March Scripture Readings March 6 - Fourth Sunday in Lent Joshua 5:9-12 Psalm 32 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 March 13 - Fifth Sunday in Lent Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 126 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 March 20 - Palm Sunday Luke 19:28-40 (Processional Gospel) Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 22:14--23:56 or Luke 23:1-49 March 24 - Maundy Thursday Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14 Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 31b-35 March 25 - Good Friday Isaiah 52:13--53:12 Psalm 22 Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1--19:42 March 27 - Easter Sunday Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 65:17-25 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 or Acts 10:34-43 Luke 24:1-12 or John 20:1-18

RRIICCHH BBEEYYOONNDD MMEEAASSUURREE

RREEVV.. MMIICCHHAAEELL WWEERRNNIICCKK

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, as they say. It can come in

with brutal temperatures, savage winds, and ferocious snowfalls (except

maybe in Michigan). And go out with balmy weather, gentle breezes, and

misting rainfalls (which prepare the way for April showers).

I remember that song, April Showers. The lyrics remind us to remember the

flowers that the showers bring. They remind us that when we see clouds on

the hills, we’ll soon see crowds of daffodils. In fact, the first two lines say that

although life is not a highway strewn with flowers, it still holds a goodly

share of bliss.

And I remember my maternal grandfather Otto saying that although he was

not a wealthy man, he was rich beyond measure in love. That his riches (his

bliss) were in his family. In the relationships he had with his siblings, his

children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And I

remember that saying about how money can’t buy you happiness (though the

somewhat cynical rejoinder was "but it sure can help you pay the bills").

Though I’m mindful of how some people can’t pay their bills (and that

sometimes their debt exceeds their ability to get ahead). I know that keeping

things in balance takes care and attention, though in spite of our best efforts,

things can sometimes go haywire.

When my former wife and I moved from Iowa back to Ohio, it took me more

than a year to find work. There was more money going out than coming in,

and so we decided to take several cash advances against our credit card. Bad

idea! The interest on the advances made it even harder to pay down the

principal. And at one point it became obvious that we wouldn’t be able to

two churches. one faith. holy cross episcopal + ascension Lutheran March 2016

2

catch up. My parents offered to "loan" us the

money (a few thousand dollars) to pay the credit

card company off, and then pay them back as we

were able.

But a financial deficit or surplus is not works

righteousness. If we had to right every wrong

we’ve ever done, if we had to pay back for every

time we’ve missed God’s mark for us, it would be

like a rising spiral of compounding interest, and

we could never get out from under it. But I trust

that God is like a loving parent, who, in the cosmic

economy, takes on their children’s debts. No

matter what they are. Or who they’re with. Out of love. And without expecting any payment in return.

The world’s creditors will never be as forgiving as God is. And there may be times when, due to circumstances beyond our

control, our "money out" will be more than our "money in." And it’s important for our families and institutions to be financially

responsible, but when we shift our focus from glory to Glory, we’ll find our riches in other ways. And when we look to the gentle

Lamb of Easter, we’ll find our debts forgiven. And then perhaps, when we see crowds of daffodils, we’ll also be reminded about

all the ways that we too, are rich beyond measure, in God.

Mike+

CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY MMIINNIISSTTRRYY

KKIIMM HH.. –– CCHHAAIIRR

Two Churches supports and/or organizes quite a lot of projects & fundraisers on a regular basis where goods or money are collected. Please know that the Community Ministry Team does not expect everyone to contribute to each and every program. We only ask that you prayerfully consider the various ministry opportunities, and support those programs that speak to your heart. Thank you!

Souper Bowl Sunday was a great success!! Not only did we reach our goal of 800 units of soup – we surpassed it!! Our grand total was 850 units of soup. Thanks to all of you who supported this project, and thank you to Kay for taking the soups to The Pantry!

UPCOMING EVENTS An Easter morning fundraiser breakfast will be held in St. Michael’s Hall on March 27th at 8:30 am. There is no cost to attend, but you need to sign up on the Community Ministry bulletin board if you plan to come to the breakfast. There will be a free-will offering taken, with all money donated being split between our two main ministries, ESL and Diaper Depot. If you are interested in helping with this breakfast, please see Kim H. or Polly S. We will also need people to volunteer to bring breakfast foods – there is a sign-up for this on the bulletin as well. The Easter offering this year will also be divided between Diaper Depot and ESL (English as a Second Language).

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The Diaper Depot can use your help. If you can help out at our scheduled distribution times please sign up and lend a hand. Or if you prefer to volunteer on a Sunday, they need help with repackaging diapers between the services and after the 10 am service. Repackaging occurs in the basement – no need to sign up – come on down and help out! Donations, too, of diapers and wipes are always welcome!

