April 9, 2017

4515 Dobie Road Okemos MI 48864-2203

517-349-0620

Pastor Ellen Schoepf prellen@faithlutheranokemos.org

Blessed Is He!

Today is Palm Sunday, the day we hear again of Christ’s ride into

Jerusalem on a donkey to the acclaim of what must have seemed

like the entire city. “Blessed is the king!” (Luke 19:38), cried men,

women, and children, putting their cloaks both on the donkey on

which Jesus rode, and on the road before him. The city burst with

joy (Luke 19:37) because of the hope Jesus provided for the

people. He who raised the dead—the widow of Nain’s son

(Luke 7:11-16), Jairus’ twelve-year-old daughter (Luke 8:40-56),

Lazarus (John 11)—what would he do next?

But Palm Sunday is not Easter. There is, in fact, a world of events

between this Sunday and next. Joy will come again, joy greater and

deeper than any Palm Sunday cry. But first, Jesus will be handed

over to the authorities. All who put their cloaks on the road before

him will rip them from under his feet. Jesus will stand alone,

abandoned even by his closest friends. First will come suffering,

crucifixion, death. On Palm Sunday, Jesus is the savior the crowd

senses he is. But he will not save as they anticipate he will—by

making Israel a great nation once more, by throwing off their

Roman oppressor, by going toe-to-toe with power, and declaring

victory in the fight.

Blessed is this Lord, indeed. He will save in an entirely unexpected

way. He will save by pouring himself out for others, by answering

hatred with love. Blessed is he! He will do this for love, by love, in

love. Blessed is he. Death will not contain him—the one who

brought a son, a daughter, a brother to life will himself be raised,

the first fruits of all of those overcome by death themselves.

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday

The Cry of the Whole Congregation

Holy Communion

All who are able gather in the narthex

for the beginning of this service.

Brief introduction

1. The Entry into Jerusalem

NARRATOR:

When he got near Bethphage and Bethany at the

mountain called Olives, he sent off two of the

disciples with instructions: “Go to the village

across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll

find a colt tethered, one that has never been

ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says

anything or asks, ‘What are you doing?’

say, ‘His Master needs him.’”

The two left and found it just as he said. . .

PEOPLE:

AS THEY WERE UNTYING THE COLT,

ITS OWNERS SAID, “WHAT ARE YOU

DOING UNTYING THE COLT?”

PETER:

They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing

their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on.

NARRATOR:

As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome,

throwing their coats on the street. Right at the

crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent,

the whole crowd of disciples burst into

enthusiastic praise over all the mighty

works they had witnessed.

All process into sanctuary waving palms.

Faith Bells intro to hymn during processional.

“All Glory, Laud and Honor”” (arr. Chesney)

-5-

OPENING HYMN #344

PHARISEE:

Some Pharisees from the crowd told him,

“Teacher, get your disciples under control!”

NARRATOR:

But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would

do it for them, shouting praise.” When the city

came into view, he wept over it. “If you had only

recognized this day, and everything that was good

for you! But now it’s too late, in the days ahead

your enemies are going to bring up their heavy

artillery and surround you, pressing in from every

side. They’ll smash you and your babies on the

pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All

this because you didn’t recognize and welcome

God’s personal visit.”

2. The Preparation and the

Eating of the Last Supper

NARRATOR:

The Feast of Unleavened Bread, also called

Passover, drew near. The high priests and

religion scholars were looking for a way to do

away with Jesus but, fearful of the people, they

were also looking for a way to cover their tracks.

-7-

JUDAS:

That’s when Satan entered Judas, the one called

Iscariot. He was one of the Twelve. Leaving the

others, he conferred with the high priests and the

Temple guards about how he might betray Jesus

to them. They couldn’t believe their good luck

and agreed to pay him well. He gave them his

word and started looking for a way to betray

Jesus, but out of sight of the crowd.

NARRATOR:

The Day of Unleavened Bread came, the day the

Passover lamb was butchered. Jesus sent Peter

and John off, saying, “Go prepare the Passover

for us so we can eat it together.”

PEOPLE:

THEY SAID, “WHERE DO YOU

WANT US TO DO THIS?”

NARRATOR:

He said, “Keep your eyes open as you enter the

city. A man carrying a water jug will meet you.

Follow him home. Then speak with the owner of

the house saying, “The Teacher wants to know,

‘Where is the guest room where I can eat the

Passover meal with my disciples?’

-8-

He will show you a spacious second-story room

swept and ready. Prepare the meal there.” They

left, found everything just as he told them, and

prepared the Passover meal.

