Peace Notes (March 2013)
-
Upload
word-of-peace-lutheran-church -
Category
Documents
-
view
218 -
download
0
description
Transcript of Peace Notes (March 2013)
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
MARCH 2013MARCH 2013MARCH 2013MARCH 2013
PEACE NOTESPEACE NOTESPEACE NOTESPEACE NOTES
Palm Sunday•March 24•Palm Sunday•March 24•Palm Sunday•March 24•Palm Sunday•March 24•Worship at 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday•March 28•Maundy Thursday•March 28•Maundy Thursday•March 28•Maundy Thursday•March 28•Worship at 6:30 p.m.
Good Friday •March 29Good Friday •March 29Good Friday •March 29Good Friday •March 29 12 Noon and 6:30 p.m. Tenebrae Worship
8:00 p.m. Passion Experience Worship
Easter•March 30/31Easter•March 30/31Easter•March 30/31Easter•March 30/31 Worship on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday at 7:30, 9:00, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast Served on Sunday Morning
2
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Remember who you are and where you are from!” As a child, these words
were par�ng words from my parents as I went anywhere without them. On
Ash Wednesday we were reminded of who we are and where we are from by
an ash cross placed on our foreheads with the words, “remember you are
dust and to dust you shall return.” This ritual act reminds us of a truth that
we, at �mes, would much rather avoid: our mortality. But we are also remind-
ed of who’s we are and from where we come.
When we received the sign of the cross on our foreheads, it was sealed with
the Holy Spirit forever. With that cross we are claimed; welcomed into a
much larger family of believers. And in response to what God has done for us
we are sent into the world, joined with other believers, as workers in the
kingdom of God.
God calls and uses each one of us to share His love with all people. During
Lent we are focusing on the theme “Hand in Hand: Connec ng with our Glob-
al Community.” We will hear stories of how God works through our rela�on-
ships with one another—the stranger and across the globe—to meet the
needs of those who are hungry, homeless, and oppressed.
The Global Ministry Team is calling us to think on the text from Ma3hew
25:34-36:
Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the king-
dom prepared for you since the crea on of the world. 35 For I was hungry
and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me some-
thing to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes
and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked a(er me…
As blessed people of God, we are called into rela�onship with one another
and the world. This Lent as we reflect on God’s claim on us, let us also re-
member God’s love and claim for all the children of the world. Who is God
calling you into rela�onship? Who is God placing in your life? What injus�ces
are s�rring a holy discontent in your life? Join us for worship and the adult
educa�on hour, where we will hear stories of how God has been using people
to minister to others around the world.
So Beloved Children of God, remember who’s you are. And even in the dark-
ness of Lent – let your light shine so that others may see your good works and
glorify our Father in heaven.
Living in God’s Amazing Grace!
21705 129th Ave. N.
P.O. Box 306
Rogers, MN 55374
Church Office
763-496-2400 (press 3 to leave an emergency
message for the pastor)
On the Web
www.wordofpeace.org
www.facebook.com/
wordofpeace
Office Hours
Mon-Thurs 8am-4:30pm
Fri 8am-12:30pm
Our Vision Statement Our vision is to be a community where
everyone knows Christ’s Love and
shares Christ’s Love with all people.
Our Mission Statement Christ works through us as we:
• Welcome all people to grow in
faith, love and devo�on,
• Share Christ through word
and deed,
• Care for others and the world
God made, and
• Work for jus�ce and peace.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Contact Jennie Priebe in the
church office at 496-2401 or
April newsle+er deadline:
March 15 at Noon
Pastor Krista Strum
Faith Formation Pastor
3
Wednesday Lenten Worship con�n-
ues through March 20 at 5:30 and
7:00pm. Wednesday Lenten Suppers
will be served from 5-7pm.
Lenten Devo$onals are available at
the Informa�on Desk and online at h3p://www.mpls-synod.org/files/programs/global/lenten_devo_2013.pdf.
The Church Office will be closed on Easter Monday, April 1. There
will be no evening ac�vi�es or worship.
Jim Young’s Crosses on Display at Luther Seminary—The cross
sculptures of Word of Peace member and renowned ar�st, James
Quen�n Young, will be on display throughout Lent at Luther Semi-
nary in St. Paul. Congratula�ons, Jim!
Easter Egg Hunt—Sunday, March 24
Watch your e-mail, bulle�n and website for
more informa�on about this fun event com-
ing soon!
