DISCOVER DISCOVER GOD S LOVE

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1 DISCOVER DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 1 March 2014 GOD S LOVE March 2014 The newsletter of ATONEMENT CHURCH Wesley Chapel, Florida

2 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 2 March 2014 Discover God s Love is the monthly newsletter of Atonement Lutheran Church State Rd. 54 Wesley Chapel, FL Office: (813) Fax: (813) office@be-at-1.org SUNDAY WORSHIP: 8:30 & 10am Pastor Scott Lindner Choir Director Ruby Agnir Office Coordinator Kay Edwards Keyboard Player Kenneth Hanks Newsletter Editor Carol Reams on the web: MULTIMEDIA atonementlutheran.net YOUTUBE PICTURES FACEBOOK contents a chat with the pastor 3 WELCA 5 Food Pantry...6 Thanks You s..8 Birthday s etc..9 Youth 11 Calendar..13 Above: In addition to being Souper Bowl Sunday, the first Sunday in February was also Scout Sunday.

3 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 3 March 2014 a chat with the pastor Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Cor. 6:19-20 This is my body, Jesus said as he broke the bread at the Last Supper. And as he passed around the cup of wine, he told his friends gathered there, This is my blood. The disciples who were sharing that meal with their rabbi may not have had any idea what Jesus was trying to tell them, but to us those words are a graphic reminder that Jesus was a human being in a human body at the same time he was God. Because we believe that God took on human flesh, being born of a human mother, issuing from a human womb, growing from crying baby to curious child to active teenager to thoughtful and responsible adulthood, inhabiting a human body subject to hunger, pain, and exhaustion because our Lord and Savior is literally God in the flesh, we see the body as a holy vessel fashioned by God. Jesus told us that our bodies are temples to the Holy Spirit. A body is therefore a holy place, like a shrine or sanctuary. When we worship it involves bodily movements, gestures and postures, lifting the eyes to heaven or closing them in prayer, singing hymns in a robust manner, filling and emptying our lungs in succession. We take in God s Word through our ears and eyes, we hug and shake hands with our fellow worshippers, we taste bread and wine, we wash bodies both big and little at the baptismal font. A person s body is tied in with their identity who we are is expressed in bodily ways. A smile or frown, a touch, an embrace or a slap any kind of communication comes from a certain way we use our own bodies. And what we do with or to other people s bodies can have a profound spiritual affect on them. We can use our bodies to heal or to abuse others. Like it or not, we re stuck with these bodies God has given us, at least for this life. Though more and more surgeries are available to alter, improve, or maintain our bodies, we know we won t be here forever because these bodies just weren t made to last. And yet, the impermanence of these bodies is also our gateway to eternal life. And as Jesus shows us in Matthew 25, the compassion and care we show with these bodies determines our fitness for the next world. And so it s no wonder that we Christians pray for healing, set up hospitals, and send missionaries out with medicine. It s no wonder we take such care of the bodies of the deceased, and value the physical remains of a loved one s body. Bodies are not simply disposable vehicles that a soul tools around in. Your body is not like your latest car, the one you are planning to replace as soon as The Capital Campaign team waited till the talent show after church on Feb. 23 to announce the total brought in for the 3 month matching fund drive.

