March 2017 Monthly Newsletter
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From Our Pastor Looking Back and Looking Forward The memories have gotten a little blurry as the years have gone by, but I still remember the feeling of it all—the nervous excitement, the hopeful anticipation, the queasy and unsettled stomach of emotions as what had been an eight-year process of getting there would finally be resolved in the following moments. You may be wondering of what occasion I am referring to. You might be thinking it is my wedding day or the day that Sarah and I welcomed our twins, Rebekah and Abigail, into the world. Those were some pretty wonderful days, that held many of the same feelings, but unfortunately, I’m referring to a very different day in my life. I’m describing the feelings that I had on Call Day at Concordia Seminary—St. Louis, when Sarah and I found out where our first congregational placement would be. As Calvary has now elected to extend a call to one of three seminary candidates —Joseph Beran, Joshua Reifsteck, or John David (JD) Zischke—for our Associate Pastor position, I can’t help but think back about everything that was going through my mind on Call Day. After four years of undergraduate studies, 3 years of seminary classwork, and a yearlong internship (‘vicarage’), it was all finally becoming a reality. On Call Day, the seminary holds a special worship service in which the seminary students finally receive word of their first placement into a congregation. With their families and the leadership of the seminary and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod looking on, each seminary student steps forward in the chapel to hear his name called followed by the name of the district and the congregation he will be called to serve. Call Day is a day that builds and builds to that crescendo of excitement and final fateful moment when all is revealed.
As fondly as I look back on the day, it is now that I find myself on the other side of the equation and so do all of you as well. We now find ourselves on the side of waiting for Call Day to hear of whether we will receive one of those seminary candidates and, if so, which one. We find ourselves in that queasy and unsettled stomach of emotions and hopeful excitement of what the Lord’s plans might be for us in the coming months of 2017. We now enter that waiting period that will continue to grow and grow with that nervous anticipation of what may become reality. As we wait for that fateful day of Call Day April 26, 2017, when all will be revealed, we prepare ourselves and our congregation for whatever God’s next step for Calvary may be. And what better way is there to prepare ourselves than to pray? At this time, we pray for God’s blessing and guidance to be with the seminary placement directors and the 35 district presidents, who seek to find the best fit for the candidates and congregations involved, including the three candidates on our list. We pray for God to continue to raise up pastors and church workers to serve throughout our churches, country and world. Finally, we pray for God to work mightily within each of us here at Calvary that we may each continue within our unique role of service in God’s church, for He has given each of us a special part in His mission to the world. May our Lord bless each of us through this time of waiting and may He give each of us a vision for what we can be as a church, when we all work together for the common goal of making Christ known to the nations.
God’s Blessings,
Pastor Kurt Ebert
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Staff Spotlight
Stephen Rensner
What do at Calvary?
Gary Bugher
you do
What do Calvary?
you do at
I serve as school principal
I serve as Calvary’s Congregation Business Manager
What is your favorite thing about Calvary?
What is your favorite thing about Calvary?
The joy to have the opportunity each day to share the love of Jesus with the students, their families, and all the faculty and staff.
The encouragement that I have received from the congregation to put my spiritual gifts to use in various volunteer roles, and now my new role as Business Manager. That started with a casual conversation with Bob Fort during a Calvary bowling leage night. He asked “How would you like to join the Stewardship team? All we do is count money.” Simple conversations can have large impacts
Favorite Book/Verse of the Bible? Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Be neither frightened nor dismayed for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Confirmation verse)
Favorite Book/Verse of the Bible?
Gardening and woodworking (or simply creating saw dust)
My favorite bible verse is the one that fits the situation of the day, but I am always a fan of Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Favorite Sport/Team(s)?
Favorite Hobby?
Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs Favorite Food?
Everyone who knows me know the answer to this one: basketball!
Chinese
Favorite Sport/Team(s)?
Hidden Talent/Little Known Fact about You?
The Purdue Boilermaker basketball team, of course.
I played in my high school band. We played the National Anthem for the 1976 opening day Chicago Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field. We got to go on the field as we played the Star Spangled Banner. The band was able to stay through the 7th inning before leaving to get back to school.
