inside this issue: la vern and butterflies - lord of life
TRANSCRIPT
Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 9700 Neenah Ave, Austin, Texas 78717 Phone 512.671.6100 Fax 512.671.6103 www.lordoflifeaustin.org
March 2013 Edition Volume No. 1303
Inside this issue:
La Vern and Butterflies 1
Kindred Sisters 2
Birthdays/Anniversaries 2
Come, Holy Spirit Conf. 2
Preparing for Sunday 2
Stephen Ministry 2
Greeting Card Ministry 2
Church Clean-Up 2
Youth Focus 3
Prayer List 3
Crop Walk 3
Game Days 3
From Mary Vaughn 3
Game Night 3
Memorials 3
Holy Week Services 3
Synod Assembly Volunteer 4
Job Search Ministry 4
Lutheran World Relief 4
Habitat for Humanity 4
Book Club 4
Library Notes 5
Global Initiatives 5
State of the Church 5
New Life Children’s Center 5
Worship Leadership 6
Calendar 7
JSM Flyer 8
God’s Work, Our Hands
La Vern and Butterflies
An old shed sits near the fence in our backyard. Vines cover one of its sides, and last month
bright yellow flowers were blooming on those vines. I noticed that a butterfly was busy
collecting pollen from those flowers, flitting first from one and then to another.
February seems too early for the blooming of flowers and the appearance of butterflies—even
in a place like central Texas. But then Easter Sunday—almost always associated with the
beauty and warmth of the spring season—also arrives early this year, that is, on March 31st.
That means, of course, when you receive this issue of Life-Lines, we will still have thirty days
left of the season of Lent. Still, just as some flowers blossomed early this year and butterflies
emerged from their cocoons, let's turn our attention then to the Resurrection.
Some years ago a pillar of the congregation I was then serving—her name was LaVern—was
diagnosed with a malignant and inoperable brain tumor. She was the kind of Christian that
so many others admire. As well as doing volunteer work in the larger community, she was
able and happy to give of herself to the ministries of the church. She headed the altar guild.
She prepared food for funeral receptions and for those who were sick. She sang in the choir.
She always participated in the adult Sunday school class. And more. But she never tooted
her own horn and once even scolded me for thanking her for something she had done.
As La Vern's cancer spread, her husband was no longer able to care for her at home, and she
was moved to the local nursing center. On the day of my first visit, I noticed that some
brightly colored paper butterflies had been taped up on the wall of her room. Her
grandchildren had made them for her when they were still young. Another time I saw more
paper butterflies, which were suspended in the air by strings hanging from the ceiling. Later
on even more butterflies appeared, including several in the medium of stained glass. By this
point her room was filled with them!
What had happened was that every time her daughter and daughter-in-law visited her, they
had brought along some of their butterfly artwork. La Vern loved butterflies. So decorating
her room with them was one of the ways in which they expressed their love. Even after she
was no longer aware of her surroundings, the butterflies remained. Their presence not only
demonstrated the love of family members, but also served as a powerful witness to others—
nursing staff, friends, neighbors, and me as well. As a symbol of the Resurrection, they
reminded all of us of God's promise of eternal life even in the midst of death and dying.
After La Vern's death, her daughter-in-law presented me with a gift—my own stained-glass
butterfly. I still have it; it sits on a windowsill in the kitchen. Every time I see it, it reminds
me of La Vern. It also reminds me that as the season of winter must finally give way to the
warmth and sunshine of spring, so death itself will vanish in the coming of the new life of the
Son.
Pastor Alan
Page 2 Life-Lines
Preparing for Sunday
March 3 Isaiah 55:1-9 Psalm 63:1-8 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13:1-9 March 10 Joshua 5:9-12 Psalm 32 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 March 17 Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 126 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 March 24 Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 22:14-23:56 March 31 Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 Luke 24:1-12
Birthdays:
Spilo, Walter 03/04
Parsons, Marilee 03/06
Sellers, Russell 03/07
Covington, Rebecca 03/08
Schroeder, Eric 03/18
Wiruscheske, Rea 03/20
Prather, Callie 03/21
Scott, Savannah 03/21
Weston, Greg 03/24
Eckermann, Austin 03/25
Willenborg, Shari 03/25
Breyer, Alan 03/27
Freitag, Damon 03/31
Anniversaries: Chuck & Julia
Neeley 03/12/1977
KINDRED SISTERS NEWS
Kindred Sisters will assemble Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Personal Care Kits on
Tuesday, March 5, 10:30 am in Koinonia Café. When natural disaster strikes or political
conflict flares, families often have little chance to gather their belongings before fleeing
the danger. They are dirty from traveling to a refugee camp or safety, and these simple
items in the Kit washes away dirt and sweat. Imagine feeling the softness of a towel,
smelling a fresh scent of soap, and knowing someone cares for you! We hope to meet our
challenge to LOLLC to do 75 Kits. Come join us, all ladies and friends of LOLLC are
welcome. Bring a Sack Lunch. Glenace Klinker is our Dessert Hostess. Questions:
Joanne Forseth 986-7387 and/or Glenace Klinker 671-3690
Kindred Sisters meeting in February was a popcorn time as we watched, laughed, and
enjoyed the movie “Joyful Noise” with Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. Enjoyed
watching it on LOLLC’s new audio TV equipment. Thank you.
