Agnus Dei Lutheran Church Gather in grace

Grow in faith Go in service

April 2016 www.facebook.com/ADLCGigHarbor agnusdeilutheran.org

Welcome New Members It was wonderful to welcome 13 new members into our community of faith at Easter Vigil this year. Five of those joined by bap sm. We celebrated with Sharon; Marie; Jenny and Bob and their children Alexis, Benjamin and Josie; Mar n and Denise and their children Chris na, Olivia and William; and our youngest new member Olivia Kay. Welcome!

2 Upcoming Congrega onal Mee ngs April 3 at 9:45 AM We will meet to approve the final budget for the building renova ons. Details are in the council message on page 3. May 22 at 9:45 At this annual spring congrega onal mee ng we will elect new members to the church council. If you have an interest in serving on the council please contact one of the nomina ng commi ee; Steve Carlson, John Barelli, Marlene Bridgforth, Ardith Johnson or Kimberly Morgan. Also at this mee ng, the updated “Vulnerable Popula ons Protec on Policy” will be presented.

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body 1 Corinthians 12:13

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From Our Pastors

Please let Pastor Seth and/or Pastor Stephanie know if you are in need of pastoral care. If you would like to be contacted by one of our pastors please call the office at 253-851-6222 or email them at pastorstephanie@agnusdeilutheran.org or pastorseth@agnusdeilutheran.org. In an emer-gency, you can reach Pastor Seth @ 253-448-3481 or Pastor Stephanie @ 253-234-7752. While our pastors are away from April 5–13, Pastor Lyle Miller will be available for emergency pastoral care. His cell phone number is 253-677-6043.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, grace to you and peace! When I first came to Western Washington, I was overwhelmed with the amount of green here. Even now, I con nue to live in awe of the abundance of life that thrives in this beau ful corner of God’s crea on. Mosses and lichens, trees and ferns, mushrooms of all sorts all contribute to the lush beauty of this place. Of course, we have the abundant rain to thank for this greenery we enjoy. Water is life-giving.

Living on the sound, as well, is a reminder of this. The Narrows and the harbor are home not only to fish, but seals, octopi, starfish, urchins, clams, oysters, and the occasional orca or even humpback whale. We are reminded daily that it was in the water of this planet that life was first born, and it was the water that sustained it for billions of years before plants and animals had yet begun to colonize land.

Holy Week and Easter, too, are a reminder of the life-giving nature of water. Specifically, as we walked through Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Vigil of Easter, we were reminded of the life we share with Christ through bap sm. These days are important to us because they remind us that, just like winter in Western Washington, life shared with Christ is not always sunshine and rainbows; it is o en grey and dreary, and can some mes even be downright depressing. However, we know that just as winter always gives way to summer, in the promise of Christ’s resurrec on, the pain of Good Friday and the agonized wai ng of Holy Saturday always give way to the joy and new life of Easter Sunday.

The more I experience God in the words of scripture, in the sacraments of Holy Bap sm and Holy Communion, and in the loving community of the Church, the less I think that God requires us to be bap zed before God extends to us the hope of resurrec on. God’s love is too expansive, God’s grace too sufficient, and God’s desire for reconcilia on too great to let any of God’s children escape the joy of eternal life based on a technicality.

And yet, there is something life-giving about the water of bap sm.

Through bap sm, God does something to us, God changes us. In the water and the Word, we experienced with Jesus the love of his friends and the mistrust and hatred of the world on Thursday; we died with him on Friday and waited with him for vindica on on Saturday; and on Sunday, we were resurrected with him, knowing the power of God’s life-giving love, even as the wounds of our defeat are s ll new and tender.

No, I do not think bap sm is a prerequisite for resurrec on; but I do think that it is what God uses to frame our own struggles and fears and despairs in the light of Easter’s joyous resurrec on and God’s eventual victory over all the forces within ourselves and our world that would oppose the work of Jesus the Christ.

Water gives life. Even when it is destruc ve, it leaves life in its wake. The water of bap sm is no different: through it, we experience death, but ul mately, it brings us once again to life. We need only look out the window to see a hint of the abundance of life of which God is capable; that abundance pales in comparison to the life God grants through bap sm. In the moments when we feel abandoned, hopeless, defeated; when it seems that the evil of the world is too strong to overcome, God reaches out and splashes us in the face with the hope of Easter.

