The Lynnewood Lines

THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE LYNNEWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

As a reconciling congregation that dares to question, love, and serve, we offer wide welcome to all people regardless of age, sex, racial or ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity,

family status, physical or mental ability, or economic or immigration status.

MARCH 2019

BIBLE READINGS Page 9

SMALL GROUPS Pages 10-11

OUTREACH Pages 6-8

CHILDREN AND YOUTH, SUNDAY SCHOOL, Pages 12-13

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES Page 15

Lent begins late this year with Ash Wednesday on March 6. Most of us are aware that Lent is a time of prayer, penance and giving alms. So, it would seem that Lent is a perfect time for personal reflection, as we examine our lives and try to find ways to deepen our relationship with God. For each of us, our relationship with God should be the first priority. God has given us the precious gift of time, so we need to thank God for this gift by using it wisely. Most of us probably feel that we do not have enough time for all the things we hope to accomplish or achieve. However, each of us is given the same amount of time — 24 hours in a day, seven days in a week. So, how do we choose to use our time? We need to prioritize this gift of time, which means putting the most important things first. If deepening our relationship with God is our first priority, then time spent in prayer, in our personal lives through reading Holy Scriptures, and meditating on God‘s Holy Word should be paramount. Our second priority might be our relationship to our family. We need to spend time building a strong family unit filled with respect and love for life. Finally, we must spend time supporting others in their faith journeys and ministering to those in need. We must remember the first requirement for our Lenten journey is prayer. As a Lenten practice, we read the entire New Testament last year. During this Lent, I encourage you to practice Lectio Divina as your Lenten discipline. Lectio Divina (Latin for "Divine Reading") is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God‘s word. It does not treat scripture as texts to be studied, but as the living word. I will share with you in greater detail in how you can practice this during Lent. We might consider Lent to be a season of personal renewal. Fasting, prayer and almsgiving should be what we try to do the entire year. But we must make an intentional effort to practice these during the 40 days of Lent, as we examine our lives and deepen our relationship with God. God bless you in all you do and especially during this holy time of Lent. Blessings,

Pastor Henry

In Need of Prayer…

Lynnewood Family

Those recovering from illness, injury, surgery

Those in ongoing cancer treatment

Those seeking employment

Those grieving National and World Needs

Our United Methodist Church

Those recovering from natural disasters

Our Muslim neighbors

For peace in our communities and for an end to gun violence

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Prayer Ministry:

Please email your prayer requests the church office (office@lynnewood.org).

Stephen Minister Coordinator: If you or a friend would like to meet with a Stephen Minister, call Linda.

CONSIDER BEING A STEPHEN MINISTER

Perhaps you never thought about this ministry. Maybe you don‘t really know much about it. Or you don‘t really think you could do it. But what if you are a good listener? What if you try your best every day to live your faith? What if this is what God is asking you to try? Remember, God does not call those who are equipped. He equips those who He calls.

Please give this ministry some thought. If you would like more information, feel free to speak to one of our Stephen Ministers. We are the people with the blue name tags on Sunday mornings. Any of us will be happy to talk with you and give you some insight into our reason for accepting this call, and what it has meant to us and our faith journey.

We would like to start a new training class in January 2020. We invite you to join us and serve Him. It will change your life.

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2019 Lenten Lectio Divina Reading Plan

Read the scripture three times, followed each time by a period of silence and meditation. The first reading is for the purpose of hearing a word or passage that touches the heart. When the word or phrase is found, the group's members take it in, gently recite it, and reflect on it during the silence that follows. The second reading is for the purpose of "hearing" or "seeing" Christ in the text. Ponder the word that has touched the heart and ask where the word or phrase touches your life that day. The third and final reading is for the purpose of experiencing Christ "calling us forth" into doing or being. Ask yourself what Christ in the text is calling you to do or to become today or this week.

