The Christian Connection

Transcription

1 The Christian Connection V o l u m e X X I I I, I s s u e 4 A p r i l Our Redeemer Lutheran Church NE 140th St. Kirkland, WA ORLCKIRKLAND All the Scriptures All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16-17 As we re-enact and re-live the passion and resurrection story this month we will learn once again of the amazing work of God s inspired Word. Come with me for a few moments on the road to Emmaus and catch the wonder of a powerful Bible study taught by our Risen Lord. You can read the account in Luke 24:13-35, our Gospel text for April 30. Here s what happened: Two troubled disciples were pondering the events of the suffering and death of Jesus. They had heard of the empty tomb, but were uncertain of what it all meant. Then Jesus, unrecognized by them, came alongside of them and explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. What a Bible study that must have been! The message of Jesus was confirmed in ALL the SCRIPTURES. And, the risen Jesus revealed Himself to them. Later as the disciples reflected on this miraculous event, they said, Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us? The inspired Word of God was working to produce the fruit of faith in the disciples lives. The Spirit-worked unity of the Scriptures re-affirmed the eternal purpose of Christ s coming and further explained God s plan in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. As you read and hear God s Word these days, let me encourage you to look for a better understanding of the life and work of Jesus in every passage. This Christocentric view of the Bible will help us to see the divine red thread that weaves throughout God s inspired Word. 1 I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e : Women s Bible Study Running the Race Well Sermon Themes Volunteer Schedule Birthdays & Anniversaries Gloria Deo Choir Cantata Deacon s Den Youth & Family Ministries New Office Receptionist Missionaries from Brazil Vacation Bible School Refugee Resettlement Fund Chimers Reformation Tour Robert Frost Pantry Packs As Christ is explained and revealed, our hearts too will burn within us with Spiritworked wonder and transformative power. Start with this text from Luke 24 with the prayer that Jesus will become more real to you. Looking forward to studying God s Word with you, Pastor Moland The purpose of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is to worship God in a Biblebased, Christ-centered ministry, evangelizing, discipling, nurturing and equipping people for the spiritual well- being of every life.

2 Priscilla Shirer s He Speaks to Me: Preparing to Hear from God Beginning March 30th. A common question many Christians ask is, How can I know when God is speaking to me? Priscilla uses the account in Samuel 3 of God speaking to Samuel, to show how God speaks to Christians and how we can discern His voice and position ourselves to respond. In this exciting seven week study, participants will discover how God spoke to Samuel, Samuel s response, and how He speaks to believers today. They will be encouraged to listen and to respond to God s voice; and by listening to God s voice and obeying Him, they will experience spiritual growth, Christian discipline, and the desire to serve. The ORLC Women s Bible Study meets each 10:15 AM in the Library. We hope you will consider joining this inspiring study maybe bring a friend and share in this special fellowship. Questions? Contact: Diana Daum , Helen Long , Sue Rorsebrook , Patti Prue Running the Race Well We ran well as we hosted the PNW District Bible Conference March Thanks to all who worked and prayed and participated. Our next district events include Family Bible Camp at Cedar Springs June and Reformation Celebration at Arlington October By looking to Jesus we will continue to run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Don t forget to stay hydrated! Sermon Themes April 2017 Sunday, April 2 Worship with Holy Communion The Spirit of Life Romans 8:6-11 Sharing in Christ s Life Sunday, April 9 Palm Sunday Worship Come to the Cross and Remember Gloria Deo Choir/Children s Program Thursday, April 13 Maundy Thursday Communion Service Standing in Faith Luke 22:14-20 Strengthened by Grace Friday, April 14 Good Friday Tenebrae Service Standing in Forgiveness Luke 23:33-43 Freed by Forgiveness Sunday, April 16 Easter Sunday The Resurrection of Our Lord Standing in Victory John 20:1-18 Learning to Live in Victory Sunday, April 23 The Lord of Life John 20:19-31 Settling the Doubts Sunday, April 30 Walking with Jesus Luke 24:13-35 Seeing Jesus in All the Scriptures 2

3 Volunteer Schedule Please mark your calendars and if there are any conflicts with your schedule, please find someone to fill your spot and let Kristine Dootson know of the substitution. If you are unable to find someone to switch with you, substitute volunteers are Betty and Kristine "You shall be enriched in every way for your generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God." 2 Corinthians 9:11 Date Nursery Lay Reader Sunday School Flowers Coffee 4/2 Sue Rosebrook Barbara Moland No SS Pastor Moland WMF Celebration 4/9 Kim Jarvis No SS 4/16 Darlene Olson Terry Park No SS Easter lilies 4/23 Nancy Ostlund 4/30 Barbara Moland Kristine Dootson Prosper Ruberwa Sue Rosebrook Barbara Moland Deaconesses Easter Breakfast BIRTHDAYS Jim Christie Bianca Riddle Dana Kowalewski Barbara Moland Robert Just Marvin Long Dean Lehman Matthew Riddle Joely Slonecker April Jones Coral Lundry Alex Bosma Paula Just Barry Dootson Erica (Kowalewski) Wright Monika Kowalewski Noelle Olivia Watson 1-Apr 1-Apr 2-Apr 2-Apr 3-Apr 3-Apr 8-Apr 9-Apr 9-Apr 10-Apr 10-Apr 11-Apr 15-Apr 16-Apr 27-Apr 29-Apr 29-Apr 3 ANNIVERSARIES Roger & Judy Poquette 3-Apr-69 Scott & Erica Wright Terry & Char Park 22-Apr Apr-92 Come to the Cross and Remember Presented by Gloria Deo Choir 9:30 AM Worship Service Palm Sunday April 9, 2017 Christ's journey to the cross is filled with images of His sacrificial love for us: the Palms, the Cup and the Bread, the Nails, the Crown of Thorns, and more. These images form the centerpiece of Come to the Cross and Remember. During simple choir/ congregation interludes, each of the images is brought forward to create a very moving tableau. Additional choruses and hymns illuminate the journey, including the haunting "Go to Dark Gethsemane," the spinetingling "Judas," the mournful "Surely He Has Borne Our Griefs," the transportive "You Will Be with Me in Paradise," and the majestic "Every Knee Should Bow."

