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Red Hill Lutheran Church & School

NewsletterMay 2012this way in...

At Red Hill, we talk a lot about discipleship. Our ministry is about making disciples. Disciple making is known by other names as well: spiritual formation, Christian education, sanctification, regeneration and my favorite—the good old word, catechesis. Catechesis literally means to be instructed in a particular way of living. Of course, for Christians, this is the way of Jesus as revealed to us through the Bible.

Catechesis is so crucial in the life of faith. We need to learn, understand and put into practice the life of Christian faith. At Red Hill, we seek to catechize all ages. Whether it is called Sunday school, Wednesdays in the Word, Wednesday morning Bible study, Sunday morning adult class, confirmation, small groups and/or the sermon, our goal is catechesis, instruction is the Christian life. A few months ago, I was reading an article written by Lutheran Pastor, author and College Professor The Rev. Dr. John Bombaro. This article stressed the need for, and importance of, catechesis in the churches of Jesus Christ. Written from a uniquely Lutheran perspective, his reflections as a pastor and college professor are both provocative and I believe, absolutely spot-on! The rest of this article will be Dr. Bombaro’s insights on the need for catechesis. While it is a rather lengthy “quote,” I believe it is worth the reading. Dr. Bombaro writes,

Christianity has become insipid, flavorless, vanilla. Not everywhere has it become so, but it has become so on the whole. Vanilla is the flavor of the day. I lick this flavor in the churches I visit and see it served up by the majority of my USD students. Even though people call themselves Lutherans or Presbyterians or Evangelicals, there is this de facto shared religious faith and practice that University of Notre Dame sociologist Christian Smith’s research shows is really the religion of the majority of American teenagers and young adults (and most adults, as well), and it sounds nothing at all like full-flavor confessional Christianity. The prevailing form of the Christian religion among Americans has nothing to do with heralding worldview-altering good news about something that happened to Jesus of Nazareth. It is, quite frankly, another religion altogether because it is all about the self and not about the Savior. And it is the person, work, and presence of Christ that distinguishes the Christian faith from the bland mounds of the world’s vanilla religions. The moniker attached to this man-centered religious outlook is “moralistic-therapeutic-deism,” a term coined by Smith himself. This deviant form of Christianity is about morality, about “right living,” about “your best life now.” It’s saving and sanctifying powers are therapeutic – all is focused on making you a better, healthier, happier person. It is deistic – a generic, flavorless belief in “god” not the dynamic Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And this “god” is there to facilitate your emotional and spiritual well-being. Distinctive Christian doctrines like the propitiation and atonement of our sins by a substitutionary atonement or the doctrine of justification just become perspectives about one’s religious experience (in this case, perhaps what the Apostles John and Paul may have experienced for themselves in their journey toward personal transformation) and so the distinctive flavors of the Christian faith—that is, the unalterable and defining tradition that we believe, teach, and confess—dissipates into a religious landscape of vanilla white. The “Christian faith” just becomes another avenue for

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moral-living, self-enhancement, being a better person – the shared goals of all therapeutic religions that may be tolerated in contemporary society…. Jesus said to make disciples by baptizing and then continue to the next lifelong stage, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you (Matt 28.19). Baptize then catechize. No catechesis, no flavor (John 17.17). And, honestly, everyone sickens of flavorless food at some point and turns to something else, especially impatient and expectant young people. It is no wonder then that the retention rate of Christians who pass through college is less than ten percent. Having cut their teeth on vanilla formula in the Junior Church, then vanilla pudding in the Youth Group, and vanilla shakes in Campus Crusade, they walk out the Church—after never actually having been part of it; a church that has not given them any weighty reasons to believe, to defend, to worship, and rarely does something to compel them to come back….Marcia Whitten has written in her book, The Secular Preaching of American Protestantism, that the religious beliefs of the 14-34 age group are reinforced by the moralistic, therapeutic preaching of mainline liberal churches and non-denominational evangelicalism. Baby-Boomer preachers and pastors have adapted their narcissistic outlook on religion (where their faith essentially caters to their own felt -needs, especially the need for comfort and entertainment) to comport with moralistic-therapeutic deism. The “my Jesus” and “what Jesus means to me” now has a pietistic edge to it: Jesus wants me to be a sunbeam. Niceness is the end result of Christian belief and practice, not regeneration, not justification, not holiness, and certainly not communing with the Incarnate God who is really there. American religion today is structured as a kind of market and so parishioners or seekers are understood to be consumers. And in any given market where goods are offered and consumed, it is the consumer who is sovereign. The Christian church is no different. The message of the gospel has undergone a transformation of commoditization to cater to the consumer’s felt needs. Our felt needs and the prevailing pop-cultural ideology of fair, Vanilla Christianity and the Need for Catechetical Flavor-ness and autonomy have put a demand on what is supplied by churches. And so the church churns out vanilla – the indistinct moralistic religion of man: act nice and live forever or at least live happier. Vanilla is comfort food. It requires no imagination. It makes no demands. And that is the kind of convenient Christianity we crave by nature. The majority of people do not want to be uncomfortable (and talk of treason and judgment make us uncomfortable), we don’t want to be seriously challenged (by intellectually rigorous sermons or theological reflection), and we don’t want our lives