When it was time he sat down, all the apostles

with him, and said, “You’ve no idea how much I

have looked forward to eating this Passover meal

with you before I enter my time of suffering. It’s

the last one I’ll eat until we all eat it together in

the kingdom of God.” Taking the cup, he blessed

it, then said, “Take this and pass it among you. As

for me, I’ll not drink wine again until the kingdom

of God arrives.’ Taking bread, he blessed it,

broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my

body, given for you. Eat it in my memory.” He

did the same with the cup after supper, saying,

“This cup is the new covenant, written in my

blood, blood poured out for you.”

COMMUNION

Communion music:

“My Song Is Love Unknown” arr. Michael Burkhardt

“Ah, Dearest Jesus” arr. Wilbur Held

“Alas and Did My Savior Bleed” Robert Buckley Fuller

-9-

NARRATOR:

“Do you realize that the hand of the one who is

betraying me is at this moment on this table?

It’s true that the Son of Man is going down a path

already marked out—no surprises there. But for

the one who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son

of Man, this is doomsday.”

PEOPLE:

THEY IMMEDIATELY BECAME

SUSPICIOUS OF EACH OTHER AND

BEGAN QUIZZING ONE ANOTHER,

WONDERING WHO MIGHT BE

ABOUT TO DO THIS.

NARRATOR:

He said, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish

with me will betray me. Oh, it would have been

better for that man if he had not been born.”

JUDAS:

Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Is it I, Master?”

NARRATOR:

Jesus said to him, “You have said so.”

PETER:

Peter said, “Master, I’m ready for anything with

you. I’d go to jail for you, I’d die for you.”

NARRATOR:

Jesus said, ‘I’m sorry to have to tell you this,

Peter, but before the rooster crows you will

have three times denied that you know me.”

PETER:

Peter said to him, “Even if I must die

with you, I will never deny you!”

PEOPLE:

AND SO SAID ALL OF THE DISCIPLES,

OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

3. The Agony in the Garden

OFFERING

An offering is gathered for the mission of the

church, including the care of those in need.

Chancel Choir

“Lenten Love Song” Kemp

PEOPLE: (To be sung)

GO TO DARK GETHSEMANE, ALL

WHO FEEL THE TEMPTER’S POWER;

YOUR REDEEMER’S CONFLICTS SEE,

WATCH WITH HIM ONE BITTER HOUR;

TURN NOT FROM HIS GRIEFS AWAY,

LEARN OF JESUS CHRIST TO PRAY.

NARRATOR:

Leaving there, he went, as he so often did, to

Mount Olives. The disciples followed him.

When they arrived at the place, he said,

“Pray that you don’t give in to temptation.”

PEOPLE:

LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION,

BUT DELIVER US, DELIVER US.

NARRATOR:

He pulled away from them about a stone’s throw,

knelt down, and prayed, “Father remove this cup

from me. But please, not what I want. What do

you want?”

PEOPLE:

OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN,

HALLOWED BE THY NAME. THY

KINGDOM COME; THY WILL BE DONE.

THY WILL BE DONE.

THY WILL BE DONE.

NARRATOR:

He got up from prayer, went back to the disciples

and found them asleep, drugged by grief. He said,

“What business do you have sleeping? Get up.

Pray so you won’t give in to temptation.”

PEOPLE:

LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION,

BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL, EVEN

THE EVIL WITHIN OURSELVES.

JUDAS:

No sooner were the words out of his mouth than

a crowd showed up, led by Judas, in the lead.

He came right up to Jesus to kiss him.

NARRATOR:

Jesus said, “Judas, you would betray

the Son of Man with a kiss?”

JUDAS:

Judas said, “Hail, Master.”

PEOPLE:

WHEN THOSE WITH HIM SAW WHAT

WAS HAPPENING, THEY SAID,

“MASTER, SHALL WE FIGHT?”

PETER:

One of them took a swing at the Chief

Priest’s servant and cut off his right ear.

NARRATOR:

Jesus said, “Let them be. Even in this.”

Then, touching the servant’s ear, he healed him.

-13-

PEOPLE:

FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES

AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO

TRESPASS AGAINST US.

NARRATOR:

Jesus spoke to those who had comehigh priests,

Temple police, religious leaders: “What is this,

jumping me with swords and clubs as if I were a

dangerous criminal? Day after day I’ve been with

you in the Temple and you’ve not so much as

lifted a hand against me. But do it your wayit’s

a dark night, a dark hour. Then they arrested him.

4. The Judgment

PEOPLE: (To be sung)

FOLLOW TO THE JUDGMENT HALL,

VIEW THE LORD OF LIFE ARRAIGNED;

OH, THE WORMWOOD AND THE GALL!

