DISCOVERING GOD S LOVE Newsletter of Atonement Lutheran Church of Wesley Chapel

Transcription

1 The pastors taking down the Z Leah, assisted by Cindy, carrying sins from the cross into the sanctuary the cross on which Marcia burning the sins people s sins will be nailed Caring Ministry s Easter Baskets and Prayer Shawls Youth and the Holy Week boxes they made Future choir member Youth cookingburgers and hot dogs Jan, with proud Dick and Bitsy here, Philippa ("Pippa") Rose McDonald, at the WELCA Spring Bazaar won the Chili Cook-off. Yummy! Kuzmenkos newest granddaughter

2 DISCOVERING GOD S LOVE Newsletter of Atonement Lutheran Church of Wesley Chapel State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL Telephone: (813) Website: Volume 1, Issue 4 April 2016 Ruby L. Agnir, editor EASTERTIDE ISSUE Staff : Photographs Karen Erickson, Brenda Lenz, Su Lindner, Tamika James, Fred Agnir Webpage Scott Giesking Circulation Kay Edwards Go and tell them that I have risen as I said. a chat with the pastor Ask, and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you, then, who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him? -- Matthew 7:7-11 God s people pray. Like a newborn infant taking its first breath, when faith is born within us, so is prayer. Knowing that God is there and that we are God s, how can our spirit do anything else but reach out to the Lord. Then why is it that prayer seems so hard for so many? Why is it so awkward, why a struggle to know how to start? Why does it so often seem like nothing s happening, or that our prayers are left unanswered? Questions arise, like: Why bother to pray when God already knows everything? or God s going to do what God s going to do, so what s the point? Author Henri Nouwen acknowledges that prayer is no easy matter The resistance to praying is like the resistance of tightly clenched fists. This image shows the tension, the desire to cling tightly to yourself, a greediness which betrays fear. The story about an old woman brought to a psychia-tric center exemplifies an attitude. She was wild, swinging at everything in sight and scaring everyone so much that the doctors had to take very thing away from her. But there was one small coin which she gripped in her fist and would not give up. In fact, it took two men to pry open that squeezed hand. It was as though she would lose her very self along with the coin. If they deprived

3 her of that last possession, she would, she would have nothing more, and be nothing more. That was her fear. When we are invited to pray we are asked to open our tightly clenched fists and to give up our last coin. But who wants to do that? Henri Nouwen: With Open Hands I m sure the disciples prayed that Jesus would be saved from the disaster that took place in Jerusalem when He was betrayed, arrested, tried, tortured, humiliated and crucified. And yet it happened anyway. But with the empty tomb and the surprising appearance of their Lord among them, it was clear that God had heard their prayers and responded in a way totally unexpected -- totally beyond anything they could have hoped for. Easter is all about building faith, overcoming fear, and unclenching our fists. The disciples eventually discovered that the empty tomb was a sign of hope, not fear. As they began to encounter the Risen Jesus, they slowly realized that the pain and struggle of His death was all part of a greater blessing. As we realize that God is actually present in and around us, working with us and through us and sometimes against us (at least against those things which are trying to keep us bound up), we open up to the life of discipleship. We become more and more willing to follow Jesus, to trust God, and to pray. So welcome to the amazing world of prayer. Prayer can be conversation, can be words out-loud or internalized, and can be silent meditation or contemplation beyond words. Prayer can be motivated by desperate need, longing and concern, joy and hope, or the simple heartfelt gratitude for the blessing of a single moment. There are countless ways to pray, all of which lead us towards perceiving the divine aspect of things. Praying is faith in practice, growing out of our confidence in an unseen God who loves us. This month we are offering a 4-week class called Prayer: Faith in Practice. If you d like to get familiar with what prayer is, get a wider perspective on ways to pray, or just become more comfortable with praying (out-loud or otherwise), then this class may be just what you re looking for. Please come join us Wednesdays at 7pm, starting April 13. Imagine a marriage where a spouse never communicates with their partner, or a child who never says a word to their parent. Just as unthinkable is a Christian who doesn t pray. Our Living Lord is longing to hear from you. Take some time today to say Hello to God. Peace, Pastor Scott Atonement Worship Services: 8:30 a.m. Morning Glory Service 10:00 a.m. Traditional Service Atonementlutheran.net office@be-at-1.org

