The Humility of Matthias, Ash Wednesday, and Lent

Transcription

1 DLSFKJLASKDJF ABIDING SAVIOR Lutheran Church and School FEBRUARY 2015 Day by Day The Humility of Matthias, Ash Wednesday, and Lent The book of Acts brings us an important story about the state of the church shortly after the day of Pentecost. One of the first tasks the apostles needed to complete was to select and commission a replacement for Judas. The apostles identified two candidates for the office of 12 th apostle. One of the candidates was named Joseph Barsabbas and the next candidate was named Matthias. After following the familiar process used by the early church for selecting leaders, it was determined that Matthias would be chosen. What the selection of Matthias teaches us, is that our brothers and sisters in the Faith were not self-centered. Luke doesn t record any instance where Matthias thanks the early church for selecting him because he was obviously the far superior candidate. Nor is there any record of Joseph Barsabbas accusing his brothers and sisters of voter fraud. He didn t claim to be a better candidate. Apparently, he didn t even seem to be disappointed that he didn t get the job. The reason for this peaceful filling of Judas spot, is that our early fathers and mothers in the Universal church knew that each one of them had the opportunity and responsibility to lift Jesus high as savior of the world and the best way to raise Jesus high was not to lift him up on the shoulders of our self-pride. It isn t hard to lift Jesus high when we believe the words that inform us about the future on Ash Wednesday; Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return. In our house, dust is not tolerated, it needs to be removed, if not, the house isn t a healthy place to live. We are proud when our homes are dustless. The same cannot be said about the church. When the church can t identify its dust then we become haughty, selfcentered and divided. The church is healthy when we see our dust and humbly remark that anything we accomplish we accomplish by the grace of Jesus Christ. Then we don t get our feelings hurt when someone is asked, anointed, or appointed to serve in a certain capacity. The humble early church was able to take the Gospel to a new continent, receive 3,000 members in a single day, and gather enough money to take care of their widows and the victims of a famine in the region of the Holy Land. Such mighty accomplishments were not just limited to the first century church. The same powerful deeds can be accomplished by the church in the 21 st century as long as the church is filled with dust and the humility and love for the brother that it brings. Let s spend this year of our Lord 2015 realizing that without Jesus we have no more power than dust but with Jesus we have power to save the world. As we work through this year together, let s pray for Christ s leadership and his grace that empowers us to say every day; Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Your Servant in Christ, Pastor Tom ASH WEDNESDAY Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ s Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption. Please join us on Wednesday, February 18, for Ash Wednesday Services at 3:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. LENTEN SERVICES Please also join us for Lenten Services on the following Wednesdays: February 25, March 4, 11, 25 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Communicating Christ s Love and Our Love for Him

