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TRINITY LUTHERAN’S NEWSLETTER
FROM REV. DIANE KRAUSZER
10355 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy.
907-745-0726 | Fax: 907-745-0526
www.trinitylutheranak.org
Dearly Beloved,
When was the last time you were hungry, really, truly, stomach aching
hungry? As I am writing this I have a cup of yogurt sitting next to me
because it is lunch time and a couple of cans of soup stashed in my
desk drawer. There are cookies in the freezer out in the Fellowship
Hall and RW‟s Hamburger joint is just outside the door. I am a person
of privilege, born with access to everything I need including abundant
food. Not everyone around us is so fortunate.
At the ELCA Alaska Synod Assembly this past week we heard the
stories about hungry people in the world, in our nation, in our
community, and probably in our congregation. People are hungry for
many different reasons and most of them are complex. It is easy to
ignore hunger in other when you are well satisfied. Yet scripture is
filled with words about feeding the hungry. In the Psalms, God is often
described as the one who feeds the hungry. “You should praise
the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of
us. To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to
everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat” Ps. 107:8-9.
Article continues on page 2
¡Bienvenido a la Trinity Lutheran Church!
Article continued from page 1
The prophet Isaiah talks about the true way to worship God. It isn‟t just with words
but with actions. This is what it looks like: “Share your food with everyone who is
hungry; share your home with the poor and homeless. Give clothes to those in
need; don‟t turn away your relatives” Is. 58:7. Jesus had compassion for the
hungry crowds and found ways to feed them (Mat. 15:29-39). Jesus also said that
when we feed anyone who is hungry, we are also feeding him (Mat. 25:34). As
follows of Jesus noticing the hungry is a part of our job description and so is doing
something about it.
Sunday, May 10 will be Hunger Sunday at Trinity Lutheran. We will hear stories
about what people in the congregation are already doing to provide food for hungry
people. Opportunities to get involved will be presented. Perhaps you will have a
story, suggestion or idea to share as well. We will also hear from Gail Clinch who
recently attended the Alaska Synod Assembly. “The Fast that I Choose” was the
Assembly theme and many of the sessions focused on hunger issues. *
We wear bright yellow tee shirts that declare,”God‟s Work, Our Hands.” For God‟s
sake and for the sake of people in our community, I ask you to consider how your
hands can be involved in feeding the hungry.
Peace,
Pastor Diane
*For ideas and resources contact your Alaska Synod Hunger Team or the ELCA
World Hunger web site.
STEWARDSHIP OF ALL GOD HAS GIVEN US
God has blessed us with land money, life, friends, family, creation, beauty,
wisdom, forgiveness, and… I am sure you can keep the list going. How we express
our gratitude, care for creation and share out of our abundance is called
Stewardship.
This past year the Alaska Synod was given a grant that allowed several people
from Alaska to participate in the Ventures Stewardship training. They in turn
offered the Venture training in our cluster. Several people from our congregation
participated; Glenn Jacob, Pat Kilmain, Betty Hein, and me. Richard and Gail
Clinch attended the pre assembly workshop that covered much of the same ideas.
Understanding stewardship as a Christian discipline or everyday practice is more
Biblical than linking it to a seasonal fund appeal to meet the church budget.
Pastor Lisa Fiegle Smith has asked our congregation to participate in the ELCA
church wide stewardship survey. Please take a few minutes soon (during May) to
use the link below and fill out the survey. You will also need Trinity Lutheran‟s
ELCA church ID # 16392.
http://archive.elca.org/cgi-bin/rws/rws5.pl?FORM=MacCong
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the
sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. Until we
meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Blessings,
Pastor Diane
PLUME POTLUCK PARTY
Come one, come all for a night of
family fun, food, and frolic at
Trinity Lutheran Church Friday,
May 1, 6:30 p.m. Bring a dish to
share at the potluck, a wrapped
item for the crazy auction, and be
ready to have fun at the penny
carnival. All proceeds to benefit
PLUME.
MEN’S BREAKAST
Men's Prayer Breakfast has changed back
to Wednesday mornings. It is at 8:00
a.m. in the Trinity Room. The men will
see you then.
DIRECTORY UPDATES
McKenzie Anselm‟s cell is 707-3360.
OFFICE RENTALS We currently have all rental space
occupied.
The deadline for the June newsletter is
May 27th
. Please send your information
Consider it pure joy whenever you face
trials, because you know that the testing
of your face produces perseverance.
