From Pastor Susan Li, Interim Directing Pastor

Transcription

1 March, 2016 Inside We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith. From Pastor Susan Li, Interim Directing Pastor Behold, I am making all things new. Revelation 21:5 Thank you for welcoming me to Central Lutheran Church. As Spring approaches this month, we are deep into our Lenten journey. These first weeks of congregational reflection have helped to provide a framework for identifying priorities for the self-study process. I appreciate the commitment and faithfulness of the church council, who are working diligently to provide continuity and stability in this time of change. Our dedicated staff is devoted to supporting and maintaining Central s many important ministries. Now is a time to discern together what core commitments and values will guide our decision-making going forward. I hope you have had the opportunity to engage in lenten disciplines that are meaningful for you. Wednesday evening prayer services continue through March, offering spiritual renewal and time to rest in God s presence. Lent is a time to remember that we are part of a larger community, for while we draw closer to God through lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we are drawn closer to our neighbors, those who do not have enough food and those in need of assistance. Our faith moves us to look upward, but also outward. Lent represents a movement from the dark days of winter to the light and life of spring. The word lent refers to the lengthening of daylight as we approach Easter, and the great celebration of God s overcoming darkness and death with the power of eternal life in the resurrection of Jesus. I hope that you will invite family, friends and neighbors to celebrate Easter at Central, as we proclaim with joy that Christ is risen; he is risen indeed! And that is what makes all the difference! Pages 2-3 News Page 4 5 Worship/Music Page 6 Child Care News Page 7 Sunday School/News Page 8 Bishop Eaton Article Page 9-10 Council/Memorials Page 11 Calendar March Dates to Remember 5: Marriage Retreat 5: Winona Organ Crawl 9: Lenten Worship 6:30P 16: Lenten Worship 6:30 P 20: Palm Sunday S.S. Sing 23: Healing Service 6:30 P 24: Maundy Thursday 6:30 25: Good Friday 6:30 P 26: Easter Vigil 6:30 P 27: Easter Sunday 8:00 9:15 10:30 Winona Organ Crawl March 5, 2016 Begins 9:30 am at Wesley United Methodist Church Free & Open to the public; must provide your own transportation between churches. An Organ Crawl is a lot like a Parade of Homes, except instead of visiting private homes, you visit and listen to organs in the community. The crawl this year features instruments at three Winona churches: Wesley United Methodist Church, St. Paul s Episcopal Church, and the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kosta. The crawl will provide a brief history of each organ and congregation, including architectural highlights. This crawl is ORGANized (get the pun?) by the SE Minnesota Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. For more information contact Erik Floan at church. 259 W. Wabasha Winona, MN

2 Washed & Welcome Do you know someone who might be seeking baptism (their own or a child)? Or perhaps you or someone you know expressed interest in officially joining Central Lutheran Church. Contact Julie Palubicki jules364@gmail.com 6:00 pm Wednesdays Washed and Welcome is the place and process where Central invites candidates and families for Baptism and those seeking Membership to explore what it means to become part of this faith community. Wednesday Mar. 2 (Week of Lent 3) We move from elementary to middle school, or from our hometown to a new community. We lose a job, or gain a child, or accomplish a goal, or relinquish a dream. Through it all, we learn to give thanks to God in all circumstances. Wednesday Mar. 9 (Week of Lent 4) Jesus words to the Pharisees give us pause: You honor me with your lips, but your hearts are far from me. Jesus invites us to experience a change of heart that will in fact change every part of our lives. Wednesday Mar. 16 (Week of Lent 5) God s ways are not our own. We expect a conquering king and hero, but Jesus instead leads us down the road to Jerusalem and humbles himself on the cross. God changes our plans and replaces them with a love broader and deeper than anything we could imagine. Get your Nametag I have called you by name; you are mine. One way Central seeks to enhance our mission of being a welcoming congregation is by providing nametags. Simply fill out a Nametag request form located on the Welcome table near the parking lot entrance. You may keep your nametag with you and bring it to church. Or, hang your nametag on the handy ribbons provided in the main narthex coat room or back narthex coat rack. Please consider wearing a name tag so visitors, staff, and friends you haven t met yet can CALL YOU BY NAME! 2 Welcoming All Engaging Worship Growing Faith Compassionate Service

