February 11, 2018 TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

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1 The CHIMES MUHLENBERG: A WELLSPRING OF GRACE Muhlenberg Lutheran Church strives to be a Wellspring of God s Grace in Jesus Christ. Open Authentic Relational Serving Published Weekly by Muhlenberg Lutheran Church 281 East Market Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia Phone: address: info@muhlenberglutheran.org Website: Pastor Mark Radecke: radecke@muhlenberglutheran.org Pastor Paul Weber: weber@muhlenberglutheran.org February 11, 2018 TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD WHAT S THE BUZZ? We had a full agenda and robust conversation at our Congregational meeting. We reviewed annual ministries reports and chairs reminded us of their purpose. We had an update from our Call Committee and healthy conversation around how our Pastoral vacancy could be filled. We recognized Kristee Trumbo, Pete Weaver and Melissa Perritt for their service to Council as they ended their terms. As tradition dictates, Pete and Melissa were automatically nominated to serve on the Nomination Committee and Bob Runion agreed to serve also. That slate was approved by acclamation. The congregation approved the following to represent MLC at the VA Synod Assembly in June: Bill Compton, Diane Bayer, Mycah McNett, Stefanie Eye, Phil Perry, Greta Willis, and myself. The congregation was made aware of an incident that occurred at Second Home in August when two children ran away and were later found in the area. The incident was punishable by a written warning, corrective actions and a monetary fine, all of which Second Home is complying with and has taken appropriate steps to correct. Most of all, we missed you if you weren t able to attend. I realize we had a big shock losing both our Pastors at once, but the time is now for you to be a part of the body of Christ. Now is the time your congregation needs you in worship and ministry, as well as raising us up in prayer. The Gospel is not for the faint hearted and God is working among us! Tim Peifer, Congregation Council President CALL COMMITTEE NEWS This is an exciting time for our congregation, and our future is very bright. The Call Committee is hard at work, and I m pleased to inform you that we have started reviewing candidate profiles. Our goal is to provide you as much information as we can during the Call process. The charge that was given to the Call Committee was to first call a senior pastor, then to call an additional pastor. No specific timeline has been set. It is the desire of the Call Committee to move the process along expeditiously, but we will not call a pastor until we feel led by the Holy Spirit to do so. As we all know so well, our timing is not God s timing. I pray for your patience and understanding. This is a time for us as a congregation to embrace and support each other in thought, word and deed so that we can collectively be a wellspring of God s grace. Let s transform our natural anxieties associated with this transition into positive actions that will allow us to create the church community we truly want to be. Thank you for your support and prayers. Mark Warner, Chair

2 TODAY AT MUHLENBERG PROSPECTIVE MEMBER LUNCH & ORIENTATION Have you been visiting Muhlenberg? Are you considering membership? Are you curious or just want to learn more about us? We invite you to explore with us what it means to be a Christian, a Lutheran, a follower of Jesus and a member of the Muhlenberg family. If you re interested in pursuing membership (or if you ve recently joined and haven t attended an orientation), we invite you to meet with us for a Prospective Member Lunch and Orientation TODAY, 12:15 2:30 pm in Wayland Hall (downstairs). We ll discuss more in depth the mission and ministries of Muhlenberg and how you can be part of the life of this congregation as a member or associate member. New members will be received Sunday, February 25 during the 11:00 service, followed by a reception. For more information, talk with Kathy Thompson, Chair of the Evangelism Team (thompskb@jmu.edu / ), Parish Administrator Linda Depoy (depoy@ muhlenberglutheran.org / ), or the pastors. WELCOME GUESTS We are blessed to welcome our guests today. We have a gift waiting for you at the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Area (main church entrance) and ask that you complete a blue guest card and/or sign our guest register. If you prefer, you may scan this QR code or visit us at to securely register online. TIME, TALENT & TREASURE LAST WEEK S ATTENDANCE 8:00 Worship cancelled Wed. noon 6 9:30 Worship cancelled 11:00 Worship 99 Total 99 MINISTRY OF THE WEEK: ENDOWMENT FUND This space features one committee/ministry team each week. Highlights are provided so we become more familiar with their work. The MLC Endowment Fund has reached a balance of $500,000 an amount never achieved before. The Endowment committee is encouraged and hopes to see continued giving and growth through estate planning, designated memorial gifts, and weekly offerings. We will continue to share information about this fund with MLC in various ways. Please consider this way of giving for the future which also results in present day funding for non-budgeted items through dispersal of a percentage of the fund s interest that accrues. For more info, contact Janet Simmons (gandjsimmons@gmail.com / ). FINANCIAL REPORT Through December 2017 Y-T-D Actual Y-T-D Budget Y-T-D Last Year Gifts & Offerings $789,569 $857,675 $782,666 Total Receipts $881,199 $951,603 $869,755 Expenses $842,012 $951,603 $850,361 Excess Income/ (Expenses) $39,187 $0 $19,394 Giving in support of our Spending Plan: $ 23, Giving to Other Designated Funds: $ 22, Total Giving for the Week $ 46, See details in the notebook at the Connection Center. January Thrivent Choice Dollars: $775 To give online, scan here 2

