April 2015 Newsletter - Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church -- 7196 S.O.M. Center Rd. -- Solon, Ohio 44139
Phone 440-248-4066 -- office@orlcsolon.org -- Web site: www.orlcsolon.org
Creating Community by Connecting People to Christ and His Family
Matthew Garred, Pastor - 330-998-3923 Aaron Pingel, Pastor - 440-265-8108
Sally Reemsnyder, DCE– 330-310-2038
Margie Bosiacki, Editor - 440-248-4066
April 2015
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Message
2-3
Holy Week / Easter Activities
4
Thanks to Our Members
5
Preschool Ministry
5
Human Concerns
6
Hands, Hearts and Homes Outreach
7
Little Tidbits of Info . . .
8
Vacation Bible School
9-10
Family Ministry - Home Devotional
11
Youth
12
Opportunities to Grow as a Disciple
Small Group Ministry
Good Friday Tenebrae Service 7:30 p.m.
13-14
14
LWML
15-16
Serving This Month
17-18
News Around the Area
18
Birthdays and Anniversaries
19
Extras - The Room
Maundy Thursday Service 7:30 p.m.
20-21
Easter Morning Worship w/Communion
8:00 & 10:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast 9:15 a.m.
From the Pingelturm (“Bell Tower”). . .
Notes on the Liturgy: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you fully, teaching and admonishing
one another in all wisdom with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
singing in your hearts to God with gratitude.”
Colossians 3:16
"Now this doesn't mean there aren't any bad songs or hymns. To be
sure, there are many! But that's a discussion for another newsletter."
Well here we are . . . at “another newsletter.” As some of you recall from my last article,
we had the opportunity to talk about the use of music in the liturgy. More specifically, we talked
about the purpose of liturgical music and how Satan loves to stir up no end of trouble regarding
its use, often leading God’s people to grumble and wage wars against each over matters of
personal preference. Now, having said that, we must also realize that not every battle waged
over music has to do with mere differences in taste. Some wars are "just", and there is a time for
them (c.f. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 9). After all, not every song or hymn that comes down the pike is
necessarily "good" (i.e. “beneficial”). As I stated last month, there are, in fact, many that are "bad".
And then there are those that are just downright "ugly". So the question before us is, how do
we distinguish between "the good, the bad, and the ugly?"
Sadly, many people base that decision solely on musical style. Satan loves this, first of all,
because he knows that musical style changes, and that different generations and cultures will
have different tastes, which will lead to manifold battles foolishly being waged in the Church
like the ones we see today. Satan also loves this because he knows that such a frivolous basis
distracts people from the most important basis for discerning whether or not a hymn is good or
bad - namely, the Gospel, and whether it's being proclaimed. Now that's not to say that musical
style is entirely neutral. There are styles that lend themselves to proclaiming the Gospel better
than others. And there are styles that facilitate congregational singing better than others (we
need to remember that singing in the Divine Service is meant to be corporate, not individual; so
musical styles should be simple enough to allow for everyone to join in singing together). Then
there are styles that hinder such, or just don’t fit - sometimes because of the style itself, and
sometimes because of what is associated with that style. "Thrash metal" would be a good
example of both (ask me about the Jr. High Gathering I regrettably took my confirmands to in
L.A.). This is what you might classify as "the ugly". Suffice it to say, not everything translates well
into ecclesiastical use. But there is much that does, and much that has throughout the history of
the Church. Since musical style changes, however, it cannot be the sole basis on which we
distinguish between the good, the bad, and the ugly. We need something more. Indeed, we
need something unchanging, which brings us back to the Gospel as our basis.
In the verse from Colossians listed above, we see that the first and most important
requirement of "good" hymnody is that it contain the "Word of Christ" (lit. " Word about Christ").
After all, Scripture tells us that "faith comes through hearing...the Word about Christ" (Rom.
10:17). And since we are saved through faith (Luke 7:50; Ephesians 2:8), the Word about Christ
(i.e. Gospel) should be the chief feature of our songs and hymns. Now this sounds like common
sense. Nevertheless, it still happens that pastors are asked to incorporate songs into services
(most often weddings and funerals) that have nothing to do with the Gospel. Those would be
the ones we classify as "bad" songs. They are "bad", not in the sense that they are "evil", but in
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the sense that they don't benefit anyone. They don't benefit anyone because they are void of
the Spirit who works through the Word (c.f. Acts 10:44; Eph. 1:13; 6:17).
Another thing we notice in the above verse from Colossians is that "psalms, hymns, and
spiritual songs" are intended to "teach" and "admonish" (lit. "put us in mind of"). So they should
do more than simply "mention God." To be sure, there are many songs that do that, but they
don't really say anything about Him. A "good" hymn teaches us and puts us in mind of things
God has done. After all, that's what makes a hymn truly a "hymn". Like the "Homeric Hymns" of
Greece, or the "Eddas" of Iceland, hymns are sung praises that recount the deeds of gods and
heroes. They "weave" their tale (i.e. tell their story). Christian hymns are no different. Their
purpose is to recount the deeds of God (how much He loves us), and most especially the deeds
of Jesus - the greatest hero of all. "Bad" hymns are hymns that recount, not the deeds of God,
but the deeds and/or feelings of the singer (how much we love God and want to follow Him).
