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All
hands.
in Christ.
United.
March
2017
Volume 59
Issue 3
The Messenger
Monthly Newsletter of
Evangelical United Lutheran Church
Telephone: 402-466-2277
Email: [email protected]
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THOUGHTS FROM INTERN PASTOR ALEX WITT . . .
Every year, as we approach and enter into the Lenten season, I hear the conversations start, among friends and
family: What are you giving up for Lent this year?
The answers range from giving up certain behaviors, such a swearing or watching TV, or giving up favorite foods,
such as chocolate and ice cream. And every year, I’m conflicted. Are we giving something up because, through it,
we hope that it will earn God’s love and favor? Or are we giving something up in hopes of making up for our sin?
Or are we giving something up because we feel pressured to do so? Or are we giving something up to orient ourselves toward the Cross and what Christ has done for us?
Growing up, giving up something for Lent felt like it was one of those things I was expected to do. I was told that
giving up something for Lent is supposed to connect you with God throughout the Lenten season; every time I
wanted that piece of candy or that can of soda, I was supposed to think about God and maybe say a prayer.
Because giving up something for Lent felt more like an expectation—something to check off a spiritual to-do list–
it never enhanced my spiritual life or connected me with God and God’s promises. Therefore, as an adult, I have
to admit, I usually don’t give up anything for Lent.
Instead, I have started adding practices to my day during Lent to be more intentional in my prayer life, to make
time to reconnect with God and with God’s promises for me and for the world. It is the same goal: to reconnect
and reground myself in my faith; I just found a different way for me to reach that goal. Because music connects
me and grounds me, last year, I decided to start my day with a devotion that included music. Most practices I’ve
added end after Easter, as I fall back into the habits of the rest of the year. Yet some, such as praying the Psalms,
have continued well beyond the end of Lent. These practices have been much more effective in centering me and
connecting me throughout the Lenten journey to the Cross.
To be clear, I’m not critiquing the practice of giving something up for Lent—for many people it is a spiritual
practice that has a lot of meaning that serves to connect them with Christ. And that’s wonderful. However, it is
helpful to think about why we do what we do, especially with our spiritual practices during Lent. It isn’t about
earning God’s love or making up for sin—love and forgiveness are purely gifts from God for the sake of Christ. It
also shouldn’t be about living up to cultural expectations; doing it just for the sake of doing it. Lent is that time of
year where we intentionally reorient ourselves, turning ourselves toward the Cross and what Christ has done for
each one of us and for all people. Throughout this Lenten season, it is my hope and prayer that whatever we
decide to do—whether we give something up or add something new or turn to serve our neighbor or do nothing
special at all—we are grounded again in our relationship with Christ and in God’s promises of new life, of
forgiveness, and of love.
~ Intern Pastor Alex
MIDWEEK WORSHIP
Wednesdays at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m.
March 1 Ash Wednesday
Imposition of Ashes
Holy Communion
March 8
Holden Evening Prayer Service
March 15
Holden Evening Prayer Service
March 22
Holden Evening Prayer Service
March 29
Holden Evening Prayer Service
April 5
Holden Evening Prayer Service
Wednesdays, 5:00-6:45
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
April 5
Supper served by our Youth. Meal will be ”Tastee” Sandwiches, beans, potato salad bars. Proceeds
go to Youth Events.
Supper served by Christian Education and Sunday School Staff. Meal will be chicken noodle and
vegetable beef soups served with ham & cheese sandwiches. Proceeds go to United’s Library.
Supper served by the Music Ministry Team. Meal will be pizza, salad and dessert, with proceeds going
to Music Ministry. Sponsored by Thrivent.
Supper served by Altar Guild. Meal will be pulled pork sandwiches. Proceeds will go to replace
antiquated tables in the Fellowship Hall. Sponsored by Thrivent
Supper served by Wonder Women. Meal will be tacos, relishes, and dessert bars. Proceeds will go to
replace antiquated tables in the Fellowship Hall. Sponsored by Thrivent.
