January 2015 - St. John`s Lutheran Church

42695 Washington Street Palm Desert, CA 92211
(760) 345-2122
Mission Statement:
To Know Christ
and To
Make Christ Known
The“Good News” Paper
January 2015
Volume ~ 6
Issue ~ 1182
Sunday Worship Schedule
Special Dates in January
9:00 AM - Traditional Service
10 To 10:45 AM
Coffee Fellowship - Fellowship Hall
Adult Bible Study/Discussion -101
11:00 AM - Praise & Worship
1 New Year’s Day
6 Epiphany
11 Baptism of the Lord
18-25 Week of Prayer for Christian Unit,
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance
11 AM - Kids Church - 105
Website: www.stjohnslutheranchurchpd.com
Email addresses:
Richard Rollefson, Interim Pastor : [email protected]
Molly Farrin, Youth & Family Coordinator : [email protected]
Church office: [email protected]
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 13
Single and Parenting begins
January 18
BUDGET REVIEW FORUM between services in the Ministry Center, room # 108.
January 25
ANNUAL MEETING - between services.
Everyone is welcome to attend, only members of record may vote.
Items to be voted on:
1. 2015 Budget
2. Elect Executive Board Members and one council position.
March 1st
Men's Club Annual Musical Extravaganza and Ice Cream Social
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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God and the Word was God. . . . What has come
into being in him was life, and the life was the light of
all people. The light shines in the darkness and the
darkness has not overcome it.
John's gospel begins not with the birth of a baby in
Bethlehem, but with the birthing of all creation. As
John understands it, the Word first spoken at creation's
dawning became flesh and blood in the babe born in Bethlehem. Just as at
creation's start, the Word spoken there was the dawning of light, the advent of
life, the overflowing of love.
In this speaking of the Word, God's innermost self is revealed as the light
which no darkness can overcome, as vulnerable, compassionate love which
knows no bounds, as the life which conquers even death.
And there is more: God's Word, incarnate in the words and deeds, life and
death of Jesus not only reveals the deepest truth about who God is but also the
deepest truth of who we are. It tells us that we are God's own beloved children.
This is the word of light spoken into the darkness of our lives that brings light,
the word of life spoken into a world of death that gives life, the word of love that
bestows upon the beloved a new identity.
Our words, too, can bring light and life and love. And when they do, it is the
Word, God's own creative, light-bringing, life-giving, love which becomes
enfleshed, embodied in us.
Peace,
Pastor Richard
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ST. JOHN'S VOTES TO CALL REV. DAVID BEARD AS PASTOR
At a Congregational Meeting was held on December 21, 2014, between worship services, the
recommendation of the Call Committee and Council was overwhelmingly approved to extend a
call to Rev. David Beard to serve as Pastor of St. John's.
Pastor Beard was ordained in 1979 as has served churches in southern and northern California.
Pastor Dave and his wife Sue will celebrate their 36th anniversary in January. They met while attending California
Lutheran University. Sue served as a 1st grade teacher for over 20 years and is currently serving as a Special
Education teacher. She is an active leader in women's ministries. The Beards have two daughters, Sarah and Amy.
Sarah is a nurse and resides in River Falls, WI. She and her husband Ben have two boys ages 3 and 1. Amy is a
teacher and resides in Auburn, WA. Amy and her husband Chris have been married 3 years.
Pastor Beard believes "sermons should touch people's lives, their aspirations and their conflicts". He has a heart
for leading Bible Studies, Evangelism, Sharing Leadership, Worship, Music (he plays guitar), being involved with
Confirmation classes, Sunday School, Youth Activities and spreading The Good News through social media. He also
states "It is important for a congregation to be involved in service opportunities where we can reach beyond the
church community into the larger world community".
VOLUNTEERING
IS
Attention one and all.............. If you are interested in serving the Lord and St.
John's by being a reader, usher or Communion Assistant, please let us know.
It is a rewarding job and a great opportunity to meet members of the
congregation.
