jim haack - clover sitesstorage.cloversites.com/beautifulsaviorlutheranchurch... · 2013-04-04 ·...
TRANSCRIPT
What Does This Mean?
The rock glass windows in the lobby at the La Vista Site depict the life of ourSavior, beginning with His birth in humbleness and continuing to His rule andreturn in authority and power. They were part of our first building at 90th andQ Streets. This month we focus on the meaning in the 4th window.
The Fourth Window - The Teachings of Jesus. John 10:1-18 The scroll
reminds us of God’s Word, at the center of which stands the living Word,Jesus Christ. Some of His most beautiful, comforting teachings are found inHis description of Himself as the Good Shepherd who loves His flock.
Spoken - Written - Images
“Ecclesiastical Art” is the technical term for things like stained-glass windows,statues, paintings, and the design of altars, pulpits, clergy vestments, and soon. At the risk of losing most of you who are under the age of 50, let’s makesome comparisons. Before TV, film, and digital media existed, millions ofpeople were still visual learners. Printed or spoken words communicated lesseffectively than images. Ecclesiastical art emerged as a way tocommunicate Biblical and doctrinal truths to these folks ... like me. I learnmore with my eyes that with my ears. That’s one reason why I absolutely lovehow we use the screens in our worship centers! So, all you visual learners outthere, take this challenge: As you look at our stained-glass windows, altar,backdrops and other ecclesiastical artwork, think of what spiritual messagesthey communicate to you. And if you want some Bible references, I’d behappy to provide some for you if you ask, especially if you’re under 50 ... andI can send them directly to your in-box.
Jim Haack
Volume 51 - Issue 4 April 2013
Reminder - Students & Parents
The 5th and 6th Grade and the 7th GradeWednesday classes resume on April 3at their regular times.
FYI
The church office will be closed on Monday,April 1. All evening classes and MondayNight Worship will take place as scheduled.
Discovery Class
This 8-week Bible study covers the basic teachings of the Lutheran Church and is designed especially (but not
exclusively) for people from non-Lutheran backgrounds who are considering joining Beautiful Savior. The class
is offered on Sundays, beginning April 7, at 8:30 a.m. at the West Maple Site; 9:15 a.m. at the Grover Site; and
9:30 a.m. at the La Vista Site. You can sign-up online: www.bslcomaha.org.
Spring - The Sound of Music + * +
Yes, “The Sound of Music” is the name of a movie featuring Julie Andrews. But it is also an appropriate
expression for this time of year. As spring develops its completeness, the song birds return bringing another
aspect to the beauty of this season. The program of the Thursday, April 4 meeting of New Horizons will present
a human version of song birds as the Papillion Senior Singers entertain with a selection of period songs.
The noon meal will be potluck. Please add another serving to the special food item you decide to bring so our
delicious potluck will be sufficient to share with the sixteen members of the Papillion Senior Singers.
It is helpful to the volunteers who set up for the meeting to know how many members will be in attendance.
So again, let your plans be known to the hostesses. Carolyn Schrader receives the calls from members whose
last name begins with “A - Mc.” Her telephone number is 402-331-3833. Alice Downey receives the calls from
members whose last names begin “Me - Z.” Alice’s phone number is 402-493-3944.
New Horizons meets the first Thursday of each month in the Lower Fellowship Hall at Beautiful Savior - La Vista
Site. After coming together for fellowship at 11:30 a.m., the welcome is extended and a devotion is held at
noon, followed by the potluck and the program. Guests are welcome!
Fun Tr ip in Apri l
LIFT - Ladies in Fellowship Together will travel to the Durham Museum for a tour of the
“Women Who Rock” display. We will meet on THURSDAY, April 11 at 12 Noon to
carpool. The tour starts at 1:00 p.m. and is about one hour long. This will be a guided
tour and we will get a group rate of only $5 per person. Reservations MUST be made
ahead. A limited number of spots are being held for us. You will pay at the door.
Please call Karen Wollberg with your reservation - 402-884-6777. We may stop for an
ice cream treat on the way home!!
2
Women’s Connection
Invite your daughters, mothers, grandmothers, aunts and girlfriends to join us for a special
Mother-Daughter Tea and delicious brunch on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the
Lower Fellowship Hall. We are usually done by 11:15 a.m. Our speaker this month is Karen
Phillips from Omaha. Her topic is “How to Have Peace in an Out of Control World.” The cost is
$11.50. Please make your reservations by calling Susan Parsons, 402-731-1937. Free babysitting is
provided, but we need advance notice.
Shout Pra ise K ids
We are looking forward to seeing
YOU in the La Vista Worship
Center from 6:15-7:00 p.m. on
Thursday April 18, April 25 and
May 2nd.
We will meet for 3 SPK sessions
which will prepare us for leading
and sharing on Sunday, May 5 at
the beginning of the 9:30 and
11:00 a.m. services.
Any questions? Call Jennifer
Srygley anytime at 402-490-6871.
Mul t i -S i te Update
The LCMS
Nebraska
District
gave our
congrega-
tion a July
1, 2013,
deadline to decide if we intend
to buy the Grover Site facility. The
Mission Leadership Council
decided to not purchase the
Grover Site facility at their March
meeting. The asking price from
the LCMS Nebraska District is
$300,000. Because of limited
parking and facility space, and
necessary renovations, investing
in this facility was deemed poor
stewardship and would inhibit
future growth possibilities. We will
be meeting with the District
Officials in April to learn how long
we will be allowed to stay at the
Grover Site. In the meantime, the
Grover leadership team will be
looking for a new location for the
Grover Site in the upcoming
weeks. The three key factors
which are being used to
determine where the next site is
located are as follows:
1) Location
2) Mission Spirit
3) Demographics (How
many of our current members live
in the area?). The Food Pantry
has been a truly wonderful and
successful ministry, and will follow
us if possible. However, space
and location issues may require
us to operate the food pantry
independently from our worship
space.
