Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 9700 Neenah Ave, Austin, Texas 78717 Phone 512.671.6100 www.lordoflifeaustin.org Hours Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm

February 2016 Edition Volume No. 0216

Message from Pastor 1

Global Initiatives 2

Prayer List 2

Sunday Readings 2

Baptism Festivals 2

Men’s Fellowship 2

Ash Wednesday 2

Fellowship 2

Birthdays/Anniversaries 2

New Baby 3

Parents of Young Children 3

Seder Meal 3

Progressive Dinner 4

Chinese Lunar New Year 4

Kindred Sisters 5

Care Kits 5

Lent 6

Lenten Fellowship Meals 6

Day Camp 6

Save the Dates 7

Ministry Fair 7

2016 Lutheran Legislature 7

Pump Run 8-9

Church Council Minutes 10

State of the Church 10

Save-the-Dates 10

Worship Leaders 11

Calendar 12

God’s Work, Our Hands

Inside this issue:

A TIME OF DENIAL

I greet you in the name of the One who can do all things but fail!

On Wednesday, February 10, we begin the Season of Lent with the celebration of Ash

Wednesday. At our Ash Wednesday worship services (11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.) those

who worship will receive ashes on their foreheads accompanied by the words, “From

dust you are and to dust you will return”. These words are fitting for the Season of

Lent, a time of reflection, introspection, and confession which leads to the

understanding that sin brings about our death. During Lent we journey with Jesus to

the cross on Calvary where he denied his own life that we might have life, now, and

the promise of life to come!

Lent is often equated with a time in which we “give up something”. You know my

thoughts on that process. I believe Lent is a great opportunity to “take on something”,

something we might not ordinarily do and to take on something meaningful and new as

we are made new each day in our baptism. With that in mind, we have a new

opportunity during the Lenten season this year. It is actually a way to deny ourselves

something in a new and creative way. Every confirmed member/disciple of the church

will receive a “Self-Denial” folder. The folder is made up of 40 slots into which a

quarter is to be placed – one slot for each day of the Lenten season. As you daily place

your quarter into each slot, you have the opportunity to ponder that Jesus gave his life

for all. What a sacrifice he made – and the sacrifice you make – 25 cents a day will

add up to $10. On Easter Sunday, we will receive all of the folders and use the

collective denials to support a family farm. The Synod Assembly offering this year

will go to the ELCA Good Gifts project and the specific area chosen by the Capital

North Conference is Outfitting a Family Farm. With our support, a farmer somewhere

in a developing country will be given the opportunity to increase the productivity of his

land thereby increasing the sustainability of his family and his village/community.

That small amount of $10 – 25 cents a day – when added together not only with Lord

of Life’s contributions but with contributions from the other congregations in our

Conference, has the potential to do amazing things. And by those amazing

possibilities, lives will be changed – for a long, long time.

Folders will be available on Ash Wednesday. Feel free to take an extra one for a

friend, a co-worker, a neighbor. What a way to travel the Lenten journey! Someone

will be blessed and God’s name will be praised. And all for 25 cents a day! I’m

inviting you to join me and my family in taking on this opportunity to “take on

something” by denying yourself.

In the name of Jesus,

Pr. Skip

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PRAYER LIST

Ann Willman, Angie Parr,

Marge Robison, Alan Sisco,

Rise Steglich, Cindy Wallace, Joanne Forseth, Manuel Oliver, Linda Vaughn, Ann Bender,

Crystal Dyer Allbritton, Peggy Suggs, Jesse Mitchell,

Tim & Cathy Divine Stewardship Ministry

SUNDAY READINGS

February 7 Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 II Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Luke 9:28-43a February 14 Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13 February 21 Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 February 28 Isaiah 55:1-9 Psalm 63:1-8 I Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13: 1-9

GLOBAL INITIATIVES

www.elca.org/global - l inks Through the benevolence we pay to the ELCA, we are support ing these global initiatives. A link is available on our website under “Giving”, so you can keep up-to-date on what the ELCA is doing to reach the world for Christ.

BAPTISM FESTIVALS

The next celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism will be Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016. Anyone who has not been baptized is invited to come and “wade in the waters” of eternal life. Please contact Pr. Skip for a pre-baptism appointment. The remaining Baptism Festivals for 2016 are:

The Holy Trinity/First Sunday after Pentecost, May 22 Sunday, September 11 (Sunday nearest Holy Cross Day)

All Saints’ Day, November 6 Contact Pr. Skip as soon as possible concerning which day works best for you.

