March 2012

March 2012 E-Chronicle Calvary Lutheran Church & School A word from Pastor: Below are two You Tube links that will play segments of President Matthew Harrison's discussion before Congress on Health Care. The top one is about 15 minutes long, the bottom one is 5 minutes long. Members of Calvary brought this up in Bible class on Sunday and here it is for your information. Blessings Pastor Gary Harrison answers House Committee questions Harrison Speaks Before House Committee   Secret Sister Breakfast March 31st 10am parish hall ****** March Calendar ******    Dates to Remember    March 4- Kick-off to Lutheran Schools Week w/ Calvary Ringers @ 8am & Kinder. PIW @ 10:45am March 11- Carol Liston's Retirement Celebration @ 10:45am March 25-28 WASC Visit March 31- Secret Sister Breakfast 10am March 31- LWML Work Party 1pm April 9- Annual Golf Tournament April 27, 28- OWL Planet Wisdom May 3- National Day of Prayer May 5- Wittenberg Tea May 6- Confirmation Sunday 10:45am May 19- CLS Rummage Sale (tentative) June 5- 8th Gr. Graduation 7pm August 6-10- VBS "SKY"   Lenten Services 2/29: Pastor Paul- "Save Me Because of Your Unfailing Love" 3/7: Pastor Mark- "Come Quickly to Help Me" 3/14: Pastor Gary- "God's Enduring Presence for You" 3/21: Pastor Paul- "Against You and For Me" 3/28: Pastor Mark- "Teach Me Your Will, For You Are My God"     Thrivent changes for 2012 All recurring directions set before 2012 will be removed. Members will have the opportunity to renew their recurring direction in 2012. Recurring direction will not be an option in 2013. The recurring direction option depletes the program's budget so quickly that, to accommodate it, Choice Dollars designation rates would need to be reduced dramatically. Retirement Celebration for Carol Liston March 11 at 10:45am A luncheon will be served following the service. Names beginning with A-L bring a dessert, M-Z bring a salad. (these items may be brought to the kitchen the morning of) Cold cuts, cheese, rolls, etc. will be provided by the Fellowship.   Beautification Committee Just a note to let everyone know that the Lord has provided us with a Beautification Committee:  Lisa Ghiselli, Howard Goldhammer, Julie Ramirez & Norma Smith   March Anniversaries  3/11    Paul and Susan Hoffman             45 years 3/16    Rick and Annette English            16 years 3/30    James and Carol Liston                9 years    March Birthdays 3/2        Tristan Mueller   3/4        Joey Ramos 3/7        David Schultz 3/9        Joyce Strom 3/11      Dori DeTurk 3/12      Chrystle Vincent 3/13      Joan Marden                Ryan Regnier 3/16      Diane Flynn               Erica Ghiselli 3/16      Adolph Stafne 3/17      Phillip Caspersen                Grace Ramos 3/19      Anna Beasley  3/20       Kim Heggins 3/21      Stephen Regnier 3/27      Aaron Glock 3/30      Conrad Skjong 3/31      Jane Arndt    ******************************************* Prayers Thanksgiving Frank Mitchell's MRI came back negative, continued prayers for hearing to be restored Peace in the World President Obama and our country's leadership - For our soldiers in Afghanistan: Kyle Hyden, nephew of Skjong's; and for Frank Mitchell II, Thomas Caspersen & Antonio Landaverde who are overseas; for those in the Reserves- Jonathan Ellis For our Staff Fred Brauer; Margie Luehrs; Chrystle Vincent; Traci McClain; Amy Sosa; Christina Grace; Bethany Chhom; Ellen Hackerd; Kristi Morlock; Abby Einspahr; Mike Souza; Doug Henry; Kim Heggins; Blenda Schultz; Michelle Michael; Sherrie Akre; Carol Liston; Cecilia Guerra; Cindy Suppus; Lydiana Sanchez; Holly Contier; Pastor Gary Ministry Guidance For our interim ministry need; Marketing Ideas; Wittenberg Manor   Outreach; Evangelism; Children's, Family and Youth Ministries; Parish Education; School Enrollment Peace and Comfort For the family of Annette English and the passing of her father, Bill Olsen Cancer Patients Pat Brown, infection in incision; Bettie Benz' son-in-law, Stephen Comfort ; Dee Lazaga (Edith Mena's sister), ovarian cancer; Evelyn Asker; Joyce Schwartz, Leanne Mueller's mother; Melody Saldate; Wanda Grimm Physical, Emotional or Spiritual Healing For Amy Sosa's mother, Dianne; David Cannella's upcoming tests in March; Frank Mitchell, hearing loss; Millie Salo; Mabel Stafne; Susan Hoffman; Esther Garguilo; Willine Watson; Marlene Mueller; Angela Garcia; Adolph Stafne; Marie Curtis; Van Deckert; John Ohanesian; Tyler & Dave Flynn Expectant mothers Colleen Martchenke- due August; Stephanie Mendia- due June; Emily Blank- due June; Candice Kofsky- due March; Vicki Blank- due March Personal Needs & Other Concerns Marriage difficulties; elderly parents and those in need of employment     BOARD OF GOVERNANCE MINUTES  January 12, 2012   Present: Barbara Adams, Darlene Goldhammer, Jeff Jensen, Lee Strom, Pastor Mohr   Pastor Gary opened with prayer and devotion based on Rev. 2:18-29, the letter to the church at Thiatira. This church was considered the most corrupt of the seven churches, but it did exhibit gifts of love and faith. Faith reminds us that God is in control and we can find comfort in that fact. God told the church that He was against them because they tolerated the false prophetess Jezebel and the sexual immorality that she promoted. He said He would punish her and those who went along with her teachings. We were also reminded that God gives us a chance to repent and will allow us to return to Him. Every church has struggles, but it is important that we be in tune with the leading of the Holy Spirit. As Christians we need to be wary of sexual and spiritual adultery as individuals and as a church body.   