altered by some defining outside circumstances over which we have no control (like the all-authoritative rule of some once-crucified Jew). Instead, most people have ordinary problems with relationships and self-esteem and the American religion of moralistic-therapeutic-deism does a good job dealing with these concerns with flavorless Christianity. To be sure, Vanilla Christianity does nothing in terms of reconciling humanity to God, regenerating us, or justifying us, but it does help people feel better about themselves and their circumstances. And, really, what more do you want from a religion?...There are many contributing factors to the “vanillafication” of Christianity. One pervasive problem is biblical and theological illiteracy. But even this is the result of the redefinition of Christianity in pragmatic categories. One reads the Bible to find something that “works” in making me feel better or, like an oracle, gives me the answer to some circumstantial problem. The Bible is used not studied to ascertain the meaning and nuances of some world-altering news, some happening that bears upon the way we understand and interpret human reality. This illiteracy starts at home where we have no routine, habit, or custom of catechetical reading or studying Holy Scripture or the veritable Baskin-Robbins we call the Book of Concord. Kenda Dean, also a Notre Dame sociologist, writes that it was Martin Luther’s Small Catechism that located Christian teaching “out loud in households not merely within congregations, which had the effect of locating Christian formation within the intimacy of families, where children drew direct connections between religious instruction at the dinner table and the lives of people who loved them. It was an educational stroke of genius, since it effectively ensured that parents and children learned the core teachings of the Church together.” Of course, Luther himself taught catechism within the congregational setting as the pastor-priest of St. Mary’s in Wittenberg, and so there was this extra connection with the Church. But Luther purposed to dispel the “vanillafication” of Christianity, which in his day looked like popular piety manifest through Marian devotions, pilgrimages, and attending to relics to exemplify a good and therefore worthy life before God, with a biblically content-laden theological understanding of the Christian faith that opened a cornucopia of Christ-centered flavors. The teachings of the Church were confirmed at home and from the home the teachings of the Church were held accountable. This was possible because the doctrines and practices that identified and substantiated Christian orthodoxy were believed, taught, and confessed by all parents

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and children, clerics and parishioners – namely, the six chief parts of the Small Catechism. Luther understood that catechism, centrally located in the home and not abdicated as the sole responsibility of the Church, was the most formative locale for Christian belief and practice. The home, your home, is the first church of your children. But what are you serving in your home? Vanilla or the spectrum of catechetical flavors that give depth and meaning to our holy faith? The most consistent results of National Study of Youth and Religion found that the most important sociologically measurable factor in determining the outcomes of young people’s religious and spiritual lives is in fact the religious and spiritual lives of their parents. So while the script in our culture says that parents cease to become formatively important after age twelve, the reality is that the faith and religious practice (or the lack thereof) of parents matter tremendously, not only in just what they tell their children about who they are and what matters to them but also their commitments in terms of life and lifestyle. So the old adage of “Do as I say, not as I do” just doesn’t cut it. Children watch, imbibe, and largely imitate the religious practice of their parents. Low to no commitment for daddy translates into low to no commitment for Danny. Low priority for mom equals low priority for Molly. Kids aren’t dumb: they know authenticity and devotion and knowledge when they see it. They also know faking it or muddling it through “because I said so” as well. Catechesis does not happen by osmosis. Your priest, vicar, deacon, and deaconess may have some influence upon discipleship, but it is entirely eclipses by mom and dad. [The church acts] as a catalyst, but you are the life-catechist. Confessing, explaining, training, and doing have powerful formative capacity to shape people in different directions. In fact, much like the ethical system that you bequeath to your child (not allowing them to make their own decisions about whether or not to steal, lie, or exercise virtues), so too your Christian heritage is a, and undoubtedly the, greatest gift your child can inherit from you. But some parents may feel inadequate to the task. Perhaps they (you) have been poorly catechized. If that is the case, then it is not too late (even if you don’t have children or if they are grown)…The most important minister that a child is ever going to have is a parent. Bring some flavor into your life and the lives of others and begin to take seriously the need for catechetical learning. Christ makes us Christians but it is our own responsibility to learn what we believe and why we believe it, especially when it has a multigenerational impact.

