Pastor Matthew C. Harrison President The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

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Resurrection Life July/August 2015 expect more of this insanity by individuals unhinged from the safety of families and a society normed by natural

The entire nation, especially all people of faith, has been plunged into mourning as fellow Christians, gathered together in Bible Study, were

Our Synodical President, the Reverend Matthew Harrison offers the following words of comfort which I share with you as my contribution to the

Gajadhar President Harrison offers words of comfort, hope regarding South Carolina shootings Another brutal and senseless killing spree by a crazed

Why were these nine Christians martyred as they were taking in the lifegiving Word of God in Christian Bible study?

moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

As both religion and morality are on steep decline among us, we can only No truth of the New Testament is so loudly stated by Jesus than that the

5:14 15; John 8:12). Racism is a fundamental denial of the Word of God (Acts 2:5; Matt. 15:21) and natural law.

The denial of human rights, maltreatment of persons due to race, including the forbidding of the right for a man and a woman to marry without regard

1 Resurrection Life July/August 2015 expect more of this insanity by individuals unhinged from the safety of families and a society normed by natural law and influenced by the genuine teaching of the Bible. Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31). As I sit down to write this month s article for our newsletter, the horrific events at Mother Emanuel AME church in Charlestown, South Carolina is still unfolding. The entire nation, especially all people of faith, has been plunged into mourning as fellow Christians, gathered together in Bible Study, were senselessly gunned down. Our Synodical President, the Reverend Matthew Harrison offers the following words of comfort which I share with you as my contribution to the Newsletter for this month. Peace in Christ, Pastor James T. Gajadhar President Harrison offers words of comfort, hope regarding South Carolina shootings Another brutal and senseless killing spree by a crazed gunman, motivated by racial hatred, sends our thoughts swirling between despair and numbness. Why were these nine Christians martyred as they were taking in the lifegiving Word of God in Christian Bible study? We know and are too often reminded that there is horrid evil in this world, and an evil one who bedevils the minds of such killers. Jesus said it would be so (John 17:15). As the world devolves around us from insanity to insanity, I m reminded of the statement of John Adams that Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. Nowhere is that more true than in the case of the Second Amendment. As both religion and morality are on steep decline among us, we can only No truth of the New Testament is so loudly stated by Jesus than that the Triune God is the creator of all people (Matt. 19:4); that God loves all (John 3:16); that all are equally indebted to God and valuable to Him (2 Cor. 5:14 15; John 8:12). Racism is a fundamental denial of the Word of God (Acts 2:5; Matt. 15:21) and natural law. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal (Declaration of Independence). The denial of human rights, maltreatment of persons due to race, including the forbidding of the right for a man and a woman to marry without regard to race, is contrary to natural and divinely revealed law (Holy Scripture). It also contradicts the universality of the truth of the Gospel of Christ, who died for all (Romans 3:9 10, 19; 2 Cor. 5:19). We mourn the loss of these dear Christians and pray for their loved ones. May they be consoled by the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting, and the picture of heaven painted by St. John in Revelation of a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands (Revelation 7:9). We reject racism and racially motivated hatred in all its forms. We repent where we have fallen short, and we pray for strength to stand for what is good and right and true. We pray for the perpetrator and his family, even as we demand the swift execution of justice. Lord, have mercy upon us. Pastor Matthew C. Harrison President The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 1

Ladies Guild July-August 2015 Judgmental Moments Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Romans 14:10a She noticed him the minute he entered her checkout line.

How often our first impressions become final judgments! We look at style of dress, skin color, nationality even facial expressions and decide a person s worth.

How foolish to pass judgment on those who are exactly like us! Because Jesus died and rose again, God the Father now sees us in the perfection of Christ. We are new creatures.

Lord, when we am tempted to pass judgment on someone, please enable us to see instead through our Father s eyes. In Jesus name. Amen. Our next meeting will be on Tues. Sept.

