From The Pastor, 

Right at this moment I am literally sitting in the dark.  The ice storm caused the transformer near our house to blow and we are stuck here in the dark surrounded by candles and increasingly chilly air.  If  I want to go anywhere in the house I have to carry a candle with me.  And I am hurrying to write this newsletter article because I know that I have only another few minutes of time on the battery of my computer before I will have to shut down completely. (So read quickly!)

I have to tell you that there is something “awe-inspiriting” (yes, I mean that word even if it isn’t in the dictionary) about the quiet stillness.  There is something about sitting in the dark with the only light the dim flicker of a candle and the light on my computer screen that allows me to experience the holy presence of Christ.  There is something about the urgency of getting this letter out before my time runs out that makes my thoughts come.  Perhaps the storm makes me wax poetic, but it strikes me that light in the darkness is exactly what Jesus is to our world.  Furthermore, if we want the warmth and guidance and hope that comes with light, we have to take Jesus with us just like I take the candle.  And the world is in such a state that a bit of urgency would be a good thing.

God sent Jesus into our world of darkness, the darkness of sin and death, the darkness of hatred and anger and street gangs and spouse abuse and child abductions, even the darkness of trying to live healthy, wholesome, Godly lives in the face of all of the terror around us.  Into all of that darkness, Jesus comes as the light!  We should not underestimate the power of that light.  We should realize how much we need the light of Christ right NOW.   

After all, there is a lot of sadness around us.  People are suffering, grieving, dying, but God is at work in all of this.  Easter is coming.  The light is about to rise in the most powerful and majestic victory of all time.  And that victory is a gift to you for the living of your life.  When you hold onto Jesus, you hold onto that victory, so that even as you suffer, you can know that suffering is not all there is.  Death and sin and all of their minions do not have the last word, Jesus does.  And that last word is “YES” to you and for you, in order that you would have purpose and meaning for this life and the promise of eternal life.

By the time that you read this the electricity will long since have been repaired.  I will have forgotten just how quiet and dark it can be without the human action of harnessing electricity.  But the artificial light that breaks the darkness around us is not THE light.  It may mask things for a time, but it can’t over come the profound “darknesses” (also not a word but you know what I mean by it) that invade our lives, nor anything made by human beings. 

This Lent, Holy Week, and Easter turn to Jesus.  Let him be your light.  It’s a lot better than wandering around in the dark.

-Pastor Vicki

Treasure Hunt

      May 6^th 12:30pm

     - eye patches optional

YOGA

Starting March 7^th, we will offer yoga every Wednesday from 2:30-3:30pm.  This time is for stretching and strengthening.  If you wish to make it a prayer time, there will be opportunities for that too. 

We are working on getting child care for this time, so if you are interested, please let Rebecca know.

We hope you will join us for this relaxing time.

*Due to circumstances beyond my control, our days for serving at Ronald McDonald House have changed.  We were unable to serve the first Tuesday of February because of the snow/ice storm. 

We will be serving on March 27^th, and we will make the same menu as planned for February. 

They are filled for the first Tuesdays of the month for dinners, so we will have to look for another date.

There will be a new sign up sheet on the youth board.  If you are willing to cook or serve, please sign up!  Thank you for volunteering you time.

Wednesdays March 7, 14, 21, and 28:

Dinner provided by WELCA at 6:00 p.m.

Worship service at 7:00 p.m.

Palm Sunday Services April 1:

8:30, 9:45, 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Holy Week:

Prayer services April 2, 3, and 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Maundy Thursday service April 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday service April 6 at 7:00 p.m. with

Choir Cantata “The 7 Last Words”

Easter Vigil service April 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday services April 8 at 7:30, 9:15,

11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Once again it’s time to order Easter lilies to adorn our worship area for Easter Sunday services.  Please sign up in the narthex to donate a lily in honor or in memory of loved ones.  Your $12.00 donation can be paid by check and placed in the offering anytime up until Easter morning.  Please remember to note in the memo portion of your check that it is for Easter lilies.

The Power of Prayer

“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show them that they should always pray and never give up.”  (Luke 18:1 NLT)

     Hopefully, your faith is becoming deeper & stronger all the time, especially as God’s Holy Spirit gently nudges your heart inviting you to spend time in His presence.  With his tender tug on your heartstrings God appeals, “My child, I want you to make prayer a priority, for I long to spend more time with you.  I want you to know how much I love you and how much I want you to trust me.  I want to be involved in every part of your life, even the smallest details.  I can heal every hurt, solve the most difficult challenge, provide all you need in this world and prepare you for the next.”

