The Messenger
the newsletter of
Immanuel Lutheran Church & University Student Center (ILCUSC)
Vol. 19 No. 4
2104 Bob Billings Parkway
Lawrence, Kansas 66049-2722
Church Office:
(785) 843-0620
fax: (785) 843-1576
[email protected]
f
facebook immanuel lutheran
church & university student
center
http://get.theapp.co/01a5
Worship Schedule:
Worship Services Sunday, 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM
Sunday School - 9:45 AM
Bible Studies - 9:45 AM
Pastor
Rev. Randall Weinkauf
(785) 393-6745
Office Manager
Karen Lawson (785) 843-0620
Sunday School Superintendent
Margaret Peterson (785) 865-0003
Messenger Editors
Karen Lawson
Jan Leines
Mission Statement
Our mission is:
“To share God’s love in Jesus
Christ by word and deed.”
www.immanuellawrence.org
April • 2015
FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Members, Associates, and Friends of ILCUSC:
I found the following article most intriguing, especially as we prepare ourselves for Holy Week and the grand celebration of Easter. My prayer for all of
us is that week might not be “phony” but worshipful!
Pastor Randy
The Phoniness of Easter
by Rev. Donald Jordan
“Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed. Alleluia!” With that joyous acclamation to
one another and to the world, one would think that Easter and the resurrection
of Christ from the dead would not only be a joyous day but an exuberant time
as well. In reality, however, Easter seems to be almost anticlimactic in our
churches and lives.
For forty days during Lent, there is an intensity like no other season. We pray,
fast, meditate and exert ourselves with mid-week services, Holy Week services,
Easter preparations, Easter services, Easter dinners and all the social aspects of
egg hunts, baskets, hats, special clothing, family get-togethers and extra duties
that seem to come crashing down upon us in the “finish line” of Easter.
Parishioners even question their pastors, “Aren’t you glad Easter is here so you
can finally relax some?” They realize that the rigors of Lent and Holy Week
mean extra work.
There is even an element of phoniness in our churches at Easter (and
Christmas). Attendance at Easter services is dramatically high. People are
dressed in their finest. Most everyone seems rather chipper. A breakfast might
be served. Trumpets are blaring. Everything is celebratory. While none of these
components is bad, it does strike us that some of this could be a passing
fabrication, that coming to church on this special Sunday is based on the
culture and may not be genuine.
This certainly is evident in the Sunday after Easter as church attendance dips
back to normal or even below normal. Gone is the excitement and fervor of
Easter. Life returns to normalcy in the Church and world. The flowers fade,
and the lilies begin to wilt. In a sense, there is a letdown that begins with and
continues after Easter.
Yet, this is certainly not the way of Scripture and the liturgical year. The
Scriptures tell us that Christ, the risen Lord, made His appearances to His
disciples and the Church, bringing them the joy and peace of the Gospel in His
life, death and resurrection. When they were sad and forlorn, He came to them
bodily, instilling in them a confident faith. He spoke to them, charging the
apostles with the task of administering the Office of the Keys as they preached
the Gospel and administered the Sacraments to a dying world. As they did, the
Church grew and became emboldened in the proclamation of the Gospel to the
whole world.
continued on page 2
COUNCIL NOTES
Linda Herbel, Congregational President
Council Meeting Notes from March 9
One of the main topics for discussion at this recent
council meeting surrounded the Elders’ concern for the
number of evenings Pastor spends working on church
business. Elders have recommended that all
committees provide Pastor and the other Board and
Committee Chairpersons with agendas and minutes of
all meetings. This will further the goal of improving
communication among church members as well as
providing Pastor information regarding upcoming
meetings and the need for his input. There will also be
an attempt to consolidate all meetings to specific nights
during the month, hopefully giving Pastor more
personal time and time to make home and hospital
visits.
The Board of ILCUSC Services chairperson, David
Lahm, announced that the plans for the improved and
expanded parking lot have finally been approved by the
city. He plans to put the project out for bid soon.
Church members should be receiving information
regarding the project and potential financing later this
spring.
