Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 9700 Neenah Ave, Austin, Texas 78717 Phone 512.671.6100 www.lordoflifeaustin.org Hours Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm
April 2020 Edition
Volume No. 0420
God
’
s Work, Our Hands
Inside this issue:
During this challenging time of COVID-19, we are choosing to “stay at home” in our efforts to care for one another and remain healthy. However, most of us are routinely more involved in outdoor activities and groups with our family, friends, our work. So, staying at home presents a special challenge for many of us. As we ‘stay at home,’ the four walls that surround
us seem to ‘close-in’ on us more and more each day. Kids increasingly
complain, “I’m bored.” Parents cry out, “I need some fresh air, some exercise outside.” Add in the fact that numerous concerns threaten to overwhelm us day or night, and this is, indeed, a challenging time. There is a song that has been going around in my head the last few days. I first heard it years ago
during Vacation Bible School. “Be Strong and Courageous” by Troy and Geni Nilsson. I found it
on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX1h5_BD5cE). It is based on Joshua 1:9. As I re-listened to it, I found it uplifting, mostly because it’s sung by kids and has a positive message for people of faith (‘don’t be afraid, God is with you always’). Try the link. See what you think.
I thought of other possibilities to help us manage our “stay-at-home” challenge:
•
Trusting that God is always with you through prayer, scripture reading, nature, silence, devotions, and other spiritual exercises (i.e.: for me - a finger labyrinth)•
Watching on-line worship streams (i.e.: Peace Lutheran Church, Austin; Shepherd of the Hills, Austin)•
Praying daily at noon (ELCA congregations nation-wide are doing this together)•
Connecting with family, friends, colleagues (Facetime or Skype, email, and text)•
Remembering we are together in spirit and faith even as we maintain our separation•
Occupying our minds and fingers (i.e.: completing ‘left-undone’ projects, working puzzles, reading those books we always wanted to read, learning new card games, watching old movies…Walking around the block or yard each day –pondering on God’s creation
Hopefully some of these thoughts or actions will also help you to keep your mind occupied during your “stay-at-home” time. When I find my mind wandering towards anxiety, I re-listen to the kids
sing, “Be Strong and Courageous.” Hearing those delightful young voices sing out offers me
comfort. And it helps remind me God is with me always. Maybe it will comfort you too. More importantly, know that our church council and leaders are working on our plan to maintain our connectedness as a community of faith.
Let us pray,
Holy One, during this disquieting time of challenge, touch our hearts and minds through the power of your Holy Spirit. Gather us under your sheltering wings. Remind us of your loving forgiveness and grace. Open our eyes and ears to recognize all the many and varied ways you are with us in every and every moment. Calm us when we feel overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, or loneliness. Strengthen our faith. We offer our thanks for all our brothers and sisters in Christ who pray with/and for us. We express our gratitude to you for listening to our prayers. We ask that you grant knowledge and wisdom to all leaders throughout the world, our nation, our state, our town, and our churches. May they work to the good of all people and direct us in the best ways to remain healthy and filled with hope. Finally, we express our gratitude for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who grants forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe. Amen
Be strong. Be courageous.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Pastor Deb Schulze
Message from Pastor 1 Global Initiatives 2 Prayer List 2 Sunday Readings 2 Baptisms 2 God’s Generosity 2 Palm Recycling 2 Birthdays/Anniversaries 2 Members Expectations 3 Online Worship Opportunities 3
Education News 4
VBS Volunteers Needed 4
Kindred Sisters 5
LWR Personal Care Kits 6 Thank You—Joanne Forseth 6 Wear your LOLLC T-Shirt 7 Community Garden Growing 7 BBQ & Bake Sale 8
Upcoming Events 8
Give+ Mobile App 8
Stewardship Campaign 9
Council Minutes 10
Sunday Worship Attendance 10
Worship Leaders 11
PRAYER LIST
Ilamay Bartholomew
Herman & Olga Haenel
Peggy Suggs
Kira Niedert
Fred & Mycah Klinker
Edith Swartz
James Fraser
Ana Szabo
The Gooden Family
Dolores Moreno
Stephen See
Harvey & Shirley Lease
Alfred Symank
Waldine Ahlschlaeger
Joanne Forseth
Jim & Cindy Tarsi
Marge Robison
Georgie Wendlante
Bessie (Filomena’s daughter)
SUNDAY READINGS April 5 Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 26:14—27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54 April 12 Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Colossians 3:1-4 Matthew 28:1-10 or John 20:1-18 April 19 Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Psalm 16 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31 April 26 Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 1 Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-35 GLOBAL INITIATIVES www.elca.org/global-links Through the benevolence we pay to the ELCA, we are supporting these global initiatives. A link is available on our website under “Giving”, so you can keep up-to-date on what the ELCA is doing to reach the world for Christ.
