Mid- Week Lenten Program

Transcription

1 TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 200 E. Clements Bridge Road Runnemede, NJ March 2014 Newsletter Mid- Week Lenten Program JOIN US EACH WEDNESDAY AT 7:30P.M. Our Mid-Week Lenten Programs are co-sponsored by Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and Gardner Funeral Home Join us for Supper - Each Wednesday starting at 6:00P.M. Soup, Bread and Beverage will be ready for you - just come! PLEASE NOTE THE UPDATED ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE Changes were made after the Lent/Easter Mini-newsletter was mailed out!! March 12th - Movie Night, "The Grace Card," Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God's grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD... and never underestimate the power of God's love. March 19th - Dr. Christopher Westfall will join us to sing and play the piano. With disciplined musicianship, polished vocals, and a warm personable stage presence, Chris brings the audience an engrossing musical experience. March 26th Movie Night- The Apostle Peter and The Last Supper starring Robert Loggia. Relive the time Peter spent with Jesus from the Great Commission to the lifechanging Last Supper and the garden of Gethsemane. April 2nd - Wes Holly. Fun, Laughter and Excitement. Wes creates high energy shows that combine exciting magic, upbeat music and daring juggling. Audience participation of all ages is an integral part of the performance and laughter is a major ingredient. April 9th - Trinity's own PRAISE BAND. Don't miss the special music and solo performances. Find out why the Praise Band has become a Trinity Lenten favorite!

2 As I write this, Ash Wednesday and the Lenten Season are looming, and as we enter this season we reflect upon our sin and what we need to change to make ourselves more like the people that God would have us be. One aspect of sin that has always been a focus of Lent is temptation. Temptation, that situation or moment when we have to decide whether or not we will stay on track or give in to our desires. We often think that giving into our desires is going to feel good. Sometimes it does feel good, that is until the consequences of our actions catch up to us. However, keeping on track with our obedience to God's ways can also feel good when we realize we have stood our ground and weathered the crisis of the moment. Last week I had a late morning doctor s appointment in Mays Landing. It usually takes me about 45 minutes to get there. However, the morning had a rough start. The day began with about five inches of snow in our driveway and on our cars. I got up, made sure the boys were getting ready for school, took my shower and ate a yogurt for breakfast (since I am still on antibiotics, I need a healthy dose of probiotic goodness to start my day). I started both cars to warm them up and aid in the snow removal and then began shoveling the driveway and walk. I drove Dan to school (we had a two hour delay because of the snow) and returned home to make sure that Amy and Jake got off to work and school respectively. Then it was time to leave for the doctor. On the way to the doctor there is a little diner with counter space for 10 people and maybe a half-dozen booths. I ate there one time a few years ago. Since my yogurt consisted of only a hundred calories and I had been awake for several hours and had expended much energy I was hungry. Also, I had reached a plateau in my weight loss and had even gained back about five pounds. I hadn't worked out in three weeks between having a miserable cold for a week and then my fitness club was closed for several weeks for renovation and an equipment update. The seeds of temptation were fully planted and watered. I began to think that on the way home I would stop in that diner and order a real omelet, not a vegetable loaded egg white omelet. Then I was going to order a giant plate of breakfast meat. There would be toast with butter and jelly. All this would top a huge plate of hash browns or breakfast potatoes (why not get both if they have them?). As St. Paul writes in Romans 7:24 (NRSV), "Wretched man that I am. Who will rescue me from this body of death?" At the doctors office everything went well with exception to the leg. In fact not only had I lost the extra weight but a little more. Feeling lifted up by the experience I began to rethink my plan. Yes, I would stop at the little diner. But now I wasn't so sure about my menu choices. As I sat at the counter and looked over the menu there were many items that were attractive. I knew that for over an hour I was slipping in my resolve and now it was time to make a choice.; give in to my temptation or stay the course. As I looked at each bad possible choice I dismissed it. Then I noticed a new menu item, a turkey burger (low in fat, high in protein) and I was saved. Yes it came with a good sized portion of French fries (no substitutions). I chose five of the best looking fries on the plate and ate them consigning the rest to a bus pan. I came to realize that even though I thought giving in to temptation was going to satisfy me, it was staying the course that was more gratifying knowing that I was not going to slip into the moment, but go the distance. And so it is with sin. We can find great satisfaction in knowing that we can resist temptation and avoid sin bolstered by the knowledge that we have received such a great gift from God who loves us. We have been rescued and we can lose our wretchedness when we learn to master our temptations so that our temptations do not master us. St. Paul's answer to his own question in Romans 7:24 comes in the next verse, Romans 7:25 (NRSV), "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Grace and Peace, Pastor Andy

