A Monthly Publication of

IN THIS ISSUE

• Easter Sunrise Service

• All the lonely people

• At home therapy

• Letter to Vicar Gladden

• March School news

• Church happenings

• Orphan Grain Train

• St. James Scouts

• Altar flowers

• Just for kids

• Sponsors

Rev. Douglas Jones Pastor

Rev. John Rumsey Pastor Emeritus

Vicar Mike Bonner

Rigo Gonzalez Hispanic Vicar

Matt & Beth Baham Youth Ministry

Barbara Eide Parish Ministry Assistant

Brenda Rollison School Director

Deborah Harvill-Ash Church Secretary

Church: 619.424.6166 School: 619.423.8648 Fax: 619.424.5129 Hispanic: 619.424.6108 A Congregation of

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Volume 29 ●●●● Number 3

March 2010

AT IMPERIAL BEACH PIER PLAZA PARK

Sunday, April 4, 2010 at 7:00 a.m.

This is St. James’ Easter gift to the IB Community. Come to the beach and

celebrate the Joy of Easter with local friends and family. At sunrise, God

surrounds His worshippers with His most beautiful, living cathedral where

sky and sea meet the surf. Chairs and coffee provided.

Lenten, Passion Week and Easter Schedule

Wednesday, March 3, 6:00 p.m. Dinner and 7:00 p.m. Worship

Wednesday, March 10, 6:00 p.m. Dinner and 7:00 p.m. Worship

Wednesday, March 17, 6:00 p.m. Dinner and 7:00 p.m. Worship

Wednesday, March 24, 6:00 p.m. Dinner and 7:00 p.m. Worship

Palm Sunday, March 28, 8:00 a.m., 9:30 Spanish; 11:00 a.m.

Maundy Thur. April 1, Worship at 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday, April 2, Worship at 7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 4, 7:00 a.m. Sunrise at IB Pier, 8:30 Breakfast at St.

James, 10:00 a.m. Worship at St. James, 12:00 p.m. Easter

Egg Hunt for community children in church yard

Page 2

March 2010

As people get older, losses and other changes in their lives can leave them

feeling lonely. Some become isolated and depressed. Late last year the world

was captivated by the story of a Belgian man, Rom Houben. He had been a Me-

chanical Engineering student when he was involved in a tragic automotive ac-

cident that left him in a vegetative state. Doctors believed that Rom was in a

coma when in fact he was actually conscious, but unable to speak or move. For

twenty-three years he tried continually to alert his doctors about the fact that

he was awake but sadly, he was unable to make a sound. Governments

changed, technology advanced and the years and decades slipped away.

Then one day Dr. Steven Laureys of the coma science group at Liège University

in Belgium performed a tomography brain scan on Rom Houben. He discovered that

Rom’s cerebrum was functioning normally. It was true. For twenty-three years Rom

lay helpless, unable to speak a word or move but he remained alert inside. He heard

what doctors and nurses, and friends and family said about him, but he could not

respond. As the lonely years sulked along, he noticed fewer and fewer friends came

to visit until gradually none came at all. Rom didn’t blame them. The doctors had all

diagnosed him as a vegetable.

After reading Rom Houben’s story, I wondered how horribly lonely he must

have felt as one year followed another and he couldn’t communicate with anyone.

“What Bible passage,” I asked myself, “could we as Christians share with Rom

Houben or any other of the lonely people who live around us?” Though they are

alert, they spend their days alone and with no one with whom they talk. Many of

these forgotten people are our seniors.

As a child of the sixties, I remember the melancholy Beatles’ song, Eleanor

Rigby. The second stanza in particular would weigh heavy on my heart when I

would hear it:

Eleanor Rigby, died in the church and was buried along with her name,

Nobody came.

Father Mckenzie wiping the dirt from his hands as he walks from the grave,

No one was saved.

All the lonely people,

Where do they all come from?

All the lonely people,

Where do they all belong?

A Scripture we might be able to share with a lonely person is "Out of the depths I cry

to You, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my

pleas for mercy!" (Psalm 130:1-2). And, certainly we wouldn’t want to forget St.

Paul’s encouraging words: "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor an-

gels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor

height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love

All the Lonely People

March 2010

Page 3

of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (8:38-39).

Though it appeared that Eleanor Rigby died alone, she really would not have

been alone. She would have heard in church the words of our risen Lord who said

to His people: "Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew

28:20b), and again, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews

13:5b).