3 EASTER FLOWERS Celebrate the Resurrection! We are planning for lilies and other flowers in the sanctuary - a beautiful Easter Garden to Celebrate the Resurrection! Suggested donation levels: $10, $20, $50. Please give as you are able the more donations we receive, the more flowers we will get, and the better the space will look! To donate money, fill out this form and place it in the collection basket along with your check, or mail it to the church office. Print your name: Print dedications honor/memory of: Amount: $ Checks payable to Central Lutheran Church with Easter Flowers marked in the memo line. Donors and dedications will be acknowledged in the Easter bulletin. EASTER FLOWERS The Hannah Circle will be selling flowers between services on March 6th, 13th and 20th. The last day to order will be the 20th. Order forms will be available at the welcome center and the church office. Call Nancy Hauschildt if you have any questions at BAKE SALE The Hannah Circle will be having a bake sale on March 20th. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Lutheran campus center. Donations of baked goods would be very much appreciated. We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith. 259 W. Wabasha Winona, MN

4 Erik Floan, director of worship music & arts Worship Matters: This Is the Night Easter Vigil Saturday March 26 6:30 pm Easter Vigil is, by far, my favorite service of the year. This is the Night we start in Grace Hall, light a campfire, and tell stories. Who doesn't love gathering around a jumping warm fire and filling the air with stories? This is the Night we get to light our new Paschal Candle (the big candle next to the baptistery made by melting down left over candles from the prior year). A soloist sings about the Light of Christ while gawking children gather close (but not too close) as I dip the new candle into the dancing flames (called New Fire). I m well aware that everyone in the room is on edge, wondering if This Is The Night that Erik (decked in his Easter alb, brought out once a year) if this is the year he goes up in flames. This is the Night we invite CLC and community members to help tell the full Christian Story: From the Creation of the world, to the Great Flood (we know something about floods). Israel's daring and treacherous escape from Egypt and crossing the Red Sea. Receiving a New Heart and New Spirit. Dry Bones come to life! We wrap up the first hour with the always dramatic and often hilarious Fiery Furnace. For those who attended in prior years, you know that Vigil is not an ordinary service. We take our time, we hold candles for nearly an hour, we move around the building, we enjoy the contrasts of Dark and Light. This is the Night we gather around the Lord s Table for the First Eucharist of Easter a celebration and party we ve awaited all Lent. The celebration continues with a Dessert reception in Grace Hall. So come gather around the fire, the Light of Christ. Let's tell this great story. Let's revel in God's promise, power, and saving acts. Bring the children, dress festive, leave your watch at home: be- Welcoming All Growing Faith 4 Engaging Worship Compassionate Service

5 Choral Ensemble (Rochester) Presents... Mostly Mozart with Guest Soloist Maria Jette SATURDAY, MARCH 19, :30 PM SUNDAY, MARCH 20, :00 PM CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, ROCHESTER 400 5TH AVE SW, ROCHESTER Take a spring drive to Rochester and enjoy a concert of Mostly Mozart but also Mendelssohn and some Stephen Foster, presented by the Choral Arts Ensemble. Choral Arts Ensemble is joined by incomparable soprano Maria Jette, in a concert featuring Mozart, including his famous Laudate Dominum and his gorgeous Vespers (K. 339), written shortly after the 22-year-old composer witnessed the death of his mother, Maria Anna, who was accompanying him on a visit to Paris. The Vesperae solennes de confessore is scored for four soloists, orchestra, and choir and was originally performed at Salzburg Cathedral. Since its founding by Rick Kvam in 1985, the forty voices of Choral Arts Ensemble have inspired audiences with performances of marvelous choral repertoire. Celebrating its 31st season, Choral Arts Ensemble is equally dedicated to the creation and performance of exciting new music as well as the sensitive presentation of masterworks from the Renaissance to the 20th Century. TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE OR BY CALLING THE CHORAL ARTS OFFICE: A SEATING: $28 B SEATING: $17 STUDENT: $5 We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith. 259 W. Wabasha Winona, MN