OH, THE PANGS HIS SOUL SUSTAINED!

SHUN NOT SUFFERING, SHAME OR

LOSS; LEARN FROM HIM TO BEAR

THE CROSS.

NARRATOR:

Then they arrested him and they marched him off

and took him into the house of the Chief Priest.

-14-

PETER:

Peter followed, but at a safe distance.

In the middle of the courtyard some people

had started a fire and were sitting around it,

trying to keep warm.

PEOPLE:

ONE OF THE SERVING MAIDS SITTING

AT THE FIRE NOTICED HIM, THEN

TOOK A SECOND LOOK AND SAID,

“THIS MAN WAS WITH HIM!”

PETER:

Peter denied it saying,

“Woman, I don’t even know him.”

PEOPLE:

A SHORT TIME LATER, SOMEONE

ELSE NOTICED HIM AND SAID,

“YOU’RE ONE OF THEM.”

PETER:

But Peter denied it: “Man, I am not.”

PEOPLE:

ABOUT AN HOUR LATER, SOMEONE

ELSE SPOKE UP, REALLY ADAMANT:

“HE’S GOT TO HAVE BEEN WITH HIM!

HE’S GOT ‘GALILEAN’ WRITTEN ALL

OVER HIM.”

-15-

PETER:

Peter said, “Man, I don’t know

what you’re talking about.”

NARRATOR:

At that very moment, the last word hardly

off his lips, a rooster crowed. Just then,

the Master turned and looked at Peter.

PETER:

Peter remembered what the Master had said to

him: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny

me three times.” He went out and cried and

cried and cried.

NARRATOR:

The men in charge of Jesus began poking fun at

him, slapping him around. They put a blindfold

on him and taunted.

PEOPLE:

“WHO HIT YOU THAT TIME?!”

NARRATOR:

They were having a grand time with him. When

it was morning, the religious leaders of the people

and the high priests and scholars all got together

and brought him before their High Council.

-16-

PEOPLE:

THEY SAID, “ARE YOU THE MESSIAH?”

NARRATOR:

He answered, “If I said yes, you wouldn’t believe

me. If I asked what you meant by your question,

you wouldn’t answer me. So here’s what I have

to say: From here on the Son of Man takes his

place at God’s right hand, the place of power”

PEOPLE:

THEY ALL SAID, “SO YOU ADMIT YOUR

CLAIM TO BE THE SON OF GOD?”

NARRATOR:

“You’re the ones who keep saying it,” he said.

PEOPLE:

BUT THEY HAD MADE UP THEIR

MINDS, “WHY DO WE NEED ANY MORE

EVIDENCE? WE’VE ALL HEARD HIM

AS GOOD AS SAY IT HIMSELF.”

5. Dawn Friday: Jesus Before Pilate

NARRATOR:

Then they all took Jesus to Pilate and

began to bring up charges against him.

-17-

PEOPLE:

THEY SAID, “WE FOUND THIS MAN

UNDERMINING OUR LAW AND ORDER,

FORBIDDING TAXES TO BE PAID TO

CAESAR, SETTING HIMSELF UP AS

MESSIAH-KING!”

PILATE:

Pilate asked him, “Is this true

that you’re ‘King of the Jews’?”

NARRATOR:

“Those are your words, not mine,” Jesus replied.

PILATE:

Pilate told the high priests and the accompanying

crowd, “I find nothing wrong here. He seems

harmless enough to me.”

PEOPLE:

BUT THEY WERE VEHEMENT.

“HE’S STIRRING UP UNREST AMONG

THE PEOPLE WITH HIS TEACHING,

DISTURBING THE PEACE EVERYWHERE,

STARTING IN GALILEE AND NOW ALL

THROUGH JUDEA. HE’S A DANGEROUS

MAN, ENDANGERING THE PEACE.”

-18-

PILATE:

When Pilate heard that, he asked, “So, he’s a

Galilean?” Realizing that he properly came

under Herod’s jurisdiction, he passed the buck

to Herod, who just happened to be in Jerusalem

for a few days.

NARRATOR:

Herod was delighted when Jesus showed up.

He had wanted for a long time to see him.

He’d heard so much about him. He hoped

to see him do something spectacular. He

peppered him with questions. Jesus didn’t

answer, not one word. But the high priests

and religion scholars were right there, saying

their piece, strident and shrill in their accusations.

Mightily offended, Herod turned on Jesus. His

soldiers joined in, taunting and jeering. Then they

dressed him up in an elaborate king costume and

sent him back to Pilate.

