april 2012 editiongod’s work, our hands inside this issue
Post on 28-Feb-2022
1 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 9700 Neenah Ave, Austin, Texas 78717 Phone 512.671.6100 Fax 512.671.6103 www.lordoflifeaustin.org
April 2012 Edition Volume No. 1204
Inside this issue:
The Easter Laugh 1
Sermon Series 1
Kindred Sisters 2
Coffee Time 2
Preparing for Sunday 2
Birthdays/Anniversaries 2
Youth Focus 3
Cropwalk / Noisy Offering 3
What is God Calling Me... 3
Young Families Ministry 3
Prayer List 3
Game Day 3
Cooking Club 3
Library Notes 4
Prayer Shawl Ministry 4
Book Club 4
Global Initiatives 4
Thrivent Build 4
Holy Open Golf Tourney 4
BBQ & Bake Sale 4
Stephen Ministry 4
Job Search Ministry 5
Beth Moore Live! 5
State of the Church 5
Worship Leadership 6
Calendar 7
Beth Moore Bible Study 8
God’s Work, Our Hands
THE EASTER LAUGH
Foremost among our responses to the event of Easter are praise, thanksgiving, and joy.
And that's as it should be. At the same time, also consider this response: laughter. Yes,
laughter! This theme in Easter comes from the notion that in the resurrection a divine trick
has been played on the devil. Satan believed that on the cross Jesus had died once and for
all—that the forces of evil had prevailed over the forces of good. Yet God fooled the devil
by raising Jesus from the dead. This theme is highlighted in Holy Humor, a book in which
Cal and Rose Samra have compiled a number of quotations and stories about the
relationship between faith and humor. Here is one of them from Chapter Four, which is
titled “The Easter Laugh and Holy Humor Month.”
Church historians indicate that there is considerable evidence that during the early
centuries of Christianity, Easter celebrations went on for days and even weeks. But in
modern times, these celebrations have faded away....Occasionally, one will come across a
Greek Orthodox or Slavic or Byzantine Catholic church that still observes the old-country
customs...Rev. George Mihalke, pastor of Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church,
Sykesville, PA, wrote: “In our parish we have managed to maintain the joy of our
ancestors during the Easter celebration. On Bright Monday and Tuesday [that is, the first
two days after Easter] we chase each other around after the services, drenching and being
drenched with water. It's quite a sight—the women pursuing their pastor (in his cassock)
down the street and around the grounds, drenching him with water. I'm sure the neighbors
think us quite mad!”
May each one of you experience an Easter filled both with praise and laughter!
Alan J. Watt
Interim Pastor
SERMON SERIES ON STEWARDSHIP
In conjunction with the 2012-2013 Annual Commitment, a sermon series will be given that
will focus on several values that we believe in and practice as Christians. Concentrating on
financial stewardship, this series will be loosely based on four sermons produced by
Norman E. Lucas. A retired Lutheran pastor, Lucas served among other congregations at
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tampa, FL.
