RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 24 February 2004 Number 2
Lenten Devotional Book:
“Good News”
This is the 13th year for Reformation’s publication of Lenten
Devotionals. The theme for 2004 is “Good News”. All members of Reformation
congregation will receive a printed copy. The books will be available to
be picked up at church on Feb. 15 and 22. Copies not picked up will be
mailed. If you would like an additional copy for a friend, relative, or
neighbor, please check with the church office.
You may also direct people to the Reformation web site where the
devotions are available each day, beginning with Ash Wednesday. The web
site is:http://www.reformation-lutheran.org/lent
We give thanks to all those who have worked so hard to bring this
booklet into being.
Ash Wednesday February 25
Two opportunities to share the fellowship of a meal and worship are
planned for Ash Wednesday. Reformation members are encouraged to attend
and invite friends and neighbors to join us. The mid-day service will
begin at 12:00 p.m. and will be followed by lunch, to be served in the
narthex.
In the evening, the congregation is invited to enjoy pancakes and
sausage prepared by the ever-popular Chris Cakes. Serving will
begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue until 6:45 p.m. The cost is $4.00 per
person. The worship service will follow at 7:00 p.m. Both the noon and
evening service will include the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion.
Lenten Schedule
On each of the Wednesdays during Lent, worship and mealtime will take
place twice a day.
- 12:00 worship will be followed by lunch;
- 7:00 worship will be preceded by supper at 6:00.
The mid-day services will be based on “The Week that Changed the
World”. Evening services will include Evening Prayer and the weekly Lenten
drama, “Good News”, depicting events of Jesus’ last Passover Week in
Jerusalem. Various individuals, couples, and groups are hosting the meals.
If you would like to help in some way, please contact the church office.
Annual Leadership Retreat
All Church Council Members, Ministry Coordinators, and Team Leaders are
invited to Reformation’s annual Leadership Retreat, to be held this year
on Saturday, February 14, from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm at St. James Episcopal
Church, 3750 E. Douglas. We will gather for fellowship, worship, and
discussion as we “Organize for Mission”. Special guest presenters will
include Susan Cherches and Rev. Kate Moorehead, Rector of St. James
Episcopal Church.
All who plan to attend are asked to RSVP to the church office by
Monday, February 9, so that we can accurately plan for lunch.
“It is the duty of every Christian to be
Christ to his neighbor” Martin Luther
Thank you to Sondra Langel for her generous donation of over thirty
books from her late husband’s (Benjamin C. Langel) library collection.
Many of the books are either classics or recently published books on
theology, doctrine, philosophy or church history. They are a valuable and
exciting addition to our library. Visit the library soon to check out one
or more of these spiritually stimulating books.
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Once again I want to thank our Reformation friends for the outpouring
of love, the many prayers and offers of help during Donald’s illness and
at the time of his death.
A special thank you to the many ladies who prepared and served the
lovely luncheon following the funeral. Special thanks also to Pastor
Hallstrom and Jette Mortensen for being with us whenever we needed them.
Dorothea Rindt and family
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Thank you for your continuing prayers and good thoughts during Don’s
illness and at his death. A special thank you to Pastor Tom and Barb Lee
for being with us at the end. It meant more than you know.
Nancy Wilson and family
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Dear Members of Reformation: I wish to take this opportunity to convey
my heartfelt “THANKS” for your very generous Christmas gift. Your kindness
is deeply appreciated and I am overwhelmed by your generosity.
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Pastor Tom
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From Our Graduate Seminarian...
I am working diligently to be a faithful minister of the Word here at
my internship site, Lord of Light. Not only is the Sr. pastor now gone to
his new called position in L.A. but the part time Interim pastor assigned
to my congregation has had some medical issues to deal with and recently
had surgery. This is limiting his access to me and to the congregation by
no fault of his own. Ironically, this has challenged me in many positive
ways. In fact, I think I've learned more in the last 4 weeks than I would
have ever learned had this situation not occurred. God works through
circumstance.
Whatever the situation you find yourself in these days, know that God
is there, designing something beautiful with your life. This same God can
take your perceived messes, discouragements, and sorrows and turn them
into something most precious in the end. I am reminded of Corrie ten Boom.
She spent some very painful time in a Nazi concentration camp, losing her
sister to death there. After WWII, she traveled around the world and spoke
of her war experiences. She shared the story of God's love in her life,
even through those tough times.
Corrie often used simple symbols to illustrate great truths about God.
For example, in one of her presentations, she would take with her a piece
of cloth with a crown embroidered on it. She would first hold up the cloth
with the lovely embroidered side showing - all the threads forming a
beautiful crown. This she would describe as the plan God has for our
lives. Then she would flip the cloth over to show the tangled, confused
underside - illustrating how we view our lives from a human standpoint.
There is a pattern to life, she would say, a pattern we may not see.
