Centerpoint: Victory!

 

Death has been swallowed up in victory! Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

-- 1 Corinthians 15:54c-57

 

Paul's triumphant words capture the spirit of Easter better than any I know.  Easter is about victory:  Christ's victory over sin, death and the devil and, through him, our victory over suffering, grief and the grave.

 

A few weeks ago, at our Sunday Morning Adult Study, we had wonderful discussion of what theologians call “atonement theory”.  That is, a discussion of what Jesus was doing for us and the world in and through the cross.  Some theologians have said that Jesus was paying the price for our sins.  His life was given in exchange for our own.  He was paying off our blood debt to God.  Other theologians see Jesus as the example of obedience and faithfulness.  His death demonstrates true humanity and heals the breach between humanity and God, between creator and creature.    Finally, some see the cross as the place where the battle was joined between God and Satan, between the forces of good and the forces of evil and that Jesus emerged as victor.  Winning our freedom and liberation from the bondage of sin, death and the devil.

 

You can find all three of these perspectives in the scriptures, and they are not mutually exclusive.  Personally, I find value in each of them.

 

For me, they all boil down to this:  the cross demonstrates God's great love for God's creation and God's promise to carry us through death and into life.  How that was accomplished is far less important than the fact that is was accomplished in and through Jesus' death and resurrection.

 

The declaration “He is risen!” is the greatest Good News the world has ever heard.  The fact that Jesus defeated death and rose from the grave radically alters our picture of reality.  Death does not have the final word.  And that is a victory worth celebrating!  That is a victory worth sharing!  That is a victory worth shouting from the mountain tops to who ever will listen.  The disciples got so excited about it that they risked everything to tell the world.

 

I hope you will celebrate this amazing victory this year with gusto.  I know many will be away for spring break.  But, wherever you are, make sure to find someplace to join the resurrection party!  Of course, if you're in town, we'll be glad to see you right here at University Lutheran.

 

Death is done!  Let the world rejoice!

 

Peace,

Pastor Mike

 

Worship Highlights:

 

HOLY WEEK is March 16-23!  Even though it is Spring Break, University Lutheran will still have a full schedule of Holy Week worship services!  Here is the schedule:

 

Sunday, March 16: Passion Sunday, 8:30&11 AM

 

A dramatic reading of the Passion Story of St. Matthew, starting with Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and ending with the tragedy of his death on the cross.

 

Thursday, March 20: Maundy Thursday, 7:00 PM

 

Our Lenten pilgrimage draws to a close with the first of the “Three Great Days”.  We will hear how Jesus prays for his disciples before going to his betrayal, denial, trial and death.  The service includes the traditional “stripping of the altar”, as we remember how our Lord was stripped, beaten and ridiculed on the night before his death.

 

Friday, March 21: Good Friday, 7:00 PM

 

We walk the long road to the cross with Jesus as the darkness grows around us.  Keep watch as our Lord suffers and dies for our sins.  One of the most powerful services of the year.

 

Friday, March 21-Sunday, March 23: Watch Night Prayer Vigil, 8:30 PM – 5:30 AM

 

As a community we will watch and pray between the end of the Good Friday Service and the beginning of the Sonrise Service on Easter Morning.  Sign-up as individuals or as small groups to pray.  Sign-up for a half and hour or more.

 

Sunday March 23: Sonrise Service, 6:00 AM

 

Come to the tomb before the dawn and discover the stone rolled back and the grave empty!  We will kindle the “new fire” as we celebrate the return of the light and life of the whole world.

 

Sunday March 23: Festival Easter Service, 8:30 & 11 AM

 

Shouts of “He is Risen!” will ring through the church as we celebrate the Good News that Jesus is alive!  This is one resurrection party you will not want to miss!

 

Sunday March 23: Easter Breakfast, 9:45 AM

 

A potluck, Easter breakfast will take place between the two festival Easter services.  There will be an Easter Egg hunt for the kids too!

 

Sunday, March 30: Healing Service

 

At University Lutheran's fifth Sunday healing service, worshippers will have the opportunity to come forward for the laying on of hands and for prayer.

 

Readers Needed

 

We still need a few more readers for Holy Week services.  If you would like to help lead services either Thursday, Friday or at Sonrise on Sunday morning, please talk to Pastor Mike.

 

SOUL

University Lutheran's group for YOUNG ADULTS (age 18-29)

 

SOUL Tuesdays

During Lent, SOUL is using Marty Haugen's Holden Evening Prayer for it's weekly prayer service.  As always, the prayer service is preceded by a FREE dinner, served up by some of University Lutheran's finest cooks and followed by a time for discussion.  The group has been reading through the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes.  This book is part philosophy, and part theology as the writer tries to figure out the point of human life.  He sounds like a college student trying to decide if they picked the right major, or a young adult trying to find their way through their first job.  If that's you… join us!  The food is always good, the conversation better and the laughter always close at hand.

 

SOUL FOOD

 

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!  The next SOUL Food happens on April 6.  See YOU there!

