messiah lutheran church information guide sunday, march 1 ...€¦ · anyone in their 30s or 40s,...

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Messiah Lutheran Church Information Guide Sunday, March 1, 2020 Messiah Lutheran Church *1801 W. Plano Pkwy. * Plano, TX * 972-398-7500 Rev. Dr. Victor J. Kollmann, Senior Pastor GROUP LEADER(S) TOPIC LOCATION Adults Pastor Kollmann The Gospel of Mark Gymnasium The Upper Room Pastor Otte The Gospel of John: Witnessing to a Post Christian Culture E215S Focus Steve Sokolyk Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy E237N Ask Anything Toby and Rachel Meeks Changes weekly E214S Growing Marriages in Christ (GMC) Megan Krizan 1, 2, 3 John E110S Conf. Rm. Mosaics Melinda Kellerman and Alexis Maldonado God’s Influence on Daily Life E220S Meet Messiah Joan Konkel & Cathy Dalton Campus Tours Guest Desk Bible Class Opportunities THE GOSPEL OF MARK-A verse by verse study of the basic teachings of Jesus. THE UPPER ROOM—is a lively, discussion based class. Thoughts, ideas and wisdom are shared each week. We are very pleased to share The Upper Room Bible Study via Podcast. Subscribe today at: messiahlutheranpodcast.com/subscribe FOCUS—is a small group that goes through the Bible one book, one chapter, one verse at a time. Our mission is to lead a comprehensive understanding of the Word of God. ASK ANYTHING-this class centers around a box where you can submit your questions about anything! Each week we use the Bible to find biblically based answers to all of our questions. GMCEveryone is quite familiar with the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation, but the letters also written by the apostle John are often overlooked. We are looking closely at the divinely inspired epistles of John and cover topics including Christ’s divine nature, our love for one another, and avoiding those who teach false doctrine. MOSAICS-Messiah Mosaics is a class geared at anyone in their 30s or 40s, married or single. This is a discussion based class that examines how God's Word influences our daily walk with Christ. MEET MESSIAH-If you would like to know about Messiah, meet at the Guest Information Desk at 9:30am. A few of our members will take you on a tour of our campus and answer questions you may have about our church. Maps to the Education Building can be found at the Guest Information Desk in the Lobby.

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Page 1: Messiah Lutheran Church Information Guide Sunday, March 1 ...€¦ · anyone in their 30s or 40s, married or single. This is a discussion based class that examines how God's Word

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Messiah Lutheran Church Information Guide Sunday, March 1, 2020

Messiah Lutheran Church *1801 W. Plano Pkwy. * Plano, TX * 972-398-7500 Rev. Dr. Victor J. Kollmann, Senior Pastor

GROUP LEADER(S) TOPIC LOCATION

Adults Pastor Kollmann The Gospel of Mark Gymnasium

The Upper Room Pastor Otte The Gospel of John: Witnessing to a Post Christian Culture

E215S

Focus Steve Sokolyk Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

E237N

Ask Anything Toby and Rachel Meeks Changes weekly E214S

Growing Marriages in Christ (GMC)

Megan Krizan 1, 2, 3 John E110S Conf. Rm.

Mosaics Melinda Kellerman and Alexis Maldonado

God’s Influence on Daily Life E220S

Meet Messiah Joan Konkel & Cathy Dalton Campus Tours Guest Desk

Bible Class Opportunities

THE GOSPEL OF MARK-A verse by verse study of the basic teachings of Jesus. THE UPPER ROOM—is a lively, discussion based class. Thoughts, ideas and wisdom are shared each week. We are very pleased to share The Upper Room Bible Study via Podcast. Subscribe today at: messiahlutheranpodcast.com/subscribe FOCUS—is a small group that goes through the Bible one book, one chapter, one verse at a time. Our mission is to lead a comprehensive understanding of the Word of God. ASK ANYTHING-this class centers around a box where you can submit your questions about anything! Each week we use the Bible to find biblically based answers to all of our questions.

