Ascension Lutheran Church March Special Dates. March 1 Ash Wednesday March 9, Lenten Suppers & Vespers.

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1 CONNECTIONS Ascension Lutheran Church March 2017 Special Dates March 1 Ash Wednesday March 9, Lenten Suppers & Vespers March March 12 March 26 Women s Retreat Art Auction and Reception Mikiko and Friends Concert Communion Worship every Sunday-9:30 AM. Education hour at 10:45 For an updated schedule see our webpage Hearing Devices and Large Print Bulletins are available ask an usher for assistance. LENTEN SCHEDULE Ash Wednesday Worship March 1 at 6:00 pm Lenten Suppers on Thursdays, March 9-April 6:00 at 5:30pm Vespers follow supper at 6:30 Easter Sunday is April 16

2 Differences or Divisions Pastor Doug Vold Lately I have found myself thinking a lot about these two words: differences and divisions. Each of these words seems to address something similar. And yet each seems to imply an approach and outcome that are not very similar. These words have to do with human community and how it may be sustained or how it may be torn apart. That also means, of course, that form of human community known as the church. The word differences is about the dissimilarities between us, the ways we are not the same as each other. Each of us has certain distinctive qualities and features that may have to do with how we look, how we talk, where we grew up, where we live, the work we do, the tribe we re from, the hobbies we enjoy, and so forth. I could list a million things. No two of us are exactly alike. So, there are always differences between us. Divisions, on the other hand, while also about the dissimilarities between us, has a different flavor. It is about dividing something into parts. It points to things that separate us, one from another. There is disagreement. There is dissension. Partitions form; breaches in the whole, rifts in the community, rupture to the body, with a resulting disunion. The relationship between the two is fascinating and frequently problematic for human community. If every difference were also a division, there could be no community at all. But some differences don t seem to trouble people very much. They even say they like them. However, some differences between us seem to hold special powers to divide. Why these? What s the logic? What s the threat? Some differences pack a lot of baggage, apparently, a lot of history, a lot of fear, and keeping them from dividing seems almost impossible. Our own experience of how this goes, also probably ebbs and flows, as life goes along. At times, we can seem pretty much the same as everyone we know. The differences seem minor. 2

3 At other times, I suppose, we can feel like we are so different from so many of those around us that we must separate ourselves, or contain them, or attack and eliminate them. There are those who think we are in a time these days when the power of our divisions seem deeper and stronger than the ties that might hold us together in community. The spirit of the times, they would say, is angry and confrontational, filled with talk of enemies, verbal assaults, lashing out, and scapegoating. It can seem as if almost every difference has become a division. But our Christian tradition has some spiritual energy and wisdom for such times. In the earliest days of the Christian movement, followers of Jesus faced a huge dividing wall of separation. It was an us-them of gigantic proportions. Would this faith in Jesus be for all, or would it be for only those who were part of Jesus Jewish heritage? They answered, by the urging of the Holy Spirit, that it would be for all. And sure enough, Gentiles (non -Jews) were embraced by the Spirit, believed in Jesus, and became part of the church. In the various groups, lumped together under the name Gentile, followers of Jesus found themselves shoulder to shoulder with people whose differences had always been divisions. And Scripture notes the challenges of this fledgling community in coping with differences that seemed, to many, to be repulsive, offensive, shocking, (the Samaritans for example) and not worth enduring. Yet in the Spirit of the risen Christ, something profound happened. These divisions were overcome, and became, instead, just differences within the people of God. As it says in Ephesians, (2:14) For [Christ] is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 3

