Well, we’re now in the middle of the Lenten season, and Lent has been living up to its name;

the days have indeed been “lenting,” or “lengthening.” Did you realize that since Christmas

we’ve already added two extra hours of sunlight each day?

What a difference that light can make! And how much more

we appreciate it, having come out from the dark.

As the church we are moving through our spiritual season of

darkness heading toward the light of Easter. Lent, as one

author puts it, “is a good time for spiritual stock-taking, a

pause, a retreat from life’s busy surface to its solemn deeps.”

Here we reflect on the things that hold us back in our rela-

tionship with the Lord, readying ourselves for the good news

of Jesus’ triumph over sin in His Resurrection victory.

I hope you’re taking advantage of our special midweek

services, looking at Lent through the eyes of artists, which

will culminate with Holy Week. In this most significant time

of the year, we observe the following schedule:

March 24 -- Palm Sunday: Come and wave your palm branches in praise of “the son of

David” as He enters Jerusalem. Hosanna!

March 28, 7:00 pm -- Maundy Thursday: Come to receive Jesus’ new command, to “love one

another” and partake of the sacred, healing meal where our Lord offers us the gift of Himself.

March 29, 7:30 pm -- Good Friday: Come, gather in the darkness to hear Jesus’ final words

from the cross, and solemnly remember that He died for you.

March 31 at 6:30, 8:00 and 10:30 am – Easter Sunrise & Festival Worship: Come and join

your brothers and sisters in Christ in celebrating the bright Resurrection of our Lord and His

victory over sin, death, and every darkness – all for us!

(Oh, and don’t forget the Easter breakfast at 7am down in the fellowship hall. Come, and

bring a friend!)

This Month’s Message from Pastor Dunbar

Faith Lutheran Church The Parish News

VOLUME 36–NO. 3 MARCH 2013

Prayers ► Health, Treatments, or Hospitalization

Recently included in prayers (within the last month): Leyna Ahlschwede, Lyle Baker, Doris Bruntz,

Paul Chase, Peggy Gangwish, Howard Kohtz, Jonah Ritterbush, Cassidy Wormstadt.

We continue our prayers for: Marlita Burnham, Greg Catchpool, Chris Davis, Melvina Dillman,

Marian Dirks, Norma Doyen, Ed Cassel, Linda Gardner, Ruth Haack, Renee Hinderks, Jim Jugert,

Tom Kelly, Leon Kothe, Karen Lee, Rich Lundquist, Esther Meyer, Ken Nollette, Jackie Ortegren, Jane

Parnell, Larry Reimnitz, Mary Salmen, John Schiefelbein, Dale Schroeder, Bryan Stanley.

► In Sympathy

We pray for Gail Shively at the death of her mother; Amy Coe at the death of her brother; and Bill

Overy at the death of his mother. May ALL those who mourn the loss of a loved one be comforted in

God’s promise made through the birth, death, and resurrection of His son, Jesus.

► Birth Announcements

We thank God for the gift of new life. Babies were recently born to Michaela Timko & Adam Ege-

land, Zac Peters & Megan Trjilo, Dan & Brooke Pauley, Mark & Dana Ritterbush, Tyler &

Mecala Poppe, and to Bill Sadd & Miranda Brown.

News and Notes

Easter Breakfast will be served from 7:00-8:00 am in the fellowship hall on Easter morning. Pro-

ceeds from the free-will offering will go toward the Open Table Sack Lunch program.

Faith in Action Sunday is set for Sunday, April 14. Mark your calendars and

sign up at www.afamilyoffaith.com or in the church forum beginning at the end of

March.

Thrivent Luncheon

March 3, 11:30 am Thrivent members are invited for a free luncheon and short informative presenta-

tion concerning a policy change for Choice Dollars. Jonathan Smith will be available for questions.

Make your reservations for the luncheon by March 1st to Eileen Saathoff, 402-463-8151. Can’t make

the luncheon? ...call 1-800-847-4836 and state “Thrivent Choice.”

PAGE 2 VOLUME 36–NO. 3

Advertising Sponsors

The church website is sponsored this month by Bob & LaDonna Hohlfeld in thanksgiving to God for

62 years of marriage (on March 6.) If you would like to sponsor the website for a month please call the

church office, 462-5044. The cost is $40/month. We only have a couple months left to fill for 2013 so

call soon.

