Www.emmanueclovis.org

M a r c h , 2 0 1 1

New Emmanuel Lutheran Church Clovis

T H E G R A P E V I N E

Dear Worshiper, The 23rd Psalm is a favorite for many Christians. It’s one of my favorite Bible passages too. As I was sharing this Psalm at a meeting with other Lutheran pastors of our denomination recently, I thought about this need for a shepherd. I thought, a shepherd is needed only when there aren’t any fences. If you have fences, you are already pretty well penned in…so why a shepherd? But if you are “free-ranging” it, a shepherd becomes indispensable. The shepherd is someone who stays with his sheep at all cost, guiding, and protecting. The shepherd is someone who walks with them through the fields checking what they are eating and making sure it is the good stuff. A shepherd is also the one who makes sure that the sheep don't get distracted and wander off because there aren't any fences. God has given us fences. It’s called the Law. It’s meant to keep us from endangering ourselves, others, and insulting God. The Law, however, doesn’t work very well. It’s like the fence I have at home, meant to keep our new Golden Retriever puppy from meandering off and getting into mischief. Somehow, that puppy finds ways to dig under, crawl between, and go through the fence. The fence isn’t doing its job. That’s like us. God has given us “Rules for Happy Living on Planet Earth.” We call it the Moral Law. The Ten Commandments. Those commandments would be good—perfect even—if we perfectly applied them. But we don’t. We end up “free-ranging” it.

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The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

March, 2011, New Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel clovis.org

LETTER FROM THE GOVERNANCE BOARD

Greetings from the Governance Board. The Board meeting in February kicked off what promises to be a very busy Spring. We will be forming a nominating committee that will work through Emmanuel’s membership looking for the right folks to replace Jim Deis and Helene Kipp on the board. Per our Constitution and By-Laws we will have an election every Spring from this year forward to replace or return Governance Board members. Members serve a two year term that is on an alternating schedule so there will always be sitting members welcoming new members rather than a wholesale turnover. Jim and Helene have both served faithfully and have been integral in the implementation of policy-based governance. Both served on the previous council and have had quite a run bringing Emmanuel to where it is today. There will be more to come on elections in the next couple of months. Of course election is another word for choices. Most of you know I’m involved with law enforcement and because of my occupation I see almost daily how choices effect peoples lives. As we move forward together as a church and as a board we should all be keenly aware of the choices we make. These are indeed exciting times for Emmanuel and the governance board would like to ask everyone to pray for guidance and wisdom both for Pastor Ed and us as we forge ahead in 2011. As always if you have any questions or comments feel free contact any board member and if we don’t know the answer we will get it. Doug Richardson

That’s why I love Psalm 23. It reminds me that I need the Shepherd. God in Jesus Christ has released us from the bonds of the Law to operate our lives “free-ranging” it under the Gospel. We are free thanks to the blood of Christ shed on the cross. We are set free but we are not alone. The Good Shepherd goes with us. The Good Shepherd watches over us in the midst of the fence-less fields of life. The Good Shepherd is faith-ful. The faithfulness of the Good Shepherd, the love that is lavished on us, and the care we are given is what al-lows us to say: "The Lord is my shepherd." In His service, Pastor Ed

From The Pastor (continued)

March, 2011 , New Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel c lovis .org

Mission Statement:

Inspired by the holy spirit, we share His love and invite people to Christ by proclaiming and living the Good News.

GOVERNANCE BOARD

Jim Deis Helene Kipp

Doug Richardson Sandra Lucero

Darrell Strickler

Editorial Staff of the Grapevine Cristy McNicholas and Sandy Wisener

Elizabeth Bombini and Marlene Coffman

March Sundays:

March 6th HOLY COMMUNION 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Kick ‘n’ Kids Youth Bible Study Adult Study

March 13th 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Kick ‘n’ Kids Youth Bible Study Adult Study

March 20th HOLY COMMUNION 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Kick ‘n’ Kids Youth Bible Study Adult Study

March 27th 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Kick ‘n’ Kids Youth Bible Study Adult Study

EMMANUEL OFFICE

Cristy McNicholas, Office Manager (559) 298-0725

Cristy@emmanuelclovis.org New Office Hours: Mon.—Fri

Prayer Praise & Bible Study! We meet Mondays at 9 am for fellowship, Bible Study of ISAIAH to Praise our Lord, and to pray for whatever may be on our hearts.

