Resurrection Bell Ringer
May, 2008
Days of Grace . . . .
Death: Received by our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal joy in heaven were Janice Hurrell and Harry Gillespie. May the comfort and hope of Jesus’ resurrection sustain Bill Hurrell, Mary Gillespie, their families and all who mourn their death.
Baptism: Received in the joy of Christian community through Holy Baptism were:
Faith Elizabeth Johnson, daughter of Micah and Angi Johnson. Faith was born on November 15, 2007.
Benjamin Garold McCoy, son of Mike and Margie McCoy. Benjamin was born on December 10, 2007.
June 13 – August 10
Worship:
Saturday 5:30
Sunday 8:30am & 10:45am
Discipleship Hour Sunday 9:45am
Future Facilities Ministry Team
Final Report
Sunday, May 4th, 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
Ed Kistler,
Director of Business Affairs
Saturday Worship:
5:30pm
Sunday Worship:
8:00 and 10:45am
9:30am Discipleship Hour
Sunday, 9:30am
Adult Discipleship Hour
May 4th
Recommendation of the
Future Facilities Ministry Team
This team was formed two years ago to provide a recommendation to the congregation on how to address our need for expanded facilities. After we were approved for the Life Together Grant, the work of the FFMT became part of our Life Together process. They are now ready to report on their activities and provide their recommendation to the congregation.
May 11th
Life Together – The Next Steps
The Life Together Team will shape this Sunday depending on the trajectory provided by the preceding weeks. The team will use the feedback from this session to guide their development of goals and objectives for the second portion of the Life Together Grant.
May 18th and 25th
Nutrition:
Your Health and Environment
Would you like to know how nutrition can impact your health and the environment? What does eating whole foods, organic or natural really mean? And, what is the environmental impact of buying local and how can I do it? This discipleship hour will be lead by Jennifer Barrett and Kristen Abbott.
From the Staff . . . .
Dear Resurrection People,
A Valpo High
Over spring break, I attended one of my favorite annual conferences – the Valparaiso Liturgical Institute. There are lectures, workshops, forums...but the highlight for me is always worship. Imagine four to five hundred pastors and musicians gathered in the soaring space of that magnificent chapel, praying and singing “with one voice.” This year in particular was a delight, as each service (7 over 3 days!) lifted up some of the wonderfully rich new “gems” in our new hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW).
Worship Is Central
For Lutherans, worship matters. In fact, worship lies at the heart of how we understand ourselves together – the Augsburg Confession even defines the church as “the assembly of all believers among whom the gospel is purely preached and the holy sacraments are administered according to the gospel.” Centuries after those words were written, the heart of worship for Lutheran Christians remains the Gospel, even though today Lutheran worship practices reflect different patterns, different pieties, different ethnic backgrounds and experiences, not to mention different musical styles. Yet the fundamental shape (or liturgical ordo) of our worship remains focused on God, not us, as in response to the Gospel, we gather together, hear the Word read and proclaimed, share the communion meal, and are sent in mission into the world.
Who Is It For?
That’s why I bristle a bit when I sometimes hear people complain that they “didn’t get anything out of worship” or that they “didn’t like the music.” We forget that worship is not a performance meant to entertain or even inspire us, it is first an offering to God!! Of course, our worship, when centered in the Gospel, can also help shape us as disciples.
Singing a New Song
That’s what excites me about many of the new resources and hymns in the new red book. Old, familiar words in vibrant and interesting new settings (that precisely because they aim to be musically interesting 10 years later, will take some practice to learn now).
Stirring and moving new words in hymns that proclaim the Gospel in fresh ways. Songs from other cultures – so that the truth of the incarnation is heard as a more astounding reality as we are connected to the many people and places of the world that are all claimed and blessed by God in Christ.
Easter into Summer
So, you’ve noticed at Resurrection this May we’re learning one of the new settings from ELW. In June we’ll return again to an older setting (all have the same familiar scripture-based words). Our Saturday night worship this summer will use a more informal format. We’ll continue to “sprinkle in” new hymns with traditional favorites. But always and never-changing, we continue to gather around Word and Sacrament, giving thanks for the gifts of life and for the gospel of Jesus Christ that brings new life, healing, and wholeness. Then we are sent to share this good news with the world.
