Coming Events
Wednesday Lenten Services:
Wednesdays, March 4 to April 1, 6:00 p.m. soup dinner, 7:00 p.m. worship
Time Change:
Sunday
March 8, 2:00 a.m., turn your clock ahead one hour.
Preschool Registration for school year 2009-2010 is due Sunday, March 15.
April Newsletter deadline. Sunday, March 15, at noon. Please submit materials to the office or e-mail Editor.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Monday, March 16, 2:30-7:30 p.m. Contact Cheryl Johnson through the church office.
Dinner Out!
Monday, March 16 at 5:30 pm.
Women: Tebo's on McLoughlin Blvd.
Men: Buster's BBQ on McLoughlin Blvd.
Monthly Book GroupTuesday, March 17, 7:00 p.m., church library. My Antonia by Willa Cather. Contact Karen Hicks through the church office.
FIRST AID, CPR TRAINING
Coming in April!
Contact our church office for detailed information about any of our upcoming events.
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Regular Sunday
Services
8:45 AM
Worship Service
11:00 AM
Worship Service
Adult Education following first service
Fellowship following both services
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| Our Calendar |
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Click "Our Calendar" to view our on-line calendar of events! | |
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Verdant Spring
The word "verdant" means "covered with growing plants or grass, green, fresh, flourishing." The word reminds me of spring when the landscape around us changes. The grass turns green, leaves appear on trees and bushes, flowers make their way out the soil.
The word "Lent" means "spring" or "lengthening of the daylight hours." Lent is the forty day season beginning with Ash Wednesday (Feb. 25) that culminates in the Three Days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It has been tradition over the centuries to 'give up' something for Lent in order to focus our attention on Jesus' journey to the cross.
I would suggest that the season of Lent is really a time for the greening of our faith whatever form that may take. For some of us, it may be a time to trim some dead branches. We may need to let go of some things that hinder us in our faith journey or to remind us of Christ's suffering on our behalf. But greening our faith involves much more than cutting back branches. We may need to add things to the mix: water and fertilizer, sunshine. 
Here are some opportunities you may wish to consider.
~Biblical fluency. The ELCA is encouraging each one to become "fluent" in Scripture. Beth Lewis, President and CEO of Augsburg Fortress, recently spoke in our congregation. She suggests that "fluency" is more than "literacy". Literacy has to do with the head. Fluency means learning to speak the Biblical language from the heart. In other words, formation (developing our relationship with God) becomes as important as Biblical information. During the Sunday School forums beginning March 1, I will be leading a series entitled "Feeding on the Word." The purpose of the series is to provide tools to allow Scripture to help in "greening" our relationship with God. I would encourage you to pick up this excellent resource by the same name and come and feed on the word during the Lenten forums.
~Christ on Trial. Our weekly Lenten services are each Wednesday beginning at 7:00 p.m. Each is preceded by a soup supper beginning at 6:00 p.m. Within the service of Holden evening prayer we will offer a drama called "Christ on Trial." Two thousand years ago, Christ was on trial before Caiaphas, Herod and Pilate. Today Christ is still on trial. Every human heart must wrestle with questions like: Who is this Christ? Is he who he claims to be? What does Christ mean for me and my living?
~Bible Verse Memorization. One of the top suggestions from our brainstorming Book of Faith event was Bible verse memorization. So here is your first opportunity. I have chosen a verse that connects with each of the themes of the Lenten services. Why not challenge your whole family to memorize them. February 25 - Psalm 51:10; March 4 - Romans 5:8; March 11 - Isaiah 40:31; March 18 - John 3:16; March 25 - Psalm 130:5; April 1 - 1 Corinthians 11:26.
~Holy Imagination. Let God direct your imagination as to what you might want to take on this Lent. You may want to imagine yourself in one of these stories from a lesson during the Sundays of Lent. You might feel led to use one of several special Lenten devotional materials available. You may imagine yourself as a little Christ serving your neighbor in some capacity. Take time to listen to what rises up within you as you ponder your journey through these forty days of Lent.
I pray that your faith might become verdant - green with new life this Lenten season.
Shalom, Pastor Charles |
News from the House of Zion
It is our prayer that God pay you back greatly for all you have done this past year to help those in need. It's overwhelming how God works through God's people.