4 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 4 March 2014 you can afford it. Your body is a definitive part of the you that you are. The way your brain is physically structured along with the chemical balance your body maintains impacts your personality. Though we are often at odds with our bodies, especially when they slow down or break down or distract us with urges and cravings we can t ignore, we admire the harmony we see in a dancer or an athlete whose every move is graceful but deliberate and skilled. This Lent, our series of mid-week worship services begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5, and brings us to reflect upon The Body of Christ. Each Wednesday through April 9 as well as Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, we will meet at 7pm for a short service designed to bring into focus the amazing gift of our bodily existence, and the wondrous mystery that Jesus Christ shared our human existence. The centerpiece of each service is a dialog focusing on a part of the body of Christ, including: The feet of Christ March 5 (Ash Wednesday) The hands of Christ March 12 The mouth of Christ March 19 The ears of Christ March 26 The eyes of Christ April 2 The heart of Christ April 9 The blood of Christ April 17 Maundy Thursday The body of Christ April 18 Good Friday The series concludes with a final service offered as our early worship option at 8am on Easter Sunday, April 20: The Risen Christ. Christians who observe Lent traditionally use it as a time of spiritual growth and reflection, and include some sort of discipline related to the body. Often it is a giving up of a certain food or a taking up a healthy habit from Ash Wednesday up until Easter, with a view towards strengthening our self-control and overall health. In their Make or Break program, Thrivent suggests the following possible Lenten disciplines: Add a healthy habit, such as: Eating prayerfully, giving thanks before each meal Fill half your plate with produce, making fruits and vegetables the star of your main meal each day Track what you eat, keeping a record of your calories and nutrition Fuel up with a healthy breakfast, including a variety of grains and lowfat protein and dairy...or break a habit, such as: Quitting processed foods Going sugar free Ditching unhealthy snacks Skipping unhealthy beverages More information on Thrivent s Make or Break program, along with some great wellness activities and resource can be found online at: CallToLiveWell/HowPorticoCanHelp/ WellnessActivities.aspx Paul tells us all that, as believers, we are part of the body of Christ. My prayer for you this Lent is that you experience that reality in worship and in the care and honor you give to your own body. Peace, Pastor Scott a chat with the pastor is online at: Below: Dr. Paula O Neil, Pasco County Clerk, leads the renewal of vows ceremony on February 16.

5 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 5 March 2014 March 8: WELCA meeting -10am in fellowship hall. We will be finalizing our plans for our Spring Bazaar on April 5th. We welcome any crafts from all church members. There will be a get together at noon for all women wanting to knit or crochet prayer shawls. Ann Chase will be there to help us. March 9: WELCA Sunday the WELCA ladies will provide the service Participants as well as fellowship following the service. A birthday cake will be provided to celebrate the March birthdays. April 5: WELCA sponsored Spring Bazaar 9 AM 2 PM. Vendors, crafters, bake sale bakers, participants needed! Recipients of the bazaar proceeds: Supports the Troops for postage & the Al & Bea Bidwell Memorial Scholarship Fund. ************************************** WELCA is an active group here at Atonement. We encourage all ladies of the church to Join us and get involved in our ministry. For more information contact team leader Salli Conover at misstuf@aol.com. Many hands are needed! There is so much to do! Biggest benefit? The fellowship of this group which is wonderful! Also, remember that we are Bold Women of Atonement!

6 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 6 March 2014 HELPING HANDS FOOD PANTRY JANUARY, 2014 FEEDING AMERICA (POUNDS RECEIVED) 8,869 POUNDS RECEIVED USDA 9,479 ESTIMATED DONATED POUNDS 8,411 FAMILIES SERVED 965 CONSISTING OF INDIVIDUALS 3,498 POUNDS OF FOOD DISTRIBUTED 30,899 VOLUNTEER HOURS 731 DEUTERONOMY 15:11 SAYS, SINCE THERE WILL NEVER CEASE TO BE SOME IN NEED ON THE EARTH, I THEREFORE COMMAND YOU OPEN YOUR HAND TO THE POOR AND NEEDY NEIGHBORS IN YOUR LAND. This month USDA delivered a lot of chicken which kept our purchases down. Donations from Sweet Bay were 3,995 pounds of food. Bagelicious donated 903 pounds of bagels. Kids R Kids donated 404 pounds of milk and seven Oaks Elementary School donated 729 pounds of milk as well. Banana Ken donated 634 pounds of bananas, the community and our congregation donated 1,746 pounds of food. The First week in January the pantry was closed, therefore approximately 780 pounds of perishables were donated to another pantry. We are forever grateful to our congregation and to the community for all the generous donations. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! OUR FEATURED VOLUNTEER GUEST IS

7 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 7 March 2014 I was born and raised in Vassar, MI (near Frankenmuth). I lived in Brandon and Benton FL and Lexington KY...before I met Scott. Scott and I met in 1991 and got married in We have 2 boys, George and Brian. We have 2 cats. My family and I have been here at ALC going on 8 years. I work during the week (except on Weds.) cleaning houses. On Sundays I play in our praise band. I do photography as well. I enjoy helping at the food pantry. It s fun to be a part of something that helps families FOR EVEN THE SON OF MAN DID NOT COME TO BE SERVED, BUT TO SERVE, AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY. (MARK 10:45) God came to serve and to give. It makes sense, then to say God desires the same for us. After bringing us into His family through faith in His Son, the Lord God sets His sights on building into us the same quality that made Jesus distinct from all in His day. God is engaged in building into His people the same serving and giving qualities that characterize His Son. REMEMBER Matthews 25:25. For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me water, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. REMEMBER WE MAY BE HELPING AN AGNEL!!!!!!!!!!! Blessings, Yvette M. Williams, Assis- tant Director

