April 2011

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From the Desk of Pastor Matt

You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous…  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

        There’s a story about a father who had to go away from his young family for a few days on business.  He was anxious about how things would go in his absence, so he had a word with his oldest son, who was nine at the time.  “When I’m away,” he said, “I want you to think what I would normally do around the house, and you do it for me.”  The father had in mind, of course, things like keeping the house clean, washing the dishes, taking out the trash, and helping the mother out with anything she needed done.  When the father returned from his trip, he asked his wife what the son had done.  “Well,” she said, “it was very strange.  Right after breakfast he made himself another cup of coffee, went into the living room, turned the music up, and read the newspaper for half an hour.  After that he scolded his sister for not picking up her toys.”  It seems the son fundamentally misunderstood who his father was.

There are undoubtedly times when we misunderstand who our Father is, and we misunderstand what God has asked us to do.  We make the mistake of thinking that God relates to the world the way that we relate to each other, punishing evildoers and hating those who do wrong things.  This is a very easy mistake to make, as we live in a world culture dominated by the exercise of power.  The events of late illustrate this.  Strength and power in our world are shown by launching missiles, by announcing threats, by firing rockets across the border, by dropping bombs on enemy targets.  Strength is often shown through the exercise of force, just as it was in the days of Jesus.

“You have heard it said that you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” Yes, Jesus…  We’ve heard it.  We see it almost every day.  What would you have us do?  “I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.”

I wonder what it would be like if the world suddenly started following Jesus’ teachings.  Personally, I long and pray for the day when all forms of violence would cease, and yet at the same time I recognize that we live in a world in which retaliation seems at times to be necessary.  I pray for the time when Jesus’ teachings can be the world’s rule rather than the exception.  Who knows when or if that day will come?

In the meantime we as honest and faithful followers of Christ are called to do what we can to live our lives according to a different set of rules.  We can proclaim that God alone is sovereign, Lord of all creation, and all that goes on here on earth.  We can remember that God’s justice is tempered by God’s love for all people.  We can live our lives based on who God is, announcing the good news:  For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life. We can pray for the strength to love others because God loves them, even if they are called our enemies and mean to hurt or kill us.

I once read a parable about a holy man who was practicing his morning meditation under a tree whose roots stretched out over the riverbank.  During his meditation he noticed that the river was rising, and a scorpion caught in the roots was about to drown. He crawled out on the roots and reached down to free the scorpion, but every time he did so, the scorpion struck back at him, trying to sting him.  A man passing by stopped and said to the holy man, “Don’t you know that’s a scorpion, and it’s in the nature of a scorpion to want to sting?”  The holy man replied, “That may well be, but it is my nature to save, and I will not let the scorpion’s desire to hurt change my desire to help.”  Remember, brothers and sisters in Christ, that it is in our Lord’s nature to save.

In Christ’s Mission,
Pastor Matt

Contemporary Worship

Our Praise worship services will continue with the first Sunday of each month at 10:30 a.m.  Get the word out, pray for us, and join us! 

Joyous Light                  
 Join us every 3^rd Saturday of the month for our evening prayer service called "Joyous Light" written by Ray Makeever.  Ray is a graduate of Luther Seminary and a well-known musician.  This worship service is a beautiful way to center ourselves and celebrate God's Light in our life and in our world. 

April Anniversaries

9     Terry and Frank Borden      
15   Dave and Ann Marie Kraemer                       
20   Joseph and Vicky St.George                          
26   Brian and Jennifer Schutze                             
30   Lawrence and Lisa Rolefson

April Birthdays

   2       Hannah Snowberger
   3       Kelly Senfleben
   4       Dennis Portz
   5       Jason Bates
   7       Esther Mason, Dennis Uhlman
   9       Michael Stuettgen
   10     Christina Byerly
   11     Carol Evert
   14     Linda Egelseer, Sandy Friedl
   15     Abigail Hoffmann
   17     Tylor Reed
   18     Debra Solveson
   19     Bruce Benson, Lauren Snowberger
   20     Tiernan Byerly, Mike Snowberger, Joshua Uhlman
   21     Brenda Houghtaling, Jack Scheife, Kathy Smithyman
   22     Connie Kreuser
   23     Kathy Larson
   24     Mark Larson
   25     Jeffrey Brewer
   26     Lauren Morrissey
   27     Christine Guenther, Alexander Schuett
   28     Dale Eske
   29     Sarah Stuettgen
   30     Mark Cameron, Mitch Solveson

April Lay Ministry Schedule

April Altar Guild: Marlene Connell & Liz Laack
April Counters: Larry Christopherson, Roger & Lyn Johnson

Scholarships
St. Olaf will be accepting applications for Scholarships due May 1, 2011.  Pick up an application from the kiosk in the gathering area.