4 TAMPA CONFERENCE SPRING GATHERING Come meet your local Lutheran neighbors at the 2016 Tampa conference Spring Gathering On April 2, you are invited to the annual Spring get-together of ourtampa Bay area ELCA congregations. We will begin at 9:30 am with worship, then conduct some business, hear from a local Muslim leader, and view and discuss an exclusive clip from the documentary Paper Tigers (check it out at papertigersmovie.com ). We will finish up around noon and share some lunch before heading home. Join us at Atonement Lutheran Church, State Rd. 54 in Wesley Chapel, 1.75 miles east of I-75, between Saddlebrook Resort and Vandine Rd. 9:30am Worship with communion 9:50am Tampa conference business Conference elections: Chairperson and Treasurer Treasurer's report: Dispersal of Conference funds 10:45am Greetings from Imam Junaid Khan 11:00am Introduction to ACES with Grace Maselli 11:10am Paper Tigers clip and discussion 12 noon Lunch (freewill offering) Attachments "We will share what we have, We will do what we can until we no longer exist here." Margarita Romo Executive Director Farmworkers Self-Help, Inc Calle de Milagros Dade City, FL (352) romo1936@gmail.com (See flyers on the last pages of this newsletter.) from the Church Office The office would like to thank everyone for their patience involving the directory. A couple of weeks ago, I passed out the directory and asked all of you to look it over to see if all the address information was correct. The office had good feedback on the corrections and all the info was updated. Easter Sunday I had the final copy of the directory ready to pass out. If you did not get the newest directory, please come to the office or, on worship Sunday, it will be available in the Narthex on the table. When you get the corrected copy, please throw away the previous one. Thank you so much and God Bless. Kay Edwards, Office Manager From the Treasurer CESAR CHAVEZ DAY If you had not heard, Farmworkers Self- Help is hosting a Cesar Chavez Day celebration. See flyers on the last page. We hope to see you there. This is to thank you for your generous support of our mission and ministry at Atonement and let you know where our finances are at the end of February By looking at our monthly giving patterns in 2014 & 2015, we have set some monthly

5 Giving Goals for the year to stay on target with our 2016 budget. Our Goal for January was $20,563 and the Actual giving was $21,404 and expenses were $17,217. Our Goal for February was $20,830 and the Actual giving was $20,977 and our expenses were 19,752. Glory to God! Our Goal for March is $26,705. Our Goal for April is $24,302. Since the goals were set by using both 2014 & 2015 figures, some months may be higher than others based on the trend of giving for those years. It's important to know that these Giving Goals are simply to help us reach our budget goals. We continue to raise funds to cover the cost of our new building, and for other special projects. You should also be aware that the General Fund is still behind because of carry-over from Because we didn't meet our budget the previous 2 years, a deficit of $21,554 still remains. Every dollar of regular giving we receive beyond our operating expenses helps to reduce this deficit. Thanks again for your offerings and prayers. Carol Rothgeb, Treasurer Smile again For those members who did not get photos taken last year with the directory company -- you have a chance to get a photo done for the picture directory. I have the following dates & times available for those who want to get one done. Tues.MARCH 29 4:30p, 5:30p Sat. APRIL 2 1:30p, 4p, 4:30p, 5p, 5:30p, 6p, 6:30pSun.APRIL3 2:30p, 3p, 5p, 5:30p, 6p, 6:30p, 7p, 7:30p I need to know ASAP to get you scheduled. can be reached at (813) or sslindner70@gmail.com Thank you- Su Lindner I Caring Ministry Karen Erickson Chair We hope that all of you who participated in the 40 Days of Kindness for this Lenten season felt the presence of God s love. While we do acts of kindness every day, it is nice to focus and look at the people around us in a new way and to open our hearts and eyes. All people are in need of kindness and all people can act in love and kindness towards others. Kindness is contagious.... Pass it on. On Saturday, February 27, three of our members attended the Stephen Ministry Workshop at the Methodist Church in Tampa. It was an amazing workshop and we are very excited about the possibility of developing this ministry at Atonement Lutheran Church. On March 3 and 4, ten members of our church attended the Real Ideas Conference held at Vandyke Church in Lutz. Five of the attendees were on the Caring Ministry Team. The classes were from 9 am until 4 pm and over the two-day period, the 10 of us were able to attend 27 different workshops. It was an opportunity to talk to others about what is going on in their churches and to learn additional ways to help our members and make our church stronger. It was a wonderful opportunity. We were able to again deliver Easter baskets to our members who are homebound or in assisted living. They enjoyed the goodies, including the chocolate, but most of all; they appreciated being remembered by the members of their Church. We continue to visit with our

