March 2016 - Trinity Lutheran

TRINITY LUTHERAN’S
NEWSLETTER
FROM REV. DIANE KRAUSZER
A few weeks ago, I stood in the window of the Upper Room at
Trinity and watched the sun rise in all its glory. This morning as I
drove to the church the sun stood high in the sky, sunrise long past.
Truly Lent is upon us. Our days are lengthening rapidly.
10355 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy.
907-745-0726 | Fax: 907-745-0526
[email protected]
I must admit I love this time of year. I love the returning light. I love
the promise of new life in the forests, the lakes, on the mountains and
in my garden. Daily I search the tips of the trees of signs of growth. I
watch the earth for green blades of grass and for the flowers
venturing up out of the dark, frozen soil in to the light of day. In the
back of my mind the alleluias and halleluiahs are also pushing
against the restraints of the Lenten season, ready to bust forth in full
force on Easter morning.
www.trinitylutheranak.org
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DIRECTORY UPDATES
The directory is up-to-date.
OFFICE RENTALS
We currently have all office space
occupied. For day-use rental, please
contact the church for availability.
DEVOTIONS
3-month devotion books are always
available. You may pick one up in the
Fellowship Hall or the sanctuary. There
are also Gather and The Lutheran
magazines in the Fellowship Hall for
reading.
SYNOD NEWS
If you would like to get the synod news
sent directly to your inbox, please let
[email protected] know.
ASSISTIVE HEARING
HELP
If you are hearing impaired, ask the usher
at church for a listening device.
HELPING ONE ANOTHER
Please be aware that we have a number of
people who have problems with breathing.
One way that we can help them breathe
more comfortably is by eliminating the
fragrances we wear.
TRINITY SINGERS
Gail and Richard Clinch
Rhonda D’Aigle-Pianist
Paul & Nancy Fox
Janet and Glenn Jacob
Paul and Diane Krauszer
Jana Moser-Flute
Payton Moser- Flute
Joyce Lund- Pianist
Stan and Shirley Platt
Jill St. Germain
Dana Tesch
Deb Till
Jan Walton
If you would like to be a part of the
Trinity Singers, please see Pastor Diane.
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It is easy to associate Easter with spring and new growth, baby chicks and little bunnies.
Easter, however, is more than just a celebration of spring, the changing of seasons and the
growing light. The change of season may also bring with it mudslides, floods, or
catastrophes in our personal lives that are not tied to weather. Each of these events
reminds us of life’s ambiguity. It is light. It is dark. It is life. It is death. Spring does not
equal, “All is well”. Nothing in this life is guaranteed. Easter, however brings us a
promise. In Jesus, the ambiguity of life is stripped of its power. The hurts will still hurt.
Death will still come, but there will be hope because we do not face those things alone.
Nor will they have the final say! Jesus is with us. Jesus says to you and me, “I am the life
of the world. I am the light of the world. Believe in me and you too will have life
everlasting!” The forces of darkness and death will not have the last say in our lives. On
Easter Sunday morning we will remember, relive and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. It is
more than just spring. It is the reordering of all of life. For out of death springs forth new
life in Christ.
As each day lengthens, we are granted more light in which to open our eyes and to look
closely that we may see the hurt, the darkness, the death in our own lives and in the lives
of our friends and neighbors. Today is a good day to speak a word of promise and hope.
Today is a good day to give those situations to God.
Tony Campolo, an American Baptist pastor, once preached a sermon entitled, “It’s
Friday, but Sunday’s coming!” Friday looks bleak. Friday is full of death, darkness, and
evil. Friday is full of broken relationship, lost hopes, and shattered dreams but Friday does
not get the last word, because Sunday is coming! It is Jesus’ day, the day of resurrection
and new life, the day of hopes and new beginnings. We celebrate Easter just once a year
but each Sunday is a little Easter that we celebrate every week and its coming! Sunday’s
coming, when we share Jesus’ promise and presence with each other. Sunday’s coming,
when we will be filled with hope as we worship together. Sunday’s coming when we will
be enlivened and enabled to walk out of the church door into our neighborhood, work
place, and school to speak a word of hope to someone else. It may be Friday now,
Sunday’s coming.
I trust I will see you Sunday morning and on Easter morning as well, ready to sing the
alleluias and halleluiahs that new life in Christ bring.