Amen! It is our responsibility to learn what we believe and why we believe it! The gospel is the incredible announcement and divine call, that through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God has redeemed and reconciled us to Himself. Catechesis is our way of responding to that call and deepening our relationship with Jesus. Red Hill Lutheran Church will, by God’s grace, strive to be a church that catechizes disciples of Jesus; disciples of all ages and life-stages.

May God continue to guide and catechize you, so that you may follow Jesus wherever He may lead.

Have a great May! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Pastor Seth

Contemporary Worship Leader UpdateAs we all should by now know, Isaiah Coughran is stepping down as Contemporary Praise Leader at the end of June.While this makes us all sad, we pray that Isaiah will be able to grow in his relationship with his family and have more time to devote to his Youth Ministry.A search committee has been put in place and is having their first meeting this week to carry out the process of finding a replacement for Isaiah.The members of the committee all have close ties to the 10am Contemporary service and are devoted members of this church.We’ve also initiated the process of sending the notice of the position opening to local universities, church staffing sites, and local churches.We are eager to see whom it is that the Holy Spirit steers toward us and we remember to remain proactive but to put our trust in God’s will!If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the church office or email either Pastor Seth at sbritton@redhillchurch.org, or Marty Schaefer at mschaefer@redhillchurch.org.

Board of Directors UpdateIn an effort to foster open communication and gauge the effectiveness of the ministry of the church, the Board of Directors of Red Hill Lutheran meet with key stakeholders from the congregation and ancillary groups as part of their monthly meetings. In April, the Board met with parents and leaders of our children’s ministry. All of the stakeholders agreed that there is a renewed excitement in the children’s ministry program, crediting the hard work of our Children’s Ministry Director, Samantha Sheehan. They also appreciated the integration of the Sunday School curriculum with what the adults are

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The StoryThe Whole Family. The Whole Bible. The Whole YearOur congregation is currently on a 31-week journey through the Bible utilizing the best-selling book, The Story. The response has been overwhelmingly positive as people are discovering how God’s story intersects with their story. The Sunday sermon and Compass are based on the Biblical texts contained within each chapter. In addition, our Adult Sunday School class, Wednesdays in the Word, youth groups, small groups, and Children’s Sunday School classes are studying The Story together. This is truly a journey through the whole Bible, with the whole family for (almost) the whole year.

As Lutherans, we believe that the Bible is the sole rule and norm for our lives. We believe that The Story will help deepen your understanding of Scripture and ignite a passion within you to dive deeper into the original Biblical texts for further exploration. Please prayerfully consider your participation with us on this journey of discovery. Books are available for sale through the church office. If you have any other questions, please call Pastor Joel.

In March and April, our church “family” celebrated some of the “milestones of faith” that we experience as Christians and as members of the body of Christ. We thank God for the lives of:

Holy Baptism: We welcomed into the family of God: Elissa Marie Cope, parents Brian and Victoria Cope ; Ainsley Elizabeth Campbell, parents Megan and Peter Campbell; Ashley and Edward Hocking, parents Steven and Jennifer HockingFirst Holy Communion: We also celebrated the First Holy Communion of:Savannah Rae BairdJordan Branch PetersonAshley Marie SpinoglioAmanda Mattea EndresAlissa Marie Salas

New Members: We received into membership:Richard and Norma Avila, Nicholas, JeremyDonna FerraroKurt and Beckley Himler, Madison, ChaseRobert and Christine Miller, Chloe, LukeScott and Patrice Peterson, KaitlynMarilyn SingerRandy and Shino Ito, Ellie.

May God continue to bless and guide these brothers and sisters in Christ!

Faith Milestones

Our First Communicants with Pastor Seth!

learning about in church and Bible studies. (All age groups are currently using The Story as part of their curriculum.) The stakeholders also shared that they would like to see children’s ministry continue through the summer as well as more opportunities for kids to participate in music by providing a children’s choir for our church kids. The input received from all our stakeholders is helpful to the Board and staff in the planning and implementation of our vision to make disciples of Jesus Christ. One life at a time.

A BIG thank you to our wonderful staff, worship ministry and all the volunteers who helped make this

year’s Holy Week and Easter so GLORIOUS!!

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Music Ministry at Red Hill Our traditional music ministry performs regularly during the 8:30am worship service, with our Chancel Choir participating at most services. The choir rehearses every Thursday evening from 7:00-9:00pm, except the last Thursday of the month, and is led by our Director of Music Jason Harney. The Chancel Choir, as well as our handbells, small choirs and soloists, routinely perform in worship and also in concerts and special events throughout the year.If contemporary music is more your thing, consider joining All-Praise, which leads music during our 10am Contemporary worship service on the last Sunday of the month. If you have musical talent, let us know! Most of our Praise music performers and classical singers are “homegrown!” Contact the church office and ask for Marty Schaefer (mschaefer@redhillchurch.org), our Arts & Worship Director, or contact Jason Harney at jharney@redhillchurch.org.