Christian Witness/Christian Commitment Ministry Teams. Serving chicken, mashed potatoes,
vegetable, roll, and dessert. Proceeds will go to Pine Ridge Retreat Center.
Wonder Women
Time to Order Your Easter Lily
GARDEN PARTY presented by SUSAN FERTIG
Come join the Wonder Women group
on March 23 at 6:00 p.m.
Come and have a good meal
and enjoy time together.
Sign up in the hallway and
pay $7.00 to Marian Anderson.
Questions: contact Fran Otto and
Luanne Schwartzkopf.
ENHANCE THE BEAUTY OF OUR SANCTUARY
ON EASTER SUNDAY BY PROVIDING AN EASTER LILY.
DESIGNATE YOUR PLANT IN HONOR, OR
MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE,
OR IN CELEBRATION OF A SPECIAL OCCASION.
COST: $10.00
Please sign up and pay the
Worship Coordinator before
Palm Sunday, April 9
(Make checks payable to
United Lutheran Church)
Wonder Women will be serving
the Lenten Meal on March 29.
Please sign up on the sheet in the hallway
to serve and make desserts.
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First Communion
On February 5 the students pictured above participated
in the Faith Stepping Stones Blessing Service.
They are pictured with their teacher, Kathy Tichota.
Front row, Left to Right: Talen Chandler, Ari
Smith , Marisol Cuevas, Haylea Dean, Hannah
Dean, Allison Morrow, Joseph Senstock.
Back row, Left to Right: Kathy Tichota, Luke
Schmidt, Abigail Mertens, Lily Hastings, Lydia
Hastings, Eli Ash.
Deborah Circle
March 13
1:00 p.m.
Reformation Bible Study
Election Results
Congregation Council
Steve Lind-Olson
Russell Loontjer
Tim Sestak
Altar Guild
Jo Hill
Mary Hiller
Luanne Schwartzkopf
Jeanine Trutna
Endowment Committee
George Hill
Nominating Committee
Brian Dean
Melissa Nickolaus
Nebraska Synod Assembly
Gloria Asch
Karen Daffer
Luanne Schwartzkopf
Lincoln Area Mission Cluster
Charles Yost
Adult Education
Tuesdays, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Text Study with
Pastor Neal or Pastor Intern Alex, in the
Conference Room.
Sundays, 10:00-10:45 a.m., study of the
Sunday’s texts in the Youth Room.
Middle School Youth
Group and Confirmation
Older. Wiser. Lutheran. Seniors.
March 8
March 22
(Formerly called “Birthday Club”)
(for those over 60)
March 20—11:00 a.m.
Menu consists of Tastees, chips, coleslaw, and dessert.
Served by Fran & Wes Otto and
Debbie & Ernie Thomas.
Please sign up on the sheet in the hallway.
6:15-6:45
6:15-6:45
Christian Ed Schedule
March:
8: Christian Education Team and Sunday School staff
Serve the Lenten supper
April:
2: Camp Carol Joy Holling Publicity Sunday
16: Easter Sunday, Sunday School Easter Egg Hunt
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Thanks . . .
On February 11 all those that attended the
Valentine’s Day Dinner, organized and served by the Youth
and Family Ministry Team, had a wonderful time. The
entertainment was super and the meal was terrific.
Thank you to everyone who worked to make this evening so
enjoyable.
-Office Staff
In Our Prayers . . .
Don Finke
Brenda Low
Glenn Sorensen
Bonnie Damkroeger
Jacob Brees
Evelyn Abele
Jaxon Maas
Virginia Johnson
Diana Peterson
Our Sympathies to . . .
Otis Ninneman and family as they mourn the
death of his sister-in-law, Ruth Ninneman who died on
January 28.
Vicki Garton and family as they mourn the
death of her sister, Sherri Berg who died on February 2.