Favorite Food?
Favorite Hobby?
New York strip steak or barbeque brisket Hidden Talent/Little Known Fact about You?
4 year letterman on my Carmel High School swim team. I used that talent to win 10-speed bikes in two American Heart Association swim-athon fundraisers at Purdue in the late 1970’s. I still ride one of the those bikes.
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Associate Pastor Call Update At the February 12 Congregational Voters’ Meeting, the voters of Calvary extended a “designated but limited” call to any of three seminary students: Joseph Beran, Joshua Reifsteck, John David (JD) Zischke. Call Day at Concordia Seminary St. Louis will be on Wed., April 26, when they will announce where each seminary student has been placed for their first call. If we receive one of these candidates, we will find out on that day who it will be. If we do not receive a seminary candidate, we may hear a little earlier, but it is uncertain until the final-slotting process takes place just a few days prior to Call Day. We pray for God’s guidance for the Council of Presidents and seminary placement directors as they work through the placement process.
Director of Youth & Family Call Process Update The Call Committee has been working through candidate profiles over the past weeks and have already begun interviewing candidates. For further information, please speak with one of the members of the committee: Eric Eisberg (Chair), Stacey Faubion, Mark Schultz, Diane Robinson, Wendy Wilson, and Pastor Kurt Ebert.
Calvary’s Online Presence Has a New Look In 2016 Calvary received a grant from the Center for Congregations to upgrade our website and to create a mobile app. Both of those projects are now online with new features and options for members as well as members of the community. www.clcs.org
We are excited announce Calvary’s website is now mobile friendly so pull up www.clcs.org on your favorite device. The new site keeps well-used features such as recorded sermons, weekly announcements and a comprehensive calendar while adding an online membership directory. The directory feature is not open to the public so please complete a registration process to gain access. All members who have provided their email address to Calvary have been pre-approved for the directory. You can find detailed instruction on how to access the directory at http://clcs.org/learning/resource-links/.
Calvary Lutheran Church/School App Now you can add Calvary to your home screen – just search Calvary Lutheran Church/School in iTunes, Windows Phone Marketplace, Amazon Appstore and Google Play. From the app you can listen to recorded sermons, read the daily devotions, make an online donation, and access an ESV version of the bible. If you need assistance, have comments, or suggest edits please email the Communications Ministry Team at
[email protected].
Congregational Business Manager We are excited to announce that Gary Bugher has accepted the Congregational Business Manager position at Calvary and already began his work Wed., February 1. Please welcome Gary on board to Calvary’s staff. His new e-mail is
[email protected]. Please see Gary with any financial related questions.
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Congregational Treasurer Update We also thank Greg Simons who has recently agreed to the position of the Treasurer. From Camp Lakeview: Attention Men of God Join us for a weekend filled with fellowship, recreation and faith building at this year's Men's Gathering. The retreat on March 31 - April 2 will feature Rev. Stephen Henderson speaking on the topic, "Man of God". Living as a man of God is difficult in our confused and dark world. Together, we will seek to build up a bridge for generations after us to rise above our culture. We will also enjoy activities such as fishing and archery tag, a hog roast and deep fry party, and fellowship with other Christian men while watching the Final Four. For more information search “Men’s Gathering” on Facebook or contact David Vandercar (812-498-4742;
[email protected])
Christ on Trial—Midweek Lenten Series (Starting Wed., March 1) Court is in session and Jesus Christ is on trial. During every service we will hear from the prosecuting attorney and a key witness. Should Jesus be judged guilty or should he be declared innocent and released? As you join us for our Midweek Lenten worship, you will also serve as the court’s jury, rendering your guilty or not guilty verdict. The Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday on March 1. Evening service is at 7:00 p.m. or you are also welcome to join us for the School Chapel service from 8:10—8:50 a.m. Our Ash Wednesday services will also include the Imposition of Ashes. The other five Midweek services are Wed, March 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5 at 7:00 p.m. Join us and bring a friend.
