Newsletter - Easter Lutheran Church

Newsletter
April 2015 • Volume 31 Number 4
To grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ
Holy Week Worship
Palm Sunday, March 29
8:30 and 10 a.m., Easter on the Hill
9:30 and 11 a.m., Easter by the Lake
Maundy Thursday, April 2
7:30 p.m., Easter on the Hill
Worship with Holy Communion
Good Friday, April 3
Crosswalk, 10 a.m., Easter on the Hill. Join this ecumenical community
walk to carry a large cross through Eagan, stopping at intervals to pray,
read and sing. Those who wish to walk only for brief intervals may ride in
a van accompanying the walkers.
Sunday, April 12, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Easter by the Lake; Childcare provided
Easter is collaborating with Augustana,
Prince of Peace, and Luther Seminary
to present this speaker series.
See page 3 for full details about this
special opportunity. Invite others!
Family Service (Passion Story), 5 p.m., Easter by the Lake
Tenebrae Service (Increasing darkness), 8 p.m., Easter on the Hill
Holy Saturday, April 4
5 p.m., Easter on the Hill - Stations of the Cross
Easter
Changes
Everything
Easter Sunday, April 5
Easter on the Hill
6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service with Holy Communion
8, 9, 10, and 11 a.m. Festive Worship (traditional)
11 a.m. service includes Holy Communion
Continuous communion 8:30-11 a.m. in the preschool rooms
Easter by the Lake
9, 10, and 11 a.m. Celebration Worship (band-led)
11 a.m. service includes Holy Communion
Continuous communion 9:30-11 a.m. in the Community Room
4th Annual
Easter Serves
See page 8 for details
Sunday, April 26, 12:15 p.m.
Easter by the Lake
Come and be the hands and feet of
Christ. Meet at Easter by the Lake for
lunch, fellowship and service to others.
Help pack supplies for victims of natural
disasters, those struggling with poverty,
homelessness and hunger, and children
impacted by disasters. You’ll also have
the opportunity to learn more about our
ongoing projects related to local mission,
justice and advocacy and community
partnerships.
4200 Pilot Knob Road • Eagan MN 55122-1822 • 651-452-3680 • easter.org • [email protected]
From the Pastor - Pastor Sarah Clark
Hello Easter
Lutheran Church!
Guess what, I’m
pregnant!! If you’ve
seen me at all in the
last three months…
you’re completely
not surprised.
This kiddo (#2 for
Brian and I) will
be born in the beginning of June. We
decided to NOT find out if it’s a boy or
girl. And while we’re so, so excited- our
excitement isn’t even close to Big Sister
Norah’s level of excitement!
The timing of announcing this
pregnancy at church was a little goofy.
The first weekend we could have felt
comfortable telling you all was the
weekend of the Advent Choral Serviceand that’s just not a natural place for
anything other than beautiful music.
The next weekend was the Children’s
Christmas Pageant Worship- again, not
a natural time to spread news of any
baby other than Jesus! I did sneak it
into a Christmas Eve sermon. But, now,
Nursery Available
The Nursery is available at Easter as a
complimentary service during worship
services. The nursery is open to all
children under 4 years of age. Children
who are age 4 are encouraged to attend
worship or to register for children’s
ministry church school.
WORSHIP TIMES
Easter on the Hill:
Sat. 5 p.m., Sun. 8:30 & 10 a.m.
Easter by the Lake:
Sun. 9:30 and 11 a.m.
Easter on the Hill Office Hours
Monday-Friday.................8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturdays................................9 a.m.-noon
Office closed Monday April 6
officially, thanks to this newsletter, the
cat’s out of the bag. Phew!! Just in time
for the start of my third trimester. ;-)
It’s probably not a shock to you that my
growing belly and I are extra anticipating
the arrival of spring. When the grass
greens up and the trees leaf out, when
the birds come back and the flowers
bloom, I’ll be that much closer to holding
our new baby! This spring will be all about
new life.
And speaking of new life… Easter is
just around the corner. Easter Sunday
literally bursts with new life. This year our
theme for Easter will be ‘Easter Changes
Everything!’ Because, it does. Easter
changes everything; it changes love and
hope, it changes life and faith. It changes
you and me. And Easter changes our
church too.
I believe that our church is on the
precipice of a huge burst of new-Easterlife. Truly, it’s been quite a year. Pastor
Paul announced his retirement (July
2015) last summer. Rev Kev left for a
new Senior Pastor call. Pastor Kris’ mom
was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
and passed away in October- Pastor
Kris has been deeply grieving since the
diagnosis. This all feels quite heavy.
However, Easter Sunday teaches us that
this heaviness will never be the end of
the story.
In fact, there have been grand glimpses
of new life all year too. Intern Pastor
Brandon joined us a little over a year
ago. Our remodeling was started and
completed (well, mostly). Our new
kitchen at the Lake hosts Loaves and
Fishes Community Meals 4 nights a
week. We have partnered both with
Reaching Up Ministries and TreeHouse
in order to serve our community’s youth
and families.
I invite you to join in the new life
blooming all around Easter this Easter.
Worship. Serve. Learn. Love. Easter
changes everything.
He Is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!!
GOOD NEWS! SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION
Sunday, March 29, 12:15 p.m., Easter by the Lake
At Easter Lutheran Church, we are all about the Good News - the Good News of Jesus
Christ! And yet we have other good news - the Call Committee has been working hard
to discern who to call for our two open pastoral positions. They have recommended
to the Vision Board, and the Vision Board has voted in unanimous agreement, to call
Brandon Newton as Executive Pastor at Easter Lutheran Church. Now it’s your turn to
vote. At this short meeting, every voting member of the congregation gets to weigh
in on this call. Two-thirds of voting members present must vote yes in order for us to
extend a formal call to Brandon. If you’d like to vote, you must show up at the meeting.
No absentee ballots are allowed.