Women of Grace As spring approaches we develop that urge to make everything in our house clean and in order. We long to bring that newness into our homes so we begin to reach into every corner of our homes to make it presentable, fresh and new. Sometimes we need to do the same thing with our spiritual houses. Things always get tucked back in the recesses of our spiritual closets that aren't always needed. We accumulate grime and dirt on our spiritual floors and walls. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work.

1. EVALUATE- What needs done in order to clean up our spiritual homes? 2. GET RID OF JUNK- Are there things in your life that are just junk and cluttering up your life? 3. GATHER CLEANING TOOLS- All you need to clean your spiritual house is one thing- the Word of God. 4. GATHER CLEANERS- When it comes to cleaning our spiritual house, all we need is one all-purpose cleaning agent- the forgiveness of God. 5. GET TO WORK- God gave us His Word and His precious forgiveness but we have to use them to keep our lives clean. 6. DETERMINE TO KEEP IT CLEAN- Keep it up daily by feasting on God's Word and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

Our next event will feature gourmet chef, Judy Strickler. She will teach a cooking class on healthy foods and preparation. This will be at Judy’s home, 1562 McKelvy Ave., on Sat. March 12th at 11:00. There will be a signup in the narthex. We hope you will join us

"E.F.T. at THE NEW EMMANUEL" Electronic Fund Transfer is available! You can have your Tithes/Offerings automatically withdrawn from either your checking or saving account and given to Emmanuel. There are many benefits to the New Emmanuel, as well as to our members and friends. It is safe and secure. For more information, please contact Mike Kipp at 447-9369, or you can email him at mekipp@sbcglobal.net.

Country Gospel

Enjoy it again on March 5th, 2011! Our own Country Praise Group will be back to lead us in singing the great old and new country gospel songs we so love. So Ya’all come and raise your voices to the Lord in Song! Next month: April 2nd will be the date.

Dear Friends in Christ, Can you believe it has been over 9 months since we installed the new Audio/Video system? With the new sound system the praise band has been able to venture out and try new things such as our Country Gospel service. The service has helped to bring many new faces to Emmanuel and smiles as well. With the success of the praise band and the wonderful music they have been able to provide, more have wanted to be involved. The band used to range as high as 5 to 6 people now it ranges as high as 8 to 10 people. While this growth is a blessing it was also pleasantly unexpected. Unfortunately, the growth has meant we have already maxed out all the wall connections for the audio system, requiring us to run external cabling along the wall when we have a large praise band. We have also already maxed out all our individual musician monitors. We have found ways to work around the issues surrounding the growth of our band, but the solutions are not clean and create more clutter. Along with the growth difficulties of the sound system the video system has experienced some changes as well. The system was originally designed utilizing two computers but after using the smaller MAC mini we came to realize that its graphic card had difficulty always syncing with the back projector. We have since given the MAC mini to the church office, which was an upgrade to the old system. Our administrative office is now all MAC, since Pastor Ed has been using a MAC pro since before he came. Unfortunately, this means the sound team now only has one computer to run the video system and does not have a main back up computer. Again, we have come up with temporary solutions but the solutions are not always practical or easy. We have had to rely on borrowing other laptops when we need to do special services. Both of the issues listed above are wonderful problems to have and are actually a blessing as they show we are growing and reaching others. Along with the issue discussed above there are other small issues we are also looking to resolve. I have listed a purchase wish list below which would help resolve some of our current issues. If you enjoy what the audio/video ministry has been able to accomplish and would like to contribute financially to help continue our improvement of the system please note donations as Audio/Video Ministry.

Audio/Video Ministry purchase wish list: More wall jacks: $3,000

These are needed so we can expand the audio system. Second laptop: $2,400

To be used for special services allowing us to control more than one screen. Also will be a back up computer if for some reason the main laptop falters. This would also allow two people to be working on two different worship services at the same time if necessary.

Wireless headset for Gary: $600

This is important because of Gary’s recent back surgery. Another single monitor Aviom system. $600

For additional musicians or singers. Sound deadening panel: $300

For quieting the drums. Lastly, I would again like to thank everyone on the Audio/Video team that helped in 2010. Nikki Beach, Allie Dickson, Fabian Gonzales, Chuck Haas, Karen Krueger, Mario Lucero, Cristy McNicholas, Andrew Vangsycha, Carl Watkins, and Chad Watkins. We will be adding new faces to the team for 2011 and if you would like to be part of the team please see Dan McNicholas after one of the services. In Christ, Dan McNicholas Emmanuel, Audio/Video Director

March, 2011 , New Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel c lovis .org

FROM OUR AUDIO-VISUAL DEPARTMENT

EMMANUEL FUNDRAISERS

Want to raise extra money for Emmanuel? Just turn in your empty inkjet cartridges to our church office for recycling. We will receive $2.00 for each one. This is a continuing project that we will do throughout the year.

