Lutheran Campus Ministry at UCSC Club Fair
Web: www.messiah-lutheran.us
Ministry Staff Pastor Rev. Richard R. Rice DCE Inese Dahl Pre School Director Gretchen Thigpen Support Staff Secretary Barbara Lee Administrative Assistant Julie Juell Board of Directors President Jim Baker Vice President Leonard Damm Treasurer Julie Young Secretary Lorna Helick At Large Members Gretchen Thigpen Ruben Helick Shannon Brady
email: [email protected]
Lutheran Campus Ministry at UCSC Club Fair (known as OPERS). One of the things we did was ask students to tell us what brings them joy. check out their answers!
Sarah and Trinity
Mission and Ministry All Former Committee Chairs
Sarah, Pastor Rick, DCE Inese, Trinity
In this Issue Pastor’s Ponderings Inese’s Insights Announcements UCSC and Young Adult Oktoberfest
Messiah Messenger
801 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 (831) 423-8330
Page 2 3 5 10 11
October 2015
Pastor’s Ponderings By Pastor Rice May we Thy precepts, Lord, fulfill And do on earth our Father’s will As angels do above; Still walk in Christ, the living way, With all Thy children and obey The law of Christian love. Lutheran Book of Worship 698 Written by Edward Osler (1798-1863) Public domain
October is a month of celebrations with our Oktoberfest, and Reformation. With the new school year all the way up in swing. It is also a time of transition. This last summer, the Board of Directors directed me to look at the job descriptions and areas of focus for the DCE Inese Dahl, and Senior Pastor, myself. After the August Strategic Planning Workshop, Inese and I submitted to the Board of directors the areas of focus for Inese and myself. You can see them below this article. Inese and I will continue to work in our areas of strengths and in the needs of the Strategic Outcomes. Our prayer is the same as this hymn by Edward Osler. Edward Osler was a physician who when he moved to London. In his transition to life in London he spent time in the literary arts writing hymns and poems. This hymn written by Osler beautifully points to the priorities of doing God’s will. The motive is also the power: Christian Love! Inese and I covet your prayers in support of Messiah’s Mission and Ministry. God is at work in the midst of these times. We are so thankful for His presence and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our work together. We also thank you for all that you are doing at Messiah Lutheran Church and Preschool!
Senior Pastor Areas of Focus Primary Duties: Biblical Teaching and Preaching, Plan and Lead Worship, Pastoral Care, Conduct Official Acts, Teach Welcome to Messiah Class, Secondary Duties: Administrative oversight of Messiah Lutheran Church (Including facilitating Worship Life Team and ex officio member of Board of Directors). DCE Areas of Focus: Education and Bible Studies, Family Life Ministry, MLC Connections to the Preschool, Worship (Children’s Message and Creative Input), Campus and Young Adult Ministry, Administration (Facilitate Mission and Ministry Teams)
Messiah Messenger
2
October 2015
Insights from Inese, DCE Worship Creation Station: What’s That? As I worship with my MLC family on Sunday mornings, I often catch myself writing down some things or doodling on my worship bulletin. As I sit near teenagers and some of my friends I have seen the artwork that they produce on their worship folders during the service. For me, doing that is not a distraction or a sign of my boredom. Rather, it is one more way how I can engage with what is happening, what I am hearing and experiencing on a deeper level. I find that doing that helps me to focus on God’s message for me and to carry it with me as I leave the church. This month we are trying something new – something that hopefully will be a blessing to you, enhance your worship experience and maybe even challenge it a bit. So, welcome to Creation Station for All Ages. Every Sunday in the Narthex you will find supplies that you can use during the worship service. They might include variety of paper, crayons and markers. They might include abstract coloring pages and objects that might help you to deepen the connection with God and His message at church. Parents and kids, you will also find some tactile toys and books for a little extra help during worship service. These supplies are not meant as a distraction, but, rather, to engage our senses on a deeper level. Now, do you have to use it? No – not everyone connects with God that way. But, you might try and see if you might discover something new in how you experience God. Or, you might find them meaningful and use them every Sunday! If you have any questions or are looking for ideas of how to use the supplies of Worship Creation Station, please do not hesitate to talk to me, Gretchen Thigpen or Erin Anderson. I would also love to hear any feedback you have as we are moving forward with this opportunity.
