9
1 Pastor Brock Cain Web: http://lutheranchurchofthepines.org Phone: 228.467.6771 E-mail: [email protected] Laurie Green, Editor 309 Hwy 90 Waveland, Mississippi 39576 E-mail: [email protected] March 2015, Vol. 15, Issue 3 “So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.” Luke 23:24-25, ESV As my children grow older and more aware of the social and cultural world that will define their youth, I find myself more often now in the position of squinting at them in confusion after hearing a word, phrase, or reference that seems to make no sense. Books, songs, videos, television shows… These things create a generational language that is almost impenetrable to anyone whose generation grew up with different means of expression. I clearly remember that confused squinting on the face of my parents and assuming that they were hopelessly lost to understanding anything of cultural significance. This generational language is often a gift that helps those coming up in the world make sense of their place in history, their identities as a society and as individuals, and the value they have to offer to the world. But the noise of the crowd also drowns out other voices and languages that seek to help us in life. When the collective voice of a generation demands one thing and the individual conscience cries out for another, the conflict can be devastating. Denying a collective will is painfully difficult, but this is frequently a critical element in our journey of faith. When the world around us insists on serving the self, God calls us to value and serve others. When the world collectively demeans and tears down, we are called to love, encourage, and build up. This season of Lent I encourage you to consider the voices and the language you hear most prominently in your life. What call do you answer? Whose will are you putting first? Do you hear the voice of the one who put God’s will first in order to win our salvation? That voice is calling out to you that you are loved, forgiven, and that you’re a cherished child of God. It’s a voice that speaks of certainty and hope for the future because of a sacrifice that was made on your behalf. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, made himself that sacrifice and now speaks to you through God’s Word of the peace brought to you through his turmoil. By grace and through faith we are blessed not only to hear that voice, but also to amplify it in this generation and this world. We are blessed with the privilege of being that voice in the lives of others, of speaking words of comfort and compassion when all others hear of distress and judgment. As you celebrate that one voice that rings true in your life, share it as a new voice in the lives of all who seek mercy. God’s Peace to You, Pastor Brock About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)Matthew 27:46, NIV

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Page 1: Web: Phone: 228.467.6771 E-mail: office ...storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-12882430...I'm highly allergic, but I do dust when I can't take it anymore. I was at that point. Also,

1

Pastor Brock Cain Web: http://lutheranchurchofthepines.org

Phone: 228.467.6771

E-mail: [email protected] Laurie Green, Editor

309 Hwy 90 – Waveland, Mississippi – 39576 E-mail: [email protected]

March 2015, Vol. 15, Issue 3

“So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man

who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they

asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.”

Luke 23:24-25, ESV

As my children grow older and more aware of

the social and cultural world that will define

their youth, I find myself more often now in the

position of squinting at them in confusion after

hearing a word, phrase, or reference that seems

to make no sense. Books, songs, videos,

television shows… These things create a

generational language that is almost

impenetrable to anyone whose generation grew

up with different means of expression. I clearly

remember that confused squinting on the face of

my parents and assuming that they were

hopelessly lost to understanding anything of

cultural significance.

This generational language is often a gift that

helps those coming up in the world make sense

of their place in history, their identities as a

society and as individuals, and the value they

have to offer to the world. But the noise of the

crowd also drowns out other voices and

languages that seek to help us in life. When the

collective voice of a generation demands one

thing and the individual conscience cries out for

another, the conflict can be devastating.

Denying a collective will is painfully difficult,

but this is frequently a critical element in our

journey of faith. When the world around us

insists on serving the self, God calls us to value

and serve others. When the world collectively

demeans and tears down, we are called to love,

encourage, and build up.

This season of Lent I encourage you to consider

the voices and the language you hear most

prominently in your life. What call do you

answer? Whose will are you putting first? Do

you hear the voice of the one who put God’s

will first in order to win our salvation? That

voice is calling out to you that you are loved,

forgiven, and that you’re a cherished child of

God. It’s a voice that speaks of certainty and

hope for the future because of a sacrifice that

was made on your behalf. Our Lord, Jesus

Christ, made himself that sacrifice and now

speaks to you through God’s Word of the peace

brought to you through his turmoil.

