Parish Life
Topic Links (click on topics to jump around page):
- Readings
- Week Day Bible Study
- Transition Update
- Tell It To The Council
- Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
- Congratulations to Veronica Bell
- Evangelism Task Force
- Thank You Certificate from Pacifica Synod
- FLCC Children's Choir
- From Our Congregational Youth Directors
- From Our Kitchen Coordinator
- A Special Thank You
- Update on the Life Line Screening
- 2008-2009 Nominees for Council
- The Nominating Task Force
- Executive Officer Nominees
Readings
May 1
Ascension of Our Lord
1st Lesson: Acts 1:1-11
2nd Lesson: Ephesians 1:15-23
Gospel: Luke 24:44-53
May 4
7th Sunday of Easter
1st Lesson: Acts 1:6-14
2nd Lesson: 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
Gospel: John 17:1-11
May 11
Day of Pentecost
1st Lesson: Acts 2:1-21
2nd Lesson: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
Gospel: John 20:19-23
May 18
The Holy Trinity
1st Lesson: Genesis 1:--2:4a
2nd Lesson: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
May 25
2nd Sunday after Pentecost
1st Lesson: Isaiah 49:8-16a
2nd Lesson: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34
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Week Day Bible Study
THURSDAYS - 9:15AM in the Parish Hall
Usually every Thursday morning at 9:15, we have an in-depth Bible Study. However, for May, the class currently plans on meeting each Thursday.
We have finally finished the Book of Acts! We study scripture both historically and critically.
It’s NEVER too late to join us! So, if you are craving time for theological reflection and Spiritual growth, this study is for you! Loretta Clark is our leader.
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Transition Update
Team members are: Loretta Clark (Council Rep), Larry Anderson, Russ Bailey, Stephanie Kramer, Connie Mitchell, Anita Steinle and Pastor Ray. Thank you to all the above listed folks.
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Tell It To The Council
Church Council members are interested in your ideas about our church. Let us know your thoughts about worship, church programs or any aspect of church life. Send your comments by mail to Council President Jerry Bean, First Lutheran Church, 1207 W. Cypress Ave., Redlands, CA 92373, or drop them off at the church office. You may also e-mail Jerry at jbean@centurygroup.com.
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Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Solutions for achieving your financial goals
About Thrivent...
The West San Bernardino County Chapter has 2,823 Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members who, along with Lutheran congregations in the area, join together for social, educational and volunteer activities. The West San Bernardino County Chapter is one of nearly 1,400 geographic groups of Thrivent Financial members making a difference for organizations, congregations and individuals in need within their communities.
A Caring Organization Like No Other
As a fraternal benefit society, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit membership organization that works with and through its members to support their communities, congregations and individuals in need through volunteer activities and gifting programs.
Helping Communities and Congregations
Chapter Activities $157,395
From holding a community-wide auction to raise funds for a child with cancer, to building a handicap-accessible play area at a local park, our members make a difference every day through our chapter system. 59 Chapter activities were conducted by the West San Bernardino County Chapter, resulting in 17,192 volunteer hours. Funds raised by these local teams totaled $103,455, which were combined with $53,940 from Thrivent Financial to multiply the good we can do together.
GivingPlus Program $887,805
Through this program, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its subsidiaries adds $1 to every $2 members give to Lutheran educational institutions or outreach ministry organizations.
204 Lutheran organizations received $887,805 in supplemental funds based on contributions from 4,706 Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members in our chapter and other chapters throughout California.
Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity $1,974,519
Through our alliance with Habitat for Humanity, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans contributed $1,524,837 to support Thrivent Builds projects in California. Our members raised an additional $353,283 and committed 31,491 volunteer hours to help build 10 homes in California.
In addition: Members in California also joined with Thrivent Financial to donate $48,954 to Habitat for Humanity and its affiliates.
Thrivent Financial supported its many members who participated in a total of 100 Thrivent Builds Worldwide trips by providing $47,445 toward trip costs and $686,984 to help Habitat affiliates hosting the volunteers build additional homes.
Other Impact: $42,424
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans added to its impact in California through grants awarded to Lutheran and community organizations as well as by supporting additional volunteer and outreach efforts.