Upcoming eventsMay 20 – RHLC Music Ministry Choir and Orchestra

in concert. Lux Aeterna… the music of Gabriel Fauré and Morten Lauridsen.

May 12 - The Meistersingers will perform in the Sanctuary of Red Hill Hill Lutheran Church at 7:30p.m. The title, Lux et Nox (Light and Dark), certainly illuminates the theme. Please plan to join them as they begin their second decade of choral entertainment.

worshipMay Sermon Series: The Story…Continues! Yes, our 31 week journey through the story-line of the Bible continues, using both the Bible and the book, The Story. The Story, otherwise known as the Bible, is God’s story. He wrote it so that we would know Him and His plan for this world and our lives. It is important to remember and reiterate our goals for this series; we desire to be:

*Regular Bible readers and improve biblical literacy…*A biblical family; equipping parents to be the spiritual

leaders of their children, as families will learn together from aligned The Story books…

*Students of the Bible who are growing in depth and width of scripture knowledge: depth through a deepening understanding of the unity of scripture and width through the integration of all age groups in the church…

*Known as a church that understands the Bible as the norm of our proclamation, faith and life; a congregation that encourages members to invite friends to church during The Story, as well as teaching those who are visiting the church and/or may not be believers, about the biblical story.

To fulfill these goals, the sermons and weekly themes will study: May 6th. Sermon Title: “A Kingdom Torn in Two.” Primary Text(s): 1 Kings 12.1-8, 12-15; John 15.1-8 Because of some poor decisions by Solomon and his two sons, Rehoboam and Jeroboam, the kingdom is divided: The Northern Kingdom, Israel, consists of 10 tribes and is ruled by Jeroboam. The Southern Kingdom, Judah, consists of two tribes, Judah and Benjamin and is ruled by Rehoboam. May 13th. Sermon Title: “God’s Messengers to the Northern Kingdom.” Primary Text(s): Hosea 14.1-9; Jn 15.9-17 In the northern kingdom, the people were consistently practicing idolatry. Yet, God continues to seek and reach His people with a message. The message that God desires to be heard is delivered by special servants called prophets. What is the message? God loves Israel and he wants Israel to turn from idols and come back to him. At the same time, God’s unfolding plan to redeem and reconcile the world will prevail—God is sovereign! May 20th. Sermon Title: “No King but King God.” Primary Text(s): 2 Kings 17.6-18; John 17.6-19 During the time of the divided kingdom there were 38 kings in all. Only five were good kings. The other 33 kings did evil in the eyes of the Lord. God sent 9 prophets to the northern kingdom over a span of 208 years and the people constantly refused to hear and obey. God’s judgment on the northern kingdom would be sure. While God likewise warned the southern kingdom not to walk away from Him,

God promised that the Messiah would come through Judah. May 27th. Sermon Title: “The Fall of Judah and the Prophet Jeremiah.” Primary Text(s): 2 Kings 21.1-15; John 15.26-27, 16.4b-15 In The Story we come to chapter 17 or 2 Kings 21. God made promises to Abraham and Moses the he would show his love to all people and call them back to Himself. To David, God promised to bring the Messiah through his descendants. Even though God’s people fail to obey, and the kingdom split into two smaller, weaker nations, God will fulfill His unconditional promises. The northern kingdom, Israel, went into exile to Assyria in 722 B.C. Now we will see God’s story unfold through His judgment on Judah.As you can see, we will be dealing with a lot of biblical history and meaning this month. Don’t miss one single week as we read, hear, study and explore God’s story. Remember, He wrote it for you!

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congregational lifePrayer Group meets Mondays at 2:00 p.m. You are cordially invited to join us at the home of Jane Rosenburg. Please contact the church office or Rosemarie Shultz - 714-838-2884.

Bible study & theology

Moms In Touch… Attention Moms! Would you like to join with other RHLS mothers as we lift up cares and concerns for our children, staff, and school families to our loving Father? All RHLS women are welcome to join us Monday mornings at 8:30a.m.

Adult Sunday SchoolSundays at 10:00am – CLCThe Story within The StoryTeacher: Pastor Joel KellyThe Adult Sunday School class continues our series on “The Story within The Story.” This is an interactive Bible study that takes a deeper look at the key passages from the weekly sermon and reading based on The Story. Read the book, hear the sermon, then join us on Sundays to go deeper into God’s Word and discover how God’s story intersects with your story. Even if you haven’t been a part of this study, you are welcome to join in at anytime!

