April 2016 The Redeemer Reporter

In the 1996 Warner Brothers movie, Tin Cup, the title character describes the follow through of his golf swing to another as an unfinished symphony. That is, his golf swing has an unfinished look. The person he is sharing this with asks, “why?” He explains, “well, some say it’s the easiest way to play in the winds of west Texas and some say it's because I never finish anything in my life. You can decide. But the point is...every finishing position is unique.” What a true statement he utters… every finishing position is unique… and something we learned again this Easter Sunday.

Mark’s account of the Easter narrative, the one we heard on Easter, is so different from the other three gospels. For starters Jesus makes absolutely zero resurrection appearances in Mark. In Matthew, Jesus meets the women with a hearty ‘hello’ on their way home from the tomb. In Luke, Jesus takes a stroll down memory lane with a couple of disciples on the way to Emmaus. In John, Jesus is mistaken as the gardener as he meets Mary at the entrance of the tomb.

But in Mark there is no appearance to the disciples, the women or the crowds. In Mark we just have a messenger in white, hanging out in the tomb, seemingly waiting for someone to arrive. And like each and every heavenly messenger in the Bible, the first words he speaks are “do not be afraid.”

And while we well established Easter morning that his first message didn’t stick, that fact doesn’t stop him from continuing. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”

And just so we are clear, again, the response of the women was: to flee from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and say nothing to anyone. And that is where Mark’s gospel ends. Talk about unfinished.

Now of course if you open your Bible right now and look you will find more story after the 8th verse. They are uniquely labeled, “the shorter ending of Mark” and “the longer ending of Mark.” And while they are in the Bible, the oldest and most trustworthy manuscripts end at verse eight and scholars generally agree that those other endings were added later by others, because no one could believe that Mark actually meant to end the story where he did, in such an unfinished way… but he did… and it leaves me wondering why?

Does it have to do with the winds of west Texas? Doubtful. Could it be that the writer of Mark never finished anything in their life? Maybe… but I think it is deeper than that.

We are reminded with the Easter morning story that God needs no help with Jesus’ resurrection. God already accomplished that without our help. And that being the case, God needs no help with our neighbor’s salvation. God, through Jesus, accomplished that as well. In fact we can also deduce that Jesus doesn’t need us to

UNFINISHED EASTER — A note from Pastor Ken —

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defend him. After all if he can defeat death, I think Jesus can handle people’s doubt and the trolls that misuse God’s name.

And with all that God accomplished it would be easy to think that there is nothing left to do. And in regards to salvation we would be right. But the unfinished ending Mark leaves us with the wonderment of what more there is to do. And to that question comes the resounding answer…

Death is still around us. There are still people that think the story ends at the tomb. There are still people carrying spices to a place where they are not needed. Can we witness to them?

Today, Jesus calls us, just as the messenger called the women, to go and share with the world that Jesus has risen and gone on ahead to meet us in the Galilee’s of our life. Jesus calls us to witness to the world that new life is possible in ways beyond our imagination.

But maybe even more than telling or witnessing to the fact that Jesus is alive, Jesus calls us to invite others to come and see this for themselves. We can help one another overcome and move beyond the same terror and amazement the women felt, so that all might live into this new life that Jesus offers through his resurrection. A new life full of comfort, grace, love and all that God is. Good News to a world in desperate need of it.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Happy Easter,

Luther Heights Capital Campaign

Donor Appreciation Event

Saturday, May 14

In appreciation to all those who contributed to the building of our new lodge, the Renewing the Legacy Now Campaign for Camp Luther Heights will be holding a Donor Appreciation Event on Saturday, May 14, from 4 pm to 6pm at Meridian’s Kleiner Park, 1900 N. Records Avenue (Corner of N. Records Avenue and E. Elden Gray St.)

The event will be at Shelter B-1, which is located on the southeast side of the park, east of the parking lot (near the Art area).

Whether you contributed directly to the campaign or to the congregational gift to the campaign, Luther Heights wishes to recognize you. Please join us for beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and fellow-ship in celebration of the new Lodge!

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Luther Heights Bible Camp is looking to fill a few remaining male and female counselor positions for this

summer. Counselors are one year out of high school or have completed at least their first year of college.

The employment period is June 4th – August 13th. $240 a week or $2,400 for the summer with room and

board provided.

They are also looking for Health Care Professionals who could come up and work one week or longer and

serve as the Camp Nurse. In exchange for their help up to two scholarships are available for their children

or a stipend of $200.

Also a Maintenance staff position is available. If you have a basic knowledge of home repair you could

consider this position. The maintenance staff position is paid, with housing and board provided. There is

also an opportunity volunteers to come to camp for a week or two at a time and take care of routine

maintenance tasks. Housing and board will be provided to volunteer maintenance people.