Blessings to you,

Pr. Seth & Pr. Stephanie

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March 2016 Council Mee ng Minutes Summary Finances: Our finances con nue to track very close to right on budget through the end of February. Thank you for your con nuing faithfulness and generosity! Commi ee Notes: The annual talent show is scheduled for April 30. Pastor Stephanie will serve as the master of ceremonies. The evening is an opportunity for members to share their performance talents with the congrega on. If you have a talent you would like to share, contact Pastor Stephanie.

Renova on Project: The council approved a proposal for the church renova on project totaling $65,000. Funds for the project will come from the Building Fund which has a current balance of $93,341.01 A congrega onal vote will be held on April 3 at 9:45 to approve the project. Construc on will begin in June. The renova on project includes:

Up to $10,000 for the renova on and construc on of structures to enhance the sanctuary including: Removal of the sliding doors and removal of some of the exis ng back wall Building a new rear sanctuary wall and entry way Replacement of some of the windows in the sanctuary

(Construc on to be done by volunteer labor) Up to $25,000 for removal of old carpe ng and installa on of new flooring in the sanctuary, narthex, offices,

classrooms and other common spaces. (Work to be completed by Spectra Contract Flooring) Up to $30,000 for installa on of a new digital sound system (Work to be completed by R H Holden Company)

Dona on Sta on: The council approved expenditure of up to $500 for construc on of a new “dona on sta on” which will be located on the wall outside the music room.

Vulnerable Popula on Policy: Work con nues on our “vulnerable popula ons” policy which is designed to protect children, older adults and any other vulnerable persons in our congrega on. The council expects to approve the new policy at our April council mee ng.

Council Nomina ons: A commi ee has been formed to choose nominees for the church council. New council members are voted on at our annual mee ng later this spring. Nomina ons may also be submi ed by the congrega on at the mee ng.

Yours in Christ, Randy Spitzer, Council President

Pastor’s Visits

We are thoroughly enjoying ge ng to know you all be er! We con nue to work through the directory, se ng up mes to meet with each household, either in your home or here at church. So, if your last name starts with A - O, know that we will be contac ng you soon to set something up. The sole purpose of the visits is to get to know you be er! What are the greatest joys in your lives? What are your greatest challenges? What do you love about Agnus Dei? What are your dreams for the church? We look forward to visi ng Pastor Seth and Pastor Stephanie

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2016 General Fund Giving Report General Fund: Goal Actual % of Goal Annual $416,000 March $34,667 31,894 92% Year to Date $104,001 101,797 98%

March Attendance March 6: 151 Maundy Thursday: 69 March 13: 145 Good Friday: 58 March 27 Easter 8:30: 129 Easter Vigil: 62 March 27 Easter 11:00: 134

Stewardship by Mike Snowden, Stewardship Commi ee Chair

2016 Agnus Dei Dessert and Talent Show

Everything that we have was given to us by God (Romans 11:36). He has entrusted us with our me, our talent, and our treasure. Most of the me stewardship seems to be about giving back some of our treasure and

me to God for His use. On April 30 we will have the opportunity to share the special talents that God has given us that makes each of us unique.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. we will have me to browse displays of the crea ons of our members here at Agnus Dei. Quilters, scrap bookers, card makers, woodworkers, and anyone else who creates items that can be displayed will be welcome to bring their crea ons and set up a display in the narthex. At the same me, those of us whose special ability lies in the area of baking will supply a variety of desserts that may be enjoyed by everyone in a endance. At 7:30 p.m. there will be a me set aside for par cipants to share their special talents in the areas of singing, dancing, ac ng, playing instruments, or other skill ac vity.

If you have a talent, ac vity, or display that you would like to share at the talent show please put your name and a short tle or descrip on on the sign-up sheet in the narthex. If you do not have a special talent or hobby that you would like to share, please sign up to share bring a dessert to share.

(Se ng up displays will take place from 6:00-6:30 p.m.)

Sharing our Gi s Stewardship Update Thank you to all, good and faithful stewards.