Calvary’s Spring Dinner Auction, Mar 11, 2017 Calvary is holding a community fundraising dinner on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at University of Indianapolis’ Schwitzer Hall. We are honored to have Josh Bleill as our inspirational guest speaker! After attending Purdue University, Josh was working in corporate America when, like many of us, the events of September 11, 2001, changed his life forever. He was led to a decision to enlist in the U.S. Marines, and was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq. While serving there in 2007, a bomb exploded under the vehicle Josh was riding in. He awoke 5 days later to the realization he had lost 2 friends and both of his legs in the blast. Josh describes himself as “…a father, a husband, a Christian, a spokesperson, a Marine." But he is also a walking, talking, symbol of hope, using his story to motivate and inspire others. We welcome you and your guest(s) to join us March 11th for an evening of fellowship, fun,and an inspiring narrative. Cost to attend is $60 per person or table of 8 for $400, with several other ways to donate. All proceeds will go to minimizing Calvary’s mortgage debt. Cocktail Reception: 5:30 p.m. Silent Auction: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Catered Dinner: 6:15 p.m. Guest speaker: 7:30 p.m. Menu options are listed on registration form. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Donated items are still needed for the silent auction. To reserve your seat(s), please complete a registration form in the Narthex and return with your payment, or register online with credit card at www.goo.gl/HFXlz3.com .
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Parish Education **Please remember from Feb-Apr we are trying out a new time of 9:20-10:20 a.m.**
Children Sunday School: Our Sunday School theme this year is “Walking in God’s Word”. We have wonderful teachers placed in each room and a curriculum appropriate for your student, ages pre-school through 8th grade. (See bulletin for assigned rooms) “Into the Word: Philippians” (Mar 5 - Apr 2) What does it mean to be joyful in Christ, no matter the circumstances? Join us in the North Narthex as we look more into Paul’s encouragement in the midst of life’s difficult experiences. “Ordinary, How to Turn the World Upside Down” (Feb 12 – Mar 19): Ordinary is not a call to be more radical. If anything, it is a call to the contrary. The kingdom of God isn't coming with light shows and shock and awe, but with lowly acts of service performed during the normal rhythms of life. Ordinary encourages participants to move into a life of mission and justice―speaking up for the voiceless, caring for the single mom, restoring the broken, bearing burdens, welcoming the functionally fatherless, and speaking the good news to people on a regular basis in order to change the world. The following six sessions make up the essential contents of Ordinary: Everyday Justice: Trading Sensationalism for Ordinary Christianity Neighbor Love: How Justified Sinners Show Compassion in Word and Deed Kingdom Hospitality: How the King’s People Welcome Others Care for the Vulnerable: How the Father’s Children Love the Fatherless Courageous Advocacy: How God’s People Speak Up for the Voiceless God-Centered Humility: How an Ordinary Christian Walked with His Extraordinary God Sunday School hour locations are: Conference Room-Rhonda Hansen (Young Adults) Media Center-Diana Blazek Rm 125-John Stebbe / Jim Richert Saturday Night Classes for Adults, 5:00 p.m. The Saturday night Bible Study will also be doing “Ordinary, How to Turn the World Upside Down” (Feb 11-Mar 18). Please see above for more details about this class. (Conference Room-Pastor Main) We look forward to seeing you!
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Adult Ministry Lunch OUT!
Wed., March 1st, 11:30am McGilvery's Taphouse
Adult Ministry’s restaurant outing location for this month offers authentic Irish and American fare. McGilvery’s Taphouse, at 8249 US-31 South (behind Kinko's) has a large menu plus a daily $5.99 lunch special. Check it out at www.mcgilverystaphouse.com Come join us! No reservation needed; tables will be saved for Calvary Lutheran. For more info, contact Emily Spelde: 317-695-9366 or email
[email protected] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lunch & Learn – Adult Ministry Wednesday, March 15th, 11:30 am Guest Speaker: Regina Miller, “Geek in Pink” Provided entrée: Chicken & Rice Casserole In 2005 Regina started Geek in Pink as a computer repair company serving local residents and small businesses. Her Greenwood-based company has grown to 10 employees, and has served over 4,000 customers, doing computer repairs, removing viruses, solving internet connection problems, and even providing private lessons. She will explain about computer viruses, hacking, what these problems are and how they affect everyday life, even for persons who don’t own a computer. Calvary’s Adult Ministry hosts Lunch & Learn the third Wednesday of each month for good food, interesting program topics and uplifting Christian fellowship. Bring $2 and a dish to share; entrée is provided. Adults of all ages are welcome. For more info call, text or email Emily Spelde: 317-695-9366, or
[email protected] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heart-felt thanks!...to all our Women in Mission who baked and decorated cookies for last weekend's "Have a Heart" project, a great example of serving the Lord with gladness! Special thanks to coordinator Doris Sherfy, and to Thrivent and Margaret Mowery for the Action Team grant.