“The Jesus Touch” (Matthew 9:18-26) April 15
“Your Money or Your Life!” (Matthew 6:19-21) April 22
“Money Management” (Matthew 25:14-30) April 29
“A Thank You Note to God” (Ephesians 5:18-20) May 6
Page 2 Life-Lines
Preparing for Sunday
April 1 Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Mark 14:1-15:47
April 8 Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Mark 16:1-8
April 15 Acts 4:32-35 Psalm 133 1 John 1:1-2:2 John 20:19-31
April 22 Acts 3:12-19 Psalm 4 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36b-48 April 29 Acts 4:5-12 Psalm 23 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18
LOLLC LADIES: KINDRED SISTERS
Monthly Meeting – 1st Tuesday Morning
Bring your saved cancelled postage stamps for LWR Stamporee Box
Questions: Marge Kretschmar 258-2988 or Glenace Klinker 671-3690
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
LWR Assemble “150” Personal Care Kits
10:30 am — Koinonia Cafe
Tuesday, May 1 2012
Topic TBD
10:30 am — Koinonia Cafe
COFFEE TIME
Thanks to:
Nell Pennington, Mary Vaughn,
Ila Mae Bartholomew, Chuck
Neeley, Bill & Diane Saegert,
Brenda Searcy, Adele Evans,
and Donna Estes
Grunska, Christopher 04/19 Hafner, Eric 04/20 Andrews, Deborah 04/21 Simon, Aubree 04/21 Hafner, Melanie 04/23 Weston, Koren 04/28 Anniversaries: Barbara Snook 04/02/1955 Barry & Lisa Kincart 04/05/2003 John & Patti Kassel 04/07/2001 Jeff & Mimi Kattawar 04/08/1995 Mike & Kim Klotz 04/13/1996
Birthdays: Kincart, Justine 04/01 Penland, Madalyn 04/01 Warnsman, Eric 04/01 Lucas, Jonathan 04/03 Lane, Robert 04/05 Crawford, Glen 04/07 Lopez, Oscar 04/10 Spilo, Chandler 04/10 Boudreau, Gloria 04/12 Tarsi, James 04/12 Wendlandt, Kelly 04/17 Simon, Shawn 04/18
KINDRED SISTERS NEWS
Kindred Sisters will assemble Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Personal Care Kits on
Tuesday, April 3, 10:30 am in Koinonia Café. When natural disaster strikes or political
conflict flares, families often have little chance to gather their belongings before fleeing the
danger. Dirty from traveling to a refugee camp or safety, people use these simple items in
the Kit wash away dirt and sweat. Imagine feeling the softness of a towel, smelling a fresh
scent of soap, and knowing someone cares for you! We hope to meet our challenge to
LOLLC to do 150 Kits. Come join us, all ladies and friends of LOLLC are
welcome. Deanna Brown will host lunch for us. Questions: Marge Kretschmar
258-2988 and/or Glenace Klinker 671-3690
Kindred Sisters meeting in March explored the thrills of "Garage Sales" led by the
champion “Garage Saler” Rea Wiruscheske. She brought some of her 150+ small
pitchers collected over the years to share with each of us. “Repurposed” items
brought by others consisted of jewelry, clothes, quilts, and purses. Got us all
thinking about what we have in our homes!
LWR Ingathering, Wednesday, April 11 between 8 am – 4 pm in Jackson Auditorium
parking lot at Texas Lutheran University, Sequin. Volunteer opportunity for men and
women: Experience collecting/loading/stacking the various LWR QUILTS and KITS from
Texas churches for shipment to Maryland. Also need helpers to do clerical as well as
re-taping and repacking boxes. Call 830-997-7937 We will take our Personal Care Kit
boxes to Abiding Love Church, Austin, on Tuesday morning, April 10, 2012.
Year 2012 Kindred Sisters HOSTESS Chart is on Board in the Café … Please sign
accordingly.
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Stamporee project. THANKS to all who are saving stamps
from your mail … Our LWR Stamp box in the Welcome Center is empty, Let’s fill it up
AGAIN!
Congratulations! Katie & Ben Eckermann!
We welcome Austin Thomas Eckermann, born on 3/25/12.
Page 3 Volume No. 1204
REMEMBERING IN PRAYER OUR MEMBERS,
FRIENDS/FAMILY, AND
HOMEBOUND
Vada Bockhorn,
Ann Willman,
Angie Parr,
Ben Covington,
Phil Southwick,
Paulette Widmar,
Wilma Adams,
Pat Buckta,
Valerie Creswell,
Monette Vinson,
Marie Flannery,
Ruby Ivy,
Fran Hendricks,
Dorothy Hamilton,
Alberta Otto,
Dot Harrington
The youth will be serving brunch on Easter morning between the two services. Plan on
enjoying a special breakfast! We will also be having an Easter egg hunt between services.
The youth would ask for donations of candy to fill the eggs. Please drop off any candy in
the Welcome Center in the basket! Thanks so much for supporting Lord of Life’s Youth!
CROPWALK & NOISY OFFERING COLLECTION
Lord of Life's Team - WWJ - Walking With Jesus raised a total of $502.76 for the
Austin Crop Walk! That includes $265.76 from our recent noisy offering.