Page 2 Life-Lines
RESPONDING TO GOD
’
S GENEROSITY
Giving freely of what has been freely given to us
Unconditional LOVE, FORGIVENESS, ALL that WE HAVE
LOVE GOD, LOVE ONE ANOTHER and OURSELVES FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER and OURSELVES
GIVE GENEROUSLY from our BLESSINGS
Time Talent Treasure OUT OF THANKS for each. GIVE UNTIL YOU FEEL GOOD
BAPTISM FESTIVALS
Anyone who has not been baptized is invited to come and “wade in the
waters” of eternal life. Please contact the Pastor for a pre
-baptism
appointment. The
Baptism Festivals for 2020
are:
Easter, April 12
Holy Trinity, June 7
Holy Cross Day, September 13
All Saints’ Day, November 1
Contact Pastor as soon as possible concerning which day works best for you.
Birthdays:
Maddy Penland
04/01
Eric Warnsman
04/01
Oscar Lopez
04/10
Jim Tarsi
04/12
Jennifer Rosas
04/21
Riley Parsons
04/24
Kori Weston
04/28
Anniversaries:
Mike & Kim Klotz
04/13
David & Randi Ladolcetta
04/18
Mike & Katie (Phillips) Jones
04/23
Palm Sunday
’
s Palm Branches
Unfortunately, we were unable to cancel our
order of Eco
-
Palms for the Passion/Palm
Sunday Services. However, we will not let
them go to waste! All palms will be dried and
burned so that the ashes may be used for
Page 3 Volume No. 0420
Other Online Worship Opportunities
Lord of Life members,
as we continue to tie into other area churches with streaming capabilities, we wanted
to send a list of options for worship, prayer, and meditations during this difficult time of separation and for
some a need to be in touch with others in our faith lives.
Here are some options for other Austin area RIC Lutheran Churches offering live streaming worship (Lenten
& Sundays), meditations, prayers and even children's time. Some require Facebook accounts and others do
not. The links are to the pages of each church and how to reach their online streaming. Note that some also
offer bulletins to go along with services.
Peace Lutheran Church
(NW Austin)
https://www.peaceaustin.org/
First English Ev Lutheran Church
(Central Austin)
http://www.felcaustin.org/church
-
connecting
-
during
-
social
-
distancing
-
plan
Gethsemane
Lutheran Church
(N. Austin)
http://gethsemaneaustin.org/2020/03/no
-
in
-
person
-
worship
-
due
-
to
-
coronavirus/
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
(S. Austin)
Page 4 Life-Lines
**ALL IN
-
PERSON EDUCATIONS CLASSES ARE SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID
-
19**
However, the church now has the GoToMeeting platform for video conferencing, so if you
want to resume your Sunday class/study, contact the office to schedule your GoToMeeting.
SUNDAY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CLASSES –
Sunday mornings, at 10:45 a.m.
Children and Youth Education —
meet in their classrooms as follows:
•
2 yrs—Pre
-
K meet in the nursery for study and play with Ms. Tealithia.
•
Kinder through 5th grade meet in the elementary room.
•
Middle and High School Youth meet in the high school room.
Adult Christian Education —
"Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher
to the Whitest Denomination in the US" by Lenny Duncan.
"Dear Church" rejects the
narrative of church decline and calls everyone
--
leaders and laity alike
--
to the front lines
of the church's renewal through racial equality and justice.
Meets in the café.
Adult Women
’
s Christian Education —
“
Made Like Martha: Good News for the
Woman Who Gets Things Done
”
by Katie M. Reid —
“
Are you a Martha who feels
guilty for not being a Mary? Do you want to sit at Jesus
’
s feet as Mary did
-
but you feel
the need to get things done? In
“
Made Like Martha
”
you are invited to exchange try
-
hard
striving for hope
-
filled freedom without abandoning your doer
’
s heart in the process.
”
-Meets in the office conf. room.
The ladies held their first GoToMeeting virtual Study on Sunday, March 29th!!
Coming Soon
-
NEW Adult Women
’
s Christian Education —
Holy Envy: Finding
God in the Faith of Others
by Barbara Brown Taylor. The author weaves together
sto-ries from the classroom with reflections on how her own spiritual journey has been
com-plicated and renewed by connecting with people of other traditions.
