THE Spirit of Christ at
Los Altos Lutheran Church
Worship Service, 10:00 a.m.
460 South El Monte Ave., Los Altos, CA 94022
Coffee Fellowship, 11:00 a.m.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
David K. Bonde, Pastor
Vol. 61, No. 5
Office: 650.948.3012; Fax 650.948.3098
E-Mail: [email protected]
May 2015
www.losaltoslutheran.org
+
THE GREAT FIFTY DAYS
The Sundays of Easter
The continuing celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.
God’s kingdom is dawning.
The reign of sin and death is broken.
THE FESTIVAL OF PENTECOST
Sunday, May 24
The celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
upon the believers and the ongoing ministry of Jesus
through their witness to the world.
CELEBRATION OF MUSIC
Sunday, June 7
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS
Congregation Meeting
June 7
Youth Group Movie Night: Friday, May 15
Mother-Daughter Tea: Sunday, May 17
Kidz Club: Sunday, May 24
Youth Group Crafts: Sunday, May 31
(See page 6 for details)
Contents:
From the Pastor ................................................................ 2
Summer Programs ............................................................ 6
Upcoming Events .............................................................. 2
Missions ........................................................................... 7
News ................................................................................ 3
Notes & Announcements .................................................. 8
Worship............................................................................ 4
With Our Ministry ............................................................ 9
Study ................................................................................ 5
Prayer & Pastoral Care .................................................... 10
Ephesians 1:16.................................................................. 5
Serving in May ................................................................ 10
Youth & Family Ministry .................................................... 6
May Calendar ................................................................. 11
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Los Altos Lutheran Church
May 2015
FROM THE PASTOR
perfect peace,” but it doesn’t. It says the peace of
God will keep you in Christ Jesus.
A note: I recognize that I am writing this on Wednesday
evening for a newsletter to be printed Friday and
distributed Sunday. Events will probably overtake this
reflection, but I believe it retains its meaning despite this.
There is not as much comfort there as I would like.
And yet, there is a great promise: the promise that
we will be kept in Christ. Whatever happens, we
will be kept in Christ.
As I sit down to write, Robbin Kawabata’s nephew
is missing. There are some emotions I can’t imagine.
Others I don’t want to imagine.
This is the promise to which I cling. In the midst of
all the pain, sorrow, struggles, fears, anxieties,
hopes, desires, delights, griefs, guilts, terrors and
frustrations of life, we will be kept in Christ. We will
Life in Detroit was filled with too much tragedy. I
be kept in the one who bears in his
feel like I experienced it all there.
“In his anguish
body the scars of tragedy. We will
But life never fails to surprise us.
be kept in the one whom God did
he prayed more earnestly,
The ache of a world that is
not leave in the grave. We will be
sustained by infinite love but
and his sweat became
kept in him who is our way, truth
alienated from that love.
like great drops of blood
and life. We will be kept in the one
Connor is a high school student in
who brings peace to the world. We
falling down on the ground.”
Cupertino. You may have seen it in
will be kept in the one who will
the news. You may have helped in
(Luke 22:44)
bring perfect peace to the world.
the search. You may have already
–
Complete peace.
prayed for his family.
He
this, just after an angel
And sometimes, when I am
disappeared after first period on
had appeared to him
mindful of this – that I am kept in
Monday morning.
and given him strength.
Christ – sometimes I can taste
I didn’t know Anna was missing
something of that peace to come.
until I received the early morning
Pastor Bonde
phone call from the policeman that she had been
killed; I was away at a youth retreat. Deb, I learned
later, had gotten a call in the night from Sally’s
PCOMING VENTS
mother to ask if she had heard from the kids. They
were supposed to arrive at Sally’s home late that
PENTECOST SUNDAY IS MAY 24TH
night but hadn’t shown up. I don’t want to think
Can you read a foreign language? Can you fake it?
about that anxiety.
Again this year on Pentecost Sunday, May 24th, we
It’s easy to imagine God as above all such anxiety.
are looking for people to read a single verse in
But then there is the story of Jesus praying in
multiple languages.
Gethsemane in that dark night when his fate was
Dutch, English, Finnish,
sealed, yet before the mob arrived to seize him.
French, German, Greek, Hebrew,
Luke says his sweat was like drops of blood.
Italian, Japanese, Latin, Norwegian,
When Paul writes, “have no anxiety about anything”
Spanish, Swahili, Swedish…
he is not suggesting that a family like Robbin’s
We need volunteers! If you are interested please
should not feel what they are feeling. He is talking
contact the church office, or watch for the clipboard
about how we live in the midst of anxiety. “In
in the entryway soon. Other languages are very
everything, by prayer and supplication, let your requests
welcome if you can get a copy of the text.
be known to God, and the peace of God which passes all
understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: A Celebration of Music!
Jesus.”
