THE DESERT VOICE. Trinity Lutheran Church April 2009

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1 THE DESERT VOICE Trinity Lutheran Church April 2009 How important is the resurrection of Jesus Christ? 1 Corinthians 15:17 states, And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Without the death and resurrection of Jesus, God s plan of salvation is a pipe dream. There are those who insist that Jesus Christ didn t rise from the dead. The first denial is found at Matthew 28:13: (The chief priest) told them (Roman guard), You are to say, His disciples came during the night and stole Him away while we were asleep. Other denials have developed since then including: the swoon theory (Jesus only fainted on the cross and was later revived and survived) and the vision theory (Jesus was not physically resurrected but only appeared spiritually in visions to the disciples). All four New Testament Gospels (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24 and John 20) bring us eyewitness testimony concerning Christ s death and resurrection. St. Luke reports: After His (Christ s) suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3) Convincing proofs is an ancient Greek term indicating the strongest type of legal evidence. St. Paul speaks of Christ s resurrection as if standing before a jury: For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). The original eyewitnesses asserted their testimony as factual. They did so even in the face of horrific punishment and martyrdom by those who opposed the Gospel. Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon, ( in an article entitled, The Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Part 2: Could the Evidence Stand Cross-Examination in a Modern Court of Law?, cite several legal minds that have considered the evidence of Christ s resurrection over the centuries. One of these is J. N. D. Anderson. In the words of Armand Nicholi of the Harvard Medical School (Christianity Today, March 29, 1968), (Anderson) is a scholar of international repute, eminently qualified to deal with the subject of evidence. He is one of the world s leading authorities on Muslim law, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of London, Chairman of the Department of Oriental Law at the School of Oriental and African Studies, and Director of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies at the University of London. In Anderson s text, Christianity: The Witness of History, he supplies the standard evidences for the Resurrection and asks, "How, then, can the fact of the resurrection be denied?" Then Anderson concludes, Lastly, it can be asserted with confidence that men and women disbelieve the Easter story not because of the evidence but in spite of it (emphasis mine) [J. N. D. Anderson, Christianity: The Witness of History, (London: Tyndale Press, 1970), p. 90 & 105)] The message of Easter is strong and clear: Death has been swallowed up in victory thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54b & 57). Pastor Smith * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net Miles Ave. Indio, CA Church Office Inside this issue: M.A.S.S., Women s Bible Study, Men s Books, Spring Clean Up 2 Letter From a Seminarian 3 WINGS, Sunday School, Lilies, Join Hands Day 4 TLC Youth News 5 Jr DYG Volunteers 6 TLC Family Ministry News 7 April and May Birthdays and Anniversaries 8 LWML Zone 19 Retreat 9 LWML April Meeting and Luncheon 10 Those Who Serve in April 11 April Calendar 12 Easter Brunch Volunteer Form 13 Holy Week/Easter Schedule 14

2 Page 2 MEN S M.A.S.S MEETING Tuesday, April 14, 2009 Sloan s Restaurant - 6:00 pm Here we are in April already! Where has the time gone? For the young Seminary students that we are sponsoring, who are attending Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, the future happily leads to their goal of becoming ministers of the Word in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. You, too, can join us once a month on the second Tuesday April 14 th, at 6:00 pm., all the while working at our goal of supporting these students. Once again, we gather at Sloan s Restaurant, corner of Clinton Street and Highway 111 in Indio at 6pm. We always have room for one more. So come and join us. We d love to have you. If this is an evening you just can t make, you may support M.A.S.S. by placing a check in the offering plate on Sunday or mailing it to the church. God bless you and thank you for your support. P.S. Please see a wonderful letter from one of our young men, Patrick Rooney, in this month's Spring Clean Up Day Friday, April 3rd we will be having a general cleaning day to make our church look its best for Easter. If you can make it we will be starting at 8:30 am and should be done by 11:30 am. Please bring a bucket and some cleaning rags/towels as we will be doing windows and a general cleaning of the church and patio areas. If you have any questions please call the church office: Thanks for your support in making our church look its best always, and for Easter. The Board of Trustees THE DESERT VOICE TLC Women s Bible Study 5pm The early evening Women s Bible study continues to meet and continues to get larger. The book of Revelation is being studied. It s not too late to join this exciting study. All women are invited to this great Bible Study led by Mary Helen Kelly. Come join us! From our Library Attention Men! Suggested Reading Life Sentence by Charles W. Colson Colson s story of his guilt in Watergate related offenses, a prison sentence and his powerful prison ministry. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson It began as one man s mountain climb in Afghanistan and became one man s mission to promote peace. Kingdom of the Cults by Dr. Walter Martin An eye opener regarding many so called religions in the world - Jehovah s Witnesses, Christian Science, Seventh Day Adventism and many more. Deadline by Randy Alcorn Three close men friends, a suspicious accident and investigation. A dramatic story. Man in Black by Johnny Cash His life of hardship, fame and faith. DVD: Facing the Giants Football and how faith played out on a high school field.

