The Echo UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 2122 University Avenue Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203

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1 MARCH 2018 The Echo UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 2122 University Avenue Grand Forks, North Dakota Since Ash Wednesday and the school shooting in southern Florida, I have found myself thinking about one of the verses we are memorizing for Sunday worship in Lent. The verse is Jeremiah 29:11. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God says, For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. This is such a beautiful verse, announcing the hopeful future God has in mind for his people, whose lives and nation were shattered by war and exile at the hands of the Babylonians. This verse appears in a letter Jeremiah sent to the people who were exiled in Babylon. His message was that even though their time in captivity would be long, that one day in the future God would restore their fortunes, and they would go home again. Jeremiah carefully reminds them their hope for going home, and their hope for any sort of bright future, was in God alone. So, he tells the people to call upon the Lord, to pray to God for his saving help, and then at the right time God s plans for their hopeful future would be realized. It sounds easy enough, but actually hope is hard in the midst of such dire circumstances. As I reflect on the murder of 17 people in a Parkland, Florida school, I wonder how hopeful are the families affected by this tragedy. While I listen to us bicker as a nation about the causes and solutions of such tragedies, I have even wondered if hope is impossible. We argue endlessly, are guns the problem? Or is it bullying or mental health issues? Is it violent video games? Or are the problems more deeply rooted in the American family and culture? From my perspective, the problem is human sin. Yes, I know this is an unwelcome position in a secular society. Even though our money says, In God We Trust, the mention of God in conversations about our culture is dismissed. Yet, I am certain that if we are to have hope in the face of school shootings, if we are to have hope in the face of any difficult national or personal situations, our hope is in the Lord. Our hope is in the selfless sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, so we might be safe and saved from sin, evil, and death. I mentioned in a recent sermon that one of those murdered in south Florida, was 14-yearold Alaina Petty. She brings this tragedy closer to home for us, as she was the great-niece of ULC members, Dave and Kay Paschke. Somehow the Petty family has found hope in their tragic loss of Alaina. Even though they may have ideas about ways to prevent future school shootings, their real hope is based on their faith in God. They believe God has come to them in the midst of their shattered lives, because he has a future with hope in mind for them. Here is part of the statement they released to the media in the long and hard days following Alaina s death. I find it simple, beautiful, and hopeful. While we will not have the opportunity to watch her (Alaina) grow up and become the amazing woman we know she would become, we are keeping an eternal perspective. We are grateful for the knowledge that Alaina is a part of our eternal family and that we will reunite with her. This knowledge and abiding faith in our Heavenly Father's plan gives us comfort during this difficult time. To me these words echo the same hope Jeremiah articulated long ago. His words like theirs, remind us that though the hopeful future God promises may take time to get here, our hope will not be disappointed. After all, God s people did finally go home. Alaina s mom and dad will see her again in heaven. And, we trust that God through Jesus Christ, has in mind for us a bright and hopeful future, here on earth and one day in heaven. So, let us call upon the Lord in our prayers, to save us and our nation, in every possible way. You are in my prayers,

2 Wednesdays in Lent We have been enjoying fun and faith-filled Wednesday Lenten services. Attendance has been great 244 on Ash Wednesday and 203 on February 21. See you next Wednesday! Wednesday Lenten theme: Draw Near to God In James 4:8, we are encouraged to, Draw near to God. This Lent, we are considering how we draw near to God, so as James promises, we find ourselves living in his saving presence. Week 3: March 7 Through Water, Bread and Wine (The assurance of the Lord s presence in the Sacraments) Bring spaghetti sauce and noodles for the Salvation Army Food Pantry Supper is tater tot hot dish (WELCA) Week 4: March 14 Even When Life Hurts You (The surprise of the Lord s presence in suffering) Bring boxed cereals for the Salvation Army Food Cupboard Supper is baked potatoes and fixings (Church Council) Week 5: March 21 At the Moment of Your Death (Seeing death as entering the Lord s presence) Bring boxed desserts for the Salvation Army Food Pantry Supper is hamburgers and ice cream (Calling All Men) These services feature puppet plays with Callie Crow and Holly Dove, dialogue sermons with Pastor Tom and Heather, and one of our more popular liturgies Holden Evening Prayer. Sunday Lenten Theme: Grace in the OT This year our Sunday sermons in Lent are focusing on stories from the Old Testament. It has been our goal to discover how God s grace is there, too. Week 3: March 4 Saved by Grace The Ten Commandments Memory Verse Psalm 103:8 Bring a toothbrush for LWR Baskets of Promise Week 4: March 11 There Is a Savior Poisonous Snakes in the Desert Memory Verse Isaiah 9:6 Bring a comb for LWR Baskets of Promise Week 5: March 18 Heart Art: God Writes on Our Hearts Memory Verse Proverbs 3:5-6 Bring metal fingernail clippers for LWR Baskets of Promise

