Cross alk - Immanuel Lutheran Church • Riverside, California

Immanuel Family Update
Immanuel Lutheran Church & School
5545 Alessandro Blvd.
Riverside, CA 92506
Published Monthly
August 1, 2013
Volume 31, Issue 8
This Month:
Elementary School News ~
Carl Boburka
2
My Favorite Bible Verse ~
Carolyn Bolz
2
From the DCE ~
Jean Beck
3
Serve Riverside Sunday
4
Men’s Bible Study
Breakfast
6
Delight in the Lord...
6
Habitat for Humanity
7
Birthdays/Anniversaries
8
Music Corner
8
Quick Reference
10
Cross
alk
SACRAMENTS AND SCHEDULES:
SOMETHING NEW AT IMMANUEL
Pastor Steven Borst
Over the past few months, our Elder team has been discussing doing
something new with the Lord’s Supper celebration at Immanuel.
Our
conversation centered around how often should we celebrate the Sacrament?
More specifically, does our current schedule truly reflect who we are and what
we believe?
For Lutheran Christians, the Sacraments play a vital role in our faith life.
We believe that the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion are not
just symbolic acts, but carry with them the power of God’s Word. Certainly
they include symbolism that is quite meaningful. Water is the source of life, and
we use it daily for nourishment and cleansing. This powerfully reflects what God
does in baptism, giving new life to the believer and cleansing her of all her sins.
The same is true in Holy Communion. The bread which is broken reminds us of
Jesus, the Bread of Life, who died for our sins. Red wine helps us to remember
that His blood was shed for our forgiveness.
Although powerful, this symbolism only begins to describe the true
meaning and efficacy of the Sacraments. Certainly we use simple water, wafers,
and wine, but when these are connected to God’s Word, they become life-giving
means by which God distributes His abundant grace to the believer. I often liken
power of the Sacraments to a lamp with a cord. When the cord is not plugged
in, the lamp will not light up. The cord has no power in itself to turn on the light.
However, when the cord is plugged into an outlet, electricity begins to flow
through the cord and in an instant begins to shine light throughout the room.
The cord, therefore, is merely a conduit or a means for the electricity, allowing
the true source of power to flow through it.
Likewise, the elements of the Sacraments work much like the cord of a
lamp. By themselves, they may be symbolic, but have no real power. Yet, when
water, wafer, and wine are plugged into the Word, then there is power to
change and strengthen the heart of the believer. These sacramental elements
become conduits for God’s love and grace to be poured out abundantly upon us
His people.
Martin Luther makes this clear in his Small Catechism. Regarding the
water of Baptism he writes, “Without God’s Word the water is plain water
and no Baptism. But with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a lifegiving water, rich in grace.” He speaks likewise about the Lord’s Supper: “The
bread and wine in the Sacrament are Christ’s body and blood by
Continued on page 7
Page 2
Elementary School News ~
Mr. Carl Boburka, Principal
As the temperature rises and the summer months roll by, the preparation and planning for
another school year is heightened.
Textbooks and materials must be ordered.
Maintenance of the campus and in the classrooms must be completed. Through all this activity, our God
continues to guide and lead us.
Summer at Immanuel stays consistently busy. Our summer Kids Kare program continues to grow
and watches over many children throughout the day. Some of the children attend our school but there are
many neighborhood children whom we have the opportunity to minister to, sharing the message of Christ.
Our Kids Kare workers share Bible lessons with the children and organize different themed activities each
week. The children go on field trips and have special projects in the classroom. This is the second summer
we have offered a student tutoring program called “Summer of Success.” The children come during the
month of July to receive help or enhancement in Math and Reading.
We continue to pray for our 2013-14 enrollment. Currently, our Kindergarten and 1st grade classes
are full. Our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th classes have 21 students enrolled. The 5th and 6th grade classes have room for
more students. If you know of any families that are looking for an excellent Christ-centered education please
have them contact us in the church office.
The theme for the 2013-14 school year is “Learning the Faith-Living the Faith.” Each day at Immanuel,
we teach and learn what faithful living in Jesus Christ is all about. We pray for God’s help to live out our
faith and to be good examples for the children in our classrooms. Our school has an important responsibility
to equip children to engage the world with the love of Jesus.