March, 2011 , New Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel c lov is .org

Youth Fund Raiser

Remember to SAVE your PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES, & SODA BOTTLES for the green youth trash can located at the back of the

Church House. See Nathaniel Kipp if the trash can is not out. Thank you for supporting our recycling program.

Altar Flower Sign-Up

If you would like to honor a special person, date or event, please consider providing altar flowers one week during the year. The sign-up calendar is located on the wall near the restrooms in the narthex.

Think about it! KIDS MAKE US SMILE

PREGNANCY CARE CENTER Remember to bring your baby items to fill up the bassinet for this organization which gives the choice of life to many young people who might decide on abortion. Small baby items, blankets, Diapers, formula, bottles, or whatever else you may be able to think of.

RESCUE MISSION DONATIONS Please keep those donations coming for the Rescue Mission. Items needed are personal items:

Wash Cloths Deodorant Toilet Tissue Personal Hygiene

All items are greatly appreciated. Items may be placed in the marked box in the Family Life Center.

Craycroft Center has closed

Prayer Chain We are still looking for someone who would like to head up the Prayer Chain. That person would be responsible for taking calls for Prayers and passing them on to the members of the prayer chain. We also really like to receive the calls that tell us of the answer to prayers. We do have some awesome Prayer Warriors.

I was driving with my three young children one warm su

I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a woman in the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved. She was stark naked! As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my 5-year-old shout from the back seat, 'Mom, that lady isn't wearing a seat belt!'

While walking along the sidewalk in front of his church, our minister heard the intoning of a prayer that nearly made his collar wilt. Apparently, his 5-year-old son and his playmates had found a dead robin. Feeling that proper burial should be performed, they had secured a small box and cotton batting, then dug a hole and made ready for the disposal of the deceased. The minister's son was chosen to say the appropriate prayers and with enormous dignity intoned his version of what he thought his father always said: "Glory be unto the Faaather, and unto the Sonnn, and into the hole he gooes."

A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he lingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and look at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in be-tween the pages. 'Mama, look what I found,' the boy called out. 'What have you got there, dear?' With aston-ishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, 'I think it's Adam's underwear!'

A little girl was watching her parents dress for a party. When she saw her dad donning his tuxedo, she warned, 'Daddy, you shouldn't wear that suit.' 'And why not, darling?' 'You know that it always gives you a headache the next morning.'

A little girl had just finished her first week of school. I'm just wasting my time,' she said to her mother. 'I can't read, I can't write, and they won't let me talk!'

It was the end of the day when I parked my police van in front of the station. As I gathered my equipment, my K-9 partner, Jake, was barking, and I aw a little boy staring in at me. 'Is that a dog you got back there?' he asked.'It sure is,' I replied. Puzzled, the boy looked at me, and then towards the back of the van. Finally he said, "What'd he do?"

March, 2011, New Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapev ine www.emmanuel c lov is .org

Christian Education News…

Lesson themes for March

March 6th Bible Story: Jesus tells about the Good Samaritan Theme: God Values Compassion March 13th Bible Story: Jesus Heals the Blind Man Theme: God is Merciful March 20th Bible Story: Jesus teaches about commitment

Theme: Jesus is worthy of our commitment

March 27th Bible Story: Jesus clears merchants from Temple Theme: God deserves our sincere worship

Don't forget we still have Savemart Share cards.

We also have our own Flamingos that we would love to share with

Those you love as someone did for Valentine’s Day. —>

Have you noticed the Youth helping in church? The fifth Sunday of the month is Youth Sunday to do the Coffee and snacks.

We have youth helping in the sound and video booth they are also active with ushering and communion. They enjoy helping with the church functions.

The Youth would like to take a trip to the snow. We are looking for another driver and a cabin. We are looking for anyone with a cabin they would be willing to let us use for a weekend. Please call Helene Kipp– 447-9369 if you can help with either of these requests.