Messiah Messenger
3
October 2015
Preschool Corner We started off the school year with a fun Play Day for enrolled children and their families. Great fun was had by all and everyone so appreciated the banana bread that was sent home with each family. These loaves of bread were baked by members of our church. Thanks, Inese, for making these arrangements. What a nice extension of our church into the preschool community. A big thank you to the congregation for joining the MLP community and celebrating Byron Lewis' 30 years of service at the preschool. Byron always cleaned for God; honestly, our facility was the cleanest in the Santa Cruz area. We miss you Byron and wish you the very best. October is home visit month when the MLP teachers have the opportunity to visit all of the children enrolled in our program in their homes. These visits are so special. The children of course love having a teacher visit, parents have the opportunity to talk with a teacher in their home, and teacher feels so honored and welcomed. Please consider attending the Balance4kids Beer, Bales and Bluegrass event on Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 1 pm - 4 pm. This is the organization that provides aids for the preschool children we serve who have severe disabilities. See the additional information in the newsletter or contact Gretchen ([email protected]) for more information.
Messiah Messenger
4
October 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS * MLC RECYCLES * *Save your CA REFUND only water bottles, beer bottles, and aluminum soda & beer cans. *Separate each into bags Plastic, Glass and Aluminum, and drop off in the designated container. *They will be delivered to the Recycle Drop Off when the container is full. Money goes to our General Fund. Help Us Help Ourselves by being creative.
Be A Part of Reaching Out With the Love of Jesus to UCSC Students As the new school year at UCSC is approaching, we are looking forward to welcome back UCSC students whom we already know, as well as new students into our community. Here are some ways how you can show the love of Jesus to them and be a part of letting them know that we, and most importantly God, care:
Become a prayer partner for one student. This includes committing to praying for a specific student and letting them know you are praying for them. You might even consider inviting them for coffee or dinner!
Sponsor a UCSC student to attend Oktoberfest. Please contact DCE Inese for more information or if God is calling you to be involved in any of these ministry opportunities.
If you enjoy a hobby or craft please consider sharing it with Good Shepherd. Their annual Boutique will be the second Saturday and Sunday in December (Dec 12, 13) in conjunction with the Living Nativity. All items sold must be handmade and all proceeds go to the Spiritual needs of the developmentally disabled residents of Bethesda Homes. We would appreciate your donation of any handmade item including a bake sale specialty. We know we have many talented members in our church family. This is a wonderful opportunity to meaningfully share your talents. Contact Gloria Settle, Darlene Stumpf or Sue Reeves if you would like to be a part of this year’s event. SHOPPERS This is a great chance to purchase something special for that special someone
Messiah Messenger
5
October 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS DRAWING FOR A LOVELY QUILT An anonymous donor has generously donated an heirloom quality handmade quilt with matching pillowcases as a fundraiser. The donor would like to split the proceeds between MLC and another Non-Profit. The quilt is 67" X 67" It covers the top of a California King Size bed, comes with matching pillow cases. The colors are yellows, blues, browns & greens with a blue back. The back is as lovely as the front. The long arm quilting on it is very nice. Drawing is the first Sunday in December. See Darlene if you’d like to buy and/or help sell tickets. Ticket Prices: $1.00 each $5.00 for 6 $10.00 for 12 $20.00 for 25
Are you this ready to pounce on a good deal? The Opportunity Table * Come and browse the Opportunity Table in Johnson Fellowship Hall every Sunday morning. * Donate any smaller household item. If you enjoyed using it chances are someone else will enjoy owning it. This is a good place to donate that white elephant, unwanted gift, books are always popular as are craft items, costume jewelry. The possibilities are endless. * Purchase items. Remember you set the price, make your own change. No money with you? Simply take the item and bring the money next week. Items not sold generally are donated to a local non-profit the following week. All money received is given to Messiah Lutheran Groups. We have rotated through the list of groups once and are starting the second rotation.
Messiah Messenger
6
October 2015
Announcements
Bible Study Opportunities at Messiah Lutheran Connect with people as you study and grow in God's Word together. Sundays from 9.15 to 9.45am MLC Church, Johnson Fellowship Hall Led by Pastor Rick For more information: [email protected], 831 423 8330 Tuesday afternoons Meeting at a home on the Eastside of Santa Cruz Led by Leonard Damm For more information: [email protected], 831 476 1819 Thursdays from 9.30 to 10.30am MLC Church, Johnson Fellowship Hall Led by Pastor Rick and DCE Inese For more information: [email protected], 831 423 8330 Thursdays from 7 to 8.15pm Meeting at a home on the Eastside of Santa Cruz Led by: DCE Inese and lay leaders For more information: [email protected], 831 241 3367 Westside Bible Study: In the process of organizing. Please contact DCE Inese if you are interested in participating. Mixed-ages group with a focus on young adults.
