Resurrection Bell Ringer
Days of Grace . . . .
Marriage: Heather Tippey and Kris Pierce were united in marriage on January 15th at RLC. God’s Blessings!
In Our Prayers . . . .
Prayers for Healing: Ray Lowe
In Sympathy: Janelle Clements, for the death of her stepfather, John Reiva; Karen Beard, for the death of her mother, Beatrice Miller; Tim Ropp, for the death of his grandfather, Monroe Miller; Betty Hewitt, for the death of her mother, Hazel Rockwell.
Friends and Family: Pat Campbell, Grant Imbrock, Sue Cravens, Betty Wampler, the family of Marylin Mirly, and Willis Goller.
The S. S. Discipleship will continue to cruise this summer
as well as Sunday morning FaithBuilders, Youth Group,
and the Adult Discipleship Classes.
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
March, 2005
Holy Week and Easter
Worship Schedule
(details inside)
Palm Sunday Celebration Services
March 19 and 20
5:30pm Saturday
8:00 and 10:45am Sunday
Maundy Thursday
March 24, 7:00pm Holy Communion Service;
Foot Washing; First Communion; Agape Feast
Good Friday
March 25, 7:00pm Tennebrae Service
Easter Vigil
March 26, 7:00pm The Service of Light;
Stories of Salvation; Holy Baptism; Easter Holy Communion
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Sunday, March 27
8:00 & 10:45am Festival Worship
Families are encouraged to come in one vehicle
if possible, to alleviate parking
From the Staff . . . .
Dear friends,
It was almost five years ago that I attended the ChristCare Equippers Training Course (ETC) in St. Louis. We had made significant strides toward realizing our Long-Range Plan in the five years I had been at St. Mark’s in Evansville. We went through a study process to develop Mission & Vision Statements, transitioned to a ministry team-based structure, developed an alternative worship service, and had grown to three full-time program staff. I saw the ETC and the resulting small group ministry program as one of the last necessary building blocks left before we began to function as a “real church.”
What I experienced in St. Louis at the ETC blew me away. I quickly realized that ChristCare was not to be just another “building block” or program of the church. I caught the vision of how ChristCare can shape the entire culture of the congregation. I now recognize that this is because at the root of ChristCare small groups is the vision to help people grow in discipleship. One of the things I was especially excited about was how ChristCare makes use of the Bible as an equipping tool for daily life.
During the call process that brought me to Resurrection, Pastor Dave and I talked about the fact that Scott Mikkelson would soon be leaving RLC and that I should step into a leadership role for our ChristCare ministry. Our hope was that with the growing emphasis on discipleship at RLC (we were both reading Mike Foss’ book, PoWeR SuRGe, at the time), we would be able to revitalize our ChristCare ministry. It has taken longer to do so than I had anticipated. However, hindsight is 20-20, and it appears that this has all been taking place according to God’s timing.
I learned last spring of the newly developed model for group-based training of ChristCare Leaders. We had just experienced the 40 Days of Purpose campaign, and some folks were ready to make the commitment to leading a ChristCare Group. Just a couple of weeks ago, we completed the sixteen modules of training. I am thrilled with this model of training and I believe it has produced ChristCare Leaders that are more equipped and better prepared to lead groups. From this group of eight trainees, there is a potential for six new groups (two couples will lead a group with their spouse).
So we are now ready to put a focus on ChristCare for the remainder of Lent. Elsewhere in this newsletter you will find the announcement about ChristCare Sunday on March 13. There is also a special section with information about what happens in a ChristCare group, along with descriptions of our existing and new groups. A display with information about ChristCare and the opportunity to sign up for a group will be in the Narthex. If you have any questions about ChristCare, don’t hesitate to ask me - or one of our ChristCare Leaders.
ChristCare Sunday - March 13
Christ Care Commissioning:
A re-launching of our ChristCare Small Group Ministry with a Commissioning Liturgy for all of our ChristCare Leaders during both worship services.
Christ Care Leaders include:
David Barrett Tom Myers
Jennifer Barrett Karen Oster
Scott Buie Scott Poore
Ann Buie Tim Ropp
Chad Frahm Margie Ropp
Ed Kistler Mike Wise
Wendy Messer Chris Wise
ChristCare Taste & See Event
At 6:00pm come and join other curious folks for some tasty desserts and get a taste of what ChristCare Groups are all about. You will learn about the four essential elements of ChristCare, hear our ChristCare Leaders describe their groups, and have the opportunity to talk with the ChristCare Leaders and sign up for their groups.