Please call or email Millie Taylor for the opportunity to serve. (760) 296-3252
or [email protected]
Would you like to be a Blessing to others? - Occasionally the need arises for a ride, a
meal, or a friendly visit to be furnished to members and friends of St. John's. Please
contact Diana Lang at 760-360-2479 or email her at [email protected] if you are
interested in being involved in a Caring Ministry. You will also be Blessed!
THANK YOU to those who have answered this need.
Please consider our facility for any possible gatherings. Spread the word within the community. Examples:
* Weddings
* Retirements
* Graduations
* Meetings * Celebrations
Please contact Mitch Phillips for further information. 760-360-8571 or [email protected]
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ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER
For your convenience there are several ways
for you to make your contribution to St.
John’s other than Sunday morning.
2 Virginia Bridge
Larry Lang
Alexandra Lewke
5 Patti Mathis
Lance Yackee
8 John Barkley
10 Curt Starkweather
10 Sammie Lee Lingle
11 Eileen MacFarlane
13 Nancy Ansbro
13 Mary Richey
13 Jack Harris
15 Donita Holst
15 Megan Donnelly
16 Jim Wadleigh
17 Ardyce Hulbert
21 Phyllis Evans
25 Lou Patterson
26 Lily Kohfield
27 Hailie Hollawell
29 Karen Flahive
30 Miriam Tadewaldt
30 Bob Peper
30 Diana Lang
30 Mitch Phillips
30 Dauntee Trueblood
31 Jackie Jones
10 Cindy & John Hagar
13 Karla & Bill Wilson
14 Sally & Craig Jahries
1
2
2
3
4
5
6
13
13
13
15
16
16
18
19
19
20
21
21
23
23
25
27
27
28
28
28
7
8
9
14
19
21
Wil Vashaw
Charles Tadewaldt
Betty Jo Brickles
Gary Heer
Nydia Louis
Kirsten Smith
Bill Evans
Charles Riggs
Sara Van Patten
Jennifer Campbell
Marilyn Miller
Sally Jahries
Bronn Olson
Robert Ericksen
Bob Holst
Don Lingle
Boyd Swent
Jo Larson
Mark Farrin
Lothar Vasholz
Jeri Alacano
Jessica Melcher
Marian Bockman
Sarah Hagar
Hilda Andengaard
Laraine Friend
Michole Farrin
GregVan Natta
Jamee Brazelle
Kimberly Kolls
Carla & Robert Dixon
Marian & Melton Bockman
Miriam & Charles Tadewaldt
Debbie & John Barkley
Kelly & Tom Trembley
Marcia & Wil Vashaw
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EFT (Electronic Funds Transfers) forms are
available for you in the narthex, or you can
go directly to our website and schedule your
contributions on-line. Thank you for your
continued support. If you need assistance
please call Ann in the church office.
Our NEWSLETTER,
“The Good News”,
newspaper is delivered via
email in the form of a pdf file
(portable document file).
Please make sure we have
your email.
It can be viewed with Adobe Reader,
available for free at;
http://www.adobe.com/downloads
PRAYER CHAIN: If you would like prayer for
you or someone else, please contact one of
the people listed below. This group
stretches far and wide via e-mail. Make sure
to ask the person’s permission to be placed
on the prayer chain.
Requests are
confidential. Call:
Diana Lang ~ 360-2479 or
Joan Laudig ~ 343-2093
Contact the Sorensen's: Rick
@ 760-989-0456 or Karen @
760-989-0455 or
e m a i l
[email protected] to
host a Sunday. All your efforts are truly
appreciated.
The St. John's Men's Club is a proactive group of men who meet the 3rd Saturday of each
month. In addition to being an organization for fellowship, the club provides a financial avenue
to support St. John's programs. It also serves as a personnel resource from among club
members for programs such as the annual Musical Extravaganza and FIND.