Lloyd and Shirley Thomsen as they mourn the
death of Lloyd’s sister, Lucille Copperstone who died
on February 7.
BOY SCOUT SUNDAY
AT UNITED
MARCH 19
Troop #69 will prepare and serve breakfast
for United members
March 19, 9:00 —11:00 a.m.
Come enjoy a home-cooked
breakfast and
support our scouts!
Midlands Conference
Spring Gathering for
Women of the ELCA
April 1 is the date for the Nebraska Women of the
ELCA Spring Gathering for the Midlands Conference
at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wahoo. It is
scheduled for 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Lisa Kramme will present the “Life of Katie.” Learn
about Martin Luther’s wife and how she contributed
to the Reformation. Joy Johnson is a nationally
known speaker and author of more than 100 books
on grief. Her comedy mystery series is called the
BOOB Girls. There will be a Bible Study time as well
as the two speakers.
Tangible Offering is designated to the Saunders
County Food Bank. Even if you are not attending,
you may donate items and bring them to the office.
Pick up the registration form at the church office.
Cost of the day is $18 and includes lunch.
Free will donation will be accepted.
Summer Sunday School
Donations Needed
During the Summer Sunday School program, the
students will be working on service projects.
One project will be to tie Fleece Tied Blankets for
Lutheran World Relief. If you are interested in
donating fleece material, each blanket is made
of two pieces of fleece fabric, 58" wide X 80" long.
Thanks for your consideration. We truly appreciate
your kind donations.
Feel free to bring the material to the church office.
Habitat for Humanity Build
The Social Ministry Team is planning to work on a Habitat for Humanity Build on
Saturday, March 25 at 4426 St. Paul Avenue. The main action that day will be to raise
the walls on the 150th Build in Lincoln. It is an exciting event.
There are thirteen people signed up so far. Christina recommended about twenty and
then others who will provide lunch for the workers at the build site.
If you are interested in helping with this Build either by doing the building or by
providing a meal, please contact the church office at 402-466-2277.
All persons involved need to meet on Sunday, March 12 at 10:00 in the Fellowship Hall
to view a video and do the paper work.
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UNITED LUTHERAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR MARCH 2017
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
1
THURSDAY
ASH WEDNESDAY 2
FRIDAY
3
SATURDAY
4
9:00a Staff Meeting
6:30p TOPS #485
7:30p Northeast 7:00a Men’s
4:30p Holy
7:00p Troop #69
Alanon
Breakfast
Communion with
Meeting
5:30p Holy
Imposition of Ashes
Communion
5:00p Lenten Meal
served by Youth
6:00p Choir Rehearsal
7:00p Holy
Communion with
Imposition of Ashes
5
FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
6
7
8
9:00a LWR Quilters
9:00a TOPS #508
2:00p Text Study
9:00a Staff Meeting
6:30p TOPS #485
7:30p Northeast 5:30p Holy
4:30p Lenten Holden 7:00p Troop #69
Alanon
Communion
Service
Meeting
5:00p Lenten Meal
served by Christian
Education Ministry
Team and Sunday
School Staff
5:45 Choir Rehearsal
6:15p Middle School
Youth Group/
Confirmation
7:00p Lenten Holden
Service
SECOND SUNDAY
13
IN LENT
1:00p Deborah Circle
8:30a Holy Communion
6:00p Congregation
9:30a Fellowship Hour
Council Meeting
9:31a “9:31 Group”
9:45a Sunday School
10:00a Adult Sunday School
10:00a Habitat for Humanity
Build Meeting
10:00a Ozark Soul
11:00a Holy Communion
12:00 noon April
“Messenger” Deadline
12:15p Blue Jesus Rehearsal
6:30p SNAC
14
15
19
21
8:30a Holy Communion
9:30a Fellowship Hour
9:31a “9:31 Group”
9:45a Sunday School
10:00a Adult Sunday School
10:00a Ozark Soul Rehearsal
11:00a Holy Communion
12:15p Blue Jesus Rehearsal
6:30p SNAC
12
THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
20
9
16
10
17
11
18
9:00a TOPS #508
9:00a Staff Meeting
6:30p TOPS #485
7:30p Northeast 5:30p Holy
10:30a Worship @
4:30p Lenten Holden 7:00p Troop #69
Alanon
Communion
Legacy Terrace
Service
Meeting
2:00p Text Study
5:00p Lenten Meal
served by Music
Ministry Team
5:45 Choir Rehearsal
7:00p Lenten Holden
Service
22
23
11:00a O.W.L.S.