     This thought is at the heart of the excerpt, “Jesus’ Prayer Program”, from Hope for Each Day Words of Wisdom and Faith by Billy Graham that follows:

     “One of the most amazing things in all the Scriptures is how much time Jesus spent in prayer.  He had only three years of public ministry, yet He was never too hurried to spend hours in prayer.  He prayed before every difficult task confronting Him.  He prayed with regularity---not a day began or closed in which He did not unfold His soul before His Father.

     How quickly and carelessly, by contrast, we pray.  Snatches of memorized verses are hastily spoken in the morning; then we say good-bye to God for the rest of the day, until we rush through a few closing petitions at night.

     This is not the prayer program that Jesus outlined.  Jesus pleaded long and repeatedly.  It is recorded that He spent entire nights in fervent appeal.  No one could have been busier---but He was never too busy for prayer.

     What keeps you from making prayer a priority in your schedule?”

     Knowing that Jesus made his life an example for us to follow and live by shouldn’t we do the same with our prayer lives?  If prayer was a priority for Jesus, than as his followers, prayer should always be a priority for us as well.  What is preventing you from accepting God’s invitation into his presence and from “praying without ceasing”?

Adult Class Studies Faith Lessons

     During the first three Sundays of March, we will continue our study of the seventh in a series of Faith Lessons by historian and teacher Ray Vander Laan.  The volume on DVD is called “Faith Lesson:  Walk as Jesus Walked.”  This presentation takes us into present day Turkey, where disciples like Paul and Timothy traveled, spreading news of Jesus and bringing new disciples on follow Him.

     On the last Sunday, we will have a Bible study called “Passion of Christ:  Following His Last Week.”  Please join us for discussion, fellowship, and your own enrichment each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in Room F-1 of the Fellowship Hall.

Chili for Children Raises $966

     On Super Bowl Sunday, the Gloria Dei Men’s Group had their popular chili sale, which provides funds to send Angel Tree children to a week-long Christian summer camp.  This year marked the first time of using our own label:  “Gloria Dei Church Chili” and saw record sales of 112 quarts.  It seems many of our cooks are well known for their chili.  As one customer said, “The sale is bound to become a yearly tradition.”

     Through sales, free-will donations, and Thrivent funds, the event raised $966.  The two boys we sent to camp last year told us of all the fun they had and their desire to go again.  It costs $300 to send a child to camp.

     Our thanks to Tim and Linda Moore (label design and promotion), Mary Chapin (containers), and Bob and Bonnie Handahl (promotion and sales).  We especially want to thank the 22 cooks who each made their specialty, everyone who bought chili or donated money, and Thrivent for providing additional funds.

Just want to let everyone know about the fun things the Senior group will be doing the next couple months.  On Thursday, April 12 we are going to the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati.  We would love to have you join us.
     On Friday, May 11, we are going to the Stained Glass Theatre in Newport.  The play is a drama called "The Parade".  We will have dinner first at the Green Derby, which is just down the street from the theatre.
     Last year 20 people went and we all had a great time.  This year Gail Cato has put 18 seats, front row, on hold for us.  She has to let them know as soon as possible if we can fill that many, or hopefully need more.  Tickets are $16.00 each.  We need to get committed reservations as soon as we can.
                                                           Shirley Benken

Comings and Goings

“The Lord keep watch over you as you come and go both now and forever.”  Psalm 121: 8.

     Are you looking for ways to extend the mission of Gloria Dei outside its four walls?  This monthly article will provide information on how to do this.  This monthy the focus will be upon the East Kentucky Conference Spring Assembly and The ELCA’s Global Mission Event.

     Our Indiana/Kentucky (I-K) Synod is divided into 10 conferences.  The East Kentucky Conference has fifteen “church members”.  Gloria Dei is one of them.  On Saturday, May 5, our annual Spring Assembly will be held at Word of Hope Lutheran Church in Lexington from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.  There will be a short business meeting, but the hi9ghlight of the Assembly will be our speaker, Kathryn Sime.  Kathryn is the Director of the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal from our church-wide offices in Chicago.  She is a dynamic speaker with abundant knowledge and experience in all aspects of world hunger and provision of relief to disaster areas.  You will leave this Spring Assembly with a new found commitment and urgency for involvement in this life saving domestic and global mission.  Did you know that 97 cents out of every dollar you give to ELCA’s World Hunger Appeal goes to feeding the hungry?  The administrative costs for World Hunger Appeal come from other sources.  In most hunger agencies, the majority of your dollar goes to administrative costs while the smaller amount goes to actual relief.

