Family of Christ Lutheran Church Page 1 email: office@foclutheranchurch.org
The Illuminate
April 2015
A publication of Family of Christ Lutheran Church
Family of Christ Vision Statement
Family of Christ is a family of God where all are welcome as we worship and grow in spirit and in life by… Connecting the scriptures with our Christian faith and life experiences Serving and caring for our neighbors and communities
Building relationships between people of all ages and walks of life Transforming our world by teaching love, grace, peace, and kindness Moving purposefully into God’s future
and we ask God to help and guide us.
Pastor’s Reflection
Have you ever found an old letter, perhaps written
generations earlier by a family member long since
gone, and found your imagination sparked with
wonderings about the life that gave rise to the words
on the page? Have you imagined their loves,
struggles, laughter or tears? Perhaps they wrote to a
loved one fighting on the front line of the Civil War,
or maybe they were on a voyage to a new land and
life. They may be letters of the ordinary events of
life, but somehow the mere age of the writings lend
them a certain kind of romance. If you have read an
old letter like that, then you know what I mean. You
also know that what you are reading is only half the
picture. You are in a very real sense overhearing
only one side of the conversation. It’s very easy to
assume or imagine realities that are far from what
really happened, or the people that actually lived. So
it helps to know a bit about the person. Are they
from the old country, pioneers, or long since settled?
Is theirs a time of peace or conflict, want or plenty?
What was the family like, the community, the
country? There are so many questions to be asked.
Reading the letters of the New Testament is exactly
like reading those old letters. We are reading
someone else’s mail, so we are in a very real way
overhearing only half of the conversation. Like those
letters of old, without good background information,
the letters of the New Testament can be greatly
misinterpreted. That’s why bible study should
always include things like context, genre, language
and history. Our church library is full of great
resources. If you have not participated in bible study
in a while and would like to get started, there are
options! My bible study meets on Tuesdays, Linda
and Edie’s on Wednesday nights. There are two
home studies, one at the Crisps’ on Monday nights,
and a women’s group at Donna Lucky’s on
Wednesday. Perhaps you might like to begin a new
group. We’ll help you with that! Give me a call,
stop by, or email me and I’ll help you get started.
Blessings,
Pastor Kit
Adult Christian Education Offerings and Small Groups
Sunday: A seminary professor oncesaid, “One person’s great new idea is another person’s heresy.” It was his way of saying change and progress within religious traditions are often viewed with suspicion and contempt by traditionalists. On the other hand, traditionalist have a way of calling us back to our roots and asking important questions before jumping on the bandwagon of each new thing. In fact, the heresy, heretics, controversies and scandals of prior generations provide good fodder for
conversation as we consider the Church within our rapidly evolving context. Join Pastor Kit as we take a look at some of the major “heresies and heretics” in Christian history and ask how they might inform the contemporary conversation of the Church. Meet Pastor Kit in the Library @ 9:45.
Monday Night @ 7:00 – Bible Study at the home of Jerre & Sharon Crisp.
Tuesday 10:00 A.M. – Tuesday morning Bible Study Join us as we take on the text for the upcoming Sunday Pastor Kit will meet in classroom 4.
Wednesday 1:00 P.M. – Small Group Bible Study @ Donna Lucky’s Wednesday Family Night Bible and Book Group led by Edie Dietzen and Linda Marousek
March 29
Palm Sunday
8:30am & 11:00am
April 2
Seder Meal
5 pm
Worship
6:30 pm
April 3
10 am to 5 pm Prayer
Labyrinth
Good Friday
6:30 pm
April 5
Easter Sunday
8:30am & 11:00am
Breakfast
9:30am
Holy Week & Easter
Schedule
April Birthdays 2 Lynne Dalleck 2 Pat Shaw 6 Karen Yankee 8 Thomas Koon 9 Kerry Goerl 12 Jim Staub 15 Debra Jones 20 Curtis Matthews 21 JoAnn Collier 22 Hazel Olson 23 Jeanne Downing 23 Zach Johnson 23 Keith Lowery 26 Ione Connaughton 26 Jaden Jans 28 Cleo Norcia 28 Ken Groel April Anniversaries 12 Brian & Jeri Hanneman17 Dan & Pastor Kit
Labyrinth Meditation Walk
Good Friday
10:00 until 5:00pm
For over 400 years Christians have used the labyrinth as a tool for meditation and deepening the spiritual journey. Prayer and meditation while you walk the single path of the labyrinth can be a source of solace, bringing quiet to a distracted or overactive mind. When the stress, challenges and losses of life stir up difficult emotions, walking a labyrinth can help restore your inner peace, and through the quiet meditation give you the spiritual and emotional space to move toward the clarity you seek. As a spiritual tool, the calming and quieting effect and the metaphorical symbolism of the labyrinth combine with your spiritual journey, allowing you to ponder life's greater mysteries
No matter how you use the labyrinth, its power lies in its ability to provide a disciplined approach to prayerful and reflective meditation and to focus the mind on a short journey with God, even in the midst of the busyness of life.