 

The BIG EVENT

 

SOUL will be joining other student groups and organizations at OU for The Big Event, a day of service around the Norman community.  The Big Event happens on Saturday, April 5.  If you would like to participate, please talk with Peer Minister Megan Rieke.

 

 

Mission Advancement Planning Committee (MAPC) Update

 

MAPC met with Howard and Associates Architects at the end of February to review their latest update of the building plans.  The newest design included many of the suggestions and ideas presented during the congregational forums held in January.  However, some further revision is needed before we present it to the congregation again.  Once the committee is satisfied that we've come as close as possible to what we want and need, the plans will be brought to the congregation for review and approval. 

 

The committee is also continuing the process of getting ULC South, the Lockett's house and the Triplex rezoned.  The transfer of properties approved at the special congregational meeting last fall cannot be completed until this process with the city is finished.  Our rezoning petition has been approved by the Norman City Planning Commission and will now go before the City Council.  Hopefully, that process will be completed by the end of March and we can move forward with the transfer of properties.

 

Questions about the building and renovation plans can be directed to Ken Jorgenson, chair of the MAPC or to Pastor Mike.

 

 

Pastor Mike's Sermons Online

 

Manuscripts of Pastor Mike's sermons are available online at http://ulcsc.org/sermons/.   There are also print copies of his sermons available on the tract cabinet in the narthex.  Share them with a friend…  …then invite them to come to worship and hear one live!

 

Bible Reading

 

To read your bible in a year, means reading approximately three chapters a day.  Here is the schedule for March: 

 

	Week 1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4
Sunday	1 Corinthians 10-13	Ruth	1 Samuel 14-15	1 Samuel 30-31
Monday	1 Corinthians 14-16	1 Samuel 1-2	1 Samuel 16-17	2 Samuel 1-3
Tuesday	2 Corinthians 1-3	1 Samuel 3-5	1 Samuel 18-20	2 Samuel 4-6
Wednesday	2 Corinthians 4-7	1 Samuel 6-8	1 Samuel 21-23	2 Samuel 7-9
Thursday	2 Corinthians 8-10	1 Samuel 9-11	1 Samuel 24-26	2 Samuel 10-12
Friday	2 Corinthians 11-13	1 Samuel 12-13	1 Samuel 27-29	2 Samuel 13-15
Saturday	Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45	Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 27:11-54	Jeremiah 31:1-6 Colossians 3:1-4 Matthew 28:1-10	Acts 2:14a, 22-32 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31

 

From the DCE

 

Joy, a word we usually associate with Christmas (and rightfully so), though its application to our lives stretches so far beyond that one month.  In scripture, joy often refers to the reaction of the people of Israel to some great deed that has been accomplished or as the primary emotion as God's work is shown to them.  Surely the Israelites were filled with joy as they were led out of Egypt?  David was certainly bursting with joy as he processed into Jerusalem with the Ark of the Covenant! John leaped for joy in his mother's womb at the presence of God.  The wise men were overwhelmed with joy.  Joy is always an overwhelming prospect, nobody is mildly joyful.  Where there is joy, the joy is abundant.

When do we express our joy?  Probably the usual times: weddings, births, baptisms… what else? What else makes you so overwhelmingly happy that joy just bursts forth of it's own accord? I do not know many people would put Sunday morning on the likely very short list.  Not communion?  Not fellowship?  Not forgiveness of sins? They make us happy and certainly thankful but joyous?  We underestimate or take for granted the radical nature of God.  God never does good enough.  God never goes half way. God follows through to the end, even to death.  God goes so far, is so abundant in his love for us, he breaks the bonds of death for our sakes.  Now, there is a reason to overflow with joy!  There was certainly great joy at the first discovery of the resurrection!

 

All Youth Service

After the great success of All Youth Service in February, we are excited to make this an ongoing event.  In March, we will be staying in house.  Church clean up is scheduled for March 8, 9am-2pm.  We will be working mainly indoors but be sure to wear work clothes!  Once again, this activity is open to the whole family.  I hope to see many of you there!  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.  Fresh coffee and a devotional are provided.

 

Christian Seder Meal

Education Committee will present a Christian Seder Meal for the congregation Sunday, March 9, scheduled for 6-8pm.  A Seder meal is a traditional Jewish observance of the Passover meal.  For us as Christians, its significance is two fold: not only is it the meal Jesus celebrated with his disciples at the last supper bet we recognize that all the promises foretold in the Seder litany are fulfilled in Christ.

 

The deadline to sign up is March 5.  Sign up in the narthex or call the office to reserve your spot.

 

The Lutheran Course: It's back!

For a second time, there will be a Wednesday evening study on Lutheran beliefs and practices from Augsburg's The Lutheran Course.  This is a humorous look at Lutheranism complete with Martin “Winky” Luther and his wife Katy Lu. We will look at everything from the “How to Tell the Difference Between Law and Gospel” to “How to Read the Bible”.  We will meet for 6 Wednesdays from 630-8pm starting March 26^th. 