Year 2013 Kindred Sisters TOPIC/DESSERT HOSTESS Chart is on Board in the Café …
Please sign accordingly.
COME, HOLY SPIRIT CONFERENCE
Capital North/Capital South Conference Event — Theme: "Come, Holy Spirit"
Saturday, March 9, 2013 8:30 am - 3:30 pm : Hosted by Immanuel Lutheran Church
Reg Fee: $10.00 - See Board in Café 500 Immanuel Road, Pflugerville, TX
This is an opportunity for ALL LOLLC Women
STEPHEN MINISTRY
The Lord of Life Stephen Ministers would like to know you better and be known better by
you. To advance this program we will have a Stephen Minister on Duty each week. One
of your Stephen Ministers will be available to visit with you after first service and before
second service each week. If you have questions about Stephen Ministry, want to begin
the process of having a Stephen Minister assigned to you or just want to chat, please feel
free to look us up. Thanks for your support of Stephen Ministry at Lord of Life. John
Paul Crawford, Stephen Ministry Leader.
GREETING CARD MINISTRY
Did you know? Greeting cards are sent from LOLLC for illnesses, birthdays, anniversa-
ries, to convey sympathy, and to let people know we are praying for them or just thinking
of them. What a wonderful ministry Brenda Searcy leads for us! If you know someone
who needs to be uplifted by this ministry, please contact Brenda or the church office.
CHURCH CLEAN-UP
The annual clean up will be on Saturday, March 23 beginning at 8:00 am. Hope you will
come and participate so that we can make our church buildings and grounds look beauti-
ful for Easter Sunday. We need help both inside and outside. If you plan to work outside,
please wear appropriate clothing (gloves, hat, etc.) and bring any available tools such as
weed whackers / line trimmers, rakes, shovels, weeders, wheelbarrows, etc. A light break-
fast and lunch will be served.
Page 3 Volume No. 1303
REMEMBERING IN PRAYER OUR MEMBERS,
FRIENDS/FAMILY, AND HOMEBOUND
Ann Willman,
Angie Parr,
Horace Pennington,
Lolly Grunska,
Meg Bittner,
Bob Welch,
Fran Hurley,
Jeanine North,
Diana Colon,
Lou Bennett,
Ruby Ivy,
Dot Harrington
CROP WALK
The Elementary Sunday School invites you to join us for the Crop Walk at Camp
Mabry on Sunday, March 3. Wear your LOL t-shirts to church! We'll collect noisy
offering and donations at both services. Grab lunch on your own and meet us at the
registration table at 1:45! We look forward to helping end world hunger and
bonding as a church family! For more information contact Erica Smith at
[email protected] or go online by searching “Crop Walk Austin.”
MEMORIALS
In memory of Vada Bockhorn:
Stan & B. J. Friedman
John & Sandra Winkler
In memory of Roselle Girard:
Rea Wiruscheske
In memory of Esther Knape:
Walter & Maxine Krizov
In memory of Roger Vaughn:
Harry & Barbara Dailey
Paul Rohne, Jr.
Herman & Olga Haenel
Patsy Walker
YOUTH FOCUS
The LOL Youth Group went to a Texas Stars hockey game on February 16th. Eight
LOL kids went to the game along with two sponsors. Everyone had a great time
watching the game and enjoying the concession foods.
GAME NIGHT
As you know, we’ve had such a wonderful response to our Game Day that this past
year we added a second Game Day – one on the 2nd Tuesday of the month and one on
the 3rd Thursday of the month.
Now we’d love to add a Game Night for those folks who are unable to participate
during the day. We first need to find someone to coordinate this for us. After
determining a monthly date/time, this person would be responsible for
communications – in Life Lines, Leaflet, and during announcements on Sunday.
