We have recently received word of the deaths of two former members of Historic First Lutheran. The first death was Mrs. Lucille Brown, a teacher in our Lutheran School during the 1960's. Lucillle was 98 years old. The second death was that of George Doss, our former gardener and husband of former church secretary Yvonne Doss.
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
The Holy Trinity
18 May 2008
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
How many of you like mysteries? I know I do. I love reading mystery books. I love watching mysterious programs on television. There’s just something about a good mystery that captivates my attention as can few other things. That’s maybe why I like Trinity Sunday.
Today’s “Trinity Sunday” celebrates a true mystery of the Church. I like to pride myself as a pastor as being able to answer a lot of questions that people ask me about faith. The Trinity, though, is one of those questions, one of those mysteries, that I truly don’t even attempt to explain to people. After all, how do you explain three persons but one God?
Some people have admittedly admirably tried. You’ve probably all heard the explanation of the Trinity as being like the compound element H2O, the element we commonly call “water.” Water can indeed be experienced in three distinct forms: as a liquid, as a solid and as a gas. Some people think that is an adequate way to explain the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The problem, though, is that, except under extremely unique circumstances, H2O is usually not experienced simultaneously in all three forms.
The Trinity is truly a mystery: how God can be one God yet be experienced continually and simultaneously as the Father, as the Son and as the Holy Spirit.
While we’re talking about mysteries, let me highlight another Bible mystery. That is the mystery of the creation of the world, how in 6 days of 24 hours God could create everything out of nothing simply by saying “Let there be.” Now that’s a mystery.
For the first 1850 years of the present Christian era, that was indeed the explanation of how the world came to be that was widely accepted with few challenges and certainly with no other viable explanations offered. The Word of God, as recorded in the first three chapters of Genesis, was simply accepted and believed for over 1850 years. Then along came Charles Darwin, who convincingly planted the seeds of doubt in the minds of many by offering the first viable explanation of how the world came to be: through a “big bang” and through evolution.
About 150 years later, I know I’d be fooling myself if I said that there were no adherents of Darwinism in this room today. At the very least, I know there must be some adherents of micro-evolution in our midst. I am not here today to argue point by point what I believe are the positive aspects of creation and the negative aspects of evolution. In fact, I am probably not even properly equipped to do that.
What I am here today to convey to you is that it is very important for followers of Jesus Christ to believe the creation account recorded in Genesis 1, 2 and 3. In fact, I will go one step further and say the title of this sermon, “You’ve Got to Believe Creation!”
“You’ve Got to Believe Creation,” as recorded in Genesis 1, 2 and 3 because if you don’t, why should you believe Matthew 1 and Luke 2? Those are the portions of the New Testament that talk about how God became flesh and made His dwelling among us on this earth in the human person of Jesus, born of Mary, in Bethlehem, some 2,000 years ago.
“You’ve Got to Believe Creation,” as recorded in Genesis 1, 2 and 3 because if you don’t, why should you believe Matthew 27 and 28; why should you believe Mark 15 and 16; why should you believe Luke 23 and 24; why should you believe John 19 and 20? Those are all the chapters of the New Testament that give testimony about the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“You’ve Got to Believe Creation” as recorded in Genesis 1,2 and 3 because if you don’t, why should you believe today’s Gospel, Matthew 28:16-20? Matthew 28:20 in particular is the sweetest, most powerful promise ever given to human beings – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
As unexplainable, unprovable, unreproducible and difficult as the mystery of the creation of the world may be to believe, if you cannot believe the mystery of creation as recorded in Genesis 1, 2 and 3, how can you believe the mystery that Jesus was born, true God yet true man? If you cannot believe the mystery of creation as recorded in Genesis 1, 2 and 3, how can you believe the mystery that Jesus suffered, died and rose again to forgive your sins and to give you the sure and certain hope of eternal life in Heaven? If you cannot believe the mystery of creation as recorded in Genesis 1, 2 and 3, how can you believe the mystery that Jesus is with you every moment of every day? And if you can’t believe that Jesus is with you every moment of every day, how do you make it through life day after day?
