WORSHIP NOTES FOR 2019 APRIL
Children and grandchildren love to ask questions about things that are unusual, and they often-times stump us adults. This is particularly true about the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord. About 20 years ago, Dr. Paul L. Maier, noted church historian, wrote a fantastic children's book about the first Easter. In this little book, Dr. Maier provides answers to the inquisitive young Christopher (age 10-12), who asks over 20 questions, many of which would stomp adults. Let's see how well you can respond to five of these.
1. On Palm Sunday, why did Jesus, as a king, ride a donkey instead of a horse and chariot?
2. If Jesus is God, why did He pray to Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane?
3. Why was Jesus crucified instead of just being stabbed?
4. Why couldn't the disciples stay awake in the Garden of Gethsemane?
5. What is the difference between a ghost and the resurrected Jesus?
As you can see, these questions can be easy to answer or can require extensive research. The short children's book is available in a glossy paperback at the Lutheran Bookstore or at Concordia Publishing House for a mere $8.99. It is definitely worth purchasing and reading.
1. On Palm Sunday, why did Jesus, as a king, ride a donkey instead of a horse and chariot?
2. If Jesus is God, why did He pray to Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane?
3. Why was Jesus crucified instead of just being stabbed?
4. Why couldn't the disciples stay awake in the Garden of Gethsemane?
5. What is the difference between a ghost and the resurrected Jesus?
As you can see, these questions can be easy to answer or can require extensive research. The short children's book is available in a glossy paperback at the Lutheran Bookstore or at Concordia Publishing House for a mere $8.99. It is definitely worth purchasing and reading.
5th Sunday In Lent - April 7
We, in the Church, look forward to Easter, but we know that Christ must suffer and die so that Easter can happen. In the Old Testament Reading, the prophet Isaiah tells us that God will make new things happen, but we will need to be patient and ready for His changes. The Apostle Paul, in the Epistle Reading, reminds us that we must do everything to gain Christ and press on to the glory that awaits us. In the Gospel Reading, we hear about the terrible tenants who, wanting to take the vineyard, killed the owner's servants, messengers, and even his son. Hymns for this Sunday include "My Song Is Love Unknown"; "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"; "Christ, the Life of All the Living"; and "Eat This Bread."
Palm Sunday - April 14
We relive the events of Palm Sunday as we hear the Palm Sunday processional Gospel and sing "All Glory, Laud, and Honor." Other Scripture readings for this Sunday include the Philippians Chapter 2 reading in which Christ humbled Himself, laying aside His glory for our salvation. God later raised Him back to life and exalted Him. The Gospel Reading will contain portions of the passion story, interspersed with the appropriate Lenten hymns. Hymns for this Sunday include "Jesus, I Will Ponder Now"; "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"; "No Tramp of Soldiers' Marching Feet"; and "Ride on, Ride on, in Majesty."
Maundy Thursday - April 18
As we celebrate the institution of the Lord's Supper (Gospel Reading), we are reminded that God established a new covenant with His people. This covenant is written on their hearts through faith. In the Epistle Reading, the author of Hebrews reminds us to encourage one another to love, do good works, and assemble for worship. Hymns for this service include "O Lord, We Praise Thee"; "Baptismal Waters Cover Me"; "Come to Calvary's Holy Mountain"; and "Thy Body, Given for Me, O Savior."
Good Friday - April 19
Our traditional Tenebrae service of darkness begins with a silent processional and the reading of Isaiah 53, the prophecy of the suffering servant. Scripture readings from the four gospels tell the death of Jesus and the horrendous steps our Savior underwent in order to pay the price of our sins. Hymns for this service include "Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow"; "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord"; "Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted" and "Lamb of God, Pure and Holy."
