EKKLESIA

PEEL HOUSE PROGRESS e are in the behind the scenes stage of renovating the Peel House. Two major items have been accomplished since the congregation voted to move forward with renovation. We have chosen a capital campaign firm and

added members to our committee. We have contracted with Gronlund, Sather and Brunkow(GSB) to guide us in a capital campaign. Our consultants will be Paul Marsh and Evan Moilan. Paul Marsh has 25 years of experience and has previously worked with Texas Lutheran University, Concordia University, Lutheran World Relief, and Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp on capital campaigns. Evan Moilan has worked as the Chief Mission officer for Lutheran Social Services and was CEO of the Lutheran foundation of the Southwest.

We believe these two will serve First Lutheran well in our goal of raising funds to renovate the Peel House. We’ve also added members to our Peel House Renovation Committee. Our committee now includes Deacon Judy Hagge, Ed Weaver, Mark Mahler, Sherry Coutts, Gary Bradley, Gene Warrington, Harry Mosco, Pastor Carrie Baylis and Pastor Travis Norton. The Renovation Committee meets monthly to shepherd the project. Most recently we met with our architects from CRP, Brian Risley and Bruce Smith. Our current task is to develop a project timeline and work with CRP to move the master plan concept drawings to detailed construction plans. Please keep this project in your prayers and consider how you can help! -Pastor Travis

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BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS

March 31 Mike Bauer Darrel Dolen Matt Hesselberg Kyle Reeves Jon Sell Murlene Williams April 1 Steven Wilcox April 2 George Baker April Benson Mary Hartwell Kristen Hayden Kayla Hjelmstad Ethan Jervik Alison Kennedy Gloria Lindsey Clara Palmen Chad Peterson Robert Schmidt Barbara Swan

April 3 Chaeli Boken-Krischke Sierra Frye Cheri Peace Rylan Weesner April 4 Katherine Anspach Thomas Callan Crystal Janecek Erik Schroeder Hanni Winegar April 5 Karen Clark Joey Goode Ruth Hjelmstad Tom Keilers Bert Loper Betty Slaughter Tricia Torres Daniel Zaves April 6 Lana Benson Christina Dinegar Guido Rohde Zachary Schneider Stephanie Smith Gary Stepien Marlene Stott

Happy Anniversary

April 2 Paul & Kathy Wyant- 48 years

April 3 Scott & Peggy Janecek - 29 years

Thank You…

Dear friends, With your help, Mosaic is able to provide the things that truly make a difference in someone’s life, such as a warm coat and hat or a membership at a gym to exercise. Thank you for your donation to Mosaic in Colorado Springs in support of Partners in Possibilities. In the middle of winter, gifts from donors like your are so heartwarming. Mosaic was founded in the Church, and our work is a ministry of service. I’m grateful to have you as a partner in our mission. With sincere thanks, Pastor David deFreese

Grace Needed

Our apologies for failing to list Barb Heist & Mark Scott’s 10th wedding anniversary on March 25. Congratulations! Congratulations

Congratulations to George Baker who turns 90 on April 2.

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PRAYER REQUESTS

Mike Abbey Cliff Allen Wanda Anderson Dean Arnold Felicia Arnold Jaclyn Arnold The Brown family Gene Burklund Frank Canady Gene Cartwright Laura Clark & family Del Claussen The Compton family Mary DelBuono Todd Dierdorff Anna Dillow Sierra Drager Shae Dutton Dick Enga & family Steve Erickson & family Michael Foret Dr. Steve Friberg George Gatchel Cindy Gauch Grace Gerard Chris Gerbig Donna Gissel Katherine Greene Lee Gross Butch & Deb Grove Bob Guenther Jon Haring Michael & Jayce Harris Sandra Harris Diane Hart The Hawkins family Eleanor Hjelmstad Casey Jacobs Josh Jones Janet Keaton & family Diana Keys

John Klatt Meho Kreso Martha Leiker Womack Martin Pastor Hank Maertens Jay McCoy Debra Mills Brandon Miller & Family Mark Mueller Patrick Murphy Don Nelson Eric Nichols & family Rhea Nordberg Logan Oakley Sarah Ostrem Joe Ramaglia Don Reed Don Reichert The David Reid family Connie Rowton Silke Sauppé Tony Sawyer Lisa Scarcello Roger Schomber Ron Scott Randy Sherwood Charles Simmons family Claudia Stallings Sandee Mountain Stott Angie Stott Teri Swanner & family Mark Timby Steve Tompkins Frank Troyer Tanya Warrington Scott Wilkinson Dave Wright Ben Zeeb Cooper Ziajkowski Michael Zoughbi Nick Zuardo & family

Please keep these members of First Lutheran, their family and friends, in your prayers this week.