GMC– Everyone is quite familiar with the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation, but the letters also written by the apostle John are often overlooked. We are looking closely at the divinely inspired epistles of John and cover topics including Christ’s divine nature, our love for one another, and avoiding those who teach false doctrine. MOSAICS-Messiah Mosaics is a class geared at anyone in their 30s or 40s, married or single. This is a discussion based class that examines how God's Word influences our daily walk with Christ. MEET MESSIAH-If you would like to know about Messiah, meet at the Guest Information Desk at 9:30am. A few of our members will take you on a tour of our campus and answer questions you may have about our church.

Maps to the Education Building can be found at the Guest Information Desk in the Lobby.

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Sunday School Opportunities

Youth Sunday School Openings: Grades 5-12 in Youth Room (E213S)

Messiah Lambs Early Childhood Center Amy Myers, Director

[email protected]/ 972-398-7560.

Messiah Lambs offers a nurturing, Christ filled learning environment for children who are 6 weeks old through 4 year old preschool. Registration is currently open for the new year. Please contact the Lambs office at 972-398-7560 to schedule a tour of our program and see what we have to offer.

Class/Grade Room Teachers 2 years E131N Mary Hooper, Meredith Beber

3 years/4 years E137N Sandra Murcott, Kari Beyer, Barbara McCoy

Kindergarten E133N Dawn Johnson, Dylan Dunlop

First/Second Grade E111S Steve Livingston,

Third Grade E113S Dianne Kiehne, Michelle Nelson

Fourth Grade E135N Chris Price, Autumn Glass

Fifth Grade E246N Katy Moyer, Adrienne McGregor Sixth Grade E244N Matt Lee, Rose Babbitt

Seventh Grade E242N Rev. Donald Welmer, Sara Vogler

Eighth Grade E214S Kumiko Dano, Michael Neumann, Dana Terry

Ninth-Twelfth Grade Youth Rm. Jodi Sorenson, Barb Coen, and Elizabeth Ledford

SUNDAY NURSERY-An attended nursery for infants until walking steadily is in the Education Building, E123N. Care for steady walkers through age 3 is in room E125N. Caregivers available from 8:00am – 12:15pm. We also have a cry room located at the back of the Sanctuary.

Thanks to all of you who supported the Lambs school by

purchasing Butter braid pastries! Orders can be picked up in the school office on Wednesday, March 4.

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JOYFUL! (Join Other Young Families Uplifting the Lord) New Bible Study group for families with young children. We meet the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 3:30-5:30pm in Messiah’s Conference Room. Join us for a potluck meal and fellowship. Please feed your kiddo(s) prior to arrival. Childcare is provided! For more information, please contact leaders: Josh and Courtney Hamit, 214-507-9624, [email protected].

PASTOR KOLLMANN’S TUESDAY MORNING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY meets on Tuesdays from 9:30AM-11:00AM in the Conference Room. This class is going through the Lifelight study on the Gospel of Matthew.

PASTOR WELMER’S WEDNESDAY MEN'S LUNCH AND BIBLE STUDY-You are invited to join this weekly study on Wednesdays as they study the book of Acts. Through the study they will discover the journey the Apostles embarked on to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to all people they encountered.

Mid-Week Bible Study Opportunities

WOMEN’S THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY GROUP~9:30-11am. “What Matters Most-A Study of Philippians.” The world has always been full of trials, disappointments, temptations, fractured friendships, and financial hardships. Yet Paul’s letter to the Philippians claims we can discover contentment and joy in the midst of it all by prioritizing what matters most—Christ. Karrie Looney is facilitating this series. The cost for the class is $15. To reserve your study, e-mail [email protected]. We meet in Room E247N on the 2nd floor, down the back hallway. Free baby-sitting is offered with advanced notice to Amy Plenger, [email protected].

ATTENTION ALL SINGLES- On the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, the Singles Group will meet in room E218S, and then go to Jason’s Deli. To sign up or for more information, please contact Johanna Wise through e-mail: [email protected].

Pastor Kollmann’s next Adult Information Class will begin on Monday, March 2nd, from 7:00-8:30 pm. If you are interested in attending, please contact the Church Office, 972-398-7500. Notify us of any baby-sitting needs as well.

