The Tomb Is a Victory Symbol

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April 2015 Vol. 60 No.4 The Tomb Is a Victory Symbol During the Lenten season we are focusing on different crosses.

Rightly so because Jesus no longer laid in the tomb. He was NOT to be found in the tomb! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

{4} We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live

Does the Empty Tomb have to be a victory symbol only for Christians? Paul wrote (Philippians 1:21f), "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. If we are separated from the body then we, Christians, are with our Lord in paradise.

My tomb is not a blind alley. It is a thoroughfare. It closes in the twilight to open in the dawn.

Paul went on to write, But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

It is true that the empty tomb is a victory symbol only to Christians, that why it is imperative that we remain in the flesh so that Christ love can shine through us

1 April 2015 Vol. 60 No.4 The Tomb Is a Victory Symbol During the Lenten season we are focusing on different crosses. At the close of the Lenten season is the result of what took place on the Cross of Calvary : the EMPTY TOMB. At Easter time the Empty Tomb is a sign of victory and joy. Rightly so because Jesus no longer laid in the tomb. He was NOT to be found in the tomb! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! The empty tomb is a reminder of our victory over death. " Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? {4} We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:3-4 NIV). While the cross is the most recognizable symbol in the world. The Empty Tomb is a greatest resurrection symbol. Does the Empty Tomb have to be a victory symbol only for Christians? Paul wrote (Philippians 1:21f), "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. If we are separated from the body then we, Christians, are with our Lord in paradise. Someone once wrote, "When I go down to the grave I can say, like so many others: I have finished my work, but I cannot say I have finished my life. My tomb is not a blind alley. It is a thoroughfare. It closes in the twilight to open in the dawn. That dawn is life in heaven for those who believe in Christ as their Lord and Savior. The tomb apart from Christ is gloom. Paul went on to write, But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith. It is true that the empty tomb is a victory symbol only to Christians, that why it is imperative that we remain in the flesh so that Christ love can shine through us into the hearts of those in darkness that they too may see the empty tomb as a victory for them as well. The Empty Tomb of Easter is a victory symbol because of the Empty Tomb we know that Jesus was victorious over sin, death, and the devil when He died on Calvary. We want everyone to be able to look at any tomb and know it is only a thoroughfare to heaven. Neither death nor life can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:38,39). Christ s victory is your victory too! Have a joyous and Christ-filled Easter celebration! Pastor Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church & Preschool, 2606 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC

Mission of the Month for April: Human Trafficking (Samaritan s Purse) Every day thousands of impoverished persons cross from Cambodia into Thailand looking for work.

2 Mission of the Month for April: Human Trafficking (Samaritan s Purse) Every day thousands of impoverished persons cross from Cambodia into Thailand looking for work. About one fourth of them become victims of human trafficking that is thousands become enslaved every day! Every person is created in the image of God. Human trafficking the exploitation of men, women, and children to gain a profit is therefore a crime against both humanity and our Creator. This form of slavery is happening today in This modern-day slavery is a global crisis even with victims in every state of the USA. The average age when people become enslaved is 14 with many as young as 8. Some are taken by force; others are deceived by promises of a better life. In the 1800s, a slave would cost $10,000 in today s terms. Now, when the average price is just $90, people have become disposable. Men are lured into forced labor in agriculture, fishing, and construction. A deceitful broker will promise a man a job. Hoping that this will be his chance to provide for his family, the man will pay all of his money, which is never enough. He becomes enslaved to the broker, often beaten, and forced to do backbreaking labor to work off the debt. This could take years, and in many cases, the men are never heard from again. The fishing industry is one of the worst perpetrators of labor trafficking. Men will be put on boats, drugged to work 20 hours a day, fed enough to stay alive, and discarded when they are not useful anymore. Women are trafficked for forced labor in factories, domestic servants, and sexual exploitation. A broker will coerce a woman to accept a position as a paid house worker for a family across the border, but she will actually become their slave. Enduring repeated abuse, she will be threatened with imprisonment or worse if she tries to escape. Of all trafficking victims, children are perhaps the most tragic. Young girls and boys are trafficked for organized begging rings, street vending, and sexual exploitation. Many suffer horrendous cruelty. In the USA, children become enslaved when they are orphaned, abandoned, or run away. Of the estimated 27 million trafficking victims in the world today, only 1 to 2 percent will be rescued. Samaritan s Purse is working to prevent the horrors of human trafficking primarily through awareness training and income generation in vulnerable communities. They provide help to men, women, and children in desperate situations and share the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please join in praying that God will use their ministry to bring justice and shine the light of the Gospel. Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame; let the poor and needy praise your name. (Psalm 74:21 ESV)

The students at the Licey preschool enjoy a special day of outdoor activities. Large fields of rice paddies line many rural roads.

