- Shepherd Lutheran Church

SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
THE SHEPHERD’S CALL
3900 Wyoming Blvd, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
JANUARY 2012
Phone: 292-6622
Fax: 323-6766
MY RESOLUTION:
Website:
www.shepherdlutheran.org
To worship in my
Father’s House more often!
It’s New Year’s resolution time again. Never have so many pledged
to do so much that has amounted to so little. Perhaps we don’t keep many
(or most or all) of our resolutions because they are not important enough
to keep. In fact, most good resolutions start too late and end too early!
Here is a New Year’s resolution that offers new and exciting
changes and challenges to everyone who makes (and keeps) it: With the
Spirit’s help, I will spend more time with God in worship at church.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
My Resolution: To
worship in my Father’s
House more often!
1
This and That
2
OWLS
3
What’s ahead for you in
2012?
3
Pray for Our Military
Members
4
January Birthdays
4
News Items
5
On the Parish Calendar
6
Greeter & Usher Schedule
7
Reverend Fun
8
Calendar
9
On their deathbed people don’t wish they’d spent more time on
their job; it’s their loved ones they will miss. Time spent in worship will
change your life because it will improve your relationship with your heavenly Father. Your heavenly Father loves you dearly. In fact, John sums it
up so well when he says: “God so loved the world that He gave His one and
only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal
life.” [John 3:16]
In your lives of seemingly constant activity, no other Sunday morning activity can match spending time with our Father in heaven. Neither
can extra hours of sleep. Our Savior loved being in His Father’s house.
When Jesus was twelve years old, He went with His parents to Jerusalem
to celebrate the great Jewish feast of Passover. When it was time to leave,
He stayed behind.
Mary and Joseph were unaware of their son’s actions. As soon as
they noticed that He wasn’t with them, they hurried back to the Holy City.
After some frantic searching, they found Jesus in the Temple talking with
the theological scholars of the day. When they told Him how they had
been searching for Him, Jesus responded, “Didn’t you know I had to be
in My Father’s house?” [Luke 2:49]
This year, if anyone is looking for you on a Sunday morning, let
them find you in your Father’s house. There you will hear Him speak in
His Word, which can make you wise unto salvation. Let church be the
place where you are on Sundays! It will change your life forever because it
will keep you close to your Father in heaven and in the company of Jesus,
His Son!
[Adapted from a short story from our WELS BOARD FOR HOME
Worship and Education
Schedule
MISSIONS.]
God’s blessings for a faithful New Year of Christian fellowship and faith!
Sunday Worship Services:
8:15 AM & 10:45 AM
See YOU in Church! Come and worship your Savior!
Bible Classes for everyone:
9:30 AM
Pastor George P. Swanson
PAGE
2
FROM SEASON TO SEASON ~ The winter of
Adam’s discontent came directly after his fall.
SOMETHING TO BUILD ON ~ The difference between a conviction and a prejudice is that you can explain a conviction without getting angry.
BLAZING THE TRAIL ~ Do not simply follow where the path may lead. Follow the LORD instead,
where there is no path, and then leave a trail.
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP ~ When we gather together to worship, we are celebrating the most important events in history – the events through which God brings salvation to the world. Through our
celebration, these events become contemporaneous to us. That is, the saving and healing power of God
becomes available to the worshipping community. How do we do it? We tell the story, we sing it,
dramatize and festoon it. In this way we celebrate Jesus’ saving love. To God be the glory, great things
He has done!
SAM WALTON [Mr. Wal-Mart] ON TEAMWORK ~ “Success is the result of people pulling together
to meet one common goal.”
WINNING AND LOSING ~ What is defeat? Nothing but the first step towards something better.
A CHRISTIAN IS… ~ …one who makes it easier for other people to believe in Jesus.
PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD ~ You can accomplish more in one hour with God than you can in a lifetime without Him.
AIN’T IT FUNNY HOW TIME SLIPS AWAY! ~ A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one
year and out the other.
WAKING UP ON NEW YEAR’S DAY ~ A yawn is sometimes a silent shout.