Your Servant in Christ,

Eric

Early Registration Deadline Extended!

Register by Sunday, April 17th and receive the early registration discount of $25.00 off

your registration fee. Registrations received after this date will not be discounted.

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE !

Luther Heights believes that any child who would like to attend Camp should be able to!

We will work to provide the scholarship needed to make this happen. Please check with

your home congregation first before contacting Luther Heights.

Opening Work-Weekends -May 20-22 & May 27-30

Come when you can, and stay as long as you can! Planting, painting, building, cleaning, cutting/splitting/stacking firewood, raking, typical household maintenance projects, cooking, are just a few of the fun work orders we will do! This is a great way to introduce your child to the camp with the fun worship, camp-fires, and much s'more! Full weekend includes accommoda-tions in camp cabins, meals, and snacks! This is a no cost retreat for all ages. Everyone is invited to come and help get Camp ready for the summer! Please register in advance at www.lutherheights.org or call 208-886-7657. Work weekends are also a great way to intro-duce yourself and the whole family to what a week at camp could be like. So don't hesitate

to come up for the weekend, an afternoon and/or a single night. We'd love to have you!

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Treasure Valley WELCA Cluster Gathering

The Treasure Valley WELCA Cluster sends a huge "thank you" to all the ladies and girls who attended our fabulous Pillowcase Dress Party Saturday, March 5th. We had close to 50 attendees from the Treasure Valley Lutheran Churches who enjoyed creating marvelous dresses from pillow-cases for African girls.

This along with fabulous fellowship and a tasty lunch provided by Thrivent Dollars made for a wonderful day. It was a very productive day and we look forward to doing something like this in the future. We'll keep you posted.

Patty Larson

Treasure Valley WELCA Coordinator

Esther ~ Naomi Circles

Join us on Wednesday, April 13th, at 1:00pm in the

Fellowship Hall for a time of Bible study, prayer,

a light snack and fellowship.

All ladies are welcome!

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SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE

April 3 Chapel 9:15 am

April 10 Chapel 9:15 am

April 17 Chapel 9:15 am

April 24 Connection Sunday in the Fellowship Hall

Many thanks to Carol James and Laurel Simos for providing

homemade soup, bread and dessert on the First Thursday of each

month. They will be serving it up on Thursday,

April 7th at noon in the Fellowship Hall.

Stop by for a bowl (or two) along with great conversation

for only $2.

Best lunch deal in town!

Synod Assembly in Boise

April 15th—17th The Synod Assembly will be meeting in Boise on April 15th—17th.

If you are willing to serve as an usher, please contact Nancy Reglin at nancys3gkids@q.com

Thank you.

NO NAME MEN’S GROUP

The Redeemer No-Names Mens Group will hold their monthly meeting on Monday, April 11th at 7PM at the Sockeye Grill and BrewPub (3019 N Cole Rd, Boise,ID). (Same location as last month).

We'll go back to our base questions:

What has gone well this past month?

What has not gone well?

And any prayer concerns.

Steve, Acting Secretary

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Ongoing Outreach Opportunity to support Redeemer Lutheran

Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to (non-profit) at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. You can search for us by our name or by our non-profit number (insert NPO# 85976). Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping (non- profit) earn a donation! You still earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates, just as you do today.

If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store. They can also assist in signing up for Redeemer’s account.

For more information, please visit www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.

April Events to support our local Lutheran Community Services

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Interested in Writing?

We are looking for people to share

about their STARword.

How has your STARword affected your

prayer life?

Where have you seen the STARword

come up in your life?

The writing need not be long, but

we would like to foster some

sharing. If you are interested,

please talk to Pastor Ken.

(if you are wondering what a STARword is, please see Pastor Ken)

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Distribution in March

First of all want to give thanks to all the helpers! Sorters were Danette B., Katie D., Alice K., Martina N., and myself. On the day of distribution helpers were Shirley G. and Julie H., who did the writing. Others were Judi C., Laurel S., Luanne T., and myself. What a blessing each one of you are!

91 Families served

88 families requested diapers

91 packages of Toilet Paper

91 bottles of soap,

2,200 Diapers

Count was down a little this month. Don't know if it was spring break, or if the weather was just too nice! The Idaho diaper bank has informed us that at some point this summer they will be initiating a cloth diaper program along with the disposables! If a person chooses, and if they have laundry facilities, they will receive 20 cloth diapers along with the plastic pants that have adjustable closures. The diapers will be made out of recycled T- Shirts! When the child is trained they will bring back the diapers to be professional-ly sanitized and then passed out again! We think this is a wonderful idea! And Mother Earth will appreciate this too! More on this later as facts are given us.