Easter Lilies

Easter lilies will adorn our chancel again this Easter. You are invited to place a lily in

memory/honor of a loved one. We will take orders for the lilies. Orders will be taken

March 3 thru March 24. Order yours ($7.00 each) by following the directions on the table

at the rear of the nave. If you are unable to make it to church to place your order, you may

call Deb at 402-462-5044 to place your order before March 24.

December News and Notes

PAGE 3 VOLUME 36–NO. 3

MARCH 2013

MORE NEWS AND EVENTS

PAGE 3 VOLUME 36–NO. 3

2013 Book Group Selections

Mar. 14 Cloud Atlas By David Mitchell Apr. 11 Beloved

By Toni Morrison

Book Group meets at 7:00pm in Room 10 here at the church. All are welcome! Ques-

tions?...speak with Vicki Fisher, 462-5044.

Faith Fellowship Ice Skating All are encouraged to come and ice

skate Sunday March 10th from 1-3

PM at the Kearney Events Center.

Soul Patrol and XYF join your

families. Admission of $5.00 for

kids (4-12), $6.00 for adults, and there is a $3.00

skate rental fee. You are encouraged to meet at

Faith at 12:00 PM to share transportation for

those who need a ride. If you need a ride contact

the church office at 402-462-5044 before the 10th.

Prayer Walkers meet

every Tuesday at 12:15 to

walk and pray for our

middle school students

and school. If you would

like to join this group please

contact Norma Hansen at 402-

519-3594 for more information.

Nicaragua Mission Information

If you’ve not yet placed an

order for a dozen or more

enchiladas you still have a

little time. But, don’t miss

out...order your enchiladas today! The team

could still use volunteers to help cook ham-

burger and/or assemble enchiladas (March

16). They are also needing to borrow coolers.

People interested in going or getting more

information on this year’s mission trip (June

27-July 8) should call Ron or Dusty Haase.

You can reach the Haases at 402-463-2980 or

email to dhaase@esu9.org (write Nicaragua

on subject line.) THANK-YOU!!!

QUARTERLIFE (our 20-30s group) Come join us on March 3rd and March 17th for Bible

Study, 6:30pm at the home of Pastor Josh & Jean

Davis. AND... don’t miss the opportunity to join in

with the Faith Fellowship ice-skating activity on

March 10th (see the details above.)

Casseroles and Crisps Luncheon The Bazaar committee is hosting a Casseroles and Crisps Luncheon on March 17, 11am-1pm. EVERY-

ONE is invited! A free-will offering will go to support this year’s mission project, The Lutheran

Malaria Initiative. See the description of LMI on page 6 of this newsletter or check their website at

www.lutheranmalaria.org. Donations of salads would be appreciated and accepted. Contact Lisa

Mertens, 402-462-4703, if you have questions about this event.

Don’t forget to change to Daylight Savings Time on

March 10!

PAGE 4 VOLUME 36–NO. 3

Adult Education in March

Sundays

THE SUNDAY LESSONS - Room 9 - 9:15AM

This class takes an in-depth look at the scripture lessons taken from

the Sunday morning readings.

BASIC BIBLE TRUTHS - Room 102-103 - 9:15AM (BEGINS MARCH 3)

This class is specifically designed for those seeking membership at Faith Lutheran Church. It is

also open to anyone who desires a review of the Christian faith, and what makes Christianity

(and Lutheranism) different. Class will be led by Pastor Josh.

CONFRONTING DEATH - Fellowship Hall - 9:15AM

Unless Christ returns first, we will all experience dying. But while the world would rather hide

from that fact, we people of faith can look death straight in the eye, knowing that, in Christ, the

grave has lost its gripping power. Award-winning author and Lutheran pastor Walter Wangerin,

Jr. hosts this video study based on his own recent experience with cancer. If you’d like to grow in

awareness of how Jesus meets us in our mortality, join us for continuing (class began Feb. 17)

discussion during the Sunday Education Hour. Pastor Dunbar leads this class.

BASIC. WHO IS GOD? - Room 10 - 9:15AM

The basic things the Bible says about the Trinity like fear God, or follow Jesus form who we

should be as Christians. We will continue (class began Feb. 17) to distill how these fundamental

truths impact who we are as God’s people. Videos by, Pastor and Author, Francis Chan will start

the discussion. Join DCE Wade Johnson in room 10 for this study.

Tuesdays

MEN’S BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY - Ray’s Café - 7:00AM

Gather with others around the coffee or breakfast table to study the Bible readings for the

following Sunday.