-James 1:2-3
LEARNING AND FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
AT TRINITY
Gathered The 10:00 a.m. Wednesday morning Bible study is held in the Trinity Room.
The participants are using the Women of the ELCA‟s award-winning magazine
Gathered as the basis of its weekly study. The Bible study is prepared by women from
throughout the ELCA and accompanied by articles and stories that uphold and
strengthen faith. Come and join in the learning and the fellowship. Call Phyllis
Gielarowski for more information at 745-6703
Bible Study Join the Monday night group at 7:00 p.m. in the Trinity Room as they
study the book of Mark. Call Janet Jacob for more information at 745-4163.
The Men’s Breakfast 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.
Bibles and Bagels Join Sunday school for all ages at 9:00 a.m. in the Trinity Room.
Come for one session, come for all. For more information, contact Jan Walton at 746-
1242.
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.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
President Richard Clinch 376-6142
Vice President Betty Hein 357-7462
Treasurer Pat Kilmain 745-2365
Secretary Mary Brothers 841-4862
Worship Deb Till 746-1637
Stewardship Glenn Jacob 354-6105
Education Jan Walton 746-1242
Outreach Rhonda D‟Aigle 373-3183
Property Mgmt. Dana Tesch 717-8499
Reverend Diane Krauszer 354-3944
Admin Micaela Wedge 745-0726
CDC Jana Moser 746-0974
Health/Wellness Richard Clinch RN 376-6142
Synod Assembly Paul Krauszer 357-7714
Synod Assembly Gail Clinch 376-6124
Synod Ass. Alternate Phyllis Gielarowski 745-6703
8- George Stanly Platt
14- Phyllis Gielarowski
Twanda Routt
Barbara Dotterweich
Dana Tesch
15- Jon Lawton
21- Wayne Berg
26- Tabitha Winkleblack
30- Shawn & Jana Moser*
WORSHIP HELPERS
Jennie & Barrett Barge
Mary Brothers
Richard & Gail Clinch
Barbara Dotterweich
Glenn & Janet Jacob
Lucy Locklear
Shawn & Jana Moser
Stan & Shirley Platt
Jill St. Germain
If you are not on a team and you would
like to serve, please contact the church.
TRINITY SINGERS
Gail and Richard Clinch
Rhonda D‟Aigle-Pianist
Janet and Glenn Jacob
Paul and Diane Krauszer
Jana Moser
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.
TRINITY SINGERS
Gail and Richard Clinch
Rhonda D‟Aigle-Pianist
Janet and Glenn Jacob
Paul and Diane Krauszer
Jana Moser
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.
SYNOD NEWS
If you would like to get the synod news sent
directly to your inbox, please let
[email protected] know.
SYNOD NEWS
If you would like to get the synod news sent
directly to your inbox, please let
[email protected] know.
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.
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.
NEWSLETTER ARTICLE-JAN WALTON Christian Education:
As the Easter season comes to a close, we begin the time of Pentecost. We will
hear stories of Jesus‟ miraculous ministry and are sent with the disciples, into
Christ‟s ministry trusting in God‟s provision and guidance. Share these weekly
scripture lessons with your family.
May 3, 5 Easter Abide and Obey
Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethropian
Ps. 22 A Cry of Anguish and a Song of Praise
1 John 4: 7-21 God is Love
John 15: 1-8 A Growing Community
May10, 6 Easter Chosen for Love
Acts 10:44-48 The Holy Spirit Comes Down.
Ps. 98 Praise the Judge of the World
1 John 5:1-6 Our Victory Over the World
John 15: 9-17 Abide in Love
May 17, 7 Easter Joyful Witnesses
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Matthias Is Chosen
Ps. 1 Flourish
1 John 5:9-13 Eternal Life
John 17:6-19 Jesus Prays for his Disciples
May 24, Day of Pentecost All Things New
Acts 2:1-21 Filled with the Holy Spirit
Ps. 104:24-35, 35b God the Creator and Provider
Rom. 8: 22-27 The Future Glory
John 15: 26-27; 16:4b-15 The Work and the Holy Spirit
May 31, The Holy Trinity God Revealed
Isa 6:1-8 Isaiah‟s Call
Ps. 29 The Voice of God in a Great Storm
Rom. 8: 12-17 Life in the Spirit
John 3:1-17 Jesus and Nicodemus
June 7, Pentecost 2 Choosing God’s Will
Gen 3: 8-15 The First Sm and its Punishment
Ps. 30 Waiting for Divine Redemption
2 Cor. 4: 13-5:1 Living by Faith
Mark 3: 20-35 Jesus‟ Mother and Brothers
PENTECOST
Pentecost Sunday is May 24. Remember to wear red to church service.
