Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 M a r c h G A C h u r c h w w w. g a c h u r c h. o r g Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church In this month s Newsletter Lent, Holy Week, and Easter 2014 at GA, pg. 1 & 7 Synod Bishop Election Update, pg GA Church Council, pg. 6 Lenten Table Talk, pg. 13 Lent/Holy Week/Easter 2014 at GA The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5. During Lent we will have our regular Sunday morning worship services at 9:00 am & 11:15 am AND Wednesday night worship service at 6:50 pm in the Sanctuary. During Holy Week we will have special services, beginning with Palm Sunday on April 13, Maundy Thursday on April 17, and Good Friday on April 18. Easter Sunday is on April 20. More information about Holy Week will be available in our April newsletter. Ash Wednesday Worship March 5, 10:30 am & 6:50 pm Ash Wednesday is a quiet, reflective day in the life of the church that begins the season of Lent. We worship God and confess the ways we fall short and participate in systems that hurt, neglect and marginalize those around us. Ash Wednesday is a day of honesty. During worship, you are invited to come forward and receive the sign of the ashes on your forehead. This is an ancient symbol of repentance for the ways we intentionally or unintentionally hurt our neighbors, God s creation and ourselves. The ashes, marked on us in the sign of a cross, are a reminder of God s unending forgiveness, mercy and grace, which are seen most clearly in the death of Christ. Lent - Walk to the Cross Walking was the main form of travel for Jesus and his disciples two thousand years ago. In his three-year ministry, Jesus encountered many people. During this season of Lent we will hear the stories of those who knew Jesus from the beginning of his mission through his Easter resurrection and beyond, as well as those who had one significant moment when they had an Aha! experience when a light came on that changed their lives from that day forward. We invite you and your family to join us this Lenten season on our journey to the cross, in worship on Sunday morning and Wednesday night, at Wednesday night during our faith formation time (6:00 6:50 pm) for our Walk & Talk conversations, and at home with a Walk to the Cross Lenten devotional kit. For more information about our Lenten journey of Walk to the Cross please turn to page 7.

2 Page 2 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch COMING SOON: Walking in the Light: Listening to Clarify our Vision for Mission This winter may be one of those that become the stuff of legend for schoolchildren of our time. It has been cold. It has been snowy. And it has been cold and snowy. And even though no one allows children to walk this far to school any more, it has been a hard winter. Thank you for the faithfulness you ve shown in attending worship and sharing your gifts with the church. Lament & The Church This month, I bring up the topic of what has been lost over the past 125-year history of this church. We have moved the location of the church itself three times. We have changed the language of worship twice (Swedish to English). We have ballooned to more than 2,000 members, and shrunk to 1,000 members (at present). I wonder how many hymnals have been in use black, red, green, cranberry? The dress and the gender of pastors have changed. We survived the Great Depression of the 1930s, and the Great Recession of the 2000s. Flannel boards have been replaced by projectors in classrooms. And like the when I was your age I walked to school uphill both ways in snow some of the legends are, well, a little tall. Exaggerated, or rosier than they really were. Our memory at times paints a more pleasant picture than really existed. Children were seen and not heard. Women were not allowed to vote in the congregation. We argued about whether Swedish or English was the language spoken by God (Yes? Neither? Or in all languages?) Mental illness was not talked about, and some were quietly institutionalized. Many, many more children died before the age of two years. There were no antibiotics. And we commonly referred to our neighbors as by ethnic labels that emphasized the worst attributes, whether skin color, or hair texture, or assigned qualities of negative traits laziness, or body smell, or religious practice. Who were the Olden Days good for? They were good for people who had intact families, who were not visited too frequently by death, and who were able to accumulate the resources to provide shelter, food and clothing for their loved ones. They were often good for people without immigrant accents, and who were able to send their children to free public school instead of factory or farm work. These past 125 years will not be repeated. They are gone and will not return -- for the good, and for the bad. The Golden Age of the American Church was in the 1950s through the 1970s, when civic responsibility was matched with religious devotion. We were taught that a good citizen goes to church. For what has been lost, let us lament. That means to express sorrow or regret. To mourn what will never be again. Make a 2014 Walk in the Light Giving Promise You ve been invited to make a Giving Promise for the 2014 mission and ministry of Jesus Christ through Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church! Walk in the Light Appeal packets with information about our vision for mission have been distributed to more than 450 households. Additional packets are available at the Welcome Center at church, and online at gachurch.org.

