FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
SANCTIFY A FAST: A Catechism on Lent for Lutherans

The call of God in Joel 2:15, “Call a solemn assembly; sanctify a fast,” announces Lent. Lutherans keep Lent, along with Catholics, Episcopalians, and Orthodox Christians around the world.

What is the purpose of Lent?

The purpose is to prepare spiritually for Easter. We are to renew our faith-walk with Christ and deepen our appreciation of his sacrifice on the cross.

What do we do during Lent?

We repent and show that we mean it (penance). We try to think about his suffering and death. We learn more about it. We try to enter into his love “for us.” Matthew 6 tells us to do 3 things: fast, pray, and give alms.

How do Lutherans do these?

1. We fast by choosing to “give up” something. It should be something important to us: a food or habit. Denial causes us “hunger” or discomfort. This is not so that we will suffer with Jesus, but as a reminder to pray and seek God. “Man(kind) does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

2. We pray using daily guides and as a community on Wednesday nights. This year we will also have study and prayer groups.

3. We give alms by making extra money gifts to assist in the mission of Christ.

These are 3 disciplines practiced by all religions. We keep them during Lent to the glory of God. May he use them to make us better disciples.

How do we number the 40 days?

Count from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday = 46 days. Subtract the 6 Sundays = 40 days. Sundays do not count as Lent. Sunday is always a “little Easter.” Jesus has triumphed. However, we avoid using “Alleluia’s,” the liturgical “Hymn of Praise”, and direct absolution of sins. We keep Lent as a solemn season, but we are not supposed to try to act sad. There are 40 days because 40 is a significant Bible number for a “long period.” Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days after his baptism

AMONG OUR MEMBERS:

BAPTISM

Dylan Cameron, son of Steve and Kim Horne

was welcomed by grace through Baptism into God’s eternal family. His Christian Sponsors are Heather Harris and Jereme Ebaugh.

I am confident of this: God, who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil 1:6)

NEWS AND EVENTS:

FOUND!

Are you missing any pans, casserole dishes, or Rubbermaid containers?  Several items are in the kitchen waiting to go back home.  Please pick up your dishes soon, or we’ll have to find them a new home. 

WEDNESDAY PRAYERS ON PRAYING

Each Wednesday at 7 p.m. members gather for evening prayers. As part of our service we will watch a video series: “Praying in the Midst of Life.” The five sessions are:

March  3: Finding God
March 10: Knowing God’s Will
March 17: Praying the Scripture
March 24: Learning the Breath Prayer
March 31: Retreating at Anytime

INQUIRER'S CLASS

Each Wednesday at 8 p.m. (following Evening Prayers) there will be a class on Christian faith. It is for new Christians who are seeking baptism, for non-Lutherans who might want to join Immanuel, for any one who is curious about Christianity or the Lutherans. Please let Pr. Rick know you will be attending so that materials can be ready for you.

THE ANCIENT FUTURE CHURCH

Four from Immanuel attended this nationwide conference for one day. We came home learning some things:

1. To help others do ministry leaders must teach up the congregation’s vision and values frequently.

2. Every small group must have a purpose that is part of the congregation’s mission.

3. Children’s Ministry usually includes nursery school age through 6^th grade. Several people and programs were identified as resources for those churches desiring to strengthen this ministry. Good discussion about the relationship between children’s ministry, catechism and youth ministry in relationship to accountability in the church structure.

4. Workshop on prayer emphasized the importance of passionate prayer for spiritual development, and for developing a spiritual community.

JOURNEY TOGETHER FAITHFULLY ...

…is a study to help prepare what our ELCA will teach about homosexuality. It will then be part of our much larger teaching on God’s gift of sexuality. Our bishop, Gary Hansen, has appealed to us to use the study and tell the task force what we believe.

Here is an update:

²3 Study Groups will form after Easter (April 11) and finish before Memorial Day.

²Each group will be co-led by a pastor and a lay member.

²The study groups will meet at various times to help as many as are willing to attend.

²6 co-leaders will meet and prepare during Lent.