Messiah Messenger
7
October 2015
Announcements
NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING INFORMATION New Orleans, July 16- 20, 2016 National Youth Gathering is held every three years and brings together over 30 000 youth and adults. Some of the events at Youth Gathering include Bible study, concerts, dynamic speakers, worship, service, fun events and relationships that often last after the Youth Gathering. It is the one event that everyone who is able should participate. Believe me, it is pretty life-changing. October 15: Turn in Youth Participant Worksheet, Special Needs Form (if needed) and $100 deposit. Write checks to Messiah Lutheran Church, for NYG. Please give the checks to DCE Inese Please contact DCE Inese with questions.
Messiah Messenger
8
October 2015
Announcements Did you see any whales in September? This is what Barbara Lee saw from West Cliff Drive!
I spy with my little eye, faithful servants fixing our leaky pipe.
Jesus & Javier Messiah Messenger
9
October 2015
UCSC Campus and Young Adult Ministry Friday, October 2 Bowling Social at Boardwalk Bowl from 7 to 9pm. Thank you to Thrivent Financial for supporting this event through Thrivent Action Team funds.
Saturday, October 10 from 9 to 11am. Help us set up for Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest Sunday, October 11 after the 10:00 am service Ask DCE Inese for a free ticket for UCSC students
Small Group/ Triad Bible Conversations: Please contact DCE Inese if you are interested in participating.
Helping with Feeding With Jesus (ministry to homeless): TBA
Messiah Messenger
10
October 2015
It is hard to believe that we are a week away from the Oktoberfest!! I want to thank all the congregation who bought tickets during our “advance ticket” selling phase. Do you know that we sold over 90 pre-event tickets? That is fantastic! I am also excited that we have a Premier Sponsor for this year’s event, Allterra Solar. This West Side Santa Cruz business will have a promotional tent on our patio grounds. Please visit their tent and thank them for their support! Lastly, it is not too late to invite a family member, friend or co-worker to this year’s event. Do you know that if each advance ticket holder invited one visitor to attend Oktoberfest, we would immediately double our attendance to 200??! That is not even counting all the visitors from our neighborhood, other churches and through other marketing vehicles! So I ask that we set a goal. Invite at least one person to come to our event. Again, you can do that verbally, you can give them a flyer, or you can give them a guest ticket which you will be financially responsible for after the event. 1+1=2, I think that is good slogan!! Thank you again for your support and see you on October 11th!
Jonathan Mueller Event Chairperson 831-252-0905
Messiah Messenger
11
October 2015
Ministry Staff Pastor Rev. Richard R. Rice DCE Inese Dahl Pre School Director Gretchen Thigpen Support Staff Secretary Barbara Lee Administrative Assistant Julie Juell Board of Directors President Jim Baker Vice President Leonard Damm Treasurer Julie Young Secretary Lorna Helick At Large Members Gretchen Thigpen Ruben Helick Shannon Brady
email: [email protected]
Lutheran Campus Ministry at UCSC Club Fair (known as OPERS). One of the things we did was ask students to tell us what brings them joy. check out their answers!
Sarah and Trinity
Mission and Ministry All Former Committee Chairs
Sarah, Pastor Rick, DCE Inese, Trinity
In this Issue Pastor’s Ponderings Inese’s Insights Announcements UCSC and Young Adult Oktoberfest
Messiah Messenger
801 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 (831) 423-8330
Page 2 3 5 10 11
October 2015
Pastor’s Ponderings By Pastor Rice May we Thy precepts, Lord, fulfill And do on earth our Father’s will As angels do above; Still walk in Christ, the living way, With all Thy children and obey The law of Christian love. Lutheran Book of Worship 698 Written by Edward Osler (1798-1863) Public domain
October is a month of celebrations with our Oktoberfest, and Reformation. With the new school year all the way up in swing. It is also a time of transition. This last summer, the Board of Directors directed me to look at the job descriptions and areas of focus for the DCE Inese Dahl, and Senior Pastor, myself. After the August Strategic Planning Workshop, Inese and I submitted to the Board of directors the areas of focus for Inese and myself. You can see them below this article. Inese and I will continue to work in our areas of strengths and in the needs of the Strategic Outcomes. Our prayer is the same as this hymn by Edward Osler. Edward Osler was a physician who when he moved to London. In his transition to life in London he spent time in the literary arts writing hymns and poems. This hymn written by Osler beautifully points to the priorities of doing God’s will. The motive is also the power: Christian Love! Inese and I covet your prayers in support of Messiah’s Mission and Ministry. God is at work in the midst of these times. We are so thankful for His presence and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our work together. We also thank you for all that you are doing at Messiah Lutheran Church and Preschool!
