mt calvary connection · the world to extend his love into the lives of others as we show them...
TRANSCRIPT
March 2019
MT CALVARY CONNECTION Visit our website: www.mtcalvarylutheranchurch.org
Email: [email protected]
GROWING UP
in the Word
OUT
with the Gospel
TOGETHER
in Christ
Rev. Jim Price, Pastor
Paul White, DCE
Alice Stohs
Secretary
Sharon Bush
Business Manager
Mt. Calvary
Lutheran
Church
17535 Say Road
Wamego, KS
66547
785-456-2444
My Song is Love Unknown is hymn # 430 in the Lenten section of our hymnal. The first verse contains this line, “Love to the loveless shown that they might lovely be.” Of course, those words refer to the love of Christ that is poured out on us who are “loveless” to make new and “lovely” people out of us.
The hymn reminds us that apart from Christ we are not lovely, but that by His sacrifice He has made us lovely and acceptable in God’s sight. Ephesians 5:25-27 says, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
But there is another way in which Christ makes His people lovely: He sends us out into the world to extend His love into the lives of others as we show them compassion and mercy. Then we are not only lovely in the sight of God; we are also lovely to those we show love to.
Opportunities to love abound all around us in our homes, among friends and neighbors in crisis, being a friend to the lonely, caring for the elderly. The need for love is endless in a world that so often appears loveless. How can we faithfully meet such great need?
Drawing on our own strength and resources of love, it is impossible. By nature we are too loveless and sinful. But we are not alone. Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit. The Spirit acts in our lives as we faithfully hear God’s Word of forgiveness and truth and meditate on it, and as we receive and live in the power provided through our baptisms and the Lord’s Supper.
As we enter this season of Lent, let us consider the loveliness God has bestowed on us through his Son. Consider how gracious His love is to us in spite of our failures to show love and grace to others. Then, in His forgiveness, strengthened by His Word and Spirit, may we become more and more lovely to those whose lives we touch with compassion and care. In Christ, Pastor Jim Price
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LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE
2019 LWML Officers President: Arlys Hartmann V-Pres: Carol Brase
Secretary: Roxie Peterson Treasurer: Prudence Fager
Important Dates to Remember…
3—Mite Box/Stamps for Missions Sunday
6—Serving Ash Wednesday supper before worship
7—Executive Board Planning Mtg—1:30p.m.
14—Bible Study “Shh! Peace. Be Still”
Leader: Nyla Zerbe Hostess: Melissa Gier
30—Zone LWML Spring Fling 8:45am—2:00pm at Mt. Calvary Fellowship Hall PLEASE NOTE: Anyone who would like to partic-ipate in the Bible Study is welcome to attend. Please join us!
Gifts from the Heart:
Non-perishable food items, paper products, cleaning supplies, health and beauty aids
MEN’S GROUP—March 7 & 21 Men’s group will meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. MARCH meetings will be the 7th and 21st at 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Fellowship Hall.
Questions? Please contact Chis Blevins.
Give CHM a
BOOST-er! Donate toiletries and non-perishable items to Community Health Ministries. Our goal is 500 items.
Example: 1 4-pack toilet paper = 1 item 1 3-pack Mac-n-chees = 3 items
The challenge begins Ash Wednesday and con-tinues through the Lenten Season!
MITE CHALLENGES -- The Mt. Calvary LWML has received two requests for extra donations for the mis-sion grant goals of both our Kansas District and the national LWML. The 2-year national goal of over 2 mil-lion dollars ends March 31st. Please consider helping with these challenges to fund the proposed mission grants and further mission work in our district and around the world. Door Offerings will be taken February 23/24 and March 3/4. Thank you for your generous support. "Serve the Lord with gladness.":
Email: [email protected] Page 3
Sunday Night Live March 3, 17, and 31 Middle School and High school evening to fellowship and play games centered around God's powerful Word.
LENT-IN-A-BOX During the six weeks of Lent, Mt Calvary would like to en-courage you to use “Lent-in-a-Box” to explore the Jewish Passover and the Seder cele-bration. The boxes are full of supplies to help your family gather weekly around the Word of God in anticipation of the Resurrection of our Sav-ior on Easter Sunday. Boxes are free and available to all families and friends of Mt. Calvary.
Also, Special thank you to our middle School youth who helped assemble the boxes.
Middle School Late Night March 23rd 6:00pm to Midnight It's like a lock in but without the early
morning grumpiness and sleep deprivation through-out the weekend. Bring a friend as we come together and play games, enjoy snacks, and learn about the scriptural theme of God's Word as food.