4 About ELCA Good Gifts A popular trend in philanthropy is the practice of providing live animals - goats, chickens, cows - to people in developing countries. The idea is that people in these countries use animals for food and to generate an income so they can buy food or improve their living conditions. This is just one of the solutions that this church has engaged in for years through ELCA World Hunger (elca.org/hunger) and other ministries. Many members support this work by making donations through ELCA Good Gifts, a catalog that highlights more than 50 ways to support these ministries - from sheep to water wells. How does all this work? Lending perspective to this discussion is Mary Marete, a native of Kenya and program director for sustainable development for ELCA Global Mission, and other churchwide program staff. What are ELCA Good Gifts? The Good Gifts catalog features items representing ELCA ministries in the U.S. and around the world. For all global projects, gifts are chosen based on needs identified by the ELCA s companion churches and the communities, Marete said. Donations are combined to fund areas of work related to livestock, water or health care so each donation has the greatest impact. ( to be continued next month) Hensel, L. (2016, December). Debunking myths about ELCA Good Gifts. Living Lutheran, Volume 1, Number 9, Prayer Shawls: If you have made a prayer shawl, you may leave it in the church office with a note "FOR PARISH CARE," or give it to Mary Ellen Campbell. Each prayer shawl will be blessed at the altar before it is given away. A helpful website is: and there are more patterns in "The Prayer Shawl Companion," a book available in 4

5 ALCW Board Meeting Thursday, March 2, 2017 Sarah Circle Tuesday, March at 9:30 a.m. Martha Circle Wednesday, March 8,2017, at 12:30 p.m. Coming Attractions The September16 sale we announced last month has a new name Grandma s Parking Lot Sale, and the me schedule will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We remind you to set aside items you no longer use or never used, tools, small furniture, etc., and we have storage to keep them in if you wish to get rid of them sooner (see Peggy Skeele, Terry Helmling, or Jeane)e Eliason). Also, no books, large appliances or clothing. Spring Luncheon, on May 6, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets will be sold after service on the two weekends before. Watch for the announcement in the bulletin and in Connections. We have been discussing possible local charities we can sponsor in our luncheon and other events, especially those who benefit struggling families, single mothers with babies, and teenagers with few resources. It was brought to our attention that many teenage girls miss one of the great experiences of high school the prom because they can t afford a special dress. We thought of asking members of the congregation if, through their own family connections, they know of someone with a prom dress suitable for that purpose. This is a one-time request for this year as proms are usually held during May and early June, so, if you can help, please start asking anyone you think might be willing to help. You can contact Winkie Griffin, Peggy Skeele, Terry Helmling, Jeanette Eliason or Kristie Wilson. Reverse offering coming soon! 5

6 Luther s Small Catechism Of all the things Martin Luther wrote, he is probably best known for two things: the hymn A mighty fortress is our God and the Small Catechism. Interestingly, Luther himself was ambivalent about the lasting value of most of his writings, with two exceptions and one of them was this little pamphlet, the Small Catechism. And this from someone whose writings changed the whole landscape of the Western religious world. Most of us know the Small Catechism well. Many spent hours memorizing it as teens. But how did it come to be, and what is it that makes it so helpful? In 2017 we are observing the 500th anniversary of the Reformation s start, when Luther posted the Ninety-Five Theses. If that was the act of a passionate young man, a decade later he was facing the needs of the church he was reforming. If it was no longer enough just to go through the motions, following the lead of a Latinrite priest, then what was at the heart of what people needed to know and how were they to learn that? To meet that need, Luther the pastor and teacher created two catechisms the Large (primarily intended for pastors) and the Small (for use in the home). A catechism is a document that lays out the basic ideas of religion in a simple question-and-answer format. For the Small Catechism, Luther chose to open up some of the basics of Christian faith: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles Creed, the Lord s Prayer, the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, and the Office of the Keys and Confession. It s worth noticing that he based this teaching document on what already existed rather than starting from scratch and inventing a whole new system. Luther was committed to the church catholic. His genius is shown in the way he opened up these statements of faith. The famous question in each case was, in German, Was ist 6