The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed!
. . . notice of meeting . . . notice of meeting . . .
Regular/Semi-Annual Meeting of
The Congregation of
Resurrection
Evangelical Lutheran Church
June 8, 2008 at 9:30am
. . . notice of meeting . . . notice of meeting . . .
Prayer
On Sunday, May 18th from 8:00am-12:00pm FaithBuilders and Youth Group will be conducting a Prayer-Walk-A-Thon (in place of our annual car wash). The youth will be walking to raise money for the Youth Group/FaithBuilders and two charitable organizations along with praying for RLC disciples and others. If you are interested in supporting the youth in this endeavor please visit with one of them before and after worship services during the weekends of May 3/4 and May 10/11 in the RLC Narthex.
– Stephen Ministry Class –
A Chance to Make a Difference
Would you like to be a part of a ministry that can make a difference in someone’s life? Are you a caring person? Are you willing to listen? Are you willing to share time with someone who is going through a difficult time? Stephen Ministry is looking for people with these gifts. A new class will begin soon and we are looking for men and women who would like to be a part of this one-to-one ministry. The classes will begin May 27. If you are interested in knowing more about the ministry and the classes, see Pastor Dave, Pastor Mitch, or Joanne Daniel (888-0138) or pick up an application from the table in the Narthex.
Life at RLC . . . .
One of the surest signs of Christ living in our midst is the many ministries taking place in and through Resurrection. We have been highlighting our various ministries through a “Mission Moment” at the time of the offering. Last month these Mission Moments were shared:
The Outdoor Landscaping & Upkeep Ministry Team cares for our property outside of the building. Examples of their ministry from the past year include planting Easter flowers, trimming the tree line along the parking lot, and general upkeep. The contact persons are Dudley Daniel (888-0138) and Ed Kistler (881-7854).
The Men’s Breakfast Ministry Team provides a monthly opportunity to nurture the men of Resurrection Lutheran Church with focused Bible Study and to create a fellowship opportunity in sharing breakfast the second Saturday of every month. Breakfast is served at 7:30, the study begins at 8:00, and they wrap up by 9:00. In April they began the Bible study based on Tony Dungy’s book, “Quiet Strength.” Contact person is Michael McCarty (888-0672).
The Welcome to Resurrection Ministry Team is one of our newest teams, focusing on helping us to live out the first line of our Mission Statement, especially with respect to welcoming the newest members of the congregation. Their first event was the reception for new members on April 13th. Contact person is Barb Kistler (422-9906).
RLC Attendance Figures
Date Sat 8:00 10:45 Total
3/30 60 55 137 252
4/6 38 77 169 284
4/13 47 110 212 369
4/20 47 130 166 343
The Creation Care Ministry Team is also one of our newest teams, growing out of the Discipleship Hour series in January. This team seeks to provide information and workshops aimed at inspiring our congregation to care for and protect the gift of creation God has given us. Contact persons are Tom Blake (865-1132) and Brad Condon (882-0266).
First Quarter Giving Reports . . . .
In mid-April first quarter giving reports were placed in the Narthex mailboxes for RLC disciples. Those that are not picked up will be mailed in May. Included in the envelope is a letter with a first quarter financial summary from congregation Treasurer, David Wantz. Please check to make sure the giving report is accurate and that our records match yours. You will also want to be sure to read the letter from David Wantz.
Life Together
The Conversation Continues
During April, the Life Together Team has been reporting on its activities and engaging the congregation in conversation during the Discipleship Hour. The conversation will continue into May for the first two Sundays. On May 4th, the Future Facilities Ministry Team will provide a report on all that they have done over the past two years, including a recommended direction regarding our facilities needs. The agenda for May 11th is open-ended at this point. The Life Together Team will shape that day depending on the course of the conversations over the preceding weeks.
