Resurrection Bell Ringer
February, 2006
Days of Grace . . . .
Baptisms: Received in the joy of the Christian community through Holy Baptism was Lucy Elaine Richardson. Lucy is the daughter of Shaun & Melinda Richardson and was born on November 21, 2005.
In Our Prayers . . . .
Recovering from Hospitalization: Harold Sintz, Diane Bowen, Rachel Crow, Ricky Beedle,
Doug Arthur, Gurry Milburn
In Hospice: Loren Mitchell
In Sympathy: John & Linda Biltz, for the death of Linda’s father, Willis Gomer and the death of John’s mother. Craig & Paula Boas, for the death of Craig’s mother, Rita Boas. Julie Frazier, for the death of
her husband, Steve Frazier.
Trading Graces . . . .
Lutheran Child & Family Services is partnering with Lutheran Services in America, its member organizations, and eBay in the first Trading Graces Online Auction scheduled for February 26 - March 8, 2006 nationwide. LCFS needs your help to secure items to sell at the auction. Examples of items or services that you can donate include jewelry, collectibles, antiques, art, time shares or gift certificates. To donate contact Bobbie Donahue, Director of Development 359-5467, ext. 320 or rdonahue@lutheranfamily.org.
You can also participate by purchasing items from the auction (proceeds benefit LCFS). For a preview of auction items, go to www.lutheranservices.org.
Resurrection Lutheran Church
445 East Stop 11 Road
Indianapolis, IN 46227
(317) 881-7854
http://www.RLCIndy.org
David P. Schreiber, Lead Pastor
Mitchell D. Phillips, Team Pastor
Julie F. Peralta,
Director of Youth Discipleship
Sherry Andersen,
Director of Worship & Music
Saturday Worship:
5:30pm
Sunday Worship:
8:00 and 10:45am
9:30am Discipleship Hour
CHRISTIAN CAREGIVING
A WAY OF LIFE
New Adult Education Series
Beginning Feb 19 at 9:30am
Christians are supposed to be “caring” people – duh! But how can we care more effectively? What’s the “right thing to say?”
Come and explore caring for one another and how it can be uniquely Christian. We will practice caring skills and learn how to make distinctively Christian caring and relating a way of life.
This course is based on the book Christian Caregiving – a Way of Life by Kenneth Haugk, who is a pastor and clinical psychologist and the founder of the Stephen Series system of lay caring ministry. Dr. Haugk’s book examines the theology, psychology, and practice of distinctively Christian caring. While it will provide a “taste” of what Stephen Ministry is (and how it might impact RLC), this Sunday morning course is a valuable learning experience for all Christians of all ages. Learn practical application of caring skills to special situations and everyday relationships, how to appropriately share Bible passages and comfortably offer prayer or blessings.
From the Staff . . . .
Dear Resurrection People,
What Keeps You Up at Night?
Financial worries? A demanding supervisor at work? Broken family relationships? Over the years of my ministry, there is one consistent theme to my restless nights – I am haunted by the faces of members whom I have not spoken to for a while, but who I know are hurting in one way or another. Often these are folks that are not really “in crises” but are simply dealing with normal difficulties of life . . . . and often, alone. A loved one dies. I, as a pastor, and other congregation members, surround the person with comfort and care, but then the weeks go by. I am drawn to the next crises, and others sometimes find it difficult to “say the right things” and so end up saying nothing. The person feels lost, even abandoned by the Church . . . . even by God. Too often, that pain does end up separating the person from the Church. I remember them at night.
A Week in Orlando
I write this having returned from an exhausting – but exhilarating – week in Orlando. Gloria Aplin, Joanne Daniel, Pr. Mitch and I attended a Leader’s Training Course (LTC) to learn how to direct a Stephen Ministry here at Resurrection. The Stephen Series is a complete system for training and organizing lay persons to provide quality, distinctively Christian, one-on-one care for people in and around their congregations. Not meant to replace, but to supplement and enhance pastoral care, Stephen Ministry has been a tremendous blessing to thousands of congregations for over 30 years. Nearly 600 of us gathered at a Holiday Inn Conference Center in Orlando, representing the more than 9,000 congregations from more than 100 denominations that are now involved in this successful and proven ministry.
A “Both/And” Vision for Ministry
I have long wanted to begin a Stephen Ministry here at Resurrection, but other pressing needs have called first: outreach mission, service projects, small group ministries like ChristCare, building programs . . . . All these important ministries will be continuing, but the time is now right for us to also be more intentional and organized about our care-giving to each other. This does not mean a change or shift in our focus or vision – as the mission emphasis in this Epiphany season reminds us, the Church always exists for those who are “not here yet.” Yet the truth is that as RLC has grown in numbers, the often natural and casual care that we provide to one another needs to be increasingly intentional and organized. When it is not, the tragedy I described above, of hurting people drifting away not just from the church, but from the Lord, becomes real. One of our own ChristCare groups has begun to address this with their “Caring Hands Ministry.” Stephen Ministry is another way.
Why is it called the Stephen Series?