Peace,
Pastor Diane
ALASKA RAILROAD EASTER TRAIN
Hop aboard the Alaska Railroad on Saturday, March 26, for a family-friendly Easter
celebration along Turnagain Arm. Passengers will have the chance to visit with the Easter
Bunny, be astonished by the onboard magician and enjoy an array of sweets and treats, all
while taking in the spectacular scenery. Two Easter Trains will depart the Anchorage
Historic Depot: the first at 10 a.m., and the second at 3 p.m. Both excursions will last
about two and a half hours, traveling south along Turnagain Arm to Indian and back to
Anchorage. Tickets are $68 for adults and $34 for children ages two to 11. Infants under
age two who require a seat will need to purchase a child’s ticket for $34; however, there is
no fee for children under 23 months who are considered “infant in lap.”
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COUNCIL MEMBERS
President Richard Clinch
Vice President Rhonda D’Aigle
Treasurer Pat Kilmain
Secretary Mary Brothers
Worship Deb Till
Stewardship Glenn Jacob
Education Paul Krauszer
Outreach Deb Burlinski & Janet Jacob
Property Management Dana Tesch
Reverend Diane Krauszer
CDC Jana Moser
Health/Wellness Richard Clinch RN
If you are interested in being a part of the
council, talk to Richard Clinch to see how
you can qualify.
DEADLINE APPROACHING
Please send in your info for the April
newsletter by March 28.
THE DIRECTORY
Do we have all your current information
in our directory? Mailing & physical
address, Phone numbers, Birthday,
Anniversary, Email.
TRINITY LUTHERAN
CHURCH BOXES
We have extra TLC boxes in the
Fellowship Hall. Let us know if you wish
or do not wish to have a box.
TRINITY LUTHERAN
CHURCH BOOKS
We have books and movies in the
Fellowship Hall and behind the kitchen.
Feel free to borrow and return them or
leave books for other people to borrow.
BIRTHDAYS &
ANNIVERSARIES
4- Caroline Araujo
5- Cathy Moorman
7- Troy Swanson
13- Patti Hurt
17- Daniel Wedge
22- Shelby Swanson
27- David & Laura Lundin*
29- Gabe Hurt
Payton Moser
Hank & Sue Ann Roesing
LEARNING AND FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT
TRINITY
Gathered This 10:00 a.m. Tuesday morning Bible study is held in the Trinity Room.
The participants are using The Great Story, an introduction to the Bible. This course is
for anyone who wants to get a big-picture overview of the Bible, its story, and how the
story connects with our personal stories. Come and join in on this discussion. Call
Phyllis Gielarowski for more information at 745-6703. (September-May.)
Bible Study Join the Monday night group at 7:00 p.m. in the Trinity Room as they
study the Bible. Call Janet Jacob for more information at 745-4163. (September-May.)
The Men’s Breakfast Group This group meets faithfully every Wednesday morning at
8:00 a.m. in the Trinity Room. After a delicious breakfast, they read and discuss the
scripture for the coming Sunday. The conversation is lively and intense. For more
information, call Glenn Jacob at 745-4163.
Adult Forum Join other adults as we discuss a series of Bible studies on the practices
around caring for our world, our neighbors, and ourselves. 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning in
the Trinity Room.
In Stitches Come share your love of sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, and any
other crafts with our fine group of knit wits. On Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. in the
Trinity Room. For more information, call Phyllis Gielarowski at 745-6703. (SeptemberMay.)
Exercise and Prayer with Pastor Diane This group of religious athletes meet every
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 8:30 a.m. in the Upper Room. Come experience
the athlete in you. Prayer following exercise. Contact 745-0726 for more information.
Mat-Su Grief Support Group Are you grieving or know someone who is grieving?
We understand. Everyone grieves differently, and it is not easy losing someone you
cared so deeply about. Come to the Mat-Su Grief Support Group every Thursday in the
sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. Contact Karl or Joyce Lund (907-373-0842) or Mary Brothers
(907-841-4862) for additional information.
Preschool Chapel Come worship with the little ones every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in
the sanctuary, while Pastor Diane teaches them that Jesus loves them. Contact the
preschool at 745-LOVE (5683) for additional information. (September-May.)
