Mother s Day is May 12 th! Christ the King Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 Christ the King Lutheran Church South 42 nd Street (3 blocks south of Harrison) Newsletter Growing in Faith Love and Service to the God who loves us Christ the King Lutheran Church 7308 South 42 nd Street Bellevue, Nebraska RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Mother s Day is May 12 th!

2 Grace and Peace. I love a nice warm shower. Especially in early spring when it is supposed to be warming up but its still winter here in Nebraska. After shaving my Lenten beard off I took a shower just to feel water on my face again. Soap, shampoo, and clean water at a pleasing temperature are truly a gift. They are also a luxury for most of the world s population. The large hot water tank in our house makes long showers possible. And my habits have rubbed off on Daniel and Katheryn for good or ill. I went to check on Daniel yesterday and after 20 minutes in the shower he said, I m almost ready to wash my body. We ve never run out of soap, and a visit to any local store will show an abundance of choice in the realm of shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. We have a bunch such products in our house. Depending upon my mood I will enjoy either a minty or a spicy shampoo. Daniel has some hypoallergenic stuff with a baby seal on the front. Katheryn and Sheli could stock a small store. Plus, there s hand soap in both bathrooms and the kitchen, and dish soap and laundry detergent. We should have NO trouble keeping squeaky clean. Soap and water are pretty basic items in most North American households. We expect to have access to them, and are startled when we do not. Hot water heaters were non-existent in Tanzania. There was a small electric yes electric device that sort of warmed the water as it came out of the shower head. Still, we had soap, water, and a shower. Soap and plentiful, much less clean, water are luxuries for most of the world. One thing that Lutheran World Relief does is work to get people clean water and soap. Health kits that are sent around the world always include soap. Antibacterial soap is especially valued and needed to prevent the spread of bacteria. Although some folks remember the days of washtubs, water heated on the wood stove, and shared bath water, most of us take for granted simply turning a faucet and lathering up. Yes, soap and water seem minor in the scope of our North American abundance, but that is certainly not the reality for most of the world s population. When we think about items for the Food pantry, let s not forget soap. Let s share some soap in love AND consider carefully the water and soap we are blessed to use so freely.

3 As save these dates! Vacation bible School is June 10 th 14 th 2013 VBS Celebration Program June 16 th always we would love lots of volunteers and children! True Wealth Series By Aimee Robalik Among the least favorite subjects for many Christians today is the subject of tithing. Less than 20% of Christians are tithers, that means that 80% of all Christians are merely tipping God occasionally. No wonder most people tune out when the subject is discussed. Some Christians will never tithe because their level of faith is too low and they don't understand the principles of stewardship. Others may have tried tithing for a while, but never experienced a financial blessing, and therefore quit. We have misunderstood the purpose of tithing -- obedience. If you are in either category I only ask that you hear me out, and remain open to a financial breakthrough today. The tithe is not something that Christians "give" to God. The tithe is PAYED, sort of like paying your taxes. You don't give the IRS your taxes each year, you PAY them or else. But, in the kingdom of God we are never coerced to do anything, including supporting our local church. However, we are admonished in both the Old and the New Testaments that a tithe belongs to God, and if we keep it we are robbing His kingdom of the resources to get the job done. According to Mal. 3:8-10, when we tithe we release God to OPEN the windows of heaven. When we tithe, we are actually preparing the pathway to uncontainable blessing! In the original language, Mal. 3:10 does not promise that we will receive an uncontainable blessing when we tithe, but rather only when we give our offerings in addition to the tithe. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. When we tithe, two things happen: 1) Provision (meat) goes into the House of God, and 2) The windows of heaven are opened over our life. According to Luke 6:38, we can effect the measure of blessing that God pours out to us by the measure that we freely give offerings. Some are giving with a large shovel, some are giving by the cup, and others by the teaspoon. It's your choice. Let's all begin tithing for the sake of the gospel, as well as giving generous offerings. Remember: God is not mocked. Whatever we sow, we will reap! (Sound Economic Solutions with Craig R. Smith)