Senior Pastor Areas of Focus Primary Duties: Biblical Teaching and Preaching, Plan and Lead Worship, Pastoral Care, Conduct Official Acts, Teach Welcome to Messiah Class, Secondary Duties: Administrative oversight of Messiah Lutheran Church (Including facilitating Worship Life Team and ex officio member of Board of Directors). DCE Areas of Focus: Education and Bible Studies, Family Life Ministry, MLC Connections to the Preschool, Worship (Children’s Message and Creative Input), Campus and Young Adult Ministry, Administration (Facilitate Mission and Ministry Teams)
Messiah Messenger
2
October 2015
Insights from Inese, DCE Worship Creation Station: What’s That? As I worship with my MLC family on Sunday mornings, I often catch myself writing down some things or doodling on my worship bulletin. As I sit near teenagers and some of my friends I have seen the artwork that they produce on their worship folders during the service. For me, doing that is not a distraction or a sign of my boredom. Rather, it is one more way how I can engage with what is happening, what I am hearing and experiencing on a deeper level. I find that doing that helps me to focus on God’s message for me and to carry it with me as I leave the church. This month we are trying something new – something that hopefully will be a blessing to you, enhance your worship experience and maybe even challenge it a bit. So, welcome to Creation Station for All Ages. Every Sunday in the Narthex you will find supplies that you can use during the worship service. They might include variety of paper, crayons and markers. They might include abstract coloring pages and objects that might help you to deepen the connection with God and His message at church. Parents and kids, you will also find some tactile toys and books for a little extra help during worship service. These supplies are not meant as a distraction, but, rather, to engage our senses on a deeper level. Now, do you have to use it? No – not everyone connects with God that way. But, you might try and see if you might discover something new in how you experience God. Or, you might find them meaningful and use them every Sunday! If you have any questions or are looking for ideas of how to use the supplies of Worship Creation Station, please do not hesitate to talk to me, Gretchen Thigpen or Erin Anderson. I would also love to hear any feedback you have as we are moving forward with this opportunity.
Messiah Messenger
3
October 2015
Preschool Corner We started off the school year with a fun Play Day for enrolled children and their families. Great fun was had by all and everyone so appreciated the banana bread that was sent home with each family. These loaves of bread were baked by members of our church. Thanks, Inese, for making these arrangements. What a nice extension of our church into the preschool community. A big thank you to the congregation for joining the MLP community and celebrating Byron Lewis' 30 years of service at the preschool. Byron always cleaned for God; honestly, our facility was the cleanest in the Santa Cruz area. We miss you Byron and wish you the very best. October is home visit month when the MLP teachers have the opportunity to visit all of the children enrolled in our program in their homes. These visits are so special. The children of course love having a teacher visit, parents have the opportunity to talk with a teacher in their home, and teacher feels so honored and welcomed. Please consider attending the Balance4kids Beer, Bales and Bluegrass event on Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 1 pm - 4 pm. This is the organization that provides aids for the preschool children we serve who have severe disabilities. See the additional information in the newsletter or contact Gretchen ([email protected]) for more information.
Messiah Messenger
4
October 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS * MLC RECYCLES * *Save your CA REFUND only water bottles, beer bottles, and aluminum soda & beer cans. *Separate each into bags Plastic, Glass and Aluminum, and drop off in the designated container. *They will be delivered to the Recycle Drop Off when the container is full. Money goes to our General Fund. Help Us Help Ourselves by being creative.
Be A Part of Reaching Out With the Love of Jesus to UCSC Students As the new school year at UCSC is approaching, we are looking forward to welcome back UCSC students whom we already know, as well as new students into our community. Here are some ways how you can show the love of Jesus to them and be a part of letting them know that we, and most importantly God, care:
Become a prayer partner for one student. This includes committing to praying for a specific student and letting them know you are praying for them. You might even consider inviting them for coffee or dinner!
Sponsor a UCSC student to attend Oktoberfest. Please contact DCE Inese for more information or if God is calling you to be involved in any of these ministry opportunities.