3 March 2014 Page 3 Lament and stories of suffering are conspicuously absent in many worship services. Old Testament Professor Glenn Pemberton notes that laments constitute 40 percent of the Psalms, but in the hymnal for the Church of Christ, laments make up 13 percent, the Presbyterian hymnal 19 percent, and the Baptist hymnal 13 percent. I have a great appreciation for the people of God who debated thousands of years ago about what songs (psalms) to include in the Bible. They might have chosen only those psalms that marvel and celebrate the glory of God and God s creation, along with the ones that express thankfulness and which honor the blessings of God. But they didn t. Our Book of Psalms includes songs of lament, anger, disappointment and hurt. Don t know where they are? Ask me sometime, or google psalms of lament. You may find words to name what will never be again. The loss of the dominant Christian culture. That we live too far from church to walk. The loss of a sense of neighborhood. Or the personal loss of youth, or wealth, or good health. The Psalms offer words for these losses. The Church needs to lament what can never be again. O God, why do you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture? Remember your congregation, which you acquired long ago, which you redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage. Psalm 74:1-2 What do you need to remember, name and lament? What do we as Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Christ need to remember, honor and let go? In this season of listening, I pray we will make time for lament as well as celebration. Pastor Bonnie Wilcox, Senior Pastor And let the Church remember God s promise to lead us into a future held by God s hands: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 Saint Paul Area Synod Bishop Election Pastor Bonnie is a Nominee Our Synod will elect a new bishop at the Synod Assembly to be held May 16 & 17 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville. A bishop serves to unite the work of all the congregations within a geographic synod in our national denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Our Synod is the geographically smallest of the 65 synods in the ELCA, but has the second highest number of members and congregations. There are about 107 congregations in the St. Paul Area Synod with 132,000 baptized members. The initial group of nominees was selected at the February 8 Conference Assembly. Our senior pastor, Bonnie Wilcox, was one of nine pastors elected to be candidates for bishop! Public forums to meet and hear the candidates speak will be held in April. Our church is allowed to appoint four voting members for the Synod Assembly (May 2014), at which the new bishop will be elected. In addition to our pastors, members of the church council have agreed to serve as our four voting members. If you are interested in participating in this process as an alternate should a council leader be unable to attend, please talk to one of the pastors. It is important to remember that in the meantime, Pastor Bonnie is committed to and values her call as our senior pastor. This is a lengthy process. Please be sensitive in discussing this information, especially with youth and children, to whom this information may seem unsettling. There will be no changes in her day-to-day ministry with our congregation. We request your prayers for all of the pastors nominated for this important call, for Pastor Bonnie in particular, and for the whole Saint Paul Area Synod in a time of great excitement, but also great transition. Visit spas-elca.org/bishopelection2014/ to learn more about the process of electing a new bishop.

4 Page 4 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY Confirmation Ministry March 2014 Grades Confirmation students in grades 6, 7, & 8 will not meet for Wednesday classes during Lent [March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9] Students will meet with their FAITH MENTORS from 6:00-6:45 pm and attend worship with them at 6:50 pm on Wednesdays during Lent. Confirmation students in grade 9 are preparing for their Confirmation Day May 18. They will have Project Meetings (6:00 6:45 PM) in the Library, Wednesdays during Lent (March 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9) Create and design personal stoles, Sunday mornings from 10:00 11:00 AM, April 6, 13, 27. Service Hour Opportunities! Acolytes are needed for 9:00 Worship Services and special services during Holy Week. Sign up at the Youth Board on the Kiosk near the Welcome Desk. Worship Greeters. Sign up at the Welcome Desk Service Team Sign-up Sheets Help lead activities at the Good Friday Children s Service on April 18 (9:30 1:30) Communion Instruction for Children and Parents Saturday, April 12 from 9:30 noon Learn about the meaning of the Sacrament of Holy Communion Bake communion bread Receive A Place For You a book for you to personalize and keep Who should participate? Children who have been baptized and parents who would like to grow in their understanding of Holy Communion. Children participating in this workshop with their parents will receive their First Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 17 at the 6:50 p.m. service. Advance registration is required. Sign-up forms are available at the Welcome Desk and at the Tree House. Children s Good Friday Program All preschoolers through sixth graders (& parents/ adults!) are invited to a Good Friday children s event For more information about our Confirmation program, contact Sherrie Nordquist by calling the Church office or sherrie@gachurch.org GA GAME NIGHT Friday, April 4 6:30 8:30 pm in the Gathering Area. Watch for details! Everyone is welcome! 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 18 Worship, crafts, games, and lunch are included. We ask for donations (suggested = $5 per person) to help defray costs, and a non-perishable food item for the Food Shelf. Volunteers are needed to help lead activities at the event. Please pre-register for this event by filling out a registration form at the Welcome Desk or by calling the church office. Invite friends, neighbors, grandchildren to join you!