March 6 | John 1:1-28

March 7 | John 1:29-51

March 8 | John 2:1-25

March 9 | John 3:1-21

March 10 | John 3:22-36

March 11 | John 4:1-42

March 12 | John 4:43-54

March 13 | John 5:1-15

March 14 | John 5:16-47

March 15 | John 6:1-21

March 16 | John 6:22-59

March 17 | John 6:60-71

March 18 | John 7:1-31

March 19 | John 7:32-52

March 20 | John 8:1-30

March 21 | John 8:31-59

March 22 | John 9:1-41

March 23 | John 10:1-21

March 24 | John 10:22-42

March 25 | John 11:1-16

March 26 | John 11:17-57

March 27 | John 12:1-19

March 28 | John 12:20-50

March 29 | John 13:1-20

March 30 | John 13:21-38

March 31 | John 14:1-14

April 1 | John 14:15-31

April 2 | John 15:1-17

April 3 | John 15:18-27

April 4 | John 16:1-15

April 5 | John 16:16-33

April 6 | John 17:1-26

April 7 | John 18:1-27

April 8 | John 18:28-40

April 9 | John 19:1-30

April 10 | John 19:31-42

April 11 | John 20:1-18

April 12 | John 20:19-30

April 12 | John 21:1-14

April 14 | John 21:15-25

Music Notes

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Music to Anticipate as We Enter Lent Sunday, March 3 – Celebrate with us this Sunday as gospel and Dixieland style music fill worship with joy on this last Sunday before we enter the more contemplative season of Lent. The Chancel Choir will sing ―Precious Lord, Take My Hand.‖ Our own jazz group will play several songs in their joyous New Orleans style. Sunday, March 10 – To start our journey into Lent, the Handbell Choir will ring the beautiful ―Grazioso,‖ a story of one woman‘s life, struggle with illness, and resurrection. Sunday, March 17 – Come early to hear the prelude as Ann plays the 2nd movement from Tchaikovsky‘s Violin Concerto. Then listen to the Chancel Choir as they sing ―The Lord Is My Light,‖ an anthem based on Psalm 27. Sunday, March 24 – Steve will sing the tenor solo for the choir anthem ―Seek Ye the Lord.‖ Sunday, March 31 – The Chancel Choir will sing a new arrangement of ―What Wondrous Love Is This.‖ NEWCOMERS WELCOME! Chancel Choir: Are you looking for companions on your Lenten journey? Then consider joining the Chancel Choir for a season.

Rehearsals are from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays in the sanctuary (come in through the office wing). Contact Donna (music@lynnewood.org ) or just come!

And don‘t be afraid that we don‘t have room for you. We can always add more chairs! Children’s Choirs: We are always open to new singers. The Sonshine and Joyful Noise choirs are preparing ―Processional Hallelujah‖ to sing jointly with the Chancel Choir on Palm Sunday. This anthem is a fun, upbeat, song with inspiration from both Native America and Cameroon.

Sonshine Choir (grades 3-8): Rehearsals are Sundays at 11:40 a.m. in the choir room for no more than 30 minutes. Come see what it‘s like to sing with other youth. Debbie is the director.

Joyful Noise Choir (pre K – grade 2): Rehearsals are Sundays at 11:40 a.m. in C-5 in the education wing for no more than 30 minutes. Raeanne is the director. Handbell Choir: Starting in March, we will have room for additional experienced ringers. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Contact Donna at music@lynnewood.org for more information.

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USHERS AND GREETERS STILL NEEDED

Are you interested in being an Usher or Greeter? We need: 2 Ushers for the 9:00 service on the 1st Sunday 1 Greeter for the 9:00 service on the 4th Sunday

Please consider volunteering for this important role within our church. Contact the church office (office@lynnewood.org) to volunteer or to ask questions. If you don‘t want to be in the rotation but are still interested, we can always use Substitutes. Let the office know if you are willing to be a Substitute.

30 Hour Famine Is Coming

Watch for youth on the patio between services in upcoming weeks to collect funds toward the eradication of childhood hunger around the world. On March 15 and 16 youth will go hungry for 30 hours while doing service projects and learning about the lives of children facing starvation around the globe. Support our youth and help others live another day!

Lynnewood’s Outreach, reaching out

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Bundles of Joy Update

Thank you to our 3 year old - 5th graders who helped us pack 3 months of bundles on February 10th. And a special thanks to Rita and Mary for their assistance with the kids and packing the bundles. Bundles of Joy is an on-going joint project with Axis Community Health and several other churches in the Tri-Valley. It is only made possible by the donations we receive each month. We provide 14 bags per month to Axis to be given out to low-income pregnant women. Please help us to continue to reach out to families in need and show them what a caring community we are. Donations from the list below can be left in the narthex or given to Kristin. Contact Kristin with any questions.

Items Needed for the Bundles of Joy Project:

Diapers (Newborn – Size 1) Wipes Rattles Pacifiers Blankets Cloth Toys or Stuffed Animals Hats (We usually include 2.) Bibs (We usually include 2.) Baby Wash, Lotion, Powder or Ointment (We include 1 item per bag.) Newborn Outfits – Size 0-6 months (We usually include 1 per bag.) Pajamas – Size 0-6 months (We usually include 1 per bag.) Onesies – Size 0-6 months (We usually include 1-2 per bag.) Baby Booties or Socks (We usually include 2-3 pairs.) Cash or Gift Cards (Target, etc…)

Many people see egg cartons in the narthex and wonder why empty egg cartons are brought to church. The Tri-Valley Haven Food Bank receives eggs from local grocery stores with good eggs and some broken and mushy eggs. Before Tri-Valley staff distributes the good eggs to their clients, they seek cleaner egg cartons. Over the years the Lynnewood church family has been the source for the egg cartons. Thank you for your continued support of this outreach opportunity.

