Atonement Lutheran Church Newsletter - Messenger

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March 4, 2008 - Volume 29, #10

• Last Call for Easter Baptism!
  
  

  It has long been a tradition to include the celebration of Baptism in the Easter Season, especially at the Easter Vigil (March 22).

  If you would like to be baptized, or have a child who has not been baptized, please contact one of the pastors and we'll make arrangements to include you.

  We are also preparing young people for their First Communion. If you have a young person you would like included, please contact Pastor Rodgers (492-9065)

   

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• Atonement Youth Chocolate Cross Sale
  
  

  Sunday, March 9 & 16. $1.00 each. Help support our youth group and enjoy some yummy chocolate at the same time!

   

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• Appleseed presents "Trojan Women"
  
  

  If you haven't seen it yet, there's still time!

  Appleseed's latest production, Trojan Women, runs through March 15. For more information, see www.appleseedproductions.org or call 492-9766

  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

  5th Sunday of Lent
  Ezekiel 37. 1-14

  One of my favorite passages in the Bible. I like the image of the valley of dry bones and all the desolation and isolation that it invites. But what makes this passage even more amazing is what has happened in the previous chapters. Ezekiel prophesies from the temple in Jerusalem, and condemns the people of Israel, often in graphic terms, for their unfaithfulness. Soon, Ezekiel prophesies, the temple will be destroyed and the people will be cast into exile. Despite all the unfaithfulness of the people, Ezekiel gives a glimmer of hope. Whatever may happen, however dead, desolate, and isolated the people may feel, God is there to breathe new life into these people, to reignite their faith and trust. Actually, in Hebrew, the word for breath is the same as wind and Spirit. Notice how often this word is used in this passage. And notice what God calls the Israelites: ÒO my peopleÓ (v. 12, 13). What good news, especially with the hardship that will soon befall them to know whose they are.

  The readings lately have dealt with life and the life-giving power of God, which builds up to an object of what seems like the opposite of life: a cross. As we journey toward that cross, where are the places that we need GodÕs breath blown on us? Is it a sickness or ailment? Is it loneliness or a relationship that is broken and needs help? Is it grief or doubt? Whatever it is, God sends breath and GodÕs spirit into that part.

  Let us pray, Life-giving Breath, we come to you, dry and desolate. Grow life on us, and fill us with your Spirit. 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 - Thank you to those who helped!
  

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

  So far, you have helped them raise over $160!