Lutheran Valley Retreat June 16-21 in Woodland Park, Colorado The Week at LVR is a wonderful chance to witness the Body of Christ come together, build each other up, and create encouraging relationships that will continue to point one another to the Savior's love, even after camp is over. Camp is open to all incoming freshmen to just gradu-ated seniors. Cost for Mt. Calvary youth is $100+ travel money. register online by march 10th at mtcalvarylutheranchurch.org/youth/lvr.
FIRST ANNUAL ICE SKATING PARTY
On the evening of Friday, Febru-ary 1st approxi-mately 50 mem-bers of Mt. Cal-vary gathered at the Ice Rink in Manhattan’s City Park. The major-ity of attendees laced up their skates and hit the ice.
It was an enjoy-able time spent together skating & conversing. The Fellowship Board looks for-ward to making this an annual event for our congregation.
BOARD MEMBERS
Adult Education (chair.) Andrea White
Paul White Chris Blevins Ashley King
CYM
(chair.) Jessica Allen Charla Adcock
Josh Hahn Robin Kolterman
Angie Matthews
Communication
(Chair) ________________
Amanda Jantz
Kay Ann Hewlett
Nick King
Christy Roscovius
Kara Titus
Nomination Board (chair) Ted Geisert
Elders
(chair.) Curtis Thompson Nick Adcock
Chris Blevins
Brian Blume
Lanny Bosse
Brett Bruning
Daniel Bush
Carl Griese
Joshua Hahn
Erick Horton
Marty Jahn
Eli Jantz
Jamie Klein
Brian Koch Thomas von Seggern
Evangelism
(chair) Kenny Titus Sharon Jensen
Teresa Purkeypile Kara Titus
Fellowship (chair.) Lindsey Blevins
Prudence Fager Susan Hatfield Diane Landon
Incorporation (chair.) Prudence Fager
Carol Brase Krista Hahn
Missions
(chair) Todd Steinbach Robin Kolterman Rev. Rick Lovick
CHURCH OFFICERS
President Mr. Trevor Jensen
785-565-2455 [email protected]
Vice President Mr. Roy Hatfield
785-617-0305 [email protected]
Recording Secretary Mrs. Kelley Brummett
785-456-8349 [email protected]
Treasurer Mrs. Marcia Maurer
785-6337772 [email protected]
Stewardship Marcus Merritt
Trustee
(chair.) Gordon Stohs Pat Burns
Tim Winter
Kirk Zerbe
Paul Zillmann
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ATTENTION BOARD CHAIRS: Please look over your board members and let me know of any changes.
17535 SAY ROAD, WAMEGO, KS 66547
A statement from the Rev. Dr. Mat-thew Harrison, president of The Lu-theran Church—Missouri Synod, in response to recent gubernatorial ac-tions expanding abortion in New York and Illinois.
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).
On Jan. 22, 2019, the 46th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion on
demand, the governors of both New York and Illinois signed laws to extend and promote abortion.
As he signed the Reproductive Health Act into law, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo described it as the
“evolution” of humankind in America. In Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order to ensure tax-
payer funding of abortions, saying that it would make his state “the most progressive … in terms of women’s
reproductive rights.”
Life, not death, is the goal of humanity. History testifies that death is never the means through which justice
and human rights prevail. We do not advance on the graves of our children. Germany, which sought eugenics
as the solution to problems, now has strict abortion laws. To defend and support life is the goal of every just
government, and the right to life is the hallmark of a good society.
Yet abortion laws have allowed the abortion of more than 61,000,000 children since Roe v. Wade. That’s
nearly 50 times the number of American soldiers killed in all wars. The abortion industry and its proponents
take great lengths to avoid facing the fact that abortion dismembers a living child in a horrid pool of its own
blood. This is barbaric.
Abortion is a lie. Science is on the side of life. We shall stand against the barbarism of abortion until our dy-
ing breath. Abortion is illogical, as we slaughter babies in the womb while developing ever-better care for
other unborn children. Abortion contradicts the natural law written on human hearts that teaches us it is
wrong to kill.
Lawmakers and bureaucrats in our country have become emboldened to force citizens to go against their con-
science. People publicly celebrate laws that lead to the deaths of children.
How long, O Lord, how long?