PILATE:

Then Pilate called in the high priests, rulers, and

others and said, “You brought this man to me as

a disturber of the peace. I examined him in front

of all of you and found there was nothing to your

charge. And neither did Herod, for he has sent

him back here with a clean bill of health.

-19-

It’s clear that he’s done nothing wrong, let alone

anything deserving death. I’m going to warn him

to watch his step and let him go.”

PEOPLE:

AT THAT, THE CROWD WENT WILD:

“KILL HIM! GIVE US BARABBAS!”

NARRATOR:

Barabbas had been thrown in prison for

starting a riot in the city and for murder.

PILATE:

Pilate still wanted to let Jesus

go, and so spoke out again.

PEOPLE:

BUT THEY KEPT SHOUTING BACK,

“CRUCIFY HIM! CRUCIFY HIM!”

PILATE:

He tried a third time. “But for what crime? I’ve

found nothing in him deserving death. I’m going

to warn him to watch his step and let him go.”

PEOPLE:

BUT THEY KEPT AT IT, A SHOUTING

MOB, DEMANDING THAT HE BE

CRUCIFIED.

-20-

NARRATOR:

And finally they shouted him down.

PILATE:

Pilate caved in and gave them what they wanted.

He released the man thrown in prison for rioting

and murder, and gave them Jesus to do whatever

they wanted.

6. Friday Morning: Crucifixion

PEOPLE: (To be sung)

CALVARY’S MOURNFUL MOUNTAIN

CLIMB; THERE, ADORING AT HIS FEET,

MARK THAT MIRACLE OF TIME,

GOD’S OWN SACRIFICE COMPLETE.

“IT IS FINISHED!” HEAR HIM CRY;

LEARN FROM JESUS CHRIST TO DIE.

NARRATOR:

And Jesus he gave them to

do whatever they wanted.

ALL MEN:

AS THEY LED HIM OFF, THEY MADE

SIMON, A MAN FROM CYRENE WHO

HAPPENED TO BE COMING IN FROM

THE COUNTRYSIDE CARRY THE CROSS

BEHIND JESUS. A HUGE CROWD OF

PEOPLE FOLLOWED.

ALL WOMEN:

ALONG WITH WOMEN WEEPING

AND CARRYING ON.

NARRATOR:

At one point Jesus turned to the women and said,

“Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t cry for me. Cry

for yourselves and for your children. The time is

coming when they’ll say, ‘Lucky the women who

never conceived! Lucky the wombs that never

gave birth! Lucky the breasts that never gave

milk!’ They they’ll start calling to the mountains,

‘Fall down on us!’ calling to the hills, ‘Cover us

up!’ If people do these things to a live, green tree,

can you image what they’ll do with deadwood?”

SOLO:

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble -

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

NARRATOR:

Two others, both criminals, were taken along

with him for execution. When they got to the

place called Skull Hill, they crucified him,

along with the criminals, one on his right,

the other on his left.

-22-

SOLO:

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble -

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

NARRATOR:

Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them;

they don’t know what they’re doing.”

ALL WOMEN:

FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES.

ALL MEN:

DIVIDING UP HIS CLOTHES,

THEY THREW DICE FOR THEM.

ALL WOMEN:

FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES.

ALL MEN:

THE PEOPLE STOOD THERE

STARING AT JESUS, AND THE

RINGLEADERS MADE FACES,

TAUNTING, “HE SAVED OTHERS.

LET’S SEE HIM SAVE HIMSELF!

THE MESSIAH OF GODHA!

THE CHOSENHA!

ALL WOMEN:

FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES.

-23-

ALL MEN:

THE SOLDIERS ALSO CAME UP

AND POKED FUN AT HIM, MAKING

A GAME OF IT. THEY TOASTED HIM

WITH SOUR WINE: “SO YOU’RE KING

OF THE JEWS! SAVE YOURSELF!”

ALL WOMEN:

PRINTED OVER HIM WAS A SIGN:

‘THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS’

ALL MEN:

FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES.

FORGIVE US, O LORD, OUR TRESPASSES!

JUDAS:

One of the criminals hanging alongside

cursed him, “Some Messiah you are!

Save yourself! Save us!”

PETER:

But the other one made him be quiet: “Have you

no fear of God? You’re getting the same as him.

We deserve this, but not him; he did nothing to

deserve this.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember

me when you enter your kingdom.”

PEOPLE:

FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES,

DELIVER US FROM EVIL.

THINE IS THE KINGDOM. . .

NARRATOR:

And Jesus said to him. . .

PEOPLE:

AND THE POWER. . .

