AMERICAN Lutheran CHURCH

American Lutheran Church, 1085 Scott Drive, Prescott, AZ 86301

Phone: (928) 445-4348 Fax: (928) 445-8343

www.americanlutheran.net

Rev. Jack Shannon……….…................………... Senior Pastor

Rev. Erich Sokoloski..…..…………..………….Associate Pastor

Rev. Don McMillan….……………….Pastor of Caring Ministries

Jill Spasaro …………………………...Director of Administration

David Sherman…….………..………...………..Minister of Music

Kenny James……….………….Director of Contemporary Music

Tony Clark…….……….…..…………..Director of Youth Ministry

Lori Barbe……………….Director of American Lutheran School

Rachel Williams.………….…………….Administrative Assistant

Abbie Cornelius.……………................Administrative Assistant

Rita Brammer……………………………..………….Receptionist

Larry Lee……………………….……….…..……..A/V Technician

Benita Rose………..……………………………………...Organist

Denny Larson..…………….………………...Facility Coordinator

Ed Carr………………………….……...…….Facility Coordinator

Cinda Kasun…………………………………………..Bookkeeper

Doug Book…………………………….Food Service Coordinator

Jacob Robles-Gabaldon………………………………..Custodian

8:00 AM Traditional Worship

9:00 AM Contemporary Worship

10:30 AM Traditional Worship

10:30 AM Contemporary Worship

10:30 AM Kid Connect

3:30 PM Community Meal

NOAH’S NURSERY 7:45—10:15 AM (Birth—5 yrs.)

10:15–11:45 AM (Birth—3 yrs.)

POWER

Plug into the

HIGHEST

Holy Week Services

Palm Sunday: April 14 …………. Regular Services - 8, 9, & 10:30 AM Maundy Thursday: April 18 ….. Holy Communion - 7PM - Sanctuary

Good Friday: April 19 ……………. Tenebrae Service - 7PM - Sanctuary

Easter Sunday: April 21 …………. Traditional Services - 8 & 10:30 AM One Contemporary Service at 11:00 AM at Granite Creek Park

SERVANTS HEART! Virginia Harder recently retired from sewing quilts with the Katharina Von Bora Quilting Group that meets every Tuesday in the Parlor. Virginia has been a member of the quilt group for 30 years. The quilts made are given to individuals in need who attend ALC’s community meal, Prescott Area Shelters, Lutheran World Relief, Samaritan Village, Pioneer Home and Open Door. Thank you for your service Virginia!

SAVE THE DATE! Vacation Bible School

June 3 – 7, 9am-Noon.

Ages 3 through 5th Grade.

Register online at:

vbspro.events/p/vbsfun

Prayers for Our Church Lord Jesus, You have been called a “Faithful Suffering Servant” to all mankind. Today we take a moment to thank you for gifting our church body with the many men and women who have been faithful servants following your example by willingly volunteering in so many ways. We know that we would not be able to accomplish so much with all our ministries, both inside and outside the walls of this church without them. Prompt the hearts and minds of all who worship at ALC to heed your call and willingly serve in some capacity. Bless all who serve you with joyful hearts and willing hands. Amen

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

Do you remember the obnoxious guy on the 30-minute TV commercials? He would sell

some gadget we couldn’t live without. And just when we thought he was done, at the climax of his sales pitch he would say, “…but wait, there’s more!” His voice would grow higher in pitch and he would sweeten the deal. We don’t see much of that guy anymore, thankfully! (And of course this means I have watched those commercials, just like you.)

Guess what? Two weeks from the cover date of this Live Wire we begin Holy Week with Palm Sunday, April 14. Holy Week can be the most meaningful and most intense week of our Christian lives. It is an emotional roller coaster. Our worship focuses on the last week in the life of Jesus. Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus making his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Those witnesses to the event covered his path with their cloaks and with palm branches, as he rode astride a donkey, and their voices praised Jesus (see Matthew 21: 1-11).