Some important upcoming dates:
Thursday, August 22, Roadrunner Roundup – 10:00 am to noon and 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, August 27, School Begins – 9:00 am Opening Chapel
My Favorite Bible Verse
Psalm 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.
Here in Riverside, we often experience Santa Anas: strong
winds that can leave devastation in their path. Many trees will
lose branches or even topple over during these powerful
windstorms, but the palm tree always remains standing. It
might bend or sway during an intense storm, but it will eventually right itself. When the Bible says that we
Christians "shall flourish like the palm tree," I'm reminded of the storms in my own life. As the Psalmist
explains, after these storms pass, I will be all right. Just like a palm tree, I will remain standing. What a
wonderful promise from God!
Carolyn Bolz
Would you like to share a favorite Bible verse in the Immanuel Newsletter? Submit your verse, along with a
few lines telling why it is meaningful to you, to the church office. Feel free to include a digital photo with
your submission. We look forward to reading your responses!
Page 3
From the D.C.E.
(Director of Christian Education)
Jean Beck
High School Youth
Group
Lock-In at Jean’s house, Friday,
September 6 to Saturday, September
7.
Theme: Changed by Grace! More
information will be mailed home.
Youth Nights: What is a good
weeknight for you to get together
during the school year?
Jr. High/Confirmation
Sky Zone!
August 21, 2013
Meet at Sky Zone (4031 Flat Rock Dr. Riverside, CA
92505; Phone: 951-354-0001). Check in at 1:00 pm
and jump from 1:30 to 2:30 pm.
Bring $16.00 for one hour of jumping and extra
money for snacks/drinks. Parents will need to check
you in and sign the release.
Sunday School Volunteers Needed!
Starting in September we will return to our “class by age” Sunday School that meets in the
school during the 10:15 service. We are looking for 10 adults that can partner with each
other (teaching every other month). We are in need of leaders in all classes,
from Preschool-6th grade. All the material is provided and easy to use.
Please contact Jean Beck in the church office if you would like to assist
in our Sunday School ministry.
We need willing hearts!
From July 1-5 we were with 25,000
other LCMS youth and adults to learn how to
Live Loved! It was an amazing experience
with great music, speakers, teachers, and a
great host city (San Antonio).
The next gathering will be in 2016 on
New Orleans, LA.
Page 4
Over One Hundred Immanuel Members Volunteer on
Serve Riverside Sunday
By Carolyn Bolz
Immanuel's third annual Serve Riverside Sunday was "an opportunity to
express our faith in Jesus," according to Pastor Seth Flick. One hundred
twenty-nine church members did just that as they volunteered at nine
locations, including Sunrise Assisted Living in Riverside, Loma Linda's
Veterans' Hospital, and a Habit for Humanity house. Teens and adults
from Immanuel also completed yard work at two homes of families with
foster children, served hot meals to the homeless, sewed dresses for girls
in Haiti, and accomplished many other helpful tasks. In addition, over
$500 was raised for Mission Haiti at a barbecue luncheon held in
Graumann Hall.
"I believe the day was a great success. It's truly a blessing to be a
blessing to others!" co-chairperson Lisa Hjulberg stated. Immanuel
member Sue Buster, who had done outdoor work at a previous event,
made a change this year and sewed dresses for Haiti. "I'm not a
particularly great seamstress, but I can sew a straight line," she joked on
Sunday morning.
For Joy Ramos and her daughter, Joelle, 13, Serve Riverside Sunday
was an opportunity to volunteer together at a convalescent home.
Other members, Ed and Marge Miller along with Terry Streich, were
among those visiting the Veterans'
Hospital. The Millers did it in honor of Ed's service in World War II, while
Terry went because, as he explained, "I'm retired Air Force."
Many families participated in Serve Riverside Sunday, including Joe,
Tiffany, and six year-old Rachel Erbland. As they waited for the morning
worship service to begin, Tiffany remarked, "We're just happy to be here."
After church, Joe led a group of ten Immanuel members in cleaning the
playground at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Riverside near UCR. "It
was hot and dusty," one of the volunteers, David Elfman recalled
afterwards, "but we got a lot done. The pastor and the church members
there made us feel appreciated."
As Pastor Steven Borst reminded us all on Sunday morning, "Most of the time, our calling is simply to be
faithful in our everyday lives. The stuff we're doing today is pretty ordinary, but doing it for God makes it
extraordinary."