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General Announcements & Fellowship Opportunities

TODAY is the only Absolute Beginner Sunday Lessons for March from 12:15-1:15. Then, those interested will review dances taught on Tuesdays. If you want to learn the basics of line dancing in absolute beginner fashion, we hope you’ll come. This is for all boys and girls, men and women of all ages. Snacks and bottled water are provided. Our next lesson will be on April 5th.

FREE TUESDAY LINE DANCE LESSONS AT MESSIAH: Professional Line Dance instructors from the metroplex will be here EVERY Tuesday to teach line dance from 6:00-8:15pm in the first floor Multi-Purpose room. Beginner lessons from 6-7pm and Intermediate lessons from 7:15-8pm. For all adults. Questions? E-mail Ellen Thorne, [email protected].

March 8, 2020 - We will meet at 12:30 after second service for a potluck lunch and we will put together and box up the donated items for Lutheran World Relief. March 22, 2020 - LWML Bake and Craft Sale - come shop before and after our worship services in the Reception

room next to the Gift Shop. All proceeds from this sale go to mission groups in our community and help us with the expense of Lutheran World Relief projects.

MARCH 28, 2020, 9:30 AM, Chapel (lunch to follow in the Gymnasium)-A SPECIAL WOMEN'S EVENT FEATURING DONNA PYLE, "Perseverance: Praying Through Life's Challenges". Donna is an author, a blogger, and a speaker who attends Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas. She is on the Board of Directors of Camp Lone Star and volunteers for Love 146, which seeks to end child trafficking and exploitation. You can check out her videos on YouTube and her books on the Concordia Publishing website. The cost for the event is $10 to cover snacks and lunch. We do need a head count so please sign up in advance at the LWML table or with one of our members. There will be an "ingathering" of money and items for Triton's Comfort Dog Ministry at the event.

Interes ted in learning more about what's involved in s etting up for C ommunion? Beginning TO DAY, and continuing through the S undays in March, Altar Ministry volunteers will be available between services to answer questions. Please visit the table located in the area next to the G ift shop.

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TRITON COMFORT DOG IS TURNING 3! Team Triton would like to invite the congregation to celebrate Triton’s 3rd birthday (March 16th) on Sunday, March 15th. There will be sweet treats and giveaways in the Reception room after early service and before and after late service, so please come in and say hi to Triton and give him a birthday hug! This will also be an opportunity for anyone who would like to learn more about this ministry and possibly join the team. We will also have coloring sheets located at the Guest Information desk in the weeks leading up to the event for our young friends to color and turn in so we can display them on March 15th.

Dining Out Club Thursday, March 12, 2020, at 7 p.m.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill 7205 N. Central Expressway

Plano, Texas 75025 Sign up in Pastor Kollmann’s Bible Class,

at the Information Center, or call John or Kathy Douglas

The Living Last Supper

This year’s Easter Cantata is a revival of a favorite past show. We will have more speaking parts than previous shows so we need lots and lots of excited actors.

Rehearsal Schedule Tue Mar. 3rd—7pm-8:30pm—Lights, Sound, Media Training Tue Mar. 10th —7pm-8:30pm—Actors Blocking Rehearsal Tue Mar. 17th—7pm-9:30pm—Rehearsal Tue Mar. 24th —7pm-9:30pm—Rehearsal Tue Mar. 31st—7pm-9:30pm—Dress Rehearsal Thu Apr. 2nd—7pm-9:30pm—Final Dress Rehearsal Sun Apr. 5th—10am-12pm —Palm Sunday Cantata Fri Apr. 10th— 6pm-8pm —Good Friday Cantata

Childcare is available! Remember, it just takes a small amount of faith and effort on our part for God to do BIG THINGS. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Contact Info- Toby Meeks—Director of Arts Ministries, [email protected] Dorothy Sherrod—Minister of Music, [email protected]

THE CHOSEN WATCH PARTY DATE CHANGE: Our next watch party for Episodes 5-6 is on Friday, March 20th, at 7pm in the 2nd Floor Multi-Purpose Room. We will meet for dinner at Eddy’s at 5:30pm.. To sign up for dinner and/or watch party please e-mail Ellen, [email protected].

