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Red Hill Lutheran Church & School

newsletterAPRIL 2011THIS WAY IN...

Dear Red Hill Family and Friends,This Lenten season we have been reflecting upon the theme of renewal. Lent is an ideal time to consider renewal as the season of Lent calls us toward Jesus through repentance and renewal of our baptismal promises. Renewal is “The state of being made new, fresh, or strong again.” God changes our hearts and minds so that we can become like Jesus, empowered to serve and love God and one another. This serving and loving God and the neighbor is called discipleship. These past few months, I have been explaining the ways that God makes disciples by renewing our hearts, minds, and souls. Using our “S.O.U.L.L. Path,” metaphor, we have explored Surrendering to God’s Love (Worship) and “Obediently Hearing and Responding to Jesus” (Bible study and Prayer). This month, we explore “Unity in Biblical Community.” It is through community and friendships that are uniquely Biblical, that we learn how to genuinely love others, communicate with one another in healthy ways, support one another, and have accountability with one another. The Bible describes the nature of Biblical community: “For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another” (Romans 12:4-5).

At Red Hill, we want to offer Biblical community for the purpose of joining individuals together to care for one another, and so that they may contribute their unique gifts, skills, and personalities, within a structure of prayerful accountability. In these groups, the scriptures are studied, discussed, and applied in the lives of disciples. The ideal context for developing these types of relationships is in the small group. The definition of a small group differs, but basically a small group is an intentional, face to face gathering 3-12 people, who meet regularly with a common purpose of growing in one’s God-given humanity through the study of scripture, mutual prayer, and accountability. Personal caring is also offered one to another through a commitment of mutual acceptance and support. One of the outcomes of Biblical community is that disciples invest their lives in the lives of others, thus multiplying disciples.

At the present time, we have many small groups that meet both at the church and in homes. In the future, we hope to begin more and more groups as we grow in membership and involvement. Our women’s Circle studies are excellent examples of such small, Biblically based groups. Other potential ideas for small groups would be:

* “Zone Groups.” Groups that meet in homes within a geographical area surrounding Red Hill.* “Mission Groups.” Groups that meet for a particular mission opportunity such as building a house in Mexico.* “Affinity Groups.” Groups that focus on a common practice, interest, or life stage. Groups include: softball, cooking, “dinner for eight,” sermon topic discussions, and quilting.* “Community Groups.” Groups that meet together to study a particular book of the Bible and/or life issue.

* Ministry Teams and Committees. Groups that meet together and fulfill a ministry at or beyond the church (Ushers, Sunday school teachers, etc).

Again, these groups would meet throughout the week in homes and on the church campus.

My hope and dream would be that every member of Red Hill is connected to some type of small group so that

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every member is not only growing strong in faith, but also developing friendships that last for a lifetime and beyond! In this way every member would have a group of fellow Christians praying for them, supporting them, and loving them in their lives, as well as being cared for in times of emergency. As a pastor, I get to witness this personally. I have seen how small groups of friends care for one another—financially, prayerfully, and physically, visiting group members in hospitals and in homes during illness.Another long-term dream for our small groups would be that the small group would become the locus of ministry. Each and every group at Red Hill would be a “S.E.R.V.I.C.E.” small group. Imagine our small groups performing seven functions of Biblical community:

Spiritual Formation: The pursuit of discipleship through Biblical study, prayer, mutual consolation, and accountability.

Evangelism: Each group will be encouraged to commit to pray for the needs of one person they know who is not a Christian.

Recreation: Each group will be encouraged to spend time together in social activities such as picnics, beach trips, camping, or sporting events.

Volunteerism: Begin the process of the small groups becoming the source of ministry needs within the church; such as youth, ushering, and teaching Sunday school.

International Missions: Begin the process of the small groups supporting and participating in at least one international mission project. (The international mission project could be literally across the street).

Care: In the small group there will be care for one another through prayer, mutual accountability, meal preparation, and home/hospital visitations.

Extending Compassion: Respond to the needs of the external community.

One more footnote on the issue of “Unity in Biblical Community.” In the future, you will hear me talk more and more about emotionally healthy discipleship. Emotionally healthy discipleship is the power of the Holy Spirit touching and transforming the deep places inside each and every one of us, places deep in the soul where our true selves as created in God’s image exists. Emotional health involves our relationships with God and others, as well as our fears, our patterns of communication, our ways of dealing with anxiety, anger, and conflict. Emotionally healthy discipleship leads us to integrate our discipleship, our theologies, and our Biblical worldview within every aspect of our lives; the everyday relationships we all have: our families of origin, our nuclear family, our friendships, work relationships, and neighborhoods. Often, in our families of origin, we learned to “do” life a certain way. In emotionally healthy discipleship we want