Our church celebration moves to Thursday; Maundy Thursday, marking the final meal—a Passover Meal Jesus celebrates with his disciples. At that meal Jesus washes his disciples’ feet (see John 13: 1-20) in an act of servanthood. And Jesus interrupts the traditions of Passover to institute Holy Communion. Communion is a central part of our Maundy Thursday worship—some of our young people will mark this day by receiving their first communion. But the word Maundy … where does that come from?

Maundy is of Latin origin and is the root word of “mandate” or “command.” It simply reminds us of the command of Jesus, when in those Last Supper hours with his disciples, he reminds them to love one another. It is in his words as he finishes washing their feet, a loving act of service. “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” John 13: 14 Our Maundy Thursday worship closes with the stripping of the altar to remind us of the betrayal, arrest, and beating of Jesus before he is crucified. That then, turns us to Good Friday—among the darkest days in history.

Jesus is crucified on that day, because of our sins. Yet we call it Good Friday because of Jesus taking the punishment for our sins. Ironically, we are forgiven. We benefit from his sacrifice and death. Upon his death Jesus is taken from the cross, placed in a tomb outside Jerusalem, and that’s the end of the story, right? What a sad ending. What a waste, right?

But wait, there’s more!

On Sunday, the friends of Jesus go at sunrise to the tomb and find it empty. They remember Jesus promised he would be raised from the dead. Sadness turns to joy.

NEW BOOKS in the Church Library: Non-Fiction A Royal Waste of Time: the Splendor of Worshiping God

and Being Church for the World by Marva Dawn - “Only worship filled with the splendor of God,” Dawn writes, “will lead to genuine adoration of God and faithful formation of his people.” With four master’s degrees and a PH.D in Christian Ethics and the Scriptures, Lutheran pastor, theologian, author, musician, and educator, Dr. Dawn “offers biblically grounded, experience-based insights to help churches navigate beyond today’s destructive ‘worship wars’ to stimulate renewal in worship and life of congregations.” Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down by Marva Dawn - We read this in our church Book Club and were impressed with Dr. Dawn’s understanding of the church’s dilemma in ‘worship wars’ and her practical suggestions and solutions for bridging opposing sides in an effort to be what we were meant to be: the church in our community and world. Fiction— The Elmo Jenkins Trilogies, 2 volumes, 6 books by McMillan Moody - be blessed, entertained and encouraged with stories of faith and growth in a community of humorous and unforgettable characters…“not since Mitford has the day-to-day life of a minister been so much fun.” These books will be available on the cart through the month of April. We are also awaiting the return of Hiding in the Light by Rifqa Bary that is still missing. Please check at home and in your car for this book, which someone else wishes to read. Thank you. Book reviews by Vonna Reynolds

Jesus is resurrected and that promise is ours. Our worship as Christians focuses on Sunday, the first day of the week, because we are resurrection people. And each new sunrise brings us hope. Each day as the sun comes up we can have hope because God has given us a new day, a new opportunity to serve him, a new day to receive his blessings.

Christian writer, Tony Campolo, tells the story of his African American preacher friend, brother Roy. Brother Roy’s sermon frequently repeated the phrase, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.” We will have dark, difficult, dismal, discouraging “Fridays” in our life, but we can hold out hope, because Sunday is coming.

Take the time to engage with God and worship this Holy Week and Easter. Be filled with the story again and enrich your spiritual walk with the Lord. Try reading the crucifixion story in the Bible (Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 18-19). But wait, there’s more! Hold your finger on the place and prepare to be filled with the Easter story that follows.

Many Blessings, Pastor Don McMillan

Black Light Extravaganza Puppet Show

Friday, April 5th, 6:30 PM Fellowship Hall FREE Family Entertainment for ALL AGES!

MIRACLE PRAYER GROUP meets on

Tuesdays at 1:30PM in the Prayer Room. All

are welcome to join us to pray for the needs

of our country, church, and families. Contact

Marta Weyenberg at (928) 899-3139.