At the same time, Pastor Ryan
and the West Maple Site are also
in the process of looking for a new
location in Northwest Omaha. The
20 Grand Theater is starting a
major remodeling project in April
that will force us to eventually find
a new home. Pastor Ryan has
already discovered a couple of
options for the relocation.
However, if you have possible
leads for a facility that will hold up
to 300 people in Northwest
Omaha, please let him know.
Please pray fervently for the Lord
to guide and bless both the
Grover Site and West Maple Site
relocations. Growing pains are
complicated, but good!
3
Apr i l Sermon Ser ies
When most people think about death, they don’t think of positive things. But death doesn’t
have to be a frightening thing to those who are connected to the risen Savior Jesus Christ.
In our series “Kick the Bucket” we will learn what God’s Word has to say about dying and
rising.
April 7/8 Dying Psalm 90:12 and Psalm 116:15
April 14/15 Resting Ecclesiastes 12:7 and Luke 23:39-43
April 21/22 Rising Daniel 12:2 and 1 Corinthians 15:35-58
April 28/29 Home Revelation 21:2-5
Adult B ib le Study
Sunday
Crossways is a comprehensive, 2-
year overview of the Bible. The
first 30 units are being covered in
2012-13, and the second 30 units
in 2013-14. 9:15-10:45 a.m. – Room
215 – Led by Terry Taege and Erle
Carter.
The Art of Marriage A video and
discussion-based Bible study for
couples married for any length of
time. 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Preschool
Room 1 – Led by Blake and Anna
Cole.
Thessalonians. Paul wrote two
letters to the Christians in the city
of Thessalonica in modern-day
Turkey. What he told them is still
relevant and vitally important for
Christians today in Omaha,
Nebraska! Come and learn these
timeless lessons. 9:30 a.m. – Upper
Fellowship Hall – Led by Brian
Swanigan.
Life Lessons from Ephesians This
women’s class uses Max Lucado’s
study guide to apply the wisdom
of this Biblical book to our daily
lives. 9:30 a.m. – Room 229
[Library] – Led by Rachel Grimm
Discovery Class - see explanation
on page 2.
Celebration of Discipline is the
classic study on the deeper
Christian life by Richard Foster.
Topics include Simplicity,
Meditation, Fasting, Celebration,
and other practices that
strengthen us in our life of faith.
9:30 a.m. – Room 215 - Led by
Rev. Wendell Stavig.
Thinking Like A Christian - New
Class Most Americans don’t
realize how much our “worldview”
has been shaped by the culture
around us. Even if we do know
this, how are we to respond
effectively? This course will
introduce you to “worldview”
thinking and how Christians can
be a better influence for good.
9:30 a.m. - Preschool Room 1 - led
by Blake Cole
Weekday
Monday
Men’s Bible Breakfast 6:30 a.m. –
Summer Kitchen Café (120th &
Giles). Led by Jim Haack
Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring
the Fruit of the Spirit is a women’s
study course by Beth Moore. 7:00
p.m. – Room 216 – Led by Lisa
Draper and Penny Freyer.
Tuesday
Ladies’ Bible Study 9:00-10:30
a.m. – Upper Fellowship Hall – Led
by Jim Haack.
Wednesday
Foundations of Apologetics An
equipping course from Ravi
Zacharias Ministries that helps you
defend your Christian beliefs in an
increasingly secular and hostile
world. 6:15-7:30 p.m. – Preschool
Room 2 – Led by Brandon Odom
and Dave smith.
The Oxygen Mask A class where
parents whose children are in
Wednesday night classes get to
meet each other and learn the
same lessons as their children.
6:15-7:30 p.m. – Preschool room 1
– Led by Jim Haack.
Thursday
Early Riser’s Study Pastor Tim is
leading a study on the book of
Acts at the Farmhouse Café, 84th
Street by Manglesen’s at 6:15
a.m.
4
The Girl’s Still Got It A study of the
book of Ruth for women by
author Liz Curtis Higgs 9:00 a.m. –
Room 216 – Led by Rachel Grimm
Saturday
Men’s Bible Study 8:00 a.m. –
Junior High Room – Shared
leadership.
Dear Friends in Christ,
As is always the case, the preschool continues to be a busy, busy, busy place! We
cannot believe how fast the time is flying. Let me fill you in.
During the month of March, we presented our wonderful preschool art fair on display upstairs and welcomed
our preschool families to worship with us. The kids did an awesome job singing in this Monday night service. Thank
you’s go out to Jay and Pastor Tim for helping lead our worship. In addition, we want to thank the Tuesday morning
ladies bible study for providing delicious cookies to munch on after the service. We hope those of you in the
congregation who were in attendance enjoyed the evening as well.
In February, the preschool collected money for the Pennies for Patients campaign to benefit the Lymphoma
and Leukemia Society. Of course, this is very near and dear to our hearts. Once again, our preschoolers have
outdone themselves by breaking last years record. The total raised for this wonderful outreach was $1202.19 -
$439.51 more than last year!!! These preschoolers continually amaze me with their willingness to help. Our
families are the best! Thanks for involving your little ones in this most worthy endeavor.
April promises to be just as busy. After our Spring Break during Holy Week, we will come right back to a
joyous Easter celebration. All of our classes will be visiting the Rose Theater for a live performance at the end of
April and beginning of May. And of course we will celebrate our mothers by having our annual Mother’s Night with
a super surprise guest.