Easter is all about sharing blessings! HE IS RISEN! We are Easter people and what that means is we see life and the world as filled with possibilities! We are not afraid to try new things, make mistakes or stretch and grow because the Jesus of Easter makes all things new. As spring flowers bloom and our thoughts begin to move toward summer, let’s be looking for those opportunities around us to bring the love and blessing of the risen Christ to those we meet along the way. That’s what it means to be the Church out there. HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Ministry Opportunities
WHERE: Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 NW 129th St, Vancouver, WA
DATE & TIME: Sat. April 25 4pm—7pm PRICE: Bracelets are $12 at the door ($10 if bought in advance)
This carnival serves as a very important fundraiser for the preschool. Your help is essential to a successful event. If you know a child that would enjoy games, food, and fun bring them to the carnival. It’s an enjoyable time for all, this will be a fun-filled event for young children.
The carnival takes many hands to run and they need your help! Please consider volunteering to help & sign up for a shift. Shift #1 runs from 3:45-5:30 and Shift #2 runs from 5:15-7:00. Sign-ups will be in the family room. Please talk Jackie Ochsner or Susan Dollinger for more information. Thank you.
Information: Call Jackie at 360-546-0731 Email: foccp@comcast.net
Cookies for College
Can you believe that April 11th is the last date for this school year for Cookies for College? For all of you who have assisted in some fashion, by baking or packing, Gail in her exquisite card-making, support from Susan Dollinger with Route 56 and Little Christians, or generous donations for postage, we will be hosting a brunch following the packing of cookies which starts at 9:00 AM. Brunch should commence sometime around 9:30 to 9:45. If you are able to join us, please let us (Susan Nance & Lynne Dalleck) know in advance so we may plan accordingly. We look forward to seeing you!!
How do we grow Family of Christ?...Participation is the key! Worship regularly and join in the activities that make sense for you and invite a friend to come along is always a great way to bring growth and new vitality to the life of a congregation. We are blessed with an awesome congregation with many wonderful ways to come together in worship, prayer, fellowship, learning and service. Let’s work together to be all that God created us to be by sharing what we have with our neighbors. In the meantime, Pray, Invite, Welcome, Share, Serve, Tell.
Opportunities Abound
We are moving purposefully into God’s future by making a difference!
It’s time for spring cleaning as we get ready for our annual May Day Sale! We’ll be accepting items beginning on April 27th. Clean out all those useful items you no longer need and make a difference in some one’s life at the same time! All the proceeds from the sale go to support our Social Ministries.
Do you enjoy gardening? At FOC we are blessed with a beautiful facility and grounds. It takes lots of hands sharing the work to keep our grounds beautiful and inviting. If you have a few hours a week or month to pull weeds, clean out a plant bed, or just pick up the debris that “floats in on the wind,” your help will be greatly appreciated!
Are you looking for a meaningful way to be a blessing? How about volunteering at the Friends of the Carpenter Second Chance Thrift Store! Second Chance is in desperate need of Saturday volunteers! Due to illness and changing circumstances, Second Chance has lost a few of their regular volunteers. Over the past several months, they have had to reduce hours of operation, especially on Saturday. This means fewer sales and reduced income that goes to support Friends of the Carpenter’s Friendship Center
ministries. Do you have a few hours to give? Stop by Second Chance and fill out a volunteer application. While you’re at it, go shopping. They have lots of wonderful items available! ______________________________________ Vacation Bible School planning is underway. Check out Susan Dollinger’s article on page 5 for details. BUT don’t stop there, spread the word. Invite your friends. Ask how you can support our ministry among the children of our community. Come and join the fun!
Thank you to everyone whos stepping up to help make
WOMEN'S BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON PLANS IN THE WORKS
Save the date on Saturday May 23,
noon to 3pm, to celebrate with your
sisters at Family. Plans are
underway for another yummy
luncheon, fun program, and time to visit with other
women in our congregation. It's not too late to become
involved in a variety of ways. Our next planning
meeting is Wednesday, April 15th at 5:30 p.m. in the
Family Room. Questions? Marilyn Howe, 597-4219.