CARD SHOWER! Hazel Resner will turn 96 on March 9th! If you would like to wish Hazel a Happy Birthday, her address is: Greenwood Village 295 Village Lane #257 Greenwood, IN 46143
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Calvary Lutheran School News from Principal Rensner
Lion or Lamb? A typical expression to describe the entrance of March is did it come in like a lion or a lamb? The opposite is then to occur at the completion of the month. As we all know we enter March in winter and its finale finds us in the season of spring. The weather patterns can provide extremes hence the lion or the lamb. No matter the weather March is a transition month. The month of March will always contain the church year season of Lent. This year Ash Wednesday falls on March 1st. References are also made in God’s Word describing Jesus as the Lion of Judah and our Passover Lamb. Jesus is the Son of God with all power and authority. He is the Lion foretold to come from Judah. Yet He laid aside all to become like us in the flesh, to suffer and die, and to rise again as our Redeemer. Each day we are enabled through the power of the Holy Spirit to boldly profess Christ as Lord and Savior. This is our privilege each day to share with the students of Calvary Lutheran Church and School. We celebrate Jesus as our Lion and our Lamb. Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Registration- 2017-18 Early registration for the 2017-18 school year has begun and will take place through March 15. Early registration will allow us to better prepare for the new school year. Staffing needs, equipment, and classroom assignments will be determined and finalized based on the enrollment numbers through this registration process. Families re-enrolling for the new school year may do so through Renweb. Please be aware that registration fees must also be received to complete your registration process. The registration fee for the 2017-18 school year for students in Preschool through 8th grade is $100.00 per student. Registration forms received after March 15th from returning families will be assessed a late fee per student. You are asked to meet with Mrs. Combs, our Bookkeeper, in the school office to complete all financial paperwork. Your re-enrollment is not complete until BOTH the online and financial paperwork are done. If you do not complete the re-enrollment by March 15th, then a "late" enrollment fee of $50/student is assessed. There is a computer available for use in the school office lobby to complete the online portion. Please contact the school office with any questions. We would be happy to help! Please contact the school office with the names of neighbors, coworkers, and friends that may be interested in sending their children to Calvary Lutheran School. Mrs. Amy Andre, our Admissions Counselor will be happy to share the blessings of a quality, Christian education with all interested families. We share and extend this ministry to our Indianapolis Community as well. Third quarter completed The third quarter will be completed on Friday, March 10th. Report cards will be distributed through the students on Friday, March 17th. We commend all to the Lord who teach and learn in this place for their tremendous efforts. Spring Vacation Calvary Lutheran School will be closed for spring vacation beginning at 3:00PM on Friday, March 24. Our first day off is Monday, March 27. School will resume on Monday, April 3. We ask the Lord to be with all those who travel during this vacation period. SciFest Event Students in our 3rd–8th grade will have the opportunity to compete in a science event at the LHSI on Thursday, March 2 beginning at 6:30PM. The students will be divided in groups. They will be given 30 minutes to build a boat using like materials as all the other students. An exciting evening awaits you.
