RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 20 February 2000 Number 2
From the Pastor
Follow me, Jesus said. Those words ring out from the
first chapter of Mark. Jesus walks along the sea of Galilee, calls out to Simon and
Andrew, James and John, and they immediately left all they were doing to follow
Jesus. Something, or was it the Someone, compelled their will to act. They left all and
followed.
What makes for a good leader, someone asked once. Good followers was the
reply. I think it was Casey Stengel of the famed New York Yankees who said, good
players make good managers. Yet for us Christians it is the Good Leader who makes good
followers through the gift of new life. The Good Leader also knows his own and his own
know him
(John 10:14).
Simon and the others had their problems being good followers. They kept
misunderstanding their leader. We are to love our enemies? They wanted him to
pursue a different direction. You, the Messiah, will go to Jerusalem to die? They
had their own ambitions. Can we sit at your left and right? Finally, when the
conflict heated up, they grew fearful and fled, leaving their leader and teacher alone.
Who is your leader and how is your following? We make our desires known in the liturgy.
For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and
LEAD US, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways...
(Lutheran Book of Worship, page 56). O God, lead us, in personal lives and in our life together.
How do you know the will of this leader? How do we follow the One whom we cannot see?
Does not this speak to the importance of immersing ourselves in the written Word, that the
living Word himself might be known in our midst?
The One who calls and leads is filled with surprises. Wherever two or three are
gathered together, there am I in their midst. How comforting to know the leader is
among us sinners in Word and water, bread and wine! What joy to know the presence of
forgiveness and love.
Yet just when we think we have located him or think his leading is taking us to a place
of blessing and comfort, we are surprised yet again. We are surprised to hear this leader
say, I’m over here in the hungry, sick, naked, homeless and imprisoned.
Take up the cross and . . . follow me.
- Pastor Jerry Mansholt
From the Deaconess
Beginning this month, my column is going to concentrate on
Asset Building: Helping Youth Grow up Healthy. In case you do not have children, your
children are all grown up, or your children are very young, don’t stop
reading. Everyone, including the youth themselves, can help build assets.
First of all, assets are positive building blocks for the healthy development of all
youth. The Search Institute has listed 40 developmental assets, grouped into eight
categories. Ideally, families, schools, and communities should work together to insure
that all youth develop 31 assets or more. Reality is that only eight percent of youth have
31 of the assets. The average youth today has only 18 of the 40 assets. Research has also
shown that the more assets a youth has, the less likely he or she will be to engage in
high-risk behaviors.
Next month I will begin to summarize a few of the assets. In the meantime, think about
how you can have a positive influence on the young people in this congregation.
- Deaconess Doreen Scheuerman
Thanks for cards, flowers, phone calls, food, visits, prayers, and
memorials during Folmer's illness and death. I sincerely appreciate
your kindness and concern.
-In Christian love, Reola Lerager
* * *
I wish to express my thanks and appreciation for all the prayers, cards, and expressions
of sympathy in
the death of my mother on December 7.
- Shirley Anderson & family
* * *
Dorothea and I appreciate the comfort received from the many cards, prayers, and verbal
expressions of sympathy following the death of my brother Milton on January 2.
- Donald Rindt
* * *
Thank you to everyone for your prayers, cards, and
calls during my recent surgery and recovery.
- Virginia Leikvold
* * *
Financial Strategies Workshop
Lutheran Brotherhood invites you to a soup supper to be followed by a financial strategies
workshop on Thursday, February 10, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1451 E. 47th Street
South, in Wichita. Topics of discussion will include:
$ Financial strategy checklist and materials
$ Need for current will and assets/liabilities inventory
$ Social Security benefits
$ Potential tax liability to estate and heirs
$ Medicare and pension benefits
$ How death of spouse can affect the income of the survivor
This event is being hosted by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Lutheran Brotherhood
District Representatives, Cheryl Hoops, Shirley May, and Heidi Wills. If you would like to
attend, please RSVP to 729-8300 or 729-8378.
Reformation's Web Page
Did you miss last Sunday's sermon? Listen to the sermon off of
the web! Interested in participating in the prayer chain? Sign up to receive prayer chain
items via e-mail. (This is not a separate prayer chain, but a supplement to the existing
phone prayer chain. To participate in the phone prayer chain, call Carol Ott). Want to
know what's happening at church? Read council minutes and the Re-Focus on-line. You can
also listen to highlights from the children's Christmas service, or sign up now to receive
a daily devotional every day during Lent. There is lots of information at http://www.reformation-lutheran.org so
check it out.