November 2015

3

OTHER NEWS

Be on the lookout for our spring flower sale that will benefit Diaper Depot. We will be selling beautiful hanging baskets (suitable for putting into pots as well) and potted flowers from Ludema’s Floral and Garden. Orders will be due by April 22nd, and flowers can be picked up May 1st. More details to come in the weekly announcement page. Any questions, please see Shirley N. A grant for $6048.78 from the St. Michael’s Mission Fund has been given to Diaper Depot and ESL to help fund these wonderful community ministries! The St. Michael's Mission Fund, an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan, enables congregations to develop new ministries and extend current ministries that reach beyond the church into the surrounding community. Partners in Housing is looking for volunteers to help with refurbishing homes for those in need. Two Churches has contributed to the cost of the homes and now they are in the planning stage of fixing them up. Our contribution of $1000 was doubled by a dollar match from the Shrine Foundation. A sign-up sheet will be on the bulletin board, with different activities such as writing thank you notes, sewing curtains, providing snacks for the volunteers working on the dwellings. If you feel called to help with this ministry, please sign up! Partners in Housing is just one program of Family Promise of Grand Rapids. Family Promise partners with families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless by helping them get back on their feet so they can create a stable lifestyle for their children. Find more info at: www.familypromisegr.org Save the date for the Annual Spaghetti Dinner benefiting The Pantry – Friday, November 18th at Brookside Christian Reformed Church. ONGOING PROGRAMS All ESL classes will be on winter break until the beginning of April 2016. The Pantry food collection continues for non-perishable food items. Pasta, along with canned fruits and vegetables, have been requested – the collection bin is in the Narthex. Collections of bingo prizes for Maple Creek and Elmcroft, and personal care items for The Pantry – bins and suggested item lists are in the narthex. The Noisy Offering (collected the first Sunday of each month) for February was $76.50. This offering goes to ACCESS of West Michigan, which is a faith-based organization linking congregations & individuals with community resources to help eliminate poverty and hunger in Kent County. Thank you for your generosity! The Care Team can help with rides, food, visits, communion and calls. If you have a need, or know someone who does, please contact Laura K., Rev. Mike, or Polly S. Community Ministry will be meeting Wednesday, March 16th at 6 pm at the Russ’ Restaurant at 2750 28th St. SE. Come join us for dinner and a meeting. We are always open to new ideas and new team members! Please let Kim H. know if you are planning to attend, as reservations are necessary.

DDIIAAPPEERR DDEEPPOOTT JJUUDDYY MM.. Thursday, March 3rd from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 16th from 10:00 a.m.- Noon Over 1,600 diapers were donated last month from a one-day Diaper Drive sponsored by the REAL Sisters Women's Ministry at Kentwood Community Church. Thank You!! We could use a couple more volunteers to help at the Wednesday morning Diaper Depots. If you are interested, please sign up on the bulletin board or see Judy or Shirley for more information.

Dry Babies are Lucky Babies!

4

EESSLL PPRROOGGRRAAMM JJOOEELL FF..

On August 27, 2015, Two Churches’ Refugee Outreach Program submitted a grant application to the St. Michael’s Mission Fund of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan for expanding our ESL program and for transitioning to training and testing materials from CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System). CASAS is a nonprofit organization that focuses on assessment (or placement) testing and curriculum development of basic skills for youth and adults. Previously, our ESL program had used the Diagnostic Inventory Student Reading Profile from the “Laubach Way to Reading” Program. This tool was part of a research-based, widely recognized and respected ESL program which was known to our program coordinator, Donna H., and was

free of charge. However, CASAS has become one of the standard assessments used by federal and state government agencies, schools, businesses and industry. Expanding the church's ESL program by transitioning to CASAS benefits both teachers and students. Currently the other ESL programs in the Grand Rapids area are already using CASAS protocols. Employing CASAS provides us with a basis to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of our program and the results of our students with other area programs. The use of this testing system will also allow our students to easily move between programs as they move into different areas within the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and ease the placement of students within local school and college programs. This transition will expand our program’s ability to seek funding since using CASAS has become a requirement for those seeking federal and state grants. Finally there are direct correlations between CASAS scores and the ProLiteracy curriculum used by our ESL program which will simplify classroom instruction. On February 19, 2016, Two Churches received a check for the total cost of the assessment and testing protocol ($1048.78) and for $5,000.00 to expand the ministry of the Diaper Depot. We are grateful to the St. Michael’s Mission Fund and to the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan for helping expand our ministries to the local community.

UUTTOO ((UUNNIITTEEDD TTHHAANNKK OOFFFFEERRIINNGG)) LLIISSBBEETTHH EE.. The 2015 UTO Grant Made to our Diocese St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Cadillac received a grant for $35,800 to set up a “Durable Goods Medical Lending Pantry”. Currently, such equipment is available but it is dispersed throughout the community. The Pantry will provide a central location where the sick and poor can go to get free durable medical goods quickly. No money will change hands: the equipment will be donated and there will be no charges for accepting, storing, or giving out the equipment.