RLC Food Drive
Fletcher Place Community Center needs our help. This downtown food pantry located in the Fountain Square area provides food for approximately 600 people a month. Each family receives enough for 3 meals a day for 3 days. The Center also provides free classes on job-seeking skills for those looking for work. Please donate canned or packaged foods during this Lenten Season.
Items may be placed in the donation box in the narthex until March 20th. Items needed include: coffee and Kool Aid, spaghetti & sauce w/meat, brownies/cake mixes, toilet paper, dish/laundry soap, canned meats, snack foods, and sugar.
Oak Grove
Lutheran Choir
Comes to RLC . . . .
On April 2nd the Oak Grove Lutheran Choir from Fargo, North Dakota, will present a concert following our Saturday evening worship service. The 52 voice choir comes from a long tradition of choral music and was recently chosen as the Governor’s State High School Choir. (Pastor John Moe, a member of our congregation, is a graduate of Oak Grove High School.)
As we are hosting the choir, we are in need of housing for one night for the students. We would appreciate your help and support. If you can provide housing for at least two of the students please call Susan in the church office, or turn-in a bulletin yellow response form.
✟ 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 “Three days” 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 Mar. 19, and 8:00 & 10:45am on Mar. 20; Education Hour 9:30am –We begin Holy Week with the drama of the Passion - the story of Jesus’ last days, as we plunge into those events by which our salvation has been won. We begin with palm branches and joyous shouts of “Hosanna!” but soon find ourselves shouting “Crucify Him!” There is no communion or benediction as we leave in silence, to return Thursday . . . .
The Triduum – The Holy “Three Days”
Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Service 7:00pm on Mar. 24 — 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.
Good Friday Tennebrae 7:00pm on Mar. 25 — There is no joy, no Easter, no life – without the cross. This quiet and solemn service 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, and meditation. The liturgy of “Tennebrae,” meaning “Darkness,” is marked by the gradual extinguishing of all lights and candles until just one candle symbolizing Christ remains. Again, we leave in silence.
Holy Saturday Easter Vigil 7:00pm on Mar. 26 — 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 a baptism, 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.
First Communion . . . .
March 24th, 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:
Luke Andersen James Schnabel
Jacob Bohanon Katie Strakis
Max Doughty Ashley Weishaar
Jacob Fleet Jacqueline Wiernicki
Keagan Knutson Nate Wise
Jake Kruse Danielle Wright
Agape Feast . . . .
Following March 24th Maundy Thursday 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.
The Resurrection
of Our Lord
Easter Sunday . . . .
March 27th at 8:00 and 10:45am – At our Festival worship service, we shout with “alleluias” as we celebrate Christ’s rising from the dead and our resurrection life with Him -- now and always. These will be full festival services of Word and Sacrament, with special music and song, preaching and Easter Eucharist.
Easter Morning Breakfast . . .
Come enjoy the fellowship of our Resurrection Family at our Easter morning Breakfast. It should be a wonderful way to start the celebration of our Risen Lord. The breakfast will be continuously running from 9 to 11am. We need lots of people to help us supply food, in order to make this a special event. Please use the yellow response form in the Sunday morning bulletins to sign-up to bring egg casseroles, muffins or fruit.
Sunday Morning Adult Discipleship Hour . . . .
On March 6th “Friends of the Groom” will lead the adult class. On March 13th and March 20th, Pastor Dave will continue his Lenten class, “Faith and Film,” discussing the film screened the night before at the film festival.
Mens Softball . . . .
Registration and fees are due to the Greenwood Parks and Recreation on March 2nd. Sign-up will be posted on the bulletin board outside the church office, shortly thereafter. The schedule this year has been cut from 11 to 10 games. Jim Locke is looking for someone to assume coaching duties. If you are interested, please contact Jim at 881-3745 or jclocke@comcast.net. Jim will handle the registration and help in the transition.
Many Thanks . . . .
Thanks to our Resurrection family for prayers, phone calls, cards, flowers and memorials during the hospitalization and death of mother. – Betty Hewitt and Family
My heartfelt thanks for all the prayers, cards and flowers that were sent my way upon the recent passing of my mother. Resurrection Lutheran was my Mom's favorite church. She really enjoyed visiting and Pastor Dave. I am very thankful for her life and the privilege of being her daughter. I am at peace with her passing, but it has been a rough journey. I appreciate all your support. – Jana Forster
Thank You to everyone who supported and helped make the subs for our Youth! You are greatly appreciated! – Julie Peralta
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. . . . . . . $10.50
_____Azalea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.75
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ________
please print
Name:____________________________
In memory of_______________________
In honor of_________________________
Place order form in offering plate
Orders must be received by March 20.