Please note, the content of this class will be the same as Wednesday nights. Classes will also be recorded and avail-able under the Sermons & Media tab on our website at www.redhillchurch.org.

Wednesday Morning Bible Class“Foundations: The Core Beliefs of the Christian Church” Wednesday 7:15 a.m. Prayer ChapelTeacher: Pastor SethThe lead article in this month’s newsletter discussed the importance and need for catechesis, or regular teaching, in the Christian faith. As disciples of Jesus, we are to learn, grow and mature in our understanding of the faith given to us by God, through Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible describes the need for education this way:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.( Colossians 2.6-7)

“Rooted,” “built up,” “strengthened” and “taught,” all words that describe the process of Christian education. What is the result of Christian education? To be “overflowing with thankfulness.” We increasingly become people who know we have been given a great gift of a relationship with Jesus (thankful), and consequently, we want to grow in that relationship as much as we can!

One way we catechize at Red Hill is through our Wednesday morning Bible Study. You are invited to join us as we study the basic beliefs of Christianity. Also known as doctrine and/or Christian theology, the foundational beliefs of Christianity shape the thinking and direction of our Christian life and practice. You are welcome to join us at any point in this study. Bring your Bible and a friend! If you are available after the study (at 8:00 a.m.), the class adjourns to Coco’s in Tustin for breakfast. .

Wednesdays in the WordWednesdays at 7:00pm – CLCThe Story within The StoryTeacher: Pastor Joel KellyWe encourage you to make Wednesday nights another regu-lar “church” time outside of Sunday worship – especially if you are not yet committed to a weekly study program. While we have discontinued our pre-study meal (except for those children in the WICKS and 99:1 programs), we meet every Wednesday at 7:00pm in the CLC for our study of, “The Story within The Story.” This is an interactive Bible study that takes a deeper look at the key passages from the weekly sermon and reading based on The Story. Read the book, hear the sermon, then join us on Wednesdays to go deeper into God’s Word and discover how God’s story intersects with your story. Even if you haven’t been a part of this study, you are welcome to join in at anytime!Please note, the content of this class will be the same as the Sunday morning adult class. Classes will also be recorded and available under the Sermons & Media tab on our web-site at www.redhillchurch.org.

Story Small GroupsAs part of our congregational emphasis on going through The Story together, several new small groups have been formed. We have limited spots still available on Thursday morning or Tuesday evening. If interested, please write “Story Small Group” on your Worship Response Card and indicate which day/time works best for you. You will be contacted by one of our leaders with more details about the group.

Calling All Seniors!The Golden Circle is a monthly fellowship gathering for people in their “golden years.” Our next gathering will be a luncheon on Friday, May 11th, at 11:45am in the Fellowship Hall. We will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Come join us for a Mexican Fiesta and good fellowship. Lunch will be provided. Please

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Angels GameFriday, July 27, 2012Back by popular demand, Red Hill will be taking a group to the Angels game on Friday night, July 27th. (Hopefully, they’ll be playing better than they are at the time of this writing!) Tickets will

go on sale at the end of June, but mark your calendars now and make plans to join us for a fun-filled evening of baseball and Christian fellowship.

bring a dessert to share. RSVP to Harry Neale if you are planning to attend: 714-838-8197. We look forward to seeing you there.

We would also like to thank Ralph and Rosedith Werley for their many years of dedicated service in organizing the Golden Circle. Due to an increased travel schedule and family commitments (their grandson runs track for UCLA), the Werley’s will be stepping down from their leadership role in the group. Thank you, Ralph and Rosedith!

Red Hill Lutheran WomenPlease join us at one of our four Bible Study Groups on Tuesday, May 1, for fellowship and sharing God’s word. All four Circles are studying I and II Thessalonians.

Deborah: 9:30 a.m. - 1111 St. Vincent Pl., Santa Ana Sheila Feher - 714-639-2010

Priscilla: 12:00 p,m, - in the Music LibraryYvonne Cole - 714-505-8709

Rebekah: 7:00 p.m. - in the Music LibraryMarlene Thorson - 949-766-1510

Lydia: 9:00 a.m. - in the Music LibraryChildcare will be provided Celia Young - 714-832-4197

Choose a group that fits your schedule and contact the person listed. If you would like any other information, contact Coordinator Shelley McCollum, sckmccollum@att.net or 714-832-3837.

Ladies Retreat! You are cordially invited to attend an exciting Day Retreat entitled, “The Balancing Act,” featuring author and speaker Danna Demetre. This event will be presented by Red Hill Lutheran Women on Saturday, May 5th from 9-3 p.m. in the CLC. A continental breakfast and a Mexican fiesta lunch will be served. Tickets are available for $20. Contact the church office for information. Come listen to an inspiring message and enjoy time together with the special ladies in your life!