AS A SECOND

LANGUAGE

5

NNOOTTEESS FFRROOMM AA SSEEMMIINNAARRIIAANN PPEETTEERR HH..

Going at once to Jesus, Judas said,

"Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.

Jesus replied, "Do what you came for, friend."

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested him.

- Matthew 26: 49-50 Modern Coptic icon, painted by the nuns of

Saint Demiana Monastery, Egypt

One of my seminary classmates grew up as a Coptic Christian. His family still lives in Egypt and earlier this year I took him

to the airport to meet his mother whom he had not seen in over a year. When she walked past the security gates they

threw themselves at each other. Hugging chest-to-

chest. Holding each other tightly. Kissing. Laughing.

Crying. Staring into each other's faces. For a little

while, for the two of them, the rest of the world

ceased to matter.

All of us have had these sort of greetings. A moment

of profound gratitude when we are present once

again with someone dear to us. Time and the

distance which has separated us is gone. And here,

with us, is the object of our desire.

The passion of these reunions comes partially from

knowing we will be separated again. Our moment of

supreme happiness cannot last in this world. Jobs,

obligations, differing goals, age, and health will pull

us apart. In my own case, coming to California for seminary has created a barrier 3 time zones and over 2,000 miles wide

between myself and old friends, family, and all of you. Most of our

estrangement is of our own making.

But when we are reunited with those closest to us, the hurts of the past

and grief to come are not what hold us. What we remember to do is hug

and kiss. To call each other tender names: dear, beloved, teacher, friend.

In that moment, we have entered the Divine's eternity, the place where

we are loved and forgiven.

I pray that we all will experience the profound mystery of the

Resurrection this Easter season. God is waiting to throw himself into

your arms. Life begins anew.

Yours in Christ,

Pete

6

MMAARRCCHH PPRRAAYYEERR LLIISSTT

We want to pray with and for each other as we move along our spiritual journey together. You are asked to uplift the designated persons throughout the week in prayer. May our Lord Jesus Christ use this ministry of prayer to build His Church in love! Feb.28-March 5: Sandy C.; Lenore C.; George, Lynn, Caitlin and

Carmen D.; Rev. Mike W. and Joel F.; Ivan W.; Helen W.

March 6-12: Alyce D.; Virginia E.; Becky E.-S. and Terry S.;

Esther Y.-P.; Susan and Larry Z.; Ann and Al A. March 13-19: Connie E.; Phil and Mary E.; Roger H.; Mary A.;

Tony, Cheryl, Marissa and Anthony B.; George C.

March 20-26: Mike and Sue H.; Joe and Donna M.; Rick, Judy

and Lyndsey M.; Barb C.; Dorothy D.; Evans and Connie D.

Mar. 27-Apr. 2: Jon M.; Shirley N.; Dick P.; Pam D.; Lisbeth and

Jack E.; Rochelle, Mark, Sean and Christopher E.

Have you prayed for

your Circle today?

Please continue to pray

for peace and for our

troops stationed

throughout the world.

7

SSUUNNDDAAYY CCOOFFFFEEEE VVOOLLUUNNTTEEEERRSS Mar 6 Barb C. and Jan S. Mar 13 Ann A. and Mary A. Mar 20 Gwen H. and Lisbeth E. Mar 26 Sue R. and Robin G. Easter Eve (after Vigil) Mar 27 Viv R. and Laura K. Easter Morning

Coffee Procedures Make sure coffee has been made by 8:00 am worshippers.

Sort out cups, carafes, treats, cream and sugar.

Heat water for tea, make tea in designated carafe.

Stay at table to help serve.

Wash dishes after coffee.

Take trash to dumpster.

A big thank you to all who help out with Sunday Coffee & Treats! If you cannot make a scheduled day, please swap with someone else on the list. We are looking for a few more people who can bring some cookies and serve tea and coffee after the 10 o'clock Service. Because of conflicts a few have had to resign. If you can help, we can go back to the schedule of every three months. For any questions, see Liz R.