WORSHIP VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

LUNCHEON Sunday, April 28 - Noon - Fellowship Hall

If you are a part of our regular Worship

Volunteers we would like to invite you to a

special luncheon in your honor. If you serve

as an Usher, Greeter, Communion Assistant,

Altar Guild, Reader, Prayer Team, or LAM, we

invite you to join us for lunch. There will also

be a short training session to follow. Please

RSVP to the church office by April 17.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY is a biblical and

balanced program that helps “regular

people” to overcome hurts from the past and

negative habits in order to live in freedom

with Christ. The Beatitudes are our roadmap.

Meetings are every Thursday in the

Fellowship Hall with Meet, Greet & Eat at

5:30 PM followed by worship and teaching at

6:00 PM.

Thursday, April 4 - Have you ever had a

struggle that you prayed and prayed about -

but couldn’t seem to overcome? Perhaps

fear, anxiety, a secret sin? This week we will

hear from someone who found release and

recovery by giving the struggle to Jesus.

Thursday, April 11 - What are some of the

really good things you have done during your

life? And how about the not so good? “Let us

examine our ways and test them.” (Lam

3:40). This lesson will help us move from

denial to honesty about our past by relying on

Jesus.

Thursday, April 18 - Many of us have

engaged in past activities or habits that

actually did us bodily harm. Our speaker this

week will share how habitual denial was

revealed and released so that God’s temple

could be restored. Be with us Thursday to

hear this powerful story.

Thursday, April 25 - What’s a sponsor

anyway? Why do I need one? … to be your lie

jacket, safety net, a tether when temptation

comes your way. What am I looking for?

Someone who is compassionate, caring,

encouraging, listens, and loves the Lord.

Contact Coordinator, Dale Sams at

928-420-6480 for more information on

ALC’s Celebrate Recovery ministry.

HAND IN HAND widow support

group meets Tuesday, April 2,

2019 at 11:30 AM at Las

Fuentes at 1035 Scott Dr.,

Prescott, AZ. RSVP with June

Poe at 928-778-3771.

ALC WIDOWERS GROUP will meet on

Wednesday, April 17, at 11:30 AM at

Prescott Junction Restaurant, 1121 E.

Sheldon St. Prescott (across from Yavapai

College). Join Pastor Don for some good

food and fellowship.

SENIOR CONNECTIONS SPEAKERS BUREAU Thursday, April 25, 12-1PM Downstairs Activity Center

“Understanding Comfort Care - A Guide for Families & Caregivers”

Despite the advances in medical care, there comes a time when the body begins to fail. Sometimes it’s a natural progression of age, other times it’s a result of chronic illness. Many patients and families are faced with making decisions about healthcare. Pamela Cregger, Kindred Hospice, will explain one option for medical treatment, that of Comfort Care. She will cover: What is Comfort Care and what is it NOT? Is Comfort Care enough? Is it time for Comfort Care? Making the decision for yourself or someone else. Will hospice care help? Common myths about hospice, and finding Hope through Comfort Care. Seniors & Family Caregivers are invited to attend this free, educational, non-commercial presentation, where you may ask questions in a respectful, caring environment.

KIDCONNECT IS LOOKING FOR MORE

TEACHERS AND HELPERS FOR SUNDAY

SCHOOL! Contact Tricia if you can lend a

hand. 445-4348 ext. 318

Socks of Love was a Huge Success!

Thank you to everyone who helped make our Socks of Love Service Project a success! The children of Kid Connect & the Special Needs Friendship Bible Study filled 50 pairs of socks!

CALLING ALL MEN: Please join us! The Good Book… Good Men Bible Study - starting April 11, in the Parlor - from 8:15 - 9:30 AM for a study of “The Word.” Do you have a favorite verse, story, or book of the Bible? Help us discuss your interest. We will take turns leading, directing, talking and sharing about these topics. The first session will be on Government: Responsibilities to and from us; civic duty, etc. Yes, it is mentioned in the Bible no less than 10 times. Please come early for fellowship and coffee. Contact Don Wegworth at 775-7398.

