Good News PASTOR S MARCH/APRIL 2018 NEWSLETTER

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1 Good News Volume 34 Issue 3 PASTOR S MARCH/APRIL 2018 NEWSLETTER Inside This Issue March/April calendar Inside front cover. Pastors Article 1 Birthdays and Anniversaries 2 WFL / LWML Article 3 Evangelism 4 Altar Guild 5 6 Bible Studies Thrivent Lenten Meal Meals Help Worship Schedules Lent Holy Week Cruise Children s Egg Hunt Lector and Pantry Schedule Music Program Stewardship Pastor s Article (continued) Easter Sunday Events Pledge Card March Calendar Rejoicing in the Resurrection of the Good Shepherd I Am the Good Shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me. I lay down My life for the sheep. [John 10: 14-15] As we move forward into springtime, prior, during and after the Easter celebration of our Good Shepherd and His laying His life down for us, let us not forget to tell others of His Glorious Resurrection New Life for All! Sometimes after great events, we find ourselves in a lull or a period where we just want to lay back and rest from all the activities. In the case of the Easter celebration this could also be true. The seemingly long season of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter celebrations can somewhat drain us to think it s time to lay off a little and rest. But, contrary to this, Jesus after His Resurrection continued to minister and care for His sheep as He does for us still today! (Continued on Page 10)

Good News Birthdays for March Pearl Donaldson 3/2 Robert Iverson 3/2 Charles Souhrada 3/2 Sandra Cook 3/3 Grace Raetz 3/3 Allen Thomas 3/4 Diana Meister 3/5 Robert Butchart 3/6 Mary Ceplina 3/6 Faye

Bradley 3/21 Terri Benoit 3/22 Barbara B alser 3/23 Gustavo Navarro 3/24 Jeffery Hansen 3/25 Pastor David Raetz 3/25 Ruby Smith 3/26 River Moll 3/28 Kevin Roderiques 3/28 Clarence George 3/31

2 Good News Birthdays for March Pearl Donaldson 3/2 Robert Iverson 3/2 Charles Souhrada 3/2 Sandra Cook 3/3 Grace Raetz 3/3 Allen Thomas 3/4 Diana Meister 3/5 Robert Butchart 3/6 Mary Ceplina 3/6 Faye Dunn 3/6 Marilyn Kelso 3/10 Dorothy Cornell 3/12 Judi Tiedemann 312 Marjorie Lingo 3/14 Barbara Warner 3/14 Robert Schantz 3/15 Glen Webber 3/15 Zena Terpening 3/17 Robert Ceplina 3/18 Marlene Bradley 3/21 Terri Benoit 3/22 Barbara B alser 3/23 Gustavo Navarro 3/24 Jeffery Hansen 3/25 Pastor David Raetz 3/25 Ruby Smith 3/26 River Moll 3/28 Kevin Roderiques 3/28 Clarence George 3/31 Birthdays for April Pastor Thomas Beaverson 4/1 Marvin Ufkes 4/3 Clarence Inda 4/4 Matthew Wilt 4/5 Jan Diestler 4/6 Jim Meister 4/6 Eric Schulz 4/7 Julie Signorello 4/10 Pastor Fredrick Ohseik 4/11 Clyde Rohde 4/12 David Schmidt 4/12 Andrew Storandt 4/12 Millie King 4/13 Sherry Koob 4/13 Richard Koob 4/14 William Podratz 4/17 Nancy Wilt 4/20 Judith Cartier 4/21 Fredrick Smith 4/22 Harrison McCabe Jr. 4/23 Kasidee Florio 4/24 Richard Cornell 4/30 Anniversaries for March Joseph and Carol Hudson 3/21 Anniversaries in April Gerald and Joan Bigelow 4/9 Jeff and Dede Schulz 4/16 Fredrick and Ruby Smith 4/18 Harrison and Anita McCabe 4/24 Page 2

Volume 34 Issue 3 WFL/LWML NEWS We give thanks for all women and men who shared in the success of our annual rummage sale again this year. A profit of $4400.