6 members who are homebound, in assisted living and/or rehab facilities, or are in the hospital for procedures. If you are aware of a member who could benefit from a visit, please contact the Caring Ministry Team. We will be participating in Ministry Fair Sunday on April 24. It will be an opportunity to share information on what the Caring Ministry Team has been doing, what we hope to be able to accomplish in the future and to encourage you to become a part of this uplifting and much needed ministry. Caring Ministry provides these services Caregiver assistance, assistance with meals, transportation, visitations, homebound communion -- to help our members Through unexpected, difficult times on an as-needed basis. If you know of anyone who needs our help, please let Karen Erickson or Pastor know. We have a great team, but as we our expanding the services we provide, we continue to encourage additional people to become a part of this exciting ministry. We meet once a month. Our next meeting is April 22 at 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Please join us! Furthermore, the ministry members worked diligently to prepare for the Spring Bazaar held on March 12th. We now have a Hispanic Outreach Ministry brochure and exhibition materials including pictures of tutors and students, so everyone can see the participants. Also, several students donated typical Hispanic goodies: flan, tres leches, rice pudding and more. Most were sold the same day. In order to let the community share in our mission, we are planning to participate in the upcoming visit of the Tampa Conference Colleagues and Congregations -- Spring Gathering. Blessings to all! Alice Deyne, chair God sent his Singers upon earth With songs of sadness and of mirth, That they might touch the hearts of men, And bring them back to heaven again. ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Music Corner Choir Director Hispanic Outreach Ministry We have been quite busy this month. In addition to having such a good turnout for our early, Thursday, 10:00a.m. class, the Thursday evening (6:00 p.m.) class continues to get new students, thanks to Jan Gerle s excellent leadership. Eastertide, 50 days between Easter and Whitsuntide begins April 2016, being the first month after Easter. Whitsuntide then begins with Whitsunday, the seventh Sunday after Easter, and is celebrated as the festival in commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. During Eastertide, it is apropos that we think back on Easter and what messages it

7 brings. The apostle Paul emphasized the importance of the event when he wrote: If Christ has not been raised (from the dead), then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless... if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17 NLT) As one theologian says: The HISTORICAL fact of the resurrection is the very basis for the truth of Christianity. Truly, the belief in Jesus rising from the dead is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. We do not worship a dead Lord, crucified and buried. We worship the Living Christ! At least I do, and I sincerely hope we all do. You ask me how I know He lives." He lives within my heart! So declares an old hymn I had learned when a child. The fulfilling of this mission of Jesus, Who was sent by His Father to take our place for the death penalty, brings several messages in addition to expressing the greatest love of laying down oneself for others. I d like to dwell on a special one. Christ's resurrection elevated the worth of women. "Women cannot and should not be ministers, should not preach the gospel," say the more conservative Christians, because the Bible says only men can be ministers. (I ask, Where does it say that? ) And, why did Jesus as the risen Christ appear first to a woman, Mary Magdalene? Jesus surely knew the strength of Mary's faith and devotion -- AND her ability to "preach" the truth. After Jesus body was brought to Joseph of Arimathea s brand-new tomb in his property, the stone was rolled to the mouth of the tomb to seal it. And yet three days after, Jesus steps out of the tomb -- as He had said He would. He says to the weeping Mary Magdalene, "Child, it is I. I am here." When she recognized him, she reached out to touch him, but He told her to let go, and instead find the disciples and tell them He was risen from the dead. Because of this mission given to her by Jesus, the Eastern churches named Mary Magdalene Apostle to the Apostles. Her famous words I ve just seen Jesus! I tell you He s alive! are the heart of the anthem that our choir sang this Easter, and a few times more in past Easters. I ve just seen Jesus, and I ll never be the same again. When they sang it, the choir carried the message more naturally when they subtly said to each other as they sang, I ve just seen Jesus; I tell you He s alive. The members who just stood there, not mirroring what the others were doing, symbolized those people who at first did not believe. The use of this theatrical device comes from the fact that the choir has a retired theater director for their choir director. Sometimes unusual ways are needed to project an incredible message to others, like one of awesome wonder. And then when this particular message has been accepted by everyone comes the proclamation, I ve just seen Jesus! I tell you He s alive! excitedly shouted to all who hear. "Child, it is I. I am here." May we, the weeping Mary Magdalenes and doubting Thomases of today, hear His voice, too, and joyfully realize that indeed He has risen and is here with us for always. Amen and Amen. (Editor s note: This article is loosely based on the chapter, Christ Is Risen Indeed! from Ruby s book, upward beyond the brim, published in You are welcome to own a copy of this book, donating the payment of $15 to Atonement s Building Fund, or any other Atonement Church fund you desire.)

