March 2012, page 1

March 2012 Discover church is starting to develop a larger social media presence. Here is a list of websites that are connected to our church.

Twitter- @DiscoverCHRCH

Discover Church Network - http://www.facebook.com/groups/8055548738/

Pastor Carl Billings - http://pastorcarlsponderings.blogspot.com/

Jonathan Brandon & Jason Waldron - http://www.thegracemanifesto.com/

Jonathan Brandon & Jason Waldron - PODCAST - The Grace Manifesto (link from

website)

Jonathan Brandon - http://jonmbrandon.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Straw - http://mylifeandtheinbetween.blogspot.com/

Aaron Anderson- http://useddiapers.blogspot.com/

This is a great way to join in a conversation or to give a different spin on a personal

devotion or have a good laugh (try Aaron Anderson’s blog for that final one). It is

also one more way to improve our communication.

To give you a taste of what you might read on my blog. Below is an entry from

February 13th: Well this is embarrassing! I caught myself doing what I caution others in my Bible study

classes not to do. Assuming you know what is in the text before you read it. It was the

Garden confrontation in John 18:1-12. The story is in all four Gospels but each share

different details. All of them record that there was a scuffle: a sword was drawn, a

servant’s ear was cut off and Jesus stoped the fight before it got started. One of the

Gospels records the name of that servant, Malchus. Another Gospel records that Jesus

healed the servant on the spot. I assumed that both details came from the Gospel of

John. I had even put that on my PowerPoint. Then I carefully read the text and

discovered that I was wrong. Luke records the healing and John shares the detail of the

name.

This might not seem like such a big deal but too often in both scripture and in life we

make assumptions that twist our understanding of reality. I know from experience that if

we take time to just simply read the text of Bible carefully the Word will speak to us in

powerful ways. (I had that experience this morning with the 22nd Psalm.) It is the same

with life. Taking the time to read the context of life carefully will not only keep us from

making embarrassing mistakes but we will also discover new and profound insights into

the people and situations around us. In other words, we will grow in Wisdom.

There’s the example, happy reading.

In Hope and Joy, Pastor Carl Billings, Senior Pastor

March 2012, page 2

Kid’s Ministry

Mary Lou Schutz, Director of Children’s Ministry

Everywhere I turn around, look at something, make a plan, think a thought, ONE THING is

there. This ONE THING is so much bigger and deeper and smarter than anything else. It

began as a small seed planted by our Heavenly Father in a soil that really began as garbage

compost. Through His tender caring over many years over many storms the rain fell, the snow

flurried, the soil was turned over and over. That seed sprouted, pushed down roots, sprigged

up to breathe the clean air, take in the sunshine, grew taller and taller. What was the

seed? The Word of God, planted in the land of the soul, reaching up to flourish and produce

seeds like to itself. The Word becoming flesh within us.

The children are that compost, because we teachers realize that we also are that

compost. The wonder of the Word of God taught through stories, art, real life, straight out of

the Book, gets a hold on all of us and the seed grows. Here are some powerful Scriptures that

the children will be drawing to in their Wednesday Lent Art classes. Job 38:4,7 I laid the

earth's foundation… angels sang…shouted for joy Luke 1:78 …the rising sun will come to us

from heaven… John 19:34 Jesus… a spear… a sudden flow of blood and water… was dead…

Revelation 12:9 The great dragon… was hurled to earth… his angels with him… Revelation

4:2 …a throne in heaven… the One who sat there… a rainbow encircled… We all love the end

of the Book. And, that's what Scripture Art is: loving the Word so much that just putting the

letters down via this computer charges the soul. For the children, it is and will be the

same. Many of our older children have been on retreat and know that printing and drawing

out the Words that have touched them, becomes their masterpiece to be cherished, read by

others, admired and stored deep down in their hearts. And, someday someone may say to that

child, teen, adult, "There is no God. Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die." Their

response might be something like, "No way! I know that my Redeemer lives. And, I know my

destiny."

Wednesdays during Lent

Grades 2-6 will be learning how to draw

scripture art

The evening begins with soup supper at 6pm

Followed by game time, art and the Word

of God.

March 2012, page 3

Hospitality Corner Jessica Kuhn, Hospitality Coordinator

March is Food Share month

March Food Share is CEAP’s largest food and fundraising

event of the year; every dollar or pound of food you give during the month earns CEAP a bonus

from Minnesota Food Share and the Feinstein Foundation. Please consider making a contribution.

You never know who may need a helping hand. CEAP barrels will be by both the ministry desk and

by the office entrance for the month of March. The need is great and this is a wonderful way to

help our community. Bring your non-perishable items for the barrels this month!

Easter Decorating

Easter Decorating is around the corner! Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 7th, at 9 am. Come

join in the fun of transforming Discover Church into a beautiful Easter Garden! Goodies and Coffee

will be provided, no experience is necessary, the more the merrier. Come for the whole time, or just

a little while. Kids are welcome to help out too.