Lost and Found
A table has been set up in the narthex with items "found" around the church!
Please re-claim your "lost" belongings. Items not picked up by Feb. 20 will be
donated to charity. Thanks!
Telecare Ministry
Reformation's Telecare Ministry will begin its second campaign of calling by phone all
local member households around February 1. The purpose of the calls if to offer prayer
support to each family, to hear concerns, and to learn of any special needs. Please be
prepared to spend a valuable five minutes or so with your caller to help further the
mission of this ministry. This is a caring call from a member of your Reformation family.
Randall and Reeva Anderson
Invite the Congregation
To Join in the Celebration of
Their 50th Wedding Anniversary
at a Reception Hosted by Their Children
Saturday, February 5, 2000
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Reformation Lutheran Church
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
- Priscilla - Tuesday, February 8, 9:30 a.m., in church library.
Nursery available with 24-hr. notice.
- Ruth - Thursday, February 10, 7:00 p.m. at the home of Suzanne Koch,
261 Rutland St.
- Dorcas - Wednesday, February 16, 1:00 p.m. at the home of Nadine
Norton, 4758 Portwest Ct.
- Rachel - Thursday, February 17, 7:00 p.m. at the church. Nursery
available with 24-hr. notice.
- Sarah - Monday, February 21, 7:00 p.m. at the home of Vera Bentson,
1655 Georgetown, #333
Board Meeting will be held Monday, February 7, 1:00 p.m. at church.
Blanket Makers will meet on February 7 & 21 at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Our
supply of fabric is very low. If you have fabric you would like to donate, it can be left
on the counter in the 3 yr. old Sunday School room. Both knits and woven fabrics can be
used.
Altar Guild
On Saturday, February 12, there will be a training session for anyone who would like to
serve on the Altar Committee. This will be a learning time for new committee members and a
refresher course for those who have served so willingly in the past. We will meet at the
church at 10:00 a.m. and should be finished by noon.
Usher Schedule for February
- 8:30 Bob Weaver, Randy Worrell
- 11:00 Fred Hambright, Mark Metz, Jan Moyer, Ben Langel, Ken Woodard,
Matt Metz, David Day
BTOL
The February meeting of Best Times of Life will be held on Monday,
February 14, at noon in the Parish Hall. B.T.O.L. is a group of those 55 or more who meet
for fun, food, and fellowship, and you are warmly invited to join us. Our speaker this
month will be Merrill Teller of KWCH-TV Channel 12, who will speak about his favorite
topic . . . Weather!! Come and join us for a great meal. Bring a covered dish and your own
table service. If you have not been called, please phone Pauline Latham, 942-4885, with
your reservation.
Chili Lunch
Boy Scout Troop #523 will conduct their annual Chili Lunch at noon,
following the 11:00 a.m. worship service on Scout Sunday, February 6. The congregation is
invited to join us. Contributions will be taken to assist the troop to acquire needed
troop equipment.
Events at Bethany College
Pastors, rostered leaders, and congregational members are invited to
two upcoming events on the campus of Bethany College:
- Dr. Robert Smith, Professor of New Testament at Pacific Lutheran
Theological Seminary, will present a workshop on Tuesday, February 22, as a part of his
"Encounters" visit to Bethany. The workshop, "We Survived the Millennium.
Now What?" will focus on the Book of Revelation and will be held from 8:45 a.m.-noon
in Nelson Science Center Lecture Hall. Lunch will be provided following the workshop, for
which there is no charge. Please contact Noni Strand, Campus Pastor, at 785-227-3311, Ext.
8340, to register for the workshop.
- A panel presentation on "End of Life Ethical Issues" will
be held on Thursday, February 24, 7:30 p.m., in Lindquist Hall on the Bethany campus.
Presenters will be Pr. Dick Monson, retired Lutheran pastor; Dr. Andy Lustig, bioethicist
and theologian; and Jeff Maurus, M.D. This presentation is free of charge and open to the
public.
From the Internship Site in Waco, TX
RECONCILIATION
Reconciliation is a word that at once soothes us and inhibits us.
Saying the word evokes a sense of hope, while thinking the word creates the stress of
uncertainty. Most times we let our uneasiness inhibit the possibility of God's peace which
comes through reconciliation.
Reconciliation is a key force in Christian life. We are commanded to love one another.
Another word for reconciliation is atonement, or at-one-ment. The command to Christians is
to be at-one again with those from whom we have been separated. We are expected to mend
broken relationships and join in community with all God's people.