2 A B I D I N G S A V I O R Lutheran Church and School El Toro Road Lake Forest, California Church Church Staff Reverend Dr. Tom Rogers, Senior Pastor Reverend Glenn Lucas, Associate Pastor Chris Vick, IT Specialist Janet Calhoun, Church Secretary Robin DeLong-Hanrath, Office Manager Karen Galas, Accountant Laura Lyons and Jennifer Kranawetter, Admin Assistants to Pastors Lori Beniche, Director of Communications Linda Bo, Editor of Day by Day Church Officers Gene Schneider, President Hank Hellfeld, Vice President Steve Wichmann, Secretary Dennis Freund, Treasurer Susan Kaaz, Congregation Liaison School Staff School Donna Lucas, School Principal Yesinia Naber, Admissions Director Kevin Smith, International Admissions Keigh Lee Horn, School Secretary Susan Fluegge, School Secretary Extended Care Deana Gonzales, Extended Care Director Pre-School Staff Pre-School Pam Howard, Interim Preschool Director Church Office Hours Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. School Office Hours Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Preschool Office Hours Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit us on our website at Bulletin Announcements Until further notice, announcements for the Sunday bulletin should be directed to Laura Lyons in the church office. She can be reached at or by ing llyons@abidingsavior.com. Portals of Prayer Pick up your copy of Portals of Prayer for the January, February, and March months in the Narthex on the counters next to the mailboxes. Communion Assistants This service may be fulfilled by any member of the congregation over the age of 18, male or female. If you would like to serve in this ministry, please BP Hanrath at bphanrath@yahoo.com. Newspaper Recycling Drop off your paper products for recycling (newspapers, cardboard flattened, and junk mail) in the green bins in the Church parking lot to support the purchase of athletic equipment for our school. THE INFORMATION FOR LIFE KIT is a tool that allows seniors and others to put together a compilation of their personal legal, medical and financial information in one place, allowing loved ones to make decisions for seniors when they are no longer able to do so for themselves. And it s not just for seniors! This is a great tool for all to have on hand. Sue Erskine, Certified Senior Advisor with Seniors Helping Seniors will not only explain the Kit, but have one for each participant and YOU are invited: Thursday, February 5 at 10:00 a.m. (right before the Seniors luncheon) in the Adult Ed Room. ASLC Seniors Our Seniors will meet on Thursday, February 5, in the Adult Education Room, starting with coffee at 11:30 a.m., followed with a catered lunch at 12 noon. After lunch, Carolyn Sims, our former school principal, will present pictures of her trip to the Holy Land. All ASLC Seniors and their friends are welcome. Please call Vi Flum at for reservations. The cost of the luncheon is $8.00. February Page 2 - Day by Day

3 Abiding Savior Bookstore Bookstore Hours: 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. on Sundays; 8:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays Valentine s Day is February 14! Our shelves are bursting with LOVE. For Children My Valentine Story My Valentine for Jesus I Couldn't Love You More God Made Hugs Let's Show God's Love at Valentine's God Loves You Very Much - VeggieTales Jesus Loves Me (I Can Read) ABC God Loves Me and much more See our selection of necklaces, valentine cards, books and wall crosses for Valentine gifts. Also, our Clearance Sale Continues with many great books marked down to $1 each. March 1 will be the New Member Orientation that will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Staff Lounge. This is for anyone who is transferring membership from another Lutheran Church, or has completed the Adult Instruction Class. Contact the church office at for more information. Handbell Invitational Concert Saturday, February 7 4:30 PM CU Free Admission - No ticket required Concordia s Handbell Ensembles - The Concert Handbells, Spirit Bells, Chapel Bells, and Carillon Ringersperform a richly varied program of the finest handbell repertoire with some of the best ensembles in Southern California s universities, churches, and high schools. Each ensemble rings its own selections, and the concert culminates in a mass ring. Guest Groups include Valley Christian High School, Cerritos; Will C. Wood High School, Vacaville; The Master s College, Santa Clarita; and Mater Dei High School, Santa Ana. A Night for Valentines Sunday, February 15 7:30 PM CU $10 General Admission/ $8 Seniors/Students Free Concordia s Men s Chorus and Donne di Canto, directed by Dr. Marin Jacobson, will present a heartwarming concert of love songs. Enjoy the romantic mood, Valentine s decor, and refreshments. Tickets are available at under Featured Events. Fine Arts Preview Day Saturday, February 21 9:00 AM-2:00 PM See and hear Concordia students and faculty in action. Audition for music/ theatre scholarships. Tour the campus. Meet with admissions counselors. Art student, Music, and Theatre auditions are available throughout the day (8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) for students considering enrollment in Fall Audition times will be assigned approximately one week in advance of the event. When you register for the event, indicate the area(s) in which you would like to audition. There is no charge to attend this event. Brunch and parking is complimentary. Parents and guests are invited to attend! For more information, to register for the event, or to schedule an audition, click on under Featured Events. Your Voice Is Needed! Chris Rogers, Music Director Wanted: A Few Good Singers! If you were able to come to our Christmas Concert, you heard what a few good singers did for our Chapel Choir pieces! Now the choir is preparing for Lent and Easter. Could you be one of the singers we need to fill out the sound of the Chapel Choir? Could you be the one to lift up the songs of Jesus on the cross and then three days later His glorious resurrection? If so, please come join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:15 p.m. in Music room 207 across from the balcony. You will be welcomed and be blessed for he who sings, prays twice! Don't put it off any longer! Contact Chris Rogers at crogers@ abidingsavior.com for more information. Day By Day - Page 3 - February 2015