to teach our members to “do” life in Jesus’ family His way. God will not only heal the deep places in our lives, God will also equip us to love and serve others authentically. When Christian spirituality and emotionally healthy practices are integrated, there will be nothing short of a divine revolution among God’s people. Imagine, along with learning more about theology and the Bible, we also learn how to:*Be honest and clear in our communications with one

another. *Resolve conflict in a Biblically healthy way.*How to “fight fair.”*Affirm one’s limits.*Understand, celebrate, grieve, forgive, and be healed from,

family of origin issues.In essence, emotionally healthy discipleship is a commitment to stop existing and start really living. It is God restoring the divine image within, leading you to be the person that God created you to be—renewing our hearts, minds, and souls. The small groups is an ideal place to learn these skills, practice these skills, and find support and encouragement to continue the practice of emotionally healthy spirituality. More to come on this.Until then, may our gracious Lord continue to bless and guide our steps as we seek to serve Him together. I thank God for you! Have a great April!

In Jesus’ Name,Pastor Seth

Red Hill Town Hall Meetings-Volume 2Our governing documents call upon the leadership at Red Hill to establish a twice yearly forum to hear from the members of this church. As many of you may remember, last summer we held four Town Hall meetings to receive feedback from you regarding the ministries and future of Red Hill. These meetings were well attended and we received some very good feedback.During Lenten “Wednesdays in the Word,” we have been exploring the history, theology, and future of the Lutheran Church. A natural correlative to this global understanding of the Lutheran Church would be to focus on the local understanding of this particular Lutheran Church—Red Hill!Consequently, on Wednesday evening April 20th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday morning, April 21st, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., we will offer two Town Hall meetings for the purpose of hearing from you regarding our church, our ministry, and our future in this community. We encourage you to be with us and share your hopes, dreams, and thoughts as we serve our Lord together. Please note: Childcare is available on Wednesday evening but not on Thursday morning. We look forward to having you with us!

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worship

Holy Week at Red Hill Lutheran—the Sorrow & CelebrationMaundy Thursday April 21st – 12:00pm & 7:00pm (Holy Communion)Good Friday April 22nd – 12:00pm & 7:00pm (Tenebrae service)Easter Sunday April 24th – 8:00am (traditional w/ brass), 9:30am (contemporary w/ Praise band), & 11:00 (traditional family service)From its earliest days, the church has celebrated Christ’s journey from death to life with an observance known as the Triduum or Three Days, which begins Maundy Thursday evening and concludes on the evening of Easter Sunday—the day being reckoned from sundown to sundown. In one continuous celebration encompassing three consecutive days, the church remembers Christ’s salvific acts and experiences his presence in the sacraments of baptism and the eucharist. In a sense, these celebrations together constitute a three-act play.In act one (Maundy Thursday) Jesus’ actions reveal that discipleship means crossing the boundary from selfishness to servanthood. While the plot against him begins to unfold, Jesus has a meal with his disciples and afterward washes their feet. The latter action is more than a mere nicety. The humility and self-denial of the foot washing foreshadow the cross, where Jesus washes the whole world in his blood. It is in this context that Jesus gives a “new commandment”, to love one another “just as I have loved you” (John 13:34).In act two (Good Friday) our Lord’s servanthood reaches its zenith. On the cross Jesus became the lamb who was slain for sinners. There he was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:4). There he revealed the Father’s love and became the living way into the “sanctuary” (Hebrews 10:19-20) that is communion with God the Father.

Good Friday is hardly a funeral service for Jesus. Rather, it is a celebration of the triumph of the cross. In the St. John Passion (always appointed for Good Friday) Christ goes to the cross wearing the purple robe , unlike the gospels of Matthew and Mark in which the robe is removed from Jesus before his journey to Calvary. In John’s gospel, Jesus is the king on his way to enthronement, for it is on the cross that God’s power is revealed and God’s enemies (sin & death) are defeated. Because God raised the crucified One, the cross is now the symbol of how God triumphs in and through our acts of service and self-sacrifice. The images and the retelling of Good Friday aids us in our ongoing struggle to live as people who have crossed the boundary from selfishness to servanthood.The Great Vigil (sometimes called Holy Saturday) and Easter Sunday serve as a riveting final act and extended prologue to the great play. It begins in darkness. The sentiment and gloom from remembering Christ’s crucifixion lingers with us on Saturday as we spend the day in reflection and recognition of the Lord’s sacrifice. Sunday begins with a start. The paschal journey takes a riveting turn, but it is one that was promised. In the truest essence of a play, the story of Holy Week and Easter is considered a Comedie for it has a happy ending—joy, shock and wonder greet the empty tomb, Christ is risen! Like Mary Magdelene, we experience the risen Lord. Sadness and weeping come to an end. We now begin a fifty-day feast that lasts until the day of Pentecost. On that day, consider it the sequel to our epic—we commemorate the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to send the Holy Spirit, the one who guides and sustains us until we pass from this world to the next.