Join us on Sunday, June 7th, for a Celebration of
I wish it said “don’t be anxious, God won’t let
Music held during our 10:00 a.m. worship service.
anything bad happen,” but it doesn’t. It says that
Contact the office by May 15th if you have a musical
the peace of God will keep you in Christ Jesus. I
talent you would like to share with the congregation
wish it said “the peace of God will keep you in
at this annual tradition.
U
E
May 2015
Los Altos Lutheran Church
SUMMER DAY CAMP
Registration is open for both the Pre-K/Kinder and
Elementary age groups. See page 6 for details.
NEWS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
On Sunday, April 19th we welcomed six adults and
six children as members of the congregation.
During worship they were formally received, and a
reception followed in Luther Hall. We are pleased
they have joined our life and ministry and hope they
will be welcomed warmly by all!
The Feller family, Dinah, Malte and their four kids
Anna (11), Livia (9), Filip (7) and Ella (3), moved to
Los Altos 18 months ago. Originally, Malte and the
three older children are from Berlin, Dinah grew up
in Duesseldorf, Germany. They moved to Sydney,
Australia six years ago where they lived for almost
three years and where little Ella was born. After
moving to London, UK, for another 1 ½ years the
Fellers are now very excited to call Northern
California their home. No more moving for the
Feller-tribe ;-) They decided to settle here given the
optimistic and positive people, the sunshine and the
great outdoors lifestyle. All family members enjoy
various sports – from tennis to swimming,
basketball and cycling, even karate! Malte works for
HP, which brought the family to the U.S. The three
oldest kids go to Loyola Elementary School and Ella
attends a lovely pre-school a few days a week or
enjoys just staying a bit longer with ‘mom’.
The Meyer-Colón family, has lived in Los Altos
since 2004. Paul met Iris while she was completing
her Fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at
Stanford. They are both High Risk OB Doctors. Paul
practices at Kaiser and Iris at Valley Medical Center.
They got married in 2006 at Iglesia Luterana Divino
Salvador in Catano, Puerto Rico. Iris is originally
from the island and has been Lutheran all her life.
Paul has an older son, Nicolas, who is a senior at St.
Francis High School. Their children are Paul Cecilio,
a first grader at Santa Rita School and Mini, who
recently celebrated her 4th birthday and attends preschool at Action Day. Their family enjoys Cub
Scouts, Little League Baseball, and traveling to
Phoenix, Los Angeles and Puerto Rico, where they
have their extended families. They are very happy
Page 3
to have joined the Los Altos Lutheran Church and
feel very welcomed in this community of faith.
Dell Bleiler: Though born in Boston, Massachusetts,
Dell has become a longtime resident of Los Altos
and loves California! He has lived in California since
his graduation from North Easter University as a
young adult. Through his career of aerospace
engineering, he has worked at Lockheed, FMC
Corporation and the Westinghouse. Currently, he is
the Master of the Los Altos Masonic Lodge, and is
and has been greatly involved in many other
organizations.
His personal interests revolve
around the subjects of space and technical
information. He is also knowledgeable about
earthquake preparedness after his membership in
the San Antonio Hills Homeowners Association,
and gives educational messages about home
protection. Even with the many facets he is involved
in, he has jumped on board at Los Altos Lutheran,
attending the Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast on
Wednesdays, and serving as an usher during
worship.
Karin Herndon is already actively involved in the
congregation, and we were pleased to formally
welcome her. Karin’s willingness to serve over
recent months includes being an assisting minister
and lector during worship, bringing communion
bread, and helping with Sanctuary Arts.
GROWING OUR MUSIC PROGRAM
OUR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR
We are very pleased to announce that Lynda
Alexander will be joining our congregation as Music
Director beginning in July.
Lynda is an accomplished organist and musician
with great experience in church music and many
contacts in the area. Her responsibilities will include
developing a new choir, directing the bells and
providing music for our worship services. We will
see Lynda around prior to her start in July. We have
arranged for her to help in planning a celebration of
music on June 7th and, at Elaine Hansen’s request, to
begin directing the bell choir on April 28th. (She has
already played for us at our Good Friday Tenebrae
service and the memorial service for Devonne
Crick.)
Lynda has a Bachelor of Music degree in Church
Music/Organ Performance, a Master of Arts degree
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Los Altos Lutheran Church
May 2015
in Music Literature (with emphasis on organ
performance) from Mills College in Oakland and a
DMA from Stanford with an emphasis in early
music and organ performance. She has served a
number of area churches and was between positions
when we had the opportunity to interview her.
filled in for us and will fill in for us, including: Jim
Skoog, Jeff Kabel, and Alice Yau.
She is married to Keith Klemba and they live in Palo
Alto. Keith is a tenor, bass bell player, page turner
for the organist, long time Lutheran, having taught
confirmation for over 25 years and works as a Vice
President of System Engineering at SAP Labs, Palo
Alto.
More information about Lynda is posted on the staff
page of our church website.
Welcome Reception
On Sunday, May 3rd Lynda will be our guest
organist and we will formally welcome her to our
congregation. Some have met her when she played
for us at our Good Friday Tenebrae service or the
memorial service for Devonne Crick, through her
work with bells or when she has been here
rehearsing on Friday mornings.