4 What s in Your Treasure Chest? An amazing day is being planned for the women of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and School. A women s retreat will be held on February 21st, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Abiding Savior. We will study what we as women have in our treasure chests and how we can use what God places inside of us. We will use the book of Ephesians to guide us through this study. A service event will be part of the day, as we package hygiene kits for the Mary Magdalene House. Other fun activities are being planned to help us grow our friendships as sisters in Christ. Cost is $50, but scholarships are available. Please see Donna Lucas if you are in need of a scholarships. Cost includes breakfast and lunch and supplies for the day. We also have Gift Certificates available, if you would like to give this special day to a special woman in your life. Forms are available in the back of the church and the school office. If you have any questions, please contact Donna Lucas at or at dlucas@ abidingsavior.com. Abiding Savior Ladies Guild Scholarship Fund Abiding Savior Ladies Guild Scholarship Fund was established to help students who are entering church careers at LCMS colleges, universities and seminaries. Abiding Savior members are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Applications are available in the church office. A letter of recommendation from a teacher or school administrator who knows you well, also a letter of recommendation from one of Abiding Savior s pastors along with a recent non-returnable photo and a one page essay on the choice of your major should accompany your application. Deadline for returning applications is March 2, Rock of Aging February 10 at 6:00 p.m. is the next Rock of Aging meeting. We will be having a light dinner, so please RSVP. If you have not attended before, come on out and see what we are all about. Children are welcome as well. For more information on this, please contact Robin Delong-Hanrath in the Church Office at of Robin Delong- Hanrath On Tuesday mornings, we are looking for someone who would be willing to come in to the church office and answer phones during our staff meeting that runs from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. If you would be willing to help out until Janet is able to return, please let me know (and please keep Janet in your prayers as she recovers). I am still looking for someone to coordinate helping our Seniors get to church on Sunday mornings, and to Bible Study and Senior meetings held at Abiding Savior. If you would be willing to coordinate, or drive a Senior, please let me know. This is getting to be more of a need as our congregation ages. You are not committed forever, and you don't need to volunteer every week. Any help would be greatly appreciated. For any of the above, please contact me in the Church Office at Laura and Tim Mehrley have volunteered to be our Meals Coordinators. Please contact them if you are in need of meals or if you would be willing to prepare meals to be taken to families who experience a loss or are unable to prepare meals due to a life event. Contact Laura at lkmehrley@roadrunner.com or call her at February Page 4 - Day by Day