Trinity Singers and Players Do you like to sing? Do you play an instrument? How
about you join the Trinity Singers and Players? You get to participate in church, and
they practice every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Contact Jana Moser at 7460974 for more information. (September-May.)
Sunday School Bring kids to the Upper Room every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. for a
children’s Bible study. Contact Jan Walton at 745-1242 for more information.
Worship Join us every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary to praise God and have
communion with Pastor Diane. Contact 745-0726 for additional information.
Fellowship Join us every Sunday following service for a chance to get to know your
fellow Christian friends. Snacks available. Contact 745-0726 for additional details.
Youth Group This is for age 6-12 grade, and they meet every other Sunday at 4:00
p.m. in the Trinity Room for faith and games. Contact Barrett Barge (232-7376) for
more information.
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WORSHIP HELPERS
Lynn Anselm
Margaret Baldwin
Deb Burlinksi
Rhonda D’Aigle
Frank & Rosie Gamboa
Phyllis Gielarowski
Cathy Moorman
Mike & Dorothy Sherman
Till Family
Tabitha Winkleblack
Jan Walton
If you are not on a team and you would
like to serve, please contact the church.
MEN’S WORKSHOP
We have a men’s workshop (women are
welcome) in Garage 134. It is available for
anyone to use (there is wood, tools, saws,
sandpaper, screws). Donation of workshop
materials and tools are always welcome.
See Dana Tesch or Wayne Berg if you
have something to donate. If you want to
use the men’s workshop, but are not quite
sure what to do (and want to learn), check
out a “how to” movie from the church
office. We have the following movies:
Basic Landscaping, Bathrooms, Ceilings,
Ceramic Tile, Common Home Repairs,
Decks, Drywall, Electrical, Fences and
Gates, Finish Carpentry, Finishing a
Basement, Framing, Furniture
Refinishing, Garages, Kitchens, Log
Cabin, Paint and Wallpaper, Patios and
Walkways, Plumbing, Quicksteps,
Retaining Walls, Roofing, Saunas and
Spas, Storage, Vinyl Flooring, Windows
and Doors, Wood Flooring.
THE ROBOT
The church has a robot. It’s not like the
one from The Jetsons. It’s not going to
clean for you or cook your meals, but it
will send out church reminders via phone.
Its phone number is 845-262-2553. If you
do not wish to receive these calls, simply
call back and press 9. You will no longer
receive these calls even if your number is
on the list.
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Love is learned early at the Trinity Lutheran Child Development Center. Children learn
many things from watching the adults around them. When they begin their learning
years at the Trinity Lutheran Church Child Development Center, they learn to care.
Here, each day, your children will see eager examples of open hearts and helping hands
as our staff members live out their Christian commitment to serve.
Our whole staff is always happy to get to know the children as individuals and to
encourage them to share their thoughts and interests. We know and show that every
little learner is a valued part of our schoolroom community.
We also show the children how very much they matter to the larger community. They
visit the fire station and see people and equipment standing ready to keep them safe.
They visit the church’s community garden and see that they can help provide food for
all. Inside the school and all around town, the children see caring examples, and learn
the value of generous hearts and of service.
We offer classes for 3-year-old/4-year-old and 4-year-old/5-year-old. We would love
for your child to be a part of our preschool. If you are interested in learning more about
our preschool, call 745-LOVE (5683) or visit us on the web at
www.trinitylutheranak.org/preschool.
NANCY FOX’S SHOO FLY PIE
Ingredients needed:
3 C flour
1 C sugar
½ C shortening- I use butter
½ tsp salt
2-9 inch unbaked pie crust
1 ½ C dark molasses
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ C boiling water
Cooking instructions:
Combine first 4 ingredients; reserve 2 ½ cups for top of pie; place the remainder
divided between both crusts. Combine molasses, baking soda and water, pour over pies;
sprinkle reserved mixture over top. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.
Crumbs will float on top of molasses mixture. Water, baking soda, and molasses will
form. Bottom of pies should be gooey.
Enjoy a piece in a bowl with milk for breakfast or dessert.
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SUNDAY OFFERING
Just a reminder, when writing check for
Sunday offerings make sure the memo line
on your check is filled out. It needs to
either say General or Designated. If it is
Designated for something specific, please
put where you wish to have the money go.