Thanks to Elaine Hanson
We are especially grateful to Elaine Hanson for her
wonderful work renewing and sustaining the Bell
Choir over this last year. Their contribution to our
Easter worship was wonderful, and she has done a
terrific job not only with the quality of the music but
the spirit of the group.
April 20 – May 24
10:00 AM Worship Service
Elaine has been eager to return to being a player
rather than a director – and we are glad to make that
possible – but not without a little regret. Thanks,
Elaine!
Celebration of Music
On Sunday, June 7th, we will have a special worship
service celebrating the power of music to touch,
inspire and bear witness to the reign of God. The
harmony of voices is a welcome relief to the too
often discordant sounds of our broken world and a
sign of God’s promise of a world restored to its true
identity as God’s garden.
Cecelia Lung
We are very grateful to Cecelia Lung for her faithful
and dedicated service to us in our interim. She will
be playing for us through May and we will
recognize her service to us on May 31st. We have
also appreciated the service of others who have
WORSHIP
THE SUNDAYS OF EASTER
Easter Sunday is only the first day of the 50 day
celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. The joy of
the season echoes through the hymns and
decorations for a week or weeks until the season
culminates with the celebration of the gift of the
Holy Spirit on Pentecost – Sunday May 24th.
You may notice that we have continued a verse of
the day on our web site under the theme “Fifty Days
of Joy”).
HOLY WEEK & EASTER
Thank you to all who were able to attend our special
services and activities during Holy Week and on
Easter Sunday. The assistance given from so many
of our members and friends made the week a
beautiful experience.
We thank all of our Assisting Ministers, Lectors,
Readers, Acolytes, Musicians, Ushers, and
Sanctuary Arts Committee, as well as the many
people who helped “behind the scenes”. Though all
cannot be named, we especially thank:
 Ann Crane for coordinating the events from
Palm Sunday, through Holy Week, and on
Easter Sunday
 Axel and Clara Michaud for filling in last minute
as acolytes at the Easter Vigil service
 Lucy Carter for singing the Lamentations of
Jeremiah at the Tenebrae service
 The handbell choir for their beautiful music on
Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday, and
Elaine Hanson for the bell tolling at the Tenebrae
service
 For Karin Herndon serving as Assisting Minister
for the Good Friday service
 For our vigil readers: Anna Michaud, Scott
Stanfield, Karin Herndon, Rob Robinson, Ann
Crane, Gloria Germo
 Elaine Hanson, Dianne Wiklander and Ann
Crane for baking dozens of Hot Cross Buns for
Palm Sunday
May 2015
Los Altos Lutheran Church
 Dianne Wiklander, Ann Crane, and Team for the
decorating, coordinating, and setting up of the
Easter breakfast
 Eileen Robinson for her care tending the many
palm bushes throughout the year, and
overseeing the sanctuary’s decorations
 Scott Stanfield, Dean Hanson, and Rick
Showecker for running the audio equipment
 Carl Gutekunst for all of the lovely photos he
always provides
 Kate Burdekin for organizing the creative
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt on a ‘blustery’
Easter morning
We are also grateful for the lovely lilies that
individuals and families donated to decorate our
sanctuary during this season of Easter, our Friday
Folders who stuffed the bulletins for each service,
and those who brought egg dishes and fruit to the
Easter Breakfast. For those who helped and were
not mentioned, please know your support and
efforts in our congregation are always appreciated.
Pastor Bonde & Los Altos Lutheran’s Staff
STUDY
BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY
On Wednesdays we meet for Brown Bag Bible Study
in Luther Hall. Bring a bagged lunch and join us at
11:30 a.m., with the Bible Study beginning at 12:00
p.m. Coffee and dessert will be provided. Bring
your Bible, or if needed the church can provide one.
MEN’S BREAKFAST
Wednesday mornings, the Men’s Breakfast
continues its tradition of food, fellowship and
learning. All men are welcome to come by and enjoy
the company. Join us at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesdays.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY AND LUNCH
The Women’s Bible Study and Lunch meets the
third Sunday each month at 11:45 a.m. in Luther
Hall. All women are invited. This is a social time
and chance to enhancing our religious experience.
We will next meet on Sunday, May 17th.
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
All men are welcome to join us for lunch on the first
and third Friday of each month. Gather in the office
Page 5
at 11:30 a.m. to carpool to a local eatery. We will
next meet on Friday, May 1st.
Ephesians 1:16
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you…”
We are ever mindful of the many volunteers and
participants who make life here in the Los Altos
Lutheran Church Community such a wonderful and
welcoming experience. From those who assist in the
foreground, to those who help “behind the scenes”,
you all deserve a great thank you!
For many years Carl Gutekunst has provided the
church with photos of our memorable occasions.
From social functions, to festival worship services,
to new member receptions, he has kindly
documented these events, and made them digitally
available to the church. Though a thank you is long
overdue…thank you Carl! Your artistic talent of
capturing a moment is noticed and appreciated.