Easter Breakfast

Join us on Easter Sunday for breakfast from 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.  Donations will be accepted.  Hosted by the Women of Grace.

Family Promise

Our week with hosting the Family Promise families went well, thanks be to God.  We had plenty of volunteers, plenty of food, evening Devotions & Prayer, and they were all very appreciative of St. Olaf for opening our doors and hearts to them.

We thank the 60 volunteers that gave of their time in any way and we welcome any comments or suggestions on the week.  Hats off to our Sub-Coordinators that did a wonderful job.  They are Dorothy Portz, Meal Coordinator; Jon Evert, Set up/take down Coordinator; Kathy Monis, Donations Coordinator, Elaine Monis, Breakfast Coordinator; and Justine Cadena, Evening Hospitality Coordinator.  If anyone has been thinking about stepping up to act as main Coordinators for St. Olaf, please see Pastor Matt, Elaine Monis or Justine Cadena.  Elaine & Justine are acting as Co-Coordinators in the interim.    

If St. Olaf decides in April to continue with this partnership with Family Promise in helping homeless families, our next weeks of providing hospitality will be June 12-18, Sept. 4-10, and Dec. 4-10, 2011. 

There is a Washington County Homeless Summit on April 15^th at 7:30 a.m. at the Jackson Community Center to discuss and learn more about the homeless situation right here in our own community.  (see the notice printed here) Anyone who is interested may attend.  You can sign up on the Kiosk and Justine will RSVP as a group. 

Since Family Promise is a non-profit organization, they rely on fundraising and donations. There will be a Golf Outing Fundraiser on Saturday May 7^th at the Scenic View Golf Club along with a Social Hour and Dinner for anyone that would like to support such a worthwhile cause.  (see the registration form in the caller and again, sign up on the kiosk if you are planning to take part) 

Matching Funds

We have a huge opportunity to give a financial boost to our ministry.  Commitments totaling $14,000 have been received provided matching funds are received from the congregation prior to May 30, 2011.  The money from these commitments will go to the general fund and the mortgage reduction fund.  You can designate your matching contribution to either of these two funds or you can divide it between these two funds as you desire.  Contributions should be over and above your regular giving to these two funds.  Only the amount received from the congregation will be matched.  For instance, if $14,000 or more is received from the congregation, $14,000 in matching funds will be received.  If $3,000 is received from the congregation, only $3,000 in matching funds will be received, etc.  Be sure to indicate your designation on your check or envelope.  If you have any questions, contact Roger Johnson at 920-474-3168.  Remember the deadline to contribute is May 30th.    

Buck a Chick

Join us this Lent with Buck-a-Chick!  For one dollar, you can purchase and decorate a paper chick for yourself or in honor of a friend or family member.  We’ll be hanging the colorful chicks in a prominent spot.  Just one dollar will provide a family living in poverty with a little chick.  Soon enough, this chick will begin producing eggs.  Its eggs make protein-rich meals and can be sold at the marketplace for income—helping a family escape hunger and poverty for good.

WANTED - Favorite Bible Verses

The Music & Worship committee is looking to have some new church banners made. We would like to collect favorite Bible verses and then see which ones can be used for the new banners.  Write them down and turn them into the church office, put them in the offering plate, or hand them to any member of the Music & Worship committee. If you have suggestions for art work or pictures to be used with the Bible verse include that also. Thanks.

Flower Warning

Lilies & other spring flowers are toxic to cats.  Even if the pollen falls and they eat it or lick it from their fur it could be fatal. 