*This article appeared in the March 2008 Newsletter but we thought it was important enough to bear repeating !

April-May Sermon Series: “Set Free: The Power of Forgiveness”Forgiveness. We all need to receive it; we all need to give it. The Bible talks a lot about forgiveness because forgiveness is the way we are reconciled with our Heavenly Father. The message of the church, the Gospel good news, is that through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God forgives us, sets us free from sin and guilt, and establishes a new relationship with Him. Likewise, God knows that the only hope for human relationships is for forgiveness to be practiced because as broken, flawed people, we hurt and offend one another.

In the Gospels, Jesus used multiple metaphors to communicate the need and issue of forgiveness:

• A debt. Matt. 18:21-35. The cancellation of a debt, small and forgettable or large and unpayable, symbolizes forgiveness.

HOLY WEEK

Christ’s journey from death to life.

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GOD LIGHTS THE FLAMEThe Birth of ChristianityAn in-depth study based on the Book of ActsThe book of ACTS makes an exciting Bible study. You are truly drawn into the birth of our church. The early missionaries become very real, indeed.

STUDY

• A stone. John 8:2-11. The stone of execution that no one has the right to throw because no one is without sin.

• A robe, ring, sandals, and a feast. Luke 15:22-24. The prodigal returning home receives these four symbols of acceptance—clothing, status, dignity, and celebration.

• Paralysis ended and illness healed. Matt. 9:1-8; Mark 2:10; Luke 5:17-26. The paralyzed muscles renew. The arms and legs respond in action and health through forgiveness.

The power of forgiveness that Jesus taught and provided, He offers today! Throughout this series we will discuss forgiving those who think they have not hurt us; forgiving those who have died; forgiving ourselves; receiving forgiveness from those we have hurt; the difference between forgiveness and excusing someone; and the issue of forgiving and forgetting. Beginning on Easter, and continuing through the month of May, we will hear what the Bible teaches us about forgiveness. Join us for:

*Easter Sunday, April 24th: “I Told You So!”

*May 1st: “Finding Forgiveness”* May 8th: “How Can I Forgive Myself?”* May 1st: “How Can I Forgive Others?” *May 15th: “Is Forgiveness Really Forever?” *May 22nd: “Livin’ Forgiven” Part 1*May 29th: “Livin’ Forgiven” Part 2If you need forgiveness I encourage you to be with us. If you struggle with the need to forgive, I encourage you to be with us. If you struggle with guilt and shame because of past sins, I encourage you to be with us. Also, I encourage you to bring your Bibles along with you to worship so that you can know can carry with you the good news of God’s forgiveness. If you have a friend who is dealing with issues of forgiveness, why not invite them to join you in church? See you on Sunday!

The Sacrament of Holy BaptismThe sacrament of Holy Baptism is the “entrance ritual” into the life of discipleship to Jesus. As the baptismal liturgy states: “In Baptism our gracious heavenly Father frees us from sin and death by joining us to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ…” As we are joined with Jesus we are also joined with Jesus’ body—the church! Consequently, as disciples, we live out our baptism within the life of the church, learning and growing in the Christian faith.

If you are interested in learning more about the sacrament of Baptism or desire Baptism for your child or for yourself, please join us for one of the monthly Baptism Classes. The next class will be on Sunday, April 3rd, 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the Day Care Room.

In preparation for the Baptism class, you are asked to do the following:

1. Call Shannon Schell, our Director of Children’s Ministries, at 714-544-3131 ext. 107 to register for the next scheduled Baptism Class. You will then be sent two books, “Let the Children Come,” and “Sponsors and Baptism” to read You will be asked to read these books prior to the Baptism Class.

2. Attend the next scheduled Baptism Class taught by Pastor Seth. At the conclusion of the class, your baptism will be scheduled.

3. The Baptism is celebrated at one of the two worship services on Sunday morning.

If you have any questions, you can call or email Shannon at the church office sschell@redhillchurch.org. If you are not able to attend the April class, the next scheduled class will be on Sunday, May 1st. You are welcome to attend at that time. Baptism classes are scheduled on the first Sunday of the month, 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

The Word of GodA growing Christian is a Christian who is a student of the Word of God. God’s Word, the Bible, is the manual for living in light of God’s redeeming and sanctifying grace. As Lutherans, we believe that God speaks to us through Law (what we should and should not do) and Gospel (We are chosen and forgiven based NOT on what we should and shouldn’t do, but on God’s grace through Christ). At Red Hill, we value the teaching and preaching of God’s Word. You are invited to join a Bible study or group today. Here are some upcoming and continuing opportunities to study the Word of God: Sunday Morning Adult ClassesThe Book of ActsSunday 10:00 a.m. Christian Life CenterTeacher: Mr. Rollo Pickford