Anniversaries:

Lloyd & Barbara Haskins 2/04 Manuel & Tealithia Oliver 2/07 Gene & Monica Kaloustian 2/10 Carl Wiruscheske & DJ Cearley 2/14 Brenda Searcy 2/24

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST

Attention men of Lord of Life!! Men’s breakfast, February 13, at 7:00am. No fellowship experience required! Bring a good appetite as the food is great!

FLOWERS

Thank you to everyone who has signed up to bring flowers for our altar on Sunday mornings! We know this takes thought and time, and it is greatly appreciated. For those who haven’t signed up, there are still a few slots left for you to snag. You can sign up on the Flower Chart or at Volunteer Spot (link found on our website).

Birthdays: Smith, Luke 2/03 Wiruscheske, Garrett 2/06 Heth, Aaron 2/08 Neeley, Julia 2/11 Smith, Dorenda 2/12 Weston, Kadyn 2/14 Grunska, Deb 2/15 Kretschmar, Marge 2/15 Crawford, John Paul 2/16 Redus, Kenny 2/18 Neeley, Leslie 2/21 Waggoner, Eric 2/21 Willman, Ann 2/22 Ausey, Jerry 2/25 Ladolcetta, David 2/25 Nieder, Jennifer 2/26

ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday is early this year -- February 10. We will have two services, one at 11:30 AM and one at 7 PM. Both services will include the imposition of ashes and Holy Communion.

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CHARLOTTE JULIA PHARIS

Charlotte Julia Pharis was born to Allison and Ryan Pharis on January 25, in Dallas, Texas. She weighed in at 9 lbs 9 oz, and 20 3/4” long. Grandparents Chuck and Julia Neeley are thrilled, as is her big brother.

PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN

This new group held its first meeting at the home of Randi and David Ladolcetta. While only a small group, it was great for the kids to play and adults to talk about what the future of this group will look like. Please keep an eye for the next event in March to be held at Little Land Play Gym. This is great indoor play ground for kids, and includes areas for all ages. We hope to see you there!

SEDER MEAL

We will celebrate Maundy Thursday with a Seder Meal at 6:30 PM on Thursday, March 24. Please plan to join us to experience this traditional Jewish Passover ceremony. The Seder is followed by a full dinner; we will conclude the evening by celebrating Holy Communion.

We ask that you reserve a space - we don't want anyone to go home hungry! A donation is requested to cover costs (suggested: $5 per person/$20 per family). Scholarships are available. To RSVP, please indicate on your Connection Card on Sunday morning or contact the church office.

We are seeking volunteers, as the evening events take a lot of coordination. Please talk with Felicia Wachsmann, Monica Kaloustian, or Deb Grunska if you can help with any of the following:

* Table host (setting up/decorating a table for the Seder and the dinner)

* Event set-up on Tuesday, March 22

* Food preparation for the dinner

* Event tear down/clean-up (kitchen and sanctuary) immediately following

If you have any questions, please contact Felicia, Monica, or Deb.

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CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR

On February 13 from 2pm-6:30pm, the Malaysian & Singaporean Association of Central Texas will be celebrating their Chinese Lunar New Year here at LOL. All are invited to this celebration, which will include a potluck with authentic homemade Malaysian & Singaporean cuisines!! They do ask for a donation of $10 for a family or $5 for a single person. They will also be having a famous Malaysian band named “Cari Markan” performing!! Event Program: 2pm: Greeting and socializing 3pm: Official start time 3:15pm: MSACT Committee Members perform a Chinese New Year song sing-along with guests 3:30pm: New Year makan-makan & Karaoke begins 4:30pm: Chinese New Year games/quiz 4:45pm: New Year performances (music band, dances, talent shows, etc.) 6pm: Hangout and socializing 2016 is the year of the Monkey

PROGRESSIVE DINNER

On January 29, Lord of Life members had a great time progressing to three houses for appetizers, entree and desserts - a

night of excellent food, great fun and friendship!

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KINDRED SISTERS

Kindred Sisters met on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at 10:30 a.m., at the Koinonia Cafe at LOLLC. Marilee Parsons spoke to us on "Being Prepared for End of Life". She gave a very personal and informational talk about concrete steps for decisions that have to be made now while we still can, in order that our children or other family members will know what to do when that time comes in our lives. Thank you so much, Marilee! After devotions and prayer, we enjoyed fellowship during our sack lunch. Dessert and refreshments were provided by our hostess, Rea Wiruscheske. Thank you so

much, Rea!