5 March 2014 THE TREE HOUSE Sunday mornings from 10:10 11:10 A.M. Sunday School for Pre-K through Grade 5 SPARK Bible Time for Preschoolers Workshop Rotation for Children in Grades K-5 March 2, 9, 16, 23 Woman at the Well The Tree House for Kids! Coming to the Tree House! April 6, 13, 27 Holy Week & Easter May 4, 11 Ten Men Healed THERE IS ROOM FOR PARENTS AND OTHER ADULTS AT THE TREE HOUSE Parents Room Parents are invited to hang out in the Parents room at the Tree House during Sunday School. Enjoy refreshments, read the newspaper (provided), and conversation with other parents. K-5 kids! We want you to be a part of the spring musical... Performance Date: Sunday, April 27 9:00 & 11:15 AM Worship Rehearsals: 6-6:45 PM on Wed. during Lent (Mar. 12, 19, 26, 2, 9) and on Sunday mornings at the Tree House 10:00-10:30 AM. Musical Director: Mrs. Camille Farinella, Contact Sherrie Nordquist at the church office for more information. THE BIBLE BUCKS STORE will be open from 9:50-10:10am on March 3 & 17! Bring your SPARK Bible to Sunday School every week to collect more Bible Bucks! We Love hearing Our GA Kids Sing! Our Tree house Children s Choir rehearses as part of Sunday School on Sunday mornings from 10:10am -10:30am under the direction of Camille Farinalla and is open to any child in grades K-5! The choir performs once a month at the start of the New Life Service. Next Peformance: March 23 & April 13 (Palm Sunday) Page 5 VOLUNTEER AS A WORKSHOP LEADER AT THE TREE HOUSE! Prepare and lead a learningbased workshop such as drama, art, games, cooking, science. 2- week commitment. Use your expertise and a little of your time to share the Gospel with young learners. Join one of the next Rotation Teams. Curriculum and training will be provided. Call Sherrie Nordquist at the church office Come along and join our Children s ministry team. Next Parents Night Out Saturday, March 29, 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. Bring your child to a fun-filled night while you have some time to yourself, go to a movie, out to dinner, or just read a book without interruption. Your child will get to hang out with Children s Ministry adult leaders and youth. We ll play games, watch a movie, play in the gym or just sit and chat. $10 per child, $5 for each additional child. Sign up at the Welcome desk or sherrie@gachurch.org or lojehoward@comcast.net. LET S GO TO CAMP ONOMIA THIS SUMMER! GA kids of all ages can go to Camp Onomia the week of July 6-11: (Explorers for grades 3-6, Night Owls for grades 6-8, and Adventure Camp for Grades 6-9!) CIT (Counselor In Training) for High School youth will take place the week of June Sign up by April 1 to receive the Early Bird discount. GA Youth Ministry Team will pick up half the cost of a week of camp for GA kids attending! Day Camp week for Kindergarten through Grade 5 children at GA is June 22 27! Watch for details. For more information about Sunday School and Confirmation programs, contact Sherrie Nordquist by calling the Church office (direct line) or sherrie@gachurch.org

6 Page 6 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch GLOBAL MISSIONS & COUNCIL CORNER Global Missions: You are Remarkable in Our Life You are remarkable in our life, as there are so many project of which we are hearing but we never had opportunity on getting access to those. But you are helping with such great faith as you even don t know who you are helping. This have multiplier effects to thousands of people here in Kiponzelo. God bless you and those who help you This is a quote from a woman to Dr. Tom Hendrickson, president of Iringa Hope, the micro-financing program we helped establish this past year. Getting something done in Africa has more than its share of challenges, but when it happens in a timely fashion it seems like a major miracle and that is the SACCOS story. With a board in place and the approximate $8,000 from all GA sources and matches, $2,000 seed money from Iringa Hope, and the required contributions of the local members, loans were issued! There were 41 loans made with an average of $260 per loan. It is believed that 29 women and 12 men were the recipients. All of the capital was lent out with 13 applications not funded they were approved, then prioritized, and will next fund as many as there are funds available. They are told they must fund all loans below 800,000 TZS or about $500 - first. The law requires that they reserve 20% of available funds in a savings