Part 2 of the Life Together Grant
On March 27th, four members of the Life Together Team – Eric Schilling, Lynette Browder, and Pastors Dave and Mitch – attended a day-long session at the Indianapolis Center for Congregations. The first part of the Life Together Grant was for thinking strategically and included the planning phases of Recalling the Past, Assessing the Present, and Discovering the Vision. The grant for this first portion was a match of up to $5,000. The second part of the Life Together Grant is for acting strategically and they have labeled this phase, Creating the Future. The presenters took us through the four steps of: Design, Assign, Manage, and Evaluate. This second portion of the grant is a match of up to $30,000, to be spent within a year of approval. The deadline for the draft of our proposal for this second portion of the grant is July 10th, with the final version due on July 24th. Between now and then, the Life Together Team will be working on refining our strategic priorities and then determining goals and objectives for those priorities. Our hope is to have the plan approaching its final form and ready to be shared at the June 8 RLC Semi-annual Congregation Meeting.
Help Grow Our Small Group Ministry!
Every expert in the field of church life will tell you about the importance of small groups in any congregation that grows beyond about 100 people in worship. The reason for this is that in a smaller congregation it can be like the bar in the TV series Cheers – “where everybody knows your name.” That becomes impossible as a congregation grows. Thus the importance of small groups “where everybody is known by somebody.” The importance of small groups increases as a congregation grows.
At Resurrection, we have a number of small groups of all sorts of descriptions. There is not one model for small groups, and our staff will try to provide guidance for any group that would like to form. That being said, our congregation has invested significant resources in the ChristCare Series – a system of small group ministry developed by Stephen Ministries. This model of small group ministry provides 40 hours of training and ongoing support, encouragement, and accountability for ChristCare Group Leaders.
ChristCare Leader Training to begin in August
As our ChristCare ministry grows, we need to continually train new leaders. Is God calling you to serve as a ChristCare Leader? The next training session will begin after school resumes in August. The ChristCare Leader trainees form a ChristCare group under the leadership of Pastor Mitch that meets for sixteen weeks. Over the course of those weeks, the participants get to experience what life in a ChristCare group is like, as well as receiving training in leading a group. This model of training produces capable and confident leaders, even if they have never been in a ChristCare group prior to the training.
More information about leading a ChristCare group and what is involved in the training can be found on the ChristCare bulletin board in the Narthex across from the restrooms. If you have any questions about ChristCare or serving as a ChristCare Leader, please talk to Pastor Mitch.
Summer Discipleship Hour . . . .
Discipleship Hour will continue through the summer months with a little different format! Come share in caring conversation, dig deeper into God’s love for you and others, along with building traditions. If you are interested in assisting coordinate one or more weeks, please contact Julie Peralta today by emailing: julie@rlcindy.org or calling the church office: 881-7854.
WELCA Bible Study . . . .
WELCA Bible study will be held at 9:30am on May 1st and June 5th. We will again offer light refreshments. All women are welcome.
RLC Kids . . . .
Faith Stepping Stone #2
“Raising a Toddler” . . . .
All parents and their 2 or 3 year old are invited to participate in the “Raising a Toddler” Faith Stepping Stone. Please join us in the Fellowship Hall during the 9:30 Discipleship Hour on Sunday May 4, 11, & 18. The blessing service will be during the 8:00am worship services on Sunday, May 18th. If you have any questions please contact Kathy French or Julie Peralta.
B2K spring event . . . .
Mark your calendars – the next B2K event will take place at the church on May 4th at 12:15pm. Lunch will be provided and a free-will offering collected. We will be making a Mother’s Day craft (so Moms don’t look!) After lunch and the craft, we will be riding bikes in the parking lot. Please bring your bikes and helmets! If the weather does not cooperate we will have more fun things indoors. Hope to see you all there!
Kids Club . . . .
All kids in 1st through 5th grade are invited to join us for Kids Club on Sunday, May 18. We will be having a picnic lunch at church at12:15pm and then going to play miniature golf, weather permitting. If the weather in not appropriate for the activity, we will still have lunch at church and celebrate the fun year we've had with Kids Club!
Following Jesus’ Way
What allows us to face the future unafraid of what may come? What gives us the confidence to reach out to others? The early church was shaped by more than its past. As the Spirit taught and guided the disciples in the way of Jesus, they found themselves moving out of their comfort zones and into places they could not have imagined.