4 Spring is here! It is time for rebirth and renewal. The spring flowering bulbs are starting to emerge from the ground after a winter s rest. It is time to worship the risen Lord who died, was buried and rose again to redeem us from our sins. Lutheran Women of Omaha will meet on Tuesday, April 9, 12 noon, at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, 2650 Farnam Avenue. Program will be a Master Gardener from Douglas-Sarpy Extension Service. Project is the Healing Gift Free Clinic at Kountze. LWO will meet on Tuesday, May 14, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 1312 South 45 th Street. LWO will celebrate its 60 th Birthday in May. Cost is $6. Contact Mardelle for a reservation. Our Bible Study Circle continues the study Gathered by God. We will meet Tuesday, April 16, a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Phyllis Carlson is hostess. We will meet on Tuesday, May 21, a.m. with Debi Marx as hostess. Upcoming Events: June 7-9 Saved to Serve, Bethphage Mission, Axtell Aug Saved to Serve, Prison ministry, Lincoln Sep NSWO Convention, Kearney Please continue to save UPCs from Our Family products, UPCs from Campbell Soups (the entire label) and General Mills Box Tops for Education. A box for these items is located on the piano in the elevator room. LWR Baby Care Kits In an effort to expand our involvement with Lutheran World Relief, we plan to assemble Baby Care Kits this year. These kits are given to women around the world living in poverty who do not have the money to purchase these items for their babies; or if they are in a refuge camp, nothing is available. As this is for mothers and Mother s Day is in May, we thought May would be a good month to assemble these kits. Each Baby Care Kit is to contain: Two lightweight cotton t-shirts Two long or short sleeved gowns or sleepers (without feet) Two receiving blankets, medium-weight cotton or flannel, or crocheted or knitted with lightweight yard, up to 52 square Four cloth diapers, flat fold preferred One jacket, sweater or sweatshirt with a hood, or include a baby cap Two pairs of socks One hand towel, dark color recommended Two bath-size bars (4 to 5 oz) of gentle soap, in original wrapping Two diaper pins or large safety pins Gently used, clean items can be used in place of new; sizes are up to 24 months; and diapers can be made from flannel or even recycled t-shirts. When you visit garage sales this spring please look for good used items for these care kits or you can check local thrift stores. Watch for more information in future church bulletins, or contact Mardelle if you have any questions. If we all work together on this project, we can make a difference in this world. (Matthew 18:14) Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

5 Ladies May 4, 11:00am At Christ the King we value our relationships. Girlfriends has been about lunch and prayer and this spring we will do that again. You may have heard that Pastor Bryan is in a degree program at the seminary. His area of study is Spiritual Formation and he is concentrating on the prayer life of the congregation. He would like to spend some time with us exploring some possibilities for deepening prayer at Christ the King. Whether you have been with us in the past or not, we invite all women looking for some girlfriend time to join us for our Spring Gathering. We re going to be gathering at Sheli Rice s house for a cookout and salad lunch. Men s Breakfast April 13 th and May 11 th at 8am April Anniversaries 9 Randy & Sue Andresen 12 Colin & Tammi Palm 12 Bill & Peggy Rytych 23 Vern & Julie Junker April Birthdays 2 Ralph Robalik 4 Gavin Kennon 10 Rita Harris 13 Helen Cratty 17 Caroline Rice 17 Kevin Woita 21 Elida Arellano 21 Trenton Harris 21 Shirley Schneiderman 22 Steve Kennon 23 Dick Lindauer April 21 is Secretary s Day Road Trip! April 27 28, 2013 We ve been talking about Oaks Indian Mission and the work that they do, the history that they have with Nebraska. We ve collected cleaning supplies and sleeping bags. We ve had two groups go down and see what its all about. Here s you chance. Final details are in the works, but it will be one night and included a stop at the precious moments chapel. Talk to Sheli Rice or Kathryn Heldt for details. May Anniversaries 8 Justin & Amanda Hohn May Birthdays 4 Jordan Kiesel 5 Gordon Hudelson 5 Nick Christy 5 Austin Dyer 9 Phyllis Fideline 9 Gabriel Marx 13 Del Smith 15 Bill Webb 17 Cindy Thompson 19 R. T. Taylor 21 Gary Morrow 25 Bailey Thompson 25 Brittany Johnson 26 Alexander Carlson 26 Marleen McCulloch 29 Lu Dee Holmes 30 Tanya Dyer 31 Kyle Junker May 12 Mother s Day