Thank you.
SIMPLY GIVING
If you are interested in electronic giving,
pick up a Simply Giving form from the
church office. This is through Thrivent
Financial for Lutherans. It allows you to
have direct deposits sent automatically to
the church’s bank account.
EASTER
Please join us on March 27th for Trinity’s
celebration of Resurrection Sunday. We
will begin our festivities with a potluck
breakfast at 9:00 a.m. to be followed by an
Easter egg hunt for our younger
worshipers. Services will be at the regular
time, 10:30 a.m. This will be a celebration
to be remembered!! Hope to see you
there!!
TAIZE PRAYER SERVICE
We invite you to participate in
an ecumenical Taize prayer service this
Lent. It’s at St. Michaels on Sunday,
March 13 at 7 p.m. with the theme being
“mercy”.
LOCAL ORGANIZING
MINISTRY
Trinity Lutheran’s Local Organizing
ministry will meets every other Sunday
from 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in the Trinity
Room. All are welcome in learning the
tools used for organizing.
ALASKA SYNOD
ASSEMBLY
The Alaska Synod Assembly is April 2224, 2016 at St Mark Lutheran Church,
Anchorage. Registration is available on
the synod website and due March 14th.
STEWARDSHIP QUOTE
“The earth will not continue to offer its
harvest, except with faithful stewardship.
We cannot say we love the land and then
take steps to destroy it for use by future
generations.” ― John Paul II
LENT DEVOTIONAL
Bible Gateway
Abandoning Human Concerns for Those of the Lord
Prayer
Almighty, eternal and merciful God, whose Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light
unto our path, open and illuminate our minds, that we may purely and perfectly
understand your Word and that our lives may be conformed to what we have rightly
understood, that in nothing we may be displeasing unto your majesty, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen. - the daily morning prayer of Ulrich Zwingli, from Gregg
Alison's "Introduction to Historical Theology"
Scripture Reading: Mark 8:31-38
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be
rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be
killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him
aside and began to rebuke him.
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me,
Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human
concerns.”
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to
be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For
whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for
the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit
their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of
me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be
ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Quote
Let nothing disturb thee;
Let nothing dismay thee:
All thing pass;
God never changes.
Patience attains
All that it strives for.
He who has God
Finds he lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.
— "Poem IX," from the Complete Works St. Teresa of Avila (1963) Vol. 3, edited by E.
Allison Peers
Something to Think About
February 26 is the day that some Christian traditions commemorate Annunciation, the
announcement to Mary that she would give birth to the promised Savior. The story of
Gabriel's visit to Mary is one we usually associate with Christmas, not Easter. Does
your anticipation of Easter in just a few weeks give you a different perspective on the
angel's joyous announcement?
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SYNOD POSITIONS
Two positions are open for members of
the Knik Cluster. If you are interested or
have questions, contact the Alaska Synod
nominating committee
([email protected] or 272-8899).
1. Synod Council Representative Ron
Rucker has entered the TEEM program for
ordination. His position as Knik Lay
Representative needs to be filled. This is a
2 year commitment. 2. Representative of
Nomination Committee.
THE KUWAA MISSION
PRAYER LETTER
Happy New Year, on behalf of the Kuwaa
people of Liberia, West Africa. As we look
forward to 2016 we ask for your continued
prayers and financial support as our work
continues in Liberia.
Romans 12:4-5
"For as in one body we have many members,
and all the members do not have the same
function, so we, who are many, are one body in
Christ, and individually we are members one of
another."
At the end of January, Cindy Ellis Bye once
again traveled to Liberia. During her time there
they hope to accomplish many things. Repairs
will be made to old wells in Kondesu, Goleta,
Kalata and Kpaulazu, and a new well will be
completed in Goleta. We ask for your
continued prayers for her while she is there and
for the people of Liberia, especially our
brothers and sisters in Christ among the
Kuwaa. The Kuwaa Mission is a 501c3 charity,
your donations are fully tax deductible and
don’t forget to ask your employer about
matching donations. Our Tax ID number is 275458111.
Ways to become involved as individuals or
with your congregation:
Mission Possible Club - Congregations or
groups pledge to pray regularly for the Mission
and financially support it.