3 TODAY AT MUHLENBERG (CONT D) THIS WEEK AT MUHLENBERG CAMP CAROLINE FURNACE Sales & Program Director Julie Kroll and a few JMU students who were camp counselors last summer are visiting Muhlenberg. Julie will give a Temple Talk at each service, sharing news about camp. She will also present a program during the Sunday Christian Formation hour. Camp Caroline Furnace registration is now open online at SUPPLIES FOR MISSION TRIP Our hosts and partners in Nicaragua have invited us to bring the following items to share with children at the school where we will lodge and work: children s NEW cotton underwear (ages 3-17) children s vitamins over-the-counter non-liquid cough and cold remedies. Place items in the designated bin in the Gathering Area TODAY. If you prefer to give money, the funds will be used to purchase the materials in Nicaragua. Thank you! SOUPER BOWL COLLECTION If you missed last Sunday, you can still place items in the designated bins in the Gathering Area. If you prefer, you can contribute by placing a check payable to MLC in the offering plate (write Patchwork Pantry on the memo line and on the envelope). JAMERS (2 ND 5 TH GRADERS) Meet TODAY, 4:00-6:00 in the MAC. We will have a light meal and end at 6:00 this night only. Join the fun and fellowship as together we work and share our love by making ponchos and blankets for those in need! 3 MINISTRIES NIGHT Tomorrow Evening, 7:00 8:30 pm Help Muhlenberg continue to grow during this time of transition by joining in as we strengthen our ministries, plan new initiatives, and serve one another and the wider community! All committees welcome new members. SOPHIE MOELLER CIRCLE Meets Tuesday, February 13, 1:30 in the Augsburg Room. Program: I believe in the Holy Spirit from Gather magazine. ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP This year Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine s Day, February 14. As we celebrate those we love, we are drawn to the heart of God and the depth of God s love for us. Half-hour Ash Wednesday services with the Imposition of Ashes will be held at 7:30 am and noon. The complete Ash Wednesday liturgy will be spoken at 7:00 pm. A light meal will be served details below. Hunger Awareness Meal, 6:00 pm Christian Formation will serve traditional Third World beans and rice from Africa, South America and Central America and share information about world hunger. Share God s love for us and for others as together we eat a meal that many around the world eat every day!

4 WORSHIP CHANGES DURING LENT The season of Lent brings with it changes in our liturgy and worship practice. Such changes are intended to highlight the journey we make to the cross and engage us in a time of repentance, introspection, and discipline. On Ash Wednesday, worshipers are invited to receive the imposition of ashes. There are no flowers during this penitential season, and we receive unleavened wafers at communion. Through the season of Lent, communion will be received at the altar rail, either kneeling or standing as you are able. On the First Sunday of Lent, we sing Martin Luther s Great Litany as the processional for the service. In our worship we sing only the Kyrie and not the Hymn of Praise, Glory to God. We use a musical setting that is more chant-like. It may feel new, but actually comes from the 1958 Service Book and Hymnal. The use of these options invites us to consider changes in our lifestyle as well. They also provide a refreshing break until we return to a fuller expression of worship in the Easter season. MIDWEEK LENTEN PREACHING SERIES AND SUPPERS We are excited to announce a preaching series for our Midweek Lenten Services to be held in the Sanctuary each Wednesday during Lent at 6:30 pm. At 5:45 pm, a light supper sponsored by various congregational groups will be served in the Nielsen Room and Wayland Hall. Here is the list of preachers: 2/21 Pastor Paul Weber: The Covenant with Noah and the Mark of Baptism 2/28 Pastor Alex Zuber: The Covenant with Abraham & Sarah and the Mark of the Word 3/07 Pastor Mark Radecke: The Mosaic Covenant and the Mark of Confession & Absolution 3/14 Pastor Robert Alley: The Covenant with David and the Mark of Worship 3/21 Pastor Kelly Bayer Derrick, Assistant to the Bishop: The New Covenant and the Mark of Ministry We are especially excited to hear from Pastor Alex who was active in our campus ministry as a student, from Pastor Alley who is active among us, and from Pastor Kelly who represents the Synod and is the daughter of Chip & Diane Bayer. Our sponsoring groups for the 5:45 supper: 2/21 Choir 3/7 Youth 2/28 Fellowship 3/14 Mary Martha 3/21 Council This will be a great evening of fellowship and worship! 4