Enrollment for the fall is in full swing with a couple of sessions already filled and a couple more getting
close. Thank you so much for continuing to spread the word, please let us know if we can be of help to you in any
way. Only one more month to report on and we will once again bid one group goodbye and prepare to welcome yet
another.
Since providing The New Beginners Bible to all of our preschoolers at the beginning of the year, we have
had added more and more students to our “Bible Reading Club”, those who have “read” the entire Bible. For our
school year last year, we had 5 students who were part of the club. Thus far, we have 24 students. We even had
one student who said he read his Bible 100 times! Preschoolers, you gotta love them! In addition, we have had
more and more preschool families attending services at Beautiful Savior, some finding a permanent church home.
God is definitely working in the preschool, blessing our students, the preschool families and our staff on a daily
basis.
Finally, if you are downstairs, take a quick tour and check out our bulletin boards in the hall and in the
classrooms. They truly allow us to make Christ more visible and to share the children’s handiwork. Also check out
our website at kidnect.org. We have added new information, as well as pictures of our awesome preschoolers!
In the name of our risen Savior and Lord,
Pam and the preschool staff
5
T The Board of Directors of
Concordia Schools is
beginning the search for a “Head
of Schools.” This administrator will
be the chief educational officer
of our school system. He/she will
be charged with taking the
schools to ever-higher levels of
academic excellence, caring
concern for students, and
excellent service and
communication. This leader will
also be instrumental in crafting
the strategic vision for the future.
The plan is to have the Head of
Schools in place by the start of
the 2013-14 school year. We also
intend that the Head of Schools
will serve as interim Principal of
Concordia Academy, our K-6
elementary school, for the 2013-
14 school year.
T The annual Concordia
Delegate meeting will
take place at St. Mark Lutheran
Church (1821 North 90th Street)
on Sunday, May 5, from 2:00 – 3:00
pm. The meeting will include
review and approval of the
annual budget and elections for
the Board of Directors. Following
the annual meeting, we will have
an Open House in St. Mark’s
Fellowship Hall from 3:00 to 5:00
pm to celebrate the ministry of
Dean Raabe, who is retiring as
Principal of Concordia Academy
effective June 30, 2013. Over the
past eight years, Dean has
faithfully served students, parents
and staff with love and
enthusiasm. His career in
education spans nearly 42 years.
We wish Dean every blessing as
he prepares for the next chapter
of his life.
T The new building
expansion at Concordia
Jr.-Sr. High School is on track to be
finished in June 2013. The new
addition includes six classrooms,
an expanded
cafeteria/commons, a gym,
locker rooms, coaches’ offices,
training rooms, a weight room
and additional parking.
T Concordia Lutheran
Schools of Omaha will host
a 5K and a 1 mile fun run/walk at
Standing Bear Lake on Saturday,
April 27, 2013. Starting time is 8:00
am for the 5K immediately
followed by the 1 mile. Funds
raised will benefit the mission of
Concordia Lutheran Schools of
Omaha. For more information or
to register, click on the 5K tab at
www.concordiaomaha.org.
Grover Food Pant ry
This has been an average month at the pantry. On March 2 we served 141 households, representing 415
people and on March 9 it was 110 households or 327 individuals. Because of our numbers we now qualify for
fresh produce from the Food Bank and this month received potatoes and lemons in large
quantities as well as miscellaneous other produce with which to bless our clients.
We again thank all who volunteered on Saturdays and those who helped unload the delivery
truck. The pantry could not operate without you. In the future we want to make the volunteer
system more organized so that we have an appropriate number each time rather than a
plethora of volunteers one week and few the next week. To accomplish this, Tammy Latimer
has set up a web site so you can sign up for a specific job on a specific day or days. However, in order to use
the web site, you must give Tammy your email address so that she can issue you an “invitation” to sign up.
Please contact her at 402-547-3553 or email [email protected] . We ask your cooperation in using the web
site ahead of time so we know how many volunteers will be available on a given day.
Thank you also, to all who have donated food either at one of the church sites or through the Hy Vee “Buy a
Bag” program. Hamburger or tuna helper and soups are the main needs right now. Continue to watch the
overhead screens for the weekly specials at local supermarkets for these and other items suitable for the
pantry.
For information about the pantry or to volunteer, please contact Mark or Cheryl Roth (402.339.0308) or email
[email protected] or Tim or Susie Fjelstad, 402-290-3064, [email protected] .
6
Words f rom Pastor T im
We are ready to embark upon
our third year of worship ministry
at the Grover Site. Things have
been awesome of late. We have
gone from worshiping 75 on a
Sunday to worshiping 90 on a
Sunday over the last four months.
We have received 10 new
members in the past two months.
We have around 15-25 students in
our children’s church each
Sunday. The growth has been so
phenomenal that we are starting
to look for a new site for our
Sunday worship. Our parking (or
lack thereof) can no longer
support further growth at 44th and
Grover.
If you have not worshiped with us
at the Grover Site you might want
to share in the experience before
we cease to worship at 44th and
Grover. Our warm and friendly
fellowship takes place from 10-
10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
Our “world renowned” praise
band” (they are close to being
that good) then gets us going
with praise and worship. We
usually conclude our worship at
11:40 AM. We follow the regular
sermon series and always have
one of our pastors preaching
“live” at the Grover Site.
Things are good at Grover. Pray
for God’s blessings as we consider
certain transitions for our ministry
at and from the Grover Site.
