Aurora Lutheran Church
Feeding Body, Mind, and Spirit with the Love of Jesus
March 2019 Newsletter
Change of Plans
Pastor Stephanie Wood
This February and its record-breaking snowfall have thrown a wrench into many of my plans. I have snow dates for my snow dates. I know I am not alone in making plans only to have them upended after the latest weather report. While for some it has provided much needed rest, others find it has only added stress. There was one clip I saw where a mom and son found out that school was once again cancelled. Their reactions were telling. The son, about eight years old, shouted “yes” and raised his arms in victory. His mom looked to be in shock, asking if the reporter was joking, and then the frustration seeped out as reality set in.
With each snowflake adding to the growing snowfall total, plans continue to change. Rarely is the culprit of disruption so obviously teasing us outside our windows but change and the disruptions that cause change are a part of life. Depending on your perspective, your reaction to that change will differ like the mother and her son reacting to a snow day. The son saw one more day at home filled with cartoons and video games. In contrast, the mom was likely wondering if she needed to use one more vacation day to stay at home.
Weather, like so many other causes of change, are out of our control. We also experience change as a natural evolution of life or a decision to take a different path. Whether we are in control or not, rejoicing or lamenting, it will happen. In Ecclesiastes, we hear those familiar verses made popular by funerals and The Byrds song, “Turn, Turn, Turn.” There is a season for everything. Change is inevitable. Can we perhaps find some courage in that fact? God is in our midst, walking with us from the beginning to present day. Helping God’s people adjust and adapt to the changes we encounter in life. In the Bible we hear of how people go through times of struggle, times of celebration and everything in between. Throughout it all, God does not abandon us. In fact, there are times when change is just what we need.
This Lenten season the worship committee is highlighting change. We will be reflecting on where God is in the midst of change, how God invites us to be agents of change and when we need to ask God to change our hearts. We will also be trying a new worship service for lent called Dinner Church. Jesus so often ate with those he met whether in their home, on a beach or a hill. Even the sacrament of communion is rooted in Jesus gathering with his disciples for the Last Supper. Dinner Church, combining worship and the meal, will continue a tradition mentioned as early as the year 100. For more information about Dinner Church, continue reading our newsletter. We look forward to you joining us in this conversation about change. Regardless of your age and personal story, it is something we have all encountered. As a community of faith, change will continue to impact and possibly inspire us.
Our best laid plans are likely the first draft before life or God interjects. I am reminded of a verse from 1 Thessalonians, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ.” We can agonize over the changes we encounter and sometimes they are heartbreaking ones. Yet I wonder if God encourages us to rejoice, pray and give thanks because it enables us to find hope, even in its smallest measure. I am not thrilled to reschedule events, but I rejoice for the snow that will replenish the fields. I pray for the safety of those who must go out on to the roads, often first responders. I give thanks that I am able to have a roof over my head and a warm bed at night.
Lenten Theme: Making Change
Change is a constant in our lives. Some changes mark gradual transitions, as when daytime shifts toward twilight or winter turns to spring. Others happen in the blink of an eye, separating time into “before” and “after.” We choose to undergo some changes after carefully considering our options, while others are forced upon us.
In the weeks, days, and hours before Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples also experienced change: a change of venue as the gates of Jerusalem approached; a change of plans as their long-awaited Messiah was arrested and tried; a change of circumstance as the crowds shouted “Crucify!”
Change is hard. We long for the expected and familiar, but all too often find ourselves in the midst of uncertainty and the unknown. We cannot predict how things will turn out. The hymn writer Joachim Neander proclaimed God’s steadfast love in the midst of life’s inevitable changes: “All my hope on God is founded who will all my trust renew, who through change and chance will guide me, only good and only true. God unknown, God alone, call my heart to be thine own” (ELW 757).
Lent: Dinner Church FAQ’s
Are we doing Dinner Church for Ash Wednesday?
No, Ash Wednesday will be a similar worship service to what we have done in the past. The meal will be served at 6:00 pm with worship beginning at 6:45 pm.
Is this a new thing?
Jesus often ate with those he met, whether in their home, on a beach or a hill. Even the sacrament of communion is rooted in Jesus gathering with his disciples to share in a meal. There is a gathering similar to ours called an Agape Feast mentioned as early as the year 100. Versions of Dinner Church even had a brief comeback during the Reformation, but it is certainly something old becoming new again.
How does it work?
It’s important to know that, during Lent, worship begins at 6:00 pm on Wednesdays. For the first 10-15 minutes we will light a candle, say a prayer, listen to scripture and be introduced to the theme for the evening. Then we will eat and discuss the night's topic. As we wrap up our meals and conversation, we will then say more prayers, receive a blessing and, together, help clean up the meal.
How long is Dinner Church?
Worship, with the meal, will be on average, one hour or less. We expect that worship will last until 7:00 pm. However, folks may stay longer if they like.
What if we want to talk and catch up with one another?
Catching up with one another is so important! After we help pick up and clean off the tables, everyone is invited to enjoy desserts and coffee to chat.
So, what does this mean for kids?
As is our tradition, Sunday School families will still help serve meals. We want to make space for kids to participate in worship. They can help light the candle, share their thoughts in the conversation and offer prayers. Even at a young age they have experienced change – moving, starting school or a new sibling. There will also be tactile activities or children sermons connected to the topics. And if they want to run and play, the nursery is always open.
Announcements
Food Shelf Sunday: March is MINNESOTA FOODSHARE MONTH! Minnesota FoodShare began its work in 1982 with a campaign advanced by congregations to restock food shelves in the 7-county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The effort was so successful and the need was so evident, the March Campaign became a statewide program just one year later. Minnesota FoodShare envisions a Minnesota where all residents have access to healthy food and no one struggles with food insecurity.
Suggested donations to bring to Sunday Worship:
March 3--cans of tuna
March 10--peanut butter
March 17--cans of soup
March 24--cans of vegetables and fruit
March 31—any nonperishable food or monetary donation
Thank you for feeding the body with the love of Jesus!Lenten Suppers: To help provide suppers on Wednesdays during Lent, there will be a list of ingredients at church for people to donate.
Folders for Giving: The almsgiving folders will be available on Ash Wednesday and thereafter on Sundays outside the sanctuary. Giving is one of the traditional three pillars of Lent - fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. More information will be coming about where we're sending these gifts this year.
Meals of Hope, March 31: The fifth Sunday of the month, members have the opportunity to help serve Meals of Hope at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. We start serving at 5:00 pm. This year’s dates are March 31, June 30, September 29, and December 29. There is a sign-up sheet in the lobby and on our website. Please sign up so we know that we have enough volunteers and we can send you a reminder. Anyone interested in helping to coordinate Meals of Hope, please contact Pastor Stephanie.
Newsletter Deadline: Please send information for next month's newsletter no later than Friday, March 22 to auroratrinityoffice@gmail.com or text or call 507-475-3222.
About Us
Email: auroratrinityoffice@gmail.com
Website: www.auroratrinitylutheran.org
Location: 6329 Southeast 38th Street, Owatonna, MN, USA
Phone: 507-676-5696
Facebook: facebook.com/AuroraTrinityLutheranParish