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February Shalom 2008
And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
--Hebrews 10:24-25
The statistics in this year's Annual Report showed a
lot of
signs of health and vitality in our congregation. Our baptized membership topped 500 for
the
first time in several years.
Financially, we finished the year solidly in the black and pledges
for
2008 are up. Our campus ministry
program
is growing and we're seeing more and more students getting involved. But, there is one number that always
gives me
pause: Over the past several years, our worship attendance has remained
relatively flat. Some years it's
a bit
higher, some lower, but our average has been about 160. That means, on any given Sunday, only
about
1/3 of our membership gathers to praise God, hear God's word proclaimed
and
share in the sacrament.
That fact always makes me wonder why attending worship isn't more of a priority with people. Of course, the reasons why people miss worship on any given Sunday are probably as varied as the people who are missing. People these days seem to be busy to the breaking point. People travel frequently and are not in town. Others have kids involved in sporting clubs that meet on Sundays more and more. Then there is sickness, the weather, and a host of other reasons people cannot or do not come.
But what about those who just choose not to come? Who have gotten out of the “habit” of worship? Or who stop coming because someone has done something or said something to hurt them, or drive them away? I regularly pray that these people would get “turned on” to worship again. I pray that people who have been hurt might find it in their hearts to forgive those who hurt them – or at least to let us know how we might make amends… if that's possible.
Because worship is important. It is not optional in the life of faith. It is one of the ways that we nurture our relationship with God, grow in our understanding of God's love and discover God's will for our lives. Worship is our weekly opportunity to celebrate God's blessings in our lives, praise God for God's steadfast love, learn about God's grace and experience God's mercy.
Could we do that alone? Sure, I suppose. But why would you want to? Worshipping is something God intends for us to do together! It's just more fun to do it together (like dancing or partying, or watching a game, some things are better done with others.)
I would strongly encourage you to make worship a priority in your life. God certainly wants you to come to God's house and join in the celebration. During this Lenten Season, I invite you to set aside Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings for God. You'll be glad you did.
Finally, I want you to know that I'm always open to ideas for making our worship better, and more meaningful. I welcome your thoughts.
I hope and pray that, next year, we will see positive growth in our worship attendance. As a goal, I would like to see our average closer to 40%. Higher would be even better.
I look forward to seeing YOU in church in 2008!
Peace,
Pastor Mike
Do you enjoy Pastor Mike's lesson introductions on Sunday mornings? If so, you might want to try out Sermon Talk-Backs on Sunday evenings at 7 PM. At this weekly adult bible study, we go into the context, history and meaning of the Sunday morning texts in even greater depth. We discuss the theme of the sermon and how its message applies to our daily lives. The group starts each meeting with prayer and then re-reads the morning texts. After that, we open it up for questions, comments and some pretty wide-open discussions. It's fun! New participants are always welcome!
SOUL
University Lutheran's group for YOUNG ADULTS (age 18-29)
SOUL's weekly meetings are called Taizé Tuesdays because the prayer/discussion part of the evening is based on a meditative, reflective worship style developed in Taizé, France. The community in Taizé draws young adults by the thousands from all over the world who gather there to experience this unique style of worship. Our Taizé experience happens every Tuesday night at 6:44 PM in the Triplex (the new Student Center at the entrance to the parking lot). Before that (at 6 PM) we share a FREE supper prepared by one of University Lutheran's excellent cooks. Taizé Tuesdays are for all young adults, not just OU students. Come! Bring a friend or two! For more on Taizé check out: http://www.taize.fr/en.
Like to go out to eat? Then, SOUL Food is for you! SOUL Food happens on the first Sunday of each month, right after second service lets out (around 12:15 pm). The group gathers in the Narthex of the church, picks a local restaurant, and then goes out to eat together. SOUL picks up the tab! This is a great way to meet other young adults in the congregation! SOUL Food in February is on the 3rd, in March it happens on the 2nd. See YOU there!
President - Bob Metz; Vice President - Jane Douglas; Secretary - Diane Hardersen
Committee Liaisons: Campus Ministry - Andrew Somers; Education - Arlis Scott; Evangelism - Diane Hardersen; Facilities Management - Roy Strom; Fellowship - Paul Kleine; Mission Advancement Planning Committee - Duane Winegardner; Social Ministry - Nina Livesey; Stewardship - Ken Miner; Worship - Jane Douglas.