5 LENTEN MIDDAY RECITAL SERIES Martin Luther said, Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. Please join us Thursdays at noon during the Lenten season as we feature a variety of incredible musicians. Each week this 30- minute program offers an opportunity to temporarily release the stress of the day and be rejuvenated through the power of music. Concerts are free and open to all. Artists performing this season: Feb 22 Mar 1 Mar 8 Angel Azzarra, operatic soprano Manhattan School of Music graduate Edward Gant, cello JMU Music Faculty Chris Carrillo, trumpet JMU Music Faculty Mar 15 MLC Members Instrumentalists and vocalists from the MLC community Mar 22 Florence Jowers, organist Minister of Music, Christ Lutheran, Staunton REQUEST FOR LENTEN DEVOTIONS We are seeking 40 Muhlenberg members to tell their stories of faith in 200+ words to be published this Lent as Stories of Faith from Muhlenberg. These will be sent out in a daily and printed weekly and left at the Connection Center during the Lenten season. Here are a few questions to guide your thoughts: How has your relationship with God inspired your faith? Through whom has God strengthened your faith? What or who helped you through the low points of faith? How has your faith journey intersected with Muhlenberg? How do you remember your Baptism outside of church? If you plan to participate, please contact Mycah McNett (mcnett@muhlenberglutheran.org / , or leave a note in her mailbox). LENTEN MATERIALS As part of your Lenten journey, please use your Lenten Devotional book available on the tables in the Gathering Area. You can also pick up an ELCA World Hunger Box. The money raised will be used to feed the hungry all over the world. Please consider using these resources as we journey together through Lent. Contact Diane Bayer (bayer@muhlenberg lutheran.org / ) with any questions. 5

6 MUHLENBERG NEWS NICARAGUA MISSION TRIP From February 16-25, Pastor Mark and Tami Radecke will lead a team of fourteen members and friends of Muhlenberg Lutheran Church on a mission trip to the Nicaraguan Christian Children s Center and School (CICRIN) on Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua. While lodging and working on CICRIN s campus, members of the team will work with local residents on various construction projects and teach Vacation Bible School to some of the school s 100 children. Two members of the team a dentist and a dental hygienist will provide dental services to the children. Please keep the team and those they serve in your prayers, and watch our church s Facebook page for photos of their experience. Thanks to all who are providing financial, material and spiritual support for the team and the children and staff of CICRIN! BASKETS OF PROMISE During Lent the Christian Formation (through the JAMers elementary youth group) and Social Ministry are sponsoring Lutheran World Relief s Baskets of Promise appeal by collecting items for Personal Care Kits. NEXT Sunday, February 18, we will collect BARS OF SOAP (individually wrapped with original wrapping please). February 25 we will collect BATH TOWELS (lightweight, dark colors, 52 x 27 ). We ask for lightweight towels because they dry quicker in the sun! Look for a complete list of the items at the Connection Center. Contact Diane Bayer (bayer@muhlenberglutheran.org / ) with any questions. THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS Designated Choice Dollars are offered to eligible Thrivent members based on insurance premiums, contract values, etc. Choice Dollars can be directed to specific organizations, including Muhlenberg. To designate where your Choice Dollars are given, call or visit thrivent.com/choicedollars. You will need your 9-digit Thrivent ID number which can be found on any Thrivent statement. Visit the Connection Center for full details. CREATION CARE TIP Creation Care offers a simple tip that will help you protect God s earth. Contact Ramona Sanders for more information: or The frigid temperatures make a hot bath sound soothing, but it takes a lot of water to fill the tub. While it takes at least 20 gallons to fill the tub, a seven-minute shower with a low-flow shower-head uses approximately 14 gallons of water. Replacing one bath a week with a shower will help a family of four save more than 300 gallons of water per year. WORLD HUNGER VALENTINES Would you like to send a Valentine s Day message that also makes a difference for others? If so, pick up an ELCA Good Gifts card from the table beside the elevator in the Gathering Area. You can send the card to someone you care about, and donate to ELCA World Hunger as a gift for them! Have questions? Contact Diane Bayer (bayer@muhlenberglutheran.org / ). 6