They are like Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "How Do I Love Thee?" sonnet. They are "bad" in that,
being man-centered rather than Christ-centered, they are void of the Gospel, and the Spirit who
operates through the Gospel. Thus, they don't benefit anyone. Hearing our neighbor sing
about their love for God doesn't edify. In fact, due to man's sinful nature, such singing usually
has the opposite effect. For, being focused on our own works, it essentially amounts to "singing
our own praises." That never sits well with people, especially unchurched outsiders. We need to
hear our neighbor sing about God's love for us. "For the Gospel is the power of God for
salvation to everyone who believes" (Ro. 1:16).
Now that doesn't mean that everything we sing needs to be a "theological treatise."
Some of what we sing tend to be more personal in nature and use the infamous "I/me"
pronouns. I refer to them as "infamous" because some mistakenly use them as a litmus test to
determine whether a song is good or bad (the conclusion being that songs which have them
are bad). In doing so, they inadvertently throw out most of the Psalms and songs of Scripture.
Such are what St. Paul properly referred to as "songs" (lit. "odes") in the above verse from
Colossians. They tend to be songs sung in response to what God has done for someone
personally. Thus, they are more spontaneous in nature, (as opposed to hymns which are
carefully crafted), and they more naturally incorporate the personal "gratitude" called for in the
above verse from Colossians. Good examples of such songs are the "Song" of Moses in Exodus
15 and the "Song" of David in Psalm 18. Both of these songs are spontaneous, and extremely
personal, yet notice, the focus is still on God and what He has done: "I will sing to Yahweh, for
He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider He has thrown into the sea." Since the
Gospel is all about personal application, such “songs” are most appropriate.
So what can we say in conclusion? "When you come together, each has a psalm, each
has a teaching, each has a revelation, each has a tongue, each has a sermon. Let all things be
done for building up" (1 Co. 14:26). This verse sums up well the purpose of the entire Divine
Service, which includes "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs." They are to build up, edify,
encourage, strengthen, etc. While musical style is important, and we do want to incorporate
styles that people are familiar with and love, we cannot lose sight of the most important thing in
distinguishing between "the good, the bad, and the ugly": Is the Gospel there ("the good")? Is
the Gospel missing ("the bad")? Or worse, is there a false gospel being proclaimed, either
alongside the true Gospel, or in place of it ("the ugly")? God grant us wisdom and grace to
discern what is most important in this matter so that, instead of "swinging away" at our brother
or sister who happens to love a musical style we don’t, we can "sing away" with them, knowing
that the Gospel is still being proclaimed to the glory of God.
3
Holy Week and Easter Festivities
Easter Bakery Needed There will be a continental Easter breakfast between services
on Easter Sunday with your help! Fresh fruit, juice and milk will be provided. We would love to
have an assortment of breakfast items to serve. Fresh-baked or store-bought baked goods
(muffins, coffee cakes, breads, donuts, etc.), hard boiled eggs, and yogurt are just some of the
items that have been donated in the past. Sign up outside the church office if you are able to
donate any breakfast items. You can drop it off on Saturday morning between 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
or bring it with you on Easter Sunday. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Palm Sunday, March 29th - Join us for worship at 8:00 and 10:30
a.m. Come and receive a palm.
Maundy Thursday, April 2nd
- Join us for worship with Holy
Communion at 7:30 p.m.
Good Friday, April 3rd - Join us for our Tenebrae Worship, a service
of progressive darkness at 7:30 p.m.
Easter Morning
Celebrate Our Lord’s Resurrection: Join us for worship at 8:00 or 10:30
a.m. and receive the Lord’s Supper. Help us celebrate what Christianity is
all about – Our Risen Lord!
Continental Breakfast: Join us on Easter morning from 9:15 – 10:30 a.m.
for a delicious continental breakfast served in the fellowship hall.
The Family Friendly Easter Celebration this year will allow families to sit together and enjoy
their Easter brunch without the interruption of an Easter Egg Hunt! The confusion in the
morning of waiting in line for food and children being called out at different times for the
various age groups made the egg hunt for candy hectic and disruptive of family time together
at the church brunch. Therefore, there will be NO EASTER EGG HUNT again this year, but
there will be the Gospel by colors and crosses on each of the tables for parents to share with
the children!
We have also focused this year on helping families retell the story of the passion at home by
providing Egg-splore The Passion Story Eggs. These eggs help parents to have an Easter
do-votional to share with their children. Remember to bring them out and hide some eggs so
you can retell the events of Christ’s last week, beginning with Palm Sunday followed by the Last
Supper, His suffering and death, and finally His resurrection on the first Easter morning! If you
do not have a set of Egg-Splore the Passion story eggs, please let Sally know and one will be
assembled for you.
4
Many Thanks To:
Don Craddock for helping clean the church.
Pat and Alan Twietmeyer for restocking the pew cards and helping clean the sanctuary.
Chuck Dowell for helping clean the church.
For all those who anonymously do so much around the church. We appreciate all that you do!
Gail Craddock, Joyce Simacek, Laurel Kusner, Carol Engstrom, and Michaele Repak for proofreading
during the month of March.
Louise Isroff for serving as nursery coordinator/scheduler for many years. Your service was greatly
appreciated. We welcome Sarah Prahler as our new nursery coordinator.