EGG CARTONS—Ongoing Project

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LYNNEWOOD HOSTS OPEN HEART KITCHEN ON SUNDAYS

For you within our church family who are seeking a way to ―dare to serve,‖ an opportunity to do so is offered right here on site with Open Heart Kitchen! We are seeking LUMC volunteers to serve at Open Heart Kitchen in our Fellowship Hall either from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. or from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month. As we will continue to provide volunteers, we are confident that the list of volunteers will allow for many to serve! Youth volunteers must be 14, and community service credit will be given. Youth 12 & 13 years of age may volunteer accompanied by a parent.

For those who are active volunteers at Asbury UMC on the fifth Wednesday of the month, we will continue our commitment to Open Heart Kitchen.

Sign-ups for Open Heart Kitchen are being received at the Outreach Table each Sunday, or you may contact Diana M. who will be coordinating the volunteers to serve at Lynnewood. Phil C. will continue to coordinate the volunteers for our 5th Wednesday at Asbury.

Spring Mission Trip to Houston

You are invited to participate on a Volunteers in Mission (VIM) trip to help with the recovery from Hurricane Harvey, one of the most damaging storms on record.

We will be working in Harris County rebuilding homes. The team will fly to Texas on Saturday, April 6th and return on Saturday, April 13th.

Our housing will be at a church in the area where we will be preparing our own meals. The cost of the trip will be $175, plus airfare of about $300 to $350.

For more information contact Steve sae612@msn.com).

Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event on March 23

On Saturday, March 23 at 9:00 a.m., Lynnewood UMC will collaborate with Rise Against Hunger to package 10,152 meals that will be distributed to those most in need. Sign-up sheets will be displayed at the Outreach table after worship services beginning on February 24. An online registration link will be available in the Lynnewood Friday Emails leading up to the event.

Many volunteers of all ages are needed to package the meals, including elementary school children accompanied by a parent. Volunteers who are able to lift a 50-pound bag of rice are encouraged to sign up to help set up for the event.

Register now to be a part of this Lynnewood tradition of hands-on service driven by a vision of a world without hunger!

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LET‘S MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The UMCOR Special Sunday is on March 31st, and we want to remind you that even though writing a check or putting cash in the offering doesn‘t feel exciting, you really ARE making a difference. Your donations to UMCOR on this Special Sunday help: ● Refugees in Clarkston, GA, earn a living wage and get job training. ● Deliver food, water, shelter, and long-term recovery assistance to help many of the 68.5 million people displaced by war, persecution, and natural disaster. ● Distribute relief kits to those in need following the U.S. hurricanes of 2017. There are countless other stories about seeing God‘s work in action through UMCOR. Your gifts on UMCOR Special Sunday underwrite UMCOR‘s ―costs of doing business.‖ This helps UMCOR keep the promise that 100% of any gift to a specific project will go toward that mission, not administrative costs. Please watch for the Special Offering envelopes on March 31st for your gift to UMCOR Sunday. Together we will make a difference!

Save the Date…. On Sunday, April 28th at 7:00 p.m. Wider Welcome will host

a presentation by Alyss Swanson on the ―T‖ in LGBT. Alyss is a psychotherapist and seminary graduate, currently in the ordination process in the United Methodist Church. Watch for details as the date gets closer.

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Wednesday Morning Bible Study 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. LUMC Library

All are welcome to share in this adult Bible study on Wednesday mornings at the church. It is a ―lectionary‖ based study, looking at the scriptures to be used in worship and preaching the following Sunday. The group meets for 90 minutes.

Sermon Topics for March 2019 March 3 ―The Mountain-top Glory‖ Luke 9:28-36 March 10 ―Three Questions‖ Luke 4:1-4, 5-13 March 17 ―Stand Firm in the Lord‖ Psalm 27:1-5, Luke 13:31-35 March 24 ―Second Chance‖ Luke 13:1-5, 6-9 March 31 ―Coming Home‖ Luke 15:1-3, Luke 15:11b-32

Small Group Ministries

PRAYERS & SQUARES

MEN’S BREAKFAST

SECOND SATURDAY of the month - 8 a.m. Fellowship Hall

Everyone is invited to breakfast at 8:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Come and join in a great breakfast and better fellowship. Heart-healthy food to be included. We will meet Saturday, March 9, in the Fellowship Hall. Start the day off right with good food and good fellowship!

Please call Brian with any questions.

The Prayers and Squares group sews lap size quilts to give to those in our congregation that are facing illness, surgery, or a time when the love and prayers that are given with the quilt may provide comfort and God‗s reassuring peace. Most Sundays, Michele has a few quilt top kits with her. If you want to work on a quilt at home, please see Michele, choose a kit, then sew the kit at your convenience.

