Atonement Lutheran Church Newsletter - Messenger

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February 26, 2008 - Volume 29, #9

• Appleseed presents "Trojan Women"
  
  

  The Story: A bleak and agonizing portrait of war's brutality inspired by a barbaric act of retribution committed on the isle of Melos during the war between Athens and Sparta, this masterpiece of pathos thrusts audiences into the pain suffered by innocent victims. A classic Greek tragedy. Note: Due to dramatic content, this production is not recommended for young audiences.

   

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• Devotional

  4th Sunday of Lent
  1 Samuel 16:1-3 & Psalm 23

  I know my call story well, my story that leads to ministry. I have had to tell it many times, and everytime I tell it, I discover something new, something fresh. Maybe it's something that didn't appeal to me before, or maybe it has more to do with what I'd been thinking about lately. But telling that story about God's movement in my life, and the call that I've discerned and experienced in my life, always makes me think about how unworthy I am, and how strange that I would be called.

  Our reading from 1 Samuel talks of the call of David, a boy tending his family's sheep. And this is the one who God calls to be the king of Israel, the great king whom people will tell stories and legends about for many years to come. And isn't it interesting that we also hear about David, the shepherd boy, on the same day that we hear about our Lord, the Good Shepherd? The boy that will be king carries the traits of God, and David will use what he knows to help take care of God's people.

  So from what field is God calling you? What skills or lessons do you have to share with God's people? Remember that much like David, you have been anointed as well by a cross on your foreheads which also carries God's presence with it.

  Let us pray, Good Shepherd, in your gracious way, you have lifted up shepherds among us to guide us, and you give us skills and talents to help others and build your Kingdom on earth. Help us to understand and, especially, to use those gifts. In your name we pray. Amen.

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• World Day of Prayer Service

  The "World Day of Prayer" has been held the first Friday of March for over 50 years. Each year the service is written by Women of a different country of the world.

  This year's service is written by the Women of Ghana. This year, the local service will be held at The Nottingham on Friday, March 7, at 2pm.There will also be a display of articles and pictures of Ghana.

  For further information call Jeanette Greig, 469-0628

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• It takes a lot of food!

  We have 17 families for whom we will be making Easter food baskets. Your donations of food and money are vital for this ministry of care. With the hams we will buy we need donations of:

  • Boxed Scalloped or Augratin potatoes
  • Canned green beans and corn
  • Canned fruit and Jell-O
  • Funfetti Cakes
  • Funfetti Frosting
  • Easter Candy
  • Coffee

  We also fill out our baskets with non perishable foods for the days when children are not getting meals at school.

  We can use canned meat and meat entrees like chili, stew, "Chunky" soups, tuna, cream soup, elbows or noodles, mayo, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, rauman noodles, pasta and sauce, canned or bottled juice.Your generosity will make the most important of Christian festivals special for families in need.

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• 2008 Volleyball Marathon - March 7th-8th at Syracuse University
  

  Our Youth Group members will be participating in the 29th Annual Volleyball Marathon - 12 full hours of volleyball, fellowship, worship and fun - all to benefit Lutheran Charities.

  Please help them with this community service project by pledging whatever amount you can. Youth Group members will be taking your pledges between and after services on February 17, 24, and March 2.

  Questions? Please contact Pastor Rodgers (492-9065) or Janet Holmgren (677-3846).

   

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• Don't Forget Aluminum Can Tops!

  Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY collects aluminum pop tabs year-round. The recycling of these tabs generates income to allow them to continue to serve children and families in Central New York and Northern Pennsylvania.

  Did you know?

  • It takes 1267 pop tabs to make a pound.
  • 1 million pop tabs, laid end to end, is 16 miles long.
  • 1 million pop tabs, when recycled, will provide a nights lodging for 25 families at the Ronald McDonald House.

  Last year, we turned in full containers several times! We want to repeat again this year. Please save your aluminium "pop tops" and help us fill the jars on the table next to the chapel.

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• Special Activities for Lent
  • Mid-Week Bible Study
    Two identical classes will be offered by Vicar Richter. Both will be held in the Coffee Shop - at 12:30pm (following the morning prayer service and fish dinner) and at 7pm (following Wednesday Evening Eucharist) : Tales from the Madhouse is a video study that tells the story of mysterious characters who had an encounter with Jesus of Nazareth in some way, but failed to recognize the significance. The study will dwell on the Biblical and historical background of these characters, and how their stories can touch and inform our experience of the sacrifice of Jesus.

  • Mid-Week Services & Dinner
    Each Wednesday in Lent there will be a brief Prayer Service held in the chapel beginning at 11:30am followed by a Fish Dinner in the Fellowship Hall. The cost of the meal this year will be $6.00 and reservations in advance are required. Each week we will have fish and two side dishes (that will be different each week). Make your reservation at worship on Sunday or by calling the church office at 492-9065, no later than noon on the preceding Tuesday.