from the pastor Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ;

Transcription

1 from the pastor Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ; I m starting to get a little antsy. I think for the most part that I ve held the whole cabin fever thing at bay, but I ll admit, my thoughts have begun drifting to spring. Now, I m very much aware that we are at the tail end of a very mild winter that hasn t produced a whole lot of snow (I like to think that God has granted me a transition winter in my return to the north), but I think it s just more of a calendar thing for me. It s March, and March means that baseball is being played every day in Florida and in Arizona. March means the kids have their aptly named spring break scheduled for the end of the month. March means that many of us are glimpsing into the back yard, watching the snow dissipate and envisioning lush and colorful gardens taking up residence there. And this year, it is during the month of March that our Lenten journey comes to an end and we celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior. On March 27th we will once again gather with the faithful elect and we will not only hear the Greatest Story ever told, the story of God s refusal to give us up to the grasp that death held on us, but that we will once again be reminded that we live out that story every day. In receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion, we are reminded that the body and blood of Christ were not put into a tomb 2000 years ago, but are very much alive today in, with, and through every one of us. that we are invited to be as well. For instance, if we re wanting to get out and do something for the church, but financial issues are holding us back, the living Christ offers us other opportunities that are not financially burdening to step to the plate. If we re hoping to engage more deeply in our spiritual growth, but we re insecure about our biblical knowledge or how we express our faith, the living Christ reminds us that the fluidity of scripture for all generations empowers each one of us to have personal and unique encounters that are very intentional and meant to be so. If we ve just reached a point where our health simply doesn t permit us to do what we once we able to do, the living Christ beckons us to open another door in which new gifts, maybe even gifts unrealized up to that point, can be nurtured and grown in a way that is joyful and pleasing to God and to neighbor. My friends, that is what Easter is. Easter is the constant reminder that Christ is alive, and as long as Christ is alive, we are empowered and encouraged to live active lives of discipleship, in whatever form that discipleship takes. Because of the living Christ, we no longer have to sit indoors, waiting and wishing for a time and a season. Because of the living Christ, that time is now and we are the people called to live in it with joy and with wonder and with awe, celebrating all that God has done with us, through us and around us, and will continue to do so as long as our spirit is willing. It s just a matter of letting go to what s hold us back and allowing our ever faithful God to guide us as God has always faithfully done. In Christ, Pastor Mark Laatsch Which brings me back to my issue of experiencing cabin fever. Cabin fever is the desire to be out doing something that you are not able to do because of the restrictions that are associated with the environment, namely, cold, snow and ice, overlapping our lawns and driveways. Thus, we re reduced to being dreamers and wishful thinkers. But the living Christ, whom we worship, reminds us that because He is alive and active at this very moment,

2 Youth and Family Ministry From the Director: Patti Treptow Our Lenten journey will soon be coming to an end and we will be looking forward to Holy Week and the ultimate celebration of our risen Lord on Easter Sunday. During these final weeks of Lent, our 5 th graders will be receiving instruction in the sacrament of Holy Communion, and on Maundy Thursday they will have their final instruction, participate in a ceremonial Seder meal, and partake in their first Communion. During Lent, our Confirmation students are taking a break from classes, but are giving of themselves by serving at the weekly Lenten Soup Suppers. Our high school youth continue to plan their service activities and their summer mission trip to Leech Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota. And, our Sunday school students are anticipating Palm Sunday and the traditional Palm Procession where they will help us remember the joy and excitement the people had as they waved palms when Jesus entered Jerusalem on the first day of Holy Week. Through the examples of discipleship and joy that our children show, they remind us that Jesus is with us and that He continues to enter our lives every day. May the remaining days of Lent be meaningful and deepen your faith, and the blessings of Easter bring you and your family great joy. In the following pages you will find more information on our youth and family activities... Confirmation classes are on break during Lent. They will resume on Sunday, April 3 rd. Parent guides for our final session - April 3 rd through April 24 th are Anna Salwinski, Becky Albert, Tim Leinonen, and Kerry Delgoffe. Please see Patti regarding your lesson materials if you have not done so already. Confirmation Progress Reports have been mailed out. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your report, please contact Patti at the church office Confirmation photographs are available. If you were confirmed this past October, please stop by the church office to pick up your confirmation picture. Confirmation Activities Confirmation Dinner Sunday, March 20 th is our monthly Confirmation dinner at the church. Dinner will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Bible study, and will conclude with a game or activity by 7:00 p.m. We will also be putting together Easter Baskets for our shut-in members. Special thanks to Kerry Delgoffe, Traci Leinonen, and Stacy Myers who have provided the food for our January and February dinners! Lenten Soup Suppers Lenten Soup suppers have started at Bethel Lutheran Church and our youth are doing a great job serving! On the next page, you will find the schedule and more information.

