in the family room. Please talk

Jackie Ochsner or Susan Dollinger for more

information. Thank you.

Information: Call Jackie at 360-546-0731

Email: foccp@comcast.net

Cookies for College Can you believe that April 11th is the last date for this school year

for Cookies for College? For all of you who have assisted in some

fashion, by baking or packing, Gail in her exquisite card-making,

support from Susan Dollinger with Route 56 and Little Christians,

or generous donations for postage, we will be hosting a brunch

following the packing of cookies which starts at 9:00 AM. Brunch

should commence sometime around 9:30 to 9:45. If you are able to

join us, please let us (Susan Nance & Lynne Dalleck) know in

advance so we may plan accordingly. We look forward to seeing

you!!

How do we grow Family of Christ?.........Participation is the key! Worship regularly and join in the activities that make sense for you

and invite a friend to come along is always a great way to bring

growth and new vitality to the life of a congregation. We are

blessed with an awesome congregation with many wonderful ways

to come together in worship, prayer, fellowship, learning and

service. Let’s work together to be all that God created us to be by

sharing what we have with our neighbors. In the meantime, Pray,

Invite, Welcome, Share, Serve, Tell.

Opportunities Abound We are moving purposefully into God’s future by making a

difference!

It’s time for spring cleaning as we get ready for our annual May

Day Sale! We’ll be accepting items beginning on April 27th.

Clean out all those useful items you no longer need and make a

difference in some one’s life at the same time! All the proceeds

from the sale go to support our Social Ministries.

Do you enjoy gardening? At FOC we are blessed with a beautiful

facility and grounds. It takes lots of hands sharing the work to keep

our grounds beautiful and inviting. If you have a few hours a week

or month to pull weeds, clean out a plant bed, or just pick up the

debris that “floats in on the wind,” your help will be greatly

appreciated!

Are you looking for a meaningful way to be a blessing? How

about volunteering at the Friends of the Carpenter Second

Chance Thrift Store! Second Chance is in desperate need of

Saturday volunteers! Due to illness and changing circumstances,

Second Chance has lost a few of their regular volunteers. Over the

past several months, they have had to reduce hours of operation,

especially on Saturday. This means fewer sales and reduced income

that goes to support Friends of the Carpenter’s Friendship Center

ministries. Do you have a few hours to give?

Stop by Second Chance and fill out a volunteer

application. While you’re at it, go shopping.

They have lots of wonderful items available!

______________________________________

Vacation Bible School planning is underway.

Check out Susan Dollinger’s article on page 5

for details. BUT don’t stop there, spread the

word. Invite your friends. Ask how you can

support our ministry among the children of

our community. Come and join the fun!

Thank you to everyone whos stepping up to help make

Holy Week and Easter so special!

The Illuminate Page 4 www.foclutheranchurch.org

WOMEN'S BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON PLANS IN THE WORKS

Save the date on Saturday May 23,

noon to 3pm, to celebrate with your

sisters at Family. Plans are

underway for another yummy

luncheon, fun program, and time to visit with other

women in our congregation. It's not too late to become

involved in a variety of ways. Our next planning

meeting is Wednesday, April 15th at 5:30 p.m. in the

Family Room. Questions? Marilyn Howe, 597-4219.

Congregational Life

Susan Dollinger, Cong. Life Ministry Coordinator

Church phone: 360.573.5031, Office C

Email: conglifemin@foclutheranchurch.org

FAMILY NIGHT IS THE PLACE TO BE!

Beginning again on April 15th, Good Old Fashioned

Home Cooking is on the menu at FOC on Wednesday

nights! Just $4 per person with no family paying more

than $13. Bring a friend—their dinner will be on us! After

dinner, join in on one of the scheduled activities.

Our final Wednesday Family Night will be May 20th

until September when our Fall programing kicks off once

again. But don’t worry, we will have a gathering or two

over the summer—after all the family that prays, plays,

serves and shares a meal together regularly is a happy

healthy family!

Save the Date!

The May Day Sale is coming May 2nd.

If you have a home-based business and would be

interested in a tent space for the outdoor portion of the

rummage sale contact Susan Dollinger, Office C

(Tuesday 10-2, Thursday 9-2). Spaces are limited.

Holy Yoga Begins April 17th!

