ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH 2013

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1 ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH 2013 In This Month s Issue: From the Pastor Page 1 An Easter Story Page 2 Birthdays & Baptismal Anniversaries Page 3 Ministries, Announcements &Upcoming events Page 4-6 School News Page 7, 8 Prayer Needs Page 4 Calendar Page 9 ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT Called by God, centered in the Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we rejoice in the Lord, proclaim His gift of Grace through liturgical worship and service and share Christ s love and forgiveness in all we do. The Reverend Keith Getz, Pastor revgetz@yahoo.com Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday-School: 9:00 AM Wednesday: 10:30 am: Bible Study (Library) & Noon: Holy Communion Service (Sanctuary) St. James Lutheran Church 1137 Alice Drive Sumter, SC Office: Fax: stjamesoffice@sc.rr.com Church Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30am to 1:30pm St. James Lutheran School sjls1137@sc.rr.com A Word From the Pastor About Lent Well, it is that time of year again to give up something for Lent. Chocolate, wine, or perhaps you turn the TV off an hour earlier. But, why do we do this? Why do we give up something for Lent? We do this because Lent is a time of repentance, turning back toward God. It is a time to recognize our own sinfulness and the condition of death we are in due to sin. Lent is a time to see how much we depend on God for everything in our life. So, we give up something for Lent so we can be more focused on God. The days of Lent have also been called the Forty Days. Actually, the Lenten season lasts for forty six days (forty days plus six Sundays). Why forty? Forty is a symbolic number in the Bible, which means as long as it takes for something to get accomplished or fullness. In the story of Noah, the rain fell forty days and forty nights. Jesus endured temptation in the wilderness for forty days. Israel wandered in the desert for forty years before they entered the promised land. In the early church, forty days was a time for converts to prepare for their baptism. Lent was and is a time for prayer and fasting. Prayer allows us to be closer to God. It is a conversation with God, in which we take time to be quiet and still and listen. Fasting reveals the things that can control us, such as food. It also helps us to see that we are dependent upon God for everything. Fasting also reminds us of those who are hungry, causing us to love our neighbor more. So, we have talked about things we give up for Lent, but some people add things for Lent. Perhaps we add an additional devotional to the day, or perhaps we work at a soup kitchen. Maybe we get involved in some type of service project. Spending more time during the day for reading scripture or praying is also a good thing to do. It seems to me that giving up something or adding something for Lent are not bad ideas, but they don't quite hit the mark. The purpose of Lent is to get closer to God and live out our baptism by living as faithful children of God. Lent is a time to reorient our lives to Jesus Christ. So, what we do during Lent shouldn't end at Easter. It should be spiritual practices that we continue all year long. May we continue to clean the windows of our souls with prayer and worship, the Word and the Sacraments, so we and others may see more clearly Jesus Christ in our hearts. Amen. Enjoy your spiritual journey this Lent, which will open your eyes to the grace, love, and beauty of the Triune God. Our Lenten preparation will allow us to experience and receive Easter and Christ more fully. On Easter, we are reminded that we share in Christ s resurrection. We are reminded of how Christ resurrected us and continues to resurrect us and will resurrect us from sin and death. And may the transforming presence and power of our risen Lord Jesus Christ and the resurrection transform us into Christ s likeness. May we re present Christ to all those in need. Amen. Your Servant in Christ, Pastor Keith