The next scheduled meeting will be on January 17 at 7:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
For your information and planning --our current project is : Supporting the Tour de Palm Springs which will take
place on February 14th , Valentines Day. In addition to bike distance events - a one, two, and three mile walk event
through the celebrity home Palm Springs neighborhood. The Mens Club will be selling raffle tickets, and pledge
sheets - as well as encouraging St John rider participation. Information (Applications, Pledge Sheets, and Raffle
Tickets are available in the church office, along with the Men’s Club Point of Contact. All submissions should show
the code for St. John's which is SJLC15. We will receive the total amount collected from sales and rider
participation -- which will be committed toward our scholarship program.
Coordinator and Point of Contact for participation is Duke Frey-- [email protected] / 760-345-2902.
Please join us for breakfast and fellowship. Contact for the St. John's Men's Club: Duke Frey - [email protected] /
760-345-2902.
SAVE THE DATE
The Men's Club Annual Musical Extravaganza and Ice Cream Social is scheduled for March 1, 2015.
Tickets will go on sale in February. An event at St John's you don't want to miss.
We are beginning the second half of our meetings. All women of St. John's are invited to the
Women's Group the first and third Wednesday mornings of each month. The time is from
9:00 am to 12:30 pm (you may come late or leave early if needed) in the Fellowship Hall. After
we gather for coffee, we have a meeting, work on a project or listen to a speaker. The Pastor
provides a Bible study and then we eat our potluck lunch. Come, join us.
The "Great Ladies Group" Bible study will resume in January for anyone who wants to come...We will be studying
Philippians, Paul's book of Joy, and our leader will again be Sue Branson, herself an ordained minister who loves
teaching her "peeps"... her lady friends.
The first "GLG" Bible study will be held January 14, beginning at 3 p.m. at Marilyn Brockman's house in Bermuda
Dunes. If you'd like to join us, please call Marilyn at (760) 774-0463 for directions.
Our schedule will be as follows: January 14 & 28; February 11 & 25; March 11 & 25.
April 11 is our End of Season Luncheon
All study meetings start promptly at 3 p.m. and end at 4:30.
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December was a month full of service and celebration for the youth of St. John's. We kicked off the
month of December with 30-Hour Famine on the 6th . The kids fasted for 30 hours to bring
awareness and raise money for world hunger. Through the generous donations of our congregation
the kids were able to raise $960 for World Vision. On the 7th we were busy with the last of our
rehearsals for the Christmas program. Finally, on the 13th and 14th we performed our three shows
for the congregation. The kids did a fantastic job telling the Nativity story in their own unique way,
and the show was a big hit! On the 19th the youth volunteered at the C.V. Christmas Store. They
served as shopkeepers, runners and gift wrappers, all in efforts to provide needy children in the east
valley with gifts for Christmas. On the 19th the youth took some time out for a fun night of laser tag, and on the 23rd
were back at church helping with FIND distribution. Christmas Eve was a special night as the youth presented the
Family service at 6pm. It was a lovely service with youth soloists, youth choir and a performance from Rock the Flock.
We finished out the month with a fun, Christmas themed youth group on the 28th. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Upcoming Events -
Sunday
Saturday
Sunday
Saturday
January 4th
January 10th
January 18th
January 24th
"Where's Waldo" 1pm
Second Saturday Worship 4pm / Ice Skating
Youth Group 5 to 7pm
"Bingo Night" @ Washington St. Apts. (TBA)
Sunday school - After month of hard work and preparation, the Sunday school kids had three fantastic performances
of their Christmas program. The kids are back to their weekly lessons which this month will include: Jesus the Word,
Jesus' Baptism, God Calls Samuel & Jonah and the Big Fish. We also have some great upcoming events so mark your
calendars and see Molly for more information.
February 15th - Living Desert
March 20th through 22nd - Elementary School Gathering at Luther Glen (3rd - 6th grade)
April 4th - Children's Easter Event
RESOLVE TO LISTEN
Christian philosopher Paul Tillich said, “The first responsibility of love is to listen.” Yet
in our fast-paced culture, truly listening to someone has become a lost art.