5 Did You Know That is a history of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in the form of questions. It is written by Bill Biar of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Aurora, Colorado. We will share this with you every month in Day by Day this year. Many Old Lutherans immigrated to Australia, as well as the United States? One well-known society to emigrate was organized by Pastor Martin Stephan in Saxony? Pastor Martin Stephan In 1838/1839 a group of over 600 Saxons, under the leadership of Pastor Stephan, left Saxony for America? These Saxons sailed on five ships: Copernicus, Johann George, Republik, Olbers and Amalia? The Amalia with 57 passengers was lost at sea? Pastor Stephan s Saxons landed at New Orleans and traveled up the Mississippi River to St. Louis on riverboats? While some Saxons stayed in St. Louis, most of them eventually settled in Perry County, Missouri, a little over 100 miles south of St. Louis? Within a few months after the Saxons arrived in Perry County, Pastor Stephan was found guilty of moral turpitude and maladministration of property of others, and was exiled to Illinois? The deposition of Pastor Stephan from Perry County soon after the Saxons arrived had a tremendous impact on the colonists? Pastor Stephan s views on church and ministry raised grave questions regarding the status of the immigrant congregations? Some questions asked were: Are we still a Christian Church? Do we have the power of the keys? Are our pastors really ministers of Christ? Are the sacraments administered by our pastors valid? Some immigrants made the flat assertion that the emigration was wrong and some of them returned to Germany? The deposition of Pastor Stephan and the resulting confusion drove the immigrants, especially the pastors, to search the Scriptures? The disputatious circumstance led to a debate at Altenburg, April, 1841 centering around the doctrine of the church and clarified many matters for the colonists? Meals and Blessings Abiding Savior has an active program serving local residents of Bethesda Lutheran Communities - a human service organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Meals and Blessings will be hosting their Valentine's event on February 8. Come help with food, and fun and lots of extra hugs. Please contact the church office if you are interested in serving for this event. Do we have your correct address? Many folks enjoy being notified by of events happening at the church. We generally send out an once a week with the latest information. If you have not been receiving these s, we probably don t have your current address. Contact the church office or robindelong@abidingsavior.com to assure you don t miss out on the latest events. Day By Day - Page 5 - February 2015

6 Elementary School Donna Lucas, School Principal IT IS REGISTRATION TIME FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR! Abiding Savior Lutheran School is hosting Open Houses and Information Days to spread the story about what a great school we have to offer the families of our community and beyond. However, we all know that the best way to market our school is through word of mouth. We do have an amazing school with amazing teachers. I continue to hear amazing stories about students that move on to other schools from here and just excel above their peers in their academic performance. We offer so much more than academic excellence, we offer the love of Jesus and opportunities to share the love of Jesus with others. The strong foundation that can be given to a child by sending them to Abiding Savior Lutheran School is priceless! So, please share the news of Abiding Savior Lutheran School with your friends, neighbors, and family members and let them know about the following opportunities: February 7 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. School Information Day February 10 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. JK/K Information Evening February 11 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Jr. High Information Night We are always happy to show our school to anyone at any time, just have them call the school and ask for Yesi Naber our Admission Director. Son Seekers Son Seekers will meet every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We will meet in the Adult Ed. room following confirmation. Son Seekers is for all 5th and 6th grade students. Adults interested in volunteering with Son Seekers please contact Kyle Salesky at ksalesky@abidingsavior.com. Jr High Jr High youth will meet every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We will meet in the Adult Ed. room following confirmation. Jr High youth is for all 7th and 8th grade students. Adults interested in volunteering with Jr High youth please contact Kyle Salesky at ksalesky@abidingsavior.com. High School High School youth will meet every Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We will meet in the youth room above the gym. High school youth is for all 9th - 12th grade students. Adults interested in volunteering with High School youth please contact Kyle Salesky at ksalesky@ abidingsavior.com. Redeem points from Coke products and earn rewards for the school. For more information visit the website: rewards.com/ schoolslanding.do to find out which coke products are accepted and how to register and redeem points. Sunday School Help Needed Would you like to serve in a very small but important way? Sunday school opening is looking for someone to lead songs/music every week for 5-10 minutes around 9:30 a.m. You don t have to have great musical training, or even sing on key all the time. Just a desire to share Jesus with our youngest members. Older youth are encouraged to consider this as well. We would love to have a group that could take turns leading, or lead as a group. You don t have to commit to every week. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Sharon Simon for more information at Ssimon@Abiding Savior.com. February Page 6 - Day by Day

