VOICE Newsletter

EBENEZER LUTHERAN CHURCH March 2017LAKE STEVENS, WASHINGTON Vol. 33, No. 3

Inside this issue:Education 2Youth of Ebenezer (Grades 6-12) 3Preschool 3W.A.T.CH. 3Our Endowment 3Baby Care Kits 3Events Page 4Ministries of Ebenezer 5Our March Birthdays 6The Prayer Corner 6Readings for Worship 7Lenten Worship Schedule 7Senior Luncheon 7Special Thanks 7In the News 8

Special points of interest:•Research Project Thank You ........2

•Mustard Seeds February Report .2

•MS GO Night! ..............................3

• Fellowship & Fun Night (6th- 12th Graders)..................................3

•Preschool’s Trike-a-thon ...............3

•Celtic Party! ..................................4

•Norwegian Pancake Breakfast ...4

•Order Easter Azaleas ...................4

•Easter Breakfast Volunteers ........4

•March Senior Luncheon ..............7

From the Pastor’s DeskMany people choose to give up something for Lent. Often it is short-lived and results in no significant change after the self-imposed “days of denial” (chocolates, pastries, meat, TV, etc.) are done, usually it has no real impact on one’s spiritual life. Sadly, many neglect the added opportunities for midweek worship which could provide such a spiritual impact. I know that for me as a child, Lenten services had a positive and cumulative impact in my life growing up. So, if you haven’t followed a meaningful Lenten discipline, why not make this year different?

This year I would like to encourage you to take a different approach, not “giving something up” during Lent, but take something up for Lent; something that truly makes an impact on your life of discipleship in following Christ. Beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing each Wednesday evening throughout Lent, I want you to consider taking on something for your Lenten discipline. We are going to call it, “Taking on Something for Lent: Luther’s Small Catechism.”

At Ebenezer, we use Luther’s Small Catechism as a core resource in our confirmation ministry. Lent is a particularly

appropriate time to once again look at the key teachings in Luther’s Small Catechism. We will look at the Apostles’ Creed, Ten Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.

Our Wednesday evenings will begin with a simple Soup Supper in the Fellowship Hall at 6 pm followed by our Midweek Lenten Services in the Sanctuary at 7 pm. I hope you consider “Taking Up” this Lenten discipline where you will discover why Luther’s catechism is considered “the Layman’s Bible” and a summary of Christian teaching based upon Holy Scripture.

Taking on Something for Lent, Pastor Benson

Council CornerHighlights of 2/11/17 Council Retreat

The Council’s retreat was a potluck breakfast hosted by Lynne Charlot.

We welcomed Patty Myntti as our new Council member.

After an opportunity to become better acquainted, the following officers were elected for 2017: President - Sue Wilson, Vice

President - Mike Bergerson, Secretary - Kristin Sutton, and Treasurer - Patty Myntti. Council members also serving include: Mary Alstad, Lynne Charlot, Ray Delgado, Kathy Eliason, Korrine Gust, Debbie May, and Grey Robinson.

Council members then selected the ministry group to which they will be the Council representative.

March 1Soup Supper: 6:00 pm

Service with Communion: 7:00 pmTheme: Taking on Something for Lent:

Luther’s Small CatechismLenten Services

March 8, 15, 22, 29, & April 5Soup Supper: 6:00 pm

Service: 7:00 pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

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MUSTARD SEEDS We gathered on Saturday, February 18, for a fun night of fellowship hosted by the WELCH FAMILY. The theme for the night was “Sharing Our Love.” The night started with coloring hearts that would later be hidden around the Sanctuary for the next morning’s church services. The hearts are becoming an annual tradition for Mustard Seeds, who seem to have a lot of fun sharing God’s love with all of Ebenezer’s adults! After coloring, they met with Carolyn and Garrett Welch for a devotional about LOVE and how it is the most necessary element to all that we do. Doing good in the world is important, but doing good with LOVE in our hearts for our neighbors is ESSENTIAL. In keeping with the spirit of sharing God’s Love, Mustard Seeds gathered items benefiting Hand to Hand, which provides respite and emergency services to children removed from their homes but still not placed in long-term foster care. The program provides food, clothing, hygiene items, and other necessities to children who may have been removed from their homes with only as much as the clothing on their backs. Hand to Hand also aims at reducing the need for foster care by offering community support and education

Education

to parents and families in need.