We can draw strength from these words of Scripture when we experience the

lonely times of life. We know our Lord is close at our side and would never think

of leaving us. But we too are the voice, hands and arms of Christ. How encouraging

it is for a lonely senior or any lonely person to hear an encouraging word, to feel a

gentle squeeze on the arm or receive a hug. It can help break their sense of loneli-

ness and give a sense of hope for another day. We often don’t do well alone. After

all, our original mother, Eve, had her worst day when she walked in the Garden

alone and was tempted to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who died at the hands of the Na-

zis, wrote, “Beware of being alone. Into the community you were called, the call

was not meant for you alone; in the community of the called you bear your cross,

you struggle, you pray. If you scorn the fellowship of brothers and sisters, you re-

ject the call of Jesus Christ, and thus your solitude can only be hurtful to you.”

In the Beatle’s song, it asks, “All the lonely people, where do they all belong?” I

could answer that question then as well as I can answer it now. We are very famil-

iar with the answer in the LWML: They belong with their dear Savior, Who loved

them so much that He gave His life for them; Who went to the cross to be forsaken

so they should never be forsaken, and Who rose again that they, as we, may wor-

ship Him together in this life and with Him forever beyond the grave.

Pastor Douglas Jones: originally presented as a devotion at the February 2010

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Meeting by Sandy Jones

To assist homebound older adults (60+) who feel stuck in this rut, the County of

San Diego Health & Human Services Agency has recently contracted with the Positive Solutions Program of the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC). The program uses an evidence-based model called PEARLS (Program to Encourage Ac-tive, Rewarding LiveS) from the University of Washington that provides short-term, in-home behavioral therapy from trained counselors to homebound older adults (60+). Referrals or questions can be sent to UPAC Positive Solutions Pro-gram Manager, Pei-Chen Emily Wu, Psy.D., at (619) 238-1783, ext. 300, or fax at (619) 238-1837

AT-HOME THERAPY TO BEAT THE BLUES

Page 4

March 2010

(From a letter sent February 4, 2010)

Vicar Dietrick Gladden

St. Paul Lutheran Church

1133 Joslyn Road,

Pontiac, MI 48340

Dear Vicar Gladden,

The Rev. and Mrs. John Rumsey of St. James told us about your being

installed as a vicar. We at St. James celebrate with you. Your dedication to

the Gospel certainly is a strong testimony to the work of Christ in your life.

One of the best Bible verses for such an occasion is 2 Timothy 4:1: “I charge

you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living

and the dead and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the Word; be

ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with com-

plete patience and teaching.”

Our paramount duty as ministers of the Gospel is to preach the Word,

God’s divine Word. Because it isn’t our fine educations, our gifts or synodi-

cal programs that will build the church, but Christ’s Word. The Word we

preach is the Word of Sacred Scripture that has been breathed forth from

the very mouth of the living God Himself. It is a powerful Word that will

make you and your listeners wise unto salvation. That is what it did for

Timothy. He was saved by that powerful, Christ-saving, Word of the Gospel.

The source of all our teaching and activity is this very Word of God. It is

for preaching and teaching and straightening people out, and for convincing

people and for whatever else you need to do to serve God’s people. The

Word “preach” here does not just mean preparing a Sunday sermon. It

means to preach and teach and everything in ministry to get the Word out:

confirmation, baptism, counseling or door to door evangelism, etc. It is the

most rewarding and glorious calling in the world.

God’s blessing to you and your wife, Becky, Pastor Douglas Jones

(Becky, Vicar Gladden’s wife, is the daughter of Rev. & Mrs. Rumsey)

Vicar Gladden Installed at St. Paul’s, Pontiac, MI

March 2010

By Brenda Rollison, School Director

Page 5

February was a busy month and it flew right on by. We had a

great time at our Valentine's party. It was fun for the children, staff, and myself to go to I.B. Senior Center to give homemade

Valentine Cards and sing for our adoptive grandparents at I.B. Senior Center. Since February is Heart Month we invited our seniors to join in a song aerobics with us 'Head, Shoulders make a Heart'. Great Outreach for us!

No School Teachers' Professional Growth Day on Friday, March 5th.

March Tuesday, the 2nd celebrating Dr. Seuss birthday, wear your favorite hat, parade in the quad area.

Kindergarten Information Night is Monday, March 8th at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

March Wednesday, the 17th will have a special snack for St. Patrick's Day.

Happy Easter to all our church and school families this month! The school is busy with Spring activities. We will not only be learning about Easter and what that means in our lives, but also about growing

things, and how God makes flowers bloom. Some of us will learn about the weather, and many of us will be planting and catching the miracle of growth. What a beautiful time to talk about God's Creation!!

No School, Easter Vacation starts Monday, March 29th to Tuesday, April 6th.