Please contact these individuals if you would like to serve on these committees! All the committees are looking for help!
Council Members: Don't forget the Council Retreat on February 9 from 9 AM – 3 PM at the Downey farm! You will receive directions soon!
Sunday, February 17 will be a very special day at University Lutheran. On that day, we will be learning more about the many service programs and activities of our congregation. During worship, we will hear from several of our service projects. At breakfast, there will be an opportunity to pick up literature from the organizations we support. As Christians, we are called to be servants – working on behalf of the poor and needy. Here is a great chance to find out how you might get involved!
The third Saturday of each month is Potluck Saturday at University Lutheran! Everyone in the congregation is invited to bring a dish to share and have supper at ULCSC! Each month we will feature a different speaker. This month's Potluck Saturday is February 16 beginning at 5:30 PM. Our speaker will be master gardener Gwen Gransberg who will be talking about how to get our flowerbeds and other plants ready for the spring. Bring your gardening questions and your friends!
March's Potluck Saturday will be on the 15th! Mark your calendars!
We are looking for someone who can lead the Stewardship committee for the coming year. The chair would work with the committee, council liaison and Pastor Mike to plan stewardship activities throughout the year, including the annual pledge drive. If God is leading you to serve in this way, please call Ken Miner!
Thank-you to everyone who participated in the feedback sessions on the proposed building renovation and expansion designs. Your comments were constructive, helpful and insightful. The committee met with our architects, Howard and Associates, on January 24 and passed along the suggestions. The meeting was very good and the ideas from the feedback sessions were discussed at length. The architects will now take all the ideas and begin working on a second set of plans. We should be receiving them sometime in late February. Hopefully, by late in the Spring, we will bring a final design, along with cost estimates to the congregation for a vote. Please keep this process in your thoughts and prayers during the coming weeks and months!
Easter always happens on the first Sunday, after the first full moon, after the spring equinox. Because of this, Easter falls very early this year. And, because of that, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 6! This is just about the earliest Lent can begin!
Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten journey. Each year, we enter into this penitential time with the burning of the palms (from last Palm Sunday), the imposition of ashes, corporate confession and Holy Communion. This powerful service reminds us that “we are dust and to dust we shall return” and of our need for Christ. The sermon, based on John 13:1-20 is called, Feet Under the Table. Ash Wednesday services begin at 7 PM on February 6. The services will be preceded by a soup supper, hosted by the Fellowship committee, that begins at 5:30 PM.
This year's Midweek Lenten Services will focus on Jesus' conversations with his disciples around the table at the Last Supper. Based on the Gospel of John, we will hear Jesus prepare his disciples, and us, for his death and resurrection, as well as for their mission in the world. Midweek Services begin on Wednesday, February 13. All services are at 7 PM, and will be preceded by a congregational Soup Supper at 5:30 PM. Here is the schedule for Lent:
February 13 - Betrayal
and Love, John 13:21-38
February 20 – Dwellings, John 14:1-14
February 27 - Never Orphans, John 14:15-31
March 5 - Commandments and Comfort, John 15:1-16:4a
March 12 - The Voice of the Advocate, John 16:4b-24
During the Sundays in Lent, we will be highlighting several individuals from God's plan for our salvation, leading up to the fulfillment of that plan as Jesus gives his life on the cross and breaks open the grave on Easter!
First Sunday in Lent - February 10
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11; Sermon: Adam: “Master of Divinity”!?
Second Sunday in Lent - February 17
Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17; Sermon: Abraham: Born for Blessing
Third Sunday in Lent - February 24
Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42; Sermon: Moses: The Water Test
Fourth Sunday in Lent - March 2
1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41; Sermon: David: Seeing What God Sees
Fifth Sunday in Lent - March 9
Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45; Sermon: Ezekiel: Living Bones
To read your bible in a year, means reading approximately three chapters a day. Here is the schedule for February:
|
|
Week 1 |
Week 2 |
Week 3 |
Week 4 |
|
Sunday |
Judges 1-3 |
Judges 20-21 |
Luke 15-18 |
Galatians 1-3 |
|
Monday |
Judges 4-5 |
Luke 1-2 |
Luke 19-21 |
Galatians 4-6 |
|
Tuesday |
Judges 6-8 |
Luke 3-5 |
Luke 22-24 |
Philemon |
|
Wednesday |
Judges 9-12 |
Luke 6-8 |
1 Thessalonians |
1 Corinthians 1-3 |
|
Thursday |
Judges 13-16 |
Luke 9-11 |
2 Thessalonians |
1 Corinthians 4-6 |
|
Friday |
Judges 17-19 |
Luke 12-14 |
Philippians |
1 Corinthians 7-9 |
|
Saturday |
Sunday's Texts |
Sunday's Texts |
Sunday's Texts |
Sunday's Texts |
“Sunday's Texts” can be found in the Worship Highlights column in the Shalom.
