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Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Risen lord,
You just never know what some preachers are going to do in their sermons! The Reverend Mona West, who counts herself a fan of David letterman I started her Easter sermon off with the following" Top 10 Reasons to Celebrate Easter":
10. You absolutely love the movie, "The Ten Commandments."
9. You look really, really good in yellow.
8. You just went on a low cholesterol diet and didn't want to waste all those eggs in the fridge.
7. You figure any holiday that starts with a "Good Friday" can't be all bad.
6. You love to bite the heads off chocolate bunnies.
5. It's a good time to check out your neighborhood church and not be no ticed.
4. You have this bunny suit you love to wear, but are too insecure to wear it without a reason.
3. Even though you don't know what it is, you really like the sound of going to a Passion Play.
2. You figured since Jesus went to all THAT trouble to make it to the first Easter, you give it a shot.
1. As a Christian you celebrate the resurrection every other day, why not
Easter too?
While a few of Reverend Wesrs reasons for celebrating Easter may be a bit dubious, I really resonate with number one. You see, as Christians we can't help but celebrate Easter- Resurrection 365 days a year, including Easter Sunday. We are an Easter people. Or, as Paul says, if Christ has not been raised we are of all people most to be pitied. The message of Chrisrs resur- rection makes us who we are. The message of Chrisrs resurrection shapes every moment of the life we're called to live.
Perhaps another way of saying this is to borrow a phrase from the poet Wendelt Berry: Practice Res- urrection. Here's what Barry says about practicing resurrection:." Every day do something that won't compute. Love the Lord. Love the world. Work for nothing. Love someone who does not deserve it. Ask the questions that have no answers. Be joyful though you have considered all the facts."
However you define what it means to practice Resurrection the key, I think, is to live in the faith that
God in Christ has defeated death in all its forms, including boreqpm, apathy and despair. A living Lord is on the loose working his purpose out, redeeming absotutely every situation even the most desperate. And, he's inviting sinner- saints like you and me to be his partners in a new creation which includes making new creations out of us, too.
Now, Child of God, who wouldn't want to celebrate this every moment of every day, especially this one?
Practicing Resuerection with you .
Pastor John Malzahn
From Vicar Tracy
If you noticed that Easter was early this year , you were correct. I found this article online that talked about just how early Easter was in 2008:
As you may know, Easter is always the 1 st Sunday after the 1 st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.
Found out a couple of things you might be interested in! Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare.
Here's the interesting info. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here's the facts:
1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
No matter how late or early Easter is, we can enjoy the message of hope we find as we pro- claim "He is risen indeed!"
-Vicar T racy
("when is Easter" taken from www .bits&pieces .us)
3 Loaves and Fishes: Lutheran World Relief
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) is a non-governmental organization founded in 1945 to respond to the needs of communities devastated by World War II. Since then, it has evolved from a relief agency shipping material resources to war-torn Europe to an agencx that works with partners world- wide to respond to emergencies, seek lasting solutions to rural poverty , and work for peace and justice for all. LWR works to promote equity, strengthen organizational capacity, and empower communities to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives, while continually learning to increase our impact Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, LWR works to reduce poverty and injustice by helping communities increase and expand the resources they need to live productive, healthy and empowered lives.
. Every year, the members of Holy Trinity contribute to LWR and its mission work around the world. Your contributions help fund programs such as AIDS prevention in Uganda . In 2005, LWR contrib- uted $25,000 in aid to Uganda, helping adult HIV rates drop from 30% to 4% in just 13 years. Our money also helps LWR in malaria prevention through the distribution of mosquito nets. One net, which costs $6 can prevent a family 4 from contracting this deadly disease.
The work of Holy Trinity also brings relief to those experiencing natural disasters close to home. From Gulf Coast hurricanes to Midwest tornados, your contributions ensure victims of natural disasters receive the aid they need quickly. LWR was also voted one of the best charities in the country in 2006.
This month, let us pray for the work of our mission partners including LWR. May their work continue to aid those in need throughout the world. For more information, check out their website: Iwr.org --Vicar Tracy
(information obtained from website: Iwr.org)
News Briefs and Personal Notes
Praise Service
Our next praise service will be held Saturday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. Join us for music, prayer and fellowship. Our praise service is held the third Saturday of every month.