Book Club

The book for the April meeting of the Book Discussion Group is Before We Were Yours: A Novel, by Lisa Wingate. This book is based on one of America’s most notorious real life scandals, in which the

director of an adoption agency kidnapped and sold poor children and babies to wealthy families. Real life adoptive parents included June Allyson and Joan Crawford. “Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.” –Amazon

Condolences and Prayers In the prayer of the church we remember the life and witness of Diane Hart, Dan’s mother and Diana’s mother-in-law, grandmother of Sara and Josh. Diane requested that in lieu of flowers, gifts be designated to the Peel House Renovation.

Pastor Peel Birthday Be sure to stop by the Gathering Place this Sunday following each service to wish Pastor Peel a happy 80th birthday. If you’d like, bring a card!

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Times have changed! Literally, the times for Easter Sunday worship have changed to 7:45, 8:45, 10:00 and 11:15. These changes are the result of offering Holy Communion at all services.

Please take note of those options and share with others. Now that I’ve gotten that public service announcement out of the way, I want to talk with you about Holy Week and Easter. A few years ago the powers that be changed Palm Sunday to Passion Sunday. They recognized that fewer people were attending Holy Week services where the story of Jesus’ arrest, trial and death are remembered. This meant that people were going from the Hossannas of Palm Sunday to the Allelluias of Easter and missing the “Crucify him” of Good Friday. So they changed the scripture lessons for the Sunday before Easter to include the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. We had a good discussion about this in our senior staff meeting. Should we do Palm Sunday or should we do Passion Sunday-and tell the story of Jesus’ death on the Sunday before Easter?

First Communion

It’s time again for our 5th grade class to partici-pate in their next faith milestone: learning about and receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion.

For more information, contact Pastor Carrie at 719.258.8720.

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN' I asked the question, how many of our congregation members come to Good Friday? Are we a people who take time out of our busy lives to remember and hear the story of Jesus’ death for us? We have decided to do Palm Sunday this year and trust our people to attend the Holy Week services, especially Good Friday. These days are central to our Christian life, and our worship. No week is holier or more important in the Christian’s life. So, do whatever you have to do to attend worship during Holy Week. Cancel that appointment, skip that soccer practice, miss that meeting. Attend to your faith and the central story of our salvation. It is our duty and delight. Holy Week begins April 18; put it on your calendar. -Pastor Travis

Maundy Thursday Worship 4 pm & 7 pm Good Friday Worship 12 pm & 7 pm Saturday Easter Vigil 6 pm Easter Sunday 7:45, 8:45, 10 & 11:15

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Easter Basket Project

First Lutheran will once again assemble Easter Baskets for underprivileged children in Colorado Springs. Volunteers are needed for the day, or choose a three-hour shift by signing up on the opportunity sheet, or call Marcia at 719.632.8836 Items needed at this time: • candy • dressy socks • small games • puzzles • crayons • jewelry • small cars • ribbon • plastic eggs • baskets • hair accessories • small children’s books • small stuffed animals

MidSingles 40+ Sunday Brunch

Ann Titus leads this monthly singles’ gathering. Enjoy Christian fellowship as we discuss the day’s sermon and other topics of interest. If you need a ride, please contact Ann at 719.598.3531.

Community Easter Egg Hunt

All are welcome to come and join us for a morning of fun! We’ll have snacks & coffee, a kid’s message with Pastor Travis, and an Easter Egg Hunt for pre-school through 2nd grade at 10 am. New this year, following the Egg Hunt we’ll have crafts in the Peel House and games on the lawn! All ages are encouraged to come for crafts and games. Please invite your neighbors and friends; all are welcome. We’ll need lots of help with crafts in the Peel House and some games on the lawn. If you are interested and available between 8:30 & 11:30 on the 20th, please email Pastor Carrie for more information at carrie@flccs.net or sign up on the opportunity sheets. Time to fill the Eggs!