3 Palm Sunday Jesus on Parade Sunday, March 25, 10;00am This worship service is a journey through Holy Week with words and music. We will retell the Passion story of Jesus from Palm Sunday through the Lord s burial with the help of lots of special music. Music will include vocal solos, small groups, the Chapel Choir, and instruments. This is something new and you will not want miss it! Maundy Thursday One Last Night Thursday, March 29, 7:00pm For ULC this has become a very traditional night. We will carefully work our way through the last night of Jesus life. We will prepare a meal, wash some feet, learn a new commandment, share the Lord s Supper, and abandon Jesus as he is arrested. The service will be punctuated with drama, demonstration, hymns, special music, the Word, and First Communion for our fifth grade youth. Please join us as we walk with the Lord Jesus through his last night on earth before his crucifixion and death. Good Friday Day of the Cross March 30, 7:00pm This is the most solemn day of the Christian year. It is the anniversary of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. He died on the cross to save us from sin, evil, and death, to save us in every possible way. On this night, we will tell the story of his death with the help of children, youth, and puppets. Light will diminish until darkness announces the death of Jesus, and we leave remembering Jesus loves me this I know. Easter Sunday The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus April 1, 7:00am and 10:00am Please join us for worship on Easter Sunday at 7 am for Sunrise Worship or 10 am for Festival Worship. Through Easter hymns, Easter Gospel, special music, sermon, and Holy Communion, we will proclaim to the world that Jesus is risen! Alleluia! The 7 am worship service will include some drama, and the 10 am worship service will include a puppet play and very special gift for children. This is the highest and holiest day of the Christian year, the day the Lord demonstrates love is stronger than death. Easter Breakfast Go Ahead and Leave the Cooking to Us! Please join us between the two Easter worship services (8-9:30 am) for breakfast. This year we are serving cheese omelets, sausage patties, fruit, juice and coffee. This meal will be served by our ULC men s group, Calling All Men. You can stay after the 7 am service, or come early before the 10 am service. The only cost to for the meal is a free will offering. Easter Garden Lilies, Mums, Tulips, and More If you would like to contribute to our Easter garden for Easter Sunday this year, please fill out a flower form provided in the worship bulletins in March. If you are unable to be at worship and would like to order a flower, then call the church office ( ) by March 26. You may pick up a flower to enjoy it at home after the 10 am service on April 1 (Easter).

4 Adult Education Here are four really great Bible study opportunities for you to enjoy and learn from in the month of March. Two are for anyone, one is for women, and one is for men: Thursday Morning Bible Study The Passion of Christ in Mark In March, we continue to study the Passion Story about Jesus Christ from the Gospel of Mark. Mark is the Gospel we are using in worship on Sundays this year, and about half of Mark s Gospel is Jesus Passion Story, basically the last week of his life. Please join us Thursdays, March 1, 8, 15, and 22, at 9:30 am for this study. We will come to know Mark s unique approach to the story of Jesus suffering, crucifixion, and death, and at the same time reflect on what these events mean for us and our lives. WELCA Bible Study Multiple Meanings of Scripture (The Good Samaritan) In March, we continue our Bible study talking about the multiple meanings of Scripture. God has spoken and continues to speak to people through the same biblical texts, and at times people hear these texts in different ways. Meanings sometimes change from one culture to another, from one place to another, and from one person to another. We will read the parable of the Good Samaritan, and see how it has been understood in different ways. Please join us at 10:00 am in the lounge, on Friday, March 9. Calling All Men What Did Jesus Say? In March, we will look at the words Jesus spoke after he was nailed to the cross. Maybe he said more than is recorded, but we will look carefully at what Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John report to us that he said. These are his last words before his death, and at the same time these words are precious words for us in our lives. Maybe what Jesus said will even surprise you! Hey you guys: Please join us at 8:30am in the fellowship hall on Saturday, March 17, for some delicious breakfast pizza, conversation, prayer, and study. Sunday Adult Class The Foolishness of the Cross A Study of First Corinthians In March, Pastor Tom continues to lead us in a Bible study on Paul s first letter to the Christian church in Corinth. In this letter, Paul says that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. This study will consider both the foolishness and the power of the cross in this world. Please join us for this study on March 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 8:45 am, in the lounge. It is never too late to start, each week will be topical. Plus, there will be cookies and coffee too! 55 + Over Fellowship In March, we will meet on Tuesday, March 13 at 1:30pm. Our program will be presented by Dr. Phyllis Johnson, Vice President of the Eastern ND Synod. Her presentation will be on World Hunger Issues. Please join us for an educational afternoon as well as a time of fellowship. Invite a friend or neighbor to join you.