Kids4Kuwaa - Children get involved in prayer
and financial support for the Mission and the
Kuwaa people. They support the Mission by
school and Sunday school offerings and fund
raisers.
$12 Klub 4 Kuwaa - A program to get 1,000
people to give at least $1 a month.
Coffee Clatch 4 Kuwaa - An opportunity for
women and women's groups to get involved.
LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF ALASKA
Now that we are in the Lenten season, Easter will soon be upon us. Beginning on
March 1st, we will begin distributing Easter baskets to the families with little children
who visit our food pantry. We need your help with providing Easter Baskets as we
anticipate sharing over 600 baskets in March. We appreciate everyone's help in
spreading the good news of Easter through story or activity book included in each
basket.
Thanks to all who participated by walking or running in the Walk for Warmth on
February 20th. This walk/run hosted by the United Way of Anchorage raises funds for
heating or rental assistance for homeless prevention/placement. We especially want to
thank all who donated to this cause. LSSA is the agency that distribute these funds to
our neighbors in need.
The Willow Garden Club is raising money to buy trees to start replacing trees lost to
last year's Sockeye Wildfire. The trees are $25 for a bundle of 20 trees and are being
ordered through the Society of Foresters. The trees are little 8 inch seedlings and come
in different varieties that include: Lodgepole Pine, Paper Birch, White Spruce, Blue
Spruce and Siberian Larch (Tamarack). If you, your congregation, book club, Sunday
School class, Youth Group, or workplace are interested in helping please send your
funds to LSSA marked for trees and we will get the funds to the Willow Garden Club.
Trees are limited so we need to act fast. There are also opportunities to help plant the
trees in the spring, so if you are interested let me know.
Have you been looking for an opportunity to volunteer? We need volunteers to help
shop with clients in the Food Pantry especially on Tuesdays from 12:45pm to 4:15pm
and Wednesdays from 4:15pm to 7:15pm. There are also opportunities at our Mobile
Food Pantry on Tuesdays at Lutheran Church of Hope from 4:30pm to 6:00pm and
Saturdays at the Church of the Nazarene on Jewel Lake at 88th Avenue at 9:30am to
11:00am. If interested please the LSSA office.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to LSSA through the Pick, Click, and Give
campaign on the Alaska PFD application. If you haven’t completed your 2016 PFD
application, remember you have until March 31st to apply and please consider a
donation to LSSA.
Get your sneakers and join us for the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau
Charity Walk on May 13th. All LSSA supporters, families and friends are welcome to
join the team and raise money for our ministry. More information will be available
soon.
Together caring for others,
Alan Budahl
PLUME NOON SOUP AND THE BREAD OF LIFE SERIES
We invite you to a PLUME Noon Soup and the Bread of Life Series.
March 3: 1st Presbyterian, Wasilla. Rev. Wilcox.
March 10: Christ First UMC, Wasilla. Rev. Hicks.
March 17: Trinity Lutheran, Palmer. Rev. Krauszer.
March 24: Christ First UMC, Wasilla. Rev. Hicks.
Each session starts at noon. Contact Pastor Diane for more information.
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BIBLE DINGBATS
We have cunningly hidden phrases, names
or sayings that are linked to the Bible in
the boxes below. The answer can be
hidden in many ways. It could be the size,
position, or direction for example.
Sometimes you might need to do some
counting or look at the shape, but all you
really need to do is say what you see!
Answers will be in next month’s
newsletter.
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
March 20: Passion/Palm Sunday
March 24: Maundy Thursday, 7:00 p.m. reenactment of the Lord’s Supper and foot
washing service.
March 25: Tenebrae service. 7:00 p.m. extinguishing of the lights.
March 26: Easter Vigil, 10:30 p.m. celebrating God’s salvation history with story and
song. First celebration of Easter, 12:00 a.m. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.
March 27: Easter breakfast potluck, 9:00 a.m. Worship and celebration, 10:30 a.m.
TLC COMMUNITY GARDEN
God is the first gardener. “In the beginning,” we read in Genesis, God created a garden.
We still have the resources to use that God created for the first garden: soil, water,
sunshine, plants that produce seeds and people who can care for the garden. Sometime
we think of gardening as just plain hard work. It is in many ways but it can also be so
much more. Alfred Austin wrote, “The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the
sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul.”
