Lent: Is It Worth the Hassle?

Yes. Next question. Oh, wait, you expected me to say more? To convince you? Ok then. Here goes. It seems sinful to ask the question if all the “extra” stuff of Lent is worth it. But I know you think it at times. I know you do because I’m human too. Lent is kind of like Christmas--busy all over again, just without the presents.

The kids get home from school with homework. Then you get off of work. You throw everyone into the car to go up to church. You feel bad because there’s a meal and you are just bringing something easy, or nothing at all, and you know they could always use some nice well-made side dishes. But you didn’t have time. And you’re dreading next week because you’re on that board or group that’s serving the meal, and how in the world are you going to have time for that? And now you’re at church and you forgot that Ash Wednesday service is a little longer than the other Wednesdays, and so you have a hard time paying attention. And you’re getting awfully hungry because you smell the tacos down the hall. “And when are we going to get another pastor here because I feel like I hear the same guy every Sunday and now also on Wednesdays! And I suppose I should give up sweets or soda and make it like a New Year’s resolution re-do or something like that. And how somber is this hymn? Are they all going to be like that? Maybe I’ll just come to Ash Wednesday and the next Wednesday, and I’ll see if I like the series. I may just drop off after that and come back for Good Friday and Easter. Wait, when is the Royals’ home opener? That was on Good Friday one year. I better check that. Oh good, the preacher said ‘Amen.’ Things are moving now.”

Ok, maybe that stream of consciousness thought process doesn’t describe you exactly. But maybe some of it hits your thoughts right on the head. Lent is extra work. It is for me, and I’m not going to lie, I’m a little nervous about it right now. But I know it is extra work for you too. So, is it worth all the prep, all the running around? Is it worth the extra hassle?

Yes. I’ll give you three reasons. 1. Jesus is there, as he has promised, in Worship, in the Word, in our songs, our silence, and in the Sacrament. 2. Your

brothers and sisters in Christ are there. As you are

corporately shaped by the Word and interact in Christian Fellowship, you are blessed. And 3. Jesus is there, as he has promised. (That point was so good we had to use it twice).

It takes a little extra time and a little special effort, but that work that goes into our midweek Lent gatherings creates some space and some opportunities to do something that we don’t do enough: face the realities of our sin, repent in ashes, meditate on Christ’s suffering, mourn our role in his death, and give thanks with an abounding joy that Jesus rises from the grave.

Lent puts everything in perspective. Lent helps us refocus. Lent gives us a time of reflection and renewal. So come, join us. Don’t be shy. Admit that you don’t like the extra effort, but come and join us anyway.

Oh wait, one last thing…I usually tell you about the Lenten series, don’t I? Well, I’ve got something in mind, but I’m not 100% sure about it yet. So I will decide and publish that independently of the newsletter. But I do know this: it will proclaim Christ. So it is something you need to hear.

And people don’t come for the series anyway, right? They come for the food! Oh, and most of all, they come to receive Jesus, who died and rose for them.

See you in Church,

Pastor Jon

LENTEN SCHEDULE

2/18 – Ash Wednesday service with imposition of ashes and Holy Communion at 5:00 and 7:30 2/25; 3/4, 11, 18, 25 – Midweek services at 5:00 and 7:30 pm 4/2 – Maundy Thursday worship with Holy Communion at 7:30 pm 4/3 – Good Friday Tenebrae worship at 5:00 and 7:30 pm 4/5 – Easter Sunday services TBD

FEBRUARY 2015

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Wednesday Schedule: 5:00 – Worship 5:45 – Meal 6:30 – Midweek/Confirmation 7:30 – Worship

VBS 2015 – SAVE THE DATE!

It will be a chilly July as children ages 3 through 6th grade go on an Everest expedition, where they will learn about Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power. Save the date to join us for Vacation Bible School - July 13-17, 2015!

FIRE Student Ministry

Come meet Colonial Mustard & Mrs. Peacock at FIRE’s LIVE Clue game! Bring your friends to take part in this endeavor as you search for clues to reveal the mystery. Meet in the youth room on Sunday, February 15, from 2 to 4pm. Questions? Contact Korey. COMING SOON! We can’t wait for the first annual FIRE Weekend retreat coming May 1-3! Registration will open in March. Watch for details about the theme, schedule, and what you need to register. All 5th-8th graders and their friends are welcome. Save the dates on your calendar today!

