American Lutheran Church Worthington, MN

American Lutheran Church
Worthington, MN
~Sending~
*Blessing
L: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
watch over your going out and your coming in,
from this time forth and forevermore.
C: Amen.
*Sending Song: ELW 325
*Dismissal
L: Go in peace. Help the poor.
C: Thanks be to God.
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
(Note: We will be ushering out this morning at the 8:00 a.m. service.)
Song of Lent: ELW 610 “O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come”
The text of this song enhances our 2014 Lenten Theme of “Restored in Christ” by
focusing on healing our brokenness. This song was written in 1967 in England by Fred
Pratt Green to fill a void of ‘not enough hymns about healing.’ It was set to the American
tune, DISTRESS, which comes from “The Southern Harmony” of 1835. This melody uses
only 5 different pitches.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #30899.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the
United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today's gospel tells of Jesus' temptation in the desert. His forty-day fast becomes the
basis of our Lenten pilgrimage. In the early church Lent was a time of intense preparation
for those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. This catechetical focus on the meaning of faith
is at the heart of our Lenten journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. Hungry for God's
mercy, we receive the bread of life to nourish us for the days ahead.
First Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 9, 2014
8:00 AM Worship Service
(10:15 AM Alternative Worship with Holy Communion)
*=Please stand as able
~Gathering~
Welcome and Community Time
*Confession and Forgiveness
L: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God,
the fountain of living water,
the rock who gave us birth,
our light and our salvation. C: Amen.
L: Come, let us acknowledge our sin and seek God's face,
that we may live.
L: Holy God,
C: we confess that we have turned away
from you and from our neighbors,
and in toward ourselves.
We have sought security in possessions
and the place of power in relationships.
We have trusted ourselves most of all.
Turn us back to you, O God.
In your mercy, forgive our sinfulness
and cleanse us from guilt and shame.
Guide us on the path of freedom
that is your gift to us in Christ our Lord. Amen.
L: Hear for yourselves:
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
In the waters of baptism
grace abounds for you and for all.
God turns to you in love
and puts away every sin, every wrong turn,
for the sake of Jesus,
the one God sent to save the world. C: Amen.
*Gathering Song: ELW 320
The Glory of These Forty Days
Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C: And also with you.
Kyrie ELW p. 120
Prayer of the Day
L: Let us pray.
C: Lord God, our strength, the struggle between good and evil rages within and
around us, and the devil and all the forces that defy you tempt us with empty
promises. Keep us steadfast in your word, and when we fall, raise us again
and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Ministry Through Music
Bell Choir
~Word~
(on screen)
First Reading: Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7
Second Reading: Romans 5:12–19
*Gospel Acclamation (spoken)
Let your steadfast love come to us, O Lord.
Save us as you promised; we will trust your word.
*Gospel: Matthew 4:1–11
Sermon
ELW 610
Hymn of the Day:
*Apostles Creed (inside hymnal back cover)
O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
~Response to the Word~
*Prayers of Intercession – L: Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great.
*Peace
L: The peace of Christ be with you always.
C: And also with you.
Offering
Quiet Offering (Quiet Offering to benefit the ALC Endowment Fund)
*Offering Prayer
God our provider, you have not fed us with bread alone, but with words of
grace and life. Bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your
bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Lord's Prayer (inside hymnal back cover)
March 9, 2014
American Lutheran Church
915 Winifred St, Worthington MN 56187
e-mail: aloffice@frontiernet.net
(507) 376-5264
www.alcworthington.org
Church Council: alcouncil@frontiernet.net
Welcome Visitors and Friends!
May God’s Spirit among us bring joy and inspiration as we worship together.
If you are visiting, we hope you will sign our guestbook in the front entry area.
If you include your mailing address we will gladly send you a copy of our newsletter.
Children are always welcome in worship; activity bags are located in the entry area.
A nursery, staffed by volunteers, is available on the lower level
for infants through 4-year-olds.