It is named Stephen after one of the first persons commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry (Acts 6). The word Series describes the organized sequence of steps a congregation follows to implement the lay caring ministry system commonly referred to as Stephen Ministry. Later this year, Gloria, Joanne, Pr. Mitch and I will begin a thorough training class.
Those with gifts for listening and caregiving nurture will also be equipped with skills to use in ministry and grow in faith as they see God working through them to touch the lives of others. After training, they will be assigned to one-on-one relationships with persons who are going through a time when such a lay caring ministry would be most welcome.
Caring that Changes Lives
This is what both Stephen care-givers and care-receivers have reported again and again over the years, reflecting the biblical promise that when we bear one another’s burdens, we fulfill the law of Christ. Stephen Ministry congregations report becoming warmer, more loving communities as more people are equipped to care and more lives are touched by Christ’s love. I firmly believe our congregation’s mission to “welcome, nurture, equip, and serve” will find new blessing in this ministry. Over the coming weeks and months, as we build awareness about this ministry and share more details of what it entails, if you feel the Spirit’s nudge and want to learn more, please speak with Gloria Aplin, Joanne Daniel, or one of the pastors. We will be glad to share our vision for the future of this ministry at Resurrection.
Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
The Men’s Breakfast will meet on February 11th at 7:30am. Our theme remains . . . . being God’s man . . . . by pursuing friendships and this session is entitled “Getting into each other’s spaces.” Key verse is Psalm 141:5: “Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they remove me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it.”
Goals for growth:
➀ Recognize that God encourages loving confrontation among brothers.
➁ Commit to opening ourselves up to input from godly friends.
➂ Seek to develop friendships with men who will tell us what we need to hear rather than only what we want to hear.
7:30-8:00 Breakfast; 8:00-9:00 Bible Study. See you there!
Servants of God and
Servant’s of God’s People . . . .
Thinking about being a part of RLC or serving in a new way? How about the Altar Guild! Find out if this is something you might like to do by “shadowing” an Altar Guild member in setting-up communion and cleaning-up. No obligations – no commitments – just a togetherness with great members. Choose a week (or 2) of any month. Call Judy Lewis 881-1879 or any member of the Altar Guild. We will welcome you to a great group of RLC members and a special and meaningful service.
RLC Youth News . . . .
Raising a Baby –
Faith Stepping Stone #1 . . . .
On Sunday, February 12, 19, and 26 folks with babies 0-18 months will meet in the Fellowship Hall during the 9:30am Discipleship Hour to study Faith Stepping Stone – Raising a Baby. If you have a baby 0-18 months and did not receive an invitation letter from Ms. Julie please notify her with your child’s name and age to update our records and come on Sunday, February 12. Ms. Julie may be reached via email: julie@rlcindy.org or phone at the church office: 317-881-7854x204.
Running the Race . . . .
During the February Discipleship Hour rotation the 3-year-olds through 5th graders will be learning about the I Corinthians passage about running the race. Since it is the year of the Olympics we will be making connections to the country of Greece, the Apostle Paul, and spiritual and physical disciplines. Also, visit the Safe Harbor desk to sign-up to be a Crew Leader for the Ten Commandments Rotation in March.
Plan for a Great Summer
Dates have been set for summer church camps and brochures have arrived. If you wish to attend one of our three church camps in Indiana please contact Ms. Julie for a Outdoor Ministries Camp Brochure. Faith Builders will be attending Campfirmation June 18-23 at Lake Luther.
Vacation Bible School . . . .
Coming June 12-16, 2006! Please visit with Lynn Wolff or Julie Peralta if you are interested in being part of the VBS 2006 Ministry Team.
National Youth Gathering - Summer 2006 . . . .
All youth who will be attending the National Youth Gathering in San Antonio in July should mark their calendars with this important date - Monday, February 20! This will be our first bible study together to prepare for our trip. We will begin with dinner at 5:00pm and conclude around 7:00pm.
Faith Stepping Stones . . . .
On Sunday, February 12 will have the third Faith Stepping Stone blessing service at RLC with our fifth graders and parents/guardian. Over the past three weeks they have been learning ways to Survive Adolescence. Surviving Adolescence is the sixth Faith Stepping Stone in the series of eight.
Field-Work Experience Update . . . .
Erin Burkhalter is hitting the road running, doing her field-work experience at Resurrection. In January she attended the RLC annual ski trip and even played laser tag. During the month of February she will be involved with Discipleship Hour being a Crew Leader for our new Running the Race rotation. She will also be assisting the Discipleship Hour Writing Team with some curriculum writing.
Pizza Pick-up . . . .
Pizzas will be ready for pick-up on Sunday, February 5th following each worship service. Please notify Ms. Julie if you will be unable to pick-up your orders.
ChristCare
Groups
at RLC
Circles of care
with Christ
at the center.
Listed below are the active ChristCare groups at Resurrection. You may contact any group leader or Pastor Mitch to learn more about ChristCare or to inquire about visiting a group.
Wendy Messer, 784-3215
1st & 3rd Thursday, 9:00-10:30am at church
Scott Poore, 885-8836
Ann & Scott Buie, 889-8060
1st & 3rd Sunday at 5:30pm at church
Tom Myers, 862-2543
Ed Kistler, 422-9906
1st & 3rd Monday at 7:15pm in homes
Karen Oster, 882-8963
1st & 3rd Sundays in people’s homes.