9:00a TOPS #508
8:30a Holy Communion
2:00p Text Study
9:00a Boy Scout Breakfast for 7:00p Internship
Committee Meeting
the Congregation
9:30a Fellowship Hour
9:31a “9:31 Group”
9:45a Sunday School
10:00a Adult Sunday School
10:00a Ozark Soul Rehearsal
11:00a Holy Communion
12:15p Blue Jesus Rehearsal
6:30p SNAC
9:00a Staff Meeting
4:30p Lenten Holden
Service
5:00p Lenten Meal
served by Altar Guild
Ministry Team
5:45 Choir Rehearsal
6:15p Middle School
Youth Group/
Confirmation
7:00p Lenten Holden
Service
9:00a NE Foster Care
7:30p Northeast 8:00 Habitat for
Board
Alanon
Humanity Build
6:00p Wonder Women
5:30p Holy
6:30p TOPS #485
Communion
7:00p Troop #69
Meeting
26 FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
29
30
27
28
7:00p All Ministry
9:00a TOPS #508
8:30a Holy Communion
Meeting Night 2:00p Text Study
9:30a Fellowship Hour
9:31a “9:31 Group”
9:45a Sunday School
10:00a Adult Sunday School
10:00a Ozark Soul Rehearsal
11:00a Holy Communion
1:00p Congregation Games and
Snacks
6:30p SNAC
24
25
31
9:00a Staff Meeting
9:00a Assemble
7:30p Northeast
4:30p Lenten Holden
April Newsletter
Alanon
Service 6:30p TOPS #485
5:00p Lenten Meal
7:00p Troop #69
served by Wonder
Meeting
Women
5:45 Choir Rehearsal
7:00p Lenten Holden
Service
Watch the “Weekly Witness” for changes of upcoming events or check-out our website
at: www.unitedlutheranlincoln.com
Website contains the bulletins, “Messenger,” Worship Leaders, calendar, and the recorded 8:30 service.
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NON-PROFIT ORG
Evangelical United Lutheran Church
5945 Fremont Street
Lincoln Nebraska 68507-1623
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
LINCOLN, NE.
PERMIT NO 107
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
20 17 SPECIAL LENTEN OFFERING
AND SUNDAY SCHOOL PROJECT-COINS FOR GOATS AND PIGS
United will be collecting Coins [and Dollars] for
65 goats at $50 per goat
and
65 pigs at $30 per pig.
(a total of $ 5,200.00).
Money will go to ELCA Good Gifts to provide goats and pigs to poor farmers around the world.
These animals can make a significant difference in a family’s economic and personal situation.
Goats can thrive in areas of hilly rocky pastures. They produce a very nutritious milk.
Milk can be processed into not only cheese
but skin care products which can be sold for family income.
Mamma pigs produce large litters.
Each pig can grow quickly to 200 pounds.
Pigs produce food for the family and a source of income . . .
. . . and who doesn't like bacon!
Sunday School Classes will collect coins during Sunday morning opening.
Members of the congregation who want to contribute may use their Lenten envelopes or
“Lenten Special Offering” envelopes found in the pews between March 1 and April 16.
Please turn in your envelopes no later than Easter Weekend (April 16).
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