Resurrection Bell Ringer

 

March, 2004

 

Days of Grace

Death: Received by our Lord Jesus Christ to His eternal joy in heaven was Kathryn Olson. May the comfort and hope of Jesus’ resurrection sustain Elsie, Karol, Kristin, and Karen and all who mourn her death.


In Our Prayers

Hospitalized: Betty Gerstenberger, Adam Elsner, Luke & Noah Nicholson, Ann Buie, Townsend Schnabel, Pat Vetesi

In Sympathy: Carol Kastner, for the death of her brother, David Rust

In Celebration: Christie Waddel, for the birth of her son, Justin Michael.

Friends and Family of the Congregation in need of God’s presence and comfort:

Annie Deitch

Active Duty in the Military: Dan Dibble




 Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study

 

Loving Your Wife –

Strengthening Your Marriage

in a Fallen World

 

This is a Men's Bible Study starting on March 13 at the monthly Men's Breakfast, the second Saturday morning of each month. The breakfast begins at 7:30am and the Bible Study starts at 8:00am concluding at 9:00am. As we delve into the Scriptures, we'll learn how to:

   ■     Develop a love that's bold, courageous and true

   ■     Cultivate a compassionate, self-sacrificing, forgiving spirit

   ■     Discern and meet your wife's needs – the things that bring her joy, pleasure, and peace

   ■     Overcome an angry, cynical, or critical spirit

   ■     Adopt a leadership style that will foster intimacy, confidence, and respect in your marriage.

There is no limit to who can come, and all you need bring is a bible and a willing heart. See you on March 13th at 7:30am.

 

 

 

From the Staff . . . .


Dear Resurrection People,


Bill Gates is Envious

         I have a friend who invested a mere $48 a couple of years ago on a stock tip that he – at first – thought was just a little “throw away” money. It has already split multiple times, is worth several hundred thousand dollars, and has a multiple-million guaranteed return! Okay, put down the phone to your broker, it wasn’t really 48 dollars, it was about 48 hours, and the return wasn’t merely in the millions, it is so enormous it can’t be counted.

Not Just Another Program

        I’m talking about the 40 Days of Purpose. My friend signed on at the last minute at his church, spent about 20 minutes or so each day reading the book, came to worship each week, and ended up in a small group discussion. All totaled, about 48 hours over a couple of months. He had been a committed, active member of his church before, and would often “get involved” in various programs offered. This one, he said, was different. The daily discipline of thinking and praying about things that really matter changed his life.

Make This Lent Count

        Our Lutheran Ash Wednesday liturgy calls for the gathered worshipers to “struggle against everything that leads us away from love of God and neighbor” and to “wage spiritual warfare” during this special season of repentance and renewal. The liturgy also points out that we cannot do this alone, but that both the Holy Spirit and the community of the church are key. The beauty of the 40 Days campaign is found in its balance of personal reflection, Spirit-guided use of Scripture, and the shared experience of the community.

Give it a Chance

My friend who recommended The Purpose Driven Life to me is a “cradle Lutheran.” He was not “converted” by this experience, but was much deepened in faith and discipleship. He told me that it was not so much Rick Warren or the book, but the 40-day journey that God used. Some of us, at times, might be a bit uncomfortable with Warren’s “decision prayer” or his occasional evangelical emphasis on heaven/hell in contrast to our more typical emphasis on a walking with Christ that begins now and goes into eternity, but don’t let those nuances distract you from the incredible blessing that awaits you in this spiritual journey.

Don’t Waste Your Life

Again, the main point of this journey is to simply take this brief season to pause and ask ourselves questions that really matter. Why am I alive? What does God want me to do? How can I deepen my relationship with Christ? What is my purpose and significance in life?

Somehow, someway, find that “$48" and make an investment that would blow Bill Gates away. Get the book, spend a few minutes each day with the short chapter and reflective questions, come to the weekend worship services in Lent that will focus on the “five purposes” of a Christian life, and, if possible, discuss the book and your reflections on it with a small group or another person. It will be the best investment you’ve ever made.


