FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?

In upstate New York, there is a congregation that meets in a “grocery store.” They transformed the space to make it work for them. I don’t know if they are purchasing it. According to what I read (in LSJ) they have about 500 members. Average worship attendance is about 750.

In Honolulu, there is a congregation that does not own property and will not build buildings. They rent warehouse space for worship and other large activities. Meetings and smaller groups meet in homes, restaurants and wherever. This congregation’s vision is to go out of existence within 10 years of its beginning by splitting into 10 (or more) “new” congregations, each with its own vision and ministries.  As far as I know they do not keep formal membership statistics.

These two ministries are inspirations to me. Not because I want to imitate them. They are congregations committed to God’s mission and reaching people for him.

In Grand Ledge, there is a Lutheran congregation of 575 baptized members. It is 130 years old, owns three buildings and a good chunk of property. Its average worship is 207 (in 2001). It has a strong mission that it is just beginning to “work” with some healthy consistency: Gathering people to faith in Jesus Christ; Preparing believers to live their faith daily; Serving Christ in home, church and world.  It has a set of “Marks of Discipleship” that it holds up as a guide for its people: Commit to grow spiritually, Pray and read the Bible daily; Worship weekly; Serve God in and outside of church; Encourage others to grow; and Tithe. It has a lot going for it - especially a good number of disciples that love the Lord and are committed his ministry and/or this mission.

Its lead pastor (me) has a vision for the congregation. I “see” 300 people in worship on average each week by the end of 2003. I might write it, “300 in ‘003.”

Stated another way, I want to see us moving from worshipping at a 36% level to worshipping at a 50% level within two years.

I am not measuring numbers. God’s work doesn’t focus on size, numbers, buildings, property or any such thing. God is concerned about people growing in the Spirit, which includes joy and faithfulness and helping people. The word is “Discipleship.” Jesus calls us to follow him, that is to live as disciples. This is what our mission statement, the Marks of Discipleship, and this pastoral “vision” are about.

Do you see what I see for our congregation? I see that this can bring us together. Do you see this as our common, uniting vision? I see that this can deepen faith in followers and widen participation in ministry. Can you see how the ministry in which you are involved can be helped in some way by this common vision? Does this in any way diminish the ministry you are involved in? Does this vision inspire you? Worry you? _____ you? (You may fill in the blank).  Is this a vision in which you will participate to bring about, or not?

Seriously, I want to know. Write me a note. Talk to me after church. Send email to: rmckenzie@immanuel-gl.org. Leave a message on the answering machine in the church office (627-6310).

Over the next 4 months (or more), I will lay out some ways that we can accomplish this. I will want to know your level of enthusiasm for this. I will want to know your concerns and the obstacles you see. I will want to know how you see this succeeding. And negative responses will be heard and considered helpful.

No response from you at all over the next months will mean: “I don’t care one way or the other, so don’t count on me.” (Or I never read “The Manger” so I don’t know about this.) More than one response from you will mean, “I am really thinking about this.

In summary, This is what I see: “300 in ‘003.” Do you see it, too? I think it is somewhat like driving a car.  We steer in the direction we are looking. I need “my” vision to be “our” vision in order to succeed with God’s help.

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AMONG OUR MEMBERS:

BAPTISM

Conner Ward Blake, son of Tom and Angie, was baptized and became a child of the heavenly Father on February 24th. His sponsors are Steven & Susan Lonier. We welcome Conner into God’s family, and this family as they come under our congregation’s ministry.

RECITAL

John Martinich will be presenting his Senior Recital on Sunday, April 29th at 8:00 p.m. at the Music Building at MSU.  John will be performing  percussion selections in this solo recital.  Call Jan (627-8767) for more information.

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READY – SET – GO:

“A Mile of Pennies” will be collected for kids to go to Elementary Camp March 3 through April 28. All donations appreciated.

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ISLAMIC CENTER PRESENTATION & LUNCH:

Dr. Mahmoud Mousa, President of the Islamic Center in East Lansing, has invited us to the Center for discussion and lunch on Saturday, March 2, 2002.   Last month, Dr. Mousa met with Pr. Rick's Adult Sunday School Class for a presentation and very interesting discussion. On March 2 we will meet at the Islamic Center on Harrison Road (next to University Lutheran Church) at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Mousa will present an oversight of Islam and we can discuss any issues of interest. Dr. Mousa will guide us in a 5-7 minute prayer service, in English, without offending anybody's views. At noon we will be their guests for lunch catered by Sultan's, one of this area's best restaurants of middle- eastern cuisine. Please sign up in the Narthex, or with Bill Frysinger (323-2219, frysingerw@aol.com) so the restaurant knows how many to expect. I will have brochures on Islam in the Narthex each Sunday for anyone interested.   