Baptism Class by Pastors
Sunday, April 12, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Easter on the Hill
Easter families planning a baptism (of babies, children, teenagers, or adults) must
attend a baptism class taught by one of Easter’s pastors. These classes explore how
baptism works, the theological core of baptism, and the specifics of baptism at Easter.
Once families schedule their baptism, they can choose which month’s session best
fits their schedule as long as the class happens BEFORE the baptism. Contact Jennifer
Peloquin with questions or to schedule a baptism at 651-452-3680.
–2–
Worship, Bible Studies and Prayer
We are inviting you to come together with other local congregations for a
new learning event called “Think.” Think had its genesis when the Pastors of
Augustana, Easter, and Prince of Peace together with the president of Luther
Seminary (the school that trains Pastors - right here in St. Paul) - sat down
together to ask the question, “How can we be the church together? How can
we learn together, grow together, witness together?”
Our hope is to gather together regularly, through a series of events which will
rotate between the three church locations, to learn about Scripture, Theology
and the Practice of Christian Faith. Together we will come to know and
understand that God is at work through all of us - sharing the love of Jesus in
our communities.
The first Think event will be:
The Holy Spirit’s Creative Power in Our Lives
presented by Lois Malcolm, Professor at Luther Seminary
Sunday, April 12, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Easter by the Lake
Childcare provided
Malcolm’s enthusiasm and passion for the Holy Spirit combined with her rapid fire
presentation style is something you won’t want to miss. This energetic and engaging
conversation will answer questions like, who is the Holy Spirit? How is the Holy Spirit
present and active in our lives, in the church and in the world? Come and discover
how the Spirit creates faith within us and prompts us to love and serve the world,
and our neighbor.
Speaker Lois Malcolm
Professor of Systematic Theology
- go to easter.org (Events & News)
for a full biography
A collaboration between
Tuesday Morning
Bible Study
Tuesdays, 6:45-7:30 a.m.
Easter on the Hill
Bibles and coffee provided
Meets every week
Altar Flowers
To sponsor altar flowers for worship at
either site in honor or memory of an
event or loved one, please contact the
church office at 651-452-3680 at least
one week before the service.
The suggested donation is $35.
Read the Bible in a Year - (Day 1 = October 1)
The in-person meeting is optional, as is the Facebook Group. We want you to
study along with us in whatever format works best for you and your schedule.
Evening meetings:
1st Tuesday of the month
7-8:30 p.m., Easter by the Lake;
Join us at 5:30 p.m. for a
Community Meal before the
evening class gathering.
Daytime meetings:
1st Monday of the month
noon-1:30 p.m.
Easter on the Hill
–3–
The evening session is
sometimes available on
video. Check out
easter.org (Connect/Adult
Ed/Bible in a Year) to
see which months have
been recorded. If you
can’t attend, you can still
participate!
Job Transitions Group
Tuesday mornings, 7:30-9 a.m.
Easter by the Lake
The goal of this free job transitions
group is to inspire and empower
community members to get hired faster
in a job that’s right for them. All are
welcome! There is no charge to attend.
Connect with Others
Annual Meeting
Tuesday, April 28, 7 p.m., Easter on the Hill
The Annual Meeting is an important gathering in the life of the church. We’ll share
plans for the near and medium term future of the church, offer updates on pastoral
transition, finances, and other important information. The annual report will be
available at easter.org (Events & News) by April 10.
Grieving Through Song - NEW!
Upcoming Presentations:
April 7: “Negotiation: How Much $$$
Do You Want to Make?” presented by
Catherine Byers Breet. She’ll pack 15
years of negotiation expertise into an
honest, hard-hitting look at how to
figure out what you’re worth ... then
ask for it with confidence (and a smile!)
She’s guided thousands of negotiations
from $1M a year to $10 an hour. Let her
help you! April 14: Breakout Bonanza. These
happen every second Tuesday, talking
about the topic Catherine covered the
week before. April 21: “StrengthsFinder -Understanding Your Strengths and
Those Around You” presented by Kathie
Olson, M.Ed. Kathie has been around
our Job Transitions Group for a long
time. She has a coaching practice and
writes a blog for middle managers
called Medium Cheddar. Very
informative and helpful for those of us
who are not in the C Suite! She is an
expert trainer in StrengthsFinder and
other topics. You will love her!
April 28: “Because She Willed It To
Happen!” presented by Xaulanda
Emmanuel. Xaulanda was part of the
Job Transitions Group for a few months
before she landed a great gig. She
was one of the early members of the
Easter Circle of Women, and is a terrific
speaker! Don’t miss this one.
Thursdays, April 9 & 23, 7-8:15 p.m., Easter on the Hill
Have you ever heard a song on the radio that touched you so deeply you had to pull
the car over to listen and wipe your eyes? Music has the ability to touch our hearts
like nothing else. Easter’s Grieving through Song group is a safe place for anyone
who is grieving, whether that grief is new or has been lingering for years. Adults
processing any type of loss (death, divorce, job change, etc.) are welcome to join
at any time. Music will set the tone for our time together and each individual can
choose how much to share at each stage in their journey of grief and loss. Leader
Jennifer Hicks from Joyful Noise, LLC, is a certified music therapist whose mission is
to inspire and empower others to experience and create joy in their lives. She has
presented nationally on the use of music therapy during the grief process. Devotion on Music and Your Faith Life
Vision Board member Wade Anderson wrote a wonderful devotion about
connecting to God via music. You can find the devotion at easterprays.com
or at easter.org (Worship & Care/Devotions).
Easter Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, April 11
9:30-10:30 a.m. breakfast & 10:45-11:40 a.m. cave tour
Breakfast at Wabasha Deli & Cafe
32 East Fillmore Ave, St. Paul
Join us for breakfast and then enjoy the Wabasha Street
Caves Historic Tour (Children 5 and under free, adults
$6). Come hear and see the history of these sandstone
caves. Hear the legends of the mobster massacres and
ghostly lore in the most unique setting from Chicago to
San Francisco. Learn more at wabashastreetcaves.com the Wabasha Deli & Cafe is usually closed on Saturdays,
but they are open just for us! Come for food and fun!