2 Ladies Guild July-August 2015 Judgmental Moments Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Romans 14:10a She noticed him the minute he entered her checkout line. He had multiple tattoos, body piercing's, and a T-shirt extolling an oddly-named music group. Another one of them, she thought. How are you? she asked. Blessed! he answered, I m blessed by God! How often our first impressions become final judgments! We look at style of dress, skin color, nationality even facial expressions and decide a person s worth. We gravitate toward those who are most like us. Yet we forget the world s most common denominator our sinfulness. We have all fallen short of God s demand for perfection; everyone has sinned. How foolish to pass judgment on those who are exactly like us! Because Jesus died and rose again, God the Father now sees us in the perfection of Christ. We are new creatures. How blessed we are when we see others through Jesus eyes, loved and saved by Him. They, too, belong to the family of God. Lord, when we am tempted to pass judgment on someone, please enable us to see instead through our Father s eyes. In Jesus name. Amen. Our next meeting will be on Tues. Sept. 7:00pm 2 There are NO MEETINGS during JULY & AUGUST. Please have a safe, healthy and fun summer in the name of Christ Jesus. Remember your Mite Boxes... In Christ, President Ladies Guild CHURCH STAFF: Pastor: Rev. James T. Gajadhar Elder: VACANT Church Office: (718) Church Secretary: Eleanor Johnson and Karen Carella Minister of Music and Adult Choir Director: Walter Hartman Musicians: Flautist - Heather Valente; Percussionist - Ralph Valente Ministers: All the Members 2015 CHURCH COUNCIL: President: Gary Carella, Vice President: Vacant Secretary: Anita Reinert, Financial Secretary: Vacant, Treasurer: Eleanor Johnson, Deacons: Walter Hartman, Deanna Bardolf, Ida Myers, Henry Troue Trustee: Gary Carella, Deanna Bardolf, NEWSLETTER STAFF: Editor: Debbie Sichler, Assistants: Ada Gavora, and Anita Reinert. BIBLE TRIVIA FOR July / august 2015 We re all invited to a heavenly feast, but we must RSVP! AND The cross is God s way of making a plus sign out of a minus. June 2015 Trivia Question With Answer THEY DID IT FIRST: Who was the first judge of Israel? ANSWSER: Othniel Judges 3:9-10 Looking Ahead to September Trivia Question OFFERINGS TO IDOLS: When Elijah challenged the priests of Baal, what were they sacrificing to their god? HINT: LOOK IN THE BOOK OF - 1 KINGS

Elected Officers of the 59th LCMS Atlantic District Convention held on June 4th - 6th at Bronxville, NY are as follows: - for all of us at Resurrection that we may all have a heart for those who

-Our Members who are who are HOME-BOUND: Eleanor & Joe Dunlop; in NURSING HOMES: Rosemarie Armstrong; Harriet Rose and those with OTHER CONCERNS: Marie Cappello, Kathy, Tim, Lynn, Connie, Karen

Dear Heavenly Father, Creator of all, thank You for summer! Thank You for the warmth of the sun and the increased daylight.

Thank You for the increased time I have to be with my friends and family, and for the more casual pace of the summer season. In Jesus name, Amen.

-our Mid-Week BIBLE Study - Dear Heavenly Father, God, you have made the heavens and the earth. You have revealed your beauty in creation and inspired the book that we are now about to study.

3 Elected Officers of the 59th LCMS Atlantic District Convention held on June 4th - 6th at Bronxville, NY are as follows: - for all of us at Resurrection that we may all have a heart for those who don't know Jesus, to help everyone come to know the love of God, and become part of God's church family, into an even closer relationship with God, and come to eternal life. -Our Members who are who are HOME-BOUND: Eleanor & Joe Dunlop; in NURSING HOMES: Rosemarie Armstrong; Harriet Rose and those with OTHER CONCERNS: Marie Cappello, Kathy, Tim, Lynn, Connie, Karen Carella, Diana Green, Brett Gurnee, Pastor Sam, Marilyn Lang, Danielle Valente, Juliette Valente, Ronnie Sowa Grace Serro, Khameel Gajadhar, Donna Teekasingh, and Douglas Gonzalez (Grandson). Dear Heavenly Father, Creator of all, thank You for summer! Thank You for the warmth of the sun and the increased daylight. Thank You for the beauty I see all around me and for the opportunity to be outside and enjoy Your creation. Thank You for the increased time I have to be with my friends and family, and for the more casual pace of the summer season. In Jesus name, Amen. - Shared Faith Ministries - Dear Heavenly Father, Direct and guide us as the two churches work together in your name spreading the good news of your beloved son Jesus Christ, Amen. -our Mid-Week BIBLE Study - Dear Heavenly Father, God, you have made the heavens and the earth. You have revealed your beauty in creation and inspired the book that we are now about to study. Please help us now as we read together. Take us deeper into understanding more about you and your love for us. Amen New President: Rev. Derek G. LeCakes Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church Niskayuna, New York He will take office on September 1st, 2015 (Pastor LeCakes succeeds the Rev. Dr. David H. Benke, who is retiring from the district presidency, after completing (8) three-year terms in that post. By acclamation, the assembly bestowed the title of "President/Bishop Emeritus" on Pastor Benke who will continue to serve as senior Pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Brooklyn, NY.) First Vice President: Re-elected as District's Non-Geographical Rev. Dr. Dien A. Taylor, Pastor of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bronx, New York -our ESL Classes, We pray Heavenly Father to send those in need of learning the English language to our doors and we thank all of our volunteers who help in this unique ministry. - Our missionary groups right here in Flushing, the Chinese Ministry, the Korean Ministry and the Indo Pak Ministry, and Glory Lutheran that God will continue to bless all of these Ministries and help them to grow. - for all of our troops "Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them a They protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen. Pray without ceasing... Do not put out the Spirit s fire 1Thessalonians 5: 17, 19 Elected from District's Region #2 Second Vice President: Rev. Joshua Hollmann Pastor of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Woodside, New York 3