DEVOTIONS
3 month devotion books are always available.
You may pick one up in the Fellowship Hall or
the sanctuary. There is also Gather magazines
in the Fellowship Hall for reading.
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.
Our preschool offers classes for 3-4 year olds and 4-5 year olds. For more
information, call any of the following staff at 745-LOVE (5683).
Melanie Shaw- Teacher
Jennifer Horacek- Teacher
Jana Moser- Director
You may also call the church office at
745-0726 or visit trinitylutheranak.org/preschool.
¡Bienvenido a la Trinity Lutheran Child Development Center!
CDC PRESCHOOL
CDC PRESCHOOL
BOOKS & CD’S
There is a bookshelf outside the church
office in the Fellowship Hall. If you see any
books or CDs that you would like, feel free
to borrow and return them, or leave books for
other people to borrow.
BOOKS & CD’S
There is a bookshelf outside the church
office in the Fellowship Hall. If you see any
books or CDs that you would like, feel free
to borrow and return them, or leave books for
other people to borrow.
Leer
Leer
TLC BOXES
We have extra TLC boxes in the Fellowship
Hall. If you do not have a box and would like
one, let us know. Or, if you have a box and do
not wish to have one, let us know, too.
TLC BOXES
We have extra TLC boxes in the Fellowship
Hall. If you do not have a box and would like
one, let us know. Or, if you have a box and do
not wish to have one, let us know, too.
THE DIRECTORY
Do we have all your current information in our
directory?
Mailing & physical address
Phone numbers
Birthday
Anniversary
Have you signed the photo permission form?
UPCOMING PRESCHOOL
EVENTS
May 6, CDC graduates at 6:30 p.m.
in the sanctuary.
Last day of CDC is May 14.
Preschool registration for next year is
happening now. See right for web
link.
PARADE FLOAT
Shirley Platt is coordinating the Trinity Parade
Float this year. She‟d like help in carrying out
the ideas. She will call a meeting for those who
are interested. Here are a couple ideas that
Shirley had. If you are interested in being a part
of the float, see Shirley Platt.
Idea 1
Keep the float more simple by having no music
or singing. Limited movement. No smudged
faces or ANY distractions.
Seated person with plate of food, with banner
on side of float reading, "I was hungry and you
fed me."
Seated person with glass of water (with lemon
or orange slices) and a pitcher of water On
table, with banner underneath on float reading,
”I was thirsty and you gave me drink".
A woman with house dress & apron motioning
for man in long coat, hat, and walking stick, to
come in, with banner below reading, "I was a
stranger and you took me in".
A person reclining in hospital gown, with a
visitor holding an open bible, with a banner
reading, "I was sick and you visited me".
Perhaps a kind looking man holding a small
child on his lap, underneath the cross.
Idea 2
People (perhaps with smudged faces) wearing
garden gloves and sitting on the float next to
containers of veggies actually growing. A
basket, or platter, of the actual harvest (sample
purchased at grocery store) on the lap of each
person.
Scriptures on sides of float reading, "Feed the
Hungry", "More blessed to give than
to receive." “I was hungry and you fed me,”
Etc.
Nobody on float without wearing a HELPING
HANDS SHIRT. No distractions.
Isaac, the 11 yr. old Grandson, has a PA
system. He learns songs quickly and can also
make up his own songs. He could sing and play
his guitar, or an instrument of his choice.
Articles continues on page 8
VALLEY CHRISTEN CONFERENCE SPONSORING
COMMITTEE
A Congregational-Based Organizing seminar will be held here at Trinity
(10355 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy.) Thursday, May 14, 2015, 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
Lunch will be provided. This seminar will provide an introduction to
Congregation-Base Organizing for pastors and church leaders.
SOUTH AK CHAPTER, THRIVENT SEA LIFE
CENTER DAY 2015
For anyone who may have missed their Thrivent Newsletter. Here is an
upcoming event:
The South Alaska Chapter invites you and your guests to a day at the Sea Life
Center. Meet at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 400 Third Avenue, Seward to
receive your entry tickets between 10am and noon on Saturday May 30th.