Wireless hearing assistance receivers and large print bulletins
are available from the ushers.
Our ushers are available if you have any questions or concerns, or need assistance.
Please join us for refreshments and fellowship between services in the Fellowship Hall.
We hope to see you again soon!
Sunday Mornings
8:00 a.m. Traditional Worship  Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays of month
9:15 a.m. Fellowship & Education for all ages  Visitors always welcome!
10:15 a.m. Alternative Worship  Communion every Sunday, except 5th Sundays
Can I come to Holy Communion? We believe that all who are baptized are invited to
Communion by our Lord Jesus Christ himself. As Lutherans we believe that the crucified
and risen Jesus Christ is truly present in the sacrament, that through this gift God nourishes
us in faith, forgives our sin, and calls and sends us to be disciples of Jesus and witnesses to
his good news. Regarding Communion: Gluten-free wafers are available from the server
upon request, and grape juice is available in the center of each wine tray. Persons with
limited mobility are encouraged to inform an usher, who will see to it that the sacrament is
brought to you where you are seated. It is helpful to the communion servers if children who
have received communion instruction hold their palms open; children not communing are
welcome forward to receive a blessing.
What if I need a ride? If you would like a ride for either Sunday service, please call the
church office (376-5264) by noon the previous Friday. A private vehicle will pick you up
7:30-7:45 for the 8:00 a.m. service, and 9:45-10:00 for the 10:15 a.m. service.
What if I am interested in membership? Anyone who has been visiting American
Lutheran and is interested in learning more about joining our family of faith, please contact
Pastor Gary at 376-5264 or PastorGA@frontier.com.
Our Prayer Ministry - Please take home for your personal prayers:
Healing (within the ALC family)… Rosa Ingenthron, Ed Seisler, Wayne Klumper, Jill Williams,
Dorothy Aaser, Dorothy Hoeft, Megan Prins, Roger Anderson, Ron Glawe, Mary Jane
Voehl, Ethan Oberloh
Healing (beyond our walls)… Louise Zahorski, Jonathan Bone (Sue Ellen Bone’s brother), David
Noerenberg (son of Roxann Polzine); Kris Rall; Amy Rozeboom (Jim & Barb Williams’
daughter); Eva Dieters (sister of Glenden Pomrenke), Byron Davidson (Shannon
Schmitz’s father); Lisa Kocak (daughter of Rich & Linda Renken); Gary Pomrenke
(brother of Glenden Pomrenke); Donna Dudley (mother of Steve Dudley); Darrel
Shepherd (George Weiland’s brother-in-law)
Grieving… the family of Delbert Danneman
Also praying for… All of our shut-ins, Care-givers, the unemployed, Military Personnel,
the ministry in Cameroon with our missionary; The Rev. Dr. Elisabeth Johnson; the
people affected by difficult weather conditions; our congregation during the Missions &
Ministry
Need’s Study
In our continuing prayer for all ALC members, this week we pray for the households of…
Robert & Donna Getzel, Sheena Getzel, Ron & Lori Glawe, Loren & Jeanne Goettsch, Sheila
Graff.
Happy Birthday to those who celebrate birthdays through this coming week: 9)
Lee Hain, Kessey Aljets; 10) Tim Gaul, Raymond Landberg, Tim Skog; 11) Bob Namanny, Bill
Hoevet, Glad Henning, Zoe Baerenwald; 12) Karen Hamman, Lora Lee Knuth, Preston
Leopold; 13) Tom Bohn, Christopher Kremer, Nickolus Obermoller, Alicia Peterson, Ethan
Oberloh; 14) Leo Stugelmeyer, Shauna Carroll, Tanner Bruse, Whitney Prins; 15) Dorothy
Koehn, Shannon Rickert, Porter Elsing. Happy Birthday!
