Resurrection Bell Ringer
May, 2006
In Our Prayers . . . .
Recovering from Hospitalization: John Simpson
In Hospice Care: Roger Tinkham
In Celebration: Ryan & Lynn Netter, for the birth of their daughter Ellie Reese
Friends and Family: Bill Freeby, Marsha Daugherty
Regular/Semi-Annual Meeting of
The Congregation of
Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church
June 4, 2006 at 9:30am
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
RLC Mission Trip
to Long Beach, Mississippi
From clearing yards filled with debris to rewiring an entire house, RLC’s Friends of Grace Ministry Team spent five productive days in Mississippi April 2-6, assisting in Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.
While there is still an incredible amount of work to be done for Mississippi Gulf Coast residents, the group still came away from the trip with a sense of accomplishment. The folks they helped were so grateful for just taking care of a couple of tasks for them, regardless if they were small or large. After all, they have been dealing with their situation for over 7 months.
The group, which included several Resurrection youth volunteering their services during their spring break, stayed at Grace Lutheran Church in Long Beach. Grace’s building was largely unaffected by the hurricane and is one of the few places where volunteer groups can be housed. More than 30 persons stayed either in the church building or in tents on the church grounds, with only one shower facility available.
Pastor Dave believes the experience not only assisted Long Beach residents, but also enriched the volunteers’ lives. “Service to fellow human beings is a central mark of Christian discipleship,” he said. “The most tangible way to love God is through loving other people. Of course, we do that regularly in our daily life, but when you are confronted with the stark needs of these folks – so removed now from headlines – it becomes a deeply ingrained lesson to live out each day back home.” (See pictures of the Mission Trip inside)
The ministry team thanks all those who helped make the trip a success by donating hardware store gift cards for supplies, through contributions to the heavily damaged Long Beach library, or with funds to offset travel expenses of the group.
From the Staff . . . .
Dear Resurrection People,
I am really enjoying watching Hayley grow up. I thrill to watch her learn and discover new things. And I am particularly thankful to be at a place like Resurrection where some of that learning and discovery is taking place. One of the real blessings for our family here is that from time to time I have the opportunity to just be “Daddy” instead of “Pastor Daddy.”
The most recent experience of this was Hayley’s participation in the First Communion class. I always enjoyed the First Communion classes I taught in my previous parishes, but that is not part of my ministry here (and I’m okay with that). Pastor Dave does a great job with that ministry and I got to enjoy participating with Hayley and Charisse in the classes. After having asked about it for a couple of years, it was fun to watch Hayley’s excitement and anticipation build toward Maundy Thursday.
One of the early sessions had a particular impact upon me that I would like to share with all of you. For a while, I was considering making this a part of my Easter sermon, but I wasn’t sure how to make it fit – and I’m not sure I would have been able to get through it without getting all choked up. In this particular session, Pastor Dave was going over some of the many names for Holy Communion and ways in which we talk about this special meal. One of my favorite images over the years is that in this meal, the past, present, and future all fold together. We share this meal not only with those present in the sanctuary that day, but also with all of the faithful around the world . . . and also with the people of faith down through the ages . . . and this meal is but a foretaste of the feast to come when we will dwell with God for eternity. One of my favorite sections in the booklet Pastor Dave and I use for First Communion has a story about a boy who had a dream about Holy Communion in which around the altar rail he saw people dressed in very different clothes – some very old fashioned, some looking like they were from other parts of the world. He also saw his relatives that lived elsewhere – and even some kids who weren’t very nice to him at school. The implication is that we share this meal with the Communion of Saints – people of every time and every place.
As Pastor Dave was talking about this with the children and describing how when they eat the bread and wine of Holy Communion, they are sharing the meal even with their relatives who are no longer alive, it struck me . . . on Maundy Thursday, Hayley would be sharing her first meal – ever – with her grandfather. My father died of cancer during my first year in seminary. He did get to know Charisse and was there for our wedding – which we were unsure would happen when he was diagnosed and had surgery eight months before. But he never met the ones my siblings would marry, nor the grandchildren that I know he would adore, and who would adore him.