8 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 8 March 2014 Dear Friends in Christ, It was truly inspiring to be part of such an outpouring of celebration at the first anniversary of our Capital Campaign, Laying Foundations for the Children of God. It was very evident that performers and audience alike had a great time; and for many, many good reasons, not the least of which was the announcement of our fundraising to date. It is quite evident that we have indeed all come here by faith. The Acts of Atonement would not have been a success without the sharing of so many talents. And what a range of talents we all got to enjoy, from photography to handiwork to sleight of hand to poetry, music, dance and everything in between. We even had an ample portion of audience participation from those too shy to come up front with the rest of us. But I would be truly remiss if I did not recognize Jean Zabel s leadership in the Capital Campaign Committee, as well as my other fellow members of the committee (Wayne, Carol, and Detlev) for their time, support and energy. Most importantly, I would like to acknowledge the very capable assistance of the audio/visual sound system team, especially Scott and Doug. It is really through their efforts that we were able to fully appreciate the talents of others. To those who missed out on the show, who knows what (or who) may be discovered next time? Thank You so much for the beautiful wreath and very generous donation to Patty s foundation. The foundation was established to honor Patty s love for animals and desire to help others by sponsoring veterinary scholarships to deserving students. Yours in Christ, Walt Frank Time for a Change Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NASB Skier Jean-Claude Killy was ready to do whatever it took no matter how hard the work to be the best when he made the French national team in the early 1960s. But after months of grueling practice, he recognized that his competitors were putting in just as much effort in the same kind of training. It was then he decided to go a step further and find different ways to ski faster rather than just working harder. He started testing every part of his racing technique, such as altering the accepted leg positions and using his poles in unorthodox ways. Soon, his experiments resulted in an explosive new style that cut his racing times dramatically. Within a few years, Killy won virtually every major skiing trophy and three gold medals in the 1968 Winter Olympics. Killy learned an important lesson to creativity: Innovations don t require genius just a willingness to question the norms and try something different. It s been said that one reason people eventually stop growing and learning is they become less willing to risk failure by trying new ideas or experiences. Change can be difficult and uncomfortable. But if our ambitions are only to avoid the discomforts of life, we could soon find we have very little life at all. God wants us to have the most joyful, fulfilling life possible, and sometimes that requires stepping out into the unknown. Is there a new experience or idea you ve been hesitant to pursue? You ll never know until you try.

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10 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 10 March March 1 - Duane Edwards March 1 -Morayma Matos March 1 --Robert Wallace March 2 Lynda Demsher March 2 Logan Prescott March 3 - -Andrew Martin March 6 Ken Hanks March 13 Reuben Rymer March 16 -Tyler Hanks March John Phifer March 21 Vito Chiaramonte March 24 - Carol Clifton March 25 - Judy Meserve March 26 Patti Wallace March 28 - Carol Rothgeb March 28 Jean Zabel March 14 Duane & Kay Edwards Only 1 anniversary - PRAYER MINISTRY KICKOFF LUNCHEON We are pressing the restart button on our prayer ministries here at Atonement, and we d like your input. We d love for you to come and join the discussion, share your thoughts and give us feedback on some of our ideas. You are invited to join us for lunch at 11:30am on Friday March 14 at the Chowder House in Zephyrhills, State Rd. 54. OFFERINGS Feb. 2 $ Feb. 9 $ Feb.16 $ Feb.23 $ ATTENDANCE Feb Feb Feb Feb If we missed you, it was not intentional, it is because we don t have your name. If you would like it to be listed, please call the office or Carol Reams.

