February 2015 Inside this issue: BLESSED Events and Highlights Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5 Mt. Carmel Youth 4 Our Church Family 5 From The Pastor 6 Lutheran Campus Ministry 7 I saw Selma on its first day of release. In a time when Ferguson throws into glaring relief the racial tensions that still bedevil the land of the free, the film makes the very early days of the civil rights movement come alive. (I remember driving across the Edmund Pettus bridge a few months after the 1965 Selma-toMontgomery march). Get Involved 10 Calendar 11 Journalist Cathleen Falsani interviewed lead actor David Oyelowo and offered excerpts in the online Pan Patheos Newsletter. Oyelowo is a Christian, reared in Oxford, England by Nigerian parents. He is convinced that it was God’s will that he play the MLK role. “I never approached any other role the way I approached this. Because I always knew I couldn’t do this on my own.” bgw 8-9 Volunteer Schedule The film avoids presenting Dr. King as a plaster saint. Instead, we see a young pastor struggling and improvising through political ambiguities to keep the eyes on the prize…and, in fact, to determine what the prize was. The actor, whose Christian faith, Falsani reports, continues to be a driving force of his life and work, speaks of a spiritual vibe on the set. The cast did not regard this movie as just another gig, and they went to church together. For his part, Oyelowo says, “I truly felt every day on that set that something other than me flowed through me. There were times I felt God lifting me through scenes.” The actor articulates a theme that is sharply portrayed in Selma: “What is truly powerful is love in the face of hate.” 2-3 Sunday Worship at Mt. Carmel 8:45 am Traditional Service 10:00 am Adult Forum Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary Service Holy Communion is offered at all Sunday worship services. Child care available on Sundays 8:45 am-12:15 pm. 2 Events and Highlights It is with GREAT appreciation that we recognize the extraordinary financial generosity of so many of you during the month of December. Your gifts lifted us from a significant deficit to a modest surplus at the end of the calendar year. Our prayers are that you shall continue to support the ministries of Mt Carmel with, not only your Time and Talents, but also with your gifts of dollars. EVERY member and friend is important in this endeavor. At the half way mark of our fiscal year, budgeted giving was $159,400. Actual giving for the six months ending in December was $163,991. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matt. 6: 19-21 We'll be meeting on Sunday, Feb. 8th, 6:00pm at the home of Karen Petersen. This month's book is “The Monument Men,” by Robert M. Edsel. Additional copies of the book are available in the church office. We would love to have you join us but it is a thick book so you better get going. (or you could cheat and watch the DVD but that wouldn't be right, right?) New faces always welcome. Walking the Labyrinth: On January 10, 17 women gathered at Suzanne Gorter’s home for coffee and fresh, homemade scones. Then they travelled to the bay, to walk the labyrinth located there. They began with a devotion, and then one by one, they journeyed through the turns, hearing sea birds, distant fog horns, and feeling the sun overhead. It was a beautiful day, filled with fellowship, introspection and, of course, food. This will hopefully be a quarterly event, walking various labyrinths in the County. Watch the newsletter and bulletins for the next opportunity. Brown Bag Lunch Group: Mark your calendar for the next Brown Bag Lunch group, on Friday, Feb. 13, at noon. Watch Vistas and the bulletin for the topic and speaker. Questions or ideas? Nancy Priddy, 544-6410 The devotion book for lent, “Grace & Peace”, a series based on the letter to the Ephesians, is now available. The book contains a passage from Ephesians, a thought to ponder, a brief homily and a prayer for each day and