account. Council Corner: Members of the 2014 Church Council President: Christopher Stordalen Vice President: Debra Hogen Secretary: Janet Peterson Treasurer: [open] Nancy Nelson Wes Johnson Karen Landkamer Aaron Bayer Jean Muelenthaler Pastor Bonnie Wilcox Pastor Amanda Simons NOTE: David Grefe has served as our treasurer for several years, and we are looking for someone to take over this appointed council position. If you have an aptitude for the numbers, talk to one of the council members for more information. And what is the impact in the Kiponzelo community? According to Tom, with an average family size of 5.7 at the last member survey, we are serving approximately 234 people! That means that collectively they will increase their earnings next year by about $500 per family. They will also be able to send of their children to school with these profits while the church collections should go up about $2,000. They are truly Walking in the Light like their GA partners!!! My favorite line from the lady s quote, But you are helping with such great faith as you even don t know who you are helping seems to tell us what we are supposed to be about when serving the Lord even those we do not personally know! Thank you for your generosity. Tom will be with us at both services on May 4 to share more details of how we are helping our Tanzanian sisters and brothers to help themselves, families, church and community and how we can continue the gift of loans. Jean Schwartz, Global Missions Chair MONTHLY MISSION EMPHASIS Mar- Apr- May- Food Shelf (Merrick Community Services) Youth Camperships/Mission Trips Lyngblomsten Use the blue giving envelope that comes from the church. If you give electronically, designate a one-time or ongoing gift for Missions. Library News The Ronald C. Peterson library is open between services from 10:00-11:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Thank you for returning materials within two weeks. GA Women s Book Club meets the 4 th Tuesday of each month, at 12:30 p.m. New readers are always welcome. Stop by the church library for more information. We usually have copies available to borrow.

7 March 2014 Page 7 Lent 2014: Walk to the Cross (cont. from pg. 1) A drama team has been formed to write, direct, stage and perform character monologues or skits for worship from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. Each character monologue or drama will be presented three times: at the midweek Wednesday worship and at both Sunday services the following weekend. The only exceptions are the dramas during Holy Week. As of the publication of this newsletter, here is the schedule: Ash Wednesday, March 5 & Sunday, March 9 Nicodemus: He came in the dark to visit Jesus, and received the words, For God so loved the world We know he saw the light because he appears again at the end of Jesus journey to help with his burial. Wednesday, March 12 & Sunday, March 16 The Samaritan Woman: The first person in John s Gospel to go and tell others about Jesus. Wednesday, March 19 & Sunday, March 23 The Friends of the Paralyzed Man: Lowered through the roof of the crowded home by determined friends, Jesus forgives the man s sins BEFORE healing him. A testimony of friendship and faithfulness. Wednesday, March 26 & Sunday, March 30 Martha, Mary & Lazarus: Three of Jesus good friends, Martha sends for Jesus after her brother, Lazarus, becomes deathly ill. Martha s words, I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God have become an important declaration of faith. And she says it before Jesus raises her brother from the dead. This miracle of Jesus recorded in Luke s Gospel that is the last straw for the Jewish leaders Jesus must be killed. Wednesday, April 2 & Sunday, April 6 Peter: The disciple Jesus called to lead the Church after his ascension to heaven, but who also denied three times during Jesus trial that he was a friend of Jesus. Peter is always great to believe and speak, but often also big in blurting without thinking. Wednesday, April 9 & Palm Sunday, April 13 The Unnamed Woman who Anoints Jesus Feet: Told in Matthew s Gospel, her story takes place just before the Last Supper and Jesus arrest. With the most precious of gifts, the woman breaks society s rules in order to show her love and devotion to Jesus. And Jesus knows she anoints him in preparation for his death. Maundy Thursday, April 17 The Owner of the House: A fictitious person who knew Jesus and the disciples well