Our February meeting is on Tuesday, February 2nd, at 10:30 a.m., at the Koinonia Cafe at LOLLC. Our speaker will be Tiesa Hollaway, Executive Director of Hill Country Ministries, who will speak on their mission to bring food, clothing, etc., to the less fortunate in our area. It will be very interesting, as we at LOLLC, collect food for their organization. All ladies of LOLLC are cordially invited to attend! Please bring your own sack lunch, and dessert and refreshments will be provided by our February hostess, Joanne Forseth. If there are any

questions, please call Joanne Forseth at 512-986-7387.

Please bring your cancelled stamps for LWR Stamporee, and also note Glenace's article and list telling what supplies we need for our Care Kits that we will be assemblng at the next Kindred Sisters meeting on March

1st. We hope all the congregation of LOLLC can help us with this worthy project!

PERSONAL CARE KITS

Lutheran World Relief (LWR) PERSONAL CARE KITS are in desperate need. Therefore, Kindred Sisters is assembling “Personal Care Kits” for their 2016 LWR project. With your help and contributions, we can bring new hope and dignity to thousands of people in need. These items are needed by February 28, 2016:

Dark Color Light-Weight Bath-size TOWEL (Between 20”x40” & 52”x27”)

Two (4 to 5 oz) Bath-size Bars of SOAP in Original Wrapping Adult-size TOOTHBRUSH in its Original Packaging Sturdy COMB Metal NAIL CLIPPERS (preferably with file) Or a Monetary donation (Costs $2.65 per Kit for LWR to Ship Overseas) No Toothpaste … it is added by LWR

Place items in LWR Box in Welcome Center. Thank you. Questions: Glenace Klinker 671-3690

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LENTEN FELLOWSHIP MEALS

Please join us for Lenten fellowship meals before the evening Lent service each Wednesday 2/17 through 3/16. A light meal will be served between 6 and 7 pm in the café. A free will offering will be collected to send middle schoolers to Confirmation Camp and help pay for Youth Group activities. The Youth Group families host these dinners. If you would like to help with the dinners, please sign up athttp://vols.pt/xBQPpc or contact Laura Lopez at 512-925-2961.

LENT

Lenten Services will be held at 11:30 AM and 7 PM every Wednesday from February 17 through March 16. During the Lenten services, a light lunch will be served immediately following the 11:30 service; and a light dinner, provided by the Youth, will be served at 6 PM preceding the evening service. We will celebrate Holy Communion at both services. The Holden Evening Prayer will be used at the 7 PM service.

SAVE THE DATE FOR DAY CAMP

Day Camp 2016 will be held July 17-22. The theme will be “...And We Will!” We look forward to seeing everyone!

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SAVE THE DATES—WATCH FOR DETAILS NEXT MONTH

Order your Easter Lilies in early March

Palm Sunday, March 20, services at 8:15 AM and 10:45 AM

Maundy Thursday, March 24, services at 11:30 AM and 6:30 PM (including a Seder Meal at the evening service)

Good Friday, March 25, services at 11:30 AM and 7 PM (a Passion Drama will be performed at the evening service)

Good Friday Prayer Vigil, March 25, from 7 AM to 7 PM

Easter/Resurrection Sunday, March 27, services at 6 AM, 8:15 AM, and 10:45 AM

2016 LUTHERAN LEGISLATIVE EVENT

The 2016 Lutheran Legislative Event, sponsored by the Synod’s Poverty and Justice Task Force (PJTF) in partnership with Texas Impact, will be held at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Austin starting the afternoon ofSunday, February 28, and will conclude about 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 1. Do you wonder why our Texas legislators sometimes don’t understand issues of importance to Lutherans? Would you like to help them understand those issues? If so, now’s your opportunity to impact the legislative process!

Register at http://www.swtsynod.org/synodevents

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WATER TO THRIVE’S PUMP RUN 2015

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WATER TO THRIVE PRESENTS THE PUMP RUN 5K TO FUND WELLS IN AFRICA

AUSTIN, TX — Join Austin non-profit Water to Thrive and Concordia University as they present the 2016 Pump Run, a 5K family-friendly race event to raise funds for water projects in rural Africa.

The Pump Run will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016, on the campus of Concordia University in Austin. In addition to the timed 5K, there will be a Kids’ K one-kilometer fun run. The day’s events will include kids’ activities, games and prizes for best dressed and best water themed costume for runners. Additionally, the event is pet friendly (on leash) and prizes for best dressed pet. Musical entertainment and a photo booth will be part of the festivities. Runners who are unable to join the event in person can participate in a Virtual Run at any time during the week before the race, submitting their time to be included in the race results February 21 through midnight February 27.