There will be snacks and fun things for the kids. Then head to the Sea Life
Center with your tickets and have fun in the afternoon. The Sea Life Center is
open until 9pm. Your must RSVP with the number of people coming. This
event is for Thrivent members and up to four guests.
If you wish, you may participate in some of the Sea Life special tours on your
own (just register ahead and pay the Sea Life Center special tour fees).
Register for the special tours at www.alaskasealife.org
Daily 2pm Discovery Lab
Daily 10am, 1:30pm or 4:30pm Behind the Scenes Tour
Daily 12pm, or 3pm Marine Mammal Encounter
Daily 11am, or 2pm Puffin Encounter
Daily 1pm Octopus Encounter
Register with the number of people coming
at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44aca628aafa7-thrivent, email
to [email protected], or leave a message at 907-248-9563 so we may have
enough entry tickets for everyone.
Audrey
GOD’S WORK OUR HANDS
May 31 we will be having a God‟s Work Our Hand‟s Day. Come prepared to
do the work of God.
IT’S THE SMALL THINGS
By René L. Mehlberg
Growing up on a dairy farm in northeast Wisconsin, stewardship of creation
was simply something we did: clothing hand-me-downs, a pail for left-over
food to be spread in the fields, digging up dahlia bulbs each fall to plant again
the following spring.
Stewardship of creation has deeply seeped its way into my DNA. In high
school I suggested for the school to make notepads out of the to be recycled
paper. While on student council, I realized that completely new decorations
were bought for each dance. Why don‟t we pull together everything we have
and see what we could come up with? We did.
These may seems like small things, but I believe it‟s the small things that
make a difference. When many people do small things together the impact
can be transformational. Jesus commands us to love the Lord God with all
your heart, all your soul, and all your mind and to love our neighbor as
ourselves. To me this includes creation as it came from God and it‟s our most
important neighbor in our earthly survival.
In addition to my own “small things” to steward creation, I asked via
Facebook my friends and the Luther Community of “small things” they do.
Consider the list below of “small things” that can be done in a church to
model stewardship of creation.
Around the Church
Make cleaning supplies for the church
Avoid watering the lawn
Avoid paper plates and plastic silverware
Use cloth napkins
Consider packaging and purchase what is more sustainable (how much
packaging? what type? is the packaging recyclable?)
Purchase and support local businesses
Is there a place or way to compost? Coffee grounds and filters are
compostable which could save considerable land-fill space.
Electricity
Shut off lights when you leave a room and the building
Consider automatic lights which turn themselves on and off in less-traffic
areas (my church recently installed these in the bathrooms)
Turn the printer and computer monitors off
And a couple small things that add up into big things:
Beware of Vampire Electricity: vampire electricity is the term used for
electronics that even while pulled in, but perhaps not in use (plugged in phone charger, cable box) that still suck energy. The U.S. Department of Energy says that by
Article from the Center for Stewardship, Luther Seminary
HOSPICE CARE SERVICES
Receiving the medical care you need
doesn‟t have to mean leaving your home
or resident. You can receive the care you
need from trusted health care
professionals in your own community
with Hospice Care Services.
Hospice Care Services are personalized to
specific needs of the patient and their
family. Patient and doctor become part of
the interdisciplinary team of nurses,
hospice aids, volunteers, social workers,
and clergy who focus care on quality of
life.
If you feel that you or someone you love
could benefit from Hospice Care Services
or if you have a question about Hospice
Care Services, please call us. 907-352-
4800.
MAT-SU GRIEF SUPPORT
GROUP
It is our belief that since the loss of a
loved one is a life altering experience, you
can learn different methods to cope with
challenging situations. Everyone grieves
differently.
This weekly Thursday meeting is held in
the sanctuary from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30
p.m.
Contact Karl or Joyce Lund (907-373-
0842) or Mary Brothers (907-841-4862)
for additional information.
BIBLES
For the tech-savvy users, go to
https://www.youversion.com for a free
Bible on your phone, tablet, and computer. You Version is a simple, ad-
free Bible that brings God's Word into
your daily life.
For those who prefer hard copies, visit
www.books.com. Choose from thousands
of bibles you can touch with your hands.
NEWSLETTER ARTICLE FROM LUTHERAN
SOCIAL SERVICES OF ALASKA
Thank you to all who donated Easter baskets to the food pantry this year.
