The Christian Connection

Transcription

1 The Christian Connection V o l u m e X X I I I, I s s u e 5 M a y Our Redeemer Lutheran Church NE 140th St. Kirkland, WA ORLCKIRKLAND Resurrection Power The early Christian Church lived in the power of the resurrection. The resurrection transformed their personal lives and it empowered their ministry. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ the Christian Church would have floundered just as thousands of religions have over the centuries. The survival of Christianity is dependent on the power of the resurrection at work in the lives of Jesus followers. How does this affect you and me? Is it realistic to believe that we can wake up tomorrow morning and expect our lives to be different because we are engaged with the power of Jesus resurrection? Here s how the Apostle Paul would counsel us in Romans 6:4: Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Paul teaches us that we need to identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ through faith so that God s transformative power would be released into our lives. This is not superficial, but radical in the sense that God needs to work in the very core of our being. Death to sin and death to self, burial of our old lives and miraculous newness of the Spirit all shape who we become in Christ. I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e : Children decorating the tomb National Day of Prayer Palm Sunday Cantata Sermon Themes Volunteer Schedule Birthdays & Anniversaries Deacon s Den Youth & Family Ministries Family Bible Camp Missionaries from Brazil Vacation Bible School Refugee Resettlement Fund Chimers Reformation Tour What a radical transformation God offers us! Looking forward to walking in the newness of life with you, Pastor Moland Would you want to put this into practice? This divine adventure is what Paul longed for, that he might know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Philippians 3:10 In this vital relationship, Paul was enabled to walk in the newness of life, to have old things pass away and to have all things become new. In this life-giving relationship, Paul could testify, I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:21 The purpose of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is to worship God in a Biblebased, Christ-centered ministry, evangelizing, discipling, nurturing and equipping people for the spiritual well- being of every life. 1

2 Decorating the Tomb on Easter Sunday 2

3 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER this year is Thursday, May 4 th. ORLC will once again remain open all day for those who would like to visit and spend some time in prayer. Let s join together in prayer for OUR CHURCH and OUR FREEDOM. While we often associate the word church with our locale of worship, Scripture takes a much broader view. The Church, ultimately, refers to the body of Christian believers around the world. The Lord is passionate for His Church, His bride. From the dawn of time, God s purposes have centered on revealing His glory through His people and securing our eternity with Him. Pray for the Lord to spark a revival throughout our nation, protect the witness of our pastors, and continue to sanctify and purify Christians around the world. We know that the spiritual condition of homes, communities and countries often points back to the believers within those regions. That being the case, it s all the more important that we strive after righteousness, corporately as well as individually. Let s give thanks to God for our freedom which has not been won easily and is even now being challenged by foreign governments, Islamic terrorists, and anarchy in our streets. Together let s ask Him to grant us peace in our hearts and in our home, on our streets and in our state houses. Pray now that He will bless those who at this moment are defending our freedom by their courageous sacrifice willing to lay down their lives to keep us free and safe. Let s pray we will never abuse our freedom or take it for granted, but will guard it as the gift from God that it is. Matthew 16:18-19 Ephesians 4:3-6 II Thessalonians 1:4 3 Acts 16:15

4 DEACONS' DEN Veitch s Victory It was an upsetting night in 1680 when soldiers burst into the peaceful home of William and Marion Veitch and dragged him off to prison for his faith in Christ. The children were terrified, but Marion, finding strength in the Lord, read to them from Scripture. Then as soon as she could arrange it, she set off to visit her husband. It appeared he would be removed far away and executed, so there was no time to lose. Marion s journey took place on a bitterly cold January day. The snow was blinding, and she had to fight the weather on horseback. Night fell, and she trudged on, finally arriving at the prison, half-frozen, about midnight. The guards wouldn t disturb her husband until morning, so Marion sat by the fire and waited. The next day, she was given only a moment with him in the presence of guards before being torn away. Marion went to a friend s house, wept her fill, and opened her Bible. The words of Isaiah 8:12 13 spoke powerfully to her: Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. She rested herself in the Lord and cast her burden on Him. A day or two later, their archenemy, Vicar Thomas Bell, who was responsible for William s arrest, called on a friend. He lingered until 10 p.m., when he said he must be going home. It was another frigid night, and his host urged him to wait for morning. But Bell had work to do and victims to prosecute. He rode away warmed by alcohol, and his body was found two days later, standing up to his arms in a block of ice in the river. William was soon freed, and the restored couple worked side-by-side until William s death forty years later. Taken from, From this Verse by Robert J. Morgan Terry Park, Deacon 4