MMAARRCCHH SSEERRVVEERRSS -- 1100::0000 AAMM WWOORRSSHHIIPP SSEERRVVIICCEE ((UUNNLLEESSSS OOTTHHEERRWWIISSEE NNOOTTEEDD))

If you are unable to serve on your scheduled date, please switch with someone and notify the office. If you have any questions, please contact Roy H. at 616-915-6258 or at GrandRapidsMorris@comcast.net

Lectors Assisting Minister/EM-1 Altar Server/EM-2 Acolyte

March 6th - Lent 4 Lisbeth E. (1st reading) Dan W. Kim H. Elizabeth K. Donna M. (2nd reading)

March 13th - Lent 5 Agnes K. (1st reading) Esther Y.-P. Kim H. David K. Paul K. (2nd reading)

March 20th - Palm Sunday Shirley N. (1st reading) Lisbeth E. Kim H. O.D. H. George D. (2nd reading)

8

MMAARRCCHH SSEERRVVEERRSS CCOONNTTIINNUUEEDD -- 1100::0000 AAMM WWOORRSSHHIIPP SSEERRVVIICCEE ((UUNNLLEESSSS OOTTHHEERRWWIISSEE NNOOTTEEDD))

March 23rd – Tenebrae Wednesday 7:00 PM Four readers only: Kevin B., Dale H., Kathy T., Rich W.

March 24th - Maundy Thursday 7:00 PM Dan W. (1st reading) Jill B. Kim H. Paul K. Jan S. (2nd reading)

March 25th - Good Friday Noon

Two readers only: Ann A., Donna M.

7:00 PM George D. (1st reading) Kathy T. Kim H. Beth B. Lisbeth E. (2nd reading)

March 26th - Easter Saturday Vigil 8:30 PM Paul K. (1st reading) Jan S. Kim H. O.D. H. Jill B. (2nd reading) Four extra readers: Kevin B., Dale H., Agnes K., Rich W.

March 27th - Easter Sunday morning Kathy T. (1st reading) Ann A. Kim H. Elizabeth K. Dan W. (2nd reading)

9

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2

3 4 5 10:00 am Eucharist

11:15 am Bible Study

9:00 am TOPS 6:00 pm Diaper Depot

pen

6:30 pm First Friday Movie

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8:00 am Worship w/o music 10:00 am Worship w/music 11:30 am Potluck 12:15 pm Confirmation Class

2:30 pm Happy Souls 6:30 pm Morris Dancing

7:00 pm Altar Guild Meeting

10:00 am Eucharist 11:15 am Bible Study 11:30 am – 3:00 pm Lectionary Group

9:00 am TOPS

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

8:00 am Worship w/o music 10:00 am Worship w/music

9:00 am Sr. Foot Care 2:30 pm Happy Souls 6:30 pm Morris Dancing

10:00 am Diaper Depot Open 10:00 am Eucharist 11:15 am Bible Study 6:00 pm Comm. Min. @ Russ’

9:00 am TOPS

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 10:00 am Palm Sunday Worship

2:30 pm Happy Souls 6:30 pm Morris Dancing

8:00 pm Tenebrae Service

9:00 am TOPS 6:30 pm Maundy Thursday Service

Noon Good Friday Service 8:00 pm Good Friday Service

8:30 pm Easter Vigil

27 28 29 30 31 8:30 am Easter Breakfast 10:00 am Easter Worship

2:30 pm Happy Souls 6:30 pm Morris Dancing Newsletter Deadline

10:00 am Eucharist 11:15 am Bible Study

9:00 am TOPS

March

2016

Holy Week

10

HOLY CROSS’ LEADERSHIP ASCENSION’S LEADERSHIP

Vestry: Church Council: Senior Warden Gwen Hendrickson President Jill Barry Junior Warden O.D. Hauschild Vice President Polly Standley Treasurer Ross Mast Treasurer Rich Walker Members at large Adam Swick Secretary John Standley Liz Ripley Member at large Marjri Weller Tony Bowie Recording Secretary John Standley Administration: Administration: Office Volunteer Jan Springer Church Secretary Judy Magnuson Sexton Ken Race

Rev. Mike Wernick – Pastor/Rector

Connect with

Two Churches

You can find us at:

4252 Breton Rd. SE

Kentwood, MI 49512

Phone: 616-949-7034 · 616-455-8108

Online: twochurches.org

holycrossec.com · alchurch.org

Email: twochurches@comcast.net

Facebook: facebook.com/hcealc

Worship Schedule: Sundays 8 am – Eucharist (Holy

Communion), no music

Sundays 10 am – Eucharist, with music

Wednesdays 10 am – Eucharist, no music,

followed by Bible Study

Come Join Us!

Two Churches is…

a welcoming and inclusive Christian

community made of an Episcopal

congregation and a Lutheran

congregation worshipping not only in

the same building, but in the same

worship service.

It doesn’t matter who you are,

think you are or think you should be,

it doesn’t matter where you are on your

faith journey, or even if you’re not sure

what a faith journey is, you’ll be

welcomed here.

Newsletter submissions may be sent to Jill

B. at nl2churches@att.net. Please send all

submissions as text, richtext (RTF), or Word

files. The deadline for the April newsletter is

Monday, March 28th.