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You will see how missionaries and their newly founded churches interfaced with the secular world and its contentious politics.Emperors, kings, governors, judges and other famous people dealt with Christians named in our New Testament.Events related in Acts are tied to NT letters so you will have a much clearer understanding as to why they were written.We will look at archeological “digs” and artifacts, both past and recent.We encourage discussion and questions. Our goal: Serious study AND a good time!If you haven’t been attending, but would like to, or would like to experience the class without missing 10am Sunday worship, you can hear the class lectures online at www.redhillchurch.org/study/adult_sunday_school.html

Wednesday Morning Adult Class“Paradox: Understanding the Contradictions of Jesus” Wednesday 7:15 a.m. Prayer ChapelTeacher: Pastor SethWhat is a paradox? A paradox is “a seemingly true statement or group of statements that lead to a contradiction or a situation which seems to defy logic or intuition.” The Bible is full of paradox. “Give up your life in order to gain your life;” “To be great, you must be a servant;” “Blessed are you if you are persecuted and ridiculed.” In the gospels, Jesus taught some very paradoxical lessons. The Beatitudes n Matthew 5 is full of paradox: “Blessed are the meek…Blessed are those who mourn…” Just what was Jesus saying with these and other paradoxical teachings? Bring your Bibles and find out! The class ends at 8:00 a.m. and many head to Coco’s in Tustin for breakfast. You are welcome to join us at any time in the study.

“Wednesdays in the Word” “Luther and Lutheranism: The Man, The Message”Mid-Week Study and Fellowship Christian Life Center6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Lenten Soup and Salad Dinner7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. StudyAs we continue our Lenten emphasis, “40 Days of Renewal,” we are studying our Lutheran heritage and how renewing our understanding of Luther and Lutheran theology will lead to an appreciation of our Lutheran theological distinctives.

In April, we will focus on:April 6th: “Lutheranism after Luther” American Lutheranism Living as a Lutheran

April 13th: “The Lutheran Church Today: Challenges and Opportunities”

The Lutheran Church in the U.S. Red Hill: Our Present, Our Future The Lutheran Church: Always Reforming?

April 20th: Town Hall Meeting (See related article in this newsletter).

April 27th: Spring Break: No Wednesdays in the Word

Whether you are a life-long Lutheran, or new to the Lutheran Church, this class will help you to renew your understanding of the Lutheran tradition, the theology of the Lutheran church, and how the Lutheran tradition informs our lives as Christians today.

Fellowship

Red Hill Lutheran WomenWe warmly welcome you to one of our four Bible Study Groups on Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 for fellowship and sharing God’s word. Three circles are continuing the inspiring study of “Women in the Bible”.Deborah: 9:30 a.m. 14221 Galy, Tustin Barbara Grahn – 714-544-7672Priscilla: 12:00 p.m. Music Library -Gloria Tomas – 714-543-8062Rebekah: 7:00 p.m. 13 Clay, Irvine Marlene Thorson – 949-766-1510Lydia is meeting April 13 this month 9:00 a.m. Music Library (babysitting available) Celia Young– 714-832-4197

Choose a group that suits your schedule and contact the person listed. If you would like any other information contact kathytarrant@sbcglobal.net or 714-832-8063

Spring Tea, Saturday, May 21, 201111:00 AM - 1:30 PMReservations required:Cost $15Featured guest and speaker: jewelry Designer, Kathy JohnsonTopic: The Art of Adornment from Prehistoric to Present

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Getting to know: RHLW BookclubThe next RHL Women Book Club meeting will be April 19th, 1:00-2:30 p.m. in the music library. The book chosen for April is The Thirteenth Tale, a New York Times#1 Best Seller by Diane Setterfield. All women of Red Hill are welcome. Come and join us to discuss it. Any questions, please call or e-mail Marlene Thorson, 949/766-1510or emthor@cox.net.

The Event Formerly Known as the RHLC Golf Tournament Golf OutingMonday, May 23, 2011Western Hills Country ClubDust off your clubs and squeeze yourself into those ugly plaid shorts – it’s time to golf! Golfers of all abilities (and inabilities) will converge on Western Hills Golf Club on Monday, May 23rd, for a golf extravaganza! This isn’t your usual golf tournament. As a matter of fact, we’re calling it, “The Event Formerly Known as the RHLC Golf Tournament” just to show you how different this outing will be. All the usual tournament amenities are still included: range balls, lunch, refreshments on course, green fees, cart, dinner, awards; but throw in a few extra twists, games, and competitions to spice things up! We’re also using a special “Red Hill” scoring system to level the playing field so golfers of all skill levels have a chance to win. And if you can’t swing a club to save your life, there’s still hope. We’ll have a best-dressed competition and a worst-dressed competition. We also have a very special putting contest where you’ll get the opportunity to challenge our own Andy Andersson on the putting green. “Beat the Big Guy” and win a prize! (Trust me, it’s not as easy as it looks – the old man can putt.)