By grace and through faith we are blessed not

only to hear that voice, but also to amplify it in

this generation and this world. We are blessed

with the privilege of being that voice in the lives

of others, of speaking words of comfort and

compassion when all others hear of distress and

judgment.

As you celebrate that one voice that rings true in

your life, share it as a new voice in the lives of all

who seek mercy.

God’s Peace to You,

Pastor Brock

“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which

means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)”

Matthew 27:46, NIV

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2

I love to witness about God answering prayers. It gives others hope. A couple of weeks ago, some things were really

starting to wear on me. Mike and I have been so busy with our new pharmacy that things have become neglected.

My house was neat but dirty, some serious surface cleaning needed to be done. Granted, I don't dust often because

I'm highly allergic, but I do dust when I can't take it anymore. I was at that point. Also, we hadn't had a home-cooked

meal in many moons. We don't usually get home until 6:30 or later and that's not time enough to cook a healthy

meal. I was beginning to stress and feel guilty that my kids would never get a decent dinner again. I asked God for

help and jokingly said, "Send me someone who likes to cook and clean, Lord, because I just can't do it. I don't have

time and I want my babies to have a home that's clean with real food to eat." My sister-in-law cleans for a living but

has been booked for ever. She's that good. Well, about a week ago, she lost two clients. One left due to mission work

and the other gave the cleaning work to her daughter and her boyfriend, who had recently lost his job and moved in

with them. Finally, I had someone to professionally clean my house! She did a fantastic job and was also able to clean

for the tech that works with us. She's kind of in the same boat; she's a single mom working to support her family.

Then, out of the blue, I jokingly told one of our customers that Mike and I need a wife to take care of us. She said she

loves to cook and has to cook large meals for her in-home patients. She has been feeding us for a week and a half

now. Everyday she brings our family and our tech dinner. We offered payment and she turned us down because she

enjoys cooking. I'm here to tell ya, God is good! Never doubt the power of prayer and trust in the Lord! He loves us

so much and nothing makes him happier than to see his children filling a need and caring for others in His name.

Summer’s blog is an online journal available at http://lutheranchurchofthepines.org/blog.php

“Filling a Need”

by Summer Gallotte

Dear Lord, Thank you for the time You have given us with our loved ones. Please bless the

coming year as we celebrate with the ones still here and honor those who are now with You. Guide us as we treasure these memories and make new ones.

Amen.

Brock & Elizabeth Cain 9th

Cale & Jessica Smith 10th

John & Barbara Hickson 11th

Saul & Jessica Houston 15th

Gerald & Sandra Spears 20th

Philip & Barbara Kuper 26th

MARCH BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Nolin Briley 1st Joel Pasley 19th

Cheryl Asmus 3rd Caralyn Loveday 21st

Jake Cain 3rd Dwight Wilde Jr. 21st

Jessica Stimens 4th Von Biggs 21st

Christina Eichelberger 5th Thomas Williams 21st

Warren Hauschild 7th Barbara Kuper 22nd

Lawson Gallotte 7th Miranda Bauer 22nd

Deeann Dunne 9th Elena Eichelberger 23rd

Deborah Rushing 10th Jerry Domalewki 24th

Rachel Ishee 11th Tom Demboski, Jr. 25th

Elizabeth Dennis 15th Norma Suhs 25th

Steve Gibson 15th Philip Kuper 26th

Melinda Woodfill 16th Benjamin Houston 26th

Eliot Faith 16th Rachel Kuper 28th

Gregg Jones 16th (In Memory)

Arnold Toups 17th Brent Woodfill 31st

Stuart Conrad 18th

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MARCH WEEKLY HELPERS

Flower Donations Please consider donating flowers in

celebration of marriages, anniversaries,

baptisms and birthdays, or to say

“Congratulations” or “Thank you.” You

may sign up on the flower chart posted on the

wall outside the sanctuary. Your donation

will be included in the Sunday bulletin

and/or here in the Pine Cone.

After the morning worship, you may take

home the flowers you have donated or, if

you prefer, the blooms can be delivered to

shut-ins, hospitals, or other facilities,

bringing beauty and community to those

who cannot be physically present in

church.