To speak personally for a second, I’m glad that I was taught to believe creation as an item of faith, faith being something I can be sure and certain of without seeing, without having it proved to me [Hebrews 11:1]. Along with creation, I was taught to believe the mystery of the Trinity. I was taught to believe the virgin birth of Jesus. I was taught to believe the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. I was taught to believe in Heaven. I was taught to believe that Jesus is with me every moment of every day. And I can honestly say that my life is better today for me having believed all those items of faith than if I didn’t have faith.
Some people would say that such blind faith in unscientific, unexplainable mysteries is foolish, but I guess that’s why they call it “faith,” that, by the power of God’s Holy Spirit, we are brought to belief and daily strengthened in our belief without having to have any of it scientifically proved. If faith were proved, faith would cease being faith and the Church would not have to do what I am today doing – sharing my faith. The Church would not have to do what Jesus commanded the Church to do and what St. Peter did so powerfully on that first Pentecost so many years ago – going into all the world and witnessing about faith in Jesus.
Doubt has been present since the very creation of the world. It’s part of the result of the fall into sin. Doubt was present on the Mount of Ascension when Jesus gave the Great Commission [Matt. 28:17]. Doubt was present in Jerusalem when Peter had to try to explain the mystery of Pentecost [Acts 2:14, 22-36]. Doubt is frequently present in our own lives and in the lives of people sitting all around us.
If you’re today struggling with doubt in any area of faith, hear again the Words of Jesus: “All authority in Heaven and earth has been given to Me” [Matt. 28:18]. Doubt does not – it cannot – make that claim. If you’re struggling with doubt, allow Jesus to lead you with His presence and provide you the freedom of trusting Him and accepting the mysteries of faith, both for your benefit here on earth, as well as for your benefit for all eternity.
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Pastor Christopher Schaar
Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena
ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by Patsy Acheson in celebration of the birthday of her daughter, Kathleen, on 21 May. Flowers are also given to the glory of God by Phyllis Price in celebration of the birthday of her mother, Betty Barnett.
A REMINDER OF GOD’S PROVISION AND LOVE The extra bouquet of roses on the altar are from the 140+ roses around our church campus. They are a reminder of God’s eternal love for us.
RED PARAMENTS The beautiful red paraments adorning our altar, lectern and pulpit were lovingly donated in memory of Lola Headrick.
NEW LITURGICAL GARMENT You will notice today that Pastor Schaar is wearing a festive red Chasuble, the outermost liturgical garment worn by clergy for the celebration of The Lord’s Supper. The Chasuble originated as a sort of poncho, called in Latin a “casula” or “little house.” Pastor Schaar will don a Chasuble, corresponding to the color of the season, every Sunday at the start of our celebration of The Lord’s Supper. On festival days (like today) he will wear it throughout the service.
50TH ANNIVERSARY Faith Lutheran Church in Inglewood is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of its current church building next Sunday. Bishop Larry Stoterau will preach at the 9:00 a.m. Worship Service. Former pastor Dr. Herb Hohenstein and Rev. Carl Berner, Jr., son of their founding pastor, will speak at the 3:00 p.m. Worship Service.
PASTOR’S ALMOST ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE You are all invited to Pastor Schaar’s Open House on Sunday 8 June, starting at 2:00 p.m. Please mark this fun day of food, beverages, fellowship and open pool on your calendar and save the date!
CLOSING THE GAP May is the month that many of us will be receiving that special one-time Economic Stimulus Incentive from the federal government. Consider gifting part or all of that “free money” to Historic First Lutheran, in addition to your regular contribution. If even half of our regular worshipers would contribute half of that incentive we could substantially close the gap in our current congregational deficit. Thanks for your consideration!
STARBUCKS FANATIC? Historic First Lutheran has 16 $5.00 gift cards to Starbucks it is trying to sell. If you frequent Starbucks and would like to purchase one or all the gift cards, please see Pastor Schaar.
FOUR MORE SPANISH CONFIRMATIONS! During the 1:00 p.m. Spanish worship today, Pastor Gómez will confirm 4 more young people in their Christian faith. Everyone is invited to attend this service and celebrate along with Jovanny Jalate, Mayra Gonzalez, Genaro Medina and Clementina Lopez.