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WORSHIP TEAM NEEDS YOUR INPUT:

In preparing to implement the Third Worship Service, a survey has been developed by the Worship Coordinating Team.  The survey can even be downloaded from our website.  The purpose of this survey is to receive input regarding your experience of the worship life at Immanuel.

Unlike most surveys, we hope to talk face-to-face with as many of you as possible between now and the end of March.  In order to accomplish this, we would appreciate your help.  If, once you’ve been surveyed, you think you would like to help us out, please let your interviewer know at that time, or let Pr. Cindy know at any time.  

Again, your input is desired and important.  Please let us hear from you, if you don’t hear from us first!  If you would like to share your thoughts about Immanuel’s worship life, but would rather not do so in person, please complete and mail back our survey form.  Please let us hear from you.

If you have questions, or would like to share your thoughts about Immanuel’s worship life, please feel free to call one of us!  Thanks!!

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SLUMP SUNDAY:

On April 7, 2002, remember that there will be only one service.  Traditionally known as “Slump Sunday,” we recognize that our preparations leading up to Easter catch up with us on this day.  We have celebrated our Savior’s victory over death, and look forward to this opportunity to praise Him with our hearts and our minds.  This Sunday allows us the opportunity to celebrate the victory in a fashion a little different from our typical services. 

The Sweet Anointing trio will lead us for this celebration.  They are a local group who comes highly recommended.  Please join us as we continue the festivities of the Easter season.

SERVICE FOR THE HOMEBOUND ON PALM SUNDAY:
IN THE SANCTUARY
MARCH 24TH 1:00 PM

A brief service with Holy Communion will be held for homebound members, people who have difficulty attending regular services, and their families. Rides to the service and a light lunch will be provided by the sponsors of the service: Health Ministries and Luther League II. All who will be attending please call Denise at the church office (627-6310), so we can plan for lunch.  Denise will also be able to arrange transportation for any that need it. Please come and help make the first “Homebound” service a success.

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EASTER EVENTS:

FLOWERS

Lilies, daffodils and tulips will be placed throughout the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, March 31st.  To order plant(s) please call Bev Becker (627-2025) no later than Sunday, March 3rd.

AAL BRANCH MEETING:

AAL Branch 4252 will meet on Monday, March 4th at 7 p.m. in the meeting room at the 501 Building (the church offices).  We will be planning the course of the Branch for this year.  Anyone who is insured by AAL or anyone who has questions or ideas for the branch is invited. 

Branch 4252’s officers are Jim Drown, Pat Anderson, Carol Espie and Pat Graeber.  We look forward to meeting with and working with you.  If you are unable to attend, you may contact any of us with your questions, concerns or comments. 

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THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB:

The Friendship Club is a new adult social group at Immanuel.  Our first event, “Dinner for 8,” is on March 9, 2002 from 6-8:30 p.m.  Dinner for 8 will be held in host homes.  The host will provide the entrée and beverages while the other guests provide the rest!  Please call Lynn Colby at 627-3438 or Marlaine Teahan at 622-4121 to sign up by March 3rd.

OUR LENTEN DISCIPLINES:

The disciplines of Lent are three: Jesus teaches, "When (Notice, not “if”) you fast… When you pray… When you give alms…" (Matthew 6)

FASTING: How are you doing with this? Did you give up something, or add something? Or did you give up something in order to add something or focus on another?  May you learn to walk the walk through your fast.

PRAYER: Have you used something for daily prayer and Scripture? In the church are devotional guides: Family Altar, Christ in our Home, and two especially for Lent.  We are also holding Vesper services during Lent on  Wednesday’s at 7 p.m.

ALMSGIVING: Are you helping Christ's mission? At church our mission focuses are two this Lent: The Bishop's Redeemer Roof Project, and Missionary Support for the Boergers. Gifts given in the special "purple" envelopes will be split between these.

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Bishop's Project:

Redeemer church in Lansing desperately needed a new roof and heating system. Their ministry is an important one in a racially mixed neighborhood. The Synod borrowed the $150,000 needed and the congregations are joining together to help pay off the mortgage loan.

Dan and Brenda Boerger:

Dan and Brenda are working in the Solomon Islands (South Pacific near Papua New Guinea). They are Lutherans working with the Anglican Church on behalf of Wycliffe (no denomination) Bible Translators. They are translating the New Testament, Psalms, and the hymnbook into the local language. They are overseeing literacy projects to help the people read their own oral language, preserve the language and culture, and are doing youth work. This is their third and final cycle. The Solomon Islands is in political and social turmoil. However, they report they are pretty safe on their remote island.