The Family of Christ OWLS

(older, wiser, Lutherans) is proud

to announce that Holy Yoga will

be held here starting April 17., led

by a wonderful well-trained

instructor Debbie Lenihan. Debbie

works with folks of all ages and

abilities. She is also trained in

chair, prenatal and postpartum

yoga.

What to bring: Bring a yoga mat (limited quantities available) Bring a yoga brick and strap if you have one Bring $5 (this is a suggested donation per class) Bring a water bottle Bring a willing attitude Please contact Susan Dollinger with questions.

Join Us for CRAFT DAY for all ages

OWLs are excited to invite you to

our first Craft Day, Saturday,

April 18th from 10am to 2 pm.

Bring a sack lunch, and if you are

able, a drink or dessert to share.

You can bring a craft of your own

and enjoy the space, time and

fellowship with other crafters OR learn a new craft.

Pillow top, wooden trivet, or a bird house magnet craft

kits will be available for a small charge.

Furnace Maintenance

We have been blessed that our

40 year old furnace system has

served us well these past forty

years with minimal repairs

along the way. That’s the

good news. Some more good

news is that they are still

serving us. However, we do

need to invest in some much

needed maintenance, duct

cleaning, and repairs. The

total cost for what needs to be done is just over

$10,000. Our Preschool will be sharing $5,000 toward the

costs. The total cost to the congregation that will need to

be raised is approximately $5,500. We will eventually be

faced with replacing our aging furnaces. The work we are

doing now is necessary and will be important when

we replace the furnaces down the road. Included is a three

year no cost service plan with warranty plan included for

the work being done. Special envelopes and a pledge board

will be made available in the coming weeks.

NEXT OWLS (Older Wiser Lutherans)

Meeting will be Tuesday, April 7thrd at

noon. Bring a sack lunch. All are

welcome.

Family of Christ Lutheran Church Page 5 email: office@foclutheranchurch.org

April Preschool News Submitted by Jackie Ochsner, Preschool Director

Preschool Sunday, March 8, was a fun day as we

welcomed in worship and fellowship about 15 of our

preschool children and their families. The kiddos

enjoyed singing a few of our preschool songs and

sharing a delicious lunch of Mac & Cheese afterwards

with many of the congregation members.

2015-2016 School Information

Registration is underway for next year. If you know of

any families looking for a great preschool please give

them our name and number to give us a call at Family

of Christ Christian Preschool 360-546-0731. We would

love to invite them in for a day of fun at our center

and show them what the Preschool Ministry here at

Family of Christ is all about.

It is just around the corner…

Our Annual Spring Carnival is

happening on Saturday April 25th

from 4-7. This is our most

exciting fundraiser of the year.

There are many ways in which you

can make this event a huge success. You can sign up to

work a shift at one of the games, help with a shift in

the kitchen, or help with set up/clean up. Please

contact Jackie Ochsner for more volunteering

information. Another way in which you and your family

can support the Preschool Carnival is to join us for this

great day of fun. We will have games, food,

entertainment and shopping at a great silent auction.

Hope to see you there!

Weird Animals

Where Jesus’ Love Is One-of-a-Kind

Set your calendars for the last week in July for VBS,

coming to Family of Christ on July 27th-July 31st with a

special Sunday Funday on Sunday August 2nd.

Lots of folks working together will make our VBS a

wonderful week for our children.

(attend one of the meetings). Come be a part of this

amazing adventure. VBS is a great volunteer

experience for high school students and young adults.

If you have questions contact Susan Dollinger at

conglifemin@foclutheranchurch.org or call 573-5031 or

stop by Office C (Tuesday 10-2,

Thursday 9-2) or call for an

appointment.

Vacation Bible School Supply List We are planning for the upcoming

Vacation Bible School. To get started,

we need some supplies for decorations, and craft

supplies, etc.

Here is what we need so far:

Pool Noodles---various colors

Poster boards—in various colors

Scrapping Papers—in various designs, colors

Roll of Brown Paper—can be found in the paint

sections at Home Depot, etc.

White Ping Pong Balls

Empty Toilet Paper & Paper Towel rolls

Plain White Paper Plates (not chinet)

Double Stick tape

All items can be dropped off in the church office or

given to Susan Dollinger or Cheri Herzog.

Basic Program Information

Ages, class days, times and tuition are:

2’s classes: Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs 8:30-11:30 Tuition

$ 150.00 mo.