Gardening is soul work too!
As we think about our TLC community garden, it is helpful to think about the soul
work we can do there. Not only does working the soil grow food help to feed the
hungry, it also feeds our souls as we partner with God in digging, planting, tending and
loving green growing things. Gertrude Jekyll a well-known English gardener states" A
garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches
industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.” Several of those traits sound very
Godly; patience, watchfulness, trust. These are characteristics that all of us as Jesus’
followers strive to develop in ourselves.
Soon it will be time to till the earth, plant seeds, build raised beds and work in the
garden. I invite all of you to consider your role in this ministry emphasis at Trinity.
Come work in the garden for the good of your soul, for the good of hungry stomachs
and for the good of God’s green earth.
A gardening team will be gathered this month to start planning for the spring and
summer. If you are interested please contact Pastor Diane.
LETTER FROM LUTHERAN CHURCH OF HOPE
Dear Trinity Lutheran Church,
Thank you for your thoughtful donation of 120 dollars to our vandalism and fire
recovery. Your gift is tax deductible. This letter serves as your receipt. Please know that
we thank God for you and your kindness. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Pastor Julia
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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS IS
HERE
March 13 is daylight savings
time. Set your clocks ahead
one hour Saturday night.
KEEPING IN TOUCH
We have a couple people to keep in touch
with. Pat Younack injured her shoulder
and will be home for many weeks. Jeremy
Wedge has new tumor growth and will be
doing more treatment. Sign-up in the
Fellowship Hall to make a house visit or
phone call to Jeremy and Pat.
IDITAROD 2016
Iditarod start is March 5 at 10 a.m. in
Anchorage on 4th and D streets. The restart
is March 6 at 2 p.m. in Willow Lake,
Willow.
CHURCH SUPPORT
Support Kiana Till at 5:00 p.m. at Palmer
High gym on March 5. Wear your yellow
“God's Work, Our Hands” shirts.
UPCOMING LESSONS
Mark 11:1-11
Mark 14:22-42
Matthew 21:1-13
Mark 16:1-8
Acts 1:1-14
Acts 3:1-10
Acts 17:1-9
1 Thess. 1:1-10
Acts 18:1-4
1 Cor. 1:10-18
1 Cor. 13:1-3
1 Cor. 15:1-26, 51-57
Acts 2:1-4
QUOTES
"Whether you think that you can, or that
you can't, you are usually right."
- Henry Ford (1863-1947)
"A god is that to which we look for all
good and in which we find refuge in every
time of need. To have a god is nothing
else than to trust and believe him with our
whole heart. That to which your heart
clings and entrusts itself is, I say, really
your God." - Martin Luther
STEWARDSHIP ARTICLE
Dear friend in Christ,
Supply and demand are fundamental concepts of economic theory straight from Econ
101. Such theory can be useful to consider since balancing supply and demand is
another way of talking about meeting needs. As we in the church continue to ponder
how to support our ministries and infrastructure, and as we continue to look at
stewardship as our go-to strategy, it occurred to me that there is a supply of, and
demand for, generosity in all its various forms: service, commitment, passion,
leadership and, of course, finances.
On the demand side of things, no doubt the aggregate demand for generosity has never
been greater. With 1.5 million non-profits in the United States looking to expand their
missions, each is embracing more sophisticated ways to reach out, tell the story of why
they exist, gather support, and grow their movement. We know the needs of this world
are enormous, and the good news is that lots of organizations are creatively working to
make a difference.
How might we better understand the overall supply of generosity? One idea is what I
think of as capacity. A 2013 study concluded the United States was the most generous
country in the world. To me this reflects our nation's greater capacity of wealth and
leisure as opposed to broad-based sacrificial giving by our citizens. A reservoir to give
from however is also influenced by how we manage outflows. If my time and finances
are continually tapped out, my capacity to serve, love and be generous will be adversely
affected. It seems one way the church can be an agent in growing this capacity to be
generous is by promoting practical resource management skills for time, finances,
health and relationships.
My sense is that a much bigger factor driving the supply of generosity has to do with
motivation, meaning and purpose. Our culture effectively socializes us to embrace the
"me first" conventional wisdom of the world, not the subversive "last shall be first"
wisdom of Jesus. The resulting dis-ease we experience from living this way looks very
different than the world desired by God. Moving people from "me to we" then is the
hard counter-cultural work of growing stewards.