Weekly Discussion and Support Group for Depression
Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m., Easter on the Hill
This is a faith-based peer-to-peer group. Members relate their lived experiences and
share their challenges, disappointments, and successes in living with depression,
anxiety, bipolar, and similar diseases. A trained facilitator will lead this weekly
discussion and support group as well as provide information and support to those
who care for others affected by depression and related illnesses. If you are living
with depression or a related illness, or have a family member or friend who suffers
from them, please join the group. This group is sponsored by the Depression Support
Coalition. Contact Bob Lawrence at 612-845-9481.
–4–
Connect with Others
Easter Prays/Praise Blog:
easterprays.com or easterpraise.com
Devotions, encouragement, prayer tips and stories of God working in everyday lives
Don’t let the title mislead you—the Easter Prays blog is not a list of prayers — It's about Christ-centered spirituality!
Blog excerpt from March by Pastor Sarah Clark
‘Mantra’ is a big word we’ve borrowed from the traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. In these original traditions, a mantra was
a word or sound that people uttered over and over as an aid in meditation. And, in Hinduism and Buddhism, meditation is an
essential faith practice.
I am neither Buddhist or Hindu. I’m Lutheran (and I’m a pastor). Prayer, for me, works best when it’s a mantra. A prayer that
repeats words, and builds its own melody and rhythm… that’s my favorite sort of prayer. That sort of prayer works its way into my
heart- its easiest for my brain to grasp- and its repetition leaves a mark on my soul.
My habit of praying mantra-style is probably weird. ;-) My congregation only ever sees me praying prayers that are like a onesided dialogue; they’re either pre-written prayers or impromptu leadership prayers in worship or at meetings. I had to learn how
to pray like that and it has taken years to calm the butterflies that inevitably take off in my stomach right before I stand up to lead
a prayer.
Read more at easterprays.com
Young Adult Ministry
Gathering: Tuesday, April 7, 7-9 p.m., Easter on the Hill
Meet new friends during this monthly faith discussion for adults in their 20’s and
30’s. Typically, the 1st Tuesday of the month we participate in faith conversation
and fellowship, often at participants’ homes. Later each month we complete a service
opportunity either at the church or within the community. For more details or to be
added to the e-mail list, send your contact information to [email protected].
Join us on Facebook by searching Easter Lutheran Young Adult Ministry Group.
Please invite others.
Fireside Commons Art Exhibit - Tom Maakestad
Tom Maakestad has been working
as a landscape painter since
the early 1980s. Even during a
period while working with the
multinational publishing company
Reed Elsevier based in Hong Kong
from 1985-1992, Tom continued
to produce exhibitions which were
shown in the British Colony as well
as in the US. Currently Tom lives
and works in Marine on St Croix,
Mn where he maintains a studio
for painting, exhibiting and for running his business interests which are still based in
Asia. From an early age growing up in rural Northfield, MN Tom was an ardent observer
of nature and grew up in the country amongst farm neighbors. His earliest interests
revolved around the seasons, and still do.
–5–
You and your small group
are invited to an
end-of-the-year celebration
Life Groupalooza!
Sunday, April 19, 12:15-2:30 p.m.
Easter by the Lake
Lunch will be served
Stay for fellowship and activities
Kristi Lockrem Scholarship
The Kristi Ann Lockrem Memorial
Scholarship fund offers one or more
scholarships in varying amounts to
a student or students with learning
disabilities who seek further training
or education following high school
graduation. Funds can be used for
tuition, tutoring, materials, or anything
else needed to enable learning. The
scholarship is administered through the
Kristi Lockrem Scholarship Committee
of Easter Lutheran Church. An applicant
should live within the boundaries of
ISD #197 or ISD #196. Applications are
available online at easter.org (Events &
News) and must be returned
to Easter Lutheran Church by April 1.
Connect with Others
Easter New Member Classes
New Women’s Bible Study!
Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., Easter by the Lake
Have you been thinking it would be nice to study the Bible but have a hard time
reading it on your own? Have you wondered ‘what’s next’ in your faith journey?
Have you wanted to meet other women who can encourage you in life and faith?
Join us! Invite your friends. Childcare is offered for a small fee.
Mixed Golf League
Wednesdays, May 6 – August 26, (skip week of July 4), Tee times 5:15-5:45 p.m.
Lost Spur Golf Course, 2750 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan $290 fee covers golf and social events at beginning and end of season
If you can’t commit to full time, consider sharing a spot and golfing for 8 weeks.
Register by check, written out to Easter Lutheran (write “Easter golf” on the memo line)
Questions? Contact Kathy Kuckler at [email protected]
Growing Through Loss
Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 5, 6:30 p.m. check-in, 7-9 p.m. program
The Church of St. Joseph, 13900 Biscayne Avenue West, Rosemount
Following the speaker, a trained facilitator will be available to lead discussion and to
offer help and support through conversation among the participants. One-on-one
listeners will also be available each week. Each session is complete in itself. Speaker
information, when available, can be found at easter.org (Connect/Support Groups).
Sundays, April 12, 19, and 26
12-1:30 p.m., Easter on the Hill
Have you been thinking about joining
Easter? You don't have to be a member
of Easter to become engaged in our
community, but if membership is
important to you, we'd love it! To register, go to easter.org
(Connect/New Member Classes)
Lawn Mowing
Lawncare at Easter on the Hill is
provided by amazing volunteers MayOctober. Three to four volunteers are
assigned each week between Thursday
and Saturday to mow with the church’s
riding and push mowers. Teens are
welcome with adult supervision (for
safety reasons). Sign up for dates to
suit your summer schedule. For more
information, or to join the 2015 team,
contact Jill Blair at 651-452-3680 or
[email protected], or sign up on the
Response sheet at worship. Save the Date!