Youth Mission Trip to Puerto RicoThis summer fifteen youth and six adults will be traveling to Puerto Rico to take part in a mission trip with Group Workcamps. This is the same organization that RLC teamed with last year to sponsor a Workcamp here in Indianapolis. Group Workcamps is a mission of Group Publishing, a leading publisher of resources for churches. The very first Workcamp was held in 1977 when Colorado’s Big Thompson River flooded, destroying many homes and lives. Since then, Group Workcamps have been bringing enthusiastic teenagers into communities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada to help needy families rebuild their homes – and their lives. More than 100,000 teenagers and their adult leaders have participated in hundreds of workcamps nationwide. No other organization has the depth of experience and breadth of resources as does Group Workcamps.


        Our group will be traveling to Puerto Rico on July 9th and return on July 18th. We will be working in Gurabo and we have heard that most of the work will be painting the exterior of homes or working on roofing. Our group of 20 WorkCamp participants are: Brian and Sarah Cairns, Lara Clements, KJ Craney, Ellen Daugherty, Megan Duckworth, Mikel Hoffman, Tim Johnson, Megan McCarty, Katie McCoy, Paul Schrieber, Abby Shields, Abby and Amy Tatum, and Emily Wright – along with adult chaperones Tim Craney, Byron Daugherty, Kathy Streit, Penny Welch, and Pastor Mitch. Traveling with us will also be RLC member Steve Rentz, but he will be joining the WorkCamp staff as a Troubleshooter (he is our source of inside information on the Camp). At either end of the week we will have the opportunity to worship in a historic cathedral and sightsee in historic San Juan – and then hike in the rainforest or snorkel at one of the outlying islands.


        The group is looking forward to an exciting, rewarding, and warm week as we grow in faith alongside people from around the country while we work on homes for people who cannot afford to pay to have the work done. We ask for the prayers of the congregation as this spring we will begin in earnest to make preparations for the trip. There will also be a couple of significant fundraisers coming up this spring and we appreciate the congregation’s support in helping to fund this trip. You will find information elsewhere in this Bell Ringer about the Youth Auction in April. You will also be hearing soon about how you can become a shareholder in our mission trip group.



Many Thanks . . . .

        Thank you to my friends at RLC for being so kind to our family upon the death of Kathryn Olson, my mother-in-law. Thanks to Pastor Dave for a wonderful memorial service; Sherry Andersen for her solo; Connie Wallin for playing the organ; Margie Ropp and the ladies who helped serve lunch after the service, and to all who provided food; and to Jim Locke for setting up for the service and snow removal. Many thanks for all the cards and memorials received. – Much love and God bless, Elsie Olson

        Thank you so much to everyone for your prayers, cards, emails, calls, and meals after my car accident. Being part of such a loving and supportive community has made this very scary experience much easier for me and my family. We have so much to be grateful for – not the least of which is all of you. May God bless you all. – In Christ, Townsend Schnabel

        A special thank you to Richard Menning for the additional shelving and work station in the library. The added unit is a perfect compliment to the existing shelving and should enable us to have adequate storage for all of our books and tapes. – The Property and Christian Education Boards

        Thanks to the Board of Social Ministry for sponsoring the Super Bowl party at Lutherwood. The kids really enjoyed the game and the munchies and it gave us a wonderful chance to bring something positive to their lives. Thanks also to Byron Daugherty and Jay Dile for helping at the party. – from Paul & Cathy Wessel



 

 

 

         Spring Cleaning . . . .

                                                                                       Our annual spring clean-up day is scheduled for Saturday, April 3rd. We will try to get underway by 9:00am. 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.



 

Play Ball . . . .

                                                                                Softball players should be on the lookout for the softball sign-up sheet on the bulletin board by the church office. The first game is scheduled for the first Monday in May. We hope to begin practice by the last Sunday in March or the first Sunday in April. More details (place, time and definite dates) will be posted with the sign-up sheet and in the bulletin announcement page. You can also watch for additional information on www.rlcindy.org.



 

 

Mark Your Calendar . . . .