PAGE
THE
OWLS
OF SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH WISH TO EXPRESS THEIR APPRECIATION
FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE CONGREGATION IN THE RECENT FUND RAISERS FOR THE
EUROPEAN CIVILIAN CHAPLAINCY. THE BAKE/CRAFT EVENT IN OCTOBER AND THE RECENT
COFFEE HOUR OFFERING BROUGHT COMBINED CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE
CONGREGATION, OTHER DONORS, AND THRIVENT MATCHING TO A TOTAL OF $3,790.00.
ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE A RECEIPT FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION, PLEASE CONTACT
VERNA POCHOP. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
January’s snows fall from above;
February finds us with hearts full of love.
In March comes spring with flowers breaking through;
April’s showers make the grass green and new.
We honor our mothers on a day in May;
In June we remember dad on his big day.
July brings picnics, fireworks and fun;
The “dog days” of August bring hot, hot sun.
September bells take us back to school;
October leaves turn gold and the air turns cool.
Thanksgiving Day comes in November each year,
And in December we’re filled with bright Christmas cheer!
A year full of days is given to you. . . . .
Thank God and remember Him in all that you do.
THE
SHEPHERD’S
CALL
3
PAGE
4
Pray For Our Military
SSgt Michelle Bronstad
1421 Kimtah Ct. NE
Olympia, WA 98516
CTR2 Joshua Swanson
Hawaii
Capt & Mrs. Jonathan Bearce
11646 East 35th St
Yuma, AZ 85367
505-205-1492
PFC Scott G Wells
6633 Mossman Pl, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
PFC Christopher Coffing
7039D Ormac Circle
Ft Stewart, GA 31315
Stationed at Kirtland are:
Maj Marty Schweim
Lt Col Michelle Tirado
TSgt Daniel Stewart
Contact the church office at 292-6622 or
Eleanor Harris at 235-2291 with any
changes, additions, or corrections to the
military list.
Please submit your articles to Eleanor via
email, [email protected], NLT 8
days to end of each month.
january birthdays
2 January—Noel Youngbeck
3 January—Bonnie Upplegger
4 January—Katie Lichtie
5 January—Alea Senteno
6 January—Michael Sievert
9 January—Ann Kaiser
10 January—Emanuel Mendez
16 January—Marcus Baca
18 January—Thomas Gabel
19 January—Gabriel Cuneo
19 January—Carrie Smith
20 January—William Hensley
21 January—Isaiah Sierra
24 January—Nina Roenfranz
25 January—Jeffery Odenbaugh
26 January—Gary Hendel
THE
SHEPHERD’S
CALL
PAGE
5
FOR THE INFORMING ~ News n’ notes from the December Council meeting: 1) With disbursements higher than income, the General Fund Deficit rose a bit: <$25,427.57>. 2) Help your
neighbors know we have a Christian Day School! Share the special blessings Shepherd Lutheran School can provide. At present we have 10 in Pre-K and 50 in grades K-8. 3) From the
Trustees: should you spot anything that needs attention, please contact: John Krueger, Terry
Lunsford or Kevin Walker! Emergency repairs were made just before Thanksgiving Day to the water line between the sanctuary and the school. 4) As of 30 November the Building Fund balance
is +$256,084 [3-year appeal goal: $421,396]. 5] The Stewardship Committee will propose several
studies and stewardship projects to better serve our parish. Lisa Hendel updated the Parish
Phone Tree. 6] Discipleship Chairman Dave Kaiser reports that $200,000 from the Building
Fund was transferred to L.A.C.E. to realize a better return on investment. The Installation of Officers (new and returning) will take place during services on January 1, 2012. Those elected were:
Parish Chairman ..................................................Jeff Odenbaugh
Treasurer ................................................................... Chuck Miller
Financial Secretary ................................................ Jim Siegmann
Board of Elders .............................. Doug Guelker & Eric Verbeke
School Board ................................. Mike Cuneo & John Moser III
Outreach ..................................................................... Greg Martin
Trustee.................................................................... Terry Lunsford
God loves a cheerful giver! ~ Financial Secretary Chuck Miller has prepared the 2012 Offering
Envelopes for every parish communicant member. May the LORD bless your personal stewardship of time, treasures AND talents with faithful first fruits giving in support of the blessed Gospel
of Jesus!