Lenten & Holy Week Schedules

Lenten Ecumenical Services

All services will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Wed., April 6        Zion E.L.C.A. Church - Ashippun
Wed., April 13       St. Paul’s E.L.C.A. Church -Sugar Island

Holy Week Services

Palm Sunday               April 17            9:00 a.m.
                         Reception of new members

Maundy Thursday         April 21            7:00 p.m.
        Worship w/ First communion for 4^th & 5^th grade

Good Friday                 April 22            7:00 p.m.

Saturday Vigil               April 23            5:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday              April 24
   7:00 a.m.  Worship service with Holy Communion
   9:00 a.m.  Worship service with Holy Communion
   10:30 a.m.   Praise Service with Holy Communion
  8:00-10:30 a.m.   Easter breakfast served by the Women of Grace

Taking Faith Home  

Standing Up For Your Child

By Marilyn Sharpe (TYFI.org)

          The Eighth Commandment

         You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 

         What does this mean?

We are to fear and love God, so that we do not tell lies about our neighbors, betray or slander them, or destroy their reputations. Instead we are to come to their defense, speak well of them, and interpret everything they do in the best possible light.         Luther’s Small Catechism

It’s been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Your child feels like they can’t do anything right. No one likes them. Everyone is unfair. No one has cut them any slack. Your child is deflated and defeated. So, what are you as the parent to do for this your youngest, most beloved neighbor? What does it mean “to come to [your child’s] defense, speak well of them, and interpret everything they do in the best possible light?”

Unjustly accused. Of course, you will stand up for your child when someone accuses them of something they didn’t do. That needs to extend to authority figures, like teachers, neighbors, family members, and other adults. Your child needs to know that you will get their back, when they are being wronged. Justice needs to begin in the home. (Note: this does not mean that you will lie or cover for them or insulate them from the consequences of misbehavior. Help them learn to accept responsibility and make it right when they have done wrong.)

Labeling the child. We’ve all heard it: “My, isn’t she spoiled!” “He is awfully shy, isn’t he?” “Your daughter is really aggressive!” “Boy, he’s over-sensitive!” “What a brat!” If the adult had just punched you in the stomach, it couldn’t have hurt you ... or your child more. What to do now?

Reframe it. “Shy,” “aggressive,” “oversensitive?” How about this as a response ... and please do it in earshot of your child! “Devon is very observant and thoughtful. Before he jumps into something new, he watches, thinks about it, then enters. We are proud to have such a thoughtful son.” “Ella knows how to stand up for herself ... and for others. She is assertive, not aggressive. We are very proud of her leadership and clear sense of justice.” “Dan is a caring, empathetic, attuned little boy. His sensitivity is a positive quality; it is just right.” What a difference it makes for your child to hear their traits as strengths, rather than character flaws.

Catch your child doing things right and well. Use twice as much energy catching your child doing something right, than some-thing wrong. Name it. Affirm it. Tell the child that this is behavior worthy of them!   Remember, what gets attention, gets repeated. 

Separate behavior from personhood. If your child has misbehaved, let them know that they can change that behavior, which is not worthy of the person they are, and you will help them. Remind them of a time they handled the situation right or predict that very soon they will be able to do so. This is a child of God who lives with you. Affirm this identity and possibility in all you do as a parent. My father’s favorite verse in scripture was one he lived by:

         He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.    

                                     Micah 6:8

He did justice, was kind, and walked humbly with God. What a difference that made to me as a child ... and how it shaped me as a parent and grandparent, teacher and friend.

What a role model! I was blessed. Now, it’s my turn to pass it on. Won’t you join me, defending your children, speaking well of them, and interpreting everything they do in the best possible light?

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

2. Name your child’s qualities and actions in “the kindest way.”

3. Don’t let others negatively label your child. Speak up for your child. Reframe the label.

4. Separate behavior from personhood. Tell her you know she can change her behavior ... and you’ll help.

5. “Catch” your child being just the person you want him to be. Name the behavior you like. Give each person in your family an Affirmation Dinner.  During the meal, have each person present name a quality they admire in the person being honored. Write them down and frame the list or put it on the fridge.