LAST SUNDAY’S CONFIRMATIONS Perhaps you didn’t know (even Pastor Schaar didn’t know) that James Price, Leanne Norden and Daniel Hendry were the 1000th, 1001st and 1002nd confirmations (both youth and adult) recorded in the history of Historic First Lutheran since 1905 (we have no records that predate 1905). This fact was discovered as their statistics were being added to our website. The website also records 1729 baptisms, 769 funerals and 946 marriages. Praise God for the way He’s worked powerfully in our midst.
USHERS TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #6 – Rogelio Douglas, Henry Hubert, Yashar Kafi and Marlene Ochetti.
May 18 – Mark 5
May 19 – Mark 6
May 20 – Mark 7
May 21 – Mark 8
May 22 – Mark 9
May 23 – Mark 10
May 24 – Mark 11
Sunday 18 May – Thank God for those who will be confirmed today during our Spanish service: Mayra Gonzalez, Jovanny Jalate, Clementina Lopez and Genaro Medina.
Monday 19 May – Pray for friends celebrating birthdays this week: Jacqueline Valdez (18); Dennis Carmain (21); Brenda Rubio Castillo (21); Craig Daniels (22); Rudy Melinat (22).
Tuesday 20 May – “Lord, to You eternal praise!”
Wednesday 21 May – Pray for all those suffering in Myanmar and China due to recent natural disasters.
Thursday 22 May – Pray by name today for our Synodical Bishop, Dr. Jerry Kieschnick, and for our District Bishop, Dr. Larry Stoterau.
Friday 23 May – Thank God for the beauty of His creation!
Saturday 24 May – Thank God for all our veterans and for all our current troops. Pray especially for the families of those who have lost their lives in Iraq.
Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena received notice yesterday (4/23) that the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Pasadena will be awarding it one of 17 annual Historic Preservation Awards on Thursday 15 May 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Courtyard at City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Avenue. This ceremony is Pasadena's way of joining thousands of other cities across the country to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month.
Selected by members of the Historic Preservation Commission, these awards recognize examples of preservation, rehabilitation and restoration that stand out in their neighborhoods and raise public awareness of the importance of preserving the community's shared architectural heritage.
Historic Preservation is one of Pasadena's defining characteristics. The City has more than 1000 properties in the National Register of Historic Places, more than 50 buildings designed by Greene & Greene, 15 landmark districts and 70 individual designation local landmarks (Historic First Lutheran's buildings account for 3 of those 70).
We hope that you will be able to attend the awards presentation. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by email at jgarzon@cityofpasadena.net or by calling the City of Pasadena Design & Historic Preservation Section at 626.744.7310 by 25 April 2008.
Numbers 11:29
The Day of Pentecost
11 May 2008
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Listen again to the words of Moses: “I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit on them” [Numbers 11:29].
I know few pastors today who don’t pray that same prayer. It’s a prayer that I know I frequently and fervently pray. That’s why it’s with such joy that I share today’s question of the faith: “Once we find Jesus, then what?”
That’s a great question! It’s a follow-up to our question that started this “Our Questions of Faith” preaching series. That first question was “Where do we Find Jesus” and we studied the Emmaus Road disciples who found Jesus as He spoke His Words and as He broke the bread.
“Once we find Jesus, then what?”
In today’s day and age, it often seems that when many people find Jesus, then personally ask, “So What?’ instead of asking the question “Now What?” We can probably all name people we know and love who have in some way at some point in their life come to know Jesus Christ, but if you didn’t previously know that about them you wouldn’t know that they had come to know Jesus Christ. Those are the people who ask, “So What?” Maybe someone forced them to be baptized. Maybe someone forced them to attend church. Maybe someone even forced them to be confirmed, to personally confess their faith in Jesus Christ. However, once they are on their own, making decisions for themselves, Jesus seems to be the first person to be sacrificed in the service of the self.
Our question today – “Once we find Jesus, then what?” is especially appropriate on this, Pentecost Sunday and Confirmation Sunday. Daniel, Leanne and James, I hope that instead of asking the question “So What?” you are all asking that question, “Now What?”
