Glory of Christ Lutheran Church Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

4040 County Road 101 No.

Plymouth, MN 55446

Office phone763-478-6031 www.gloryofchrist.org Pastor: Rev. Klemet Preus Asst: Jo Ellen Braun

Assistant Pastor for Missions: Rev. John Fehrmann Visitation Pastor: Rev. Dean Weibel Organists: Carla Claussen, Zelda Malo, Maddie Marshall & Sarah Miller, Adult Choir Director: Carla Claussen Bell Choir Director: Brenda Richards, Music Coordinator: Zelda Malo, Children’s Bell Director: Ellie Leimer

April 2011

Ashes on Ash Wednesday

Pastor Preus Cell Phone: (763) 438-2375 (Pastor can be reached anytime on his Cell phone) Church Office Telephone: (763) 478-6031 Church Fax: (763) 478-3970 Church e-mail: joellen@gloryofchrist.org Pastor’s Home Telephone: (763) 519-0459

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in

heaven”

Church Elders: Church Elders: Church Elders: Church Elders:

Bill Anderson Carl Hartness Dave Koosman Garry McCreary Mike Olson Bruce Paradis Jason Paradis Ben Rolf ******************* President of Congregation:President of Congregation:President of Congregation:President of Congregation: Roger Hargreaves Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Jesse Huber Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Brenda Richards Church Council: Church Council: Church Council: Church Council: Lori Beck Travis Dorweiler Eileen Esget Marcus Olson Mike Lindh Russell McBroom Chuck McGriff *******************

Those who attended services on Ash Wednesday earlier this month may have been a bit surprised to see that during the services the ancient custom of the “imposition of ashes” was practiced. Why did we do this? Where does this come from? What does this mean? Ashes have been associated with sorrow over sin and repentance since ancient times. Job, possibly the first book of the bible ever written, says, “God has cast me into the mire, and I have become like dust and ashes”(Job 32:19). And Abraham, while attempting to deter God from destroying Sodom began his prayer, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes (Gen 18:27). Isaiah, the prophet (61:3) contrasts the wearing of a headdress, (associated with joy, victory and marriage) with wearing ashes. So ashes represent the preaching of the law, an attitude echoed by Christ in his word “Repent in dust cloth and ashes” (Matthew 11:31). Ashes also represent repentance, sorrow over sin and the understanding that we are mortal. Although little is written about the imposition of ashes in the first 1000 years of the church’s life, the custom of covering yourself in ashes can be traced to the sixth century. Certain Spanish rites called for signing the forehead with ashes when admitting a gravely ill person to the Order of Penitents. At the beginning of the 11th century, Abbot Aelfric, who hailed from what is now Germany, notes that it was customary for all the faithful to take part in a ceremony on the Wednesday before Lent that included the imposition of ashes. Near the end of that century, Pope Urban II called for the general use of ashes on that day. That practice ultimately resulted in first day of Lent being called “Ash Wednesday”. At first, men had ashes sprinkled on their heads, while women had the sign of the cross made with ashes on their foreheads. Eventually the ritual used with women came to be used for men as well. In the 12th century the custom developed that the ashes were to be created by burning palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. Many congregations today invite parishioners to bring such palms to church before Lent begins and have a ritual burning of the palms after one of the Sunday divine services. There is almost nothing written by the Lutherans at the time of the Reformation regarding the imposition of ashes and the custom was not continued among the first Lutherans although the day has always been called, “Ash Wednesday” by Lutherans. The imposition

of ashes has, however, become more popular in the last fifty years among Lutheran, Anglican, and some Methodists just as it has always been within Roman Catholic and Eastern Churches. Consequently, the practice is no longer associated exclusively with the Roman Church as, perhaps, it once was. Obviously, there is neither a command in the Bible that requires ashes nor a command that forbids ashes. And part of the ritual says that ashes should be imposed “on those who desire it.” So congregations and pastors should never give the impression that anyone is better or worse with or without the practice. Recognizing the increased popularity of the custom, The Lutheran Service Book has a service for the imposition of ashes. This service was followed and combined with the Service of Corporate Confession and Absolution on the Ash Wednesday Service at Glory of Christ. On the Synod’s website the following explains the current Lutheran understanding of this practice. Q. Would you please explain the significance of Ash Wednesday? I've seen some people in the past with Q. Would you please explain the significance of Ash Wednesday? I've seen some people in the past with Q. Would you please explain the significance of Ash Wednesday? I've seen some people in the past with Q. Would you please explain the significance of Ash Wednesday? I've seen some people in the past with

black ash crosses on their foreheads.black ash crosses on their foreheads.black ash crosses on their foreheads.black ash crosses on their foreheads.