3 Volume 34 Issue 3 WFL/LWML NEWS We give thanks for all women and men who shared in the success of our annual rummage sale again this year. A profit of $ was realized after the purchase of 2 canopies for future needs. The comradery and effort of everyone during the month of January and the week in February was a joy to see. 594 hours of service was turned in, but there were many more than that given. God has blessed us abundantly. WFL/LWML will hold the March 14th meeting at 10:00AM in the music room of the church. Information about the kitchen will be presented. A speaker from the Citrus County Mission will inform us of their ministry to Veterans and will be presented with a check from the profits of our rummage sale. The April 11 meeting will be the last one of the season. A representative from Habitat for Humanity will be the second recipient from the profits of our rummage sale. The LWML Zone Rally will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chiefland Saturday, April 21. Everyone should plan to be a part of this inspirational day. Gifts WFL / LWML Meetings 2nd Wednesday of the Month. The next meeting is March 14th and April 11th at 10am all the ladies are part of our group. Please plan to attend and fellowship with all the ladies of the congregation. from the Heart needs District Convention in and details will be Orlando, to be held September Cindy published in the bulletin. Navarro has agreed to be Sign up to go. a delegate. Deadline for Mites will continue to be registration is June 30, collected regularly and sent to our District LWML through the summer for information. months, so please continue to donate your gifts to the Mite Box in the narthex. Your generosity will be noted Matthew in the LWML District 20 He said to Convention Book. them, Because LWML reports that of your little $169, in Mites has been received toward the faith. For truly I 1.75 million mission goal tell you, if you for this biennium have faith the size of a mustard 2 Delegates and 2 Alternates from the active membership of WFL/LWML need to register for the LWML seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Page 3

4 Good News 2Chronicles 7.14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Evangelism in Action at First Lutheran Church By now everyone should have their lanyard and their name tag. If you do not have either inform the office and we will get them for you. I have personally found that wearing them around my work and just around town I have had people come up to me to see what it says and I have the opportunity to invite them to church. The lanyards have in that way become a very successful endeavor. I even have my employees wearing them. Our next program is going to be given out after both services Easter morning, to both members and guests. We are going to keep it a secret until then but it will be a way to spread the word every day in all aspects of our lives. Now for some home work, (Would you expect any less for a teacher.) Make a list of 5 friends who do not know Jesus, for whom you will pray and with whom you will share the gospel. ( if you do not feel comfortable with sharing the word at least pray for them). This month, take the initiative to share the gospel with someone on this list. Share what the Bible says about evangelism with another Christian this month. Remember while doing all this that you can introduce people to the Word, but it is Christ that will bring them to belief. Hence prayer is a powerful tool. I could not think of a better time of year to present this Homework. I would also like to challenge us to bring a friend, member who has been missing at church, or acquaintance to church Easter Sunday. What a awesome way to present the love that Jesus Christ has for us all by his DEATH and RESURRECTION. HAPPY EASTER, Kayla Evangelism Chairmen Page 4

5 With Maundy Thursday approaching and the Bible readings regarding the night that Jesus presided over the Last Supper now known as Holy Communion. When we prepare for Holy Communion we treat it as the most important meal you can serve. Everything is freshly washed and ironed, the cloth is made of more the 75% cotton, to keep the altar as pure as possible. The Elements of Communion are also handled with extreme meditation and prayer. Care is taken even if something is dropped, it is put back into the ground. If we spill it, is wiped up also in a way that it goes back into the ground. Do you know why we cup our hands to receive the host (communion bread)? It is to first make a cross where Jesus blood was shed and, it is to make a throne for the King of Kings. Here at First Lutheran we offer both regular hosts and Altar Guild gluten free just let Pastor know if you wish the Gluten free. The Communion table is to be moved as little as possible, to keep it s integrity, though exception is made in the case of those not physically able to go to the Altar. The wine which is what it is until sanctified is treated with just as much care. The most sanitary way to take the cup is by the communion cup, surprised? The common cup is silver on the exterior and Gold in the interior. Germs can not be maintained in gold. The individual cups are provided for those that choose to use them. Here at First Lutheran we offer both wine and white grape juice. The 3 cups in the center you will see is the grape juice if you do not see it let the Elder know and he will get it for you. Now for clean up, The body of Jesus Is placed in a air free box with no one handling them. If any of the body has been touched they are thrown to the ground. The blood of Jesus that is in the Flagon is placed in a bottle specially made to hold the blood of Jesus. The unused cups are covered in the refrigerator. The used cups are rinsed to remove the blood and the water is put to the ground. At the same time all Altar wear is washed and water put to the ground. I now pray that this may have struck a chord in your heart to become one of Jesus s servants. One that may want to help prepare God s Altar, prepare the feast, prepare for all the Sacraments. If you wish to join us you can call me at the church, or at home Page 5