As I reflected on Hayley’s first meal with her grandfather, it provided a new nuance for me of the cross as a symbol of hope. I also paid a little more attention this year to the vision of the promised eternal feast described in Isaiah 25:6-9:
On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,
of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.
And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples,
the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever.
Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces,
and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.
It will be said on that day,
Lo, this is our God;
we have waited for him, so that he might save us.
This is the Lord for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Hope is an emotion focused on the future. There are some things that I hope for tomorrow – other hopes for next week, next month, or next year. And then there are some eternal hopes – hopes that can only be fulfilled in the next life. One of those next life hopes is to again sit with my father at a table weighed down with rich foods, and again have him pass me a plate. I can only have such a hope because of the cross of Christ and an empty tomb. It is wonderful to be at a place called Resurrection where that hope is nurtured – and where in the meantime I can share with my wife and daughter a meal of bread and wine with the communion of saints, as a foretaste of that feast to come.
I did share with Hayley this evening what I had been thinking about her First Communion and it being her first meal with her grandfather. She didn’t seem particularly impressed by that thought – but then again, she is only seven years old. I know that as she grows in years and as her faith is nurtured here at Resurrection, her understanding of the many layers of meaning of Holy Communion will also grow. I am also confident that she will find a never-ending reservoir of hope in the cross and empty tomb.
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Youth News . . . .
Congratulations Graduates!
We are praying for the following RLC High School Graduates as they begin a new adventure on life’s journey.
Sarah Cairns Katie McCoy
K.J. Craney Caitlin Myers
Lindsay Dunten Michael Papineau
Ben Fearnow Kyle Simpson
Sarah Huck Abby Tatum
Megan McCarty Amy Tatum
Emily Wright
End of the Year Picnic . . . .
FaithBuilders and their families will have an end of the year picnic and celebration on Sunday, May 7th following the second worship service (12:15pm) in the fellowship hall. Please bring a side dish (vegetable, salad, or dessert). We will provide the main dish, drinks, and utensils. Please R.S.V.P. to Julie Peralta at julie@rlcindy.org or 317-881-7854. We look forward to celebrating our year together.
“Toddler”
Faith Stepping Stone . . . .
Please join us for the Blessing Service for the Toddler Faith Stepping Stone on Sunday, May 14th during the 10:45am worship service.
“Confirmation”
Faith Stepping Stone . . . .
All youth in the 8th grade and their parents are invited to the Faith Stepping Stone #7: Confirmation for three sessions in the fellowship hall. We will meet Sunday, May 14th & 21st from 9:00-10:15am in the Fellowship Hall. The youth will have the summer to complete their Faith Statements. We will gather on Sunday, September 10th from 9:00-10:15am for our final preparation session. The Rite of Confirmation Blessing Service will be on Sunday, October 1 at 10:45am. The youth will share their Faith Statements during the 9:30am Discipleship Hour.
Dirty Car? Get it washed by the RLC FaithBuilders and Youth Group on Sunday, May 21st from 7:30am-12:00pm (during worship) in the church parking lot. The money earned will subsidize the youth outing to Kings Island on Monday, June 5th. Please support our Youth Group by picking-up your “car-tag” before and after the worship services during the weekend of May 6th / 7th and May 13th / 14th.
Please Help . . . .
The Child Care Ministry Team needs helping hands for the nursery on Sunday mornings. Yes, we have a paid staff members who provide child care for our little ones, but they cannot do it alone. Please sign-up on the bulletin board in the narthex across from the bathrooms to provide an extra set of hands to read, color, talk, or just be present in the nursery to provide assistance. Thank you in advance from our children.
Field-Work Experience Finale . . . .Erin Burkhalter will graduate from the University of Indianapolis on Saturday, May 6. Over the past few months she has been engaging in conversations with Pr. Dave, Pr. Mitch, and Ms. Julie about the many areas of ministry here at RLC. Erin had the opportunity of going on homebound visits, assisting with the Easter Vigil, learning about Stephen Ministries, and hanging out with the youth. Erin continues discerning God’s Call; she is grateful for the many opportunities Resurrection Lutheran Church not only presented her as a student, but continues to present her as a disciple.