OUR SYMPATHY AND LOVE to the family and friends of David Paul Barker, 43, who died in the Lord on Sunday, February 24. David was a life- long member of HTLC and known to many in the community from his work as a bagger at Marsh on Tillotson. David's sister Ruth and husband Garry Dailey and family are fellow HTLC mem- bers. May the Lord grant David and all who fall asleep in Jesus his perfect peace.
OUR SYMPATHY AND LOVE to Doug and Jackie Bakken on the passing of sister-in-Iaw, Ruth Bakken, in Indianapolis following a valiant battle with cancer. Our prayers also surround hus- band, Darrell and their daughter, Dawn and fam- ily in Bloomington. May Jesus' victory be Ruth's and his peace sustain the family in the days ahead.
OUR LOVE AND SYMPATHY to the family of Ruby Metzcar, relative to the late Crystal Metzcar, HTLC member, who died on March 6. Pr. John is conducted the funeral service tomorrow at Par- son's Mortuary.
BETlY WYNINGER, our former secretary, thanks all at HTLC for their prayers in her recent suc- cessful surgery. She asks for our continued prayers as she begins radiation treatments.
CONGRATULATIONS AND BLESSINGS on the birth of Landon Marius Willadsen on March 10 to Kristin and Anders Willadsen. Landon re- mains hospitalized at BMH after a complicated delivery.
HTLC Book Club meets Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00pm to review LeaQiog by Brian Doyle. Even if you haven't read the book, join us for the conversation !
2008 HTLC SOFTBALL -The 2008 softball sea- son is right around the corner and the HTLC men's and coed teams are organizing. Any men or women (At least 14 years Old) interested in playing should complete the sign-up sheet in the Information Center in the Narthex. Make sure to include contact information and shirt size. Also, a coach is still needed for the coed team. For more information contact Larry Wood at 284- 9811.
Have you signed up for your HTlC Cafe / listening Post event? Visit the display in the narthex and bless HTlC with your prayerful. passionate presencel
Service of the Word for Healing and Wholeness
Sunday. April 13. 4:00pm
In this spirited collection, noted essayist Brian Doyle makes his way through a forest of prickly ideas, armed widl only his pen and his faith, and emerges a man attuned to his surroundings and his religion--a believer in a world of contradictions and mystery. Whether celebrating Mass in the company of a priest and a honeybee, reflecting on the physicalness of Christ's elbows, or watching bemused as his sons consume mounds of dirt in his backyard, Doyle ~ just the right words to express wonder and joy, to celebrate life, mad as it is with miracles.
"No one writes prose with the verve and honesty, the gusto and wit of Brian Doyle. Read Leapir.g and I know you'U agree--Brian Doyle is a superb, a sublime, artist of me written word."
Pattiann Rogers, poet, audlor of Song of the WorId Becoming
"Brian Doyle sa}'5 he believes that everything is a prayer. No wonder, then, that his eye for beauty, his ear for language, and his feel for the mysteries of life are all unerring."
-Anne Fadiman. author of The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down and Ex Libris
"A lovely, lively book. Brian Doyle has a fine quick mind alert for anomaly and quirk-none of mem beyond his agi\~ pen. Leaping is informed throughout by wisdom, humor, and affection, and pedlaps especially by me ardor of his faith and love of family."
-Perer Matthiessen, naturalist, author of The Snow Leopard
BRIAN DOYLE is the editor of Portland Magazine. A widely published essayist, his work has appeared in a number of journals, including Harper's, the Atlantic Monthly, and Commonweal. He is the author of three other collections of essays- Credo. Saints Passionate and Peculiar; and (with his father, Jim Doyle) Two Voices. Doyle lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and their three children.
It's Spring
Every year at this time, we are encouraged to be prepared for natural disasters. But, we really need to be prepared year-round for aU types of emergencies. The Ministry of Outreach has a few suggestions to enable you to help yourself and your neighbors year round.