2016 Designated Giving Report March Year to Date Building Fund $355 $2007 FISH (local food bank) $340 $985 World Hunger $1678 $4363 Food Backpacks 4 Kids $347 $987 Organ purchase $220 $1665 Special Lenten Midweek Worship Offerings: Spark Story Bibles: $637 Lutheran World Relief Kits: $340 Parents Circle-Families Forum Israel/Palestine: $482 Associated Ministries: $618 FISH: $361 + Toilet Paper

Building Fund & Above and Beyond Balance $167,942.46

The detailed Treasurers report will be available on the bulletin board later in April. Copies can be emailed on request.

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An Invita on to Join the Agnus Dei Hikers

The hiking group will resume its monthly ou ngs for the year this April. The date: April 23rd. We will meet at the church parking lot at 9:00 AM. Be sure to bring water and a lunch. My expecta on is that we will be back no later than 3:00 PM. The hike, in the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, is rated as easy, mostly hard packed dirt and board walk, and no eleva on gain. The walk is also child friendly, lots of birds to be seen. In the past we have seen herons, eagles, geese, and more. Unless it is pouring rain, the hike is a go. For ques ons, please contact Neal at nealvandervoorn@yahoo.com. All are welcome!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - Volunteers needed! Plans are underway for Agnus Dei Vaca on Bible School for both children and adults. Dates are July 11-15 (Monday through Friday mornings). This year’s theme is “Barnyard Roundup: Jesus Gathers Us Together”. Interested in helping? Please let Pastor Seth or Tom Bradford know. Our next planning mee ng will be at the church on Friday, April 22 at 2pm.

Agnus Dei Book Group The book group meets every 3rd Friday of the month at 7:00 PM For the April 15 mee ng we are reading Sherman Alexie's The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven, a collec on of short stories and sketches. Alexie, a Spokane Na ve American, has won numerous literary awards. He is this year's feature author by Pierce County Library System. All are welcome to discuss. Email me if you have ques ons. Neal VanDerVoorn nealvandervoorn@yahoo.com

Loren Carlander Audrey Clinton Ken Hay and family Richard Hermstad Dick La mer Barb Malich

Serving Our Country:

Jason Barelli, U.S. Navy Ma Fistler, U.S.A.F. (Loren Carlander’s

Grandson) Staton West, U.S. Army

Hal and Myra Snider Jack S er Rose VanderKlomp Alene Wilkes Jim Wilson

The family of Pat Borgen as they mourn her death.

Spring Cleanup Work Party

April 9 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Bring you favorite yard tools to the church on Saturday

morning April 9 and spend a few hours sprucing up the church gardens for the Spring. If you have wheel barrows and pickup trucks for hauling yard waste to the dump for recycling bring them too. There are tasks for all ages and abilities. Many hands make light work and its more fun to work together!

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March Quil ng Got a Big Boost from Thrivent Quilters are now mee ng twice monthly: on the second Monday and the fourth Tuesday at 1 pm. Sharon Ebelt received $250 event

grant from Thrivent and purchased a supply of ba ng and needles to help us meet our 2016 quilt goal of 35 quilts. We also had snacks and received Thrivent tee shirts at the event. In April quil ng will happen on the Monday, the 11th, and Tues., the 26th. Also, thanks to the “fabric fairy” who has been leaving bags of fabrics for quil ng and fabric kits. Dona ons included 11 lengths of fabric 3 yards or greater. Each kit contains 2 lengths of fabric and 2 spools of thread. Smaller pieces are used for quil ng.

Peace Lutheran Dinner, Monday April 18 Please sign-up on the chart in the narthex. Besides food, you can donate money for food or volunteer to serve and /or transport dinner to Peace Lutheran in Tacoma. Food needs to be at church by 3 pm and the food wagon leaves Agnus Dei at about 4:30 for serving at 5:30. Please see

Cindy if you need a lasagna heated at church.

Toilet Paper Drive for FISH

The Great TP Wall of 2015 The TP shelf at FISH in it’s current state

A wall is going up in the narthex! No, the remodel has not started yet. By request of the people at Gig Harbor FISH we are building another wall of TP. Your generous TP dona ons in Lent are forming the founda on, and your dona ons in the first half of April will grow the wall higher…and higher…and higher. We did this last year and the final wall was as high as Rose V (see above). Let’s build even higher this year. We will deliver to FISH on Tax Day. TP was just one of your Lenten dona ons: Thanks for all your dona ons for Spark Story Bibles, to Associated Ministries, to the Parents Circle (Israel/Pales ne), and for towels and soap for Lutheran World Relief.