6 Central Lutheran Church Child Care Center Mission: Provide the building blocks of child care by creating learning opportunities infused with faith while supporting the whole family. March 2016 Thank you Dennis VanDrunen & Karen Mills for getting the Church and Child Care Center ready every day. We appreciate your attention to keeping the place clean, fixed, mowed and snow removed so we all can enjoy our days. You are a blessing! Making Memories with our youngest community members! Here are pictures of your Child Care Center Ministry Together we make a difference in the life of a child! 6 Welcoming All Growing Faith

7 March 20th - Palm Sunday - SS children sing at 10:30 service March 26th - Easter Vigil 6:30 p.m. (Saturday) March 27th - Easter Sunday - NO SUNDAY SCHOOL April 3rd - NO SUNDAY SCHOOL - EASTER BREAK April 10th - Sunday school CLASSES RESUME April 17th - SS children sing at 10:30 service May 15th - Last day of Sunday school TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY SS children sing at 10:30 service 3rd Grade Milestone: The Sunday school third graders received their very own Bibles on February 28 at the 10:30 service. Congratulations to: Lenora Jean Leger, Cale Albert Bratland, Olivia Grace Berhow, Hailey Elizabeth Stoltman, John Michael Tentis, Jackson David Starzecki, Aliya Ruth Gricius Making Space If Central s building were an airliner, you would be paying premium for expanded legroom! Yes, after years of complaints that the pews were too tightly spacing, CLC pews have been respaced and the difference is astonishing. Moving pews is easy on a wood floor: you unbolt them, drill a new hole, and rebolt them. A solid concrete floor, however, requires special drills, fasteners, new bolts, and the skill to get the job done. Through the thoughtful and thorough work of the Worship Board, the muscle and machinery of a local contractor, and the careful supervision and good stewardship of Building & Grounds Superintendent Dennis Van Drunen, the sanctuary pews were respaced to provide a couple more inches clearance. This may not sound like much, but if you were on a plane, you d pay premium! Come enjoy the extra space available no extra fee! See you in church. We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith W. Wabasha Winona, MN

8 Holy Saturday A space between Good Friday and Easter They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there (John 19:40-42). Holy Saturday. A pause. A space between Good Friday and Easter. A full tomb and, except for the guard, an empty garden. Still. Silent. We don t pay a lot of attention to Holy Saturday other than as our day of preparation for Easter Sunday. The youth group needs to get ready for the Easter breakfast. The altar guild is busy arranging lilies and preparing the altar. Grocery stores are filled. Eggs are dyed. We are occupied with busy anticipation. We have moved on from Good Friday. Even the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night looks forward to and heralds the resurrection. We, of course, live after the first Easter. We do know how the story turns out, and it would be contrived to be in Holy Saturday as if we didn t know about the resurrection. But we are given this one holy day to pause. We are given this holy space to grieve, to be empty, to realize that life, as we know it, is over. This is deeply uncomfortable in our culture. We see this on the news when people start to speak about closure immediately after a tragedy. This could be a well-meaning attempt to relieve the pain, but it doesn t heal. There is danger in moving too quickly from grief. It is important to resist the urge to usher the afflicted to closure. Grief from Sandy Hook, Mother Emmanuel, Katrina, San Bernardino and other tragedies cannot be rushed. None of the Good Fridays in our lives can. The resurrection came after an actual death. The crucifixion was not a metaphor. A heart stopped beating. He breathed his last. A son died. Mothers in Syria and El Salvador and the South Side of Chicago stand at the cross. But Holy Saturday is more than the necessary and holy space to face death without denial and to grieve without the dulling anesthetic of sentimentality. There is something much deeper going on. It is an invitation to accept that life, as we know it, is over. All of our plans, all of our willfulness and all of our good intentions are over. On Holy Saturday we are invited to shed our life and enter the tomb. Our effort and righteousness as much as our sin bind us. Our effort to save our lives binds us. This is true as much for the church as it is for each member. I m grateful for the faithful innovation and hard work of our people and congregations. I m not so far removed from parish ministry that I don t remember its struggles as well as its joys. There is something noble and dear about saints who come week after week, year after year to hear and receive the gospel and, as a response to grace, participate in God s reconciling work in the world. But there comes a time to take to heart Jesus teaching: For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it (Matthew 16:25). The day between Good Friday and Easter can be seen as empty, a void, something to be resisted at all costs, something to be filled. It is the same reaction that many in our culture have to silence. It s as if sound and activity prove that we still exist. But I think the space between crucifixion and resurrection truly terrifying and truly compassionate beckons us from our life to life in Christ. After all, it wasn t all the noise and fireworks that got Elijah s attention, but the sound of sheer silence (1 Kings 19:11-13). When we shed our lives and enter the tomb, when silence is all around, then we see that Jesus is already there ahead of us, anticipating us, welcoming us to be still and to die in him and find our life in him. Rest, dear church. Welcoming All Engaging Worship Growing Faith Compassionate Service 8

