A Piece of Work

Ephesians 2:1-10

The English language is filled with all sorts of

idioms that can leave us scratching our head when

we stop to think about them. If we say that we

are "under the weather," it does not mean we are

outside in the rain, but rather that we are sick.

And if you do go outside you do not want it to be

"raining cats and dogs," right!? It makes one

wonder where these sayings came from. Take the

expression "piece of work." This is never a compli-

ment when referring to a person, but always a

compliment when referring to what someone has

made.

This particular expression originally (Oxford

English Dictionary, 1473) was all about making

something useful. Related to this is the word

"masterpiece" which refers to an outstanding

"piece" of art. So a "piece of work" used to mean

something good had been produced. It was only

later that this phrase came to be derogatory when

referring to people.

The apostle Paul calls followers of Jesus -- a piece

of work, or pieces of work. In Ephesians 2, Paul

compares the value of the product (me and you) to

the one who is doing the making. It's kinda like a

"before and after" look at human beings.

Before faith and following Christ, we are the

"piece work" of "the ruler of the power of the

air." After Jesus begins working in our lives, we

are God's "workmanship," pieces of work made to

work for God's glory.

Monthly Newsletter of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer – March 2018

Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer 1100 W. Platte Ave. Ft. Morgan, CO 80701 Pastor Wesley Dunbar LCOR Ft. Morgan Office Phone: 867-8432 Bethlehem Office Phone: 842-2246 Parsonage Phone: 842-2291 Cell Phone: 608-479-0088 Email: gracepastor2@gmail.com

Office Hours Mon. & Wed. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Tues. A.M. & Thurs. at LCOR Friday where needed Administrative Assistant Vickie Hoffman vickiebethlehemlutheran@gmail.com Website: lcorelca.org Schedule 9:30 a.m. Adult & Children’s Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Congregation Council Members & Officers

Katie Barron, President 867-1181 Brad Wickham, Vice President 768-9488 Margie Dorn, Secretary 867-5378 Erich Dorn, Treasurer, 768-5457 Carri Brown 483-6140 Rowana Ernst 483-7770 Brenda Gallegos 370-0895 Cody Gerken 867-8300 David Lauck 867-3696 Marvin Rosten 380-1169

The Congregation Council is the core leadership body of the congregation. They are charged with overseeing and directing the life and mission of our church. We encourage you to talk with them! Please pray for their ministry as they provide leadership to LCOR.

Before Christ, we were "dead through the sins" in which we lived, "following the course of this

world, ... the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit at work in those who are disobedient"

(vv. 1-2). Before faith we were "pieces of work" driven by "the passions of our flesh …" (v. 3).

To be clear, the character and quality of a piece of work depends on the artist who is doing the

workmanship. But if the Artist is God, then this becomes a different story.

After: In Christ, God has taken over our reshaping in order to restore us to "pieces of work"

that are God's handiwork. God who is "rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved

us ... made us alive together with Christ" (vv. 4-5). This is the "grace" by which we have been

"saved."

From: BUT salvation is not just reserved for some later heavenly glory; we have already been

"raised" with Christ and "seated with him" in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (v. 6). In

other words, the work of Christ has made it possible for us to take control from the powers

that once distracted, derailed and deceived us.

For: We are also saved for the work God has prepared for us to do from the beginning. "For we

are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before-

hand for us to do" (v. 10). The word for ‘made’ in this verse is the word from which we get the

word “poetry.” We are God’s poetry. We are God’s artwork and song created to reflect God’s

glory.

Because of God's grace, we can look at everyone around us, even those "pieces of work" who

seem to be hopeless cases, and recognize that it is God's grace that changes us and them for

God’s glory. You are a piece of work -- God's work. And that's a good thing.

Peace,

Pastor Wes

Please pray for the following who have been submitted to our prayer

list: Ed Dorn, Les Dorn, Mark Dunbar, Cory Eikenberg, Lezlie Evel,

Eilene Fritzler, Annie Jo Green, Mikala Harmon, Virginia Johnson, Dan

Kolpin, Dick Mai, Mary Ann Meng, Robyn Meng, Jace Montel, Lila

Pribble, Harrison Walker, Erica Ward, and the family of Ruth

Wickham.

We thank you for making time to pray for us. We sincerely appreciate it and may God bless you!

Please remember that names are kept on our prayer list for three weeks, and then removed. If

you would like for someone to be kept on our ongoing list, please let Vickie know.

