FROM A BISHOP: Looking at Scripture - “Take up their cross and follow me”
Reflections during Lent come from a devotional written by leaders of the Lutheran and Anglican churches in the United States and Canada.
This week’s reflection is written by National Bishop Susan Johnson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
“Jesus called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” [Mark 8:31-38]
A big part of taking up the cross of Jesus is being willing to speak out against injustice and hatred. In Canada, hate crimes against Jews, Muslims, indigenous people, black people, as well as against others, continue to grow. The year 2017 began with a violent mass shooting that left six men dead at a Quebec City mosque. As a church and as individuals, we need to continue to speak out against all forms of hatred and to build bridges with people of all faiths.
Following Jesus requires us to speak a clear message of love, respect, tolerance and understanding.
FROM THE PASTOR: Looking at Life Together - Finishing Up Our Parking Lot Fundraising
As planned last fall, our parking lot will be repaired and resurfaced this spring. We’ll let you know when the contractor tells us the weather has warmed up enough and they plan to start work.
In the meantime, we have a little fundraising left to cover the $26,426 cost. Here’s where we stand:
- Income received from 104th St. right-of-way sale: $8,074
- Fundraising thus far: $13,783 (gifts received, trivia night, Valentines Dinner)
- Funds anticipated for high school athletic parking: $1,500
- Funds needed to reach our goal: $3,069
As a final fundraising push, we’re inviting members to sponsor parking spaces at $34 each (sorry, you don’t get reserved parking by sponsoring a space!). We’ll fill in 1 of the 91 parking spaces on the poster in the fellowship hall for each $34 we receive. Once they are filled, we’ve reached our goal!
Gift envelopes will be distributed in the bulletin and available in the fellowship hall. These gifts can be returned in the offering plate or to the church office. Any size gift (even if it’s not in a $34 increment) will be gladly received. Thank you for your generosity that has gotten us as far as we already are.
P.S. Every household that makes a donation of any kind towards the parking lot may pick out a prayer cross handmade by your pastor from the box in the fellowship hall. They take a bit of time to make, so if you don’t see any in the box, just wait and I’ll refill it each week.
Real Bread--Because Jesus’ Gift is Real
Although Communion wafers are just small and simple pieces of unleavened bread, they can feel (and taste) very unbreadlike. In order to help us remember that Jesus’ gift of his body and blood is real and genuine, we’re using a loaf of bread in place of the usual wafers throughout Lent. We are baking this bread ourselves, and have committed to making it without gluten, soy, milk, cane sugar, peanuts, and tree nuts. However, Jesus will be fully present!.
Wartburg College Concert Thank You
Thank you to hosts, cooks, ushers, coordinators, and all who made it possible for the Wartburg College musicians to share their music with us last weekend. If you missed the concert and would like to listen to a recording, please speak with Pastor Mike or call the church office.
Lunch Bunch
This week, Tuesday, March 19th, we will meet at J & S Pizza in Liberty for lunch at 11:30. J & S is located in the same mall as Big Biscuit next to the bike shop.
Easter Flowers
It’s time to order your Easter flowers. Order forms are in today’s bulletin or click here to print one out. This years cost is $7 per plant. For more information, see Robbin Musgrave.
Hand Chime Choir Update
Rehearsal for Hand Chime Choir will be after Sunday School. If interested, talk with Margaret Grote.
Adult Sunday - Forgiveness: Finding Peace through Letting Go
· Holding on to anger has the power to consume our lives, distort our sense of purpose, and destroy our relationship with God.
· Pastor Adam Hamilton argues that healing comes when we realize that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves rather than to someone else.
· Join us during March for this study that includes short videos, conversation, and Bible study. Though insights can grow deeper if you are able to be present every week, it is not required to participate.
Hosanna! Day Planning
We’re planning another Hosanna! Day celebration this year on Palm Sunday, April 14.
If you’d like to help with the meal or activities, please speak with Pastor Mike.
Kansas City Metro Men’s Chorus
The KCMMC will perform at Second Baptist Church in Liberty on Sunday, April 7th at 4pm. This is a free concert open to the public with a free will offering collected for In As Much Ministry.
For more information, see Cynthia Zipprich or the flyer by the kitchen.
Hospital Baskets
There are five open months on the list to provide care baskets for Liberty Hospital waiting room. If you are interested in participating in this important ministry, see Karen Orrill.
Celebrations
All women of faith - as celebrated on International Women’s Day (3/8)
Carter Huey - baptized on Sunday, March 17 at Hosanna! (3/17)
Birthdays
- Gwen Krueger 3/17
- Max Anderson 3/18
- Donna Krugman 3/22
- Amy Lindhorst 3/23
Anniversaries
- Bob & Julie LaSerre 3/19
- Marjorie Yates & Bob Harris 3/20
Sympathy
Kevin Denver (Mindy Denver’s brother) - died Feb. 28 (2/28)
Deborah Canuteson (John’s niece) - died last week (3/3)
Kaleigh Hamilton (relative of Petersons) - died last week (3/12)
Kathy Meddaugh (friend of Mary Kunkel) - died last week (3/10)
Concerns
Tom Anderson - resting at home on hospice care. (3/12)
Scott Hall (Marty Berggren’s husband) - surgery on March 21st (3/10)
Kim Berry - back in the hospital with back issues and other health concerns (3/13)
John Praggey - brain cancer (3/10)
Mike Senfert (friend/co-worker of Beth Schoening) - on hospice (3/10)
Louise Ahrens - begins chemotherapy next week (3/2)
Jim Cox (friend of Mary Kunkel) - recovering from cancer surgery (3/4)
Sherry & Darrel (friends of Beth Schoening) - experiencing life altering health issues (2/28)
Cindy Plesko - broke wrist (2/19)
Wayne Simpson - friend of Mary Kunkel recovering from lung cancer (2/17)
Nathan Maxwell - (Lona Ristine’s grandson) suffering from another flare-up from Crohn’s (2/3)
Randi (Rika Heruth’s sister) - cancer (2/21)
Lois (Rika Heruth’s mother) - recovering from Stroke (1/20)
Brady Barnes - (friend of Jeanine Stubbs) diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma (2/3)
Nora Prom (Dan Prom’s cousin) - ovarian cancer (1/27)
Darlene - diagnosed with lymphoma, beginning chemo (1/11)
Kevin (friend of Mary and Brad Kunkel) - diagnosed with rare blood cancer (12/21)
Galen Grote (grandfather of Geremy Grote) - fighting cancer again (12/21)
Ongoing
Janet Baken - receiving care at Ashton Court
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