Spring Choral Service
Saint Paul Area Synod Women's Convention
Friday-Saturday, May 1-2, Trinity Lutheran, 38460 Lincoln Trail, North Branch, MN
Theme: Women of Strength
Join women from around the Saint Paul Area Synod for a weekend of worship and
eucharist, Bible study, learning sessions and business meetings. Speakers include
Bishop Lull, Sue Folgers, Joyce Gibson and Shegitu Kebede. Delegate registration
deadline is April 2; Non-delegate registration is due April 23. For registration
information or if you have questions, contact Robin Kieffer at [email protected]
or 651-216-3611.
Sunday, May 3, 8:30 & 10 a.m.
Easter on the Hill
Contemplative Prayer Group
Wednesday, April 8, 7-8:30 p.m.
Easter on the Hill
This year we are using the book “Sacred
Rhythms” by Ruth Haley Barton to focus
on Bible passages offering insight into our
relationships with God. All are welcome!
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each
month. For more information, contact
Julie McCarty at 651-686-5871 or
[email protected]
Chick Talk
Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m., Easter on the Hill
Join Monday evening Chick Talk For more
information, contact Mary Kay DuChene at
651-452-3680 or [email protected] or
Denise Sjoberg at [email protected].
–6–
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Events are further detailed at easter.org (Connect/Encore!) ADULTS OF ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!
Encore! plans events throughout the year focusing on learning, serving and gathering. There is no one Encore! group. People do
not attend all events, but come as they are interested and able. We make a point of planning events on weekends and evenings
as well as daytime, knowing many people in the Encore age demographic are still employed. If you are interested in serving on
an Encore team (serve, learn or gather), please let one of the members of the Leadership Team (Sandy Erickson at 651-454-8208,
Kathie Poppen at 651-688-7386, Cindy Woodward at 651-681-1578 or Judy Pascoe at 651-454-8540) know. If you have an idea for
an event, we’d love to hear from you. Join the Encore! Facebook group for updates go to easter.org (Connect)
SALT - Seniors Learning Together
Red Cross Blood Drive
Mondays, April 20 - May 11, 9:30-11:45 a.m.
Church of the Risen Savior, 1501 E. County Rd. 42, Burnsville
$5 per day, with optional catered lunch & entertainment for $9 per person
CHECK OUT THE GREAT PRESENTATION OFFERINGS! SALT is open to people of all
ages interested in learning. It appeals to a broad spectrum of interests with four
presentations each morning. For a complete list of presentations, pick up the SALT
brochure at either church site. If you have questions, please call Roger Fredlund at
952-223-2444 or Jim Wing at 952-953-4146. Don’t miss out!
Friday, April 10, May 8, June 10
11:30-5 p.m., Easter by the Lake
Please consider donating blood or
offering to work at a blood drive by
contacting Kathie Poppen at klpoppen@
comcast.net or 651-688-7386.
Encore! Goes to Encore!
OWLs (Older Wiser Lutherans)
Spring Lunch
Wednesday, April 22, 3:30 p.m., Eagan High School
Carpool at 2:30 p.m. from Easter on the Hill
Attend the Senior Citizen free preview of Encore! 2015, “A Click Away,” that promises
to bring music with lots of energy and tons of style. This performance fills up fast and
parking can be an issue, so get there early! After the show, we will have dinner at
Andiamo, 1629 Lena Ct. (Diffley & Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Eagan). RSVP by April 20,
to Judy Englund at 651-687-0910 or [email protected].
Adopt-a-Street Cleanup
Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.
Meet at Easter on the Hill to carpool to Easter’s Adopt-a-Street site, Northview Pond
Rd. from Lexington to Elrene. Bring gloves and wear comfortable shoes. Clean up
takes 1-2 hours. Sign up at easter.org (Connect/Encore!) or call Tony Foster, at
612-259-7178 with questions.
Walker Art Gallery & Sculpture Garden
Thursday, May 21, meet at 10:15 a.m. to carpool from Easter on the Hill
The Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis, is celebrating the 75th
anniversary of its founding as a public art center dedicated to presenting and collecting
the art of our times. Our guided tour begins at 11 a.m. and includes a special
exhibition that covers 75 years of collecting at the Walker – a history distinguished not
only by boldness and risk-taking, but also acquisitions that have consistently breached
the boundaries of media or disciplines. Admission and guided tour is $10 per person.
Following the tour, we will lunch at the Garden Café by D’Amico and take a stroll
through the Sculpture Garden. Sign up for the event at easter.org (Connect/Encore!)
Call Brian Malloy, 651-452-8673 with questions.
–7–
Thursday, April 9, noon-2 p.m.
Axel’s Bonfire, Eagan (on Cliff Road)
Meet us at the restaurant for lunch!
Feed My Starving Children NOTE NEW SCHEDULE
Wednesday, May 13, 9:30-11:30 a.m.,
990 Lone Oak Road, Suite 136, Eagan
Join us once a quarter to pack meals
especially formulated for malnourished
children. If you are interested, please
contact Kathie Poppen at klpoppen@
comcast.net or 651-688-7386.
NO PACKING DATE in APRIL
ALL adults are welcome to
attend Encore! events
Send an email to [email protected]
and request “Encore! Updates.”
4th Annual Easter Serves Event!
Sunday, April 26, 12:15 p.m., Easter by the Lake
We are His hands and feet here on Earth.
St. Teresa of Avila wrote, “Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good. Yours are
the hands with which He blesses the world.” This is what Easter Serves is all about.
Meet at Easter by the Lake at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 26 for lunch, then roll up
your sleeves to make a difference in the lives of others. Everyone can help!
•
•
•
Children will work on a project for Second Harvest Heartland,
one of the nation’s largest food banks.
Those with limited mobility will pack items for Dakota Woodlands,
The Open Door, and The Link.
Other stations will pack personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief,
kid’s kits for Camp Noah, gLOVEbox bundles for the homeless, and
make sandwiches for the hungry.