BookclubThe RHL Women Book Club will meeting Tuesday, May15th, 1:00 p.m. Our book for the month is Joe Wheeler’s Abraham Lincoln, a Man of Faith & Courage, a story focused on Lincoln’s faith and how this quality shaped the man who led our country during its most tumultuous years. All Red Hill women are welcome. Any questions, please contact Marlene Thorson, 949-766-1510 or emthor@cox.net.

May 20, 2012

Red Hill Lutheran ChurchMUSIC MINISTRY

Sunday

at 4:00p.m. 13200 Red Hill Ave. Tustin CA, 92780

redhillchurch.org

in Concert

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mission/service Getting to know: The Missionary Corner A brief summary of a recent correspondence from our missionaries in Africa follows: Dear Faithful Partners,We were in Accra for a few weeks for meetings. For nine months, Paul will be the Lutheran Bible Translator’s representative to our partner organizations in Ghanawhile his brother, David and his family, are in the US on leave. I (Ali) am hoping to get back on track with the children’s schooling and finish most of it within a month. My computer is out of commission for a while. I am using a spare laptop. Pray that repairs can be done quickly and for a reasonable cost. Blessings in Christ!Ali Federwitz Please pray for the Federwitz family, for Paul in his new role, and Ali for her teaching. Pray also that their equipment will withstand the stress of the West African climate. Compassion in Action Our culture has drifted far from God’s view of Christian life. Are you helping families thrive individually and collectively? One way that you can be supportive is to pray. Please pray for families who are struggling spiritually, emotionally, and financially. God hear and answers your prayers. Also, when you see the opportunity, take the time to encourage and provide hope for those families who are in need.

Congregational Care. There is a large number of Congregational Care Team members at Red Hill who are here to serve you. These willing volunteers are trained in ministering to the needs of God’s people who are experiencing life’s difficulties; such as: illness, elder care, confined to home, hospitalized or struggling with job loss, divorce, loss of loved one. Since God has provided our congregation with so many willing to serve, it stands to reason that there are many to be served. If you have a need, please don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Seth or Monica in the church office at 714-544-3131.

Jim RyanAlthough a Delaware native, Jim Ryan has claimed California as his home turf since he was moved here at age five, first in the Northridge area, then right here in Tustin Meadows, attending St. Cecilia’s and graduating from Mater Dei. At Long Beach State Jim earned his BS & MS in Psychology, but not before having a “love at first sight”

epiphany with Nancy Bess. They married in 1978, moving to Orange County and eventually to Tustin with their two young daughters Michelle and Andrea.

Jim and Nancy had both shifted away from their Roman Catholic backgrounds, but not their faith. After attendance at other churches, their visit to Red Hill services and meeting with Pastor Tom led the Ryan family to join us in 1995. Their girls took their First Communion here, and Jim and Nancy’s immersion in Red Hill community life began with the “Hungry Lutherans” dinner groups, with whom they still maintain friendships. Although Jim’s work with electronics (manufacture and distribution of circuit boards) has necessitated world-wide travel, he has always made time for Red Hill activities - pastor search, evangelism, Sunday School, youth communion, Council VP, CE Chair and as of this January - one of our Board of Directors.

Anyone remember Jim’s caps in the early Nineties? He felt God had a purpose for him, and he was inspired to create caps with logos of “JC” and a cross. With some clever marketing with Christian book stores (no internet), he sold twenty thousand of them. (Spotted one worn by a football player on TV). The “profit” from the caps was all spiritual, but Jim holds to Psalm 140:7, and of course, “There will always be a need for circuit boards.”

What do the Villa Park Ryans do for recreation? Aside from a little golf, it’s travel, travel, travel, from earlier camping days to the more sophisticated trips to Europe and Asia, as well as domestic. Very valid reasons for the latter with daughter Michelle working in electronics in Nashville, TN, and Andrea, living in Boston (but back for her June wedding here at Red Hill).

Jim feels so blessed by God for his life at Red Hill, his 33-year marriage to his wonderful supportive wife and his fabulous daughters. His goals: to walk his daughters down the aisle and become a grandfather. So be forewarned, Andrea, he dusting off those old child psychology books.

