Resurrection Bell Ringer
April 2004
In Our Prayers
Hospitalized: Paul Schneck, Elizabeth McCoy, Eric Withem
Recuperating from Hospitalization: Gloria Aplin, Carlton Schlicher, Lois Sarber, Miriam Simpson, Susan Garten, Noah Nicholson
In Sympathy: Scott Poore, for his great-grandmother, Vera Lyons; Marie Pfau’s sister-in-law, Dale Voit; Arlene Wright’s family and friends
In Celebration: Paula & Craig Boas, for the birth of their son, William.
Friends and Family of the Congregation in need of God’s presence and comfort:
Karen Duke, Arlene Peterson, Audrey Roach
Active Duty in the Military: Dan Dibble
Save This Date
Godspeed and Farewell
to the Mikkelson’s
Weekend of May 22-23
Reception after Saturday evening 5:30pm worship on May 22.
Special presentation at Sunday School “Operation Bootstrap” Celebration.
Holy Week and Easter
Worship Schedule
Palm Sunday Celebration Services April 3 and 4
5:30pm Saturday
8:00 and 10:45am Sunday
The Triduum
Maundy Thursday, April 8, 7:00pm
Holy Communion Service;
Foot Washing; First Communion; Agape Feast
Good Friday, April 9, 7:00pm
The Service of Shadows
Easter Vigil, April 10, 5:30pm
The Service of Light; Stories of Salvation;
Holy Baptism; Easter Holy Communion
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Sunday, April 11
8:00 & 10:45am Festival Worship
Families are encouraged to come in one vehicle if possible
to alleviate parking
An Invitation into the Drama of Holy Week . . . .
Dear Friends,
From the very first year that I was a pastor, I have anxiously anticipated Holy Week. It is a very long and busy week for a pastor, but it simply has no equal when it comes to the breadth and depth of emotion and worship experiences. In the course of eight days we will live once again through the drama that was the last week of Jesus’ life leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. Holy Week is the destination of our Lenten journey. I invite you to now complete that journey and worship with us throughout Holy Week. Let me share with you a taste of what will take place.
Palm Sunday
This year we will focus on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Our sanctuary and narthex will become the hills outside of Jerusalem, and our fellowship hall (which will be transformed into our worship space for Palm Sunday and Easter) will become Jerusalem itself. We will gather with palms and hear the account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. And then we will form our own procession to mirror that one nearly 2,000 years ago. Led by a processional cross and torches, we will shout hosannas as we move to the worship space and join in singing “All Glory Laud and Honor.” This worship will be a great celebration as it is also the culmination of our “40 Days of Purpose.”
The Sacred Triduum
The Triduum is the three sacred days of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during which the drama of the Passion of Jesus Christ is played out. During these three days, we cover a range of themes and emotions. The liturgy of these three days forms one continuous worship service – the three parts form a unified whole.
The Triduum begins with the Maundy Thursday service. In this service we hear the absolution which comes in response to the extended confession with which we began Lent on Ash Wednesday. The service takes its name from the Latin word for commandment, mandatum, as this evening focuses on Jesus' new command that we love one another. The central image of this night is Jesus washing his disciples feet. So that we might experience this drama for ourselves, all who desire to do so will be invited to come forward and participate in a foot washing ceremony as part of the liturgy. It is also on this night that we remember the institution of and participate in the Lord's Supper. We will continue our tradition of Maundy Thursday being the occasion of First Communion as about a dozen of our children have been participating in instruction and will be sharing the bread and wine of Holy Communion with us for the first time that evening. The service concludes with the stripping of the altar to symbolize the abandonment and humiliation of Jesus in his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The Triduum continues with the Good Friday service. This worship service holds in tension the paradox of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus on the one hand, and the victory of the cross on the other hand. We will hear the account of the Passion of Our Lord from the Gospel according to John. The concluding movement of the liturgy will be the increasing darkness symbolizing the approach of Jesus’ death. This liturgy of “Tennebrae,” meaning “Darkness,” is marked by the gradual extinguishing of all lights and candles until just one candle symbolizing Christ remains. The service ends in silence with people invited to remain as long as they desire for prayer and meditation.