Registration is open at RunSignUp.com. Early registration before January 15 receives a discount, as do groups of three or more in a single event.

The 2016 Water to Thrive Pump Run is being hosted by Concordia University Texas. Concordia has supported Water to Thrive from the very beginning, serving as a longtime sponsor for the 5K and raising funds to build 11 water projects to date. As our hosting partner, Concordia is opening up its campus for the event on its Homecoming weekend.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available and help support the mission of the race. For information, contact W2T Executive Director Susanne Wilson at susanne@watertothrive.org.

Water to Thrive is a faith-based non-profit dedicated to the mission of bringing clean, safe water to those who need it in rural Africa. W2T works with donors in the United States and implementing partners in Africa to bring lasting change. Since its inception in 2008, W2T has funded more than 700 wells providing clean, safe water to more than 400,000 people.

For more information on The Pump Run, including registration, visit thepumprun.org. For more information on Water to Thrive, visit watertothrive.org or contact Executive Director Susanne Wilson at susanne@watertothrive.org or 512.206.4495.

AT A GLANCE:

What: 5K Run, 1K Kids’ Fun Run (12 and under) and Virtual Run

When: February 27, 2016

Registration, 7 a.m.; Kids’ K, 8 a.m.; 5K, 8:30.

Virtual Run, submit times week of February 21, until midnight February 27

Where: Concordia University, 11400 Concordia University Drive, Austin, TX 78726

Entry fees:

Adults: $20 (early) now until January 15, 2015 $25 January 15 through February 26

$30 Day of the Race

Kids: $10 (early) now until January 15, 2015 $12 January 15 through February 26

$15 Day of the Race

Virtual: $25

Volume No. 0216 Page 10

SAVE-THE-DATES

February 7 - Scout Sunday February 10 - Ash Wednesday February 13 - MSACT Lunar New Year Celebration February 21 - Ministry Fair

January Church Council Meeting

January 14, 2016

Call to Order

Opening Prayer and Devotional

Mark read Isaiah 43:16. He discussed why this stuck out to him and how it might apply to council.

Dwelling in the word

Read and spent time discussing Luke 4:14-30. Discussions centered around the fact that we feel the

call, but are not sure to what or why we are called.

Discerning prayer

We prayed for purpose, our leaders retreat, and the congregational meeting.

Prep for Congregational Meeting

Finance and Budget

Pastor Skip motioned to approve the budget.

Courtney seconded the motion.

All approved.

Ministry Team leads, prep for questions

John Paul, Erica, and Mark will contact team leads to discuss the meeting and make sure

they are prepared for questions regarding both their packet and budget request.

Council Position nomination from the floor

Presentation of candidates and election

Other

Randi will create agenda, ballot, and sign in sheet for the meeting

Randi will ask Jim Tarsi to take minutes, if he is unable, Erica will step in

Vitality Project Report

Went over the response and numbers. 67 people filled out the survey and the data was aggregated.

These reports will be used in the Leaders Retreat 1/15-16

Retreat Preparations

Carpool

Arranged between those attending

Session Prep

This is the first time something

like this is being held. We

will pray for an open mind

and look forward to what

we may learn

Executive Session

Worship Attendance

01/03/2016 110

01/10/2016 117

01/17/2016 92

01/24/2016 110

01/31/2016 100

:

Weekly Average 106

YTD Total 529

Weekly Average 106

Income for Dec: $33,509 Income YTD: $343,072

Expense for Dec: $25,971 Expenses YTD: $331,853

Net Gain for Dec: $7,538 Net Gain YTD: $11,219

Worship Leaders for February 2016

February 7, 2016 Color: White

Presiding Minister: Pastor Skip Wachsmann Assisting Minister: (1st); John Paul Crawford (2nd)

Lector: (1st); (2nd) Media Assistant: Jim Tarsi (1st); (2nd)

Communion Assistant: (1st); Erica Smith, Denise Sheehan (2nd)

Ushers: Doug Caldwell, Bill Saegert, Gary Parsons, & Mike Brown (1st); Bob & Linda Lane, Clayton Wachsmann (2nd)

Altar Guild: Lyn Caldwell (1st); Chuck & Julia Neeley (2nd) Acolyte: Chapin Smith

Tellers: Jennifer Niedert, Mindy Penland Cantor: (1st); (2nd)

Flowers: The Smith Family, in honor of Luke’s 12th birthday!