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rhlcYOUTHFor more info contact Isaiah Coughran at

icoughran@redhillchurch.org or 714.544.3131 x 108

The FoundationHigh School MinistryWe meet on Sunday nights in PPU (Peter’s Parish Underground in the CLC Building). Come and hang out with us from 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. We spend our time in worship, Bible study, and chicken choral-ing. That’s right. We have taken two good things and made them one awesome thing! I have 9 chickens. I need to get them into their coop at night lest they fall prey to the foul creatures of the night. And when you aggressively coral chickens they squawk, but it is a beautiful cacophony of art and pain. We have mastered getting all 9 chickens to squawk in different keys, which should be unnerving, but somehow it all comes beautifully, harmonically together in this new art known as Choral-ing.

www.petersparish.com

Date Night: the Fundraiser May 12, 2012 6pm – 10pm As you may or may not know, the Youth of Red Hill Lutheran Church go on quite a few outings -winter and summer camps, Mission trips, and other events. These events are a lot of fun, but they can also be expensive. We are hosting a Babysitting Fundraiser with the hopes of off-setting some of the cost of our summer trips (mission trip and jr.& sr. high summer retreats). Here’s the details: Saturday Night May 12, 2012. Drop off at 6:00pm | Pick up at 10:00pm. AGES 6months – 14years old are invited!!! There will be PVC Mini Golf, lazer Tag, Dinner, Snacks and Drinks, Movie, and much, much more. We can accommodate up to 50 people, so first come first served. Sign-up on the church patio Sunday Mornings or email Isaiah at icoughran@redhillchurch.org – you will receive a confirmation email to secure your spot(s). There is a suggested donation of $20.00 a child. All donations will go to our Youth Event Scholarship Fund that helps off-set the cost of the trips, as well as provide opportunity for those who could not afford the trip. Thanks – Isaiah

Mark Your Calendars:May 12th Date Night Fundraiser (6pm – 10pm)May 20th Mixed- Up Scavenger HuntJune 17th All Day Beach Day (Bonfire) [11am – 10pm]July 22nd -28th Lake San Antonio Trip August 5th -11th San Francisco Mission Trip

Thought: “” – N. Curtis

For more info contact Isaiah Coughran at icoughran@redhillchurch.org or 714.544.3131 x 108

Chili Cook-offRed Hill Lutheran Church and School are once again participating in the Annual Tustin Chili Cook-Off. The event will take place on Sunday, June 3rd, from 11:00am to 6:00pm. Tens of thousands of people attended last year’s event and more are expected this year. We’ll be making 40 gallons of our award-winning chili (we finished in second place for the “People’s Choice” award last year) and passing it out along with information on our Church and School. What a great chance for outreach to the community! If you are interested in this casual, fun, and exciting ministry opportunity, sign up on the church patio or email Joel Feeser at at joel.feeser@gmail.com.

MAY 2012Page 10

Children’s Ministry

ninetynine:1Junior High Youth Ministry

Ninetynine:1 meets in Peter’s Parish Underground(CLC Youth Hall) on Wednesday Nights from 6:30pm till 8:15pm. At 6:30pm we serve dinner. We finish up our dinner and free time at 7:00pm and that’s when we dive into our activities for the night, which include: games, music, Bible study, small groups and an assortment of random, tasteful activities. Come join us; we hope to see you there!

For info and pictures: www.petersparish.com

Fun Night!!! Sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind and have a little fun, but since we do that every Wednesday Night, we figured we’d kick it up a notch!!! “What does that mean?”, you ask. Well, without divulging too much of the top secret nature of this event… I can say that there will be things to launch, things to eat, objectives to complete, and sooooo much more. Get ready for a competitive evening of FUN, FUN, FUN!!! And, since there will be no confirmation we will meet a smidgen early to begin our fun – be there at 5:45 for dinner (so we can get the fun started earlier than normal). This is a free event (Dinner, Dessert, Prizes, etc…), and please bring your friends!!!! Confirmation Sunday!!! May 20, 2012 is a day to celebrate… why? IT’S CONFIRMATION SUNDAY!!!! After a two-year arduous process, our Confirmation students have climbed the Mt. Everest of middle-school practical theology and will confess their faith and affirm their baptism in front of the church (at the 10am service). All are encouraged to come and support our students who have worked so hard these last two years. We are proud of You!!!!

QUOTE: “I’m just one guy.” – D. Kramer (Practical Theologian)

Upcoming Events:May 12 Date Night Fundraiser – See sr. high

article!!!!May 17 Confirmation Dinner (for immediate

family only)May 20 Confirmation Sunday (at the 10am

service)May 23 Fun Night!!!! Dinner, Dessert & plenty of

Activities!!!!June 20 All Day Beach Day (Mark your

calendars) 9am – 9pmJuly 9-11 On-Site Summer Bike Retreat Questions about 99:1? - Please contact Isaiah Coughran at icoughran@redhillchurch.org or

714.544.3131 x108Reach, Equip and Release as Fully Developing

Followers of Christ.