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Calvary Lutheran School News from Principal Rensner
Mirrors with Moms Our Preschool 3-4 TWO Day students have a special activity planned for Thursday, March 16. They will be celebrating Milkshakes, Muffins, and Mirrors with Mom. This event will take place during the school day. What a Marvelous day to celebrate with Mom. Our Preschool 3-4 THREE Day program students have this special activity planned for Friday, March 17. Both sessions will hold this activity from 10-11:00AM. ISTEP Testing Students in third through 8th grade will again participate in the ISTEP testing program. This testing period is scheduled from February 27-March 10. We desire the students to do their best on these tests. Please assist them by providing early bedtimes and nutritious breakfasts. Studies have also shown that limiting video games for one-two weeks prior to the testing will improve scores. Thank you. IREAD3 Testing Students in our 3rd grade will take the IREAD 3 test the week of March 13-17. This test will be administered through paper and pencil. We desire the students to do their best on these tests. Please assist them by providing early bedtimes and nutritious breakfasts. Studies have also shown that limiting video games for one-two weeks prior to the testing will improve scores. Thank you. Daylight Saving Time Get ready to spring forward at 2:00AM on Sunday, March 12. That’s right! We push our clocks forward one hour. Rest up!
NEWS FROM LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL OF INDIANAPOLIS LuFest 2017 – Friday March 17, 6:00–10:30 pm Help support the students at Lutheran High School! Reserve your place at LuFest.org for LHS’ annual dinner/auction to be held at The Crane Bay Event Center on March 17. Tickets are $95/person or $900/table of 10. Drop off auction items through March 10 in the LHS office; donations are accepted anytime. Call 317-787-5474 for more information. Public Safety Honor Chapel – March 23 Please join us as we honor local law-enforcement officers, fire fighters, and emergency response personnel in a special Honor Chapel service on Thursday, March 23, starting at 9:15 am, with a reception following. Please invite those public servants that you know and call 317-787-5474 for more information or to RSVP. Community Metal Recycling Event – March 25, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Start saving your metal now for recycling! Lutheran High School will host a community metal recycling event in its parking lot on Saturday, March 25, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Drop off your cans, wheels, shelving, car parts, small and large appliances, bicycles, copper wiring, plumbing fixtures, electric motors, transformers, tools, etc. All metals accepted – aluminum, steel, brass, carbide, steel, stainless
Concordia University Chicago Wind Symphony will be in Carmel at Cornerstone Lutheran Church (formerly known as Carmel Lutheran) on March 4 at 7:00 p.m. for their free Spring Tour concert. Jessica Wilson, 2010 Calvary graduate, is studying to be a Director of Parish Music at Concordia, and she plays organ, piano, flute, and percussion in the Wind Symphony. Mark your calendars for a great concert!
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Women in Mission Extravagant Sharing
We blessed the shoppers at the Lutheran Child and Family Services Sharing Place with our donations of instant and canned potatoes last month. So many more will be blessed with our ordinary but extravagant sharing of boxes of facial tissues in March. Those disposable tissues have been so important during this cold and flu season. Continue expressing your love of others. Bring your donations of facial tissues and place them on the Extravagant Sharing shelves in the church narthex. Thank you!
Women in Mission
SAVE THE DATE! Next women's ministry event: Wed., April 12th, 9:30 a.m.