2 2 AN EASTER STORY: There was a young woman, whom we will fondly call Alice, who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. As she was getting her things in order, she contacted her Pastor and asked him to visit her at home to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the funeral service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order, and the Pastor was preparing to leave when Alice suddenly remembered something very important to her. There is one more thing, she said excitedly. What s that? came the Pastor s reply. This is very important, said Alice. She continued, I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand. The Pastor was quite astonished and did not know what to say, except, Well, to be honest, I m puzzled by your request. Alice explained. My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on, I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and to those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials, pot-lucks, and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would almost always lean over and say, Keep your fork. It was my favorite part, because I knew that something better was coming, like velvety chocolate cake and deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful and with real substance! So, Alice continued, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand, and I want them to wonder, What s with the fork?. Then, I want you to tell them to keep their forks, as the best is yet to come. The Pastor was very moved and hugged Alice goodbye. He knew that it would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But, he also knew that Alice had a better grasp of the concept of heaven than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She knew beyond a doubt that something better was coming. During his homily at the funeral service, the Pastor told the people the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right! So, the next time you reach down for your fork; let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Through the resurrection, Christ has conquered death and given us the promise of the very best, eternal life, a life without tears and tribulations. (from an sent by Tony Myers)

3 3 MARCH 1 Ryan Levi, Elton Hallman 2 Susan Hamm 8 Joyce Diehl 12 Mary Bradshaw 13 Lindsey Palmo 19 Matt Wright, 20 Sean Hackett, Bruce Murray 24 Lionel Viens 27 Connie Hallman 28 Jacob Hackworth 29 Lindsay Schmeling 30 Deuward Bultman, 31 Jonathon Beck If we missed your birthday, please let us know either by noting it on the back of your attendance slip, ing or by calling the church office. Baptismal Anniversaries These young members of our congregation are celebrating their baptismal anniversaries this month: Annah Beck, 3/5/00; Alex Copeland, 3/26/89; Liam Getz, 3/25/08; Mason Dew, 3/11/12 Messenger Due Dates Church Council Ministry Teams Anything that you wish to be included for publication in the Messenger should be turned in at the church office or ed to: stjamesoffice@sc.rr.com The deadline is 7 days before the last day of the month. The Church Council meets on the 3 rd Monday of each month. Mike Stewart Kimberly Dees Carl Simpson Tim Tidwell Curt Caulkins Susan Wild Brian Crawshaw Elizabeth Sam Beck John Kinser Outreach/Care: Youth: Eliz. Sam Beck Finance: Mike Stewart Worship: Pastor Keith Property: Carl Simpson Education: Kimberly Dees Stewardship :John Kinser Evangelism: Susan Wild Mutual Ministry: Karen Hesselbart Spiritual Growth: Tim Tidwell This Messenger and monthly calendar can be found on the St. James website: Click on news and calendar to view them. Church Officers President: Mike Stewart Vice President: Susan Wild Secretary: Kimberly Dees Treasurer: Glenn Hesselbart

4 4 Prayer Needs If you have a prayer need and would like it in the next Newsletter, please me at stjamesoffice@sc.rr.com Pray for our Members in Nursing Homes: Mary Sigmon (National Health Care), Frankie Martin (Southerland Place Rm# Winners Circle S Brentwood, TN 37027) and Don & Jean Hoyt (161 Lakeview Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750) ( ) Loving Father, we pray for all those in need of comfort in sickness of body, mind or spirit: Health and Related Issues: : Denise Copeland, Prudence Roos (Lois Heal s sister), Dot Barrineau, Serena Loney, Deb Forke, Nit Cohen (Kim Strange s sister), Joyce & Ed Litteer, Mary Ann Reither (Susan Wild s mother), Garrett Haas (Lee Haas grandson), Dean Heal, (husband of Lois Heal), Curt Caulkins, Rick Hines, Cecil Downing (friend of the Harbaths), the Taylor Family and the Hart Family. Ministries, Announcements & Upcoming Events (Sunday, March 31) I have said this to you, that in me you have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) ARTS AND CRAFTS GROUP: Our group is composed of a group of ladies who love to make things. We meet each Wednesday evening from 7:30-9:00pm during Lent in the Parlor, for knitting and crocheting. On the 3 rd Wednesday of every month, we make jewelry under the direction of Mrs. Helen Kinser and meet in the library. Our mission is to make knitted and crocheted crosses for service members serving abroad. So far, our group has sent 1,075 crosses to service members. We have help from other organizations including the Ladies of the Friends of the Library in Columbia, two other Lutheran churches, Kimberly Dees, and friends in several book clubs. It has been suggested that we make the crosses with the prayer- for- protection to visitors and/or new members of our church. Another ongoing project is that we are crocheting and knitting prayer shawls. The shawls are blessed by Pastor Keith and given to our members who are mourning or in need. We need your help. Grab your knitting needles, and crochet, hooks and join us. For more information, please contact Marilyn Jenkins at (cell) or (home).

