Lord of Life Lutheran Church ELCA Lifelines A monthly newsletter for April 2013
The Empty Cross A student in confirmation class asked me, Why isn t there Jesus on the cross in our church like there is in other churches? The student said he asked his father about this and his father said, The cross is merely a symbol of Christianity. But I take issue with that explanation because I doubt there is such a thing as a mere symbol. In fact, the United States government agrees with me. Back in 1994 the Federal Trade Commission ruled against two perfume manufacturers in the United States who wanted to use French names and symbols on their perfume labels. One company wanted to use a fleur de lis while the other company wanted to use a picture of the Eiffel Tower. The FTC ruled that the fleur de lis and the Eiffel Tower were symbols and that as symbols they could lie as effectively as words. In other words the FTC was saying that to put French symbols on the labels of perfume made in the United States would give the false impression that the perfume was made in France, and that would be false advertising. As that story points out, a symbol is hard to ignore because symbols are powerful. Take the American Flag as an example of this. The American flag is a symbol. Wherever it is seen it brings images to the minds of those who look upon it. In America the flag is a symbol of freedom and democracy. But in a country where people hate America, the American Flag it is seen as a symbol of aggression, warmongering, suppression, domination and evil. It wasn t what the symbols themselves represented that the FTC objected to. It was the fact that the perfume companies wanted to use those symbols to mislead potential buyers into thinking their perfume was made in France --- which is known for some of the world s most famous, expensive and sought after perfume. It was because the intent of those perfume manufacturers was to use those symbols to defraud people into believing something that was not true. So, with regard to the cross in our sanctuary that has no Christ figure on it, the explanation is: in the Lutheran faith our emphasis in worship is upon an empty cross because the cross could not hold Christ; it did not prevent God s plan for our salvation from being accomplished. In our worship the emphasis is on the Risen Christ not the suffering Christ --- still nailed to the cross. Certainly we do not deny Jesus suffering and pain and death on the cross. That is part of what was necessary for our redemption and salvation. Jesus suffered for us and in our place. But as Easter proclaims, the cross is empty and the grave is empty. Jesus has triumphed over all the forces of evil that assail mankind. In the empty cross we see God s power and His promise of life after death. And this is what we celebrate at Easter. In fact, this is why mainline Christian churches worship on Sunday and not Saturday which, according to the Ten Commandments is the Sabbath day (the day to worship God). We worship on Sunday because that is the day Jesus rose from the grave. So every Sunday worship service in the Lutheran faith is a Easter celebration --- and this is why the cross in Lutheran sanctuaries has no image of Christ upon it. Christ is risen. Hallelujah! A blessed Easter to you! Pastor Bruce 2
Greetings, 3 Happy Spring!! We have enjoyed five weeks of great soup suppers and inspirational messages from Pastor Bruce leading up to Maundy Thursday and Good Friday preparing us for Easter on March 31 st. My hope is that every chair at Lord of Life will be filled for our Lord s Resurrection Celebration. The offering for Wednesday night services has been designate to help youth attending camp this summer. Donations for the soup suppers will be divided between the Kitchen and Maintenance Funds. Jeff and I attended the Bear Butte Conference Assembly held at Woyatan Lutheran Church in Rapid City. There were proposed by-law changes for the South Dakota Synod and the budget was approved with an increase in the amount of $2,503.00 to help fund Conference Seminary Scholarships. Up to six Seminary students are expected this fall in South Dakota and if applied for, the Bear Butte Conference offers $500 scholarships. The Conference also supports Campus ministries at SDSMT and BHSU. To help cover the increase in the budget, the dues per confirmed member will increase from 65 cents to 90 cents. The Bishop Election process was reviewed