To Know Christ and To Make Him Known

april 2019 St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, ELCa Volume XXXVi • number 4

Stations of the Cross Holy Week Services Experience Jesus’ Passion journey with interactive meditations and visual effects Sunday, April 14 THE PaSSion of our Lord (PaLm Sunday) – 9:30 am By Sharon Ross, Minister of Spiritual Formation Procession and blessing of palms; Walking and praying the Stations of the Cross The Passion of our Lord according are an ancient way of participating in Jesus’ suffer - to Luke; Holy Communion ing in the last days before his death. The concept of pilgrimage will be re-ignited with creative visuals Thursday, April 19 maundy THurSday – 7:00 Pm during Holy Week that interpret the historical Foot Washing; Holy Communion; Stripping of events of the suffering of Christ in terms of their the altar significance for our present-day walk of faith. And, as pilgrimages do, transformation will be Friday, April 19 Good Friday – noon brought about in unexpected ways. During Holy Community Service at 2nd Congregational Week, St. Luke’s Celebration Center (enter from Church, 525 Cheshire dr, Gr. Participating the outside at the ramp door) will be set up with churches: north Park Presbyterian, St. andrew’s Episcopal, St. Luke’s Lutheran, Second Congrega- eight Stations of the Cross. The stations are based tional (uCC) on scripture passages which have been studied by some of our members. The stations and the guide - Friday, April 19 Good Friday – 7:00 Pm books available for both adults and children will Good Friday Liturgy at St. Luke’s offer an opportunity for deep contemplation on the Bidding Prayer; adoration of the events of Holy Week. Cross (bring your nail received on The eight stations are: Ash Wednesday) • Pilate condemns Jesus to die • Jesus takes up His cross Saturday, April 20 THE GrEaT ViGiL of – • Simon helps carry the cross 5:00 Pm • Jesus speaks to the weeping women St. andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1025 3 mile • Jesus is stripped of his garments (no Saturday service at St. Luke’s) • Jesus is nailed to the cross Service of Light; Service of readings; Service of Holy or affirmation of Baptism; Service • Jesus cares for his mother of Holy Eucharist • Jesus dies on the cross Stations of the Cross are open to members and Sunday, April 21 THE rESurrECTion the public at the following times: of our Lord (EaSTEr) Wednesday, April 17 & Thursday, April 18 9:30 am – Holy Communion 3:00 Pm – 6:45 Pm 11:00 am – Holy Communion Good Friday, April 19 1:00 Pm – 9:00 Pm

Connecting to God > Connecting to Each Other > Connecting to Our World an Easter message from the Senior Pastor

a time of renewal for the soul…… Where the old sinful self gradually, grudgingly gives way to a new day. disciplines of fasting, prayer and repentance Lead to regeneration, renewal and the Way of the cross upon which hung the salvation of the world

God grieves for we, his children, lost and alone. Turn away from those things that cause us to sin Turn toward Christ who cries out, “Follow me.” Turn right now and on this new day begin a life filled with forgiveness, love and grace.

Celebrate in quiet prayer and praise our Lord Jesus who suffered loss Scourged, ridiculed and beaten He died a criminal’s death on the cross But in the grave he would not remain.

Loving God brings light to the darkness of our being. The Spirit breathes life into our tired bones. Winter’s cold icy grasp upon the world is past as earth in labor groans and Spring in all its glory will burst forth.

as the caterpillar waits within its cocoon Changing, gaining wings to become a fanciful dancing butterfly. out of the cold, up through the snow shoots forth The green tender shoots of daffodils tickling the sky For soon, very soon new life will be everywhere.

a blessed Easter to you all ! Pastor Dave Reserve your time slot for Easter Prayer Vigil Have you ever wanted a half hour or even an hour to yourself? St. Luke’s contin - uous Easter Prayer Vigil is for you. For 24 hours beginning on Good Friday at the end of the evening service until Saturday evening someone will be in prayer in our Prayer Room, located next to the church office. What a perfect way to prepare for Easter and to lift up our church and others in prayer. Sign up and pick your time slot on the bulletin insert or on the sign up sheet in the narthex. Contact Erin Atkinson ([email protected]) or Sarah Elliott ([email protected]) with questions or to signup, as well.