NARRATOR:

“Don’t worry, I will. . .

PEOPLE:

AND THE GLORY. . .

NARRATOR:

Today you will join me in Paradise.”

PEOPLE:

FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN!

SOLO:

Were you there when he cried out at the end?

Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble –

Were you there when he cried out at the end?

NARRATOR:

By now it was noon. The whole earth became

dark, the darkness lasting three hours—a total

blackout. The temple curtains split right down

the middle. Jesus called loudly, “Father, I place

my life in your hands!” Then he breathed his last.

People had gathered around as spectators to watch

the show.

PEOPLE:

WHEN THEY SAW WHAT ACTUALLY

HAPPENED, THEY WERE OVERCOME

WITH GRIEF AND HEADED HOME.

ALL WOMEN:

THOSE WHO KNEW JESUS WELL,

ALONG WITH THE WOMEN WHO

HAD FOLLOWED HIM FROM GALILEE,

STOOD AT A RESPECTFUL DISTANCE

AND KEPT VIGIL.

7. Late Friday Afternoon: Burial

A CAPPELLA SOLO:

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble -

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

PILATE:

There was a man by the name of Joseph, a

member of the Jewish High Council, a man of

good heart and good character. He had not gone

along with the plans and actions of the council.

His hometown was the Jewish village of

Arimathea. He lived in alert expectation of the

kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for

the body of Jesus. Taking him down, he wrapped

him in a linen shroud and placed him in a tomb

chiseled into the rock, a tomb never yet used.

NARRATOR:

It was the day before Sabbath,

the Sabbath just about to begin.

ALL WOMEN:

THE WOMEN WHO HAD BEEN

COMPANIONS OF JESUS FROM

GALILEE FOLLOWED ALONG.

THEY SAW THE TOMB WHERE

JESUS’ BODY WAS PLACED.

THEN THEY WENT BACK TO

PREPARE BURIAL SPICES AND

PERFUMES.

NARRATOR:

They rested quietly on the

Sabbath, as commanded.

-27-

Please join the choir in singing the final hymn

CLOSING HYMN #500

Text and music printed under OneLicense.net license A-708005

The assembly leaves the sanctuary in silence.

“The Cry of the Whole Congregation”

Copyright © 1984 Walter Wangerin, Jr. Used by permission.

Adapted from Ragman and Other Cries of Faith. Edited and distributed by the Office of

Church Relations of Valparaiso University

Today we join centuries of the faithful in praising Jesus,

who comes among us as a humble servant.

Maundy Thursday Worship and Holy Communion 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday Worship 7:00 p.m.

Easter Resurrection Celebration Worship 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Easter Breakfast 9:00 a.m.

April 2nd worship attendance: ****

Pastor Ellen Schoepf prellen@faithlutheranokemos.org

Secretary Katie Love klove@faithlutheranokemos.org

Director of Christian Education Melinda Schultz

Director of Music Debra Borton-McDonough

Organist/Pianist Bruce Williams

Serving Faith Today

Acolyte Clayton Wenzel

Altar care Gail Barricklow and Gretchen Bills

Greeters Ken & Ellen Milne

Ushers Brenda & Walter Kopf

Nursery O’Briens

Serving Faith April 16 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

Acolytes **** Owen Kadrofske

Altar care Gail Barricklow and Gretchen Bills

Communion assistants **** Owen Kadrofske

Jim Crum Doug Hirt

Brian Ransom Brendan Guenther

Lay assistant Jim Crum Doug Hirt

Readers Brian Ransom Brendan Guenther

Ushers Brenda & Walter Kopf

Greeters Brendan Guenther Jack & Natalie Dingledine

Nursery **** Melinda & Lauren Schultz

ANNOUNCEMENTS

April 9, 2017

Log onto Faith’s website www.faithlutheranokemos.org 24/7 for updates

DEADLINES

Sunday worship folder announcementsTuesday of each week

Submit to Katie at klove@faithlutheranokemos.org

May Faith Family News newsletter

Please submit by Monday April 17

Submit to Katie at klove@faithlutheranokemos.org

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Please lift up in prayer this week:

Members—Max Ambs, Lowell Barricklow, Ellen Milne,

Harry Nawrock, Harold Sollenberger and Ken Whitmyer.

Friends and family—

Harriet,Pat Belonga, Todd Barriklow, Greg Beckwith, Carol Coyer, Chris

Cotter, Terrie Becker, Allie, Heather, Al, Lilly, Sai Eshwar Lingamgunta,

Jenn Leitch, Jeanne and Leonard, Tom Brown, Susan Heft, Pat Hillberg &

Family, Dennis Cobler, John Joseph Lanzetta, Bethany Robison, and the

White family. Please keep Rich Weingartners mother, Sally Weingartner and

his sister Lani Yearicks in your prayers.