Over 50 Word of Peace Leaders A6end Leadership Summit
On February 21, over 50 church leaders from the Ministry Teams,
Strategic Planning Team, Execu�ve Team and Staff came together
for an evening of visioning, strategic planning, dwelling in the Word
and prayer. The main focus of the evening was to implement the
work of the newly-formed Strategic Planning Team (SPT). The agen-
da also included a presenta�on made by the Social Ministry Team
on Mental Health issues, an orienta�on for new team members and
a Communion blessing of each leadership team.
Happenings
Peace Market is Coming
Soon—Start Saving your
Treasures! Intake begins
April 16, Sale dates are April
18 and 19. For more infor-
ma�on, contact Karen Run-
ning at 763-496-2421 or
CPR/First Aid Fundraisers on
April 4 and 9 —Two classes
of HeartSaver CPR/First Aid
will be offered at Word of
Peace as a fundraiser for the
Susan G. Komen Walk for a
Cure. Cost is $35 and all pro-
ceeds will go to Walk for a
Cure “Team Valiant Volkers.”
For more informa�on or to
register, contact Judy Volkers
at 763-428-2075.
Mark Your Calendars
Think Spring! Youth Plant Sale Begins March 17
Word of Peace youth will be selling plants from Broman’s Greenhouse
as a fundraiser for summer camps, mission trips and other youth-
related events.
Order forms will be available Sunday, March 17th and should be re-
turned to the youth office by April 14th. Flowers will be delivered to
you on May 10th, just in �me for plan�ng! Ques�ons? Contact Dain,
Mari or Marcus in the Youth Ministry office, 763-496-2400.
4
MarchMarch Sermons & ReadingsSermons & Readings
March 3 & 4 (Third Weekend in Lent)
Guest Speaker: Tim Iverson, Director of
Global Health Ministries
Hand in Hand: Connec ng with our Global Family
By connec�ng with our neighbors near and far, we can
bring change to a global community. These simple yet
profound connec�ons are among the first steps we can
take to live out our calling in the world.
Scripture Reading: Luke 13:1-9
March 10 & 11 (Fourth Weekend in Lent)
Guest Speakers: Gordon & Be3y Olson
from Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry
Hand in Hand: Connec ng with our Global Family
Gordon and Be3y Olson share the story behind Luther-
an Partners in Global Ministry and how they turned the
grief of the tragic loss of their son into hope for thou-
sands of people around the world.
Scripture Readings: TBD
March 17 & 18 (FiBh Weekend in Lent)
Pastor Ron Prasek:
“Jesus Said it; I Believe it; That Se+les it!”
Hand in Hand: Connec ng with our Global Family
The ques�on is oVen asked: We have so many prob-
lems and needs here, why do we send missionaries to
other countries? Heather Swanson of Youth Encounter
and Pastor Ron, who served in Papua New Guinea, will
speak about their experiences as missionaries to help us
understand that everyone involved is changed by the
Holy Spirit: the people of the sending congrega�on, the
people who receive the missionaries and the missionar-
ies themselves grow in the faith and the love of Christ.
Scripture Readings: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Ma+hew
25:31-46
March 24 & 25 (Palm Sunday/Monday)
Pastors Ron Prasek, Rick Skare and Krista Strum:
“A Holy Week Journey”
As we near the end of our Lenten journey, we follow
Jesus through the events of his last week on Earth.
Scripture Readings: Luke 22:14-23:56; Isaiah 50:4-9a;
Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 22:14-23:56
March 28 (Maundy Thursday)
Pastor Rick Skare: "How Shall I Repay the Lord?
On this night, even before we commemorate Jesus'
death on Good Friday and Jesus' resurrec�on on Easter
Sunday, we give thanks for God's grace and answered
prayer. In being overcome by the grace bestowed upon
us, we ask along with the psalmist, "How shall I repay
the Lord?"
Scripture Readings: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Exodus 12:1-
14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35
March 29 (Good Friday)
“Seven Last Words”
We share the seven last words of Christ, as reflected on
by seven lay members of the Congrega�on
Scripture Readings: Luke 23:34; Luke 23:43; John 19:26-
27; Ma+hew 27:46/Mark 15:34; John 19:30; Luke 23:46
March 30 (Easter Saturday/Sunday)
Pastor Ron Prasek: “Taps and Reveille”
Our world is a mix of light and dark. The Easter message
is that in God’s future, all is light.