Preschool Ministry
April is a busy month for our preschoolers. We will be returning from Easter break and looking
forward to more spring-like temperatures! Hopefully the weather will allow us to play outdoors
more often this month. Please keep an eye out for us when pulling into the parking lot in the
morning.
In our classrooms, we will all be learning about spring and the changes it brings to the world
around us. All of the classrooms will learn first-hand about the life cycle of a butterfly with the
arrival of our caterpillars. Another large part of our curriculum this month will be focused on
Easter and how Jesus died for us so that we can live forever with him in heaven someday.
Thanks again to a Thrivent grant, every new preschool family will receive a set of “Egg-Splore
the Passion Story” eggs to use at home. What a tremendous blessing that is!
Thank you again to all who ordered Malley’s Easter candy. We earned $1,293.70 from the
paper orders to purchase new classroom teaching materials. I should receive a check for our
internet sales at the end of the month, which will add to our total profits!
Thank you for your continued donations to our paper and ink cartridge recycling programs. We
accept any brand name ink or toner cartridges, but not those that have been refurbished.
We are still registering students for the fall in all of our classes. Please continue to tell your
friends and neighbors about our wonderful program!
Happy Spring!
Laurel Kusner
Preschool Director
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Human Concerns
General Announcements from Human Concerns
We’re still working to get organized since taking the Human Concerns Elder position in January,
so our apologies if we’ve overlooked some of the thoughtful and caring ministries that are part
of the Human Concerns Mission. Also, in the past, the Human Concerns Mission has sponsored
some efforts for our homebound members, such as cards on Valentine’s Day, and other small
efforts that mean a lot. If anyone has any ideas for future efforts, please let us know and we can
help get the word out. In the meantime, here are few items from past newsletters:
Military Friends
If you or your group ever wish to send birthday cards, letters, or “care” packages to our military
friends on our Prayer List, please do so! They love to be remembered and know that we are
praying for them. We have the address for each service member, so be as thoughtful as you like
and show them how much love Our Redeemer really has for these Military Heroes. Please
contact Patti Holub to get a copy their address.
Volunteers
Please remember that we are always looking for volunteers with big hearts to help us take care
of each other! We could always use extra hands helping us prepare funeral luncheons and
meal train dinners (dinners for our members in need). If visiting people sounds more exciting to
you, our homebound members love company and our military friends love receiving cards.
There are many ways to serve. Just email us, and we will find a way!
Clipping for Christ
Our new human concerns ministry opportunity is off to a wonderful start, and we would like to
thank everyone who has donated coupons, funds, and/or precious time for clipping and
shopping! In our first three weeks, we were able to purchase forty packages of toilet paper, ten
rolls of paper towels, sixty-five tubes of toothpaste, forty-two boxes of cereal, twenty men's
razors, sixty cans of Progresso soup, sixteen bottles of shampoo, and a few other non-perishable
food items. This was roughly $700 worth of groceries, yet we spent only $105 thanks to your
donated coupons and some careful shopping! Our first purchases were made with Thrivent
Action Team funding, but this money is limited and will soon be gone. Donations toward the
food pantry are always welcome and will be used wisely as we move forward with this exciting
new opportunity to help care for those in need in our community! As always, please continue
to drop off your unwanted coupons in the Human Concerns nook, and contact Nicole
Prochazka at nicolema1985@hotmail.com or Kara Pingel for more
information.
Food Pantry Needs for April:
Tomato and vegetable soups, chili beans, chicken broth, canned tuna and
chicken, cereal, chicken broth, noodles, rice, boxed instant oatmeal, apple
sauce, Miracle Whip, ketchup, pickles, relish, foil, plastic wrap, sandwich
bags, food storage bags, deodorant.
Joyfully in Christ, Martin and Ronda Hinterlong
Hinterlong@windstream.net
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Hands, Hearts and Homes Outreach
Why we do what we do? Sunday, February 22nd was H3O
Sunday and it was so cold that there were not many people
standing outside waiting for us as there usually are. During our
circle prayer, we were reminded that if we helped just one
person that day, it was a day well spent. After being outside for
nearly an hour, it was time to go and many of us were feeling
the cold. But just as we were packing up to leave, an elderly
woman walked up the driveway with only a light top, thin pants
and flip flops on her feet. Immediately our H3O team “went into
action.”
Thankfully we had warm jackets, scarves, hats, socks,
gloves, etc. left. We found a jacket that fit her, wrapped a scarf
around her neck and got her some gloves. The look on her face
was priceless. It truly touched the hearts of all of us who were still there. Yes, our prayer was
answered. We, in fact, touched and/or served at least one. Our God is an awesome God who
allowed us to experience this moment. Her smile warmed us up and let us know we mattered to
at least one that day. And God looked down on our ministry and blessed it.
Thank you, Robin Legan, for sharing this very touching story.
To continue to support the H3O mission work, there will be two fundraising events this year.
Please mark your calendars for the Rummage Sale on Friday, May 8th 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and
Saturday, May 9th 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. For a complete list of donation items, please check the
Human Concerns area.
Also, we are going to have our 3rd Annual Golf Outing. The date for this event is Friday, June
12th. It may seem early to be thinking of golf, but good weather is on its way. For registration
information, you can pick up a brochure in the Human Concerns area. Please sign up as soon as
possible as there is a limit to the number of golfers we can have.
