Special points of

interest:

A Word from your

Pastor

Easter Egg Hunt ~

April 5th @ 9:30

Pastor’s Breakfast

Holy Week & Easter

Worship Schedule

Easter B.A.S.H.

Want Ads—Jobs

Holy Land Trip

Youth Corner

Young Family News Words on Worship

2

Easter B.A.S.H. Thank You

3

LWML News Learning Foundation Shepherd’s Canyon Lutheran Social Services Senior Adult News

4

Council Minutes 5

Women’s Ministry News Birthdays/Anniversaries

6

Calendar 7

Inside this issue:

A Humble Thank You

Over the past weeks people have shared a

number of wonderful stories with me

from their Love Our City experiences. I

want to express my genuine gratitude for

everyone’s support this year.

This UMOM group served lunch to

people at the facility near Sky

Harbor. Our group was especially moved

when they served lunch to a young couple

with a two-week-old baby!

Our team that went to Arizona Brain

Food was impressed with the way things

were organized there. In a short amount

of time they packed a large number of

meals for Mesa public school students to

take home on Friday.

Those who went to Child Crisis Center on

Saturday enjoyed seeing the kids’ faces

light up when they played with special

gelatinous putty. The Sunday group

worked hard to clean up their playground.

The group that served at the First

Lutheran food bank said it opened their

eyes to the needs not only of the

community but also of the food bank

itself.

Two groups helped clean out and

organize large resource rooms at A New

Leaf domestic violence shelter and House

of Refuge homeless facilities. They

discovered this was a regularly needed

task.

Our team that went to help at Jacob’s

Journey homeless transition shelter was

challenged not only by the task of tilling

extremely hard dirt, but also by the many

needs of that small, Christian

organization.

Some of our younger kids were involved

in coloring cards both for homebound

people and for our blessing bags. Some

of our older kids helped paint the

bathroom walls of a nearby park.

Somehow one person’s entire back was

rolled with paint!

The blood drive on campus drew a lot of

people (pun intended), especially from our

local community. The Red Cross workers

were very impressed with the turnout.

Our group that served brunch at the Mesa

St. Vincent de Paul location ran into many

of the I-help women who stay with us

once a month. Similarly, the team that

served lunch with Pastor Holmes had

good conversations with the recipients.

Kits were assembled for the Salvation

Army and our Blessing Bags. And many

books were donated to the United Way

summer reading program!

Thank you church!

Pastor Luke

A WORD FROM YOUR PASTOR Volume 6, Issue 4

Living Lives for Christ April 2015

Page 2 Newsletter T i t le Volume 6, I ssue 4 Living Lives for Christ

Words on Worship

“Living Sacrifices”

~ Kip Fox ~

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1

During the second weekend in March this year, many of us at St. Luke took part in “Love Our City.” We served 16 different organizations by giving them our time and energy. You could also say that we spent these hours in worship. When we think of worship, we almost always think of the gathering times on Saturday night and Sunday morning. But Paul says that everything we do in the name of Jesus is an act of worship. Whenever we serve, give, love, have compassion, or lend a hand, we are offering up a sacrifice to God. So whether it’s a Monday or a Friday, whether you’re at home or at work, remember to be a living sacrifice…remember to worship.

Sunday, May 3rd, 17th, 24th @ 9:30 AM

VISIT WITH PASTOR LUKE

MAKE

FRIENDS

LEARN ABOUT OUR

CHURCH

Do you want to know more about our church? Starting

May 3rd, we’ll have three breakfasts and a lunch [May 31st

@ 11:45 AM] for those who are interested in learning more

about St. Luke’s. The breakfasts start at 9:30 AM each

Sunday in the Oasis and you are invited to come to as

many as possible. They’re a great way to get to know Pastor

Luke and make new friends. The nursery and Sunday

School classes are available for newborns and children.

Please RSVP and let us know how many are coming to

office@stlukemesa.com or sign up at the Info Center.

Easter Egg Hunt 9:30am

Join us on Easter Morning

for family fun!

Preschool-Grade 1

Meet in Courtyard

Grades 2-4

Meet in Room 409

(Sunday School opening room)

No Sunday School classes on Easter.