Wednesdays

MORNING BIBLE STUDY - 9:00am - Room 11- Pastor Dunbar, leader

Our get-togethers always start with a time of coffee, treats, and visiting, and then, after a brief

devotion, we get to talking about the past Sunday’s sermon. These casual discussions always

lead to new insight and good, personal application of the pastor’s message, not to mention close

bonds of friendship. We invite you to join us!

EVENING BIBLE STUDY - 6:30pm - Fellowship Hall - Carl H. Rehwaldt, leader

Global Christianity in the 21st Century – Its Progress, Practices, and Perils

We generally have a feel for what it’s like to be a North American Lutheran. But what does it

look like to follow Christ in another part of the world? Join Dr. Carl Rehwaldt as we continue

to discover and discuss the ways Christianity is lived in the increasingly close-knit yet still multi-

cultural community we call “Earth.”

PAGE 5 VOLUME 36–NO. 3

Thank You Notes

THANK YOU to everyone who supported the XYF Spaghetti Dinner. The dinner

raised over $700 which will be used to help cover the costs of our high school youth

projects and events.

THANKS TO ALL those in my family of faith who sent cards and notes or called to

express well-wishes for my 80th birthday. It was truly a memorable birthday and

you all made it so special for me. God bless each of you. Ede Petersen

THANK YOU to all the “bakers and the bidders” who made the Soul Patrol South

Dakota mission trip pie auction and soup lunch a success. Wade Johnson, DCE

Christian Concert at Heartland Event Center (Grand Island)

Thursday, April 25 at 7:00pm Tickets can be purchased for “The Miracle Tour” featuring artists Third Day, Colton Dixon, and Josh

Wilson at the Heartland Events Center Box Office 1-800-745-3000 or at www.ticketmaster.com

South Heartland District Health Department offers immunization clinics for newborn to 18

years for those who meet one of the following criteria: *those covered by Medicaid, *those who have no

insurance coverage or whose policies never cover vaccinations, *American Indians, * or Alaska natives.

For more information call toll free: (877) 238-7595 or 402-462-6211. There is no set fee for vaccinations;

however, donations are greatly appreciated.

Married Couples– Give a Gift From Your Heart when you and your spouse attend the next Lu-

theran Marriage Encounter Weekend. The communication in your relationship will improve on this

special Weekend to be held March 15-17 in Grand Island, NE. For more information or to apply, visit

randjsigler@inebraska.com or call 402-560-3475.

COMMUNITY NEWS

FIRE - (the fundraiser for Adams County Lutheran Schools)

Tickets are on sale for the 8th annual Adams County Lutheran Education Association fundraiser,

FIRE. It will be held March 2 at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Enjoy an elegant banquet,

entertainment, live and silent auction, all while supporting Lutheran education in Adams

County! Tickets for the event are $50/person or $750/corporate table and available at Zion Lu-

theran (462.5012), Christ Lutheran (744.4991) and Ruhter Auction (463.8565.)

Food Pantry Update

Thanks to all those who continue to support our ongoing ministry to help those who don’t have

enough to eat. The grocery carts, located in the church forum and at the back of the church, stand

ready to receive your donations. They cannot accept any out-dated products so be sure to check

those expiration dates. Besides food items they could use: dish soap, bath soap, toilet tissue, and

shampoo. Thanks for your generosity!

PAGE 6 VOLUME 36–NO. 3

Sunday School Offerings will be going to

Lutheran Malaria Project for

the month of March. One mil-

lion people die each year from

malaria. The most effective

methods currently being used

to control malaria include

proper diagnosis and prompt

medical treatment, proper use of insecticide-

treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying.

To be successful these strategies require educa-

tion about malaria and how to prevent and treat

it. The Lutheran Malaria Initiative works

through local partners to educate families on

malaria, increase access to treatment, and pro-

vide prevention tools such as bed nets.

6TH GRADE FAITH CELEBRATION:

SEDER MEAL

The evening of Maundy Thurs-

day (March 28th) all sixth grad-

ers and their parents are in-

vited to come at 5:30 pm to par-

ticipate in our (Celebrations of Faith) Seder

Meal – the same meal that Jesus and his disci-

ples ate to celebrate the Passover on the night

he was betrayed. Please RSVP to the church

office before March 20th.