 

 

Calendar

March 4           Education Committee, 730

March 8           All Youth Service, 9-2

March 9           Congregational Seder Meal

February 7-March 20  Lenten Morning Prayer, Tues and Thur, 7-8am

March 17-21    Spring Break

April 5 Spaghetti Fundraiser

 

From the new ULC Council President, Bob Metz:

I am honored to be able to serve the congregation in the capacity of Council President.  If you need to contact me you may do so at: Rt. 1 Box 208-B, Davis, OK 73030. Or by phone at: Home: 580-622-5247; Cell Phone: 580-618-2640.  Or by email: metzofdavis@yahoo.com.

 

My uncle Bud Eakins, a life-long farmer composed this poem shortly before his death.  I share it with you for your enjoyment.

 

A LITTLE MORE TIME

 

Just a little more time, O God of mine.

Let me plant one more crop when it's time.

Let me make the soil real mellow,

Let me see my crop go from green to yellow.

Let me have just one more year,

So I can hold my loved ones near.

Let me have just six weeks more,

Before you open Heaven's Door.

Let me have just one more week,

Before the date with you, I must keep.

Let me have just one more day,

So I can find the words I need to say.

Let me have just one more minute,

So I can tell them all good-bye.

'Fore that I know it's time to die.

Now take me in your loving arms.

Away from all evil and harm,

And put where I can farm.

 

Thank you

Bob Metz

 

Women of the Word Book Discussion Group

 

March book discussions will focus on the book, Desperate Women of the Bible: Lessons on Passion from the Gospels by Jo Kadlecek. Books are available at the checkout desk at Borders Books in Norman for a discount. All women of the congregation and friends are invited to join us for lively discussions each Friday at noon in the fellowship hall. Bring your lunch or not as you choose. We finish promptly at 1:00 p.m. allowing participants to go about their regular afternoon activities.

 

According to Amazon.com—“If the Bible can be thought of as the grand story of God, many of its main characters are passionate and even desperate men and women. Jo Kadlecek introduces us to eight nameless biblical women driven by their passion and desperation to seek out Jesus. She explores their stories in their cultural context, then draws out the lessons they hold for contemporary readers who are willing to let an encounter with Jesus change their lives. In studying these eight characters, readers will find new insights into the central character of God's great story--Jesus--and how he can transform their desperation and their passions and bring their lives new hope.”

 

For further information contact Mary Sue Schnell (xxx-xxxx) who is covering for Arlis Scott until she is able to join us again.

 

East Main Place Welcomes New Residents

 

The ULC congregation has once again responded with generosity when the Social Ministry Committee asked for household items needed to prepare the ULC-sponsored family apartment at East Main Place for new residents. Thank you to everyone who donated household items, linens, food and other things needed to set up the apartment. The new family living in the ULC sponsored apartment is a single mother with two children, an 8-year old girl and a 2-year old boy. Please keep them in your prayers.

 

Special thanks to the cleaning crew who in a single afternoon turned the apartment into a welcoming place for the new family: Breme Springer, Eilene Kleine, Peggy Strom and Mary Sue Schnell.

 

March Birthdays

 

4 - Wanda Gress - Cleveland, OH

     Vivian Jacobson - Webster Co., Iowa

     Sally Roach - Stillwater, OK

 5 - Jarod Cannicott - San Bernardino, CA

     Kirsten Lee – St. Paul, MN

 7 - Jake Ocker - Norman, OK

 Pat Snyder, Heilwood – PA

 8 - Kirstin Schwandt

 9 - Ken Starling - Corpus Christi, TX

10 - Gary Gress - Cleveland, OH

11 - Daniel Somers

     Steve Tretheway - South Bend, IN

12 - Mark Bienhoff

     Susy Jorgenson - Brookings, SD

13 - Steve Cannicott - Oklahoma City, OK

14 - Andy Feldt - Guttenberg, IA

     John Schwandt

16 - Dennis Smith - Woodward, OK

     Mark Somers

17 - Aaron Jones - Norman, OK

     Jack Springer - Ashland, KY

18 - Elise Marie Lantagne - Norman, OK

     Sidney Lowery - Evansville, IN

     Matthew Singleton - Norman, OK

19 - Donald Longcrier - Austin, TX

21 - Carolyn Fuerbringer - Norman

23 - Katherine Wallace - Dallas, TX

25 - Amy Busking - Carnegie, OK

26 - Cathy Cook

28 - Sandra Longcrier - Reno, NV

29- Alfred Downey - Oklahoma City, OK

30 - Mike Girlinghouse – Milwaukee, WI

     Jan Rauh

 

March Anniversaries

12 - Dave & Pam Boeck

13 - Dennis & Ann Smith

18 - Justin and Amanda Heersink

21 - James and Ingrid Robbins

28 - Sondra & Sam Shehab

29 - George & Donna Droescher

 

Statistics - January 2008

 

Worship Attendance

	1/6/08	1/13/08	1/20/08	1/27/08		Average
8:30	78	97	72	69		79
11:00	89	94	82	87		88
2008	167	191	154