and the election will be held June at the South Dakota synod Assembly. Bishop Zellmer has thrown his name in the hat. Many thanks to Chris Walz, Kendra Kimball, Rachael Blumhardt and Terry Biberdorf for adding their instrumental talents to our Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday services. The Holy Breeze Praise Band was excited to have Josh Green from Texas and Gary Young from Rapid City joining them in praising our Lord. Thank you Janyce and crew for providing an exciting Easter egg hunt for the children. Thanks to the Youth group for your muffin brunch. Men, thank you for volunteering to provide Easter breakfast! They did admit they needed help from the women in making the egg bakes. The next Council meeting will be held on April 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend all Council meetings. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me or one of the other Council members. Christ Has Risen, He Has Risen Indeed! Vicki Glanzer, Council President
LORD OF LIFE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES March 11, 2013 Present: Vicki Glanzer, Matt Luebke, Alice McCoy, Nancy Hellekson and Terry Biberdorf Absent: Betty Schindler, Pastor Bruce, Brad Johnson, Joe Hauge, Ann Scott Meeting called to order by President Glanzer Devotions: Alice McCoy Treasure s Report: Joe emailed report. Current mortgage was $123,464.85. Nancy moved to approve report and Alice seconded. Secretary s Report: The minutes from February were reviewed. Alice moved to approve minutes and Matt seconded. Pastor s Report: No report. President s Report: Vicki reported that the phone and internet connections to the church were changed over to Midcontinent. Current reviews from staff are that connection performance is much better. Mission Pastor Roger Lundeen s wife Sharon passed away. Lord of Life sent flowers in memory. Committee Reports Alter Guild: Bruce and Virginia Conlee donated a new communion banner in memory of Bruce s mother, Sadie Williams. Outreach: No report. Property: Tree cutting planned for Saturday March 16th (giving good weather) with food to follow. Education/youth: Easter Egg Hunt planned for after Easter church service. 1 st communion classes for 4 th grade to be held on March 17 & 24. Contact Janyce Luebke. 1 st Communion on Maundy Thursday March 28. $217 was raised at the breakfast fundraiser. Money to be used for scholarships to summer camps. Worship/Music: Additional music during Palm Sunday from Kendra Kimball and Chris Walz. Additional music during Easter Sunday from Kendra Kimball, Chris Walz and Terry Biberdorf. Old Business: None. 4
New Business: None Publicity: Brenda to send info regarding Easter services. The next meeting will be held on April 8, 2013 @6:30pm with Terry leading devotions. The meeting was adjourned with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Terry Biberdorf, Secretary Thank you to all who provided the soup suppers during this Lenten season. Our congregation is blessed with many wonderful cooks! Here are some pictures from one of the soup suppers. 5
Mission of the Month For the month of April we will donate to The WAVI Shelter (Working Against Violence). Please bring the following items to church by Sunday, April 28th. Toilet Paper Paper Towels Liquid laundry detergent Kleenex Glass Plus glass cleaner If you have someone in your life who needs some extra comfort and prayers, please take a Prayer Shawl from the display in the narthex to give to them. Everyone is welcome to do so at anytime. Fair Trade Coffee 1 lb. Ground or Whole Bean...$8.25 10 to 12 oz. bags...$7.25 Coffee is always available for purchase on the ushers table in church entrance. Why buy Fair Trade coffee? Coffee is the most widely traded commodity in the world yet most coffee farmers live below poverty levels because usually the middleman gives them next to nothing for their coffee harvests. By purchasing your Fair Trade Coffee through Lutheran World Relief your purchase helps farmers earn more for their coffee, gain access to credit, and fund much-needed projects in their communities. All of the coffee is fairly traded from farmer cooperatives in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Your purchase also helps fund Outreach projects here at church too. 6
Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits World disasters unfortunately never cease to end. LWR goes into disaster areas and distributes these kits to people who have fled their homes. Please pick up a shopping list on the usher's table at church: One new bath-sized towel (dark colors please) Two new (4-5 oz.) bar soap in original package One new adult toothbrush in original package One new sturdy comb One new metal nail clippers Please drop off donations in the basket in the church entrance. Taking Off Pounds Sensibly meets Saturday mornings at 8:00 to 8:15 for weigh in and 8:15 to 8:45 for meetings. A ll meetings take place at Lord of Life Church. Low cost and high support! The first meeting is free. For more information, please contact Eva @ 431-3522. Please continue to save your Family Thrift Center receipts. Once our receipts total $150,000, we will receive a check for $1,000 from Family Thrift Center. There is a wooden box in the narthex where you can put your receipts. Thank you! Check us out at www.lordoflifelutheranrc.org We are also on Facebook as Lord of Life Lutheran Church - Rapid City 7
Upcoming events Youth Group-Wednesday, April 10th Regular youth group meeting **If you plan on attending the May 11th Cosmic Bowling-your RSVP and $15 are due at this meeting** Youth Group-Wednesday, May 8th-canceled We will be canceling this meeting Youth Group-Saturday, May 11th 10pm-12am *RSVP a MUST* We will be going Cosmic Bowling at Meadowbrook Bowling Alley. The cost is $15 per bowler and your RSVP and $15 is a must-no later than April 10th meeting. We will need to have a count in order to reserve our lanes. Once we have a final count, carpooling can be arranged if necessary. Please remember that you are welcome to come to any or all Youth Group events at any time and bring a friend. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at any time. Kristina Good 381-8980 The afternoon Bible study met on March 7th at 1:00 p.m. Those present were Virginia Conlee, Lorraine Neumiller, Nancy Hellekson, Marilyn Mulz, Joyce Swenumson and Betty Woodden. Nancy served dessert. The next Bible study will be on April 4th at 1:00 p.m. Betty Woodden, Secretary 8
by Dennis Green 9
Martin & Gladys Osterloh will be the Table Hosts for Lord of Life again this year. If you would like to attend, please let them know. Thank You. 10
Congratulations & God s Blessings to... Kayla Bertsch on the baptism of her son, Amelio Rico Rosales Jr. on February 17, 2013. Congratulations & God s Blessings to... Chris & Elisha Johnson on the baptism of their children, Annika Rose and Nathan Mitchell on March 25, 2013. Eternal Light The Eternal light candle burns continually as a symbol of Christ s presence in the Sanctuary of Lord of Life. There is a sign-up sheet in the hallway by the Secretary s office for people to add a name(s) in memory of someone or in honor of someone. All donations are appreciated to help defray the cost of burning the candle at all times. 11
Thank you to everyone who helped on Saturday, March 23rd with tree and brush removal! Also, thank you to the ladies for providing a lunch for the workers that day! 12
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Serving This Month Date Usher Greeter Acolyte Comm Asst. Reader 10:00 a.m. Worship Apr 7 Mark & Marlys Blumhardt Casey & Stephanie Curtis Charlie Good Roger Soucy Laurie Lepel Alyssa Peters Apr 14 Carla Jakeway Betty Schindler Laurie Lepel Larry Willis Colton Jung Allen Olson Apr 21 Ken Kimball Kendra Kimball Betty Schindler Chris Walz Rocky Curtis Jeff Glazer Betty Schindler Rachel Blumhardt Apr 28 Laurie Lepel Roger Soucy Allen & Karen Olson Kennedy Hauge Brad Johnson Greeters: Please check the ushers table for the wine and host. Follow the ushers bringing up the offering. You will bring the bread and wine for presentation at the altar. Ushers: Instruction pamphlets are available on the ushers table, or you can ask the head usher, Tom Woodden. If you are unable to make your assignment, please call someone to trade dates. Thank you! Lord of Life Lutheran Church 2000 Lancer Drive Rapid City SD 57703 Bruce Baum - Pastor Brenda Johnson - Secretary Church Office 393-0700 Office Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Church Email: lordofliferc@gmail.com Website: www.lordoflifelutheranrc.org This is a monthly publication of Lord of Life Lutheran Church. 15
2000 Lancer Drive Rapid City SD 57703 Return Service Requested Sunday Worship Schedule 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Worship Service Non-Profit Org US Postage Paid Rapid City SD Permit No. 223 16