BLAZE Student Ministry Introducing the 2015 BSLC BLAZE Mission Team! Please begin praying for these 26 students and adults as they prepare to Boldly Share the Love of Christ at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Aubrey Bauman, Kolin Burgess, Mady Cruse, Priscilla Diaz, Andy Eaton, Matthew Eaton, George Horsey, Matt Jenkins, Britney Lewis, Rachael Lewis, Carly Meyer, Nick Meyer, Garret Peters, Sarah Peters, Daniel Schnelle, Abby Smith, Aaron Tebbenkamp, David Treece, Ellen Unruh, Jordyne Vanselow, Gavin Wheeler, Ashley Wuller, DCE Korey Danley, Pastor Jon Gruen, Pam Williams, & Noel Eaton. May God equip this team to do His work and share His abundant love. Guys/Girls Night Bible Study…

is postponed until March 1, due to the Super Bowl. Enjoy the game! “Discovering the Lies” Bible Discussion You have been lied to! You have been lied to by the sinful world around you! That’s right, you have not been told the whole truth about the consequences of your choices when it comes to sex! The culture hands us a daily dose of sex through music, television, movies, internet, social sites, and texts, while never showing the devastation that sex outside of marriage leaves behind. Come take part in this new presentation by Pam Stenzel. Pam tells it like it is, no holding back, yet speaks the truth in LOVE and is easily understood by teens. This is a four-part lesson: Lesson 1: "The High Cost of Free Love" Lesson 2: Will you accept this rose? - The Bachelor Myth Lesson 3: The slow fade - A look at the "sin cycle" Lesson 4: The four chairs Parents, if you have any questions, please contact Noel Eaton or Korey Danley. We welcome partnering with you to educate and encourage your students in following God’s design in practicing abstinence before marriage. TALENT SHOW INFORMATION! Do you sing? Dance? Play an instrument? Or are you a poet? A Comedian? An Actor/actress? Are you in the 7th-12th grade? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we want you! This is your chance to showcase God-given talent, have fun, and give back to the congregation all at the same time. Please sign up in the communication center or outside Korey’s office by February 8. The talent show will be February 15 at 6:30pm. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Steele, Priscilla Diaz, or DCE Korey Danley.

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Other BLAZE Activities: -February 8 - Mavericks Game (must have registered in January) -February 22 - Make your own music video contest! Details to come soon!

NEW SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY

We've all sought God's Will in things we say and do, but truly understanding what He wants for us sometimes is not right in front of us. It may take time, study of His Word, trusted advisors, etc. to know. God has a personal vision for our lives, and He wants us to know it even more than we do. But determining God's will can be a difficult process, especially when we need to make a decision in a hurry. Discovering God's Will is an 8- session Bible study by pastor and author, Andy Stanley, that will take us through the important steps of decision making, pursuing God's will, seeking counsel from others, learning to use discernment, and understanding the mind of God through Scripture as you seek His will. We will use a participant study guide as well as DVD video and your Bible as part of the lessons. Please join us for this study on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm, and contact Joe Rinella to sign up!

SCIA PLANNING LUNCHEON The SCIA Planning Luncheon will be Thursday,

February 26, at 11:30 am in the church basement. Everyone is asked to bring soup, salad, or dessert. Beverages will be provided. Please sign up if you plan to attend!

LA SAVIOUR

The senior high youth will be hosting their 14th

annual spaghetti dinner on the evening of March 7 starting at 5:00pm.

We invite you to come and dine with us at the finest Italian Ristorante Lee’s Summit has to offer. From a small, quaint, family owned venture that started over 14 years ago, La Saviour has developed into an "exciting Italian Ristorante that attracts diners like a porch light attracts moths on a summer night."

La Saviour is a relaxed, casual atmosphere that serves traditional style spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert. Great care is taken in storing private label beverages in a temperature-controlled room called "La Cocina" (the kitchen). This room holds many bottles concentrating on lemonade, coffee, tea, and crystal clear water.

Wholesome, well prepared dishes are what one can travel to La Saviour to experience. The BSLC High School Student Ministry family, proprietors and chefs for years, has built their solid reputation by providing their guests with recipes and flavors that have been brought down through generations. They express their love for

their country in every dish they prepare - from their hearts to your table.

Make your “La Saviour” reservation today!