9 Central Lutheran Church Council Minutes: 1/19/16 Present: Samantha Wagner, Carol Kramer, Julie Palubicki, Judy Davis, Ed Berkley, Steve Evenson Call to Order: Samantha Secretary s Report-Carol: 12/15/15 Council minutes. Julie/ Steve MSP to approve. Treasurer s Report-Ed: General Fund-Church: Income for the month was well above the budget with marvelous donations. The year finished $9, in red ink. This is better than expected. Several donations were targeted to mortgage reduction. Thanks to all who made this happen. Childcare: Income was slightly below budget as well as the expenses less than budget. The result was they finished $8, in red ink. Without the flood they would have been in very good shape. Outstanding overall. Consent Agenda/Reports: Julie/Ed MSP to approve Discussion items: Call Committee Update Met with Synod representative, Rev. Susan Miller. As recommended by Rev. Miller, the call committee s work on an associate pastor will be discontinued. Nominations/Determine date for elections. All vacant positions have tentative incumbents, pending confirmation. A tentative date for election is April 17, The final list of nominees will be posted in early March. Judy/Julie MSP to adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Carol Kramer Secretary Council Reports-February, 2016 Director of Worship, Music & Arts-Erik Floan: Lent began February 10 with Ash Wednesday with one service at 6:30 pm. 202 in attendance. Wednesday Night Workshop students made ashes the prior week by incinerating left over Palm Sunday palms. On Transfiguration weekend (February 7) we welcomed Pastor Susan Li as Interim Directing Pastor. We bid farewell to Alleluia, removing the word from worship until Easter Vigil. Lent Midweek Worship will be 6:30 pm (Feb. 17, 24, Mar. 2, 9, 16) under the theme "Making Change" Wednesday Night Workshop is back on track, meeting as usual 6:30-8:00 pm. The two droopy trumpet pipes on the organ case facade have been repaired and supports installed to prevent them from future failings. Bach Society of Minnesota performs Sunday February 28, 3 pm. I asked Dennis Van Drunen to set a firm timeframe with the contractor to respace the pews before Easter. This Easter. CLC Acoustic Ensemble member and Winona High School senior Connor Polodna performed at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, in the All-State Band. I spent February at the St. John's Abbey in Collegeville - prayer, reading, conversation, reflection, and viewing portions of the St. John's Bible. I continue to recover, increasing from 50% to 75% FTE. I anticipate returning to full-time as of March 1, with occasional keyboard assistance. Small Group, Social & Service Ministries-Connie Larson: The new server will start to be installed Thur. Feb. 25. I am asking staff to begin the process of changing their to gmail accounts. This will give us the flexibility to change providers without having to maintain mailboxes for several months with the old provider. Small Group Ministry had a successful "Supper Together" Feb. 13. Twenty-seven people joined us for supper and conversation. The Feast is at a crossroads. We are looking at taking the summer off from doing the Feast. We do not have enough cooks and in the summer, we will not have the help of college students and Americorp volunteers. I have contacted service organizations and outside groups. People are willing to help, but not take on the cooking. Social Concerns is gearing up for the Minnesota Foodshare Church Challenge. Central has their title to defend! Calendar items: +Feb Quilters Retreat +Feb. 28 Bach Concert +March 5 Lutheran Social Services Marriage Retreat +Holy Week extra outside activities have been asked to reschedule for a different week. Child Care Center-Kelly Dicke: Child Care Center supports Compassionate Service and Welcoming All Pillar in the following ways: Building trust, faith, and relationships with Winona s youngest community members and their families are our top priorities. Here are some photos of our daily adventures: Collaboration with SE MN Technical College-We have been asked to be a site for SE MN Technical College with their early childhood program where students have the ability to come and assimilate into the classrooms and learn the ropes of becoming an early childhood educator. We have 5 students currently participating with our Center. Annual Parent Survey-Each year we conduct a parent survey in order to gain insightful feedback to what our program offers, what our families appreciate and our areas of improvement. All feedback is graciously welcomed and taken into consideration during the next year s planning and implementing stages. The roll out date for the survey will be Feb 29 th. Staff TeamBuilding-The Infant Classroom Team designed a celebration day for our team. We have each classroom take a month to offer a unique way to celebrate. This month we had a cupcake bake off with contributions from each classroom! Sending a big THANK YOU to our staff who gives so much of themselves while loving the community s children! Licensing Anticipation-This year of 2016, we anticipate 3 auditing agencies to visit the Child Care Center: Winona County Environmental Services, USDA Child Council Reports continued on page 10 We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith W. Wabasha Winona, MN