Congregational Life
Susan Dollinger, Cong. Life Ministry Coordinator
Church phone: 360.573.5031, Office C Email: conglifemin@foclutheranchurch.org
FAMILY NIGHTISTHEPLACETOBE!
Beginning again on April 15th, Good Old Fashioned Home Cooking is on the menu at FOC on Wednesday nights! Just $4 per person with no family paying more than $13. Bring a friend—their dinner will be on us! After dinner, join in on one of the scheduled activities.
Our final Wednesday Family Night will be May 20th until September when our Fall programing kicks off once again. But don’t worry, we will have a gathering or two over the summer—after all the family that prays, plays, serves and shares a meal together regularly is a happy healthy family!
Save the Date!
The May Day Sale is coming May 2nd.
If you have a home-based business and would be interested in a tent space for the outdoor portion of the rummage sale contact Susan Dollinger, Office C (Tuesday 10-2, Thursday 9-2). Spaces are limited.
Holy Yoga Begins April 17th!
The Family of Christ OWLS (older, wiser, Lutherans) is proud to announce that Holy Yoga will be held here starting April 17., led by a wonderful well-trained instructor Debbie Lenihan. Debbie works with folks of all ages and abilities. She is also trained in chair, prenatal and postpartum yoga.
What to bring:
Bring a yoga mat (limited quantities available) Bring a yoga brick and strap if you have one Bring $5 (this is a suggested donation per class) Bring a water bottle
Bring a willing attitude
Please contact Susan Dollinger with questions.
Join Us for CRAFT DAY for all ages OWLs are excited to invite you to our first Craft Day, Saturday, April 18th from 10am to 2 pm. Bring a sack lunch, and if you are able, a drink or dessert to share. You can bring a craft of your own and enjoy the space, time and
fellowship with other crafters OR learn a new craft. Pillow top, wooden trivet, or a bird house magnet craft kits will be available for a small charge.
Furnace Maintenance
We have been blessed that our 40 year old furnace system has served us well these past forty years with minimal repairs along the way. That’s the good news. Some more good news is that they are still serving us. However, we do need to invest in some much needed maintenance, duct cleaning, and repairs. The
total cost for what needs to be done is just over $10,000. Our Preschool will be sharing $5,000 toward the costs. The total cost to the congregation that will need to be raised is approximately $5,500. We will eventually be faced with replacing our aging furnaces. The work we are doing now is necessary and will be important when we replace the furnaces down the road. Included is a three year no cost service plan with warranty plan included for the work being done. Special envelopes and a pledge board will be made available in the coming weeks.
NEXT OWLS (Older Wiser Lutherans) Meeting will be Tuesday, April 7thrd at noon. Bring a sack lunch. All are welcome.
April Preschool News
Submitted by Jackie Ochsner, Preschool DirectorPreschool Sunday, March 8, was a fun day as we welcomed in worship and fellowship about 15 of our preschool children and their families. The kiddos enjoyed singing a few of our preschool songs and sharing a delicious lunch of Mac & Cheese afterwards with many of the congregation members.
2015-2016 School Information
Registration is underway for next year. If you know of any families looking for a great preschool please give them our name and number to give us a call at Family of Christ Christian Preschool 360-546-0731. We would love to invite them in for a day of fun at our center and show them what the Preschool Ministry here at Family of Christ is all about.
It is just around the corner…
Our Annual Spring Carnival is happening on Saturday April 25th
from 4-7. This is our most exciting fundraiser of the year. There are many ways in which you can make this event a huge success. You can sign up to work a shift at one of the games, help with a shift in the kitchen, or help with set up/clean up. Please contact Jackie Ochsner for more volunteering information. Another way in which you and your family can support the Preschool Carnival is to join us for this great day of fun. We will have games, food, entertainment and shopping at a great silent auction. Hope to see you there!
Weird Animals
Where Jesus’ Love Is One-of-a-Kind Set your calendars for the last week in July for VBS, coming to Family of Christ on July 27th-July 31st with a special Sunday Funday on Sunday August 2nd.
Lots of folks working together will make our VBS a wonderful week for our children.
(attend one of the meetings). Come be a part of this amazing adventure. VBS is a great volunteer
experience for high school students and young adults. If you have questions contact Susan Dollinger at
conglifemin@foclutheranchurch.org or call 573-5031 or stop by Office C (Tuesday 10-2,
Thursday 9-2) or call for an appointment.
Vacation Bible School Supply List We are planning for the upcoming Vacation Bible School. To get started,
we need some supplies for decorations, and craft supplies, etc.