4 DEACONS' DEN The Old Hundredth Psalm 100:1 5 An old divine once said that Psalm 100, known affectionately as the Old Hundredth, brings heaven down to earth and raises earth to heaven. In Wesley s day, it once drew multitudes to hear heaven s gospel. In his delightful book, My Dear Sister: John Wesley and the Women in His Life, Maldwyn Edwards tells of Lady Huntingdon s spurring Wesley to undertake a preaching tour of the north. She offered him her manservant John Taylor as his assistant. Accordingly, the two headed upland and soon arrived at Wesley s village of Epworth where he should have enjoyed a hometown hero s welcome. He had grown up in this dull little town, and his father had pastored there for many years. But on Sunday morning, Wesley was not asked to speak in the old church, and the current pastor took the opportunity of blasting him as an enthusiast. After the service, Taylor stood in the churchyard and announced, Mr. Wesley, not being permitted to preach in the church, will preach here at six o clock. A great multitude showed up, and Wesley, standing atop his father s tomb, preached for three hours from Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. From Epworth, the two men trudged on to Newcastle, arriving late in the day. They were shocked by the drunkenness, cursing and swearing that filled the streets. Even the smallest children were vulgar. Wesley ventured into the worst part of town, and John Taylor began singing the words of Psalm 100. Two or three people turned aside to listen. Others soon drew up, and the crowd swelled to five hundred, and then to a thousand. Wesley began preaching, and the number rose to fifteen hundred. Newcastle was deeply touched, and later became a main power center for early Methodism. Youth and Family Ministry Update Terry Park, Deacon Welcome Tiffany Bayer to Our Office The search for a staff person to serve ORLC and our community in Youth and Family Ministry is underway. ORLC s call committee is actively praying and searching for God s provision in His time. We are receiving good counsel and assistance from AFLC leadership, including our recent visit from Pastor Wade Mobley, President of AFLC Schools. Please continue to pray for God s direction and supply for all our needs. And remember, gifts for this position can be designated now for this new position. AND, pray the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers! Tiffany Bayer has begun her position as secretary/ receptionist for ORCS and ORLC, working 8:30-3:00 Monday-Thursday. Tiffany and her husband Ken live in our neighborhood with their two elementary age boys, so she walks to work. Plan to introduce yourself to her, either by phone or in person. You will help her to do her job by getting acquainted and by communicating clearly with her by phone, and written requests for help. Tiffany is employed by ORLC for six hours/week and the remainder of her time serves ORCS. We wish the best to Desiree Headley who has resigned to give attention to her family s needs. Thank you, Desiree! 4

5 Missionaries Jonathan and Tamba Abel Saturday, May 6 th 11:00 Brunch in Chapel Jonathan and Tamba Abel, career missionaries in Brazil, will present their work at ORLC on Saturday, May 6 th, at a brunch at 11:00 AM. All are welcome to join in fellowship with these friends from Brazil. If you would like to host them Friday night in your home, please contact ORLC Deaconesses to volunteer. Refugee Resettlement Fund ORLC has established a fund for specified gifts for refugee resettlement. These funds will be available to assist those in need of God s provision for food, transportation and other needs that arise. Thanks to those who have donated. If you would like to contribute to the Refugee Resettlement Fund, designate your gift to ORLC accordingly. The fund is administered by ORLC s Deacon/Deaconess Board. Vacation Bible School July 24-28, 2017 A Mighty Fortress In Jesus the Victory is Won! At Mighty Fortress, kids learn that God is their refuge and strength. Friends may fail them. They may not ace their test or make the team, but God promises to be their rock and their salvation their fortress and sure defense. So raise your banner! In Jesus, the victory is won! Help us promote this summer s VBS program, here at ORLC July 24-28! Pray for, and support, Sarah Bottem, our VBS Director for this summer. Volunteer, pray, promote, and participate! A Mighty Fortress Is Our God! Our Redeemer Chimers Children kindergarten and up are invited to join Chimers! No fee to participate. Beginning or early music reading group reinforcement and confidence building ensemble experience Rehearsals - designated Saturday afternoons. Please find registration form, info, schedule on the ORLC Chapel bulletin board or call ORLC or Barbara Reformation Tour in Germany Hosted by Pastor Moland and Pastor Craig Johnson. For more information: 5

6 Our neighbor, Robert Frost Elementary School has approached ORLC to join with them in their ministry of providing food over the weekends to some of their students. Through March and April, they will need to supplement around thirty Pantry Packs for which they need the following items: Peanut butter and jelly (in plastic containers, 16 oz. or less. To Go size is great. Fruit cups Fresh fruit (bananas, apples, oranges) Soup in cans that pop open Crackers (Ritz, whole wheat, graham, etc.) Granola bars / Protein bars Individually packaged snacks Juice Any other food item that does not need a hot stove / microwave to cook. A container will be available in the narthex for these donations. Deliveries will be made to Robert Frost weekly. For questions and/or assistance contact Vilma or tvluck1@juno.com. Thank you for your generosity! The Christian Connection is edited and published for ORLC by Ameeta Chainani. It is also available on our website If you do not want to receive it in your inbox, please let us know by ing orlckirkland@hotmail.com. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church NE 140th St. Kirkland, WA K e e p i n g i n t o u c h w i t h t h e O R L C f a m i l y! 6