B2K at Great Times! . . .
The B2K group is going to have a “great time” at Great Times Fun Center on Sunday, May 7th. We will meet upstairs at Great Times between 12:30-1:00. For $5.00 you receive a hot dog and a choice of tokens, putt-putt or play-land. Consult the Great Times website at www.greatimesfunpark.com for more information and directions.
The B2K group is designed for families with children from birth thru Kindergarten. If you have a child (or children) in this age group, you are automatically a member of this exciting new group. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Peralta at Julie@rlcindy.org.
June Youth Events . . . .
VBS – Fun to Volunteer!
Have you ever wondered . . . . What it was like in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth? Or . . . . Why there wasn’t any room at the inn at Bethlehem? Or . . . . What is it like to be a Vacation Bible School Volunteer at RLC? If you answered YES to any of these questions, do we have THE discipleship opportunity for you!
We need both adult and teen volunteers for VBS, which runs Monday-Friday the week of June 12-16, 2006 from 9:00am-12:00pm. We are looking for Tribe Leaders and Helpers, Marketplace Leaders and an adult to supervise the nursery.
If you are interested in making this the best VBS ever or have any questions, please contact either Lynn Wolff at chefwolff@sbcglobal.net or Jenifer Reed at jreed@msdpt.k12.in.us. We would love to have you play a part in our trip back in time to Bethlehem Village.
Summer Discipleship Hour!
We will continue our Sunday morning Discipleship Hour again this summer. Summer Discipleship Hour will begin on Sunday, June 11. Children three-years-old through 5th grade will gather in the Fellowship Hall to begin their Travels with God. If you are interested in being a Summer Crew Leader for 1 week or 10 weeks please contact Julie Peralta by emailing: julie@rlcindy.org, calling the church office: 317-881-7854x204, or signing-up at the Safe Harbor. Our success is dependent upon you the disciples of Resurrection Lutheran Church.
FaithBuilders’ Confirmation Camp - June 18-23 . . . .
6th thru 8th Graders remember to sign-up for camp this summer at Lake Luther! Parents please let Ms. Julie know if you are able to provide transportation on Sunday, June 18 or Friday, June 23.
Why God? . . . .
The Youth Group will lead the Adult Discipleship Hour on Sunday, June 11.
Current 6th - 12th Graders
Annual Kings Island Trip
Monday - June 5, 2006
7:15am Departure from RLC
MAY ADULT 9:30 DISCIPLESHIP HOUR . . . .
The DaVinci Code: What’s the Fuss About?
Dan Brown’s best-selling mystery novel, “The DaVinci Code” is about to hit the big screen this month, in a blockbuster starring Tom Hanks. Enormously popular (and enormously unpopular depending on who you talk to...), it is a fast-paced, romantic thriller whose characters are bent on solving a mystery, along with revealing an ancient secret. The book has been criticized by many scholars and church leaders as misrepresenting history – as being untrue. It has been enjoyed by many others as a story, perhaps by touching on some allegorical truths despite the rhetorical spin toward a specific message. Still others take it as “gospel truth” regarding an evil conspiracy of the Church. Even if you have not read the book, you are probably aware of the “buzz” and controversy surrounding it. What’s the fuss all about?
At the Sunday 9:30 Discipleship Hour during the month of May, we will be exploring the themes and background of the book and movie by providing a biblical and historical context. Some of the questions and themes we will be discussing: (note: a “spoiler alert” for those who want to read or see the movie first!!) Is the book an attack on Christianity? What are the Gnostic Gospels? What did the Church teach about Jesus’ humanity and divinity before the Nicene Creed? What if Jesus were married? What would that do to our faith?
It’s not often that something in popular culture affords an opportunity to examine questions about the church and the Bible, about the nature of Jesus Christ, about ancient books like the Gospel of Thomas or the recently publicized Gospel of Judas. Let’s look forward to engaging the culture, while being firmly grounded in our faith!