Staff Team Covenant . . . .
Did you know that the entire Resurrection staff has signed a pledge? You can find this unique framed document in the office hallway (complete with food and drink stains from the celebration meal where we all signed it!)
What is it? A mutual agreement, a promise we have made to each other, a solemn covenant with God and with you, the people we serve.
What does it say? As the paid staff of this church, we commit to growing in our own personal practice of the marks of discipleship, to support and lead Resurrection’s vision, mission, and values. Most of this staff covenant, however, deals with how we promise to relate to each other as a team. Going beyond assumptions of honesty and open communication, we outline specific behaviors we want to foster and others we will not tolerate (ie., speaking with others in the congregation about a problem we have with a fellow staff person before speaking directly with that person.)
We think we have a great staff, and we want to model a healthy, vibrant, godly team even as we begin to launch our “team ministry” structure here at Resurrection. A team covenant is one tool to keep a small group healthy – from ChristCare groups to fellowship teams to VBS staffs. Take a look at the covenant we have made with each other – and hold us to it!!
Mens Breakfast
and Bible Study
March 12th 7:30am
Say Cheese ! ! ! !
Believe it or not, it’s been 2 ½ years since our last pictorial directory and it’s time again to start planning for our next one. We had a magnificent response and turnout last time—surprising even the folks at Olan Mills.
We are beginning to plan for this event, which will likely take place towards the end of August and we need your help!! Last year there were an estimated 20 people involved in the process and we will need at least that many, if not more, this time around. We will assemble a core group of 5 planners who will then help with directing smaller groups of people in various tasks (i.e. scheduling, layout and design, reminder calls, staffing the check-in table on photo days, etc.). WE NEED HELP!!!
So, if you have any interest in being involved with the Pictorial Directory Ministry Team, or if you need additional information, please talk to or call Stacie Fruth or Jill Raufeisen (phone 889-3262) and we would be happy to fill you in.
Friends of the Groom
Friends of the Groom is a Christian theater group that brings
the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Alive through drama and comedy.
Worship Presentations
Saturday, March 5 at 5:30pm and Sunday, March 6 at 8:00 and 10:45am
plus Sunday 9:30am Adult Discipleship Hour
(Part of Pr. Dave’s Lilly Sabbatical Grant theme on Film and Drama in Liturgical Worship)
From the “Friends of the Groom” website:
Common Questions They Get Asked . . . .
1. "Who Are You Really?" – Friends of the Groom is a theater group committed to proclaiming the Christian message with a unique blend of humor, story, challenging content, and scenes that are hard to forget. The group is composed of adult performers from the Cincinnati area, usually traveling in teams of three. The group is interdenominational. We rehearse at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Terrace Park, Ohio and are supported by donations from individuals and churches.
2. "Do You Rent Tuxedos?" – Not yet. The name "Friends of the Groom" refers to the image of Christ as the bridegroom in the New Testament. However, we're always open to new fundraising suggestions.
3. "What Do You Do?”– Since 1980 the group has performed original Christian plays, led retreat weekends, and conducted workshops at hundreds of locations from Alaska to Florida. Our material is flexible. We perform at worship services, conferences, youth events, colleges, potluck suppers, education hours – just about any event except for stag parties (although a few folks have asked over the years because of our name).
Lenten Film Festival
March Films . . . .
March 5, 6:30pm
“The Gospel According to Saint Matthew” (rated G)
Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini Starring Enrique Irazoqui and Margherita Caruso
1964 multiple international awards – Black and White with English subtitles
One of the most compelling and haunting images of Jesus in cinematic history.
The birth, life, teachings and death of Jesus presented almost as a cine-verite documentary with a haunting musical score. The revolutionary director Pasolini takes Jesus out of the opulent Catholicism of 1960's Italy and presents him as an outcast Italian peasant, using only the words of Saint Matthew.
March 12, 6:30pm
“Godspell” (rated G)
Directed by David Greene Starring Victor Garber, Katie Henley, David Haskell
1973 Cannes Film Festival Golden Palm Nominee
The energetic stage musical for the ‘today’ of the 1970's presenting Matthew’s Gospel, filmed on the streets of New York City.
A modern-day version (1970's!) of the gospels, opening with John the Baptist calling a disparate group of young New Yorkers from their workaday lives to follow and learn from Jesus. They form a roving acting troupe that enacts the parables through song and dance, comedy, and mime. Jesus' ministry ends with a last supper, his crucifixion in a junkyard, and, the following morning, his body being carried aloft into the world of the living on the streets of New York.