Women's Saturday Bible Study Sat., Mar 4 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Epic Library - "Encourage One Another" pages 16-17 of the winter 2016 Lutheran Women’s Quarterly. Led by Kalai Udhayanesan. BLANKETS FOR BABIES - Our dates are Thursdays 6-8 p.m. in the cafe area: Mar 9 and 23 Questions? Contact Susan Daniels 317-882-3691 Memorials for March In Memory of Jim Irwin & Alice Weaver from: Mr. & Mrs. Rick Shaker In Memory of Jim Yates from: Janice Reissig In Memory of Diane Werling from: Mr. & Mrs. Bardonner, Mr. & Mrs. Bob Fort, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Klasing, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Dunaway, Mr. & Mrs. William Miller, Dr. & Mrs. Mike Arnold, Mr. & Mrs. Dave Thompson, Elise Wolf, Ethel Nichols, Mary Alice Gran???, Mr. & Mrs. Ray Ford, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Jupin, Mr. & Mrs. Marv Hansen, Mr. & Mrs. Allen Glassen, Norma MacBeth, Helen Schmid & family, Carol gill, Mr. & Mrs. Les Brandt, Karen Meyer, Mr. & Mrs. Ken Kehlbeck, Catherine Woempner, Dorothy Huney???, Dottie Kemp???, Robert Wittman, Debra Manning, Mr. & Mrs. Gil Mascher, Wallace Morlock, Mr. & Mrs. Kevin James, Mr. & Mrs. Doug Schultz, Lynn Reno, Mr. & Mrs. Gary Bugher, Ruth Fuhrmann, Mr. & Mrs. Harold Laut In Memory of Joy & Mary Lou Romack from: Bob Romack In Memory of Keith Miller from: Jane Miller In Memory of Hazel Haberhern from: Calvary’s Willing Workers, Mr. & Mrs. Bob Fort, Mr. & Mrs. Judy Glenday, Jan Meiners, Mr. & Mrs. John Remetta, Mr. & Mrs. Bardonner, Judy Kirkland, Mr. & Mrs. Gary Bugher, Bill Wittlief, Sue Haberhern & family, Timothy Struck, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Brakke, Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Haberhern, Genevieve Gray, Helen Schmid & family, Elise Wolf In Memory of Jerry McFarland from: Calvary’s Willing Workers, Mr. & Mrs. Gary Bugher, Mr. & Mrs. Bob Fort, Jane Meiners, Mr. & Mrs. Dick Alter, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Glenday, Mr. & Mrs. Brian Clark, Mr. & Mrs. William Ditchley, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Birdwell, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bardonner, Mr. & Mrs. Norm Reiner, Mr. & Mrs. John Remetta, Grace Wolfe, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Thompson In Memory of Roland & William Nichols from: Kathy Nichols
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Fellowship Ministry Reverse Purse Party hosted by Parish Fellowship Team What is a Reverse Purse Party? The idea came from Project Purse Indianapolis and emphasizes "peer to peer giving" rather than "peer to peer selling." New or gently used purses are collected and filled with personal health and beauty items, as well as a card of hope and affirmation. The filled purses/bags are then distributed to homeless and disadvantaged women throughout the area. The Fellowship Team will be working with the Homeless Initiative Program that services homeless veterans. All items collected are intended to be given to homeless veterans in the Indianapolis area. Should the response be overwhelming, we may spread the wealth to other homeless initiatives. So, as you're cleaning out closets and drawers this winter, bring in all those unwanted purses (or cinch bags for men); we'll put them to good use. You can drop off your donated items (see Wish List below) in the bin labeled “Reverse Purse Party” outside the church office until April 2nd. A table will be set up in the Narthex the weekend of March 4th and 5th for all services. We can share some food and fellowship while our team answers questions and collects donations. Stationery and cards will be available to write a personal uplifting note to be included with each bag. If you plan to donate gift cards, please bring them one of these days. You are invited to help sort and pack during Calvary’s Weekend of Service (Room 125): * Sorting Party - Saturday, April 8th at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. * Packing Party – Sunday, April 9th at 9:20 – 10:20 a.m.
Wish List: * New or Gently Used Purses or Cinch Style Bags * Personalized Uplifting Notes/Cards * Playing Cards * Socks * Comb/Brush * Feminine Hygiene Products * Emery Board (cardboard type) * Lip Balm * Razors * Nail Polish * Bandaids/Antiseptic Wipes * Small Notebook/Pen * $5 to $10 Gift Cards (Fast Food, CVS, Walgreens, Etc.) * Bus Passes * Travel sizes of the following * Deodorant * Shampoo/Conditioner * Soap/Body Wash * Hand/Body Lotion * Toothbrush/Toothpaste * Tissues * Body Powder * Body Spray If you have questions, contact Linda Bugher at
[email protected] or 317-432-1865.