5 5 ACOLYTE AND CRUCIFER SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 2013: March 3: Acolyte: Caroline Getz Crucifer: Samantha Wild Attendant: Susan Wild March 10: Acolyte: Easton Ward Crucifer: Savannah Stewart Attendant: Karen Hesselbart March 17: Acolyte: Annah Beck Crucifer: Jonathon Beck Attendant: Vicki Simpson March 24: Acolyte: Andrew Bratton Crucifer: Christian Strange Attendant: Karen Hesselbart March 31: Acolyte: Easton Ward Crucifer: Brandi Hallman Attendant: Susan Wild (EASTER) Torch Bearers: Annah Beck & Andrew Bratton Bible Bearer: Jonathon Beck Banner Bearer: Christian Strange USHER SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 2013 March 3 & 10: Harold Chandler & Curt Caulkins March 17 & 24: Steve Hamm & Keith Hamm March 31 & April 7: Emery Vallier & Emery McElveen LITURGIST & CA SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 2013: March 3: Liturgist: Ford Kamin CAs: Harold Chandler & Karen Bailey March 10: Liturgist Jim Bradshaw CAs: Bob Bessel & Cheryl Schmeling March 17 : Liturgist: Hugh China CAs: Gary Harbath & Ike Jenkins March 24: Liturgist Karen Hesselbart CAs: Mildred Tietjen & Bob Summers March 31: 7:00am: Liturgist: Kimberly Dees CAs: Judith Terry & Harold Chandler 10:00am Liturgist: Jim Bradshaw CAs: Karen Bailey & Gary Harbath LAYREADER SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 2013: March 3: Mildred Tietjen March 10: Gary Harbath March 17: Jimmy Lee March 24: Mac McLeod March 31: 7:00am: Dot Weishuhn 10:00am: Glenn Hesselbart CHILDREN S SERMON SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 2013: March 3: Karen Hesselbart March 10: Elton Hallman March 17: Pastor Keith March 24: Karen Hesselbart March 31: Lisa Bratton March Altar Care: Nancy McElveen & Arletta Price LENTEN SUPPERS continue for the following Wednesdays in Lent: March 6, 13 & 20. WELCA, the School Board, Lutheran Men, Boy Scouts and the Youth Group will provide the meals. Cost will be $4 for adults and $2 for children under 10. Sign- up sheets will be provided in your March Sunday bulletins or call the church office if you plan to attend.