Thank you to all who participated in this year's Crop Walk. 25% of this money
will stay here in Austin to help local charities. The other 75% will be going to
other countries to provide food, medical care, disaster relief, and self-help
development for needy people throughout the world. Austin Crop Walk raised
over $84,000 to fight hunger and help those in need! Praise be to God!
COOKING CLUB
Freezer meal cooking is going
great! We have been able to
provide several meals to people
in need and a few for our own
families. If you would like to
join us, our next meeting is April
28th at 10 AM at the cafe.
GAME DAY
Please mark your calendar for
April 17th. Our game day is
always scheduled for the third
Tuesday of the month. We play
different games and have great
fellowship and fun. We start at
10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Bring a sack
lunch and stay all or part of the
time.
During the month of April Get To Know Our Youth is highlighting Callie Prather! Callie is a
freshman at Leander High School. Callie and her family have been members here at Lord of
Life for the past seven years. Her favorite sport is volleyball! She belongs to
Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Callie’s favorite hobbies are shopping and running. She
volunteers for Lord of Life’s service projects and for Special Olympics. In her down time
she hangs out with her friends and watches movies. She is also a big reader! Something you
might not know is that Callie is in the top 9% of her class!! Academics are top priority for
this young lady! Her favorite restaurant is Jardin Del Ray. Next time you see Callie,
congratulate her on being a wonderful young lady!!
“WHAT IS GOD CALLING ME TO DO?”
The Stewardship Committee is pleased to announce the 2012 Annual Commitment (formerly
the Annual Pledge Drive). The Annual Commitment is the time to make your financial
commitment to God’s Kingdom from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. The Annual
Commitment drive will start on April 15 and conclude on May 6. The goal of the Stewardship
Committee is to have 100% of the members turn in a commitment card by May 6.
All members will be receiving a commitment card in the mail and you can turn your card in
any time during the Annual Commitment drive. Please place it in the offering plate or you
may mail it to the church office. We will be celebrating our Commitments on May 6th with
a potluck lunch immediately following the late service. Thanks be to God!
YOUNG FAMILIES MINISTRY
A new Young Families Ministry Group is forming. This is for people with young
kids: toddlers through elementary school age. We will get together every couple of months
and have a great time! Please contact Christine Simon at christine.simon02@yahoo.com or
512-220-9969 if you are interested.
Page 4 Life-Lines
STEPHEN MINISTRY
The program was developed by a Lutheran Minister who is
also a Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist. The program is designed
to equip the trained people with knowledge and proven
techniques to provide effective counseling and references to
available community resources.
The key feature of Stephen Ministry is COMPLETE
CONFIDENTIALITY. That is, NOTHING that is said to,
or discussed with, the Stephen Minister IS EVER
REPEATED !!! Only your Pastor and the Stephen Leader
will know that you have a Stephen Minister and they also are
sworn to the same confidentiality.
LIBRARY NOTES - April 2012
by: Donna Estes
A quote by: MOTHER TERESA
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior
motives; be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true
enemies; succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
be honest and frank anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
do good anyway…
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
it was never between you and them anyway.
THRIVENT / HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD
Come join us as we participate in the Thrivent Builds with
Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, May 12. No experience is
required; you just need to be 16 or older. Since the Build dates
are March 31 – May 19, we’ll probably be doing finishing
work like landscaping and painting. We’d love to have tons of
people there including our youth. And please invite your fam-
ily and friends to join us too. This home is being built for the
Diaz family by Austin-area Lutheran churches. Because so
many churches and crews are involved, we need to give the
folks at Thrivent a preliminary head-count in a couple weeks.
Please contact Rex Schroeder (rms7777@austin.rr.com) or
Deb Grunska (grunskad@flash.net) as soon as possible if you
can help.
HOLY OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Almost Annual Lord of Life “Holy Open” Golf
Tournament will be held on Sunday, April 29 at Avery Ranch
Golf Club. The entry fee is $55.00, which includes green fees,
cart and range balls. We will be grilling under the big tree
after the late service for golfers, friends and family, followed
by a 1:30 Shotgun Start. The sign-up sheet is in the Koinonia
Café. For more information, contact Rex Schroeder at
228-6365 or rms7777@austin.rr.com.