The intricate Chinese written character for the verb to listen offers wise insight about
how to listen to people so they feel heard. The symbol is actually a combination of
characters for ears, eyes and an open heart. Basically it reads, “I give you my ears, my
eyes and my undivided attention.” What a great image of being fully engaged during
the act of communication!
James 1:19 offers two wise resolutions for the year ahead: Be “quick to listen” and
“slow to speak” (NRSV). Practicing the skill of active listening is a much-needed way to
minister to other people, serving as Jesus’ “ears” in a hurting world.
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Looking back on the holidays and all the fun of finding bargains at the FIND ware- house and then,
having the opportunity to pass them along to our neighbors - that was rewarding in so many ways.
Together our volunteers helped to transfer close to 6,000 lbs of product that included bread,
cereal, produce, meat, dairy, and dry goods. It was a joy to see all ages working side by side.
While our recipients were waiting for the food distribution to begin, special music was provided
in church by Pastor Richard and Jim Allen on guitars along with our carolers. The pews were filled
on both sides of the aisle and new people were in the balcony waiting to be registered. The holiday
spirit of goodwill was surely present.
Our FIND Room greeted the new year with another refrigerator. This month everyone received a dozen eggs. (Let's
all cheer!) It's amazing how much storage that room is providing, though it's almost been pushed to the limit. We
may have to call it the FIND closet.
As I mentioned last month, I need to step down or at least share more of the responsibility for managing FIND.
Sharon Merrill is helping every Wednesday morning and the Monday and Tuesday of distribution week. Can someone
else help once a week? Pray about it. Thank you.
REACHING OUT AND SERVING GLOBALLY IN RWANDA
On April 6, 2014, we had a special guest, Jackie Boynton, who gave
an account of the Lutheran Church in Rwanda and her personal
experiences in the country. Mrs. Boynton explained how the Lutheran Church in Rwanda was founded by Rwandan
refugees who had fled from Rwanda to Tanzania and then returned to Rwanda after the genocide to bring the
healing power of Christ to their country. In light of last year's presentation, the following article provides an
interesting update on the progress of the Church. It is written by ELCA missionary Kate Warn who is also the current
coordinator for the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program in Rwanda.
"In November, the Lutheran Church of Rwanda celebrated its 20th Anniversary. To mark the occasion, members
gathered in southeast Rwanda near the border with Tanzania in the town where the first Lutheran congregation was
established in 1994 by refugees returning from exile. Two trees were planted for the anniversary: one tree to
commemorate 20 years of Lutheran ministry in Rwanda and one tree to symbolize the Lutheran Church of Rwanda's
connection to the global Lutheran community. "When I think about planting trees in the Rwandan context, I think
about a vision described in Revelation 22:1-2: Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life … flowing
from the throne of God. … On either side of the river is the tree of life…and the leaves of the tree are for the healing
of nations. For many years, Rwanda has been a nation in need of healing and reconciliation. But how does a nation
heal from the wounds of genocide and exile? And what is the role of the church in such healing? These questions
continue to frame mission and ministry here in this place. "In many ways, the stories of Rwanda's recovery from
genocide and the Lutheran Church of Rwanda's growth over the past 20 years are quite remarkable. From the ashes
of death and destruction in Rwanda, there has been new life. Rwanda is at peace and rapidly developing. A church
founded by refugees now has more than 40 congregations, 26 pastors, and a vision for a sustainable future. Still,
the wounds of genocide and exile are deep, and the need for healing remains in Rwanda. As the Lutheran Church
of Rwanda planted trees this week to mark the past, this church also proclaims a commitment to God's mission of
redemption and reconciliation…The leaves of the tree are for the healing of nations. May it be so in Rwanda." --Kate Warn
Read more at www.elca.org/en/News-and-Events/blogs/HandInHand
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REACHING OUT AND SERVING LOCALLY
And loving our neighbors…
Thanks to all who helped bring smiles and the love of Christ to many in the Coachella Valley during our recent
Christmas celebrations. The gifts you shopped for and donated for children were distributed through the Salvation
Army (and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission if you dropped gifts in their box at St. John's) to many grateful
children. As Bell Ringers for the local Red Kettle project you helped generate funds which will directly benefit people
here in our desert valley. God Bless you all!