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Stewardship Emphasis FEED MY SHEEP Lent is a season of repentant joy. There is joy in repentance because in repentance, God, through His Word, turns us away from our sins — our failures of thought, word, and deed — to believe in the forgiveness and new life He has accomplished for us in the death and resurrection of His Son. For our God is our Father, and fathers discipline their children. He loves us enough to point out when and where we have erred, so that we are not weighed down by false belief, despair, and other great shame or vice. Thus we do well to listen to God’s Word, His own teaching, about giving. St. Paul exhorts: “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor” (Gal 6:6). This means that the local congregation is primary. In other words, everything else that we might give to during the year — laudable and worthy charities — are to be on top of what we give to our local congregation. For the local congregation is the place that serves us with the gifts of Christ’s death and resurrection. The local congregation is where our spiritual needs are met when Christ’s atonement is preached, when the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed, when we were baptized into the name of the Triune God, and when we partake of the body and blood of the risen and living Lamb of God. But how much are we to give to this local congregation? His instructions are these: to give regularly (1 Cor 6:1–2), proportionally (1 Cor 16:1–2; 2 Cor 8:12), and generously (2 Cor 8:20) of our first fruits (Gen 4:4; Prov 3:9; Lev 27:30) with a spirit of eagerness (2 Cor 9:2), earnestness (2 Cor 8:7), cheerfulness (2 Cor 9:7), and love (2 Cor 8:23).
Thus, giving to the church is not to be an afterthought, given after everything else is spent. In this way, it is deliberate. We give it regularly, whenever we have income. We set it aside beforehand, before anything else is spent. From those first fruits, we set aside a proportionate and generous amount. Ten percent was the standard for the Israelites. Tithing was a command for them. St. Paul never mentions a tithe. Since a tithe was the bare minimum for the people of Israel in the Old Testament, perhaps St. Paul had more in mind. That aside, however, ten percent is an easy way to figure out an amount. You simply move your weekly, bi-weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, or yearly income one decimal point to the left. And that’s it. That’s what you put in the offering plate to support your local congregation so that you may continue to be a hearer of God’s word by sharing all good things with those who teach it to you. And how are we to give it? We give it with eagerness and earnestness. We give it cheerfully and with love, not out of compulsion. For through the preaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments, God has made us His children, forgiven us all our sins, given us grace upon grace, promised us life everlasting with Him in His kingdom, and filled us with His own Spirit, the Holy Spirit. This makes giving a joy. For it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). In repentant joy, then, do we hear God’s Word on giving, and we let that Word dwell in us richly. We let that word wash over our ears and seep into our hearts, to turn us away from our own selfish desires and turned toward Him in faith and love. We love the Lord and His Word. And we desire to do it. And when we have failed, that Word reproves and corrects, forgives and consoles. It calls us back to Him who is our God, our Savior, our Father.
Calvary Lutheran Church and School Financial Summary Second Fiscal Quarter Ended 1/31/17
General Fund: YTD Revenues YTD Expense YTD Net Beginning balance Current balance
Revenue Detail:
YTD Contributions YTD Matching Gifts YTD School Gifts YTD Tuition and Fees YTD Other Revenues
Outflow to Missions:
Current Budget $1,246,158 $1,357,752 $1,136,269 $1,251,628 $109,889 $106,124 ($82,539) $27,350 Current $547,393 $26,915 $31,023 $614,096 $26,731
Q1 (Aug - Oct)
$20,180
Q2 (Nov - Jan) Q3 (Feb - Apr) Q4 (May - Jul)
$67,207
Budget $598,269 $25,665 $38,990 $668,213 $26,615
Difference ($111,594) ($115,359) $3,765
Prior Year $1,253,994 $1,106,155 $147,839
Debt: Mortgage Balance Line of Credit Balance
Current $155,158 $0
One year prior $299,801 $63,305
Endowments:
Difference ($50,876) $1,250 ($7,967) ($54,117) $116
Prior Year $537,507 $24,742 $34,257 $635,877 $21,611
Special Mission Focus Kokomo tornado relief Wycliffe, El Salvador, India, LCMS Disaster Response, Together in Mission, LCFS, scholarship
One year prior Current Calvary Endowment Fund $678,624 $431,723 YTD Disbursements $33,366 Mission focus Sr. Ministry, web site dev., Deaconess Current Schwark Endowment Fund $204,570 Schwark Annual Fund $10,500 YTD Expenditures $0
One year prior $23,251 $22,566
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Youth Ministry
Portals of Prayer Renewal/Order Form It is time to order or renew your subscription to Portals of Prayer—a daily devotion book. Name _________________________________________PH#___________________________ Address___________________________________City__________State____Zip__________ Amount Enclosed $________ ($8.60 regular print; $17 large print) Make checks to “Calvary.” Drop forms off in the church office by March 26th.