Date Flowers provided by In Honor/Memory of

3/1 Nolin Briley’s Birthday Today

3/8 Bielstein Family Carl Bielstein

3/15 Cathy & Christine

Barkley Barbara Barkley’s Birthday

3/22 Open

3/29 Open

Sunday Worship Service Helpers

Date/Time Greeters Altar

Assistant Ushers Nursery Staff Readers Acolytes

3/1

8:30 Dave & Cappy

Kelso Dave Kelso

Terry & Sasha

King

Laura

King

Mariya

King

10:30 Brandon Witt Russ Urban Debra & Bruce

Rushing Aubrey Green

Cassie

Breland Rhy Green

3/8

8:30 Steve Gibson Steve

Gibson

Nolin & Ginnie

Briley

Nolin

Briley

Mariya

King

10:30 Brandon Witt Russ Urban Laurie Green &

Hope Roche Haleigh Hanley

Laurie

Green Rhy Green

3/15

8:30 Dave & Cappy

Kelso Dave Kelso

Sasha King &

Vernon Paroli Sasha King

Reece

Dalton

10:30 Brandon Witt Russ Urban Bruce Prestien &

Becky Wilde Terri Carter

Hope

Roche Rhy Green

3/22

8:30 Dave & Cappy

Kelso Dave Kelso

Shirley Halterman

& Cappy Kelso Terry King

Mariya

King

10:30 Brandon Witt Russ Urban Bruce & Debra

Rushing Christina Eichelberger

Lance

Kennedy Rhy Green

3/29

8:30 Dave & Cappy

Kelso Dave Kelso

Matt Sekenger &

Mark Meyers

Gene

Halterman

Reece

Dalton

10:30 Brandon Witt Russ Urban Becky Wilde &

Bruce Prestien Jennifer Loveday

Russ

Urban Rhy Green

Wednesday Night Grub 3/4 Sekingers

3/11 Steve Burkhardt

3/18 Hope Roche

3/25 Brian Villanueva

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4

Devotion for Children- When We Pray

Read: Matthew 6: 5-13

When we pray, we need to keep it sincere and natural. It should be part of who we are - our whole relationship with God. This pattern of praying that Jesus has given here is known as the Lord's Prayer. It is just a model of how we should pray. Jesus never meant it to be something we say religiously – just repeating these words. I suppose we could see this as a format on how to pray starting with praising our Heavenly Father, committing to Him our daily needs, forgiving others and asking for forgiveness (if it is needed), deliverance from temptation. Prayer should be a natural part of our lifestyle. Just like talking with a friend. We need to develop a prayer life that is a moment-by-moment relationship with God. Prayer is not some rigid, religious act done every now and then, but conversation with God anywhere, anytime. When we're happy, or feeling sad, or angry, or lonely – no matter how we're feeling we should talk to God.

So as you go about your day, whether it be doing the boring, ordinary things, or going off to school, playing sports – whatever you do, remember you can talk to God.

...And never stop praying. - 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 (CEV)

Lord, may I walk with You Much closer, in every way – To talk with You as my closest friend As I go about my day.

© By M.S.Lowndes

TAKEN FROM http://www.heavensinspirations.com/when-we-pray.html

FIVE FINGER PRAYER (taken from https://trishdave.wordpress.com/2011/03/27/five-finger-prayer/)

I first learned about this prayer years ago. I love that it is simple, sweet, and so effective! Truthfully, you really don’t have an excuse not to do it. Your hand is attached to your body and is with you wherever you go, whereas your Bible may not always be with you. I have a Bible app on my BlackBerry so I really don’t have an excuse! For any of you that try this, I hope you love it as much as I do!

1. Your thumb is nearest to you. Begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is a “sweet duty.” 2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct, and

heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger, which reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the national leaders, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, and in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night.

5. And lastly comes our little finger, the smallest finger of all, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective. You will be able to pray for yourself more effectively

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5

Budget

Noise Offering

Last month’s noise offering was for CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) for Children.

