Maundy Thursday April 5, :00 pm. Good Friday April 6, The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Sunday April 8, :15 & 10:30 am

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1 The M essenger Maundy Thursday April 5, :00 pm Three Days Good Friday April 6, 2012 Noon & 7:00 pm From the Latin for commandment, Maundy Thursday completes our Lenten discipline. The extended confession of Ash Wednesday finally finds absolution here, moves us in our mission to serve others, and leads us onward into Jesus betrayal and death. A continuation of the celebration from Maundy Thursday, where the altar was stripped of all its furnishings and linen, Good Friday now draws us to focus on Jesus and his cross: readings of the Passion of Our Lord, Bidding Prayer, and meditation on the cross. The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Sunday April 8, :15 & 10:30 am The climax of our celebration The Resurrection of Our Lord abounds in imagery evoking responses deep within us: slavery and freedom, baptism and eucharist, creation and redemption, death and life. A celebration of the life and the mystery of God s good news for us in Jesus Christ. April Palm/Passion Sunday 8:15 am and 10:30 am April 1, 2012 In This Issue... Deaconess Note 2 President s Word 3 Assisting in Worship 4 Calendar 5 Happenings 6 Pastor s Word 7

2 The Messenger is published monthly, and unless otherwise noted, all content is 2010 St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church. A Word from Our Deaconess April Grace to you all, I want to take this time to thank everyone for your Prayers and cards during my recent recuperation, it is great to know that God is working through all of my church family in our daily lives. I want to thank those who has filled in for me and have assisted in helping Pastor at the Altar, and everyone who has used their gift in serving our congregation. I will be coming back to help with Assisting Minister, and Visitation, but I will have some of our new Assistants who are willing to help fill in on Sundays, and give their gifts to us. I want to take this time and express my concern about those who have decided to stay away from the church because of someone leaving, If you feel this church is your church then you need to know the head of this church is our Lord, and we are there to serve him and support each other at all times. I know there are times we don t all agree on things, but I m sure we can all agree that God is the center of our lives, and he is the one leading us to do what is right. I want to say that if you have Faith in God, then you know our lives change all the time, but we get through it with the help of God, and so I ask all of you who have thought of leaving and not doing some of the volunteering is it God s choice or yours? I hope all of you will consider taking the time to pray about your decisions and let God lead you to find ways in joining one another in your serving him by taking the time to give back what he has given you. I know there are things we don t always like, but that is part of life, if we just ask for God s help we will get it, maybe not the way we want but the way it is best for us. We need to tend to our elderly, and be aware of their needs, and we need to be ready when someone is not able to help to fill in, in any capacity we can, be there for those who are struggling right now and help them to heal. As one of my Pastors said, until next time KEEP SMILING EVERY CHANCE YOU GET. Yours in Christ, Pat Belanger, Deaconess Broward County Mummers Concert $ $50.00 Marie Corrin Rosie & Jim Fennelli Kelly & Carol Jacobson Natalie & Joe Prego Eric & Lisa Castaneda Jan & Bud Danker On Fat Tuesday, February 21, 2012, the Broward County Mummers came to entertain us with their music and beautiful costumes. There was singing and dancing by everyone. What a great time! The Worshipping Commission wants to thank Eric Castaneda, Marie Corrin, John Kelly, Ron Legendre, Kathy Runk, the Women s Group and all those who supported us by being there and especially to the following sponsors: In Christ, Patricia Belanger & Rosie Rennelli