PASTOR'S REPORT Pastor reported that the call process has started, and President Newton has been contacted to let him know we are ready to move ahead. A Call Committee has been established and the congregation was given an opportunity to fill out a questionnaire stating the ages and qualities considered important for our new pastor. Several names of potential candidates were also presented by members. These individuals will be contacted to see if they wish to be on our call list. The majority of the congregation preferred someone between ages 30 and 40 and the secondary choice was for a person between ages 40 and 50. The circuit Forum will be held Saturday at Prince of Peace to discuss the new plan to begin LINC East Bay. The purpose of the plan is to provide support to churches as they reach out to ethnic groups in their particular areas. The CNH District has provided a grant; Prince of Peace will hire an individual to direct the program, which will begin in July, 2012. Pastor also talked about understanding basic cultural differences as a door to reach out to other ethnic groups and the importance of one-on-one relationships. We have a similar problem when reaching out to youth.   UNFINISHED BUSINESS Pastor contacted two retired ministers in our area to see if either was interested in serving as a volunteer chaplain at Wittenberg; both declined. Jeff Jensen contact the Wittenberg Board with BOG's recommendation for a breezeway connecting both buildings without having to go outdoors from one building to the other. We are still in need of a representative from Calvary to attend the CNH District meeting in Burlingame the weekend of April 27-29. We need a volunteer.   NEW BUSINESS Barbara Adams will set up a meeting with Principal Fred Brauer and Brian Pye to discuss our Youth Program/Committee. We discussed the wisdom of renting out the Parish Hall. At present, our members may use the Parish Hall at no cost and it is not available to other groups. BOG voted to continue our current policy. We will investigate how other places handle rental of their facilities. Principal Brauer provided us with detailed information on the next school year; he joined our discussion to clarify the tuition plan for next year and other school related items. Pastor will contact Carol Liston about the possibility of starting an adult choir. We discussed Calvary's need for a Beautification Committee to work on the sanctuary using the memorial gift we have been given. We would like volunteers for this committee. Some years ago we, as a congregation, provided a Christmas offering for our staff; we have not done that for the past two years, but would like to reestablish the practice at Christmas, 2012. We were each given a copy of an article on evangelism-training ministry and asked to read it by our next meeting. We also discussed an article on Mega churches we received previously; our aim was to identify sections that might be included in the Chronicle.   We closed with prayer by all BOG members.   Respectfully submitted, Darlene Goldhammer BOG Secretary   *********************************************************************************************************************** February 9, 2012   Present: Barbara Adams, Jeff Jensen, Darlene Goldhammer, Pastor Mohr   Pastor Gary opened our meeting with prayer and a devotion taken from Rev. 3:7-13, the letter to the church at Philadelphia. This church was known as the church of "brotherly love," was the oldest of the churches, and had been destroyed by an earthquake followed by many aftershocks. God had no condemnation for this church. He said he knew their deeds and that they had little strength, but what He had opened no one could shut and what He had shut no one could open. It may seem like the Bay Area is closed at the moment, but there are many areas open to service and God's word. At times it may seem like we have very little power here at Calvary, but whatever God provides will be enough for what He wants us to accomplish. He created us to do certain things and will certainly make known to us what He wants us to do. When we are confronted with a need, God will use it for His purpose. The church at Philadelphia was told to hang on even though they had little power. The central needs of the ministry of any church are the word and sacraments and the love of God in Christ. Only love can defeat the works of Satan. When a church responds to ministry, it acts in love and kindness and is a wonderful testimony to God. We must not lose the opportunities before us. We are not forgotten by God, but need to continue the works God has placed before us.   PASTOR'S REPORT Pastor approached the Elders about the possibility of a church-wide Bible study similar to the 40-Day Adventure we did several years ago. They agreed that it was a good idea but felt that would be a good idea for the new pastor to consider, aiming for a possible starting date in September. Pastor's final date at Calvary will be on May 6, 2012, Confirmation Sunday. Mr. Brauer, Principal, is teaching the current class and said there are six students who are eligible for confirmation. He will be having a questioning on April 21 at a retreat he is putting together for the confirmands and their parents. The CNH District office has provided information packets for 12 candidates to be reviewed by the Call Committee. They will be distributed to the members of the committee and a meeting will be scheduled to begin the process.   OLD BUSINESS Letters have been sent to three potential BOG candidates and we are waiting for their responses. Last month BOG suggested that the residents of each Wittenberg building needed easy access to the other building without having to go outside. This idea was presented in connection with drawing more residents to the weekly Bible studies and monthly praise services Calvary provides at Wittenberg. Jeff Jensen and Lee Strom assessed the situation and have presented a plan to Dave Mueller, Wittenberg Board member.   Dave will present the idea to each building manager for input. We continued our meeting with discussion on the needs of our youth and how to best provide a program for them. The discussion extended to the subject of how we can get non-members (our surrounding area) interested in what is going on at Calvary. Dave Schultz will be unable to attend the District CNH Convention April 27-29; we will ask him to find a replacement for this year. We are still looking for members to serve on our Beautification Committee. Lisa Ghiselli has volunteered and we would like two or three additional people. NEW BUSINESS We reviewed the New Member Information packet. We adjourned with prayer by all present.   