Page 5
Serve Riverside Sunday THANK YOU
We spoke of glorifying God in our actions and Immanuel responded
well with one of our biggest volunteer turnouts for Serve Riverside
Sunday! The Serve Riverside co-chairs would like to thank all of our
volunteers and especially our site captains:
Deb Erickson-Mission:Haiti
Bob Holcomb-Letter Writing
Pete Keck-Visiting Vets at Redlands V.A.
Jon Myhre-Riverside Homeless Supper
Jeff & Cherka Haga-Agape Care Home
Laura & Nikki Neglia-Sunrise Care Home
Paul Hjulberg-Foster Site Clean Up
Phil Korycinski-Foster Site Clean Up
William & Laura Curley-Foster Site Clean Up
Becki Spartos-Mission:Haiti BBQ
Bev Phillips-Granola Bars for the Homeless
Whitney Kelcher-Child Care
Morgan Holcomb-PowerPoint Creator
Carolyn Bolz-Article Submission
We thank God for inspiring these leaders to engage the world with the love of Jesus Christ!
Page 6
Men’s Bible Study Breakfast
A group of Immanuel men from our Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study were invited once again to
join Christ Lutheran Brea’s Men’s Group at the Jagerhaus in Anaheim for breakfast, fellowship and Bible
study. If you look closely you will see Pastor Schilling and son, Pastor Richter, Deacon Don Kolafa, Carl
Boburka, Gill Dyrr, Bob Holcomb and son, Joseph and Chip Sartorius. This is the second opportunity the
two groups have had to gather and are looking forward to making this annual event. Good food and many
laughs were had as well as tackling sensitive topics such as DOMA and Prop 8 in our study, led by Pastor
Derek Klemm. If you have the opportunity, ask one of these gentlemen what they thought of the sauerkraut
omelet.
Delight in the Lord...
Page 7
Habitat for Humanity Lends a Hand!
Members of Immanuel, Trinity Lutheran Riverside and several others joined local Thrivent
Representatives Marlin Brandt and Pamela Kratzke in a Habitat for Humanity home repair project. This crew
scraped and painted the house trim and hung a security door. Separately, a new garage door was also
installed for a veteran and his spouse, the recipients of this outreach project sponsored by Thrivent Financial
for Lutherans and powered by Lutherans!
Continued from page 1: “Sacraments & Schedules” Pr. Borst
sacramental union. By the power of His word, Christ gives His body and blood in, with and under the
blessed bread and wine.”
The Sacraments are not something the church has created. Rather, these are ceremonies that Christ
Himself instituted. These are His gifts to the church for the strengthening of our faith. Further, through the
Sacraments Christ not only makes us one with the Father, but also makes us one with another as the church.
We are baptized into the Body of Christ, and through communion we who are many are made one with each
other.
Because the Sacraments play such a vital role for our church, the pastors and elders of Immanuel have
concluded that the Lord’s Supper should be available to our members every week. Starting in September, we
will adjust our Communion schedule so that the Lord’s Supper is celebrated at the 8am Service on the 1st
and 3rd Sundays of the month, while the 10:15am Service will celebrate the Sacrament on 2nd and 4th Sundays.
When there is a 5th Sunday, Holy Communion will continue to be offered in both services.
While this is a relatively small change to our schedule, we believe it makes a powerful statement
regarding who we are and what we believe. Every Sunday of the year, the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated at
our church, for we know that it is Christ alone who can transform our lives. He does this by His Spirit at
work through the Word spoken and sung, and the Sacraments sprinkled and swallowed by faith.
Page 8
Happy Anniversary!