Easter lily order form $12.00 each Order deadline is March 26th Leave order with payment in the church office. (Checks payable to Calvary Lutheran Church.) Name: _____________________________________________________ In memory of (optional) ____________________________________________________________ In honor of (optional)_______________________________________________________________
Phone Number:______________________________________ Amount Attached: __________ Easter is marked by many beautiful signs of life. If you want to add a personal touch to our Day of Resurrection, please order a lily to decorate the altar on Easter. Flowers can be picked up following our Easter services.
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Worship for Shut-Ins Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc. Toll-Free: (888) 286-8002 www.worshipforshutins.org Sunday 10:00 AM - WHMB-TV 40 Sunday 11:30 AM - Direct TV Channel 377
March 2017 March 5, 2017 – First Sunday in Lent Psalm: Psalm 32:1-7; Epistle: Romans 5:12, 17-19; Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11 “You Rule!” - Sermon Text: Romans 5:17
by Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer, Holy Cross Lutheran Church ~ Fort Wayne, IN You rule! That’s right, you REIGN in life through Jesus Christ. The problem comes when we REIN in Jesus, that is, when we try to rule on our terms. However, God be praised that He offers us His “abundant provision of grace” and “the gift of righteousness.” Through Jesus Christ, you rule!
March 12, 2017 – Second Sunday in Lent Psalm: Psalm 118:1-9; Old Testament/Epistle: Genesis12:1-4a; Hebrews 11:8; Gospel: John 3:1-17 “Forward in Faith” - Sermon Text: Genesis12:1-4a; Hebrews 11:8
by Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III, Concordia Theological Seminary ~ Fort Wayne, IN
We don’t know what the future holds, and that can cause uncertainty and fear. What is needed is faith, the same faith that Abraham had. This is faith that moves forward in victory.
March 19, 2017 – Third Sunday in Lent Psalm: Psalm 84:1-4 (Antiphon: v. 5); Epistle: Romans 5:1-8 Gospel: John 4:5-30 “Come Away…to the Well” - Sermon Text: John 4:13-14
by Rev. James L. Elsner, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ~ Stroh, IN Even though good, clean, fresh water is a good thirst-quencher, we try to improve it as a sports drink or a soft drink. But, what’s quenching your “spiritual” thirst?
March 26, 2017 – Fourth Sunday in Lent Psalm: Psalm 142; Epistle: Ephesians 5:8-14; Gospel: John 9:1-7, 13-17. 34-39 “Wash the Mud!” - Sermon Text: John 9:1-7, 13-17. 34-39
by Rev. William Mueller, Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church ~ Fort Wayne, IN A blind man meets the Lord and receives an invitation to wash the mud – wash the mud and be healed. Jesus also does the same with us. Wash the mud and be cleansed of spiritual blindness.
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CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL 6111 Shelby Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46227 www.clcs.org Phone: 317-783-2000
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CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL Worship: Saturdays 6:30 PM Sundays 8:00 & 10:45 AM Family Education Hour (Sunday School) 9:20 AM Senior Pastor: Kurt Ebert
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Deaconess: Emily Spelde
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Director of Youth & Family Ministry: Abram Sinn
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Tamil Indian Ministry: Pastor Udhay Raji
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Director of Children’s Ministry: Paula Streib
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Principal: Stephen Rensner
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Admissions Counselor:
Amy Andre
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Administrative Assistants:
Shari Lipps
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Shari Shaker
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Sue Ann Kruger
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Bookkeeper: Julie Combs
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Business Mgr: Gary Bugher
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Church Office: (317) 783-2000
School Office: (317) 783-2305
Church Website: www.clcs.org
School Website: www.choosecalvary.com
