Lord of Life Lutheran Church—ELCA
Lifelines
A monthly newsletter for
January 2015
Who are you listening to?
I said a prayer the other night and
what I asked for was given me,
even though my heart told me it was
the wrong thing to ask for. That
realization, which has happened
more than once in my life, (apparently because I am a slow learner) has
an important lesson which I seem to forget at times. Perhaps it is a
lesson you forget at times as well.
Want to know what the lesson is? The lesson is this: There is grave
danger in arguing with God because God might just let you win the
argument! In 2 Chronicles 18, we read about King Ahab who prayed for
advice and direction from God and then didn’t like the answer God gave
them. So he chose to follow the voice of others instead of the voice of
God. (I’ve been there and done that too!)
The question is: who are you listening to? King Ahab listened to the
wrong voice, and it cost him his life. When we argue with God, He
doesn’t push back. He doesn’t overpower us with his will but allows us
to live with the decisions we make. That’s one of the consequences of
free will He has given us. God accepts our “no” and allows us to make
stupid decisions. But, God doesn’t give up on us. Though He wants us
to follow Him the decision is always our own.
When we listen to the wrong voices and search for the wrong things,
we miss out on the blessings God has for us. Many times those
blessings and answers to our prayers are right in front of us, but we fail
to see and realize them because of our stubbornness.
Who in your life is the voice of truth? Who do you listen to? Who do
you need to stop listening to? Our goal as Christians should be to have
ears that listen to God as He speaks to us in our hearts and minds.
It’s just a matter of listening. Are you listening to God? Amen.
Pastor Bruce
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“Happy New Year 2015”
As everyone gathered for
Christmas Eve Services they were
greeted by the Nativity, followed by
a beautifully decorated sanctuary
and special music at both services. Thank you to all who worked
so diligently to provide a beautiful setting and meaningful worship
services.
My thanks to Pastor Bruce, Brenda, fellow Council members,
Joe Hauge, Sara Brainard; and, the countless number of
volunteers who continue to serve our Lord and Lord of Life Church.
Together, Lord of Life has continued to flourish. With Diligence
and Faith our goal to reduce our debt and “burn our mortgage”
is our target for 2015.
It has been a true blessing and continued learning experience
for me to serve as your Council President. We welcome Karen
Olson, Betty Schindler, Chuck Wehrle and Kristina Good to the
Council as well as returning members Ann Scott, Brad Johnson
and Vicki Radke-Williams. “Thank You” to Alice McCoy, Nancy
Hellekson, Matt Luebke and Terry Bieberdorf for devotion and
service on the LOL Council; you will be missed at our meetings.
Our next meeting will be January 12, 2015, beginning at
6:00 pm.
God’s Peace and Blessings to all in 2015,
Vicki Glanzer, Outgoing Council President
“This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice
and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24”
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LORD OF LIFE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
December 7, 2014
To be approved at the January 2015 Council meeting.
Present: Vicki Glanzer, Pastor Bruce, Vicky Radke-Williams, Nancy
Hellekson, Matt Luebke, Terry Biberdorf, Alice McCoy, Chuck Wehrle,
Joe Hauge, Ann Scott, Betty Schindler, Brad Johnson
Meeting called to order by President Vicki Glanzer
Devotions by Vicky Radke-Williams
Congregational Members Present: none
Treasure’s Report: Joe provided detailed report, as usual. Bills are
being paid, balance of debt reduction toward $24,000 challenge has not
been tallied up—intention is to count on last Sunday of the year. We
have not had to dip into savings this fall. Vicky made motion to accept
the report, Nancy seconded. All approved and motion carried.
Secretary’s Report: The report from November was reviewed. Alice
made first motion to accept, Terry seconded. All approved and motion
carried.
Pastor’s Report: Everything going well
President’s Report: There were lots of activities on the November
schedule and everything went as planned. Vicki thanked the Council
members who are terming-out for their service to Lord of Life.
Committee Reports
Alter Guild: Nancy expressed appreciation to the many people who
helped get the sanctuary decorated.
Outreach: The December meeting was taking place concurrently when
this Council meeting was taking place. Report will be provided and
recorded next month.
Property: Fire extinguishers will be purchased and placed in the youth
room. Furnace maintenance is scheduled for next week.
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Education/Youth: Christmas program will by December 21
Worship/Music: Committee met and scheduled music for services
through January
These reports were approved: Vicky R made first motion, Matt seconded,
all in favor to approve.
Old Business: none
New Business: none
Publicity: Christmas children’s program and services will be sent to the
Rapid City Journal.
The next Council meeting will be held on January 12 at 6 p.m.
The agenda will start with election of new officers.
Devotions: Chuck Wehrle
Brad made first motion to adjourn, Nancy seconded. All in favor.
The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted
Brad Johnson—Council Secretary
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For the month of January we will donate
to Church Response Food Pantry.
The following items will help provide a
dinner for a family.
Tuna Helper
Large can of Tuna
Canned Peas
Brownie Mix
Please bring donations to the church
by Sunday, January 25th.
“Personal Care Kits” Ministry
Please remember to donate the following items for this
ongoing ministry sponsored by Lutheran World Relief.
Dark Colored Bath Towel
Bar Soap (4-5 ounce bar)
Toothbrush (in original packaging)
Large Wide-toothed Comb
Nail Clipper
All these items are rolled up in the towel and sent to a Lutheran World Relief
warehouse to then be delivered to people who are survivors of disasters all over
the world. Please help keep this ministry going. Thank you!