Resurrection Of Our Lord - April 21
The joy of Easter is spread throughout the Earth. In the Old Testament Reading, Isaiah tells us the God has prepared a new heaven and a new Earth. Imagine the peacefulness of that world in which the wolf and the lamb will get along! In the Epistle Reading, Paul tells the Corinthians that Christ's resurrection foreshadows what will happen to Christians on the last day. The Gospel according to St. Luke relays the story of the three women going to the tomb, telling the disciples what they saw, and Peter and John hustling to the tomb to see for themselves. Hymns that proclaim the Easter joy include "I Know that My Redeemer Lives"; "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today, Alleluia"; "This Joyful Eastertide"; and "Awake, My Heart, with Gladness."
Second Sunday Of Easter - April 28
The First Reading is from the Book of Acts and tells that the apostles spread the word that Jesus is arisen. The Epistle Reading comes from the first chapter of Revelation in which John saw Jesus in His resplendent glory, the Alpha and Omega. The Gospel Reading tells the story of Thomas, the doubter who turned believer, after touching Jesus' wounds. Hymns that continue the celebration include "O Sons and Daughters of the King"; "The Strife Is O'er"; "These Things Did Thomas Count as Real"; and "Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain."
CHURCH NEWS
MEETINGS
Board Of Elders Meeting
There will be a Board of Elders meeting on Monday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Jerry Roy.
Church Council Meeting
The next scheduled Church Council meeting will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30.
Relationship Committee Meeting
The next meeting of the Relationship Committee will be held on Friday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Pat Fritz.
UPDATES
Camp Restore Detroit
God is doing incredible things at Camp Restore Detroit! March 15-21 we had a group of six high schoolers and two adults from Cabot, Arkansas stay with us. They were so full of joy and excitement, willing to jump in and do anything that was brought their way. Our campers worked with George Preston, a community leader, cleaning up a park and working on a community member’s house. They also spent the week working with kids at Detroit Christian School, painting doors alongside their high school students. On top of that, they ran three successful kids’ nights at Mt Calvary. God did amazing things through these eight campers this week. They were such a blessing to us and to our community. We look forward to more campers to come!
Council Of Lutheran Women
The Council of Lutheran Women Spring Meeting will take place on Monday, April 29 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Westland. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m., followed by opening devotions at 9:45. All inter-congregational organizations of the CLW are invited to report on activities and special events of their groups as part of the meeting. Lunch will be served by the ladies of St. Matthew (free-will offering will be accepted). The afternoon speaker will be Cynthia Khan and Joy from POBLO (People of the Book Lutheran Outreach). Joy has a remarkable witness as to how God led her to become a Christian. RSVPs are requested the week prior to the meeting to help the ladies of St. Matthew adequately prepare for the meeting and luncheon. Contact Marlene Gunnell at marlene1@wowway.com or 586-778-4852 to make your reservation to attend.
Choir Concert
The Michigan-Ohio Chorale Concert will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 23000 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpointe, on Sunday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m. The concert will include this renowned choir plus organ, brass quartet, and other instruments. The great hymns of the Easter season will include "This Joyful Eastertide"; "Alleluia," "At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing"; "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" and "The Hallelujah Chorus." There will be a free-will offering to support the choir's ministry. For more information, see Daryl or Lucie Witte.
Easter Breakfast
Set-up for the Easter Breakfast will take place prior to the Good Friday service on April 19. If you can come and help cover the tables, prepare serving items, etc., please let Lucie know. Since the service starts at 7 p.m., please plan to arrive between 6:15 - 6:30 p.m. Thanks for your help!
The Easter Breakfast will be served following the Easter Celebration Service on Sunday, April 21 at 9:00 a.m. A free-will offering will be received. The menu will consist of the usual baked egg omelet and egg muffins, fruit, juices, and of course your delicious coffeecakes, muffins, and assorted delights! Bring your baked goods to the kitchen prior to the service so we can plate them as needed. In order to help us adequately prepare for seating and food, please let us know how many family and friends will be coming with you for breakfast. Please relay that information to Lucie by at least Maundy Thursday. Thank you!
Easter Lilies
(WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!)