After services on April 14th we’ll be setting up tables to fill eggs for our Community Easter Egg Hunt. We are looking to fill 1800 eggs and will need lots of help. We’ll have tables and chairs set up, pizza for lunch, and lots of fellowship and fun along the way. Maybe even a contest to see who can fill the most eggs in a minute. If you are not able to join in the fun but still would like to help, we are going to need CANDY. Lots and lots of CANDY! If everyone brings a bag to worship on April 14, we can do it! You can always drop a donation during the week too. Contact Pastor Carrie for more information at carrie@flccs.net, or sign up on the opportunity sheets.

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A History of the Rose

Join us for a fun discussion about roses in America. Georgie Bever is a native of Colorado Springs and a member of First Lutheran. She serves on the Board of Directors of the American Rose Society (ARS), and is the Regional Director. She and her husband, Tom Keilers, are ARS accredited Rose Show Horticul-ture Judges and ARS certified Consulting Rosarians. Georgie is also the current president of the Riverwalk Rose Society of Pueblo. Georgie and Tom grow over 125 varieties of roses in their garden and exhibit the blooms and rose photography in local, district, and national shows.

Easter Lily Cross

We invite you to designate your Easter lilies for the Easter Cross in memory or in honor of a loved one. The cross will be displayed on Easter Sunday, April 21, in the Sanctuary. The cost of the lilies this year is $8.00 and payment must accompany your designation. You may order lilies through April 14 at the Welcome Center. Lilies may be picked up after the 11:15 am service on Easter Sunday or any weekday through Friday, April 26.

Holy Week & Easter Assistance Needed

Acolytes, ushers, worship greeters, communion assistants and child care volunteers are needed at 4:00 and 7:00 pm on Maundy Thursday; noon and 7:00 pm on Good Friday; 6:00 pm for Easter Vigil and four services on Easter Sunday at 7:45, 8:45, 10:00, and 11:15 am. Please sign up on the opportunity sheet in church or call 719.632.8836 if you can serve in one

What’s So Amazing About Grace?

In 1987, an IRA bomb buried Gordon Wilson and his twenty-year-old daughter beneath five feet of rubble. Gordon alone survived. And forgave. He said to the bombers, “I have lost my daughter, but I bear no grudge…. I shall pray, tonight and every night, that God will forgive you.” His words caught the media’s ear and out of one man’s grief, the world got a glimpse of grace. What’s So Amazing About Grace is a book written by Philip Yancey. We will view a short video by Yancey about the topics below followed by discussion.

April 7 Amazing Grace April 14 Letting Grace Soak In April 21 Easter, no seminar April 28 An Unnatural Act May 5 The Art of Forgiving May 12 Skin Deep May 19 Grace Put to the Test May 26 Holiday - no seminar June 2 Grace Abuse June 9 The Church Backslides June 16 Dispensing Grace June 23 Counterforce

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The Last Week of Jesus’ Life

This study, being led by Pastor Bob, will examine what biblical scholars think happened during the final week of Jesus’ life. We will journey from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday with professors Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan. Both have written extensively on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The book The Last Week by Crossan and Borg will be used and is available for $12.00.

KPC Respite Center 5th Anniversary!

The KPC Respite Center provides temporary care for children ages 0-6 years when families are experiencing a crisis, need a break, or are considered high risk. KPC is the only respite center in Colorado Springs with a 24-hour crisis phone line and providing up to 72 hours of free care for children.

Come enjoy light food, tour the facility, meet staff members and volunteers, and learn more about KPC. The event is free. To RSVP, or for more information please visit lfsrm.org/events or call 719.227.7571

Thank you First Lutheran for your continuing support!