Respectfully submitted Darlene Goldhammer, BOG Secretary   LWML Updates      The CIRCUIT FORUM MEETING was held at Prince of Peace Church, Fremont, CA on 14 January 2012 Sat.-9-11:30am. This meeting was held to discuss a new plan to begin LINC (Lutheran Intercity Network Coalition) in the East Bay. Originally, LINC started in May, 2001 in Houston, TX. The CNH District is involved in this process. It is separately incorporated from Synod and gets FEMA grants & government sources.   Prince of Peace has a grant of $45,000 in their budget to start this project. It is scheduled to begin July, 2012 with a Director to be called by Prince of Peace this summer.      The long range plan (3-5 yr. ) is to develop schools, target specific ages, develop cross-language/cultural mind, expand & enhance the worship experience and become a church that has a climate of serving. It is to minister to others. Basically, "How do we reach the people for Christ?"      This project was prompted because we have so many people in the East Bay who do not have English as their home language-over 130 languages. How do we reach these people for Christ? We don't have enough money to start and train pastors for these groups.   LINC seeks to be the answer.      Examples of various services offered from the existing LINC in Texas: food distribution, disaster case management, ESL classes, single family home repair, computer classes, Christian bookstore, immigration help, clothes closet, medical clinic, emergency food, etc.      How can we help? We need to be passionate about mission - then you will have a passion about LINC. LINC has more to do with outside the community rather than our own school.      Do we want to help support this? The approximate year funding is $110,000 - $150,000 and if so, any contribution would go to Prince of Prince. As more information becomes available, it will be shared with you. **************************   LWML MINUTES FROM THE 28 JANUARY 2012 MEETING       We opened with prayer. The devotion was "IS YOUR TALENT HIDDEN". Matthew 25:14-30. God has gifted each one of us with a particular talent. We need to use it for the benefit of the kingdom of God, so it will bless and encourage others. The offerings were received for Regular offerings, Mites, and Birthday money. We have a working balance of $254.32. I will give further detail of receipts and Disbursements at our next meeting which is Sat., 25 February 2012 at 9:30 am - 11:30 am Conference Room. OLD BUSINESS: Rummage Sale Money - $297.00. What to do with it. Think about it and we will decide next meeting. NEW BUSINESS: Wittenberg Spring Tea - date has been confirmed for 5 May, 2012. Decided on a Cinco de Mayo theme. All confirmed with Susan at Wittenberg. LWML California-Nevada-Hawaii Convention in Rohnert Park - April 20, 21, 22, 2012. PLEASE WRITE IN CALENDAR. We can carpool. Details to follow as I get them. Human Care Projects for Convention decided on: Decided to support 2 of the 4 projects. Redwood Gospel Mission and Oroville Rescue Ministries. General details listed in Sunday overhead. Also you can go to www.cnhlwml.org to The Joyful Servant and full details are given.                 Elaine volunteered to put a plastic container in the Narthex of the church to collect donations and Karen Fogle will contact the School for their support and help with the Oroville Rescue Ministries which have requested socks and Bibles. PWP - Packed With Pride - NEW PROJECT FOR OUR LWML. Barbara Goldhammer in charge of organizing this project. She will be looking for help with this project, so be ready to say yes to her. She will be presenting more details of this project at our next meeting, 25 Feb. 2012.                 We also need to think of a name for this project: a suggestion was - LOVE FOR HEROES. Please think about it and give us your suggestion. Page 2 - Minutes for LWML meeting 28 January 2012   Trip to Bethel Center in San Francisco. Scheduled for 27 Feb. 2012. Will confirm this. More details to follow. Pro-rate fee is $3.00/each member and Quarterly Subscription rate is $5.00 (minimum 10). Will be taken from offerings. Need to figure out how you pick up this magazine. I have suggested that you pick them up from the LWML mailbox in the Administration Building, but that doesn't seem to be happening. Please offer a suggestion how to remedy this. When we had our special offering for Bites for Mites we collected $248.00. The total amount collected by District was $14,737.46. Go on line to get your "Pray For Us Calendar" - praying for our Missionaries abroad. - www.cnhlwml.org  Closed with prayer.   DATES TO REMEMBER: PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS:   25 FEB 2012 - NEXT LWML MEETING 9:30AM - 11:30AM 27 FEB. 2012 - BETHEL CENTER OUTING - SF 31 MARCH 2012 - PROBABLY AFTER 12 NOON - WORK PARTY FOR CONVENTION 20 - 22 APRIL 2012 - LWML CONVENTION,           Rohnert Park 5 MAY 2012 - WITTENBERG SPRING TEA "If you would like to be part of the LWML (Lutheran Womens Missionary League), please contact the Church Office or Barbara Adams, Facilitator of LWML at greendodge@comcast.net or phone 510-278-7045 or any other member of LWML".    *************************************************    The LWML District Convention is going to be held in Rohnert Park, CA on April 20-22, 2012  The theme this year is "Extreme Service" from the words of I Peter 4:10-11.  You are all invited to this event and I will be advising you of further information as soon as I receive it.    Our Calvary LWML has decided to support 2 of the 4 service projects offered:              1. Redwood Gospel Mission - Founded in 1963, the Mission mobilizes the community to minister to the needy (specifically, the homeless, addicted, and incarcerated) so lives are transformed.  