3 From Council President Blessings to all, At the Annual Congregational meeting in February, I made an announcement that we would be looking at how we do everything here at St. Stephen to see where we could make any changes to help us improve. I just want to give a brief update of how we are doing with that. On Sunday 3/4/12 we held the first of several town hall meetings to openly discuss any ideas or issues that the attendees had. About 25 people attended and we had a very productive session. Many topics were covered and several good ideas were exchanged. Some of the topics ranged from going back to one service to incorporating more recognizable hymns to the traditional service. One suggestion that was brought up was that it would be helpful for members to park in front during service and evening meetings to show activity to those who pass by on 14 th street. I am happy to announce that the following Sunday and at our commission meeting Tuesday night, the parking lot was ¾ full. A reminder to invite your friends and neighbors to church was also given. Someone also brought up the idea to add a suggestion box in the Narthex. I am also happy to announce that the following Sunday, a suggestion box was put in the Narthex and we have already received a few suggestions to look at. I cannot promise that all suggestions will be implemented, but I will promise that all suggestions will be looked at and reviewed by council or the appropriate commission. Please use this as a tool to help us to improve. We will be having another town hall meeting sometime in April to continue our previous discussions, so keep an eye out in the bulletin or connection cards for dates and times. In closing, one of the biggest topics discussed was the volunteer workforce that we have to implement the many desires and suggestions of the congregation. Personally, I believe that this is the single biggest need we have here at our church. Currently, most of the commissions we have are either undermanned or not manned at all. Most of the people currently on the commissions are the people already serving in many other areas of the church. If you are willing to help out, please contact the office or somebody on council. 1 Peter 4:10 tell us: As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. April Thank you for continually praying for us and helping us to continue to do God s work. John Kelly, Council President Quilt Sunday: Threads of Love quilting group The dedicated workers of our quilting group, now in existence for over 24 years, have had a very good year. This past year we have made 524 quilts making a total since 1990(when we started count) 15,964! Our group includes helpers from St. Stephen and also people from other churches in the area who do such a wonderful service for the homeless, shut-ins and those in nursing homes. Come join us on Wednesdays from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon. Lynn Vatral, leader

4 Assistants April April 5 - Maundy Thursday 7pm Reader Carol Jacobson Psalm 22 Marie Corrin Usher & Altar Care Bud & Jan Danker Eric Castaneda Carol Jacobson April 6 - Good Friday 7pm Lector Anne Swoboda Readers 1 - Anne Swoboda 2 - Rosie Fennelli 3- Natalie Prego 4 - Marie Corrin 5 - Carol Jacobson Birthdays Steven Searles 4/6 Josefine Richter 4/7 Christian Hecker 4/8 Michael Kellington 4/8 Kathleen Schutt 4/10 Benjamin Lewis 4/13 Andrew Quina 4/15 Victoria Tompkins 4/15 Jim Loggins 4/16 Callie Leone 4/17 Marie Koach 4/20 Vinnie McGuinness 4/22 Michael Ajakie 4/23 continued on next page

5 April 2012 Events April George Cruz 4/28 Corrine Apoian 4/29 Jane Reinhold 4/29 Trenner Tompkins 4/29 Anniversaries Paul & Linda Hanzlik 4/10 Patrick & Jane Bracken 4/22 Upcoming Dates to Remember April 1 Palm Sunday April 11,18,25 Wednesday Night Program April 5 Maundy Thursday April 6 Good Friday April 8 Easter Sunday April 10 Commissions April 24 Council May 4-6 Synod Assembly, Orlando I would like to thank everyone for the visits, cards, phone calls and prayers during my recent health issue. Larry Jones

6 Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show For the first time, men of St. Stephen s modeled fashions from Martone Men s Wear in Pompano Beach. Bud Danker, Eric Castaneda, and Michael Davis wowed the ladies at the 2012 Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show held at Galuppi s on March 10. Ladies of the church, Lynn Antill, Maria Kelly, Judi Dooge, Suzanne Loggins, Pam Ajake and Barbara Schultes wore the latest fashions by Patchington from the Lakeside Shops in Pompano Beach. Jean Luedde narrated the show with tidbits of delight about each model. April Photo by Larry Williams EASTER PLANTS: Once again St. Stephen will have an array of Easter Plants on Easter Sunday. Sponsor a plant in honor, in memory or in celebration of a loved one by sending in your order or filling out an order form on Sunday. Orders will be taken until April 1st, cost as last year $ Help make our altar area beautiful and still have a plant to take home after the late service on Easter morning. From Our Commissions We have six working commissions in our church: Administering, Evangelizing, Nurturing, Socializing, Stewarding, and Worshipping. All of them are looking for your input for the programs and projects of our church. Please join the next commission meeting (of your choice) on April 10 at 7 pm. For descriptions about each commission, see the Bylaws of our Constitution. Extra copies are on the table in the Narthex. Nurturing Commission: Children s Easter activities 9:30 a.m. on Sunday April 8, 2012 in the Fellowship Hall. Refreshments will be served. A Youth Group is being formed and help is needed. More information to follow. Worshipping Commission: A quarterly meeting is being planned for all persons currently serving or who are interested in serving on Altar Care to discuss our current procedures and ask for suggestions for improvements.