Mod 17 Worship
Beautiful Savior about 15 months
ago adopted Mod 17 of Douglas
County Corrections to offer
worship and Bible Study. Rik
Walgrave and Pastor Tim
alternate leading worship on
Sunday afternoons from 2:30-3:30
p.m. They are assisted by Ray
Stier, Steve Weber, Ann and Gary
Wallace. Sharon Price of our
congregation also assists in other
worship and one-on-one
mentoring at Douglas County Jail.
We could use more volunteers to
assist us. All you need to do is
attend a 3 hour orientation on a
Saturday morning at Douglas
County Jail. You will then be
credentialed and can serve as
often as you like. Please consider
being a volunteer at the Douglas
County Corrections Center. Call
Pastor Tim 402-934-3782 if you
have an interest or if you have
any questions.
Private Home Visits
If you are not able to be with us in
worship and would desire a
private visit and the Lord’s Supper
at home or where you are
convalescing please call Pastor
Tim at 402-331-7376. We have
several individuals who are
sanctioned to share the
sacrament with you.
Understanding God and Suffering
I thought I would share a few
quotes each month from my
seminar on “A Christian
Perspective to Understanding
Suffering.” I will more than likely
offer this seminar again in the fall.
“Perhaps the reason why we
don’t understand our suffering is
that we are objects of a love we
don’t understand.” “Making
Sense of Suffering” – Peter Krefft
“The point of our lives in this world
is not comfort, security, or even
happiness, but training. Our lives
are not for fulfillment but prepara-
tion.” “Making Sense of Suffering”
Peter Krefft
“The key to happiness lies not so
much in avoiding pain at all cost
as in understanding its role as a
protective warning system and
harnessing it to work for you and
not against you.” “Where is God
When it Hurts” Phillip Yancey
“Christianity needs to be less
about performance and more
about a way of life.” “Your God is
too Small” J.B. Phillips
Peoples’ lives are cramped and
narrow and joyless because their
god is the same.” “Your God is
too Small” J.B. Phillips
We are looking forward to our second year starting this Fall. We are
currently in search of people interested in being a part of our
leadership team. Here is a chance to use your God-given talents by
being part of this fun team while serving women in their early years
of parenting. Women of all ages and walks of life are welcome!
Please contact Heidi Carlson at [email protected] or 402-680-
2059 for further information.
7
Adult L i fe Group News
A Life Group is where you can meet people, learn the Bible, experience care and accountability, deepen
friendships and find avenues for meaningful service. Some groups meet weekly, some every other week and
some monthly.
There are two ways to find a Life Group that fits your needs: Contact Jim Haack [email protected] or
(402.331.7376); Search for a group on our website, www.bslcomaha.org. Click on “get connected” and then
on Life Groups. From there you will be able to find every Life Group that submits information. You can contact
the host and see if the group will have what you are looking for.
Life Groups Celebration: This month or next, as soon as our new addition is approved for occupancy, we’ll throw
a big “Life Groups Celebration” event involving all of our adult and HSM Life Groups, and anyone who is looking
for a Life Group! Each Life Group will contribute something to make this event fun and meaningful. So far these
groups have volunteered:
· Publicity: Adult Vala Group
· Set-up: Adult Koehler Group
· Decorations: Nicole Bremer, Karen Crandall, Erika Pritchard
· Greeters: Adult L.I.F.T. Group
· Food and Beverages: Adult Groups – Haack, Koehler, Larson, L.I.F.T., Schraeder, Shroder
· Take-down: Adult Jaeger Group
· TBD task: Adult Selig Group
· Other jobs as needed: HSM Groups
As of the deadline for this newsletter, we are not able to pick a firm date for this event, but the plan is that it will
take place on a Saturday night (6:30-9:00) between April 27 and May 20. All of our Life Group Hosts will be
notified by e-mail and phone call the moment we find out that we can legally occupy the new addition!
Thank You, Thank You Thrivent Members!!!
A big THANKS to all Thrivent members of Beautiful
Savior who designated “Choice Dollars” for
congregational support during 2012. Almost $10,000
was designated and those funds were distributed as
follows:
1. $2000 was given as a scholarship to Tyler Carter, a
member of BSLC who is a student at the Seminary
in St. Louis.
2. $4,000 was designated to help with furnishings for
the new youth room.
3. $1500 for mission support.
4. $1500 for the Benevolent Fund.
5. $1000 for the purchase of tables for use by the
New Horizons.
“Choice Dollars” were also used to provide funds for
the Pizza and Pop dinners for the Confirmands and
for the purchase of Baptismal Medallions. If you
have questions, please contact Bill Koehler at 402-
339-2512.
Thank you to all of the ladies (and men) who
donated desserts and their time to help the
Women’s Ministry at their Lenten Supper. Because of
your kindness and generosity almost 200 people
were served. Funds raised will help fund the
upcoming Beth Moore simulcast in September.
Carey Oswald, Women’s Ministry Leadership Team
Beautiful Savior,
Thank you all for being there when we need you so
much. We cannot appreciate you more!
God bless.
Rick & Carol Evers
Nicole & Andrew Bremer
A sincere “Thank You” to everyone who supported
the COBS (Concordia Omaha at Beautiful Savior)
Lenten pancake supper on March 6. Over $580 was
earned for the scholarship fund.
8
Have you had the opportunity to read the musingsof our Beautiful Savior women bloggers yet? If not, http://womenofbslc.wordpress.com/ is where youcan find them. They share their frailties, blessingsand revelations with you praying that you will beable to relate to their testimonies and beencouraged to ponder Christ’s presence and lovein your life. Be sure to leave comments, we want tohear your voices, too!