Following the devotion, there were snacks, a rousing game of giggle heart hot potato with compliments, and another art session where the kids learned how to make paper heart chains that were used to decorate the Fellowship Hall. The night ended with a few rounds of hide-n-seek.

Our next Mustard Seeds gathering is scheduled for Saturday, March 18, at 5 pm. Look for more info in the announcements or contact Andi Holmes for further details.

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONSThe preschool-5th grade students’ Bible lessons are from the books of Luke and John:

• Mary and Martha invite Jesus to their house, and we hear what Jesus taught them that day.

• Zacchaeus found Jesus by climbing high in a tree, said he was sorry, and changed his ways.

• At the Last Supper, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet showing us how we should treat others better than ourselves.

• We will learn God is with us in both sad and happy times as we remember what Jesus did for us during Holy Week.

MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOLStudents will continue the re:form DVD series. Virginia leads this class. We’ll meet at 9:40 am in Room 16.

THANK YOU!Thank you to all the 3rd-6th graders and their families who participated in the elementary Faith Project. In April, the doctoral candidate who is leading the study will be scheduling a talk with us about her work.

WAVING OUR PALMSPalm Sunday is on April 9 this year. We will be getting ready to wave our palms in the worship services!

EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETINGWe will meet Tuesday, March 14, at 6 pm in the Education Office, Room 3.

SAVE THE DATE!VBS is scheduled for June 26-30 partnering with Camp Lutherwood for an exciting week. Questions? Contact Kristin Sutton, kristinbethsutton@hotmail.com.

ADULT FORUMPastor Benson will continue leading a forum on the Gospel of Matthew exploring the role Matthew’s Gospel has played throughout history in Christian worship and practice and why it is one of the most beloved Gospels. We will meet each Sunday at 9:40 am in the Fireside Room.

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Youth of Ebenezer PreschoolYouth contacts: Virginia, Ray, & Darra

ebenyouth@frontier.com

WHAT’S NEW IN THE CLASSROOMOur Bible lessons this month will be about how Jesus gives us new life and cares for us—always. The kids will have fun with palm leaves and having a parade to welcome Jesus when he goes through Jerusalem to prepare for his last supper.

Our unit theme will be on the five senses: hearing, touching, seeing, smelling, and tasting. On the tasting day the kids will make yummy rice crispy treats.

PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISER: TRICYCLES, BICYCLES, & SCOOTERS ... OH, MY!!The Pre-K and 2-Day classes will have a Trike-a-thon. This fundraiser is a great opportunity for anyone to make a donation to the Preschool. Donations will go for preschool materials, replacing broken toys, and scholarship funds to help families in a time of need and to keep tuition rates affordable for all families. Preschoolers will collect pledges from family, friends, and neighbors. Check the Preschool newsletter for your child’s special date.

Lake Stevens Fire and Police Depts. will teach the kids (and parents) bicycle and helmet safety! Preschoolers will take laps around a track and earn a certificate with a gold medal for all their hard pedaling. To make a pledge, contact the Preschool, 425-397-6374 or preschool@ebenezerlakestevens.org. Thank you, parent volunteers, church congregation, and Thrivent members for helping.

NO SCHOOL ON THESE DATES:• Wednesday, March 1 (Teacher/Parent

Conferences)• Friday, March 17 (Teachers’ Workshop)• April 3-7 (Spring Break; same as LSSD)

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2017Registration is open! Invite families, friends, and neighbors to sign up. Call 425-397-6374, email preschool@ebenezerlakestevens.org, or stop by the Preschool desk to pick up your forms.

W.A.T.CH.(Wednesdays At The CHurch) WATCH classes will resume Wednesday, April 19. More information will be available in the April 2017 VOICE.

MS (6TH-9TH GRADERS) GO NIGHT!MARCH 3-4, 2016

Five youth and two adult leaders are attending this year with several other congregations of

the Northwest Washington Synod. Look for their report next month of the fantastic time they had at the Greatest Overnighter!

EYC MEETING(EXECUTIVE YOUTH COMMITTEE)SUNDAY, MARCH 19 ~ 11:45 AM

All 6th-12th graders and families are encouraged to learn more about the youth program.