As you can see, our goal this year is to get more people out there and have some fun. Sure, we’ll raise a few bucks for the Peter’s Parish Reclamation Project, but that’s secondary to a great day of fun and fellowship with our Red Hill family. We even lowered the cost to $100/player so it’s more affordable for people to participate. Of course, sponsorships are always appreciated. You can sign up on patio beginning April 17th, or by calling the church office. Invite your golfing buddies! All non-members of Red Hill will receive a special gift bag at the tournament. See you on the greens!

John & Betty OlssonFirst generation Americans whose parents came through Ellis Island to start a new life in Ohio, John and Betty met in Hicksville High School and after college and a courtship of 4 years, were married in June 1942. Rather

than “settling down,” they spent those early years of WW II moving every few months throughout the Midwest working in the construction of airport runways for the Air Corps B-29 training program. John continued in business administration, integrating a love of photography by marketing professional photographic equipment. Moving to Los Angeles in 1951, he continued his career providing equipment to major motion picture and television studios, including a contract with MGM to print/process their movie releases for the international market. Betty supervised blueprint production for a major electronics company.The Olssons moved to North Tustin in 1959 buying their present home with a $50.00 deposit! They began their long active membership with the then newly organized Red Hill Lutheran Church - John serving 50 years of ushering, numerous terms on the council, and chairing many projects, with Betty contributing her many artistic talents. Together they constructed our original baptismal font, the altar crosses, and in 1963 the large mosaic cross now installed in the CLC. They also orchestrated the volunteer work for reupholstering our pews.In 2007 John retired from the company he and Betty owned and managed for 39 years - representing manufacturers of professional photography equipment, and providing security camera systems to a majority of banks and utility customers. Referring to his blessings, John said, “We were able to share them with our employees.”John declared Betty a fantastic lifetime partner in all their endeavors as well as an avid sidekick in sailing, traveling and golfing. They’re now looking forward to a 2012 joint anniversary cruise with their son John and wife Mary Ann - 70 years and 25 years respectively. Reflecting on life’s highlights, the Olssons listed their family (including two grandchildren and one great grandchild), and being an active part of Red Hill Church, watching it grow and evolve.

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service“A City on Our Knees”Prayer MeetingSaturday, April 9th

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.Calvary Chapel TustinAll members and friends of Red Hill are invited and encouraged to attend a time of corporate prayer with other churches in the City of Tustin on Saturday, April 9th. The goal is to bring Christians together and pray for the many needs in our city and surrounding communities. We’ll also be praying that the Lord will bring new people to our various Easter services where they will experience the Good News of the Resurrection of Jesus! This ecumenical event will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Calvary Chapel Tustin, located at 330 W. 6th Street in Tustin.

Help Us Build a House for the Poor in Mexico this JuneMark your calendars now for June 3-5 and join a group of volunteers from Red Hill who will build a house for the poor in Mexico, just a few miles south of the border. Like our trips in past years, this will be a unique and very fulfilling opportunity to show the Lord’s love to a family in great need. If you are interested please contact Ken Hays at 714-289-0476, and watch the Newsletter and Sunday Bulletin for more details. Also, if you don’t already have a passport, apply right away.

Help us decorate for Easter!Our April work party will be on Saturday, April 23, and will focus on getting the sanctuary and grounds ready for Easter morning. If you’ve been to an Easter service at Red Hill, you know what an awesome experience it is to walk in and see the sanctuary come to life! We need men and (especially) women help us transform the sanctuary

Golden Circle!You are cordially invited to attend the April meeting of the Golden Circle Club on Friday, April 8th at 10:00 a.m. We will be meeting in the parking lot of the church in order to arrange rides to Chapman University. We have arranged with the University to tour the Holocaust Museum in the library. After the tour, we will have lunch at the famous Watson’s Drug Store in downtown Orange. Hope to see you there!!!

The Treasure BoxA s t h e e c o n o m y continues to struggle along, the Treasure Box continues to provide a box full of quality food at a deeply discounted price. Each Treasure Box contains between 21-25 pounds of high quality, frozen foods, including chicken, pork, beef, or seafood, as well as vegetables, fruit, a side dish and a dessert. There is also a Quick and Healthy Box which has pre-packaged individual meals that are great for singles, senior citizens, or anyone looking for a quick and healthy meal on the go. Other boxes include a Protein Box, Kid’s Box, and Seafood Box. All sell for $32.

Ordering a box is easy. You can go to our website and click on the Treasure Box link or go directly to their website at www.thetreasurebox.org. Cash orders are also accepted in the church office on Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. All orders must be placed before Monday, April 17th. Your boxes will be delivered to the church on Saturday, April 30th, and must be picked up between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. We hope that you will take advantage of this great program and tell your friends and neighbors, too!