St. Olaf Sunday School presents

Doubting Thomas

March 27-April 17

For three years Thomas follows Jesus as a disciple.  But Thomas is a pessimist. Some people rejoice to see a glass half full, but Thomas sees it half empty. Oh, he's full of courage, but also possesses a streak of fatalism. Once, when Jesus and his disciples hear about their friend Lazarus's death near Jerusalem, the center of Jesus' opposition, Thomas comments darkly, "Yes, let's go there that we might die with him." His words are almost prophetic, and soon, his world falls apart. Thomas sees Jesus arrested in the Garden and he flees for his life. On Good Friday he watches at a distance as they nail his friend to a cross. As Jesus' life drains away, so does Thomas's hope.

On Saturday he is in shock. On Sunday he is so disillusioned that he doesn't gather with his fellow disciples for an evening meal. Thomas is dazed, hurt, bitter.  The disciples go looking for Thomas to tell him what happened in his absence.  "Thomas, we were in that upper room. We locked the doors for protection. Yet, all of a sudden, Jesus appeared. 'Peace,' he said. Then he showed us his hands. There are jagged holes where the nails had been. He pulls back his tunic and shows us where the spear penetrated his chest. But he wasn't weak or sick or dying. He is alive, raised from the dead!"

"I don't believe it," barks Thomas. "I don't believe a word of it. You're seeing what you want to see. Jesus is dead. I saw him die, and part of me died with him. But he's dead, and the sooner you accept that fact, the better off you'll be. Give it up!”  Peter pleads with him. "Thomas, I saw him myself, I tell you, and he was as real as you are!”  Thomas refuses to believe. "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

The next Sunday evening he is eating with his fellow disciples in the same locked room. Suddenly, Jesus stands among them once again and speaks "Shalom, peace be with you.”  Jesus turns to him and says "Put your finger here, see my hands." Jesus holds out his scarred hands for him to examine. Thomas recoils. Not out of fear, really, but from a mixture of amazement and revulsion. Jesus begins to open his outer garment and says, "Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Thomas is weeping now and then begins to sob out loud. Jesus reaches out and puts a hand on his shoulder. Then Thomas slips to his knees and says in awe, "My Lord and my God!"  Jesus replies, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 

Sunday School Classes

• In the Oasis Café we will cook and realize how Jesus turns our doubt inside out. 
• In Colors of Faith we will make find ways that Jesus brings peace into our lives.
• In Creation Exploration we will learn about wounds, scars and belief. 
• In Jammin’ with Jesus we will play some games that show us Jesus is alive! 

Our focus verse:

Jesus said to him, “Do you believe because you see me? 
How happy are those who believe without seeing!” 
John 20:26

Layettes for Lutheran Word Relief

We are getting things together to send to Lutheran World Relief for the baby layettes.  Things we need are:

    Colored hand towels
    Baby sacks
    Regular gentle bar soap

See Esther Mason with any questions or if you would like to donated any items.  Thank you.

Set Aside a Time to Pray 6:33 a.m. or p.m. 

As we remember to pray each day, think of this verse:

  The Lord is with you when you are with Him. If you

                seek Him, He will be found by you.
                             2 Chronicles 15:2
 
       Since God is everywhere, we are free to sense His presence whenever we take the time to quiet our souls and turn our prayers to Him.  But sometimes, amid the many demands of everyday life, we turn our thoughts far from God; when we do, we suffer. 
      Do you set aside quiet moments each day to offer praise to your Creator? You most certainly should. Silence is a gift that you give to yourself and to God. During these moments of stillness, you will often sense the infinite love and power of your Creator – and He, in turn, will speak directly to your heart.

The familiar words of Psalm 46:10 remind us to

“Be still, and know that I am God.” When we do so, we encounter the awesome presence of  our loving Heavenly Father, and we are comforted in the knowledge that God is not just near. He is here.

Don’t Forget About St. Olaf Scrip

    Through the Scrip program we can buy the groceries, gas, clothes, supplies, tools, toys, etc. that we otherwise pay for with cash or credit card.  When we make our purchases with Scrip cards, we pay no more than we would at the stores, and St. Olaf's receives between 2% to 17% from every purchase.

   You will be able to pick up your cards at church within a week of ordering them.  In addition, we now have an inventory of cards on hand for the most popular stores.  So in many cases, you will be able to get your cards immediately. See Sandy Friedl, Laura Lee, or DeAnn Slade for more information or to buy your Scrip cards.