Worshipers Last Sunday: Sunday, March 2 – 241 (8:00 -130; 10:15 –111)
Ash Wednesday Worship, March 5 - 280
PLEASE FILL OUT A COMMUNION CARD – According to our American Lutheran Church
constitution, it is “the privilege and duty of members … to make regular use of the means of
grace, both Word and sacraments.” That is, as Christians we will want to frequently hear
God’s Word and receive Holy Communion. The constitution also says that one of the marks
of active membership is communing at least once per year. For that purpose we ask that
every communing member of ALC fill out a Communion Card (available from the ushers)
once during the year. If you have not yet done so for 2014, please do so soon. Thank you!
FLOWERS TODAY are given by Scott & Sue Rose.
With the Cold and Flu Season upon us, we suggest refraining from shaking hands
during the “Sharing of Peace”. Instead use a “fist bump” or “elbow bump”!
Your 2013 Contribution Statements will be available in the church office through April
15, 2014, Monday through Friday only.
Today there will be a Quiet Offering for the American Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.
This offering will be taken following the regular offering. A percentage of the Endowment
Fund is dispersed at the end of each year, so your contributions are important. Thank you
for your silent donation. -The Endowment Committee
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT AND SERVICE
An Adult Bible Study is held at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays in the Heritage Room (office wing).
Today we begin a study based on our Lenten theme, “Restored In Christ.” Everyone is
invited to join us.
“Fed and Forgiven” First Communion Preparation - 5th Graders, Wednesdays during
Lent at 5:15 p.m. Grab supper from the Lenten Meals provided in the Fellowship Hall and
come downstairs with your parents to the Underwater Room.
Lenten Suppers: April 9th is still available to provide a Lenten Supper. If anyone would be
interested in serving a meal for this night, please contact the Office. Youth, grades 6-8th
would be available to help you if needed (contact Stacy)!
The Love INC Widows’ Ministry will meet Monday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the
American Lutheran Church. Amanda Walljasper-Tate will share “Tips to Keep Healthy”.
Manna Food Pantry is once again taking part in the annual fund drive. Envelopes can be
found in the pews. Money given to the March Campaign through American Lutheran will
“stay local” and will be given to Manna Food Pantry Inc. Manna Food Pantry receives
additional money from Minnesota Food Share and the Feinstein Foundation based on all
donations received during March. The goal for Manna Food Pantry in 2014 is: 75,000
combined pounds and dollars. If you have any questions, or you would like to volunteer,
call Linda Sanchez, coordinator at 507-370-1190.
Wednesday Evening Lenten Offerings, except those designated for local church use,
will go to the local food pantries where they will be stretched even further according to the
availability of matching dollars.
Is God calling you? God is always calling each of us to use our time and gifts to serve
him, but perhaps God is calling you now to join our team of Homebound Communion
visitors. To see if this is a good match for you, please talk to Pastor Gary.
“This Bud’s For You” – With the new sound system now operational, new “earbud”
hearing assistance devices are available. First reports are that they work exceptionally well.
For more information stop by the sound booth in the back of the sanctuary before or after
worship services, or contact the church office (376-5264).
“God is Not Dead” is a movie that YOU can attend for FREE on Sunday, March 23rd at
1:45 p.m. at the Northland Cinema 5 in Worthington through a generous donation from
Youth Council. We encourage all to attend – go as a family, invite a friend, look beyond our
church walls and share God Love’s with this simple gift. This movie is rated PG. Sign-up
sheets are available in the back of church or contact Stacy for more information. (There are
more times for the show available if Sunday does not work for you. Contact Stacy.)
Play and Pray will be held March 16th following the second service (11:15ish till 1:00 p.m.)
and all 6th, 7th and 8th graders are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall for a family style
meal and time to play and pray. With the help of Nick Raymo and Kara Honius, we will be
playing games and enjoying some big belly laughs. Bring your tennis shoes.
Dodge Ball Tournament will be held March 16th at 1:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. at the American
Reformed Church (by Perkins). All 6th to 12th grade youth are encouraged to attend an
afternoon of FUN!