The Triduum concludes with the Vigil of Easter, which will take the place of our regular Saturday evening worship. The Easter Vigil is the climactic destination of Lent and Holy Week. The service has four parts: The Service of Light in which we light the paschal candle anew for the coming year; The Liturgy of Readings in which we hear the stories of a salvation people; The Celebration of Baptism in which we will witness six baptisms as well as renew our own baptismal vows; and The Liturgy of Holy Communion in which we gather around the Lord’s Table to share in the feast of victory. There is no other service in the whole repertoire of Christian experience that so fully celebrates Word and Sacrament.
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Our Easter celebration reaches its climax with a festival service of Holy Communion at our regular worship times of 8:00 and 10:45. This day is special for every Christian church, but in a congregation named for this day, you can bet that we will be pulling out all of the stops to celebrate the Resurrection: special music, lots of flowers, your favorite Easter hymns, the proclamation that the tomb is empty, and sharing in Holy Communion as a foretaste of the feast to come. As we leave that morning, the air will be full of the sounds of Alleluias as we proclaim the resurrection of our Lord.
I am very much looking forward to entering once again into the drama of Holy Week. I am humbled to have the privilege of helping to lead our congregation through this week. I hope you will be there to share it with us.
Our RLC Library . . . .
Our library has been renovated and restocked with new materials for all age groups. Currently, our library has a wide variety of materials for adults and our younger congregation with great fiction and nonfiction titles. The goal of the Education Board is to increase the amount of materials available for the entire congregation, children and adults alike. Our young adult/teen section lacks the most materials, and with our Book Fair/fundraiser, we hope to add to this section as well as to the others.
RLC Book Fair . . . .
The Board of Education is raising funds for our RLC Library. Our Book Fair has been extended through April 18th. On display are all the great books (including children’s books) which can be ordered. A generous portion of the book sale will go to our Library Fund. In addition, all the books on display will be donated by Augsburg Fortress to the church library.
Summer Reading Program . . . This summer, RLC will host its first summer reading program! The theme of the adult program will be “friendship” and will feature the books The Yada Yada Prayer Group and Sisterchicks on the Loose. There will also be a small program for our young adults and children. Watch for details coming out soon!
VBS Craft & Paint Night . . . .Mark your calendars for Friday, April 16th at 6:00pm! We will be cutting out crafts needed for VBS and painting posters to be used in different rooms. All are welcome! Many hands are needed!
Donations Needed
for Youth Auction . . . .
We are sending fifteen youth and six adults to the Groups Workcamp in Puerto Rico in July. The auction is scheduled for Sunday, April 25. We still need a lot more items to make this a success. Items donated in the past included sports tickets, gift certificates, golf outings, video rentals, a pool party, cameras, personal services, such as, babysitting, gutter cleaning, and a pie a month. If you have something you would like to donate please visit our website at www.RLCIndy.org and go to “Sign Up Sheets,” contact Lisa Doughty at thedoughtys@comcast.net or call 781-1134. Visit the website to see items as they are added to the list.
Sunday Adult Education
during the Easter Season
9:30 in the Sanctuary
“See Through the Scriptures”
QuiltMakers Marathon
Quilt Making Event . . . .
On Saturday, May 1 from 9:00am to 4:00pm, join us in the Fellowship Hall for a QuiltMakers Marathon! We will be laying out blocks for quilt-top sewing kits; cutting blocks; layering together the tops, batting and backings; sewing quilts together and tying quilts. There is something for everyone! Bring a brown bag lunch and snacks! (Equipment needed to borrow for a day: ironing board and steam iron, cutting boards and rotary cutters, scissors, sewing supplies, sewing machines, and tying supplies.)
Many Thanks . . . .
Thanks for the out pouring of sympathy following my mother’s sudden death in January. Your cards, concern and meals have been comforting to me and my family during this time of grief. I appreciate your continued prayers for me and my family as we journey with Christ through this difficult time in our lives. – Diana Deitch
Thanks to Geoff McDougal and Mailboxes, Etc. on 135 for graciously donating the binding for the children’s 40 Days of Purpose journals. Also thanks goes to “Techno-Pastor” Mitch for setting up the equipment every Sunday for “What’s Bugging You.” A huge thank you to those who have donated books and funds to our Library. – The Board of Christian Education.
First Communion . . . .