AAAA. Lutheran Worship: History and Practice, the recent commentary on Lutheran Worship, Lutheran Worship: History and Practice, the recent commentary on Lutheran Worship, Lutheran Worship: History and Practice, the recent commentary on Lutheran Worship, Lutheran Worship: History and Practice, the recent commentary on Lutheran Worship, one of our Synod's one of our Synod's one of our Synod's one of our Synod's

hymnals, says this about ashes on Ash Wednesday: "Other customs may be used, particularly the hymnals, says this about ashes on Ash Wednesday: "Other customs may be used, particularly the hymnals, says this about ashes on Ash Wednesday: "Other customs may be used, particularly the hymnals, says this about ashes on Ash Wednesday: "Other customs may be used, particularly the

imposition of ashes on those who wish it. This ancient act is a gesture of repentance and a powerful imposition of ashes on those who wish it. This ancient act is a gesture of repentance and a powerful imposition of ashes on those who wish it. This ancient act is a gesture of repentance and a powerful imposition of ashes on those who wish it. This ancient act is a gesture of repentance and a powerful

reminder about the meaning of the day. Ashes can symbolize dustreminder about the meaning of the day. Ashes can symbolize dustreminder about the meaning of the day. Ashes can symbolize dustreminder about the meaning of the day. Ashes can symbolize dust----totototo----dustness and remind worshipers of dustness and remind worshipers of dustness and remind worshipers of dustness and remind worshipers of

the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very

posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God." posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God." posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God." posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God."

The use of ashes on Ash Wednesday is a more recent custom among most LCMS congregations, although The use of ashes on Ash Wednesday is a more recent custom among most LCMS congregations, although The use of ashes on Ash Wednesday is a more recent custom among most LCMS congregations, although The use of ashes on Ash Wednesday is a more recent custom among most LCMS congregations, although

some have done it for decades. The ashes are usually derived from the burned palms from the previous some have done it for decades. The ashes are usually derived from the burned palms from the previous some have done it for decades. The ashes are usually derived from the burned palms from the previous some have done it for decades. The ashes are usually derived from the burned palms from the previous

Palm Sunday. Experience will show, however, that in obtaining ashes this way, it doesn't take many ashes to Palm Sunday. Experience will show, however, that in obtaining ashes this way, it doesn't take many ashes to Palm Sunday. Experience will show, however, that in obtaining ashes this way, it doesn't take many ashes to Palm Sunday. Experience will show, however, that in obtaining ashes this way, it doesn't take many ashes to

"ash" a whole congregation. Like sin, they are very dirty and go a long way. One palm leaf will produce "ash" a whole congregation. Like sin, they are very dirty and go a long way. One palm leaf will produce "ash" a whole congregation. Like sin, they are very dirty and go a long way. One palm leaf will produce "ash" a whole congregation. Like sin, they are very dirty and go a long way. One palm leaf will produce

enough ashes for several years. enough ashes for several years. enough ashes for several years. enough ashes for several years.

Usually the pastor takes the ashes on the end of his thumb and makes the sign of the cross on the Usually the pastor takes the ashes on the end of his thumb and makes the sign of the cross on the Usually the pastor takes the ashes on the end of his thumb and makes the sign of the cross on the Usually the pastor takes the ashes on the end of his thumb and makes the sign of the cross on the

forehead of each worshiper, saying these words: "Remember: you are dust, and to dust you shall return." forehead of each worshiper, saying these words: "Remember: you are dust, and to dust you shall return." forehead of each worshiper, saying these words: "Remember: you are dust, and to dust you shall return." forehead of each worshiper, saying these words: "Remember: you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

This follows most effectively prior (or as part of) the Service Corporate Confession and Absolution on pp. This follows most effectively prior (or as part of) the Service Corporate Confession and Absolution on pp. This follows most effectively prior (or as part of) the Service Corporate Confession and Absolution on pp. This follows most effectively prior (or as part of) the Service Corporate Confession and Absolution on pp.