5 March 2018 Educaon Update Join us on Sunday, March 11th from 3:00-5:00pm for ULC Family Fun Fest. We will be playing games like BINGO, minute-to-win-it and more. There will be snacks and fun for ALL ages. Please join us! There will be no church school on Wednesday, March 28 th and Sunday, April 1 st. Enjoy the Easter Break! Confirmation in February In March, there are no regular confirmation classes on Sundays or Wednesdays. Instead, all confirmation students are focusing on two very important tasks: First, you are attending Wednesday evening Lenten services and filling out your Lenten packs. You are to complete 5 of 6 weeks. If you complete all 6 weeks, there will be a gift for you. Second, you are meeting 4 times with your mentors. Each student has already selected their mentor and hopefully are meeting with them now. We will have a special meeting with mentors and students on Wednesday, April 4, at 7:00 pm, or Sunday, April 8, at 9:00 am. First Communion Class This is for students in the fifth-grade class. It is time for you to eat and drink at the sacrament of Holy Communion! Your First Communion is scheduled for Maundy Thursday, March 29. In order to help you prepare for that day, we have a class for you. Please note that some class times are for parents and students, and others are for students only. Let Pastor Tom know if some of these times will not work for you. Here are the dates: March 4 at 6:30 p.m. (Parents and students) March 8, 15, 22 at 3:45 p.m. (Students only) March 25 at 6:30 p.m. (Parents and students)

6 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 We will continue collecting Our Family bar code labels. Labels are redeemed for donation to the youth program. Each label is worth 5 cents and sometimes even 10 cents. The part of the label that is sent in is the barcode, so from larger items such as cereal boxes or egg cartons, you may just cut out the bar code (to cut down on bulk). You can put labels in the box next to Heather s office. Thank you for your continued support. 100 Envelopes Fundraiser Help support our youth by joining us in our 100 Envelopes Challenge. 100 envelopes are marked with a dollar amount ranging from $1 - $100. Youth will be manning a display in the narthex before and after worship on Sundays and Wednesdays. Pick the envelope with the amount you wish to donate, write your name on the slip inside and include your check or cash donation. Return the envelope to the youth or drop it in the offering tray at worship. Funds raised from the challenge will benefit the gathering trip to Houston, Texas this summer. Thanks for your support of ULC youth! High School Lock-In at Sharon Lutheran Church Friday, March 23rd from 7pm to 8am. The cost is $10.00 per person. (scholarships available) This event is for all youth in grades It's going to be a great time of fellowship, new friends, fun, and worship. I hope that you can join us. Please sign up on the youth board in the narthex by March 16th to reserve a spot. Watch for more information in the church bulletin. Youth Rummage Sale: Saturday, April 21st from 8am-4pm at ULC Rummage Sale donations can start being brought to the church the Monday after Easter. We will start placing donations in the youth room. Please note that we will NOT be accepting any CLOTHING donations this year. We are trying to simplify things this time around. We are grateful for your donations to the youth program. Please talk to Heather, Pastor Tom, or Brenda Hanson if you have any questions. Thank You! Heather Kallestad: ULC Youth Minister ulcheather@midconetwork.com (church) (cell)

7 Youth Gathering Fundraising Dinner Sunday, March 4, :30pm Social Time 6:00pm Dinner Please join us for a meal, fellowship, and a time where youth and adults attending the gathering in Houston, Texas will share about their upcoming trip. The evening includes a free will offering to support the youth of ULC. Everyone welcome. Reserve your spot today! A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Menu: Pasta Choices - Tossed Salad - Breadsticks - Dessert - Beverage

8 Feed My Starving Children Here is news for Feed My Starving Children in 2018: The community of Grand Forks is coming together to pack food for starving children across the world. This year that weekend is April 6-8. As a community, we have currently raised about $27,966 of the needed $88,957 in order for us to pack 400,000 meals this year. ULC is raising money for FMSC is through noisy offerings in January ($498), February, and March. Our Mission Endowment has contributed $1,000! We will have a special LOVE offering on Sunday, March 11, and Wednesday, March 14. Envelopes will be in the bulletins for people to make larger contributions. You will have opportunity to sign up to help pack at the upcoming event in the very near future. We will have a couple of designated ULC times. Remember that 22 cents will provide one meal for a hungry child in our world, $22 provides 100 meals for hungry children in an orphanage, and $80 feeds one child for one whole year. Feed My Starving Children MobilePack Event April 6-8, 2018 You are invited to participate in this year s FMSC MobilePack event. Volunteers will be packing meals that will travel to another country and be used to support ministries that feed the world s starving children! This event is not only a powerful experience in sharing God s love, but it is also a lot of fun! If you would like to participate, registration information is available in the Narthex. Each shift is two hours long. University Lutheran Church will have groups at two sessions: Sat. April 7, 2:30-4:30 and Sun. April 8, 4:30-6:30. Of course you are welcome to sign up for a different shift if these times do not work for you! Children as young as Kindergarten are welcome to help. Ages Kindergarten 2 nd grade need one adult per child. Ages 3 rd grade 5 th grade need one adult for every three children. The MobilePack event will also include a collection of food for a local food cupboard. Please plan to bring a non-perishable food item. Bad Weather Announcements In case of bad weather, tune into WDAZ TV (Channel 8) or KNOX Radio (1310 AM) for any changes to our schedule. Or, the most current information, you can also join our group at facebook.com/universitylutheranchurch and we will send you a message.