H3O continues to be in need of furniture; specifically beds (Twin, Double and Queen), sofas (not
sleeper sofas), and kitchen tables and chairs. We are also in need of pots and pans, which can
be dropped off in the H3O Bin. Call the furniture ministry at 440-248-7360 for furniture pickups.
In his name,
Jill Moriarity
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Little Tidbits of Info. . .
Greeter Coordinator Needed
We are in need of a volunteer to
schedule greeters for our worship services. Chris Eder has been scheduling
our greeters for years and is now ready to retire from this position. Thank
you, Chris, for serving in this special way. Chris will be happy to train you in
this new position. Please contact me if you would like more information or
are interested in serving in this capacity.
Margie Bosiacki
Marriage Is A Journey Of Growth
A Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend can help
you enrich your marriage and even add some pizzazz to this journey! Whether you’ve been
married one year or fifty, a weekend may be just the thing you need to put a breath of spring
into your relationship. Treat yourself to a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend, coming up
April 24th-26th at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Beachwood Ohio. Make inquiries and/or reserve
your place for $45, by contacting Duffy & Nan Guthrie, 440-599-9090 or nguthrie@suite224.net,
and/or register online at GodLovesMarriage.org.
Outside Fellowship
Join us on Saturday, April 25th at Sterle’s Slovenian Country House, located at 1401 E. 55th St.,
Cleveland 44103. Come for dinner and stay for a polka band and dancing!
We will meet at Sterle’s at 5:00 p.m. if you’d like to have dinner before the band starts or come
anytime for dancing (and/or dinner)! – There will be an ORLC section! The band is The Polka
Pirates and they play from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sterle’s closes at 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays (kitchen
closes at 9:00).
Sign up on the poster across from church office so we reserve space for you! (You can arrange
your own carpool from ORLC.) More info on the sign-up poster!
Please mark your calendars & watch for sign-ups!
April 25th: Polka & Dinner at Sterle’s Slovenian Country House
May 15th: Man of La Mancha (Aurora Community Theater)
June 14th: ORLC Church Picnic
July 11th: Akron Rubber Ducks Baseball Game
August: TBD
September 26th: Progressive Dinner
October: Wine Tasting
November: Game Night @ ORLC
December 13th: Caroling/Dinner
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Vacation Bible School 2015
Camp Discovery
Mark your calendars for VBS! From June 22nd - 26th, ORLC will host an exciting week of
Vacation Bible School to kick off summer 2015.
Discover His plan! Discover His purpose! In Camp Discovery VBS, your children learn that Jesus
works in and through us! They’ll look into the Bible, God’s Holy Word, and explore five
tremendous Bible accounts where God works in His people to save them and through His
people to serve! Jesus saves us, gives us faith, courage, and wisdom to serve Him and share His
good news with our neighbor! God does have a plan and a purpose for each of His beloved
children!
Registration is open for ages 4 through those completing 5th grade in June. Come along with
us as we sing fun songs, do crazy crafts, eat yummy snacks, play awesome games, and more.
Plus, you’ll learn all about Jesus our Savior and how He is at work through us! Can’t wait to see
you there!
To register, complete the registration form and turn it in along with your payment to the church
office.
Volunteers Needed
We are looking for volunteers to help make this year’s VBS another success. Several leaders from
last year have graciously volunteered to help us again this year. However, we are in need of
helpers for them and various positions still need to be filled. There will be sign-up sheets outside
the church office. Prayfully consider volunteering your time to help spread the good news of
Jesus to the little children.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Susan Macik at either
440-349-5565 or susanm2007@aol.com.
Thank You,
Susan Macik, Kara Pingel and Debby Stinehelfer
VBS Directors
9
Camp Discovery
Jesus at Work Through Us
Our Redeemer Lutheran Vacation Bible School 2015
Registration Form
June 22- June 26, 2015
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
$15 per child
Please complete a separate form for each child attending
Child’s Name
______
Grade Completing in June 2015_____
Birthday
Parent’s Name
Home Address
Home Phone
Alternate Phone
E-mail Address
Emergency Contact Person
Relationship to Student
Home Phone
Alternate Phone
Food Allergies Y N (List)
Medical Conditions Y N (Explain)
Family Doctor
Phone
Church Affiliation
Church Membership at
People who may pick up the child
I hereby grant the VBS leaders permission to photograph/film the minor designated above in
any manner or form for any lawful purpose associated with this VBS program.
(Signature)
Return form and payment to the church office.
Checks should be made out to “Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.”
10
Home Devotional Activity
Bent and Torn
Teaching Goal:
God is still with us and loves us when bad things happen
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Paul’s many trials and persecutions
2 Corinthians 12:10
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in
hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am
strong.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not
in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not
destroyed.”
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who
love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Materials:
One 8 ½” x 11” piece of paper
Pen or pencil
Every month the newsletter will include information about a new and fun Activity of the Month
for use at home with your family. Go to http://orlcsolon.org to view and print the entire home
devotional. Simply follow the following instructions once you reach the homepage:
1. Choose Ministries at the top of the screen
2. Select Family Life from the drop down menu
3. Select Activity of the Month
After your complete the devotional as a family, keep a family binder to
keep all previous activities for future use.