Parish Register Ruth Wickham passed away February 18, 2018; memorial service held at LCOR February 24.

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2018

Congregation Council Officers

President – Katie Barron

Vice President – Brad Wickham

Secretary – Margie Dorn

Treasurer – Erich Dorn

Lenten Soup Suppers and Services

Wednesday, Feb. 28, Soup Supper at 5:30 p.m., Service at 6:30 p.m. - BLC Wednesday, March 7, Soup Supper at 5:30 p.m., Service at 6:30 p.m. - LCOR Wednesday, March 14, Soup Supper at 5:30 p.m., Service at 6:30 p.m. - BLC

Wednesday, March 21, Soup Supper at 5:30 p.m., Service at 6:30 p.m. - LCOR Thursday, March 29, Maundy Thursday Service, 6:30 p.m. - BLC

Friday, March 30, Good Friday Service, 6:30 p.m. – LCOR Sunday, April 1, Easter Service, 10:30 a.m. - LCOR

(We will not have soup suppers on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday.)

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WELCA Council will meet March 5 at 3:45 p.m.

Circle Bible Study is cancelled for March.

Sewing Circle is cancelled for March.

Our Bible studies are a great way to get to know other women in the congregation while growing in your faith through conversation and study!

Come and join in!

Holy Week Breakfast Schedule

Breakfast will be served at 6:30 a.m. at the following locations:

March 26 – St. Charles Episcopal Church

March 27 – United Methodist Church

March 28 – Sanctuary Church

March 29 – Christ Congregational Church

March 30 – United Presbyterian Church

On March 30 lunch will be served at noon at First Christian Church.

Easter lilies are available for purchase for the sanctuary on

Easter Sunday (April 1). The cost is $9.00. If you would

like to purchase a lily, please fill out an order form located

in the entryway, or at the end of this newsletter, and

return it to Vickie by Thursday, March 1.

Our Men’s Bible Studies connect men

from the community through study, prayer

and fellowship. Come and join us on Friday

mornings for a time of teaching, reflection,

Q & A, prayer and fellowship. Bring your

Bible!

Our next gathering is set for March 2nd at

6:30 a.m. at the Country Steak Out.

Come and have great Christian fellowship

with like-minded men. For further info, please

contact Bob Dorn at 768-5456.

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Our photography dates for our upcoming directory event is fast approaching. With a goal of

100% we need all families to sign up. Our directory will allow us to connect names and faces and

stay connected. Photography times are still available – visit our website to sign up now at

https://booknow-lifetouch.appointment-plus.com/y99jsmrc/ or contact Shelly Bristol at 867-

4482, or Melissa Ruppel at 303-472-2054.

Photos will be taken March 14 & 15 from 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. Each family will receive a compli-

mentary 8x10 photo and directory for participating. You will also have the opportunity to

purchase additional photos for yourself, family and friends, and will receive a $10 off coupon at

check-in.

Please be a part of our new directory, and sign up today!

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Prairie Parish Conversations

March 3 at 8:30 a.m. Henry’s Diner, Brush

Please join us for great food, conversation and fellowship!

The Tragedy of School Shootings

In the midst of the agony over the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida, we are struck by the fact that this is the 18th school shooting in 2018. And it's only mid-February. From watching Parkland teenagers process their shock and fear on the news we cannot ignore the conversation that surfaces with our children and grandchildren. We are all on an emotional roller coaster and at our wits end and don’t know what to do or say.

In a culture desensitized toward violence, it can become too easy to look the other way. Teenagers are often the ones who keep us more honest. They ask tough questions. They want better answers. Our words sometimes ring hollow, unable to fill the void left in the aftermath of tragedy after tragedy.

Over the next several days and weeks, the young people in your home, lives and church may want—or need—to process what happened. We know this is not easy, so here are a few steps put together by Fuller Youth Institute of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. 1) Use phrases that help them feel safe to share

Start with something basic, like, “What do you know about …?” to assess what they’ve heard, seen, or processed already. This will give you a baseline for what else to ask or say. You’ll find a handful of other open-ended phrases which might prompt young people to speak more freely, especially when they’re confused, sad, or scared:

Tell me more … [about what you’re feeling; what you mean; what you’re experiencing.]

I wonder how … [that person might feel; we can help; this is impacting you?]

Let me know if … [you want to talk more later;] Never be afraid to admit you may not have the answer, “I don’t know, but…” … that's an important question; or … I wonder that, too; or… thanks for sharing it with me.