The baskets were many different styles and colors but they all were similar as
they contained the message of Easter. What a blessing it is to be able to
share the Gospel in such a heartfelt way. We distributed over 1,000 baskets
this year.
The Alaska Visitor Charity Walk is coming up on May 8th at 6 PM. The walk
is often referred to as the “Graze and Raise” because several food villas dot
the course that begins at the Dena‟ina Center and winds through downtown
Anchorage. The walk gives the opportunity for participants to sign up to raise
money for a charity. If you sign up as part of the LSSA team, your
registration costs and any pledges collected will benefit LSSA. Registration
costs $35 for adults and $20 for kids. You can sign up two ways:
- Register online at
http://www.alaskacharitywalk.org/Registration.html, make sure to
select Lutheran Social Services under the Team drop-down menu,
or go to the link on the LSSA face book page.
- Deadline to preregister on-line is May 3rd.
The National Association of Letters Carrier annual food drive is scheduled
for Saturday, May 9th
. Last year this food drive raised over 60,000 pounds of
food for the Food Bank of Alaska and LSSA‟s share was 5,000 pounds. We
need volunteers who can help us wave banners on Friday, May 8th from
4:00pm to 6:00pm on the corner of Minnesota and Spenard Road. You also
participate by leaving food items in your mailbox on Saturday, May 9th
for
your Letter Carriers to pick up. This is an important food drive as school will
be out soon and summer is the busy time of the year for the food pantry. If
you can help in any way please call the LSSA office at 272-0643 ext. 10 to
sign up.
As you begin your spring cleaning make sure to keep a lookout for any
gently used/clean or new coats for our HUGSS and Coats for School Kids
program which takes place in August. Coats can be dropped off at Fireweed
Cleaners or at the LSSA office. We will also be collecting school supplies.
Many kids go without appropriate winter coats and school supplies, making
school even more challenging. All sizes of coats are welcome.
In April I was attended the Lutheran Services in America Conference in San
Antonio. LSA is one of the largest health and human services networks in
the country. LSA is #20 on Philanthropy top 400, employs nearly 250,000
people, with a combined annual revenues of $21 Billion. But most
importantly we are making a difference in the lives of 1 in 50 Americans
each year.
Blessings,
Alan Budahl
Executive Director
TRANSITION PARTY
Next Step has invited us to a transition party. It is
on May 7 at 12:00 noon. If you would like to
come, they are in room #207 over by the old
ramp. If you would like more information about
this party, call Russ at 841-6066.
GROWING FOOD
Garden beds are available at the TLC Community
Garden. If you are interested in using either a
raised bed or an in ground garden plot to grow
food this summer, please call 745-0726 to reserve
your spot.
Garden Rules
1. Participate in spring and fall cleanups.
2. Plant your plot by June 1, or lose it.
3. Keep your plot clean, and help maintain
common areas, paths, and fence lines.
4. Conserve water, don't waste it.
5. Avoid chemical pesticides.
6. No herbicides.
7. Protect your plot for winter by September 30.
Clean up. Protect your soil from erosion.
8. No pets in the garden.
9. Children must be supervised in the garden.
10. Discourage theft: harvest promptly. Don't
pick from others plots.
Article continued from page 6
Songs should be serious (many of the other floats
will be for 'entertainment'. The TLC float should
come across as a ministry and NOT
for entertainment. Definitely the CROSS on the
float. Look high and low till we find aTRACTOR
to pull the float. That should be no problem. The
farmer driver could have a piece of hay hanging
from the side of his mouth. Garden tools (shovel,
rake, etc.) could be placed around, PLUS a bag of
potting soil, Miracle Grow, etc.
THE CLASS OF 2015
“It‟s not who I am underneath, but what I do that
defines me. “ –Batman
See Twanda graduate May 13, 7:00 p.m. at the
Menard Sports Center.
CHURCH JOKES
These sentences actually appeared in church
bulletins or were announced at church services:
The fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and
other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used
to cripple children.
The sermon this morning: „Jesus walks on the
Water.‟ The sermon tonight: „Searching for
Jesus.‟
Ladies, don‟t forget the rummage sale. It‟s a
chance to get rid of those things not worth
keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
Don‟t let worry kill you off-let the church help.
For those who have children and don‟t know it,
we have a nursery downstairs.
Next Thursday there will be try-outs for the choir.
They will need all the help they can get.
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on
October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship
that began in their school days.