To the glory of the LORD! ~ Church Secretary Cathy Holstad has placed the new 2012 Altar
Flower Calendar on the back table. Please pick out those dates you’d like to celebrate and/or
commemorate.
Changes afoot! ~ The DECEMBER Voters’ Meeting provided the opportunity for some lively discussion. The Council recommendation to “balance” the budget through a package of voluntary
salary reductions by the faculty, halving the CMO (congregation mission offering) and utilizing already in-place cost reductions was defeated. The voters did resolve to enable those who desire to
direct any personal future funds pledged to the Building Fund to the General Fund, to provide
debt reduction opportunities AND meet the current crisis by dropping the CMO to $0.00 for the
time being. As God blesses our parish through your offerings and donations, we can’t stress
strongly enough how important it will be to resume our mission offerings to the Synod. May the
LORD enable us to work together to carry out the work He has given us.
PAGE
6
ON OUR PARISH CALENDAR
EPIPHANY IS JANUARY 6 ~ Epiphany is the Christian Church festival celebrated each year on January 6. Along with Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, it
is one of the oldest Christian holy days. The festival was first celebrated in
the Eastern Church [ORTHODOX] and was adopted in the Western Church
by the 4th Century. Epiphany commemorates the first showing forth or manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, particularly the Wise men (MAGI). The
Epiphany story is meant to explain that Christ was not just for the Jews, but
for non-Jews [Gentiles] as well, anywhere in the world. The eve of Epiphany is
called Twelfth Night and relates to the arrival of the Wise Men from the East
at the birthplace of the LORD in Bethlehem.
ON THE CALENDAR ~ At a time to be determined (but definitely on SATURDAY, January 7), we will be taking down the Christmas decorations in our
sanctuary for another year. Watch the Sunday bulletin for the time. AND
ONCE AGAIN: many hands make for light work. Won’t YOU help us?
BY WAY OF INVITATION… ~ We sponsor the New Mexico Desert OWLS here
at SHEPHERD. The OWLS (Organization of Wisconsin Lutheran Seniors) is open to all members ages 55 and over in our parish. You’re welcome
to join us at 12 NOON on the second Sunday of the month [next meeting: 8
JANUARY] for a pot-luck meal, general business meeting and Christian fellowship.
OUT OF TOWN ~ Pastor has been invited to attend the WELS Military Services Committee Seminar at Fort Knox, KY on MON-THUR/23-26 January
2012 (all expenses paid). Topics include civilian chaplaincy, dealing with
PTSD and other service-related issues. Dave Koester will be among the attendees.
PLANNING AHEAD ~ The next semi-annual OPA Meeting to set up
the schedule of services and activities in our parish for the next six months
will be on SATURDAY, January 28, 2011 @ 10 AM. ALL Committee heads
are encouraged to attend; others are most welcome to join us!
LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD ~ The Arizona Lutheran Academy School Choir
[Lezlie España is a member] will be here on SUNDAY 12 February to lead us
in our Sunday worship services. We will need to provide housing … the information should be forthcoming. Please watch for it and respond as you
are able. Here’s a grand opportunity to show and share Christian hospitality!
THE
SHEPHERD’S
CALL
PAGE
GREETERS
1ST SERVICE
2ND SERVICE
Jan 1 & 8—Greg Sorber
Jan 1 & 8—Tom Gabel
Jan 15 & 22—Mark Holstad
Jan 15 & 22—Marty & Ruth Thieme
Jan 29 & Feb 5—Herman & Lorraine Koester
Jan 29 & Feb 5—Zian Swanson & Lisa Massimo
USHERS:
8:15 SERVICES
10:45 SERVICES
KEVIN WALKER AND MARTY SCHWEIM
GARY HENDEL AND DAVE STEWART
SPECIAL SERVICES:
Wed, Feb 22
Wed, Feb 29
Wed, Mar 7
Wed, Mar 14
Wed, Mar 21
Wed, Mar 28
Wed, Apr 5
Fri, Apr 6
Fri, Apr 16
7:00
7:00
7:00
7:00
7:00
7:00
7:00
1:00
7:00
PM—Ash Wednesday
PM—Lent 2
PM—Lent 3
PM—Lent 4
PM—Lent 5
PM—Lent 6
PM—Maundy Thursday
PM—Good Friday
PM—Good Friday
Walker / Schweim
Hendel / Dave Stewart
Martin / Baker
Rodenbeck / Odenbaugh
Harris / Holstad
H Koester / L. Koester
Weber / Daniel Stewart
(School students)
Nissen / Sorber
Subs: Pedro Tirado (292-0546), Ken Widger (281-2754), George Coffman (797-2392), Dave Kaiser
(298-3659), Butch Engwell (821-0460), Rick Massimo (884-4909), Earl Roenfranz (292-5032) .