And even if you have an answer, it might be wise to step back and probe a bit before unleashing your “right” answer. Being heard is often more important than the answer itself, at least at the moment. 2) Pray and sing laments to God

Common spiritual reactions to tragedy include anger at God, questioning God, and struggling to trust God. The most appropriate response to these kinds of reactions is to lament. Lament is a God-given tool to pray and worship our way through pain and tragedy. While uncomfortable and sometimes awkward to read, the psalms of lament (there are over 65 of them) in the Bible give us language for crying out to God in ways we might not normally find acceptable. That’s exactly why they’re preserved for us. We have the opportunity to offer the hope of Christ to lives that have been plunged into trauma and disorientation.

Consider taking time for reading Psalm 88, 80, 61, 13, or 10. It is okay to ask, “Is it okay to say these kinds of things to God? Where could this kind of prayer go from here?” Take time to read through it. Read with others if the opportunity arises. Allow questions to surface. Write about it in a journal. Allow these ideas to change your conversation. 3) Look for signs of post-traumatic stress

It’s possible that recent natural disasters and shootings have left some young people in your community experiencing post-traumatic stress. Symptoms include feeling hopeless, numb, on guard or scared, having trouble sleeping or eating, or other physical distress.

If someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, start by encouraging them to stop watching and reading news related to the events. Use some of the tools above to ask good questions and help them process what’s going on. If signs of post-traumatic stress linger more than a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to help the young person find professional help.

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Treasurer’s Financial Report

Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer Financial Report

Giving Goal for 2018

$104,211.00 January 2018

General Fund

General Fund

Weekly Need $ 2,004.06 Balance Forward

$ 1,606.55

Year to Date Need

8,684.25

Total Receipts

8,338.44

Offering Received Year to Date

7,695.00

Total Disbursements (8,209.81)

Surplus (Deficit) to Budget

$ (989.25)

Balance End of Month $ 1,735.18

General Fund & Savings Account

Savings Account

Year to Date Cash Receipts $ 8,342.00

Balance Forward

$40,553.46

Year to Date Cash Disbursements

(8,209.81)

Total Receipts

3.56

Surplus (Deficit)

$ 132.19

Total Disbursements -

Balance End of Month $40,557,02

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7

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OUR REDEEMER

SAVINGS ACCOUNT WITH MORGAN FEDERAL BANK

FUNDS BREAKDOWN AS OF 1-31-18

MEMORIAL FUND

$ 6,521.70

ANNIVERSARY FUND

$ 842.97 BUILDING EMERGENCY FUND

$ 5,800.00

BALANCE OF CHURCH MUTUAL INS PROCEEDS*

$ 29,494.45

PARISH NURSES FUND

$ 50.00 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY $ 40.00

TEAM GARDEN $ 691.13

SUNDAY SCHOOL/VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL $ 73.66 GENERAL FUND (INCL. INTEREST EARNED)

$ 5,299.99

TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE (Checking & Savings)

$ 42,292.20

*CHURCH MUTUAL INSURANCE PROCEEDS TOTALED $50,391.13 AND HAS CAPITAL EXPENDITURES OF $20,896.68 SUBTRACTED FROM THAT FUND. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS TO GUTTERS, FACIA, CHURCH PARKING LOT, AND THE BOILER SYSTEM.

Have you designated all of your 2017 Thrivent

Choice Dollars? Thrivent members have until

March 31, 2018, to direct any remaining 2017

Choice Dollars. After that date, your unused

Choice Dollars expire.

“All For Jesus” is a devotional by Franklin Graham with Ross Rhoads. It spotlights the

empowering lessons of scripture and illuminates the godly examples of Paul and other heroes

of the Bible that show you how to embrace the essentials of a life devoted totally to Jesus:

service, discipleship, assurance, prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Live your life in fulfillment of God’s plan – not just obedient, but joyfully confident, steadfast,

and unhesitating despite tears and trials. Live your life all for Jesus.

“One Thousand Gifts” is about finding joy in what really matters. Here is a way of seeing that

opens your eyes to amazing grace, a way of living that is truly, fully alive, and a way of entering

the presence of God that brings you deep and lasting joy–right where you are. The photography

is beautiful and illustrations pertinent to the picture and subject. The author is a farmer’s wife

and mama to a half dozen exuberant kids, a columnist and a writer of articles featured in World

magazine and several others. She sees the whole earth full of the glory of God.