8 A Note from Your Pantry We, Carla Haberland & Yvette Williams, operate the Helping Hands Food Pantry every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. All who help out are volunteers and all food is donated to the food pantry. The community (private citizens, stores, other religious organizations, Post Office, community groups etc.) have gotten behind us 100% and we are so blessed to have the backing that we have. We are also a community partner with DCF and assist people in filing for food stamps, Medicaid, and temporary cash assistance. This program is called ACCESS and currently staffed by Cindy Zirkler & Marcia Weil. WANTED: Volunteers for letter carrier food drive on May 14. Thank you. Yvette M. Williams Assistant Director Carla Haberland Director Prayer Ministry Group Forgive me for how tightly I hold on to the blessings in my life. I am too cautious in my giving. Along the way I have forgotten that it is a gift of sacrifice. It is an offering without strings. An expression of your Grace. Prayer Ministry had an information table at the Spring Bazaar where we sold cross bookmarks made by Carole Reams and distributed our prayer tri-fold and prayer cards. This information and more will be available at our prayer table on Ministry Sunday April 24. Please take time to stop and share your ideas, ask questions or join our group. The Prayer Ministry Group meets the 3 rd Friday of each month at 10 am at my home. These monthly meetings dedicate time for private prayer for persons dealing in crisis and discussion of ideas to promote prayer resources and ideas to expand individual and group prayer. A prayer list is updated each month for individual private prayer time each day. If you would like prayers included in this list and not on the church prayer list, please contact me. Remember there is a prayer box in the narthex for you to share a prayer request for our group prayer list. Lola Lambert, chair Women of Atonement The Spring Bazaar was a success even though the number attending was less than last year. Baked goods and raffle baskets were a hit. WELCA will have a table at the Ministry Fair on April 24, so please stop by and learn more about who we are and our mission. We have begun planning our Annual Spring Tea. Mark your calendar for Sat. May 7. - An Old Fashioned Victorian Tea. This is a special dress up day with great food super decorations laughter fellowship. Start designing your Spring

9 Bonnet to wear. Prizes for most original zaniest and more. All women (and men) are invited. On-going ministries are Yarns for Love knitters and crocheters welcome. Instruction is also given to those just learning these crafts. Bible Study- 3 rd Thursday of each month, Fellowship Sunday the 2 nd Sunday of each month following the 10am service, WELCA meetings - 2nd Sat. of each month at 10am. Calendar for April April 4 - Yarns of Love - 1pm April 9 General Meeting 10am April 10 - Fellowship Sunday 12 noon Join us for light lunch April 21 Bible Study 10am at the Lamberts April 21 Yarns of Love 1pm April 24 Ministry Fair 10 am service All Atonement women are members of our Woman s Fellowship. Each meeting has coffee and refreshments and we are planning on having a short program at most meetings. Please join us. We would love your participation and suggestions on how we can improve our ministry to the congregation and the women of our church. Salli Conover and Lola Lambert Co-Chairs Social Concerns Jean Jakes, Chair BABY SHOWER Thanks to all who helped, donated and prayed for the Baby Shower in February. The next Baby Shower will be June 25th -- a Saturday, 10 AM at Rez Park. Two nice strollers were donated before Easter. Thanks. Gently used items in good shape are greatly needed and appreciated by the mothers-to-be. ****************************** Have a good trip back north for those of you who will be leaving us soon. Be safe and we'll be looking forward for your return! As you get ready to leave, don't forget things you can do before you go [I don't mean throwing the breaker on the hot water heater, though you should]. Paper goods -- bring all that stuff that has been sitting about; newspapers, old phone books, those old HMO books and throw them into the paper dumpster here at Church. If it is going to be outdated by the time you return, why does it need to sit at your place? Food goods -- Is there something in your kitchen cabinets that is going to be past its sell-by/best-by date? Take it to the food pantry. Spring cleaning in the kitchen! Contact lists -- Remember to take a copy of the Church directory with you. yourself a list of your addresses [Church and friends]. If something happens to your laptop on the way up, you get another laptop and can get into your and find that information.