Here is what we need so far:
Pool Noodles---various colors Poster boards—in various colors
Scrapping Papers—in various designs, colors Roll of Brown Paper—can be found in the paint
sections at Home Depot, etc. White Ping Pong Balls
Empty Toilet Paper & Paper Towel rolls Plain White Paper Plates (not chinet) Double Stick tape
All items can be dropped off in the church office or given to Susan Dollinger or Cheri Herzog.
Basic Program Information
Ages, class days, times and tuition are:
2’s classes: Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs 8:30-11:30 Tuition $ 150.00 mo.
3’s classes: Tues/Thurs 8:30-11:30 Tuition $ 150.00 mo. Tues/Wed/Thurs 12:15-3:15 Tuition $ 190.00 mo. 4’s classes: Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30-11:30 Tuition $ 190 mo. Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs 12:15-3:15 Tuition $ 230.00 mo Preschool Phone: 360-546-0731
You are needed! We’re planning and organizing on Sunday, April 19thth at 12:30 pm and
May Day Sale
Our huge May day rummage sale will be held May 2, from 9-4 in the Family Room. Please begin bringing items for the sale Monday, April 27 and all week until Friday noon. We ask that items be brought before Friday noon so they can be priced and put out on the tables. No TV sets, computers, cell phones, baby car seats, or large furniture will be accepted as we have no means of getting rid of them if they don't sell. If you have questions about an item, please call the church.
There are a lot of opportunities to help!
Volunteers are needed all week and Saturday to sort and price, work and clean up following the sale, and especially to cashier during the sale. A minimum of two volunteers are needed as cashiers and baggers to assist our guests. If you can take a load of leftover items to Goodwill or Second Chance thrift stores after the sale, that would be a tremendous help too.
The proceeds of the sale go to charities and supplies emergency funding for those in need. This is our only Social Concerns fundraiser for the year and we know we can count on all of you to help.
Special Thank You
Thank you to all who donated food, socks, clothes this past winter for homeless use on the street. The need never ends. Please continue these efforts now that the WHO shelters are closing until next November.
Thank you, Social Justice Concerns Ministry
Social Justice Concerns Ministry
Spiritual Practices for Busy Lives By Pastor KitSenior Lunch Bunch and OWLS present Liliacs and Lunch
Thursday April 16th, Lunch at 11:30 at Los Pepes Mexican Restaurant 611 Goerig Street, Woodland, WA After Lunch — Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens
115 South Pekin Road, Woodland, WA (Bring $3 cash for garden admission)
Pastor’s Started a New Blog! Pastor’s Ponderings foclutheranchurch.org/blog
What’s a blog? Simply put, a blog is an informal online conversational reflection that is intended to provoke thought and conversation around an idea or topic of interest. There are lots of different ways to invite a conversation, so why put a blog on the FOC webpage? A blog is a simple nonthreatening way to engage folks for whom the online world is an important part of how they gather information or draw inspiration. With all the new families moving into our area, outreach needs to come in many forms. We know for example, that most folks will look to the congregation’s webpage to get a sense of the feel, character and mission of the congregation. They want to know if there are activities for themselves or their families that connect with their particular place in life. A blog is a gentle way of inviting folks in. There are so many topics and ideas that can engage our imaginations and share as a congregation. The way it works is simple. Pastor Kit will start a new thread each week presenting a short piece on a given topic. You can participate by clicking the blog button on the dropdown menu on the FOC webpage. Post your response by clicking on the comment button at the bottom of the page, write your comments and press the submit button. Have a topic of interest? Just add it to a comment thread or better yet, put it in an email to Pastor Kit and she will include it in an upcoming blog post. Let’s have some fun!
Have you ever stopped to count the number of hours you spend in the car running here there and everywhere? If you are like the typical American you are in your car a couple hours every day. We lead very busy lives. What if you used that time to pray for the folks in the car ahead of you? You don’t know them, may never meet them, but you can bless them by offering a simple prayer for their safe journey. If you are willing to take a bit of a risk, you might try the spiritual practice of generosity known as the “Random Act of Kindness.” Each day you do an intentional simple gesture of kindness to some random and unsuspecting individual. It does not have to be costly or huge, just thoughtful. For example, not long ago I drove up to a Coffee Shop drive thru and when I went to pay, I was told that my coffee had been paid for by the car in front of me. Wow. Later that week, I heard a radio report of a Starbucks where someone had started a chain of Random Acts of Kindness like the one I received that lasted from car to car for most of the day. Spiritual practices come in many forms, what they hold in common is that they bless.
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