Over the past two months we have had several
memorial services and receptions.
A warm
statement of gratitude is extended to Elizabeth
Showecker and Dianne Wiklander for coordinating
both Ralph and Marion Bridge’s, and Devonne
Crick’s receptions. From setting up tables, to
providing and plating food and table flowers, the
receptions were all lovely. Thank you for your
willingness to volunteer when the occasions arise.
On Sunday, April 19th, we welcomed 12 new
members into our congregation. During the service,
Gloria Germo and Helen Christenson presented
each adult with a lovely rose – provided kindly from
Eileen Robinson’s garden. Kate Burdekin created
gift bags for the youth. Following worship, Shar
Thorson, Kay Reed, and Gloria Germo hosted a
special coffee hour. Thank you all who attended.
Would you like to acknowledge
someone for their service? Let the office know,
anonymous submissions are welcome!
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Los Altos Lutheran Church
YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY
May 2015
SUMMER PROGRAMS
YOUTH GROUP MOVIE NIGHT
SUMMER DAY CAMP (AUGUST 3 - 7)
Since the second movie in the Divergent series came
out last month, let's re-watch the first! Youth Group
Movie Night will be on Friday, May 15th, at 6:30 p.m.
We will gather upstairs in Luther Hall to cook
dinner together and then venture to the room 7 to
watch Divergent, a popular dystopian adventure
movie. Bring a friend! All middle and high
schoolers are invited.
Join us for our annual Summer Day Camp! Campers
will celebrate and share in the gifts of the Spirit
through games, crafts, singing, and much more. The
camp is led by trained and accredited counselors
from Mt. Cross Lutheran Camp, and has adult onsite supervision at all times. Tons of fun will be had
by all!
MOTHER-DAUGHTER TEA
•
•
•
Would anyone like a spot of tea? On Sunday, May
17th, the week after Mother’s Day, the youth will be
preparing a tea for their mothers. The young ladies
will work together to make tea sandwiches and
savories, and then we will all sit down and enjoy tea
and fellowship. Please mark your calendars now so
you don’t miss this opportunity to spend time with
your daughter. All mothers and daughters are
welcome. RSVP required by Sunday, May 10th to
either Kate Burdekin, or Natalie in the church office.
KIDZ CLUB
Dust off the board games and join your friends to
play your old favorites! We will spend the afternoon
playing old and new games. The games will begin
as Catechism class ends, or around 12:15 p.m. on
Sunday, May 24th. Lunch will be served. Please
bring a game to play! All second through seventh
graders are invited.
YOUTH GROUP: AFTERNOON CRAFTS
You will need a Nimbus 2000 for this month’s
craft…we will be making tiny golden snitches! Meet
on Sunday, May 31st after church, or around 11:45
a.m. for an afternoon of lunch, chatting, and lots of
glue! All middle and high schoolers are invited.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School classes are held during the worship
service after the Children’s Sermon, from
approximately 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., with youth
returning to the service before Communion. They
meet in the Fireside Room and rooms 3/4. The
weekly lessons include reading the bible, art and
science projects, songs, games and much more! It's
fun and a great way to learn about God's love.
Pre-K/Kinder Group:
3 years old (potty trained) entering K
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
$75/camper*
Elementary Group:
•
•
•
Entering 1st through 6th grade
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
$150/camper**
*Fees include t-shirt, snacks and materials.
**Campers need to bring a healthy lunch every day.
Register now! Space is limited. Registration and
health forms are available on our website
(www.losaltoslutheran.org), in the church office,
and on the table in the entryway to the sanctuary.
CULINARY CAMP
This year our educational outreach program
includes a “Fun of Cooking Camp” for kids, ages 8
and up. Campers will experience a hands-onculinary exploration with their peers and are led by
an experienced credentialed culinary instructor.
The camp will cover fundamentals such as basic
knife skills, how to read and follow a recipe,
measuring, mixing and the importance of kitchen
safety. Campers will create a menu of fun dishes.
Classes are three hours in length so campers can
make a main course, a side dish and dessert and then
sample their creations.
Campers will be making scrumptious meals that
include both savory and sweet items and will take
home a packet of the recipes to share with their
family.
Youth will learn fundamental skills for a lifetime of
great cooking, work with other campers to prepare
each dish, interact with campers and the instructor
for a rewarding experience, participate in three hour
classes and each camper enjoys tasting each dish, in
May 2015
Los Altos Lutheran Church
a class led by a credentialed, experienced culinary
arts instructor.
There are two sessions being offered:
June 15 – June 19 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
July 6 – July 10 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The cost is $350 per session. If you are interested in
having your children or grandchildren attend, see
our website for registration forms, or contact Jan
Tuttle (650.949.5426; [email protected]) for details.
ALSO HELD ON OUR CAMPUS: JB PRESCHOOL
Do you have young children and are looking for a
fun way to fill their time this summer? Sign up for
summer camps through JB Preschool! The school
meets at the Los Altos Lutheran Church campus
throughout the year, with special themed camps
during the summer.