Taking Off Pounds Sensibly meets Saturday
mornings at 8:00 to 8:15 for weigh in and
8:15 to 8:45 for meetings. A ll meetings take place
at Lord of Life Church. Low cost and high support!
The first meeting is free. For more information,
please contact Shelly Labine @ 484-0354.
Please continue to save your Family Thrift Center
receipts. Once our receipts total $150,000, we
will receive a check for $1,000 from Family Thrift
Center. There is a wooden box in the narthex
where you can put your receipts. Thank you!
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If you have someone in your life who
needs some extra comfort and prayers,
please take a Prayer Shawl from the
display in the narthex to give to them.
Everyone is welcome to do so at anytime.
Fair Trade Coffee
Coffee is the most widely traded
commodity in the world yet most
coffee growers live below poverty
levels because the middleman gives
them next to nothing for their crops. That’s why
Lutheran World Relief has set up cooperatives with the
coffee growers around the world to help them earn
more money for themselves and their communities.
Please consider purchasing your coffee here at church
and you will feel better knowing you are doing your part
helping people live better lives.
Coffee is for sale on the Usher’s Table every Sunday.
Thank you to everyone who bought gifts
for children from the Angel Tree.
You helped bring Christmas joy to
20 children in foster care.
Also, thank you to those who donated
items for the “Blessings Bags” for
the homeless shelters in town.
Sunday School and Confirmation
will resume
Sunday, January 11th at 9:00 a.m.
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by Dennis Green
A NEW YEAR
A new year is rising,
What it may bring could be surprising!
We never know from day to day,
What changes it may display!
Life always has it’s ups and downs,
The best we can hope for is more smiles than frowns!
When things go from bad to worse,
It may even tempt us to curse!
It we take time out to pray,
God will help lead the way!
It won’t always be what we are looking for,
But it could open a new door,
With something to help us cope,
As we travel the slippery slope!
When days are better and the sun shines through,
Don’t forget to say a prayer then too!
Thank Him for family and friends,
And remember, HIS LOVE, never ends!
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Dennis Green
December 2014
$6,066 to Reach the Lord of Life
Debt Reduction Challenge
As of late December, $17, 934 has been
contributed toward the $24,000 challenge
from 16 different families. This is 40% of the participation from
previous debt reduction campaigns here at Lord of Life. More
participation is needed to earn the $6000 match from a wonderful
couple outside of our congregation. January 4th is the last day to
reach this challenge. If you would like to help us reach that challenge,
you can either leave your gift in the in the narthex in the little church
that is labeled “Debt Reduction” or, you can put your gift in the offering
plate. Just mark your offering as “Debt Reduction”.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
The afternoon Bible study met on December 4th at 1:00 p.m.
Those present were Nancy Hellekson, Lorraine Neumiller,
Vicki Glanzer, Vicky Radke-Williams, Virginia Conlee,
Pastor Bruce and Betty Woodden.
One guest Marion Grant. Betty served dessert. The next
Bible study will be on January 8th, 2015 at l:00 p.m..
Betty Woodden, Secretary
Christmas Tree Burn
On Sunday, January 4th, beginning at 4:00 p.m. we
will burn Christmas trees in the fire pit. Anyone with
real trees to dispose of will be invited to bring them
to the church for burning. Hot beverages and
goodies will be available to enjoy during the event.
The Outreach Committee will be holding
its monthly meeting after the
January 4th church service.
The meeting will take place in the
class rooms by the church entry way.
Everyone is invited to come and help
plan fun things for our church to do!
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The Women’s Christmas Tea which was
held on Saturday December 6th.
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Pictures of our Sunday School Christmas Program that
was on December 21st during the 10:00 a.m. Worship
Service. The children told the
story of Jesus' birth through
the eyes of the stable animals
in
"The Night the Animals Sang"
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Pictures by Virginia Conlee
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Serving This Month
Date
Usher
Greeter
Acolyte Comm Asst.
Reader
10:00 a.m. Worship
Jan
4
Mark & Marlys
Blumhardt
Jeff & Jen
Schumacher
Leah
Luebke
Jan
11
Ray & Lorraine
Neumiller
Marilyn Mulz
Lanelle Crosswait
Charlie
Good
Jan
18
Tom Woodden
Carl Hellekson
Allen & Karen
Olson
Colton
Jung
Jan
25
Jeff & Jen
Schumacher
The Good
Family
Sadi
Curtis
Tom & Betty
Woodden
Allen
Olson
Roger
Soucy
Marlys
Jeff Glanzer
Janyce Luebke Blumhardt
Brad
Johnson
If you are unable to make your assignment, please call someone
to trade dates. Thank you!
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
2000 Lancer Drive
Rapid City SD 57703
Bruce Baum - Pastor
Brenda Johnson - Secretary
Church Office 393-0700
Office Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Church Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lordoflifelutheranrc.org
This is a monthly publication of Lord of Life Lutheran Church.
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9:00 a.m. Sunday School
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study
9:00 a.m. Confirmation Class
10:00 a.m. Worship Service
Sunday Worship Schedule
Return Service Requested
2000 Lancer Drive
Rapid City SD 57703
LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Non-Profit Org
US Postage
Paid
Rapid City SD
Permit No. 223