You’ll be able to learn more about our community partners and how you can become
involved in enriching the lives of others throughout the year. You might want to hear
more about our Local Mission or Justice and Advocacy work or take a moment to write
a letter in support of better transportation options for those who need services but
cannot get to them.
Many donations are needed to make this a successful event. To find out what items
are needed and for more information, go to easter.org (Events & News). Drop off all
donations before April 19.
This event is free. A suggested donation of $5 per person/ $15 per family
will help cover lunch costs.
Everyone is Invited!
Youth Band Concert
Friday, April 24, 7 p.m.
Easter by the Lake
free (donations accepted)
ALL are invited to a special Easter
event! This incredible evening will
feature music performed by Easter’s
high school and middle school
youth bands and will involve high
energy participation as we explore
throughout the night what it means
to share with one another our ups
and downs, the good and bad,
our highs and lows. DON’T MISS a
chance for incredible music and deep
thought as we make music together.
Questions? Contact Jason Hansen at
651-452-3680 or [email protected].
Scenes from the 2014 Easter Serves event
From the Children, Youth & Family (CYF) Team — Highs and Lows
...submitted by Hans Vigesaa
My family has been doing Highs and Lows for several months. And our kids range in age from 4-14. What we have noticed about
this bedtime ritual is that our kids won’t let us skip a night without sharing at least one high from the day, which really turns into
sharing everything from the day. After we share we say a bedtime prayer and we invite the kids to pray. As they pray, they have,
without prompting, incorporated their siblings high and lows into their own personal prayers. It seems like no matter how agitated
they were with their siblings that day, they still offer a prayer for them. How wonderful, amazing, and joyous it is as a parent for
your kids to end their day by praying and caring for, someone who may have recently been their arch enemy (sic). Their last words
of the day are not words said in anger or frustration or outright venom, but are genuine words of blessing and words of love.
–8–
Follow Easter Lutheran
on Social Media!
Transforming hearts
and lives for Christ
Easter’s Mission Statement:
Don’t see our Facebook posts?
Facebook has implemented changes that
allow only about 6% of the people who “Like”
us to actually see the postings.
To grow in faith and
carry on the work of Jesus Christ
What do these things
mean to you?
If you go to our Facebook page and select
“Get Notifications” (on the “Like” button) you
will see all postings made by Easter Lutheran.
Like us on Facebook!
Facebook/EasterLutheranChurch
Easter’s Vision Statement:
Follow us on Twitter!
Twitter/EasterLutheran
See us on Instagram!
Instagram/EasterLutheran
#HiFromEaster
As you are out and about doing something at or through Easter, snap a photo
and post it out to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #HiFromEaster and it will
appear on easter.org (Tagboard) *When you tag a photo, make sure the photo is
set to “public” or “friends of friends” so that others can see it. See what others
have shared at easter.org (#HiFromEaster on the menu).
–9–
Funeral Notifications
Do you want to be notified when an
Easter member has passed away? There
is an area on the website where this
information will be posted. If you would
like to receive an email notification
when a funeral is scheduled for an Easter
member, let us know. Go to easter.org,
click on the “Worship & Care” box on the
front page, then scroll down to “Funerals.”
There is a green button on the Funeral
page where you can sign up to receive
notifications.
Serve Generously: Global Mission
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In Tanzania, the disabled are often denied an education, sometimes even
denied food and left to starve. With a PET cart, a disabled person can
change their life completely due to mobility, which gives them the ability
to work, contribute to their family, and lead a fuller, more relevant life. Be
enriched by volunteering to build PET Carts at the PET MN construction
facility in Minneapolis. Volunteers need to be at least 15 years old and
willing to perform relatively simple wood working or mechanical tasks.
Contact Paul Carlton at [email protected] and let him know
whether a Tuesday morning, Thursday afternoon or Saturday morning
would work best for you, and he will coordinate work sessions.
Recent Updates on Projects
Laptops for Tanzania
Do you have one or more PC’s with Windows XP or later
and in good, functioning condition you are willing to
donate? Contact Pastor Paul at [email protected] or
651-587-1999 if you have any questions.
Good news: On December 20, Easter volunteers helped to
pack a shipping container at Global Health Ministries (GHM)
in Fridley. The container departed for the Iringa Diocese
in central Tanzania on December 22. Easter paid for the
shipping costs. GHM reported that the shipping container
arrived safely at the Port of Dar Es Salaam on the east coast
of Tanzania on February 20. Contents of the container
included 3 generators for Radio Furaha, 20 adult-sized PET
Carts, 10 child-sized PET Carts and 11 wheelchairs destined
for the Physical Therapy department at NEEMA Crafts in
Iringa. This means that the vessel has successfully avoided
the hazards of violent storms and piracy. The container still
needs to clear customs and be shipped over land to Iringa
Town. We thank God for protecting the container over the
hazards of ocean travel and pray for continued care and
blessing for the remainder of the trip.
More Good News: According to Protas Kanemela, the
manager of Radio Furaha, the long-awaited repeater station
at Illula is now operating efficiently as of February 20.
An excerpt from Protas’ message follows:
2015 Tanzania Mission Trip Cancelled
The trip has been cancelled for 2015, but plans are in
place for a group to go in 2016. This year, Pastor Paul
plans to leave for Tanzania on April 8. He will again be
teaching at the University of Iringa and
will continue working
on Microfinance and
serving as Advisor for
Radio Furaha. Dr. Sally
Harris will be joining
him around May 18.
She will be helping
with the legal writing
program at Tumaini and
other projects. (Photo
shows Pastor Paul
and Sally during 2014
mission trip.)
Grace to you and peace from God our Creator and
the Lord Jesus Christ. Ilula repeater is working since
Friday last week. Thank God and you all for your
contribution and suggestion for the project. The
congregations like Image, Itungi, Uhominyi, Luganga,
Mtua and Ilula itself very clear now. We receive
many calls from there. --Protas Kanemela
Guatemala Good News: At the Guatemala weekend of
Global Missions Emphasis, Easter people donated enough
for the textiles and other indigenous materials to support
two elementary students for an entire school year.