3 * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net Page 3 Dear Friends in Christ Jesus, These past few months have seen great changes. A new year has come, and so has a new president with a new philosophy and new ideas. We have seen our economy weaken and crumble for the first time in decades. Whether by the economy or by other factors in life which seen to creep up on us, each of us has seen our own changes as well. I have experienced a few myself. In December, my wife and I became Aunt Kari and Uncle Patrick for the first time. Just last week, I prepared and filed our taxes as opposed to mine. Also in December, I began my most challenging but enlightening quarter at the Seminary. Two of my most favorite classes yet included Pauline Epistles (with lots of time spent in Galatians and 1 Corinthians) and Genetic Science in Christian Perspective (in which we discussed Christian and Lutheran views of such issues as cloning, stem cell research, genetic engineering, in vitro fertilization, etc.), both of which changed ways I will think as a pastor. Now I am preparing to begin my last quarter before vicarage in a few short days. I will be taking Pastor as Educator (including 3 weeks of teaching religion at a Lutheran School), Isaiah and the Prophets, Contemporary Religious Bodies (studying the denominations and a few cults of Christianity), and Systematics III (studying the doctrines of the Holy Spirit, the church, and the sacraments). The class I am most looking forward to, however, is a history elective examining the LCMS since We will be paying close attention to the synodchanging events of the Seminex conflict in 1973, a time about which I don t know very much but have always been curious. One big change Kari and I are anxiously awaiting arrives on Wednesday, April 22. That is the day I will be receiving my vicarage assignment, which will tell us where we will be living for the next year as I serve a congregation in an internship-like setting. This life-changing experience will give me invaluable training in the pastoral office. We are both very excited to see what God has in store for us! Please pray that we receive an assignment that will be a good fit for me - educating, challenging and building me up for ministry. Pray also that, wherever we go, a job will present itself for Kari that might utilize her God-given skills and be within her comfort zone. Most of all, please pray for all those awaiting vicarages (and first calls for those finishing seminary); that their anxiety would be lightened and focus maintained, and that in these changing economic time, God will provide for us all. If you would enjoy finding out where I (and the rest of my class) will be heading for vicarage at the same time I do, you should be able to do so by visiting the Seminary s website ( that day and looking for a link to an audio and/or video feed. I believe the service will be around 3 or 3:30 pm. Unfortunately, at the time I am writing this, the Seminary has not released any further details on this for this year s ceremonies. You will probably want to check a day or two before to make sure the Seminary is providing these services and that you have the right program(s) installed on your computer. In this difficult economic time, I am increasingly amazed by and grateful for your continual, unfailing support of my pastoral education! May this and every time of change serve to remind us of God s unchanging love for us - that the work Christ accomplished on the cross for us has, does, and will always cost us the same (nothing) while maintaining the same value (forgiveness of sins and eternal life). In our priceless Treasure, Patrick Patrick Rooney