FELLOWSHIP & FUN NIGHT6TH-12TH GRADERS

Watch your emails for information on a FUN night we are planning in March—food,

faith, friends, and a show!

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING REPORT

Thank you for supporting SOUPER BOWL OF CARING. This year Ebenezer’s donation was for the Hungry Hearts Foundation of Lake Stevens.

Nationwide, over 7.7 million has been reported as raised in 2017 so far. Also, thanks to all youth, children, and families who helped with the soup pots!

MAY YOUTH WEEKEND BACK AT HOLDEN VILLAGE!

Youth of Ebenezer is looking forward to a return to Holden Village on May 19 -21. It is a jam-packed weekend of fun and service with many other youth groups. We have registered two people to take the trip up the mountain.

Each kit contains the following:

• 2 lightweight cotton t-shirts (no onesies)• 2 long or short-sleeved gowns or sleepers

without feet• 2 receiving blankets medium-weight

cotton or flannel or crocheted or knitted with lightweight yarn up to 52 inches square

• 4 cloth diapers, flat fold preferred• 1 sweater or sweatshirt with hood

(include a baby cap if no hood)• 1 hand towel, dark color recommended• 2 bath-size bars (4-5 ounces) of gentle

soap in original wrapping• 2 diaper pins or large safety pins• 2 pair of socks All items should be new or in good condition. They can be put in the designated basket in the Missions Table in the Narthex. Thanks for your support. Questions about the items needed for the kits, please contact Betty Bauer, 425-334-6332.

Baby Care Kits

Did you know that the Ebenezer Endowment is supported by bequests (gifts left in a will) or other gifts for the enhancement of our church ministry. Principle investments are invested and gains from that money continue to uphold our ministry in perpetuity.

Consider such a gift in your estate planning. Questions? Ask Laurell Waclawik, Gary Hoover, Sue Wilson, Paul Brandstetter, or Ken Cross.

Our Endowment

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NORWEGIAN PANCAKE BREAKFASTMARCH 18 ~ 7:30-10:30 AM

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy the mouth-watering Norwegian pancakes! Come to this all-you-can-eat breakfast on the third Saturday. The cost is $6; children under four are free.

EBENEZER’S BOOK CLUB DISCUSSIONMONDAY, MARCH 6 ~ 6:00 PM

If you have read or are interested in reading The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a

Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East by Sandy Tolan, we ask that you join us for a short discussion of February’s book. During March, we’ll read Plain and Simple by Sue Bender. If you have questions or to learn how to get a copy of this book, contact Jane Briske, 360-653-4675 or gjbriske@comcast.net.

ORDER EASTER AZALEASBEGINNING SUNDAY, MARCH 19

Flowering azaleas will adorn our Sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 16.

The azaleas are $8.50 each. Circle HONOR and/or MEMORY on the order form, write the names of your loved ones, and turn it in to the church office with your payment. Questions? Please contact Carolyn Lund, 425-334-2535.

NEW 2017 MEMBER DIRECTORY

We are getting ready to print the new 2017 directory. If you have had a change of name, address, phone, or email address, please notify Roseanne in the church office, 425-334-0421 or ebenezer@ebenezerlakestevens.org, ASAP.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!FOR EASTER BREAKFAST

SUNDAY, APRIL 16 ~ 7:30-10:30 AM

We’re starting our planning early this year and are asking for volunteers to help us set up, serve, and clean up.

Kathy and Jack Turner have agreed to prepare the Easter breakfast again this year. Questions, to volunteer, and to join the Task Group, please contact Pat Jackson, 425-334-7781 or pattyjump25@yahoo.com.

Tickets will go on sale Sunday, March 12. The costs are adults $6, children 4 and under FREE, and families with 5+ members including children $20.–Easter Breakfast Task Group

WHAT’S UP WITH FELLOWSHIP?

• Pinochle ~ Saturday, March 11, promptly at 5 pm. For those who LOVE to play pinochle, bring a dinner snack to share and a friend, and we’ll see you there. We play single deck, with partners, passing four cards. Questions? Contact Betty Bauer, 425-334-6332.