March 19, 6:30pm
“The Passion of The Christ” (rated R for graphic violence)
Directed by Mel Gibson Starring James Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern, Hristo Jivkov
2005 People’s Choice Best Drama, 2005 Academy Award Nominee
A brutally realistic depiction of the final hours and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In the original languages of Aramaic, Greek and Latin. English subtitles.
Gibson’s controversial film strives to realistically present the last twelve hours of Jesus of Nazareth's life.
$50,000 Transferred for Future Building Expansion . . .
At the semi-annual congregation meeting in December, the Parish Planning Council (PPC) announced a plan to begin transferring funds to an account earmarked for future building expansion. Our congregation’s excellent stewardship and generosity have yielded a growing cash balance in our operating fund. During 2004, that balance grew to a point where the PPC felt comfortable transferring a portion of the balance into a special account. This account is intended to be used for expansion of our facilities, but the funds may also be drawn back into the general fund should they be needed to cover operating expenses.
At the February meeting of the PPC, our congregation Treasurer, Gary Myers, was authorized to open a Money Market or similar account, and transfer $50,000 into that account to be used for future building expansion. The PPC retained a balance in excess of $60,000 in the general fund (a little more than one month’s worth of our ministry spending plan) in order to ensure an adequate cash flow for operating expenses.
Women of RLC
Bible Study and Meeting
March 3rd at 7:00pm
This past fall, Pastor Dave introduced the first Resurrection Life Course (RLC I) to the congregation. This six-week course was an introduction to Christian and Lutheran basics. Resurrection Life Course II, which focuses on the marks of discipleship, will be offered this coming fall – and RLC IV will be offered sometime after that with an emphasis on how to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
We are now in the planning stages for Resurrection Life Course III, which will focus on spiritual gifts and how God has uniquely SHAPEd each of us for ministry. It will be offered at 9:30am during the Learn Hour on Sunday mornings, beginning April 3 and running for six weeks through May 8. RLC III will be a recasting of Discovering God’s Vision for Your Life, the spiritual gifts discovery course that we have previously offered here at Resurrection. We will use the same spiritual gifts inventory as part of RLC III, so everyone who did not participate in one of the previous spiritual gifts discovery courses is encouraged to take part in RLC III. Those who have previously participated in the spiritual gifts discovery course will also find RLC III helpful as we will move beyond spiritual gifts to reflect on how God wants us to use our abilities, previous experience, and passion in ministry.
Lenten Suppers . . . .
Wednesday Lenten Suppers continue through March 16th in the Fellowship Hall and are ready by 5:45pm. Please come and enjoy a simple meal and good fellowship. A free-will offering will be taken at the door.
Lenten Vespers . . . .
Our Lenten Vespers will continue each Wednesday night during Lent at 7:00pm, following the Lenten supper. We will focus on “Reel Spirituality: Images of Christ in Contemporary Cinema” to help find personal spiritual renewal this Lenten season. We have child-care in the nursery for the Wednesday evening worship service, 6:45-7:45pm.
Vacation Bible School –
June 13-17 . . . .
Lynn Wolf and Julie Peralta are putting together the planning team! Let them know if you are interested in helping out. Part of the program is designed with a Market Place atmosphere – we are seeking individuals who are (or know someone) weavers, potters, blacksmiths, jugglers, quilters, or any other craft you think would be seen in the market place. Our theme is Holy Land Adventure!
Do you quilt,
sew, or crochet . . . .
Julie needs your help! Please let her know if you have one of these three talents. She can be reached at the church office or via email: julie@rlcindy.org.
Adventure Trip
Participants . . . .
The youth who will be going on the Summer Adventure Trip will meet Saturday, March 19th at RLC at 9:30am for a hiking preparation adventure! Bring a sack lunch, your hiking boots, and a bottle of water! We will return no later than 3:00pm.
Nursery Help Needed . . . .
We are seeking volunteers to assist our nursery staff on Wednesdays & Sundays. Please sign-up on the Child Care Ministry Bulletin Board!
It’s time to begin thinking about Summer Camp!
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries-Indiana/Kentucky is the outdoor ministry program of the 230 congregations of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod ELCA. These congregations jointly own and operate three sites and programs – Lutheran Hills (Brown County), Lake Luther (near Angola, IN) and Lutherwald (near Howe, IN). The 2005 Summer Program Brochures are located on the bulletin board beside Julie’s office. We want everyone to have the opportunity to experience CAMP – we have scholarship money available!