Mt. Calvary has been blessed with an opportunity to again celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection with the children of Head Start and the community. “Gifts For All God’s Children” again will be helping by supplying Easter baskets. The theme for the fair is “Unbelievable Love”. The Easter Fair will be on Saturday, April 13, from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. We will need as much help as we can to assist with all the activities that are being planned. There will be cupcakes to decorate, tattoos, many crafts to assemble, face painting, coloring Easter pictures, and much more. We will close the Fair with a large group assembly to celebrate Jesus and his Love.
We could use help with the following: setting up on Monday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m., making a box or two of cupcakes (yellow or chocolate), help with any of the activities, help with serving lunch, security, and taking the tables down afterward. Whatever it is you are willing to do for the Easter Fair is welcomed. Last year was a great success and everyone came away with a good feeling by reaching out to families, especially the children, with the message of Jesus’ Resurrection. Please contact Lori Carrier at 810-887-0206, Pat Fritz at 586-293-9194 or talk to Elizabeth Parrish to sign up today.
We could use help with the following: setting up on Monday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m., making a box or two of cupcakes (yellow or chocolate), help with any of the activities, help with serving lunch, security, and taking the tables down afterward. Whatever it is you are willing to do for the Easter Fair is welcomed. Last year was a great success and everyone came away with a good feeling by reaching out to families, especially the children, with the message of Jesus’ Resurrection. Please contact Lori Carrier at 810-887-0206, Pat Fritz at 586-293-9194 or talk to Elizabeth Parrish to sign up today.
Easter Lilies
If you wish to place an order for Easter lilies, you may do so by signing the sheet located in the Altar Guild Room. The price is $12.00 each and must be submitted to Carol Vietzke by Friday, April 19. If you have any questions, please contact Terrie in the church office or Carol Vietzke.
Food Bank
Dates for the Food Bank in April are the 3rd and 17th. Plastic grocery bags are always welcome! We received a grant for $1,000 from the DTE Energy Foundation as part of their retiree volunteer program. We also were able to pick up a large amount of food from Historic Trinity's food pantry for distribution at our Food Bank.
Headstart
The LWML English District Greater Detroit Zone Rally has invited Camp Restore Detroit to enlighten the attendees regarding the good things happening in Detroit. The Spring Rally is being held on Saturday, May 4 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, located at 20338 Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods. The RSVP deadline for this event is April 29th to Margaret (mrogensues@aol.com or 586-596-5718. There is a $10 registration fee that includes lunch. The offering taken during the devotion will support the zone's missions and speakers. The Rally begins at 9:30 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m. In addition to the speaker (Elizabeth Parrish), the attendees will be assembling health kits to take to the LWML Convention in Mobile, Alabama later this summer.
Headstart
The children will be on their Spring break during the week of April 1 to 5; however the staff will be working all week. They are looking forward to the warmer spring weather so that they can be outside more. The children and staff will be attending the annual Math and Science Fair on April 25.
Our Head Start students will once again be participating in their annual Science & Math Fair on April 25. We would like to support them in this effort by making a contribution from Mt. Calvary. As was done in previous years, if you would like to make a contribution, you may write the check out to “Mt. Calvary” and our treasurer will write one check to Head Start for our total contributions. Last year we received a special acknowledgement given to groups or individuals who gave $500 or more. We hope to achieve that goal once again. Please note on your check "Science/Math Fair" and give it directly to Ron or place it in the offering plate. Thank you!
Hymn Presentation
On Tuesday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m., Daryl Witte will present "20th and 21st Century Hymns: The Second Musical Explosion in the Church" to the Dearborn/Downriver LWML Spring Rally at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Southgate. Included in this presentation are the hymns "Lift High the Cross"; "The Lamb"; "God's Own Child I Gladly Say It" and "Thy Strong Word." For more information, see Daryl Witte.
Lenten Dinners
Wednesday, April 3, the Lenten Dinner will feature buttermilk pancakes (both plain and blueberry), link sausages, fruit, and dessert (donations of desserts would be much appreciated!) Proceeds will benefit our confirmands attending the LC-MS Summer Youth Gathering in Minneapolis.
