From the Staff . . . .

The “Pastor’s Page” for the January Bell Ringer is Pr. Dave’s address to the Dec. 5^th congregational meeting, highlighting goals and vision for our ministry in 2005:

Dear Resurrection People:

A Vision to Lead Us . . . .

     As we gather for our semi-annual congregational meeting, the Advent texts remind us that we dare not conduct “business as usual.” The time is short. God’s future is breaking into the present. John the Baptist calls us to repentance, to “prepare the way of the Lord,” to go forth proclaiming the Good News, for the reign of God is near. Our “business” is to do whatever we can to act on that prophetic vision. Let this meeting, then, that leads us into our work in 2005 be led by our congregational vision: We are a Resurrection people, a welcoming community of faith so deeply rooted in God’s grace that we are freed to boldly live out our faith...joyfully serving others, sharing the love of God, and growing in discipleship together.

     Our vision for Resurrection is not a “status quo” “business as usual” description of the way things are...it is a compelling vision of our preferred future, the way we believe God wants it to be for us. As Advent bids us to “live into the future” so this vision for Resurrection compels us into our future as a congregation. We may not be there yet, but it is our business to be restlessly on the way, growing into our future. Did you ever notice all the verbs in this sentence? This is not about standing still - it is about boldly living out our faith, growing in discipleship together. As we begin this meeting, I would like us to keep that vision before us.

A Mission that Guides Us . . . .

     Without that vision before us, the two main “business” items on the agenda for today might, on the surface, sound terribly business as usual. A budget for 2005. Constitution and By-Law changes.      And yet the truth is that lots of people have worked hard on these two agenda items today precisely because they believe we need to be about living into that future vision, and that we do so guided by the mission we share: As a Resurrection people, we are called to: Welcome all people into the body of Christ; Nurture them in faithful discipleship; Equip each one for ministry; Serve others in the name of Christ...that all may know God’s love.

     This mission statement that we adopted over a year ago now has proven to be more than just nice words. In order for us to be faithful to that mission, to be more effectively carrying it out, our constitution and by-laws needed to be changed. The Church is, as the statement says, the “Body of Christ.” We are a living organism, not a static organization, and we simply have outgrown our current structure. The Parish Planning Council and the other disciples at Resurrection who helped us write this new constitution and by-laws were guided by that mission.

     The same goes for our Ministry Spending Plan for 2005 - otherwise known as the budget, but ministry spending plan more accurately describes what it really is. Again, our Parish Planning Council and other disciples among us on our Boards have worked very hard – with financial conservative restraint, and with faithful bold resolve – to compile a spending plan that is guided by our mission. Our Treasurer Gary Myers is to be especially commended for his faithful work.

Marks that Shape Us . . . .

     Why do all these people work so hard and care so deeply about our mission? Why do you care so much – after all, that’s why you are here today, right? I think the answer is found in that word discipleship. The word is prominent in both our Mission and Vision Statements. For some time now at Resurrection, we have been catching the vision of the church being more than a mere volunteer organization, where members pay their voluntary dues, expect services in return, and pitch in to help on occasion when moved to do so... We believe that being a part of Resurrection Lutheran Church is much more than that. Discipleship is central to our self-understanding of being a Christian. A Church that moves from a membership model to a discipleship model hears God’s call to the priesthood of all believers, and takes seriously the Biblical truth that each one of us, by virtue of our Baptism into the Body of Christ, have been equipped with spiritual gifts that are to be used for the good of the community and the larger body. We are so much more than individual members of a volunteer organization here – we are disciples of Jesus, our lives are driven by a higher purpose.

     Again, not that we are already there yet, but we are called to be “on the way.” That’s what those “PoWeR SuRGe” marks of discipleship help us do – they are measurable marks, habits, learned disciplines and patterns of behavior that can help shape us and grow us to be better followers of Jesus.      So, as we begin our congregational meeting today, I want to lift up just a few highlights of some things to look for in the context of these “PoWeR SuRGe” marks:

P - Pray Daily

     You recall the “P” is for daily prayer. A “power surge” of the Spirit starts with prayer. Next week we will begin handing out to each household a copy of the Daily Texts for 2005, a devotional guide and prayer book published every year since 1731 by the Moravian Church. I will be leading a class at the 9:30 hour next Sunday designed to help us use this wonderful little resource well. These books come to us as a gift from the estate of Carl Christiansen. Carl was a centenarian whose long life was bathed in prayer. I am excited about the prospect of our entire congregational community sharing, for an entire year, a common focus of prayer. I believe there is truly power in prayer.