6 Thrivent Choice Dollars... Are you a Thrivent or Associate Member? If Yes, do you know that Thrivent Choice Dollars are available for you to share with your favorite charitable organization and/or here at First Lutheran? Just go to & type in your membership number & enter choice dollars. DEADLINE FOR CHOICE DOLLARS 2018 Contact Pastor, or Joe/Digna Beckman, Designated 2018 Thrivent Action Team Events 50 th Anniversary Celebration First Lutheran Church Replica Molds sponsored by the Cat s Meow! It will be a replica of First Lutheran Church with History printed on the back! Coming soon 50 th Anniversary Crazy Fun Bowling Adventure! Will be for all ages (Kids to Adults) to celebrate our 50 th Anniversary! (Being re-scheduled) 50 th Anniversary Silent Auction Fund Raiser & Fun! Stay in touch there s More (Pastor Tom) Volume 34 Issue 3 Bible Study Opportunities Pastor Tom s Bible Classes: Sunday s From 9am - 9:45am on the Lutheran Catechism Miss Sandy's Thursday Morning study Thursday Mornings 10am -12 noon God of All Comfort Light Snacks and Coffee Open to all people and yes (Men Too) Call Church Office or Miss Sandy for other details 3. Women's Wednesday (2 nd Wednesday of the month) Bible Study led by Miss Digna 2 nd Wednesday of each month Next meeting is March 14th A different Study each Month...Coffee and Goodies Served See Church Office or Call Miss Digna WE NEED HELP (Volunteers) WITH LENTEN MEALS We need your Loving Assistance in preparing meals for the six Lenten Meals Simple meals with Love of Fellowship Can be a shared experience between many Monies available Through Thrivent Financial! See Pastor or Church Office Page 6

LENTEN SERVICES ARE AT 5:30pm First Lutheran Church LCMS Pastor Thomas Beaverson 1900 Hwy 44 W Inverness FL 34453 Phone: 555-555-5555

..Sheriff, Fire, and First Responder's March 21.

Service 5:30pm Good Friday Tenebrae Service 5:30pm Cruising the Oceans with Pastor and Friends New Cruise being worked out for

7 LENTEN SERVICES ARE AT 5:30pm First Lutheran Church LCMS Pastor Thomas Beaverson 1900 Hwy 44 W Inverness FL Phone: Fax: Advent Devotional (Pastor Tom) 2. March 14 th...servant Event Devotional...Sheriff, Fire, and First Responder's March 21...Devotional Supper Led by Pastor Tom Our Mission is to: Worship The Lord, Love one Another, Share the of Love Christ J OIN US ON THE WEB 1stLutheran.church Holy Week Palm Sunday Divine Holy Communion Services at 7:45am and 10am Bible Study 9am Maundy Thursday Divine Holy Communion Service 5:30pm Good Friday Tenebrae Service 5:30pm Cruising the Oceans with Pastor and Friends New Cruise being worked out for Looking into River Cruises also Any ideas? Let us know Contact Virginia Golec Or Pastor for more information CHILDREN'S COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT AND CELEBRATION Easter Sunday Morning...(April 1 st ) AT 9:00 AM Egg Hunt, Candy, Crafts, etc...(educational Building Area) bring a can of food to share with those less fortunate (THIS IS A THRIVENT ACTION TEAM EVENT) Page 7