It was decided to put a donation box out during adult
Bible study to help pay for paper products used with
refreshments.
Board of Outreach asked for ideas on signage for the
church van and how to go about paying for such
signage. This discussion will continue.
Church committees are in the process of turning in
their membership lists and their lists of goals for the
year.
The Lawrence Ministerial Alliance will be holding its
Holy Week Services at Immanuel this year on March
30, 31, and April 1 at 12:00. The worship service and
lunch will be provided by the First Presbyterian
Church on March 30; Plymouth
Congregational on March 31; and
1st United Methodist Church on
April 1.
A review of the constitution and
by-laws of the church will begin
in April.
2
From the Pastor,
continued
Easter made a difference in the disciples’ lives. It was
not a letdown to them. Instead, it was the springboard
for a real life in Christ that is lived each day in the
power of His resurrection.
Easter is not a letdown. Christ is risen. We are raised to
new life in Baptism each day. The celebration continues
for forty days until the Ascension of our Lord and the
coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. So, come Easter, let
the rejoicing begin.
—
About the Author: The Rev. Donald Jordan is pastor of
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chico, Calif.
Reprinted from “The View from Here,” April 5, 2012 in
Lutheran Witness http://blogs.lcms.org/2012/thephoniness-of-easter-web-exclusive-story-4-2012
(accessed May 23, 2015)
ME, A PASTOR? ME, A DEACONESS?
Have you ever considered being a pastor or
deaconess? If so, Rev. Michael Redeker from
Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, would
like to meet with you at Immanuel Lutheran Church,
on Monday, April 27, from 1:30 to 3:30pm.
Rev. Redeker is interested in meeting with prospective students of all ages – elementary school
through adults who are already employed in another
vocation. Conferences are individual, informal, and
family/friends are welcome.
Reservations are not necessary, but strongly
encouraged. If you are interested in scheduling a
specific conference time, please call Rev. Redeker at
314-505-7225 or email him at [email protected] to
set up an appointment.
YOUNG FAMILIES FELLOWSHIP AND
BIBLE STUDY
The Young Families Group will meet April 12th
from 5-7pm in the Activity Center. It will be a potluck style meal so bring an entrée and side dish to
share. Child care will be available during the Bible
study, just bring $2 per child to cover the cost. Plan
on joining us! Any questions, email Lisa Lahm at
[email protected].
Immanuel Lutheran Church & University Student Center
Immanuel Lutheran Church & University Student Center
Church Council Meeting – February 9, 2015
Members present: Linda Herbel, David Magill, Tim Hetzler, Eloise Kerbs, David Lahm, Ann Hossler, Virgil Dean, Eleanor
Woodyard, Pastor Randy Weinkauf. Guests: none
Call to Order: Linda Herbel
The meeting was called to order by Linda Herbel at 4:32pm.
Opening Devotion: Pastor Weinkauf
Pastor Randy opened the meeting with a devotion and spoke about Valentine’s Day and its connection to martyred saints. Pastor
offered a prayer for us to be thankful for the upcoming season of spring and the signs of new life.
Approval of minutes: Eloise Kerbs
A motion was made by Eleanor Woodyard and seconded by Virgil Dean to approve the minutes of the January 12 meeting. Motion
passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Tim Hetzler
Tim asked if Council wanted to continue the transfer of $1,000 each month from the General Fund to the New Staff Fund. Following
discussion, Council decided to continue with the transfer of funds. Other notes from the Treasurer’s Report:
- offerings for January were less than the budgeted income
- $500 was transferred to the New Roof Fund
There were no questions from Council about the report.
A motion was made by Eloise Kerbs to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented, seconded by Virgil Dean. Motion passed
unanimously.
Statistical/Parochial Report: Pastor Weinkauf
Points from the report:
- a small shift in attendance from early to late service
- early and late services are identical with the exception of how communion is distributed
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Weinkauf
Pastor Randy noted meetings attended, baptisms, upcoming weddings, and Pastoral visits. On February 4- 6, Pastor attended the
Clergy Conference sponsored by Direct Action and Research Training Center (DART).