BBQ & BAKE SALE
It’s time to dust off our smokers!! The BBQ & Bake Sale is
set for April 21st from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sign-up sheets
are in the Café for briskets, baked goods, drinks, chips, and
much more! We would also accept cash donations to help
purchase briskets & sausages. We need several people to help
smoke the briskets. Last year we smoked 15 briskets and
grilled 150 sausages and sold all of them!!! Everyone
loves our BBQ & Baked Goods! Come join in the fun by
volunteering! There will be two shifts again this year! Any
questions, please contact Deanna Brown or Diane Saegert.
GLOBAL INITIATIVES
www.elca.org/global-links Through the benevolence we pay to the
ELCA we are supporting these global initiatives. A link is now
available on the “For Members” page of our website, so you
can keep up-to-date on what the ELCA is doing to reach the
world for Christ.
BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, April 10th, we will begin The First Paul by Marcus
Borg and Dominic Crossan. Here is a quote from the Library
Journal:
In this scholarly and engaging account, Paul is situated
firmly in his first-century context and portrayed against the
backdrop of history as a revolutionary figure who chose the
way of Jesus as a countercultural alternative over the way of
the Roman empire. This well-researched and highly readable
account is recommended for all students of Paul as well as
interested readers.
The reading group meets every Tuesday for an hour starting
at 7:15 p.m. If you are interested in participating or just have
questions, call Olga at 255-5197
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is going strong and four people
have received these special prayer shawls and blankets.
On Sunday, March 25th, Pastor Watt blessed the completed
prayer shawls and blankets during both early and late
services. As the prayer shawls and comfort quilts are made,
the crafters pray for healing, comfort, strength and peace.
The persons who will receive the shawl or quilt will be blessed
with these prayers intertwined with materials used in making
their shawl or blanket. If you feel there is someone in your
life that has a need from this ministry, please let Pastor Watt
know. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please
contact Deb Grunksa or Deanna Brown.
Volume No. 1204 Page 5
Worship Attendance
2/5/2012 147
2/12/2012 80
2/19/2012 117
2/26/2012 126
Weekly Average 118
YTD Total 965
Weekly Average 107
Income for February: $21,113 Income YTD: $42,401
Expenses for February: $23,710 Expenses YTD: $43.847
Net Loss for February: ($2,597) Net Loss YTD: ($1,446)
Come join us for another Beth Moore Bible Study Live!
We will have carpools leaving Lord of Life each day.
July 13-14, 2012 Cost: $65.00
Cedar Park Center
2100 Avenue of the Stars
Cedar Park - Austin Area, TX 78613
Change in Meeting Schedule
Starting in April, the JSM will meet only once a month on the
3rd Monday of the month. Our first meeting on the new
schedule is on Monday, April 16. The topic is Networking –
A Key to your Job Search Success. In addition to monthly
presentation meetings, Patti will be meeting one on one with
clients upon request. Any questions, please contact Patti @
jsm@lordoflifeaustin.org .
Page 6 Life-Lines
Worship Leaders for April 2012
APRIL 1, 2012 Palm Sunday Color: Scarlet
Presiding Minister: Interim Pastor Alan Watt Assisting Minister: John Paul Crawford
Lector/Petitioner: Chuck Neeley Communion Assistant: Nell Pennington
Acolyte: Raina Parsons Media Assistant: Jim Tarsi; Rex Schroeder
Wine: Mary & Roger Vaughn Bread: The Wilks Family
Altar Guild: Cindy Wilks, Chuck & Julia Neeley
Ushers: Roger Vaughn, Doug Searcy; Gary Parsons, Brad Sheehan, Tim Smith, Mike Kamensky
Tellers: Julia Neeley, Barb Haskins Flowers: Rex & Mary Schroeder, in honor of kids and grandkids.