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Luther League II (a.k.a. Senior’s Group):
March 6, 2002
Monthly Meeting at Karen Eichelberger’s, 1150 S. Ridge Rd. Lansing. 886-6172

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PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT:
MEETING MARCH 10TH AFTER THE 10:30 SERVICE

Parents’ Night Out is a cooperative babysitting night.  A set of parents is responsible for nurturing, watching, and occupying the children while their parents receive a night out.  The care-taking parents are also responsible for recruiting two teens to volunteer their assistance.  Each month different sets of parents are the caretakers as we rotate through the families.  If you would like more information or would like to become involved come to a meeting on March 10th after 10:30 service or call Kim Zipple at 886-1595.

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SEDER MEAL:
Immanuel Lutheran Church March 28, 2002 7:30 p.m.

“On the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus took the bread …so begin the word of Institution for Holy Communion.  The bread Jesus took was the matzoh of the Seder meal.  Jesus and his followers were celebrating the Passover together.  As they ate, Jesus gave new significance to the bread and wine.  He said they were now ‘his body and blood’ for us, which he gave on the cross. We invite you to join us on Maundy Thursday, March 28, as we sit at the Passover table.  Passover foods will be eaten and the Passover story will be told from the Haggadah and we will share the bread and wine as Jesus did.  Respect will be given to the Jewish liturgy, the sacred story, and to our Christian traditions for Maundy Thursday. We will need to know how much food to prepare for the Passover Meal.  There will be a sign-up sheet in the Narthex at church.  All are welcome, children and guests, too.

HOLY WEEK AT IMMANUEL:
March 24 – 31

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SPARROW HOSPICE BEREAVEMENT DEPARTMENT:

Sparrow Hospital is seeking volunteers to be trained as phone companions to the bereaved.  If you are interested in this outreach opportunity, please call Barb Henning at 267-2060.  A training session will be offered to fit your schedule.  They are asking for a commitment of 4 hours per month.

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FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S DESK:

The season of Lent is upon us, and we pray for repentance and forgiveness and that God will accomplish the work of our salvation in us.

We should ask for guidance and direction and pray about the many challenges that will be presented to us this year.

The Church Council, at the January 26 Council Retreat, had a very full day.  As this year’s Council continues to lead our congregation, we worked on a draft of a Council Covenant and will continue to fine-tune that document.  Some of its key points include such things as: Listening to others, Asking to be spirit – led, Openly and honestly communicating, Exhibiting mutual trust and Practicing mutual respect.

The Council also established goals for 2002.  This year’s goals shift a lot from the facility needs to staff needs, leadership needs and congregational needs as we expand on our ministries and work to involve more people and unite with one another.

The following is a list of the 2002 Council Goals.  The six groupings represent priorities for greater emphasis.  However, the Council chooses to keep all goals visible in 2002 and place emphasis on these goals throughout the year.

Group One

1.      Leadership Training – Team Building – Conflict Resolution Training

Group Two

2.      Direct management committee to establish a task force to create a mutual ministry support group – (define its purpose, objectives, functions, general guidelines, consider conflict management, structure, staff/parish relationships and enhancing communications).

Group Three

3.      Facilitate Family Integration for all members.  (subcommittee)

4.      Provide resources for clergy and staff support.

Group Four

5.      Create a policy manual (subcommittee).

Group Five

6.      Encourage Committees to implement Forward Planning Task Force Recommendations.

Group Six

7.      Council to think effective decision making

8.      Improve communication between Council and Committees and between Committees and Congregation

9.      What do we want/need for clergy and staff.

As I look this list over, it sounds ambitious and important to the life and growth of Immanuel.  Please keep these goals in your prayers and consider what areas you may be led to include in your ministry and service to Immanuel.  Don’t forget to pray for our pastors, church staff and church council members.  Thank you! 

YOUTH NEWZ:

Over 35 kids danced, played games and had fun at the Kids’ Klub Valentine’s Dance.  Thanks to Cheryl Pitchford, Heath Buckley, Lori VanHoesen, Kim Zipple and Kelly White for all their work.  Special thanks to Mark Cutler for the great music. The High School Youth and Mike Pitchford had a great time at Spring Hill. The Pancake Supper was Great!  We served about 140 people.  Thanks to Kathy Weber, Teresa Barcy, Mike Dodge and Mike Pitchford.

COMING UP!

• Kids’ Klub (K-2nd) March 3rd, Easter cards right after 10:30 service (any parents that want to help, great!) (Kelly White)

• Junior High Youth Group Meeting March 3rd.

• Junior High Youth Group Cosmic Bowling March 16th.

• High School Youth Group Meeting March 17th

• High School Mission Meals March 20th

• Kids’ Klub (3-5th) Bowling party March 24th Would love parents to come along, have fun and help out. (Kathy Bock)

FARTHER OUT:

• Kids’ Klub Campout/ Sleepover Night at Church, April 19th. Bring your friends and have some fun!  Brought to you by Parish Education and Youth Committee

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CELEBRATIONS:

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES

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