If you enjoy a hobby or craft please consider sharing it with Good Shepherd. Their annual Boutique will be the second Saturday and Sunday in December (Dec 12, 13) in conjunction with the Living Nativity. All items sold must be handmade and all proceeds go to the Spiritual needs of the developmentally disabled residents of Bethesda Homes. We would appreciate your donation of any handmade item including a bake sale specialty. We know we have many talented members in our church family. This is a wonderful opportunity to meaningfully share your talents. Contact Gloria Settle, Darlene Stumpf or Sue Reeves if you would like to be a part of this year’s event. SHOPPERS This is a great chance to purchase something special for that special someone
Messiah Messenger
5
October 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS DRAWING FOR A LOVELY QUILT An anonymous donor has generously donated an heirloom quality handmade quilt with matching pillowcases as a fundraiser. The donor would like to split the proceeds between MLC and another Non-Profit. The quilt is 67" X 67" It covers the top of a California King Size bed, comes with matching pillow cases. The colors are yellows, blues, browns & greens with a blue back. The back is as lovely as the front. The long arm quilting on it is very nice. Drawing is the first Sunday in December. See Darlene if you’d like to buy and/or help sell tickets. Ticket Prices: $1.00 each $5.00 for 6 $10.00 for 12 $20.00 for 25
Are you this ready to pounce on a good deal? The Opportunity Table * Come and browse the Opportunity Table in Johnson Fellowship Hall every Sunday morning. * Donate any smaller household item. If you enjoyed using it chances are someone else will enjoy owning it. This is a good place to donate that white elephant, unwanted gift, books are always popular as are craft items, costume jewelry. The possibilities are endless. * Purchase items. Remember you set the price, make your own change. No money with you? Simply take the item and bring the money next week. Items not sold generally are donated to a local non-profit the following week. All money received is given to Messiah Lutheran Groups. We have rotated through the list of groups once and are starting the second rotation.
Messiah Messenger
6
October 2015
Announcements
Bible Study Opportunities at Messiah Lutheran Connect with people as you study and grow in God's Word together. Sundays from 9.15 to 9.45am MLC Church, Johnson Fellowship Hall Led by Pastor Rick For more information: [email protected], 831 423 8330 Tuesday afternoons Meeting at a home on the Eastside of Santa Cruz Led by Leonard Damm For more information: [email protected], 831 476 1819 Thursdays from 9.30 to 10.30am MLC Church, Johnson Fellowship Hall Led by Pastor Rick and DCE Inese For more information: [email protected], 831 423 8330 Thursdays from 7 to 8.15pm Meeting at a home on the Eastside of Santa Cruz Led by: DCE Inese and lay leaders For more information: [email protected], 831 241 3367 Westside Bible Study: In the process of organizing. Please contact DCE Inese if you are interested in participating. Mixed-ages group with a focus on young adults.
Messiah Messenger
7
October 2015
Announcements
NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING INFORMATION New Orleans, July 16- 20, 2016 National Youth Gathering is held every three years and brings together over 30 000 youth and adults. Some of the events at Youth Gathering include Bible study, concerts, dynamic speakers, worship, service, fun events and relationships that often last after the Youth Gathering. It is the one event that everyone who is able should participate. Believe me, it is pretty life-changing. October 15: Turn in Youth Participant Worksheet, Special Needs Form (if needed) and $100 deposit. Write checks to Messiah Lutheran Church, for NYG. Please give the checks to DCE Inese Please contact DCE Inese with questions.
Messiah Messenger
8
October 2015
Announcements Did you see any whales in September? This is what Barbara Lee saw from West Cliff Drive!
I spy with my little eye, faithful servants fixing our leaky pipe.
Jesus & Javier Messiah Messenger
9
October 2015
UCSC Campus and Young Adult Ministry Friday, October 2 Bowling Social at Boardwalk Bowl from 7 to 9pm. Thank you to Thrivent Financial for supporting this event through Thrivent Action Team funds.
Saturday, October 10 from 9 to 11am. Help us set up for Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest Sunday, October 11 after the 10:00 am service Ask DCE Inese for a free ticket for UCSC students
Small Group/ Triad Bible Conversations: Please contact DCE Inese if you are interested in participating.
Helping with Feeding With Jesus (ministry to homeless): TBA
Messiah Messenger
10
October 2015
It is hard to believe that we are a week away from the Oktoberfest!! I want to thank all the congregation who bought tickets during our “advance ticket” selling phase. Do you know that we sold over 90 pre-event tickets? That is fantastic! I am also excited that we have a Premier Sponsor for this year’s event, Allterra Solar. This West Side Santa Cruz business will have a promotional tent on our patio grounds. Please visit their tent and thank them for their support! Lastly, it is not too late to invite a family member, friend or co-worker to this year’s event. Do you know that if each advance ticket holder invited one visitor to attend Oktoberfest, we would immediately double our attendance to 200??! That is not even counting all the visitors from our neighborhood, other churches and through other marketing vehicles! So I ask that we set a goal. Invite at least one person to come to our event. Again, you can do that verbally, you can give them a flyer, or you can give them a guest ticket which you will be financially responsible for after the event. 1+1=2, I think that is good slogan!! Thank you again for your support and see you on October 11th!
Jonathan Mueller Event Chairperson 831-252-0905
Messiah Messenger
11
October 2015