     The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is pleased to present the Global Mission Event.  Old things are passing away, and something new is coming.  “A New Heaven and A New Earth” is the focus of this Global Mission Event (GME).  It will take place at The Ohio State University in Columbus from Thursday evening, July 19 through Sunday morning, July 22.

     At the ELCA Global Mission Event, peop0le of all ages from all over the world will celebrate God’s mission and encourage and strengthen one another for global ministry.  Participants of the GME will receive the witness of international Christians, learn global music and dance and gain global ministry skills.  Programming will be for all ages.  Activities will be interactive-immersion experiences.  Participants will discover the treasure of God’s presence and revelations in what is already present in the expressions of the global church.  Registration information is in our narthex in the Global Mission Event brochure.

     Pastor Vicki and I are co-facilitators of the GlobalFest which will take place on Saturday afternoon, July 21.  I am also on the World Hunger committee that is p0lanning their presentations and activities for the GME.  Since this year’s Global Mission Event is so close to home, we are seeking volunteers to help us with the GlobalFest, World Hunger or the GME in general.  Let us know if you would like to volunteer for any of these wonderful events.  For further information or questions, call Walda Helvie at 344-0101 (home) 380-1188 (cell) or e-mail me at Walda.helvie@fuse.net.

The Men’s Reading Fellowship will meet on Tuesday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread.  The book fore discussion is “Christ the Lord of Egypt” by Anne Rice.  Read the book and come share your thoughts.  If you have any questions, call Ed Budrick at 727-6543.

Did You Know???

     Did you know that over 98% of all businesses in the United States employ 100 people or less?  Most people have experienced what happens when coworkers don’t show up or call off.  This experience puts a strain on the employees and can slow down operations.  Did you know it takes approximately 50 people every Sunday for the church services to run smoothly?  So you can see the church needs help from everyone no matter where your gift lies.  Please take a moment to check out the specific needs of the church on the new Volunteer Board located in the Narthex.  If you are interested in helping in any of the areas listed please contact Debbie at 331-4694.  What gifts do you have that you are not utilizing to serve our Lord??

     Do you know why Gloria Dei Lutheran Church would make Bill Gates proud?  Come and check out the new computer in the church workroom and find out why.  Introducing another way to fill out your Time and Talent survey.  If you would still like to fill out your Time and Talent survey please take the time to stop by the church workroom to utilize this technology or go online to the church website at http://www.gloriadei-nky.org/ to fill one out online.  Or there is always the good old fashion way of picking up a survey in the Narthex and using snail mail to get it back to the church.  Whatever way you choose, we have all been blessed with special gifts to serve the Lord.  How will you use your special gifts?

Men's and Women's Hike In March

     After a couple of successful men's ministry hikes, it was suggested that a hike be offered for men and women together...not a couples hike per se (although couples are more than welcome), but a hike open to all men and women who enjoy such activity.

      So the first, and hopefully annual, men's and women's hike will be Saturday, March 31 in the Red River Gorge.  We will meet and car pool from church at 7:30 AM.  Please sign the list in the narthex if interested or contact Bob Young for additional information at 689-7121 or email at ryoung@gloriadei-nky.org

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Starting in March, we will offer Yoga on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30 P.M.  There will be a beginners’ yoga class- it is for stretching and strengthening purposes only.  While mats are not required, you may fell mo0re comfortable with one.  Childcare will be available.  We hope you will join us for this health-filled hour.

Recent Memorials Contributed

     Several individuals have made donations to the Memorial Fund to remember or honor someone or just to make a loving donation.  Shelley & Barry Dick made a donation to Undesignated in memory of loved ones and to honor Sara & Steve Kieffner.  John House was remembered by the following people with a donation to Undesignated:  Clyde & Mary Middleton, Herb & Janet Wedig, Tom & Nancy Bunnell,  Sara & Steve Kieffner, and Jim & Colleen Gray.  Burt & Rosellyn Lloyd remembered John with a donation to Worship and Music.  Jim & Mary Eichinger made a donation to Pastor’s Helping Hand in memory of  John.  Audrey Ripberger was remembered by William & Charlotte Himmler with a donation to Undesignated.  Ruth Circle  made an Undesignated donation in memory of  Christopher Kauffman.