Thank you!
– 10 –
Serve Generously: Within Easter Lutheran
Easter Care Team
NOW FOUR NIGHTS A WEEK!
Serve at Easter’s Community Meals
Easter is hosting FOUR Community Meals at Easter by the Lake each
week. The meals are every Monday through Thursday night from
5:30-6:30 p.m. Bring friends and neighbors to share a meal, or join
together to serve at a meal.
Loaves & Fishes is providing the food and will provide an on-site
chef, but we need people to help prepare, cook, serve and clean up
in order to make these events a success. Be the hands and feet of God!
An Easter-only service night is
the 3rd Tuesday of each month!
We encourage everyone to consider
volunteering for these fun evenings.
---because Easter Cares!
Tuesday, April 14, 6-7 p.m.
Easter on the Hill
Do you enjoy caring conversations? Easter
Care Team volunteers visit congregants
who are home-bound or in care centers
to provide a listening ear, compassionate
heart, and a reminder of God’s loving
presence. Volunteers can commit to
visiting one person once a month in
addition to attending a monthly one hour
meeting. If visiting isn’t your thing, attend
the monthly meetings to help send caring
cards and pray.
To sign up:
•
•
For any shift except the 3rd Tuesday, go to easter.org, click on Serve, then select
“Community Meals” under the Hunger heading. Registration is through a
SignupGenius form managed by Loaves & Fishes.
For a 3rd Tuesday shift, go to easter.org, click on Serve, then select “Community
Meals” under the Hunger heading. Click on the 3rd Tuesday button.
Sign up to receive
your newsletter electronically!
Go to easter.org (Events & News) to let us know your preference or
contact us at 651-452-3680 or [email protected].
Live Streaming Help
Starting the end of March, Easter will
live stream the 10 a.m. Easter on the
Hill worship services every week. We
need volunteers to make this possible.
Volunteers will operate three cameras
with an easy-to-use touch screen. This
opportunity only requires one volunteer
each week and you’ll only be scheduled
when you want. No experience is
necessary. Training is provided. Easter
would prefer someone high school
aged or older. To be part of this exciting
opportunity, contact Laura Backman at
[email protected] or 651-452-3680.
Things to do at Home - Help Prepare for VBS
Can you help us get ready for Vacation Bible School by doing some cutting, tracing,
sharpening, etc.? All materials and instructions will be provided. Starting April 12,
please pick up a bag with instructions and materials in the office at Easter on the Hill
or at the main desk at Easter by the Lake. Questions? Contact Rachelle Gill at
[email protected]. to make other arrangements. All materials will be due back by
Sunday May 17. Thank you for your help!
Spring Planting
Spring is (hopefully) just around the corner! We are looking for volunteers to help us
with some planting at Easter by the Lake this spring. We don’t have dates set yet. If you are interested in being notified when things firm up, please contact Allison Butler
at [email protected]. – 11 –
American Sign Language
(ASL) Interpreters Needed
Easter Church welcomes ALL people and
we want to be especially accommodating
to people who have situations that make
it difficult to participate in worship. Some
families that would like to attend worship
services and events need American Sign
Language (ASL) interpretation. Are you
ASL certified? Or do you know someone
who is ASL certified that might be
interested in volunteering some time
periodically at Easter? Please contact
Jill Blair at [email protected] if you are
interested.
Serve Generously: Education Partnerships
Contact Rhonda Doran, the Community Partner Liaison, at [email protected] or 651-452-3680
A year ago, Pastor Kris shared a new vision - “God is Calling Easter.” Easter’s education partnerships are one way we live out this
vision and share God’s love and grace in our community. Here are some ways we implemented that vision over the past year:
Oak Ridge Elementary
Easter people are passionately engaged daily at Oak Ridge, our partner elementary school. Volunteers support students in math
and literacy during the school day, serve meals to families and staff during parent-teacher conferences, assist with a free flu shot,
pack and deliver bags of groceries for families in need, provide healthy snacks for after-school classes, and serve as teen mentors.
Homework Help
Easter people are building lasting relationships with local children through Easter’s Homework Help partnership with Reaching Up
Ministries. This program is free for families with children in grades 1-12 that qualify for free lunches in District 196 and need extra
academic support. Children and families come four nights a week for homework help, fellowship and English language support.
Transportation Ministry
Easter people are generously giving the gifts of time and service to families who cannot get to community meals or Homework
Help sessions because they do not have a car or reliable transportation.
Mobile Lunch Box – Keeping minds and bellies full while school is out
This summer, hop on the bus and share God’s love and grace with children by making sandwiches and packing lunches, handing
them out at Cinnamon Ridge Apartments or engaging in organized activities with children on Thursdays this summer.
Vision Board Devotion
This devotion was prepared and presented by Keri Olson at the February Vision Board gathering.
I just watched the 40th Anniversary
of Saturday Night Live. It was a blast
from my past and made me smile from
ear to ear. But it also made me realize
that all those performers of my youth
were getting really old. And if they
were getting old then by default I must
be too.
Make no mistake, I am clear on my
age. But for the most part I see my
family, friends and acquaintances
often enough that general aging is
incremental. When you go back to the
beginning and then jump forward 40
years, it’s a little shocking. A bit like
running into friends and their children
at the mall when you haven’t seen
the kids for years; it’s as though they
instantly went from toddlers to teens.
Experiencing the SNL oldsters (Dan
Ackroyd, Bill Murry, Jane Curtain, etc)
from their youthful comic genius to
now seasoned dramatic veterans gave
me an entertaining yet powerful view of
our mortality.
I distinctly remember the first time
I was truly aware that I would not live
forever. Shortly after our son Cameron
was born, I had an epiphany. I realized
that if something happened to me, if
I died, it would matter. Really matter.