²The 6 co-leaders are: (Pastors) Rick McKenzie, Erin McKenzie-Vickers, John Boerger and (Laity) Teresa Barcy, Karen Eichelberger, Fred Roush.

We leaders believe our ELCA is trying to discern the leading of the Holy Spirit in this matter. One part of that in our Lutheran heritage is that each Christian is responsible to listen to and follow the Word and his/her conscience. The task force, while doing its own work, wants to hear the voices of serious Christians who also are trying to listen to Christ. We are preparing to work with you on this “journey.”

This is for the whole church. Older children and youth will learn from these videos.

LUTHER LEAGUE II
Lunch & Imax Theater

Monday, March 8, 2004 meet at the church to car pool Time to be announce. For more details call: Joy 627-7067, or Vera 627-5123     Joyce 627-6839.

HEY, LUGNUTS' FANS

Tired of winter?  Want to think baseball?  Then plan to join us on Christian Family Night on June 18, 2004 for a 7:05 PM game. This is also a fireworks night.  Reserved seats are $7.50.  We need a minimum of 20 tickets, or we don’t qualify as a group, and won’t be able to get tickets.  Let us know of your interest early.  We need to let the Lugnuts know if we have 20 people by Sunday, April 25^th and would need the tickets paid for by May 2^nd.  100% pre-shrunk Lugnuts T-shirts with our name and logo are also available for $8.50 per shirt, minimum order is 20 shirts, kids and adult sizes available.  Deadline for the shirts is also April 25^th.  If you are interested in the game and/or T-shirt, let Orv Erickson know by phone or e-mail at oerickson@aol.com. Outreach is sponsoring this opportunity for fun and fellowship.

GO NUTS!!!

CUSHION PADS

Tired of hard pews? 
Ready for comfort ?
Have you tried out the pew cushion in the Narthex?
What do you think?

Memorial & Special gifts committee would like to purchase pew cushions/pads for all 38 pews in the sanctuary.  We need your help. Cost is $162 per full-length cushion.  We have $1,900 toward the purchase to-date. Cut off date: June 1, 2004.  Money can be donated in gratitude, thank you, memory of, or just because you are thankful for God’s blessings.  Designate this on your offering envelope under “other”.

Any amount will be welcomed.

GAME NIGHT

Church Family & Friends are invited to a church-wide Saturday, March 20 from 6:30 p.m. ~ ????. Hosted by High School Youth Group.  Meet in the church Fellowship Hall with your favorite board game and a small bag of munchies.  Admission: One canned item for the food bank and a smile!

LENTEN ALMSGIVING

Church Council has designated our special Lenten offerings to be divided equally between:

1. Bishop’s Project for Redeemer, Lansing; and,
2. Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.

The Bishop’s Project helps our sister congregation in Lansing pay the mortgage taken for a new roof and boiler a few years back. The $150,000 cost is beyond the means of this small ministry. Pastor’s Discretionary Fund helps members in times of emergency need. This year it has helped with rent, utilities and camp scholarships.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE:

SYNOD ASSEMBLY DELEGATES

One male and one female are needed to attend the Synod Assembly as delegates from our congregation. Dates: May 14-16, Friday night through Sunday noon. Church pays expenses. You will help the Synod to fulfill its mission and mandate: you will be inspired in your faith; and educated in the vast ministries of the ELCA. Please contact Pr. Rick or John VanHoesen.

DECORATING FOR EASTER

The Worship committee is looking for volunteers to help us decorate our church for Easter Sunday. Many hands will make our decorating go smoother and quicker. We need around 15-20 volunteers for Saturday, April 10 starting at 9:00 a.m.  If we get enough volunteers, it should not take us too long.  The decorating this year is more extensive than in prior years and volunteers are truly needed.  Please consider helping us out.  If you are able to, call Lisa Baptista at 230-6769.

NOTES:

FROM GLEAP:

“Thank you for your gift of $544. We will use it to offer assistance to people in the Grand Ledge area who need help. Thank you for showing your Christian love.”

CELEBRATIONS:
MARCH BIRTHDAYS

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES

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