Too many vases, baskets and plant pots? Bring your excess to church and they will be given to the WWCC hor culture program. Everything that we donate helps them to keep costs down. Collec on will be during the last 2 weeks of April, with delivery on May Day.

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Faith Community Nurses Zoe Holmes, Teresa McDonald, and Gwen Daugs

For they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Proverbs 4:22(NIV)

We are so lucky to live in the mes that we do for so many

reasons. Health technology is certainly one of those reasons. We only have to look at recent news for a specific example: former President, Jimmy Carter, at 91 years old, just announced that he no longer has brain cancer a er spending a year receiving a new immune therapy treatment. Health technology is defined by the World Health Organiza on as “the applica on of organized knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve quality of lives." Health technology includes all the pharmaceu cals, medical devices, health procedures and all the organiza onal systems that are a part of health care. There are so many recent medical breakthroughs that could save--or at the very least improve-- our life or the lives of our loved ones. I would like to spend some me this month reviewing a 2014 AARP ar cle that describes five new medical technologies that will help us treat some of our serious health problems. 1. For some me, a conven onal pacemaker has been available for people with heart condi ons. This device is surgically implanted in the pa ent’s chest, and electrical wires are run through a vein that goes to the heart. This pacemaker con nues to work well for many people, promp ng the heart to beat at a normal rate. However, inser ng this device into the chest is an invasive procedure. Now there is a wireless pacemaker--about the size of a large vitamin pill--that requires minimal invasive surgery. Because it is wireless, it can be threaded through an artery in the groin and then a ached directly to the heart muscle. Unlike the tradi onal dual chamber model, it is designed to s mulate just one chamber of the heart. For now it is being used only in people with bradycardia which is a slow, irregular heartbeat that can cause fa gue, dizziness, fain ng, and shortness of breath. In me, the new device will become more widespread in its usage. 2. There is a new immune-boos ng “vaccine” that could revolu onize cancer treatment. (This is the type of treatment that was done for Jimmy Carter’s brain cancer) The treatment is s ll in the clinical trial stages, but it is looking very successful for many types of cancer. Basically, the vaccine works by using the pa ent’s own immune cells to a ack the cancer. It’s a two-pronged process. First, the vaccine gets the pa ent’s cancer cells to “teach” the pa ent’s immune system to recognize the cancer cells as bad. Then, an injec on of gene cally altered bacteria s mulates the immune system to fight those bad cancer cells. The treatment is given intravenously every three weeks. It seems to keep the cancer in check and has much milder side effects than chemotherapy. One pa ent reported that while going through this type of treatment he had enough energy to go shopping with his daughter while she hunted for

a wedding dress. He hung in there while she looked at 65 dresses! 3. A hybrid cochlear implant is available to those who can s ll hear some low-pitched sounds but whose higher pitch sounds are undetectable. Approved by the USDA two years ago, the hybrid implants treat the most common form of hearing loss, which occurs when the inner ear has been damaged by aging, heredity, illness or loud noises. Most o en hearing aids do not offer a benefit to this type of hearing loss. The device, which is surgically implanted, combines the func ons of both a hearing aid and a cochlear implant and helps transmit high frequency sounds. A test pa ent needed a few months to get used to the device, but it offers the pa ent a wonderful opportunity to socialize again and to par cipate in former life events that they once enjoyed like listening to music. 4. There is a new trial using a breakthrough type of diagnos c computer so ware that can sort through millions of bacteria DNA fragments in just minutes to diagnose an infec ous disease. The test can also iden fy non-infec ous causes of illnesses. For example, it can show that an illness is not an infec on but an auto-immune disease. Conven onal blood tests can take several days, even weeks, to yield results since the tes ng can only look for one disease at a me. The new computer analysis, developed by a group of colleagues at the University of California, can produce a diagnosis o en within an hour. 5. There is a life-threatening bacterium called Clostridium difficile, or C.diff, which each year has caused 250,000 hospitaliza ons and 14,000 deaths in our country, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Preven on. An bio cs not only frequently fail to treat the infec on; they also can destroy some of the normal, helpful bacteria in the intes ne, which then allows even more C.diff to develop. And now there is an aggressive new strain of C.diff emerging that produces even more toxins and is more resis ve to medica on. Fecal transplants--using healthy bacteria from normal stool samples to reseed a weakened intes ne--have had a miraculous effect in curing people by giving the intes ne a chance to fight off the infec on naturally. There is a “yuck factor” involved here, so I will not go into details of the newer, less costly methods of performing these transplants. But I can share with you that the ar cle reports that this procedure worked on children as young as 2 and on adults as old as 90, with a 90% success rate! I am thankful that medical science is forever changing the ways we treat and diagnosis medical problems. Don’t you feel fortunate to live in an age where the future is now, for millions of us, and that we will soon be reaping the rewards from these remarkable developments?