     Which is also why, as we look to 2005, I would invite your partnership in prayer in something else as well. Many of you know that it has been over two years now that we learned the lease expired on the park land adjacent to us. The owner, Perry Schools, no longer has use for it, and the lessee, the Indianapolis City Parks Department, has no money to buy it. We have been in regular contact with both bodies about what we perceive to be a win-win-win proposition, in our purchasing the field adjacent to us, preserving the park and providing Perry Schools with some capital. For quite some time now, we have been effectively shut out of those conversations. This last week I was at leadership consultation in Richmond, Indiana with Mike Foss, the Pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, Minnesota and the author of “PoWeR SuRGe”. He was very interested in the growth we have been experiencing here at Resurrection, was asking about our plans to deal with it, and I was telling him about our frustration with the land situation next to us. Without hesitation he asked, “Have you walked the land, praying on it?” Since Wednesday, I have spent at least 15 minutes every day, walking that piece of land, praying for God to show us our future. It may or may not include that land, but we need to know soon, if it does or not. I have to tell you something: walking around, praying that land, has been a powerful experience for me. I will continue to do it every day until I leave on my sabbatical, and I would invite, no, I’m asking, you to walk and pray that piece of land when I’m gone. We have been told that we will know by December 31^st, but we’ve been told that several times before along the way. Let’s pray that land and ask God to show us our future!

W - Worship weekly

     W is for “worship” and in 2005 we have a couple of exciting new ways we will be enhancing our corporate worship life. The first is through the Lilly sabbatical grant. Some of you have read the proposal that focuses on the use of film, media and drama, but in the context of liturgical, traditional worship. In addition to the time for personal and family renewal that the grant requires, it also will provide resources for us to upgrade our video projection equipment as well as host a number of groups here next year, including Soul Purpose from Valparaiso University and Friends of the Groom drama troupe from Columbus, Ohio.

     Another way we look to enhance our worship experience is through more careful planning and – I hate this word, but it’s the best way to describe what I’m speaking of – “execution.” (You know when the sports coach is interviewed, and he says, “Hey, we have a great game plan, we’ve worked and practiced hard and we know what we want to do, now we just have to go out there and execute it.”) Now, please, I don’t mean to denigrate our corporate worship of Almighty God by comparing it to football, but here’s what I mean: As we have grown in numbers, we experience a good deal of “crunches” on Sunday morning, not the least of which is in worship. Adding an additional service on Saturday evening helped a little but the crunch issues are still there. One is fairly simple and straightforward: In order to get everyone into this room, and out for the learning hour, and another group back in we need to carefully plan and “execute” aspects of the service so that we will not be “rushed” in our worship of God. With greater numbers, it is more important to train and oversee ushers, altar guild, acolytes, choirs, lectors and assisting ministers – even pastors!

     With greater numbers also comes greater numbers of talented people to share their gifts, especially in the worship and music arena. Sherry Andersen has been gradually but greatly increasing her ministry role in leading, supervising, scheduling, and coordinating all our choirs, musicians, and soloists, including Saturday night. To this music planning role, we as a staff team have now assigned her an even greater role in both music and worship planning and “execution”. Church growth consultants disagree about many things, but a common shared principle is the absolute necessity for greater excellence in music as churches grow in size. Our ministry spending plan for 2005 reflects a increase in compensation for Sherry’s increased hours (still part-time) and responsibilities.

R - Read the Bible

     Quickly now to a few other highlights for 2005: Our congregational use of Daily Texts, Crossways Bible Study, the new four-part Resurrection Life Courses, other adult classes, and many new and creative offerings being developed by Tim Ropp help us with the “R” of reading the Bible.

     Of course, one of the most significant ministries in this mark has been the launching of the “S.S.Discipleship” our new “Workshop Rotation Model” or “WoRM” Sunday School. Disciples like Martha Andersen and Paige Huber spent countless hours launching this important ministry that continues into 2005. Julie has now also added her considerable talents to the team. Talk to any child nurtured by this ministry and know how grateful we are!!

S - Serve at and beyond Resurrection

     Internal “power” from God leads to a “surge” of outward action, including the “s” of serve in this mark of discipleship. If I had to pick one single focus that will define our ministry goals in 2005, it probably would be the potential we have to unlock here in this community of faith, as we transition to our new ministry structure. At the center of our constitutional changes (you heard about this in our mailings and at the last congregational meeting) is the transition to Ministry Teams. If you want to serve, no longer does it mean being elected to serve on a Board or Committee that meets every month in addition to doing what they are supposed to be doing. Small, focused Ministry Teams, I believe, have the potential to involve every disciple at Resurrection in significant and meaningful work without burning them out.

     Being a disciple, of course, is a 24/7 calling – service is not just what we do here at Resurrection. That’s why Resurrection Life Course 3 - Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts can enable folks to discover what energizes them beyond Resurrection and gives them a meaningful connection of their faith with other things they do beyond these walls out there in the world.

R - Be in Relationship to encourage spiritual growth

     This “R” mark of discipleship--relationship--is a critical one for us as a growing congregation. RLC has always placed a high value on a sense of community, of being a welcoming place, of being a “faith family” that cares for each other. As we grow in numbers, to keep that value healthy and strong, small group ministries like ChristCare are more important than ever, and 2005 will see a planned renewal of this ministry. Even now Pr. Mitch has been training a new group of ChristCare leaders. Our new Ministry Teams will also be a wonderful new way to establish and grow new relationships.