290290290290----291 of 291 of 291 of 291 of Lutheran Service Book.Lutheran Service Book.Lutheran Service Book.Lutheran Service Book.

Klemet Preus

Lenten Suppers

Come early (6:00 pm) on Wednesday evenings before the midweek Lenten Services and enjoy a supper sponsored by the below listed groups at Glory of Christ. April 6th—SS Teachers & SS Parents

April 13th—Compassion Circle

If anyone as an individual would like to give help and support to the Lutheran churches in Japan which have been affected by the Earthquake and the Tsunami please go to www.lcms.org And follow the links to LCMS Human Care and World Relief. Our church body has committed grants of $200,000 each to the two Lutheran church bodies in Japan.

Big Jungle Adventure Opportunities Abound Here's a chance for kids...

To invite other kids to learn about God, To sing and play with friends, To bring a friend to church, Watch for registration soon!

Here's a chance for all of us...

To serve our Savior, To help children grow in faith,

To be missionaries in their own neighborhood. Sign up to help out now!

Vacation Bible School Coordinator

Diane Meyer was born in Colorado Springs and loved to be at church while her mom served.. She thought, "Church would be a great place to work. I can be the church secretary." A high school pass/fail typing class, which would have earned her a D, dashed hopes of being the church secretary. As high school student in Minnesota Diane heard of a program at Concordia St. Paul called Director of Christian Education. "Wow this might be perfect!" Working with youth and children was far more appealing then typing. (Thank you God for the people who love serving by typing!) Adventures as a DCE have led Diane and her husband, Mike, from Kentucky to Chattanooga to Milwaukee to Grand Rapids, MN and now to the Twins cities.. Mike Meyer was raised in Paducah, Kentucky. He met Diane when she was on her internship at his church. The Meyer's 2 children were born in Chattanooga. Each of the boys was home schooled for 4 years, graduated from Grand Rapids high school and attended St. Olaf. Kevin has recently moved to Hopkins. And Ben is in medical school at UMD. Mike is a process engineer. Diane has a MS degree in counseling from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her latest adventure is healing from a broken neck. I know you’re asking, “How did she break her neck!?” Playing laser tag with her other 50 year old friends in Nov.

For you formed my inward parts; you

knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in

the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. Psalm 139: 13-16 Diane is excited to be working with Glory of Christ for VBS 2011. This is a new idea for DCEs to work with congregations on a project basis. “I look forward to meeting you in the coming months. May God bless our work together!”

Services in the month of April

On Wednesdays evenings at 7:00 on March 30, April 6 and April 13, our Lenten services

will be held. This year the emphasis is on the Sacrament of the Altar.

April 3, the Fourth Sunday of Lent: The story from the gospel is the feeding of the 5000 as told by the apostle John. This story teaches us that Jesus will always provide for our needs. That’s obvious. It also teaches us that he is the bread of life from heaven who provides himself for us spiritually. If we receive his word and Sacrament greedily like hungry people take food, then we will truly be fed. April 10, Fifth Sunday in Lent – John 8 contains perhaps the strongest assertion by Jesus that he is the Lord God of old. He is both Lord of Abraham and paradoxically the promise given to Abraham. Jesus is also the promise of God to you. April 17, Palm Sunday – Matthew’s Gospel uses the Old Testament quite freely in showing that the humble savior was predicted centuries earlier by a God who has never stopped caring for His people including you.