• Summer Holden Village ~ Hikers: July 13-16; Others July 16-20. A group from Ebenezer is heading to Holden this summer. The hikers will leave on Thursday, July 13, and arrive at Holden on the 16th. Others will leave on Sunday, July 16, and return on Thursday, July 20. Spaces are filling up FAST! Register online at www.holdenvillage.org. There are no cell phones, televisions, fast food, or traffic congestion—just a beautiful view, hiking, crafts, special speakers, and many activities for all ages. Interested in going? Please talk to Ken or JoAnn Cross, 425-334-8540.

Events PageCELTIC PARTY!

EBENEZER’S FELLOWSHIP HALLFRIDAY, MARCH 10 ~ 6:00 PM

Ebenezer Lutheran’s Choir will host their seventh annual Celtic Party to benefit our music program.

• Entertainment: Snohomish County Old Time Fiddlers

• Menu: authentic Irish food including corned beef and cabbage, lamb stew, and soda bread

• Raffle: a painting by Fran Clapper, a quilt by Marcella Bergerson, and other items

• Tickets: adults $12, seniors 60 and over and members of the military $10, and children 12 and under $8

Buy your tickets now. Space is limited. Tickets are sold in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays after worship services or in the church office, 425-334-0421, during the week. If you have any questions, please call Iris Ingram Forbus, 425-343-6961.

FAIR TRADE SALESSUNDAY, MARCH 5 ~ 9:30 AM

Social Ministry will be selling Fair Trade items such as coffee, tea, and chocolate in the

Fellowship Hall. Questions? Please contact Susan Shephard, 425-334-7517.

WORLD HUNGER COIN COLLECTION BOXES

Coin Collection Boxes are available in the Narthex. Your coins, collected throughout the Lenten season, will be donated to ELCA World Hunger for their work toward a world of justice where all are fed. Save your coins, fill your collection boxes, and help break the cycle of hunger and poverty—for good!

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F.A.S.T. TEAM #3

The leaders of FAST Team #3 for March are Michael and Susan Shephard. The following members will be called to help:

MARCH

Anderson, Brian & Marnie Bauer, BettyBell, Eric & Julie, Ryan, EmmettBrown, BettyEliason, KathyIffrig, Bill & DonnaJohnson, HazelLindsay, RobinStorey, Brian & DiannePatchett, DonnaPeterson, MarilynShephard, Michael & SusanStaffenhagen, Tom & Melissa, Leigha,

Anthony, Travis, Brady, Wyatt, CarterWerner, AliceWilliams, Dee Anne

FAST TEAM #2

Thank you, FAST Team #2 and leaders Lon and Pam Shultz, for serving in February. Your team made the worship life at Ebenezer enriching, fulfilling, and especially meaningful.

FAST TEAM #4 MEETING

FAST Team #4 and our new leader, Beth Vickery, will serve in April. Watch for a mailing in March from your team leaders.

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Our Bible is written with many literal and many figurative parts. An example is Revelation 14:8 says Babylon, which almost certainly means Rome. Can you locate other examples?

PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY

Pastor Benson’s Thursday morning Bible study begins

at 10 am on Thursdays. Join him in the Fireside Room to dig deeper into scripture lessons that will be read the following Sunday. Refreshments are served.

MAR-CILLA CIRCLETUESDAY, MARCH 7 ~ 11:30 AM

The ladies of Mar-Cilla Circle enjoy fellowship, a delightful lunch, and a Bible study. They will continue with their study, Friendship. All ladies are invited!

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY AT STEPP’S MONDAY, MARCH 20 ~ 6:30 PM

Meet at the home of Janice Stepp: 11306 - 25th Street NE, Lake Stevens. Share in fellowship as we get to know each other better as Christian women enriching our lives through scripture and meaningful discussion. Questions? Please call Janice, 425-334-5443.

FAST TEAMS HOST LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS

Each week a FAST Team will need three people to set up and cook four pots of soup and four people to help with cleanup so everyone can make it to the service on time.

Call your leaders to ask how you can help. Here is the schedule for the teams who are serving: • #1 (Cross) on March 1• #2 (Shultz) on March 8• #6 (Wilson) on March 15• #7 (Bracht) on March 22• #8 (Briske) on March 29• #9 (Gross/Stepp) on April 5

Ministries of EbenezerLENT IN OUR PERSONAL LIVES

Many people choose an ancient practice to deprive themselves of something as a Lenten

discipline. Perhaps a better way is to give something that creates a positive benefit. One example might be to give your time or resources in support of our church

FACEBOOK

Keep up to date on activities, events, and news. Questions? Want

something posted? Contact Kristin Sutton: kristinbethsutton@hotmail.com.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY EVENTS/INFO

Contact Janice Stepp, 425-334-5443, check the Fellowship Hall bulletin board, or go to www.womenoftheelca.org.