THANK YOU for attending, donating and enjoying the “Taco Bar” served by our youth on
Ash Wednesday. I feel God is calling us to make a difference in Rossville, Indiana on our
mission trip and because of you we are one step closer to helping these precious residents
this summer.
Interested in Learning About Membership? “Exploring ALC” on Saturday, March
15 is for you. American Lutheran welcomes everyone to participate in Christ’s mission
through our worship, ministries and programs. Becoming a member, however, often
provides a deeper sense of belonging to our faith family. If you have been visiting with us
and would like to know more about who we are or about membership, we welcome you to
an “Exploring ALC” session on Saturday, March 15th, from 9:15-11:30 a.m. The coffee will
be on! So that we have an idea of how many to plan for, please register by March 10 th by
contacting the church office at 507-376-5264, or by emailing ALoffice@frontiernet.net. If
you have any questions please contact Pastor Gary Andersen at the same number, or by
email at PastorGA@frontier.com.
The weekly deadline for Bulletin and Video Announcements is Thursday by 10:30 a.m.
Submissions to be considered for printing in the bulletin should be sent in an email, or as a
Word attachment, or typed out. Submissions to be considered for video projection should be
provided in a PowerPoint attachment or on a flash drive.
“Restored in Christ” will be our Lenten theme, with midweek and Sunday worship
services calling us to face the brokenness of our lives and world and turn it over to Christ to
be restored by him through the cross. All Wednesday services will begin at 6:30 p.m.,
preceded by a supper available beginning at 5:00 p.m. Each week we will take a close look
at a broken element in the Lenten story, leading to understanding what it ultimately means
to live today as new creations in Christ. Midweek services will use be approximately 35-40
minutes in length and use the “Holden Evening Prayer” setting. On Sundays during Lent at
both the 8:00 & 10:15 a.m. worship services we will view the brokenness found in favorite
gospel stories through the lens of being restored by Christ.
Alvina Kooiman Announces Retirement – After 20 years as one of ALC’s office
secretaries, Alvina has decided to retire as of April 10th in order to spend more time with
husband Alvin, who also recently retired. Plans are being made to recognize and thank
Alvina for her faithful service at a reception between worship services on Sunday, April 6th.
Secretary Position Open: Seeking Secretary to work 3 days/week (21 hrs).
Responsibilities include recording congregational data; compiling bulletins, newsletters and
reports; keeping master calendar; answering the phone and welcoming visitors. Requires
demonstrated proficiency in MS Office Suite (including Publisher), basics of accounting, and
filing. Website experience desirable. Character strengths include being a self-starter,
organized, flexible, working well with others, and ability to keep confidentiality in all
settings. Deadline for application including resume and cover letter is March 17, 2014.
Submit to PastorGA@fronter.com at American Lutheran Church, Worthington.
“Building Men for Christ” – This retreat, sponsored by Lutheran Men in Mission, will be
held at Green Lake Bible Camp, Spicer, on Friday and Saturday, March 14-15. For more
information and registration form, visit www.swmnelca.org – events page.
The Shetek Conference Women’s Spring Gathering will be held on April 26, 2014 at
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakefield with registration and coffee beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Coffee will be served by our church. The cost is $9.00 which includes noon lunch.
Love INC Unmet Needs Update: ~gas voucher; ~ gift cards – Hy-Vee or Wal-Mart; ~
clothing needed: 6T boy, 5T girl, 3T boy, child’s boots-size 10 & size 9; ~ Personal Care
Items (including 16 qt. Plastic containers w/lids). If you are able to help with this or know
of anyone, please call the clearinghouse. If you or someone you know could benefit from
Love INC, please call 727-7291. Thank you to those who helped with past needs. Donations
can be sent to: Love INC of Worthington, P O Box 952 Worthington, MN 56187. Keep
updated with Love INC’s website, www.loveincwgtn.org.