Ardyce Johnson

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Reminder to Members …

On the bottom shelf in the narthex, you will find all forms for borrower agreement, building use request,

reimbursement and/or funds request, rummage sale donation receipt and special donation form. If you have

any questions, ask Vickie, Pastor or a council member about them.

Changes were recently made on the "borrower agreement" form. Please make note: requests should

normally be received no less than ten (10) days prior to the date items are desired. Requests will now be

made through the Building and Grounds Committee. Council rep is Rowana Ernst.

Items not to be borrowed include: fellowship hall/choir padded chairs, round beige tables and long vinyl

rectangle tables (white or beige), yard equipment, custodial equipment, and appliances.

Items are not to be removed from church grounds before approval of the Building and Grounds Committee.

Borrower agreement requests can be put into Rowana Ernst's council basket, located on the shelves above

the request forms in the narthex.

Faith Day at the Rockies

Sunday, July 29 at 1:10 p.m.

Colorado Rockies vs. Oakland Athletics

LCOR has the opportunity to attend a game at Coors Field, tickets are $22 pp (group

rate if 20+ attend). This price includes the game, player testimonials, plus the concert!

Please sign up as soon as possible on the bulletin board in the entryway.

We’ll rock out to Passion (http://passionmusic.com), featuring Kristian Stanfill. In

addition, we will be joined by Rockies players in a post-game interview!

Contact Katie Barron for additional details or questions!

2018 Easter Lilies

Easter lilies from Edward’s Flowerland are available for purchase for the sanctuary on

Easter Sunday (April 1). The cost is $9.00. If you would like to purchase a lily, please fill

out this form and return it to Vickie by Thursday, March 1.

Your Name _______________________________

The lily is: _____ To the glory of God

_____ In memory of _____________________________________________________

_____ In honor of _______________________________________________________

Please make checks payable to the church. Thank you!

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March Daily Readings

The foundational premise of this set of daily readings is their relationship to the Sunday lectionary. The readings are chosen so that the days leading

up to Sunday prepare for the Sunday readings. The days flowing out from Sunday reflect upon the Sunday readings.

March 1

Psalm 19

Exodus 19:1-9a

1 Peter 2:4-10

March 2

Psalm 19

Exodus 19:9b-15

Acts 7:30-40

March 3

Psalm 19

Exodus 19:16-25

Mark 9:2-8

March 4

Exodus 20:1-17

Psalm 19

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

John 2:13-22

March 5

Psalm 84

1 Kings 6:1-4, 21-22

1 Corinthians 3:10-23

March 6

Psalm 84

2 Chron. 29:1-11, 16-19

Hebrews 9:23-28

March 7

Psalm 84

Ezra 6:1-16

Mark 11:15-19

March 8

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Genesis 9:8-17

Ephesians 1:3-6

March 9

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Daniel 12:5-13

Ephesians 1:7-14

March 10

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Numbers 20:22-29

John 3:1-13

March 11

Numbers 21:4-9

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Ephesians 2:1-10

John 3:14-21

March 12

Psalm 107:1-16

Exodus 15:22-27

Hebrews 3:1-6

March 13

Psalm 107:1-16

Numbers 20:1-13

1 Corinthians 10:6-13

March 14

Psalm 107:1-16

Isaiah 60:15-22

John 8:12-20

March 15

Psalm 51:1-12

Isaiah 30:15-18

Hebrews 4:1-13

March 16

Psalm 51:1-12

Exodus 30:1-10

Hebrews 4:14-5:4

March 17

Psalm 51:1-12

Habakkuk 3:2-13

John 12:1-11

March 18

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Psalm 51:1-12 or

Psalm 119:9-16

Hebrews 5:5-10

John 12:20-33

March 19

Psalm 119:9-16

Isaiah 43:8-13

2 Corinthians 3:4-11

March 20

Psalm 119:9-16

Isaiah 44:1-8

Acts 2:14-24

March 21

Psalm 119:9-16

Haggai 2:1-9, 20-23

John 12:34-50

March 22

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Deuteronomy 16:1-8

Philippians 2:1-11

March 23

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Jeremiah 33:1-9

Philippians 2:12-18

March 24

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Jeremiah 33:10-16

Mark 10:32-34, 46-52

March 25

Mark 11:1-11

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Psalm 31:9-16

Philippians 2:5-11

Mark 14:1-15:47

March 26

Isaiah 42:1-9

Psalm 36:5-11

Hebrews 9:11-15

John 12:1-11

March 27

Isaiah 49:1-7

Psalm 71:1-14

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

John 12:20-36

March 28

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Psalm 70

Hebrews 12:1-3

John 13:21-32

March 29

Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10]