Trust that God's design for your life is beautiful. When the work is
done, the finished product will be evident!
Peace in Christ,
Laura Ulicky-Weerts
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
Sarah Monday, February 16 7:00 p.m. at the home of
Mary Lou Bengston, 8803 E. Harry #505, Lesson Leader: Deanne Fortney
Dorcas Wed., February 18 1:00 p.m. at the home of
Nadine Norton, 4758 Portwest Ct. Lesson Leader: Nora Steg
WELCA Board will meet February 2, 1:00 p.m. at the church.
Blanket Makers will meet Monday, February 2 and 16 at 9:00 a.m.
at the church.
Monthly Outreach Ministry at Cornerstone Assisted Living will
be Tues., February 10, 3:15 - 4:00 p.m. We will play “Name that Tune” and
have refreshments with their residents. All are invited to attend.
Community Ministries
Local Community
Yellow Bag Food Ministry
- Thank you for
your continued support after Christmas for the hungry in our community.
Some families in need include a baby. Menu suggestions for February
include baby food and care items for babies. Remember all nonperishable
food items are always welcome.
Local Benevolence Ministry - Several local organizations that
work to meet various needs in our community have written to express their
appreciation for our support. These organizations recently received
various amounts from the Local Benevolence Ministry part of our
Reformation budget. Our support not only helps these organizations do
their work, but it also tells them our congregation cares about the people
they serve and the importance of the organizations’ work in providing
care. Organizations recently receiving our support included the Good
Samaritan Clinic, The Lord’s Diner, Faith in Action, The Wichita
Children’s Home, and United Methodist Urban Ministry.
Meal-A-Month for February
Baby Food & Juices
Baby Cereal
Diapers
Baby Care Products
Dry Milk (optional)
Michele Groves
Community Outreach Coordinator
634-0553
Best Times of Life, Reformation’s fellowship group for those 55
years and over, will meet Monday, February 9, at noon in the Parish
Hall. The program will be presented by David Young of the American Red
Cross. come and join us for lunch, good fellowship and information. Bring
a covered dish to share, your table service, and call Pauline, 942-2885,
or Betty, 682-2030, saying you will be there, so the hosts will know how
many tables to prepare.
Women’s Night Out will meet at Bennigan’s, 111 S. Rock Rd., on
Tues., Feb. 24, at 6:30 p.m. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the nursery
door, or call Marcie Fosdick, 733-0340,for reservations.
2004 Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the congregation was held Sunday, January 25. The
results of the election were as follows:
- Elected to Church Council: Susayn Brandes, Sheryl Johnson,
Greg Keith, Tim Meyer.
- Elected to Mission Endowment Committee: Sondra Langel.
- Elected to Nominating Committee: Barbara Borg, Keith Martin,
Amy Keith, Jan Moyer, Kathy Drake, Suzanne Koch.
- Elected Synod Delegates: Greg Keith, Amy Keith, Wil Johnson,
Mary Lou Bengtson.
The new council met following the Annual Meeting and elected officers:
- Greg Keith (President)
- Mark Hansen (Vice-President)
- Sheryl Johnson (Secretary)
- Sondra Langel (Treasurer)
This Month’s Health Ministry Message...
(Brought to you by our Health Ministry Team)
Would you be interested in learning about a more healthy life
style? We plan to offer a limited number of sessions on weight
control, good nutrition and exercise planning. Meeting dates and time will
be determined by participants. Please call the church office, 634-0586, or
Barbara Lee, 684-5434, if you would like to join this group or want more
information.
“Vial of Life” - Look for our Health Ministry basket in the
narthex near the Welcome Center table. It will be filled with Vial of Life
containers for you to take. These can be life savers in an emergency. You
list your medication and health directions to put into the vial which is
then placed in your refrigerator. A sign bu your front door and one on
your refrigerator will alert rescue personnel. Health information cards
for your wallet will also be in the basket for you to take.
We would welcome new members for our Health Ministry Team. You
don’t need to be a health professional - only have an interest in
promoting good health in our congregation. We meet only 4 times a year.
You may leave your name and phone number in the church office or call Dr.
Bob Norton, 838-2617, or Susan Martin, 686-4348.
Anniversary Celebration
Friends of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church are invited to join in the
celebration of its 95th year of mission in Wichita: Sunday, February 8,
2004
- Worship at 10:30 a.m.
- Catered Dinner Following
Reservations must be made by Mon., Feb. 2 Call Mary Boehmer at
744-0216; Inez Raines at 744-1402
Upcoming Music Events
Monday, February 2, 7:30 p.m. - The Augustana College Choir,
Sioux Falls, SD, under the direction of Dr. James Johnson will perform at
Reformation Lutheran as part of their winter tour. There is no charge for
admission; however a free will offering will be received to help defray
expenses of the tour.