Contemplative Prayer Group

There will be a slight change to our Sunday morning Adult Seminar schedule to make time for those who would like to be part of a contemplative prayer group. From 9:15 am – 10:15 am we will have our regular Adult Seminar. From 10:20 – 10: 40 am those who would like participate in contemplative prayer will gather. Both will be in the upstairs Worship Center. This schedule will continue through Lent and beyond depending upon interest. Everyone is welcome to attend. For those not familiar with contemplative prayer, Pastor Bob will provide you with the needed information to participate.

Les Miserables at Pikes Peak Center

Join us for one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Sign up and pay for your tickets at the Welcome Center in the Gathering Place at First Lutheran Church.

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Dress Rehearsal, Wednesday, April 3, 7:00 pm All are welcome to come who will be unable to attend our regularly scheduled performances.

2019 Performances

April 5 7:30 pm April 6 Junior Gallery, 11:00 am April 6 2:00 & 5:00 pm April 7 3:00 pm Be looking forward to an amazing and wonderful 25th Gallery of Living Art!

GALLERY OF LIVING ART The Junior Gallery of Living Art

Here we are working on our 25th year of Gallery of Living Art, and we realize that many people have seen GOLA, but what about those families with children who couldn’t possibly sit through 90 minutes – no matter how good it is? Lots of families are involved in Gallery of Living Art, but many more haven’t had the opportunity to see it. We’ve come up with a great plan to help with that and for lots of families to come experience it together. The Junior Gallery of Living Art will be about 35-40 minutes long on Saturday morning, April 6, at 11:00 am. We’ll show five scenes that tell an abbreviated story of Jesus Christ. We’ll even give families the opportunity to come see backstage and upstairs regarding how we manage the live musicians and narrators/voice actors along with the choir, all live. This is for families with children of all ages who will be free to be themselves throughout the presentation. Grandparents too. Pastor Travis will be there to guide you through the show and interact with everyone. Are you a family who would like to come to Gallery together? Do you know someone who fits that category? Please come, or invite those who would benefit from this special event. One more way for us to celebrate our 25th year of Gallery of Living Art. See you there!

Gallery of Living Art Presentation Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to usher, greet visitors or assist with the cast dinner during Gallery of Living Art presentations. Please sign up in church or call 719.632.8836 if you can serve in this way.

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GOLA and Spiritual Growth

My experience with the GOLA has been perma-nent and beyond memorable. It has acted as an exciting, unique way to become involved in the church and grow with other members. It also has brought me close with my family, and every year I am excited to participate in any way I can. I re-member my father immersing me into the perfor-mance from the time I could walk. Having partici-pated for a decade, I can easily say this is a major and recurring event in my life. GOLA has been integral in my growth spiritually. Not only does it remind me of the importance of Christ’s sacrifice, but I am also driven by the hope and beauty of the story every year. Amidst all the building blocks supplementing my growth spirit-ually, the GOLA acts as the perfect reaffirmation to the faith. My favorite memory of GOLA has been in the choir, particularly during the crucifixion scene. In singing Power of the Cross while tearfully watching the scene, tugs at the simple “holy goodness” deep within the soul. It reminds me that ‘to see my name written in the wounds’, I am loved and I am made free by Christ’s sacrifice. That kind of feel-ing has never been replicated in such an amazing way, and I only have the GOLA to thank for that. I tell others that it is a powerful experience and beautiful opportunity to perceive Christ’s story in a whole new light. When friends and family have witnessed the performance, they have exclaimed it is moving, powerful, and one-of-a-kind. I don’t believe any movie, sermon, or program can ever capture the spiritual magic of the GOLA.

Without having such an experience supporting my growth as a Christian, Christ’s sacrifice would not have the same powerful meaning to me. That is why I strongly encourage people to become a part of such a powerful story - the love of Christ will touch you in an entirely new way. Have a leap of faith, and see what the Lord has in store for you in GOLA. It was one of the best jumps of my life. :) ~April Benson My experience with GOLA has been absolutely amazing. I began participating in GOLA when I was about four or five years old. GOLA is special to me, because it’s fun to be in it. The music is perfect for every scene and it’s also breathtaking when watching it all. The main reason why it’s so important to me is that it’s about the whole story of Jesus. This particular event has strengthened my walk with the Lord tremendously. It always reminds me of how Jesus loves us all that He’d sacrifice himself for all of our filthy sins. My favorite memory in GOLA was being in angel in the very last scene. I’m mostly placed in Trium-phal Entry, but being in a different scene feels more exciting to me. The art of Gallery is simply well done. The birth of Jesus, Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and just all of it. When inviting people to the GOLA, most of the people say it has been well done. Some of them claim that they’ll see it again the next day and possibly next year. I feel like Gallery of Living Art is one of the ways to understand the Lord more and become closer to Him. GOLA is truly magnificent. I recommend to anyone who is interested in GOLA to join or perhaps sing within the choir. I’ve greatly enjoyed my time given to GOLA. God bless. ~Mary Benson