11 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 11 March Don t forget to turn your clocks ahead on Sat. (8th). Spring forward.. March 2 March 5 March 7 March 9 March 9 March 9 March 16 March 17 March 20 March 23 March 30 Special Dates Transfiguration of our Lord Ash Wednesday World Day of Prayer First Sunday in Lent Daylight-Savings time begins Girl Scout Sunday Second Sunday in Lent St. Patrick s Day First Day of Spring Third Sunday in Lent Fourth Sunday in Lent Stop, look and listen Lent, the season of the church year that s associated with repentance, begins on Ash Wednesday (March 5 this year). While some people deny themselves by giving something for Lent, others prepare for Easter through special Bible studies or devotions. Christians observe Lent for these reasons: It causes us to STOP. Lent says, Stop and rest awhile, as well as Stop doing wrong. It tells us to LOOK. Look inward for an honest self examination. Look upward to see the cross of Christ offering healing and love. Look forward to the hope of the Resurrection. It tells us to LISTEN. Listen to the words of Christ. Listen to the voice of God. Listen to the winds of the Spirit of God. Stop, look and listen. These three words aren t only important for our safety in travel, they re also helpful for our journey through the 40 days of Lent. PRAYER MINISTRY KICKOFF LUNCHEON We are pressing the restart button on our prayer ministries here at Atonement, and we d like your input. We d love for you to come and join the discussion, share your thoughts and give us feedback on some of our ideas. You are invited to join us for lunch at 11:30am on Friday March 14 at the Chowder House in Zephyrhills, State Rd. 54

12 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 12 March Youth News March 2014 Thanks to all who contributed on February 2 nd Souper Bowl of Caring. The youth were able to raise $180 and 525 pounds of food. This was then all donated to our own Helping Hands Food Pantry. I especially wanted to thank the youth who took fliers to their communities for this food drive, those who sorted and weighed the food and loaded it up for Ms. Carla. February s talent show was a wonderful event. Thanks to the families who brought desserts and a special thanks our skit actors Brian Lindner as Dooms Day, Dominic Santoro as Good Times, Tyler Hanks as Windy Skies and Nick Lenz as Action Fan. You all did a good job and the skit was enjoyed by all! For March we will have a youth meeting on March 9 th after second service. Then on March 23 rd we will have pizza after church then go to see the movie Gods not Dead. We are in the process of purchasing a new gas grill and will have it in place before the WELCA Bazaar April 5 th. Youth will be cooking hamburgers and hotdogs for the bazaar on the new grill! Youth, this is a good time to build up those volunteer hours needed for school and scholarships! Then on March 30 th we will host the Chili Cook off. All are invited to make a pot of chili which will be sampled and judged First prize will receive a gift certificate to a local restaurant. The cost I only $2 each to sample all the chili you want, and you will be the judge. This has been a fun event over the past couple of years, so save the date and let us try your favorite chili! January noisy offering and offering from Soup Luncheon $180- donated to Food Pantry Youth Leader Brenda Lenz

13 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 13 March Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :30 Heritage Service 10:00 Traditional 11:30 Congrega- 7:00 Alcoholics 9:00 Food Pantry Setup 9:30 Kindermusic 7:30 Choir Practice Ash Wednesday 10:00 Food Pantry 10:00 Access 7:00 Ash Wednesday Worship 7:00 Overeaters 6:30 Girl Scouts 10:00 WELCA DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS 8:30 Heritage Service 7:00 Alcoholics ALOA Parrish, FL 9:00 Food Pantry Setup 9:30 Kindermusic 7:30 Choir Practice 10:00 Food Pantry 10:00 Access 7:00 Lenten Worship 7:00 Pack 148 committee meeting 7:00 Overeaters 11:00 Meeting for prayer Group at Chowder House 1:30 Duane & Kay Edwards Wedding :30 Heritage Service 10:00 Traditional 11:30 Confirmation Class 7:00 Alcoholics St. Patrick s Day 9:00 Food Pantry Setup 9:30 Kindermusic 7:00 Council 7:30 Choir Practice 10:00 Food Pantry 10:00 Access 7:00 Lenten Worship 7:00 Overeaters Vernal Equinox 6:30 Girl Scouts Bishop Lenten Visitation 10:30 Faith Lutheran Sarasota :30 Heritage Service 10:00 Traditional 7:00 Alcoholics 9:00 Food Pantry Setup 9:30 Kindermusic 7:30 Choir Practice 10:00 Food Pantry 10:00 Access 7:00 Lenten Worship 7:45 Vision Team 7:00 Overeaters FDOT meeting Ruden wedding (Clearwater) :30 Heritage Service 10:00 Traditional 7:00 Alcoholics March 9th Deacons meet March 23 Glows and Grows meeting At 11:30