Upcoming Event:• The 10th Triennial

Gathering will be in Minneapolis July 13-16, 2017. Although the early registration date has passed, there is still time to register for this event.

COMMUNITY SUPPER NEEDS

We are collecting canned green beans and corn. If you are able to donate, please leave items in the baskets under the Community Supper signups in the Fellowship Hall. Sign up to help in one of the five spots when Ebenezer and Holy Cross Lutheran churches serve on Thursday, March 23. Thank you for the donations, service, and prayers for this program. “Like” us at Lake Stevens Community Supper on Facebook to see what is happening. For more info, contact supper@ebenezerlakestevens.org.

WELCOME PASTOR ROD VEREBPastor Vereb, Director of Pastoral

Services at Bethany of the Northwest, will be at Ebenezer on Bethany

Sunday, March 19, at both services.

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Birth Date Name (month/day)

Wilson, Darren 3/23Hicks, Daniel 3/24Kuehl, CC 3/24Markwardt, Sheldon 3/25Spencer, John 3/25Hendrickson Sr., Sid 3/26Iffrig, Donna 3/27Perry, Carol 3/31Post, Dorothy 3/31

If you have an urgent need, call Margaret Ren, 425-334-3843, or Alice Werner, 425-334-6845, the prayer chain leaders who will contact members of the Prayer Chain to begin praying for the following members:

Members of the Congregation:Dennis Anderson - recovering from surgeryTyler Caulfield - life’s issuesRay Delgado - health issuesBill DiMonda - health issuesEmma Large - medical testsAnnetta Silcox - cancerLee Turcotte - heart conditionHomebound or Special Care Residents:Eileen Bruins Martha Konkler

Extended Family with Needs:John Andrade (Carolyn Lund’s brother-law)John Bangsund (Molly Ballard-Delgado’s

uncle) - throat cancerRon Bennett (Dave Owens’ friend) - cancerKeith Birk (Janine DiMonda’s father)Don Brown (Betty Brown’s husband) - recovering The Rev. Kathryn Buffum (Asst to the Bishop)Candy Coomes (Karla Beers’ friend) - leukemiaJoe Coughlin (Randy Cash’s friend) - cancerDarrell Davis (Carolyn Lund’s son) - healthJuli England (C Sheppard’s friend) - radiationLeRoy Ettlin (K & F Clapper’s friend) - recoveringNancy Foster (P Peterson’s friend) - surgeryEd Ganieany (Andi Holmes’ stepfather) Kayla Gay (Helen J. Hendrickson’s niece)

Our March Birthdays

Birth Date Name (month/day)

Crowley, Sharon 3/1Egtvet, Jana 3/2Parsons, Darren 3/2Martuch, Susan 3/3Bergerson, Marcella 3/4Bookey, Kevin 3/7Durden, Priscilla 3/7Hoffmann, Ann 3/8Welch, Garrett 3/10Ingram Forbus, Iris 3/11Benson, Debbie 3/12

The Prayer Corner

Birth Date Name (month/day)

Burin, Ramón 3/13DeFrang, Bob 3/13Heineck, Joe 3/13Otusanya, Kemi 3/13Huber, John 3/18Koehler, Starla 3/18Delgado, Mia 3/19Niemer, Sarah 3/21Weaver, Sylvia 3/21McSherry, Marlene 3/22May, Debbie 3/23

Brian Gjersee (K Shouman’s friend) - cancerChris Grigsby (Carol Perry’s great-grandson) Leah Hammersmark (Kathy Eliason’s niece)

- Lou Gehrig’s DiseaseHoward Hansen (Kay Caulfield’s friend)Laurie Hendrickson (Helen J. Hendrickson’s

daughter-in-law) - medical issuesMichael & Shirley Holzwarth (Uilani Smith-

Muñoz’s friends) - healing & strengthLillian Hone (K Shouman’s mother) - cancerCharles Johnson Sr (Charles Johnson Jr’s

father) - cancerBruce Kalmbach (K & F Clapper’s friend) Brandy & Brenna Krug (Darra Large’s friends)Sandy Lange (Janice Stepp’s friend) - cancerMark Lenzen (Jackie Herzog-Robertson’s

brother-in-law) - cancerWayne Marks (Sandy Marks’ son) - strokesJenifer Martin (Dave Owen’s friend) - cancerSusan Martinez (Tom Staffenhagen’s &

