St. Mark Church and. School Newsletter. April Inside this issue: Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia. WELS News. The Galloping Mustang

Transcription

1 April 2016 St. Mark Church and Special points of interest: WELS News The Galloping Mustang School Newsletter Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia Christ has arisen, alleluia. Rejoice and praise him, alleluia. For our Redeemer burst from the tomb, Even from death, dispelling its gloom. For three long days the grave did its worst Until its strength by God was dispersed. He who gives life did death undergo. And in its conquest his might did show. (CWS 719:1-2) Inside this issue: Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia 1 There is a particular pall and gloom that hangs around even the mere thought of death. Once it comes there is a sadness that cannot be easily pushed away. There is no coming back from something such as this. For three days this is what Jesus experienced. His body did not function, his heart did not beat, his lungs did not contract, his brain had no activity. But all at once, everything changed. He was alive again! This We Believe/ Through My Bible in 3 years 2 Death could not hold him. The power of the grave was shattered. Our Redeemer gave his life, and now life was returned to him. Death no longer has a hold on us. Its sadness is drowned by the sound of His voice. Praise him who has done such mighty things! Alleluia! The angel said to them, Do not fear. You look for Jesus who is not here. See for yourselves the tomb is all bare. Only the grave cloths are lying there. Go spread the news: he s not in the grave. He has arisen this world to save. Jesus redeeming labors are done. Even the battle with sin is won. (CWS 719:3-4) There were witnesses to this joyous event. So many witnesses of the living Christ. The angels themselves came down to announce the news. No more fear needs to be felt, because Jesus is not here. He left his grave clothes behind in the tomb that is empty. It is all just as he said. It is all just as he promised. April Calendar 2016 April Duties This Month in God s 3 Word/ Birthdays / Anniversary WELS News 4 The Galloping Mustang 5-8 NELHS NEWS So tell everyone what has happened. Spread the news of this miracle of miracles. He has done his redeeming work. He has lived perfection, died in innocence. The price has been paid. Sin is defeated. So now he lives. Lives as proof of his Sonship. Lives as proof that he is the Messiah. Lives as proof that the victory has been won. Lives as the perfect proof of your salvation. Alleluia! Christ has arisen; he sets us free. Alleluia, to him praises be. Jesus is living! Let us all sing; He reigns triumphant, heavenly King. Let us sing praise to him with endless joy. Death s fearful sting he has come to destroy. Our sin forgiving, alleluia! Jesus is living, alleluia! (CWS 719:5 & Refrain) Because this wonderful thing has happened, we are now free. Free from sin, free from death, freed from hell, free from the devil. We have a living Lord. We have a Savior who reigns triumphant. Nothing can touch his power. Nothing can trump his authority. Nothing can stop his rule. So let our songs never end for this joyous day. The sting of death is that it appears to be the end. But with Jesus, it is only the beginning. Through his resurrection we are sure that we will live forever. It is beyond a doubt that our sins have been forgiven. It is beyond a doubt that he was raise us from the dead. It is beyond a doubt that death can harm us no more. Jesus is living! Alleluia!

2 Q: A: This We Believe: Justification by Grace Through Faith We believe that works pleasing to God are works of love, for love is the fulfillment of law (Romans 13:10). Faith, however, does not set up its own standards to determine what is loving (Matthew 15:9). True faith delights to do only what agrees with God s holy will. That will of God is revealed in the Bible, particularly in the Tin Commandments as their content is repeated in the New Testament. In wrestling with current moral problems, the Christian will therefore seek answers from God s law. Define love as it s used here. The apostle Paul provides a beautiful description. He wrote, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). The description defines love by what it does and what it does not do. Love is always seeking to do what is best for others. When a believer loves God, that believer will give God wants at all times. The ten Commandments provide clear directions for loving God and others. As if that were not enough, throughout Scripture God gives many living illustrations in the lives of real people of what love is and what it is not. Through my Bible in 3 years This Bible reading series is designed to take only a few minutes each day. If you haven t started in January, that s okay. Feel free to jump in and start in the middle of a year. This same Bible reading structure is found in the Northwestern Lutheran. To help you through your Bible study, consider this anecdote: Peter the Barber once asked Martin Luther how he, an ordinary kind of guy, could read the Bible with profit. Luther answered: 1.What does God tell me here? 2.What makes me glad? 3.What makes me sad? 4.What do I want to pray for: Try it in your Bible reading! April 1. Numbers Mark 1: Mark 1: Mark 1:35-2:12 5. Mark 2:13-3:6 6. Mark 3:7-19a 7. Mark 3:19b Mark 4: Mark 4: Mark 4:35-5: Mark 5:21-6:6a 12. Mark 6:6b Mark 6: Mark 7: Mark 7: Mark 8: Mark 8: Mark 9: Mark 9: Deuteronomy Deuteronomy Deuteronomy Deuteronomy 4: Deuteronomy 4:41-5: Deuteronomy Deuteronomy Deuteronomy Deuteronomy9:1-10: Deuteronomy 10:12-11: Deuteronomy 12, 13 Page 2