                       -Geneva Reimer, Memorial Secretary

The Womens’ Retreat is getting close now.  Mark your calendars and sign up in the narthex.  There is a sheet that needs filling out along with a little more info by the sign up sheet.  The dates are Friday, March 9 at 5:10 p.m. through Saturday, March 10 until about 2:00 P.M.  The site will be St. Anne’s in Melbourne, KY- about 25 minutes from the church.  (Maps will be provided.) It is a wonderful opportunity for you to come with a sister, mom, grandma, daughter, or any other female relative or friend in your life.  The cost is $55.00 in advance.  (If money is a problem, let Pastor Vicki know).  Questions can be directed to Geneva Reimer at 356-7911, Marjorie Mueller at 331-5266, or Susan Schmidt at 635-2006.

WELCA News

Ruth Circle – will meet on Thursday, March 1 at Marjorie Mueller’s home.  Members will be collecting interview appropriate clothing for Dress for Success.  Bring your gently used clothing (dry cleaned, pressed, and on hangers) to church during the month of April.  Larger sizes and accessories are greatly appreciated.  There will also be bake sales on April 1 and 22 with proceeds going to Dress for Success with a matching gift from Thrivent.

Mary Circle- will meet on Thursday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Charlotte Davis.  Call 342-8883 for directions.  Charlotte Himmler has the program.  Come for fun and fellowship!  Use of our Remke grocery cards can benefit Gloria Dei and other projects.  Mary Circle has a Group No. 470 whereby a percentage of our Remke tapes is collected and a check is sent to us accordingly.  We then redistribute that money to groups such as our Youth, church renovation, kneeling pads, Sherri Chapin, Hannah Frostman, Heifer International, United Ministries, Welcome House, etc.  If you would like to participate in this ministry, we will have forms to distribute at the services on March 11.  Forms would also be available in the church office.  There is a web site for those who wish to sign up that way- www.remkes.com.  This is the Caring neighbor Project…Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Mary Circle – Group No. 470.  Thank you for caring!

Martha Circle – will meet on Monday, March 26 at the home of Judy Effler.  Lisa Miller will co-host and give the devotions.  The program will be assembling Easter bags for the mothers and children being served by the Women’s Crisis Center.  Call Lisa at 331-8655 for carpool information or directions to Judy’s.  Please join us and see what we’re all about!

WELCA Challenge

     The ELCA Mission Investment Fund is challenging Women of the ELCA to open 1000 new individual accounts by December 31, 2007.  If that goal is met, they will donate $25,000 toward the 2008 Triennial Gathering in Salt Lake City, Utah.

     An account can be opened with as little as $25.00.  When you invest in MIF, you’ll receive competitive adjustable or fixed interest rates AND your money is used to make loans for the construction of new churches and the renovation of existing ones.

     So ladies, will you help?  Where else can you save for your own financial future, raise up new churches, and help fund the 2008 Triennial Gathering?  Call Joy Shattuck at 344-0527 for questions or to obtain a packet.

MISSION STATEMENT

The family of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church accepts the call of our Lord Jesus to "go therefore and make disciples" and to fulfill this call by:

·         Evolving the highest-quality worship experience

·         Establishing community outreach that is Christ-centered

·         Fostering spiritual growth

·         Maximizing human and financial resources

·         Transmitting our love for Christ to those in need

SUNDAY SERVICES

Sunday worship services for everyone are offered at 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 5:30 p.m.  Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at all services.  A nursery is also provided at all services.

GLORIA DEI NEWS

The Newsletter of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is published monthly.  The deadline for articles is the 15^th of the month.  Articles may be e-mailed to the editor, Val Eason, at newsletter@gloriadei-nky.org or faxed to 578-0273.

CHURCH OFFICERS

Duane Skavdahl……………………………….……..President

Steve Kieffner.…..………………………..……Vice President

Todd Kuhse…......………………………………..…..Secretary

Kurt & Kay Freyberger………………………...……Treasurer

Paula Ebert……………………………...…Financial Secretary

CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Vicki Garber…………………………….…Senior Pastor

Rebecca Brode…...……Director of Youth & Group Ministries

Debbie Hoydal……………………………....Church Secretary

Terri Chapman…………………………………..…..Custodian

PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Peggy Fisher & Dolores Kreutzjans…..….Preschool Directors

Anita Carmack……………………...………….Music Director

Ron Carmack………...…………..……Chancel Choir Director

Mindy Barrett………………………Children’s Choir Director

Lynn & Paul Goodridge……………….…Praise Band Leaders

Bob & Bonnie Handahl…..Adult Sunday School Coordinators

Terri Stinebruner …Children’s Sunday School Superintendent

Nancy Mlinarik……Children’s Sunday School Superintendent

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