8 Week of Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Date Lector March 5th, 12th, 9th,26th. Betsy Sovereign Cindy and Larry Puhrmann Ellen Manning 3/4 Bonita Martin April 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th 3/11 Ann Cook 3/18 Virginia Golec 3/25 Edwin Martin Craft Class starting On Wednesday March 21st A craft class is starting The first project will be making hats and blankets for the Preemies born at local hospitals. Linda Mc Farland is heading up the group you can call the church office for more information Attached to this mornings bulletin is a pledge form. This is not like the yearly pledge. This is short term pledge to help defray the costs of the repair work on the street side lit sign, and the air conditioners that had to be replaced. When and if you can pledge to these repairs please put your pledges in the decorated box in the Narthex. Thank You For always supporting your church family. First Lutheran Church is hosting a Life Line Screening for the community on Wednesday, April 18th. They will perform ultrasound tests for stroke/carotid artery blockage, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and osteoporosis risk. These non-invasive screenings are completely painless, take about 10 minutes each and are affordable. Screenings are recommended for anyone age 50 and older. Life Line Screening now offers 3 simple finger-stick blood tests to identify risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Appointments are filling fast, so you may want to make your appointment soon. Please look over the flyer in your bulletin for additional information. You can register by calling the toll-free number on the flyer. Make your appointment today it just may save your life. There are 2 complimentary tickets see Nancy in the office. Page 8

9 The Music Program at First Lutheran Church Our music program is growing by leaps and bounds. The Bell Choir is at full capacity and is performing at lest once every Sunday. We are trying to rotate playing at both services so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful bell music. The bell choir will also perform at the Good Friday service and on Easter Sunday. The choir is growing. We could sure use some men to sing! And of course are needed as well. We have exciting music and have been working hard preparing for Easter. The choir is dedicated to singing praises to our Lord. Please come and join us at 3:30 on Wednesday afternoons. We will also be singing at the Good Friday service and on Easter. Our Stewardship Committee The Stewardship Committee worked hard during the Christmas season distributing over 100 Christmas Shoe Boxes to the Lecanto School System. We also have been encouraging people to use their talents for the Lord. If you have a talent to use please see me and we will put you to work. We would like to start a knitting club here at the church or where you can work at home and meet once a month to coordinate your efforts. We would like to knit hats, booties, or blankets for newborns and preemies in the hospital. Please use your God given talent to create useful items for the little ones. See Ellen Manning, or Linda McFarland or me. Stewardship Chairmen Sharron Royalty. Page 9

10 In the months that now lie ahead for us, I challenge each one of us to continue to Share the story of Jesus and His Resurrection, within your own family, your neighbor s, your friends, your fellow worker s, and anybody you see. Let us, the Newly revived in Christ, be a Community of Sharers and New Hope with the Gospel Of Jesus in our hands, telling and demonstrating the Love that Jesus has for All Peoples! Let us continue together to rejoice in the New Life that Jesus gave us in His Resurrection. Let s celebrate Easter every day and live as we are ALIVE in Christ the Lord! God Bless You All and A Very Blessed Easter Celebration in the Jesus Resurrection! For God So Loved the World In Christ Alone! The Beaverson Family Pastor s Quote: You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read Easter Sunday At First Lutheran Church LCMS CELEBRATION SERVICES Sunrise Candlelight, and Divine Holy Communion Service in the Outside Garden...7:00 am Easter Breakfast: 8:00 am to 9:15 am The wonderful church member chefs which includes us all will be making casseroles to share. (John Macarthur) Easter Sunday He is Risen Worship Celebration with Divine Holy Communion, and Children's Flower Cross: 10:00 am Page 10

Celebrating 50 + years Serving the Lord LCMS Members since April 18th, 1966

First Lutheran Church Good News 1900 W Highway 44 Inverness, FL 34453 Celebrating 50 + years Serving the Lord LCMS Members since April 18th, 1966 Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Inverness, FL