Mike & Chris Wise, 887-5975
2nd & 4th Sundays, 5:45-7:15pm in homes
Chad Frahm, 924-9516
Twice a month on Saturday, 6:30-8:00pm in homes of group members.
Barb Schlicher, 784-6895
1st & 3rd Sundays, 4:00-5:30pm at church
Jennifer & David Barrett, 786-1725
2nd & 4th Sunday, 6:00-7:30pm at church
Many ❝Thanks❞ . . . .
❆ "Thank you so much!" "Bless you!" "This is wonderful!" These were just a few comments overheard when the ladies served by Fresh Start came to RLC to pick up the Christmas gifts so generously provided by all of you. Life has not treated these women kindly and they were overwhelmed that strangers would be so kind to them. As one of the women said, "This must be a special place!" All of your gifts were greatly appreciated and are being enjoyed by the women and their families. Thank you and bless you all for your kindness. Watch the bulletin board by the offices for a drawing made by one of the recipients to show her gratitude.
❆ The Youth Group wishes to thank RLC members for their pizza orders during the month of January. The fund raiser was a great success. The funds raised will help send 20 folks to San Antonio Texas for the 2006 National Youth Gathering along with other youth events throughout the year.
❆ Thank you to the following Discipleship Hour Crew Leaders for January’s Rotation - The Call of Samuel: Teresa Hoffman, Connie Wiernicki, Robin Fleet, Paige & Daryl Huber, Jodi Giorgianni, Barbara Kistler, Becky Morris, Sherry Richards, and Matt & Charla Anspach.
RLC Staff Email . . . .
Pr. Dave. . . . . . . . . . . .PrDave@RLCIndy.org
Pr. Mitch. . . . . . . . . . . PrMitch@RLCIndy.org
Julie Peralta. . . . . . . . . . . .Julie@RLCIndy.org
Sherry Andersen. . . . . . .Music@RLCIndy.org
Ed Kistler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ed@RLCIndy.org
Susan Garten. . . . . . . . . Susan@RLCIndy.org
S.A.M.’s Club
S.A.M.’s Club invites all senior adults to its February Event. On February 20th at 7pm at RLC we will be entertained by pianist John Steebe, music director from Southport Presbyterian Church. He will play tunes from the 50's and 60's. Coffee and dessert will follow the program. A free will donation will be accepted. Mark your calendars now to reserve this fun evening!
WELCA Day Meeting . . . .
The WELCA Day group will meet on Thursday, February 2 at 9:00am in the home of Pat Hamby for a Bible study based on the study in Lutheran Woman Today. Those interested in the Lutheran World Relief Quilt Project are invited to stay and work on quilts for the remainder of the day, in her basement sewing room. Pack a brown bag lunch and join the fun. Call Pat Hamby at 889-9218 or email her at jimhamby14@aol.com for directions.
Mark Your Calendars . . . .
March 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ash Wednesday
April 9-15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Holy Week
April 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Easter
June 12-16. . . . . . . . . Vacation Bible School
Second Lenten Film Festival:
Sin, Grace, and Human Transformation
Pr. Dave will again lead us into the themes of Lent using the imagery and story-telling of contemporary cinema. Throughout the Saturday evenings of Lent, we will be screening films immediately following our Saturday night worship that deal in creative ways with the themes of sin and grace, and the resultant transformation of the human spirit. This year’s Film Festival will include classics such as Robert DeNiro in “The Mission” and Robert Duvall in “Tender Mercies” as well as recent films from 2005 including “Saints and Soldiers,” “Crash,” and the delightful film “Millions.”
YOGA: Devotion in Motion
RLC has begun a Yoga Class on Saturday mornings in the Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in participating please call Chele Heid, 865-9246. All are welcome. Cost $8 member, $10 nonmember.
RLC Annual Super Bowl Party will be Sunday, February 5th beginning at 4:45pm in the Fellowship Hall. If possible, please bring a snack to share, i.e. chips, dip, veggies, etc. or 2L bottles of soda. There will also be a ping-pong tournament during half-time. Sign-up on the bulletin board across from Ms. Julie’s office if you wish to participate in the tournament.
Feed the Hungry . . . .
RLC Youth will participate again in the Souper Bowl of Caring. On Sunday, February 5, 2006, young people from 15,000 congregations, schools and other organizations are expected to also participate. Each participating group will then donate their collection directly to the charity of choice and report their amount to the Souper Bowl of Caring headquarters so totals can be announced to the media.
Over the years groups have raised over $3.5 million for soup kitchens, food banks and other helping charities in all 50 states, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Puerto Rico and the Marshall Islands. Since the Souper Bowl began in 1990 with a single church, over $20 million has been given to help those in need. On Sunday, Feb. 5th the RLC Youth will be collecting monetary and canned-food donations following each worship service.
The Souper Bowl of Caring is a grassroots, faith-based crusade against hunger led by young people who collect donations in soup pots on or near Super Bowl Sunday. We thank you in advance for your support.