CASA is a national network of volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected

children in the community. Volunteers provide stability to these children’s lives by staying with

the child until a permanent home is found. More information about Hancock County’s CASA

can be found at their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CASAhancockcounty. Lutheran

Church of the Pines raised $191.33 for this mission through its Noise Offering last month.

March’s noise offering will also go to CASA.

A little behind…

Good Friday Service

April 3, 2015

7:00pm

Easter Sunday Celebration

Three Chances to Join us for service

April 5, 2015

Sunrise Service - American legion War Memorial

(Coleman Ave and Beach Blvd, Waveland- Bring a chair)

Service in the Sanctuary: 8:30 am and 10:30am

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Christianity in the News!

As Cold Grips the Nation, an Inspiring Story Is Being Told of a Homeless

Ministry That Started with This Simple Act of Kindness... Michael Ireland: Jan 26, 2015 : ASSIST News Service

http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=15341

(Dallas, TX)—Serving the homeless is the mission of Susie Y. Jennings, founder and president of Operation

Care International (OCI), which now serves hundreds of thousands worldwide in a ministry that started with

blankets. Following the tragic death of her husband, Jennings sought a way to serve God and her community.

God's command to her after she was widowed was to provide blankets to the homeless living under a bridge in

downtown Dallas, according to a media release. "I didn't even like homeless people," she admits with candor.

"When I was a girl in the Philippines, the homeless would beg and my mom would feed them. We were a large

family and I felt like they were eating my food. "But then God showed me the homeless and told me to help

them. To give them blankets." So she did.

Then a nurse at a major hospital, she began purchasing blankets and asking others to help her buy more. The

blankets were distributed with a Christian message, food, and love. The homeless community called her the

Blanket Lady. But as Jennings saw needs, the ministry grew. "Through God's grace and guidance a community

blanket distribution project has grown into a worldwide ministry where we have reached nearly 24,000 children

in nine countries and over 130,000 homeless men, women and children in the Dallas Metroplex area," Jennings

explained. Her stunning story is now a just-released book telling the story of Operation Care International, 31

Days of Mountaintop Miracles: One Woman's Legacy of Unconditional Obedience. "It is the never-ending

supply of miracles woven together layer upon layer that makes up the intricate and colorful fabric of Operation

Care International," Jennings writes in the book's introduction.

According to the media release, in 2004, OCI launched Operation Care Christmas Gift, determined to serve and

honor the thousands of homeless at Christmas with an event held at the Dallas Convention Center to celebrate

Jesus' birthday. The news release says the now-annual event in December 2014 drew more than 20,000 people -

more than 17,000 homeless adults and impoverished children and families, as well as more than 3,000

volunteers. The event provides hot meals, an array of health and personal care services, plus clothing, sleeping

bags, and blankets. New shoes and socks come with the event's signature foot washing by volunteers and with

the Gospel message presented by volunteers and entertainers.

In addition, OCI provides free phone calls home, seeking to reunite families. This year OCI paid for three

homeless persons as well as one other needy woman to return home. For the homeless and impoverished

children, the day also includes a birthday party for Jesus with toys and books, games, clowns, petting zoo, face

painting, and cupcakes. OCI has received commendations from Texas Governor Rick Perry, Texas Senator Ted

Cruz, Texas Congressman Pete Sessions (32nd District) and even a commendation letter from former President

George W. Bush. Jennings' heart for the homeless and impoverished in other parts of the world led to OCI's

expansion. By the end of 2015, OCI will have provided ministry in the Philippines, India, Kenya, Taiwan,

China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Israel, Jordan and Brazil. Jennings shares the 31 stories to inspire as well as

inform, as her life and testimony challenge the reader to see the miracle moments in his or her own life. "We are

all part of His glorious plan, and when we follow Him with unconditional obedience and joy, there is no telling

what kind of miracles will happen," she stated. "Has God called you to do something that you thought was

impossible?" Jennings asks. "It's so exciting to see what God has in store for us if we listen to His voice and

exercise unconditional obedience when we hear Him."