9 WELCA March News Upcoming WELCA Events: Spring Salad Luncheon: Saturday, April 7 th : This is our first major fundraiser for the year and a great opportunity to try some delicious salads. In addition to offering the variety of salads, we will also be raffling off items made by the women and men of ULC and hosting a bake sale. Raffle tickets will be available in the narthex before and after services beginning in mid-march. This is a great opportunity to volunteer at church and help raise funds to support our benevolences in Greater Grand Forks. More importantly, it s an opportunity to get better acquainted with the women of ULC. Rhubarb Festival: Saturday, June 9 th : More information to follow in the April newsletter. We look forward to seeing you! WOMEN OF THE ELCA Purpose Statement As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, We commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the Church, the society, and the world. In God s love, Patty Olsen, WELCA President University Lutheran Church Women of the ELCA LUTHERAN LUAU SALAD LUNCHEON Saturday, April 7 th 10:30am-1:00pm WELCA Bible Study Friday, March 9 10:00 a.m. in the lounge. Led by Pastor Tom. All women and friends of ULC are encouraged to attend. Naomi/Rachel Circle 11:00am Friday, March 9 at the church Mary/Martha Circle 9:30am Wednesday, March 21 at the church Joy Circle 3:00pm Sunday, March 25 at the church University Lutheran Church 2122 University Avenue Tickets: Adults- $ 8.00 Children- $ 3.00 Bake Sale Quilt Sale Craft Items Raffle Please join the Joy Circle on Sunday, March 25 from 3-4pm in the lounge for fellowship and treats. We cannot wait to gather again with you wonderful ladies. If you need daycare please let us know and we can make arrangements. Hope to see you all there.

10 ULC Family Fun Fest. Sunday, March 11th 3:00-5:00pm We will be playing games like BINGO, cupcake walk, minute-to-win-it and more. There will be snacks and fun for ALL ages. Please join us! 100 Envelopes Fundraiser Help support our youth by joining us in our 100 Envelopes Challenge. 100 envelopes are marked with a dollar amount ranging from $1 - $100. Youth will be manning a display in the narthex before and after worship on Sundays and Wednesdays. Pick the envelope with the amount you wish to donate, write your name on the slip inside and include your check or cash donation. Return the envelope to the youth or drop it in the offering tray at worship. Funds raised from the challenge will benefit the gathering trip to Houston, Texas this summer. Thanks for your support of ULC youth! Saturday, April 21 8am-4pm Proceeds benefit Youth Gathering Trip in June 2018 Rummage Sale donations can start being dropped off at the church the Monday after Easter (April 2). We will start placing donations in the youth room. **Please note that we will NOT be accepting any CLOTHING donations this year. We are trying to simplify things this time around. We are grateful for your donations to the youth program.

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12 UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 2122 UNIVERSITY AVENUE GRAND FORKS ND Return Service Requested NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID GRAND FORKS ND PERMIT #330 Please join us for worship, fellowship and service. WORSHIP & CLASS SCHEDULE Sunday Mornings Sunday School & Adult Class 8:45am Worship 10:00am Fellowship 11:00am Wednesday With Jesus Supper 5:00 p.m. Worship & WWJ 6:00 p.m. Chapel Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Youth Fundraising Dinner Sunday, March 4 5:30pm ULC Family FunFest Sunday, March 11 3:00-5:00pm HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE Palm Sunday, March 25 Worship 10:00am Maundy Thursday, March 29 Worship and First Communion 7:00pm Good Friday, March 30 Worship 7:00pm Easter Sunday, April 1 Sunrise Worship 7:00am Easter Breakfast 8:00-9:30am Festival Worship 10:00am Ministers: Every Member of the Congregation Pastor: Thomas W. Colenso Education Coordinator: Jen Hanson Youth Minister: Heather Kallestad Administrative Assistant: Seanne Voracek Organists: Lauri Shimpa and Jane Traub Choir Director: KariJo O Keefe Custodians: Harold Stoller Stephen Ministry Leaders: Bonnie Peterson, Wayde Anderson Evelyn Clark, Jane Traub UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 2122 University Avenue Grand Forks ND Phone: ulcoffice@midconetwork.com