100 Lochmere Drive West Cary, North Carolina 27518

Rev. Dr. Jonathan Blanke, Senior Pastor

Worship Saturday at 6:00 pm

Sunday at 8:00 am, 10:30 am 10:45 am (praise)

Christian Education Sunday at 9:15 am

www.RLCary.org Office@RLCary.org

919-851-7248

Resurrection Lutheran School: 919-851-7271 Resurrection Lutheran Preschool: 919-851-7270

February 26

8:45 am in the Sanctuary

Imposition of Ashes with Resurrection Lutheran School

7:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

February 25, 5:30-7:00 pm Family Life Center

Come join us for “All You Can Eat” pancakes, sausage, ham, applesauce,

and the best fellowship around!

Free Will Offering to

Appalachia Service Project (ASP).

Monthly Newsletter of Resurrection Lutheran Church

The Gift of Jesus for “All”…and for “Me” Too (1 Corinthians 1:18–31)

When I was a young person, the church I attended at the time had a sign that proclaimed to every car leaving the parking lot, “You are now entering the mission field.” I like that sign. It’s always good to be reminded why we’re here. We’re not put on this earth to look only/mainly after our own needs, as important as they may seem at times to be. We’re put on this earth to serve a purpose larger than any one of us ourselves. We’re here to be oriented by God outward…to be used by God to serve our neighbor and bring God’s love in Christ to others. It is therefore good, right, and salutary to be reminded that “the mission field” doesn’t only extend from one far-flung corner of the world to another (e.g., “From Greenland’s icy mountains to India’s coral strand” [Lutheran Worship, 322]). It extends even to my next-door neighbor’s house. It encompasses the water cooler or Keurig pot where folks at work tend to gather. It includes the soccer field, the library, or the cafeteria where we might gather with other students like ourselves Monday to Friday. Still, on this third of our five-week Epiphany focus on the gifts for the mission of God, I wonder if you’d accompany me in going that old sign one better.

Maybe, in a way we tend to overlook, the mission field extends even to the familiar turf of our own church property and our own homes, too! Jesus wants his kingdom to come to all people, even and especially those who may look and think and act in ways we find unfamiliar…people who live far away. But God’s mission to the world includes those who come and go from our church on a regular basis: to Resurrection Lutheran School and Preschool and Music School; to all who come and go through our church sanctuary and Family Life Center doors on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. MOST importantly (dare I say it?) God’s mission field even includes you and me and the people we love! Sure, we have been abundantly blessed in having been brought close to Jesus and to our own dear Father in heaven by the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ (1 Cor. 1:21–24)! Yes, we have received the gift of God’s Spirit in Holy Baptism, though we’ve done nothing to deserve it. Yet we are never so close to Jesus that we no longer need the encounter with God’s Word that confronts us with who we are, according to our sins, and turns our attention to the only place where true strength and wisdom are found: the cross of Jesus. St. Paul writes words that always surprise and continue to run counter to our default way of thinking: “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” As familiar as those words might become, they will always bear repeating. The love of God for the world is for all. But it is also (and always) for “me,” too!

So when we talk about the mission field, let’s see ourselves first, the members of our family second, and the people who come and go on our church property (including the members of our church family) in that mission field, too! Then let’s go in peace into the wider mission field, confident that it is not any heroic effort on our part, but our Spirit-empowered boasting in the cross of Jesus that will be used by God to bring life and hope to a world in need. What an awesome thing to be used by God for the mission of God. What a privilege to serve one another and the world…together!

Page 3 February 2020

Church Service Change – Focus Group Forming

The Church Council has begun preliminary discussions exploring the possibility of a change to our Sunday worship schedule. The basic premise for considering such a change rests in the Pastor/member relationship. As evidenced by comments that our shepherding team has received from church members, and ample church research validates, members want to be able to identify with their Pastor and know he cares about them. With our current Sunday worship schedule, Pastor Jonathan has worked diligently to learn members’ names and their story/history. This works well for Saturday night and 8:00 am Sunday services. However, with the current overlap of the 10:30 traditional and 10:45 contemporary services—our two largest services—Pastor Jonathan’s ability to interact, get to know, and follow up when necessary with attendees has been less than desired.