6 6 LENTEN SERICES WILL BE HELD in the sanctuary on Wednesdays, March 6 th, 13, and 20 th at 7:00pm. An abbreviated Lenten service will also be held at noon on the same Wednesdays. THE WELCA WINTER GATHERING, which was scheduled for February 16 th has been rescheduled to coincide with the Epiphany Conference WELCA Spring meeting on March 9 th. We will be hosting all churches in the Epiphany Conference. All ladies of St. James are invited to bring a salad or dessert and join us for a brief meeting, lunch and fellowship. Please contact Judy Lessard at , or Susan Chandler at for further information. DING DONG! The St. James handbells used to make a joyful noise unto the Lord but for several years have been languishing in storage. It s time for a revival! Please, if you can read music, either treble or bass clef, and can count to four, sometimes to eight, let Kay Rasmussen or Cheryl Schmeling know. No prior experience with handbells is necessary. WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP!! Our flower calendar is woefully empty of donors names. We have all Sundays open in April and many other blank Sundays that need to be filled. Won t you help by sponsoring a Sunday? The cost is $48 plus tax. If this sum is more that you can comfortably manage, why not combine efforts with another family and decrease the cost to $24. In any case, you will be billed directly by our florist, Paula Green Florist, who has worked with us to keep the cost as low as possible. Please sign up on the flower calendar in the narthex, or call the church office at Helen Bultman, chairwoman of the flower committee, will be glad to answer any questions you may have. You can reach her at THE FAMILY OF ST. JAMES extends its deepest sympathy to the Taylor family on the death of Tom Taylor and to the Hart family on the death of Ed Hart. May they be blessed with the peace and love of our savior Jesus Christ. THE CURRENT OFFICE COPIER IS ALMOST HISTORY and all the streaks, lines, blobs of toner, and faded edges will be a distant memory! Our copier is scheduled to be replaced by a new Xerox copier in early March. You should see a huge difference in the print quality of your bulletins and April newsletter. Praise the Lord and thank you, church council. (your secretary) I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE at St. James Lutheran Church for their prayers, visits, meals, cards, and memorial gifts during Ed s long illness and death on February 13, Ed was a man who loved his family, his church, and had a deep abiding faith in our Lord. I am confident in his everlasting care with our Lord; I look forward to seeing him again in his Kingdom. Jane Hart A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to all expressions of sympathy during the recent passing of my brother. Your cards, thoughts, and prayers were greatly appreciated. Marilyn Salter

7 The Island sands may be far away, but SJLS is having a Luau anyway. Please come in your tropical shirts and your grassy hula skirts. For all who come will get a beautiful lei, just remember to hang five on that day. Put your beach combers on your feet. Then surf our way for a Hawaiian treat! Don t forget to mark the date, Saturday, April 13, DON T BE LATE! Bring your friends, family and wallet too, the silent auction is made just for you. Parents will eat a full Hawaiian Luau Feast, at $12.00 per person, that price can t be beat. Kids will party at their private beach. They will limbo, dance and eat for $2.00 each. For tickets, questions, information and more, find the Big Kahunas who sit on the School Board. 7

8 8 St. James Lutheran School News The winds of March are bringing two new students to SJLS. Ella Himel & Parthi Patel are blowing in and will settle into our enrichment program and our Gracious Giraffes class. Our students are enjoying the stories of Jesus in chapel as we move toward Easter. Our students will be creating Easter cards to send to our friends at St. James who are homebound or in nursing homes. We eagerly await our annual egg hunt and Spring Break, March 29 th through April 7th. Campbell s Soup labels are due in March. Please send in any labels that you may have before March 15 th. Please continue to send in Box Tops for Education. The school collects both of these items all year. We are excited at SJLS that the School Board is sponsoring a benefit on April 13 th from 6:30 8:30 to raise funds for our school! It is going to be a Hawaiian Luau. The Saturday evening event promises to be loads of fun and fine dining while we focus on how God is blessing our school. SJLS families are invited to participate. We are asking every family to try to sell ten tickets. The school board is asking for silent auction donations. Items can be any big item, small item, time shares or any item that you think will bring in money for SJLS. If you are unable to donate items your time is also welcomed. For example: art lessons, babysitting, car washing, personal training, tutoring or any service that you can provide. Please drop off the items in the school office. If you have items that you need for us to pick up please call the school and we will be glad to assist you. The prices for tickets are: ADULTS: CHILDREN: $12.00 each (includes a terrific meal, entertainment, access to silent auction, door prizes!) $2.00 for a youth meal (pizza & entertainment) Brandy Mullennax, Director SJLS

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10 10 ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH 1137 ALICE DRIVE Sumter, SC Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit 105 Sumter SC Office: Fax: Church office hours: 8:30am-1:30pm M-F The Reverend Keith Getz, Pastor St. James Lutheran School SERVICES: Wednesday: 10:30 am, Bible Study Noon, Holy Communion Service Sunday School: 9:00 am Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 am Easter Sunrise Service at 7:00am Easter Breakfast: 8:30am Easter Egg Hunt: 9:00am Easter Service: 10:00am