Church Calendar Update: Pastor Weinkauf
The following calendar changes were noted:
February: (17) no Board of Educational Ministries
March: (4) Board of outreach meets; (11) Spiritual Affairs meets; (30,31, April 1) Immanuel is hosting 12:00 pm Holy Week
services sponsored by Lawrence Area Clergy.
Board of Spiritual Affairs: Eleanor Woodyard
Eleanor discussed the approval of Brian Stapleton as an elder. Notices for the congregation would be on February 15th and 22nd,
with a special Voter’s Meeting to be held at 10:00 on March 1st for approval. A motion was made by Eleanor Woodyard to call a
special Voter’s meeting for the approval of Brian Stapleton as an elder, seconded by Virgil Dean. Motion passed unanimously.
Eleanor discussed the use of memorial money for repairing the organ. Funds from memorials, the organ fund, LWML, and sale of
tents and canopies (Property & Grounds) would be used. A motion was made by David Lahm to use the sale proceeds from Property
& Grounds (approximately $666.00), money in the organ fund account ($1,288.93), and contribution from LWML for organ repairs,
seconded by Eleanor Woodyard. Motion passed unanimously.
Board of Educational Ministries: Ann Hossler
Highlights from Ann’s report:
- consolidating curriculum for a two-year cycle
- VBS will be hosted by Immanuel and Good Shepherd Lutheran
- Sunday school materials are being reviewed
continued on page 4
Immanuel Lutheran Church & University Student Center
3
Board of ILCUSC Services: David Lahm
The plans for the parking lot expansion project have been submitted to the city for approval.
Other notes from Property & Grounds:
- exploring purchasing more signage to designate parking for only church business
- look at landscaping projects once parking lot work is completed
Board of Outreach: Virgil Dean
The church will host Family Promise February 8-15
The amplifier/sound system has arrived and will be installed
Old Business: Linda Herbel
Council discussed the following:
- Council continues to receive favorable comments about Voters’ Meetings being held at 10:00
- designing a year-long calendar has been tabled
- inventory of kitchen supplies/budget was discussed, possibly using a portion or all of offerings during adult Bible study; more
information at the April meeting
- 5th Sunday luncheons; the first will be held on March 29th and Council will be in charge of setup and takedown
- Lenten meals prior to Lenten service will begin February 25th with Property & Grounds taking care of the responsibilities; March
4th will be Outreach, March 11th and 18th are yet to be decided, possibly Spiritual Affairs or Youth
- committee chairs were asked to provide Linda with a list of their members
- committee chairs asked to send their goals to Linda
- Elaine McGill has offered to be responsible for decorating bulletin boards on months not already designated by others
- on March 30th, 31st, and April 1st Immanuel will host a noon Holy Week service sponsored by Lawrence area clergy; evening
Immanuel services will be on Thursday (2nd) and Friday(3rd)
- Time & Talent surveys will continue to be updated and a new form distributed at a later date
- by the end of February, Justice Ministries will designate an issue of focus
New Business: Linda Herbel
Linda distributed a Timeline of Events, listed by months. She asked Council to review and note any changes.
Copies of the Constitution were distributed. Linda asked Council to review the document and note any questions/changes.
Discussion will be at the April meeting.
An update on grocery bucks was tabled pending further information from Elois Allan.
Curt Loupe, representing Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), will present a Shared Blessing Loan Rebate check in the amount
of $739 to Immanuel on March 15th during Bible study as part of Investor’s Sunday. Curt will be available during Bible study to
answer any questions.
Linda asked Council to review the information compiled from the Survey on Church Boards and Committee Meeting Times. This
document will go to the Elders and they will bring any recommendions to Council.
A plaque, from Jan Dean, that has an inspirational message was graciously accepted. A motion was made by Eleanor Woodyard to
accept the plaque and for Linda to work with Jan on the placement; seconded by David Lahm. Motion passed unanimously.
Topics for future discussion:
- Consecrated Stewards
- David Lahm: replacement of light bulbs/fixtures
Closing Prayer Linda Herbel
Linda closed with a prayer of thanks for Council’s work and the ability to collaborate.