It's not too
early to
start thinking about Bible Camp this summer!
Camp O-S-DA E-DA-S-DI is the Camping Ministry of the Arkansas/Oklahoma Synod of the ELCA. We are a young and growing ministry located on the campus of the Oaks Indian Mission Home, in Oaks, Oklahoma. Camp O-S-DA E-DA-S-DI's purpose is to bring a positive experience into the lives of our youth. Experiences in which they are told of the love of Jesus Christ and are given the chance to develop their faith lives. At camp O-S-DA E-DA-S-DI, the youth hear the Word of God and experience the love of Christ in one another. Camp is dedicated to nurturing the faith of children.
2008 Summer Schedule
Camp Osda Edasdi will have five weeks of summer camp to be held at the Oaks Indian Mission in Oaks, OK beginning June 8, 2008.
June 8-13th Junior Camper - those campers entering the 4th-6th grades
June 15-20th Junior Camper - those campers entering the 4th-6th grades
June 22nd-27th Junior High Camper - those campers entering the 7th-9th grades
June 29th-July 4th Junior High Camper - those campers entering the 7th-9th grades
July 13th-16th High School Camp - those campers entering the 9th-12th grades
All camps are $250 before discounts. Registrations postmarked by May 1, 2008 will receive a $25 discount on the total fee. The registration fee includes room, board and program fees. Campers for each session will be limited to 30 and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Early registration is important to be able to attend the week of your choice.
For more information, check out the camp website: http://www.agreatplacetocome.org/ or talk to Pastor Mike, who serves as the president of the camp's board of directors.
All you need is love…
How appropriate that in February we talk about love; a concept that is understood everywhere, albeit differently by every culture. I the US the word love is used for so many things it has nearly become generic. I “love” everything from my family to hiking to pizza. People use the same word to express feelings for a spouse as for a cell phone cover. Though, really all of this is beside the point. How do we as Christians see and express “love”?
Unlike English, many languages have multiple words to express affection. In biblical Greek, philos was used for brotherly love, camaraderie, eros expressed romantic or passionate love and agape was used for almost everything else. In the New Testament, agape is used for God's love for us, God's love for Christ, Christ's love for us, our love for Christ and even the love we are called to show other people. This is unusual because outside the biblical writings, agape is rarely if ever used for people to people relationships.
What this says to me is that we are not supposed to stay with what is expected. We are called to love beyond the usual ways. Jesus certainly showed love to God's people outside the norms of society. Not only should we show “love” to our neighbors but put a little feeling into it! Abandon the old ideas of praying, volunteering, and donating being enough! We all have some eros, some passion, to show the world. That thing that set's us apart from the rest of the world; grace, forgiveness, mercy, friendship and salvation; all stemming from God's great, passionate, unnending love for you and I, the common people of our day, called to change the world.
Chris Lee
All Youth Service
We are starting something called All Youth Service in February; a chance for all Middle and High school youth and their families to serve in the Norman/OKC community. Some months, depending on where we go, will be open to even younger folks. This month happens to be one of those that is open to the whole family!
We will be working at the Regional Food Bank of OK on Feb 9, 1-4pm. Please sign up in the Narthex by Feb 5 so I can give the food bank an accurate number. We will leave the church at 12, have a short bible study on location and work until 4. If you have questions, call Chris Lee @ 321-1584.
Lenten Morning Prayer
Lenten Morning Prayer will be available this year Tuesday and Thursday mornings, from 7-8am. Come for 5 minutes or an hour to start your day with a quiet moment with God.