10 yourself a link to the streaming church service too so you can be with us even when you are away. Practical -- along with all the other things you do when you leave, take a few pictures of the house, inside and out, in case there is a bad storm or hurricane. Recent pictures work better with your insurance agent than the ones taken two years ago. Remember, we will miss you and come back soon! Youth Ministry The Easter flowers are ordered. This year there will be Lilies, Gardenias, and Azaleas. What a beautiful selection to celebrate our risen Lord! Easter is also our Annual Pancake Breakfast. We will give an update on how it went in next month s news letter. This month we will be going to see the movie God s Not Dead 2. Dates and times will be announced in the bulletin. April 24 will be Youth Sunday. So be sure to bring your loose change for the noisy offering! Next youth meeting will be April 23 rd unless otherwise notified. Brenda Lenz Youth Leader Congratulations to Jan Gerle as she was the winner of February s Chili Cook Off. We want to thank all those who took the time to make the delicious chili and to thank those who stayed to taste and vote on it! Jan won a $25 gift certificate to Chili s restaurant, an Atonement t-shirt and a cute trophy! We raised $161. March was a busy month for the youth as they worked the WELCA Bazaar cooking/selling hot dogs and Hamburgers chips and drinks. They did a great job taking each vendor s orders and delivering to them as well. At our youth meeting in March we made Holy week boxes. These boxes had an activity and scripture foe each day of the week starting with Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday and can be used year after year. Of course they will need to add fresh chocolate coins each year. We were also able to have some game time on the air hockey table. What fun! Who says you only play with one puck at a time? BIRTHDAYS 4/04 Gamble, Mark 4/05 Gamble, Jane 4/10 Skinner, Victoria 4/14 Schlichting, Harley 4/14 Howell, Marilyn 4/15 Lenz, Nicholas 4/16 Patten, Heather 4/17 Lyle, Jean 4/20 Skinner, Traci 4/21 Hendry, James 4/24 Sumner, James 4/26 Scott, Sandy 4/28 Hvizdos, Edward

11 ANNIVERSARIES 4/05/1980 Martin, Terry & Cindy 4/11/2015 Miller, Richard & Caitlyn 4/13/1984 Rymer, Reuben & Chris 4/16/1994 Matos, Mary & Wil Rivera 4/18/2009 Latson, Shad & Sally 4/21/1968 Jefts, Earle & Cheryl 4/22/2006 Guthke, John & Maureen 4/25/1992 Hatlem, Phil & Cherie 4/28/1961 Agnir, Fred & Ruby Your Team Ministries Pastor: Rev. Scott Lindner (813) Choir Director: Ruby Agnir (813) Keyboardist: Ken Hanks (813) Praise Team Leader: Ken Watts (813) Volunteer Office Staff: Office Manager: Kay Edwards Mondays: Kay Edwards (813) Tuesdays: Alice Bowers (813) (Oct.-May) Tuesdays: DeeDee Schlichting (813) Wednesdays: Kay Edwards (813) Thursdays: Cherie Hatlem (813) Fridays: Carol Rothgeb (813) Council President: Laurie Chiaramonte (813) VicePresident: Doug Ungerer (813) Secretary: Jan Gerle (813) Treasurer: Carol M. Rothgeb (813) Financial Secretary: Jamie Bartell (813) Members: Kay Edwards (813) Robin Frank (904) (cp) Paul Bartell (813) Julie Kaufmann (813) Pastor Scott (813) (cp) Youth Member: Heather Patten (813) Young Adult Member: Caitlyn Miller (813) Church Ministries: Time & Talent Coordinator: Cherie Hatlem Women s Group: Lola Lambert (WELCA) Salli Conover Technology: Scott Giesking Fellowship: Iris Aeppel Outreach: Detlev Aeppel Property: Bill Anderson Stewardship: Fitzroy Williams Worship & Music: Suzi Morgan Acolytes: Marcia Weil Nursery Coordinator: Social Concerns: Jean Jakes Building Team: Terry Martin Caring Ministry: Karen Erickson Stephen s Ministry?? Helping Hands Food Pantry: Carla Haberland Yvette Williams Newsletter: Ruby Agnir Prayer Ministry ( In God s Hands ): Lola Lambert Youth Group: Brenda Lenz Hispanic Outreach: Alice Deyne Christian Education: Jan Gerle Columbarium: Detlev Aeppel Tree of Life: Barb Turner Parish Nurse: Senior Ministry: Marcia Weil Disability Ministry: Marcia Weil Thoughts to Ponder Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. - Judy Garland Christians should never fail to sense the operation of an angelic glory. It forever eclipses the world of demonic powers, as the sun does a candle's light. - Beverly Sills Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. - Mark Twain

12 2. (from Margarita Remo) This is self-explanatory, yes? Flyers 1. (from Marcia) 1. (from Marcia) 3. (from Marcia) 2. (from Marcia) 2 2. (from Margarita Romo)

13 3. (from Marcia) More Thoughts to Ponder Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness. ~Floyd W. Tomkins To most men only the cessation of the miracle would be miraculous and the perpetual exercise of God's power seems less wonderful than its withdrawal would be." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Let every man and woman count himself immortal. Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection. Let him say not merely, "Christ is risen," but "I shall rise." ~Phillips Brook