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Join your fellow ELCA members of our Southwestern Washington Synod for our Educational Gathering in Silverdale on Saturday, May 21st from 10am-3:30pm. The day will be full of educational workshops on Congregational Leadership and Congregational Mission, plus worship together. Please select two workshops that you'd like to attend. Lunch included. Meet at Agnus Dei at 9AM to carpool. See workshops below and pick up a registration form on the Faith Formation Bulletin Board.

WORKSHOP OFFERINGS: CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS (Select One):

Becoming Social Media Savvy: How can Facebook, Twitter, Texting and Instagram be your friends? Explore the different kinds of social media and how they can help you in your congregation’s ministry with communication, relationship-building and even more!

Conceptualizing Worship Learn about the core of Lutheran worship as defined by the Augsburg Confessions. Relevent worship is conceptual and contextual worship. Large and small group work included to build an authentic, relevant, inclusive and inspiring worship.

Congregation Treasurer and Financial Secretary Best Practices The job of Congregation Treasurer can vary widely, to fit the needs of each congregation. But the basic function, to serve as the financial officer of the congregation remains the same, no matter how big, or small the congregation. This interactive workshop will focus on the best practices of congregation treasurers and financial secretaries from around the synod. Please bring the best practices from your congregation to share.

Mission Interpretation and Stewardship Not Your Parent’s Temple Talk. Telling your story is a HUGE part of any congregation’s stewardship program (or at least it should be). But how do you tell it? And where? Is your Congregation telling their whole story – a piece of their story or no story at all? How often are you telling your story? Join Darcy Huffman, our Synod’s Mission Interpreter Coordinator, for a workshop designed to help you get your congregation’s whole story out in a way that may enhance your congregation’s stewardship efforts.

Strengthening Church Council Roles Workshop participants will learn specific, practical ways in which Church Councils can lead a congregation, supervise programs and plan for the future. Good organization and job clarity will be discussed.

CONGREGATIONAL MISSION WORKSHOPS

Being Lutheran in Today’s World We are approaching the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation in 2017. This workshop will help participants think about the essential ingredients of being Lutheran and how living as a Lutheran Christian can address the world’s need.

Congregational Vitality and Sustainability Next Steps This is a follow-up to the work at the 2015 Synod Assembly. If you’ve done the Quick Check and find that your congregation isn’t as vital and sustainable as you’d like, we’ll give you resources for what your next steps can be.

Adult Faith Formation for Spiritual Transformation Christ invites us on a life-long journey to grow in faith, love and service. Learn how the adult members of your congregation can be guided in their faith formation process through your education program, spiritual reflection opportunities, worship and prayer life in your parish.

Faith Formation for the First Third of Life Take a modern look at the landscape of youth and family faith formation with leaders from your synod. We'll explore practical points of entry for your congregation's ministry, touch on available resources, and give you tools to take home. Come with a sense of your congregation's context and vision for a more fulfilling experience.

Reaching Beyond Race: Building toward a multicultural church Learn to understand diversity within your own congregation. Start building relationships across ethnic lines. Learn takeaways to bring back to your personal life and your congregation through small and large group activities, storytelling, and vocabulary. (continued)

Southwestern Educational Gathering

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To the many people responsible for the wonderful Holy Week Worship at Agnus Dei: the worship planners, musicians, liturgical arts committee, the decorators and flower arrangers, and everyone who participated in any way!

To our properties team who are always available for the many fix it projects around the church building.

The lawn mowers in March Harlan, Don and Ellis.