K I N D L E
Susan Lewis and Terry Riessen have justfinished their “cluster” meetings with JimHaack as the coach in this leadershipdevelopment program. To date, 44 BeautifulSavior members have been involved inKINDLE. What can participation in KINDLE dofor you? It will help you create “appliedlearning plans” based on assessments, whereYOU control the areas of servant-leadershipin which you want to grow. You will alsoemerge from the “cluster” experience withyour own unique “personal missionstatement” that will empower you to say yesor no to all the opportunities to impact yourworld that confront you each day. To find outmore, contact Jim Haack, 402-331-7376 [email protected]. He will start up a newcluster within the next few months,depending on people’s availability. (KINDLEstands for the Karpenko Institute for Nurturingand Developing Leadership Excellence). Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church
7706 S 96 Street - La Vista
Tickets: $20 through April 15 – $30 after April 15Available on Sundays & in the Church Office
Program begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs to 4:15 p.m.Boxed Lunch Included
O d d s & E n d s
1) Jim Haack has begun his
vicarage and online studies in
the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP)
program through Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis. Pastor Keith
will serve as Jim’s vicarage
supervisor over the next four
years. The Board of Elders has
given Jim authority to consecrate
the elements in the Lord’s Supper.
2) The 4th Pastor Call Committee
will be receiving information
about potential candidates from
Nebraska District President Russ
Sommerfeld. The Call Committee
consists of Dave Stout (Chairman),
Kirsten Fletter, Scotte Hansen, Rob
Kosiski, Katie Kraft,
Lindsey Marek, Scott Oswald,
Dorothy Pflug, Mark Schmidt, Paul
Tillema, and Bob Wickert. This 4th
Pastor will be responsible for
starting a new worship service in
the La Vista facility addition on
Sundays at 11:00 am. He will also
oversee the “Life Group” ministries
at BSLC.
3) There will be an “Open House”
for the new facility addition
immediately after the late service
on Sunday, May 5, 2013. Our
guest speaker for the worship
services on that day is Gary Thies,
Mission Development Counselor
for the LCMS Iowa West and
Nebraska Districts. We will
officially dedicate this facility
addition later in the summer
when furnishings and A/V
components are installed. Our
goal is for worship services to
begin in this new addition in
September 2013.
4) We currently have 35 active
Stephen Ministers with the
addition of these new training
class participants who were
commissioned on Sunday, March
10: Melissa Bergoch, Anna Cole,
Leanna Fritz, Kris Laeding, Steve
Weber and Peg Williams.
5) Beautiful Savior will be hosting
the Pastoral Leadership
9
Institute’s “Missional Leader
Conference” April 10-12 from 8:30
a.m. - 5:30 p.m. We are
expecting over 50 pastors to
participate in this event. PLI
provides advanced missional
leadership training for pastors
whose hearts burn with passion for
the gospel and who have
exhibited potential for leadership
excellence. It is an initiative
conceived with the express
purpose of supporting a strong,
viable church for the next
millennium.
6) The “Baccalaureate 2013”
worship service for seniors who
are graduating from Ralston,
Papillion-La Vista, and Papillion
South High Schools will take place
at Papillion South on Sunday, May
5, at 7:00 pm. This event is
sponsored annually by the Tri-City
Ministerial Association.
7) Gary Thies invites everyone to
Mission Central near Mapleton,
Iowa, to hear missionaries tell
about their work around the
world. All speaking events are
in the barn at Mission Central.
Beautiful Savior member and
Missionary to Hong Kong, Judy
Newhouse, will be speaking at
Mission Central on Saturday, May
25, at 1:30 pm. For more
information on Mission Central,
visit their website at
www.missioncentral.us.
8) These statistics from a recent
study are startling: 50 years
ago 69% of Americans went to
church. Today that number is 17%.
If trends continue, church
attendance in 2050 will be half of
what it is today: 8.5%. Lutheran
Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is
committed to supporting the
overall mission and ministry of
Lutheran churches and
partnering to serve communities.
LCEF offers a wide array of
investment opportunities to help
individuals and Lutheran ministries
meet their investment goals. To
find out more, visit www.lcef.org.
9) An informational meeting was
held at Beautiful Savior on
Sunday, March 3, to discuss the
possibility of starting a new
Lutheran elementary school in
Sarpy County in the future.
Twenty-five people were in
attendance for this grass roots
initiative that will work in
conjunction with the Concordia
Schools of Omaha. This school will
not be located at Beautiful Savior
because of facility shortcomings.
10) Among all protestant
churches across North America
(including Lutherans), only 20%
are growing. In sharp contrast a
much higher percent of large
churches are growing (79%
between 2010 and 2012). There
are 1,600 churches in North
America with a worship
attendance of at least 2,000
adults and children.
ROC – OMAHA IS OCTOBER 18-19, 2013Lutheran Hour Ministries hits the heartland, bringing its Regional OutreachConference to Omaha! This power-packed outreach conference brings youinspiring presentations, hands-on outreach projects, awesome worship music,and loads of practical tools that will transform the way you live as a witness andhow you think about outreach!
Here's what's in store for you at ROC-Omaha:T Practical outreach helps for everyday situations from the Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, Rev. Gregory
Seltz.T Breakout sessions on hard-hitting topics to reach our communities with the Gospel.T Worship music led by Kip Fox.T Idea exchanges with outreach consultants in the "Guru Room." T Mini-workshops and one-on-one technological advice in the "Technology Center" T Age-appropriate training events for children and teens, and more!
Several Beautiful Savior Staff will be assisting and leading workshops at ROC-Omaha. Reserve a spot on yourcalendar and join us for this powerful outreach event taking place at the Omaha Marriott (10220 RegencyCircle). Registration is $89 for adults; $49 for teens (grades 8-12); $29 for children (grades K-7); and $225 forfamily. ROC-Omaha registration cut-off date is Tuesday, October 15. To learn more, go to www.lhm.org/roc.