God continues to bless our program in some way every month! Thanks also to those who continue to bring in their travel size toiletries and assorted goodies! The men just loved the disposable razors and pens! Until next month blessings to everyone!

Ruth Makovsky

Outreach Activities

Ministry of the Month for April—McDonalds Food Coupons

April's ministry of the month will be a collection of spare change to purchase food coupons at McDonalds. The first Sunday in May these coupons will be handed out to parishioners who would like to distribute them. This could be someone on a street corner, a student, or a family who is struggling to make ends meet. Any remaining coupons will be donated to City Light Home for Women and Children to distribute as they see the need. Please bring your spare change throughout the month of April! We will also accept larger bills and checks marked “McDonalds”. Thank you!

Thank you for your monetary donations for the Blue Star Mothers during the

month of March. We collected a total of $105 to support care packages to

active military and military families in need at home.

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Ministry of the Month Updates—Thank you for giving!!

The quilters are in need of your old sheets; preferably cotton, printed or colored. These are used for backs. Any material is also welcome and we could also use another body on Tuesday mornings. If you can tie a knot, sew, cut squares, or are good at designing the tops, you are needed!! A fun group to join, and we will even fix you lunch for your Birthday!!

God has blessed all our Outreach programs.

Ruth Makovsky

THANK-YOU

Thanks to all who brought hygiene items for Desert Sage Elementary. A big box along with a check was given to Erin Fisher at the school. These items, which we tend to take for granted, make a big difference in the children's lives. Thanks again for supporting our community!

Can you help?

The Redeemer quilters donated quilts to the Peruvian Sheepherders in our area last year.

At this time they are in need of binoculars. If you have any binoculars that you are no longer using, please bring them to the church office and we will see that the sheepherders receive them. Thank you.

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Readings for Sundays in April

April 3 You Shall Be My Witnesses Acts 1:1-14 Mark 6:7-13

April 10 Peter Heals in Jerusalem Acts 3:1-10 Mark 6:53-56

April 17 Church at Thessalonica Acts 17:1-9 Mark 13:9-11

April 24 Church at Corinth Acts 18:1-4 Mark 9:34-35

April Altar Guild: Terri Lindemann 939-9932 lindemann@cable0ne.net

Coffee and Fellowship Time: Flowers:

April 3 Freezer Cookies Ashley and Connie Seymour

April 10 Brenda and Martina Sandy Boyington

April 17 Larry and Kari Spencer

April 24 Nowela and Odille

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: New prayer requests are shown in bold print.

Military Matthew Jay

Jason Kinsey

Carol Kohtz

Jim Schmeits

Brian Waybright

Ron Campbell

Lois Child

Janice Collins

Colton Family

David Family

Kristi Davis

Matt Dittrich

Dorn Family

Erickson Family

Dick Frank

Family of John Frank

Fullmer Family

Louise Gaedeke

Thom Garzone

Connie Hachquet

Debbie Haines

Don Harter

Helderman Family

Patsy Horton

Jen Jay

Mike/Niki/Ava Jones

Katula Family

Keeling Family

Betty Kidd

Dominic Lococo

Family of Ellis MaGee

Matson Family

Richard McCaskill

Bob McDonald

Lidia McFarland

Michelle

Tom Montgomery

Moreland Family (Taylor)

Family of Nadeane Nass

Mia Patterson

Kitty Patton

Family of Ardene Riddle

Roberta Riegger

Leon Robinson

Kacey Roe

Roisland Family

Sonia Safron

Sarah

Family of Shirley Sather

Schmidt Family

Flora Schweitzer

Sean Michael

Pamela Shugrue

Barb Sullivan

Family of Dolores Sykora

Tom

Tripp Family

Roger Trott

Janis Vinson

Dorothy Ward

Lucas and Roxanne Wasson

Kristina Zipser

If you have a prayer request for a friend or loved one, please write it on a prayer request card found in the pew pocket and leave it in the offering plate or let the church office know. Prayers will remain on the list for one year or until the person making the request asks for it to be removed by phone call or email.

Redeemer Lutheran Church

2920 Cassia Street

Boise, ID 83705

Office: 208-344-6758

Web: www.redeemerboise.org

Table of Contents:

Note from Pastor Ken Pgs 1-2

Luther Heights information Pgs 2-3

Redeemer Happenings Pgs 4-5

Lutheran Community Services Page 6

STARword Page 7

Outreach News Pgs 8-9

April Calendar Page 10

Readings/Prayers Page 11