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7 Friday, April 19 Saturday, April 20, 2013 Carol Joy Holling Camp, Ashland, NE Cost: $80 per person What's better than learning about the Bible, tasting good beer and enjoying time away with other guys? Not to mention the chance to enjoy the great outdoors of Carol Joy Holling Camp! This men's retreat will give participants an opportunity to strengthen friendships within a Christian community, learn about the Bible and beer, experience our high ropes course, and help out around camp with a service project. Sunday, April 28, p.m. Springs Camp Site at Carol Joy Holling Center Cost: FREE Please join us in celebrating camp! We will have: Camp games & the Gaga pit Site-wide scavenger hunt S mores Crafts Hiking Pastor would be more than happy to accompany you to this event. Please contact him if you wish to attend. Fishing Hayrack rides a Jell-O cookoff For more information please visit caroljoyholling.org or call Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor ministries has put together a retreat around wine and asked that he lead the Bible Study and Devotion. NLOM retreats are always great, so if you are at all interested in wine check this one out at NLOM.org. Devotion & Bible Study This retreat will feature a devotion and Bible study exploring the use of wine in scripture. Wine 101: Understanding How Wine is Made The presentation will cover topics from vines to wines. You can make bad wine out of good grapes but you can t make good wine out of bad grapes. Plus, we ll take a field trip to Glacial Till Vineyard & Winery tasting room, a family owned and operated vineyard located in southeastern Nebraska, in Ashland to get enjoy the atmosphere and wine of this local treasure. Tasting Like a Pro: Purchasing & Storing Wine Correctly Learn to taste like the pros do and you will never approach a glass of wine the same. Ensure your have the best wine with your holiday meals and parties. Bob will take you through the holidays and talk about what wine is best paired with what food. Learn how to be confident in your buying and storing wine, and never have a ruined bottle of wine again.

8 Stewardship Some of the projects that I am going to work on this year for stewardship is the fall campaign, to create an inventory of how we can use our assets to help others, what some of the primarily building uses we can do, and how to get the members of the church to volunteer for some of the things that need to be done in the church. -Judy Taylor Christian Education I will be taking over for Beth Christy this year. We are winding down this school year at church. Our second Dot Party was held on March 16 th at church. Our last day of Sunday School will be on May 19 th. We plan to have a Children s Worship Service that day and follow up with a big thank you to all of the teachers and parent assistants that helped us have a very successful year. Looking ahead we will have Vacation Bible School from June Mark your calendars now and plan to be there or be square! On August 11 th, we will bless our backpacks and kick off the fall season with Rally Sunday. Over the summer think about getting involved next year with Christian Education. We are always looking for teachers, assistants, or just those adults who would like to help out now and then. Our children are a blessing, and we wouldn t be Christ the King without them. Barb Velazquez, who has been a faithful teacher for many, many years, will be taking a break from teaching next year so that she can focus on college visits and other family things. Please take the time to thank Barb when you get the chance. She has been a dedicated servant of the Lord. Thank you Barb. -Debbie Cline Confirmation April 28 th 2013 April 28 th brings to close another successful confirmation program year. Please join our Confirmands in celebrating their affirmation of baptism. Last Day of Sunday School May 19 th 2013 There will be a special Children s Worship Service that day with a big thank you to all the teachers and parent assistants. Mother s Day May 12 th 2013 Bring your mom to church and share a special service with her. Mothers, please feel free to use as much guilt as possible to have your children accompany you to church. FREE introductory classes and performances for the public. Arts For All is dedicated to providing affordable arts education to the community, and with support from the Nebraska Arts Council, is pleased to present a free art event on April 6 th and 7 th from 12:00-2:00pm in the Von Maur Court. More than ten class stations will be available for attendees to visit and receive mini-lessons in visual arts, performing arts, music and communication arts. These mini-lessons will last fifteen minutes in length and are designed to give attendees a taste of art mediums they may not have experienced before.

9 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9am Adult Study 9am Adult Study am Choir am Council Confirmation Sunday Choir Sings in Worship Mother s Day am Council 9am Adult Study April am LUMS 9am Quilting 7pm Mosaic 4-8 Arts4All Pty Arts4All 8am Men's Breakfast 10am Confirmation am Quilting WELCA 4-8 Arts4All pm Arts4All Spring Program! 10am Confirmation May am LUMS 11am Girlfriends! am Quilting 8am Men's Breakfast am Quilting WELCA