Preare a Personal Disaster and Evacuation Plan
The American Red Cross encourages every family to develop a family disaster plan. These suggestions are from the Hoosier Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross: .....Show each person how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches, and how to use a fire extinguisher. * Identify where you would go if you were told to evacuate. Choose several different places - a friend's home outside of the affected area, a motel or a shelter. * Get a good map and be familiar with your community's evacuation routes. * Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions. * If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. * In case you have to evacuate, be sure to bring your disaster supplies kit: medications, extra clothing, pillows and blankets, and other hygiene and comfort supplies, along with copies of essential papers and documents. (You do have a kit, don't you?) * Be sure to make advanced safety precautions for your pets. Pets are NOT ALLOWED in Red Cross Shelters. * Ask and out-of-town family member or friend to act as "family contact" for everyone to call in case of separation. It is often easier to call long distance after a disaster. .Make a Contribution to the Hoosier Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross. The Ministry of Outreach will have a labeled basket available service on Sunday, April 20, if you wish to contribute at that time. Make a Contribution to the ELCA Disaster Response...
You can make a contribution using an envelope available on the information table or through the ELCA website www.ldr.orq. (You may use a credit card and/or designate a particular disaster if you wish.)
Worship Questions
--I would like to offer HTLC friends a place in the Trinity Times to ask questions related to worship. If you have ever wondered why we do the things we do, just ask in person or via em.ail: tracypaschkej@gmail.com "II print the answer in an upcoming Trinity Times.
Q: "ve noticed that the colors at the front of the church have changed since Easter. Why is this, and what do the colors mean?
A: We use colors to set the mood for worship service. When you attended the Good Friday service, you may have noticed that the church was dark and the ministers were wearing black. This was to emphasize the sad nature of the service. On Easter, we had bright colors and everything was white. This symbolized the joy we feel as we celebrate Chrisfs resurrection.
Over the next several months, you will notice that green is the primary color used in our services. Green symbolizes growth and renewal, which is appropriate as we approach spring. We can consider the ways that our faith grows and is renewed after the Lenten season.
-Vicar Tracy
Dear Saints of the ECIC,
.
We will gather as Congregations of our East Central Indiana Conference on Sunday afternoon, April 20th, at Holy Trinity, in Muncie. This is our Spring Congregational Gathering which will begin at 3 pm with registration starting at 2:30 pm. CHILD CARE WILL BE PROVIDED, so families with children will not have to stay away or find a baby sitter.
Rev. Jeff Gramza, Pastor of Holy Trinity in New Castle will again favor us by an informative sharing of a second modified Healthy Congregation Workshop. There are a total of six workshops.
This event is open to every Saint of every congregation so consider car pooling. These workshops a e not meant for troubled congregations but rather to assist congregations to continue in their health. It would be like eating properly and exercising to maintain your personal health.
Come and join the fellowship of Saints. A meal will be served at 5 pm.God Bless,Rev. Dr. Paul G. Krebs, Dean of the East Central Indiana Conference
Time and Talent Commitment Sunday Sunday, April 6
Your Church Needs You!
Observe all the activities that take place in our church. These are accomplished by volunteers, both on the front lines and behind the scenes.
Yes, we have capable people doing these things but think how much more we could do with more help. When you fill out your Time and Talent survey sheet please keep this in mind. Besides doing good things for our congregation think how much better your heart will feel.
Watch your mail for more info!
Council Comments
This is a new feature to help your Congregation Council keep you informed on the issues, both burning and boring, of HTLC. Complete council minutes are always posted on the lower narthex bulletin board.
In February, much of our time was spent finalizing a compensation package for our new vivacious, vibrant and versatile vicar, Tracy Paschke-Johannes. Synod and seminary guidelines as well as tax and budget constraints were all seriously considered before all were pleased with the final package.
Nancy Carlson has agreed to serve as Convener for the Ministry of Media. Blessings to you, Nan! Conveners are still needed for the Ministry of Ministries of Hospitality and Nurture. Pray that someone willi be called to serve in these important positions.
Perhaps you'll be inspired to volunteer on April 6th when we have our Commitment Sunday.
This brings us to the March meeting. The Ministry of Support has agreed to quickly tabulate the results of the T & T sheets. We agreed to make a quick initial contact with all who commit their time and/ or talents. A special T & T sheet will be made for youth who want to be a part of the action at HTLC.
Dave and Carol Shears were chosen and have agreed to be our delegates at the 2008 Synod Assembly on June 5-7 in Lexington, KY.