This past December, the Christmas program was awe inspiring. Everything went according to plan. The people that were on our list to volunteer never questioned. On the contrary, everyone wanted to do more. We had the right amount of gifts, food boxes, milk, cookies, chickens, candy, onions, hot meals, children's books and Bibles. God knew exactly what was needed.
We served 382 families and over 1000 children. We served fewer families and more children from the previous year. Thousands of pounds of food went out in December, due to the three separate programs offered at House of Zion. All the children that attended were thrilled as they received their gifts and goodies.
Because of the time of year, many families had no  work and the immediate help was deeply appreciated. Several families were experiencing life-threatening illnesses and exhausted what little money they had on medical assistance.
This ministry is a blessing to all, but, without your help it would be impossible to do all that is accomplished. All of you who contribute in one way or another are a part of this great work.
There are so many people we could mention by name, but I would not like to leave anyone out...but God never forgets and I want to believe that God has the list of those in a special book called, "My Servants".
Please continue to pray and support this ministry that is reaching many for the Lord.
God bless you for being His servant!
Marta Garcia |
Scholarship Applications
Application forms are available on the bulletin board near the office for 2009 MLC Scholarships. All MLC graduating seniors and college students are encouraged to apply. Deadline for completed applications is April 1. |
Expand Your Resources
New in March 2009:
The NRSV translation of the Scriptures is now available in both hardcover and paperback editions, with many articles and notes by respected ELCA pastors and teaching theologians. Available online at www.bookoffaith.com or by calling Augsburg Fortress, 800-328-4648.
Also available:
- Opening the Book of Faith: Lutheran Insights for Bible Study
- Book of Faith Forty Day Lenten Journey
(Ed. note: several of these items have been ordered here at MLC...when available, notice will be posted in the weekly bulletins.) |
Ministry News
Health Ministry Team
 We thank you all for coming to the February 5 Health Ministry Team luncheon and lecture. We thought Dr. Navin Nayak gave a very good talk, and we hope you all enjoyed it. * * *
Backpack Buddie Program
The weekend lunch program keeps moving along thanks to all the help the community outreach team receives from the congregation. The red tub is always ready to accept food donations and the pew envelopes (marked Backpack Buddie) are available for your use, too.
 With higher unemployment rates the need for food is greater than ever and your help with donations is ever appreciated.
Check the list below and on your next grocery store trip pick up a can to two for the two lunches we send every Friday for 60 hungry children at Milwaukie Elementary School.
Join the packing team - every 1st and 3rd Wed. at 3:00 - since we are packing for two weekends at a time, the food just flies off the shelves. Imagine seeing 440 juice boxes, 440 fruit servings, 440 protein items( soup, ravioli etc), 440 snacks disappear from our stock pile!
Items we can use:
Cans of spaghetti, Ravioli, and Beef-a-roni
Individual serving of fruit- usually come 4 in a pack or larger boxes of 20 0r 36 at Costco
Individual serving pudding.
Healthy snacks, small boxes of raisins, granola bars
Juice boxes-100% juice.
Thank you.
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Annie Ross House
"All Spruced Up". Your donations of new personal care items will be used to make the house residents look and feel good. Shampoos, toothpaste, lotions, combs, toothbrushes, tissues, deodorants, and feminine hygiene items are welcome.
Learn more about the programs of Annie Ross House by visiting their web site: Annie Ross HouseGod Bless and Thanks, Mike Inman, Community Outreach Ministry Team.
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Women of the ELCA
March Bible Study & Circle Meetings:
The women's Bible study for March is Esther, chapters 1-3, found in the "Lutheran Women Today" magazine. Copies of the Bible study can be found in the MLCW mail slot next to the church office door. One copy of the current month of the Lutheran Women Today magazine is also available for review in the same mail slot. Check out the interesting articles for women of all ages. Magazine information is available on-line at Lutheran Women Today or LWT Subscription Order Center, Box 1553, Minneapolis, MN 55440-8730.
March 2009 Circle Meeting information: Elizabeth Circle: March 10 at 7PM - To be announced.
Naomi Circle: March 10 at 10AM - To be announced.
Peace Circle: March 13 at 11:30AM - at the home of Karen Forrester.