Kari Jensen’s aunt) - cancerCamden McAlpine (W Staffenhagen’s friend)Lindsay McAlpine (M Staffenhagen’s friend)Buzzy McGee (Kathy Huber’s brother)Melissa McGee (Kathy Huber’s niece) Winnie McGee (Kathy Huber’s mother)Margo Newcomb (C Kozak’s friend) - cancerMike O’Connell (C Sheppard’s brother) - cancerSharon Patrick (N Poremba’s friend) - cancerWanda Pedersen (P Peterson’s friend) - strokeIsrael Perez (Uilani Smith-Munoz’s friend) Dina Peterson (P Peterson’s daughter-in-law)

Robert Reynolds (Judy Palmer’s friend) - cancerMark Rice (Alice Werner’s nephew)Elizabeth Schilling (K Gust’s friend) - tumorKen Schultz (Alice Werner’s brother) - cancerLaura Signorello (Debbie May’s stepsister)Norman Smith (Cathee Himel’s stepfather) Phyllis Smith (Cathee Himel’s mother) Bill Starnes (CC Kuehl’s brother) - cancerMartha Stuart (Lia Stuart’s mother-in-law)Carole Thorngate (Kirk & Fran Clapper’s

cousin) - breast cancerMeggi Ward (Susan Shephard’s friend)Cale Werner (Alice Werner’s grandson)Eric Werner (Alice Werner’s son) - recoveringFiona Werner (Alice Werner’s granddaughter)

For All Our Military and Their Families:Payton Boyd, Hunter Gardoski, Josh Main,

Arie McSherry, David Peterson, Ethan Stuart; Japan: Sid Hendrickson Jr.; Okinawa: Scott & Selena Viboch

For Those Who Grieve:Beers Family - Karla Beers friend, Jim

Henson, passed awayBergerson Family - Marcella Bergerson’s

mother Cora Honsey passed awayDiMonda Family - Janine DiMonda’s mother

LaVerne Birk passed awayHendrickson Family - Helen Hendrickson’s

brother John Winsor passed awayPoremba Family - Nancy Poremba’s friend,

Sharon Patrick, passed away

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MarchSeniorLuncheonTheme: St.

Patrick’s Day!Program: Ed PearsonDate: Thursday, March 2Time: Doors open at 11:30 am for

socializing; meal is served at noonMain Dish: Sausage Corn Bake

Please bring a side dish or a dessert to share. Come for an enjoyable afternoon and visiting with friends old and new.

Volunteers are always welcome and needed. If you are interested or have questions, call Lynn Moller, 425-210-8083.

March 5 (Communion)

1st Lesson: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7

Psalm: Psalm 32

2nd Lesson: Romans 5:12-19

Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11

March 12

1st Lesson: Genesis 12:1-4a

Psalm: Psalm 121

2nd Lesson: Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

Gospel: John 3:1-17

March 1 Soup Supper - 6:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service - 7:00 pm March 5 8:30 & 10:30 am March 8 Soup Supper - 6:00 pm Lenten Service - 7:00 pm March 12 8:30 & 10:30 amMarch 15 Soup Supper - 6:00 pm Lenten Service - 7:00 pmMarch 19 8:30 & 10:30 am March 22 Soup Supper - 6:00 pm Lenten Service - 7:00 pmMarch 26 8:30 & 10:30 amMarch 29 Soup Supper - 6:00 pm Lenten Service - 7:00 pm

March 19 (Communion)

1st Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7

Psalm: Psalm 95

2nd Lesson: Romans 5:1-11

Gospel: John 4:5-42

March 26

1st Lesson: I Samuel 16:1-13

Psalm: Psalm 23

2nd Lesson: Ephesians 5:8-14

Gospel: John 9:1-41

Readings for Worship

Special Thanks

Church Office HoursTuesday 9:00-12:30 & 1:30-5:00Wednesday-Friday 9:00-12:30 & 1:30-4:00