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Children & Youth News Amy Plenger-972-398-7524 or [email protected]

Elizabeth Ledford-972-398-7509 or [email protected]

FAMILY LENT SERIES continues each Wednesday at 6:00pm in the Chapel through March 25th. The theme is Star Words, where we will explore True Hope through some of the most important words in

any galaxyOn Ash Wednesday we reflected on SIN. This week our focus is LOVE.

CELEBRATE A CHRISTIAN PASSOVER this Easter season! Rather than the traditional egg hunt, bring your family and invite your friends to explore the even older tradi-

tion of the Seder meal. Passover begins in the middle of Holy Week, the day before Maundy Thursday. Our large group Christian Seder meal will be Wednesday, April 1st. Families

will take home material to plan their own Seder at home. Talk to Amy to be part of the prep and planning team.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL dates are set for 2020! June 22nd – 26th from 9am to noon each day. The closing celebration will be Sunday, June 28th at the 11am worship. Volunteer applications will be accepted beginning April 1st.

Participant registration will begin on Easter Sunday, April 12th.

MYM Talent Show Tonight! 5-12 graders are invited to hang out in the couch room tonight, 5 to 7:30 PM. We will hang out, eat dinner, see some amazing talents, and learn about how God uses our gifts!

JAM – 5th-8th graders are invited to JAM, our weekly junior high Bible study! JAM is Wednesday nights from 6:45 to 7:45 PM in room E247N, which is the same room that 8th graders have been using for Sunday School. MESH – High School students are invited to hang out in the couch room from 7 to 8:30 on Wednesday for our weekly Bible study! See you there!

Junior High Internet Safety Night – This event will take place Friday, March 6, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the couch room. This is an opportunity for both parents and Junior High students (5th-8th grade) to ask questions and learn about internet safety. Rich Shelton, a local speaker who has worked with our junior high and high school ministries many times, will talk to both students and parents separately regarding this important topic. Email Vicar Lee at: [email protected] if you have any questions regarding this event, including the topics that will be discussed, and he will be glad to answer them. Also, please RSVP by emailing. Bake Sale Fundraiser – We will have our Bake Sale Fundraiser on Sunday, March 8. Students are encouraged to help with the fundraiser to earn discounts on trips/events. If you would like to donate something to the bake sale, please email Elizabeth.

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MLL is a celebration of the many talents of Messiah Lutheran Church What: Talent show featuring MLC members When: March 14th at 7pm Where: The Multipurpose Room Admission: FREE - Cake and Coffee available If you would like to perform or volunteer, contact Toby Meeks at [email protected]

MESSIAH LUTHERAN

Confirmation Dates: Please mark your calendar with the following dates associated with Confirmation: March 29 – 7th Grade Confirmation Meeting #1 April 5 – 5th Grade Confirmation Meeting April 19 – 6th Grade Confirmation Meeting April 26 – 7th Grade Confirmation Meeting #2 May 20 – Junior Counselor Confirmation Camp Training June 1-4 – Confirmation Camp June 6 – Confirmation Rehearsal June 7 – Confirmation Sunday

Remind App - Elizabeth recently set up a group called “Messiah Youth Min – High School” on the Remind app. This is a great way for Elizabeth to stay in touch with you and get you information about upcoming events! Please take a second (both parents/guardians and students!) to follow this link that was emailed out and sign up to receive notifications. Elizabeth is trying to transition to this rather than large group texts, so if you would like to stay informed in a simple way, please take a look.

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“Having Fun Serving the Lord in the Prime of Life”

THE PRIMETIMERS DAYTRIPPERS will be going to the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison on Thursday, March 19th, at 10:30. We need to meet at the museum’s entrance and sign in by 10:15. The tour will last approximately 1 ¼ hours. The tour includes four buildings, an art gallery, and more. The cost is $6.00 per person and is payable at sign up. All checks must be received by March 12th for a final count to Cavanaugh’s. After the tour, we will be going to Antonio Ristorante in Addison for lunch. There will be a sign-up sheet and payment jar at the PrimeTimers Table outside the Gift shop. Any questions, please call Ken or Rosann Hoekendorf at 224-256-8449 For directions visit: www.antonioristorante.com or www.cavflight.org

The PrimeTimers Daytrippers will be going

to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights

Museum on Thursday, April 30. We will be

riding a bus to the museum so we will need

to meet at Messiah Lutheran at 8:15 a.m.

with a departure at 8:30 a.m. and arrive at

the museum at 9:00 a.m. There will be a

self-guided tour of the Permanent and

Special Exhibitions and then a film

presentation in their Cinemark Theater.