In answering that question, I could give you my own personal answer. I could ask many of you to tell your stories to Daniel, Leanne and James. Many of you can also very personally, very effectively and very powerfully answer that question, “Now What?”
However, we can do better than my personal words and testimony. We can even do better that your personal words and testimony. Even more personal, even more effective and even more powerful, I believe, is to listen to the Words of Holy Scripture itself in answering that question.
“Once we find, Jesus, then what?” Let’s today look at just one book of the Bible – the Gospel of St. Matthew – in answering that question. “Once we find Jesus, then what?” What does St. Matthew tell us?
You remember Peter and his brother Andrew? How about James and his brother, John? They were all fisherman. They all worked in the family fishing businesses. When Jesus passed by each of them as they were sitting in their boats and called them to follow Him, they all left their nets. They all left the family business. They left everything and followed Jesus [Matthew 4]. Talking about Jesus calling the disciples, don’t forget Matthew, the lucrative tax collector [Matthew 9]. When Jesus called him, Matthew also got up from his table and followed Jesus.
Do you remember the demon possessed man whose demons were sent into the herd of pigs [Matthew 8]? After his freedom from the demons, the pig tenders reported what Jesus had done and all the town went out to see Jesus.
How about the paralytic man [Matthew 9]? After his healing, the crowd who witnessed his healing was filled with awe and praised God. Don’t forget about the sick woman who touched Jesus’ robe or the dead girl [Matthew 9]. After their miraculous healings, news about Jesus spread throughout the whole region. Then there were the two blind men [Matthew 20] who received their sight and proceeded to follow Jesus.
You might also remember Peter [Matthew 16], the same Peter who was earlier called by Jesus and left his family business to follow Jesus. You will remember when Jesus asked Peter who he thought, who he believed Jesus to be, Peter boldly stated, “You are the Christ. You are the Son of the Living God.”
We can’t overlook Palm Sunday [Matthew 21]. The streets of Jerusalem were packed with people in town for the Passover. When Jesus rode into town on that donkey, people took off their outer garments and also stripped the palm trees lining the streets. All this stuff was thrown into the center of the streets while the people proclaimed, “Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.” To the people in Jerusalem who didn’t understand what was happening, those who participated in this act of praise, then witnessed to them about Jesus.
Remember the Centurion who stood at Jesus’ Cross [Matthew 27]? It was his job as an official of the Roman Government to make sure that those hanging on the crosses on Calvary were truly dead. When Jesus died, the Centurion made what sounds like a confession of faith, “Surely this Man was the Son of God.”
If we can jump out of Matthew into the Gospel of Luke for just a quick second, I must also remind us about the Bethlehem shepherds who were among the first to find Jesus [Luke 2]. They returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, spreading the word concerning the child. Then there was that scene from the temple [Luke 2], when Jesus was presented eight days after birth. Simeon found Jesus and broke forth into the song we today know as the “Nunc Dimittis” – “Lord, You now dismiss Your servant in peace for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have revealed in the sight of all people.” There was also 84-year-old Anna there in the temple. After serving in the temple 24/7 and finally finding Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all.
“Once we find Jesus, then what?” The Bible – even just the Gospel of Matthew – is clear. Truly, personally finding Jesus is better than the best news in the entire world. Truly, personally finding Jesus tells us and assures us that He died for our sins, that He heals all our infirmities, that He calls us to walk in a new and different way and that He pours out His Spirit upon us to bring us to faith, to keep us in faith, to open our mouths to speak about Him and to be with us always. Truly, personally finding Jesus is not something we ever want to keep to ourselves.
In those instances mentioned this morning, each person found and experienced Jesus in a unique way. But in each case, finding and experiencing Jesus was not a “So What?” experience. No, in each case set them on fire. In each case, each person carried the exciting news about finding Jesus to people in their own circle of life, speaking to them in their own language, giving them a before and after picture to which they could all relate. Each of those people who found Jesus was needed. They were needed by people in their own lives to be the Lord’s prophets, to speak the Lord’s Word, to share by word and example what Jesus had done for them.