The stories recorded in Acts 16 present a perfect one-chapter picture of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of ordinary people like Paul, Silas, a slave girl, Lydia, and the family of a jailer. We see the importance of forgiveness and healing, the courage of hospitality, and the life-changing power of baptism. Encountered with the message of God’s love in Jesus, each of these people was changed and became changed agents as they actively began following Jesus’ way.
During our May rotation children will be discovering and exploring these key players in the book of Acts. If you are interested in joining the journey through art, computers, and drama, please visit the Safe Harbor or contact Margie McCoy or Julie Peralta. We look forward to setting sail on Sunday, May 4th.
FaithBuilders and Youth Group . . . .
FB: End of the Year Picnic
FaithBuilders and their families will have an end of the year picnic and celebration on Sunday, May 4th at 5:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Remember each family is responsible for bringing a food dish. If you have questions concerning what to bring please contact Julie Peralta. R.S.V.P. at julie@rlcindy.org or 317-881-7854. Following the meal (6:00-7:35pm.) the youth will join Pr. Dave in the Sanctuary for their last Learn Event. We look forward to celebrating our year together.
Faith Stepping Stone #7
Confirmation . . . .
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. Our first session will be Sunday, May 11 during the 9:30 Discipleship Hour. The youth will have the summer to complete their Faith Statements. The Rite of Confirmation Blessing Service will be on Sunday, October 5th at 10:45am. The youth will share their Faith Statements during the 9:30am Discipleship Hour. Information will be coming via snail mail from Ms. Julie. In the meantime if you have other questions please contact her by email: julie@rlcindy.org or by calling the church office: 317.881.7854.
Confirmation Camp . . .
Currently ten FaithBuilders are registered to attend a week of Confirmation Camp with Pr. Dave and Julie, June 15-20 at Lake Luther. We will have a week of growing deeper in our faith with Christ, our friendships, and the camp staff through bible study, recreation, crafts, and more. There is still space available. If you are interested in attending and have not registered yet, please contact Julie Peralta TODAY! We encourage all Faith- Builders to attend at least one week of camp during their three years of confirmation.
YG End of the Year Party
Our last Youth Group event will be on Sunday, May 4 beginning at 5:30pm with pizza followed by games and fellowship! We hope everyone can make it. During the evening we will also discuss future opportunities. See you on May 4th!
FB/YG
Kings Island
Monday, June 2 depart 7:30am
SAM’s Club . . . .
The Senior Adult Ministry invites all adults to join us on Wednesday, May 14th for a tour of the Indiana Medical History Museum on the west side of Indianapolis. We will meet at church to car pool at 10am for a one hour tour which costs $5. Money will be collected that morning. There are some stairs but they are optional. We will stop for lunch at MCL Cafeteria on the way home.
Men’s Breakfast . . . .
The April Men’s Breakfast was great with 24 men attending! Plan to join us on Saturday, May 10th at 7:30am in the Fellowship Hall, as we continue studying Tony Dungy’s Men’s Bible Study based on his book Quiet Strength. If you couldn’t come in April, you are welcome to join-in anytime. Bible study books may be purchased at your local bookstore.
Are You Going to Camp? . . . .
Please contact Julie Peralta and let her know when and which camp!
Congratulations to all of our RLC high school graduates! Allison Albaugh, Megan Burns, Lauren George, Austin Johnson, Mike McCoy, Elizabeth Ransone, Eric Thaman, Kirsten Utley, Stacie Wolfe.
Dinners for Eight
Dinners for Eight is an ongoing adult fellowship dinner group where several people meet at a host home for good food and conversation. The host provides the entree, while the others bring the side dishes and dessert to complete the meal. If you are interested in joining Dinners for Eight, please contact Donn or Jackie Mitchell at 885-6553.