7 1 5:00p-Senior High Youth Group F e b r u a r y 2015 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 2 3 Progress Reports-DS Preschool Picture Day 11:00a-Birner Christ Care 3:00p-Brownies 3:00pGirl Scout Troop 3213 Troop :15p-Kids of the 3:00p-Cub Scout Den Kingdom Meetings 7:00p-Praises Ring 8 12:00p-Meals & Blessings 1:00p-Girl Scouts Binky Patrol 5:00p-Senior High Youth Group 15 5:00p-Senior High Youth Group 22 10:30a-Cub Scout Pack Meeting 5:00p-Senior High Youth Group 9 8:00a- NO SCHOOL- Inservice Day 6:00p-MOPS and Moms 16 PRESIDENT S DAY Church Office, Preschool & School Closed 11:00a-Birner Christ Care 3:00pGirl Scout Troop :00a- NO SCHOOL- Inservice Day 3:00p-Cub Scout Den Meetings 6:00p-PS Parent/ Teacher Conf 6:00p-MOPS and Moms S U N D A Y W O R S H I P S C H E D U L E 10 3:15p-Kids of the Kingdom 6:00p-Rock of Aging 7:00p-Cub Scout Mtgs Comm & Parent 7:00p-Praises Ring 7:00p-JK/Kinder Information Night 17 7:00a-6 th Grade Science Camp Info Room 3:00p-Brownies Troop :15p-Kids of the Kingdom 6:00p-Leadership Board Meeting 7:00p-Praises Ring 24 8:00a-PS Parent/ Teacher Conf NO SCHOOL 3:15p-Kids of the Kingdom 7:00p-Praises Ring 7:00p-Camp Surf Parent Meeting Contemporary - Saturday 5:00 PM / Contemporary - Sunday 9:30 AM Traditional - Sunday 8:00 AM / Traditional - Sunday 10:45 AM Sunday School - Sunday 9:15 AM Bible Classes - Sunday 9:15 AM 4 Preschool Picture Day 9:30a-Senior Bible Study 3:00p-3 rd Grade Brownies Troop :00p-Confirmation 7:00p-Jr. High Youth 11 9:30a-Senior Bible Study 12:00p-Ladies Guild 6:00p-Confirmation 7:00p-Cub Scout Mtgs Comm & Parent 7:00p-Jr. High Youth 7:00p-Jr. High Information Night 18 9:30a-Senior Bible Study 3:00p-3 rd Grade Brownies Troop :30p-Ash Wed 6:00p-Confirmation 7:00p-Jr. High Youth 7:00p-Ash Wed Service 25 9:30a-Senior Bible Study 3:30p-Lenten Service 6:00p-Confirmation rehearsal 7:00p-Jr. High Youth 7:00p-Lenten Service 5 9:30a-Health Ministry Meeting 11:30a-ASLC Seniors 3:15p-Bells for Jesus 7:00p-Chancy & Bruce Parent Workshop 7:30p-Abiding Praise Practice 12 3:15p-Bells for Jesus 5:00p-Abiding Praise Practice 6:00p-Elder s Meeting 7:00p-Guide Dogs for the Blind 19 3:15p-Bells for Jesus 5:00p-Abiding Praise Practice 26 3:15p-Bells for Jesus 5:00p-Abiding Praise Practice 6 7 9a-Altar Guild Prep 10a-Altar Guild Annual Meeting 1:00p-School Open House St. Valentine s Day 9a-Altar Guild Prep a-Women s Retreat 9a-Altar Guild Prep 12p-Cub Scout Pack Troop 765 Meeting :00a-Guide Dogs for the Blind Leader Wks 9a-Altar Guild Prep Communion Offered 2 nd and 4 th Weeks Communion Offered 1 st and 3 rd Weeks Praise and Nurture Sundays at 11:00 AM Day By Day - Page 7 - February 2015

8 Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and School El Toro Road Lake Forest, CA Return Service Requested Time Dated Materials To Forgive is Love Altar Guild Potluck We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies. Martin Luther King Jr. All members of our Altar Guild and everyone interested in serving on our Altar Guild, please attend our annual Potluck Meeting on Saturday, February 7 at 10:00 a.m. in the Adult Education Room. If you are interested in serving our Lord on our Altar Guild, please come to the meeting with your favorite dish to get started. You only serve twice a year and its great fellowship as well.