The items needed for this project are: PERSONAL/TRAVEL SIZE PROJECTS THAT ARE NEW AND UNOPENED WHITE, ATHLETIC SOCKS FOR A MAN OR WOMAN ARE BEST BAND-AIDS, SOCKS, DEODORANT, SUNSCREEN, DEVOTIONAL, TOOTHBRUSH, TOOTHPASTE, GUM OR MINTS, LIP BALM, BOTTLED WATER, BIRTHDAY CARD WITH AN ENCOURAGING NOTE OR BIBLE PASSAGE AND SIGN YOUR FIRST NAME ONLY.             2.  Oroville Rescue Ministries - Religious non-profit serves the homeless and disadvantaged in Oroville area and its surrounding communities. The items needed: WHITE SOCKS FOR MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN BIBLES - NEW AND OLD ONES, ANY SIZES, INCLUDING CHILDREN'S   Our students at Calvary will be helping with this project also.    The LWML will have a box located in the narthex area labeled for these 2 projects to collect the items.  Please bring your donation no later than 30 March, 2012.    LWML SPRING RALLY will be held this year at Our Savior Lutheran in Fremont, March 10, 2012. Please mark your calendars.  We will car pool to the event. Registration will be at  8:45am and the rally will end by Noon.  If you would like to attend, please let me know. All women welcome from Calvary Lutheran Church.  BRING A FRIEND.  Barbara Adams, Facilitator of LWML 510-278-7045 OR contact the Church Office.  Thank you for your help.  Love in Jesus, Ladies of LWML    *******************************************   Joni Eareckson Tada will be in the San Francisco Bay Area from March 15-18, sharing her heart for Christian Disability Ministry. Joni is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Joni and Friends, an organization that reaches out to people with disabilities with the love of Jesus.  A diving accident in 1967 left Joni, then 17, a quadriplegic, without the use of her hands. She first became well known because of her art work using a point brush in her mouth, her first best selling autobiography, "Joni", in 1976, and the subsequent movie of the same name in 1979 She is now known internationally for her advocacy for and sharing the Gospel with people with disabilities. Joni will be speaking at the following times and places:   Thursday, March 15, 2012 Crosswinds Church 6444 Sierra Ct., Dublin, CA 94568 - 6:00-7:00pm Saturday, March 17, 2012 Westgate Church 1735 Saratoga Ave San Jose, CA  95129 -  5:00-6:00pm Sunday, March 18, 2012 Abundant Life Christian Fellowship 2440 Leghorn St. Mountain View, CA 94043 - 2:00-3:00pm Sunday,March 18, 2012 Community Presbyterian Church 222 W. El Pintado Rd. Danville, CA  94526 - 7:00-8:00pm   For more information on Joni please go to: http://www.joniandfriends.org/jonis-corner/jonis-bio/     6 Year Calvary Financial Analysis  Jan.1- Jan. 31   Year                                          2012        2011       2010       2009       2008       2007                   General Fund                         18637    19800     20961    16158      14923    19401  Coded Funds                             185           50         400         788           170      2934  Total All Funds                       18822    19850    21361    16946       19593    22335    # Donors Gen Fund                     66          71           78           71             71           71       # Donors Coded Fund                  4            2             9             7                6              7  Ave Offering, G/Fund                282         279        269         228           274         273

Exciting invitation from Calvary Lutheran Church & School

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"Baked Potato Bonanza" Dear Calvary Families,   Join us on Sunday, January 29 at our 10am Fellowship service where our 6th Gr. Partners in Worship perform a skit "Seeking What Was Lost".  Following the service we will have a "Baked Potato Bonanza" with all the trimmings, salad and dessert.   SEE YOU THERE! CLS Open House & Art/Academic Fair Weds., February 1st    6:30-8pm [www.calvaryslz.org]

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Feb 2012

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February 2012 Calvary E-Chronicle Pastor's Ponderings "This column is rated PG" They said it couldn't be done - BUT we've done it! We have survived 6 months as pastor and people-what a great accomplishment. I know I could not have made it without a lot of help from each of you. Thanks to all who fill in to pick up the pieces I do not cover. Please join me every day as we pray for the pastor God has chosen for Calvary. That process is at the CNH District right now and soon we should receive a list of possible candidates. In this list will be the six candidates we have suggested and the district will give us more information on their availability along with their spiritual gifts as well as other names and the gifts they suggest other candidates could bring to Calvary.   San Lorenzo has changed since Calvary Called Pastor Jim, 10 years ago. The demographics of San Lorenzo show that the white population of San Lorenzo is 35% lower-now making up about 30% of San Lorenzo; the Hispanic population has risen 60% to almost 40% of San Lorenzo's population; and the Asian population has increased more than 50% to near 30% of our population. In addition, studies done in the Alameda County indicate that the language spoken at home in 55% of the homes in this county is NOT English. This means that our opportunity to reach our neighborhood is more difficult in English and a bi-lingual pastor could be a great blessing to us.   God has lead us through Advent and Christmas and now we move into Lent and our Easter celebrations later this month. I hope you are looking forward to our mid-week Lenten services. Our theme will be "God's Gift of Forgiveness" and during those 7 weeks we will read seven penitential psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, & 143). In addition, Pastors Paul Aldrich from Zion, Piedmont and Mark Oatman from St Peter/Grace will be rotating with me in leading these services. Again, Soup Supper will take place at 5:45pm followed by worship at 7pm each Wednesday evening.   