Children from age 2 to 6 are welcome. Sessions are
from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
JB Preschool Summer Camps
(650) 941-1662
[email protected]
June 15–19: Horse Camp (horse riding on site)
June 22-26: Horse Camp (horse riding on site)
June 29-July 2: Science Camp
July 6-10: Space Camp
July 13-17: Sports Camp
July 20-24: Water Play Camp
July 27-31: Dinosaur Camp
August 10-14: Sports Camp
Page 7
by war. At the Life Center, Kurdish women work in
a cooperative, profit-sharing business, making
traditional flat-weave carpets. This facilitates a
culturally appropriate art form while securing an
income for their families.
The Messenger: A Few Words from the Middle East’s
New Generation –
“A decade ago, the Noreen Charitable Trust helped
LMD establish the Life Center for Kurdish women
and girls. It is a center of education, health care and
employment for a community where very few girls
were allowed to go to school.
It became a place where the girls found their own
voice and presence in society. We recently asked
them to share a few thoughts:
Leyla: “Around here they say that they love men
more than girls…they receive a lot more support for
school and career. For us it is much less. I never
went to school. I didn’t study at all. Here, I’ve done
a literacy course, a computer course and I’m now
continuing in sewing and embroidery course.
The meaning of happiness is to love life, to love
prayer, to love travel, to love people. It’s to love
seeing your friends and to show respect to others.
Happiness isn’t comprised of a person or of
gallivanting around. Happiness is a sister drawing
a picture of you and giving it to you saying, ‘here
sister-this is you!’ That’s happiness.”
Netice: “The meaning of freedom is to have a world
where no one interferes with another, a world where
you can speak freely without holding back…
Contact the school directly with questions, for
pricing and registration. Reserve your sessions
now, space is limited!
Susan Cretekos, School Director
My father doesn’t work…My mother is a housewife.
I went to the textile course here. I now make tote
bags, and with that money, I make ends meet.
Thank God that we have this opportunity. I
contribute to the household needs – I am a big help.
MISSIONS
My dreams…to found a school for street kids [to]
take care of them and educate them.”
LUTHERAN MIDEAST DEVELOPMENT (LMD)
Periodically we receive a newsletter from the
Lutheran Mideast Development organization our
congregation supports. Below are excerpts from the
March/April 2015 edition. The young women
quoted are active participants in the Life Center,
which offers them a safe and comfortable working
environment, and answers the need for meaningful
employment for Kurdish women recently displaced
Halime: “I’ve been involved the Life Center course
since I was 8 years old. I learned to read and write
here. I now work here all the time.
My dream was like this…I always had the dream to
study and become a teacher. I wanted to teach kids
to read and write – kids like me who didn’t know
how. With education a person becomes someone
else.”
All the young women mentioned that education was
the stuff of their dreams. Through their courage and
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Los Altos Lutheran Church
the generosity of LMD’s supporters, they overcame
their lack of education to forge a new path for their
sisters and one day, their daughter. With a little help
from us, the next generation will go to school. The
next generation shares the beautiful ambition of
these pioneers – the dream of caring for others.
There is nothing more important happening in the
Middle East today.
…Through Lutheran Mideast Development, we feel
we are actually helping prayers come true…LMD
has been putting books in girls’ hands for over 100
years. The organization has a long track record in
many fields: Education, vocational training, support
of worshipping communities and reconciliation
work on three continents. Right now, LMD is
responding to the refugee crisis in Syria, focusing on
renewing the hearts of children. Many of those on
the team doing this urgent work were once victims
of war that LMD helped a generation ago.
Los Altos Lutheran Church continues to support this
mission as a congregation. You can also make gifts
directly to LMD. All gifts are tax-deductible. Visit
www.lutheran-mideast.org for more information.
THE SUPPORT NETWORK
The Support Network provides a shelter in a safe
and secure environment where women and their
children who are fleeing from domestic violence
may take refuge. Our congregation shows ongoing
support by donating gift cards which the
organization uses to fund their many programs. Gift
cards to Target, Safeway, Walgreens, CVS, Lucky’s,
or Walmart, as well as gas and phone cards, are all
welcome. Donations can be left with the church
office. If you would like to know more about their
services and ways you can help, please see Kay Reed
for an informational pamphlet.
SUNNYVALE FISH
The Sunnyvale FISH program distributes essential
items to local individuals and families in need.
Donations can be left in the wooden box in the
entryway of our sanctuary.
They are gratefully accepting clean clothing for
children and adults, towels, bedding, blankets and
canned food. Please do not donate appliances or
unusable items. If you have a question regarding
what type of items you would like to donate, please
contact Joyce Taylor.
May 2015
NOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE
The Fisher House:
Dear Los Altos Lutheran Church,
On behalf of the VA Palo Alto Fisher House guests,
volunteers, and staff, thank you so much for the
beautiful Easter Baskets, gift cards and items from
our wish list. Words cannot adequately express just
how thankful everyone is for your kindness! WOW
– the baskets were over and above beautiful. Thank
you for making the Easter holiday extra special.