3 SUNDAY SCHOOL All confirmation students will be serving at the Lenten Soup Suppers. This year, the suppers and services will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Menominee. Please be at Bethel, in their kitchen, by 4:30 p.m. Serving is from 5:00-6:00 p.m. with clean-up to follow. Please check the schedule below to see which supper you will be working. February 17 th February 24 th March 2 nd March 9 th March 16th William Aichner Brock Barrette Kylie Chevalier Alyssa Dura Delaney Johnson Jaida Lesperance Trent Albert Landen Clausen Abbey Leinonen Keaton Uecke Amber Poquette Genaveve Anders Kaeleb Crawford Hayden Myers Alyssa Thayer Emma Laatsch Natalie Delgoffe Emma Anderson Jadelyn Younk Tyler Demmith Brayden Plutchak Greyson Jones Heather Camps Ashlee Erickson Autumn Erickson Zach Starzynski Kaden Clausen The Sunday school children will be participating in the traditional Palm Procession on Palm Sunday, March 20 th during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Parents, please remind your children to go directly to the fellowship hall that morning to prepare for the procession. Following the children's sermon, the children will be dismissed to their classrooms. Please note that there will be no Sunday school on Easter Sunday, March 27 th so our families can worship together for the entire Easter Sunday service. 5 th Grade First Communion Training First Communion training for 5 th grade students and any 6 th grade students who were not able to participate last year, will be held on: Sunday, February 28 th Sunday, March 6 th Sunday, March 13 th Sunday, March 20 th The classes will be taught by Patti Treptow during the regular Sunday school hour. Students should go directly to the conference room, located at the end of the office wing, at 10:00 a.m. Final communion instruction will be provided by Pastor Laatsch on Maundy Thursday, March 24 th starting at 4:00 p.m. with a Seder or "Passover" meal at 5:00 p.m. involving their families, godparents and others, and ending with the Maundy Thursday worship service at 6:00 p.m. where the children will take their first Holy Communion with their family.

4 The members of the Youth Advisory Council have been making final plans for the Family Skate Night. See the next page for more details on this fun event! The youth continue planning for the Mission Trip to the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. See below for more information on this exciting call to discipleship that our youth have taken. Emmanuel's Youth Advisory Council is open to all of Emmanuel s high school youth and is great way to grow in faith and engage in fun and meaningful activities. Please join us for our next meeting on Sunday, March 13th, at 11:00 a.m. Family Skate Night The Youth Advisory Council invites all of Emmanuel's families and members to an open skate night at the Marinette Civic Center. WHEN: Sunday, March 6 th Emmanuel's youth advisory council will be participating in a mission trip to the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, which is part of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, the week of July 5-8. We will be serving through painting, cleaning, yard work and other work projects. We will plan and lead kids programming for children in the community, including Bible lessons, games, crafts, and reading. We will also serve by planning and facilitating sports-based programming for the community youth. As our youth engage in discipleship and strengthen their faith, they will also have the opportunity to engage with friends of a unique background and learn about the Native American culture. CONGREGATION..WE NEED YOUR HELP! The cost to attend the four-day mission trip is $ per person, not including transportation. If it has been on your heart to support mission work in real hands-on way, this is an opportunity to do so. If you have been called to support Emmanuel's young people who are answering God's call to serve, here is a way you can help. Please prayfully consider sponsoring or partially sponsoring one of our youth or contribute any amount you are able. We appreciate any and all gifts that can help us offset the costs of this important mission of service. TIME: WHERE: COST: 6:30-8:00 p.m. Marinette Civic Center FREE The ice rink will be open only to Emmanuel during this time. Skate rentals will be available at no cost. Cocoa and coffee will be available. Anyone willing to bring a snack to share is welcomed to do so. Small children must be accompanied by an adult. Please sign up on the sheet available in the narthex or call the church office for more information.