RHLC Congregational Care TeamThe Congregational Care Team will be addressing the needs of the congregation to visit the sick, hospitalized, and shut-in members who have physical limitations and are unable to worship. Care Team volunteers will partake in prayer, scripture reading, communion, and provide comfort and spiritual needs as requested. On Tuesday, April 19th at 6:00 p.m. we will be having a meeting in the Music Library for current members of the Care Team and for those who are interested in serving in this capacity. The meeting will provide information about the Care Team’s mission and goals, and training for home and hospital visits. We encourage all of our members to consider thoughtfully giving their time in this very important endeavor at Red Hill Lutheran Church. For more information, please contact Monica in the church office at ext. 100 or at mmatallana@redhillchurch.org.

and spruce things up for our many members and guests who will attend Easter services. We meet from 8:00am-12:00noon. Thanks!

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For more info contact Isaiah Coughran at icoughran@redhillchurch.org or 714.544.3131 x 108

The CarniesCollege and Career MinistryThe Carnies meet every other Thursday from 6:30-9:00p in the new CLC Building [look for signs for the exact location]. What to expect: acoustic Worship, Bible study, and Fellowship (i.e. – hanging out and sharing life, which usually includes a movie). Why we do it: It is our fundamental belief that discipleship is an ongoing process, and therefore we are continually in need of a fresh investment in God’s word. As disciples we bring our hopes, dreams, and aspirations and lay them before the light and authority of God’s Word as we seek to live faithfully in God’s Kingdom. The hope of Carnies is that you can bring the real stuff of everyday life and allow God’s Word to shape and mold your heart and the choices you make. So come study with us!!!

www.petersparish.comHoly Living: God calls us to live in ways that are distinct from the cultures we live in. God calls us to conduct ourselves publically and privately in ways that honor Him, ways that resemble His original plan of creation. With God’s Word as our guide we are going to explore what scripture says about life in general, our vocations specifically and what our interior world should reflect. God’s love is so rich and deep, but unless we turn our attention(s) to the way God calls us lest we miss out on enjoying God’s goodness. Don’t get me wrong, His goodness prevails, but we would like to learn to live in a posture that receives the gifts God desires to give. Come join us as we see to live Holy Lives.

UPCOMING 2011 Meeting Dates: April 14th & 21st / May 5th & 19th / June 9th & 23rd

QUOTE:“ …notice the small, persevere in the commonplace, appreciate the obscure.” – - Eugene Peterson

The FoundationHigh School MinistryWe meet on Sunday nights in PPU (Peter’s Parish Underground in the CLC Building). Come and hang out with us from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. We spend our time in worship, Bible study, and throwing dry-erase markers against the white board in an attempt to land it in the holding tray “SONS OF THUNDER”, guy’s group meets on the church patio on Sunday nights at 5:00pm for food and fellowship. Reminder, there is no Sr. High Sunday Morning meeting, please sit with your family on Sunday mornings (and pretend you like them… j/k… or am I?).

www.petersparish.comStressed Out… As I spent time this winter with students (both jr. and sr. high) a theme kept creeping up in our conversations, that theme was Stress. The students began to unload how burdened they felt by the amount of school work they had, as well as the same performance-type expectations at home. Sports were demanding, as well as any and all extracurricular activities. Many of them felt that they were trapped in a reoccurring week: wake up, eat, school, sports, homework, eat, shower, bed, repeat…. Life had become a wheel of stuff and they were the hamster spinning that wheel to nowhere. It broke my heart. Parents, please continue to pray for your students, encourage them, make them feel special – they will one day get to the “Real World” – for now help them feel like kids. I have no clever words to give advice, only the hope that you will work hard to help them see the joy in life, not just the fight. Cuz for now, they only feel like they’re fighting for YOUR approval and the approval of others. Just a thought.

Winter Camp Recap coming in April… Winter Camp was epic. There were so many great memories from… eating about 8lbs. of ice cream, the boys’ rooms smelling, shall we say “RIPE”, and the girls decorating the boys cabin with some interesting “paraphernalia”. All in all it was a great time. God moved in the hearts of many of the students, opening up some things, closing off other things, and working in the midst of our group. Please continue to pray for God’s guidance, courage and hope in the lives of red hill students.

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Here’s some Fotos:

Mark Your Calendars:March 4th – 6th FOHO (Winter Retreat – Cost:

$180.00 go online for more details)April 10 EVENT NIGHT (bring a helmet and

mouthpiece)May 1 Carne Asadaaaahhhh Party! Bring an

appetite and a friend. This even t is absolutely free, so if you’re in high school, come join us. (veggie meal available).