Sunday School ~ 9:40-10:25 am

Senior Luncheon Went to Meet JesusThank you for all your prayers for my dear friend, Sharon Patrick. On Saturday, February 11, she quietly said goodbyes to her husband and son and went to meet Jesus in heaven. She fought brain cancer for almost a year. I’m thankful for your prayers and for the life of my dear friend, Sharon. –Nancy Poremba

Chain of Helping HandsThank you for your wonderful donation from the Bake/Craft Sale. We appreciate it! With your generous donation and support, you have joined our Chain of Helping Hands in “Taking a Bite Out of Childhood Hunger” in Lake Stevens. –Hungry Hearts Foundation

Please Keep Me in Your PrayersIn mid January, I returned home after being released from an unusually long month and a half hospital stay. The extra time in the hospital was due to difficulties with my open heart surgery. I was allowed

May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more,and nothing but happiness come through your door.–Irish Blessing

LENTENWORSHIPSCHEDULE

to come home on the condition I had 24/7 help available (Alyssa) and that I agreed to get into a doctor-approved cardiac rehab program. Since being home, I have rested, exercised enough to get rid of the walker, and attended doctor appointments. As of now, my eyes don’t focus consistently, but the doc says it may be the affects of the meds they used to put me under during surgery and should clear up after a few months. I have started rehab at Providence Hospital and will continue 3 days a week for 4-12 weeks. The doctors say I will not be able to resume normal life until I finish rehab. A BIG thank you for all the prayers for healing and the get well wishes. –Dennis Anderson

Back to WorkMy nephew Tim Hoefer thanks everyone who has been praying for him. He’s back to work, increasing his hours each week until he gets back to full-time. Please continue to pray for him until he hears from the doctors that he’s cancer free. –Annetta Silcox

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Permit No. 1Lake Stevens, WA

Ebenezer Lutheran Church (ELCA)The VOICE Newsletter2111 - 117th Avenue NELake Stevens, WA 98258

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

An Ebenezer Lutheran Church Publication (ELCA): March 2017, Vol. 33, No. 3Phone: 425-334-0421 / FAX: 425-334-2873

Email: ebenezer@ebenezerlakestevens.org / Web Page: www.ebenezerlakestevens.org

JESUS LOVES ...

Remember to post your calendar!

LentenWorshipServices

Wednesday Eveningsat 7:00 pm during Lent

In the News

ATTN: Thrivent MembersYou have an opportunity to recommend where to distribute your Choice Dollars. There are two options:

1. Online: http://www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice.

2. Phone: 1-800-847-4836. Say “Thrivent Choice” at the prompt.

You have until March 31, 2017, to distribute your 2016 Choice Dollars to your favorite, not-for-profit organization. Questions? Call your congregation advocates: Betty Bauer, 425-334-6332, or Janice Stepp, 425-334-5443.

Guardian AngelKay Caulfield has completed her painting, Guardian Angel. It is a study after Lindberg Heilige Schutzengel painting. She painted it for her new, little granddaughter Spencer.

The color theme matches the baby’s nursery. Congratulations, Kay, on a job well done.

Habitat for Humanity Service ProjectHabitat for Humanity of Snohomish County will begin building a new housing community in Everett this summer. The Social Ministry committee would like to send a team from Ebenezer to help. Before we commit to this project, we need to know that we would have a team of at least 12 adults to volunteer on our team.

We would work one Saturday in late July or August, 8 am to 4 pm. A firm date will be selected if we have enough participants expressing interest.

If you would like to help with the Habitat for Humanity project, please sign up on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall by March 12. You can confirm once a date has been selected. Questions? Please contact Lynne Charlot at 425-231-2745 or charlot4@frontier.com.

A Winner!Isaac Gust wrestled for Lake Stevens High School at 152 pounds during the season and at 145 pounds for post-season. The Everett Herald selected him as one of the

“athletes of the week” two times. He took 1st place at districts and regionals, and qualified for the state tournament as one of 16 wrestlers in his weight class. The team tied for 7th place at the state tournament. We’re proud of you, Isaac. Congratulations!

Precious Little BoyBen and Rachel Stackhouse’s baby boy Hank was born October 21 weighing 6 pounds and 13 ounces. Congratulations and God’s blessings on Hank and his family!