Scripture Readings: Luke 24:1-12
5
Ken Barlow and Dave
Wellstone to Speak at
Word of Peace In April
KSTP meteorologist Ken Barlow,
who recently revealed his strug-
gle with bipolar disorder, an-
nounced he’s star�ng a non-
profit with Dave Wellstone, son
of the late Senator Paul Well-
stone, to reduce the s�gma
a3ached to mental illness.
Please come listen to Mr. Bar-
low and Mr. Wellstone on April
21. More informa�on to come.
There was recently a story on the radio of a
very successful and highly respected business-
man. Over the span of many prosperous years,
he had built great wealth. He was widely known
not just for his financial success, but also for his
generous heart—regularly giving large amounts
to various chari�es. The recent recession, how-
ever, hit his business hard causing it to suffer
and ul�mately fail, and the man quickly lost
most of the money he had worked so long and
hard to earn. AVer the collapse of his business,
he was asked by a colleague if he regre3ed hav-
ing given so much of his money away now that
he found himself in such difficult �mes. He was
quick to respond, “No,” and added: “Everything
I kept for myself, I lost. Everything I gave away, I
s�ll have.”
What a great lesson this is for us as Chris�ans.
We all are called to be faithful stewards of that
which God has blessed us with: our �me, our
abili�es, our finances. When we choose to
share these blessings with others, we truly gain
that which can never be taken away.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on
earth, where moth and rust consume and where
thieves break in and steal; but store up for your-
selves treasures in heaven, where neither moth
nor rust consumes and where thieves do not
break in and steal. For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.”
—Ma+hew 6:19-21
108 Ninth Graders Affirm their Bap$sm
Word of Peace congratulates the 108 young men and
women who affirmed their bap�sm in end of January.
Students completed their confirma�on events this fall by
being trained in the Peer Ministry program, “The Good
Samaritan.” This ministry equips young people to be com-
passionate people and friends to other students at their
school and at home.
Their confirma�on week was filled with encouragement
and prayers from their family, culmina�ng in a worship
service designed and led by the students. Word of Peace
is grateful for these young people of faith. Our congrega-
�on hopes and prays that they and their families will con-
�nue to grow in their faith through worship, service, and
fellowship. Thanks be to God for these ninth graders!
“Like” Us on Facebook! Come be a part of our online communi-
ty of Word of Peace friends! Stay up-
to-date on what’s happening at
church, view pictures and videos from various
events, post comments or create discussions
about sermons or studies, etc.
Go to www.facebook.com/wordofpeace.
6
Learning Ministry
Pastor Mark Warpmaeker is the Execu�ve
Director for Lutheran Partners in Global
Ministry (LPGM). He will discuss what it
means to be a neighbor in our global com-
munity by exploring the effects that pov-
erty, educa�on, and sexism can have on
society.
Pastor Warpmaeker has been shocked by
how women and children are treated by
society and their families. The only way to bring effec�ve
change to this reality is through educa�on and access to oppor-
tuni�es. LPGM supports a number of ministries that are trans-
forming the lives for women and girls in India and Africa, several
of which Pastor Warpmaeker will share with us.
Pastor Warpmaeker will also share the story behind Lutheran
Partners in Global Mission, and how two parents, Gordon and
Betsy Olson, turned the grief of the tragic loss of their son into
hope for thousands of people around the world. There will be
�me for Q & A with Pastor Warpmaeker, as well as an in-depth
look at several of the ministries LPGM provides around the
world.
March 10 and 17, 9:30 AM — Room 120
Cathy Malotky will explore what it means to
love ourselves, God, and our world by shar-
ing what we have with others.
Catherine Malotky is a na�onally renowned
speaker, teacher, author and ordained pas-
tor. She currently serves as a philanthropic
adviser at Luther Seminary.
The Next 5th Grade Celebrate
Communion Class is Sunday, March 10.
Register at www.wordofpeace.org or
contact Rachel at [email protected] or
763-496-2423.
Church School Kids Sing in Church on
Palm Sunday, March 24 and Monday,
March 25!
Easter Egg Hunt is Sunday, March 24 at
2pm for children ages 3 through fourth
grade. Look for details at
www.wordofpeace.org or contact
Lisa Buck at 763-496-2405 or
Dates to Note
No Confirma on
Wednesday, March 27—Holy Week
No Church School
Sunday, March 31—Easter
No Church School
Monday, April 1—Easter Monday
March 3, 9:30 AM — Room 120
7
YOUTH MINISTRY
The Easter Breakfast and Plant Sale are just around the corner! There are many opportuni�es to fundraise and volun-
teer. Watch for the more informa�on and sign-up sheets on the youth bulle�n board, coming soon.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
MSM.AM (Middle School Ministry A.M.) meets two Sun-
days a month from 9:30-10:30am in the youth room. Join
us on March 10 and 24 and bring your friends!