Page 3 Newsletter T i t le Volume 6, I ssue 4 Living Lives for Christ

Palm Sunday ~ “Hosanna Save Us”

Worship w/communion

Saturday, March 28th - 5:00 PM

Sunday, March 29th 8:00 & 10:30

April 2nd

- Maundy Thursday

Worship w/communion 10 AM /7 PM

The Rite of First Communion

April 3rd - Good Friday

Worship - 10 AM/7 PM

Easter Sunday ~ April 5th

Sunrise Worship (outdoors) - 6:15 AM

Festive Worship w/Communion

Worship Center - 8:00 & 10:30 AM

Easter B.A.S.H. (Breakfast)

Serving after Sunrise & 8 AM Services

Easter Egg Hunt ~ 9:30 AM

Families w/children up to 4th grade

Want Ad – Opportunity to Help

First Lutheran Food Bank

This was a Love Our City location and we learned more

about this operation and their needs, so we are sharing

this with you. This was a good project for our team.

About 65 boxes of food were given out while we helped,

and this operation is well organized. They seek more

partnership with Lutheran churches.

The Food Bank needs a volunteer to pick up food at the

United Food Bank warehouse at Broadway and Extension

and deliver it to the Food Bank at First Lutheran at 142 N

Date on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The pickup

time is 7-7:30 AM. A sturdy truck is required. The food is

loaded and unloaded by food bank staff so no lifting is

involved.

Volunteers for packing food and computer check-in are

also needed, particularly during the summer months. The

First Lutheran Food Bank distributes food on Tuesdays

and Thursdays from 9-11 AM.

If interested, call Kathy Paulson 480.619.12693 or Dorel

at the church office.

Easter B.A.S.H. (Breakfast at the Savior’s House)

Youth Fundraiser for National Youth Gathering

2016 in New Orleans—supported by

MENU

Egg Casseroles (Sausage/Ham/Veggie)

Cinnamon Rolls

Hot Cross Buns

Fruit

Juice/Coffee/Milk

I want to express my thanks

to everyone for all of their

prayers, phone calls, and cards

during my surgery and

recovery. My surgery went

very well and radiation

treatments were finished

December 23. The support from Pastor Luke and my

church family made things so much easier to bear.

Thanks again for being there for me. ~ Carol Martin

To all the members of St. Luke, I have never felt so

loved by any church like I have here at St. Luke’s. I really

felt that love from everyone during Lawrence’s illness

and then his death. Thank you for all the cards, letters,

phone calls, and personal messages which are helping me

get through his passing. Thank you, thank you!

~ Lena Nelson and sons—Larry & Nelson

Page 4 Newsletter T i t le Volume 6, I ssue 4 Living Lives for Christ

Learning Foundation students

will not have class on Good

Friday, April 3, 2015. The school

will have their Spring Concert in

our sanctuary on Friday, May 8th,

and Preschool graduation on Wednesday, May 27th. The

last day of school for the students will be May 29th, 2015.

All Ladies

Welcome!!

Meeting

April 20

Monday @ 1:00 pm

(Fellowship Room)

Program: Ruth Berft Travels

Election of Officers & designate Mission Monies

Mite Box and Devotion: Betty Jacot

Hostess: Dorothy Johnson

Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat Ministry is urgently in need of

construction volunteers in March and April at their Standing

Stones Retreat Center near Wickenburg. Volunteers need to

have their own RVs; we have hookups. If you can help us for a

week or more, please call Rex Dawson ASAP! (928.685.5211)

LWML SPRING CELEBRATION Hosanna Lutheran Church

(9601 E Brown Rd., Mesa)

Saturday, April 11

9:00 a.m. Registration

($10 includes lunch)

9:30 a.m. Program

Theme: “God Given Hats” Prayer Service

Special Speakers:

Rev Cris Artigas, Hispanic Ministry

Please RSVP to Bev Weiss by April 6th at bevweiss9@aol.com

Ingathering is toilet paper to benefit the Manna program

of Calvary Food Bank.

Ever wondered how the ladies we serve through I-Help

(Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program)

find out about the program? Many are referred by various

social service agencies, but some may receive info from

caring individuals just like you! The I-Help van picks the

women up from Paz de Cristo around dinner time each

evening, then transports them to area churches for the night,

where they will again be picked up in the morning. Many of

the churches additionally provide showers and home-cooked

meals. If you know of any single, childless women who

have found themselves in need of safe housing, this is a

great resource to share. Or you could keep a couple of

flyers in your car in case you cross paths with someone who

could be blessed by this service. Pre-printed flyers with

further details about the program are available in the

Information Center or the church office.

SENIOR ADULTS

Friday, April 24th

East Valley Institute of

Technology

1601 W Main St.

[between Alma School/Dobson]

Come enjoy a casual lunch on the campus of EVIT [East

Valley Institute of Technology]. After lunch, there will be

a guided walking tour of the different trades that are taught

at the Institute. Please meet at church at 11:00 AM and

we will carpool. Sign up at the Information Center.