At American Lutheran Church, we believe that a

responsible church member is:

• One who believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and

Savior and seeks to live for Him

• One who worships regularly

• One who is committed to growth through adult

education

• One who seeks to serve through the many

volunteer opportunities of this congregation

• One who gives regularly to God through this

congregation

• One who prays regularly

• One who shares his/her faith with others

All are invited to participate in the life of the ALC

congregation, members and non-members alike.

For those interested in membership, a New Member

Orientation is held two times each year, with the

next offering on Sunday, April 7 from

12:00–1:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Reception of

New Members will take place at all services on

Sunday, April 28.

Monday 4/1 8AM Prayer Time 10:30 AM Women’s Cursillo 12PM Ignite Group 1PM Moms Prayer Group 1PM Sprouts Choir 4PM Beautiful Signers 5PM Men’s Cursillo Study 5PM Monday Women’s Bible Study 5:30PM Girl Scouts at The Rock

Tuesday 4/2

8:30AM Katharina Von Bora Quilt Group 9AM Book Club 9:30AM Leadership/ Program Staff Meeting 1:30PM Miracle Prayer Time 4:30PM Joyful Bells 6PM Celebrate Recovery Small Groups 6:30PM Boy Scout Troop 7006 @ The Rock 6:30PM First Communion Class

Wednesday 4/3 8AM WOW Spring Session 9:30AM ALS Chapel 9:30AM ALS Chapel 11:30AM Women’s Cursillo 5PM Peals of Praise 6PM ALC Youth @ The Rock 6:15PM Sanctus Choir 7PM Lenten Worship Service

Thursday 4/4 5:45AM Crossfire Men’s Ministry 8:15AM “Good Book...Good Men” Bible Study 9AM MOPS Meeting 9:30AM ALS Chapel 10AM Worship Adv. Team Mtg. 2PM Library Volunteers 3PM Puppet Practice 4:30PM Heavenly Chimers 5:15PM Friendship Bible Study 5:30PM Celebrate Recovery 7PM Celebrate Recovery Small Group Meetings

Friday 4/5 6:30PM Puppet Show

Saturday 4/6

No Events

Sunday 4/7 8 & 10:30AM Traditional Worship 9 & 10:30AM Contemporary Worship 9:15AM Connections Adult Education Hour 10:30AM Kid Connect 11:50AM Youth Choir 12PM New Member Class & Luncheon 3:30PM Community Meal

Monday 4/8

8AM Prayer Time 10:30AM Women’s Cursillo 12PM Ignite Group 1PM Moms Prayer Group 1PM Sprouts Choir 5PM Men’s Cursillo Study 5PM Monday Women’s Bible Study

Tuesday 4/9

8:30AM Katharina Von Bora Quilt Group 9:30AM Leadership Staff Meeting 1:30PM Miracle Prayer Time 4:30PM Joyful Bells 6PM Celebrate Recovery Small Groups 6:30PM Boy Scout Troop 7006 @ The Rock 6:30PM First Communion Class 6:30PM Hope Circle

Wednesday 4/10

8AM WOW Spring Session 11:30AM Women’s Cursillo 5PM Peals of Praise 6PM ALC @ The Rock 6:15PM Sanctus Choir 7PM Lenten Worship

Thursday 4/11 5:45AM Crossfire Men’s Ministry 8:15AM “Good Book...Good Men” Bible Study 8:45AM MOPS Leadership Mtg. 9:30AM ALS Chapel 2PM Library Volunteers 3PM Puppet Practice 4:30PM Heavenly Chimers 5PM Building Committee 5:15PM Friendship Bible Study 5:30PM Celebrate Recovery 7PM Celebrate Recovery Small Group Meetings

Friday 4/12 9AM Charity Knit/Crochet Group

Saturday 4/13 No events

Sunday 4/14 8 & 10:30AM Traditional Worship 9 & 10:30AM Contemporary Worship 9:15AM Connections Adult Education Hour 10:30AM Kid Connect 11:45AM Prayer Team Meeting 11:50AM Youth Choir 12PM What We Believe Class & Luncheon 3:30PM Community Meal