VBS DATES: June 18-22nd!Red Hill Lutheran Church will be sponsoring Group’s VBS, “SKY—Everything is Possible with God”, the first week of camp. Registration for full day camp is done through the school office and the cost for that is $160. This program begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. It includes the morning VBS program and afternoon field trips and activities. If you wish to sign up just for VBS from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the forms are available in the school office, with a cost of $50. Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to soar to new heights with God!If you are interested in any of the numerous volunteer opportunities in the running of VBS 2012, please email Samantha Sheehan at ssheehan@redhillschool.org, or call the church office!

redhillchurch.org Page 11

redhillchurch.org Follow us on twitter:

@redhilllutheran“Like” us on facebook:facebook.com/redhillchurch

Our RHLS student body!

May Birthdays 5/1 Lauren Armstrong, William Brink, Pamela

Simonian, Gloria Tomas;5/2 Kelley Ragland; Ellie R. Torgerson;5/3 Gerry Aust, Brian Cline, Leo Lano, Nancy Pace,

Carol Merritt;5/4 Kenneth Hays III, Anita Hollis, Tony King, Caitlyn

Knight, Pamela Pauline, Lavonne Walters;5/6 Faith Andersen, Deborah Bomgren, Michael

Bomgren, Gary Mata;5/7 Helena Olsen;5/8 Greg Alcantra, Katy Granell, Winfried Kottke,

Tommy McCracken, Naomi Schaefer5/10 Samantha Hoff, Jordan Killion, Jacob Sellars,

Tristan Smith;5/11 Sabina McCracken, Renee Mihalovich, Rebecca

Schaffer, Brooks Talley, Maxwell J. Unis; Garrison Unis;

5/12 Patrick Barone, Angie Gutierrez-Herrero, Elaine Kral, Lillian Rubright;

5/13 Doug Lehman, Tyler Shackle5/14 Delaney Waldron5/15 Patricia Bryks, Tom Groff, Scott Raybourn, Scott

Sampson;5/16 Danalyn Benson; 5/17 Erika Carroll, Timothy Paxton; Paul Pooler5/18 Lis Fortner, Ryan Rieches, Rebecca Schell,

Thomas Todd;5/19 Ryan Cecil, Luke Fragale, Ryan Maher;5/20 Nicole Lee Austin, John Bjoin, Richard Brooks,

Linda Cecil, Philip Garnett, Derek Mata, Brianna Bair, Celia Young

5/21 Brady Ashworth, Sara Ashworth, Jake Klokochar, Daniel Schulz

5/22 Alyssa Alaniz, Linda Garner, Shannon Heaton, Linda Stebens, Bryan Wilcox, Nathan Yang

5/23 Gerry Deibert, Linda Stepp5/24 Clara Harney, Susan Hart, Daphne Surdyka5/25 Mark Clement, Brianna Dixon, Helen Pak,

Michelle Pooler, Nicole Sanchez, Shayla Wilcox5/26 Megan Huddleston5/27 Julie Pickford, Jamie Surdyka, Scott Surdyka5/28 Cynthia Paxton, Jeffery Rhoads;5/29 Andrew DiFonso, Andrei Gogosha, Julia Lacey,

Fenway Smith5/30 Eduardo Blocker, Paul Whitely, 5/31 Vanessa Frei

May Anniversaries5/1 Kevin & Sara Ashworth, Michael & Pamela Hunter, Nicholas & Karen Novoa5/4 Carl & Nona Newe5/10 Brian & Victoria Cope5/11 Clarence & Shelley McCollum5/12 Peter & Ingrid Anderson5/16 Martin & Lori Pastucha5/17 Martin & Anee Marie Olmedo5/19 David & Karen Hackett, Scott & Carol Pickford5/22 Susanne Hernandez5/26 David & Linda Nitzen5/30 Marian & Alexander Armstrong, Bill & Sarah Endres

MAY 2012Page 12

New

sletterO

ffice 714.544.3131 Facsim

ile 714.544.2305

ww

w.redhillelca.org

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w.redhillchurch.org

In t

his issu

e

April 2012

Volume 18, N

umber 4

Non-ProfitPRSRT STD

U.S. Postage PaidSanta Ana, California

Permit No. 6040

Red Hill Lutheran Church13200 Red Hill AvenueTustin, California 92780-3888(Return Service Requested)

In this issue, We take a concentrated look at our role in

building our own sense of discipleship!

We get a sneak peak of w

hat we’ll be focusing on in the

weekly serm

ons and Bible study as w

e continue our literary journey through The Story

There are a bunch of churchwide events com

ing down the

pike. Find out about what’s going on inside.

Long tim

e and devout mem

ber, Jim R

yan, is featured in a biographical article

Isaiah and the Youth have a really busy Spring and Summ

er full of events. G

et the scoop inside!

REDHILLC

HURCH.ORG