Support from the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation $484,610
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its subsidiaries contribute to the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation, which awarded more than 11,500 grants totaling $22.8 million in 2007 to support the Lutheran community and Thrivent Financial's corporate communities. 277 grants totaling $484,610 were given to organizations in California. All of the above are products or features offered by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
For more information please contact Brett Buffington or Bob Bell of our congregation.
Pauline Gruenler,
Thrivent Congregational Coordinator
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Congratulations to Veronica Bell
Congratulations to Veronica Bell and her family. Veronica was recently crowned the winner of the “Miss San Bernardino County Scholarship and Award Pageant!”
We rejoice with Veronica and her family at receiving this honor. In a way Veronica is representative of so many of our youth at First, in that she is an example of Christian love and service, commitment and caring, and represents the values of service to family, church, community and nation, integrity and honesty, and healthy competition.
Now she goes on to the state level in the competition representing our county. As you can imagine, there are expenses involved in this competition - wardrobe, luggage, travel, etc.
After discussing what would be the most appropriate way in which we might offer our support and encouragement to Veronica, the Church Council decided to encourage the families of First to support her as individuals and families.
Please contact Keisha Johnson Escamilla at 951-203-4203 for more information about how we can make contributions to Veronica. Mrs. Escamilla is the local representative of the Miss California Pageant.
Again, our congratulations to Veronica and the Bell family!
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Evangelism Task Force
The Evangelism Task Force currently consists of Rick & Diana Varner and Kathy Aldrighetti—they would really like to increase their “ranks”!
This task force is a very important part of the ministries of First Lutheran Church E.L.C.A., and is our main effort to reach out into the surrounding community to extend Christ’s kingdom as is our direction in Matthew 28:19.
If you feel that this is an area of ministry that appeals to you, contact Diana @ (909) 793-2454. She will be delighted to talk to you!
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Thank You Certificate from Pacifica Synod
THANK YOU, FIRST!!!
We received a Thank You Certificate from Pacifica Synod, for giving $10,081.71 to Mission Support of the synodical and churchwide ministries of the ELCA.
Synod Bishop Murray Finck and Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson signed the certificate. There was also a thank you letter from Pastor Rich Ajer, Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Stewardship, with heartfelt thanks for our donations and details of how the funds are distributed: 55% go to support the work of the wider church and 10% are given via grants to ministries such as Lutheran Social Services, Lutheran Campus Ministries, to name but a few. The rest of the funds are used right here, in our own Pacifica Synod, to support the work of the various churches and ministries within the Synod.
Any time a congregation asks where their next pastor will come from, a Habitat For Humanity home is blessed, a congregation retreat or seminar is held, speakers are provided for learning and mission or someone visits the Pacifica Synod web site, your offerings are at work.
Thank You for being tremendous witnesses in the world, for Christ’s sake, through your good giving and generous support!!
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FLCC Children's Choir
Looking ahead... On May 18, the children of First Lutheran Children’s Center will be with us along with their parents.
At the 9:15 Contemporary Service the pre-school children will be singing some songs they have been learning during Chapel time on Thursday and Friday mornings. Let’s welcome those of our FLCC families who will be joining us in worship with a warm and enthusiastic greeting, and PLEASE WEAR YOUR NAME TAGS. Thanks!
Pastor Ray
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From Our Congregational Youth Directors
How do you put into words an experience that has truly changed your life? Almost two years ago we moved to Southern California to start a new call in Outdoor Ministry at Camp Yolijwa. Camping has been a part of both our lives for so long and we were so excited to be able to take on this new challenge together.
Along the way we met Pastor Tony (what a crazy guy!). We soon found God opening another door for us into Congregational Youth Ministry. We both know how important the connection between camp and the congregation can be and were excited to be able to serve in both capacities.
At First we were blessed to work with some amazing adults who really had a passion for the youth of the church and a vision for what they wanted to see, and we were able to help guide that vision. We were blessed to work with amazing kids in Sunday School, Confirmation and the Senior High Bible Study. Somehow crazy card games turned into conversations like: Where is God in the madness of our world? Or…What does Jesus dying for our sins actually mean? A sopping wet group of Confirmation kids at Universal studios turned into faith sharing moments in the evening facilitated by the kids themselves.
We had both worked in Congregational Youth Ministry before, but we really believed that camp was our true passion. After our experience at First and from what you all have taught us, we have found God calling us to do more in the area of Youth Ministry. Therefore we have accepted a call as Directors of Youth Ministry at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD. While we are really excited about this new adventure, we are very sad to have to leave Yolijwa and First Lutheran so soon.