G - Give of time, talents, and resources

     Finally, the “G” in SuRGe refers to “giving.” Of course, if we understand ourselves as disciples, and not merely as part-time, voluntary members of this organization called Resurrection, one organization among any number of other worthy and good organizations that we might be a part of – if we understand ourselves as disciples, our whole life is offered back to the One who gave it to us in the first place. Everything we do, all our involvements in any organization are shaped by our growing in discipleship. That includes our financial resources, and later in this meeting you will hear how we at Resurrection are indeed catching on to this vision of discipleship, and the joy of giving of our resources, that all may know God’s love.

A Visionary Meeting . . . .

     So, let us now begin the “business” of our meeting speaking together: We are a Resurrection people, a welcoming community of faith so deeply rooted in God’s grace that we are freed to boldly live out our faith...joyfully serving others, sharing the love of God, and growing in discipleship together.

– Pastor Dave Schreiber

RLC College Fair . . . .

January 22 & 23, Denny Asp, Director of Church Relations at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio will be sharing the message during the worship services and Discipleship Hour in the fellowship hall. We have designated this weekend RLC’s College Fair. We have information from several of our 28 Lutheran Colleges & Universities along with Indiana Colleges & Universities. It is never too early or late to begin planning for continued education. During the Discipleship Hour, Pastor Asp will share a video from Capital along with chatting about the ELCA’s 28 colleges & universities. If you have any questions please visit with Julie.

RLC Youth Ski Trip . . . .

Resurrection’s annual ski trip will be January 15-17, 2005 to Swiss Valley in southern Michigan. We have approximately 50 participants planning to attend. Please pray for safe travel and skiing!

RLC Blood Drives . . . .

The blood drives that have been a part of Resurrection’s outreach for several years will resume in 2005. Four dates have been selected:

January 16

April 17

July 17

October 16

Giving blood is an easy, but significant way in which to make a difference in this world. For every unit of blood that is donated, four lives are saved! So, please, mark your calendars and be a donor if you can. See you in January.

 – Gloria Aplin

CPR Classes . . . .

If you are interested in CPR or Safe Sitter Classes please sign the informational sheet on the bulletin board across from the nursery. It is in the section “Child Care Ministry Team.” Classes will be at RLC on Saturday, February 19 8am-4pm. Lunch will be provided. Cost/TBA. All ages welcome. Contact Julie if you have any questions.

Vacation Bible School . . . .

is coming soon – June 13-17, 2005! We are seeking planning, organizing, and ‘jumpin-right-in’ team members! Interested parties please visit with Lynn Wolff or email julie@rlcindy.org. We will begin organizing during the month of January, and in February hit the road preparing. Look for more information in the blue announcement pages!

Child Care Ministry Corner . . . .

It’s flu & cold season . . . . please be courteous when bringing your child to the nursery on Sunday mornings – have they been Tylenol & fever free for 24 hours? This will allow for a healthier environment for our children and child care providers.

Cleaning Time . . . . January 9 from noon to 3pm. Bring your lunch.

Child Care Providers Needed . . . . Our Child Care Ministry would not be available without people like you! As you are prayerfully considering where you are called to minister at Resurrection Lutheran Church, please remember to consider signing up for one slot a quarter or two during the year to help with our child care during Sunday mornings. The sign-up is on the bulletin board across from the nursery.

Soul Purpose Coming to RLC

February 12 & 13 . . . .

     Soul Purpose is Valparaiso University’s Liturgical Drama Troupe, and they are coming to RLC the weekend of February 12-13th! They will be performing in worship all weekend – with a drama workshop on Saturday.

     Watch next month’s Bell Ringer and the bulletin blue announcement page for more information. The workshop to be held on Saturday, February 12 will be open to anyone interested.

     The goals of the Soul Purpose Liturgical Drama Troupe are:

•    To provide Christian churches with creative alternatives for the presenting of the Word of God, enhancing of traditional liturgy, diversifying and broadening worship leadership, and involving young people in the church's ministries

•    To contribute to the repertory of plays designed for performance in Christian sanctuaries as modes of Gospel preaching and integral parts of worship

•    To offer opportunities for congregations to welcome to their churches a group of talented and motivated young persons committed to the Christian faith and dedicated to proclaiming the Christian Gospel.

Be sure to mark your calendars for this exciting weekend!

RLC-WELCA News . . . .

Over the last month, a volunteer team consisting of Lois Bowser, Pat Hamby and Karen Oster has been working toward the goal of resurrecting this ministry for Resurrection. WELCA (Women of the ELCA) is an organization that builds on the strong history of women’s missionary movements, bible study, and service projects both internationally and locally; working together to reach beyond ourselves and to meet the needs of others within our community and abroad.

 We have scheduled an organizational meeting for January 6, 2005 at 6:30pm to discuss plans to carry out the mission according to the bylaws of this ministry. We ask that each one of you mark your calendars for this special meeting.

Once we are officially established as a renewed ministry at Resurrection and have elected and installed Officers and Circle Leaders, we then will make quarterly contributions to the WELCA synodical area of ministry. The funds will also serve as needs arise for local reimbursements for conventions, retreats, or other needs within the organization.

There are opportunities for you to order subscriptions to the Lutheran Women Today magazine to start off 2005 with a new subscription. See next page for more details. We look forward to an exciting WELCA ministry within Resurrection.

Blessings in His Service,

Lois Bowser, Pat Hamby, and Karen Oster