Our Missionaries The Lohmeyers: Sharing Christ s Love in the Dominican Republic In Licey (a preschool with eighty students), the mission has been blessed with

We anticipate short-term teams to help with construction starting this summer. We have hired a part-time accountant to process tuition, reimbursements, etc.

In Palmar Arriba (preschool-seventh grade with 125 students), recognizing the great need for improvement in literacy among the students, we launched a new

During this time, the entire school is focused on learning the alphabet, the sounds of the letters, reading, writing, spelling, and vocabulary.

Nicole emphasized the necessity teaching the sounds of every letter of the alphabet.

3 The students at the Licey preschool enjoy a special day of outdoor activities. Large fields of rice paddies line many rural roads. 6 th / 7 th graders lead an alphabet song during the literacy block in Palmar Arriba. Our Missionaries The Lohmeyers: Sharing Christ s Love in the Dominican Republic In Licey (a preschool with eighty students), the mission has been blessed with enough donations to purchase land. So, we will be able to build our own church and school (instead of squeezing into a rented space!). We anticipate short-term teams to help with construction starting this summer. We have hired a part-time accountant to process tuition, reimbursements, etc. Now our director, Yanela, will be freed of these duties and able to focus more on the teachers and students. In Palmar Arriba (preschool-seventh grade with 125 students), recognizing the great need for improvement in literacy among the students, we launched a new program in January. After a workshop with the teachers, we began a daily literacy block. During this time, the entire school is focused on learning the alphabet, the sounds of the letters, reading, writing, spelling, and vocabulary. To include Christian education, all classes use One Hundred Bible Stories for the literature and Bible verse of the week. Nicole emphasized the necessity teaching the sounds of every letter of the alphabet. In the past, the school (guided by the national curriculum) taught only the sounds of the vowels. With the help of a song that teaches the sounds, the kids are making significant strides to master this essential life skill. Nicole is happy to use her background in language arts to implement this program. After the Christian faith, reading tops her list for the most important gifts one can give a child! Nicole leads a teacher s workshop on literacy. Pick up the latest PORTALS OF PRAYER on the table next to the Church office.

4 THANK YOU from Pastor Walta in Laotchikit, Haiti Brother & Sisters in Christ from North Carolina, Members of the mission team from Mt. Pisgah, traveling to Laotchikit, Haiti on Jan , It is a privilege for me this morning to write you this letter, to thank you for this mission team and for your past and continuing blessings. Especially, I thank you for the team mission who came to Haiti last week to: 1. Evangelism by visiting people door to door; 2. Provide medical care; 3. Teach sewing; 4. Plant gardens. It was a wonderful mission that men could not do alone. They have been guided by the Holy Spirit to do that in Laotchikit, Haiti. Today, many women in Laotchikit can sew. They have this profession, and they will be able to sew the uniforms of the children in the school yearly!!! Blessings!!! To God be the Glory. God will continue to keep Mrs. Mikki Reinicker and Barbara Volk, the sewing team. They have a good heart for helping the children in Laotchikit. They have been kind and so patient with the sewing students. We will never forget their help there. And, their students really love them. Thank you my Sisters. May God continue to bless you. We thank also Dr. Jim Volk, a pediatrician and Kim Rector from Hickory at St Peters Lutheran Church, a nurse practitioner who has been to Haiti many times on medical mission trips. They really helped us in Laotchikit by providing medical care. Many people in Laotchikit were sick when they were arriving there but, before leaving they were fine because they receive medical care by Brother Jim and Sister Kim. Praise God!!! To God be the Glory!!! For example, a child in our school could not walk. Before they leave Laotchikit, this boy can walk and come alone to our school. Many other cases like that. We really appreciate their work. They train also a nurse in Laotchikit to provide medical care there. God is good! This team works for development of the area in Laotchikit!!! They did not give people of Laotchikit fish, but they teach them how to catch fishes. They encouraged people to make the garden a success. This is exactly what we need for this area!!! Finally, we thank our Sister Wendy White, the leader of the team for her leadership and her work. We love her! She is really a woman of God with a big heart for helping the people in Laotchikit. We feel that she would like to do all for the people there. She visited many, many people in Laotchikit in their houses, talking to them, encouraging them. I think that she learns more things about Laotchikit. Because, in Laotchikit, if you do not visit people homes, you will not see the reality that they are facing. People there were so happy to see in their house Dr. Jim, Sister Kim, and Sister Wendy. Sisters Mikki Reinicker and Barbara Volk did not have the possibility to visit people because they were in class all the days, working so hard. Brother and Sisters in Christ, Please, thank Pastor Rabon and all the members of Mt. Pisgah for all they are doing. Thank you for your time, your love, your gifts, your generosity, and your money! Thank you for the wonderful attention you gave the people in the school by making a party for them at the hotel. They really appreciated that: the gate keepers, cookers, teachers, principal, lay pastors...thank YOU in capital letters!!! It was a wonderful blessing to see and meet my brothers and sisters in Christ from North Carolina. We were so blessed by their presence last week. This Mission team is really a blessing and success!!! God is good! Brother and Sisters in Christ, please continue to do this wonderful work for the children and people of Laotchikit. Thank you for all you do for God s people. To God be the praise and Glory forever, Amen! Your Brother in Christ, Walta CLERCIUS (wantal2010@yahoo.fr) First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Laotchikit, Hinche, Haiti.