TALENT SHOW

Do you enjoy good coffee? Could you use a

night out? But where could you get BOTH, at NO CHARGE, with babysitting provided should you need it? Look no farther than Talent Night, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. There’s no cover at the door, babysitting is included, and drinks are on us too. Sound too good to be true? Our youth want to give back to the congregation and so are hosting an evening of entertainment and providing some delicious drinks for you to enjoy while you sit back and relax. So bring your sweetheart, your friends, your kids, your parents, your significant other, or just yourself and let us do the rest. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Please feel free to contact Jennifer Steele, Priscilla Diaz, or DCE Korey Danley with any questions.

"Beyond Heroic"

(Jesus said) "The Son of Man came not to be served but

to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

Most of us love to go see a movie or read a

book about a hero. The stories about how individuals gave their lives in service to save the lives of others. Our children love the recent barrage of superhero movies, and, yes, as a parent I must confess that I also enjoy them. The tales of the Hobbit, Luke Skywalker, Superman, Captain America, The Avengers and I’m sure we could go on and on. However, when a hero story is true that is what really makes it great.

The movie “Unbroken,” which was recently in theaters, tells the story of World War II hero, Louis Zamperini. His struggles from a misbehaving child to an Olympian, becoming a bombardier on an airplane that crashes and floats in the ocean for 47 days only to be rescued by Japanese soldiers who test his will in prison camps. I am told that the book “Unbroken” is even better than the movie, it goes on to tell about the struggles he faced even after the war and how he eventually comes to forgive his persecutors in the prison camp. This is just one of the many true stories about our world’s heroes, their perseverance and personal sacrifice.

The stories of heroes tell of individuals willing to die; to win a battle; to save some children; to protect your comrades. These are all noble causes; however, the greatest hero story of all time can be found in the Bible. Jesus is the greatest hero of all time! His story is unique in that He was born in a world that didn't want Him -- where the king of the country where He lived tried

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to kill Him. Members of His boyhood home tried to murder Him; religious leaders plotted against Him; one of His best friends betrayed Him; another denied Him; the rest deserted Him.

He was unfairly arrested, lied about by perjured witnesses, declared "guilty" by a kangaroo court where the verdict had been predetermined. He was beaten, laughed at, spit upon, whipped and condemned to die by a man who knew He was innocent. He was persecuted for our transgressions. When He was crucified, another criminal challenged Him, and passersby mocked Him. It can honestly be said, with only the rarest of exceptions, from the beginning of His life, until the moment He breathed His last, Jesus Christ was misunderstood, misinterpreted and criticized. He was seldom respected and often rejected. Still, it is for the very people who didn't want Him, who hated Him, who detested and despised Him that Jesus was born. Search history and you will not stumble upon anyone like our Savior. In Jesus, the Innocent is traded for the guilty, the Perfect for the flawed, and the Eternal for the temporal, the King for the commoner. It is unimaginable and unthinkable, but it is nevertheless the truth. The Bible declares it. God has shown His love for us in this: Jesus Christ died and, just as importantly, He rose for sinners. And now, because of what He has done, we have been given a cause to live and die for. That cause? To thank, praise, serve and obey Him. THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, how can we express our gratitude for a Savior who sacrificed His all so I might be forgiven and saved? Any gift I have is too small, too poor. Grant that I may say "thank You" with each day of my life in serving you better. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Submitted by Paul Lampe Board of Elders

OFFICIAL ACTS Joined by Profession of Faith Tod & Diane Glasgow, and Mackenzie (1/12/15)

Adult Confirmations Dan Umstattd (1/18/15) Lindsay Umstattd (1/18/15) Chelsie Cross (1/25/15) Transferred Out

Chris Imgarten to St. Andrew LC, Stockton, MO (1/15/15)

UPWARD BASKETBALL Want to see “outreach in action”? Attend an Upward basketball game between 8 am and 5:30 pm at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church or 7:45 to 3:45 at Prairie View Elementary School any Saturday in

February. You will hear a wonderful Christ-centered devotion presented by the Beautiful Savior staff or a lay leader at the half-time of the game.

Note: We have 346 children in our Upward program, and over 1,000 parents, grandparents, family members and friends attend the games at Beautiful Savior or Prairie View every Saturday!