We’re very excited to expand this ministry to allow even more folks to get together for
fun and fellowship. If you’re interested in coordinating or participating, please contact
the church office or Deb Grunska at [email protected].
GAME DAYS
Are you ready for some fun? Game days in March are Tuesday, March 12 and
Thursday, March 21 beginning at 10:00 am. Please bring your own lunch. Come and
enjoy the fellowship and games.
Deal Lord of Life Members,
I would like to thank each of you
for the support and comfort you
have shown me during this stressful
time. Without the support of my
family and my family at Lord of
Life it would have been far more
stressful.
Roger loved his Church and all of
you. He would have been honored
to have so many of you there at his
memorial service. I am sure he is at
Heaven’s Door welcoming arrivals
and assigning duties for their praise
service.
Please accept my thanks,
Mary Vaughn
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is again working with
Austin Habitat for Humanity to construct a decent, simple,
and affordable home in Austin for a deserving local family
seeking great economic independence in 2013. They need our
help! This build, which will be in northeast Austin, will take
place on eight consecutive Saturdays, beginning on March
30 and ending on May 18 – luckily before the summer heat
arrives!
We had a wonderful group of volunteers help with last year’s
build and we’d like to put together a crew to help out once
again. Our goal would be to provide one crew (20-25
workers). We also provided lunch and could possibly do that
this year, too. This is a great opportunity for fellowship
with each other and our community while participating in a
life-changing activity that will really make a difference to
people in our community.
No prior construction experience is required! However, all
volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. I am also
looking for someone to coordinate this project (selecting the
date and organizing our volunteers). If you are interested in
volunteering or leading this project, please contact Deb
Grunska at [email protected].
Page 4 Life-Lines
Sessions by Appointment OnlyContact (512) 671-6100 to schedule an appointment
Free to EveryoneVisit our website: www.lordoflifeaustin.org/jsm
Sponsored by Lord of Life Lutheran Church
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Project … HEALTH KITS
LWR is supported each year by LOLLC via Kindred Sisters.
Since 1945, US Lutherans have provided material resources
by the TON for people in need around the world. By sharing
tools for better health and education, you bring new hope and
dignity to thousands of people throughout the world.
Per LWR Director …“A LWR quilt or kit not only brings
physical comfort, it also brings emotional comfort.”
Per NEED request, we will again assemble HEALTH KITS,
hopefully 75 kits as last year; therefore, Kindred Sisters is
asking for help to collect the items by Sunday, March 3, 2013.
Please put any of the following items in the LWR box in the
Welcome Center … Thank you.
1. Dark color hand towel ( 20"×40" - 52"×27")
2. Dark color wash cloth
3. Comb – wide tooth preferred
4. Metal nail file or nail clippers w/ file attached
5. Bath size (4-5 oz) soap – in original wrapping
6. Adult toothbrush – in original wrapping
7. or a Monetary Donation
8. NO TOOTHPASTE
The “Lutheran World Relief Ingathering” is Wednesday,
April 7, 2010 at Texas Lutheran University, Seguin, Texas.
We will be taking LOLLC’s HEALTH KITS to this Ingather-
ing. You can be assured that your support of LWR with
these donations and offerings is greatly appreciated.
SYNOD ASSEMBLY VOLUNTEERS
The LOLLC council is requesting 2 volunteers to attend the
2013 Assembly of the Southwestern Texas Synod, Saturday,
May 4th - Sunday, May 5th. The theme of the Assembly is
“Always Being Made New” which reflects the ELCA’s theme
for the 25th anniversary of the ELCA as well as the emphasis
within people, congregations and agencies of the SWT Synod
of always being made new by the fire of God’s Spirit. It is a
pleasure to welcome the people of the Southwestern Texas
Synod to the relaxed atmosphere of the Inn of the Hills in
Kerrville and to the beautiful hills of the Hill Country Confer-
ence. If interested, please contact Dick Fink, Rex Schroeder
or Pastor Watt. More information at www.swtsynod.org.
BOOK CLUB
Tuesday Book Group will begin a new book on April 2nd, the first Tuesday after Easter. Harvey Cox, recently retired (2009)
divinity professor from Harvard, had published that same year his book The Future of Faith in which the reader gets to benefit
from his lifetime reflections on changes in Christianity. The book opens with the question “What does the future hold for relig-
ion and for Christianity in particular?”