March, 2011, New Emmanuel Lutheran Clovis GRAPEVINE www.emmanuel clovis.org

March 6 March 13

March 20

March 27

Communion Assistants

Neil Hoppus Scott Linenbroker Fon Vangsycha

Andrew Vangsycha

Mike Golden Nathaniel Kipp Darrell Strickler

Todd Weber

Usher Don Rutherford Bill Dunklau

Mike Kipp Gordon Miller

Vernon Meyer

Neil Hoppus

Acolyte Madeline Richardson Katlin Strickler Michelle Vangsycha Megan Weber

Greeter Jim Deis Cheryl Deis

Don Rutherford Ardis Rutherford

Gail Davis

Chuck Haas Cristy McNicholas

Todd Weber Bill Dunklau

Sandy Wisener

Helene Kipp Claudine Steinhauer

Don Rutherford

Counters Don Rutherford Bill Dunklau

Don Rutherford Irene Stinson

Don Rutherford Sandy Wisener

Don Rutherford Claudine Steinhauer

Info Booth

Steven Edmonds Sue Kirby Sandra Wisener Ardis Rutherford Country Gospel March 5

Chris Watkins

OUR FAITHFUL SERVERS FOR MARCH

Our Praise Team: Jill and Gary Gerloff, Paige Weber, Judy Strickler, Keisha Strickler, Steve Vickrey, Todd Weber, Doug Richardson, and Art Howansky.

Social Ministry Have you checked out the Information Booth, you can find Bible Reading Schedules, the Newsletter and pamphlets on what is available at Emmanuel. Lost & Found

In the kitchen a pyrex bowl with a lid. Please check the kitchen for dishes you are missing.

One hearing aid found on floor in the narthex, ask Cristy in office.

Sunday Morning Coffee

We have made some changes to the Sunday Morning Coffee time. The people who make the coffee will not longer be required to bring the snacks. We will be providing the snacks with the free will offering and asking others in the congregation to consider bringing snacks. Muffins, fruit, veggies, bagels, cookies, sandwiches are just a few items that are welcome for the snack time. There is no set number to bring, we appreciate the donations. If you would like to sign up to bring items there is a sign up sheet on the Social Ministry Board. Please be sure to Thank the people who make the coffee for you.

Thanks you for all of your support. I know God is blessing our family here at Emmanuel.

IF YOU ARE SCHEDULED AND CANNOT SERVE . . . Please call your team leader. For the Info Booth it is Chris Watkins 297-4922 (clw39@cvip.net) for Communion Servers it is Mike Kipp 447-9369 for Ushers, Counters, and Greeters you can let them know at the church. Thank you.

March, 2011 , New Emmanuel Lutheran Clovis GRAPEVINE www.emmanuelclovis.org

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 6:00 Praise Team 7 pm Adult Bible Study with Pr. Heidel

3 4 5 7 pm COUNTRY

GOSPEL CELEBRATION

6 9 AM WORSHIP with Communion 10:30 Kick’n Time Youth Adult Bible Study

7 9 a.m. Bible Study ISAIAH in the Church House

8

9 Ash Wednesday 6 pm ‘Soup’ Supper 6:30 Holy Communion

10

11

12 Women of Grace 11:00 a.m. @ 1562 McKelvy

13 9 AM WORSHIP 10:30 Kick’n Time Youth Adult Bible Study

14 9 a.m. Bible Study ISAIAH in the Church House

15

Newsletter Deadline

16 6 pm ‘Soup’ Supper 6:30 Devotion

17

18

19

20 9 AM WORSHIP with Communion 10:30 Kick’n Time Youth Adult Bible Study

21 9 a.m. Bible Study ISAIAH in the Church House

22

23 6 pm ‘Soup’ Supper 6:30 Devotion

24

25 Assemble Newsletter

26

27 9 AM WORSHIP 10:30 Kick’n Time Youth Adult Bible Study

28 9 a.m. Bible Study ISAIAH in the Church House

29 30 6 pm ‘Soup’ Supper 6:30 Devotion

31

March 2011

MARCH BIRTHDAYS!

3/04 Bill Beekman 3/06 Mariano Lucero 3/07 Mary Ann Meyer 3/07 Sandy Wisener 3/08 Vernon Meyer 3/09 Harriet Miller 3/10 Libby Alexander 3/15 Judy Strickler 3/19 Andrew Vangsycha 3/22 Janette Menard 3/25 Sharon Lien 3/27 Fabian Golden 3/28 Helene Kipp 3/31 Richard Smiley

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES! DATE YEARS Jill & Chuck Stocks 3/29/1980 31 years

If we have omitted your birth date or anniversary date or have the wrong date listed, please call the church office with the corrected information. Please accept our apology and HAVE A GREAT DAY IN THE LORD! THANK YOU.