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S PURPOSE
LUKE 7:31-35
Do believe God created everything for a purpose? Have you discovered your
purpose in life? Has that purpose changed as you have grown from one stage
to another in life? As the New Year arrives, what do you see as your
purpose(s) in the coming year?
Often people define their purpose in terms of what they want or need. "I want
a vacation." "I want a new house." "I need a new car." We often want what
we cannot have, at least not immediately. We sometimes forget that we have
matured into adults within society and struggle to leave "childish things"
behind.
When we look beyond material wants or desires, we often observe adults do
not escape from engaging in childish behavior. Even church conversations can
lead to disputes where one person's desire or way reflects a narrow self interest.
The discussion may focus on worship style or worship schedule. What is most
comfortable and convenient for you? The discussion may focus on how much
someone should be paid or how much should go to missions. What is
affordable for me? The list goes on. What examples can you think of in your
setting?
This struggle extends beyond our local congregation. States and countries
engage in the same conversations. Remember the Cold War. Look at the
direction conversations are taking between the West and Middle East today.
Simple listening reflects the frustration - "We cannot trust them."; "They never
keep their word"; "They got what was coming to them", "If we don't have
enough arms and troops, then we cannot control the outcome. What would
happen then?” Each party feels the other is naive and
unrealistic.
Where is God's purpose in all this? In this parable from Luke, Jesus
compared the "people of this generation" to the children arguing in the
marketplace about the game they would play. One group wanted to play
weddings. Another group wanted to play funerals. They taunted each other.
Each group wanted to get their own way.
A key to understanding this parable actually comes in the preceding verse, "but
the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves"
(Luke 7:30). Having rejected the purposes of God, these leaders also rejected
the messengers of God - John the Baptist eating no bread and drinking no wine
and Jesus eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners. One seemed too
serious. The other was not serious enough. Both gave their life for the same
God.
The purpose of God often does not make sense unless we understand a
common assumption - God is the Creator and Owner of everything. We hear
this in Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it ... ". Yet in
ancient Israel leaders thought they controlled the religious institutions, the rules
and the regulations. When John the Baptist and Jesus called for acceptance and
repentance to God's rule, they met strong resistance. Have we seen this in our
own time?
As God's stewards in this world, we recognize God's love. We experience the
joy of God reaching out and touching our life. We respond to God through
Article continues on page 10
THE KUWAA MISSION PRAYER LETTER
Resurrection Hope!
At this Easter season I am reminded that as God‟s people in Christ Jesus we are a
people of HOPE. And hope is what the Kuwaa Mission brings to the people of
the Kuwaa villages in Liberia. Through projects funded by your generosity we
are able to continue the vital work of building bridges, digging wells,
constructing medical clinics and sharing the Good News through Vacation Bible
School with the Kuwaa village children. Thank you for your continued support
of this important work. We are grateful for your generosity and encouragement.
Ways you can support the Kuwaa Mission this Spring…
Kids4Kuwaa Noisy Offerings
Have you held a Noisy Offering in your congregation? At St. Mark Lutheran
Church in Anchorage, Alaska we collect a loose-coin offering on the every
5th Sunday (4 per year) for the Kuwaa Mission. Children collect these offerings
during our regular offering time in metal paint cans. The congregation is
encouraged to “make a lot of noise” as the cans are passed and coins are
contributed. Of course we accept “quiet” money too. In this way in 2014 we
were able to raise over $1000 for the mission and we are confident this year we
will raise even more.
Noisy offering are also great for VBS and Sunday school. Kids love giving and
collecting the “noisy” coin offerings and are proud to contribute to the mission
that makes it possible for the Kuwaa children to have safe drinking water and
access to medical care.
Won‟t you try a Noisy Offering in your congregation?
Buy a Print (see prints to the left)
We are offering two beautiful prints for sale by well-known artist Marilyn Beth
Hughes, previously of Billings, MT. Ms. Hughes has paintings in many places
around Billings, including the Yellowstone Art Museum.
Prints are high quality (geclee). Neither are framed. They are all numbered and
sell for $75 each. Normal shipping is $9.99.
You may order prints by contacting board chair.
As we mentioned in last month‟s newsletter, a friend of the Kuwaa Mission
donated $6000 for bridge building/rebuilding work. We need to raise another
$6000 to complete the project. These bridges are of log and plank construction
and are vital for the transportation of well building materials and other supplies
up country. Of the 16 Kuwaa villages, only 3 have motor road access. The
others are accessible only by foot or motorbike which require bridges also.