Expecting a baby—as I’m sure many of you know—has shifted our approach to life. Moving to Sioux Falls will take us back “home” in a community of family and friends that we have missed. We are grateful to be able to bring our daughter (oh yeah, we found out it’s a girl!) home surrounded by that community of people.
So at the end of May we will be making the drive back across the county (although we are not going anywhere until we see the CIRCUS!). We will miss you all very much and ask you to keep in touch. We will keep the church office informed of our new address and phone number once we know, but in the mean time, you can reach us at jacalando@gmail.com or on our cell phones 909-809-0106/0052.
We will continue to pray for the ministries and people of First Lutheran in Redlands. You will always have a place in our hearts!
Jessica & Lando Anderson
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From Our Kitchen Coordinator
From Dorinda McClellan, our Kitchen Coordinator, to all those wonderful folks that pitched in to help on our Lenten Soup Suppers, the reception for the Jean Oshiki funeral, the reception for Pastor Ray’s installation and the reception for Pastor Al & Marcie Straatmeyer. “It makes my job so much easier to have all these ‘willing hands’ wanting to help out wherever needed. We are truly blessed to have you.” Thanks to all of you AGAIN.
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A Special Thank You
To all of you -- dear friends of ours in First Lutheran:
(originally received on April 20th)
We have just arrived home from the wonderful farewell reception given for us this afternoon . . . and want immediately to thank you for the beautiful plaque given to us. It will be something that we will always cherish and that will be such a vivid and lasting reminder of the love we share with you dear, dear people!
Our eight years with you have led to the developing of friendships as precious as any we have ever known . . . and from the bottom of our hearts, we can say that we do indeed love you and that we will miss you greatly!
First Lutheran is truly such a loving church and you have ever so clearly demonstrated that to us. How very kind and very gracious of you to wrap your arms of love around us and to make us a part of your church family and of your own lives.
Succinctly put, you are terrific!
Al & Marcie Straatmeyer
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Update on the Life Line Screening
Update on the Life Line Screening held @ First on March 3...
We received a note back from the Life Line Screening folks as to the success of the session that was held here involving 45 people—some of them our members. The results are quoted as follows:
- "27 people were found to have moderate plaque buildup with one person having significant blockage—an early stroke indication."
- "2 people were identified as "high risk" for peripheral arterial disease—an indicator of pending heart attack and vascular disease."
- "11 people were found to have moderate bone loss."
- "7 people were found to have significant bone loss—an indicator or osteoporosis. Please share these results with your church staff and families. By hosting a screening, you brought awareness to your community and saved lives!"
s/ Rose Danao, Health Services Coordinator
Riverside, CA RDanao@llsa.com
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2008-2009 Nominees for Council
Larry Anderson
I am honored to be a candidate for our Church Council. This lifelong Lutheran and my wife Julie moved to Redlands and joined First Lutheran Church twenty years ago. I served a term on Council shortly thereafter. A major accomplishment was getting the Children's Center up and running. As with the other two congregations that we have belonged to, First Lutheran has provided fine opportunities for growth in faith along with service and Christian fellowship.
Since retiring from the teaching profession eight years ago, I have enjoyed opportunities for service in the community including tutoring individual students, delivering for Meals on Wheels, and participating in Habitat for Humanity "builds". Julie and I enjoy traveling, and we are blessed with having our three children and their families, consisting of eleven grandchildren and one great granddaughter living close by.
Roger Ballinger
I am a native of Ohio, a graduate of Wabash College and the University of Toledo College of Law. I was an active member of the Ohio bar until moving to Santa Clarita, CA, in 1985. I retired from my career as a labor relations attorney in 1999 and currently reside with my wife, Glenn, in Beaumont. We are not related to other Ballingers who are members of First.
While residing in the Toledo, Ohio area, I served on the Church Council of Reformation Lutheran Church. Also I was a member of Olivet Lutheran Church where our two (2) children were confirmed.
Christ Lutheran in Santa Clarita was our home church from 1985 to 2006 when we moved to Beaumont. While at Christ Lutheran. I served as Secretary for a task force which prepared a plan (being carried out by its current Church Council) for establishing a second church campus.
Since joining First in 2007, I have been serving as co-leader with Russ Bailey of the Beaumont Care Group. We regularly worship at the 10:45 service.