7 The Christian Story From our Pastor Christ is risen! And the people say: He is risen indeed! That is the proclamation of us Christians in three words Christ is risen. Three little words you would think it d be easy enough to get the word out, but it hasn t. Not even from the start. Three years of healings, miracles, and teachings, and the whole thing with Jesus seemed to end in disaster for the twelve disciples. They left everything to follow at his word, then tragedy and ruin crucifixion And the followers of Jesus responded in fear, confusion, ignorance and disbelief. The women taking spices to the tomb went there to anoint a corpse, not witness a resurrection. When Mary Magdalene saw the empty tomb she supposed that someone had stolen the body. Finally convinced otherwise Mary Magdalene and the other women run with the good news to the disciples Christ is risen they had seen the risen Lord, And the response of the disciples? Well, they did not believe it. Luke account puts it more bluntly: But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. In fear, the disciples gather behind locked doors. And Thomas continues to be the most read about doubter in all literature. But then something happened. God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are witnesses declares Acts and the world was turned upside down. For the early Christians, following the risen Jesus meant just one thing: to know him and the power of his resurrection. (read Philippians for this and other gems) God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are witnesses declares Acts and the world was turned upside down. The Apostles were convinced of the good news of God in raising Jesus from the dead. But it was not so with everyone who heard the message. Some religious authorities were greatly disturbed by this news. Early on they said Jesus body was simply carried off so this conspiracy could spread. Steven was stoned to death, and believers in Jerusalem were persecuted. Herod executed James and imprisoned Peter. Paul s preaching provoked jeering crowds, disturbances, and even riots in the street. Paul had to defend himself in court concerning his cleverly invented story, and was even told he was out of his mind. There is nothing new about doubting Jesus resurrection. Christ is risen! I love Easter. After two thousand years of institutional failures, grotesque betrayals, familiarity that breeds casual contempt, idiotic counterfeits, and watering down the heady wine of the Gospel, Easter calls us back to the good new message of God. And what, exactly, is the message? Christ is risen. God raised Jesus from the dead, and by raising him, God defeated sin, death and all evil. The implications are radical and complete. Anticipation displaces dread. Regret gives way to equanimity. Cynicism vanishes before joy. Purpose overcomes futility. Reconciliation overtakes estrangement. Peace calms disquiet and distraction. Creativity banishes boredom. Death gives way to life, darkness to light, fear to confidence, anxiety to calm, and despair to hope. The fulfillment of your hopes, dreams, desires and wishes coming not from the human heart turned in on itself in sin, but coming now from the very heart of God. The Easter message shatters and subverts conventional human wisdom. We will, in fact, cheat death. Play can be more important, even more sacred, than work. The physical, material world is not all that exists. For all the many gifts that science has given us, it is not always the best way to know the world, or even the only way to know the world. Knowledge is a gift and a pleasure, but love is more powerful still. If you listen carefully, this three word message speaks more elegantly and relevantly to our human condition than does the latest revelations from the government (whatever the administration) or the talking heads words, words, words from CNN and Fox. Wealth and power look impressive, but they can disfigure what it means to be truly human. Read the Bible in addition to the current news stories if you want the real news. Christ is Risen! These words call to us in wonder and joy as we move (in symbol, in ritual, and in reality) from Lent to Easter, from the call to repentance to the announcement of absolution, from darkness to light, from self-consuming sin to the new life of Christ s resurrection. Christ is risen! And because he is, so are we. April

8 Non Profit Org. U. S. Postage Paid Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2500 NE 14th Street Causeway Pompano Beach, FL Permit No Address Service Requested Encouraging and strengthening faith in Jesus, and sharing the joy of God s love. Sunday Worship Schedule Traditional Liturgy at 8:15 a.m. Sunday School for Adults and Children at 9:30 a.m. Contemporary Service at 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion is celebrated weekly Church Staff Robert F. Beicke, Pastor pastor@ststephenlutheran.net Patricia Belanger, Deaconess - deaconess@ststephenlutheran.net Kathy Runk, Secretary secretary@ststephenlutheran.net Ron Legendre, Environmental Engineer sexton@ststephenlutheran.net Congregation Council John Kelly, President: councilpresident@ststephenlutheran.net Natalie Prego, Vice-President Carol Jacobson, Secretary Eric Castaneda Treasurer Mike Ajakie Sera Butz Diana Dubman Jason Elo Robert Reinhold Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday 2500 NE 14th Street Causeway, Pompano Beach, Florida, Tele: Fax: All rights reserved.