Listening posts are yet another way for your Council to communicate with you about our staffing in the near future. We hope that all of you can find your way to one of the four opportunities to share your ideas.
The four times and places are:
Sunday, March 30, 6 p.m. HTLC pitch-in meal preceding
Wednesday, April 9, 7 p.m. HTLC coffee and light refreshments
Sunday, April 13, 9:15 a.m. HTLC coffee cake or donuts
Saturday, April 26 12 noon Mancino's Dutch-treat lunch
Sign up in the Narthex for the time that fits your schedule best. This concludes my Council Comments,
Blessings to you all, Becki B., your V. P
THE YG
All youth group events are open to young men and women in grades 6-12. If you have any questions or concerns about Youth Group (THE YG), please feel free to contact
Dustan and Kelli Smith: 2886788
April Activities: On Sunday, April 13th, The YG will be going to the Play Station for three games of laser tag and arcade games. We will leave from church following 2nd }. Then following the games, we
will carpool over to the Fisher's house for snacks and continued fellowship. Pick up by 5 p.m. Youth will need $20 dollars for laser tag and games. Please let Kelli and Dustan know if you plan on attending so that we can have transportation arranged.
This month we,:will also volunteer with a little clean-up at Camp Lutherwald. We will leave on Friday April 25th at 5:30, stay overnight and then help around the camp on Saturday. Our planned return time will be about 5:30 on the 26th. Youth ,should bring work clothes and normal overnight necessities. Contact Dustan and Kelli for more information.
May Activities: We will meet for our monthly Sunday gathering on May 11th at 6:06 P.M. Other activities to come.
LUTHERAN OUTDOOR
MINISTRIES
OF
INDIANA
KENTUCKY
Website: www.lomik.org Email: lom-ik@juno.comRev. Mark Radloff, Director Phone: 260.667-7750
Join a crew from HTLC at beautiful Lutheran Hills in scenic Brown County May 23 - 27 for a memorable Memorial Day weekend. Sign up at the narthex displayl
Laughter
For years I have played the "Laughing
Game" with my grandchildren. In fact, I invented the game! We would lie on the floor or the bed
or somewhere as quietly as we could or 'quiet as a mouse,' if you will. The first one to laugh or to make even a beep, lost the game. At that point, we would all erupt into laughter. It was amazing how soon we were genuinely tickled and not just pretending. Try it sometime. I knew the benefits of laughter to my soul and wanted to pass on a legacy in this crazy way. Requests from the grandkids to 'play the laughing game' were music to my ears.
Well, I now see printed speech about
laughter. So here are a few paraphrased words from an article entitled Laugh Out Loud: It's Good For You, by Allan Richter in the most recent issue of Energy Times.
He says that 30 years ago Norman Cousins in his book, Anatomy of an Illness, shed light on laughter's medicinal qualities. Since then, the sick and those not wanting to be sick, have been mining the benefits of mirth. Research continues to understand the healing power of humor and laughter, both artificial and real.
Cancer treatment centers have laughter therapy sessions where patients and their families put themselves in a joyful mind set with an imagined trip. Each session begins with artificial laughter that gives way to genuine giggles. Participants give comments like: It is just like a shot of oxygen. . . it's like a religious cleansing of the soul. . . it feels like watching the sea. Powerful statements.
The positive effects of laughter on the functioning of blood vessels and on overall cardiovascular health were documented by a study at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. Other studies say endorphins, chemicals that give the body pleasure, are released with laughter.
I had no idea my little laughing game was part of such important breakthroughs. Listen to this. Some 5,000 laughter clubs are organized in 40 countries, according to laughter enthusiast Dr. Madan Kataria on his website
. www.yogalaff.com. Certified laughter leaders have been sent to help families of soldiers to Iraq and even into the classroom, hoping to develop more receptive students. Don't think anything else needs to be said (plus I'm running out of room). Go www.worldlaughtertour.com to learn more.
Judy Urban, RN Health Team Member
PS-Blood Pressure Check, first Sunday on each month, between services. Courtesy of Kathi Stodgdill, RN.
Welcome friends in Christ to the Worship and work of this people of God!