Our mission partner congregationLansing Redeemer Lutheran Church

Those in military serviceJon Schoepf, Lani Yearicks,

Melody and Adam Wright and Joe Galvin.

Samaritas children who seek adoption— Giovanni, Jessica, LeeAnn and

Valerie. Pray for each to be adopted and for Jesus to be their lifelong friend.

NORTH/WEST LOWER MICHIGAN SYNOD PRAYER PARTNER

As Jesus calls us to be one, even as he and the Father are one, please include

Pastor Chrysanne Timm and the congregation of Calvary Lutheran Church of

Elk Rapids, Michigan in your prayers of intercession this week.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Weekly Offering 04/02/17 Year-to-date as of 02/28/2017

Loose Cash $ 99.00 Income $45,183.54

Loose Checks $ 25.00 Expenses $47,663.11

Flowers $ 180.00 Net Income -2479.57

World Hunger $ 40.00

Lenten Service $ 20.00

Green Team T-Shirts $ 45.00

General Fund $1890.00

Subtotal $2324.00

Simply Giving $ 2101.00

Total $4425.00

ALTAR FLOWER DEDICATIONS

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God by

Vase 1: In celebration of Marla Holle with love from her family.

Vase 2: Max & Ledith Ambs in honor of their grand children and great grand

children.

THIS WEEK’S CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS

Easter Basket Food Drive Delivery:

No Sunday School

10:00 a.m. Worship

3:00 p.m. Worship at the Willows

Monday, April 10th

Tuesday, April 11th

Worship folder announcements deadline

Noon: Study in Pastor Ellen’s office

Wednesday, April 12th

7:30 a.m. Men’s Study

9:30 a.m. Quilting and Samaritas ACTION

5:30 p.m. Joyful Noise

6:30 p.m. T & C

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir *New Time*

Thursday, April 13th

Maundy Thursday

11:30 a.m. Caregivers Support Meeting

7:00 p.m. Worship Service

Friday, April 14th

Good Friday

Noon: Worship at St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church

7:00 p.m. Tenebrae worship with St. Paul Lutheran at Faith

The evening Tenebrae Service is a deeply moving participatory experience as choir, congregation, string quartet, oboe, organ, and readings all come together to convey the story of this sacred day. From Latin, the word Tenebrae means “darkness” and commemorates the final hours of our Lord’s life on earth, as he suffered death upon the cross. As candles are extinguished, they symbolize the fading loyalty of the disciples and friends of Jesus. The gradual darkening of the church portrays the diminishing light of the world as Christ was departing from it. Members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lansing will be joining us for this service

Confirmation Lock-In

Saturday, April 15th

1:00 p.m. Confirmation Review

Sunday, April 16th

Easter Day/ No Sunday School

Water for Tanzania Noisy Offering

8:00 a.m. Worship

9:00 a.m. Brunch

10:00 a.m. Worship: Children Sing

11:15 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt

6:00 p.m. Loaves and Fishes

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Property Team has scheduled our

Spring Clean-up for Sunday, April 23 after

worship service. We hope to do some

trimming, mulching and planting. Gloves,

shovels, pruners, trimmers, extension

cords, wheelbarrow, etc. would be good

to bring with you. To help celebrate Earth Day which is Saturday, April 22, the

Green Team will be participating in the Spring Clean-up effort. For all those

who are staying to help, a light lunch will be served following worship. Please

add your name to the sign-up sheet in the Narthex so we know how much food

to prepare for all who will be helping to clean up our church yard. Thanks for

your help.

Easter Breakfast

Sunday April 16th @ 9 a.m. Hosted by the Membership Development Committee.

We will provide beverages, please sign up for a dish to pass on the Membership board in The Narthex

WAYS TO HELP

What are those Laundry Baskets for??

ARROW TREE FOOD PANTRY

The Caring Committee is launching a community outreach

program to help support the Arrow Tree Apartment complex

across the street from Faith Lutheran Church. Pastor Ellen and

Katie Love have been in contact with the apartment complex

manager, Janice, and she has expressed the need for non-perishable

food items for some of the residents.

We will be collecting food items in baskets in the lower main

church entry, as an ongoing project. Members can drop food

items at any time in the baskets. Janice from Arrow Tree will

come over and pick up the food items, or Pastor Ellen and Katie

will deliver them. Janice will be responsible for distributing the

food items on an as needed basis to residents and will store the

extra items. Pastor Ellen and Katie will be in contact with Janice

as needed.