Photos from Pastor Walta in Laotchikit, Haiti

children Security guard Lolo with his family

The MPLC Sunday School recently sent $200 to

When a goat has kids, one female kid is given

They share this small structure with Lay

5 Photos from Pastor Walta in Laotchikit, Haiti A typical Haitian family: a mother with 4 children Security guard Lolo with his family below. The MPLC Sunday School recently sent $200 to buy four nanny goats. When a goat has kids, one female kid is given to another family in the church. They share this small structure with Lay Pastor Mura, the medical clinic, and the sewing room. Our team saw this lady being baptized. Nurse Tanaze Joseph shows the medicines and the Medicine inventory compiled by Nurse Tanaze Joseph. cabinet provided by Mt. Pisgah.

6 The Sin Of Prayerlessness by Glenn Leavitt Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you 1 Samuel 12:23 All of us have been guilty of prayerlessness. We hear of a great prayer need, or we assure someone we will pray for them; and never follow through on our knees before the Lord. Lord, forgive us; Lord, forgive me! The needs in our church, in our community, and among our Christian brothers and sisters around the world are staggering. The need is only exceeded by the power God promises His people who will humble themselves and pray. God has promised power from on High for His prayer warriors. As the 19 th century prayer warrior, Andrew Murray, wrote: God s child can conquer everything by prayer. Is it any wonder that Satan does his utmost to snatch this weapon from the Christian or to hinder him in the use of it? Mount Pisgah brothers and sisters, here are some urgent prayer needs. Whether it is on your knees, with bowed head at your table, or standing with hands expectantly raised toward heaven, please take time to labor before the Lord on these matters. If you sacrifice some time you might have devoted to entertainment and relaxation, God promises to reward you with the peace that passes all understanding, and victory in Jesus. 1. Recently, MPLC members and families have suffered tragic losses. Please hold up each person before the Lord; naming names, and praying for God s strength, God s healing, and for miraculous transformation of anguish into blessing and spiritual growth. 2. Cholera is on a sharp increase in Haiti. The mother of a Laotchikit church member has contracted this disease from polluted water. We are asked to pray for her healing and for no more cases in the area. Pray for the potable water crisis in Haiti. Also, Pastor Walta reports that a lady who is critically ill with breast cancer refused communion because she believed that when s omeone is sick like her, she is not worthy. Only after the Pastor used the Bible to explain the truth to her would she consent to joining others at the Lord s Table. Let s all praise the Lord for what He is accomplishing in Laotchikit; and let s keep praying for the availability of sound Christian literature in the desperately poor country of Haiti. 3. Persecution of Christians continues around the world. Praise the Lord for the testimonies of Egyptian Christians in Syria. The mother of one of the 21 young Christians beheaded by Islamic State terrorists said: I m so happy that he remained true to his faith in Christ. Another one of the young victims was slain after refusing Islamic offers of money and land if he would deny Christ and join the terrorists. When asked what they would like to tell an ISIS terrorist one victim s family said, Our Christ taught us love and peace, and forgiveness. He didn t teach us revenge. Pray that we here at MPLC may stand so firmly on our faith when anti-christian terrorism reaches Hendersonville. 4. Our MPLC Stewardship Committee and Call Committee each continue to need strong prayer support from the congregation. During our present period of uncertainty, there is a strong need for members to step in with help in the regular worship services, and to undergird our church s outreach to our community through The Storehouse, IAM, and the Rescue Mission. Why not pray, Here I am, Lord. Send me. May the Lord not find MPLC prayerless when He comes!