3 This Month in God s Word April 3 John 20:19-31 Rev. 1:4-18 Acts 5:12,17-32 April Birthdays 1 Joel Vogel 4 Reece Baumann 4 Mykah Baumann 5 Dorothy Burianek 5-Tyson Martin April 10 John 21:1-14 Rev. 5:11-14 Acts 9:1-19a 9 Stacy Mackenzie 10 Rich Beltz 12 Larry Hans 14-Abby Hodges 16-Chloe Stamps April 17 John 10:22-30 Rev. 7:9-17 Acts 13: Gerald House 20 Fred Hansel 22 Genevieve Schmidt 23 Dillon Duffield 23 Kobie Day April 24 John 13:31-35 Revelation 21:1-6 Acts 13:44-52 ******************************************** Wedding Anniversary Jesse & Janine Theiler 15th Anniversary April Noah Kumwenda 25-Wendy Colson 29 Nathan Flood 30 Andy Bork A Happy and Blessed Birthday to you All! May God Continue to Bless you in Your Marriage! Page 3

4 Conference of Presidents holds its winter meeting The Conference of Presidents (COP) met for its winter meeting on Jan Here are some of the highlights: The COP said farewell to Nebraska District President Rev. Earle Treptow, who was attending his last meeting before beginning his work as a professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Rev. Phil Hirsch is serving as the interim district president. Rev. Joel Zank, president of the Northern Wisconsin District, was appointed to replace Treptow as a COP representative on the Synodical Council. With five months remaining in the One in Christ debt retirement effort, $1.4 million had been received from congregations and individuals (the total is now above $1.5 million). The district presidents will continue to encourage congregations to continue this effort through the end of June. The COP authorized the appointment of a special committee to discuss the work of the Ministry of Christian Giving and to bring recommendations for any changes to the COP. The review is not in response to any problem but is simply an effort to be sure that the Ministry of Christian Giving is functioning in the most beneficial way. The COP resolved that a special committee will review the staff ministry program, especially with the purpose of clarifying definitions and policies and ensuring consistency throughout the synod in how staff ministers are trained, called, and utilized. The COP has asked the synod president to bring recommendations for ways to improve the preparation of delegates for synod conventions. The COP adopted 364 Days of Thanksgiving (developed by Rev. Andrew Schroer) as the synod s stewardship emphasis for There are 81 vacancies for full-time pastor positions, with 71 of those in congregations. The remaining 10 are vacant missionary, professor, or other pastor-trained positions. This number of vacant pastor positions is still well below the level at which it would become a concern. The 2015 synod convention passed a resolution asking the Synodical Council to give high priority to the calling of a director for Youth and Family Ministry. After consultation with the Commission on Youth and Family Ministry and the Commission on Adult Discipleship, the COP was convinced that a director should be called to serve as director of both commissions. The COP is asking that the Synodical Council give this position high priority on the list of unfunded programs. Serving in Christ, President Mark Schroeder Page 4