Meeting ended - 6:00 pm
Respectfully submitted by Eloise Kerbs, Secretary
4
Immanuel Lutheran Church & University Student Center
BUDGET &
EXPENSES
April Birthdays!
Emma Durr
1
1
Don Herbel
3
Jakob Busch
Ben Maloun
Lauren Studley
Total Yearly
Budget
General Offerings
(2015)
$27,820.91
$56,083.06
2,000.00
125.00
240.00
0.00
668.00
673.00
Total Gen. Receipts
$392.390.96
$28,613.91
$56,996.06
Total Gen. Expenses
$423,120.00
$29,169.38
$58,623.02
Net Income (Loss)
($32,729.04)
($555.47)
($1,626.96)
General Fund
Designated
Other income
3
Year-to-Date
$390,390.96
Building Use
3
Current
(Feb. 2015)
Nancy Rolfs
4
Marcus Merritt
5
Daniel Lenz
6
Baek Souvannavong
DJ Giermann
6
8
Jake Signor
8
JoAnn Siler
8
Feb. 1
$7,863.91
$179.56
Julie Crowe
Feb. 8
7,017.61
391.05
Virgil Dean
10
11
Feb. 15
7,028.80
2,041.97
Kelly Elrod
11
Feb. 22
5,910.59
269.14
Kaius Grady
11
$27,820.91
$2,881.72
Tony Jensen
Richard Angeletti
11
12
Joshua Snider
13
Marcie Clester
14
Tiffany McCandless
14
Paula Greathouse
15
Suzanne Anderson
17
Laura Carson
17
Kyra Pfannenstiel
Jackson Thaemert
17
18
Kristin Linkugel
23
David Nation
25
Jessica Merrit
26
Jesson Ross
26
Warren Legler
28
Bryant Peterson
28
Zachary Zule
28
Cooper Wood
29
Noah Katzenmeier
30
Phyllis Legler
30
30
Marcia Princivalli
OFFERINGS
Total
Feb. 18, Ash Wednesday Offering: $1,723.00
New Sta ff
Fund Goal,
$70,000.00
New Sta ff Fund
Ba l ance,
$20,379
Tony & Jennylyn Jensen
Andy & JoAnn Siler
Chad & Mickey Dick
Erin & Jeff Herschell
Wiley & Caryn Scott
Steve & Linda Vogelsang
Zach & Britany Wood
Brian & Ginny Kubota
Immanuel Lutheran Church & University Student Center
4
14
17
18
20
23
27
29
5
ALL INVITED TO NEXT MEN’S GROUP
MEETING, APRIL 20
Immanuel's Men's Club meeting at 7 PM on April 20
will be open to all parishioners (male and female).
Dessert and coffee will be served, but no
meal. Come to hear a presentation by Ben
MacConnell, Lead Organizer from Justice Matters,
on "Building the City of God: the Nehemiah
Example." If you still harbor doubts about attending
the Nehemiah Action Assembly at the Lied Center on
May 7, be prepared to have those doubts erased. Ben
will include actual examples of just how Justice
Ministry organizations in other cities have already
been able to make a positive difference and why we
hold such hopes for its success here in Lawrence:

public education
improvement in Topeka

affordable housing
construction in Florida

restrictions on usury
charged for pay-day loans
in Ohio, etc.
RSVP to either Marvin Bredehoft
([email protected]) or Al Kuhlman
([email protected]) by April 12 with the
number of attendees in your party. The total number
attending will determine which room will be used, to
be announced in the April 19 parish bulletin.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!
“In this life we cannot always do great
things. But we can do small things with
great love.” - Mother Theresa
Pick up a Volunteer Opportunity form from the table
in the narthex. Check out the Volunteer Notebook
there, also. Watch for volunteer opportunities announced in each week’s bulletin. Or contact an
Immanuel Board member for more information. You
are needed! Volunteer to serve today!