3 March M & Apriil Serm mon preeview March 2 The Transfiiguration of Our Lord 2Peter 1:16 21 THE END DURING WO ORDS OF CHRIST Apriil 6 The Fifth Sunday of Lent Ezekkiel 37:1 14 O GOD, G YOU KNOW K March 5 Ash Wedne esday Joel 2:1 2 2, THE CALLL FOR REPEENTANCE VS. THE SIREN S OF SIN N Apriil 13 Palm Sunday/ S Sunday of o the Passio on Mattthew 21:1 11 JESSUS OUR SOVEREIGN KING unday of Len nt March 9 The First Su Matthew w 4:1 11 THE CONSTANT CHO OICE Apriil 17 Maund dy Thursday 1Corinthians 11:23 26 THE GREAT PR ROCLAMATIO ON March 16 6 The Secon nd Sunday of Lent Romans 4:1 5, REINVENTING RIGH HTOUSNESS OR TREAT T Children s Sermon: TRICK Apriil 18 Good Friday F John 18:1 14 LETT THOSE WH HO HAVE EARS HEAR March 23 3 The Third Sunday of Lent L John 4:5 42 A REAL THIRST QUEENCHER 0 The Fourtth Sunday off Lent March 30 Ephesian ns 5:8 14 THE CULTURE OF TH HE CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT Apriil 20 The Reesurrection of o Our Lord Mattthew 28: 1 10 WH HERE IS JESU US? Apriil 27 The Seecond Sunday of Easter John 20:19 31 TH HE PEACE, PR RESENCE AN ND PERSON OF CHRIST Congratula ations to Da arren Janko owski, who o earned the e rank of Eagle E Scout. His s Eagle Sco out Court of o Honor wa as held on February 22nd 2 at St. Paul's Presbytterian Churrch in Laurrel Springs s. Darren is a nd Troup 54 4 in Laurel Springs. member off Trinity an

4 Junior Choir Despite the inclement weather and having no one come to sing at 8:30, the Junior Choir outdid themselves February 16 th as they sang In This Very Room at 10 and 11:15. The message was so profound and the voices sang with great enthusiasm but with genuine feeling. It was awesome! In the month of March we will be singing Abram Went To The Land of Canaan. It is a story about the first major part of the story of Abraham and Sarah and is done with a catchy tune and repetition to allow the listener to think about the real meaning of each verse is conveyed. As we sing the Abram song, we will have two solos and another duet. Allison Reichert, Sarah and Andrew Smith and Julia Ciuffo will add a new dimension to the song in their own right. Be sure to mark your calendar to be present! Always we are blessed to have Miss Emilee and Miss Kenna to help with robing at all three services. Mr. Bob Kraemer adds his own touch of creativity to enhance the music. We thank each of you for time and effort and willing spirit. Although Easter is the third Sunday in April the Junior Choir will not be singing as there is so much going on downstairs with the Senior Choir and all the Easter breakfast preparations and festivities. (There wouldn t be space to robe and rehearse.) In May we will be doing something we have never done before. The title should make you want to come to find out what it is all about. The title: Beethoven s New 9 th. As we enter into the Holy Season of Lent and Easter may each of us be challenged to learn more about the Real meaning of this Season which has already made the story of the Baby s birth necessary. Be sure to come to regular Services, Wednesday evenings in Lent and then all of Holy Week. Love to all, Mrs. Schmidt