5 Missionaries Jonathan and Tamba Abel Saturday, May 6 th 11:00 Brunch in Chapel Jonathan and Tamba Abel, career missionaries in Brazil, will present their work at ORLC on Saturday, May 6 th, at a brunch at 11:00 AM. All are welcome to join in fellowship with these friends from Brazil. If you would like to host them Friday night in your home, please contact ORLC Deaconesses to volunteer. Refugee Resettlement Fund ORLC has established a fund for specified gifts for refugee resettlement. These funds will be available to assist those in need of God s provision for food, transportation and other needs that arise. Thanks to those who have donated. If you would like to contribute to the Refugee Resettlement Fund, designate your gift to ORLC accordingly. The fund is administered by ORLC s Deacon/Deaconess Board. Family Bible Camp June 15-19, 2017 Cedar Springs Camp Lake Stevens, WA Our theme this year is Changed: Awesome Encounters with Jesus Pastor Steven Lombardo, Guest Speaker An INCREDIBLE Opportunity! Some amazingly generous gifts have again made this year s camp free to first timers and very affordable for everyone else! Don t miss this awesome time of encouragement, refreshment and fellowship! Come as an individual or bring the whole family for a week you will never forget! Can t stay? Come for the days or just the evening services! Vacation Bible School July 24-28, 2017 A Mighty Fortress In Jesus the Victory is Won! Registration forms are now available online and in the office At Mighty Fortress, kids learn that God is their refuge and strength. Friends may fail them. They may not ace their test or make the team, but God promises to be their rock and their salvation their fortress and sure defense. So raise your banner! In Jesus, the victory is won! Help us promote this summer s VBS program, here at ORLC July 24-28! Pray for, and support, Sarah Bottem, our VBS Director for this summer. Volunteer, pray, promote, and participate! A Mighty Fortress Is Our God! Reformation Tour in Germany Hosted by Pastor Moland and Pastor Craig Johnson. For more information: We will look at Jesus encounters with a number of individuals throughout His earthly ministry and the changing work He does in us! Registration forms and Brochures available at the literature table. Online registration at 5

6 Sermon Themes May 2017 Sunday, May 7 Worship with Holy Communion Living the Abundant Life John 10:1-10 Following the Good Shepherd to Abundance Sunday, May 14 Mother s Day Where Is Home? John 14:1-14 Learning about a Homing Instinct Sunday, May 21 Sixth Sunday of Easter Loving Obedience John 14:15-21 Choosing to Obey PALM SUNDAY CANTATA Thank you to the Gloria Deo Choir and members of The Door church that joined us in singing. Barbara Moland for her solo work. Diana Daum and her family for the lovely buffet after the service. Melissa Douthit for doing the PowerPoint. Sunday, May 28 Seventh Sunday of Easter The Gift of Eternal Life John 17:1-11 Receiving an Amazing Gift Come to worship our God each Sunday at 9:30 AM! God s people are strengthened by hearing God s Word and fellowshipping with God s people! And, a special thank you to Esme Douthit for placing each of the symbols during the cantata. God's blessing to each of you - Lesley Paige 6

7 Volunteer Schedule Please mark your calendars and if there are any conflicts with your schedule, please find someone to fill your spot and let Kristine Dootson know of the substitution. If you are unable to find someone to switch with you, substitute volunteers are Betty and Kristine "You shall be enriched in every way for your generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God." 2 Corinthians 9:11 Date Nursery Lay Reader Sunday School Flowers Coffee 5/7 Pam Jussel 5/14 5/21 5/28 Melissa Douthit Kristine Dootson Betty Halvorson BIRTHDAYS Shari Obsitos Diana Szabo Riddle Charlie Hokanson Karishma Chainani Sarah Bottem Gavin Clark Cole Jorgensen Helen Long Vilma Luck Chloe Kemmerling Dorothy Morris Wil Olson Dane Stedman Alyssa Landguth Beau Lewis Elyse Lankford Win Jones Payten Jorgensen Jeff Wold Wesley Hatch Elaine Roloff Dale Lankford Heidi Stedman Joe Bottem Patti Prue 3-May 3-May 4-May 5-May 6-May 8-May 10-May 12-May 14-May 16-May 16-May 16-May 16-May 17-May 19-May 23-May 23-May 24-May 29-May 29-May 30-May 30-May Duane Leach Diana Daum OPEN WMF Celebration Barbara Moland Kristine Dootson 7 Council Men Diana Daum Mother s Day OPEN No SS Patti Prue Rieth Family ANNIVERSARIES Jeff & Jennifer Wold Bob & Marion Rieth Terry & Vilma Luck Easter Ringing 4-May May May-51

8 Youth and Family Ministry Update The search for a staff person to serve ORLC and our community in Youth and Family Ministry is underway. ORLC s call committee is actively praying and searching for God s provision in His time. We are receiving good counsel and assistance from AFLC leadership, including our recent visit from Pastor Wade Mobley, President of AFLC Schools. Please continue to pray for God s direction and supply for all our needs. And remember, gifts for this position can be designated now for this new position. AND, pray the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers! Our Redeemer Chimers Children kindergarten and up are invited to join Chimers! No fee to participate. Beginning or early music reading group reinforcement and confidence building ensemble e xperience. Rehearsals - designated Saturday afternoons. Please find registration form, info, schedule on the ORLC Chapel bulletin board or call ORLC or Barbara The Christian Connection is edited and published for ORLC by Ameeta Chainani. It is also available on our website If you do not want to receive it in your inbox, please let us know by ing orlckirkland@hotmail.com. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church NE 140th St. Kirkland, WA K e e p i n g i n t o u c h w i t h t h e O R L C f a m i l y! 8