The weekly Themes will be: Feb. 22-Pastor Gary will preach on Psalm 32 "Hiding from God or Hiding in God?"; Feb. 29-Pastor Paul will preach on Psalm 6 "Save Me Because of Your Unfailing Love"; March 7- Pastor Mark will preach on Psalm 38 "Come Quickly to Help Me"; March 14-Pastor Gary will preach on Psalm 102 "God's Enduring Presence for You"; March 21-Pastor Paul will preach on Psalm 51 "Against You and For Me"; March 28-Pastor Mark will preach on Psalm 143 "Teach Me Your Will, For You Are My God". During Holy Week on Maundy Thursday Pastor Gary will preach on Psalm 116 "Delivered"; on Good Friday Psalm 130 "Divine Forgetfulness". I hope to worship with you during this important time in our Christian walk.    Pastor Gary ********************************************************************************************************************  February Sermon Themes What Does God Do For You Now? Feb 5 - "God Belongs in Your Home" Mark 1:29-39 Feb 12 - "God Is Willing to Meet Your Needs" Mark 1:40-45 Feb 19 - "God Is Your Hero" Mark 9:2-9 Feb 26 - "God Goes Into the Wilderness for You" Mark 1:9-13   Special Services February 22 Ash Wednesday 7pm (NO soup supper) April 5 Maundy Thursday 7pm April 6 Good Friday 7:30pm    Lenten Services 7pm with 5:45pm soup supper to precede   February 29    March 7, 14, 21 & 28       February Calendar  Men's Bible Breakfast Thursday mornings 6-7am Parish Hall   Prayer Quilt Ministry Weds. 9am-12pm Parish Hall   OWL (Middle School Youth) February 10   (service project, clean up the marina) February 27  Sky High     The Experience  (Sr. High Youth) Sundays, 6-8pm  Adult/ Children's Sunday School 9:30am   (kindergarten - 10th Gr.) Adult Choir  (led by Carol Liston) Sundays from 9-9:30am in church Beginning February 5th  Wittenberg Manor  Join us on the 3rd Sunday of the Month at 2pm for worship at Wittenberg BUY SCRIP Available Sundays after 8am service and weekdays in church office December Financials Address Update: Ryan & Jamie Ernst 2577 Lancaster Ct Santa Clara, CA 95051    Frank & Ann Marie Mitchell 8350 Cypress Court   Dublin, CA  94568         Received as New Members on January 29, 2012: Fred, Karla, Justin, Klayton & Jordyn Brauer 2853 Rutherford Court Livermore, CA  94550   Judi Molini 5150 Seaview Ave. Castro Valley, CA  94546   Walt & Linda Knoedler 431 Oxford St.  Hayward, CA  94541   Bill & Virginia Oliver 15536 Montreal St.     San Leandro, CA  94579      Upcoming Ministerial Recruitment Visit Have you ever considered being a pastor or deaconess?  If so, Rev. Kyle Castens from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis would like to meet with you at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Fremont on Weds., Feb. 8 any time between 1 & 3pm.  Rev. Castens is interested in meetinig with prospective seminary students of all ages- elementary school age through adults who are already employed in another vocation.  Conferences are individual, informal and family/friends are welcome.  Reservations are not necessary, but strongly encouraged.  510-793-3366 BUY SCRIP AVAILABLE SUNDAYS AFTER 8AM SERVICE OR WEEKDAYS IN CHURCH OFFICE. ORDERS ARE PLACED ON THE 1ST & 3RD MONDAYS OF THE MONTH. Are YOU Ready for a Choir at Calvary?      Carol has graciously offered to direct a choir and Easter is coming! So, all you singers, plan now to join the choir. We will rehearse on Sunday mornings between 9AM worship and Bible class at 9:30AM. If Pastor gets too wordy in worship, we may be a few minutes late for Bible class. Those who attend 10:45 worship, come early and sing with us.      The First Choir practice will be held, Sunday, February 5th at 9AM. We look forward to singing praises to God with YOU and YOU.      I have also been on Mr. Fred Brauer to get his trumpet in tune for Easter. He invites all other brass players to let him know of your talents. Let's make this a grand service of worship and praise-a joyful noise to the Lord. God deserves it and we get to enjoy the results. I'm sure we will have a few songs to sing before Easter, so pray about this musical adventure unfolding before us. PG February Anniversaries   2/1    Frank & Maria Mitchell        43 years 2/14  Ray & Hannelore Avalos      14 years  2/15  Gary & Leanne Mueller        20 years   2/21  Dave & Marlene Mueller      53 years  2/27  Lee & Joyce Strom                 47 years    February Birthdays 2/1       Nolan Glock 2/3       Linnea Greer 2/6       Bob Dailey             Cindy Strom 2/7       Jessica Keay 2/8       Sarah Silva 2/9       Tom Caspersen             Sandy Silva 2/12     Esther Garguilo 2/17     Rev. John Geach 2/20     Bethany Chhom 2/21     Calliott Scheuermann             Ricardo De LaCruz 2/24     Ashleigh Heggins 2/25     Kevin Pye 2/26     Pat Ahnstrom             Cindy Schultz 2/27     Alexander Corcoran Calvary Prayers Thanksgiving For the engagement of Becky Silva & David Aubrey; For Marlene Mueller's successful surgery; For Carol Liston and her 30 plus years in the teaching ministry and sharing her musical talents-  Calvary has truly been blessed; for Conrad Skjong's successful carpal tunnel surgery  Peace in the World President Obama and our country's leadership - For our soldiers in Afghanistan: Kyle Hyden, nephew of Skjong's; and for Frank Mitchell II, Thomas Caspersen and Antonio Landaverde who are overseas; for Jonathan Ellis For our Staff Fred Brauer; Margie Luehrs; Chrystle Vincent; Traci McClain; Amy Sosa; Christina Grace; Bethany Chhom; Carol Liston; Ellen Hackerd; Kristi Morlock; Abby Einspahr; Mike Souza; Doug Henry; Kim Heggins; Blenda Schultz; Michelle Michael; Sherrie Akre; Cecilia Guerra; Cindy Suppus; Lydiana Sanchez; Holly Contier; Pastor Gary Ministry Guidance For our interim ministry need; Marketing Ideas; Wittenberg Manor   Outreach; Evangelism; Children's, Family and Youth Ministries; Parish Education; School Enrollment Peace and Comfort For the Lowe family, Rita passed away on 1/21; For the passing of Stuart Vincent's mom, Thelma Vincent (96 years young); Larry Caspersen's