ULC Seder Meal
Calendar
Feb5
Feb9 All Youth Service, 12-4
Feb7-Mar20 Lenten Morning Prayer, Tues and Thur, 7-8am
Mar9 Congregational Seder Meal
Mar 17-21 Spring Break
Women of the Word (WoW) Book Discussion Group
WoW meets each Friday 12-1 p.m. in the fellowship wing. All women (both members and friends) are invited to join the lively discussion of a variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction. Bring your lunch (or not) and join us. We discuss a different book each month. Books being discussed are available at the checkout desk at Borders Books in Norman at a discount.
The book selected for February discussion is The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. “When The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, Carson McCullers's literary debut, was first published by Houghton Mifflin, on June 4, 1940, the twenty-three-year-old author became a literary sensation virtually overnight. The novel is considered McCullers's finest work, an enduring masterpiece that was chosen by the Modern Library as one of the top one hundred works of fiction published in the twentieth century.
“Set in a small Southern mill town in the 1930s, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter is a haunting, unforgettable story that gives voice to the rejected, the forgotten, and the mistreated. At the novel's center is the deaf-mute John Singer, who is left alone after his friend and roommate, Antonapoulos, is sent away to an asylum. Singer moves into a boarding house and begins taking his meals at the local diner, and in this new setting he becomes the confidant of several social outcasts and misfits. Drawn to Singer's kind eyes and attentive demeanor are Mick Kelly, a spirited young teenager with dreams greater than her economic means; Jake Blount, an itinerant social reformer with a penchant for drink and violence; Biff Brannon, the childless proprietor of the local café; and Dr. Copeland, a proud black intellectual whose unwavering ideals have left him alienated from those who love him.
“With its profound sense of moral isolation, compassionate glimpses into its characters' inner lives, and deft portrayal of racial tensions in the South, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter is considered one of the most extraordinary debuts in modern American literature. Richard Wright praised McCullers for her ability "to rise above the pressures of her environment and embrace white and black humanity in one sweep of apprehension and tenderness." The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter is Carson McCullers at her endearing best, and just as timely and powerful today as when it was first published.” (From Houghton Mifflin Readers' Guide).
For questions about the group call Mary Sue Schnell at 364-0677. Co-chair, Arlis Scott, is taking a break as she recovers from surgery.
Where are you Standing?
Each of us is on a personal walk to gain knowledge and come closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Via de Cristo is a weekend retreat experience that offers a way to take a step that will move us closer to that goal.
The Spring Via de Cristo Weekend is March 6-9, 2008 and will be held in Oklahoma City at the Catholic Retreat Center on Northwest Highway. The weekend Theme is “Here I Stand on the Promises of God.” Could you be standing in a better place?
Several former and current members of our congregation have attended a weekend. If you would like more information please ask Carol Hoadley (Rector for the Spring weekend), Pam Wallace, Katie Wallace, Cindy Pullin, Russ or Vivian Jacobs, Eva Mc Ginnis, Julie Stumpf, Duane or Jane Winegardner, Ken Miner, or Lee Savage. Those who have moved on but attended while ULCSC members include Mary Banker, Tammy Weimer, Len and Andy West, Tom and Penny Moulton, and Steve and Norma Tretheway.
Registration forms and information brochures are available on the bulletin board across from the office. Want to step closer?
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
2 - Adena Alvis, Norman
Amy Jones, Dubuque, IA
7 - Bill Turner
8 - Katie Bienhoff
Ruth Ann Kalbfleisch
14 - Paul Brinker
15 - Bev Lafferrandre Chess
19 - Lucinda James
20 - Brett Carr
22 - Julie Klumpp
25 - Bob Lee
Lance Lobban
27 - Dave Boeck
Nicholas Hardersen
John Ocker
28 - Jim Robbins, Ft. Gibson, OK
29 - Carrie Atherton
10 - Michael and Carolyn Lewis
20 - Bill and Sharon Johnston
December 2007
Worship Attendance
|
|
12/2/07 |
12/9/07* |
12/16/07 |
12/23/07 |
12/30/07 |
Average |
|
8:30 |
70 |
40 |
80 |
70 |
54 |
63 |
|
11:00 |
114 |
103 |
84 |
74 |
55 |
86 |
|
2007 |
184 |
143 |
164 |
144 |
109 |
149 |