will be used as themes for Wednesday services and Adult Forum. Lent begins this year on Ash Wednesday, Feb 18, and continues to Easter Sunday, April 5. Cost for the book is $3.00 with large print editions at $5.00. February 2015 3 The third annual Interfaith Series at Mt Carmel is continuing until February 15. The 2015 series theme is “WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A GOD?” Leaders from a number of faith expressions will be with us to discuss their personal and/or corporate experiences in an informal setting with q & a time for listeners included. Sessions will be at Mt Carmel at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm The schedule for the series in February is February 1 - Dr. Todd Long, Cal Poly Professor of Religion February 8 – Carol McFall, Healing Practitioner , SLO Christian Science Church February 15 – Naiyerah Kolkailah, President Islamic Society of SLO County Community The series is intended to deepen community-wide understanding between differing faith traditions and the series will be open to the public as well as Mt Carmel members and guests. Come and join in this stimulating discussion series. The Call Committee has received 9 Rostered Leader Profiles (aka resumes!) from Pastor Reg Shultz-Akerson, Assistant to the Bishop for Rostered Leadership. Those Profiles include 1 pastor whose name was submitted from the congregation, a pastoral couple, a first-time call pastor, "seasoned" pastors, and pastors with young families. A lot of diversity from which to choose! (The Call Committee is not at liberty to give out names of any of the candidates at this point.) The Call Committee is reviewing those profiles and will be meeting on Wednesday, January 28 or February 4 to discuss in detail each and every candidate. After which we will be obtaining audio and/or video recordings of a worship, preaching, teaching or speaking occasion from each candidate, setting up conference telephone calls and/or SKYPE interviews, and checking references. As always, should you have any questions please contact any of the Call Committee members - Ed Jaster, Jean Senter, Matt Schultze, Vern Smith, Ruth Rollefson, and Dave Parkinson. We want to wish a very heart felt thank you to everybody who helped out with the Homeless Overflow at Mt. Carmel during the month of December. Thanks for those who donated money, grants, and matching funds. Thanks to those who bought, prepared, or served food. Thank you to evening friends, and those who spent the night as hosts. Thank you to those who opened and prepared the shelter each evening, and to those who prayed for us, and for our guests. As always, it is a very large team effort, and with the help of each of you, we had a successful month. Sincerely, John Cook & Glen Priddy February 2015 4 Children & Teens Looking ahead! High School Winter Retreat (February 27-March 1) Middle School Winter Retreat (March 6-8) The teens from Mt. Carmel will be attending winter retreats at El Camino Pines. The High School will go on February 27-March 1 and the Middle School will go on March 6-8. Please pray for a meaningful experience for the teens and chaperones. High School Christmas Party If you are in need of yard work or house cleaning, our youth will be available to help in the next few months. We are planning some service days so contact the church office if this is a need for you. Epiphany Sunday (images continued on back cover) February 2015 5 Our Church Family WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER: Laurie Parkinson; for continued healing and strength of John Cook’s mother, Vivian; in memory of Beth Peterson; in memory of Gerda “Babe” Culwell; in memory of Len Mansell PRAYING FOR OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY: February 1: Karen Peterson, Dana Rengel, Bryan Rengel; John & Ruth Rollefson; Sandy Rowland; Althea Schmidt; Patrick Ruth; Todd, Rebecca, Jessica, Jason, and Matthew Schnack February 15: Jack & Jean Senter; John & Janis Sexton, Anna; Shirley Simmons; Norm & Mollie Smith; Vern & Hope Smith; Joel & Debbie Peterson 2-9-85 William & Karen Almas 2-19-78 David Hensinger & Kim Shollenberger 2-11-89 Ken & Vicky Tway 2-22-86 February 22: Brad Steckler; Bill & Janis Stansfield; Midge Stettner; Jim & Laurie February 8: Chris & Jaime, Colby, and Koen Schultz; Gary Strampe, Jamie; Dave & Cathy Sullivan; Jack & Nancy & Jeanie Schultz; Karen Schultze; Linda Schultze; Sullivan; Matt & Deanna Schultze, Allie, Daniel, and Adrian; Interim Pastor Director of Children & Teens Ministry Lutheran Campus Ministry Director Organist Interim Director, Sacred Arts Choir Director of Contemporary Music Child Care Provider Custodian Temporary Parish Administrator Nancy Crotty Deanna Schultze Colby Schultz Margaret L. Androwski Clara Applegarth Glenda Anderson Bill Stansfield Pam Wood Don Eggen Dorothy Adams Desiree Dellinger Matthew Babcock Bill Bietsch Jeanne Miller John Cook Koen Schultz Val Lund Bob Grosse Kathy Meyer Steven Harding LaVanne Anderson Stephen Quist Laurie Strampe birthday “I would like to extend a warm thank you to all who attended Beth’s service. It was a true blessing, as she received so many warm and special friends from Mt. Carmel and the extended community.” Mount Carmel Staff 1 1 3 4 4 7 7 9 11 13 13 14 14 15 17 18 19 20 23 25 27 28 28 Please let us know if we missed your A message from Larry Peterson: Rev. Bruce Wollenberg Ingrid Frokjer Rachel Valliere Paul Woodring Ruth Rollefson Mark Pietri Karen Weber Tony Bloodworth John Domingo February Birthdays Address update: Jeanne Miller 55 Broad Street #116 San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 805-543-8410 Church Office Hours 8:00—4:30 Monday- Friday Phone 805-544-2133 Fax 544-5356 Email: [email protected] www.mtcarmelslo.org Lutheran Campus Ministry Email: [email protected] www.lcmslo.org Our pastoral staff is here for you. In time of crisis, please contact the church. February 2015 6 From the Pastor DISCIPLINE It used to be Lois Capps’ campaign headquarters, there at the intersection of Madonna Road and S. Higuera. In the spirit of the times, it’s now a fitness center. Driving to Sinsheimer pool at a crepuscular hour, I see earnest yogis executing the down-dog maneuver. One doesn’t need Lent to engage in disciplines, rigors and austerities. In the Christian tradition, monks and nuns offer models, which the young seem to have embraced. Behold them in their cowls called hoodies, hunched in silent devotion over their breviaries called iPhones. Still, Lent is upon us. On February 18 (at SLOUMC) an ash cross will remind us of the ephemeral nature of our mortal life and of the crucified Lord who gives us hope beyond it. And it is well for our souls to engage in a discipline on the way to Easter, even giving up something…hot drinks, in my case. Secular deprivals and exertions (ever heard of Kut?) can be mere self-help strategies and self-improvement schemes. Our Lenten ones, by contrast, turn us outward, toward solidarity and engagement with the poor, shunned and hungry, the imprisoned and trafficked. Such is the spirit of the Crucified, who was among us for our sakes, not his. May the season this year offer an opportunity to explore the question: If I follow Christ and give my heart to the triune God, what’s it like to practice coming in second? bgw Lent Services A combined Ash Wednesday service will be held February 18, 7pm, at United Methodist Church. A combined Maundy Thursday service will be held here on April 2 at 7pm Good Friday events will be held on April 3 at noon and 7pm, at United Methodist Church Soup Suppers start on the 2nd Wednesday of Lent (February 25) at 6pm, and will continue each Wednesday until March 25. More information will be available in the March 2015 Summit and in the weekly “Vistas” emails February 2015 7 February means the annual LCM Chili Chill-Out! Mark your calendars for February 21st. This year will look a little different. We are providing all of the chili through a Thrivant donation, so you don’t have