Ultimately, I think Jesus integrates the supply and demand of generosity by connecting
stewardship and personal transformation on the supply side with social transformation
on the demand side. Is it fair to say the church is at its best at this intersection? The
reward is not just about addressing the needs of the world but also helping people know
a way of life that many times proves to be the best way to live. This is the place where
salvation becomes more than a theological concept we believe in. It is also something
we experience in daily living.
We are a church that is energized by lively engagement in our faith and life. Thank you
for leading in God’s work with a generous heart!
In Christ's service,
Steve Oelschlager
Stewardship Program Coordinator
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
8
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
2016
6
Sunday School, 9:00 a.m.
Worship, 10:30 a.m.
Fellowship, 11:30 a.m.
LOM,
4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
13
Sunday School, 9:00 a.m.
Worship, 10:30 a.m.
Fellowship, 11:30 a.m.
TLC Youth Group,
400 p.m.
20
Sunday School, 9:00 a.m.
Worship, 10:30 a.m.
Fellowship, 11:30 a.m.
LOM,
4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Passion Sunday
27
Sunday School, 9:00 a.m.
Worship, 10:30 a.m.
Fellowship, 11:30 a.m.
Singing with the Seniors,
1:00 p.m.
TLC Youth Group,
4:00 p.m.
Easter breakfast, 9:00 a.m.
7
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Adult Bible Study,
7:00 p.m.
14
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Adult Bible Study,
7:00 p.m.
21
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Adult Bible Study,
7:00 p.m.
28
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Adult Bible Study,
7:00 p.m.
Newsletter article due
Trinity Singers and Players,
7:00 p.m. (Sept.-May)
2
Men’s Prayer Breakfast,
8:00 a.m.
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Women’s Bible Study,
10:00 a.m. (Sept.-May)
In Stitches, 11:00 a.m.
8
Trinity Singers and Players,
7:00 p.m. (Sept.-May)
Outreach, 3:30 p.m.
15
Trinity Singers and Players,
6:00 p.m. (Sept.-May)
Council, 7:00 p.m.
22
Trinity Singers and Players,
7:00 p.m. (Sept.-May)
29
Trinity Singers and Players,
7:00 p.m. (Sept.-May)
Friday
9
16
Men’s Prayer Breakfast,
8:00 a.m.
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Women’s Bible Study,
10:00 a.m. (Sept.-May)
In Stitches, 11:00 a.m.
23
Men’s Prayer Breakfast,
8:00 a.m.
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Women’s Bible Study,
10:00 a.m. (Sept.-May)
In Stitches, 11:00 a.m.
30
Men’s Prayer Breakfast,
8:00 a.m.
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Women’s Bible Study,
10:00 a.m. (Sept.-May)
In Stitches, 11:00 a.m.
3
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Preschool Chapel,
10:00 a.m. (Sept.-May)
Grief Support Group,
7:00 p.m.
Men’s Prayer Breakfast,
8:00 a.m.
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Women’s Bible Study,
10:00 a.m. (Sept.-May)
In Stitches, 11:00 a.m.
Saturday
4
AK Children's Choir,
3:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
10
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Preschool Chapel,
10:00 a.m. (Sept.-May)
Grief Support Group,
7:00 p.m.
11
AK Children's Choir,
3:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Pastor Diane is away
17
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Preschool Chapel,
10:00 a.m. (Sept.-May)
Grief Support Group,
7:00 p.m.
24
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Preschool Chapel,
10:00 a.m. (Sept.-May)
Grief Support Group,
7:00 p.m.
Holy Thursday,
7:00 p.m.
31
Exercise and Prayer with
Pastor Diane, 8:30 a.m.
Preschool Chapel,
10:00 a.m. (Sept.-May)
Grief Support Group,
7:00 p.m.
5
Mountain River
Counseling,
9-4 Trinity Room
Support Kiana Till,
5:00 p.m. PHS
12
Pastor Diane is away
18
19
AK Children's Choir,
3:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
25
AK Children's Choir,
3:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Good Friday, 7:00 p.m.
26
Easter Vigil, 10:30 p.m.