Announcements for the Week of March 1, 2015
Today
College and Grad Student, Young Professional Lunch/Devotion, 12:30pm: After the recent New England District Campus Ministry workshop, the possibility of expanding LCMS campus ministry efforts in Boston is very much on the Synod’s radar screen. As follow-up from that meeting, Brian Harms is facilitating a congregational self-study and planning process for the future of campus ministry at First Lutheran. Today’s college and young adult study will kick off this planning effort by completing a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of current ministry efforts. This is the first meeting and we invite ministry participants to join us after the late service. Lunch will be provided.
Carrying the Torch: Actually, it’s lighting the candles. A Crucifer and Acolyte Training Boot Camp is scheduled for today at 12:30pm with Thilo Henkes (who, it’s rumored, began the tradition at FLC when he was a younger, shorter and thought that robes were cool—so cool he still wears them today as service elder). All confirmation students are expected to attend and anyone else who wants the training is welcome–in Pastor’s words “as long as they can sit properly, manage lighting the candles, and can follow a worship service without supervision.” That translates into “age appropriate, tall enough to reach, and willing to sit up front at the altar during worship in front of a lot of people.” Confirmation class resumes next Sunday, March 8th.
Of Note
Lenten Lentils (or chicken noodle, beef stew, chili…): Mid-week Lenten services are scheduled every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m., now through March 25. As always, we welcome volunteers to provide soup or a one-pot meal that needs to be in the kitchen and on the stove by 6 p.m. and to help clean up (washing dishes, storing left-overs). Clean-up can take place immediately before or after the service. Every Wednesday’s available! The sign-up sheet is in the narthex.
Lenten Devotions: Lutheran Hour Ministries is offering online devotions for Lent from the series, “The Light Shines through the Darkness,” by Rev. Wayne Palmer. Go to www.lhm.org, look for the box mid-page on the right titled, “Today’s Daily Devotion.” Once you’re on that page, you may “subscribe” by following the link, “Daily Devotion Options.” In addition, Anya Burkart found a devotional study that includes a daily confession, Bible study, reflection and prayer. If you’d like a copy of the pdf for “Journey to the Cross: Readings and Devotions for Lent,” please let Anya know at very_unique@msn.com or contact the church office.
Lenten Sacrifice: As Pastor Dutzmann noted last week, under the Gospel we are not required to give up anything for Lent. However, it is a useful discipline. So he’s asked us all to hold him accountable for his sacrifice, which is “I will give up complaining for Lent.” To paraphrase former New York City mayor, Ed Koch, “How’s he doin’?”
Lutheran Essentials: Wednesday, March 4, 8:15pm: “The Spirituality of the Cross,” written by Gene Edward Veith, Jr., explores the author’s journey to becoming a Lutheran. The book, as well as the Book of Concord, are provided free of charge. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor, the Elders or Paul Edmon.
S(no)w Way!: Way. Sure, Marlborough Street is still a mess. The FLC parking lot is a shadow of its former self and we still have to get through March. But, people beyond Boston are watching. We received a heartfelt letter, small contribution and prayers from Roger and Mary Kay Rabe of Crescent City, Illinois (members of Calvary LC in Watseka, who located our church in the LCMS directory, along with Trinity Lutheran). The letter, posted on the bulletin board by the office, says in part, “We have been watching the news for weeks now, and have been praying for all the people of the Boston area… Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many mid-westerners.”
Happy Campers: There are two unique opportunities for people of all ages to learn and grow, worship and play:
“Cultured Christians, Secular Culture, Pop-Culture and Christ’s Church,” April 10-11, Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield, MA. Led by Pastor Rich Heinz of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chicago, the weekend looks at navigating through the many “cultures” that seem to tear down families, celebrate sin, and ignore Christ and His Church. For junior high and high school students 7th grade and above, Felix and Jessica Loc are chaperoning this trip, which includes participation by our Pastor Dutzmann. Visit www.higherthing.org/retreats/registrations and contact Felix at loc.felix@gmail.com for more info.
“Lutheran Winni Week 2015,” July 5-11, Geneva Point, Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. Join Pastor as he helps lead another weeklong, family oriented vacation Bible study on the shores of New Hampshire’s largest lake. The week’s theme, led by New Jersey District Mission Executive and District President Rev. Dr. Anthony Steinbronn, is “The Stories That Really Matter.” The challenge for every human being is that making sense of one’s life story is not that easy to do and the vast majority of the world’s population never does figure out the meaning of life and the way of salvation in Jesus Christ (Matt. 7:13-14; 13:1-9). Vacation Bible School for kids. Young adults meet for discussion and reflection. And, adults gather to listen and discuss the week’s theme. For more information, visit www.lutheranwinniweek.org, contact the church office, or speak with Pastor.
Bach’s Birthday On March 21, FLC hosts the 330th anniversary of the birth of Johann Sebastian Bach, celebrated throughout the world with performances of his music. Boston Bach Birthday 330 is the 7th annual, all-day (morning to late afternoon) series of Bach concerts, presented free and open to the public. With more than eight hours of concerts, BBB330 musicians (including our own Minister of Music and close friends of FLC) will treat listeners to the beyond-time realm of hearing Bach’s music today and, simultaneously, to inspiring wonderment at Bach’s compositional feats three centuries ago. The opening event at 9:00 a.m. is Peep the Piper, especially for children. Volunteer opportunities abound! See Balint