enough to provide them an upper room for their Passover meal, which became Jesus institution of the Lord s Supper. Good Friday, April 18 The Centurion at the Cross: Through a very short speech, the non-believing Centurion (soldier) is a foreigner who recognizes that Jesus IS the Messiah. Easter Morning, April 20 Mary Magdalene: A follower of Jesus, Mary goes to the tomb on Easter morning to complete burial preparations after the Sabbath. She encounters a man who she thinks is the gardener. When Jesus says her name aloud, she recognizes that Jesus is alive! Walk to the Cross On Wednesday Evenings On the Wednesday after the Bible stories have been presented in worship, you are invited to come to church to Walk & Talk with a friend, spouse or partner, family member or someone you d like to get to know better at GA. Pastor Amanda has written conversation questions about each character to relate to our own Walk to the Cross to initiate conversation and reflection. Another group will exploring the books of 1st and 2nd Peter at 6pm in the Fireside room. Walk to the Cross At Home You may pick up a home devotion kit at church on Ash Wednesday. As we did in Advent, it features a mat with a spiral Lent calendar for the forty days and six little Easter Sundays until Easter morning, April 20. It also includes a candle, book of daily prayers, and this time, the figure of Jesus carrying his cross as he did on the day of his death.

8 Page 8 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch COMMUNITY CARING Walking in the Light: The CAT Scan is Coming! As an active part of GA's Walk in the Light appeal, we are seeking to recruit a Listening Team to assist Rick Howard and Bev Challgren with the preparation and launching of a Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT). That's the CAT scan, get it? 670 hours were given for friendly visits, grocery shopping, running errands, phone calls and sending notes, etc. 440 additional hours provided respite care, transportation and team support and coordination. To learn more about Care Team Ministry, contact Nancy Johnson, , or Joyce Miller, Additional team members are needed, and training is provided. In plain language, to listen and gather information from both inside and outside of our church to look at where we believe God is leading us in the future! With leadership from our consultants, Pastor Jeff Kjellberg and Kairos & Associates, we are embarking on work together to gather information from you and other members of our faith community, along with listening to voices from outside our church about the needs of the neighborhood(s) around Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church. We will spend time this year in self-reflection and discerning God s vision for our mission and ministry as we celebrate our 125 th Anniversary in 2014! Care Team Ministry Our Care Team Ministry was created and is supported by Lyngblomsten Foundation in St. Paul. Care Team Ministry creates a team of volunteers around the needs of an individual or a family. Nancy Johnson, one of our Care Team leaders, has prepared a wonderful summary of how we ve shared our time and talents among people in our congregation. There were ten team members in 2013 and there are now eight members. 49 total people were served in Nine people served in 2012 died, 1 moved. Thank you for the time and energy provided to make life a bit easier for seniors in our community of faith! Do you need a ride to the doctor or need help grocery shopping? Maybe you know someone in our congregation who would like a visit. Perhaps this is a ministry where you would be interested in volunteering. If so, call Joyce Miller or Nancy Johnson, co-leaders of the Care Team. Endowment Fund Update The GA Endowment Fund has been managed by members of the congregation with careful attention. Since the economic recession in 2008, the return on investment has significantly declined, and the committee managing the funds has proposed that the church retain an outside financial organization to make investment recommendations to the committee. In order to do this, the church council has passed a resolution to amend the bylaws to allow the use of such an organization, and the endowment committee is working on the selection of a sound financial group to work with us in hopes of increasing the return on investment for the monies in the Endowment Fund. Questions? Contact committee chair Dan Shogren at shogrendan@gmail.com.