7 das? In English, most of us know this as What does this mean? but a literal translation would be What is that? And then he proceeded to tell, in beautifully simple language, what each commandment, each part of the creed, each petition of the Lord s Prayer, tells us about God and about us as God s children. These explanations set out a God who is not the stern judge of Luther s own childhood, but a loving parent who offers us unconditional grace and only then invites us to live accordingly. How profound was Luther s achievement in writing the Small Catechism? A mark of it can be seen in the simple fact that nearly five hundred years after its first publication in 1529, and after being translated into hundreds of languages, it is still one of the most effective tools for learning and teaching what the Christian faith is all about. Copyright 2016 Augsburg Fortress. Permission is granted for congregations to reproduce these pages provided copies are for local use only and this copyright notice appears The ELCA develops Social Statements to address how the church responds to issues within society. In 2009 the Churchwide Assembly authorized the development of a statement on women and justice. We have the opportunity to give input to the task force that is working on this statement. Faith Formation invites you to join them once a month to study, share and work our way through Faith, Sexism, Justice: Conversations toward and Social Statement. This first of these conversation will be on March 14 th, 6pm - 7pm. Bring a brown bag supper and we will sit together to eat and think. 7

8 Attention Artists of Ascension! Do you paint with water colors? Do you have a passion for photography? Are you skilled in needlework? Whatever your passion, we need you! We are asking all artists of all ages and mediums to donate a piece of their work to help raise money for the youth mission trip to Seattle this summer. We are looking for pieces that can be displayed on the walls in Blaar Hall. All donations need to be gallery ready (matted or frames. We request that your finished piece be no smaller than 8 x 10. Any submissions for the show need to be to the church office by Sunday March 5 th. Attention Art lovers of Ascension! After worship on Sunday March 12 th there will be an opening reception for Ascension s first silent auction art gallery! All proceeds from the auction will be going to the youth Seattle Mission trip in June. If you have any questions, PRAYER CHAIN Ascension has an active prayer chain waiting to meet your needs. If you or a loved one has a need or is in crisis and in need of support and prayer please call Jeanette Eliason at or bandjeliason@hotmail.com or the church office. Our prayer chain is generally an chain, but some phone calls can be made. 8

9 Ascension s Finance Update By Marsha Bones, Finance Chair Wow! Ascension you are amazing! I am thankful to be a part of this caring and generous Congregation. As I look around it is incredible what we have accomplished. Outside, our grounds looks like a park with all the trees, beautiful lawn and the fence. Soon our community garden will be lush and flourishing. In our church building the Sanctuary has a new look, in addition to the recent changes to the office, Fireside area, and Blaar hall with our new flooring and freshly painted walls. This was all possible due to our members hard work, shared talents, and generous giving. It provides our church with a cared for and welcoming feeling. Finally, you gave our Congregation s ministry for doing God s work a boost through your generosity and abundance of giving, allowing us to fund our 2017 budget above our Estimate of Giving by over $70,000. The Lord has blessed Ascension with very caring and generous members! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! MIKIKO AND FRIENDS Sunday, March 26, 11:00 am Mikiko Petrucelli, Piano Joyful Noise Virginia Van Nortwick, Soprano Jeffrey Myers, Baritone Charles Dodgen, Clarinet Showstopping Finale Shhheeee, can you keep a secret? Rumor has it our performers have a show stopping finale of This Little Light of Mine for their March 26 concert! 9

10 Sun Mon Tue Wed 1 Ash Wedn Bible Study 9:3 Worship 6:00 Choir 7:00 5 Worship 9:30 Education 11:00 6 Grace Notes 6:30 Com. Quilter 6:30 Confirmation 7:00 7 Quilters 8:30 Knitters 12:00 Dis. Chorus 4:00 FFEC Mtg. 7:00 8 Bible Study 9: Martha Circle Choir 6:30 12 Worship 9:30 Education 10:45 Art Auction & Reception Women s Retreat 13 Admin Mtg 3:00 Grace Notes 6:30 Com. Quilter 6:30 Confirmation 7:00 14 Sarah Circle 9:30 Dis. Chorus 4:00 Finance Mtg. 4:00 15 Bible Study 9: Choir 6:30 19 Worship 9:30 Education 10:45 MS/HS Field trip 20 Grace Notes 6:30 Com. Quilter 6:30 Confirmation 7:00 21 Quilters 8:30 Arts Com. 10:00 Knitters 12:00 Dis. Chorus 4:00 Council 6:30 22 Bible Study 9: Choir 6:30 26 Worship 9:30 Concert 11:00 27 Grace Note 6:30 Com. Quilters 6:30 No Confirmation 28 Quilters 8:30 29 Bible Study 9: Choir 6:30 10