STEPHEN MINISTRY CORNER . . . .
Over the past several months, you have heard much about Stephen Ministry. Yet, there is so much more to be said, so much more to know and understand. That is why your Stephen Ministry leaders are creating this “Stephen Ministry Corner,” which will be an ongoing part of Resurrection’s monthly Bell Ringer. We hope you will enjoy it.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Stephen Ministry
• Why the name Stephen?
The name Stephen comes from St. Stephen, who was the first lay person commissioned by the apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need as recorded in Acts 6.
• What does the Stephen Series logo mean?
The Stephen Series logo (as seen above) consists of a cross and circle together with a broken person and a whole person. The broken person behind the cross symbolizes the brokenness in our lives due to our sin and imperfections. The whole person stands in front of the cross because it is only through the cross of Jesus that we are made whole. The circle symbolizes both the wholeness we receive through Christ and God’s unending love for us.
Stephen Ministry at Resurrection
Stephen Ministry is a response to God’s love and Jesus’ command to “...love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12. Stephen Ministers answer this call in a special way: by “being there” for people in crises or people who need a Christian presence amid the struggles and changes of life. They try to be Jesus to people in need, to broken people.
We Stephen Ministry leaders are pleased to announce that several members of Resurrection have answered the call to be a Stephen Minister and will begin their 50 hours of training at the end of May. The classes will be led by Joanne Daniel, Pastor Dave, Gloria Aplin and Pastor Mitch.
Just as we thank God for calling these people to Stephen Ministry, we ask you, the members of Resurrection and significant partners in this ministry, to pray for the trainees and teachers as the training begins. Please ask God to be with the trainees as they read, learn and discuss new concepts and practice new skills; to be with the leaders as they prepare and teach the caregiving topics. Ask God to bless these servants now and throughout their ministry.
Yours in Christ,
Joanne, Gloria, Pastor Dave and Pastor Mitch
Volunteers Needed . . . .
The annual Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly relies heavily on the partnership of synodical leadership, conference leadership, and local persons to go smoothly and well! Local volunteers play a crucial role in providing hospitality and fulfilling numerous tasks that support and energize the assembly.
We are seeking folks to assist with the 2006 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly June 1-3 at the downtown Marriott in the following areas: registration, greeters, pages, voting room, festival of booths, disassembly on Saturday, and parish nurses. If you are interested or wish to read a job description for a particular task, please contact Julie Peralta by calling the church office: 317-881-7854x204 or emailing: julie@rlcindy.org.
Discipleship Hour
Our offering supports Jean Carlos Morales Muniz from Colombia South America. Thank you for helping us make Compassion part of our Ministry. The children have sent cards to Jean Carlos throughout the year; in return we have received letters from him. The letters have been posted on the bulletin board located outside the RLC Fellowship Hall. Not only does Jean Carlos need monetary gifts, but he also needs our prayers.
S.A.M.’s Club Game Night
S.A.M.’s Club will meet on Monday, May 15th at 6:30pm for a cook-out and game night in the fellowship hall. Meat, buns and drinks will be furnished. Bring a picnic-type food to share. All adults welcome. Sign-up on the response form in the bulletin – and bring a friend! There will be a free-will offering to cover costs.
✺ To everyone who helped out with the LDM HandyCamp Wood Craft projects, I want to offer my sincere appreciation and thanks. You turned in a total of 166 kits for the campers. Great job once again – Don Boden, Executive Director LDM.
✺ Thanks to everyone who donated food for Hunger, Inc. during March. The total donated was 438 lbs. A special thanks to Terry & Johanna Fewell for delivering the food. – RLC Food Ministry Team
✺ Thank you for all your donations to help my Girl Scout Troop. We made a lot of kits from your generous donations of baby clothing and supplies. You helped many people. – Brittany Toney, Greenwood Girl Scout Troop 1331.
✺ Thanks to Thrivent South Marion County and Johnson County chapters, for your financial sponsorship toward the RLC Mississippi Mission Trip.