Youth Ministry

Jonathon Brandon, Director of Youth Ministry

February 29th – March 28th – Wednesday Night

Lenten Gatherings

Here is the schedule we will be following for these

evenings:

6:00 pm - Congregational Meal in Faith Hall

7:00 pm – Service in Sanctuary with small group

discussion to follow

We will provide Teen small groups with adult leaders for each of the Wednesday

nights. However, some teens have expressed the desire to be in a small group with adults from

our congregation. I completely support and encourage this cross-generational interest. If they do

wish to be in an adult small group, please have them sign up at the Ministry Center in the foyer. I

would encourage you to talk with your son or daughter to see if they would like to participate in a

teen or adult small group. Please let me know if they decide to be in an adult small group so I can

be sure that our teens are engaged in our Lenten journey.

**Please note, the book is available in the foyer for a suggested donation. The teens are welcome

to obtain a book for themselves, but it is not required.**

April 4th – Holy Week – No Gatherings

This means that we will not meet for our regular Wednesday night Youth Group gatherings from

February 22nd through April 4th. We will resume our regular gatherings on Wednesday, April

11th. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding our 2012 Lenten

schedule.

March 2012, page 4

The Spoke –n- Word January 2012

The Christmas Gift

From the book of Philemon “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, …

because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”

We recently had a very refreshing visit with a former student. Kathy joined COM in 1996 and

one of our first experiences together as a newly married

couple was helping Glenn Kenadjian with the Chinese

American Afternoon. In addition to the phone calls Kathy

made for the event, Glenn assigned us a young Chinese

couple to host. We enjoyed their company, and later helped

them buy a car and learn to drive. We did Bible study with

them. Sadly though, their marriage ended and the wife moved

back to China a broken person. We felt so badly for her!

Recently, Kathy got a friend request on Facebook from this woman. We had not seen her in

tenyears! She and her new husband (a man from Minnesota doing business in China) visited us

at our church on Christmas Day and again in our home the following day. What a joy to hear

her story of attending an Alpha class in Shanghai, coming to faith and getting baptized in the

past two years. It was a gift to both of us so unanticipated, and at Christmastime no less. Her

faith is NOT tepid! It seemed so incredible to listen to her talk deeply with Kathy over things

they did not share the last time we saw her. The Lord is GOOD.

Health Update, Bible study, Socials and Dinners

I am out of my back brace now and working up to a new “normal” activity level. The rods and

screws in my back limit my activity, but I am slowly getting used to these things. I have not had

any more incidents with atrial fibrillation. The Lord is GOOD. I did Bible study with two students

over break. They have interest in continuing in a study on the life of Jesus. PTL we continue to

have record numbers at social events (85 went cross-country skiing and/or snow-tubing on

January 7th) and we had 200+ at our Chinese New Year Friendship Dinner dumpling making

party.

Tom & Kathy 1409 Minnehaha Ave W St Paul MN 55104

linds017@umn.edu 651-917-7241

China Outreach Ministries Twin Cities Serving Chinese at the University of Minnesota

March 2012, page 5

Quiet Prayer By Nancy Brown

The Lord himself took a day to rest. What makes you think you don’t need to rest?

I tell myself that but often I just want to do one more thing, before I rest. Sometimes the event

that people call a Retreat—is not quiet at all. They are filled with lots of activities and yes they

are fun, but you go home tired.

Yet when I take time to be quiet and listen for the Lord, I am so blessed. I need the renewing

power of the Holy Spirit to be gentle and settle me down. I have confidence that God is near

and he has just been waiting for me to listen. I feel his love for me and I don’t have to do

anything or say anything.

I allow my mind to relax and have no expectations except that God will be with me. I will just

be in his presence. He knows all about me and loves me. I don’t have to achieve anything but

just be. This is not easy. Sometimes my old thoughts tumble in, disturbing my peace.

If I feel sleepy it is okay to sleep. When I awake, I may feel clearer as to what God wants to

say to me. He gives his beloved sleep. He will speak tenderly to me and I will listen closely. The

still small voice will be easy to hear if I can stop worrying and fretting.

Sometimes we think prayer is not as productive as other activities, but that is not true. We

realize that we are not in control of our lives. Being in prayer and listening to God is the most

important thing you can do. It was said by Luther, “I pray for an hour every morning. If I have a

lot to do, I pray for two hours.”

You may speak the words, “Jesus, You are the beloved.” Say this until it sinks into your soul.

Abba means Daddy. Say “Abba, I belong to you.” It is truly refreshing to know that he loves me

so. Christian author Brennan Manning tells us, “God loves me just as I am and not as I should

be.” He loves you this same way.

2012 Easter Garden Easter will soon be here and it is time to order flowers for the

2012 Easter Garden. A variety of flowers are available for

order. See the photos at the Ministry Center for flower options.

If you would like to order flowers, please fill out this form and

place it, along with your payment, payable to Discover Church,

in the offering plate or bring it to the church office.

Flowers may be brought home after the 11am Easter Service.

All flowers that are not picked up by the Friday following

Easter (April 13h) will be given away or discarded.

The Deadline to order flowers is Sunday, March 25th!