Celebrating another great year The Queen you Thought you Knew of faith learning and growth A fresh look at the Book of Esther and its hidden story The entire congregation is invited to the Faith Formation year-end celebration on Sunday, may 5 Sign up now for the may 6 – June 10 monday at 11 Am in St. Luke’s Celebration Center. evening Spiritual Formation study of Esther. In celebration of a great year of faith learning It is a story that goes beyond the external threat of and growth, we will share a potluck brunch, honor Haman and exposes an eternal threat that had our teachers, and enjoy brief presentations by our haunted the Jewish People for centuries. youth and adults that showcase what they have • meets from 6:00 Pm -8:00 Pm been doing and learning this year. Invite your • Cost is $10 for materials friends and families. • Register by April 17 (forms in the narthex) For more information, contact Sharon Ross, • Facilitated by Sharon Ross, minister of Spiritual minister of Spiritual Formation: [email protected] Formation in Room 126 of the Celebration Center

Lace up your shoes for annual Walk for Good Food The ACCESS of West michigan’s Walk for Good is to fund 14 non-profit organi - Food takes place on Sunday, may 5. Sponsor en - zations that address issues of velopes will be available soon in the church narthex. food access and poverty. Over Walk for Good Food is an annual 5k walk in the last 41 years, the Walk has Grand Rapids that kicks-off at Park Congregational raised over $6 million. Church in the heart of the city. The goal of the Walk “By walking together we unite in vision of a Good Food system for all and broaden our shared impact for social good,” says the ACCESS of West michigan website. You don’t have to actually do the walk, you can just gather donations to support the hungry in our community. We are grateful for all the support St. Luke’s has given to this activity over the years. Look for more information in upcoming “Happenings” and churchwide emails. 2018 St. Luke’s walkers pose with ACCESS food mascots ALSO ON OUR RADAR History, mystery of Liturgical Calendar revealed St. Luke’s monthly Fellowship meets Tuesday, April 2 at 11:00 Am • Supper House at St. Alphonsus for the service of Holy Communion, followed by lunch at noon and a Church on Thursday, April 11 at program in the Celebration Center. 4:30 Pm . This month’s presentation is an overview of • Dégagé Ministries in downtown the Liturgical Calendar. Why does the church Grand Rapids on Friday , April 12 year begin at the end of November or beginning at 6:00 Pm . of December? What is Epiphany and how do • Spring Clean-Up at St. Luke’s you say it? Why are some festivals on specific on Saturday , April 13 from 9 :00 Am dates and other festivals show up on differing - Noon (rain date April 20). days each year? Who is Onesimos Nesib and why is a Pope remem - bered on the Lutheran calendar? Inquiring minds want to know! Join us for a fun, interactive expe - rience that will help participants gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the Liturgical Calendar.

returns this summer! Learn more about quiet offering designee, Watch for more details soon. Wedgwood, at adult forum on april 28 Council has designated our quiet offering for April-June for Lectionary study Wedgwood Christian Services, a local agency that is one of michigan’s You are invited to join Pastor most highly regarded experts helping at-risk youth and families since Dave on Tuesdays for study 1960. A representative from Wedgwood will be at St. Luke’s on April Am at 1:30 Pm in the Gathering Room. 28 to tell more about their services at the adult forum at 11 . The study reviews the Bible texts Wedgwood is a Christian ministry characterized by the values of (lectionary) assigned for the up - integrity, compassion, excellence, and diversity. Their goal is to sup - coming Sunday worship service. port and help restore the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual well-being of children, adults and families in our commu - nity. Services include residential, counseling, substance abuse treat - ment, an autism center, parenting support, and educational services ST. LUKE’S APRIL through Wedgwood Institute, Lighthouse Academy, and Hope Acad - WORSHIP SCHEDULE emy of West michigan.

Saturday W orship 5:00 PM @ S T. L UKE ’S Sunday Worship 9:30 AM Kids’ summer Faith Formation 11:00 AM ministry program NURSERY PROVIDED returns in June Easter Sunday Worship 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM On Wednesday mornings in June and July, St. Luke’s and Faith NO FAITH FORMATION Lutheran will co-host a story hour for children ages 3 - 8. Dates, times, and locations will be announced in next month’s Epistle . Wednesday Lent Service StoryTime is designed for parents to get a “wee break” while their (April 3 & 10) children are learning Bible stories and partaking in age appropriate 7:00 PM activities. This is wonderful opportunity for parents, grandparents, COOKIE RECEPTION FOLLOWS and childcare personnel to get some respite. Nursery will be available for ages 0 – 2 years. Welcome families! St. Luke’s hosted Family Promise guests march 24-31

Family Promise - Getting ready day! We had a great crew come out on march 17 to get ready for our Family Promise guests. Blinds were cleaned, the ping pong table was repaired, and "Vanna White"made our refrigerator sparkle!

Classrooms are magically transformed into family bedrooms.