10
Making Fa i th Par t o f Everyday
"Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road,
when you lie down and when you get up." -- Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Impress them on your children, God says. Surely this means to engrave His words deeply in their
hearts, to etch them in their very souls. So start early and don't stop. In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul
reminds Timothy that he has known the Scriptures from infancy. Let a children's Bible be your
first gift to your baby. Read aloud the timeless stories, even before he or she understands the
meaning. Include "Jesus Loves Me" in your collection of lullabies.
Teaching God's Word can be as simple as leaving your child an encouraging Bible verse on the bathroom
mirror with dry-erase marker, or as tender as placing a verse that addresses his or her specific needs on a pillow.
Begin each morning with a statement of praise: "Look at the beautiful day God made."
Time spent riding in a car can afford great opportunities to talk about the things of God. Point out the beauty of
creation as you drive: the frosty blankets of grass, the first tulips pushing up through the mud, the autumn leaves
bursting with color. When you pass an ethnic restaurant, pray aloud for missionaries and the unsaved in that
culture. When you hear a police, fire or ambulance siren, pray for the workers and those involved in the
accident or crime. When you pass a school, pray for the teachers and the children who attend
there. And when hurrying through the drive-through, be sure to bless those kids’ meals too.
Model godly behavior for your child at his or her sports events. Encourage your child to play as
though playing for God, and to pray for coaches and teammates. Ultimately the goal is for your
child to see God in action in every facet of life — and to live for Him.
Use meal times to encourage spiritual discussions. Choose a child-friendly devotional for dinner devotions a few
times per week. Guide them in praying for others and for themselves. Pray that God would present them with a
need that they can help with and that He would make clear how their gifts and abilities could best serve Him.
As your children grow, you might read aloud a chapter of Psalms or Proverbs that correspond with that date.
The range of emotions in the Psalms reminds us that God is open to hearing about and working in everything
we might feel. The time-tested wisdom of Proverbs is always relevant to our daily lives.
Bedtime is a great time for hearing your child's heart and their questions and ideas about God. Listen well. Pray
with them. As you tuck them in and turn out the light, remind them of the certainty of God's presence, even
when you are not with them.
Training a child in God's way is no small task. It is an awesome, humbling responsibility. But God promises that
His Word does not return to us void. It won't to our children either. So take advantage of the opportunities every
day to impress God's truth on some very teachable hearts — yours included.
Are you looking for a simple, memorable, and meaningful meal prayer? How about this “Table Prayer” from
Crossways International:
Lord, we thank You for the food before us,
the family and friends beside us,
the love between us,
and Your presence among us. Amen
11
Stewardship Thought
What is your specific calling?
Few people spoke to James Bond
with more exasperation than his
quartermaster Q. The recurring
scenes were part of the 007
magic. Having been given his
orders by M, the head of the
British secret service, Bond then
reported to Q to receive the
gizmos, gadgets and guns
necessary to accomplish the
mission. Bond's casual disrespect
for Q created playful tension
between the two and provoked
Q's frustrated calls to "Pay
attention, Double-O-Seven!"
This pattern evident within her
Majesty's Secret Service actually
fits nicely with what the Bible says
about the role of leaders in the
church. While the popular model
of ministry today views pastors
more like M, the organizational
chief who determines the agents'
missions, the New Testament
presents a model of church
leadership that looks more like Q.
To reach a new generation, we
must affirm not just God's general
mission, but people's specific
callings. Then we train and equip
them for the role God assigns.
Mail - Web - Email
We have come a long way from
hand crank mimeograph
machines when it comes to
publishing church newsletters!
Beautiful Savior’s
Connections has been
printed with a color copier
for a couple years. But with
such a variety of ways to
receive information today I am
wondering just how our members
would prefer getting their
information about the activities
and ministries at Beautiful Savior.
The Connections newsletter is
always available online at our
website, www.bslcomaha.org
and, obviously you receive one
in your mailbox. We also
have the capability to
email the Connections to
you. During April there
will be a form in your
bulletin and also
available on the tables in the
back of the Worship Center which
you can use to let me know how
YOU wish to receive information
about the activities and ministries
in your congregation. This is also a
matter of stewardship since we
will be saving paper and postage
for all those who choose email or
going to the website themselves.
Thank you for your consideration.
I look at making these changes
for the May Connections.
Lynne Saathoff
Al l Lad ies Inv i ted
The 35th Biennial LWML Convention is set for June 27-30, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Come for a weekend
filled with excitement and inspiration. The theme chosen for the convention is “Quenched! By the Water,”
based on John 4:16 where Jesus says, “...but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be
thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water
welling up to eternal life.” A special worship service has been designed. For more
information on convention activities visit the LWML website at
www.lwml.org/conventions.
Ladies, you are also invited to Beautiful Savior’s LWML meeting on Thursday, April 18
at 6:45 p.m. at the Grover Site. Come and see what International Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and
our local LWML is all about. Come for fellowship and inspiration. We would love to share our friendship and
interest in missions with you! Also - remember the LWML recycles your devotional booklets. Bring them to
Conference Room 215 and put them on the LWML shelf. Thanks!
12
Teaching Position Available
Concordia Jr/Sr High School is currentlyaccepting applications for a part-timeMath teacher. Qualified individuals mustpossess a current Nebraska teachingcertificate. If you are interested pleasecontact the principal, Matt Korte, byphone (402.445.4000) [email protected]. Pleasesend resume to Mr. Matt Korte, Principal,Concordia Jr/Sr High, 15656 Fort, Omaha,NE 68116. A great opportunity to teach ina Christ-centered setting.