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12-STEP SUPPORT GROUPS

Sunday 4:00 pm CODA Women’s Group, Main Floor 6:00 pm “Old North End” AA, 2nd Floor, SW Room 203 Monday 6:00 pm Emotions Anonymous, 2nd Floor, SW Room 203 6:30 pm Debtors Anonymous, 2nd Floor, NW Room 204 7:30 pm “Attitude of Gratitude” Al-Anon, 2nd Floor, SW Room 203 Tuesday 9:00 am Overeaters Anonymous, Main Floor (through the end of March) 5:30 pm Tuesday Evening Meditation & Solutions AA Meeting, Main Floor 7:00 pm Al-Anon Family Group, Lower Level 7:00 pm Al-Anon Group Parent Meeting, Main Floor Wednesday 7:30 am Sexaholics Anonymous, 2nd Floor, NW Room 204 5:30 pm Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous, 2nd Floor, SW Room 203 6:00 pm “164” AA Support Group, Lower Level 7:00 pm Women’s Discovery Empowerment Group, 2nd Floor, NW Room 204 7:30 pm Recovering Snowflakes meeting of Cocaine Anonymous, Main Floor Friday 5:00 pm CODA Support Group, Lower Level 5:30 pm Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous, 2nd Floor, SW Room 203 7:00 pm Co-dependency Anonymous, Lower Level 7:00 pm “Living Free” AA Group, 2nd Floor, SW Room 203 Saturday 8:30 am Sexaholics Anonymous, 2nd Floor, NW Room 204 8:30 am S-Anon Family Group, Lower Level 2:30 pm “Gift of the Heart” Alcoholics Anonymous, Main Floor

All groups meet in the Peel House on the north side of the church property.

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SAVE THE DATE

Regularly Scheduled Baptism Seminar Tuesday, April 2, 7:00 pm in the Conference Room Sign ups are required, or class will be cancelled. Call 719.632.8836 or email teri@flccs.net. Cancer Prayer Support Group Saturday, April 27, 10:00 am in the Library Sign up in church, or call 719.447.6068. Pastor’s Bible Study Wednesdays, 10:00 am in the Fireside Room Sunday Adult Seminar 9:15 am in the Worship Center

Coming Soon

Immigration Through the Eyes of Faith Sunday, March 31, 9:15 am in The Worship Center The Last Week of Jesus’ Life Thursdays, 6:30– 7:30 pm, through May 9 Upper Conference Room

Gallery of Living Art Performances April 5, 6, 7 Easter Basket Signups Monday/Tuesday, April 8 & 9 Sign-up sheet in bulletin Easter Egg Filling Sunday, April 14, noon to 3 pm Sign-up sheet in bulletin Easter Egg Hunt Volunteers Sunday, April 20, 9:30 am Sign-up sheet in bulletin Holy Week Volunteers April 18, 19, 20, 21 Acolytes, ushers, greeters, communion & child care needed Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Owls Event Wednesday, April 25th at noon in the Gathering Place Sign-up sheet in bulletin MidSingles 40+ Sunday Brunch Sunday, April 28, Olive Garden Restaurant, 513 Academy Blvd,. Citadel Crossing, 12:15 pm Les Miserables Pikes Peak Center Sunday, June 9th, 6:30 pm Tickets available at Welcome Center

SNAPSHOTS

Charlie and Donna Watkins celebrated their 51st anniversary on March 29th.

The Curtner family celebrate the baptism of Evie Grace with Pastor Travis and Pastor Bob.