Daniel, Leanne and James, my prayer for each of you today is the prayer that Moses prayed, “I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit on them.” We need young people like you, young people full of the Spirit of God, young people excited about their faith, young people who put God first in their lives, young people who tell others what Jesus has done for them.
But my prayer is not just for Daniel and Leanne and James. My prayer – Moses’ prayer – God’s prayer – is for each of us. “I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit on them.” Just like on that first Pentecost, this is a diverse world. This world needs all different kinds of people who can speak to all different kinds of people in their own language, who can meet them in their own daily walk, who, as insiders to their own lives, can excitedly proclaim what finding Jesus has done for them and what finding Jesus can do for all the people of the world.
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Pastor Christopher Schaar
Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena
ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by Rudy Melinat in loving memory of Gloria and the many richly blessed years they enjoyed prior to her death.
A REMINDER OF GOD’S PROVISION AND LOVE The extra bouquet of roses on the altar are from the 140+ roses around our church campus. They are a reminder of God’s eternal love for us.
NEW LITURGICAL GARMENT You will notice today that both Pastor Schaar and Pastor Hendry are wearing festive red Chasubles, the outermost liturgical garment worn by clergy for the celebration of The Lord’s Supper. The Chasuble originated as a sort of poncho, called in Latin a “casula” or “little house.” Starting today, Pastor Schaar will don a Chasuble every Sunday at the start of our celebration of The Lord’s Supper. On festival days (like today) he will wear it throughout the entire service.
LUTHERAN WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP All women please note that the final event of the season has been changed to Saturday 14 June at 11:30 a.m.
AN EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT! The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches, of which Historic First Lutheran is a founder and of which Pastor Schaar is currently leading, has been “adopted” by the Center for U.S. Missions in Irvine. This new association will lend the ADLC additional credibility and allow it to use the C4USM’s electronic distribution lists for its newsletter. Thank God for this development!
50TH ANNIVERSARY Faith Lutheran Church in Inglewood is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of its current church building on Sunday 25 May. Bishop Larry Stoterau will preach at the 9:00 a.m. Worship Service. Former pastor Dr. Herb Hohenstein and Rev. Carl Berner, Jr., son of their founding pastor, will speak at the 3:00 p.m. Worship Service.
OUR QUESTIONS OF FAITH The official post-Easter sermon series, “Our Questions of Faith” concludes today. However, based upon responses from a number of people, the “Pastor, I’ve Always Wondered...” sheets will be available from the Information Rack in the Narthex and Pastor will occasionally work those questions into his preaching.
PASTOR’S ALMOST ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE You are all invited to Pastor Schaar’s Open House on Sunday 8 June, starting at 2:00 p.m. Please mark this fun day of food, beverages, fellowship and open pool on your calendar and save the date!
TELL YOUR STORY! As you give away your witnessing bracelets please make sure to tell Pastor Schaar the story to share with others. Corine Motley has given one away at her work at Kaiser Permanente Laboratory. Carol Schlichting gave one away at the Houston Airport. Ocilda Files gave one away to an employee at Hallmark. Julie Leonard gave one to her husband, Jason, a non-Christian, who proceeded to give it away to his brother, Jesse, also a non-Christian.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS You might remember that we have been attempting to gather emergency contact numbers for people in case there is a medical emergency during worship or church activities. Rudy Melinat’s tumble during worship two Sundays ago proves the importance of such a contact list. PLEASE if you have not already supplied us an emergency contact, stop by the card table in the Narthex and share that information.
CLOSING THE GAP May is the month that many of us will be receiving that special one-time Economic Stimulus Incentive from the federal government. Consider gifting part or all of that “free money” to Historic First Lutheran, in addition to your regular contribution. If even half of our regular worshipers would contribute half of that incentive we could substantially close the gap in our current congregational deficit. Thanks for your consideration!
STARBUCKS FANATIC? Historic First Lutheran has 18 $5.00 gift cards to Starbucks it is trying to sell. If you frequent Starbucks and would like to purchase one or all the gift cards, please see Pastor Schaar.