Scripturally, we are called to be a “body united” with a common mission. Though unity around the proclamation of Jesus Christ and His cross for the forgiveness of sins can only be a gift of the Holy Spirit, the senior pastor of a congregation is critical to facilitating that work of the Spirit in the people of a congregation. Giving Pastor Jonathan opportunity to share his message as part of enhancing our unity is most effective when accompanied by time set aside after service for him to personally engage with those attending all our worship services.

There is no preconceived notion of what any worship schedule change should be. We are simply exploring options and gathering information in order to make a wise and informed decision. To help initially discern God’s Will for us in this area, the first step is to form a Focus Group comprised of approximately 25 members.

The group’s purpose is to:

1. Provide increased understanding or clarity of any change.

2. Test assumptions, which helps develop a focus to explore other options.

3. Recommend methods to further quantify the benefits and/or disadvantages of a change.

Our goal is to create a group consisting of a wide cross-section of members who are engaged in essential Sunday morning activities: representatives from each of the four services, choir members, adult education attendees, Sunday School teachers and parents, and any other group, to meet the stated purpose.

We have asked Teresa Gresham to lead this Focus Group. She is experienced in facilitating large groups and encouraging participation. We are tentatively targeting our first Focus Group meeting in late February. Members of the congregation will all be given an opportunity to voice their opinions or concerns later this spring.

If you are interested in serving as a member of this special Focus Group, please contact Bob Shimmel or Teresa Gresham through RCB (the online church directory, available through our church’s web site at https://rlcary.ccbchurch.com/goto/login).

Advent Gifts Distributed

During the season of Advent, we designated three outside ministries and service organizations to share a special offering with to support their efforts. A total of $2,484.73 was received and distributed as follows:

Urban Ministries of Wake County - $828.24

Sleep in Heavenly Peace - $828.25

Lutheran World Relief - $828.24

To all who donated, thank you for your generosity!

Page 4 February 2020

On January 11th, Ellen and I came to a wonderful soup supper - and all of the food and fellowship was warm and welcoming, as we have come to expect at Resurrection…

But the wonderful words from those who spoke, And the Beautiful Quilt - that radiated the message of the Cross, And the generous check for us to get away for some couple time....

Left me overwhelmed with gratefulness to the saints at Resurrection - as well as thankful to Our Lord for getting us through the last 13 months of my service to you as Vacancy Pastor!

As I mentioned that night - our Vacancy period was blessed with many people stepping up. I was happy to help, and energized to get back into full-time service with the congregation at Resurrection.

As I look back I am reminded of the Promise given to us in Romans 8:28 - the God that we love will work all things together for our good - in our calling to His Purposes! Our Heavenly Father has kept us together and brought Pastor Jonathan and Juli to lead us on the next part of our Journey with Jesus.

Thank you all so very much! Pastor Jon and Ellen

Women’s Ministries: Save the Dates!

We are planning several activities throughout 2020 and hope you will join us!

Wednesday Fellowship Luncheon: Every month on the first Wednesday, 11:30 am at O'Charleys Restaurant, join us for lunch and fellowship. Contact Emmy Cullen through RCB for more info.

Thursday Fellowship Dinners: Join us at 6:30 pm at O'Charleys Restaurant for dinner and fellowship on February 20, March 19, September 17, October 15. Watch the weekly announcements for RSVP details.

Spring Luncheon: Saturday, May 16, we will gather at church for a delicious lunch prepared by Chef Kim and a service project to be announced.

Advent Tea: Saturday, November 21 at church, join us for a favorite pre-Advent gathering as we prepare our hearts for Advent.

For more information on any of these activities, please email RLWomen@rlcary.org.

Thank You from Habitat for Humanity

“Thank you for supporting Habitat for Humanity’s vision to ensure that everyone has a decent place to live. Your gift of $4,852.16 received in support of the Lutheran Build, helps make that vision a reality in a world where affordable housing is in short supply.”

“We are grateful that your congregation has chosen to put God’s love into action and partner with us, and it is our hope that your relationship with God deepens through the experience of this build.”