9 March 2014 Page 9 COMMUNITY CARING 551 Club Share Your ! Wii Bowling continues for five weeks in March starting Monday, March 3 at 1:00pm. You don t need bowling or Wii experience. We have many good laughs and we eat well, too. Come and join the fun. The cost is $10 for five weeks. Wednesday March 19th GA will be a pick-up site for a trip to the Daytrippers Theatre in Bloomington. The cost is $54 for lunch and the play. Pick-up time is 11:15am and returning about 4:30pm. For more information or to register pick up a brochure at the Senior Spirit kiosk in the Gathering Area Year-End Financials 2013 Year-End financials were not available for the annual meeting because of the staffing changes in our office. Please know that many people are putting in great effort to assist Jennifer Schneider in taking on this huge task in her new role at our church. The Church Council & Financial Resources Committee are hopeful that they will be available for distribution by the time you receive this newsletter. Watch for updates in the weekend bulletin announcements or the weekly News for GA Lutherans. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Do you receive News for GA Lutherans each week from Pastor Bonnie by ? She calls it Unexpected & Occasional News About GA & Lutheran Christians in the World things happening at GA, and news from the work of Lutherans around the world. And did you know that 77 members of our Prayer Chain receive twice-weekly updates via ? Use one of the Welcome cards in worship to share your address (place it in the offering or give to pastor), or send an to info@gachurch.org. Minnesota FoodShare March is Minnesota FoodShare month when businesses, organizations, churches and the media team up to stock local food shelves. This year we are encouraging GA members to bring a bag of nonperishable food, as you are able, during the month to donate to the Merrick Community Center food shelf. Canned goods, crackers, juices, tuna, packaged meals, cereal, paper supplies such as toilet paper and Kleenex, and personal hygiene supplies such as toothpaste and shampoo are always needed. The March special monthly envelope is also designated for the food shelf. There will be a special emphasis each week: March 2 Peanut butter and jelly March 9 Soup, canned chili and crackers March 16 T&P - Toiletries and paper March 23 Canned fruits (in juice, not syrup) and vegetables March 30 Meal in a Bag - One meal for a family of four

10 Page 10 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch COMMUNITY CARING Feed My Starving Children Join us for a Feed My Starving Children packing event on Saturday, March 22nd from 9-11 at the Eagan location! The address is 990 Lone Oak Road, Suite 136; Eagan, MN We have 25 spots available. There is a job for everybody, whether this your 10th time or first time! Sign-up in the gathering area, or Lindsay.lowther@gmail.com Lectionary Texts March 2 Exodus 24:12-18 Psalm 2 2 Peter 1:16-21 Matthew 17:1-9 March 9 Genesis 2:15-18; 3:1-7 Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11 Note: During the Lenten season we will be following the stories of the characters who walk to the cross with Jesus. Please refer to pg. 7 for more information. 5th Annual GA Church Youth Garage Sale Friday, April 25th - 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday, April 26th - 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Donations accepted starting Monday, April 21st! We are looking for volunteers to help organize and sort the donations. There are 2 hr shifts in the mornings from 8-10 am. and evenings from 6-8 pm. The dates are: Tues, April 22nd, Weds, April 23rd and Thur, April 24th. March 16 Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 121 Romans 4:1-5, John 3:1-17 March 23 Exodus 17:1-17 Psalm 95 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42 March 30 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Psalm 23 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 Shifts are also available during the sale. If you are interested in helping out however you can, please contact Deb Hanson at Your help is greatly appreciated.

11 March 2014 Page 11 COMMUNITY CARING Community Garden Task Force As a part of our commitment to being good stewards of God s good earth, our congregation is forming a community garden task force to have conversation about starting a community garden at GA. If you have a passion for Care for Creation issues, gardening, spending time in the great outdoors, and community outreach to our neighborhood, this is the task force for you to join! If you would like to join or would like more information, please contact Pastor Amanda Simons at a.simons@gachurch.org or Technology Committee We are looking for congregation members with an interest in and/or gifts and talents for technology, computer science, engineering, graphic design, etc to formally form a technology committee at GA. The property committee, council and staff look forward to new ideas from our tech committee to incorporate into our building use and congregational life. If you are interested in being a part of these conversations, please contact Christopher Stordalen at cstordalen@yahoo.com. New Member Class If you are interested in becoming a member