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Worship Service 8:30am

SS/Adult Bible School 9:15am Worship Service 10:30am

Teen Night 5:30pm – 8pm

Second Sunday in Lent (Purple)

2 3 Youth Confirmation

4pm-5pm

4 Adult Bible Study 1pm

Contemporary Worship Dinner 5:45pm

Worship Service 6:30pm

5 Lifetree Café

7pm-8pm

Purim

6 7 Ladies Night

6pm-8pm

8 Worship Service 8:30am

SS/Adult Bible School 9:15am Worship Service 10:30am

Teen Night 6pm – 7:30pm

Third Sunday in Lent (Purple)

9

10 Youth Confirmation

4pm-5pm

11 Adult Bible Study 1pm

Contemporary Worship Dinner 5:45pm

Worship Service 6:30pm

12 Lifetree Café

7pm-8pm

13 14 Council Meeting

9am

15 Worship Service 8:30am

SS/Adult Bible School 9:15am Worship Service 10:30am

Teen Night 6pm – 7:30pm

Fourth Sunday in Lent (Purple)

16 Lutheranism 101

6pm

17 Youth Confirmation

4pm-5pm

St. Patrick’s Day

18 Adult Bible Study 1pm

Contemporary Worship Dinner 5:45pm

Worship Service 6:30pm

19 Lifetree Café

7pm-8pm

Joseph, Guardian of Jesus

20

Spring Begins

21

22 Worship Service 8:30am

SS/Adult Bible School 9:15am Worship Service 10:30am

Teen Night 6pm – 7:30pm

Fifth Sunday in Lent (Purple)

23 Lutheranism 101

6pm

24 Youth Confirmation

4pm-5pm

25 Adult Bible Study 1pm

Contemporary Worship Dinner 5:45pm

Worship Service 6:30pm

Annunciation of Our Lord

26 Lifetree Café

7pm-8pm

27 28 Kids Easter Celebration

2pm to 3:30pm

29 Worship Service 8:30am

SS/Adult Bible School 9:15am Worship Service 10:30am

Teen Night 6pm – 7:30pm

Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday

(Red)

30 Lutheranism 101

6pm

Monday in Holy Week

31 Youth Confirmation

4pm-5pm

Tuesday in Holy Week

March 2015

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8

March Message Board

SEND ME YOUR PICTURES!

Whether it’s pictures of personal or family

events or if you were taking pictures at a

church event, send them to me and I

would love to include them in the

newsletter! You can text them to me at

228-304-0816, email them to me at

[email protected], or leave them in

my mailbox in Mrs. Liane’s office.

- Laurie

If you have announcements for upcoming

events or general messages for the

congregation, be sure you let the editor

know. You can call me or text me at 228-

304-0816, email me at

[email protected], or leave me a

note in the newsletter mailbox of Mrs.

Liane’s office!

- Laurie

Kids Easter

Celebration

Saturday, March 28

2pm to 3:30pm

Calling ALL Ladies!!!! Come join us the first Saturday of every month for Ladies night in the Fellowship Hall at 6pm.

Bring yourself, bring a friend and bring a dish.

We look forward to getting to know you!!

CANDY CANDY CANDY

AND MORE CANDY!!! Please help us with the Kids Easter Celebration by

donating INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED CANDY!

Help us help the kids have a great time.

We also need set up crew, booth workers and cleanup

crew. Please see or call Hope for details 216-0053

Your help is greatly appreciated!!

Kids Easter

Celebration

Saturday, March 28

2pm to 3:30pm

TEEN NIGHT!!!!! Every Sunday night from 6pm to

7:30pm!

You’re welcome as you are!!

Questions contact

Hope 228-216-0053

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Lutheran Church of the Pines

309 Highway 90 Waveland, MS 39576-2622

http://lutheranchurchofthepines.org

Sent with love and a prayer for:

Worship Opportunities:

Worship with Holy Communion 8:30am

Sunday School & Adult Bible Class 9:15am

Worship with Holy Communion 10:30am

Wednesday Contemporary Service 6:30pm

(Contemporary Service with a light meal

before at 5:45pm)

Topics this month:

3/5 – Coming Together

3/12 – Zzzz…

3/19 – Only One Way to God?

3/26 – Be Happy

Thursdays – 7pm-8pm