5 April St. Mark Lutheran School The Galloping Mustang NELHS Science and Arts Fair St. Mark Lutheran Church & School had another wonderful showing at the Nebraska Lutheran Schools Science and Arts Fair held at NELHS. Here are the results for those students that participated in the 3rd-8th grades: Best In Show Ribbon Winner Atticus Bergen (Science) Bethany Fox (Science) Isabella Vogel (Science) Ryan Richert-Home School (Science) Makena Colson (Science) Molly Wilkinson (Science) Blue Ribbon Winners Jonathan Alvarez-Fred (Science) Atticus Bergen (Declamations) Bethany Fox (Craft) Silas Vogel (Piano) Dillon Richert-Home School (Science) Will Costin (Craft) Red Ribbon Winners Jonathan Alvarez-Fred (Declamations) From the Principal s Desk Hot Springs National Park In the Zig Zag Mountains, southwest of Little Rock Arkansas, is a national park which is different from all others. The size, location and the attractions are unique. The park is only 5,900 acres and it is located in the busy resort city of Hot Springs. The attraction is rest and relaxation. People come to this park in great numbers each year. To bathe in the sterile mineral waters which are collected from forty-five springs and used in commercial bathhouses. Young and old alike enjoy the mineral waters, said to help people suffering from certain sicknesses. The waters must fulfill some need because people come back year after year. Many believe that Hernando De Soto was the first to enjoy these waters. Later the Indians used the springs as a neutral ground where all tribes could meet in peace. Today, it s still a great place to rest and relax. Isaac Beiermann (Science) Genevieve Schmidt (Science) Isabella Vogel (Piano) Silas Vogel (Science) Martha Costin (Science & Craft) Ryan Richert-Home School (Craft) Eddie Walters-Home School (Science) Joey Murphy (Science & Declamations) Melody Tustin (Craft) White Ribbon Winners Robert Merklinger (Science & Declamations) Genevieve Schmidt (Craft) Makena Colson (Art: Still Photography) Myles Howard (Science) All of us need to take time to rest and relax. Scripture tells us that even God himself rested from his finished work of Creation. Hot Springs National Park is one unusual place God created where we may do just that! Isaiah 28:12 also speaks of rest. God through Isaiah to his people that in his Word they would find rest and repose. God spoke to his people offering true rest for the weary, but his people refused to listen. How about you? Will you listen to God s Word? In it we find rest for our weary souls as we learn through faith in Jesus, our Lord and Savior, that all our sins are taken away. In God s Word, we also find repose as we learn how to live his way. Out of love for what God has done, we live the way he wants us to do. Through his word our sicknesses of sin and guilt are washed away. Rejoice in what God has Will Costin (Science) done for you and remain strong in his healing Word. Page Page 5 5

6 The Rock Slinger, Dinner, and Fundraiser Night Friday, April 15th, 2016 In coordination with our play night, the St. Mark PTO invites you all to dinner on Friday, April 15th from 5:00-6:30 p.m. There will be a delicious pasta bar that will serve a variety of palettes. During the dinner we will have a meat raffle, a silent auction with a buy-it-now option, and a bake sale. All the funds raised will go to furnishing our school with new desks and other needs that our new K-1st classroom will need this coming Fall! After the dinner and fundraiser event, you are all invited to join us for our student production of The Rock Slinger and His Greatest Hit starting promptly at 7:00 p.m. There will be a free will offering to assist with defraying costs for the play. What can you do to make this event successful? Invite grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, etc. to come to our fundraiser night as well as to the The Rock Slinger and His Greatest Hit. The more people, the merrier! This has been a fun and successful event for these last ten years. Help your School to make it even more successful this year!!!!! If you have questions, Lynne Costin can be reached at (402) or costin.lynne@gmail.com. You can also contact Jeremiah Drews at (402) or jeremiah.drews@stmarklincoln.org. 5th Annual St. Mark Cake Challenge St. Mark Lutheran School will be hosting the fifth annual Cake Challenge. This competition is open to St. Mark school families, members of St. Mark, Mt. Olive, St. John s, and friends of St. Mark Lutheran School. The challenge will take place at St. Mark Lutheran School on Sunday, April 10th at 12:00 p.m. The Cake Challenge will be divided into two divisions (Preschool-8th & High School-Adult). Prizes will be awarded to the most creative cake and best tasting cake in each division. Registration forms can be found in the Church foyer. Contact Mr. Drews for more information. May the best cake win!! Page 6