of Gustavus Adolphus and/or would like to learn more about our congregation, we invite you to join Pastors Bonnie and Amanda for a light lunch and new member class on Sunday, March 23 rd and Sunday, March 30 th after our 11:15 worship service. We ask that you participate on both Sundays. We will have time for conversation to become better acquainted as well as an opportunity to learn about the history of GA, the ministries of our congregation and the heart of Christian theology from a Lutheran perspective. To RSVP for this class, please contact Pastor Amanda Simons at a.simons@gachurch.org or Thank you The Gift of Faith by Kristen Lynch My husband, Bill, grew up Catholic, while my father enrolled us in the church of you ll figure it out. Bill and I skirted early decisions about religion by getting married at Fort Snelling, a non-denominational Christian church. But once Erin and Joe were born, we could no longer put off figuring out how to raise our children to be people of faith. The question then became, which faith? I was willing to give Catholicism a chance. I wanted to support my husband in the faith he was raised. I could get behind many of the practices during service. I like fish, so Fridays wouldn t be a problem. And while I wasn t crazy about the Pope, it wasn t a deal breaker. The deal breaker for me, for us, was the Catholic Church s teaching on homosexuality. Bill s oldest daughter, Kerri, is gay. The thought of Erin and Joe being taught that Kerri, a kind, gentle and giving soul, would not be welcomed into Heaven because of who she loved, was unpardonable. We chose GA for a number of reasons, one being its welcoming all mission. We really needed a church that would take all of us: an unchurched/divorced Catholic/27- year-age difference odd couple, along with our kids, his kids, and my rough-around-the-edges family. It wasn t easy at first ( trophy wife isn t something one expects to be called at church), but once we got to know people and they got to know us, the love and support we have received over the years has been humbling. And we were so proud when a little over two years ago, as a congregation, we opened our doors to Reconciling Works, an organization that advocates for the full participation of GBLT Lutherans in the church. This told us, our children, that we are a church that truly welcomes all. That through God s grace, all of us, no matter who we love, is deserving of a place at the Lord s table. And there is no better gift of faith and hope and love to pass to our children than that. We thank the members of GA, and Reconciling Works for helping to live those gifts.

12 Page 12 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch THOUGHTS FROM PASTOR AMANDA As we prepare to move from the season of Epiphany into the season of Lent, to move from February into March, from the Olympics to March Madness, and from winter to spring, I find myself continuing to long for Epiphany. I yearn to stay in the light a little longer, to walk in the light with our congregation and God. I yearn to continue to ponder and wonder at the mystery and beauty of God and the offerings that we lift up to God in thanksgiving and awe as the Wise Men did so long ago. Every week I leave worship singing our Epiphany theme song: We ll walk in the light, beautiful light, come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright. Shine all around us by day and by night, Jesus, the Light of the world. I m not ready to say goodbye to Epiphany and our journey of walking in the light with Jesus. And yet, seasons change, spring comes and Lent will arrive, bringing God s peace, grace and healing in its own unique and holy way. And so, even as I write this, my spirit knows peace and my heart is preparing for Lent and our walk to the cross with Jesus. May the Almighty God Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier surround you in love and peace and may your heart welcome the coming of Lent and these holy words: Dust to dust. To dust you belong. Amen. Pastor Amanda Simons Associate Pastor WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY Thursdays, 10:00 am Learn more about the Bible readings for the coming Sunday, led by Pastor Bonnie Wilcox or Pastor Amanda Simons Ash Wednesday has always been one of my favorite worship services. I crave the holy reminder that I was born and that I will die but that I will always have life in and through Christ. Dust to dust. To dust you belong. These holy words feed my soul, nourishing me with the knowledge that I have everlasting life through my Savior and reminding me that I am called as a child of God to live this life fully with love, laughter, compassion, joy, thankfulness and zest. Every year these words remind me that God has called and continues to call me to love others and to seek justice and peace for all of creation and all people. Newsletter Submission Deadlines GA Newsletter submission deadline is the 1st Monday of the month for the upcoming month newsletter: 1st Monday in March for April s Newsletter 1st Monday in April for May s Newsletter 1st Monday in May for June s Newsletter If you are responsible for a monthly article, please put these dates in your personal calendar. Send your article to info@gachurch.org.