April 13, Maundy Thursday at 7:00 – There are only three times during the year in which the altar cloths are red. This is one of them. We use read when we focus strongly on the work of God in blessing his church. The blessing of Christ we observe on Maundy Thursday is the gift of the Sacrament of the Altar. (The other two times are Pentecost and Reformation Sunday.) April 14, Good Friday at 7:00 – The Third word of Christ on the cross will be examined, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Our traditional Tennebre service will be followed in which we concentrate on the last words of Christ by teaching each other through the hymns of Christ’s passion and offering our prayer and hymns to God in sorrowful appreciation for his Son. April 24, Easter – The epistle lesson, I Corinthians 5:6-8 tells us that Christ, our Passover lamb, gives us a new feast and with it a whole new religion. Well that’s not surprising since he rose from the grave and opened the gates of heaven for us. That’s the whole reason for celebration during this holy season. Divine Service Two setting two will be used and for the first time in a couple of months we will sing, along with other joyous Easter hymns, “This is the Feast of Victory for our God.” Services will be held at 8:00 and 10:30 with brunch served between the services. Please note the service time change for this Sunday only.

3-Apr 10-Apr 17-Apr 24-Apr

COFFEE SERVERS: L. Esget G. McCreary D. Weibel EASTER

E. Esget C. McCreary D. Weibel BREAKFAST

ACOLYTES:

9:00 AM J. Flakne Maddie Z. M. Swenson M. Swenson (8:00am)

10:30 AM Maddie Z.

Crucifer

9:00 AM J. Olson J. Olson (8:00am)

Robbie Z.

ELDERS:

9:00 AM C. Hartness C. Hartness C. Hartness C. Hartness (8:00am)

J. Paradis J. Paradis J. Paradis J. Paradis (8:00 am)

10:30 AM

USHERS:

9:00 AM K. Diemand R. Hargreaves M. Swenson R. McBroom (8:00am)

J. Schultz T. Hargreaves H. Braun C. McGriff (8:00am)

10:30 AM M. Miller

B. Strom

7:00 PM mid week T. Beach (4/6) B. Larson (4/13) L. Albers (4/21) L. Esget (4/22)

M. Justat (4/13) Z. Albers (4/21) J. Huber (4/22)

ALTAR GUILD; C. Kuenzel S. Karius J. Diemand C. McCreary

D. Kuenzel K. Skau B. Schoolman S. Torkelson

OFFERING T. Lavanger J. Justat L. Beck C. Smith

COUNTERS: R. McBroom M. Justat C. Hartness C. Smith

BREAD BAKER S. Edenborg E. Esget C. McCreary C. Smith

BREAD DELIVERER B. Schoolman E. Esget L. Beck C. Smith

Glory of Christ Loan Balances: As of March 2011

Refinanced Loan - $261,971.52 Additional Loan (new roof, audio system upgrades) - $85,943.91

Important upcoming dates at Glory of Christ

April 16, 8:30-3:00: Workshops on Liturgy for Laypeople Rev. Todd Wilken will lead the workshops this year. They will be a discussion of how the Scriptures lead us to the service of Word and Sacrament and the Liturgy leads us out into the world.

April 24, Easter: Services this Sunday will take place at 8:00 and 10:30 rather than our usual 9:00 O’clock time. Reasons are 1) this way we can attend the Brunch at 9:15 served by the elders, and 2) everyone can come and not worry about not having enough room.

April 30 at 6:15 the Examination of the catechumens will take place along with a service of Confession and Absolution at 7:15. Photographs will be taken at 6:00.

May 1, Confirmation of six catechumens who will confess their faith and understanding of the Bible and the confessions of the church and will receive the Lord’s Supper for the first time.

May 6, Silent Auction: This year the auction will take place at the gym of St. John’s Lutheran Church which is located on Highway 101 about 8 miles north of our church. We start at 6:00 and will be done at about 10:00.

June 13-16, Vacation Bible School. We are confident that we will achieve the goal of 70 kids, but only if everyone in the congregation gets involved in some way.

Basket Making

Please join us for another chance to make an incredible basket, Saturday, April 2nd from 9 to 2. At the last basket class, the group decided to make one more basket this spring and take a break until fall. The basket is going to be the Tulip Market Basket. $39. Choice of colors will be available as usual, you can see a picture of it in the narthex by the sign up sheet. Please bring your own beverages and lunch or snack. Any questions, please contact Beth Schoolman schoolman@earthlink.net 612-518-9744 There is a sign up in the Narthex, or please contact Beth.