Lots of toys for the little ones. Hand made wooden toys were donated for Family Promise by Karl Leskovar. In Our Prayers CURRENT PRAYERS Caitlin & Chelsea Jim michael & baby • To all who served in any capacity Chris Kristen W. Terry B. to prepare for and host the families Helen LaDene Uecker-Herman family Jessica m. marion L. from Family Promise. ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the CONTINUING PRAYERS least of these brothers and sisters of Amelia’s family Jan miriam mine, you did for me.’ (Matt. 25:40) Bill H. Jim H. mollie Cottrell family Jordan Riak Family David W. June H. Robinson family • To Josh and Becky Crystal and Ed & family Lynette Tammy V. Pastor Marcy for chaperoning our Heidi melinda Wyble family middle school students to the Charge! at Great Wolf Lodge. HOmE BOUND Al Bea Fran Joyce June Tudy

PRAYER FOCUS Treasurer position open Church council, pastors, staff, leadership If interested in serving as St. Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Bishop Craig Satterlee Luke’s treasurer, contact Scott St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and Bishop Whayne Hougland Stapel for more information: Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte St. Luke’s Stephen ministers, their care receivers [email protected] . Our current treasurer is resigning in may. BIRTH : Riley Ann, daughter of Doug & mary Spencer, march 13. Grandpar - ents are Scott & Becky Spencer. Great Grandparents are Clayton & Phyllis Babcock. Stephen Ministry BAPTISm : Klara Lin, daughter of Jeff & Stacey Nowak, march 30. We are the eyes and ears of DEATHS : Lois Timm, mother of Dave Timm, February 28; Rev. Paul Reyelts, Jesus today. If you find someone father of Fred Reyelts, march 21; Rick LePard, father of maggie (Alex) Ross march 22; Burt Uecker, father of Holly Uecker-Herman, march 25. with a need greater than you can meet, tell the person about mILITARY : Gabriel Wiltzer (National Guard), Jordan Adams (marines), Taylor Ahn (Army), max Angel (Army), Alex & Ashley Bickel (Air Force), matthew St. Luke’s Stephen ministry and Crawford (Army), Blaine Hughes (Air Force), Nathaniel & Rachel mitcavish put them in contact with Pastor (Army), Dan morris (Air Force), melissa & David Valentino (Air Force), Dave ([email protected]). Kelli Walker (Air Force), Alex Yurush (Army)

Charged Up our middle school students attended The Charge! at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City in march. They got "charged up" by renewing their faith in Jesus! There were two bands, skill work - shops, small group studies, lots of global music, and im - mense fun at the water park. Everyone had a great time! New members received on March 24 THE EPiSTLE is published monthly as a min - istry of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Grand rapids, michigan. The congregation is in - vited to submit articles to the Editorial Staff. articles are due by the second Sunday of each month. Support Staff: Jackie mcGee and Linda reyelts. Church Staff ministers ...... all members Senior Pastor ...... david Blank associate Pastor ...... marcy miller minister of Spiritual Formation ...... Sharon ross minister of Worship ...... Jonathan Lonsway Treasurer ...... marcie Schaab administrative assistant ...... Jackie mcGee (L-R): Ted and Mary Ann Masterton; Ella Shaw; Chris and Beth Warloe with children Coord. of Worship Tech ...... Josh Crystal Alaina and Brooks were received into St. Luke’s membership. Welcome home! Coord. of Early Childhood ministry ...... Susan VanderLaan Custodian ...... Eric Glazier maintenance ...... mike Fessenden LETTERS Phone number: ...... 616-363-2381 Fax number: ...... 616-363-5713 Website: www. stlk.org E-mail: [email protected] Dear Council & St. Luke's Community, Facebook: www.facebook.com/stlukesgr address: 3215 Four mile rd. I am so thankful for my time on council - for the opportunity to serve Grand rapids, mi 49525 this community in a very fulfilling way. You have all been so supportive and uplifting and I am so grateful for that. Congregational Council I will be praying for our new council and cheering you on from the side - President ...... Scott Stapel lines. May God bless you with inspiration, deepened faith, and a love Vice President ...... Karen Fisher for this very special community. Secretary ...... Christine Crandell In Christ's love, Faith Formation liaison ...... Linda reyelts Jan Barclay Finance liaison ...... Caleb uecker-Herman Good news liaison ...... mike Crawford Social Justice liaison ...... Chris magley Stewardship liaison ...... richard notestine Church Council March Highlights Liaison TBd ...... Eric Bricker / Liaison TBd ...... Theresa Cottrell • Council approved request to designate Wednesday night Liaison TBd ...... mike Lampen Lenten offerings to ELCA World Hunger. Liaison TBd ...... diane rabe • Council discussed amending length and cycle of council youth representative ...... Elisa Standridge terms in the future. Would require constitutional amend- ment. more discussion and discernment needed. • Council approved new members to be received in march. • New Council to be installed on march 31. We are a Complete minutes are available in the church office. steohen MINISTRY congregation Spring Clean Up ~ April 13 ~

The annual church spring cleaning is planned for Saturday, April 13 (rain date April 20). We’ll clean up the remnants of winter and freshen up the church grounds. All are welcomed to come with rakes, pitchforks and work gloves.