Quote: “Turn out the lights, and I’ll glow” – Vanilla Ice

For more info contact Isaiah Coughran at icoughran@redhillchurch.org or 714.544.3131 x 108

ninetynine:1Junior High Youth Ministry

Ninetynine:1 meets in Peter’s Parish Underground(CLC Youth Hall) on Wednesday Nights from 6:30pm till 8:15pm. Around 6:30pm we start the eating and free time. We have Video Games, Musical Instruments Galore, Meades, etc… We finish up our free time around 7:00pm and that’s when we dive into our activities for the night, which include: games, music, Bible study, small groups and just plain fun. Remember there is Youth group in the CLC on Sundays Mornings!!!! 6th Grade meets in the CLC Youth Hall. We hope to see you there!

www.petersparish.com

Lenten Teaching Series: “Examination” (continued): Examination… St. Augustine said “a believer has 2 goals 1. Know God. 2. Know thyself.”- That’s Isaiah’s

paraphrased version. Lent is a time of reflection, of looking deeply into the Word of God and looking deeply into One’s self. Over the next 6 weeks or so we will examine where the Scriptures meet our deepest longings, fears, and everything in between. Using Scripture, Life and Martin Luther as our guides we will explore what God desires for our lives (p.s. here’s a hint - He desires to make us Holy). So, what do we, as young disciples, need to know in order to grow in our love of God during this Lenten period? Come find out every Wednesday this April!!!!!!

In the City we aint got no animals to milk, so we milk gloves… these gloves produce chocolate milk… enjoy?

Quote: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

– Unknown

Upcoming Events:April 20 Spring Event (All day 12pm – 8:00pm -

stay tuned for details)May 4 Cinco de Mayo Party [Dinner and

Activity]June 29th – July 1st Jr. High Summer Retreat

(Stay Tuned - more details to come)

Questions about 99:1? - Please contact Isaiah Coughran at icoughran@redhillchurch.org

UnderCover4th and 5th Grade Ministry

We meet in the CLC Youth Hall (New Building) twice a month on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for a time of fun, food, worship, games, and Bible Study. (p.s. - there is no charge for this ministry).

April Showers….We will continue our fun, wrapped up nice and

warm in the CLC Building (those rains keep us locked up). This month we will be playing some Silly Sport’s Games, Lazer Tag, Name that tune, and much, much more. So, come join us… if you dare!

March 2011Page 10

Children’s Ministry

Highlite Fotos of… Shamrock Shakes and Frisbee Golf

As always…. a COLLOSAL appreciation for all of our Undercover volunteers: Karen Davis, Rose Coughran, Connie & Jim Ireland, Andrea Coughran, Shannon Schell, Janae Schulz, and a few others who prefer to stay behind the scenes. Thanks for all you do for our Students!

www.peterparish.comDates:April 5 & 19 /// May 10 & 24 /// June 7th*

Water Day *3rd Graders invited

QUOTE:“This Game is DUMB!” – Most UnderCover

studentsQuestions? - contact Isaiah Coughran at icoughran@

redhillchurch.org or 714.544.3131 x 108.

First Communion Date ChangesWhile our First Communion date would normally fall on May 1st, the late Easter date has caused us to change plans for this spring (only). The First Communion service date will be Sunday, May 15th during 10:00 a.m. worship. The class will be held on

Sunday, May 1st at 11:15 a.m. in the Day Care Room. Please note the class is two weeks prior to the worship service date (instead of one). We didn’t want to schedule the class or service on Mother’s Day.The materials are available on the church patio at the Children’s Ministry table through April 17th. This will be the last day to purchase, so that they may be read/studied in time for the May 1 class. First Communion is open to baptized children age second grade and older. If you have any further questions, please contact Shannon Schell (x107).

VBS Dates Announced!Please mark your calendars for June 20-24; this year’s VBS week. Our program will be Group Publishing’s “PandaMania”. If you have served in the past, please consider joining us again. If you haven’t, please consider joining the FUN! Contact Shannon Schell x107 for further information.

Upcoming DatesApril 3rd Worship Sunday (grades 1-6) RHLS students sing in 10:00 worshipApril 24th Easter Sunday (family worship all grades)May 1st Worship Sunday (grades 1-6)June 21-25 VBS 2011—PandaMania

Wake-Up!! Wake-Up your faith, that is…join us for waves of fun during the Lenten season. We will explore a different Bible principle each week in a ripped-up wake-boarding themed curriculum. Wake-boarding champion Shaun Murray and X-Games gold medalist Emily Copeland show off their mad wake-board skills and share their faith in Christ.These stories are sure to Wake-up your faith and make the Bible come alive!Now through April 136:50 p.m. – 8:10 p.m.Meet in the Day Care roomChildren age Kindergarten—5th grade

For more information, email Shannon Schellsschell@redhillchurch.org.Questions about Children’s Ministry? Call Shannon Schell at 714-544-3131 ext. 107.