Lori Bruns
I am a life-long Lutheran, baptized in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, confirmed and married in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fairmont, Minnesota. My husband, Bill, and I became members of First Lutheran in 2000, although our connection had begun earlier, with our daughter, Janna, who attended preschool and kindergarten at FLCC.
Since joining, I have become a member of the Chancel Choir, Praise First!, an Assisting Minister, served on the Worship & Music Task Force and currently serve as Treasurer. Worshiping God through music is, and always will be, close to my heart, and I hope to continue to work with those who are looking to present new and exciting ways to praise our Savior.
I look forward to the upcoming opportunities that we will face during this interim period. It is imperative that all the voices of our many diverse ministries are represented and heard, so that when we call a new pastor, they will be aware of each distinct area in our church family here at First. Each member of First Lutheran is an integral part of our church family and I believe that we need to continue our outreach, not just to the world and our community, but even to those who are already within our walls.
Brett Buffington
I was baptized, raised and confirmed in Lutheran Churches. Kathy and I were married in 1982 at St. Paul Lutheran, Fullerton. We have two children, Jessica 13 and Christopher 8. Have lived in Colton since 1987and been members here since 1998. I am a Financial Representative for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
I am or have been:
- Graduate of Lutheran Bible Institute, Anaheim (1982).
- Youth Director / 5th & 6th Grade teacher, Our Redeemer Lutheran, Garden Grove (1980-82).
- Jr. High / Confirmation teacher since 1998. Church Council (2003-2005). Worship and Music Committee (2003-2004), Youth Committee (2004-2005) First Lutheran, Redlands
- City of Colton Commissioner (1992-1994).
God has blessed us with new challenges and opportunities to serve Him. I will use the gifts that God has given me to bring about positive change so that we can be a reflection of His love, hope and grace.
Loretta Clark
During my childhood our family attended Hope Lutheran Church, in Montebello CA. I later attended Lutheran Church of the Cross, Arcadia where I held several positions including council member. Education: Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psych.
I live in Oak Glen with my husband Mike. We enjoy our blended family which now includes 15 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. I thank you for the opportunity to have served on the Council this past year and would be honored to continue. As Chair of the Transition Team, I want to assure every member that your voice will be heard. We encourage you to share your concerns and hopes for the future of First with us. This really is an exciting time for First and as we know God is in control so all is well. God Bless
Wayne Kramer
Hello, I would like to thank everyone for this opportunity to run for church council. My name is Wayne Kramer, and I recently turned 29 years old. I have been fortunate and privileged to be a member here at First for 27 years. With your support, I feel that we can make this church reach the highest potential possible.
I am pleased about the changes we have made, but feel that we all have a lot of work to do in the future. New Traditions can be made while still paying homage to the traditional ones!
The next 10 years are the most crucial for our E.L.C.A future and stability. I am willing and humbled to give back to the church that has fed me for almost 3 decades. Thank You!
Linda Reinhard
I am currently an assistant principal in the San Jacinto area in a school with approximately 700 students and been in the education field for more than 20 years. Among my projects have been working with strategic planning, and overseeing staff and students.
At First, I am currently: on the Council, a Reader/Communion Assistant, in the Chapel Ringers bell choir and play in the Chamber Ensemble. In the past, I have served several terms on the Council, was on the Call Committee for Pastor Hites, served as an Assisting Minister, member of Worship & Music committee, attended WELCA, worked with the Children’s Choir and Vacation Bible School.
I am married to Eric Reinhard, who baptized and confirmed our children and grandchildren. Among my hobbies are music (I play the cello in the Ensemble noted later), reading and traveling. I would like to continue to serve this church by being on the Council and bringing the perspective of a young adult to it.
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The Nominating Task Force
Heartily recommends all the previous listed members for the positions open. We also request that all our members make an effort to become more acquainted with each of these folks prior to the election on May 18th AND be at the meeting to support them.
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Executive Officer Nominees
President: Lori Bruns
Vice President: Jay Sander
The offices of Secretary and Treasure will be decided at the annual Council Retreat held on June 6th & 7th. This meeting will be held in our Fireside Room and will be the annual planning meeting to review the previous year’s accomplishments and determine the needs of the remainder of 2008 and on into 2009. All Council Members need to be in attendance for this entire meeting.
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