Our Christian faith teaches us to value life and to love each and every person as our neighbor. Love is life,
and life is the great gift of love. Death is our natural enemy. This can be seen in our lives and in our world
each day. Even the birds that seek food in winter testify that life is the goal of their movements and their
work. The flowers that grow toward the sun seek the light that enlivens them. We all live under God, who
grants life to His whole creation.
And in the giving of His Son to be the Savior, God shows that He is the Lord of life. Jesus came to love. He
taught us to love all people, including those whom we consider our enemies. He taught us to unconditionally
MCLC CONNECTION Insert
love every person, even those whom this world considers unworthy of love.
Jesus not only taught us to love. He brought healing and wholeness to the broken. He proclaimed peace to
those who were troubled. He sat with those who were excluded. He lifted up those who were beaten down.
But most of all, He loved through the sacrifice of His own life on the cross. He died to forgive the sins of all
humanity. His forgiveness is a free gift for all who trust in Him, including those who suffer from guilt for
aborting their child. He rose on the third day.
The resurrection of Jesus is God’s grand statement that life is the goal of this creation. The resurrection of Je-
sus proclaims that all creatures find the goal of their existence in life. Just as God raised Jesus from the dead,
so we learn that God treasures life over death.
We live as citizens in this world, and we seek to be obedient to our nation’s laws. We thank God for our lead-
ers and for this great land He has given to us and for its precious freedoms and opportunities. The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod advocates strong citizenship and active participation in government. We obey the
laws of our land and encourage those around us to do so.
We are, however, bound by our conscience to speak against those laws that are unjust and, especially, those
laws that violate God’s law and the natural law that binds all mankind. Abortion and other means through
which humans kill humans violate these natural and moral laws that form the foundation of society.
Therefore, we stand against these actions and against all laws that sanction abortion or the taking of innocent
life. We cannot stand silent when people elected to positions in which they are to protect citizens continue to
pass laws and advocate for legislation that undermines the sanctity of human life. Our conscience is bound by
both the Word of God and reason to speak for life as a precious gift of God and to speak against any and all
who promote the killing of unborn children. We cannot hide the evil of these laws under the banner of “rights”
or “privilege.” Children’s lives are at stake. They cannot speak for themselves. We will speak for them, and
we will work to protect their lives.
And we will continue to work to love and support the women who face difficult choices or suffer from the
consequences of abortion. We support young mothers who have chosen life for their children. We work to
provide adoption and other opportunities to care for children in need. And we continue to show God’s mercy
to all, just as He, in Jesus, has mercy on all.
We will work, love and pray that all might know the love of Jesus and trust in Him for salvation. “In him was
life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).
Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Email: [email protected] MCLC CONNECTION
Devotional
Recommendation by Paul White
Devotional material can be a mixed bag. Some are over moralistic, some are too long, some have questionable theology and some amazingly leave out mention of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
This month I reviewed "Family Time: A Collection of 98 Bible Stories and Devotions" from the publishing house of the LCMS, Concordia Publishing House. Each devotion has a theme, a para-phrased Bible Story, a short devotional thought (with a second scripture reference), at least one "talk about it" question and a short, simple prayer.
Pros: Each devotion is grounded in scripture. The paraphrased Bible sto-ry is helpful to make the reading concise and understandable for younger audiences. The additional scripture reference in the devotion also seems to be just the right length to allow newer readers participate by reading out loud.
The prayer is also a nice summary of the devotion, long enough to have appropriate substance and short enough that it can be used as a prayer opening if your family has more petitions to add.
Being a CPH publication we can be certain that the Theology is strong and without error which is helpful for parents that are less confident in their Biblical knowledge.
Cons: In their efforts to be theologically strong, sometimes the verbiage can be over the head of younger audiences. I found myself regularly rephrasing the sentences in my head as I though about how I would read it to my children.
Though I enjoyed the "talk about it" questions, I wish there were a few more to allow for options for conversation or just provide summary questions on the Bible Story. I would most likely try to come up with a few more questions for my family to discuss or think about.
All in all this is a strong resource with lots of Scripture to help grow the Biblical literacy of your fami-ly. Check it out for a few weeks from our library or pick it up on CPH.org.
HIGH SCHOOL
SPRING BREAK MISSION TRIP
To ST. LOUIS, MO
March 10-14, 2019
Please remember in your prayers,
all who will be on this mission trip, but especially
the 2 adults and 5 youth from our congregation
The 9th
Annual Running For Others 5K
and Kids Fun Run will be held on Satur-
day, April13, 2019 at the Wamego Recrea-
tion Complex. Check the facebook page at
www.facebook.com/RunningForOthersWamegoKS/ for updates including beneficiary and
registration.