Sign
-
up sheet in the
Welcome Center for this new study, which should begin at the end of March. (Probably
March 29th).
-
Will meet in the office conf. room.
VBS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
It’s time to start thinking how you can help our VBS program be a
success! We are looking for volunteers to help with snacks,
shop-ping, guiding the children and leading our pre-k kids! VBS will be
June 15-19. Please contact Randi Ladolcetta if you are interested.
Page 5 Volume No. 0420
KINDRED SISTERS
Kindred Sisters is working on "Phone
Contact" meeting during 10:00am-12:00
pm on Tuesday, April 7th , which was
supposed to be our regular meeting of
Kindred Sisters. However, our
outing to
Zilker Botanical Gardens has been
cancelled
as we all currently remain in our
homes. Saying that, hopefully all are
staying healthy, getting some of the “To
-Do” lists done, remembering to exercise,
and mainly to
WASH YOUR HANDS!
God
Bless All and please call if help is needed
… will try to help or find help.
We are all
in this together
!
Remembering our wonderful day on
Tuesday, March 3
rd! Kindred Sisters met
their goal of
assembling 100 Lutheran
World Relief “Personal Care Kits.”
Who
said it was not possible??? Thanks to our
Congregation Contributions and Thrivent
Action Team, we had enough supplies plus
the $265.00 for the Shipping Fund.
Questions: Glenace Klinker 512-671-3690
[email protected]
LOLLC LADIES
KINDRED SISTERS
Monthly Meeting –
1
stTuesday Morning
Upcoming Opportunities
First Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Spring Outing—CANCELLED!
First Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Bible Study by Marge Robison
Bring your Sack Lunch for
Fellowship Lunch
Dessert and Drinks furnished by Hostess
Please Sign Up on 2020 Chart for:
Program – Devotion
-
Dessert Hostess
Bring your saved cancelled
postage stamps
For LWR Stamporee Box
Questions: Glenace Klinker 512-626-5048
Page 6 Life-Lines
LWR Personal Care Kits
Sunday, March 15, 2020,
Pastor Deb Blessed the 100 Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief
assem-bled by Kindred Sisters
on Tuesday, March 3
rd. The kits each contain a comb, clippers, two bars soap, and
toothbrush all wrapped in a towel tied with string.
Each kit provides refugees with much needed self-care,
critical germ fighting, and the chance to regain dignity amidst situations of fear and uncertainty.
Boxes
were to be taken to
INGATHERING April 15 at TLU in Seguin for shipment to Maryland for distribution all
over the world.
Currently cancelled, now will be done later in Fall.
I want to thank everyone for their
thoughts and prayers for me during my
recent thyroid cancer surgery and
recovery! I appreciate it so much! Special
thanks to Kindred Sisters for their prayers
and kindness during this trying time,
and very special thanks for the beautiful
blanket you gave me! I use it every day,
and I treasure it! Thank you to Pastor Deb for visiting and
praying for me in my home after the surgery! It meant so much to
me and my family! I am doing well and have had a good
recuperation! I still face some further tests to make sure that the
cancer has not spread, so I ask you to pray for me as I go through
those tests! In this time of Corona virus crisis, I pray that all of you
stay safe and well, and be very thankful that we can stay in touch
with each other with social media, texts, calls, and regular
mail! God Bless you all and keep you in His Loving Care!
Page 7 Volume No. 0420
Our Community
Garden is full and
growing well!!
We are happy to
provide this place
for those with green thumbs.
Thanks for growing with us!
To everyone who goes out to walk - I have been wearing my Lord of Life T-shirt with our
logo on the back of it, and people who see it give me a wave or
"I love your shirt - so very true", etc.
Spread the word -Learn - Love - Live, God's Word, God's Will, God's Way - people need to
see that message right now! It gives us hope!
Page 8 Life-Lines
1. Download the free GivePlus app.
2. Find our church by ZIP code [78717] or
using location finder.
3. Donate!
Use Our GivePlus
Mobile App
In less than five minutes, you can set up
an account or give using a guest account.
LOLLC BBQ & Bake Sale
The date for the LOLLC BBQ and Bake Sale, in collaboration
with the Davis Spring spring
-
time garage sale that was
scheduled for Saturday, April 25
has been cancelled due to
COVID-19
. We are unsure if the BBQ will be rescheduled.