Questions about RLC and Habitat for Humanity? Contact Tim Hiteshew through RCB.

Page 5 February 2020

“Our Light” – Congregational Highlights

Each month we seek to capture many of the highlights in our church, especially noting how we serve each other and our community. For the first one of this year, we wanted to also note certain end of the year activities our members supported.

1. Thank you to all who donated their time and energy to make our holiday worship extra special.

2. Thank you to all our members for the significant December giving, which allowed us to pay many of our Social Ministry accounts, and to end the first six months of our budget year with a small surplus.

3. The Open House for Pastor Jonathan and Juli was well received. Attendees learned more about their backgrounds, family, and prior ministry experiences. The Fellowship Group provided a special array of special treats.

4. Thanks to the member who has agreed to work with MaryAnn Unger to support and develop our Cradle Roll for our young members.

5. Pastor Jon’s recognition event was not only well attended, but many hands contributed to enable us to express our appreciation to our Vacancy Pastor. The speakers and the quilt were well received with appreciation. Also, thank you to Pastor Jon in leading the Tuesday Morning Bible Study.

6. Thanks to Pastor Jonathan for taking us through the Book of John, bringing to light many new Biblical perspectives to attendees.

7. RLS and RLP continue to be recognized as quality education leaders by receiving the Maggy Awards for Best Preschool and School, along with Tom Kolb recognized as the Best Principal. Congrats to all who work to support our Christian Ministry.

8. We received many comments regarding the timely publication of our year-end financial reports.

9. Thanks to the “elves” who helped to change out lights in the sanctuary.

10. Many RLC members supported the recently completed Habitat for Humanity Build, with the House Blessing being conducted this month.

11. Appreciation for the 4 adult leaders and one HS youth alumni who will be accompanying 17 High School Youth on their Winter Trip to Boone.

12. The Middle School Youth recently had a large turnout of 28, including friends of members, for a Roller Skating event.

13. We continue to thank the Transition Prayer Group who continue to cover our church in prayer, including asking the Holy Spirit to continue to guide our ministries and future direction.

14. Crossways has started up again with thanks to Mel Tolliver and Todd Trautman for continuing to lead this study. Please feel free to let Pastor Jonathan (jonathan.blanke@rlcary.org) or Bob Shimmel know of any activity or person who continues to Shine Their Light at RLC.

Page 6 February 2020

Lutherans Trust in Christ Alone for Salvation

“Our churches teach that people cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works. People are freely justified for Christ’s sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake. By His death, Christ made satisfaction for our sins. God counts this faith for righteousness in His sight” (AC IV). This article is often referred to as the doctrine on which the Church stands or falls. This confession relies entirely on God’s work in Christ for salvation. This is joy: God loves you and has worked for your salvation. Rejoice!

The RLC Quilters and Sewers thank God for all the blessings of support that our RLC congregation has given us for the past year through your donations of prayers, time, and materials to make quilts. We are happy to report that we made 75 quilts to be donated to Lutheran World Relief to go to needy people around the world! We also made 24 quilts to go with the beds our church put together for Sleep in Heavenly Peace to be given to families in our area.

In 2020, we have been asked to make 48 quilts for Sleep in Heavenly Peace and would like to hopefully increase our donations of quilts to Lutheran World Relief to 100 or more! We can only do this with your support and God's blessings. Feel free to come by our meetings every Tuesday from 11:30 am-3:00 pm in Room 151 where we sort and cut fabric, sew quilt tops and tie them. We can also always use donations of cotton fabric for quilt tops and any size sheets for quilt backs - just bring them by the church office.

Thank you! Any questions? Contact Eileen Douglas through RCB or the church office (919-851-7248, office@rlcary.org).

Please Note: Personal information (email addresses and phone numbers) will not be published on the website or through the weekly announcements and monthly newsletters.

Contact information will be listed as, “Questions? Contact Susan Moore through RCB or the church office (919-851-7248, office@rlcary.org).”

There is a national and unfortunately, common phishing scam targeting churches. It can occur through emails or text messages that appears to be coming from the pastor and results in the request for gift cards.