3’s classes: Tues/Thurs 8:30-11:30 Tuition $ 150.00 mo.

Tues/Wed/Thurs 12:15-3:15 Tuition $ 190.00 mo.

4’s classes: Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30-11:30 Tuition $ 190 mo.

Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs 12:15-3:15 Tuition $ 230.00 mo

Preschool Phone: 360-546-0731

You are needed! We’re planning and organizing

on Sunday, April 19thth at 12:30 pm and

Thursday night April 23th at 7:00 pm

The Illuminate Page 6 www.foclutheranchurch.org

May Day Sale

Our huge May day rummage sale will be held May

2, from 9-4 in the Family Room. Please begin

bringing items for the sale Monday, April 27 and

all week until Friday noon. We ask that items be

brought before Friday noon so they can be priced

and put out on the tables. No TV sets, computers,

cell phones, baby car seats, or large furniture will

be accepted as we have no means of getting rid of

them if they don't sell. If you have questions about

an item, please call the church.

There are a lot of opportunities to help!

Volunteers are needed all week and Saturday to

sort and price, work and clean up following the

sale, and especially to cashier during the sale. A

minimum of two volunteers are needed as cashiers

and baggers to assist our guests. If you can take a

load of leftover items to Goodwill or Second

Chance thrift stores after the sale, that would be a

tremendous help too.

The proceeds of the sale go to charities and

supplies emergency funding for those in need.

This is our only Social Concerns fundraiser for the

year and we know we can count on all of you to

help.

Special Thank You

Thank you to all who donated food, socks, clothes

this past winter for homeless use on the street. The

need never ends. Please continue these efforts now

that the WHO shelters are closing until next

November.

Thank you, Social Justice Concerns Ministry

Social Justice Concerns Ministry Spiritual Practices for Busy Lives

By Pastor Kit

Senior Lunch Bunch and OWLS present

Liliacs and Lunch

Thursday April 16th, Lunch at 11:30

at Los Pepes Mexican Restaurant

611 Goerig Street, Woodland, WA

After Lunch — Hulda Klager Lilac

Gardens

115 South Pekin Road, Woodland, WA

(Bring $3 cash for garden admission)

Pastor’s Started a New Blog!

Pastor’s Ponderings

foclutheranchurch.org/blog

What’s a blog? Simply put, a blog is an informal online

conversational reflection that is intended to provoke thought

and conversation around an idea or topic of interest. There are

lots of different ways to invite a conversation, so why put a

blog on the FOC webpage? A blog is a simple nonthreatening

way to engage folks for whom the online world is an important

part of how they gather information or draw inspiration. With

all the new families moving into our area, outreach needs to

come in many forms. We know for example, that most folks

will look to the congregation’s webpage to get a sense of the

feel, character and mission of the congregation. They want to

know if there are activities for themselves or their families that

connect with their particular place in life. A blog is a gentle

way of inviting folks in. There are so many topics and ideas

that can engage our imaginations and share as a congregation.

The way it works is simple. Pastor Kit will start a new thread

each week presenting a short piece on a given topic. You can

participate by clicking the blog button on the dropdown menu

on the FOC webpage. Post your response by clicking on the

comment button at the bottom of the page, write your

comments and press the submit button. Have a topic of

interest? Just add it to a comment thread or better yet, put it in

an email to Pastor Kit and she will include it in an upcoming

blog post. Let’s have some fun!

Have you ever stopped to count the number of hours you

spend in the car running here there and everywhere? If you

are like the typical American you are in your car a couple

hours every day. We lead very busy lives. What if you used

that time to pray for the folks in the car ahead of you? You

don’t know them, may never meet them, but you can bless

them by offering a simple prayer for their safe journey. If

you are willing to take a bit of a risk, you might try the

spiritual practice of generosity known as the “Random Act of

Kindness.” Each day you do an intentional simple gesture of

kindness to some random and unsuspecting individual. It

does not have to be costly or huge, just thoughtful. For

example, not long ago I drove up to a Coffee Shop drive thru

and when I went to pay, I was told that my coffee had been

paid for by the car in front of me. Wow. Later that week, I

heard a radio report of a Starbucks where someone had

started a chain of Random Acts of Kindness like the one I

received that lasted from car to car for most of the day.

Spiritual practices come in many forms, what they hold in

common is that they bless.