Family (Larry passed away on 1/17 at home) Cancer Patients Dee Lazaga (Edith Mena's sister), ovarian cancer; Rita Lowe; Evelyn Asker; Joyce Schwartz, Leanne Mueller's mother; Bettie Benz' son-in-law, Stephen Comfort; Pat Brown; Melody Saldate; Wanda Grimm Physical, Emotional or Spiritual Healing Mel Remmertt; Millie Salo; Frank Mitchell; Mabel Stafne; Susan Hoffman; Bill Olsen, Annette English's dad; Esther Garguilo; Willine Watson; Marlene Mueller; Angela Garcia; Adolph Stafne; Marie Curtis; Van Deckert; John Ohanesian; Tyler & Dave Flynn Expectant mothers Stephanie Mendia- due June; Emily Blank- due June 16; Candice Kofsky- due March; Vicki Blank- due March; Tiffanie Kelly- due Feb. 10; Carol Liston's daughter, Melissa Piering- due Feb. Personal Needs & Other Concerns Marriage difficulties; elderly parents and those in need of employment Travel Mercies Lee & Joyce Strom; Phil & Carmen Caspersen     Please help to keep prayer requests current. Call the church office with updates. Thank you. 278-2555. Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage  "This is not one of those 'lets beat up on the men for not being women'  seminars.  Men are men! We're not sick, we're not twisted, we're not broken... we're men.  And God made us that way for a reason."  Mark Gungar   Video Seminar  Prince of Peace Lutheran Church  February 24 & 25  38451 Fremont Blvd. Fremont, CA  94536  Friday 7-10pm     Saturday 9-12:30pm REGISTRATION COUPLE/$35   SINGLE/$18   BOG Minutes  BOARD OF GOVERNANCE December 15, 2011   PRESENT   Barbara Adams, Jeff Jensen, Lee Strom, Darlene Goldhammer, Pastor Mohr   Minutes from December 1, 2011 approved by email. Pastor opened with a devotion based on Rev. 2:12-17, which was the letter to the church at Pergamos where Satan literally had a throne and an altar which was called "the Seat of Satan." The throne/altar was 40' high from which the surrounding area could be seen. The church was being persecuted but was holding on by faith to the words of the law and gospel. The struggle was intense, questioning whether Jesus was really man or really God. Worship of Baalim and other idols, along with sexual immorality, was being taught. Emperor Constantine promoted Christian teachings along with pagan ideas. God told the believers they had to repent or He would fight against them with His double- edged sword of the word. God's desire then and now was to have an intimate relationship with the church; this happens when we devote time to the word and prayer and when we take communion. PASTOR'S REPORT   Pastor said that the question of changing our regular service times had been presented to the Elders and they had taken it under consideration with various possible modifications. Pastor also discussed with Principal Fred Brauer his interest in being part of the Call Committee representing the school.   UNFINISHED BUSINESS   Treasurer Jeff Jensen stated that an audit of church finances was currently taking place using a person recommended by the Synod. Two members were contacted to consider becoming BOG members; both have declined at this time. We will revisit the situation early in the New Year. Calvary's ministry to Wittenberg was discussed and how we might expand it. Pastor indicated that there are two retired ministers in the area; he will contact them to see if either would like to volunteers to minister to the people at Wittenberg. Communication with members is limited to bulletin board announcements and items in their newspaper.   Barbara Adams will contact the administrator to see if Christmas caroling may take place on December 18. Our members will be notified by email and the Sunday bulletin, so we hope to have a group available to sing in the halls. Barbara Adams met with Christina Grace from the Youth Committee. Christina said it would be a great help if two couples were available to meet with the group on alternating meeting times and assume responsibility for some of the activities. Fred Brauer and Barbara Adams will also meet with Brian Pye. We will be establishing a beautification committee for the sanctuary. The church has received a $10,000 memorial gift in memory of Wilma Ramirez, which will be used. The discussion about the need for this began in September when we were challenged to take a look at the sanctuary from the perspective of a first time visitor. This will not be a permanent committee. The following housing allowance amounts have been approved for the teaching staff for the next year.   Fred Brauer                       $79,535 Bethany Chhom                 14,106 Abby Einspahr                   14,000 Christina Grace                 14,664 Ellen Hackerd                    20,720 Margie Luehrs                   27,000 Carol Liston                       49,210 Kristi Morlock                    22,640     NEW BUSINESS We discussed the need for an evangelism committee and the need for each of us to look at all we do for others as evangelism. Any care we extend to a friend or neighbor is a form of creating a bond with another person, whether it is raking a lawn or providing a meal. This bond may make it possible at some time to share the gospel. Residents of Wittenberg I and II have no way to go from one building to the other without going outside. We recommend that a breezeway be built between the buildings to include fire escapes, allowing residents easy indoor access between buildings. The hope is this will encourage attendance by residents from both buildings for our Sunday praise services and weekly Bible studies. Greeters for the Wednesday night Christmas program will be from the Quilters and LWML group. The parsonage has been rented as of December 15 with a one-year lease. Men's Breakfast/Bible Study will resume January 12, 2012.   The meeting was closed with prayer by all present.   Respectfully submitted, BOG Secretary, Darlene Goldhammer   January meetings: Jan. 12 and Jan. 26

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Jan 2012