Middle School Movie Night—Come watch “Wreck-it
Ralph” on Friday, March 15 from 6-8pm in the youth room.
Snacks, trivia, prizes and a devo�on based on the movie.
Invite your friends and sign up on the youth bulle�n board.
HIGH SCHOOL
Summer Mission Trips and Camps—Informa�on and regis-
tra�on forms are now available for summer mission trips
and senior high Bible camps. Contact Dain Swanson at 763
-496-2409 or [email protected] for more informa�on.
TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) is a peer-led weekend re-
treat is coming to Word of Peace April 5-7. More infor-
ma�on and online registra�on can be found at
www.mmltec.org. This is a weekend that every high
schooler should a3end!
m i n i s t r y
m i n i s t r y
m i n i s t r y
m i n i s t r y
SUNSHINE
SUNSHINE
SUNSHINE
SUNSHINE The Word of Peace Sunshine Ministry is made up
of dedicated volunteers who send cards and tokens
of love and encouragement to those in our congre-
ga�on in need of kindness. They minister to stu-
dents away at college, individuals in our armed
forces and those who are grieving a loss, among
others.
Here are a few words of thanks from individuals
whose lives were touched by these special volun-
teers:
We would like to thank you for the beau ful card. Some days are hard to get through, but
somehow we always do. We wanted you to know how nice it is to get such a wonderful
card and message. I miss my mom every day but when I read the card, it makes me feel not
so alone. Thank you to the Caring (Sunshine) Ministry and to Word of Peace.
— Jeff, Vickie, Breanna and Jason Krueger
Thank you for your kindness and sympathy at a me when they were deeply appreciated.
Thank you for your kind and loving thoughts.
— Mary Decker and family
Thank you so much for the beau ful book and the sweet card. The boys and I read it to-
gether—I know they find much peace knowing about heaven.
— Veronica Westerman
8
The Annual Congrega�onal mee�ng for Word of Peace
took place on January 27. Church members ra�fied the
Cons�tu�onal changes proposed and approved in No-
vember 2012, approved some Bylaw changes, ap-
proved the 2013 General Fund budget and elected our
new leadership for 2013.
Our Execu�ve Team will be lead once again by Mike
Schlegel, Vanae Pearson, Lynn O’Gara and Tim Moreau
as well as Ka�e Doyle and Joy Thompson. Our Strategic
Planning Team will focus on the future of Word of
Peace and will be led by Wendy Neu, Tom Eckers, Amy
Larkin and Lois Graham (2 posi�ons remain open).
Our 2013 General Fund budget has an increase of
11.5% in offerings over last year’s actuals for a total of
$1,182,722. Expenses will increase by 8.6% over last
year’s actual for a total of $1,227,470.
Ques�ons regarding the results of the mee�ng can be
directed to Pastor Ron, Pastor Rick, Pastor Krista or
Holly Finstad or to any member of the Execu�ve Team.
Contact the Church Office to reach these individuals.
The January blood drive at Word of Peace helped to
save and sustain lives in our community. Because
blood contains three components—plasma, platelets,
and red blood cells—the 40 units collected at the
blood drive can be used to save up to 120 lives. Thank
you for making a life-saving difference!
— Memorial Blood Centers
On behalf of Elk River Lutheran Church, ELCA, we wish
to thank you and your church members for their gra-
cious assistance in preparinig the visita on and funer-
al service for our adored congrega onal member,
Hannah Ostby, on January 14. Please give special
thanks to Mari, Shelly and Marcus for their kindness
and understanding in our me of grief.
— Larry and Jean Cook
�ank You’s
RECAPRECAPRECAPRECAP
MEN’S RETREAT
March 16 at Word of Peace
This fun event is open to all men ages 12-120! We
will listen to Pastor Feig, a military chaplain, tell
stories about his special ministry to our armed
forces.
The powerful stories, great food, friendship and
lively discussion will amount to a fun and uplift-
ing day. Sign up at the table in the Gathering Ar-
ea beginning March 3.
For more information, please e-mail
9
Seniors
Please contact Judy Hanson at 763-428-7657 for resource, community
or general informa�on for seniors.