Sunday School Corner

Upcoming Events

March 2011 TBA

Staff Cristy McNicholas PreK-K1/ Kids Church Director Chris McCracken 2nd & 3rd Grade/Kids Church Mike Kipp 4th & 5th Grade Karen Krueger/Ardis Rutherford 6th & 7th Grade (Confirmation Class)/Kids Church Gail Davis Music/Kids Church Chris Watkins Helps out time-to-time 2nd – 5th grade Keisha/Tiffany/Linda Miller Kids Church Linda Vangsycha Kids Church Helene Kipp/Eddie Ariaz High School & Up (Youth) Maenene Vangsycha Sunday School Superintendent Pastor Ed Krueger Sunday School Advisor

March, 2011, New Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel clovis.org

In February the Congregation wished Ally Dickson Godspeed as she left for boot camp in the Army.

Five of the children of Shelly and Darl Alexander were Bap-tized in February. They were Nick, 15; Trey, 2; Maddie, 12; Bree, 2; and Libby, 7. What a wonderful day!

Saturday, April 23rd, 2011 1:00 - 3:30pm

@ Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Fowler & Alluvial

Celebrate JESUS!

Free To The Public!

Need Coordinators and Volunteers Need a Champion!!!!

See Table in narthex for sign-ups or call Church office 298-0725

March, 2011, New Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel clovis.org

March, 2011, New Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel clovis.org

The following groups have signed up to host the Lenten dinners on the dates below

Lenten Dinners—We will be meeting for Dinner at 6:00 pm

March 9, 2011 - Women of Grace

March 16, 2011 -Youth

March 30, 2011 - Governance Board

April 6, 2011 - Praise Band

April 13, 2011 - Monday Morning Women’s Group

If you need to change your date, please see Helene Kipp, 447-9369

Jack took a long look at his speedometer Before slowing down: 73 in a 55 zone. Fourth time in as many months.. how could a guy get caught so often? When his car had slowed to 10 miles an hour, Jack pulled over, but only partially. Let the cop worry about the potential traffic hazard.. Maybe some other car will tweak his backside with a mirror. The cop was stepping out of his car, The big pad in hand.. Bob? Bob from Church? Jack sunk farther into his trench coat. This was worse than the coming ticket. A cop catching a guy from his own church. A guy who happened to be a little eager To get home after a long day at the office.. A guy he was about to play golf with to-morrow..

Jumping out of the car, He approached a man he saw every Sunday, A man he'd never seen in uniform. 'Hi, Bob. Fancy meeting you like this.' 'Hello, Jack.' No smile. 'Guess you caught me red-handed In a rush to see my wife and kids.' ? 'Yeah, I guess.' Bob seemed uncertain. Good. 'I've seen some long days at the office lately. I'm afraid I bent the rules a bit -just this once.' Jack toed at a pebble on the pavement. 'Diane said something about roast beef and potatoes tonight. Know what I mean?' 'I know what you mean. I also know that you have a reputation in our precinct .'

Ouch. This was not going in the right direction. Time to change tactics. 'What'd you clock me at?' 'Seventy. Would you sit back in your car please?' 'Now wait a minute here, Bob. I checked as soon as I saw you. I was barely nudging 65.' The lie seemed to come easier with every ticket. 'Please, Jack, in the car' Flustered, Jack hunched himself through the still-open door. Slamming it shut, he stared at the dashboard..He was in no rush to open the window. The minutes ticked by as Bob scribbled away on the pad.. Why hadn't he asked for a driver's license? Whatever the reason, It would be a month of Sundays Before Jack ever sat near this cop again. A tap on the door jerked his head to the left. There was Bob, a folded paper in hand. Jack rolled down the window a mere two inches, Just enough room for Bob to pass him the slip. 'Thanks..' Jack could not quite keep the sneer out of his voice. Bob returned to his police car without a word. Jack watched his retreat in the mirror. Jack unfolded the sheet of paper. How much was this one going to cost? Wait a minute. What was this? Some kind of joke? Certainly not a ticket. Jack began to read: 'Dear Jack, Once upon a time I had a daughter.. She was six when killed by a car. You guessed it - a speeding driver. A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free. Free to hug his daughters, all three of them. I only had one, and I'm going to have to wait until Heaven before I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I've tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had. Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now. Pray for me. And be careful, Jack, my son is all I have left.' 'Bob'

Jack turned around in time to see Bob's car pull away and head down the road. Jack watched until it disappeared. A full 15 minutes later, he too, pulled away and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived...

March, 2011, New Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel clovis.org