Red Hill Lutheran Church Page 11

RHLSCHOOLCongratulations Science Fair Team!JV and Varsity Teams Compete in the Orange Lutheran Invitational and take 2nd place!A team of 16 Red Hill Lutheran Middle School Students competed in the Science Olympics recently at the Orange Lutheran Invitational. The competition was off to an exciting start when the RHLS team placed second in both Float Your Boat, floating a piece of aluminum and stacking as many pennies on it while it remained afloat, and Using Your Noodle, constructing a tower out of dried spaghetti and marshmallows. The second event was a “mystery event” which involved playing the game, So You Want to be a Millionaire, using science questions. Finally the team designed a plankton model, took the super quiz and ended the day with a box car race which the students built themselves out of a single cardboard box. Both Junior Varsity and Varsity Teams took second place in the competition beating out last year’s winner and narrowly missing first place.

April Birthdays4/1 DeLacey Andersen, Jennifer Mata, Amanda Raber,

Thomas Raber, Laura Shane, Sylvia Snyder, 4/2 Mike Jemmett, Lorraine Waldron4/3 Joshua Brown, Diana Hardy, Bradley Hendricks4/4 Karen Anderson, Kyle Anderson, Peter Belmonte, Vanessa Hackett4/5 Isaac Estrada, Britannie Sellars, Daniel Whitely, Karen Wishart4/6 Robert Byrnes, Dave Hackett, Tyler Killion4/7 Gregory Mumpower, Nicholas Thorson, Glen Waipa

4/8 Carmen Gogosha, Patty Mata, Stephanie Merritt, Scott Milton, Phillip Smith, Rebekah Wise

4/9 Rachelle Lonvera, Nona Newe, Samantha Waipa4/10 David Meltz4/11 Shane Wayne Illingworth, Ryan Nitzen, David Sampson4/12 Marlys Lano, Harriet Rinderknecht, Andrea Ryan4/13 Jim Christensen, Dolores Maki4/14 Isaiah Andersen, Andrew Milligan IV4/15 Moriah Bailey, Jim Juarez4/16 Marianne Barone, Seth Britton, Hanna Burlingham,

David Enssle, Sandra Poulos, Lillian Torgerson, Pat Trillwood, Gary Wilcox, Peggy Wong

4/17 Jackie Chattopadhyay, Robert Enriquez, Anna Yang4/18 Kim Kinney, Donna Wiksell, 4/19 Matthew Curiel, Annabelle Feeser, Gerrin Shackle4/20 DeWight Titus4/21 Ryan Patrick Bergerson, Hannah Kelly4/22 Maria Buntrock, Martha Lothers4/23 Jason Cona, Joel Kelly, Madison Knight4/24 William Barring, Karen Caballero, Sarah Heaton,

Emma Laird, Daniel Perkins, Nicholas Surdyka4/25 Kyle Ashworth, Alex Coats, Chris Pace, Morgan Stewart4/26 Deborah Chrastil, Susanne Lovering, Monica Matallana, Heather Moore4/27 Timothy Cox4/28 Gladys Brue, Andrea Coughran, Diane McAllister-Knight, Jane Rosenburg4/29 David Cecil, Laura Harney4/30 Christina Gordon

April Anniversaries4/1 Sandra & Bernard Jurkowski4/2 Alex & Becca Estrada4/3 Juan & Stacey Martinez4/4 Gayle & Daniel Demsher4/6 Edward & Frances Park4/11 James & Heather Jordan4/12 Sean & Peggy Greene4/14 Wiley & Thelma Raulston4/15 James & Jennifer Wang4/16 Richard & Ruby Whittaker4/18 John & Helen Gower4/19 Jeff & Cindy Conrad, James & Cleo Hines, John & Janine Zanelli4/20 Alan & Jan Draper4/21 Kathleen & William Bahret4/23 Chris & Kelly Reinberger4/26 Brian & Cindy Ragland4/28 Larissa & Werner Berry4/29 David & Ilsia Reuter

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In t

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April 2011

Volume 17, N

umber 4

This W

ay In... We provide one w

ay of looking at Small G

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ed Hill com

munity and how

to get everyone connected at our church!....C

over

WO

RSH

IP... Holy W

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He is risen indeed!.. ...P.3

STU

DY... D

etails on the Bible Study and Christian Life classes at RH

is offered here.s offered .. P.5

FEL

LO

WSH

IP... Get checked in w

ith the good people of Red

Hill ...P.6

SER

VIC

E... There are a num

ber of ways you can m

ake a differ-ence in our com

munity and beyond ...P.7

YO

UT

H... The exploits and fun of our youth are chronicled

here...P.8

RH

LS... O

ur school has some great students and great acedem

ic com

petitors!!... P.11

Birthdays &

Anniversaries... P.11

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