Virginia Heiliger
Nastasha Opoku
Susan Reddick
Kenneth Unrath
Janet Dyrr
Betty Bockerstette
Amanda Grover
John Opoku
Shirley Lewis
Brett Provance
Jayden Fox
Joseph Vangsness
Sharon Kassel
David Elfman
Carolyn Bolz
Landon Strickland
Diego Loza
Wayne Smith
Justin Woodside
Jo Kenney
Ellen Smith
Kyle Staudt
Brett McKean
Michael Strickland
8/2
8/2
8/2
8/3
8/4
8/5
8/5
8/6
8/7
8/7
8/8
8/9
8/11
8/12
8/13
8/13
8/14
8/14
8/14
8/14
8/16
8/16
8/17
8/17
Charlotte Borst
Sean Durham
Nance Mc Geachy
Grace Durham
LeRoy Brooks
Veronica Cook
Jeani De Lorenzo
Heather Stephens
Tabitha Herzog
Dylan Eremia
Madalynn Spartos
Theodore Davis
Linda Dalman
Jean Fenell
Terry Mateljan
Sandra Tracey
Fred Sokolowski
Julie Worthington
Dawn De Lorenzo
Paul Hjulberg
William Ilten
Kenneth Byrne
Don Kolafa
Nathan Hill
Music Corner
Wanted: Handbell Ringers
Some years ago, Immanuel had an active
adult Handbell choir that rang regularly for
worship services and special occasions.
The interest is back! Have you considered
being a part of a handbell
ensemble? We need you!
For more information,
please contact Cindy Patton or leave a message in
the church office. Let’s
ring!
8/17
8/17
8/19
8/19
8/20
8/20
8/20
8/20
8/22
8/23
8/23
8/24
8/26
8/26
8/26
8/26
8/27
8/27
8/28
8/29
8/30
8/31
8/31
8/31
William and Sharon Ilten
Winford and Nora Teasley
Bradley and Kara Davis
Rick and Alicia Ferrell
Gerald Edward Dalman
Mike and Judi Jack
Craig and Deidre Goodwin
Robert and Colleen Byrne
Vern and Karen Goodwalt
Terry and Kristin Streich
Kenneth and Ruth Unrath
Mark and Roberta Wanamaker
Douglas and Nance Mc Geachy
Randall and Linda Beasley
Philip and Marie Swenson
Kenneth and Marilyn Edwards
8/1
8/4
8/5
8/8
8/10
8/12
8/15
8/16
8/23
8/23
8/25
8/27
8/28
8/29
8/29
8/31
Local Immanuel Family seeking part-time help with
boys, ages 11 & 13. Morning help getting them off
to school. Flexible/varied schedule beginning in
late August. Pay rate negotiable. Please call the
church office, 682-7613, for contact information.
AUGUST 2013
Thursday, August 1
5:30pm Thrivent Chapter Mtg.
6:30pm Praise Team Practice
Friday, August 2
Monday, August 12
6:30pm Elder’s Meeting
7:00pm Boy Scouts Troop 176
7:00pm Boy Scouts Troop 176
Parent Meeting
Saturday, August 3
Tuesday, August 13
Sunday, August 4
8:00am Traditional Service
9:15am Bible Studies
10:15am Family Praise Svc.
2:30pm Roller Skating
Wednesday, August 14
9:30am Quilters
6:30pm Small Group Bible Study
Monday, August 5
10:00am JOY Group Board Mtg.
3:15pm Girl Scout Troop 343
7:00pm Boy Scout Troop 176
Tuesday, August 6
6:30pm Boy Scout Pack 176
Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 7
9:30am Quilters
6:30pm Small Group Bible Study
Thursday, August 8
6:30pm Praise Team Practice
7:00 pm Small Group Bible Study
Friday, August 9
6:30pm Small Group Bible Study
Thursday, August 15
6:30pm Praise Team Practice
Friday, August 23
6:30pm Small Group Bible Study
Saturday, August 24
7:45am Men’s Bible Study
9:00am Women’s Bible Study
Sunday, August 25
8:00am Traditional Service
9:15am Bible Studies
10:15am Family Praise Svc.
12:00pm Potluck Bible Study
Friday, August 16
Monday, August 26
6:00pm Preschool Open House
7:00pm Boy Scouts Troop 176
Saturday, August 17
6:00pm Boy Scouts Troop 176
Auction
Tuesday, August 27
First Day of School
9:00am Opening Chapel
Sunday, August 18
8:00am Traditional Service
9:15am Bible Studies
10:15am Family Praise Svc.
Wednesday, August 28
9:30am Quilters
6:30pm Small Group Bible Study
Monday, August 19
7:00pm Boy Scouts Troop 176
Tuesday, August 20
Saturday, August 10
7:45am Men’s Bible Study
9:00am Women’s Bible Study
Wednesday, August 21
All Facilities Closed
All Staff Meeting
9:30am Quilters
1:00pm Jr. High Sky Zone
6:30pm Small Group Bible Study
Sunday, August 11
8:00am Traditional Service
9:15am Bible Studies
10:15am Family Praise Svc.