In a joyous time those were heavy
thoughts so I put them aside and went
on living without fear of dying, because
to live in fear would have denied how
wonderful this new life and motherhood
was. And yet here I am again, from
a completely different impetus,
recognizing my mortality.
The timing of the anniversary show
couldn’t have been better. Coming just
before the start of Lent it pushed me to
thinking about the fullness of life; it has
a beginning, middle and an end. Years
ago my thoughts on what to do with my
life were framed by big ideas, plans and
– 12 –
goals. I still have a few of those, but my
focus on how I want to live the rest of
the “middle” of my life has softened.
I’m going to make a real effort to be
more intentional in all I do, to be really
present and in tune to other’s needs
and less on my own. That will take
some doing.
On Ash Wednesday we were reminded
through scripture “Remember, man is
dust, and unto dust you shall return.”
It refers to our making and our finality,
leaving the middle to us. And I guess
until we are finally dust we are in the
middle, challenged to live without fear
of dying, knowing that Christ did the
heavy lifting for us.
Great and gracious God, thank you
for using all the tools available to you,
to get to us, even SNL. You are truly
everywhere and in everything. Guide us
in the middle of our lives to seek you in
all things. Amen
Serve Generously: Local Mission
Feed My Starving Children - **CHANGE**
Easter is switching to a QUARTERLY service schedule with FMSC. If you haven’t
participated, this is a FUN and EASY activity that is great for people of most ages.
If you’ve done it in the past, you know how fast the time goes and how
rewarding it is. Gather some friends and family, sign up, and go — you’ll love it!
Next Evening session: Tuesday, May 12, 6-7:30 p.m. and
Next Daytime session: Wednesday, May 13, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
990 Lone Oak Road, Suite 136 in Eagan
Make a difference by packing meals specially formulated for malnourished children.
Bring your family, neighbors, Life Group, or book club! Confirmation students
welcome. For online sign-up instructions, go to fmsc.org and sign up under the Group
option (look for Easter Lutheran) or contact Rita Tester at
651-452-7342 or [email protected] with questions.
Wanted: Bus Drivers (Community Meals, Homework Help, etc)
Easter is looking for volunteers to drive Easter vehicles for various community outreach
ministries like Homework Help and Community Meals. Flexible shifts are available
Monday and Tuesday evenings from 5-9 p.m. Please contact Allison Butler at
[email protected] or call the church office at 651-452-3680 if you have questions.
Food Drive for The Open Door
(formerly the Eagan/Lakeville Resource Center)
Getting Involved
at Easter:
How to Choose!
There are many opportunities to get
involved at Easter and in our work
with the community both locally and
globally — see easter.org (Serve)
Take a look at the great things we're
doing. What speaks to you? You don't
need to do everything.
Saturday and Sunday, April 11 & 12, both sites
Bring your food donations when you come to worship!
Visit their website at theopendoorpantry.org for an
updated list of commonly needed items. Consider
buying an extra bag of flour, peanut butter, or some
vegetables for the pantry the next time you go to the
grocery store. Fresh produce is always appreciated.
THANK YOU for your generosity! In addition, financial
giving has increased substantially, which allows The Open Door
to purchase a lot more food through Second Harvest.
Find something you feel passionate
about and give that one thing a try.
Not sure what that might be? We're
happy to help you find the right fit!
Red Cross Blood Drive
Friday, April 10, 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Easter by the Lake
Blood donors can register online at redcrossblood.org using the
zip code 55122. Donors must be 17 years old (16 with parental
permission), be feeling well the day of donation, and meet the
Red Cross requirements.
Pictorial Directories
Have you picked up your copy yet?
Find them at both sites.
– 13 –
Helping children, youth and families grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ.
Children, Youth
Faith Formation
& Family
Church School Calendar
Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 28, 9:30 a.m., Easter by the Lake - INVITE friends and neighbors!
The morning will include a Children’s worship, an egg hunt of 3,000 eggs, and
fellowship with donuts, coffee and juice. Suggested donation of $10 a family or
$3 a person to cover cost will be accepted. No pre-registration needed.
Come help decorate!
Help set up for the Easter Celebration on Friday, March 27, 9:30-11 a.m. at
Easter by the Lake. Extra hands are needed to set up tables, chairs and simply
decorate the Community Room. Come as long as you can! All help is appreciated!
Palm Sunday Procession - Kids Wanted!
Saturday, March 28 and Sunday March 29
All kids are invited to join a procession with palms!
Easter on the Hill
(meet in the narthex)
Saturday, March 28, 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 29, 8:30 or 10 a.m.
Easter by the Lake:
(meet downstairs)
Sunday, March 29, 9:30 or 11:00 a.m.
Happy Easter!
No church School - Sunday, April 5
Last month for Pray & Play:
Infants to Preschoolers
(with parents/guardians)
open gym on Thursdays,
April 9, 16, 23 and 30
9:30-11 a.m., Easter by the Lake
Come play in a dry and warm space! The
weather is always fantastic in the Great
Room for kids to run, be loud and let go
of that energy! Come as often and as long
as you can! No registration required!
Bring your friends, it’s FREE! The Pray &
Play calendar can be found at easter.org.
(Youth & Family, Infant/Preschool, Pray &
Play) Questions? Contact Rachelle Gill at
[email protected]
Family Faith Nights!
Cost: $5 per person for pizza
(children 3 and under are free)
Start the night with
family worship at 5 p.m.
followed by pizza and activities
at 6 p.m.
Check out the Summer Youth Events
Brochure and Register soon!
It’s much more than VBS!
Vacation Bible School:
June: Thailand Trek: Easter on the Hill
Monday - Friday, June 15-19, 9:30 a.m.-noon ($35)
Monday - Thursday, June 15-18, 1-4 p.m. ($35)
Age 3 Parent/Child: June 16-18, 9:30 a.m.-noon ($21)
July: Blast from the Past: Easter by the Lake
Monday - Friday, July 13-17, 9:30 a.m.-noon ($35)
Age 3 Parent/Child, July 14-16, 9:30 a.m.-noon ($21)
Extended Day, July 13-16, noon-1:30 p.m. ($15)
NEW! Family VBS, July 14-16, 6-8 p.m. ($25)
Teens:
Volunteer spots for
VBS fill up fast!