Ron Olesinski
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The Youth Page
The senior high enjoyed a mini-JAM at Camp Burton with Trinity Cleveland and
Tallmadge Lutheran churches on Sunday-Monday February 15th – 16th. There were 24 youth
and adults who went to Camp Burton on the coldest day of the year and enjoyed Thunder
Tubing outside, team building games in the gymnasium along with mixers in the Maple Inn. We
closed out the evening with the movie, “God’s Not Dead!” followed by a discussion and evening
worship service. Monday consisted of helping around Camp Burton by cleaning out the Maple
Inn and performing some demolition on the interior of a cabin including a bucket brigade to
remove all the mattresses, wood frames, and boards. It was well received by all.
The junior high worked hard to change the fellowship hall from Upward Basketball to
the 50’s Valentine’s Day dinner and dance on Saturday February 14th. They set up tables and
chairs, set up the milkshake floats and the dance floor along with other decorations for the
dinner/dance. They also helped to serve the meal and then enjoyed time relaxing to the music.
Up-and-Coming Jr. High Events
Friday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Friday
Monday-Friday
April 17th
April 26th
May 3rd
May 10th
May 22nd
June 22nd-26th
Lake Erie Monsters Game
Confirmation Competition & Luncheon
Rite of Confirmation
Mother’s Day Brunch
Indians vs. Cincy Reds game
Vacation Bible School
The junior high students will participate in LYFE Nights, which are hosted in youths’ homes.
LYFE Night dates for the 2014-15 school year are April 25th and May 16th. The dates in bold are
available for hosting.
Friday
Sunday
Friday
Monday-Friday
Friday-Saturday
Up-and-Coming Sr. High Events
April 17th
May 10th
May 22nd
June 22nd-26th
July 3rd-July 11th
Lake Erie Monsters Game
Mother’s Day Brunch
Indians vs. Cincy Reds game
Vacation Bible School
Mission Trip to North Dakota
Crossroads for senior high students is usually held from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at the church for Bible
study, food, games and fellowship. Crossroads will meet on the following dates April 12th and
26th, May 17th and 31st.
Our Senior High Youth (grades 9 through 12) are taught by Sally Reemsnyder, Director of
Christian Education (DCE), on Sunday mornings and are studying the Growing in Christ
curriculum which is also used in Sunday school and adult Bible study. The Senior High youth
have three events per month: one special event (as listed above) and Crossroads twice a month
where they meet at the church for a fellowship/small group meeting.
Our Jr. High Youth (grades 7 & 8) receive confirmation instruction on Wednesdays, through
April. The 7th graders are taught by Sally Reemsnyder, DCE and 8th graders are taught by Pastor
Matthew Garred and Pastor Aaron Pingel. They are taught lessons in Growing in Christ during
their Sunday morning classes. They also participate in Lutheran Youth Fellowship Event (LYFE)
Nights on select Saturdays of each month and special events such as lock-ins, District Youth
Conferences, retreats and servant outings.
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Opportunities To Grow as a Disciple
Sunday Adult Bible Study Pastor Garred will conclude his study on Blessed are the Peacemakers
early in April. Pastor Pingel will then resume his study on the Book of Genesis. Come and join
us for Bible study at 9:15 a.m. in the fellowship hall.
Sunday School Classes meet each Sunday at 9:15 a.m. Our children, preschool through high
school, are using the Growing in Christ series. In April they will learn about how Jesus dies and lives
again, Jesus reinstates Peter, the conversion of Paul, and Paul’s first missionary journey.
Sunday - Cross Roads Senior Youth meet at the church on Sunday evenings from 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Cross Roads will meet on April 12th & 26th.
Monday - LifeLight
This Bible study group for women is currently studying Job using the
LifeLight materials from CPH. Meetings are held on the 2nd/4th Mondays of the month from
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. (There will be a few exceptions due to holidays, etc.). In April we are meeting
on the 13th and 27th. The meetings begin in the sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. with a devotion and
announcements, worship song and group prayer. We then divide into smaller groups for
discussion of the lesson (from the homework). The group facilitators are Lisa Miralia, Emily Peters
and Cheryl DiNardo with help from Trish Wade and music provided by Kara Pingel. Please feel
free to ask questions of any of the facilitators.
Monday - Women’s Book Club This group meets the fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. to
discuss mainstream books from a Christian perspective. In March we will be discussing the book
Defending Jacob by William Landay. Our April meeting will be hosted by Pat Kosh. Please contact
Terri Payne at 440-349-4533 or the church office for more information.
Tuesday - Senior Saints is a discussion-oriented, informal study of God’s Word followed by fellowship
over a potluck lunch. We meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. Currently
we are studying the book of Psalms. We will meet on April 7th & 21st.
Wednesday - Mom to Mom Are you ready for a Mom's Night Out? Do you wonder why you
can't get anything right? Do you wonder why you can't get it together? If so, you're like all the
other moms we know in our group!! We are studying the book "Beautiful Mess, Motherhood for
Every Moment.” Through the book, we'll learn why we are the moms God chose for our
children, how God is working through our lives, and that we are beautiful moms. ALL GOOD
STUFF! We'll meet every other Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the kitchen serving area of ORLC. In
April we meet on the 8th & 22nd. We have coffee, snacks, and lots of good fellowship and
conversation. We're here for any mom in any stage of her mom/grandma/care giver career!