To subscribe to the Senior Newsle3er, call 763-241-3520. Or, you can
read the newsle3er online at ww.seniors.cityofrogers.org.
• Thursday Senior Shop Rogers
Bus—Thursdays at 10am, $1.00
per rider. Contact Judy at 763-428-
7657.
• Jammers Potluck & Music—
Sunday, March 3 from 1-5pm (eat
at 4pm) at the Rogers Community
Room. Contact Dave at 763-428-
4217.
• Rogers Senior Dining—Tuesday
through Thursday every week at
12:00noon at the Rogers Commu-
nity Center. Call at least two days
in advance by 2pm for reserva-
�ons, 763-428-0976. Cost: 55+
$4.00/Under 55 $7.00
• Cards & Games—Every Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday aVer
Senior Dining - 12:30-2:00pm at
the Rogers Community Room. Call
Margaret, 763-428-8650.
• Fit & Fun Exercises (for ages 50+)
Mondays from 10:30-11:15am at
the Rogers Community Room. Call
Margaret, 763-428-8650.
• Winter Walking at the Rogers Ice
Arena—Monday-Friday from
10:30am �l closing. Walk the track
or stairs. Free.
• Tax Prepara$on: Friday, March 8
& 15, 9am-noon: Any Seniors or
low-income families who need
their taxes done, come to the Rog-
ers Community Room during
those mornings and bring all your
tax papers with you. This is free of
charge and coffee will be served.
• The Word of Peace Kids-Care Bus
takes seniors shopping at
Ridgedale every other month. The
next trip will be April 9th. Cost is
$1.00 for the round trip. The bus
will pick us up at Word of Peace at
9:30am and return us by 1:30pm.
Call Judy to sign up at
763-428-7657.
C.R.O.S.S. Corner
Easter Baskets & Candy are needed
for C.R.O.S.S. Kids—If you are out
shopping for your kids’ Easter bas-
kets, won’t you pick up an extra for a
child in need? (No Easter grass
please.)
Food Shelf Needs—Toilet paper, hot
cereal, mayonaisse , chicken soup,
sal�ne crackers.
Empty Bowls—Thursday, March 14,
2013 from 11am-7pm at the Maple
Grove Community Center. More in-
forma�on at www.crossfoodshelf.org.
Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed—
Please contact Stephanie at 763-267-
5182 for more informa�on.
Wine, Water Jars, & Witness WORD OF PEACE WOMEN’S RETREAT
FFFFRIDARIDARIDARIDAYYYY 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM ———— 9:00 PM9:00 PM9:00 PM9:00 PM
Dinner & White Elephant Exchange SSSSATURDAATURDAATURDAATURDAYYYY 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM ———— 3:30 PM3:30 PM3:30 PM3:30 PM
Continental Breakfast & Lunch
$25/person
Sign-Up in the Gathering Area
The Women of John’s Gospel as Models of Ministry
March 22 - 23
Dr. Karoline Lewis Luther Seminary
Featuring Guest Speaker
“Our retreat will take a look at two extraordinary women
in the Gospel of John: the Samaritan Woman at the Well
and the Mother of Jesus. Both of them show us what it
means to be a disciple, our potential for ministry, and
the ways in which God calls us where we are and
because of who we are to witness to our faith.”
NonNonNonNon----Profit Org.Profit Org.Profit Org.Profit Org. US PostageUS PostageUS PostageUS Postage
PAIDPAIDPAIDPAID ROGERS, MNROGERS, MNROGERS, MNROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9
C h a n g e S e r v i c e R e q u e s t e d
SundaysSundaysSundaysSundays 8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional 9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended
11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary
MondaysMondaysMondaysMondays 6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary
HOLY WEEK WORSHIPHOLY WEEK WORSHIPHOLY WEEK WORSHIPHOLY WEEK WORSHIP
Palm Sunday•March 24Palm Sunday•March 24Palm Sunday•March 24Palm Sunday•March 24 Worship at 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday•March 28Maundy Thursday•March 28Maundy Thursday•March 28Maundy Thursday•March 28 Worship at 6:30 p.m.
Good Friday •March 29Good Friday •March 29Good Friday •March 29Good Friday •March 29 12 Noon and 6:30 p.m. Tenebrae Worship
8:00 p.m. Passion Experience Worship
Easter•March 30/31Easter•March 30/31Easter•March 30/31Easter•March 30/31 Worship on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday at 7:30, 9:00, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast Served on Sunday Morning