4 Page 4 THE DESERT VOICE Easter Lilies So that the Altar and Chancel of our church will be beautiful for the celebration of Jesus resurrection Easter morning, we need assistance in purchasing the Easter lilies. If you can assist, please fill out the form attached to the newsletter or pick one up in the church office. Complete the form and give with your donation to either Mary Helen Kelly or Wanda Lahn. Thank you! W.I.N.G.S. - Women in God s Service Friday, April 24, :30pm Islands Restaurant This month the ladies of TLC will be heading for Palm Desert to the Islands Restaurant This is always a fun and relaxing evening. There is also always room for more. Islands is located in the Desert Crossing Shopping Center at the corner of Fred Waring and Hwy III. Please call the church office for more information and to RSVP: An RSVP would be most appreciated. With the winter visitors back in the valley, restaurants are busier and reservations are necessary. TLC Sunday School This quarter of the Sunday School curriculum is filled with much color, symbolism, and vivid contrasts between death and life, darkness and light, the smell of death and the fragrance of the living God. The seasons of Lent and Easter are perfect for teaching children wondrous things concerning their Savior. Each Sunday at 9:45 am three classes are ready to welcome children of all ages. We invite children from the TLC Family and the community at large to come join us each Sunday morning to learn of our risen Lord! Join Hands Day Coming in May.! Join Hands Day is a national volunteer day sponsored by America s fraternal benefit societies. This annual event generates awareness about what grassroots volunteerism can do in communities across the nation, while also bringing youth and adults together to build lasting friendships across generations. May 9th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm we will be gathering at Trinity to work together planting flowers in front of the Trinity Child Development Center, cleaning equipment in the classrooms and washing windows. Perks? You betcha...donuts will begin the morning and pizza will be served at noon. Come join this day of awareness and help make

5 THE DESERT VOICE Page 5 TLC Youth News TLC Youth Connection Time to Connect with the TLC Youth TLC Youth Connection is a time for connecting with God s Word and connecting with other youth once a week at Trinity Lutheran Church. We have a time of music, Bible Study, games and fellowship. This is a great time to introduce a friend to TLC. All are Welcome! We Need Your Help!!! Saturday, April 11@ 10am we need help filling Easter eggs for the egg hunt and decorating for the Easter breakfast. This is a good opportunity to do some volunteering and it doesn t look too bad on your college applications either. Make plans now to help prepare for the celebration of our Lord s resurrection!! TLC Youth - Chancel Drama Sunday, May 3, :30am and 11am April 2009 Youth Connection 7pm April 2, 23, 30 Monthly Activity To Be Determined Chancel Drama May 3 Sunday Morning Bible Study Don t forget to take time for your day of rest and join the TLC Youth for the Sunday morning Bible study led by Edwin Meyer. Each week the TLC Youth engage in a new topic relevant to today s youth. We begin p ro m p t l y a t 9:45am to make good use of the hour for study and fellowship. See you there!!

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7 THE DESERT VOICE Page 7 TLC Family Ministry Your faithfulness continues through all generations Psalm 119:90 April 2009 TLC Family Volunteers Easter morning is a major event for the TLC Family and many volunteers are always needed. On April 11,The Saturday before Easter, volunteers will be cutting fruit, preparing the patio, filling the eggs for the egg hunt, decorating the tables, setting up the serving areas and much more. Many hands are needed. Set up will be begin at 9am Saturday morning. If you would like to help by bake one of the casseroles for Easter morning you may pick up a recipe from Emily in the church office: Clean up will begin after all the festivities, Sunday afternoon, around 1pm and your help would be most appreciated For further information please contact the church office: TLC Family Easter Egg Hunt It s that time of year again. Egg hunts, chocolate crosses and Easter crafts. The children will gather in the middle Sunday School classroom at 9:30am and will start the egg hunt at 9:45am. Chocolate crosses will be awarded to the three children that find the large leggs eggs. There will also be crafts for all ages to enjoy. This always is fun for all of us whether you are participate or just a spectator. Make plans now to join the FUN! TLC Family Easter Breakfast Easter morning we will be serving breakfast in the enclosed patio following each worship service. Fresh fruit, breakfast casseroles, cereal, muffins and many more delicacies will be served. Please come and enjoy Easter morning with delicious food and delightful conversation with family and friends. A donation basket will be available for those wishing to contribute.