13 March 2014 Page 13 Table Talk March 2014 Conversations on Faith & Life Sundays in the Fireside Room, 10:15 11:10 am Roamin through Romans Paul s Letter to the Romans is his last and his most famous. Major teachings of the Christian faith are based on it. During the five Sundays in Lent some of the most important parts of Romans will be the focus of Table Talk: Conversations on Faith and Life in the Fireside Room at 10:10 a.m. This will be a Bible study with minimum (but sufficient) background comment by the leaders, followed by comments from anyone present. No prior knowledge about the Bible, Paul, or Romans is needed. Topics covered will include information about the Letter to the Romans, Christ as Savior, baptism and the Christian life, God s love in times of struggles, how one should live as a Christian, and more. Bibles and coffee will be provided for use by participants each week. All are welcome to enjoy the fellowship, learn, and be encouraged in faith and life. ONLINE GIVING (aka Simply Giving) Simply Giving is a free service to you, provided by Thrivent Financial and benefits the church s cash flow all year. Gifts may be made weekly, or on a schedule that fits your personal needs. Consistency in giving helps the church, whether you are unable to attend worship because of illness, business, vacation, or other reason. Sign up at and click on Donate Now on the left side. HAVE YOU REMEMBERED GA IN YOUR WILL? A legacy gift will help continue the 125- year tradition of mission at Gustavus Adolphus. With the advice of your attorney or tax adviser, the following language may be added to your will, trust or codicil: I bequeath X% of my estate to Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, 1669 N. Arcade, Saint Paul, MN 55106

14 Page 14 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch MARCH BIRTHDAYS March 1 Roger Froelich Taya Johannsen Grant Johnson March 2 Triston Garbe Ray Lundgren Audry Nordwall Eric Sanft March 3 Joanne Svendsen March 4 Kayla Capeder Daniel Chapdelaine March 5 Justin McDonough Harriet Mueller March 6 Giselle Bell Luther Nelson March 7 Tom Balyk Beverly Lindner March 8 Regina Wittenberg March 9 Nancy Bjork Jeffrey Blomquist March 10 Otis Blyton March 11 Peyton Franzmeier March 12 Denise Hassenstab Stacy Hill Christine Johnson Mila Johannsen March 15 Eugene Johnson March 17 John Josephson Wendie Sederstrom Barbara Surine March 18 Paige Donnelly Travis Pedersen March 19 Emmett Haller Arlene Higgins Nancy Johnson March 20 Clara Bordsen Diane Hawthorne Evie Lipetzky March 21 Robert Burton Arne Woinarowicz March 22 Margaret Gustafson Allison Teachout Charlotte Treanor Isabelle Wirth March 23 Christopher Stordalen March 24 Jonathan Challgren Carolyn Espersen Gabriel Krueger March 25 Barb Garbe Aianna Smith March 26 Jerry Brakke Mary Kimmer March 27 Tyanne Hitchcock Colman Rees Troy Weber March 28 Joan Berglund Carolyn Slager March 29 Ernie King Jean Muehlenthaler Taylor Rees March 30 Phyllis Hinton Dorothy MacKenzie Paula Schulze

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16 Gustavus Adolphus (GA) Lutheran Church 1669 Arcade St St. Paul, MN Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Twin Cities MN Permit No. 585 Gustavus Adolphus (GA) is a member of the Saint Paul Area Synod ( of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Church Staff & Contact Information Bonnie Wilcox, Senior Pastor Amanda Simons, Associate Pastor Susan Schoon, Visitation Pastor Jerry Brakke, Dir. of Music Sherrie Nordquist, Dir. of Christian Education Jennifer Schneider, Business Manager Brit Barkholtz, Administrative Assistant Judy Hitchcock, Administrative Assistant b.wilcox@gachurch.org a.simons@gachurch.org susanschoon@comcast.net jerry@gachurch.org sherrie@gachurch.org jennifer@gachurch.org brit@gachurch.org judy@gachurch.org Rick Arons, Nelson Tracey & Kevin Berglund, (none) Custodians Kathy Laramy, Wedding Consultant Kendra Nielsen, Diana Williams, ASL Interpreters ironkl@hotmail.com Annual Giving Statements Annual giving statements were mailed out on January 30th. If you have not received your statement or need a corrected statement, please contact Jennifer Schneider, Business Administrator, at Note for Online Givers (Simply Giving) Thank you to all who have submitted 2014 pledge cards to support the mission and ministry of GA. Please note, that if you use Simply Giving to support the congregation and you marked an increase in your giving for 2014 on your pledge card, we need you to go online to Simply Giving and mark that increase in giving yourself. Without proper authorization forms, our staff cannot mark that increase on your behalf. If you have any questions or need assistance with Simply Giving, please contact our business administrator, Jennifer Schneider, at Jennifer@gachurch.org or