If the schedule conflicts with a planned vacation or work schedule, please let Chuck Miller know as
soon as possible.
If you can’t make a service (ESPECIALLY the Special Services) , it is your responsibility to find a
replacement. Please trade with someone or call one of the subs, and let me know about the
change.
I will try to contact you the week before you are to serve.
Chuck Miller, Head Usher
[email protected]
505-821-5935
JANUARY—FEBRUARY CHURCH CLEANING SCHEDULE:
January 7 — Odenbaugh
February 4 — Karnopp
January 14 — Moser, John III & Martha
February 12 — Lowinske, Eileen & Lindsay
January 21 — Hendel
February 18 — Pochop, Liela & Verna
January 28 — Harlow
February 25 — Schultz
7
www.bing.com
Trust in the Lord
Trust in yourself, and you will always be
disappointed at your level of
achievement.
Trust in friends, and they may let you
down in your hour of greatest need.
Trust in money, and you will spend your
days trying to protect your investments.
But rust in God, and you can rest assured
of his eternal presence: “For the Lord is
good, his mercy is everlasting; and his
truth endureth to all generations“
Psalms 100:5).
SUNDAY
MONDAY
1
TUESDAY
3
2
NEW YEAR’S
DAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
4
FRIDAY
6
5
12:30 PM
Women’s Bible Study
6:00 PM
Stewardship Meeting
10:00 AM
Men’s Bible Study
6:30 PM
L.I.F.E. Meeting
Installation of
New Officers
SATURDAY
7
Cleaning—Odenbaugh
EPIPHANY!
6:30 PM
Elder’s Meeting
8:15 AM and 10:45 AM
Worship Services W/
Communion
8
8:15 AM and 10:45 AM
Worship Services
9:30 AM
Bible Study and Sunday
School
12:00 NOON
OWLS
9
9:30 AM
Bible Study and Sunday
School
12
13
12:30 PM
Women’s Bible Study
14
Cleaning—John III &
Martha Moser
7:00 PM
Council Meeting
7:00 PM
Adult Choir
16
17
18
19
12:30 PM
Women’s Bible Study
6:30 PM
BIC
20
7:00 AM
Men’s Breakfast Meeting
@ Garcia’s
21
Cleaning—Hendel
7:00 PM
Outreach Meeting
7:00 PM
Adult Choir
22
8:15 AM and 10:45 AM
Worship Services
11
6:30 PM
BIC
15
8:15 AM and 10:45 AM
Worship Services W/
Communion
10
POO
23
24
25
26
27
7:00-7:45 AM
7:00 PM
Adult Choir
6:30 PM
Trustees Meeting
Pancake Breakfast
28
10:00 AM
OPA Meeting
Cleaning—Harlow
9:30 AM
Bible Study and Sunday
School
Faculty
Meeting
Pastor at WELS Military Services Seminar/Ft. Knox, KY
29
8:15 AM and 10:45 AM
Worship Services
9:30 AM
Bible Study and Sunday
School
30
31
GREETERS
POO
1ST SERVICE
7:00 PM
Adult Choir
USHERS
1ST SERVICE
2ND SERVICE
Kevin Walker
Gary Hendel
Marty Schweim
Dave Stewart
2ND SERVICE
Jan 1 & 8—Greg Sorber
Jan 1 & 8—Tom Gabel
Jan 15 & 22—Mark Holstad
Jan 15 & 22—Marty & Ruth Thieme
Jan 29 & Feb 5—Herman &
Lorraine Koester
Jan 29 & Feb 5—Zian Swanson &
Lisa Massimo
Electronic Newsletters: www.shepherdlutheran.org