At 12:30 we will leave for lunch at a

close-by restaurant. After lunch we will

board the bus to return to Messiah. The

cost for the trip will be $27.00 per person

(excluding lunch) and is payable at signup.

For questions, call or text Kathy Ozlowski-

Hicks at 972-235-8577. This is a world-

class museum which opened last Fall. You

will not want to miss this opportunity.

The Primetimers will support the THIRD THURSDAY MINISTRY.

Reaching out in our community to support individuals

at the Day Labor Center, Plano Thursday, March 19th, 8:45 am

Day Labor Center, Plano, TX Breakfast to follow at 9:15 am

Poor Richard’s Cafe 2442 K Ave, Plano, TX

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Messiah Serves: Our Social Ministries and Outreach Dawn Johnson – 972-948-8966 – [email protected]

If you would like more information about our Social Ministries & Outreach programs or Lutherans for Life and the opportunities we have to Share God’s Light, I can be reached at (972) 948-8966, or

[email protected] .

DOG AND CAT SUPPLY DONATION DRIVE BENEFITTING Operation Kindness - North Texas' Leading No-Kill Animal Shelter

MARCH 1ST – APRIL 12TH

Donation boxes will be at the Social Ministries & Outreach table across from the gift shop and in the collection area next to the Family Room in the Chapel building.

Please contact Will Tobaben, a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and student at Prince of Peace Christian School at [email protected] with questions. Additional information about Operation Kindness can be found at https://www.operationkindness.org/. Thank you so much for your help! Collecting the following items:

✓ Clear clipboards

✓ Clorox wipes

✓ Canned chicken

✓ Canned tuna

✓ Fancy Feast broth

✓ Cesar’s dog food

✓ Meat flavored baby food

✓ Towels

✓ Small dog beds

✓ Harnesses (all sizes)

✓ Paper towels

✓ Black Sharpies

✓ Dry erase markers

✓ Clumping cat litter

is an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. Plano Vigil Location ~ Spring 2020 | Feb 26 - Apr 5 Public right-of-way outside Planned Parenthood 600 North Central Expressway Plano, TX Note: Park at 500 N Central Expressway Leader Contact: Christopher Towne, [email protected]

Our Mitzi Milk Fund Service Project is just around the corner! Those who haven’t met Mitzi yet, she is an almost life-sized calf with a plastic bottle for a tummy to collect donations on behalf of the NETWORK of Community Ministries to

help raise funds for fresh milk.

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Karen, struggling with IDA, struggle with medical test results. (Armin Bernhardt) Kathy Koeneman, scheduled to have ear surgery 3/6 to remove cholesteatoma; pray for minimal hearing loss if any; for me to trust in and feel God’s care and love. This is the condition in my other ear that caused my hearing loss. We caught it much earlier this time. Linda Thompson, (wife), having shoulder replacement surgery on 3/3, please pray for successful surgery and swift and total recover. (Pat Thompson) Natalie & Brenham Carpenter, (daughter & grandson), God’s healing hand. (Deby Redle) Laura Steiss Ericson, (daughter of Don and Donna Steiss), at the death of her husband in a car accident, thirty-one years old with a one-year old child. (Jim & Joan Nilmeier) Janet Mack, (friend), in Hospice care, please pray for comfort and peace as she prepares for her journey to meet our Lord. Her battle with cancer will end soon. (Linda Sawyers) Patric Carlove EDLS Board, as he considers accepting Executive Director position at Dallas Lutheran School. (Wondoloski) Help build my business so I can support my family. (Larissa Reeh) Thanksgiving for the successful procedure on my heart. (Kathy & Richard Edwards) Mary, (sister), may God show her how to let her family be independent. (anonymous) Thank you. (Linda Malone) Bill Brock, (husband), for God to heal Bill from flu issues and restore him to great health. (Sandra Brock) Help us to make the right decisions in our life. (Norma R. Hernandez) Barbara Marin, (sister), for her back surgery. (Marge & Gretchen Grogg) Dunlop Family, for health and healing. (Eva & Emmitt Dunlop.