APRIL
All April Events Cancelled-COVID19Apr 5
Passion/Palm Sunday
Apr 9
Maundy Thursday
Apr 10
Good Friday
Apr 12
Easter
Apr 25
BBQ & Bake Sale
MAY
May 10 Mother’s Day
May 24 Graduation Recognition
May 25 Memorial Day
May 31 Pentecost Sunday / Affirmation
JUNE
June 13-14 VBS Set-up June 15-19 VBS
June 21 Father’s Day
JULY
Page 9 Volume No. 0420
Contributions to Lord of Life
Giving is a form of worship; it is a reflection of God
’
s grace, a faithful
witness of the Gospel and a demonstration of gratitude.
Below are
several ways you can contribute to the ministry of Lord of Life.
By mail:
Send contributions by mail to Lord of Life Lutheran
Church,
9700 Neenah Ave, Austin, TX 78717.
Please mark the
envelope
“
contributions
”.
Simply Giving:
This is an auto
-
debit program that any church
member may sign up for. Contact the church office (512
-
671
-
6100)
to enroll. There is no processing fee with this method.
Give+ Mobile App:
The Give+ Mobile App is available for download to
your smart phone or iPad from both Apple and Google Play.
Using
this smartphone app, you can quickly and easily donate using your
debit/credit card or checking/savings account.
You may make one
-time donations or set up recurring giving.
You can choose to create
an account or donate as a guest.
Here is a link to the
“
How To
”
set
up your Give+ Mobile App on the website:
http://www.lordoflifeaustin.org/documents/GivePlus%20App%20How%20To.pdf
** As part of your contribution, we ask that you also support the
processing fees (2.75%).
This is an option with this contribution.
LORD OF LIFE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
March 10, 2020 6:30pm
Attendees: Pastor Deb Schulze, Members Dave Smith, Yuki Mendez, Randi Ladolcetta, Alyson & Fred Pirotina. Randy Anderson excused absence.
6:32pm- Call to Order –President Dave Smith Dwelling in the Word (John 20:24-29) –Dave Smith Discerning Prayer (Call Committee, Faith in the future) Property Updates –KDO arrival around 6.45pm
Progress with KDO - Alyson Pirotina and Fred Pirotina KDO update
Alyson brought a map with the marked-up survey with desired land and acres. Described their need for a 5,000 to 7,000 square foot building, The church sanctuary is 3,000 square feet as a point of reference.
Zoning update-SF2 zoning will be suitable for their facility
Abandoned driveway/easement update—this will not be a through road, there is no easement off of Thatcher Drive.
Council agreed that they will receive official appraisal from Steven Adams
action item: Randi moved to go forward with the appraisal, Yuki seconds to “approve the appraisal to be conducted by Steve Adams.” All approved.
Approximate cost is $1,200 (4) weeks to complete
Randy Anderson will contact Steve to arrange this survey Worship Services
Supply pastor schedule - 3 spots need to be filled in May & June (Lax is available, but presiding minister needed for communion). Dave agreed to work on this.
3 month review with Stephanie - completed by Dave, Randy Anderson and John Duarte on March 1st. This assessment went well and Stephanie commented on some challenges with the sound system and piano. The piano had been tuned, and Stephanie was also pleased to hear about the chimes that could be used by the children for worship music.
New Business
Vacant Council Position
Brynn Wagonner’s position on council has been vacated and council discussed the pros and cons of filling the position. This position would have been vacant in 9 months, so someone would be filling a partial time on council. Council decided to go forward with getting more people involved in leadership in the church and a few members were identified as potentials.
Synod Assembly–need 2 members to attend. (This item has now been overcome by events. The assembly is no longer on June 5-7) Membership Transfers
Exit interview –Yuki to develop survey. Transfer letter –per Pastor Deb
Action item to approve transfer of membership
Crawford, John & Dorothy, emailed 2/26/2020, stating that they have transferred their membership to Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, Austin (eff. 2/23/2020). Randi moved to “approve the transfer of the Crawfords,” Dave seconds.
Martin, Hodges & Eun Ju, called 2/28/2020, stating that they will not be returning to LOLLC, and that they have gone back to their former church, St. Phillips United Methodist Church, Austin. Pastor Deb will send a letter to those who notified us of a change but it is unclear if they actually want their membership transferred.
Call Committee
Congregants interested in being elected to call committee. Kira is no longer in a position to be considered.
Dave shared the guidance on what a call committee should be comprised of: C13.05.01 A Call Committee of six voting members and two non-voting alternates shall be elected by this Congregation. Their term shall terminate upon installation of the newly called pastor.