birthday s It is with Sympathy and Sadness that

Madeline Hurster on Thursday, June 4, 2015.

for July /August Joe & Eleanor Dunlop -July 12

Heather Valente August 25 Stephen Gavora August

.. I would like to take this opportunity to

wrapped shoe boxes in the past, collected them

gifts that were made to the Resurrection

the Glory of God and in memory of: madeline

Sichler Karen & Gary Carella John & Marilyn

Robert & Kathryn Mesaros Vlamynck Family GERRY

M. Huegler During the summer months start

church narthex in the shopping cart, please help

4 birthday s It is with Sympathy and Sadness that we announce the passing of our sister in Christ, Madeline Hurster on Thursday, June 4, Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time. July 20 Jeremy Gajadhar July 25 Dottie McNeely for July /August Joe & Eleanor Dunlop -July 12 th John & Marilyn Leipold - August 2 nd August 4 Heather Valente August 25 Stephen Gavora August 26 Delio Runco God s Blessings on your birthday... I would like to take this opportunity to thank Anita Reinert who has been working on this project for many years. She was the one who provided us with all those wrapped shoe boxes in the past, collected them and brought them to drop off site. She is now stepping down from this responsibility and Liane Runco has graciously agreed to take over. We acknowledge with gratitude the following gifts that were made to the Resurrection Memorial Fund or other funds this past month to the Glory of God and in memory of: madeline hurster from the following individual(s) Debbie Sichler Karen & Gary Carella John & Marilyn Leipold Stephen & Ada Gavora Eleanor Johnson Robert & Kathryn Mesaros Vlamynck Family GERRY REINERt from the following individual(s) Barbara M. Huegler During the summer months start thinking about filling a shoe box for a needy child this Christmas. There will be empty shoe boxes located in the church narthex in the shopping cart, please help yourself to as many as you would like to fill. Wrap the outside with some holiday wrapping paper, and begin filling them now. More information will be coming in the September and October newsletters along with the labels and deadlines. 4

JULY / AUGUST 2015 July 5, 2015 July 12, 2015 July 19, 2015 July 26, 2015 Reader: George Fisher Reader: Eleanor Johnson Reader: Joanne Gajadhar Reader: Debbie Sichler Usher: Stephen Gavora Greeter:

Gavora Usher: Deanna Bardolf Dee Bardolf Greeter: Sonja Munzenmaier Altar Care: Jenny Gajadhar Anita Reinert August 2, 2015 August 9, 2015 August 16, 2015 August 23, 2015 August 30, 2015 Reader: Gary

Greeter: Ida Myers Altar Care: Jenny Gajadhar Eleanor Johnson Usher: TBD Greeter: Deanna Bardolf Altar Care: Sonja Munzenmaier Christel Schnackenberg Usher: Deanna Bardolf Dee Bardolf Greeter: Sonja