5 Vacation Bible School Planning Meeting - Tuesday, March 25th - 7pm It's time to start planning for Vacation Bible School. The weather hasn't turned to spring yet but we need to start thinking warm thoughts so we can get in the spirit to plan our 2014 VBS program. We were so blessed to have a larger group of kids for our VBS program from our church and the community last summer. We were also blessed with a wonderful closing night that included fun for all ages. We look forward to another great VBS this summer. To do this, we need your help! The first VBS planning meeting will be on Tuesday, March 25th at 7pm. We'd love to have you join the VBS team! Hope to see you there! Senior Handbells After a few weeks of inclement weather and absenteeism, the Senior Handbell Choir is preparing to ring the chimes on March 16th. They are slated to perform "Lenten Meditation" by Douglas E. Wagner, a well known arranger of Handbell music. This music is composed of two Lenten hymns. Let us know if you recognize them. Thank you, Florence C. Adler Adler Music Studios Shamong, NJ

6 SOCIAL CONCERNS On February 9 th we enjoyed our Annual Late Christmas dinner. Everyone had a great time and a delicious meal. Now it time to get back to work! Our next Pantry Day will be Thursday March 27th. Share Sunday will be Sunday, March 9 th. We are in need of the following items: Pasta, cereal, canned vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, tuna fish, soup, Mac & Cheese, juice, pancake mix, syrup, paper towels, toilet paper, napkins. Our Clothing closet continues to provide much needed clothing to our pantry families. The closet is also open to all members of the congregation as well. If you plan to drop off any of your donations please remember to keep the bags light. They can be dropped off in the containers on the porch at 17 th Knight Avenue anytime. At the current time we have more hangers than we can use so please No More Hangers. Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season is fast approaching. We will be having our Soup, Bread and Dessert Wednesday Suppers on the following dates: March 12 th, 19 th, 26 th April 2 nd & 9 th Plan on joining us for good food and fellowship. We will be getting ready to fill Easter Baskets for our pantry families. Our Pantry Pig will be visiting soon to remind everyone to bring in their donations of Easter Hams and canned goods. New members are always welcome. We meet on the second Sunday of the month following the 11:15 service. Please come out and join us. Remember God loves a cheerful giver. Those who not only give of their wealth, but of their time, their talents and their possessions. With God ALL things are possible. Luke 3:11 And he answered them, Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise. Caring and Sharing Cheryl Morris

7 Sunday School News As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NIV) God is all powerful and infinite in His understanding. He is beyond our complete comprehension. God reveals Himself as he chooses through His Holy Word and divine inspiration. He desires for us to fully trust Him in all things, to reverence and obey Him no matter how things seem to us. Faith is trusting in God by accepting His Word for ourselves, allowing his voice to be heard loudly above all else, and keeping our minds always focused on Him. In faith, allow our will to be replaced by His will for us, realizing He knows what is best. He will guide and guard us, and provide for us when we walk in His will. The first Sunday of Lent this year is March 9 th. We are ordering Faith Guides and activity calendars that will help our children to learn about Lent, Holy week, and Easter. For Easter we are making plans for an Easter egg hunt. In the months following are Mother s Day and Father s Day. Last year our programs were a success and were enjoyed by the moms and dads. We have begun making plans for those special days. A memorial for Kaitlyn Lutz has been hung in the lounge area of the church. This memorial is a framed, embroidery of the BLESSING. On Sunday, March 16 th at the 10:00 am service during the children s sermon Pastor Andy will dedicate the memorial. He will take the children into the lounge for the dedication. A thank you card was received from Dolly Gibelyou and family as an expression of their gratitude for this remembrance of Kaitlyn. Sunday School gave a check towards the proposed new front doors for the church as a memorial for Ralph Landolt. I would like to thank those who contributed to this memorial. A thank you card was received from Karen Cundiff for the memorial gift. In the card she shared a fond memory of her Dad at Trinity. We are looking into different resources to help our students and their families to grow in faith. Most recently we have supplied copies of Raising Your Child In Faith From Preschoolers To Teens; A Parent s Handbook available. This handbook can help you: prepare your child for the challenges of this world, strengthen your own faith, and make your family closer. There are still a couple of complimentary copies of this handbook in the narthex of the church. Please remember to bringing in your $3-dime folders or other donations to support our Missionary Outreach Program, the Cathedral Kitchen. As your faith leads you, continue to give support to our Sunday School through offerings, donations, and memorials. In Jesus name, Carl Nagel