LIBRARY NEWS

As a parent, do you field 101 questions a day? Check out these question and answer books: The Answers Book for Kids (20 Questions from Kids on Space and Astronomy, 22 Questions from Kids on Babel and the Ice Age, 22 Questions from Kids on Creation and the Fall, 22 Questions from Kids on God and the Bible), The Little Book of Big Questions, The Bible Book of How, Which, What & Why, Hey That’s Not What the Bible Says Too!, 106 Questions Children Ask about Our World all available on the library table. Answers for all age groups.

Women's Ministry

Women's Ministry at BSLC desires to:

Draw women from 16 and up together to develop mentoring relationships.

Draw women from all services together to get to know God and each other better.

Create a safe and fun environment where women can care for each other and get care.

Care for our community through service projects, showing God's love, especially to the lost.

[The Fellowship of the Believers]

They devoted themselves

to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship,

to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 (NIV)

God tells us very directly that we are to learn and care and pray with each other. We invite all women, 16 years and older, to join any group at any time. None of them are closed groups. Additionally, if what you need or seek is not listed, pray. Perhaps God is placing it on your heart to start something.

Women of Wednesday (WoW), 6:30-8:00,

Basement Classroom

WoW ladies meet every Wednesday (except the first one) to learn from C.S. Lewis' story, The Screwtape Letters. This book provides an insight as to how Satan

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thinks and how he entices us as we listen in on the mentoring of a demon’s nephew.

But4Grace - Thursdays, 6:30-8:00, Conference

Rm

Satan is all around, and we don't always recognize him. This study on Spiritual Warfare will teach us to recognize his attacks and how to handle them, offensively and defensively. All are invited.

MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) - 6:30-8:00,

Basement Moms of preschoolers meet monthly (2nd Thursday) to learn, experience, share and support other moms. The next meeting is February 12. The topic is “Courage to be Passionate.”

MOMSNext - 1st Wednesday each month, 6:30-

8:00, Basement Moms of kids kindergarten and up meet monthly (1st Wednesday) to learn, experience, share and support other moms. It's Party Time. If you’re not a natural hostess and parties tend to overwhelm you, join us February 4 to learn how to throw a party on a budget! We will share how you can quickly and easily impress using inexpensive ideas for decorations, treats, and games! Come to this fun fellowship where all mothers of school-aged kids are welcome.

On the radar ... As God calls us to serve one another, our activities continue. Mark your calendar for the following! February - Helping the home bound: Do you have two

hours you can give a brother or sister in Christ to sit and visit or to write notes to or help grocery shop? Do you have a gift or talent such as minor home repair or decorating? Is your profession house cleaning or lawn maintenance? Let the church office know so we can connect you with a person whose heart could be touched by you. This is a one-time thing unless you choose to do it more. March - Lenten Meal: Email Deb Williamson with

suggestions for what we should serve on Women's night. April - 3rd Annual Retreat, Faith & Prayer Rescheduled for Oct 16 & 17. May - Wine Trail Weekend- A co-organizer is needed. June - Royals vs Reds baseball game - An organizer is needed. July - Afternoon tea August - Planning for 2015-2016

Help with DeVita (Cancer) Golf Tournament

Why aren't we doing the retreat in April???? Beautiful Savior has been blessed! When God led us to have our first retreat, a few of us planned and prepared a retreat for maybe 50 and quickly found we had over 100 registered! What a wonderful surprise it was. But for the following retreat, we had fewer leaders. For us to continue presenting a quality retreat, we need leaders. Because of this struggle, and after prayers and consideration of several people, it was decided to postpone the retreat until October 16 (evening) & 17 (morning). A retreat for 100+ women requires several leaders to help recruit and take charge of small teams focused on specific areas of responsibility. These include: Planning - identifying theme, manage budget & material, schedule, assist other leaders, recruit & mentor presenters. Promotions & Registrations - inside and outside of church including reaching out to other churches. Recruit team. Food - planning, preparing, serving, cleaning up and getting leftovers to an agency that can use them. Recruit team. Decorations - based on theme, plan, prepare/make, set-up and take down decorations. Recruit team. Music - based on theme, select, prepare and present music. Recruit team. The long-term desire for retreats here at BSLC is to have two a year (spring and fall) with one of them being off-site, perhaps at Heit's Point. This continues to be our desire but can't happen until we get a solid leadership team. Ladies, please think of the value of Women's Ministry for yourself and those around you, think about what you've gotten from retreats (here or elsewhere), servant events or studies. Afterwards pray. Pray for God to show you your gifts, and if they are of leadership and passion, pray about how you can work in this ministry and then talk with Deb Williamson so we can get you in the right place.