April 8th, Maundy Thursday, will be a special day at Resurrection! Many young people are spending the season of Lent learning with their parents in a Sunday class celebrating the gift of the Sacrament of the Altar. After an individual meeting with the Pastor and their parents, they will stand ready to be welcomed to the Lord’s Table at the Maundy Thursday, Holy Communion Service at 7:00pm. Children taking the First Communion Class include:
Amber Buie Dinah Mikkelson
Alise Daugherty Blair Richards
Sarah Deitz Emilee Smith
Mitch Hoffmann Erika Smith
Taylor Kryger Jenilee Smith
Emily Leonard Abigail Wolff
Men’s Breakfast . . . .
The next Men’s Breakfast will be Saturday, April 10 with breakfast at 7:30am and the Bible Study from 8:00-9:00am. The series, Loving Your Wife – Strengthening Your Marriage in a Fallen World continues with a discussion entitled “Unless the Lord Builds the House.” There is no limit to who can come, and all you need bring is a bible and a willing heart. See you on April 10th at 7:30am.
Agape Feast
April 8th, 8:00 pm
Want to learn more about ChristCare Small Group Ministry?
We are currently making plans to renew our emphasis on ChristCare Small Group Ministry. There is general information about ChristCare on the table in the narthex. You can learn about what happens in ChristCare Groups as well as sign up on the sheet indicating your interest in joining a ChristCare Group.
Is God calling you to lead a ChristCare Group?
One of the important steps along the way of renewing our ChristCare Small Group Ministry will be to train new group leaders. The training is very comprehensive so that the new leaders are fully prepared to lead their group. There will also be ongoing support and encouragement while leading a group. We have two documents that provide more information: ChristCare Leader Ministry Description and How Do I Become a ChristCare Leader? You can get a copy from Pastor Mitch or Pastor Dave - or pick one up on the table with the ChristCare display in the narthex. If you might be interested in leading a ChristCare Group, please speak to either one of us, or e-mail us at PrMitch@RLCIndy.org or PrDave@RLCIndy.org.
Spring Cleaning . . . .
Our annual spring clean-up day is scheduled for Saturday, April 3rd. We will try to get underway by 9:00pm. Donuts, juice, and coffee will be provided. Weather permitting, we will be working outside as well as inside. Not only do we hope to spruce up the church, but also would like to weed and rake the yard so that we may plant our spring flowers. There will be plenty of cleaning supplies for the inside, but volunteers will need to bring garden tools for the outside. The more helping hands we have, the faster the work will go. There will be plenty to do. Please come, if only for an hour. It will be time well spent.
L.A.F.F. . . .
Come join the L.A.F.F. group for lunch the first Thursday of each month at 1:30am. Lutherans and Friends Fellowship consists of members from the area Lutheran Churches. They meet four times a year at Abundant Grace or Bethany, the rest of the time they meet at local Restaurants. The next luncheon will be on April 1st at Steak & Ale at 4302 S. East St. at Southern Plaza. If you have any questions contact Don Newswanger at 887-1474 or Erv Schreiber at 887-4982. Come and join other Lutheran and friends in fellowship.
✟ H o l y W e e k W o r s h i p ✟
Holy Week Worship is one, unbroken experience of devotion – from Palm Sunday to the “Threedays” of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Saturday’s Easter Vigil to the Sunday Festival of the Resurrection. We follow the Lord’s footsteps through this tumultuous week to the joy of Easter.
Palm Sunday Worship 5:30pm on Apr. 3, and 8:00am & 10:45am on Apr. 4; Education Hour 9:30am – Beginning in the church sanctuary with palm branches and children’s joyous shouts of “hosanna!” we will process to festival worship in the fellowship hall. This year our celebration also includes the conclusion of the 40 Days of Purpose, as we reflect on our spiritual journey and give thanks to God in worship and at the 9:30 education hour.
The Triduum – The Holy “Three Days”
Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Service 7:00pm on Apr. 8 — This is the night we remember the Lord’s last meal with His disciples, as we now too, gather with Him at His table. The service includes a brief homily, ceremonial foot-washing, Holy Communion, including the First Communion of several young people, and concluding with the stripping of the altar, preparing for the starkness of Good Friday. As we leave in silence, all are invited to the candlelight Agape Feast.
Agape Feast (following worship) — All are invited to share in an Agape Feast in honor of Jesus. (Agape is Greek for “love.”) Remembering Jesus feasting on this night with His friends, we too gather as a family with elegant hors d’oeuvres and fellowship, in a foretaste of the community of heaven.