Little Lambs Preschool Registration Registration is open to the community for Little Lambs 2016-2017 School Year. If you or anyone you know are interested in learning more about our wonderful preschool program, please call the church office at 253-851-6222.

Welcoming LGBT Members into your Pews Do you want to learn how your congregation can become more welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, especially lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and queer people? Have you wanted to start this conversation but aren’t quite sure how? Join us for a workshop on “reconciling in Christ,” a faithful way to make our churches more inclusive. We’ll focus on story telling, relationship building, and sharing resources so you can start and expand your welcoming ministry in your own community.

Who Really Are Our Neighbors? Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourself, but who is our neighbor exactly? The family member that pushes our buttons? The person next to us in the pew that never sings on key? The people that live around our church that don’t go to our church and don’t want anything to do with our church? The internet trolls that post strange things on our social media pages? Using the framework of community organizing, the workshop “who is my neighbor” will work to help us answer the question who is my neighbor?, why should we want to connect with our neighbors?, and how do we connect with our neighbors that exist beyond the four walls of our church building?

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Agnus Dei Lutheran Church Calendar April 2016

9:00 AM Hiking Group to Nisqually Wildlife Refuge

6:30

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Repea ng Event Details Weekly Events Wednesdays, 9:30 am--Back Packs 4 Kids Volunteers gather in the community room to sort food dona ons and fill backpacks with weekend food for students in need in our local schools. Contact Phyllis Brandt Wednesdays, 10:30 am Lec onary Study with our pas-tors in the Youth Room. Wednesdays, 1:30-3:00--Prayer Shawl Ministry meets in the ADLC Youth Room. All kni ers and crochet en-thusiasts are welcome! Contact Gwen Daugs Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal Contact Shari Shull Thursdays, 10:00 AM Church Staff Mee ng Fridays, 10:00 am--Augsburg Bible Study in the com-munity room. Contact Rose VanderKlomp Sundays, Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 AM, followed by fellowship in the Parish Hall Sundays, Educa on Hour for all ages at 9:45 AM Adult Forum meets in the Parish Hall, Confirma on meets in the Youth Room, Cross Genera onal Sunday School meets in the Sanctuary Monthly Events: First Saturday, 8:30 am--Men’s Square at the Sunset Grille, Breakfast and Bible Study. Contact Steve Carlson First Saturday, 8:30 am--Women’s Circle at the Sunset Grille, Breakfast and Bible study. Kayaking or walking for those who wish. Contact Sonja Miller Third Tuesday, Gather Bible Study in the community room. Social me begins at 1:00 pm followed by the study found in the Gather Magazine. For more infor-ma on contact either Marge Olmsted or Barb Deák Third Thursday 12:00 (Jan through May), Dining for Women The Gig Harbor Chapter of DFW meets month-ly for a program and lunch benefi ng global projects that empower women and girls. All women welcome! Third Thursday, Theology on Tap, 5:30 PM discussion group meets at the Marketplace Grille. Contact Lyle Miller Third Friday, 7:00 pm--Agnus Dei Book Group in the community room. Contact Neal VanDerVoorn Fourth Tuesday and Second Monday 1:00 Quil ng for Lutheran World Relief meet in the Community Room to e quilts. Previous experience not required!

April Celebrations: APRIL BIRTHDAY 1 Gail Brandt 5 Kathryn Duncan 8 Pam Martin, Daryl Daugs 10 Dave Harshman 11 Gloria Witt 12 Laura Farley, Devin Irons 13 David Moore 14 George Kenefick 15 Austin Moore 16 Audrey Clinton 17 Olin Hogeberg, Virginia Witt-Abbott 18 Kathy Fox, Peter Wagner 20 Alex Meacham 22 Chris Stephens 23 Sue Burnett, Olivia Iversen 24 Jenny Nussbaum 25 Jackie Kimball 26 Dianna Carlson, Mike Evans 28 Susan Luebeck 30 Coni Liljengren APRIL ANNIVERSARIES 3/66 Lance and Marilyn Colyar 3 Dan and Carol Dana 9/88 Kimberly Morgan and Paul Gross 20/95 Dave and Terri Schinkel

Save the date: September 11, 2016

“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday

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Serving in Worship April 2016

Serve in Worship Schedule Coordinators: Altar Guild: Dianna Carlson; Altar Flowers: Dianna Carlson; As-sis ng Ministers: Shari Shull; Communion Servers and Greeters: Ghita Lorenz; Lectors: Marilyn Colyar; Offering Counters: Linda Ribary ; Ushers: Ghita Lorenz ; Sound System: Ma Humlie

Altar Flowers are s ll needed for April 10, 17 and other Sundays through the rest of the year. Please consider sharing your celebra ons by providing flowers for worship. The sign up chart is on the music room door in the narthex.