Spring Crafters Event
Mt. Calvary Lutheran School is hosting thisevent for all who might need to get “caughtup” on scrapbooking, quilting, sewingprojects, or whatever kinds of crafts youenjoy. It will be Saturday, April 20 from 9:00a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The $35 cost includes alarge table/workspace, breakfast, lunch,supper, snacks and drinks. We will also havea silent auction, several craft vendors, and acrafters’ “Garage Sale.” Please contactTeresa Czarnecki for more information at402-960-5810 or [email protected]. Space islimited! Hope to see you for a fun day!!
Mark your calendars for Beautiful Savior’s La Vista Site VBS which will be June 24-28,
2013. Kids will learn to STAND STRONG for God through medieval adventures all week
long.
This year we will be offering two sessions. The first session will be as usual in the morning
from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. We will be offering a separate session in the evenings from 6:00-
8:30 p.m. Our evening session will be more geared toward families attending VBS
together. Watch for more information and registration coming soon.
Men. Mission. Movement.
Basecamp 2013 is an invitation to all men, ages 13 and older who are part of a congregation in the Nebraska
or Iowa District West LCMS. The event is sponsored by the Iowa District West and Band of Brothers Network of
King of Kings, Omaha. Basecamp 2013 is set for Friday night and all day Saturday – August 23 & 24 at Mission
Central near Mapleton, Iowa.
The focus will be for men to hear, see and experience:
Missional Living – leading their wives, families, churches, neighborhoods and communities as bold men of Jesus.
Missional Giving – hearing about and responding to the mission opportunities offered by Mission Central
Missional Serving – taking on a service project for a few hours at Mission Central or in Mapleton
The Basics:
Tent camping on the grounds of Mission Central Friday night (bring your own tent & camping supplies
Breakfast and lunch (for a small fee) will be provided on Saturday
There will be teaching sessions and worship time Friday evening and Saturday
Missionaries Josh Lange and Shaun Daughtery will be at the event on Friday and Saturday
We will be praying for and financially supporting Josh and the Daughtery family on Saturday.
More information, including registration information will be available soon on the website,
http://bandofbrothersusa.net/basecamp-2013/.
13
Want To Make A Change?
Learning to Embrace These 17 Little “I Am’s” Will Change Your Life
I Am A Follower Of Christ
I Am Created For A Purpose
I Am More Than A Conqueror
I Am Held Accountable For My Actions
I Am Defined By What God Thinks Of Me And Not What People Think
I Am Called To Love And Make A Difference In The Lives Of Others
I Am Characterized By The Potential and Not My Past
I Am Writing My Testimony
I Am A Work In Progress
I Am Forgiven and Free
I Am A Lender And Not A Borrower
I Am Fearfully And Wonderfully Made
I Am Chosen
I Am Destined
I Am A Masterpiece – I Am The Master’s Piece
I Am Born To Manifest The Glory Of God Within Me
I Am What I Am – By The Grace Of God
Concord ia Fun Run
Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha will host a 5K and a 1 mile fun run/walk on Saturday, April 27, 2013, at
Standing Bear Lake. Starting time is 8:00 a.m. for the 5K immediately followed by the 1 mile. Funds raised will
benefit the mission of Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha. The 1 mile event is $25 and the 5K event is $30
(plus registration fee). For more information or to register go to www.concordiaomaha.org. Click on the 5K
tab. This event will replace the Plant Sale this year.
14
April Wedding Anniversaries
4/3 Lucas & Aimee Berndt, Harold & Karen Knapp; 4/5 David & Teri Lee, Tim & Darlis Vauble; 4/7 Ellen & Doug
Rowland; 4/8 Curt & Kelly Hiatt; 4/9 Brianne & Beau Linn; 4/10 Nick & Amy Beard, Jim & Lorrie Cobb, Kyle & Melissa
Frans, Matt & Christy Shuput; 4/12 Gary & Teri Cissell, Michelle & Mark Rule, Joseph & Donna Seefeld, Jonathan &
Cheryl Simmons, Don & Linda Winters; 4/13 Michael & Jane Valerius; 4/14 Kenneth & Carol Deman, Matthew &
Johanna Valerius; 4/15 Kevin & Irene Schubert; 4/16 Chad & Renae Congrove; 4/17 Robin & Ken Arens, Kevin &
Denise Klein, John & Heidi Mogensen, Matthew & Stacy Nash, Chad & Cheryl Wallace; 4/18 Andrew & Amy Feaser,
Tom & Vivian Schirmer, Marv & Gayle Vala; 4/20 Jerry & Jeanie Shank, Scott & Chris Wollberg; 4/21 Bart & Anna
Jesseritz; 4/23 Mike & Kathy McKenney; 4/24 Michelle & Jshon Breeling, Brandon & Jamie Draper, Marcia & Tom
Schrad, Steven & Mary Wisnieski; 4/25 Bill & Carol Jensen, Wendell & Monica Stavig; 4/26 J.D. & Teri Cook, Ken &
Debra Marek, David & Catherine Rafteseth; 4/27 Bruce & Tammy Argotsinger, Darci & Dallas Hoogeveen, Scott &
Mandy Kincaid, Pat & Kari Wilson; 4/28 Ron & Faye Miller; 4/29 C. John & Lauren Balleweg, Lorie & Shawn Hubbard,
Paul & Susan Schiltz, Steven & Christine Slezak; 4/30 Joe & Paula Kresl, Mark & Wendy Milne.