7 The Seasons of Our Lord -St. Mark Science Camp- Greetings Young Scientists! St. Mark Lutheran School will be hosting a four-day science camp for all students entering 3 rd through 8 th grades in the school year. During this week of discovery, we will observe and study the four seasons. We will create science journals to observe the world around us, design shelters for toads, churn our own butter, manipulate our very own gak, visit the KLKN-TV weather center, and many other interactive labs to assist young scientists in the study of the world that God has given! For the parents of these young scientists, a registration form is found on the next page. A tentative schedule for the week of May 31 st -June 3 rd is also attached to this letter. The camp will be The Seasons of Our Lord -St. Mark Science Camp- Tentative Schedule Tuesday, May 31, 2016 (Spring) 8:00-8:05 Opening Devotion 8:05-9:15 Creating a Recycled Science Journal 9:15-9:45 Science Journal Walk 9:45-10:30 The Birds and Bees of Pollination, Fertilization, and Germination 10:30-10:45 Snack 10:45-12:00 Planting Gourds and Creating a Teepee Greenhouse Thursday, June 2, 2016 (Fall) 8:00-8:05 Opening Devotion 8:05-8:30 Why do Leaves Lose Color? 8:30-9:15 Making Butter 9:15-10:15 Harvesting and Drying Fruit 10:15-10:30 Snack 10:30-12:00 Building a Bird Blind for Observing and Journaling Wednesday, June 1, 2016 (Summer) 8:00-8:05 Opening Devotion 8:05-9:00 Water Cycle/Creating Clouds 9:00-9:30Rainbow Paper 9:30-10:45 Beating the Heat/Toad House 10:45-11:00 Snack/Travel to KLKN-TV Sta- Friday, June 3, 2016 (Winter) 8:00-8:05 Opening Devotion 8:05-9:00 Frozen Chocolate Cream 9:00-9:30 Melting Ice 9:30-10:15 They do what to real Christmas Trees? 10:15-11:00 Dry Ice and Soap Bubbles 11:00-11:15 Snack Page 7

8 The Seasons of Our Lord -St. Mark Science Camp- Science Camp Registration Form: Registration Form Student s Name: Grade: Date of Birth: Address: City, State Zip Code: Phone Number: Address: Emergency Contact Name: Emergency Contact Phone Number: Known Allergies: T-Shirt Size (YS, YM, YL, AS, AM, AL): Field Trip Release: I, (parent or guardian), hereby allow my student,, to leave the campus of St. Mark Lutheran School to participate in the field trips listed in the science camp s schedule. Parent/Guardian Signature Date Registration Fee: $45 (Checks written to St. Mark Lutheran School) Mail Registration Form and Fee to: St. Mark Lutheran School Attn: Jeremiah Drews 3930 S. 19th St. Lincoln, NE Page 8

9 Sports update: Nebraska Lutheran News and Notes Track has started and is blessed with about 40 students out for the two teams. Their first meet of the year was on Thursday, March 17. Soccer has also started its season with about 25 students out for their two teams. Nebraska Lutheran has entered into a partnership with Bethany Lutheran College to provide dual-credit classes for our students. These are on-line classes that our students can take that will provide both college and high school credit to the student. We are excited at the depth this will add to our curriculum for our students. We rejoice with the Springborn family and the addition of Violet Emily on Wednesday, March 16. Violet joins big brother Josiah in a very active household. Financial update: As of the end of February, Nebraska Lutheran needs $187,000 in donations from congregations and individuals by June 30 to meet the budgeted amounts. We pray that we will be able to meet and exceed this amount! Association meeting update: The budget for the school year was approved. The approximately $1.35 million budget keeps spending levels and income at about the same amount for next year. The hope is to exceed the income amount and further pay down debt. The addition of a Mission Advancement Director was approved after much discussion; however, the position was not included in the approved budget. The board of control has been tasked with determining a way to fund this position without having an adverse effect on the budget. The speech team won the Frontier Conference competition at NELHS on Tuesday, March 8. At the district competition at Loup City on Tuesday, March 15, three individuals qualified for state. Benjamin Helwig, Allan Brenner, and Elyssa Luckinbill will compete at state on Thursday, March 24. Knight Out occurred on March 12 at Mahoney State Park. Christian fellowship and a very entertaining magician made for an enjoyable evening. Final numbers are being tallied, but it appears that the evening will again raise about $14,000 for our school. We are so thankful to everyone who supported this evening by attending, sponsoring, donating, and bidding for our school. We can t wait for next year! Upcoming events: Musical: April 7-10am, April 8-7 pm, and April 10-3pm LES track meet: May 7 Awards Night/ Commencement Concert/ Pre-Grad Party: May 13 Graduation: May am Our goal is 40 new students for next year. So far, 24 have applied (22 freshmen and 2 sophomores). Please contact Administrator Mark Otte at motte@nelhs.org or if you have a recruiting lead. Please pray for this goal. Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High School Mission Statement NELHS exists to assist parents and congregations by providing Christian training in the skills and values necessary for loyal service to Jesus Christ for time and eternity. Page 9