Perfect Attendance

Sunday School – Pre-School: Tenisha

Bader, Madlyn Karr, Eva Magallanes. Kin-

dergarten: Rebekah Muske. 1st: Tyrese

Bader, Justine Bierman, Reid Fahrenholtz. 3rd: Kiernan Bier-

man, Caleb Clark, Hunter Krueger. 4th: Andrew Brandt, Nata-

lie Brandt, Ashley Nierman. 5th: Meredith Brandt, Oliver Dun-

bar, Alexa Muske, Aaron Ochsner, Adam Ochsner. 6th: Moses

Dunbar, Zipporah Johnson, Trev Petersen. 7th: Britney

Krueger, Hannah Mulligan, Ray Nierman. 8th: Anna Acker-

man, Jacob Clark, Phoebe Dunbar.

Weekday School – Preschool: Jackson Foster, Anthony

Kuehn. Kindergarten: Claire Davis, Shelbi Goldenstein, Re-

bekah Muske. 1st: Tyrese Bader, Justine Bierman, Katherine

Greenland, Natalie Sund. 2nd: Logan Brooks, Joe Graham,

Karsen Hatch, Sarah Patterson. 3rd: Kiernan Bierman, Connor

Hatch, Elijah Mulligan, Abigail Price. 4th: Andrew Dischinger,

Cameron Foster, Matthew Hansen, Keaton Verhage. 5th:

Oliver Dunbar, Tyler Emons, Pierce McVicker, Alexa Muske,

Aaron Ochsner, Adam Ochsner. 6th: Morgan Carver, Evan

Davis, Moses Dunbar, Dylan Lemke, Ashlee McVicker, Trev Pe-

tersen, Landon Weber. 7th: Cambria Collins, Ashley Hawes,

Adrianna Hoskins, Abby Klammer, Britney Krueger, Hannah

Mulligan, Amber Price, Amanda Stramel, Madison Swain. 8th:

Anna Ackerman, Phoebe Dunbar, Zoe Emons, Amanda Karr,

McKenna Lamoree, Will Parker.

PAGE 7 VOLUME 36–NO. 3

Join us for

Sunday

Morning

Bible Study

For ALL 7-12th graders

We Meet in Room 8

High School Seniors

Baccalaureate Service April 24, 7:45pm

Faith Lutheran Church

ALL are invited to attend! A short reception will follow.

7th-12

Grade

Choir

will not

meet

during

Lent.

The XYF and the Soul Patrol, along with their families, are

invited to participate in the

Faith Fellowship Ice Skating

in Kearney on March 10.

Meet at Faith at Noon to

share transportation.

Admission: $5 for kids (4-12),

$6 for adults, and a skate

rental fee of $3. If you need a

ride contact the church

office at 402-462-5044,

BEFORE Sunday, March 10.

7th & 8th graders making

pie for the South Dakota

Mission Trip Pie Auction!

Non Profit Organization

US POSTAGE PAID

Hastings, NE

Permit No. 309

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURC H

837 CHESTNUT

HASTINGS NE 68901

We invite you to Join us each Sunday

Worship at 8:00 AM or 10:30 AM

Sunday Education Hour at 9:15 AM

Return Service Requested

2013 Church Council

Chairman: Doug McCartney Vice Chairman: Phil Herrmann

Treasurer: Adam Jacobitz Recording Secretary: Lynette Wojahn

Board of Education: Trisha Shafer, JR Muske, Patti Ocker

Board of Evangelism: Jacquie Bachman, Mike Hoskins, Deanna Dirks

Board of Family Life: Dina Michel, Tonya Krueger, Patti Hinrikus

Board of Finance: Dale & Karen Pospisil, Ann Gragert, Norma Hansen,

Vic & Teresa Bockerman, Deb Ritterbush, Dave Bierman

Board of Lay Ministry: Frank Koch, Myron Peters, Ray Brandt, Ray

Gangwish, Rhonda Rail, Becky Schutte

Board of Trustees: Billy Hudson, Mitch Kimle, Gene Viglicky, Reid

Ayres, Sheila Lightner, Dean Dierks

Board of Stewardship: Eileen Saathoff, Laura Bulas, Larry Kuehn

Staff of

Faith Lutheran Church Office – 462-5044

www.aFamilyofFaith.com

(includes all email addresses)

Paul T. Dunbar, Pastor

462-9551 (Home)

Josh Davis, Pastor

402-705-0874 (Cell)

Wade Johnson, D.C.E.

463-8670 (Home)

Vicki Fisher, D.C.E.

462-0194 (Home)

Support Staff

Cindy O’Donnell, Secretary

Deb Henkel, Bookkeeper

Rich & Sandy Frerichs, Custodians

March 2013