Good Friday Tennebrae 7:00pm on Apr. 9 — There is no joy, no Easter, no life – without the cross. This quiet and solemn “Service of Shadows” portrays the growing darkness of the world – and the light of Christ whose love took Him into the darkness of death itself – for us. A reading of the Passion, quiet music, meditation, and extinguishing of all lights save for the light of Christ. Again, we leave in silence, waiting for the first light of Easter.
Holy Saturday Easter Vigil 5:30pm on Apr. 10 — In the early church, new Christians, having been instructed in the faith, were brought forward for baptism at midnight. In this ancient liturgy, we echo that baptismal journey. In this service we light the paschal candle for the first time of Easter, hear the stories of salvation history, witness the baptism of several children, renew our own baptismal passage from death to life, and celebrate the first communion of Easter. Come and experience the spiritual culmination of the three days in this unique worship service.
Easter Flowers . . . .
To celebrate Easter and beautify the church, we will order a variety of flowers this year. You may take flowers home after Easter and plant them or donate them to be planted at the church. If you would like to order, check flowers below and put money in offering designated “flowers.”
_____Easter Lilies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8.50
_____Hydrangeas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15.00
_____Tulips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7.50
_____Daffodils. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.50
_____Hyacinths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7.50
_____Washington Geraniums. . . . . . . $10.00
_____Azalea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.75
_____Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .________
Name:____________________________
In memory of_______________________
In honor of_________________________
Place order form in offering plate
Orders must be received by April 4.
A Special Evening . . . .
The Youth of Resurrection would like to request your presence at our Youth Fundraising Auction at RLC on Sunday, April 25 at 6:00pm, hosted by Brian Hewitt. The Youth Group is raising funds for their summer mission trip.
Sign-in and preview of items will be from 6:00 to 6:30, with the bidding and jocularity beginning at 6:30. Our high school team will be serving snacks and providing babysitting.
Some items already donated for this year’s auction are the following. The Crusader’s Christ Care group has donated their services to work on your house from 9 to 2 on a Saturday afternoon. Can you imagine, around a dozen people working on your home! We have a sightseeing flight, beautiful gallery prints, voice lessons, homemade dinners and goods. We have Pacer and Fever tickets along with some food and grocery freebies. You will find these and other items listed when you go to our website at www.rlcindy.org and click on Youth Auction Items on the left side of the home page. This is updated daily or every time that we receive a donation.
Come for an evening of entertainment and wonderful fellowship while we raise money for our youth to “Go in Peace and Serve the Lord.” Thanks be to God!
Needed for VBS . . . .
VBS Crew Leaders, Nursery Help, and volunteers to set-up. If you can help, please call Lynn Wolff at 859-8920.
Discovering God’s Vision
for Your Life:
You and Your Spiritual Gifts
Registration is currently underway for the next offerings of this spiritual gifts discovery course. We learned during the “40 Days of Purpose” that God has SHAPEd each of us for ministry. In other words, the ministry God calls us to flows out of our Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. The course is comprised of eight modules which touch on all aspects of your SHAPE through a variety of activities: lecture, discussion, experiential activities, and practical application. We will study the purpose, source, and definition of spiritual gifts; identify clues to our gifts through various means; take a spiritual gifts inventory; explore what the Bible says about each gift; discuss practical applications of spiritual gifts theology in our congregation; and much more!!
The course is being offered as a series of four evenings (two modules each evening) or on two Saturdays (four modules each day, with lunch provided). The current offerings are as follows:
Mondays, 7:00-9:15pm Tuesdays, 7:00-9:15pm Saturday, 9:00-3:00pm
April 19, 26 & May 3, 10 April 20, 27 & May 4,10 See the sign-up sheets
Because of the way in which the material builds from one session to the next, it is important that participants attend all sessions of the course. If necessary, one may mix and match Mondays and Tuesdays in order to participate in all four weeks.
There is an information table with brochures and registration sheets in the narthex. You may also register online at www.RLCIndy.org and follow the link to “Sign Up Sheets,” or by contacting Pastor Mitch at 881-7854 or PrMitch@RLCIndy.org.
The Spiritual Gifts Lead Team
Pastor Mitch, Team Leader
Townsend Schnabel, Assistant Team Leader and Recordkeeping Coordinator
Pat Hamby, Course Leader Coordinator
Ann Buie, Ministry Advisor Coordinator
Tim Ropp, Ministry Description Coordinator
Stacie Fruth, Public Relations Coordinator