Best wishes,
Betsy Striebel, Fisher House Manager
The Crick Family:
To Los Altos Lutheran congregation,
We thank the members of Los Altos Lutheran
Church for the love and support given to our
mother, Devonne, and our family over the past 50
years.
With Love,
The Crick Family: Jeff, Joy, Becky & John
In honor of Devonne Crick
The Bridge Family:
Hello Pastors and Los Altos Lutheran,
Thank you for everything you have done to help our
parents (Ralph and Marion Bridge) and our family.
We appreciate every ones support at both Mom’s
and Dad’s service, from the food to flowers the
programs and the hugs. When we share one
another’s burdens they become easier to deal with.
“When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye
are only in the service of your God”
We are sad and happy and relieved all at the same
time. And now we enter a different stage in life that
will have some challenges. We miss our parents and
will try to honor their memory each day. We hope
our paths come across Los Altos Lutheran again to
visit the kind members. Thank you everyone.
From the Bridge Bunch,
Bill and Emy; Brittney and Mike; Ben and Kelsey;
and Bryce, Blayne, Bryan, Jessica, and Jinger
MEMORIAL RECEPTIONS
We are in need of volunteers to assist with memorial
receptions. If you are willing to be “on call”, please
provide Natalie in the church office with your email
May 2015
Los Altos Lutheran Church
address or phone number. Then when reception
needs arise, she will know who to reach out to. The
primary types of assistance include bringing a plate
of goodies or fruit, helping in the kitchen during the
reception, making coffee, or setting out napkins,
plates, and food.
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULES
The schedule for worship service volunteers for July
through December will be coming out shortly. If
you coordinate one of these areas (lectors, assisting
ministers, ushers, acolytes, or coffee hosts) please
turn your lists into Natalie in the church office by
June 15th. She will then compare the lists, make sure
no one is ‘double-booked’, and then distribute them
to all participating members.
These are wonderful ministries which enhance our
weekly worship experience. If you are considering
joining one of them, or want to know more about
what they entail, please let us know! You can speak
with Pastor Bonde or contact the office. We
welcome new participation and hope you will
contemplate being part of these amazing
opportunities.
A REMINDER
Thank you to all who so diligently keep our building
clean and organized.
You are all greatly
appreciated! To avoid ant attacks, please remember
to empty the garbage and recycling from the kitchen
and Luther Hall after every use, and to sweep up the
crumbs or spills. Thank you!
May 24 – Gloria Germo
May 31 – Cecelia Lung
The arrangements are intended to go home with you
following the service. A donation of $30.00 can be
written to Los Altos Lutheran Church, and can
indicate in the memo line that it is for altar flowers.
You may place the donation in the offering plate on
Sunday or give to the office.
A THOUGHT ON FLOWERS
On Sunday, April 19th, we celebrated the addition of
twelve new members to our Congregation. With
Eileen Robinson’s help, we presented the adults
with roses from her garden. I happen to be reading
a fascinating novel, “The Language of Flowers”, by
Vanessa Diffenbaugh, and in the glossary there is a
list of many different flowers and their meanings. In
Victorian times, people took these gifts very
seriously. So I thought I would list the rose colors
and their meanings for our entertainment.
Burgundy Rose – Unconscious beauty
Moss Rose – Confession of love
Orange Rose – Fascination
Pale Peach Rose – Modesty
Pink Rose – Grace
Purple Rose – Enchantment
Red Rose – Love
White Rose – A heart unacquainted with love
Yellow Rose – Infidelity
Which color is your favorite???
Gloria Germo
ALTAR FLOWERS
Our beautiful flower arrangement that sits behind
the altar is donated each week by members and
friends of the congregation. They are often given in
memory of a loved one, in celebration of a birthday
or anniversary, in honor of an accomplishment, or in
gratitude for one’s blessings.
The donor’s
dedication statement is then printed in that
Sunday’s announcements.
A colorful sign-up board is in the entryway,
with many Sundays in 2015 available!
The upcoming schedule includes:
May 3 – Joyce Taylor
May 10 – Pastor Bonde
May 17 – Gutekunst Family
Page 9
WITH OUR MINISTRY
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
The annual congregational meeting for voting
members will be held on Sunday, June 7th, in Luther
Hall at 11:30 a.m. We will be voting on the 2015-2016
budget.
COUNCIL ACTIONS
On Thursday, April 16th, the church council took the
following actions:
-
Reviewed Ash Wednesday, Lent, Holy Week
and Easter Sunday
-
Received a report on the gifts delivered and
thank you received from Fisher House
Page 10
Los Altos Lutheran Church
-
Discussed plans for Pentecost and decided to ask
the Men’s Breakfast Group is they would host a
Pentecost Breakfast again this year
-
Transferred $10,000 from the Schwab account, to
our operating fund and formally approved a
previous transfer.