Questions, please contact Jane Ott [480.641.9344].

St. Peter Lutheran Church

is looking for an experienced

musical professional to serve

as choir director. The

position runs from October through Easter each year. Choir

rehearsal hours are 8:00-9:00AM each Sunday and service

from 9:30-10:45AM. The director must also be available for

Lenten and Advent services from 5:00-6:00PM each

Wednesday. Selection of music is at the discretion of the

director, but must correspond with the service material.

Please send your resume to St. Peter Lutheran Church Attn:

Worship Committee 1844 E. Dana Ave. Mesa, AZ 85204

Page 5 Newsletter T i t le Volume 6, I ssue 4 Living Lives for Christ

Council Minutes Highlights - March 14, 2015 Policy Review and Updates:

Reviewed policies 1.1-2.3

A motion was made and seconded to change Policy 1.4.2 to “Plan for Pro-Active Stewardship. We are focused on this area because we recognize we will be more effective in achieving our desired outcomes if we develop longer-term plans to incorporate known facil ity maintenance projects, new desired ministries, and unexpected revenue loss.” Carried.

A motion was made and seconded to change Policy 1.4.3 to “Intentionally Develop Relational Connections. We are focused on this area because we recognize that all of our ministries will be more effective in achieving our desired outcomes if we are intentional in encouraging meaningful, providential relationships to develop.” Carried.

Pastor Updates:

2015 February average weekend worship attendance: 448.

2014 February average weekend worship attendance: 429.

2015 YTD average weekend worship attendance: 436

2014 YTD average weekend worship attendance: 423

Things to Note:

Kathleen organized the Love Our City efforts very well again this year. 167 signed up to participate

(compared to about 130 last year). Members are sharing many positive experiences. New nearby projects included New Leaf, 1st Lutheran Food Bank, AZ Brain Food, United Way books, Jacob’s Journey, and Blood Drive. Working on compiling pictures to post on website, Facebook, and create video.

New Befrienders training is starting this Sunday. Kathleen will be trained in the curriculum.

16 5th-8th graders helped paint City Park of the Canals bathrooms on LOC Sunday. Hannah Gagon & Alex Mooney are serving with Kelly on the November 2015 AZ District Youth Gathering planning team. Youth 5th serve Sunday (March 29th) will be cleaning the nursery area. Youth will be serving Easter breakfast.

Learning Foundation is planning to have another large musical performance in our worship center May 8th.

Kim is working with Nelson Nelson (Lawrence Nelson’s son) on possible ideas for adding design and/or artwork elements to some of our white walls in the sanctuary.

New A/V booth volunteer added at 10:30 service.

Preparations have been made (including nominations) for Pastor

and Council Director Russell Horton to attend the 2015 Pacific Southwest District Convention.

Next steps on 3 focus areas: Hire young families director (Young Families), 2020 vision work (Proactive Stewardship), New Members dinners (Relational Connections)

Pastor had lunch with the new ASU campus ministry pastor.

Discussion items:

A motion was made and seconded for a checking account to be opened for use with E-script if Pastor and the financial team determine it is needed. Carried.

The Young Families Director Hiring team consists of Pastor Hennings, Jeff French, Anna Horton, and Gayle Householder. They held two interviews and are moving forward in the process.

The Council Retreat is scheduled for August 8th.

Elders:

30 guest connect cards were turned in at our services since February. Elders continue to follow up with these families and individuals as well as inactives.

The next council meeting will be at 2:00 PM on April 11th. The meeting adjourned with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Ryan Brooks, Council Secretary

Month at 2/28/2015 YTD at 2/28/2015 2015 Annual

General Fund: Actual Budget Actual Budget Budget

General Fund Ordinary Income 59,179 53,533 107,034 102,065 680,044

General Fund Ordinary Expense (42,626) (47,449) (89,420) (95,099) (576,017)

Net Ordinary Income 16,554 6,083 17,614 6,966 104,027

LCEF Mortgage Principal Paid (8,817) (8,500) (17,591) (17,000) (104,000)

Net Income (Loss) 7,737 (2,417) 23 (10,034) 27

St Luke Lutheran Summary of 2015 Actual & Budget Totals - Month, YTD & Annual

Birthdays of the Month... 4/14 Alex Wamboldt

4/15 Carol Edwards

Charles Vark III

Betty Williams

4/17 Zachary Heller

4/19 Jonathan Beff

Jason Spurling

4/1 Merritt Cleasby

4/3 Craig Cramsey

4/5 Brenden Hageman

4/6 Wayne Flohrs

Andrea Wiley

4/7 Luke Hennings

Jane Horton

4/8 Connie Einspahr

Hunter Hillis (Kolzow)