7 MUHLENBERG NEWS (CONT D) Ever wonder where communion bread comes from? VOLUNTEERS! Ever wonder how communion glasses get cleaned?? VOLUNTEERS! Ever wonder how communion linen gets cleaned??? VOLUNTEERS! None of these necessary tasks are difficult or all that time consuming. Volunteers are needed to assist those who are carrying the load week to week. Why not spread these tasks among our large congregation you say well then, why not volunteer? Contact David Hill ( ) to bake the communion bread. Contact Sylvia Hollen comcast.net / ) to get on the list to clean the communion linen. We especially need help to clean and store the glasses and communion ware after the 9:30 and 11:00 am services. Contact David Hill. Will you help? WORSHIP ASSISTANTS NEEDED We are always in need of all types of worship servants: lectors, ushers, acolytes, communion assistants/stewards, greeters, sound techs, etc. Sign up for the month of March (including Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil) in the notebook at the Connection Center! One-on-one training can be arranged just indicate the training needed on the sign-up sheet or contact Kathy Thompson ( or thompskb@ jmu.edu). Prefer to work behind the scenes? We have many opportunities talk with Kathy to learn how you can serve. If you prefer to sign up online, follow the path below from our website: Worship + Community > Worship: What to Expect > Worship + Music Leadership NEW BUILDING USE CALENDAR Our Building Use Calendar is undergoing some change in 2018! We are switching the host site to Google Calendars from the current Parish Calendar system. You can still find it on our website under Member Pages > Calendar. Mycah McNett has been maintaining the calendar with support from Parish Administrator Linda Depoy since October and will continue to do so for now. Attention Committee Chairs and Ministry Leaders: Please check the Google calendar as soon as possible to ensure the information for your meetings/events have transferred to the new calendar. Have questions or need to reserve space for your meeting or event? Contact buildinguse@ muhlenberglutheran.org or leave a voic message at

8 CHRISTIAN FORMATION NEWS Contact Christian Formation Minister Diane Bayer ( or for more information. SHARING GOD S WORD Classes begin in designated locations Sundays at 9:30. Children should be picked up immediately following the 9:30 liturgy. Children s Church is held during the 11:00 service for children 3-7 years old. After Children's Time with the pastors, children are escorted downstairs to the Nielsen Room. Children return to their parents in the sanctuary during the Sharing of the Peace. Pick up a green Christian Formation brochure from the Connection Center. It contains more information about classes for children and adults. ATTENTION 5 TH & 6 TH GRADERS Today is the Registration Deadline 7 th Day, the Synod youth event for 5 th & 6 th graders, will be held March 3-4 at Eagle Eyrie in Lynchburg. If you are interested in attending and haven t turned in a registration form yet, please talk to Diane Bayer. Registration forms and checks payable to Muhlenberg for $62.50 (half the registration fee) need to be turned in TODAY. PICTORIAL DIRECTORY Are you in our latest pictorial directory? If not, come to the lower level of the Gathering Area NEXT Sunday between 9-11 am. We'll take your picture and collect your contact info in about 5 minutes. DAILY DEVOTIONS PRAYING OUR FAITH TOGETHER! For individual and family use. Scripture citations taken from ELW s 3-Year Daily Lectionary, p , (Year B). Mon. Hebrews 2:1-4 Thu. 1 John 1:3-10 Tue. 1 Tim. 3:14-16 Fri. 2 Tim. 4:1-5 Wed. Matt. 6:1-6, Sat. Matt. 9:2-13 Sun. Mark 1:9-15 In the Name of the Father and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. WEEKLY CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS February Mon. 6:00 pm Executive Committee Mtg. 7:00 pm Ministries Meetings Tue. 1:30 pm Sophie Moeller Circle 6:30 pm Celebration Singers 7:00 pm Gloria Dei Ringers Ash Wednesday 7:30 am Ash Wednesday Service 12 noon Ash Wednesday Service 6:00 pm Hunger Awareness Meal 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service Thu. 8:00 am Comfort Makers Sun. First Sunday in Lent 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am Holy Communion 9:30 am Christian Formation The weekly deadline for routine articles for The Chimes is Thursday at 8 am. Requests for a series, inserts or full-column articles should be made two weeks in advance. Submit information to Linda Depoy (depoy@muhlenberglutheran.org/ ). Additionally, requests to utilize space in the Gathering Area on Sunday or post information at the Connection Center should be made to Linda as soon as planned, but no later than Thursdays at 8 am. Check bulletin boards for community information. Like us at facebook.com/muhlenberglutheran. 8