6
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF QUILTERS
LWR Quilters have been able to create lots of quilts
thanks to generous fabric donations, LWML's
batting donation, and faithful workers. If you would
like to help, but cannot attend the twice-monthly
quilting sessions, we would be happy to provide
you with a quilt to tie (plus needle and string), or a
quilt kit that you can sew on your own. We will
even deliver it right to your
door! Please contact Kristie
Rock, Sharon Hettinger, Suzie
Anderson, or Dee Kaczor if
you would like to help. And, as
always, we greatly appreciate
your fabric donations.
WE WELCOME ‘JUSTICE MATTERS’
For the past year, Immanuel Lutheran Church and
University Student Center has been involved with the
Justice Matters program here in Lawrence. Last
month, Justice Matters lost its office space. Since
Immanuel currently has office space available, the
Board of ILCUSC Services was able to offer space to
Justice Matters staff member Ben MacConnell.
Volunteers from the Board of ILCUSC Services
worked to clear out and reorganize room 22 for use
by the Justice Matters group. The Justice Matters
group recognizes that in the event that Immanuel is
able to add a staff member, the office area would be
reclaimed.
Having Justice Matters housed at Immanuel will
assist our congregation in working toward our
mission of “Sharing God’s love in Jesus Christ by
Word and Deed.”
TOWELS AND
DISHCLOTHS NEEDED
If anyone has an extra kitchen towel or dishcloth, the church kitchen is in need of
a few. Our current supply is diminishing!! We are
wearing them out as we clean up from our recent
Advent and Lenten dinners and Family Promise
meals. Please feel free to leave your donation of new
or used towels on the counter by the sink. Thanks!!
Immanuel Lutheran Church & University Student Center
PAROCHIAL REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2015
Baptism:
Jacob Bartuccio, infant son of Carly & Mark Bartuccio
Thanks be to God! He gives
Transferred In:
us the victory through our
Juanita Gerhardt, from St. Paul Lutheran, Clay Center, KS
Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Cor 15:57
Officers of the
Congregation—2015
Linda Herbel
President
David Magill
Vice-President
Transferred Out:
Aaron, Sarah, Sawyer, & Catelyn Rippe, to Trinity, Hanover, KS
I
f God didn’t withhold from us his very own
Son, will God withhold anything we need? If
trust must be earned, hasn’t God unequivocally
earned our trust with the bark on the raw wounds,
the thorns pressed into the brow, your name on the
cracked lips? How will he not also graciously give
us all things he deems best and right? He’s already
given the incomprehensible.
—Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
Eloise Kerbs
Secretary
Tim Hetzler
Treasurer
Board Chairs
David Lahm --------- ILCUSC Services
Virgil Dean ----------------------Outreach
Ann Hossler---- Educational Ministries
Elois Allan/Eleanor Woodyard
-------------------------Spiritual Affairs
Organizations
Cradle Roll ------------ Courtney Sheldon
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
------------------------------ Joylynn Harlow
Men of Immanuel Lutheran Church -------------------------------Marvin Bredehoft
Elders
Elois Allan
Jake Lahm
Scott O’Neal
Barb Riley
Brian Stapleton
Eleanor Woodyard
SERVING IN THE LORD’S HOUSE
IN APRIL
USHERS:
Early Service:
Late Service:
GREETERS:
Early Service:
Late Service:
Herb & Tammie George; Pat & Debra McCandless
TBA
Al & Donna Kuhlman
Cristi Hansen
LAY
CALLERS:
5th
12th
19th
26th
Caryn Scott
Virgil Dean
Jim Sylwester
Dudley Karstensen
READERS:
8:30am/11:00am
5th
12th
19th
26th
Lori Bischel/Don Miller
Christine Frese/Ginny Kubota
Lyle Hettinger/Ruth Ellen Bartels
Carolyn Landgrebe/Christine Frese
ACOLYTES:
5th
12th
19th
26th
Rhett May
Jake Signor
Lydia Storm
Isabella Sturgeon
COMMUNION
CARE:
2nd
5th
12th
19th
26th
Jan Dean (Holy Thursday)