8 LUTHERAN CARE AT MOORESTOWN The February meeting for the Lutheran Home was cancelled due to the weather. The March meeting is scheduled for 10 AM Thursday March 13. We will be discussing plans for June Day at that time. Thank you so much for your contributions to Trinity s February fundraiser for the Home. I ll report the total to you next month as we are still in the midst of things as of this writing. I will also have the total announced in Church. Upcoming events Thursday, March AM Auxiliary Meeting Monday, March 17 2 PM Mark Carroll Irish Music and Bagpipes Tuesday, March Noon Residents Birthday Celebrations featuring food of Ireland. Thursday, March AM Residents to Perkins Pancakes I missed that monthly visit up to Moorestown this past month. Hopefully we won t have a repeat of last month s weather. It will be nice to get back. I ll be bringing the money and many of the things you have contributed to Lutheran Care this past month. Thanks again for your continued support! at this Lenten Season. May you find refreshment and renewal Happy Healthy Spring! Sincerely, Sandy Pagano Moses said As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will stretch out my hands to the Lord. The thunder will cease, and there will be no hail, so that you may know that the earth is the Lord s. Exodus 9:29

9 The weather finally cooperated and the Prayer Shawl Ministry held their monthly meeting on Friday, February 7, Attendees were: Barbara Anconetani, Beverly Bethany, Ann Carter, Val Colasuonno, Barbara Frantz, Jean Krips, Dolores Keller, Mary Raws, and Helen McGarvey. The meeting began at approximately 10:07 a.m. with The Lord s Prayer. We were fortunate to receive six prayer shawlss and two baptismal blankets made with loving care by our members. Pastor Andy showed us samples of the altar linens for the pulpit, lectern, burse and veil that would be purchased in memory of Sally Miller and used on Reformation Sunday. The purchase was approved. Corresponding Secretary Barbara Anconetani read thank you notes from: Mike and Barbara Dunda who thanked everyone for their cards, prayers and the shawl. Pastor Andy acknowledged the prayer shawl kept him warm both physicallyy and spiritually. Mary Blasko appreciated her prayer shawl and is sure all the prayers speeded her recovery. Jason Reichert found the prayer shawl a comfort at both the hospital and his recovery at home. Prayer shawls were given to Cheryl White, Joan Carr and for a friend of Helen McGarvey, The closing reading was given by Val Colasuonno, Psalm 143:5. Meeting was adjourned at 11:05 a.m. Next scheduled meeting is on Friday, March 7, Val Colasuonno Vice President Prayer Shawl Ministry And as we await Carol s return let us not forget, May God Hold You in the Palm of His Hand