Shannon & Joyce (friends of Carl Kalbfleisch)-Recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Prayers for quick and complete healing. I pray for my sister, Amelia, that she will love God again and forgive our family for whatever hurt her heart. (Meredith Beber) Russ, (brother), hospitalized this week for heart tests and procedure to implant a more powerful pacemaker. May he feel better every day. (Rex & Liz Beetley) Mark & Megan Swanson, (our son & his wife), strength and wisdom as first time parents to newly born Madelyn Grace Swanson. Sleep. (Les & Ruthann Swanson) Rich Boynton, (Jeff’s brother-in-law), for peace as he lives his last days on earth. Prayers of comfort, strength and peace for his family. (Robin Moran) Courtney Sloan, (daughter), for healing from the symptoms she is still having from her concussion 9/19. (Lori Sloan) Ellie Fitzpatrick, (wife), continued healing and relief from pain. (John Fitzpatrick) Christa Nelson, (sister of Edward), for her as she continued her cancer treatment. (Michelle Nelson) Carol Clem, (prayer partner), that God will bestow blessings of good health and well being to her. (Jerry & Jane Baedke) Delve Labron, (friend), for good health and happiness. (Steven Slagel) Pray to abolish abortion in Texas and all the U.S.A. Pray SB13 gets hearing in Oklahoma senate this week. (Carl Kalbfleisch) RECOVERY: For Healing-Chris Andersen, Henry Burnett, JD and Bruce Danielson, Sherry Devlin, Richard Edwards, Ellie Fitzpatrick, Burr Fridge, Ken Gable, Jim and Vonda Henderson, Jim Hickerson, Karen James, Beverly Loughridge, Gary Mahaffey, Dan Medina, Julie Netherton, John Rigg, Nancy Roser, Alan Schroeter, Tiffany Schuster, and Joy Rae ZumMallen. Sandra Brock-knee, Den Hiser-heart, Kim Burwinkel-pelvis,

Kay Ross-elbow, and Sandra Ward-back.

Pray for One Another This Week

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SHUT-INS: Michael & Barbara Albert, Jim and Marge Anderson, Carol Avellanet, Jan Bender, Jane Collins, Marian Collins, Peggy Embler, John Fey, Rosella Frank, Kathleen Haarberg, Stu & Kris Johnson, Dorothy Koeneman,

Karen Krejci, Jerry Krontz, Betty Ladishew, Tom & Jean McCutcheon, Ann Murphy, Jean Osburn, Ricky Switzer, and Ron Ward.

THE SEASON OF LENT

The Lenten Season may not be the longest season in the Church Year, but it is certainly one of the most important seasons. It is a time for spiritual preparation through repentance of our sins and growth in our faith for Easter. It is the time of the Church

Year when the suffering and death of our Savior come into focus. It begins with a special day of repentance, Ash Wednesday, and ends in the depth of sorrow and tragedy on Good Friday. The name of the season, Lent, does not reflect the mood or message of Lent. It is an Anglo-Saxon word, "Lencten" or "Lenchthen," which means the lengthening of the days as spring appears.

THE DATE OF LENT Lent begins 46 days before Easter, in spite of the fact that Lent is a season of 40 days. This is due to the fact that Sundays are not a part of Lent. When Lent begins depends upon the date of Easter. In 325 A.D. the Christian Church decided that Easter would fall on the first Sunday after the full moon which occurs on or after March 21. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. The name "Ash Wednesday" was given by Pope Urban II in 1099. Prior to this, the first day of Lent was known as "Beginning of the Fast." This day was set aside as a special day of repentance and as the opening of a season of repentance. "Ash" symbolized the repentance that was called for. Priests had the custom of sprinkling ashes on the heads of the faithful as they said, "Remember that thou art dust and to dust thou shalt return." The ashes came from the burned palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. To this day members of many Christian denominations receive a sign of the cross on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday. "Shrove" referred to the shriving or cleansing of one's sins by going to confession on this day. On the other hand, it was a day of feasting and carnival. The French called it "Mardis Gras." The Germans called it "Fasch Nacht." It was a time to use up their store of fat, which was forbidden during Lent. Thus, many Germans used up the fat by making doughnuts on Shrove Tuesday and the English specialized in making pan-cakes.