Paul shows us the way in his letter to the Colossians, "Bear with one another and, if
anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven
you, so you also must forgive" (Colossians 3:12).
Like so many points of faith, Paul's words are easier to read than to do. So, most often
we look the other way and ignore the urge to reconciliation. Even as we do this, we are
compelled to restore what was lost. When you see someone that you are at odds with, how do
you feel? At peace? Of course not. And you will not feel at peace until the
misunderstanding or estrangement has been corrected. There are a handful of excuses for
not doing this, but none are right.
To Roman Catholics reconciliation is a sacrament. When a Catholic regrets what has been
done, the person may confess to a priest. As a result, there is often profound peace,
acceptance and freedom from the burden.
Lutherans share the sentiments of the Catholics, but our approach to reconciliation is
more holistic. We believe the source of reconciliation is in baptism. In baptism we become
part of the Christian community. It is within that community that each week we confess our
sins and are reconciled. "If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will
forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). It is also
within the Christian community that we receive holy communion, which we consider the
primary sacrament of reconciliation, for it is through the blood of Christ that we receive
the forgiveness of sins. Through these rites we are at-one with God.
Reconciliation is essential to all Christians, but often we flounder about in uncertainty
and end up doing nothing. Maybe the idea of reconciliation will be easier if we look at it
in a slightly different way. In reality, we need only to be reconciled with God, because
every other reconciliation follows. If we are not at-one with God, there is no hope of us
being at-one with anyone else. In the end, the reconciliation is by God and with God, and
then we may move to human reconciliation. This is another gift of God's grace, which we
would be wise to simply accept.
In God's Peace, Dawn Gorges
ELCA Identity Project
At the Annual Meeting, video and audio clips introducing the ELCA
Identity Project were played. And, members were invited to contribute to the "Project
Identity Fund" to help Reformation qualify for up to $5,000 in matching funds
provided by Aid Association for Lutherans.
The ELCA Identity Project is a multi-media campaign designed to raise awareness of the
Lutheran Church, invite and welcome those who have no church home, and provide
encouragement and positive reinforcement to those who are currently ELCA members.
Nothing like this broadly inclusive campaign has been done before in the ELCA.
- It is ELCA wide.
- It is of the highest quality.
- It provides materials only to those who have been trained to use
them.
- It includes response mechanisms via the world wide web
(www.sharingfaith.org).
Reformation's Advertising Ministry Team (Barbara Lee, Kevin
O'Connell, and Boyd Byers) plan to use the Project Identity materials in our
congregational advertising. Also, Area Ministry 5 is planning ways to use the Identity
Project material, possibly through television or radio advertising.
To help fund this advertising ministry and to qualify for matching dollars from AAL, your
financial support in the amount of $5,000 or more, above and beyond the general budget, is
needed. Please make checks payable to Reformation Lutheran Church and marked for
"Identity Project."
Work Days at Tomah Shinga
Want to get out of the city? Want your children to experience hard
work in order to help someone else? Want to get to know other Lutherans around the state?
Want to meet Angie Agan, the new director at Camp Tomah Shinga? Here's your chance! Two
work days have been scheduled for this spring:
- April 28, 7:00 p.m.-- April 30, 6:00 p.m.
Come help with trail maintenance. Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are needed. You
can come and go as necessary. Meals will be provided and arrangements can be made for
overnight facilities. Participants can even join together for a Sunday morning worship
service.
- May 20-21, 9:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Spring Cleanup--fellowship, food and fun! Meals are provided, and housing is available for
an overnight stay.
If you are interested in participating in either of these events,
call Angie Agan at (785) 238-3654.
Summer Positions
The following staff positions are open at Camp Tomah Shinga for the
summer:
Counselors - Responsible young adults with a desire to teach children on their level. At
least 18 years old with demonstrated leadership ability.
Staff-in-Training - A holistic learning experience, from junior counselor to maintenance
staff to kitchen help. Expected to attend staff training and be at camp 1-2 weeks during
the summer. Must be at least 16 years old.
Maintenance Staff - Youth at least 16 years old are needed to help maintain the
facilities. Expected to participate in programming and interact with campers during the
evenings.
Lifeguards - Young adults age 16 and above who are certified lifeguards to staff the pool.
Also expected to maintain the pool and help in the kitchen. Expected to participate in
evening programming and interact with the campers.
For any of these positions, contact Angie Agan: (785) 238-3654 or e-mail.