Peace to all this Lenten season,
Cheryl Johnson |
Children's Ministry
ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT
Sunday, April 12, 10:00 a.m.
If you would like to donate candy, stickers and small "prizers" to fill the eggs, a box is available in the narthex.
Upcoming Events
Mar 8: Kid's Night Out Game Night 5 - 6 PM
Apr 12: Easter Egg Hunt
Apr 19: Kid's Night Out
May 31: Neighborhood Fun Day
Aug 10-13: Lutherwood Day Camp
-Brian Brown. |
Prayer Concerns
 Health Concerns: Marta Garcia, Grace Archer, Verlyn Vandeberg, April Reid, Helen Walker, Gary Blomdahl, Christopher Walker, Earl Johnson, Judy Smith, Jim Hill, Trudy Hallander, Chelsea Hicks, Barbara Chism, Jeff Hudson, Joyce Holm, Paul, Linda Dodge, Vaunie Maier, Jo Hollier, Arlene Hill, Neta Iverson, Marilyn DeWitz, Patty Wisner, Mary Ruhberg, Betty Palmer, Teresa Peterson, Jerry Calkum, Chris Lokan, Norma Barzee, Joy Hitt-Bradley, Isaac Drewes, Penny Sittner, Marilyn Combs, Dale Bayer , Helen Seiler (friend of the Zabels)
The Nations: The President of the United States and our elected officials, the people and the governments of Iraq, Palestine, Israel, Afghanistan, Liberia, Sudan and all other countries torn apart by strife. All people around the world in military service for their country. We pray especially for Andy Wehr, son of John, deployed to Iraq. Charlie Rulien, son of Lana and Larry - Israel.
Servants: We pray for those serving Christ around the world: Marian Hungerford-Cameroon; Jan Kearsgard - Pakistan; Pastor Steven Ray - China, Dr. Richard Young - Guyana; Christa Morse (Beth Lillie's niece) - Peru, Paul Riek - Oaxaca, Mexico. |
Biblical Fluency
- In Genesis 12, God called a man to go to a new land and promised that all nations would bless themselves by him. Who was that man?A. Noah, B. Jacob, C. Moses, D. Abraham
- 2. In Exodus, the Ten Commandments are introduced with a reminder to the people that God had already:
A. brought them out of Egypt; B. forgiven their sins; C. created the world; D. formed an order of priests.
- The canon or list of books that comprise the New Testament was first announced in the year:
A. AD 96; B. AD 367; C. AD 1267; D. AD 1460.
- Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire:
A. after the death of Nero (AD 68); B. with the conversion of Emperor Constantine (AD 325); C. after the invasion of Rome by roving tribes (AD 476).
Submitted by Ken Zabel.
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Thank you
Dear congregants: Two simple words to express my gratitude: Thank you. Some how they have to span the depths of my sense of personal blessing for the love, prayers, thoughts, attentions, and gifts I have received during the time of my sister Audrey's last illness and my time of grief after her death. It has been close to three months since she passed on, and still I am in the tender care of my community here, the Body of Christ as lived out at Milwaukie Lutheran Church. I pray I may pass on the gift of caring as you have shared it with me. In Christ's Love, -Lisaana Morley | |
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Milwaukie Lutheran Church
3810 SE Lake Road
503-653-0250
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LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Mary Jo Hess............................President
Greg Jenks...............................Vice President
Linda Millenbach........................Secretary
Scott Borison.............................Treasurer
Allen VanLeuven........................Advocate
John Dunn.................................Advocate
Helen Krueger...........................Advocate
Shirley Meyer............................Advocate
CHURCH STAFF
Charles Mantey.........................Pastor
Brian Brown.............................Director of Youth &
Family Ministry
Sheryl Ann Waage ..................Administrative Assistant
Cheryl Drewes.........................Director of Music
Maddie Bailey..........................Nursery Care
Carolyn Schoenemann..............Bookkeeper
Patty Shilling............................Parish Nurse
Each Member ...........................Ministers in Daily Life
E-News Technician ................Lisaana Morley
MILWAUKIE LUTHERAN PRE-SCHOOL
(503) 659-9881
Barbara Johnson.......................Preschool Administrator | |
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