11 Wed Thu Fri Sat Wednesday dy 9:30 6: Joyful Noise 9:00 ALCW Board 9:30 Worship Mtg. 5:15 Girl Scouts 6:00 3 Parking lot cookie sale 4:30 AA/Alanon 6:30 4 Girl Scout activity at 1:00 dy 9:30 ircle 12: Joyful Noise 9:00 Lenten Supper 5:30 Girl Scouts 6:00 Vespers 6:30 10 Parking lot cookie sale 4:30 AA/Alanon 6:30 11 dy 9: Joyful Noise 9:00 Community Life 3:00 Lenten Supper 5:30 Girl Scouts 6:00 Vespers 6:30 17 Medford Garden Club 12:00 AA/Alanon 6:30 18 dy 9: Joyful Noise 9:00 Lenten Supper 5:30 Girl Scouts 6:00 Vespers 6:30 24 AA/Alanon 6:30 25 dy 9: Joyful Noise 9:00 Lenten Supper 5:30 Vespers 6:30 31 AA/Alanon 6:30 11

12 In John 4, Jesus talks with a woman about living water. Where does that conversation take place? A. Sychar B. Samaria C. Galilee D. Jacob s well Answer: See John 4:4-7ff. 12

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14 Desperate Disciples Ruin Jesus Nap While at Sea! March 5 th - Family Sunday at 11am. March 12 th - Workshops March 19 th - Workshops March 26 th - No Class/Spring Break March 12th! 2 to PreK Class: This month class will meet on 2 to PreK is open to children that have outgrown our Baby Class but are not quite ready to move up to our Workshops. Join everyone in the Gathering Room at 10:45am! We will sing, celebrate birthdays and pray together. Afterwards the children will head to their room to learn about a Bible story! Parents are welcome but are not required Contact Susan at susan@ascensionlutheran.com or the church office if you have questions, need more information or would LIVING LUTHERAN Ascension has a group subscription for Living Lutheran, a magazine published by the ELCA. Because of our large group, the cost is only $10/year. Our subscription is due for renewal at this time. If you are a subscriber, I will automatically renew you unless you tell me to cancel. If you would like to subscribe, contact the church office. Carla 14

15 Champion An- Mighty Middle Schoolers imals at the Shelter! 10:45am Sunday Morning March 5: Lifestories March 12: Bible Study March 19: Field Trip to Animal Shelter March 26: No Class/Spring Break 10:45am Mar. 5 - Starbucks, Blessing Bags and Lent Mar Journaling/Art Show Reception Mar Field Trip with Middle School to Animal Shelter Mar No Class/ Spring Break In June we will be sending a group of high school youth to Seattle to engage in service. They will work in shelters, serve free lunches on Capitol Hill, and participate with differently-abled adults at L Arche Organic Farm. For their last assignment the youth will plan, purchase food and prepare a meal for Immanuel Lutheran s Men s Shelter. All of this takes money and we are currently estimating that it will cost each person $850. We currently have 6 people on the team. If you would like to pay for someone or help financially, please contact Susan at or You can use a credit card, check or cash. Thanks for your support! 15