7 Ladies Night at the Cedars Dear ladies of Mt. Pisgah Church and Preschool, You are cordially invited to be guests of honor for dinner at The Cedars on Friday, June 19, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. You will also enjoy entertainment and be eligible for door prizes while we celebrate the women who honor and serve our Lord. Please RSVP a.s.a.p. to Vickie Amato at or Please advise if you require transportation to the dinner. HELP MPLC LADIES GUILD COLLECT NEEDED ITEMS FOR MAINSTAY The Ladies Guild will be collecting items to be donated to Mainstay. Mainstay is the Safe Haven where battered women and children take refuge in Hendersonville. We are asking members of the Church to donate any of the following items. Pots and Pans various sizes, baking dishes, pyrex bowls. Batteries any size. Canned goods, such as Mac & Cheese, Baked Beans, Ravioli, Peas and Beans. The items can be placed in the cartons in the Narthex. Thrivent is giving us the seed money, but we as a church have this as our Project. Any questions please call Maureen Duemig THANK YOU MT. PISGAH I was humbly grateful to have been honored as Elder Emeritus when presented with a certificate and lapel pin at the November Voter s meeting. Serving as Elder was an honor and privilege. I am not sure how long I was officially an Elder, I feel I served in this capacity in many ways before I was one. In a subsequent View newsletter article, the comments on the presentation were brief. The impression was that Ann and I had been members continuously since MPLC was founded in Our membership was not without lapses, the following is an overview of our activity both at MPLC and away: In a period during confirmation years for their three sons, MPLC, a mission congregation, was served by several area pastors with irregular worship schedules. The Cheadle family returned to First Lutheran, LCMS in Asheville, 25 miles North. Bob and his mother Elsie, both lifelong Lutherans, joined First Lutheran on Bob s discharge from the Marine s in Bob and Ann were married there in 1951, there sons were baptized there. In 1977 Bob accepted a position with G.E. in Houston where he and Ann were active at Memorial Lutheran Westheimer. After retirement, they returned to Hendersonville and MPLC in First Lutheran has returned to it s 1904 founding name, Emmanuel. - Bob Cheadle

Marilyn Bertram PRESCHOOL APPRECIATION SUNDAY ON APRIL 26TH We are excited and looking forward to welcoming our Preschool families on Sunday, April 26th as they join us for worship at the 10:45AM

8 The Quilter s Ministry is in need of old blankets, flannel sheets or mattress pads that can be used as liners for quilts. If you have some to donate please put them in the Fellowship Hall for the quilters to pick up. Thank you! Marilyn Bertram PRESCHOOL APPRECIATION SUNDAY ON APRIL 26TH We are excited and looking forward to welcoming our Preschool families on Sunday, April 26th as they join us for worship at the 10:45AM service. Lunch in the Fellowship Hall will follow the Worship Service. FOUND A fitbit was found in the Sanctuary on Tuesday - 2/24. Please see Carol in the Church office if you lost this item. CHURCH FINANCES The Church exclusive of Preschool s income thru February has been very good! We are about $8,000 over budget and we are showing a positive net income of over $10,000. This is promising but remember that we are paying for a vacancy pastor whose expenses are not as much as a full time pastor, which has allowed us save about $8,000 in wages and benefits. Preschool is also showing a positive net income, they are about $8,000 over budget. Income and Expense Year to date as of February 28, 2015 Church Exclusive Of Preschool Preschool Income $40,650 $82,412 Expenses $30,634 $69,626 Net Income or Loss $10,016 $12,787 Dedicated Income - Year to Date $10,498 Cash on hand Operational Accounts $83,833 Dedicated Accounts $88,966 Weekly Bible Studies 10:00 a.m. Women s Bible Study: will resume after Lent on April 15th. 8:00 a.m. Men s Bible Study will be looking at the Scripture readings for the following Sunday, at Denny s Restaurant (with breakfast). 7:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study at Steve & Kathy Kirchoefer s home. The group will be choosing a new topic to study in the new year. Call for directions. 9:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study: Book of First John led by Paul Mincer. On April 19, Pastor McLain will start teaching a class for new members Thank you to the following Thrivent Financial members who directed Choice Dollars to Mt. Pisgah in February: Fred Forster, Carole Steverson, Maureen Duemig & Jan Tharp.

TUBE SOCK PROJECT The Ladies Guild will be sponsoring a special project during the month of April to benefit the homeless in this area. We are inviting all members of MPLC to participate.