6 JULY / AUGUST 2015 July 5, 2015 July 12, 2015 July 19, 2015 July 26, 2015 Reader: George Fisher Reader: Eleanor Johnson Reader: Joanne Gajadhar Reader: Debbie Sichler Usher: Stephen Gavora Greeter: Ada Gavora Altar Care: Christel Schnackenberg Sonja Munzenmaier Usher: TBD Greeter: Ida Myers Altar Care: Ada Gavora Debbie Sichler Usher: TBD Greeter: Deanna Bardolf Altar Care: Debbie Sichler Ada Gavora Usher: Deanna Bardolf Dee Bardolf Greeter: Sonja Munzenmaier Altar Care: Jenny Gajadhar Anita Reinert August 2, 2015 August 9, 2015 August 16, 2015 August 23, 2015 August 30, 2015 Reader: Gary Carella Reader: Douglas Law Reader: Stephen Gavora Reader: Jennifer Gajadhar Reader: Walter Hartman Usher: Stephen Gavora Greeter: Ada Gavora Altar Care: Eleanor Johnson Jenny Gajadhar Usher: TBD Greeter: Ida Myers Altar Care: Jenny Gajadhar Eleanor Johnson Usher: TBD Greeter: Deanna Bardolf Altar Care: Sonja Munzenmaier Christel Schnackenberg Usher: Deanna Bardolf Dee Bardolf Greeter: Sonja Munzenmaier Altar Care: Christel Schnackenberg Sonja Munzenmaier Usher: Stephen Gavora Greeter: Jenny Gajadhar Altar Care: Debbie Sichler Ada Gavora SUNDAY'S - TUESDAY'S - Immanuel Chinese - Bible Study - 9:30am Pastor Sam uses church 2:00pm - 3:30pm Glory Lutheran Church 4:00pm - 5:30pm NO ESL during July/August 6 WEDNESDAY'S - NO Mid Week BIBLE STUDY after July 8th NO Choir Practice - July / August Immanuel Chinese Bible Study 7:30-8:30pm THURSDAYS - FRIDAYS - Glory Lutheran Bible Study 7:30-9:00pm Immanuel Chinese Bible Study 7:45-9:00pm August 21,2015 If you have a computer and would like to your articles you may do so to: debsichler@yahoo.com

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Atlantic District Circuit #7 Celebrates their Unity in Christ Amid Diverse

Parishes of Circuit 07 (Queens, New York) came together here at our parish,

The parishes, gathered together, experienced, embraced, celebrated and gave

different languages spoken in diverse ministries of our In addition the

It was truly in the spirit of Pentecost.

from the many diverse cultures that God has assembled in the circuit.

8 Atlantic District Circuit #7 Celebrates their Unity in Christ Amid Diverse Cultures Hosted by Resurrection Lutheran Church, Flushing On May 30 the Parishes of Circuit 07 (Queens, New York) came together here at our parish, in Worship and Fellowship. The parishes, gathered together, experienced, embraced, celebrated and gave thanks for the rich diverse ministries that God is enabling here in this Circuit. During Worship the congregation heard the Word of God read in the many different languages spoken in diverse ministries of our Circuit. In addition the hymns chosen were sung by everyone in their own language. It was truly in the spirit of Pentecost. In the after-worship fellowship the gathering enjoyed a taste of the foods from the many diverse cultures that God has assembled in the circuit. The Circuit honored Rev. Dr. David and Mrs. Judy Benke for their many years of leadership in our District. Presentations were made to both Bishop and Mrs. Benke. Rev. James T. Gajadhar, Circuit Visitor, Atlantic District Circuit 07 Unity in Diversity 8

Our Annual Church Picnic, due to the inclement

etc. and our cooks, Gary Carella and Douglas Law

The opening began with prayer by the diversity of

beginning with Pastor Ahn praying in Korean; Pastor

English, Zeba Gill in Urdu, James Gill in Bunjabi

Following the prayers, was wonderful conversation

lovingly prepared and brought to this annual event.

brought food and shared in this day enjoying the

9 Our Annual Church Picnic, due to the inclement weather, was held in the gym this year and was attended by approximately 80 people. Heather Valente shopped, prepared the hamburgers, etc. and our cooks, Gary Carella and Douglas Law bar-b-cued the food. The opening began with prayer by the diversity of the cultures worshiping and sharing in fellowship with each other. The prayers were, spoken in their own language, beginning with Pastor Ahn praying in Korean; Pastor Fung in Chinese, our own President, Gary Carella in English, Zeba Gill in Urdu, James Gill in Bunjabi and Pastor Sam in English. Following the prayers, was wonderful conversation and sharing in the variety of foods that were so lovingly prepared and brought to this annual event. We wish to THANK EACH and EVERYONE who attended, brought food and shared in this day enjoying the festival of foods and the fellowship. We also wish to thank all who helped with the setting up and the cleaning up. THANK YOU We look forward to next year s picnic. Sunday, June 28th 9

(See Page 4 for Lenten Schedule)

(See Page 4 for Lenten Schedule) Resurrection Life February 2015 Fasting, as a spiritual discipline, does not make the Christian who fasts superior to the Christian who does not. So, what is the value of Fasting? In my youthful years