Approved taking a
recommendation to the congregation for the
accounting of those funds.
-
Discussed a proposal to use a portion of our
tithed benevolence to support the Rwanda
educational funding. Decided to go to the
congregation for the immediate need of $500 and
to bring the proposal to the congregation in the
next budget.
-
May 2015
Received a report from Pastor Bonde on his time
and work the previous two months.
FINANCE UPDATE: TREASURER’S REPORT
Net Income from Operations: March 2015
YTD Results @ 2/28/15 .................................($52,007)
Income in March ............................................... $26,237
Expenses in March ..........................................($31,724)
Rounding & previous month adjustments ........... $84
YTD Results @ 3/31/15 .................................($57,410)
Ann Crane, Treasurer
PRAYER & PASTORAL CARE
-
Discussed water use and our high water bill.
IN OUR PRAYERS
-
Formally approved the offer to Lynda
Alexander to be our Music Director beginning
July 1.
-
Approved up to $500 towards a Celebration of
Music on June 7th to cover Lynda Alexander’s
time and any special music she might be able to
incorporate into our service.
-
Received an update from the Call Committee
 Thanksgiving for those who have elected to join
the congregation and for them to find friendship
and ministry within the congregation.
 For God’s guidance as we search for an associate
for outreach and community service.
 For those ill, recuperating or in special need.
 For the continued growth and renewal of the
congregation.
-
Discussed voting members for the Synod
Assembly
SERVING IN MAY
MAY 24
MAY 3
MAY 10
MAY 17
Assisting
Minister
Candace Smith
Jan Tuttle
Steve Smiley
Anna Michaud
Gloria Germo
Lector
Anna Michaud
Candace Smith
Jack Tuttle
Sharon Patterson
Rob Robinson
Ushers
Gloria Germo
& Marilyn
McCammon
Robbin Kawabata
& Carl Gutekunst
Jim Wenks &
Dell Bleiler
John & Sharon
Patterson
Rob & Eileen
Robinson
Acolytes
Axel Michaud
Alex Smith
Nicole Parsons
Reed Showecker
Erika Gutekunst
Coffee
Hosts
Bread for
our Table
John & Sharon
Patterson
Bill Pataky &
Yolanda Faile
Bob & Kris
Stanfield
Steve &
Kathleen Smiley
Chuck & Sandi
Wilkening
Kris Stanfield
Karin Herndon
Waltraud Kelley
Shar Thorson
Kate Burdekin
Pentecost
MARCH 31
If you are unable to serve on the date listed, please switch with someone from an upcoming week
and contact the office to let them know of the change. Thank you!
May 2015
Los Altos Lutheran Church
Page 11
MAY CALENDAR
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
26
27
28
10:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Fellowship
Time
12:30 PM Kidz Club
7:30 PM AlAnon Meeting
7:30 PM Room
5/6 in use
10:30 AM Luther Hall 8:00 AM Men's
& Picnic area in use Breakfast & Bible
(Garden Club)
Study
2:00 PM Luther Hall in
use (Swedish Church:
Worship at 4 PM)
7:00 PM NA Meeting
7:00 PM Handbell
Ensemble
7:00 PM Widows &
Widowers Group
30
8:00 PM AA
Meeting
11:30 AM Brown
Bag Bible Study
Friday
MAY 1
(office closed)
Saturday
2
7:00 PM NA Meeting
11:30 AM Men’s
Fellowship Lunch
8:00 PM AA
Meeting
6:00 PM Room 8 in use
(Family AA)
7:00 PM Troop 31
3
4
10:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Fellowship
Time
(office closed) 9:00 AM Room 3/4 in 8:00 AM Men's
use (Music
7:30 PM AlBreakfast & Bible
Together)
Anon Meeting
Study
7:30 PM Room 7:00 PM Handbell 9:00 AM Room 3/4 in
5/6 in use
Ensemble
use (Music Together)
7:00 PM Widows &
11:30 AM Brown
Widowers Group
Bag Bible Study
2:30 PM E-Team
Meeting
7:00 PM NA Meeting
5
29
Thursday
6
7
8
9
9:00 AM Room
3/4 in use (Music
Together)
8:00 PM AA
Meeting
9:00 AM Room 3/4
in use (Music
Together)
8:00 PM AA
Meeting
9:00 AM Room 3/4 in
use (Music Together)
7:00 PM NA Meeting
14
15
16
9:00 AM Room
3/4 in use (Music
Together)
9:00 AM Room 3/4
in use (Music
Together)
9:00 AM Room 3/4 in
use (Music Together)
6:00 PM Room 8 in use
(Family AA)
7:00 PM Troop 31
10
11
7:30 PM AlAnon Meeting
7:30 PM Room
1:30 PM Room 3/4 in use 5/6 in use