Suggested items needed: SOUP, MAC & CHEESE, CEREAL,

OATMEAL, PASTAS, PEANUT BUTTER, HEALTHY SNACK

BARS, TUNA, CANNED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ETC.

Thank you members of Faith Lutheran for your continued help and

support as we reach out to help those in need.

Let us stop saying we love people; let us really love them and

show it by our actions

1 John 3:18

UPCOMING MEETINGS & STUDIES

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Group Meeting Join us at 11:30am for a light lunch and discussion. All are Welcome!

Thursday, April 13th: Allie Phillips – Self Empowerment Coach and master

energy therapist. The place where energy laws and healing come together for

people and pets.

Thursday, May 11th: Kristin Creighton, Fahrenheit Massage will speak on

Self-Care tips for the Caregiver and Free Chair Massage.

Bring the World to Your Home and Heart The Council on International Educational

Exchange (CIEE), founded in 1947, offers

high school students from around the world

the opportunity to live and study in the

United States. Would you consider opening

your home to a student? It is a great way for

families to learn about another culture, share

their lives and culture, and make forever connections. For more

information contact Pam Williams at 517-927-7703.

Shalom Church Book Study

Beginning on Tuesday, April 18, we are

collaborating with members of St. Paul

Lutheran Church to host a Book Study

group that will take place at Old

Chicago at 6:30 PM. This nine-week

book study group will be reading

Shalom Church by Dr. Craig L. Nessan.

Nessan’s work addresses the church’s

deepest identity, shape, and

contemporary imperatives in Christ and

the tradition of discipling that stems

from Jesus’ life, work, death, and resurrection. In this work,

Nessan adds contextual analysis and describes the four

chief ecclesial imperatives that mark Christ’s presence in the

world today: peacemaking, justice-making, care for creation,

and engagement with the other. He then unfolds the real-life

implications of this paradigm of Christian community for the

local church structure, strategies for partnering, public

witness, and interreligious engagement. His work describes

what the body of Christ should look like today.

Dr. Nessan will also be the keynote speaker at a

Synod Publicly Engaged Church event on June 17 entitled

Lutherans Always Reforming. This event will take place at

University Lutheran in East Lansing and all are welcome to

attend.

If you are interested in participating in the Shalom

Church Book Study, please add your name to the sign-up

sheet in the Narthex. We need to know how many books to

order and how people will participate.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Confirmation Lock-in, April 14-15, 6:00pm – 10:00am, Final Weekend for Sermon Notes and Review This upcoming Friday will be the Confirmation lock-in. It is a fun time for the kids at the church, but also another opportunity to take a sermon note. We will be attending the Good Friday service and then beginning our fun evening of movies, food, games, etc., before sleeping in the fellowship hall. I will also be holding the LAST Confirmation Review class on Saturday, April 15th from 1:00-4:00pm. Please let Melinda know if your child will be attending either one or both of these events.

Easter Egg Hunt This fun activity will be held on April 16th. We will be having the egg hunt after the worship service. This event is for any child under the age of 4th grade. Any of the older children are welcome to help hide the eggs and

assist the younger children in locating the eggs. Compassion Sunday Join us on April 23rd & 30th when we will give the congregation updates on the children we currently sponsor through the Sunday School collection, and we will also give out information on how church members can become sponsors as well. Quiche Meal, Youth Fundraiser, April 30th, immediately following

the Quarterly Meeting The Youth will be holding this luncheon fundraiser in the Large Fellowship Hall on April 30th. We will have several varieties of quiches to choose from, as well as salad and

fruit. We would appreciate any assistance in purchasing the following products to make this luncheon a success. Please see the sign-up sheet in the narthex, and thank you for your continued support of the youth group: 7 cartons of eggs (12), 3 gallons of white milk, 5 red onions, 2 bags of frozen chopped spinach (16oz), 2 packages of low sodium bacon, 5 red bell peppers, 1 package of feta cheese (8oz), 5 bags of shredded cheddar cheese (8oz), and 32oz of cubed ham.

Vacation Bible School will be held on June 19th – 23rd from 9:00-12:00. VBS Sunday will be on June 25th. We are looking for volunteers to help out with the various stations and with the groups. This year’s theme is “Maker Fun Factory”! We will also have some

planning sessions and decoration making sessions. The first VBS planning meeting will be on Sunday, April 23rd immediately following the service. The following dates are for making decorations: Wednesday, May 10th from 6:00-8:00 and Saturday, June 3rd from 1:00-3:00. Please let Melinda know if you are able to assist with these events in any way.