February 14, 2016 Color: White

Presiding Minister: Pastor Skip Wachsmann Assisting Minister: (1st); Connor Sheehan (2nd)

Lector: (1st); (2nd) Media Assistant: Jim Tarsi (1st); (2nd)

Communion Assistant: (1st); (2nd)

Ushers: Doug Caldwell, Bill Saegert, Gary Parsons, & Mike Brown (1st); Bob & Linda Lane, Clayton Wachsmann (2nd)

Altar Guild: Deanna & Lauren Brown (1st); Dick Fink (2nd) Acolyte:

Tellers: Jennifer Niedert, Mindy Penland Cantor: (1st); (2nd)

Flowers: Nick Ferriola

February 21, 2016 Color: White

Presiding Minister: Pastor Skip Wachsmann Assisting Minister: TBD (1st); John Paul Crawford (2nd)

Lector: (1st); (2nd) Media Assistant: Jim Tarsi (1st); Connor Sheehan (2nd)

Communion Assistant: (1st); Kira Niedert (2nd)

Ushers: Doug Caldwell, Bill Saegert, Gary Parsons, & Mike Brown (1st); Dustin, Dax & Dakota Simpson, Mike Kamensky(2nd)

Altar Guild: Lyn Caldwell (1st); Heather Simpson/Avery Willenborg (2nd) Acolyte: Kira Niedert

Tellers: Jennifer Niedert, Mindy Penland Cantor: (1st); (2nd)

Flowers: Chuck Neeley

February 28, 2016 Color: Green

Presiding Minister: Pastor Skip Wachsmann Assisting Minister: (1st); Connor Sheehan (2nd)

Lector: (1st); (2nd) Media Assistant: Jim Tarsi (1st); Dick Fink (2nd)

Communion Assistant: (1st); 2nd)

Ushers: Doug Caldwell, Bill Saegert, Gary Parsons, & Mike Brown (1st); Dustin, Dax & Dakota Simpson, Mike Kamensky (2nd)

Altar Guild: Deanna & Lauren Brown (1st); Kori Weston (2nd) Acolyte: Erin Weston

Tellers: Jennifer Niedert, Mindy Penland Cantor: (1st); (2nd)

Flowers: Steve & Estella Ferrand

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Februa ry 2016

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

11:00am

Babywearing Mtg.

7:00pm

Education

Ministry Mtg.

2

10:30am

Kindred Sisters

6:30pm Bible

Study (Café)

3

11am Prayer for

Ministry (P4Min)

6:00pm

Confirmation

7pm Praise

Singers

7:30pm Vocal

4

8:30am Life Line

Screening

6:30pm Cub

Scouts Pack 150

7pm Property

Mtg.

7pm Stephen

Ministers Mtg.

5

6

1pm MSACT

Rehearsal

7 Scout Sunday

8:15 Early Worship

9:30 Christian

Education

10:45 Late Worship

12:15 Evangelism/

Outreach Mtg.

8

7pm Finance

Ministry Mtg.

(Conference Rm)

9

6:30pm Bible

Study (Café)

10 Ash Wed.

11:30am Ash

Wed Svc

6pm Confirm./

Dinner

6:30pm Praise

7pm Svc

7:30pm Vocal

11

12

13

7:00am Men’s

Fellowship

Breakfast

1pm MSACT

Lunar New Year

Celebration

14

Valentine’s Day

8:15 Early Worship

9:30 Christian Ed.

10:45 Late Worship

12:15 Worship

Ministry Mtg.

15

President’s

Day

16

6:30pm TIFA

Meeting

(Sanctuary)

6:30pm Bible

Study (Café)

17

11am P4Min

11:30am Lent

Svc

6pm Confirm./

Dinner

6:30pm Praise

7pm Svc

7:30pm Vocal

18

6:30pm Cub

Scouts Pack 1502

7:00pm Council

Meeting

19

6pm Set up for

Pinewood Derby

Cub Scout Pack

150

20

9am Pinewood

Derby

21

Ministry Fair

8:15 Early Worship

9:30 Ministry Fair

10:45 Late Worship

12:15 Ministry Fair

22

23

6:30pm Bible

Study (Café)

24

11:30am Lent

Svc

6pm Confirm./

Dinner

6:30pm Praise

7pm Svc

7:30pm Vocal

25

26

27

28

8:15 Early Worship

9:30 Christian Ed.

10:45 Late Worship

29

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