If you would like to know more about this reading group, contact Olga Haenel—512-255-5179 or [email protected]
Volume No. 1303 Page 5
Worship Attendance
12/2/2012 135
12/9/2012 76
12/16/2012 89
12/23/2012 135
12/24/2012 265
12/30/2012 58
Weekly Average 126
YTD Total 6,738
Weekly Average 125
Income for Jan.: $16,591 Income YTD: $16,591
Expenses for Jan.: $23,186 Expenses YTD: $23,186
Net Loss for Jan.: -$6,595 Net Gain YTD: -$6,595
GLOBAL INITIATIVES
www.elca.org/global-links Through the benevolence we pay
to the ELCA we are supporting these global initiatives. A link
is now available on the “For Members” page of our website,
so you can keep up-to-date on what the ELCA is doing to
reach the world for Christ.
NEW LIFE CHILDREN’S CENTER
The “Make a Difference” Gala is scheduled for Saturday,
March 16th. At Scholz Garten in downtown Austin.
We have partnered with Lutheran Social Services in the past
to support this facility. Please consider becoming a sponsor.
Visit www.newlifechildrenscenter/mad for more details.
LIBRARY NOTES - SUGGESTED READING
APRIL 2013 By: Donna Estes
ONE SUMMER - by: David Baldacci
This is the story of Jack, a man with an incurable disease, his family who live in Ohio. He has only a few weeks to live - it is
nearing Christmas & he begins to write letters to his wife, Lizzie, for her to read upon his death. Unfortunately Lizzie is killed in
a car accident only days before Christmas while going out to get pain meds for Jack. Lizzie’s parents immediately come & take
the children from Jack, putting him into a Hospice. Jack miraculously & completely recovers from a disease which has been
deadly in 100% of the patients who contract the disease. Jack vows to get his strength & his children back & with the help of a
long time friend begins a strenuous workout plan. Jack eventually gets his children back, moves the entire family to a dilapi-
dated beach house on the Carolina coast which he inherited & begins repairs on the house and lighthouse. This is a beautiful &
insightful story. It is an emotional & unforgettable story about the resilience of a father’s spirit & reminds us that love binds
families together both in this world & beyond…..
TEXAS ROCKS AND MINERALS (An Amateur’s Guide) - by: Roselle M. Girard (a former member of Lord Of Life)
This booklet serves as a brief, simple guide that will be of help to school children, amateur collectors & others who are just
beginning to develop an interest in rocks & minerals of Texas. It is a companion volume to TEXAS FOSSILS , by Wm. H.
Matthews III. This booklet describes in detail many of the commonly found rocks in Texas, such as Geodes, Granite, &
Gypsum , to name a few, and how you can go about extracting these rocks should you wish to pursue this as a hobby. It is
simple to read & very informative.
5-MINUTE BIBLE STORIES - by: Publications International, LTD
This is the bible story book that the late Roger Vaughn used for his Sunday Children’s Sermons. Mary graciously donated it to
our LOL library in honor of Roger. It is a beautifully illustrated book with short bible stories that young children will really
enjoy looking at & reading.
CONGRATULATIONS!
June Margaret Krejci - Born 02/21/13
Granddaughter of Bill and Janet Krejci
Been to our website lately? It has a brand new look!
Check it out at: www.lordoflifeaustin.org
Volume No. 1303 Page 5
Worship Leaders for March 2013
MARCH 3, 2012 Third Sunday in Lent Color: Purple
Presiding Minister: Interim Pastor Alan Watt Assisting Minister: Chuck Neeley
Lector/Petitioner: Marge Kretschmar Communion Assistant: Max Kretschmar
Acolyte: Maddy Penland Media Assistant: Dee Smith; Rex Schroeder
Ushers: Doug Searcy; Gary Parsons, Shawn Simon, Eric Warnsman, Max Kretschmar
Altar Guild: Lyn Caldwell, Jim Tarsi; Deanna & Lauren Brown (setup)
Bread: The Weston Family Stephen Minister: Pam Kamensky
Tellers: Rex Schroeder, Mindy Penland Flowers: Edith Swartz, in memory of Katherine Stewart
MARCH 10, 2012 Fourth Sunday in Lent Color: Purple
Presiding Minister: Interim Pastor Alan Watt Assisting Minister: Rex Schroeder
Lector/Petitioner: Dick Fink Communion Assistant: Deb Grunska
Acolyte: Oscar Lopez Media Assistant: Jim Tarsi; Chuck Neeley
Ushers: Doug Caldwell, Bill Saegert; Rachel Brown, Madeline & Natalie Smith, Maddy Penland, Callie Prather
Altar Guild: John & Patti Kassel (setup); Chuck & Julia Neeley
Bread: Mike & Pam Kamensky Stephen Minister: Marge Robison
Tellers: Rex Schroeder, Mindy Penland Flowers: Chuck & Julia Neeley, in celebration of their anniversary.