8 Page 8 THE DESERT VOICE April Birthdays 3` Luke Mohr 3 Blake Carlson 7 Bill Clark 9 Emily Bonette 10 Mike Ryan 14 Doris Spiker 20 Ruth Farquhar 22 Bill Bonette 24 Christy Clark 26 Joan Mandel 28 Bob White 29 Marion Johnson Miller 29 Nolan Ducatte 29 Laura Thomason May Birthdays 1 Bryan Lorimer 4 Dani Ducatte 8 Janelle Kortmeyer 8 Michael Montgomery 9 Joe Donahue 9 Renee Young 11 Helen Batzler 16 Bobbi Smith 19 Dottie Mullins April Anniversaries 4/12/75 Mark & Elsa Smith 4/15 John & Luretta Eide 4/19 Chris & Eva Balmes 4/19 Luke & Marilyn Mohr 4/20/85 Alex & Maggie Negron May Anniversaries 5/1/76 Doug & Lana Kroll 5/2/92 Bill & Mary Elliott 5/7/77 Don & Doris Spiker 5/18/02 Shad & Jill Schuessler

9 Page 9 * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net Lutheran Women s Missionary League Palm Zone #19 Zone Retreat Saturday, May 2, Luther Village, Oak Glen, California The Colors of Worship Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 A program presented by Pastor Robert Smith and Bobbi Smith Seasons of the Church Year Hymnody of Each Season The Bible study will be intertwined throughout the program led by The Rev. Paul Miller, Zone Counselor Registration per person $20.00 Make checks payable to Zone #19 LWML Registration deadline April 15, 2009 Host Society: Shepherd of the Valley, Anza Starting Time: 9:00 am - Closing Time: 2:00 pm Dress warm and wear comfortable shoes!

10 THE DESERT VOICE Page 10 Trinity Lutheran Women s Missionar y League Lutheran Women s Missionary League Trinity Lutheran Church, Indio LUNCHEON MEETING Wednesday, April 8, 11:30 a.m. Sing A New Song Psalm 98:1 The Victory Garden by The Trinity Players Lunch will be ser ved by Hostesses Wanda Lahn and Jane Campbell All women, men and friends of Trinity are welcome! Mission Project for the month of April: Hispanic Cong regation in San Jacinto, CA

11 * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net Page 11 Those Who Serve in April Duties 5th 8:30 Holy Communion 12th Easter Sunday 19th 8:30am Holy Communion 22nd 11am Holy Communion 8:30am Duty Elder 11am Edwin Meyer Edwin Meyer Edwin Meyer 8:30am Readers 11am 8:30am Ushers 11am Frank Brady & Russ Campbell Paul Smith & Travis Carlson Larry Piunti & Russ Campbell Jim Ducatte & Nolan Ducatte Terry Lahn & Mike Harai Jim Ducatte & Chris Plautz Dick Kelly & Delmar Berghoefer Travis Carlson & Nolan Ducatte 8:30am Acolytes 11am Katie Hunter Dani Ducatte Lindsay Musashi Blake Carlson Kris Hunter Kristen Balmes Lindsay Musashi Ali Young 8:30am Greeters 11am Vern & Marlene Langenwalter Vern & Mary Ann Horn Vern & Marlene Langenwalter Vern & Mary Ann Horn Vern & Marlene Langenwalter Vern & Mary Ann Horn Vern & Marlene Langenwalter Vern & Mary Ann Horn Holy Week Schedule Easter Sunrise DUTY ELDER Wed. April 1 7:00pm Maundy Thursday April 9-7:00pm Good Friday April 10-7:00pm Easter Sunrise April 12-6:30am Ray Flaskamper USHERS Dick Kelly & Frank Brady Russ Campbell & Larry Piunti Mike Harai & Terry Lahn Paul Smith & Dick Kelly ACOLYTES Blake Carlson Ali Young Kristen Balmes Katie Hunter

12 * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net Stamp Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Pacific Southwest District Robert E. Smith, Pastor Cell Phone: Emily Bonette, Church Secretary Church Office Phone: Eloise Freeman, Preschool Director Preschool Phone: Sunday Worship 8:30am & 11am Sunday School/ Bible Class 9:45am Traditional Worship Holy Communion 8:30am 1st & 3rd Sundays 11am 2nd & 4th Sundays Holy Week Schedule Maundy Thursday, April 9th (Holy Communion) - 7pm A Meal for the Wounded from Exodus 24:11 * Good Friday, April 10th - 7pm The Wounds that Heal from Isaiah 53:1-6 EASTER SUNDAY SCHEDULE Sunrise Service, April 12th - 6:30am Easter Services, April 12th (Holy Communion) 8:30am & 11am * Easter Brunch, - Following each service * Easter Egg Hunt/Crafts - 9:45am