April BirthdaysADULTS: 4/1 Kyle DeBusk, Jean Harder, April Lingerfelt; 4/2 Karen Beckman, Jim Durant; 4/3 Janet Baumgart, Melvin
Doerr, Tracy Durant, Lisa Jungbluth, Julie Korte, Linda Winters; 4/4 Linsey Herbolsheimer, Frank Holmes, Matthew
Valerius, Kelly Voelker, Valarie Warner; 4/5 Rhonda Byers, Jeanne Klinker, Frederick Leu, Mark Mellick, Zev Rohloff,
Josh Sillik; 4/6 Dana Crumley, Bill Jensen, Scott Oswald; 4/7 Clarice Baumgart, Eileen Krenz, Susan Lewis, Mitch
Munstermann, Devon Reick, Robin Thoms; 4/8 Mabel Aiken, Lisa Green, Fred Mahler, Kaitlyn Negless, Katie Watkins;
4/9 John Dulany, Michael Foresman, Melissa Kucera; 4/10 Jason Freidrichs, Connie Jacobitz, Shelly Kosiski; 4/11 Ray
Ashby, Lindsay Byers, Jessica Loontjer, Gina Marchio, Ronald Pigg, Shelby Rauscher, Alan Wellman; 4/12 Hali Allen,
Kathryn Bertrang, Kurth Brashear, Anna Cole, Zach Johnson, Fern Metz, Chad Wallace; 4/13 Kathe Downs, Matthew
Nash, Jay Srygley; 4/14 Dave Brinkman, Judy Flynn, Pam Glidewell, Carol Munstermann; 4/15 Corky Luedders, Nancy
Miser, Ross Passmore, Brian Sorensen, Paul Steube, Cathy Van Winkle, Sami Winter; 4/16 Chris Jamrock, Rebecca
Pflug, Aric Wenzel; 4/17 Don Daubert, Kevin Loontjer, Lee Petersen; 4/18 Gloria Dubas, Candas Marsicek; 4/19 Cindy
Boex, Katie Boyd, Andrew Feaser, Sandra Gaube, Justin Michaelson, Michael Paukert, David Rafteseth, Nancy Ries,
Larry Vidlak; 4/20 Scott Glidewell, Steven Odom, Patrick Rezac, Vicki Schroder, Jason Toth, Rachel White; 4/21 Meg
Hall; 4/22 Tim Reick, Pam Root, Lynne Saathoff; 4/23 Kelsey Kirkpatrick, Bill Koehler, Mark Schmidt, Randy Zotti; 4/24
Loreen Blume, Noreen Jungbluth, Milisa Riley; 4/25 Michelle Adams, Annie Mconaughey, Heather Nelson; 4/26 Erin
Byers, Tom Guernsey, Gail Hawkins, Vicki Hoover, Bill Janssen, Brittany Jones, Scott Vesely, Nick Wessel; 4/27 Kim
Fitch, Jeff Schroder; 4/28 Jalene Eberhardt, Rita Landmark, Vernette Passmore, Katie Sievers, Marilyn Slezak; 4/29
Dan Bombeck, Kathy Bruner, Jeffrey Caccomo, Judy Edwards, Lana Politano, Pam Priebe; 4/30 Carla Zak.
TEENS: 4/2 Jaret Bray; 4/3 Drew Lainson; 4/6 Garrett Graveline, Heath Whiting; 4/7 Marci Stavig, Drew Welsh; 4/11
Alex Schubert; 4/12 Timothy Isenberger; 4/14 Caroline Engwell, Brooke Pafford; 4/15 Sutton Boex; 4/17 Eric Vander
Woude; 4/18 Kelsey Hansen, Blythe McKain; 4/19 Brennan Askew; 4/22 Clara Hawkins, C.J. Toth; 4/23 Cydnie
Argotsinger, Jaymie Argotsinger; 4/25 Dylan Dean; 4/26 Randy Headrick, Olivia Keilig, Morgan Smith; 4/27 Makenzie
Cartwright; 4/28 Emma Latimer; 4/30 Kori Breeling.
CHILDREN: 4/1 Scotlyn Kincaid, Rylee Loontjer; 4/2 Carter Bombeck, Jaelynn Bremer, Lauren Langenfeld, Kaitlyn
Vander Woude; 4/3 Luke Downs, Christian Newsom, Allison Wilson; 4/7 Abby Matthew; 4/8 Mallory Berndt, Tyse Brink;
4/9 Trey Potthoff, Holden Schardt, Evan Wessel; 4/12 Emmett Meyer, Andrew Schmidt; 4/13 Alaina Conn, Tyler Cox,
Trevor Cox; 4/14 Cole Drumheller, Aubriana Garcia; 4/15 Lexi Arians, Sophia Rafteseth; 4/16 Jolene Henry; 4/17
Sophia Srygley; 4/18 Evan Benton, Hailey Kempfert; 4/19 Landon Christensen; 4/20 Estelle Schaap; 4/21 Jackson
Sheldon; 4/22 Claire Drog, Sarah Flaugh, Cora Vander Woude; 4/23 Emma DeWitt; 4/24 Isabelle Bertrang; 4/25
Alyssa Anderson, Keagen Burns, Kohen Burns, Vivian Jacobitz; 4/29 Ainsley Stolley.
15
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church
7706 S 96th Street
La Vista NE 68128April
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Our Mission Statement
Empowered by the Holy Spirit the members of Beautiful Savior will:Reach people for ChristGlorify the Savior through worshipConnect them with believersGuide them to Christ-like maturityEquip them for a life of service
Non Profit Org.US Postage
PAIDOmaha, NEPermit #618