And serving our veterans and active military…
In the last few years there has been a ground-swell of activity in our local community and this nation with people
looking for and finding ways to support our active military members and veterans. This, also, has been true of
churches within the ELCA. Congregations have been searching for and implementing programs to serve the spiritual
as well as other needs of current and veteran military. Within the ELCA those with a lot of experience in this area
are ELCA Federal Chaplains. Knowing the need, retired and active chaplains created a ministry called Working Group
for Congregational Liaison whose aim is to provide support to congregations so they will be better able to support
veterans and current military members. Towards that end the Working Group has taken these steps:
*
*
*
*
Created a website with resources for congregations (the website is currently being populated with data and is
expected to be operational for access by congregations early in 2015.)
Created a special Prayer Book for the Armed Forces. Published by Augsburg, the Book is part Evangelical
Lutheran Worship Book and part prayers and scriptures chosen by the chaplains specifically for military members.
Started a scholarship fund for future chaplains - of which there is a great need. Called the ELCA Federal
Chaplaincy Scholarship program its goal is to encourage endowments to support scholarships which will mitigate
the cost of education so that more people will be enabled to become chaplains.
Initiated a pilot program in which a single point of contact (either an active duty or retired Federal Chaplain) will
be available to provide congregational support for outreach programs. The Pacifica Synod has been designated
one of the ten synods who will be part of the pilot program.
When coordinated with some of the existing programs within the Coachella Valley the steps listed above have the
potential to enable us to positively impact the lives of veterans or current military within our own congregation and
within our desert community. During the first quarter of 2015 Lothar Vasholz and I plan to bring more information
on these programs to St. John's to benefit those within our church both as recipients of support and providers of
outreach to others. We hope you will join us in these vital outreach programs.
As we begin this new year of possibilities and unknowns, I'd like to end with a prayer for the coming year for each
of us from our Evangelical Lutheran Worship book (page 304) which I first was introduced to about 18 years ago as
a prayer for the New Year. At the time I pasted it on the inside of my medicine cabinet where I could read it every
day to remind me that I was in God's care and that His loving support was always with me. The prayer:
"Oh God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden,
through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your
hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
May you rest secure each day of 2015 in faith that you are in God's loving care and guidance.
Ruth Allen, Outreach/Evangelism
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ST. JOHN'S 50TH CELEBRATION
St. John's Lutheran Church celebrated 50 years of Ministry on November 2, 2014!
As a church family we celebrated with a "family" style meal which included fried
chicken, meatloaf, potatoes, cake and, honoring our Lutheran heritage, Jell-O! Cross
shaped cookies were served with various colored Jell-O. Many willing hands "pitched
in" by planning, shopping, cooking, setting up and decorating tables, serving the food and, of course, the dreaded
cleanup. Beautiful fresh flowers for the sanctuary and head table were donated by a member and others gave
monetary gifts to offset expenses. 50th souvenirs were sold weeks before the celebration which included
cookbooks, mini flashlights and tote bags. 2015 calendars were also available for free at the luncheon.
As always, our wonderful musicians Bob Corwin, Danny Flahive, Patrick Karst and Ron Mercier, and vocalists
Samantha Corwin and Laura Stave helped us celebrate in a grand fashion. In the background, a photo video and a
wall of pictures from the past were available for viewing. We were honored to have Bishop Murray Finck preside
at the blended service. The Bishop, his wife Rhoda, and the Assistant to the Bishop, Reverend Heidi Hester also joined
us for the worship service and the luncheon. Pastor Beth Brashear from our sister church, Hope Lutheran in Palm
Desert, also attended the luncheon. Council President Craig Jahries welcomed us and we sang "Praise God..." as the
opening prayer. Larry Lang then kicked off the celebration by displaying his Lederhosen socks. He claimed he had
forgotten we weren't having OKTOBERFEST this year when he dressed that morning!