Yours in Christ, Brenda Rollison, Director

March 2010

Page 6

CHURCH HAPPENINGS

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Freewill Donation

Wednesday, March 17 at 6:00 p.m. in Parish Hall Corned Beef and Cabbage!

Church Service to follow at 7:00 p.m.

Thank You to Ellie Cleveland for making the new purple Lenten chasuble for

Pastor’s sacramental wardrobe with the triumphant Lamb of God on the front and

back. The workmanship is superb! Again, thank you, Pastor Jones

Pine Valley Retreat, May 14-16 Pine Valley is a small community nestled in the mountains of eastern San Diego

County. In the woods just outside of the one-horse town is the Pine Valley Retreat

Center. We invite everyone who would like to get away for a weekend of relaxation

and a faith-lift to join us this year. We enjoy Bible topics, comfortable accommoda-

tions, great food, fellowship and God’s great outdoors. Last year the cost per person

was $115 per person. This year the final cost will depend on the number of regis-

trants, but the price will be comparable. For more information contact Trevor Bart-

lett. The sign-up list is on the display board at the back of the church.

TALENT SHOW Please put the date April 18 on your calendar. At 4:00 p.m. that afternoon we are planning on a musical talent show just for fun and fellowship. We want to feature anyone who would like to perform--singing or instrumental. So, don't be shy! Come tell us what you would like to do. This is a time to enjoy-- it should be a lot of fun to hear members of our congregation do something different. We hope you will attend and participate. The Choir Patty Wolfe

Lutheran High School of San Diego will be performing a joint choral

concert with Lake Country Lutheran High School from Hartland, Wisconsin. It will take place on Saturday, March 20th at 7:00pm at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Chula Vista. The two choirs will sing pieces on their own, as well as a few together. Please come out for this night of great traditional and contemporary choral music...there will be something for everybody! A freewill offering will be taken to support both music programs.

Page 7

March 2010

What is the Orphan Grain Train?

In February, we collected socks and un-derwear (Undie Sunday) for distribution by the Orphan Grain Train. Volunteers across America use their own cars, trucks, and cash donations to collect and ship food, clothing, medical and school supplies to destitute people in the name of Jesus Christ. They make sure their relief supplies get where they are most needed by giving through Orphan Grain Train. Orphan Grain Train’s relief shipments are sent to our mission partners in East-ern Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central America. Our Mission partners distribute the shipments where most needed. Relief supplies are also sent in response to hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, fires, and droughts here in America. Orphan Grain Train is a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod, and is headquartered in Norfolk, Nebraska. For more information, write or call: Orphan Grain Train, Inc., California-Arizona-Nevada Division Norm Everhart, Chairman, 840 N. Lake Ave., Ontario, CA 91764 909-986-7005

Also visit www.ogt.org

I was so proud of the Scouts on Scout Sunday February 7th. They certainly showed

their patriotism. We are looking forward to a wonderful year. We went camping in

January to Agua Caliente recreation area and in February to Camp Palomar. We are

planning a camping/hiking trip in March to Laguna. In April, we have our annual Scout

Fair at Qualcomm Stadium. This will give us a chance to get together with other Scouts

from the San Diego Area. We will be selling Scout fair tickets prior to this event.

A large part of the Scout experience is the concept of service. During last year’s

Christmas season, the entire Scout troop worked at the Giving Tree at the Chula Vista

Mall. On January 30, once again, the entire troop helped clean up the beach from the

south end of Seacoast Drive to the border. Coming up in March is the Scouting for Food

drive. We will be distributing food bags on March 6th and picking them up again on

March 13th. The food collected will go to our St James pantry.

We deeply appreciate your support in our activities.

St. James Scouts

THERE ARE STILL ALTAR FLOWER SUNDAYS available for you sign up. The flower chart is located next to the coffee window for the select dates listed. The available dates are April 4 (Easter Sunday), May 9th, August 29, September 12 & 19, October 3 and De-cember 12 & 19. The cost is $25.00 per arrangement, the check made out to St. James Lutheran LWML, or cash is accepted. You can give the money to Lois Allchin, or put the money in the mail slot marked “LWML Treasurer” located in the room behind the altar. Questions? Call Lois at 429-0164. Thanks for beautifying our altar on Sundays!

Page 8

March 2010

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Email Addresses: Pastor: stjameslutheranchurch@cox.net Hispanic Vicar: stjameshispanic@cox.net Vicar: Mbonner1034@aol.com Church Office: stjamesoffice@cox.net School Director: stjameslutheranschool@cox.net Youth Ministry: mdbaham@cox.net Church: 619.424.6166 School: 619.423.8648 Fax: 619.424.5129 Hispanic: 619.424.6108

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