Amy Wilson & family
Amy Wilson & family
Amy Wilson & family
Amy Wilson & family
Immanuel Lutheran Church & University Student Center
7
Sunday
5 EASTER SUNDAY
Red Wagon Food Collection
7:30 to 11am – Youth Serve
Easter Breakfast (no Sunday
School or Bible Class)
12 2nd Sunday of Easter
Monday
6
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
6:00 Deaf Ministry
4:30 Church Council
6:00 Deaf Ministry
7:00 Close Knit Friends
13
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
1:00 Handbell Rehearsal
5:00 Jr. Confirmation Class
5:00 Young Families Gathering
11:00 Parish Educ. Meeting
19 3rd Sunday of Easter
20
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
1:00 Ministry to the Blind
Committee
6:00 Deaf Ministry
7:00 Men’s Group
1:00 Handbell Rehearsal
5:00 Jr. Confirmation Class
26 4th Sunday of Easter
1:00 Handbell Rehearsal
5:00 Jr. Confirmation Class
7
Tuesday
GENERAL ELECTIONS
Wednesday
2
9:30 Bible Study
Noon – Holy Week
Service
Thursday
9
9:30 Bible Study
7:00 Maundy Thursday
Worship Service
1
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
Noon – Holy Week
Service
7:45 Choir Practice
8
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
8:00 Bible Study @KU
Noon – Quilting for LWR
7:45 Choir Practice
16
9:30 Bible Study
Council Reports Due
15
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
5:30 Ministry to the Blind
Outreach Dinner
9:00 Circuit Pastors’ Conf.
– St. John’s, Topeka
14
Noon L.I.N.K.
Messenger articles due
8:00 Bible Study @KU
7:45 Choir Practice
23
9:30 Bible Study
Noon - Quilting for LWR
30
9:30 Bible Study
8:00 Bible Study @KU
29
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
6:00 Campus
Care- Package assembly
8:00 Bible Study @KU
7:45 Choir Practice
7:45 Choir Practice
22
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
6:45 Justice Matters
Solutions Briefing
– Free Methodist Church
21
27
28
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
1:30 Concordia Seminary
Admissions Counselor
5:00 Health & Wellness
6:00 Deaf Ministry
7:00 LWML Qrtly Meeting
6:30 Property & Grounds
7:00 Stewardship
6:30 Elders
Friday
3
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
Noon – Holy Week
Service
7:00 Good Friday Worship Service
10
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
4
11
25
17
18
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
24
11:00 Faithfully Fit Forever
Saturday
8:00am
Men's Bible Study
8:00am
Men's Bible Study
8:00am
Men's Bible Study
8:00am
Men's Bible Study
Holy Week Services:
Palm Sunday, March 29, 9:30 a.m.
Holy Week Noon Worship Services,
Mar. 30, 31, Apr. 1, 2, & 3
Holy Thursday, April 2, 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday, April 3, 7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 5, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Immanuel Lutheran Church
& University Student Center
2104 Bob Billings Parkway
Lawrence, KS 66049-2722
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. Postage Paid
Lawrence, KS 66044
Permit No. 74
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
A monthly newsletter published by
Immanuel Lutheran Church &
University Student Center
“Every Servant a Loving Messenger”
†
APRIL 2015
March 29, SUNDAY OF THE PASSION/PALM SUNDAY
– 9:30am Worship Service
– 11:00am - 5th-Sunday Potluck
†
March 30, noon
– Holy Week Worship Service, sanctuary
†
March 31, noon
– Holy Week Worship Service, sanctuary
†
April 1, noon
– Holy Week Worship Service, sanctuary
†
April 2, noon
– Holy Week Worship Service, sanctuary
7:00pm
†
April 3, noon
7:00pm
†
– Maundy Thursday Worship Service, sanctuary
– Holy Week Worship Service, sanctuary
– Good Friday Worship Service, sanctuary
April 5, RESURRECTION SUNDAY (no Sunday School or Bible Classes)
– 7:30 to 11:30am – Youth Serve Easter Breakfast, activity center
– 8:30am – Worship Service with Communion, sanctuary
– 11:00am – Worship Service with Communion, sanctuary