10 Page 10

11 St. Mark Lutheran Church 3930 S. 19th Street, Lincoln, NE (402) April 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 3 8:00 am & 10:30 am Worship with Lord s Supper 9:20 am Bible Class & Sunday School 10 8:00 am & 10:30 am Worship Service 9:20 am Bible Class & Sunday School 12:00 pm Cake Challenge 17 8:00 am & 10:30 am Worship with Lord s Supper 9:20 am Bible Class & Sunday School 24 8:00 am & 10:30 am Worship Service 9:20 am Bible Class & Sunday School 4 7:00 pm Worship with Lord s Supper 11 7:00 pm Worship Service 18 7:00 pm Worship with Lord s Supper 25 7:00 pm Worship Service 5 6 8:30 am Children s Devotion 6:00 pm Choir :30 am Children s Devotion 6:00 pm Choir :30 am Children s Devotion 6:00 pm Choir :30 am Children s Devotion 6:00 pm Choir 7 6:30 am Bible Study 7:00 pm Ladies Aid 7:00 pm BIC 14 6:30 am Bible Study 7:00 pm BIC 21 6:30 am Bible Study 7:00 pm BIC 28 6:30 am Bible Study 7:00 pm BIC Children s Devotion is on Wednesday mornings at 8:30 am. Anyone who would like to join us is always welcome. 1 Snow Removal: Gary Mundt 8 Snow Removal: Dave Remmers 15 Snow Removal: Josh Van Egmond 5:00 pm-6:30 pm Dinner, Fundraiser 7:00 pm Play 22 Snow Removal: Nate Workentine Pastor Joel Vogel (740) joel.vogel@stmarklincoln.org 2 Church Cleaning: Sec. 1 Wiles Sec. 2 Tustin Sec. 3 Workentine 2:00 pm Pinewood Derby 9 Church Cleaning: Sec. 1 Witt Sec. 2 Hussman 16 Church Cleaning: Sec. 1 Duffield Sec. 2 Dahlke Sec. 3 Daharsh 23 Church Cleaning: Sec. 1 Dorn Sec. 2 Drews Sec. 3 Baumann Church Cleaning: Sec. 1 N. Flood Sec. 2 Dinges Sec. 3 R. Gartzke Page 11

12 St. Mark Church & School: (402) S. 19th Street, Lincoln, NE Elders Officer Family Nurture: Blake Baumann President: Larry Hans Adult Nurture: Bryan Hodges Vice President: Mark Schwede Outreach: Tyson Martin Secretary: Tim Hans Support: Ben Schroeder School: Curt Jamison Church Staff Worship: James Mullen Pastor Joel Vogel Teacher: Jeremiah Drews Teacher: Eva Van Egmond Administrative Assistant Carolyn Schwede April Duties Greeters: Dwayne & Dorothy Burianek (E), Pam & Tom Bork(L) Ushers: Larry Hans, Tyson Martin (E), Rich Beltz, James Mullen (L) Bulletin Folders: Amy Gartzke Finance Committee: Brenda Ripa Communion Ware Cleaners:1 st Garrett Mundt (E), Jeff Schmidt (L), Shut Ins: Bill Ellsworth 3 rd Mark Schwede (E) Pam Bork (L) St. Mark Sunday School Teachers Pre School: Marlys Parde Lower grades: 1 & 2 Mandy Krushenisky / Susan & Katey Rehm Middle grades: 3 & 4 Mel Soyk Upper grades: Jean Riegsecker Page 12