Join us!! Child care will be available. Contact Louise Isroff at Laitwin@aol.com or 216-956-8000
for more information.
Thursday - Women in the Word meets every Thursday from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. in the church
kitchen serving area. Please join us for “God Is in the Laundry Room.” Feel free to arrive prior to
9:30 a.m. for pre-study fellowship, announcements and goodies. We begin the study of the
Word promptly at 9:40 a.m. Looking forward to seeing you there! Feel free to contact Ingrid
Albanese at 440-669-1981 for more details.
Thursday - Women of Faith meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at 5:30
p.m. in the church office conference room. We are studying Women of the Bible. We will
meet on April 2nd and 16th.
For more information, contact Debby Stinehelfer at
debbystinehelfer@sbcglobal.net, or 440-248-4159, or just come join us as we delve more deeply
into the lives of these Biblical matriarchs. All are welcome!
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Opportunities to Grow as a Disciple Continued. . .
Men of Faith Bible Study meets on Thursday mornings at 6:30 a.m. in the conference room.
They are studying Spirituality For Today. The longing for spiritual fulfillment, inevitably paired
with spiritual frustration, is common among Christians. Do we read and study the Bible enough?
Do we worship often and in the right way? Do we pray enough, in the correct way, and for the
right things? How do we become truly spiritual? Lutheran theologian John Kleinig clarifies that
there is no process for becoming spiritual. Instead, God graciously gives to us every spiritual gift
that we need, beginning with the very gift of faith in Christ, our Savior. Because God has joined
us to Christ, He continually comes to give us life. Join us on Thursday mornings from 6:30-7:30
a.m. as we listen to, read and discuss Kleinig’s Bible-based teaching on the Spiritual Life.
Small Group Ministry
What is Small Group Ministry Anyway?
At ORLC, we believe that life is meant to be shared; we belong together. Jesus Himself had a
small group fellowship of twelve men. We, as Christ-followers, are not meant to live in isolation
from others but rather are to be involved in fellowship. Real fellowship is the experiencing of life
together. In its deepest sense, it includes unselfish loving, honest sharing, practical serving, and
sympathetic comforting. It is truly a place we can live out and grow in our faith. ORLC’s Small
Groups connect us together outside of our Sunday morning worship services, and provide the
opportunity to enjoy fellowship with one another, support each other, and experience the true
meaning of peace and joy as Christian brothers and sisters.
**Please see the bulletin board outside the church office for meeting dates/times for the four
different small groups.**
Rennison group: in April, we will be studying: Community - We Are Not Alone by Naomichi
Masaki. We meet on the first and third Saturday of the month. Please contact Julie at 216-8490651 with any questions.
Miralia group: We are doing a discussion/study of the Book of Hebrews along with group
prayer and much social time for laughs, food and bonding … Come join us! Please see/call Bill or
Lisa Miralia or any of the “groupies” listed on the board across from the office.
Mitchell group: In April, we will meet on the 12th & 26th and continue our study of That The
World May Know. Please contact Julie at 440-498-0942 with any questions.
Peters/Heinert group: On April 11th we will continue the study of Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill
Hybels. Please contact Rick/Emily at 330-425-9296 or John/Darla at 330-425-7395 with any
questions.
Get involved with a small group and get connected to each other and to Christ!
Looking to form NEW small groups …
* A small group for the twenty-something crowd – married, college,
working, etc.
* A small group for parents of confirmation-age children
* A small group for single women / single men
Please let Bill/Lisa know if you are interested in any of these groups or have another idea for
one!
14
LWML News
Spring is here! With all the snow and cold weather we have had, we can’t help but notice the
“new life” around us, from flowers bursting out of the ground to the animals starting their new
families. Spring is a time for reflection on the new life that Christ has given each of us. With our
new life, we are told to go out and make disciples of all men. Our mission at LWML is to spread
the love of our Lord.
The LWML year is coming to a close and April is our last official meeting until September. Please
make a whole hearted attempt to be there on Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00 pm. We will be “Spring
Cleaning” the sanctuary and the kitchen.
Remember that May 9th is our Spring Garden Party that will close out the year. We will be
meeting in the fellowship hall at 9:00 a.m. for brunch. This is guaranteed to be a great time. Just
a hint: The annual plant exchange will be going on and we will once again have our “Garden
Hat Contest,” so start creating that perfect garden party hat for a special prize!
Other Important News:
Zone Spring Rally – April 18, 2015 at Faith Lutheran Church in Mentor, OH: Let’s try to make an
ORLC presence this year and have as many ladies as possible attend. Carpooling is available;
please contact Lisa Miralia to sign up.
LWML Elections: April 14th meeting: Due to shifting positions and term completion, there are
the following Officer and Chairwomen positions available: Secretary, Treasurer and Christian Life
Chairwomen. (A detailed description of each position is posted in the LWML nook). Please
prayerfully consider running for one of these positions. God has certainly made me a stronger
Christian woman by being involved with LWML and the fellowship of its members.
In His Love,
Kelly Thompson, Secretary
15
LWML Year End Review
We had a very busy and successful year that touched the lives of many. Here is a quick recap of
all your hard work:
 September was our “Kick Off,” where we collected five bins of school supplies that were
given to Luther Memorial and Ashley Payne for under-privileged children to start the
year off.