Here is the May/June/July rotation:
•Larry & Mary Moore (Host), David & Jennifer Barrett, Don & Jackie Mitchell, Byron & Leslie Daugherty
•Don & Joyce Peterson (Host), Adam & Melissa Nowotarski, John & Sandy Papageorge, Pastor Dave
•Carl & Connie Risch (Host), Phillip & Stacy Krider, Jim & Pat Hamby, Brian & Sherry Richards
•Ben & Julie North (Host), Richard & Nancy Menning, Craig & Penny Welch, Mike & Chris Wise
•John & Kim Toney (Host), Terry & Johanna Fewell, Jim and Jean Canter, Roger & Rita Chambers
•Chris & Teresa Hoffman (Host), Scott & Diana Deitch, Ed Kistler & Barb Kistler, Bret & Susan Perks
Men’s Softball Team
Come cheer-on our RLC Softball Team which playsin a league on Monday evenings. It’s great fun. The games this year will be played at Northeast Park (not Craig Park). Take County Line Road east and turn right on old N. Meridian. Turn left on Crestview Dr. The park is at 100 Crestview Dr. next to Greenwood N.E. Elementary School.
May 5 9:30 Lifepoint
May 12 6:30 Grace
May 19 8:30 First Baptist
June 2 7:30 Lifepoint
June 9 8:30 Grace
June 16 TBD standings game
June 23 TBD standings game
June 30 TBD tournament
July 7 TBD tournament
RLC Book Club Discussion Prince Caspian by C. S. LewisCome join us as we follow Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy back to Narnia! Since the children left the magical world, Narnia has been at peace but is now under control of the Wicked King Mirax. Once again, the Pevensey children must join Aslan, the great lion, to help Prince Caspian restore Narnia’s great past.
The book discussion will be held on Wednesday, June 11 at 6:00 at RLC. If time allows, we may see the movie after the discussion. Contact Lesley McDougal at lesleymcdougal@yahoo.com with questions.
Be on the Crew!
Our Friendship Trek Vacation Bible School is approaching quickly, and we’re seeking your assistance! Won’t you introduce children to Jesus, our Forever Friend, by prayerfully considering becoming a part of the Site Leader Crew or Circle Guide Crew? VBS will be held June 9-13.
Friends are great gifts from God, and Jesus is the greatest friend of all! The VBS Friendship Trek team members will provide all the resources you need, as well as Friendship Trek training on June 3 from 6:00-8:00pm.
Thanks for taking time to pray and consider this request. Please contact Lesley McDougal at lesleymcdougal@yahoo.com if you are interested. Thanks!
FaithBuilders & Youth Group
Assist at VBS
During the week of Vacation Bible School we encourage all FaithBuilders and Youth Group folks to come and assist our children in a week of growing deeper in their faith with Christ. This years VBS will be June 9-13 from 9:00-12:00pm. Again this year, Chris Wise, will be organizing afternoon activities on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday for FB & YG. Come join us for a week of fun-activities!
Samples from Ready Click Grow . . . .
Go to www.rlcindy.org, click on Home Devotions in the left column to be redirected to Ready-Click-Grow from the Youth & Family Institute. Here is an example from the “Fun Ways to Get Chores Done.”
20 Minute Dash: Get those chores done, fast!
It’s amazing how much household work can be done in 20 minutes – especially if a team attacks the work instead of an individual. A family of three working for 20 minutes will accomplish what one person can do in an hour!
Make a list of chores that can be completed in 20 minutes by one person – one big chore or a few smaller ones. Sweeping the porch . . . cleaning the bathroom . . . loading the dishwasher . . . sweeping the kitchen floor . . . vacuuming the living room – take your pick. Family members choose chores from this list to fill up their 20 minutes, set a timer, put on some really fast music – and watch the work get finished in record time!
Clean Your Way to Treasure
Here’s how: before you begin cleaning, write the string of tasks your child will do on index cards or Post Its, one task per card. On the final card, write down a treat your child enjoys (trip to a favorite playground, renting a favorite video, story time with Mom or Dad, a trip to the ice cream shop, etc.). Now attach these cards to the various chores, so that as your child finishes one task, she sees the card that steers them to the next. The final card is the reward for a chore-list well accomplished.
Volunteering at The Sharing Place Equals Discipleship!
Now, more than ever, families are in need of assistance to help make ends meet. You can make a difference in the lives of others by donating your time and talent to The Sharing Place, a ministry of Lutheran Child & Family Services providing food and clothing to families in need. By helping “the least of these,” you will discover new opportunities for discipleship as you outfit a family with gently used clothing or guide them through the pantry menu options.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Leslie McCotry, Volunteer Resources Coordinator, at volunteers@lutheranfamily.org or 317-359-5467, ext. 242.