12:00pm Potluck Bible Study
Thursday, August 22
10:00am Roadrunner Round Up
6:00pm Roadrunner Round Up
6:30pm Praise Team Practice
6:30pm Small Group Bible Study
Thursday, August 29
6:30pm Praise Team Practice
Friday, August 30
2:00pm ES Early Dismissal
Saturday, August 31
Page 10
CHURCH/SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
IF YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Senior Pastor
Principal
Director of Christian Education
Director of Preschool
Visitation Pastor
Pastor of Outreach and Mission
Deacon
Choir Director
Altar Guild
Baptism
Bulletin
Elders
Flower Chart
Greeters
Hospital Recovery Meal
JOY Group
Men's Bible Study
Mission Outreach
Newsletter, Family Update
Nursery
Prayer Chain
Prayer Chain
Quilters
School
Shut-ins
Small Group Bible Study
Sunday School
Women's Ministries
Women's Bible Study
Youth Groups
Pastor Steven Borst
Carl Boburka
Miss Jean Beck
Mrs. Jeannie Jones
Rev. David Schilling
Pastor Seth Flick
Don Kolafa
CHURCH/SCHOOL OFFICE EXTENSIONS
Information
Church Secretary
School Admin. Assist.
Bookkeeper
Sr. Pastor
Pr. Of Outreach & Mission
Principal
Office Manager
DCE
100
Jamila Leggett, 200
Doris Schwecke, 201
Yolanda Kovalski, 204
Pastor Borst, 203
Pastor Flick, 222
Carl Boburka, 206
Teri Peters, 202
Jean Beck, 205
CHURCH/SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
Joy Fosgett, Diane Brandt
Pastor Borst
Jamila Leggett
Marlin Brandt
Karen Brooks
Bev Barrier
Becki Spartos
Ken Unrath
Bob Holcomb
Beth Vangsness
Jill Popeney
Whitney Kelcher
Carolyn Elfman
Dory Robb
Peggy Roth
Doris Schwecke
Pastor Schilling
Deacon Don Kolafa
Jean Beck
Liz Ivany
Jean Beck
Memorial Gifts
Monday—Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Memorial gift envelopes are located next to the
regular envelopes in the narthex. These gifts can
be undesignated or designated for specific items
Do You Need A Little Help?
or ministries. Please consider giving throughout
Did you know that we have a ministry here at Immanuel the year in memory of a loved one, a birthday, or
to help those who are recovering from illness? If you or a holiday.
loved one just got out of the hospital and you need assistance with meals, or you would like to help by providing a
Going into the
meal, please call Becki Spartos or write it on your attendHospital?
ance card.
ANOINTING FOR HEALING We offering a brief service
of anointing for our members and friends following the
services on the second Sunday of each month and at
other times by request. If you wish to be anointed, inform
the pastor either before worship or following it and he will
meet you at the altar rail when the rest of the
congregants have been exited.
BULLETIN AND NEWSLETTER ARTICLES
It is important that you or a family
member call the church office to let us know.
When you are admitted, tell them that
Immanuel Lutheran is your church. This way
we can pray for you and visit with you.
All Prayer Concerns
Do you have a special prayer that you
would like our Prayer Chain to pray
Articles for the weekly bulletin must be submitted to the
for?
Contact Carolyn Elfman at 354-9896,
church office by Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. Newsletter
articles must be submitted by the 20th of each month. All Dory Robb at 687-5725 or the church office
at 682-7613.
articles must be approved for printing by the pastor.
ADVERTISERS
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School
5545 Alessandro Blvd, Riverside, CA 92506
(951) 682-7613 / (951) 682-4211
Church Website: immanuelriverside.com
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
RIVERSIDE, CA
PERMIT NO. 528
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
DATED MATERIAL - DO NOT DELAY
OUR WORSHIP HOURS
Traditional Service: 8:00 a.m.
Adult and Youth Classes: 9:15 a.m.
Family Praise Worship Service: 10:15 a.m.
Sunday School: 10:15 a.m.