We are making these changes in an effort to protect our congregation from innocently falling prey to this scheme.

If you ever receive a questionable contact from the Pastor, please just ignore and delete. Pastor Jonathan will never communicate with you in this way to request gift cards.

You can reach the RCB login through the homepage of our website (www.rlcary.org). And, there’s App for that! Search the App store for Church Community Builder. It is called Lead and is free!

Please check your RCB account to ensure your information is up to date. If you have any problems with RCB, contact the church office for assistance.

Page 7 February 2020

Vicar Alan’s Coaching Corner Instead of a coaching focused article this month, I wanted to give everyone an update to my Specific Ministry Program (SMP) seminary studies. I cannot thank you enough for the prayers and tuition support you have provided over the past year. One year done - three to go.

If there is one thing I realize so far, it’s that I can relate to this quote: “When (students of theology) get to college, they know everything. In their second year of study, they become

aware of some things that they do not know. At the end of the last year of study, they are convinced that they know nothing at all.”

One year ago, I left for St. Louis to attend orientation week. We just missed the “polar vortex” where it went from a high of 10-degrees to a high of 66-degrees. By week’s end, it was cold and snowing again, so it was perfect timing.

After orientation, we started “Intro to Pastoral Ministry”. It’s amazing how God works. That class was about Lutheran and Missouri Synod history, which included Walther’s writings on the call process. I not only studied the process but had a chance to live it as I’m sure you all recall we were fully involved in our own Senior Pastor call at that time. It was a truly valuable experience to see it unfold in front of me.

Summer brought the “Intro to Worship” class and an understanding of how we worship and the planning that goes into each service to intentionally shape how we meet God in worship. I know you share the appreciation I have for Bob and Chris and the work they do with Pastor to design each worship service. Many thanks again to Bob Unger for using my final project at one of the 10:30 services in October last year. That was a really special moment for me.

The Fall class was called “The Master Narrative” and was probably one of my favorite classes to date. It was a truly invaluable class that discussed God’s overall narrative as well as the “mini narratives” God uses to highlight His master narrative. The class also showed the importance of listening for the individual narratives that we (or visitors or neighbors) live out or bring into the church. Our personal narratives shape our lives and play an integral role in how we interact with God’s master narrative.

January’s class was an intensive week called “Creedal Themes”. We received 16 sessions of reading and homework in early December that was due prior to arriving on campus January 6th. One semester of work in one week (hence the name “intensive”, I suppose). That class reviewed how we arrived at the words of the Nicene Creed and the specific heresies the early church leaders were defending against. We can still see some of these heresies today, which is one reason why it is so important to come together as a church body and proclaim our beliefs through the words of the Creed.

I’m about to start year #2 with a class called “Lutheran Distinctions” but you’ll have to wait for the next update letter to hear more. Again, thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

If you’re interested in exploring what coaching can do for you, reach out to me at alan.shaw@rlcary.org.

Page 8 February 2020

Children and Family Ministry

This month, I want us to take a look as to why we have acolytes and what is their role. At RLC, our practice has been to allow students in 5th-8th grade to serve as acolytes. We begin our training and preparation for First Communion in the spring of 5th grade, leading to Confirmation in the spring of 8th grade. Serving as an acolyte allows our students to see first hand the importance of worship and being actively engaged and participating during the service. Not only does an acolyte serve the members of the congregation, they also serve the pastor by assisting him in the worship details. Below is a part of a document from an LCMS church in SD. I hope that you will share this with your children and encourage and provide the opportunity for them to regularly participate in this area of service and commitment to RLC. Some children will readily and eagerly want to serve as an acolyte, others may need parental encouragement, leadership, and reminding to sign up. Obviously, all of them need parental help in getting to and from church and most likely reminders when it is their day and time to serve. We currently are in need of more acolytes. If there are children in 5th-8th grade that are not currently serving as an acolyte but would like to be trained to do so, please contact me at maryann.unger@rlcary.org.

Why do we have acolytes?