Trent and Dani Hargens,
403 W. Piper CT, Muncie IN 47303.
The Hargens are being welcomed on Easter Sunday. Trent is a BSU faculty member connected to the Human Performance Center. Dani is a physical therapist. Together they are the. parents of Ainsley, who was baptized at HTLC on December 23,2007. They are being welcomed by Affirmation of Faith, although Trent grew up in a Lutheran congregation in Iowa.
Tommy and Laura Duncan,
3131 S. Chippewa LN., Muncie IN 47302.
Tommy and Laura Duncan have been introduced to HTLC through Bob and the late Phyllis Baker, HTLC members, are Laura's parents. In addition, the Duncan's grandson, Chance, was baptized at HTLC on June 24, 2007. Tommy has worked in industrial maintenance and production for 38 years and Laura works American Greetings. Kadisha, their beautiful Rottweiler, seems to pastors who speak a little German! The Duncan's are being welcomed on Easter in the Sacrament of Baptism, which was the height of the Easter celebration in the first Christian communities.
The following were welcomed to the community on Palm Sunday:
Susie Engle.
732 N. Elm, Muncie IN 47305.
Susie came to know of HTLC through her good friends Jamie-Sue and Dave Ferrell. She is a 2003 graduate of Carthage College and has a Master of Theological Studies Degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, which she earned in 2006. She is being welcomed on Palm Sunday by Letter of Transfer from Cross of Ufe Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
Phil and Abbie Deloria,
2308 N. Janney Ave, Muncie IN 47304.
Phil and Abbie Deloria were introduced to the HTLC community by Wade and Kristen Fisher. Phil was raised in the Roman Catholic community and Abbie is the daughter of a Presbyterian minister. BSU is also their community. They are being welcomed by affirming their baptismal faith on Palm Sunday.
Lynda Eade,
1418 W. North Street, Muncie IN 47303.
Lynda is a retired English teacher and long-time active member of HTLC in New Castle. She bought her home from HTLC's Jan Segedy. Lynda will become the next secretary of the HTLC Foundation and is being welcomed by Letter of Transfer on Palm Sunday.
Carl, Barbara, Hannah and George Schafer,
700 Brentwood LN, Muncie IN 47304.
The Schafer's come to us from Pennsylvania, which almost has as many Lutherans as Minnesota. Carl is the Associate Director of the BSU Art Museum and Barbara manages grants for Muncie Children's Museum. Together they are the parents of George (6) and Hannah, who will be baptized at HTLC on April 6. ! We welcome them on Palm Sunday by Letter of Transfer from St. John's Lutheran Church, Allentown, PA.
Dr. Karla Noel,
2008 Wier Cook Dr., Yorktown IN 47396.
Karla is not a new member at all but a life-long member of HTLC who has returned to Muncie to establish her medical practice at Yorktown Health and Diagnostics. Florida's loss is our gain! We welcome Karla back home on Palm Sunday.
Connie Clary,
3505 N. Burgess RD., Muncie IN 47304.
Connie, who has roots in the Roman Catholic tradition, is a wife to Mike, and empty nest mom and grandma who reports feeling at home at HTLC almost as soon as she walked through the front doors. She is the receptionist at WIPB and is being welcomed by Affirmation of Faith on Palm Sunday.Tom Gilliom,
8600 W. Thorn Tree Rd., Muncie IN 47304.
Tom is married to HTLC member Martha Gilliom. He grew up in the Mennonite tradition and has been a leader at College Avenue UMC. A social worker by profession, he is the Administrator of Meridian Services of Delaware County. Tom joins us on Palm Sunday by Affirmation of Faith.
Regional Blood Drive
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Sunday, April 27th
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join Lutherans throughout IN &' KY
to help save thousands of lives!
Be a Lutheran Life Saver & enjoy...
- Prize drawings for over $2,500 worth of gift certificates (winners at each location)
- Special prize drawings for first-time donors
- Early Bird prize drawing
- Register by April 6th to be eligible
- Free gifts and refreshments
Regional Blood Drive Features...
- Goal of 1,500 donors in one week
- Over 40 church/school locations along with numerous IN &: KY Blood Center locations
For More Info...
Call Gwen Carey at 765-284-8683 or
visit www.lutheransonline.com/rf0270
Thrivent Financial
for Lutherans'
Let's thrlve.
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