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January 2012 Calvary E-Chronicle Pastor's Ponderings "Happy New Year, Again!" Since I wished you a Happy New Year last month when we began our Advent worship, I am out of step with the world around us. For the church, the New Year began with the four weeks of preparation for Christmas we call Advent. But let me say it again, I wish you a Blessed and Christ filled New Year.   What do we have to look forward to in the New Year? Well, getting more acquainted with one another. One of the most joyful times I am having as your Vacancy Pastor is Bible class. I meet with a group of early risers on Thursday mornings at 6AM-way too early for an old man like me-BUT I have been encouraged by the regular attendance by this group of 12-15 men each week. Howard puts together a marvelous breakfast and we spend 45 minutes in studying God's Word together. We have completed a study on James which challenged us to apply our Christian faith to our everyday life. And now we are beginning to study Acts, the Acts of God encouraging congregations to tell everyone what He has done and how much God loves you and me.   In our Sunday morning Bible class we have studied the opening chapters of Revelation where Christ tells us what he expects of His church on earth. It has been encouraging as we pray for God's guidance in the next Pastor God has in mind for this congregation. Now we are studying Hebrews where God removes our doubts about the Christian faith - I hope you can join us at 9:30AM.   It is in these Bible classes that I feel what God is calling us to be. You see, Calvary Lutheran is not a corporation, even though we have a large staff and operate under corporation laws in California and with the federal government. But, God's design for a congregation is a family. We need to care for one another. We need to be with people we would like to spend our vacation with. Calvary Lutheran is an extended family filled with people we love and to whom we can reveal who we really are. I have caught this spirit here at Calvary in the several months I have been with you. I hope you have caught this feeling as well and I hope that we allow our guests and visitors feel as if they have been welcomed in our family. I think this welcoming feeling comes across best in these Bible classes where we can share and hear how things are going in our individual lives.   What do families do? They play together and they purpose together. They work at having fun and they work at keeping in communication with one another - they care about what the other members of the family are doing.   I would suppose that if there was ever a time a congregation needs to be in God's Word it is now as we seek God's plan for our new Pastor to lead this family. I hope this is part of your prayer request to God each day, not to convince Him that we need a Pastor, but to open our hearts to the Pastor God has in mind for Calvary.   Unlike the world, as we, Christians, step into 2012, we know that we are not alone. God is with us and he has placed us in a family of brothers and sisters in Christ so that we will grow in faith and in our love for one another as we face the challenges that lie ahead in the new year.   Thanks for making me part of your family. May the peace of Christ be with you today and always, Pastor Gary   January Calendar Men's Bible Breakfast Thursday mornings 6-7am Parish Hall Starting Jan.12 Prayer Quilt Ministry Weds. 9am-12pm Parish Hall   OWL  (Middle School Youth) January 13 & 27  6-8pm  The Experience  (Sr. High Youth) Sundays, 6-8pm NOT Meeting on   Jan. 1st   January Schedule  Adult/ Children's Sunday School 9:30am   (kindergarten - 10th Gr.) Wittenberg Manor  Join us on the 3rd Sunday of the Month at 2pm for worship at Wittenberg BUY SCRIP Available Sundays after 8am service and weekdays in church office November Financials Address Change: Van Deckert 500 Summit Court Virginia Beach,VA 23462      Offering Envelopes for 2012 available in Narthex, if you would like offering envelopes, contact the church office 278-2555.  Sermon Themes for January 2012 The "W's" of Christmas Jan 1, 2012  Seeing Christ involves a lot of Waiting, Luke 2:25-35 Jan 8, 2012  "Christmas Wisdom,"  Matthew 2:1-12 Jan 15, 2012  "Let Your Light Shine - Willingness"   John 1:43-51 Jan 22, 2012 "The Two Greatest Days in Your Life-Why Not?"   Mark 1:14-20 Jan 29, 2012  "The World of Words"  Mark 1:21-28    January Anniversaries  1/1        Saldate, Jose and Melody                       21 years 1/3        Kreienkamp, Dan and Jen                        3 years 1/10      Duvall, Rex and Linda                              31 years January Birthdays 1/3        Sid Nickles 1/5        Karl Mena          1/8        Ashley Coleman 1/9        Louise Woodard  1/11      Trevor Contier                 Evan Sosa 1/15      Todd Harris 1/18      Jerrie Moyer 1/20      Leanne Mueller              Vivian Hunter 1/21      Ann Marie Mrak 1/22      Sarah Ramirez 1/24      Jacob Ellis 1/25      Carol Liston 1/26      Vanessa Vincent 1/28      Mary Dorr               Austin Harris 1/30      Hannelore Avalos               Antonio Landaverde     Thank You... The Prayer Quilt Ministry now has plenty of volunteers to crochet crosses,  thank you to all who have volunteered for this project.    Wanted also to add a special thank you to all who helped donate "goodies" for the Wittenberg Tea.  They were really enjoyed by all of the residents at the tea.  A thank you also to the many volunteers who willingly participated in the whole event: Barbara Arionus who organized the putting together of the bells pin/ornament for each of the residents, the ladies from the LWML who prepared sandwiches & desserts, served and cleaned up, Bill Sandau for the invitations and program, Joan Penrose and her Children's Choir from Faith Lutheran Church in Castro Valley, Carol Liston and all of the Calvary Ringers, members of the congregation who helped with serving and preparing desserts, one of our Elders, Dave Schultz, also helped serve food, etc. and Howard Goldhammer - Santa and his special message to everyone about sharing and giving and the reason for our beautiful season, Christmas, Jesus Christ.  