FOUR MORE SPANISH CONFIRMATIONS! During the 1:00 p.m. Spanish worship next Sunday, Pastor Gómez will confirm 4 more young people in their Christian faith. Everyone is invited to attend this service and celebrate along with Jovanny Jalate, Mayra Gonzalez, Genaro Medina and Clementina Lopez.
RED PARAMENTS The beautiful red paraments adorning our altar, lectern and pulpit were lovingly donated in memory of Lola Headrick.
VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY Our quarterly Voters’ Assembly is next Sunday after worship. Advance packets are available today from the table in the Narthex.
THIS THURSDAY Please don’t forget that we are receiving an historic preservation award from the City of Pasadena this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave. All members and regular worshipers are encouraged to attend.
NEXT SUNDAY Bring your “Mighty Mite Boxes” filled with coins and bills for missions. You may pick up a “Mite Box” today from the table in the Narthex. Return it next Sunday filled with change.
SPECIAL THANKS Our Confirmation Banner was made – and has been updated – by Taina Feher. Many thanks for this beautiful way to celebrate our confirmands!
USHERS TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #5 – Ocilda Files, Rudy Melinat, Lisa Morita and Scott Vila.
May 11 – Matthew 26
May 12 – Matthew 27
May 13 – Matthew 28
May 14 – Mark 1
May 15 – Mark 2
May 16 – Mark 3
May 17 – Mark 4
Sunday 11 May – Thank God for His precious gift to each of us of our mothers!
Monday 12 May – Pray for friends celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this week: Rebekah Forman (11); Beth & Mike Campbell (15); Betty Barnett (16); Sidnie Dabbadie (17).
Tuesday 13 May – Thank God today for our three confirmands – Daniel Hendry, Leanne Norden and James Price.
Wednesday 14 May – Thank God for the gift of prayer.
Thursday 15 May – Thank God today for the award being bestowed upon us today by the City of Pasadena for historic preservation.
Friday 16 May – Thank God for all the adult volunteers who faithfully staff our “Good Friday” Youth Outreach.
Saturday 17 May – Pray for Jovanny Jalate, Mayra Gonzalez, Genaro Medina and Clementina Lopez who will be confirmed tomorrow during our Spanish worship at 1:00 p.m.
For the past many months -- and even years -- two women have appeared on our weekly prayer list during worship. We have prayed faithfully for them. We have received news that both have been awarded their eternal crown of life by their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Our Christian Sympathies to Anne Price on the death of her sister, Jerutha Garrett. When first diagnosed with cancer over three years ago, Jerutha was given 8 months to live so she has truly been a miracle. We rejoice in her personal faith in Jesus Christ and ask Him Who is the Resurrection and the Life to comfort the survivors with that definite hope of reunion in Heaven.
Our Christian Sympathies also to Debbie Richardson on the death of her mother, Judy Mendoza. Judy also has been suffering with cancer, along with other afflcitions. We rejoice in her personal faith in Jesus Christ and ask Him Who is the Resurrection and the Life to comfort the survivors with that definite hope of reunion in Heaven.
ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by Bernadette and Greg Hendry in celebration of Daniel’s birthday on 4/27 and Greg’s birthday on 5/9, while also recognizing the examination and confirmation of Daniel, Leanne and James.
A REMINDER OF GOD’S PROVISION AND LOVE The extra bouquet of roses on the altar are from the 140+ roses around our church campus. They are a reminder of God’s eternal love for us.
NEXT SUNDAY Celebrate Pentecost, Mothers’ Day, and Confirmation Sunday at Historic First Lutheran! A cake reception to honor Daniel Hendry, Leanne Norden and James Price, our three confirmands, will follow our 10:00 a.m. service.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Our Financial Secretary, Marilyn Plummer, is looking for teams of people willing to help count the weekly contributions. The task takes approximately 1 ½ hours after worship. You will be trained. Please speak to Marilyn Plummer or Carol Numrich.
LUTHERAN WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP All women please note that the final event of the season has been changed to Saturday 14 June at 11:30 a.m.