ABOUNDING LOVE PRESCHOOL

ENROLLMENT BEGINS

Abounding Love Preschool and the Board of Early Childhood Ministry are excited to begin enrollment soon for the 2015-2016 school year! Rates will be released on February 2, 2015, and will include some exciting new class offerings! Enrollment will begin with the registration of any returning Abounding Love Preschool families, as well as members of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church on

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February 16, 2015, on a first come, first serve basis. Enrollment will open to the public on March 2, 2015. You may pick up an enrollment form from the school office or online after February 2nd. In order to reserve your student's spot in class, completed forms and a check for the registration fee can be submitted to the school office. Class offerings will include the following: Preschool Prep Class (24 months+): Tuesday and Thursday 9 am - 12 pm Preschool Class (3 years old by July 31st, 2015): Tuesday and Thursday 9 am - 1 pm Preschool Class (3 years old by July 31st, 2015): Tuesday and Thursday 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Preschool Class (3 years old by July 31st, 2015): Tuesday and Thursday 9 am - 4:30 pm Preschool Class (3 years old by July 31st, 2015): Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 am - 1 pm Preschool Class (3 years old by July 31st, 2015): Monday-Friday 9 am - 1 pm Pre-Kindergarten Class (4 years old by July 31st, 2015): Tuesday and Thursday 9 am - 1 pm Pre-Kindergarten Class (4 years old by July 31st, 2015): Tuesday and Thursday 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Pre-Kindergarten Class (4 years old by July 31st, 2015): Tuesday and Thursday 9 am - 4:30 pm Pre-Kindergarten Class (4 years old by July 31st, 2015): Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 am - 1 pm Pre-Kindergarten Class (4 years old by July 31st, 2015): Monday-Friday 9 am - 1 pm Watch the bulletin or our school website www.abounding-love.com for tuition rate info. If you have any questions regarding Abounding Love Preschool or ways to get involved or would like to set up a tour, please contact our preschool director, Tiffany Danley, at teacher@abounding-love.com.

DONUTS ARE COMING BACK!

Have you missed Sunday morning donuts this

past month? We have great news for you! Starting Sunday, February 1, FIRE Jr High Ministry and MOPS are teaming together to bring back the delicious donuts. A variety of donuts will be sold at a low cost to help raise funds to offset the Jr High Youth Gathering, Jr High Retreat, and the MOPS MOMcon Leadership

Conference costs. Grab breakfast for your entire family every Sunday in the Family Life Center, starting February 1. Fifth - Sixth Grade students, if you would like to help sell donuts on Sunday mornings, please contact Jennifer Larsen or Korey.

HIRING NURSERY STAFF

BSLC’s Nursery is an integral part of reaching visitors and members of our congregation. The church council and voters have placed an emphasis on this important ministry by hiring part-time staff members to work the Sunday morning shifts. Applications can be picked up at the Information Center. Applicants must: -be 18 years or older -express a warm and friendly personality -have childcare experience with references -be active in weekly worship Questions? Please contact DCE Korey Danley. Applications are due to Korey by Sunday, February 8, 2015.

PAUL PREISINGER

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Paul Preisinger Scholarship Fund for

Pastoral Candidates was founded 15 years ago to encourage men of the Kansas City North, Central and South Circuits of the LC-MS to enter the ministry by providing financial assistance for their schooling.

Eighty-seven scholarships totaling $83,750 have been awarded to this time. Scholarships for the 2014/2015 school year were awarded to Kenton Burgess, first year, Concordia, Seward; Zachary Klatt, fourth year, Concordia, Seward; Tyler Walworth, fourth year, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne; and Benjamin Micheel, vicarage year, Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis.

Many memorials and celebratory gifts have allowed this scholarship to continue to provide financial assistance to the men who will be our future pastors. These gifts are tax deductible, and 100 percent of all monies go directly to the scholarships, as we are a zero-overhead organization.

We thank all of you for your financial support and for your prayers and help in publicizing this scholarship. Applications for the Scholarship Fund are available from Michele Preisinger (913-667-3051 or pwpmmp@yahoo.com). The postmark deadline for 2015/2016 applications is May 31, 2015.