Floyd Parker

4/10 Carol Juilfs

4/13 Laura Kolsrud

Mae Yoccabel

4/21 Wade Albee

Dolores Natzke

4/23 Kelsey Hartman

Joshua Worl

4/24 Rick Cleasby

4/26 Kayci Tellez

4/27 Bonnie Puckett

Joshua Schlag

Lucille Wagner

4/28 Kayla Piel

Jane Melching

4/29 David Cramer

4/30 Sandy Anderson-

Bolduc

Page 6 Newsletter T i t le Volume 6, I ssue 4 Living Lives for Christ

A Biblical Tour of Israel & Jordan

October 20-30, 2015

An Experience of a Lifetime! We will walk where Jesus walked – Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem, Caesarea, Sea of Galilee, etc. as well as see where Moses & Israel lived for 40 years in the desert. Arrangements can be made for departure from any airport. Rev Darold Reiner (Retired LCMS Pastor) (Former LWML International Counselor) has led many such tours. Contact him for a brochure at 406-890-1149 or imhis38@gmail.com.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY NEWS Joyfully Connect, Support, and Serve Through Christ

Women’s Ministry Calendar ~ 2015

Friday, April 17th ~ 6:00 PM -- Join us for pizza and a movie in the Fellowship Room . Bring

your own drink and we will provide the pizza and popcorn. We will be watching the movie— “The Help”. You may sign up at the Information Center or by calling the church office. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Friday, May 15th ~ 6:00 PM -- It’s our famous Bunco Night. We’re trying something a little different this time. We will

begin with a Potluck followed by games at 7:00 PM. Come prepared to laugh a lot and win a little. Lots of fun competition and great

prizes.

We are not planning any activities for June and July, but be prepared to gather in August to plan September through December.

All women of the congregation are welcome to join us for one or all activities. Let us know what activities you would like to do.

Questions? Please contact Lois Splendoria (480.633.3385/chimes30@q.com) or Karen Eckelberg (480.664.0214).

4/03/82 Alan & Jennifer Wamboldt

4/05/12 Timmy & Brittney Dass

4/07/08 Bruce & Allison Preston

4/08/79 Scott & Dorel Phillips

4/09/76 Ron & Nita Muth

4/12/80 John & Molly Yoccabel

4/16/83 Craig & Nancy Cramsey

Page 5 Newsletter T i t le Volume 6, I ssue 4 Living Lives for Christ

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St Luke Lutheran Church

807 N Stapley Drive

Mesa, AZ 85203

NON-PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MESA. ARIZONA

PERMIT NO. 21

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

SENT WITH BLESSINGS TO...

stlukemesa.com Living Lives for Christ

807 N. Stapley Drive

Mesa, AZ 85203

Phone: 480-969-4414

Fax: 480-969-4801

Email: office@stlukemesa.com

St. Luke Lutheran Church

See Our Web Site

He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Hallelujah!! Wow, I

just love the Easter “season”! It’s a time when things

feel fresh and new. Spring is here, the weather is

beautiful, and the end of school is jusssst around the

corner. I pray that you each find your sense of

newness with God. You are His most perfect child

and He wants you to know Him. I pray also that you

continue to find a deeper connection with the Youth Group here at St. Luke. It

is so important to have a place where you feel safe and comfortable and

loved. I hope to see you at our events this month. I enjoy talking with you as

we hang out and form lasting relationships. Make sure you are “friends” with

Luke Youth-Group on Facebook to stay up to date with activities. Also, if you

ever need to get in touch with me for any reason, please don’t hesitate to give

me a call or text (928.241.8038) or email (kelly@stlukemesa.com).

April Plugged In Calendar

**Most events begin at 11:45 with lunch**

April 5 – Easter!! We will not have Plugged In, but this is a reminder that all youth are expected to help with serving the Easter breakfast!! That means being at church at 5:30 in the A.M.! ☺

April 12 – 5th-8th grade – Craft Time! Let’s channel our inner creative kids and have some fun! Bring an old shirt/pants to change into!

April 19 – High School - Concert at Grand Canyon University (Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North, Rend Collective). Tickets will be $20. We will leave from church at 4 and return around 10. Let Kelly know ASAP if you want to go!

April 26 - No Plugged In. Confirmation Banquet.