AN EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT! The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches, of which Historic First Lutheran is a founder and of which Pastor Schaar is currently leading, has been “adopted” by the Center for U.S. Missions in Irvine. This new association will lend the ADLC additional credibility and allow it to use the C4USM’s electronic distribution lists for its newsletter. Thank God for this development!
50TH ANNIVERSARY Faith Lutheran Church in Inglewood is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of its current church building on Sunday 25 May. Bishop Larry Stoterau will preach at the 9:00 a.m. Worship Service. Former pastor Dr. Herb Hohenstein and Rev. Carl Berner, Jr., son of their founding pastor, will speak at the 3:00 p.m. Worship Service.
OUR QUESTIONS OF FAITH The official post-Easter sermon series, “Our Questions of Faith” will conclude next Sunday. However, based upon responses from a number of people, the “Pastor, I’ve Always Wondered...” sheets will be available from the Information Rack in the Narthex and Pastor will occasionally work those questions into his preaching.
PASTOR’S ALMOST ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE You are all invited to Pastor Schaar’s Open House on Sunday 8 June, starting at 2:00 p.m. Please mark this fun day of food, beverages, fellowship and open pool on your calendar and save the date!
TELL YOUR STORY! As you give away your witnessing bracelets please make sure to tell Pastor Schaar the story to share with others. Corine Motley has given one away at her work at Kaiser Permanente Laboratory. Carol Schlichting gave one away at the Houston Airport two weeks ago. Ocilda Files gave one away to an employee at Hallmark. Julie Leonard gave one to her husband, Jason, a non-Christian, who proceeded to give it away to his brother, Jesse, also a non-Christian.
LAST SUNDAY PROVED OUR POINT! You might remember that we have been attempting to gather emergency contact numbers for people in case there is a medical emergency during worship or church activities. Rudy Melinat’s tumble during worship last Sunday proves the importance of such a contact list. PLEASE if you have not already supplied us an emergency contact, stop by the card table in the Narthex and share that information.
CLOSING THE GAP May is the month that many of us will be receiving that special one-time Economic Stimulus Incentive from the federal government. Consider gifting part or all of that “free money” to Historic First Lutheran, in addition to your regular contribution. If even half of our regular worshipers would contribute half of that incentive we could substantially close the gap in our current congregational deficit. Thanks for your consideration!
STARBUCKS FANATIC? Historic First Lutheran has 20 $5.00 gift cards to Starbucks it is trying to sell. If you frequent Starbucks and would like to purchase one or all the gift cards, please see Pastor Schaar.
FOUR MORE SPANISH CONFIRMATIONS! During the 1:00 p.m. Spanish worship on Sunday 18 May, Pastor Gómez will confirm 4 more young people in their Christian faith. Everyone is invited to attend this service and celebrate along with Jovanny Jalate, Mayra Gonzalez, Genero Medina and Clementina Lopez.
SPECIAL THANKS Our Confirmation Banner was made – and has been updated – by Taina Feher. Many thanks for this beautiful way to celebrate our confirmands!
USHERS TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #4 – Doris Barnes, Taina Feher, Rudy Melinat and Paul Nagle.
May 4 – Matthew 19
May 5 – Matthew 20
May 6 – Matthew 21
May 7 – Matthew 22
May 8 – Matthew 23
May 9 – Matthew 24
May 10 – Matthew 25
Sunday 4 May – Thank God for the faith living in the hearts of our confirmands, Daniel Hendry, Leanne Norden and James Price.
Monday 5 May – Pray for friends celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this week: Pietra Hobson (5); Leanne Norden (5); Jennifer Araya (7); Jeannine & Steven Dutra (7); Jordan Carter (9); Greg Hendry (9); Tanya Rivas (10); Sulema Silva (10).
Tuesday 6 May – Thank God for family and friends.
Wednesday 7 May – Pray specifically for all the needs printed on page 22 of this bulletin.
Thursday 8 May – Ask God to continue to bless the efforts of our Omega Handbell Choir and our Sanctuary Choir.
Friday 9 May – Thank God for your mother.
Saturday 10 May – Pray for Daniel Hendry, Leanne Norden and James Price as they will tomorrow be confirmed.