OUR PRESENT OBSERVANCE OF LENT Penitence - Lent is a period of self-denial and spiritual discipline. Lent is a pilgrimage with Jesus to suffering and death. If we expect to rise with Jesus in newness of life on Easter, then we must first die with Him during Lent. Before we can rejoice, we must mourn. Before we can live, we must die. So Lent becomes for us a time to repent of our sins and die to sin and return to God and live our lives for Him. Prayer - Lent is a special period for extra prayer, both private and public. Lent calls for spending extra time in personal prayer. Lent means scheduling additional services during the weeks of Lent. Through these prayerful times, a person is to have a closer walk with God and a dearer company with Jesus. By the end of Lent, a person should be built up in his faith. He should be more fully dedicated to God's work and more consecrated to Jesus. In this way, Lent can be a time for renewal in the church. Teaching - Lent today can be used to teach people through doctrinal sermons and Bible Study, both in groups and as individuals. Lent lends itself to a program of daily Bible reading and daily devotions in the home for the entire family. Lent is a time for growth in the knowledge of the Lord, which is greatly needed in a world of Biblical illiteracy. Outreach - During Lent especially, the cross is uplifted. Jesus says, "And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all people to me." Jesus dies for the sins of all people. During Lent we witness to the cross and its meaning of redemption for all people. This naturally leads to an outreach to the inactives in the church and to the unchurched in the community. It is a time for evangelism.

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Together in the Lord This Week

TODAY THURSDAY Worship Service 8:30 AM Kingdom Yoga 8:30 AM Bible Class/Sunday School 9:45 AM F Women’s Bible Class 9:30 AM Worship Service 11:00 AM Open Gym 7:00 PM Line Dance Lessons 12:15 PM D Visitation Team-Nilmeier 1:00 PM FRIDAY Grace Community Church 3:00 PM S Junior High Internet Safety 5:30 PM JOYFUL Bible Study 3:30 PM Kendall/Fazio Wedding Rehearsal 6:00 PM MYM Talent Show 4:00 PM Smith/McKinney Wedding Rehearsal 6:00 PM

MONDAY SATURDAY

Adult Information Class 7:00 PM Kingdom Yoga Intermediate 9:00 AM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Kendall/Fazio Wedding 3:30 PM Smith/McKinney Wedding 4:00 PM TUESDAY

Women’s Bible Class (Kollmann) 9:30 AM NEXT SUNDAY Joyful Ringers 6:00 PM Worship Service 8:30 AM

Line Dance Lessons 6:00 PM Bible Class/Sunday School 9:45 AM Sanctuary Choir 7:00 PM Worship Service 11:00 AM LWML Meeting/Lunch 12:30 PM

WEDNESDAY Visitation Team-Cudly 1:00 PM Men’s Bible Class 12:00 PM Grace Community Church 3:00 PM Family Lenten Service 6:00 PM Youth4Truth 6:00 PM Cherubs/Choristers 6:30 PM JAM 6:45 PM Lenten Service 7:00 PM MESH 7:00 PM Praise Team 7:30 PM

to the family of Carmen Rowan following the death of her father James Malone on February 23rd in Nassau, Bahamas. May God comfort this family with His peace that passes all understanding.

Each year Lily plants adorn our Sanctuary altar for our Easter Sunday services. The Messiah Sunshine Guild exhibits their Christian thoughtfulness by distributing these lilies to members in our congregation for encouragement. 40 plants are needed to fulfill this desired goal. Please sign up for a plant on the chart located in the Narthex. Each plant is $10.00, and payment is due at

sign up. Convenient envelopes are on the chart. Place the payment in the offering plate or in the church office. Please do not leave payment at the guest information desk.