MARCH 17, 2012 Fifth Sunday in Lent Color: Purple
Presiding Minister: Interim Pastor Alan Watt Assisting Minister: John Paul Crawford
Lector/Petitioner: Chuck Neeley Communion Assistant: Nell Pennington
Acolyte: Carter Parsons & Harley Ekrut Media Assistant: Doug Searcy; Dick Fink
Ushers: Doug Caldwell, Bill Saegert; Rachel Brown, Madeline & Natalie Smith, Maddy Penland, Callie Prather
Altar Guild: Barbara Snook, Brenda Searcy; Deb Grunska & Barb Petry (setup)
Bread: Deb Grunska Stephen Minister: Horace & Nell Pennington
Tellers: Rex Schroeder, Mindy Penland Flowers: Rea Wiruscheske’s family, in celebration of her birthday.
MARCH 24, 2012 Palm Sunday Color: Purple
Presiding Minister: Interim Pastor Alan Watt Assisting Minister: Marilee Parsons
Lector/Petitioner: Mindy Penland Communion Assistant: Shari Willenborg
Acolyte: Connor Sheehan Media Assistant: Dee Smith; Lloyd Haskins
Ushers: Doug Searcy; Horace & Nell Pennington, Robert & Linda Lane
Altar Guild: Cindy Wilks & Dee Smith (setup); Heather Simpson, Avery Willenborg
Bread: The Wilks Family Stephen Minister: Pam Kamensky
Tellers: Rex Schroeder, Mindy Penland Flowers:
MARCH 31, 2012 Easter Sunday Color: White
Presiding Minister: Interim Pastor Alan Watt Assisting Minister: Diane Smith
Lector/Petitioner: Deb Grunska Communion Assistant: Mike Kamensky
Acolyte: Raina Parsons Media Assistant: Jim Tarsi; Barry Kincart
Ushers: Doug Searcy; Horace & Nell Pennington, Robert & Linda Lane
Altar Guild: Alan & Susan Breyer; Deanna & Lauren Brown (setup)
Bread: by intinction Stephen Minister: John Paul & Dorothy Crawford
Tellers: Rex Schroeder, Mindy Penland Flowers:
March 2013
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
3 Noisy Offering
8:15 Early Service
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Late Service
2:30 Crop Walk
5:00 Emmanuel Indian
Fellowship Gathering
4 5
10:30am
Kindred Sisters
7:00pm
Bells Rehearsal
6
11:30am
Lenten Service
12:00 / 6:00pm
Lenten Meal
7:00pm
Lenten Service
7:45pm
Choir Rehearsal
7
7:00pm
Finance
Committee
Meeting
1
6:00pm
First Communion
Class
———————–
8
2
——————–
9
10
8:15 Early Service
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Late Service
11
7:30pm
Stephen
Ministers
Meeting
12
10:00am
Game Day
7:00pm
Bells Rehearsal
13
11:30am
Lenten Service
12:00 / 6:00pm
Lenten Meal
7:00pm
Lenten Service
7:45pm
Choir Rehearsal
14
7:00pm
Church Council
Meeting
15
16
17
8:15 Early Service
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Late Service
12:00 Lunch Bunch
5:00 Emmanuel Indian
Fellowship Gathering
18
19
7:00pm
Bells Rehearsal
20
11:30am
Lenten Service
12:00 / 6:00pm
Lenten Meal
7:00pm
Lenten Service
7:45pm
Choir Rehearsal
21
10:00am
Game Day
22 23
Church Work
Day
24 Palm Sunday
8:15 Early Service
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Late Service
25 26
27
6:45pm
Bells Rehearsal
7:45pm
Choir Rehearsal
28 Maundy Th
6:30pm
The Last Supper
Remembered
29 Good Fri
7:00am —
7:00pm
Prayer Vigil
7:00pm
Evening Service:
Choir Cantata
30
31 Easter Sunday
8:15 Early Service
9:30 Easter Egg Hunt
10:45 Late Service
5:00 Emmanuel Indian
Fellowship Gathering
Life-Lines Page 6