Please consider helping us raise the $6000 needed to complete the bridge project
this year. Thank you for your generous support of the Kuwaa Mission as
together we share Christ‟s love with the Kuwaa through our water, medical and
school projects.
Gracious God, In this season of new life, hope and joy may we remember those
whose daily lives are difficult and challenging. For the people of Kuwaa, may
we continue to find ways to lift their burdens and restore hope and joy to their
lives through our gifts of time, talent and labor.
In the name of our Risen Savior, Christ the Lord. AMEN
Article continued from page 9
graceful and grateful living. And, we are willing
to be guided by God's purpose. Within this
covenant relationship, we realize we are not in
control, but God is. As stewards we are the
servants entrusted with what God has given each
of us. In Philippians 2:5-11, we read how Christ
emptied himself and took the form of a slave. As
we pursue our purposes in life, we too empty
ourselves from being in control and become
transformed into a servant.
As you think about your purpose(s) for the
coming year, how are you being a servant of
God? As you consider major decisions in the life
of your congregation, how willing are you to
give up control to God's will? Yes, God is
making overatures to us every day. Are we
listening? Are we open to the guidance of the
Holy Spirit? Or, are we like the Pharisees and
lawyers who rejected both God's purpose and
messengers? The answers begin with accepting
our role as God's faithful stewards and servants.
Let us pray: Lord, you have spoken to us through
the Word and the Spirit, yet we often struggle to
listen and understand. Sometimes like the
Pharisees we are overcome by our own desire to
control the rules and regulations. We forget that
you are the Creator and Owner of all. We ask you
to be patient with us. We ask you for the strength
to let go of our selfish purposes, and to embrace
your way for our life. We are called to be your
steward and servant. Guide us as we make our
daily decisions and touch the lives of others in
ways that are acceptable to you. We ask this in
the name of Jesus, Our Savior, Amen. Ventures Stewardship Devotions
Prints from the right
Some people wonder why they do wrong things when they know they should do what is right. What makes you and me want to sin (doing, saying, or thinking things that break God’s law)? God has always had rules and laws for people to follow. But the very first people broke God’s first rule. Ever since Adam and Eve choose to sin by disobeying God, each person has been born wanting to sin. Adam and Eve’s children were born sinners, and you and I are also born wanting to sin. There is no way for you to get rid of sin yourself. Only God can forgive your sin and take it away. Your sin keeps God away from you. It is important to let him forgive your sins. Write a prayer asking God to forgive your sins and take you to heaven when you die.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Fr iday Saturday
1 PLUME Potluck Party, 6:30 p.m.
2
3 Confirmation,
12:15 p.m. Distribute seeds
for TLC CG Pastor away
4
Pastor away 5
Pastor away 6
CDC graduation, 6:30 p.m.
Pastor away
7
Pastor away 8
Pastor away 9
Pastor away
10 Confirmation,
12:15 p.m.
Pastor away
11
Pastor away 12
Outreach
Committee,
3:30 p.m.
Pastor away
13
Pastor away 14
Last day of school for CDC CBCO Mat –Su
Training at Trinity
Pastor away
15
Pastor away 16
Fundraiser for
youth, 4:00 p.m.
17 Confirmation,
12:15 p.m.
18
19 Council
meeting,
7 p.m.
20
21
22 23
24 Singing with
the seniors,
1:15 p.m.
Confirmation ends
25 26
27 28 29 30/31 God’s Work,
Our Hands Day
2015
Sundays
9:00 a.m.- Sunday school (all ages)
10:30 a.m.- Worship (fellowship to follow)
Mondays
7:00 p.m.- Adult Bible Study (Trinity Room)
8:30 a.m. - Exercise and prayer with Pastor Diane (old
sanctuary)
Tuesdays
7:00 p.m.-Trinity singers and players
(Trinity Room)
Wednesdays
8:00 a.m. - Men’s Prayer Breakfast
(Trinity Room).
8:30 a.m.- Exercise and prayer with Pastor
Diane (old sanctuary)
10:00 a.m.- Women’s Bible Study (Trinity
Room)
11:00 a.m.- In Stitches (Trinity Room)
Thursdays 8:30 a.m.- Exercise and prayer with Pastor Diane
(old sanctuary)
10:00 a.m.- Preschool Chapel (sanctuary, Sep-
tember-May)
7:00 p.m.- Grief Support Group (sanctuary)