Upcoming Event Dates

Month Day Time Event April 16 9:00am Workshop

April 30 7:00 pm Confirmand Examination

May 1 9:00 am Confirmation

May 4-6 Congress on Lutherans

May 6 6:00 pm Silent Auction

June 13-16 VBS

2011 Glory of Christ Men’s Retreat

Friday August 26th thru Sunday August 28th

The Elders have decided to organize a men’s retreat this year. Designed to be a fellowship event with time set aside for bible study. The retreat will be in Crosslake MN (Whitefish Chain of Lakes) on August 26th -28th. Starting on August 26th for anyone who wants to skip a day of work. The Paradis and McCreary families have contributed the use of their cabins. Activities will include relaxing, boating, fishing, sightseeing , golf and Christian fellowship. We need the men of the congregation interested in attending to sign up as soon as possible. The Elders need a head count so they can complete the planning. When you sign up please indicate the day and time you plan to arrive. If you have any questions about the event please ask one of the Elders.

Workshops on Lutheran Liturgy for Lay-People

April 16, 2011

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Glory of Christ Lutheran Church

4040 State Hwy 101 N.

Plymouth, MN 55446

763-478-6031

www.gloryofchrist.org

Registration fee: $25. Advance registration is recommended.

Todd Wilken

“FROM a Lutheran Theology of Worship"

The discussion about worship continues unabated in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Besides the never-ending discussion of style verses substance and the necessity for constant vigilance regarding the encroachment of Reformed theological influence upon American Lutheranism, we are also, it seems, in need of a reminder of precisely the direction of the communication is Worship. “FROM a Lutheran Theology of worship” explores the Lutheran Confessional understanding of worship as God imparting his gifts to us. This exploration is particularly important as we consider some of the publications of our church body in recent years which do not always show and understanding of the “FROM” in Christian Worship. “Workshops of Lutheran Liturgy” are intended primarily for lay-people of the Lutheran church. The Christian in the pew is most effected by the worship forms and liturgies employed in the chancel. These Christians would be well served to attend these stimulating and informative workshops.

OUR MUSIC STAFF:

Church Organists: Carla Claussen, Zelda Malo, Maddie Marshall, & Sarah Miller

Music Coordinator: Zelda Malo 763-972-3710

Adult Choir Director: Carla Claussen 651-697-1117 (practice Wednesday’s at 7:45)

Bell Choir Director: Brenda Richards 763-476-6981 (practice Wednesday’s at 6:15)

Children’s Bell Choir Director: Ellie Leimer 952-294-4200 (practice Wednesday’s at 4:30)

The Association of Confessional Lutherans

is pleased to announce

A Congress on the Lutheran Confessions 2011 The Word They Still Shall Let Remain

The Association of Confessional Lutherans National Free Conference No. 22 and

Luther Academy Lecture Series No. 18

May 4–6, 2011

at the

Ramada Mall of America

Bloomington, Minnesota

The ACL

P.O. Box 43895 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55443-0895

Email: TheACL@TheACL.org

Auction 2011

The major fundraiser for our mission projects is Auction 2011, the annual silent/live auction. This year it will be on Friday, May 6, in the gymnasium at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Highway 101 in Corcoran. This will be much closer to Glory of Christ than the previous few years when it was in Edina. The two parts to a successful auction are to have donations, and for people to bid on them. Since the auction proceeds go to furthering Christ’s work, it is for the best possible cause. If you’ve never donated before, consider hosting a dinner, or offer a service where you have experience. This is both a fundraiser and a social event. Even if you don’t expect to bid on anything, still come, enjoy fajitas, and visit with others. Carl Hartness, Auction 2011 committee.

Glory of Christ Lutheran Church Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

4040 State Hwy. 101 No. Plymouth, MN 55446 Office: (763) 478-6031 www.gloryofchrist.org

Rev. Klemet Preus – Pastor Jo Ellen Braun– Admin Asst.

Service Schedule

Sunday Service 9:00 am

Bible Class 10:20 am

Sunday School 10:20 am

Saturday Night 5:00 pm (no service on April 23rd)

Mid Week Lenten Services 7:00 pm

March 30th, April 6th and 13th

Easter Sunday Services at 8:00 am and 10:30 am

Easter Breakfast served by the Elders between the services.