The Wittes will be hosting the final Wednesday evening supper prior to service on Wednesday, April 10. The menu will consist of lasagna, salad, green beans, garlic bread and dessert. The free-will offering received for this meal will go to cover the expenses of the ladies of Mt. Calvary, including the LWML Quarterly subscription ($32.50), dues for the Council of Lutheran Women ($30), LWML Greater Detroit Zone dues ($15), and the reservations we provide to the CLW Luncheon as a special treat for Pastor and Lori and our WOY Honoree. The total for these expenses each year is $193.50. We appreciate your generosity to help repay the church's bank account for these expenses.
The Wittes will be hosting the final Wednesday evening supper prior to service on Wednesday, April 10. The menu will consist of lasagna, salad, green beans, garlic bread and dessert. The free-will offering received for this meal will go to cover the expenses of the ladies of Mt. Calvary, including the LWML Quarterly subscription ($32.50), dues for the Council of Lutheran Women ($30), LWML Greater Detroit Zone dues ($15), and the reservations we provide to the CLW Luncheon as a special treat for Pastor and Lori and our WOY Honoree. The total for these expenses each year is $193.50. We appreciate your generosity to help repay the church's bank account for these expenses.
MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICES
Wednesday's at 7:00 p.m.
Exploring the Topic of the Lord's Prayer
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Evening's Theme
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Ash Wednesday
"Our Father" Lent 1 "Hallowed By Thy Name" Lent 2 "Thy Kingdom Come" Lent 3 "Thy Will Be Done!" Lent 4 "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread" Lent 5 "Forgive Us Our Trespasses" |
(March 6)
(March 13) (March 20) (March 27) (April 3) (April 10) |
Intro to Lord's Prayer
"Call Home" First Petition "Is God Holy In Our Lives?" Second Petition Is God Coming in Our Lives?" Third Petition "How Is God Working in Our Lives?" Fourth Petition "What Is Enough?" Fifth Petition "For How Much Forgiveness Are You Asking?" |
Mother's Day Honor Roll 2019
Mother’s Day is SUNDAY, MAY 12th. This year Mt. Calvary once again gives you the opportunity to honor and thank God for your mother, godmother, grandmother or other significant women in your life by placing her/their names in the church bulletin for Mother’s Day. A special listing will be prepared and included in the Sunday Bulletin.
Please download and use the form below to list the name or names of those special women whom you would like to honor. If you need more space, please write additional names on the back. Consider making a donation at this time in honor of the names you have listed.
The form and money may be brought or sent to the Church office:
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
17100 Chalmers
Detroit, MI 48205
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS Thursday, May 9
Please download and use the form below to list the name or names of those special women whom you would like to honor. If you need more space, please write additional names on the back. Consider making a donation at this time in honor of the names you have listed.
The form and money may be brought or sent to the Church office:
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
17100 Chalmers
Detroit, MI 48205
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS Thursday, May 9
| Mother's Day Honor Roll 2019 |
Newsletter Articles
Your newsletter articles for the May Newsletter will be due on Monday, April 15.
Scrip
Scrip updates are published in the Sunday bulletin as they are received. There are constantly changes in the denominations available and the retailers available for order. March saw the removal of Payless Shoesource and the addition of Jamba Juice. There are many other retailers that can be viewed by visiting the ShopwithScrip website (www.shopwithscrip.com). The profits earned through your orders are currently being used to assist our confirmands in the goal of attending the LCMS Youth Gathering later this summer. Restaurants usually have higher percentages, but retailers you frequent such as gas stations, Meijer, Target, and Wal-Mart are good choices to start your SCRIP habit. See Lucie Witte for a current order form or to place an order. Orders placed by Sunday are available by mid-week.
Thrivent Choice
We thank Marion Kunert for her designation of Thrivent Choice dollars to Mt. Calvary. We also thank John and Sue Steigenga from Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Birmingham for donating their Thrivent Choice dollars to Camp Restore Detroit.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
2019 March Birthdays
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05
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Phyllis Purcell
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!
2019 March Anniversaries
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There are no anniversaries this month.
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Don't forget to stop by "From The Pastor's Desk..." to see what insights Pastor John Carrier has this month.