Council discussed the stratification of the congregational demographics for call committee membership and thought that overall the list was good, but representation of younger people in the congregation would be important (person under 30).
Communication between Ministry teams, Office and Pastor Deb
Brief discussion on the ministry teams and how they interact with the Pastor and Council. Graduation Sunday –May 24th
Confirmation Sunday --early May (Ben Parsons) Events
BBQ/Bake sale update- Interest from two members to run the BBQ sale. (this has been overcome by events, no garage sale).
Cultural Festival update –fall event. Randi gave an update on the grant that the church received.
Closing Prayer –Pr. Schulze 8:33 motion to adjourn Submitted by: Yuki Mendez
Sunday Worship Attendance
3/01/2020 61 3/08/2020 43 3/15/2020 24 3/22/2020 n/a-COVID-19 3/29/2020 n/a-COVID-19 Weekly Average: 43 YTD Total 2020 648
YTD Weekly Avg 55 Page 10 Life-Lines
Worship Leaders for April 2020
April 5, 2020 N/A—Closed due to COVID-19 Color: Scarlet/Purple
Presiding Minister: Asst Minister:
Lector: Media Assistant:
Communion Assistant:
Ushers:
Altar Guild: Acolyte:
Tellers: Cantor:
Flowers: Children’s Time:
April 12, 2020 N/A—Closed due to COVID-19 Color: White
Presiding Minister: Asst Minister:
Lector: Media Assistant:
Communion Assistant:
Ushers:
Altar Guild: Acolyte:
Tellers: Cantor:
Flowers: Children’s Time:
April 19, 2020 N/A—Closed due to COVID-19 Color: White
Presiding Minister: Asst Minister:
Lector: Media Assistant:
Communion Assistant:
Ushers:
Altar Guild: Acolyte:
Tellers: Cantor:
Flowers: Children’s Time:
April 26, 2020 N/A—Closed due to COVID-19 Color: White
Presiding Minister: Asst Minister:
Lector: Media Assistant:
Communion Assistant:
Ushers:
Altar Guild: Acolyte:
Tellers: Cantor:
Flowers: Children’s Time:
Page 11 Volume No. 0420
A p r i l
2 02 0
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
ALL FACILITY USES CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 1 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Closed (COVID-19) 6:30p Pack 1501-Den 3 Mtg 2 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Closed (COVID-19) 6:30p Pack 150 Mtg 7p Property Mtg 3 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Closed (COVID-19) 4 Closed-COVID19 5p Facility Use 5 Closed-COVID19 Passion/Palm Sunday 9:30a Sunday Worship 10:45a Christian Educ 2p Facility Rental-Recital 6p Troop 150 Cmt Mtg 6 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 7p Troop 150 Mtg 7:30p Troop 150 Book Club Mtg 7 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 10:30a Kindred Sisters 8 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 6:30p Pack 150-Den 6 Mtg 6:30p Pack 150-Den 9/11 Mtg 9 Closed-COVID19 Maundy Thurs 9a RRISD Program 6:30p Pack 150-Den 8 Mtg 7p Maundy Th Svc 10 Closed-COVID19 Good Friday 9a RRISD Program 11a Good Fri Svc 7p Good Fri Svc 11 Closed-COVID19 Resurrection of Our Lord 12 Closed-COVID19 Easter
9:30a Sunday Worship 10:45a Easter Egg Hunt 12:30p Worship Mtg 13 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 7p Finance Mtg 7p Troop 150 Mtg 14 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 6:30p Council Mtg 15 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 6:30p Pack 1501-Den 3 Mtg 16 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 7p Pack 150 Cmt Mtg 7:30p Facility Use-17 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 18 Closed-COVID19 6p Facility Rental 19 Closed-COVID19 9:30a Sunday Worship 10:45a Christian Educ 6p Prayer & Healing Svc
20 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 6:30p Evang & Outreach Mtg 7p Troop 150 Mtg 21 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 22 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 7:30p Facility Use-Mayflower Choir 23 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 7p Educ Mtg 7:30p Facility Use-Mayflower Choir 24 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 25 Closed-COVID19 BBQ & Bake Sale
26
Closed-COVID19 9:30a Sunday Worship 10:45a Christian Educ
27 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 7p Troop 150 Mtg 28 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 29 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 7:30p Facility Use-Mayflower Choir 30 Closed-COVID19 9a RRISD Program 7:30p Facility Use-Mayflower Choir Page 12 Volume No. 0420