APRIL 8, 2012 Easter Sunday Color: Gold
Presiding Minister: Interim Pastor Alan Watt Assisting Minister: Marilee Parsons
Lector/Petitioner: Chuck Neeley Communion Assistant: Mindy Penland, Shari Willenborg, Diane Smith
Acolyte: Callie Prather Media Assistant: Dee Smith; Chuck Neeley
Wine: Mary & Roger Vaughn Bread: Dee Smith
Altar Guild: Tim & Diane Smith, Brenda Searcy
Ushers: Doug Caldwell, Bill Saegert; Max Kretschmar, Mike Brown, Gib Prather, Lee Penland
Tellers: Julia Neeley, Barb Haskins Flowers: Easter lilies provided by the congregation.
APRIL 15, 2012 Second Sunday of Easter Color: White
Presiding Minister: Interim Pastor Alan Watt Assisting Minister: Rex Schroeder
Lector/Petitioner: Deb Grunska Communion Assistant: Gayle Covington
Acolyte: Avery Willenborg Media Assistant: Doug Searcy; Barry Kincart
Wine: Mary & Roger Vaughn Bread: The Sheehan Family
Altar Guild: Deanna & Lauren Brown, Jim Tarsi
Ushers: Doug Caldwell, Bill Saegert; Max Kretschmar, Mike Brown, Gib Prather, Lee Penland
Tellers: Julia Neeley, Barb Haskins Flowers: Rea Wiruscheske, in memory of Donald Wiruscheske.
APRIL 22, 2012 Third Sunday of Easter Color: White
Presiding Minister: Interim Pastor Alan Watt Assisting Minister: John Paul Crawford
Lector/Petitioner: Dick Fink Communion Assistant: Nell Pennington
Acolyte: Lauren Brown Media Assistant: Jim Tarsi; Dick Fink
Wine: The Weston Family Bread: Dave & Erica Smith
Altar Guild: Deb Grunska, Lyn Caldwell
Ushers: Roger Vaughn, Doug Searcy; Mark & Shane Willenborg, Dustin Simpson
Tellers: Julia Neeley, Barb Haskins Flowers: John & Patti Kassel, in celebration of their anniversary.
APRIL 29, 2012 Fourth Sunday of Easter Color: White
Presiding Minister: Interim Pastor Alan Watt Assisting Minister: Mindy Penland
Lector/Petitioner: John Paul Crawford Communion Assistant: Dorothy Crawford
Acolyte: Connor Sheehan Media Assistant: Dee Smith; Lloyd Haskins
Wine: The Weston Family Bread: Mike & Pam Kamensky
Altar Guild: John & Patti Kassel, Heather Simpson, Avery Willenborg
Ushers: Roger Vaughn, Doug Searcy; Mark & Shane Willenborg, Dustin Simpson
Tellers: Julia Neeley, Barb Haskins Flowers:
Apri l 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Palm Sunday
8:15 Early Service
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Late Service
2
3
10:30am
Kindred Sisters
4
7:00pm
Bells Rehearsal
7:30pm
Choir Rehearsal
5
Maundy Thur.
6:30pm
Seder Supper
6
Good Friday
7am-7pm
Prayer Vigil
7:00pm
Evening Service
7
8
EASTER
8:15 Early Service
9:30 Easter Brunch
9:30 Egg Hunt
10:45 Late Service
9
Office Closed
7:30pm
Stephen Minister
Meeting
10
11
6:30pm
Catechism Class
12
7:00pm
Church Council
Meeting
13
14
15
8:15 Early Service
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Late Service
16
6:30pm
JSM Meeting
17
10:00am
Game Day
18
10:00am
Interims Gather
6:30pm
Catechism Class
6:30pm
Bells Rehearsal
7:30pm
Choir Rehearsal
19
20
Women’s Craft
Weekend at
Camp Chrysalis
(Fri-Sun)
21
7:30-1:30
Annual BBQ &
Bake Sale
22
8:15 Early Service
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Late Service
23
24
25
6:30pm
Catechism Class
6:30pm
Bells Rehearsal
7:30pm
Choir Rehearsal
26
7:00pm
Committee
Meetings
27 28
10:00am
Cooking Club
29
8:15 Early Service
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Late Service
12:00 Lunch Bunch
1:30 Holy Open Golf
Tournament
30
Page 7 Volume No. 1204
top related