Monday 4/15 8AM Prayer Time 10:30AM Women’s Cursillo 12PM Ignite Group 1PM Moms Prayer Group 1PM Sprouts Choir 4PM Beautiful Signers 5PM Men’s Cursillo 5PM Monday Women’s Bible Study 5:30PM Girl Scouts @ The Rock

Tuesday 4/16 8:30AM Katharina Von Bora Quilt Group 9:30AM Leadership & Program Staff Meeting 1:30PM Miracle Prayer Time 4PM Deborah Circle 4:30PM Joyful Bells 6PM Celebrate Recovery Small Groups 6PM Cub Scouts @ The Rock 6:30PM Boy Scout Troop 7006 @ The Rock

Wednesday 4/17 8AM WOW Spring Session 9:30AM ALS Chapel 11:30AM Women’s Cursillo 4PM Executive Council Meeting 5PM Peals of Praise 6PM ALC Youth @ The Rock 6:15PM Sanctus Choir

Thursday 4/18 5:45AM Crossfire Men’s Ministry 8:15AM “Good Book...Good Men” Bible Study 9AM MOPS Meeting 9:30AM ALS Chapel 2PM Library Volunteers 3PM Puppet Practice 5:15PM Friendship Bible Study 5:30PM Celebrate Recovery 7PM Celebrate Recovery Small Group 7PM Maundy Thursday Worship

Friday 4/19 7PM Good Friday Tenebrae Service

Saturday 4/20 No Events

Sunday 4/21 8 & 10:30AM Traditional Worship 9:15AM Connections Adult Education Hour 10:30AM Kid Connect 11AM Contemporary Worship in the Park 3:30PM Community Meal

Monday 4/22 Church Office Closed

Tuesday 4/23 8:30AM Katharina Von Bora Quilt Group 9:30AM Leadership & Program Staff Meeting 12PM YAH (Young at Heart) 1:30PM Miracle Prayer Time 4:30PM Joyful Bells 6PM Celebrate Recovery Small Groups 6:30PM Boy Scout Troop 7006 @ The Rock

Wednesday 4/24

8AM WOW Spring Session 9:30AM ALS Chapel 11:30AM Women’s Cursillo 5PM Peals of Praise 6PM ALC Youth @ The Rock 6:30PM Sanctus Choir

Thursday 4/25 5:45AM Crossfire Men’s Ministry 8:15AM “Good Book...Good Men” Bible Study 9:30AM ALS Chapel 11:30AM SR Connection Speaker's Bureau 2PM Library Volunteers 3PM Good News Puppets 4:30PM Heavenly Chimers 5:15PM Friendship Bible Study 5:30PM Celebrate Recovery 6PM Church Council 7PM Celebrate Recovery Small Group Meetings

Friday 4/26 9:30AM ALC Safety & Security Meeting

Saturday 4/27

8AM CPR/First Aid & AED Training

Sunday 4/28 NEW MEMBER RECOGNITION SUNDAY 8 & 10:30AM Traditional Worship 9 & 10:30AM Contemporary Worship 9:15AM Connections Adult Education Hour 10:30AM Kid Connect 11:50AM Youth Choir 12PM Sun. Worship Volunteer Luncheon & Class 3:30PM Community Meal

Monday 4/29 8AM Prayer Time 10:30AM Women’s Cursillo 12PM Ignite Group 1PM Moms Prayer Group 1PM Sprouts Choir 4PM Beautiful Signers 5PM Men’s Cursillo 5PM Monday Women’s Bible Study 5:30PM Girl Scouts @ The Rock

Tuesday 4/30

8:30AM Katharina Von Bora Quilt Group 9:30AM Leadership & Program Staff Meeting 1:30 PM Miracle Prayer Time 4:30PM Joyful Bells 6PM Celebrate Recovery Small Groups 6:30PM Boy Scout Troop 7006 at The Rock

Class & Luncheon April 14 - Noon Fellowship Hall

RSVP to church office

April 18 7PM

Sanctuary

April 19 7PM Sanctuary