These items will be put into pairs of tube socks. The filled socks will be given to the Rescue Mission and IAM here in Hendersonville, to be distributed to those in need.

9 TUBE SOCK PROJECT The Ladies Guild will be sponsoring a special project during the month of April to benefit the homeless in this area. We are inviting all members of MPLC to participate. Collection items are: small combs tooth brushes and toothpaste bath soap (4oz +) nail clippers safety razors facial tissue packets wash cloths health bar treats small writing pads and pens tube socks These items will be put into pairs of tube socks. The filled socks will be given to the Rescue Mission and IAM here in Hendersonville, to be distributed to those in need. Look for a sample sock for your reference in the Narthex. We thank you for your interest and help with this project. The Ladies Guild will be holding its annual yard sale at Lydia Cassidy's home on June 19th and 20th in order to raise money for our mission projects. Please keep us in mind as you do your spring cleaning. We are looking for household items, small appliances, tools, and clothing in good condition. We are unable to accept furniture. Collection of items will be in April and May. Please call Lydia at to make arrangements for pickup either at your home or at church. If you leave items in the Fellowship Hall please clearly mark them as yard sale items. Service Opportunities at Mount Pisgah Greeters and Ushers Serve on Sundays at 7:45 a.m. Contact Tony Selius at or anth5489@bellsouth.net Serve on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Contact Bob Cheadle at Quilting Group Meets on 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. Contact Jan Tharp at or hvilletharps@bellsouth.net Members Needed to Count the Offering on Mondays at 11:00 a.m. Time is flexible in accord with participant needs. Contact Jean Siebold at or jsiebold@bellsouth.net Prayer Shawl Ministry Meets on 1 st Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Contact Jean Siebold at or jsiebold@bellsouth.net Altar Guild 1 st and 3 rd Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Contact Ann Cheadle at Hendersonville Rescue Mission Serves on the 4 th Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Contact Glenn Leavitt at or leavittg@bellsouth.net Please check the Outreach bulletin board in the hall near the kitchen for a list of needed food and clothing items.

SUN MON TUE S 5 EASTER Communion 8am Easter Breakfast 9:15am Communion 10:45am Choir rehearsal 12 Worship 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Worship 10:45am Choir rehearsal APRIL 2015 Mt.

10 SUN MON TUE S 5 EASTER Communion 8am Easter Breakfast 9:15am Communion 10:45am Choir rehearsal 12 Worship 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Worship 10:45am Choir rehearsal APRIL 2015 Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church & Preschool 6 Ladies Guild 1PM WED THUR FRI SAT 1 Prayer Shawl Ministry 1pm 2 Maundy Thursday Services 10AM & 7PM Men s Bible Study 8 am Men s Bible Study 8 am Women s Bible Study 10AM Elders Meeting 10am Church Council 5:30pm 16 Men s Bible Study 8 am Min- Quilter s istry 9am 3 Good Friday Services 10AM & 7PM Evening Bible Study 7pm 10 Evening Bible Study 7pm 17 Evening Bible Study 7pm Communion 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Communion 10:45am Choir rehearsal Women s Bible Study 10AM 23 Men s Bible Study 8 am ECM Meeting 5:30PM 24 Evening Bible Study 7pm Worship 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Worship 10:45am Choir rehearsal Women s Bible Study 10AM 30 Mission of the Month for April: Human Trafficking (Samaritan s Purse)

11 He Lives

12 Birthday Blessings! APRIL 2 Marilyn Masters 3 Logan Clancy 4 Marilyn Pittman 5 Vicki Lee 8 Bea Luecke 11 Bev Duszak 11 Colin Smith 13 Jeff Reid 14 Peggy Blythe 15 Dailyn Rappley 17 Leah Ryel 18 Nathaniel Maybin 19 Anita Fryer 21 Mary Rappley 21 Marjorie Zell 27 Karen Ude 28 Chuck Ginter 29 Jean Siebold MAY 3 Ben Kirchoefer 4 Fred Forster 4 Larry Tharp 5 Richard Harms 14 Barbara Hotaling 14 Barbara Volk 15 Eleney Selius 19 Lydia Cassidy 20 Wendy White 21 Waleria Wysolovski 25 Bob Bower 26 Jan Tharp 29 Erica Genaw 30 Donna Clancy Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church & Preschool 2606 Chimney Rock Road Hendersonville, NC PH FAX

The View. Pastor. with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

The View. Pastor. with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14) January 2016 The View Vol. 61 No.1 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14) What will the New Year be like?