Go to easter.org
(Youth & Family/Summer)
for the volunteer form fill it out soon and
send it in!
Questions? Contact
Rachelle Gill at
[email protected] or
651-452-3680.
– 14 –
Childcare is provided for siblings at all
Family Faith Nights. Please RSVP to
Rachelle at [email protected] if you will
be having pizza or childcare is needed.
The cost is $5 per person (3 and under
free) for pizza. Please pay the night of
the celebration.
For 2nd Graders
Saturday, April 18
Easter on the Hill
We will distribute the 3rd grade
Bibles to the parents and talk more
about how to make the 3rd grade
Bible dedication a blessing to all.
Helping children, youth and families grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ.
Children, Youth
Faith Formation
& Family
Summer Activities and Events
Have you seen all the activities teens can do this summer at Easter? Invite friends
and neighbors. Activities will be filling up, so please get your registrations in soon.
Check out the Summer Youth Event Brochure on the website at easter.org
(Youth & Family/Summer) - online payment and registration is available!
Middle School: Late Night with Friday Night Live
We’re excited about these special events! Invite your friends. Each night will include
a main event, a service project, and activity, and lots of snacks. Plus you get to stay
out until midnight! Get tickets now — $35 per night. Below is our first event. See
the Summer Youth Events brochure for more! INVITE FRIENDS!
June 19, 7 p.m. - midnight
Main Event:
Professional Comedian Daren Streblow
Serve: The Sandwich Project
Fun: Camp-style games
High School Activities
Contact: Hans at [email protected]
YOWIES (Youth on Wednesdays)
Wednesdays, 7:30-9 p.m.
Easter by the Lake
If you are in high school, do yourself a
favor and check out YOWIE. YOWIE is
our high school youth group and we
meet nearly every Wednesday at the
Lake at 7:30 pm. It is a great time to
hang out with friends, sing songs, play
games and talk about God. In April we
gather to discuss a Rob Bell video, have
a couple of guest speakers and learn
about hunger. Come check it out.
Stay Connected!
High School Special Events
Backyard Bible Study Returns
HS Leadership
Wednesdays, June 10 - August 19, 7:30-9 p.m.
(Skip July 8 and August 12) - Locations vary by week
We’ll meet at host homes - directions will be
announced on easter.org and on Facebook. It’s going
to be an awesome summer of food, folks, fun, and of
course God’s word. Open to those going into 9th grade
fall 2015 through those who graduated in 2015.
Want to develop
leadership skills and
mentor your peers
and middle schoolers?
Check out the Summer
Youth Brochure for
details.
Senior Photos and Grad Recognition
Get your wallet-sized senior photo turned in by April 30! Details and an envelope
were mailed to your home in March. Thank you!
Grad Recognition will be June 14, 9:30 a.m., Easter by the Lake.
Friday Night Live - Middle Schoolers - Grades 6-8
Fridays, April 17, 7-8:30 p.m., Easter by the Lake
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE is twice-a-month awesomeness designed for middle school
students and middle school students only. Look for finger rocket mayhem, GAGA Pit,
board games and much more. Come check out our new youth spaces and for the
first time pizza will be available for $1 a slice. And as always friends are more than
welcome. Questions? Contact Hans at [email protected] or 651-452-3680.
– 15 –
Get reminders of high school youth
activities and super events by texting
@yowie to 612-260-7787. You will
receive text reminders about what is
going on with youth activities.
Book & Bible
Mondays, April 6 and 20
8-9 p.m., Easter by the Lake
Are you looking for a way to explore
questions of faith? You are invited to
something we call Book & Bible. We
are currently discussing a fabulous
book called “Letters from a Skeptic.”
This book has some very honest and
thoughtful answers about God, Jesus,
faith and doubt. Come check it out.
Mission Trips
There is still room on three of the summer
mission trips. If you are in 6th -10th grade
there is room on the trip to Quad Cities
June 21-27. If you are in 8th -12th grade
there is room on the trip to Heart Butte,
MT July 11-19, or to Wetumpka, AL
July 24 – August 2. Contact Hans Vigesaa
at [email protected] if you would like
more information.
Easter Lutheran Church
4200 Pilot Knob Road
Eagan, MN 55122-1822
easter.org
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit # 5207
Twin Cities, MN
“to grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ”
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Dated Material
Happy Spring!
Community Meals, Homework Help and YOU:
Safe Place, Warm Embrace
Free Meals - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - 4 NIGHTS A WEEK!
5:30-6:30 p.m., Easter by the Lake
Come share a meal and fellowship with others from our community – everyone is welcome! Interested
in helping? Loaves and Fishes provides the food and an on-site chef, but we need help preparing,
serving, and cleaning up. Go to easter.org (Serve/Community Meals) and follow the green buttons.
Have you attended a meal yet? If not, make it a goal to attend this month!
Homework Help – Now offered at Easter by the Lake four evenings a week!
Monday-Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m. - In partnership with Reaching Up Ministries
Help students in grades K-12 with their homework, read or play educational games with them.
No experience is necessary, training is provided and schedules are flexible.
Contact Rhonda at [email protected] for more information.
Transportation – Drivers needed Monday-Thursday
Many families would like to attend the community meals or Homework Help sessions, but cannot get to
Easter because they do not have reliable transportation. We need drivers to operate Easter vehicles to
transport families. Schedules are flexible. Contact Allison Butler at [email protected] or 651-452-3680.
Food and funding provided by Loaves & Fishes —
Warm hearts and welcoming smiles provided by YOU.
To grow in faith and carry
– 16on
– the work of Jesus Christ