11-14

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

1 Cor. 11:23-26

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

March 30

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Psalm 22

Hebrews 10:16-25 or

Hebrews 4:14-16;

5:7-9

John 18:1-19:42

March 31

Genesis 1:1-2:4a -

Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18;

8:6-18; 9:8-13 -

Genesis 22:1-18 -

Exodus 14:10-31;

15:20-21

Lectors March 4: Karen Temple March 11: Katie Barron March 18: Margie Dorn

March 25: Rockie Ernst

Acolytes

March 4: Myer Wickham March 11: Allie Lauck March 18: Jack Barron

March 25: Tasha Barron

Ushers/Greeters March 4: Barron Family

March 11: Lauck Family March 18: Frasco Family

March 25: Lloyd & Karen Crews

Fellowship Hosts March 4: Margie Dorn

March 11: Carol Foos March 18: Katie Barron March 25: Shelly Bristol

Communion Assistants March 4: Wanda Rosten March 11: Katie Barron

March 18: Bob Dorn March 25: Rowana Ernst (Palm Sun.)

Council Steward

We thank those who offer their gifts in leading worship this month!

www.facebook.com/lcorfortmorgan

Nursery Attendants March 4: Kristen Frasco March 11: Allie Lauck

March 18: Myer Wickham March 25: Elizabeth Liston

Altar Guild March 4: Vicki Fritzler

March 11: Karen & Elizabeth L. March 18:

March 25: Barbara Mai

Happy Birthday To:

Jacob Kral 03-01

Kristen Frasco 03-03 Tasha Barron 03-03 Joyce Dunbar 03-03

Jennifer Parker 03-07 Drew Gerken 03-15

Joshua Bristol 03-15 Elsie Menken 03-16 Carol Foos 03-16

Nancy Lauck 03-17 Myer Wickham 03-18

Bob Dorn 03-22 Sara Parker 03-25 Nick Holland 03-31

Happy Anniversary To: Andy & Dawn Gerken 03-09 Rockie & Rowana Ernst 03-20 Charlie & Terresa Lauck 03-25

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Easter lily order

deadline

2 6:30 a.m.

Men’s Bible Study at Country Steak Out

3 8:30 a.m.

Prairie Parish Conversations, Henry’s Diner,

Brush

4 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Christian Ed Committee 3

rd Sunday in Lent (purple)

5 3:45 p.m. WELCA Council

6

7 5:30 p.m. at LCOR

Soup Supper

6:30 p.m. Lenten Service

7:15 p.m. Confirmation

8

9

10

11 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Worship & Music Committee 2:00 pm Joint Council Mtg. @ LCOR Daylight Saving Time Begins 4

th Sunday in Lent (purple)

12

13

14

5:30 p.m. at BLC Soup Supper

6:30 p.m. Lenten Service

15

16 6:30 a.m.

Men’s Bible Study at Country Steak Out

17

18 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Blood Pressure Screening Stewardship Committee 4:00 p.m. Youth Group 5

th Sunday in Lent (purple)

19 1:00 p.m.

Evangelism Committee

20

21 5:30 p.m. at LCOR

Soup Supper

6:30 p.m. Lenten Service

7:15 p.m. Confirmation

22

23

24

25 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Palm Sunday (purple)

26 6:30 a.m.

Breakfast at St. Charles Episcopal

Church

6:00 p.m. Congregation

Council

27 6:30 a.m.

Breakfast at United Methodist Church

28 6:30 a.m.

Breakfast at Sanctuary Church

5:30 p.m.

Confirmation

29 6:30 a.m.

Breakfast at Christ Congregational

Church

6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday

Service at BLC

30 6:30 a.m. Breakfast

at United Presbyterian Church

Noon lunch at First Christian Church

6:30 p.m. Good Friday Service

at LCOR

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Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Tuesday & Thursday at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer

Fridays where needed

2:00-9:00 p.m. Lifetouch Photography

Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer

1100 W. Platte Avenue

Fort Morgan, CO 80701

Address Service Requested

The Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer exists to learn, teach, and

proclaim the Word of God, and to nurture one another in the

Christian faith in order to create a worship family; serve our

community; and build the kingdom of God.