Thrivent Action Teams are needed again!!! Please apply to help your youth group in a one-time fundraiser, service activity or educational event that can be completed within 90 days. Here are some suggestions for your Thrivent Action Teams: Quiche Meal or Faith Vacation Bible School. Use this link to get started: https://www.thrivent.com/making-a-difference/living-generously/thrivent-action-teams/ Please see Melinda to get specific details or if you have any questions.

Important Dates in April 14th-15th Confirmation Lock-In, 6:00pm-10:00am 15th Final Confirmation Review, 1:00-4:00 16th Easter Breakfast, 9:00am 16th Children sing during the service. 16th Easter Egg Hunt, 11:15am 21st – 22nd Youth Lock-in, 6:00pm-10:00am 23rd & 30th Compassion Sunday 26th Last Trinity & Confirmation 30th Youth Fundraising, Quiche Meal, 11:30-12:30pm

CORNERSTONE DOCUMENTARY TO SCREEN AT FAITH LUTHERAN ON TUESDAY, APRIL 25TH, 2017 7:00 p.m.

CORNERSTONE, an inspiring documentary film by award-winning director Debi Lang, touches on Twesigye Jackson Kaguri’s moving personal story, which inspired the creation of Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project, a motivated, comprehensive, community-based organization that utilizes a unique holistic approach to not only combat hunger, illness and poverty, but also to educate children, create financial independence, and empower girls and women. Kaguri’s work has earned him the respect of humanitarians worldwide including the United Nations. He received the 2015 Waislitz Global Citizen Award, was named a 2012 CNN Hero is recognized in Time Magazine’s Power of One series, is a Tedx Talks speaker and has authored four books including the widely popular “A School For My Village”. Spreading awareness of the impact that still exist from the AIDS pandemic through CORNERSTONE will motivate viewers to become part of the movement that Nyaka AIDS Orphans Projects has created to empower the grannies who support the orphans in rural villages of Southwestern Uganda.” The CORNERSTONE screening will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25 at Faith Lutheran Church Located on 4515 Dobie Road, Okemos, MI 48864. Admission is free and donations are encouraged with proceeds directed to Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project. The event will include a meet and greet with Twesigye Jackson Kaguri. A reception and refreshments featuring Ugandan coffee and Nyaka crafts bazaar will follow the screening. https://www.facebook.com/events/221940064877963/

The Green Team will be presenting a showing of the documentary, Before the Flood, at Okemos Public Library (4321 Okemos Rd.) on Sunday afternoon, April 30, beginning at 2:30 PM.

Before the Flood, presented by National Geographic, features Leonardo DiCaprio on a journey as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, traveling to five continents and the Arctic to witness climate change firsthand. He goes on

expeditions with scientists uncovering the reality of climate change and meets with political leaders fighting against inaction. He also discovers a calculated disinformation campaign orchestrated by powerful special interests working to confuse the public about the urgency of the growing climate crisis. With unprecedented access to thought leaders around the world, DiCaprio searches for hope in a rising tide of catastrophic news.

Following the showing of this documentary, the Rev. Dr. John Schleicher will be leading a conversation and discussion about the movie. Pastor Schleicher is the President of Michigan Interfaith Power & Light.

This event is free and the public is invited. Please email Pastor Ellen at prellen@faithlutheranokemos.org with any

questions.

**Fun Fact: One of the producers of Before the Flood is Class of 2000 Okemos Graduate, Trevor Davidoski. **

https://www.facebook.com/events/172008216649497/

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Shared Pregnancy Women's Center is hosting its annual Lifesavers Celebration and Fundraiser on Thursday, April 27th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Grand Ledge Opera House. Admission is free! There will be a silent auction throughout the evening, children's crafts, face painting, ice cream sundaes, and a short program at 7:15 p.m. featuring a client testimony and awards presentation. Join the fun and help support Shared Pregnancy so we can continue helping moms, babies, and families in the Lansing area. Go to our facebook page for auction updates and all the details.

FROM THE GREEN TEAM

Just a reminder: The Boxes in the Foyer of both

West Church Doors can be used to recycle

department store shopping bags, vegetable bags,

dry cleaning bags, mailing bags, as well as

grocery store bags. Essentially any plastic bag

that is clean and dry can be placed in the big

cardboard boxes for recycling. If you have

questions, please call Cecelia Kramer 517-349-3297

Help set a Guinness World Record by recycling your electronics!

Meridian Earth Day Recycling Event is scheduled for April 22nd

from 9 to 2 at Chippewa Middle School. Go to

recycle.meridian.mi.us for further information on additional

materials being accepted.