Friday, February 6, 7:30 p.m. - The Luther College Nordic
Choir, Decorah, Iowa, under the direction of Weston Noble, touring the
Midwest and Texas, will appear at Alumni Auditorium, Friends University,
Wichita. Reserved seating is $15 for adults and $12 for students/seniors.
Call 316-295-5877 for tickets.
Sunday, February 8, 3:00 p.m. - The Southwestern College,
Winfield, KS music faculty presents “Winter Fantasy - tapestry of
chamber music to warm the soul”, at Reformation Lutheran
Church. This recital will portray a wide variety of music for voice and
flute ranging from Handel, Bach, Saint-Saens, Ives to Chinese Art Songs.
Four featured female performers include Dr. Eugenia Oi Yan Yau (voice),
Mrs. Joyce Anne Wilder (flute), Ms. JuleAnn Troutman (harpsichord & piano)
and Mrs. Camille Burrow (cello). At Southwestern College, Yau teaches
private voice, music theory and directs Global Voices (an ensemble of
ethnic vocal music); Wilder teaches private flute and directs a flute
choir; and Troutman has been an accompanist for the Horsefeathers and
Applesauce Summer Dinner Theatre. Both Wilder and Burrow have been members
of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra more than 15 years.
Admission for the performance is free. For more information, please
contact Yau at, 316-259-6569.
Chili & Soup Lunch
Boy Scout Troop 523 will hold their annual chili and soup lunch as part
of the Scout Sunday activities on Sunday, February 8, after the
11:00 a.m. service. All congregation members and friends are invited to
the lunch. A free will donation for the lunch will be accepted and used to
provide camping equipment for the Scout Troop.
First Communion Class
We will be offering a First Communion Class on Saturday, March 6,
from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. We provide the class, not only for those children
who want to begin receiving Holy Communion, but also to help parents and
children, with the input of Pastor Tom, to discern readiness for the
Sacrament. In accordance with the policy on Holy Communion adopted by this
congregation in the summer of 2001, the class is open to children of all
ages and their parents, as well as to any older youth or adult who does
not currently receive Communion. Please call the church office by Monday,
March 1, to let us know how many from your family will be attending. First
Holy Communion will be received on Sunday, March 14.
Dillon’s Dollars
We are continuing the Dillon’s Dollars campaign for a fund raising
project for the high school youth to attend the National Convention in San
Antonio, Texas in 2006. We have them in denominations of $5, $10, $20 and
$25. Tina Alstrom and several youth will have them available in the
narthex each Sunday after both services. Please stop by the Youth
Activities table and support our youth.
Youth Leadership Convocation
Youth Team member Chris Hingst has done an incredible job of giving the
Youth Convocation new direction for this year’s Synod Assembly on April 22
-25 in Springfield, MO. Refer back to November’s “Making Christ Known”
newsletter (also found www.css-elca.org/newsletter.html) for more
information or contact Chris at 417-881-2191.
Singles Bible Study
We will begin a singles Bible study group on Sunday, February 1.
We will meet in the library at 9:45 a.m. The dynamics and direction of
this group are in the development stages. The focus of this group could be
a Bible study, a book study or a topic study. The direction and subject
matter should be defined by the group. I will be creating several studies
for the first two weeks, but will then turn the direction over to the
group. Please call Michon, 634-0586, with any questions.
Valentine’s Sweetheart Dinner
The Middle School Youth will be hosting a Valentine’s Sweetheart Dinner
on Saturday, February 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The cost
will be $15 per person, or $30 per couple. Join us for a romantic
candlelight dinner with your choice of a fine steak or chicken breast. A
sign up sheet will be available at the Youth Activities table in the
narthex.
The Timothy Project
The “Timothy Project” training is coming to our area on Sat., March
13. This training is for anyone who works with youth. Timothy
Project’s scriptural basis is from 1 Thessalonians 3:2, “We sent Timothy
to...strengthen and encourage you in your faith...” The event will provide
insights, ideas, and materials for youth ministry throughout our synod.
This training will help us accomplish our goal of “healthy youth ministry
in every congregation in our synod.” If you are interested in attending
this event, contact Michon, 634-0586 or Wayne Huston, 913-491-8022
Happenings at Bethany College
: February 6
Peter and the Wolf Children’s Concert: Sunday, February 15, 1:30
to 2:30 p.m. in Presser Hall Auditorium.
Christian Ministry Conference: Mon., Feb. 16, 10:30 a.m. - 4:00
p.m. in Lindquist Hall. Information gathering for current students about
career opportunities with Christian Ministry.
Fine Arts Day: Sat., Feb 21, 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Students
entering college in the Fall of 2004 are invited to come to campus to
submit art portfolios, perform music and theater auditions for
scholarships, performance awards and/or academic excellence awards.
Last update
August 03, 2008