10 1 - Ryder Gerald Ludwick 1 - Amanda Mayer 1 - Bob Redles 1 - Jacob Engelhart 2 - Wayne Egolf 4 - Lynne Maynard 5 - Harry J. Rivell 5 - Karen Cundiff 5 - Justin Frockowiak 6 - Christian J. Kochon 9 - Christine E. Lindstrom 9 - Jill Renaud 9 - Gail Murtaugh 11 - Ashley Jones 12 - Madison Alyssa Raws 14 - Sherry Ann Schmidt 16 - Bill Dutill 18 - Sean Eberts 20 - Richard Veneziani 22 - Joan Carr 23 - Butch Lloyd 24 - Andy Devecchio, Jr Denise Bennett 25 - Joyce Jones 25 - Ed Tsvik 26 - Jeffrey Hui 28 - Brian Rumbol 30 - Arlene Greenidge 30 - Nicole Goldstein 31 - Mary Brandenstein 1 - George & Blanche Guenette 5 - Bob & Mary Lou Brashear 7 - Harry & Betty Rivell 10 - Gerry & Paula Williamson 11 - Frank & Karen Theisen 16 - Al & Terri Krout 16 - Russ & Jennifer Heath 27 - Michael & Lorraine Phillips Trinity s Monthly Newsletter can be viewed online at: Reminder: Daylight Savings time begins 2:00AM March 9 th.

11 KIDS PAGE

12 March Youth Newsletter Is it Spring yet? I like snow, but I'm ready for some warmer weather and to be outdoors. For the first time in a long time, some of our events had to be cancelled due to the weather, namely snow! Our skating outing at Hollydell Ice Arena had to be postponed from February 23 to Sunday, March 2 from 1:30 to 2:45 pm. We failed to see on their website was that they weren't open for public skating on February 23rd. We hope you will join us for this fun, family event. The cost will be $10 for session time and skate rental. And as we look at the church calendar, you will see that Shrove Tuesday and the Pancake Super is once again upon us. This year it is Tuesday, March 4 from 5-6:30 pm. Any youth in Confirmation classes will get credit for helping at this event. We will need help with setup, serving and clean-up. Parents are also welcome to help out. On Sunday, March 23rd, there will be an outing to Sahara Sam's in West Berlin. This outing is for anyone in the youth group and also families who would like to go. Watch for fliers with times and ticket prices. Our next planning meeting will be on Sunday, March 2, at 11:15 am in the 8th grade Sunday School room. We will be discussing the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and the Sahara Sam's outing. We will also be discussing plans for the vegetable garden for the Knight Avenue property. Anyone who would like to be involved with this project is welcome to attend this meeting. Sherry Stroup Youth Ministry advisor

13 February S M T W T F S April S M T W T F S Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Welcome :45 AM Junior Choir 8:30, 10 & 11:15 AM Holy Communion 7:00 PM - N.A. 7:00 PM Confirmation Classes I & II 1:00 & 7:30PM Ash Wednesday Service 8:30 PM - A.A. 6:30 PM Senior Bells 7:30 PM Adult Choir 10:00 AM Prayer Shawl Meeting :45 AM Junior Choir 10:00 AM Holy Communion 11:15 AM Contemporary Service Social Concerns meeting after 11:15 Service 7:00 PM - N.A. 7:00 PM Confirmation Classes I & II 8:00 PM Church Council Meeting 12:00 PM Sunshine Class Meeting 6:00PM Lenten Program 8:30 PM - A.A. 12:00 PM Friendly Circle Meeting 6:30 PM Senior Bells 7:30 PM Adult Choir :45 AM Junior Choir 8:30, 10 & 11:15 AM Holy Communion 7:00 PM - N.A. 7:00 PM Confirmation Classes I & II 6:00PM Lenten Program 8:30 PM - A.A. SPRING BEGINS! 6:30 PM Senior Bells 7:30 PM Adult Choir :45 AM Junior Choir 10:00 AM Holy Communion 7:00 PM - N.A. 7:00 PM Confirmation Classes I & II 7:00PM Vacation Bible School Planning Meeting 6:00 PM Lenten Program 8:30 PM - A.A. 12:00 PM Friendly Circle Meeting 6:30 PM Senior Bells 7:30 PM Adult Choir 9-11 AM & 6-7 PM Pantry Day :45 AM Junior Choir 10:00 AM Holy Communion 7:00 PM - N.A. 7:00 PM Confirmation Classes I & II