Bishop Finch and Pastors David Babcock, Charles Riggs, Dick Mathison and Richard Rollefson inspired us by speaking
on the past, present and future of St. John's. We were entertained with several beautiful duets, and a lively
sing-along rendition of "Oh My Lord What A Time!" by a quartet comprised of Pastor Richard, Pastor "C", Larry,
Samantha and Laura. Another special number was performed by Pastor Richard and Laura, with the pastor playing
guitar, and the closing song was "a rousing "When the Saints Go Marching In"!
St. John's has seen changes in 50 years. Many beloved members have transitioned to the "Church Triumphant", and
we will always treasure their memory and their contributions to the life of St. John's. St. John's has had a number
of pastors, staff, council members, lay leaders and worship and music styles. However, we have remained the Body
of Christ regardless of all the changes. We are proud of who we are and what we have accomplished! We recently
journeyed through a successful Capital Appeal, which resulted in a newly renovated building, restrooms and
Fellowship Hall. In today's economy, few, if any, churches can state that they are debt free, but Praise be to God,
St. John's is!
In addition to our worship opportunities, youth, men and women's group activities, prayer chain, choir and
confirmation programs, we also support and reach out to our community actively through F.I.N.D., the Salvation
Army Christmas "Angel Tree" and Bell Ringers Programs, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, supporting our Synod
and, in addition to many other areas, serving our neighbors at the Washington Street Apartments. We began sharing
in a new way this year by renting our facilities to another church, and also making the facilities available for other
groups and occasions. This helps to spread the Gospel, and also helps to "pay the rent".
A sincere thank you to Pastor Richard and his wife Cyndi, for all they have done to ease the pain of saying farewell
to Pastor Charles and Carol Riggs. It is a bittersweet time as we wish the Rollefson's all the best that God has in store
for them on their life journey.
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Now, after 50 years, we begin a new chapter in the life of St. John's, and will be welcoming a new pastor to our
family. A big THANK YOU to all who helped in any way with the Celebration! A special thank you to Ann Rhein.
Praise Be To God!
The 50th Celebration Committee: Marilyn Brockman, Sally Jahries, Diana and Larry Lang, Pastor Richard Rollefson
and Pastor Ken and Jackie Severa
SINGLE AND PARENTING GROUP - A new thirteen (13) week session of our Single and Parenting Class and
support group will begin on Tuesday, January 13th at 6 PM in the Ministry Center. Child care is provided. If you
have a single parent in your neighborhood, please invite them.
HELP & HOPE FOR SINGLE PARENTS: If you’re a single parent, you’re probably tired, overwhelmed and feeling a
bit underappreciated. That’s why we created Single & Parenting groups—to share tips and parenting wisdom
that will help you find rest, hope and encouragement.
At a Single & Parenting group, you’ll participate in video seminars that explain how to: Wisely encourage your
kids to obey, help your hurting child, eliminate debt, deal with verbal onslaughts, and figure out what your
emotions are telling you. Plus, you’ll develop meaningful friendships with other single parents, who, like you,
are tired of hectic mornings and chaotic evenings, the kids fighting, and a never-ending to-do list. Take the
guesswork out of parenting alone.
The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission invites you to play in our
charity golf tournament
Monday, January 19 at the beautiful Classic Club in Palm Desert.
This tournament is a fund-raising event with all proceeds benefitting the operations of CVRM.
Individual golfers and foursomes are welcome for this exciting, fun filled day of golf in a shotgun 4-man scramble
format. Included in the day are a continental breakfast, practice range, golf cart with 18 holes of golf, and a full
lunch. There will be prizes for Mission Flight Net Score, “Mr. 59” Gross Score, and four Hole in One prizes are also
scheduled. There will be a raffle and auction for some exciting prizes as well. Registration the day of the event
begins at 7:00am with shotgun start at 8:00am.
Entry fee for golfers is $175 and sponsorship packages are also available. Please call 760-347-3512 ext. 239 to
register or for more information.
www.CVRM.org
Please verify that the church office has your current address and phone
number. New directory coming in February.
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