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WANTED: GROUPS WILLING TO
PREPARE AND SERVE MIDWEEK LENTEN SUPPERS
Suppers: 5:15—6:15pm Midweek Lenten Services: 6:30pm
beginning March 6th
March 6—LWML serving Meatballs, mac-n-cheese, green beans, salads and Cakes
March 13—still available
March 20—Sunday School Teachers—Mexican Tortilla Soup with Cheesy Corn Bread and hot dogs for those not inclined to Mexican food. Donations will be going to David and Joyce Erber, the missionaries we are supporting in Accra, Ghana.
March 27—still available
April 3—Youth serving supper
April 10—still available
Contact the Church office at 456-2444 or email
[email protected] Let me know which date you
would like to serve and what the free will donations will go toward.
Christian Cancer Support Group
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8
We believe everyone needs the closeness of Christ during their cancer journey.
• For those who are diagnosed with cancer • Their caregivers and those who are post
treatment • Individual meeting if too sick to attend
meetings
Meetings are held Fridays at 2:00p.m. at Via Christi Chapel, Manhattan. Note: Time and day can be adjusted to fit the group.
For more information: Contact St. Luke’s Lutheran Church 785-539-2604 Check out www.cancer-companions.org
WORSHIP
SERVICE
6:30 p.m.
Holy Communion
&
Imposition of Ashes
You are dust,
and to dust you shall return.
Genesis 3:19
A re-formatted Mt. Calvary website to include easily accessed information about our beliefs, practices and worship style so those searching for a church home can readily know what we are about. Other chang-es/additions to the website include pages that provide:
Electronic financial giving via debit/credit card or bank account
Church calendar illustrating activity dates at Mt. Calvary
“I’m new, what to expect” in a drop-down tab for visitors and members
“Get involved” in a drop-down tab illustrating many ways to be involved
Location map and directions to Mt. Calvary on several site pages
The Communication Board is working with a web site de-signer along with the Stewardship Board and church staff to create these upgrades. Our plan is to have
this done in the first quarter this year. Stay tuned . . . more announcements coming.
MCLC CONNECTION
Church Spring Cleaning
Saturday, April 6
8:00a.m.— ?
Doughnuts, coffee
and juice provided
A cleaning list will be posted at the Information Desk in case you cannot
make it on the 6th of April. You are
welcome to come earlier in the week to do some cleaning...just mark off the list what
you have accomplished.
Thank You from the Board of Trustees
Remember to turn your clocks ahead one hour before bed on Saturday, March 9th. Daylight Saving Time begins Sun-day, March 10th
Whatever is has already been,
And what will be has been before;
And God will call the past to account.
Ecclesistes 3:15
Summary of February 13 Council Meeting
Call to order: Trevor Jensen, president
Opening prayer: Pastor Price
December Minutes Approved
Monthly Financial Report:
We welcome Sharon as new business manager.
2018 year-end report: Sharon will send out final numbers, including final loan balance.
2018 report accepted.
2019 report: Under budget in January.
New Business:
Ash Wednesday offering:
Discussion of use the offering including suggestions for the district to support future and current workers or put dollars into a fund for our own congregation members.
Discussion about creating a fund and turn it into an endowment. Memorial money could be used.
HVAC: Trevor presented an estimate for our 20 year-old building. Council agreed to make the necessary updates.
Old Business:
Constitution update: The constitution committee is ready for the council to review the proposed new constitution. Council will review old constitution and compare to new draft. Some things from old constitution will be moved to bylaws.
2018/2019 event calendar: reminder to all board chairs to fill in events, etc. for the year.
Board Reports:
Written reports were submitted by the Elders, CYM, and Trustees.
Evangelism: A volunteer is needed to head 4th of July watermelon feed. Notify Kenny Titus.
Stewardship: Marcus and the communications committee are working to add electronic giving app and infor-mation on MCLC Website.
Fellowship: 50 attended the recent skating party.
Mission: Todd read thank you letter from the Crisis Center for the donation.
Pastor’s report: New member’s class consists of two families who may join.
Vision statement: Planning a sermon series on vision statement. The Synod’s statement on abortion was shared. Pastor Boyd would like council to contribute to add in Manhattan paper and Council agreed.
Next Meeting Date: March 13 7:15ish.
Meeting closed with The Lord’s Prayer