10 Council Reports continued from page 9 & Adult Food Program, and State of MN Licensing. We are taking time to review our processes and procedures to ensure that we are in compliance. New Flooring Installed-New flooring was installed in the Preschool 2 classroom to update the classroom. We will be installing cupboards and countertops to finalize the upgrade when the items become on sale. Enrollment The following is a breakdown of enrollment including full time and part time. Infant Classroom 16 Toddler Classroom 22 Preschool Classroom 19 Preschool 2 Classroom 19 Total Enrolled 76 Throughout the year we have children transitioning to new classrooms. All child transitions to the next classroom at developmentally appropriate times are scheduled and new enrollment is ready when we have vacancies. We just had 3 children leave the center due to work and moving but 3 new ones started within 1 week of departure. Our earliest availability (very limited availability) would be fall 2017 for all classrooms except the infant classroom. We have limited vacancies throughout the next year but need to accept only the ages that work within our framework. Staffing: We have 32 staff and are in the process of interviewing for on-call shifts and substitute staff. Washed & Welcome update Julie Palubicki: We have been meeting on Wednesday with a couple that wants to join Central. We have enjoyed a time of fellowship & learning. We are hopeful as we go along, we will add baptism families and others interested in joining or in affirming baptism. Next steps are to implement a plan to communicate to staff & those interested in this. Please don t think I m being melodramatic, but the Feast Committee is at a crossroads. We are taking the summer off from doing the Feast. We do not have enough cooks and in the summer, we will not have the help of college students and Americorp volunteers. The CLC volunteers are getting tired. Help in all areas is always needed. I have contacted service organizations and outside groups with no success. People are willing to help, but not take on the cooking. The Feast Committee will meet in April to see what the Fall will bring. We would love to see it continue and keep CLC known in the area of community outreach. We know how important it is to many people. If someone was willing to cook once or twice a year, it would be a huge help. We would welcome you input and ideas at the meeting or anytime by stopping in the church office. Peace, Connie Memorials: QUILTERS In memory of Pat Schlink Given by Margaret B. Eckblad FEAST In memory of Jerry Haessig Given by Vicky and Kevin Haessig In memory of Wesley W. Eckblad Given by Margaret B. Eckblad YOUTH FUND In memory of Joyce M. Eckblad Given by Margaret B. Eckblad SECURITY SYSTEM In memory of Mae and Theora O Laughlin Given by Margaret B. Eckblad Welcoming All Engaging Worship Ministerial Acts Baptisms: Rylan James, son of Trinity Wicka and Lauren Stanislawski Kinley Dianne, daughter of Anthony and Amanda Kulas Growing Faith Compassionate Service 10