16 How to Communicate with Your Doctor Sometimes you go to your health care practitioner (MD, PA, FNP) with all kinds of questions and when you are there you forget the most important one or you leave with more questions than when you arrived. I m going to give you some tips as to how to communicate with your practitioner. Foremost, you must be empowered and take responsibility for your own health care. Your practitioner has a lot of knowledge and has had years of training. Health care is a business but your health care provider is there to help you reach optimum health. Therefore, you have a responsibility to know your rights and to understand your health problems. There are several things you can do to enhance your visit. 1) Prepare for your appointment. Make a list of symptoms and health concerns, noting time of onset and severity. 2) Make a list of current medications. Include all medications, including over the countr medications such as vitamins, minerals or herbs. 3) Make a list of any significant changes in your life (health) since you last saw your Practitioner, such as a loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, weight gain or loss, insomnia, fatigue, muscle weakness, etc. 4) Use your list to explain your concerns. 5) If you don t understand what your Practitioner is telling you, keep asking until you understand. Do not leave until you understand. 6) Take a note pad along and write down what is said so you don t forget it later. 7) Remember that nothing is trivial or insignificant to tell your Practitioner. Sometimes the smallest thing is the clue needed to solve a medical issue. 8) Ask about costs and insurance coverage before agreeing to costly tests. 9) Do not let your Practitioner rush you. Always know that I am available as a resource and support. Keep in mind 1 Peter 2:24 that Trust in God is the greatest source of healing. Yours in Christ, Judy Dahl, RN 16

17 It is time to get out those calendars and save the dates! Ascension s VBS is locked in! This year looks like it is going to be SUPER HERO special! Registration will begin in April If YOU want to be a hero, grab your cape and volunteer! We need all kinds of help and support. Once you have identified your super power contact Susan at the church Organ and Trumpet Recital Sunday, March 5th at 3pm First Presbyterian Church Medford Dr. Robert Adams organist, who has substituted for Mikiko, is performing with Dr. Phil Sullivan on trumpet. They will present music for organ alone and for organ plus trumpet by Adams, Hertel, Tallis, and Howells. The concert It is free, although donations will be accepted to defray some of the costs. A reception will follow the concert. 17

18 Memorial Scholarships Available Spring is fast approaching as well as scholarship application time for high school seniors and college students. This year Ascension is fortunate to have two memorial scholarships available; the Ascension Memorial Scholarship for students who are just starting their post high school educational journey and the Mary Whitford Memorial Scholarship. Ascension Memorial Scholarship is available for Ascension s youth beginning their first post high school education experience. It is a one-time scholarship when they enroll in an accredited post-secondary educational institution and are considered a full time student. The Mary Whitford Memorial Scholarship is a legacy she left her church family. The scholarship is available one time during the undergraduate course of study. The scholarship applicant must be an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church; a graduate from North/South Medford High; and/or majoring in the area of humanities, agriculture, horticulture, husbandry, biology, veterinary medicine, fisheries, forestry, and natural resources. Both scholarships applications and procedures are in the church office and the completed applications must be returned to the church office by June 1, Thanks to Dave Gray organizing and overseeing the carpet installation and painting. Thank you also to an anonymous donor and Thrivent Choice contributors who helped make this a reality. 18

19 OUR 2017 CHURCH COUNCIL President: Don Bruland Vice President: Gary Landmann Secretary: Kristie Wilson Treasurer: Ed Adamson At Large: Mary Ellen Campbell, Wayne Einarson, Terry Helmling, Sharon Johnson, Gene Obie, Ruth Swenson, Nancy Thiebes. and Pastor Doug Vold Council meets at 6:30 on the third Tuesday of the month. SUNDAY, MARCH 12 TO SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 19

20 Ascension Lutheran Church 675 Black Oak Dr. Medford, OR Communion Services every Sunday at 9:30 AM Our Mission We, the members of Ascension Lutheran Church, gratefully rooted in the Good News of God s Grace, proclaim our partnership with the whole church of God and give ourselves to worship, witness and service. Our Vision We are a community of believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit to support and serve one another. We believe that we are called to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through our words and especially through our deeds toward all who live in the greater Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon. Return Service Requested NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID MEDFORD OR PERMIT NO