March 2012, page 6

Y O U A R E I N V I T E D

2nd – 6th Graders, Families & Friends

at

Roller Garden in St. Louis Park

Saturday, March 24

Contemporary Christian Music Night

Arrive at BPLC: 6:15 p.m. Cost: $5.00 with own skates/blades

Skate from 7:00 to 9:15 p.m. $5.00 with skate or blade rental

Return to BPLC: 9:45 p.m.

Contact John Teske at 763-561-9608 with any questions.

================================================================

ROLLER SKATING PERMISSION SLIP _____________________________ has my permission to attend the Saturday, March 24 roller skating event. I voluntarily waive any claim against the church or any of its volunteers for any mishaps that may occur in connection with this event. I may be reached at phone num-ber ________________________ on the day of the event.

__________________________________________________

(Parent or Guardian’s Signature)

March 2012, page 7

S T A F F

E M A I L A D D R E S S E S

All staff emails are in the following format: firstname.lastname

@discoverchurchnetwork.org

Pastor Carl Billings, Senior Pastor

Pastor La Andriamihaja,

Associate Pastor

Joe Gerber, Worship Director

Mary Lou Schutz,

Director Of Children’s Ministries

Jonathan Brandon, Director of Youth Ministries

Terra Sorg,

Director of Prayer Counseling

Jennifer Straw, Business Manager

Jessica Kuhn,

Event Coordinator and

Director of Hospitality

Angie Wettschreck,

Secretary

Amazing Grays

March 5th-9:30 a.m. Brunch Bunch-Olympia Café, 247 Central Ave, Osseo March 15th- 11 a.m. Wearing of the Green Potluck in the Foyer. Bring a dish to share.

March 27th– Meet at the church at 9:30 am to got ot the Macy’s Annual Spring Flower Show and then have lunch at Oak Grill afterward.

March 29th- 6pm Game Night. Bring your favorite game and a snack to share.

2012 Easter Choir

Rehearsals

Monday March 12th, 19th, & 26th from 7 to 8:30pm.

Dress Rehearsal

Tuesday, April 3rd at 7 pm

Easter Services

Sunday, April 8 at 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am

Men’s Ministry

Saturday, March 3, 10 am Men’s Ministry Gathering in the Foyer.

Women Serving Women

Saturday, April 28- Dinner and a show! Join us at 5:00 to eat at Green

Mill, and then to the Plymouth Playhouse to see "Church Basement Ladies:

A Mighty Fortress is Our Basement" at 7:30. Tickets are $33. Look for

sign-ups throughout the month of March! Hope to see you there!

Discover Church

81st Ave N

Brooklyn Park, MN 55444

763-561-5877 Fax: 763-561-4296

You are INVITED!

Regional Meeting

Date: Sat, March 24 Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Where: Shepherd of the Valley, 14107 Hudson Road S, Afton, MN 55001

For more info please contact Pastor Steve Kramer / Phone: 1-651-436-8248

March 2012, page 8

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

4 8am, 9:30am & 11am Service 9:30am Adult Bible Study 9:30am AG Lunch Bunch 5:30pm Celebrate Recovery 6pm Strands of John 6:30pm Journey

5 9am Quilting 7pm Guyanese Outreach

6

7 6:00pm Soup Supper 7:00 Lenten Study 9pm Men’s Group at BC Applebee's

8 7pm Worship Rehearsal

9

10 8am Men’s Prayer

11 8am, 9:30am & 11am Service 9:30am Adult Bible Study 5:30pm Celebrate Recovery 6pm Strands of John

12 7pm Choir Practice

13 10am Staff Mtg

14 6:00pm Soup Supper 7:00 Lenten Study 9pm Men’s Group at BC Applebee's

15 11 am AG Luncheon 7pm Worship Rehearsal

16 6:30pm Self Defense Class

17 8am Men’s Prayer

18 8am, 9:30am & 11am Service 9:30am Adult Bible Study 12:15 Discover Membership 5:30pm Celebrate Recovery 6pm Strands of John

19 9am Quilting 6:30 pm Core Restore 7pm Choir Practice

20 10am Staff Mtg 6pm Stewardship 7pm Council

21 6:00pm Soup Supper 7:00 Lenten Study 9pm Men’s Group at BC Applebee's

22 7pm Worship Rehearsal

23

24 8am Men’s Prayer 6:15pm 2nd– 6th Graders Roller Skating

25 8am, 9:30am & 11am Service 9:30am Adult Bible Study 12:15 1st Communion Class 5:30pm Celebrate Recovery 6pm Strands of John

26 6:30 pm Core Restore 7pm Choir Practice

27 9:30 AG Outing 10am Staff Mtg

28 6:00pm Soup Supper 7:00 Lenten Study 9pm Men’s Group at BC Applebee's

29 6 pm AG Game Night 7pm Worship Rehearsal

30 31 8am Men’s Prayer

1 7pm Worship Rehearsal

2 7pm Friday Night Live

3 8am Men’s Prayer 10 Men’s Ministry

Please call the Discover Church office 763-561-5877 or email

info@discoverchurchnetwork.org to reserve space for your event

or to make additions to the calendar.

Office Hours are Monday thru Friday from 9am to 4pm.

March 2012