 October was about Women’s Safety, where we learned several ways to protect ourselves
as well as collecting over forty pairs of sweatpants for the Rape Crisis Center.
 November was our “Ask the Pastor” night, where we grew in our knowledge of the
Lord. We collected boxes and boxes of items to help military families at Fischer House.
 December’s cookie sale was once again a great success, as well as our annual Advent
Breakfast, where we shared great fellowship to start off the Christmas season. We
received a call that there was an urgent need for food items for our pantry – we filled
twenty grocery bags with your donations.
 January was a chance to sharpen our cooking skills with our version of the TV show
“Chopped” and we collected seventeen bags of groceries for our food pantry.
 February brought us Nadia from Hope in the City to share her stories of the Muslim
women in our area and their plight to follow and praise our Savior. We prepared craft
bags for her to take and share with her ladies at their meeting as well as making a $50
donation to the ministry.
 February was also our 1950’s Dinner, Dance and Auction where we raised funds to be
able to share the good word of Christ with monetary donations.
 March was our annual mission project of preparing almost 100 mercy kits containing
personal hygiene items for people caught in a disaster situation.
We thank each and every one of you ladies for your commitment to LWML and in helping us to
make a change in our world…..With our fundraisers and your generous free will offerings, we
were able to make the following monetary donations on behalf of LWML:
 $50 monthly stipend to our Seminarian Andrew Fields - plus a $100 New Year’s
bonus. ($700)
 $500 donation to Zone Mites
 $1000 donation to ORLC for the purchase of a new flagon (pitcher that holds the
communion wine)
 $100 donation to Marriage Encounter
 $50 donation to Women of the Heart Ministries
 $250 donation to Pastor Kolb and his mission in China
 $250 to PABLO Ministries
 Purchase of 3 large Dry Erase boards for the Sunday School ($250)
Total Monetary Donations Made: $3100
16
Members Who Are Serving This Month
HOLY WEEK
Acolytes
Altar Guild
Communion Elders
Greeters
Tellers
Ushers
EASTER SUNDAY
Acolytes
Altar Guild
Coffee Clean Up
Communion Elders
Greeters
Nursery
Readers
Sweethearts
Tellers
Ushers
Welcome Center
APRIL 12TH
Acolytes
Altar Guild
Coffee Clean Up
Greeters
Nursery
Readers
Sweethearts
Tellers
Ushers
Welcome Center
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Nathaniel Kusner, Jarrett Borovac
Michaele Repak, Lois Helmick
Ron Olesinski Sr., Ron Olesinski Jr.
Kurt & Heather Widmer
R Olesinski, T Duncan, R&R Musarra
Doug Holub, Al Prietz
GOOD FRIDAY
Chas Norman, Hannah Thompson
Anne Forwick, Mardest Pittman
Bob & Lucy Wilms
E Peters, B&M Miralia, H Widmer
Doug Holub, Tom Duncan
8:00 A.M. WORSHIP
Nick Viers, Noah Garred
Anne Forwick
10:30 A.M. WORSHIP
Gabe Colmenares, Steve Breimaier
Debbie Breimaier
Louise Isroff
J Bosiacki, R Ita, M Downing
B DiNardo, B Miralia, M Downing
J&M Bosiacki, J Bourell, E Hanson
J&R Legan, K&J Moriarity
Julie Rennison, Abbey Garred
Linda & Jacob Downing
Kent Knauer
Terry Rieser
Terri Payne, Emily Peters, Mardest Pittman, Elaine Prietz, Michaele Repak
John & Darla Heinert, Ron & Donna Hanson
Doug Holub, Geoff Masters
Jeff Borovac, Bobby Prochazka
Bill & Beverly Head
Mike and Debby Stinehelfer
8:00 A.M. WORSHIP
Shae Girod
Anne Forwick
10:30 A.M. WORSHIP
Kyle Riley
Debbie Breimaier
Linda Downing
Downing Family, Carol Engstrom
B&L Miralia, R&E Olesinski
Tracy Palumbo, Taylor Ellman
Kara Pingel, Mackenzie Ellman
Mary Norman
Patti Robertson
Paula Stumph, June Szilagyi, Kelly Thompson, Lucy Wilms, Debbie Moore
Debby Stinehelfer, Anita Ruff, Carol Engstrom, Martha Wright
Al Prietz, Tom Duncan
Bob Kusner, Paul Sakian
Paula Stumph
Bob & Karen Prochazka
17
APRIL 19TH
Acolytes
Altar Guild
Coffee Clean Up
Communion Elders
Greeters
Nursery
Readers
Sweethearts
Tellers
Ushers
Welcome Center
APRIL 26TH
Acolytes
Altar Guild
Coffee Clean Up
Greeters
Nursery
Readers
Sweethearts
Tellers
Ushers
Welcome Center
8:00 A.M. WORSHIP
Anna Widmer, Faith Geho
Anne Forwick
10:30 A.M. WORSHIP
Troy Sutliff, Austin Angell
Debbie Breimaier
Dar Olesinski
Chuck Norman, Dave Palumbo
Craig Patranc, Don Styblo
B&A Forwick, J Girod
C&P Patranc, R&E Peters
Sarah Prahler, Hanna Hart
April Roberts, Anna Widmer
Ingrid Albanese
Kelly Thompson
Ingrid Albanese, Carrie Beyer, Margie Bosiacki, Joan Davis, Linda Downing
Bob & Laurel Kusner, Bob & Cheryl DiNardo
Dave Holub, Paul Fischer
Bill Miralia, Rick Peters
Chuck & Mary Norman
Fred & LuAnn Ehrenbeit
8:00 A.M. WORSHIP
Emma Hart
Anne Forwick
10:30 A.M. WORSHIP
Sean Finnerty
Debbie Breimaier
Kelly Thompson
D&C Holub, D&P Holub
B&K Prochazka, C&M Pittman
Marjie & Josh Masters
Bethany Brown, Hannah Thompson
Don Holub
Barb Ohneck
Amei Eberius, Chris Eder, Carol Engstrom, Anne Forwick, Donna Hanson
Ron Olesinski, Tom Duncan, Russ & Renee Musarra
Bob Wilms, June Licht
Greg Kovach, Mike Brand
Michaele & Terry Repak
Jennifer Girod
News from Around the Area
Luther Memorial School Fundraiser
The arrival of spring means it’s time for Luther Memorial’s Annual Spring Gala & Auction, April
19th at 4:00 p.m. at Westwood Country Club in Rocky River. It promises to be a special day of great
food, exciting auction items and first-rate entertainment provided by the Gospel Choir of Lutheran
East.