Acolyting is one of the first ways in which young people of the church serve God and His kingdom. In a church service, pastors preach and lead the liturgy. Ushers help with distributing bulletins, seating people, and taking the offering. The elders assist with the distribution of Holy Communion. The flower committee coordinates and then sets out the flowers. The altar guild helps with setting up communion and the paraments (the colored cloths on the altar, pulpit, and lectern) and making sure that the candles are ready for the service. And acolytes light and extinguish the candles.

The word “acolyte” comes from the Greek word akolouqew, which means to “follow, accompany, or be a disciple”. For instance in John 8:12 Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows (akolouqew) me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Thus an acolyte is a follower, an attendant, a helper. To serve as an acolyte is one way to serve, support, and attend to the ministry of the word (office of the Pastor).

To serve as an acolyte requires both spiritual and physical preparation. Because you are serving the Lord and leading others in worship of Him, you must be prepared. You will have opportunity to spiritually prepare for your service by praying with the pastors in the sacristy.

(Taken from Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church (LCMS), Huron SD. www.mtcalvaryhuron.com)

Page 9 February 2020

Student Ministry

Page 10 February 2020

Gifts and Memorials The following gifts have been received by RLC: For the Love Fund: In Memory of Pastor Paul Kibler Keith and Dawn Leister

For the Love Fund: Michael and Suzi Heffner Devin and Heather Hilldale

Safe Families For Children Circle of Support Workshop

Sunday, February 16 1:00-3:00 pm

Sovereign Grace Church 401 Upchurch Street, Apex

Interested in learning more about serving with Safe Families For Children?

Come to our SFFC Circle of Support Workshop where we give you an opportunity to learn more about the Safe Families For Children movement and provide a space for you to be equipped so that you can support families in crisis alongside a team of volunteers motivated by compassion.

Sovereign Grace will have childcare and for lunch, we will have Daniel’s Restaurant cater lasagna, salad, and bread. We will also have a gluten-free/dairy-free option. Suggested donation of $7 per person will help cover costs and you can pay by cash, card, or check as we will have someone with a card reader at the door.

Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-families-for-children-circle-of-support-workshop-tickets-86702727191

Questions? Contact Dan Shaltanis through RCB or the church office (919-851-7248, office@rlcary.org).

Page 11 February 2020

5 Luigi and Linda Moscatello

6 John and Virginia Heilman – 55 years

10 Bob and Pat Spears

14 Keith and Dawn Leister Greg and Betsy Sigmon

16 Dean and Karen Peters

17 Ken and Mary Elder – 52 years Tom and Else Travers

21 Jon and Ellen Richter

27 Tim and Sue Kearby

*Names and dates are taken from our computer software, “Shepherd’s Staff”. Please notify the church office of omissions and changes. Thank you!

Discover Resurrection

NEW MEMBER CLASS SATURDAY SEMINAR

Prayer | Worship | Bible Reading | Giving Serving | Spiritual Gifts | Witnessing

Discover how Resurrection nurtures these faith disciplines in our personal lives, church family, and community.

There’s a place for you at Resurrection!

Join us Saturday

March 7, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Fellowship Hall

Lunch Included, Child Care Available

Reserve Your Spot by February 24!

Contact Deb Oesterling, RLC Connections, at deb.oesterling@rlcary.org

or the church office (919-851-7248).

Lutheran Women in Mission of the Carolinas: JOY Event

We invite you to join us for this event in March! A group from RLC is planning to attend. Registration materials are located on the Women's Ministries board near the Fellowship Hall. For more information, contact Carol Bostick or Jamee Thieme through RCB.

Saturday, March 21 8:30 am-2:30 pm

Abiding Savior Lutheran Church Anderson, South Carolina

Theme: The Wellspring of Life Jesus, our Wellspring of Life, offers the only source of true peace and joy. The beautiful water imagery throughout Scripture gushes forth through this study to quench our thirst and longing to know Jesus like never before. Come thirsty and get refreshed. Psalm 42:1-2

Guest Speaker: Donna Pyle Donna Pyle has a passion for studying and teaching God’s Word. She has traveled throughout the United States and internationally to speak and teach where God opens doors. Donna has authored over 30 Bible studies, including four DVD Bible study series for LWML and several books with Concordia Publishing House.