to cook! If you want to cook some chili, contact Rebecca Keisler. Otherwise, you can bring a batch of cookies if you would like for the cookie contest. Or just buy your ticket for $10 ($20 max for family) and show up, eat some chili, cookies and play bingo! This is always a lot of fun and will mark Rachel’s one year at Mount Carmel. You don’t want to miss it! Winter Quarter is underway for Cal Poly students and Lutheran Campus Ministry has begun the New Year off well. We had 10 students at our New Year BBQ and continue with our core group of students to meet each week for dinner and Bible study. I help direct a non-profit organization called the Altitude Project. We run a Collegiate Christian Running Camp every summer in Mammoth Lakes. This summer we are going to study the “I Am” statements of Jesus. It has been a great study so far in preparation and I thought you might be encouraged by the lyrics to this song by Mercy Me: "You Are I Am" “I've been the one to shake with fear, And wonder if You're even here I've been the one to doubt Your love, I've told myself You're not enough I've been the one to try and say, I'll overcome by my own shame I've been the one to fall apart, And start to question who You are You're the one who conquers giants, You're the one who calls out kings You shut the mouths of lions, You tell the dead to breathe You're the one who walks through fire, You take the orphan's hand You are the one Messiah, You are I am, You are I am I've been the one held down in chains, Beneath the weight of all my shame I've been the one to believe, That where I am You cannot reach You're the one who conquers giants, You're the one who calls out kings You shut the mouths of lions, You tell the dead to breathe You're the one who walks through fire, You take the orphan's hand You are the one Messiah, You are I am, You are I am The veil is torn, And now I live with the Spirit inside The same one, the very same one, Who brought the Son back to life Hallelujah, He lives in me” “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph.6 10-11). Be sure to say hello to me when you stop by the church and don’t hesitate to e-mail me ([email protected]) if you would like to be involved or help with our college students! Our February Theology on Tap is Tuesday the 17th at Pappy McGregor’s at 9pm. The Mexico re-cap video is on the web for viewing at www.lcmslo.org/mexico. :) Happy February, Love, Rachel February 2015 8 Get Involved! If we have leftover food, we offer seconds and thirds. If there are still leftovers, one of the servers takes them to the Maxine Lewis Shelter to be served at dinner time. HELP WANTED Would you consider being a part of Mt. Carmel's Altar Guild? No experience necessary On-the-job training and wonderful fellowship If you would consider being a part of this "special" group, please contact JEANIE SCHULTZ 543-2647 FOR YOUR MORAL REFLECTION The 400 richest Americans possess more wealth than the bottom 150 million Americans combined. In 2012, 46 million Americans lived in poverty, up from 37 million in 2007. And 14% of families suffer from food insecurity. GOT ANYTHING YOU’RE DYING TO TALK ABOUT? If you have a program, idea, community resource or project that you would like the congregation to know about, add ideas, discuss, etc., the Adult Forum schedule for the weeks after Easter-starting Sunday, April 12 thru May 31—is open to interested persons or groups. The requirement would be to be ready to present your program during the Adult Forum time, 10 – 11 am, and provide info to the church office in advance so that publicity can be in the VISTA and Sunday bulletins before the event. Contact Bob Grosse or any member of the Adult Ed team. Deadline for March “Summit” is February 16. E-mail submissions to [email protected] February 2015 9 SOCIAL ACTION TEAM The new 114th Congress has seen an increase in Lutherans serving our country, from 23 in the past to now 28 members. For updates of our advocacy efforts in Washington, go to elca.org/en/News-and-Events on the web. THANKS __ All the gifts for the children of Tijuana __ Support for homeless and GOB events in December ****************** We will continue to serve in 2015 Join Pastor Russ Gordon on a tour of Greece following the footsteps of St. Paul to Athens, Corinth, Philippi and more. Departure is April 18, 2015. Consider an extension of the beautiful Greek isles and Ephesus. For more info and a brochure, contact Russ at [email protected] or 704-2199. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE SOMEONE SPECIAL, YOU MIGHT CONSIDER SPONSORING FLOWERS FOR OUR CHANCEL. Each bouquet is $27.50 or $55.00. Thank you, Jeanie Schultz CHECK OUT FACEBOOK! Pr. Wollenberg has begun posting on Mt. Carmel's Facebook page. Consider reading, commenting and re-sending. http://www.facebook.com/mtcarmelslo National Youth Gathering Update Continuing on the road to Detroit! I’d like to send a huge THANK YOU to everybody who contributed to our stock fundraiser during November! We raised around $2,500 of the $10,000 that we need to go to the Rise Up! ELCA National Youth Gathering in Detroit next summer. That’s a huge chunk! Right now we have 8 youth and 2 adults registered and are looking at travel options to get us there and back. We have already partnered with 4 members of Hope Lutheran in Atascadero who will travel and stay with us in Detroit, and are talking with groups from Solvang, Ventura, and Camarillo. What a great way to link together all of our groups! Ingrid and Monica will be traveling to Detroit at the end of January for the national ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s Extravaganza. As members of the Hospitality team, Ingrid and Monica have been working for over a month already to help welcome over 800 youth pastors and ministers from around the country who will be attending the “E” to network, share resources, and prepare for the summer event. Rise Up! Fact of the Month: As of the summer of 2013, the city of Detroit owed money to more than 100,000 creditors, and was facing $20 billion in debt and unfunded liabilities. That breaks down to more than $25,000 per resident. To make this fact even more astonishing: Back in 1960, the city of Detroit actually had the highest per-capita income in the entire nation! In 1950, there were about 296,000 manufacturing jobs in Detroit. Today, there are fewer than 27,000. Between December 2000 and December 2010, 48 percent of the manufacturing jobs in the state of Michigan were lost. February 2015 10 Volunteer Schedule Date Time 8:45 Feb. 1 11:00 8:45 Feb. 8 11:00 8:45 Feb. 15 11:00 8:45 Feb. 22 11:00 8:45 Mar. 1 11:00 8:45 Mar. 8 11:00 8:45 Mar. 15 11:00 8:45 Mar. 22 11:00 8:45 Mar. 29 11:00 Acolytes Greeter/C.A. COORDINATOR: Ingrid Frokjer 544‐2133 Ariana Holman Jenni Kinsey Sarah Kinsey Ka e Moersdorf Fiona Huffaker Libby Benne Ma hew Babcock Makenna Parkinson Olivia Dong Callie Bobell Sarah Pihl Ariana Holman Jenni Kinsey Sarah Kinsey Ka e Moersdorf Fiona Huffaker Libby Benne Ma hew Babcock Makenna Parkinson Olivia Dong Callie Bobell Sarah Pihl Libby Benne Ma hew Moersdorf Communion Assistants Coffee Servers COORDINATOR: Carol Harvey 481‐2418 Bob & Carol Harvey Vicky Tway Pa & Marc Frey Jeanie Schultz Steve & JoAnn Benne Mike & Val Lund Jack & Peggy Stevens Sally Reck Sid & Beryl Benne Carlyn & Lily Hinds Jess & Pat Bathke Sally Reck Vern & Elsa Brody Deanna Schultze Ro Cannon‐Miller Mike & Val Lund Bob & Mary Christenson Jeanie Schultz Greeters COORDINATOR: Diane Mansell 481‐4053 Dorothy Mc Coid Sheryl Huffaker Sherri Parkinson John Cook Diane Mansell Sheryl Huffaker Sherri Parkinson Nancy Cook Dorothy Mc Coid COORDINATOR: Pat Forrest 541‐4799 Karen Petersen Diane Mansell Ro Cannon‐Miller Sue Cummings Volunteer Needed Pat Forrest Karen Petersen Diane Mansell Ro Cannon‐Miller Sue Cummings Volunteer Needed Pat Forrest Karen Petersen Diane Mansell Ro Cannon‐Miller Sue Cummings Lector Assis ng Minister COORDINATOR: COORDINATOR: Jess Bathke Paula Jaster Allison Schultze Greg