Come support Lutheran education in Cleveland. Luther Memorial, located in the Old Brooklyn
neighborhood, has one of the most diverse student bodies among Lutheran schools nationwide.
We serve a mostly low-income student population. More than seventy percent of our students
claim no church home and are not baptized. Our motto – College Prep for this Life, Eternity Prep
for the Next – emphasizes our two-fold mission of academic excellence and Gospel outreach.
The Gala includes a sit-down dinner and live and silent auctions. Come bid on jewelry,
weekend getaways, a week’s stay in Key West, Cleveland Indians and Cavalier tickets, Playhouse
Square and Cleveland area restaurants, food baskets and more! Check out our website,
luthermemorialschool.org, for more information on auction items.
Proceeds will benefit our arts enrichment and family ministry programming and a camping trip
for the middle school children this fall.
Tickets are $60 per person. For all questions and to purchase tickets, please contact Peggy
Sexton, Development Director, at 330-256-2242 development@luthermemorialschool.org.
18
Birthdays and Anniversaries
in April
Andrew Bauer
Gail Craddock
Nicole Prochazka
Thomas Carratola
Bernd Forwick
Carol Holub
4/1
Ryan Brand
4/5
Drew Palumbo
Patty Patranc
Mary Mellyn
Lisa Borovac
Jacob Downing
Erin Schwenke
Joel Tornberg
Chuck Schwed
Darla Keefer
June Licht
Emily Peters
Jessica Cibik
Bobby Prochazka
David Morgan
Julie Seitz
Brandon Wyant
Eric Kovach
Ashley Loch
4/17
Leanna Robertson
Jennifer Soos
Rebecca Gulling
4/18
Richard Cibik
Ruth Sovis
4/19
4/21
Bethany Brown
Tom Duncan
Kayla Hinterlong
Julie Rennison
Christine Sutliff
Richard Gable
Aaron Pingel
4/22
4/23
4/7
Bob & Donna Pospisil
4/8
4/9
4/10
James Cibik
Rachel Davis
Jack Turk
Ashley Widmer
4/26
Susan Richards
4/27
Michael Durkot
Ronda Hinterlong
Kurt Widmer
Olivia Wilt
4/28
Isabella Ezzone
Lydia Peters
James Prochazka
Richard Fetzer
Ben Isroff
4/29
4/2
4/3
4/4
Rolly & Debbie Boose
Russ & Beverly Musarra
Stu & Anita Ruff
4/11
4/12
4/13
4/14
4/16
Carol & Richard Engstrom
Martin & Ronda Hinterlong
John & Margie Bosiacki
4/24
4/25
Hans & Adrienne Geho
Lowell & Kirsten Keller
Glenn & Debbie Moore
Jim & Sandy Stanko
4/30
4/19
19
The Room
This is excellent and really gets you thinking about what will happen in Heaven. Seventeen year
old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was, What
Heaven Was Like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. “It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's
the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last. Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay
when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in
Pickaway County, Ohio.
Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near
them, notes from classmates and teachers, and his homework. Only two months before, he had
handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every
moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized
that their son had described his view of heaven.
It makes such an impact that people want to share it. "You feel like you are there," Mr. Moore
said. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a
friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County, Ohio and struck a
utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and
was electrocuted.
The Moore 's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living
room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make
something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their
son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.”
Here is Brian's essay entitled:
"The Room" written by Brian Moore
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no
distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were
like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files,
which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very
different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that
read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards I quickly shut it,
shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being
told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system
for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my
memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within
me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet
memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to
see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged
from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have
Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've
Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I
Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was
overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
20
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even
millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting.
Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I Have Watched,"
I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after
two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the
quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file
marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch,
not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to
think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke in me.
One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see
this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter
now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it
on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only
to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file
to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was
brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not
more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one
hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in
my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the
overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must
ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the
tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open
the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could
bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go
to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me
from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger
me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked
over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word.
He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took
out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted
rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name
shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive. The
name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He
smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it
so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards
to be written.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
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