Let’s Work Together! – In follow-up to the church leadership meeting last fall, WACMA
(Wgtn. Area Christian Ministers’ Assn.) is hosting a work session for lay leaders of our
congregations to create new opportunities for Christians to work together in Worthington.
Come with ideas and leave part of a motivated group ready to improve our community.
Topics to include: worship/prayer, evangelism, community service, leadership development,
ecumenical communication. Monday, March 10th 6:30-8:00 PM @ Ben Lee’s Café, 212
10th Street.
The 9th annual HOSPICE COTTAGE Fundraiser Banquet will be held on Tuesday, April 8th
at the American Reformed Church. Duane, Cindy & Aubrey Anderson will provide the
entertainment. Tickets can be purchased from Don Groninga (360-4651), Deb Scheidt
(360-6657), Beth Prins (507-329-0159) or Susanne Murphy (372-1917).
The April-June, 2014 devotional, “Christ In Our Home”, is available in the racks by the
Information Center.
THIS WEEK AT AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
Sunday (03/09):
Daylight Saving Time Begins (Set your clocks ahead!)
8:00 a.m. Worship – Quiet Offering Sunday
9:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship (FH)
9:15 a.m. BibleLand & Sunday School (LL)
Adult (HR) & Young Adult Bible Study (Hebrews Room)
10:15 a.m. Alternative Worship with Band – Quiet Offering
Youth Singers
Monday (03/10):
Pastor Bailey’s Sabbath
2:00 p.m. Love INC Widow’s Group
5:30 p.m. LW’s Board Meeting
6:30 p.m. ”Let’s Work Together” Meeting @ Ben Lees’ sponsored by the
Ministerial Assn.
Tuesday (03/11):
8:30 a.m. Staff Mtg.
9:00 a.m. Worship Planning
5:30 p.m. Stewardship Meeting
7:00 p.m. Bell Choir
8:00 p.m. AA Big Book/Al Anon
6:30 a.m. Men’s Fellowship
9:00 a.m. Quilt Tying
3:30 p.m. Kids for Christ
5:00 p.m. Lenten Meal (Men’s Group)
5:15 p.m. 1st Communion Classes
6:30 p.m. Lenten Worship
WELL following the Lenten Service
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir
Wednesday (03/12):
Thursday (03/13):
9:00 a.m. WACMA
10:30 a.m. Bulletin Deadline
Friday (03/14):
Pastor Gary’s Sabbath
Saturday (03/15):
9:15-11:30 a.m. Exploring ALC
2:30-4:30 p.m. Synod P.I.E.
Sunday (03/16):
Shetek Camp Sunday
8:00 a.m. & 10:15 a.m. Worship with Communion (10:15 Children’s Worship)
(String Quartet will be playing both services)
9:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship (FH)
9:15 a.m. BibleLand & Sunday School (LL)
Adult (HR) & Young Adult Bible Study (Hebrews Room)
Youth Singers
Play & Pray following 2nd service
1:00-3:00 p.m. Dodge Ball Tournament (6-12th Grade)-Amer. Ref. Church)
(16th – 19th) – Focus Groups Interviews - Because Heritage Room will be in
use those days, coffee will not be available at 10:00 a.m. Monday &
Tuesday mornings of that week.