Page 12 February 2020

www.facebook.com/ResurrectionLutheranCary

www.instagram.com/ResurrectionLutheranCary www.youtube.com Search “Resurrection Lutheran Church-Cary NC”

Learn more about Resurrection Lutheran Church at

www.RLCary.org

1 Julia Creasy Judith Durnbaugh Patricia Peterson Stuart Shaw

2 Darlene Bashaw Susan Bostian Heide Cassimatis

3 Mary Trautman

4 Mark Bishop Randy Bowling Denise Johnson Randy Simmons

5 Rich Roth Elaine Wood

7 Charlie Barton Camille Kendrick Susan Moore Hodge Williams

8 Sam Minier Kristina Sedivy Teri Treadway

9 Caity Rufus Joshua Welch

10 Greta Hervey Audrey Huskes Daisy Morris Christine Richter Tom Sekel Beth Ann Smith

11 Cassidy Brake Diane Hooper Lily Moore Charles Shiel Pat Spears Sebastian Striplin Bianca Van Dyk

12 Addison Collins Margo Dunn Luke Upton Edward Wienholt Angela York

13 Steve Cottle Aaron Dudek Allen Richard Tom Travers

14 Cole Dirks John Padden Joshua Siharath Susan Stephanoff

15 Lori Glenn Joyce Hirt Liam Measmer Isaiah Ring

16 Daniel Kearby

17 Gary Brown Brendan Johnson Krista Kostansek Jim Linn

18 Charles Miller III Dave Noreen Cheri Spitz

19 Simon Buser Mark Dirks Pam Gardner

20 Cooper Burgiss Jason Key Emma Unger Carolyn Yerha

21 Mike Allen Elena Bostick Linda Crandall Susan Harrell

22 Kari Huskes

24 Kelley Harrell Matthew Heise Morgan Patterson Claire Storum Bob Unger Gene Wolman

25 Alaina Hancock

26 Trevor Card Douglas Hayden Robert Koren Melissa Miranda

27 Helen Campbell Anita Moore

28 George Johanson Catherine Kendall Mark Mantey Charlie Swiersz Mel Talenski

29 Kim Foresta

*Names and dates are taken from our computer software, “Shepherd’s Staff”. Please notify the church office of omissions and changes. Thank you!

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE is the 20th of each month.

Please send submissions to Susan.Moore@RLCary.org.

About the National Lutheran Choir: Singing a Sacred and Spiritual Story

Under the direction of Dr. David Cherwien, the National Lutheran Choir’s artistry is rooted in its mission to strengthen, renew and preserve the heritage of sacred choral music through the highest standards of performance and literature. Currently in its 34th year, the National Lutheran Choir features a roster of 60 committed volunteer singers from all backgrounds and many faiths.

Founded in 1986 by Dr. Larry Fleming, the National Lutheran Choir sings a sacred and spiritual story rooted in the Lutheran choral tradition. From early chant and simple folk anthems to complex choral masterworks and new compositions, the choir brings a rich and diverse repertoire of music to its listeners. In the 2019-2020 season, the National Lutheran Choir will perform a concert series in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area, and will also tour the Southeastern United States with concerts in Hickory, Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to concertizing, the National Lutheran Choir enjoys frequent broadcasts on public radio and maintains a YouTube channel with selected performances and concert streams. A discography of over 30 recordings showcases the ensemble’s music-making over the years and features hymns, choral classics, contemporary works, spirituals and major new works commissioned by the NLC. Much of this influential new work is featured in a collection of printed choral music entitled “The National Lutheran Choir Series,” published by Morningstar Music. The National Lutheran Choir received the 2007 Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America and the 2007 Wittenberg Award from the Luther Institute.

Congregations participating in the Massed Choir in Raleigh:

Christ the King Lutheran Church, Cary Church of the Nativity, Raleigh Edenton United Methodist Church, Raleigh First Baptist Church, Raleigh Grace Lutheran Church, Raleigh Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Raleigh Nativity Episcopal Church, Raleigh Resurrection Lutheran Church, Cary St. Mark's Lutheran Church, China Grove St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Raleigh White Memorial Presbyterian, Raleigh