5 ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION For more than 80 years, Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp has been a special place where God's abundant grace is not simply taught, but experienced. Fortune Lake has something for everyone! From retreats for adults and families, to age-specific camp experiences for children through teens. Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp encourages spiritual growth by providing encounters with scripture, experience and care of the environment, and opportunities for worship, recreation, and fellowship. Spring and summer events and activities are ready for your registration. For a calendar of camping weeks and retreats, go to the camp website at or call the camp at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula at 138 Fortune Lake Camp Road, Crystal Falls, Michigan. Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp is owned and operated by the 85 congregations of the Northern Great Lakes Synod of the ELCA. It is licensed by the State of Michigan and works with the ELCA Outdoor Ministries network. Emmanuel supports Fortune Lake Camp and we want you to enjoy all it has to offer, please stop in the church office to get more information or to inquire about camp scholarships. for Sunday, April 3 rd when Fortune Lake Camp staff will come to Emmanuel to do a presentation during our 10:00 a.m. worship service. Camp staff will also be available in the narthex after worship to answer any questions you may have about camp. Wednesday Morning Men s Group Join us each Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., at the Serving Spoon for a wonderful time of fellowship with friends, sharing stories, and enjoying a cup of coffee. Bring a friend! Women s Ministries Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America The Sarah Circle will meet on Tuesday, March 8, at 1:00 p.m. in the church library Ivon Butman will be the hostess. Seeking Enlightenment Group will be meeting on Thursday, March 17, at 6:30pm. It is a time of sharing and encouraging each other on our Christian journey, contact Robin Gustafson at or Jackie Kolaszewski at for location details. ********************************************** Cup of Joe Ministry Everyone is invited to enjoy coffee and other beverages, baked goods and treats, and fellowship during our 9:00 a.m. coffee hour between worship services in the narthex. After you get your "Cup of Joe", join us in the lounge for the "Ministry" part of our coffee hour where we will enjoy conversations about our faith and other topics of interest.

6 If you are interested in donating treats, you may sign up in the narthex or call the church office. Witness & Service Ministry Emmanuel's "Souper Bowl" donations of food and non-food items were counted and the final tally was 267 items weighing 223 pounds. Our donations were given to the NewCap food pantry in Marinette. Many thanks to all who contributed! Easter Baskets The service committee along with our Confirmation students will be putting together Easter baskets for our shut-ins. The baskets will contain treats and fun items that will lift the spirits and let our members who can no longer attend our worship services or church activities that we are thinking of them. The baskets will be delivered during Holy Week. ****************************** Lost & Found We brought out a box that has been put away for about a year, in it was a wedding band. If this might possible be yours, please check in the church office. LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS FEBRUARY 17 - MARCH 16 5:00 5:45pm on Wednesdays We need your help! Bethel Lutheran Church is hosting the annual Lenten Soup Suppers this year, we need your help to provide the simple meal of soup, bread and dessert. If you can help prepare any of these ingredients Please see the sign-up chart in the church narthex or call the church office to volunteer. If you volunteer please be prepared to donate any one (or more) of the following items: + 3 gallons of your favorite soup + 1 loaf of bread + 1 pan of bars or 2 dozen cookies. WE REALLY DO NEED YOU!! Please bring your donated food items to the church on the same day they will be served. Soup Suppers are held each Wednesday in Lent at 5:00-5:45 p.m. to provide an opportunity for fellowship before the evening services. The Health Department requires that only store-bought products be used in making soup. *********************** CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION!! Emmanuel has set up an account for our Congregation Council President for the purpose of our members having another means of communicating with the council. While we still encourage phone calls and face-to-face conversations, it is important that we utilize all means possible to communicate with one another. If you have a care/concern which you feel our church council should be aware of, and you feel that this is your most effective form of communicating, please feel free to Jackie Kolaszewski, Council President at:

7 By Envelope Number EASTER Memorials All Easter memorials must be received by Sunday, March 20 to be included in the Easter memorial booklet. Your gifts are greatly appreciated. I would like to : Place a Lily in the chancel ($10.00) My/Our gift to the church s mission at home: To: $ Reduce the Deficit Pledge Plus $ Youth Mission trip to Minnesota $ Seminarian Support Fund $ Undesignated Memorial Fund orfor the following purpose: My/Our gift to the wider mission of the church: To: $ Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp $ ELCA World Hunger Appeal $ The following: Given In memory of In honor of In thanks to God