(accordion band practice)
7:00 PM NA Meeting
10:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Fellowship
Time
12
13
9:00 AM Room 3/4 in 8:00 AM Men's
use (Music
Breakfast & Bible
Together)
Study
7:00 PM Handbell
Ensemble
9:00 AM Room 3/4 in
use (Music Together)
7:00 PM Widows &
Widowers Group
11:30 AM Brown
Bag Bible Study
2:00 PM Sunny View
7:00 PM Church 11:30 AM Men’s Retirement Home
Council Meeting Fellowship Lunch Visit
8:00 PM AA
6:30 PM Youth
7:00 PM NA Meeting
Meeting Church
Movie Night
8:00 PM AA
Meeting
6:00 PM Room 8 in use
(Family AA)
7:00 PM Troop 31
17
18
19
10:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Fellowship
Time
11:30 AM MotherDaughter Tea
11:45 AM Women’s
Bible Study Lunch
7:30 PM AlAnon Meeting
7:30 PM Room
5/6 in use
9:00 AM Green
Thumbs
7:00 PM NA Meeting
8:00 AM Men's
Breakfast & Bible
9:00 AM Room 3/4 in Study
use (Music
Together)
9:00 AM Room 3/4 in
use (Music Together)
7:00 PM Handbell
Ensemble
11:30 AM Brown
Bag Bible Study
7:00 PM Widows &
Widowers Group
6:00 PM Room 8 in use
(Family AA)
7:00 PM Troop 31
26
27
24
25
Pentecost
10:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Fellowship
Time
12:15 PM Kidz Club
(office closed) Newsletter
Memorial Day Articles Due
7:00 PM NA Meeting
8:45 AM
Fireside Room
in use (Bricks 4
Kidz)
7:30 PM AlAnon Meeting
7:30 PM Room
5/6 in use
20
8:00 AM Men's
Breakfast & Bible
9:00 AM Room 3/4 in Study
use (Musi)
10:30 AM Luther Hall
& kitchen in use
(Garden Club)
9:00 AM Room 3/4 in
use (Music Together)
7:00 PM Handbell
Ensemble
6:00 PM Room 8 in use
(Family AA)
7:00 PM Troop 31
7:00 PM Widows &
Widowers Group
JUNE 1
2
Trinity Sunday
10:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Fellowship
Time
11:45 AM Youth
Group: Craft
Afternoon
7:30 PM AlAnon Meeting
7:30 PM Room
5/6 in use
9:00 AM Room 3/4 in 9:00 AM Room 3/4 in
use (Music
use (Music Together)
Together)
2:30 PM E-Team
7:00 PM NA Meeting
7:00 PM Widows &
Widowers Group
22
23
9:00 AM Room
3/4 in use (Music
Together)
8:00 PM AA
Meeting
9:00 AM Room 3/4
in use (Music
Together)
8:00 PM AA
Meeting
9:00 AM Room 3/4 in
use (Music Together)
2:00 PM Luther Hall in
use (Swedish Church:
Youth Choir rehearsal
at 2 PM, Worship
Service at 4 PM)
7:00 PM NA Meeting
28
29
30
9:00 AM Room
3/4 in use (Music
Together)
8:00 PM AA
Meeting
Sierra Pacific
Synod Assembly
Sierra Pacific Synod
Assembly
9:00 AM Room 3/4
in use (Music
Together)
8:00 PM AA
Meeting
9:00 AM Room 3/4 in
use (Music Together)
7:00 PM NA Meeting
4
5
6
9:00 AM Room 3/4
in use (Music
Together)
8:00 PM AA
Meeting
9:00 AM Room 3/4 in
use (Music Together)
7:00 PM NA Meeting
11:30 AM Brown
Bag Bible Study
31
7:00 PM Handbell
Ensemble
21
3
9:00 AM Room
3/4 in use (Music
Together)
8:00 PM AA
meeting
6:00 PM Room 8 in use Meeting
(Family Afterward, AA)
7:00 PM Troop 31
(Luther Hall)
Page 12
Los Altos Lutheran Church
Easter Sunday
May 2015
May 2015
Los Altos Lutheran Church
~ Welcome New Members ~
On Left - Meyer-Colón Family: Paul Sr., Paul Jr., “Mini” Iris Jr., Iris / Dell Bleiler /
On Right - Feller Family: Ella, Filip, Anna, Livia, Malte, Dinah
Sunday School
Activities!
Page 13
Page 14
Los Altos Lutheran Church
For more information
visit
May 2015
our
website:
www.losaltoslutheran.org. You will find details about our
programs, activities, youth events, and bible study classes
throughout the year. You can also reach the office at (650)
948-3012. Pastor Bonde has daily reflections for the weekly
readings: watchingforthemorning.wordpress.com, and
occasional postings on his blog, Jacob Limping:
jacoblimping.wordpress.com (Jacob limping towards the
Promised Land). Both of these can also be accessed on the
church website.
Let us know if you would also like to receive our weekly eLetter and/or the monthly newsletter by emailing us at
[email protected].
The Spirit of Christ newsletter is published monthly by:
Los Altos Lutheran Church
460 South El Monte Avenue
Los Altos, California 94022
Postmaster:
Send address changes to
Los Altos Lutheran Church.