BA-Balcony; FH-Fellowship Hall; HR-Heritage Room; LL-Lower Level; SA-Sanctuary
Our Ministry Team:
Ministry Team ..................................................Pastor Gary Andersen, Pastor Bailey Fossum
Sylvia Andersen, Music & Worship, Children/Family Ministry
Stacy Bickett, Youth Director
Missionary, Rev. Dr. Elisabeth Johnson........................................... Email: elisajo@msn.com
Blog: camerooniangrace.wordpress.com
Community Missionaries and Disciples
Every Member of ALC
Our Worship participants today:
Worship Leader............................................................... Cindy Anderson/Duane Anderson
Band Members ..............................Vocals: Duane & Aubrey Andersen; Bass: Mike Andersen;
Vocals & Piano: Cindy Anderson: Drums: Steve Lynn
Belll Choir Director .................................................................................... Louise Clausen
Greeters ...................................................................................... Larry & Le Lucht (8:00)
Kieth & Marj Olson (10:15)
Acolytes ................................................................. Madisyn Miller, Adrianna Engler (8:00)
Kami Bird, Ashley Rosenberg (10:15)
Communion Servers .................................................Evan Miller, Kurtis Obermoller (10:15)
Readers ............................................................. Janelle Saufley (8:00); Kris Besel (10:15)
Nursery ................................................................................................... (8:00); (10:15)
Signing ....................................................................................... Sue Ellen Bone (10:15)
Sound System............................................................................................................ n/a
Camcorder .................................................................................................... Tim Bickett
Busy Bags .................................................................................................. Deb Harberts
Ushers .................................. Gene Cargin, Dave Nerem, Dale Knuth, Lora Lee Timm Knuth,
Kathy Sackett, Darwin Johansen, Sharon Johansen (8:00)
Bruce Juber, Marc Janssen, Dave Skog,
Jim Johnson, Madison Johnson, Erlin Weness (10:15)
Coffee Fellowship .................................................Jim & Anne LeBrun, Craig & Karen Pfeifer
Drivers for Senior Chariots ................................................ Jesse & Carolyn Leopold (8:00)
Council Hospital Visitation ..........................................................................Sue Ellen Bone
Lutheran Women Hospital Visits ............................................. Kathy Harberts (Mar. 10-16)
Prayer Chain ................................... Dee Weiland (372-2762) or Dorothy Hoeft (376-6645)
Stewardship Corner: Material things are transitory. What we possess materially is subject to
loss in a variety of ways. Our wealth can be lost in the stock market or through rust,
obsolescence, and thievery. No matter how much money we may have, we have no way of
guaranteeing that it can be kept safe and secure. Money can be lost, stolen, or its purchasing
power lost through inflation. Investments can decline in value and businesses can fail. Our
property can be burned or robbed. All material things can be gone quickly. Even if our material
things stay with us, we will eventually leave them, because, at the end, we can take nothing
with us.
PIE Event near you!
Saturday, March 15th
2:30-4:15 p.m. at American Lutheran
in Worthington, Mn
“PIE: A Recipe for Generosity” is now nationally recognized by our ELCA for its ministry value to
families! It is a 75 minute informative and inspirational presentation which begins with a free pie
buffet.
God has created us to be generous as God is generous! Looking at the Psalms, story and best giving
practices you’ll grow in gratitude and generosity. It’s a great “investment” in your family legacy.
Most importantly PIE is about being “told” not “sold!” You will be “told” plenty that can help you in
your generosity. You will not be “sold” anything!
Think about this: Perhaps you are part of a family system or know one where family members no
longer speak to one another because of the way “assets” (both titled and non-titled) were shared at
the death of a loved one. Unfortunately, those stories are plentiful in today’s culture!
Those sad stories, told by family members, nursing home chaplains, and pastors, make us believe
“PIE: A Recipe for Generosity” will be meaningful to you, your family, and God’s World in Christ!
PIE addresses these matters head on by sharing tools to encourage generosity!
Here’s what to do: Mark your calendar: Saturday, March 15th- 2:30- 4:15 (Come from 2:30-3:00
for pie! Music and program begin at 3:00)
REGISTER EARLY —We encourage family units to come! You will grow in your family
dynamics from this time together!!! Guaranteed!!
RSVP in these ways: To our SW MN Synod office:
1) Synod website www.swmenelca.org Go to “Quick Links” --Upcoming Events
2) Phone: 507-637-3904. Speak to Kristin Bakeberg or leave a voice message
a) Your name and the congregation you attend.
b) Number of people attending. (Only one contact name is needed)
c) Give contact information including a mailing and email address
d) Leave an emergency number (cell phone) For weather cancellation.
3) American Lutheran office: 507-376-5264 (see #2 for info)