What a wonderful time we had and all to the glory of our Lord.  Thank you!!!!!  A Word from 2nd Grade The Christmas season has flown by. The second graders enjoyed preparing the Christmas Program "Sing a Song of Christmas". 2012 is now beginning with us looking forward to many adventures.   This month we will be attending the San Francisco Symphony. The program is designed for children and their musical enjoyment. We will learn about the different instrument families and the sounds the instruments make.   Then we are getting ready for the School-wide Open House that all of you are invited to. We have made covered wagons for when we learned about the pioneers going west.   We will learn about slavery and the Civil War. We will move on to Immigration and learn a little about our ancestors. We are learning new words to spell for the Spelling Bee. We just finished learning about the seasons in Science. We are going to learn about Simple Machines and Magnets soon. The annual Amtrak trip to Sacramento will take place in May again. This is fun for all. The Second Graders wish all of you a Blessed New Year.   BOG Minutes   BOARD OF GOVERNANCE December 1, 2011   Present: Barbara Adams, Jeff Jensen, Lee Strom, Darlene Goldhammer, Pastor Gary Mohr.   Opened with prayer. Minutes from November 17, 2011, were confirmed by email.   Our discussion focused on situations in our congregation. All who are committed to Christ are commissioned to serve. Can each of us say we are living out that commitment? Are we as a congregation living out that commitment? How can we overcome the apathy that prevents us from growing as individual Christians and also prevents us from reaching out to others?   In our school we have an opportunity to reach out to a number of unchurched children and their families. How can we do this? Pastor Mohr is working with the school staff on ways they can connect with these families. We want to encourage school families to attend church happenings such as soup suppers. However when these families do come and sit by themselves, what is the chance they will return? What can you do to remedy this situation?   Barbara Adams will meet with Brian Pye and Christina Grace, youth workers, to discuss ways in which families can be involved with our program through their teenagers. We have around 50 teenagers in our two youth groups, many of them from outside the church.   BOG is also recommending that we return to our summer schedule of one 9am blended service at the beginning of the new year. The Board of Elders will be asked to consider this recommendation.   We discussed our ministry to Wittenberg, which is currently one Bible study every week and one monthly service. Publicity to the residents about schedule times sometimes is a problem. Barbara Adams will meet with the site administrator to review our boundaries at the facility.   Two additional names were suggested as possible BOG candidates. They will each be personally contacted by a BOG member.   We are still in need of a voting delegate at the April 27-29 District Meeting; Dave Schultz will be our voting delegate at the LINC meeting in Fremont January 14.       Pastor Gary ended our meeting with a devotion based on Rev. 2:8-11, the Smyrna church, a church which was experiencing difficult financial persecution. Smyrna was an area, which was largely non-Christian, worshipping the emperor instead of God. God was well aware of their troubles and said, "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer."(Rev. 2:10)   Those words also apply to us today as He also says, "Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life." (Rev. 2:10) We are to be continually encouraged by His assurance in Rom. 8:38 that nothing can separate us from His love for us.       We closed with prayer by all present participating.   Darlene Goldhammer BOG Secretary Calvary Prayers Thanksgiving Frank Mitchell's successful hip surgery; For a successful Christmas program and   Advent soup suppers  Peace in the World President Obama and our country's leadership - For our soldiers in Afghanistan: Kyle Hyden, nephew of Skjong's; and for Thomas Caspersen and Antonio Landaverde who are overseas; for Jonathan Ellis For our Staff Fred Brauer; Margie Luehrs; Chrystle Vincent; Traci McClain; Amy Sosa; Christina Grace; Bethany Chhom; Carol Liston; Ellen Hackerd; Kristi Morlock; Abby Einspahr; Mike Souza; Doug Henry; Kim Heggins; Blenda Schultz; Michelle Michael; Sherrie Akre; Cecilia Guerra; Cindy Suppus; Lydiana Sanchez; Holly Contier; Pastor Gary Ministry Guidance For our interim ministry need; Marketing Ideas; Wittenberg Manor   Outreach; Evangelism; Children's, Family and Youth Ministries; Parish Education; School Enrollment Peace and Comfort For the family of Marty Martinez (former member); For Kim Heggins & family at the sudden loss of her aunt, Shirley Ramos Cancer Patients Debi Barnhart, stage 4 lung cancer; Evelyn Asker; Joyce Schwartz, Leanne Mueller's; Bettie Benz' son-in-law, Stephen Comfort; Pat Brown; Melody Saldate; Wanda Grimm Physical, Emotional or Spiritual Healing For Christina Grace's uncle Robbie, heart problems; Frank Mitchell; Mabel Stafne; Susan Hoffman; Bill Olsen, Annette English's dad; Esther Garguilo; Willine Watson; Marlene Mueller; Angela Garcia; Adolph Stafne; Marie Curtis; Van Deckert; John Ohanesian;   Tyler & Dave Flynn Expectant mothers Megan Irish- due Jan. 6; Melissa Piering- due Feb.; Tiffanie Kelly- due Feb. 10; Vicki Blank- due March; Candice Kofsky- due March; Emily Blank- due June 16  Please help to keep prayer requests current. Call the church office with updates. Thank you. 278-2555.     Calvary website: www.calvaryslz.org  (request a prayer quilt, send an eprayer)

Forward email This email was sent to teachers@calvaryslz.org by churchsecretary@calvaryslz.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Calvary Lutheran Church & School | 17200 Via Magdalena | San Lorenzo | CA | 94580