Camp Tomah Shinga: Summer Schedule
Now is the time to start planning for a week (or half week) at our
Lutheran camp, Camp Tomah Shinga, near Junction City, Kansas. The theme for the summer is
Weak, but STRONG. Each week of camp will focus on the lives of heroes from the Bible who
were loved, forgiven, and empowered by God, even though they had weaknesses and flaws.
The Director, Angie Agan, and the board have been working hard this year to improve the
camp facilities. It still has wonderful mud slides, rock faces to repel, and river to
canoe.
Registration forms will be available soon, but in the meantime, plan which week your
child(ren) will be able to experience the great outdoors in a Christian environment!
Summer Camp 2000
| Camp |
Dates |
Grades |
| Half Week Pre-Junior |
June 7-9 |
3-5 |
| Junior Camp |
June 11-16 |
4-6 |
| Confirmation Camp |
June 18-23 |
- |
| Junior High Camp |
June 25-30 |
7-9 |
| Half Week Pre-Junior |
July 5-7 |
3-5 |
| Junior Camp |
July 9-14 |
4-6 |
| Confirmation Camp |
July 16-21 |
- |
| Junior High Camp |
July 23-28 |
7-9 |
| Combination Camp |
July 30-Aug. 4 |
4-9 |
| Senior High Camp |
August 6-11 |
9-12 |
Grades listed are those which campers will begin in
the fall of 2000. Half Week = $75 & Full Week = $165.
Leadership Retreat
Youth in grades 9-12 are encouraged to attend the Spring Leadership
Retreat at Camp Tomah Shinga March 24-26. The cost of $45 includes housing and meals. The
weekend will include group building, simulation activities, recreation, worship, and more.
Youth will walk away prepared to be leaders in the church today! Space is limited, so
don't wait to register. If you are interested, see Deaconess Doreen for a registration
form.
AAL February Meeting
AAL Branch 4499 will hold their February meeting at 12:15 p.m. on
Sunday, February 13, in the Parish Hall of Reformation Church. All AAL members and anyone
else desiring more information are invited to join us for a soup lunch along with some
good fellowship and fun. Please contact Doug Vandersee, Rich McDiffett, or Kathy Drake if
you have any questions about this meeting or becoming involved in Aid Association for
Lutherans. Check our bulletin board for more information on AAL and the benefits offered
to all Lutherans. We look forward to seeing everyone on the 13th.
Middle School Youth
Seven Middle School Youth and two adult sponsors are attending
YouthQuake on February 4-6. Sara Koepsel, Melicent King, Lauren Lofing, Sam Martin, Suzi
Meyer, Robert Pfeiffer and Clark Scott with sponsors, David Dibble and Victoria Morgan,
will spend the weekend experiencing the theme, Be Not Afraid through music, talks, small
group activities and games.
Middle School Youth, keep your eyes and ears open for information about a camping trip the
first weekend in March to Camp Tomah Shinga!
Meal-A-Month
Our Meal-A-Month "yellow bag" ministry is now in its
second year. In 2000, we would like to increase our contribution to our local food pantry.
On Sunday, February 27, we ask that you bring your filled yellow bag to the altar as a way
of showing concern for the hungry in our community. The
menu for February is:
- Diapers
- Baby Care Products
- Baby Food & Juices
- Baby Cereal
- Dry Milk (optional)
Speaking of the hungry . . . WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR WORLD HUNGER
LATELY? There are ways for you to help (more to follow in the February bulletins).
Nurturing Faith in the Home
February is the "love" month with Valentine's Day coming
right "smack" in the middle. Take advantage of this fun day to spend the month
talking about, reading about, and showing God's love. The following ideas can be done at
home. They are all based on the "Love" chapter: 1 Corinthians 13. Find time at
least once a week to read parts of or all of this chapter.
Practice your own patience this week. When driving in the car,
comment on the positive things you see in others drivers and bite your tongue the rest of
the time. While standing in lines with your children, instead of getting impatient, help
your children look for things around them that God loves.
Make heart-shaped cookies with your children. Decorate them and take
some to an elderly neighbor or someone in a nursing home. Or instead of food--make a
special effort to include your children in a helping project for an elderly or needy
person. Talk about how we show love to others because God loved us so much to give us
Jesus.
- Week 3: Love is not envious
Each day spend prayer time with your children. Use the time to thank
God for all the good things God has given you and your family. Help your children (and
yourself!) concentrate on what you do have!
Read the children's book, I Will Love You Forever. When you have to
correct your children, take the opportunity to assure them that God still loves them and
so do you.
All Month: Sing songs like, Jesus Loves Me; Love, Love, Love; or The Love Round.