If you would like additional information about the origin of Prayers and Squares, check out the Prayers and Squares web site at http://www.prayerquilt.org/. Lynnewood is Chapter 34.

If you have questions, please contact Michele or Jane.

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Knitting Group

The Afghanistan knitters are going full strength. If you would like to join in on a Thursday morning, contact the office (925-846-0221 or office@lynnewood.org) for times and locations.

Parents of Teens Group

We welcome new members to our group, if you are interested in joining. This group shares our experiences as parents, talking about God in our lives, and being in prayer together. Come join us if you are a parent of an adolescent. This group meets every other Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Library. Contact Jay or Debbie for more information.

DREAM GROUP

This group, led by Lisa R., meets the third Thursday of the month at 11:00 a.m. in the Library.

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SEASONED CITIZENS

MONDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

The Monday Night Bible Study will meet in the Choir Room on Mondays at 7:00 p.m.

One of our most popular groups is our seniors‘ monthly luncheon group. If you are retired, you qualify as a ― seasoned citizen! The third Tuesday is our usual date to meet for lunch. Call the church (925-846-0221) for the date and location, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant or home, with a chance to meet new friends.

March Seasoned Citizens’ Lunch!

Date: Tuesday, March 19 Time: 11:30 a.m.

Place: Hunan Chef 4285 Valley, Pleasanton

Directions: This restaurant is at the corner of Valley and Santa Rita in the Valley

Plaza Shopping Center. There is plenty of parking.

Lunch is served with their famous Hot & Sour Soup, Fried Wontons, Choice of Steamed Jasmine Rice or Fried Rice.

Lunch Special prices range from $8.95 to $10.50. Separate checks!

To make your reservation contact Carol or Lucy

February’s Lunch

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Children’s Offering Project Supports Clowns Without Borders Throughout January and until the first Sunday in Lent, all of the contributions made into the children‘s offering basket will support the non-profit organization Clowns Without Borders (CWB). CWB gives the gift of laughter to children around the world who are suffering under the weight of violence and poverty. From war-torn Afghanistan to the migrant caravan on the southern border of the United States, CWB brings joy and heals with laughter. Thank you for giving generously.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Souper Bowl Sunday fundraising! Once every coin, bill, and check was counted, the youth exceeded their previous collection record with a total of just over $2,000 to be evenly divided between the Alameda County Foodbank and Rise Against Hunger. Thank you to everyone for helping us tackle hunger, and especially to Betsy for doing the heavy lifting of carrying coins to the Coin-Star machine.

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YOUTH EVENTS

Funday Fridays Continue! From 3:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Fridays, come and greet children and youth as they walk home from school on Black Avenue. It‘s a simple and friendly way to encourage and support students as their school week ends.

Neither rain nor hail nor soggy ground nor cold fingers nor thorny branches nor excited dogs deterred two youth and three adults from picking fruit from the DeLand‘s citrus trees on a rainy Sunday afternoon. We made a record haul: 10 boxes of oranges, 2 boxes of lemons, 2 boxes of tangerines, and 1 box of Key Limes! The fruit was delivered to Open Heart Kitchen.

Sierra Service Project Payment Is Due NOW Sierra Service Project is a weeklong ministry by youth to families living in poverty. This summer Lynnewood youth are headed to Chiloquin, Oregon, to repair homes on the Chiloquin reservation. Youth currently in 7th through 12th grades are all welcome to join us. We have 15 spots saved so let Diana know right away that you are planning to join us in this important ministry. Reserve your spot by making a check out to Lynnewood UMC for $150 and marked ―SSP.‖ The trip is from July 6-14th. Total cost of the trip is $360. Final installment is due June 1.

The 30 Hour Famine is coming March 15 and 16! Join with 6th-12th grade youth from Lynnewood in letting your stomach growl so others can eat! We‘ll go hungry for 30 hours while raising funds to fight hunger around the world. Come to the church at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night. We‘ll do all kinds of activities and then on Saturday we‘ll build a Habitat For Humanity playhouse and go on our traditional scavenger hunt for Village Ministries. We‘ll head home at 6:00 p.m. after breaking our fast with communion. Let Diana know you plan to join in so you can get your fundraising materials and permission slip. Let it growl so others can eat!!!!

Hail as part of the excitement.

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JANUARY FINANCE UPDATE

Operating Budget Amount % difference from budget

Donations (Year To Date) $66,845 61.0%

Expenses (Year To date) $71,017 -11.9%

We collected $691 for UMCOR Fire Relief. If you would like to better understand where our church stands financially or the financial goals of our church, please see any member of the finance committee. We would be happy to discuss our finances with you!