11 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 7:00 Communion 2 3 6:45 Men s Ec Bible St 4 5 9:00 Quilters 9:30 Staff 5:00 Dance Class 6:15 Hims Rehearsal 1:30 St. Anne 2:15 Callista Ct 5:00 TV Broadcast HBCI #20/Feast 7:00 Patriotic Concert Choir Rehearsal Weekly TV Broadcast Mon. 7:00 pm Charter Channel 986 Wed. 5:00 pm HBCI Channel 20 6:30 Lenten Worship/WNW 8;00 Worship 9:15 Sunday School/ Adult Ed 10:30 Worship 6 9:30 Book Group 7:00 TV Broadcast Charter # :00 Quilters 9:30 Staff 6:00 Crafts & Quilts 6:15 Hims Rehearsal 7:00 Communion 5:00 HBCI Broadcast Feast 6:30 Lenten Worship/WNW :45 Men s Ec Bible St 2:00 Luth Woman Today 3:00 LWT Circles 5:00 Dance Class 7:00 Patriotic Concert Choir Rehearsal ;00 Worship 9:15 Sunday School/ Adult Ed 10:30 Worship :00 Prayer Chain 7:00 TV Broadcast Charter #986 9:00 Quilters 9:30 Staff 6:15 Winona Hims 15 7:00 Communion 11:00 Watkins 1:00 Esther Circle 2:30 LWM Comm 5:00 Feast /TV Broadcast HBCI # :45 Men s Ec Bible St 5:00 Dance Class 7:00 Patriotic Concert Choir Rehearsal Palm Sunday 8;00 Worship 9:15 Sunday School/ Adult Ed 10:30 Worship 9:30 Book Group 7:00 TV Broadcast Charter # :00 Quilters 9:30 Staff 6:00 Crafts & Quilts 22 7:00 Communion 5:00 NO Feast/HBCI TV 6:30 Healing Service :45 Men s Ec Bible St 6:30 Maundy Thursday Worship 6:30 Good Friday Worship 25 6:30 Easter Vigil Easter Sunday Worship 8:00 Worship 9:15 Worship 10:30 Worship 10:00 Prayer Chain 7:00 TV Broadcast Charter # :00 Quilters 9:30 Staff 29 6:15 Winona Hims 7:00 Sons of Norway 7:00 Communion 5:00 The Feast/HBCI TV WNW :45 Men s Ec Bible St 5:00 Dance Class 7:00 Patriotic Concert Choir Rehearsal Central Lutheran Church 259 West Wabasha St. Winona, MN Phone: centluth@hbci.com website: We are Central to Winona, disciples of Jesus living a vibrant faith W. Wabasha Winona, MN

12 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # W. Wabasha Winona, MN Return Service Requested Looking ahead to Holy Week & Easter March 20: Palm Sunday weekend, Worship 8:00 &10:30 am Sunday School 9:15 am March 23: Holy Wednesday Service of Healing 6:30 pm March 24: Maundy Thursday Worship 6:30 pm March 25: Good Friday, 6:30 pm March 26: Saturday Easter Vigil, 6:30 pm March 27: Easter Sunday The Resurrection of Our Lord Worship 8:00, 9:15, 10:30 am Minnesota Foodshare and Winona Volunteer Services will again have the March Church Challenge. In 2015 CLC pulled out a victory, and we can do it again! Help Winona Volunteer Services with their first major food drive by donating food or a cash donation. The challenge runs March 1 thru April 8. 12