Humlie/Zematis

Humlie

Humlie/Damron Ribary Lorenz

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Special Open House Invita on for friends of Agnus Dei

at the

Fri s Organ Shop 630 121st Street East, Tacoma, WA 98445

Saturday, April 9 2 – 5 PM

Bruce & Shari Shull will host a special Open House for members and friends of Agnus Dei at the Fri s Organ Shop in Parkland. You will have the opportunity to view and hear the newest Fri s organ, Op. 37, currently being completed for the Basilica at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. The new organ is the firm’s largest to date having more than 5,000 pipes and is their first 4-manual instrument. It will be installed beginning in August. Many people have expressed an interest in seeing the Organ Shop where our organ was built. Plan to stop by and see where the many wooden parts are cra ed and where the metal for the pipes is cast and rounded up. Get a close-up glimpse of the cra smanship that goes into these special instruments.

Faith Forma on for all ages Sundays at 9:45 AM. Cross Genera onal Sunday School for adults and kids meets in the Sanctuary for songs and stories and then

moves to the Community Room for hands-on ac vi es.

The Forum meets in the Parish Hall. April 10 - Paul and Dawna Svaren will share their experience working several years at a school in Beijing. They are now living in Gig Harbor and regularly a end Agnus Dei and Adult Forum. Paul was on staff for many years at Washington State University in Pullman. Dawna is an ELCA pastor who served in the Eastern Washington-Idaho synod, and is currently interviewing for a call.

Confirma on for grades 6-8 meets in the Couch Room

All Together Now, our planned events for all groups to meet together.

ADLC Holden Village Trip Mine remedia on work con nues at Holden Village this summer. However, they are invi ng people to come and join in a rhythm of work, recrea on and study. Basically, this is an opportunity for a no-cost week at Holden Village that will include some volunteer work. This is offered all summer, but the hope is we can bring a group from ADLC together. If this is something you would be interested in, please check out the Faith Forma on Bulle n Board for more informa on and put your name on the “INTERESTED” list (along with checking off which dates work for you). Check out the website: h p://www.holdenvillage.org/ for more informa on. A date for the ADLC trip will be decided on April 14th and then we will start sign-ups!

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The monthly newsletter of Agnus Dei Lutheran Church 10511 Peacock Hill Ave NW

Gig Harbor, WA 98332 Submit newsletter items, subscription requests and address changes to Editor/Administrative Assistant: Cindy Beals 253-851-6222 office@agnusdeilutheran.org Church Staff Pastor: Rev. Stephanie McCarthy 253-851-6222, pastorstephanie@agnusdeilutheran.org Pastor: Rev. Seth Novak 253-851-6222, pastorseth@agnusdeilutheran.org Minister of Music, Shari Shull, A.I.M. 253-851-6222, sharishull@agnusdeilutheran.org Church Musician, Susan Luebeck Administrative Assistant, Cindy Beals 253-851-6222, office@agnusdeilutheran.org Council President, Randy Spitzer Treasurer, Lance Colyar Financial Secretary, Pat Humlie Asst. Fin.Secretary, Rose VanderKlomp Zoe Holmes, Faith Community Nurse Gwen Daugs, Faith Community Nurse Teresa McDonald, Faith Community Nurse Jack Stier, Parish Sexton

Council Jim Adair, John Barelli, Lynette Brentin, Marlene Bridgforth, Steve Carlson, Lance Colyar, Don Krump, Ann Rousseau, Randy Spitzer, Tim Wilson

Little Lambs Preschool Director/Teacher Shannon Moore Email:lambs@agnusdeilutheran.org Board President Debbie Snowden Financial Secretary Kimberly Morgan Secretary Kristin Page, Ardith Johnson