Zocher Rachel Valliere Janis Sexton Monica Holman Rebecca Christensen Jeanie Ledford Kevin/Wende Dong Rachel Valliere Paula Jaster Wayne Lippold Greg Zocher Jeanie Ledford Jess Bathke Dick Eschenbach Allison Schultze Greg Zocher Paula Jaster Diane Mansell Kevin/Wende Dong Monica Holman Janis Sexton Wayne Lippold Judy Burroughs Paula Jaster Usher List 8:45 11:00 2nd Sunday Ed Dresp Marc Frey Bob Dwight Cliff Baker 3rd Sunday Russ Anderson Glen Priddy Burke Towle, Jr. Volunteer Needed 4th Sunday Warren Quist Vern Brody Jack & Roberta Moen Bob & Carol Grosse Jeanie Schultz Linda Schultze Mike & Val Lund Dorothy McCoid Volunteer Needed Donley & Carol Winger Pat Forrest Andy Frokjer 1st Sunday Jess & Pat Bathke Steve & JoAnn Bennett Diane Mansell Bill & Karen Almas Altar Guild Children’s Church 8:45 Ingrid Frokjer Cheryl Garnsey Ingrid Frokjer Mike Dresp 11:00 Jackie Kinsey Ingrid Frokjer Erin Malone Ingrid Frokjer Feb. 1 Feb. 8 Feb. 15 Feb. 18 Feb. 22 Mar. 1 Mar. 8 Mar. 15 Mar. 22 Mar. 29 Dorothy McCoid Maureen Dresp Jeanie Schultz Pat Forrest Pat Forrest Vicky Tway Jeanie Schultz Dorothy McCoid Pat Forrest Maureen Dresp Friday Morning Office Volunteers Pat Forrest Dorothy McCoid Carol Grosse Mary Christenson Carol Winger Maureen Dresp 30-Jan 6-Feb 13-Feb 20-Feb 27-Feb 6-Mar 13-Mar 20-Mar 27-Mar 3-Apr 10-Apr 17-Apr February 2015 11 Sunday 1 Monday 2 8:45 am – Traditional Worship 10am – Sunday School/Interfaith Discussion Series Tuesday Wednesday 3 4 6:30pm – LCM Team meeting 9:00am – Staff Meeting 7:30pm – NA 5:30pm – Praise Band Rehearsal 10am – Quilters Thursday Saturday 5 6 7 7pm - Sacred Arts Choir 8am - Garden Club 8am – Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study 9am - Lutheran Chicks 10:30am – Bible Study 6pm – LCM Dinner & Bible Study 11am - Contemporary Worship Friday 11am – People’s Kitchen 12:30pm – Interfaith Discussion Series 8 9 8:45 am – Traditional Worship 10am – Sunday School/Interfaith Discussion Series 10 11 12 5:30pm – Exec. Team meeting 9:00am – Staff Meeting Lincoln’s Birthday 5:30pm – Praise Band Rehearsal 7pm - Sacred Arts Choir 7:30pm – NA 6pm – Stephen Ministry 14 8am - Garden Club 8am – Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study 9am - Lutheran Chicks 10:30am – Bible Study 6pm – LCM Dinner & Bible Study 11am - Contemporary Worship 13 Noon – Brown Bag Lunch 12:15pm – LCM BBQ 12:30pm – Interfaith Discussion Series 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8:45 am – Traditional Worship President’s Day 7:30pm – NA Ash Wednesday Chinese New Year 8am - Garden Club 8am – Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study Office Closed 9:00am – Staff Meeting 10am – Sunday School/Interfaith Discussion Series 10am – Sunday School/Interfaith Discussion Series 6pm – Chili ChillOut with Bingo & Cookie Contest 26 27 28 Noon – Access for All 8am - Garden Club 8am – Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study 7pm – Council meeting 12:30pm – Interfaith Discussion Series 8:45 am – Traditional Worship 10:30am – Bible Study 6pm – LCM Dinner & Bible Study 11am - Contemporary Worship 22 9am - Lutheran Chicks 5:30pm – Praise Band Rehearsal 7pm—Service with United Methodist Church 23 24 9:30am – Assistance League 7:30pm – NA 25 9:00am – Staff Meeting 5:30pm – Praise Band Rehearsal 5:30pm – Finance Team meeting 11am - Contemporary Worship 6pm – LCM Dinner & Bible Study 12:30pm – Interfaith Discussion Series 6pm – Soup Supper 7pm - Sacred Arts Choir 7pm - Sacred Arts Choir 9am - Lutheran Chicks 10:30am – Bible Study February 2015 1701 Fredericks St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 Phone: 805-544-2133 Fax: 805-544-5356 Email: [email protected] ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Gather, Grow, Go Southwest California Synod/Mt. Carmel The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop The Rev. Dr. R. Guy Erwin, Bishop, Southwest California Synod Detroit Planning Meeting with Hope Lutheran/Ice Skating
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