April 8                                                                                         First Communion

May 30                                                                                         Confirmation

June 14-18                                                                                    VBS

July 9-18                                                                                       Youth Group to Puerto Rico



 

Sunday, April 25

Youth Auction . . . .

           Our youth have the wonderful opportunity of going to a workgroup camp in Puerto Rico this summer, and they need to raise funds for this trip. So, back by popular demand, we will be conducting a live auction on Sunday evening, April 25th. You’ve heard the legend, you know the one where the auctioneer picks on people as they spend money – and it’s true. You won’t want to miss the singular wit of our own Brian Hewitt as the auctioneer.

           Sign-in and preview of items will be from 6:00 to 6:30pm, with the bidding and jocularity beginning at 6:30pm. Snacks will be served and our high school team will provide babysitting.

           You may view items to be auctioned ahead of time by visiting our website at rlcindy.org and clicking on “Sign Up Sheets” and then “Youth Auction.”

           This will be the group’s main fundraiser and we have set some lofty goals for this event. Hence, we are in need of items to auction off. Some examples of items donated in the past are tickets to sporting events (i.e. Colts, Brickyard); golf outings; gift certificates; cameras; and personal services such as babysitting, yard work, prepared meals or a pie a month. At the last auction, we even had a “shortened sermon” on the auction block. If you have something to donate please visit our website and go to the “Sign Up Sheet” or contact Lisa Doughty at 781-1134 or thedoughtys@comcast.net.

           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!

 


 

 

Life Is Good . . . .

The 2004 Summer Camp Programs for Lutherwald, Lutheran Hills and Lake Luther are published in brochures available in the narthex. The 2004 Summer Theme is “Life Is Good.” Whether in the adventure of a hike or a game, in the quiet conversation with a new friend or a counselor, or in spirited song around the campfire – your kids will explore, discover and remember God intends life to be good! Each day at camp they will explore a different gift that God gives to make life good:

   ■ God gives LIFE (Mat 25:14-21)

   ■ God gives LOVE (John 3:16)

   ■ God gives GIFTS (Romans 12:3-8)

   ■ God gives COMMUNITY (Psalm 8)

   ■ God gives LIGHT (Mat 5:14-16)

Summer camp is for everyone! Programs include Volleyball Camp, Basketball Camp, Soccer Camp, Sistercamp, Guitar Camp, Performing Arts Camp, Servant Camp, Leadership Training School, Grand Adventure Camp, Family Weekends, Confirmation Camp, Sr. Citizen Day and well as regular camp for all ages.



Become a Mentor . . . .

Want to know how you can make a difference in the life of a child? Be a volunteer mentor at Lutherwood. Just call Michelle Bartz, Volunteer Coordinator with Lutheran Child & Family Services, at 359-5467, ext. 242.



Mission and Ministry Fair

Sunday, March 21,

after both services

at Resurrection Lutheran Church


 

Weekend of Lent 1             Feb 28 & 29      Message: “You Were Planned for God’s Pleasure”

                                          9:30 Education Hour Purpose #1: Worship


 

Weekend of Lent 2             March 6 & 7     Message: “You Were Formed for God’s Family”

                                          9:30 Education Hour Purpose #2: Fellowship


 

Weekend of Lent 3             March 13 & 14  Message: “You Were Created to Become Like Christ”

                                          9:30 Education Hour Purpose #3: Discipleship


 

Weekend of Lent 4             March 20 & 21  Message: “You Were Shaped for Serving God”

                                          9:30 SPECIAL EVENT: Mission and Ministry Fair

After both services on Sunday, March 21, our Fellowship Hall and narthex will be filled with tables, booths and people eager to share mission and ministry opportunities with you. Over 16 community organizations will have information and representatives here, telling their stories and inviting those with matching interests and passions to consider service, as well as scores of service opportunities right here at Resurrection.



Weekend of Lent 5             March 27 & 28  Message: “You Were Made for a Mission”

                                          9:30 Education Hour Purpose #4 and #5 Ministry and Evangelism


 

Weekend of Palm Sunday     April 3 & 4       Message: “Celebrate Your Purpose in Life”

                                          9:30 Education Hour - Review and Celebration of the Journey