Atonement Lutheran Church Newsletter - Messenger

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April 1, 2008 - Volume 29, #14

• Laura Aase Named Intern for 2008-2009

  We are pleased to report that Ms. Laura Aase, a student at Luther Seminary in St. Paul Minnesota has been assigned to do her internship at Atonement during the 2008 - 2009 Academic Year. She will start in September.

  A mid-westerner, Laura served as program director for Luther Heights Bible Camp in Idaho and comes to us with a deep commitment to inner city kids and coss-cultural settings. Laura is looking forward to a year in an "atypical" Lutheran congregation.

  We look forward to having Laura visit Syracuse on the weekend of April 4-6. She'll be attending "Through the Roof" in Fabius on Saturday and the 8:30am worship service in Syracuse on Sunday. Please make every effort to meet and greet Laura at one of these opportunities.

  Her assignment with us is part of the ELCA's Horizon program, placing about two dozen of the most talented seminary students from all across the country in what is supposed to be an equal number of the best learning sites. The cost of this year is covered through a partnership between the ELCA, The Upstate New York Synod, and Atonement Church (in partnership with Onondaga Valley and South Presbyterian Churches).

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• Devotional

  Third Sunday of Easter - Psalm 116: 1-4, 12-19

  We have dealt with tragedy in the Psalms before, and the first 4 verses of this passage are nothing different, except that the danger has passed. Sheol, the place of death, has been avoided, despite the pain and suffering of the writer. The Lord is the source of the escape. The Lord is the source of the alleviation of pain.

  When I first read this Psalm, I thought why would they pick this Psalm? What's so significant about this one to be in the Easter season, only two weeks after we celebrate Jesus' resurrection? It occurs to me that it is a reminder about where we are. We are constantly in the struggle between life and death, we are always in pain (of various kinds), and we are suffering. It is a reminder of why we need Jesus to help us; why we needed Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection in the first place. To be reminded of the promise in Romans 6:5: if we have been united in a death like his, we will certainly be united in a resurrection like his.

  Let us pray, Risen Lord, you come to us, and hear our cries of pain and suffering. When we feel surrounded and smothered, you tell us again how precious we are in your sight by sending your Son to die. Continually remind us of your promise. In the name of your Son, we pray. Amen.

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• April 13 - Music Sunday

  Back in the "good old days" every Sunday of the church year had a Latin name often based on the opening words of the Introit (Psalm) of the day. According to this method, the Fourth Sunday after Easter was "Cantate" from the words "O Sing unto the Lord a new song." As a result, many churches celebrated the day as a sort of "Little Easter" with emphasis on music.

  This year we will be reviving this custom with "Little Easter - Music Sunday" on April 13th. At both of the Sunday services - 8:30 and 10:45am - we will have guest musicians and an emphasis on Easter Celebration Music.

  Don't miss it! See you in church.

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• Recent Memorials

  Donations have been made in loving memory of: Alice Gaetz by N.E. Hobbs, Jay Berry, Dorothy Phillips, Rich & Gardner, Beth & Bradford Arthur, Ruth Akins, Carolyn Schamm, Margie Tracy, Harriet Walters, Robert & Susan Sterner, Arthur & Beverly Vincette, Sam Sammarco, Carol Falise, Eleanora Ott, Carl Heimburg, Mr. & Mrs. Gene Eckly, Bernie Scherfling, Genevieve Francis

  James Davison by Eleanora Ott

  Katherine Daragan by Mr. & Mrs. Chris Jamison

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• WELCA Bread for Life Campaign

  On April 13, WELCA will support a "Bread for Life" collection. Half the money raised will go to local food pantries and the other half will go to the ELCA world hunger fund.

  WELCA members will hand out special envelopes for your donation at the services on April 13.

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• Coming soon...

  Watch for the 2008 Campership Fundraiser: Mother's Day "Basket of Pansies" Flower Sale

  Orders April 20th& 27th for Delivery May 4th

  Remember, Mother's Day is May 11th

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• Making the Lord's Prayer Our Own

  One of the few and perhaps the only passage of scripture that we can quote from memory is the Lord's Prayer. But because we can "quote it" doesn't mean we "know it." You are invited to be a part of the adult discussion series entitled "Making the Lord's Prayer Our Own." Beginning on Wednesday, April 16, the series will run for 6 weeks, led by Pastor Peter. Each Wednesday, there will be two identical sessions, one at Noon and the other at 7pm. All sessions will meet in the coffee shop.

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• Summer Camp 2008 at Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center
  LCLC providing an opportunity for our kids to explore their faith while building relationships with God and others.

  It's that time again! Atonement will be providing both transportation to and from LCLC & camperships for Atonement members.

  August 3-9 Youth Camp (completed grades 3-8) - Missy Wilber will be volunteering at LCLC this week.
  The best of everything! Swimming, canoeing, sailing, hiking, crafts, nature studies, campfires, sports, & great counselors.

  August 3-9 Sailing Camp (completed grades 6-8)
  Learn how to rig and sail Sunfish, Puffer, Lightning, and Hobie sailboats.

  July 27-August 2 Senior High Week (completed grades 9-12) - Judy Holmes will be volunteering at LCLC this week.
  A program like no other. Choose from faith challenging workshops, experience unconventional worship and over-the-top weekend activities.

  Deadlines
  Registration: May 1 Registration Fee: $65
  Balance Due: July 1 Balance Due: $80-Youth Camp, $90 Sailing Camp, $100 Senior High Week

  Atonement camperships pay the remaining camp tuition. Transportation is provided from church to camp and back.

  If you are unable to afford the registration fee or balance due, other camperships are available. LCLC says that: "No one should be denied Christ's Love at LCLC due to the lack of money. LCLC camperships are available for those unable to afford the whole camp fee after discounts are applied and congregational camperships are awarded."

  See Pastor Rodgers for campership funding information. See Janet Holmgren for registration forms and registration information