Our Mission: “To know, accept and live the love of God and share it with others”
THE GOOD NEWS July/Aug. 2015
San Marcos Lutheran
Church
.
FOURTH OF JULY AT SAN MARCOS LUTHERAN
6:00-10:00 p.m.
Food—Games—Fun—Fireworks
Bring lawn chairs, so you can enjoy the best view of
the fireworks from our field.
“God’s Work.Our Hands” Sunday
August 23rd, 9:00 a.m.
San Marcos Lutheran Community Service Day
A brief worship at 9:00 a.m. followed by community service
(There will not be other worship services this Sunday.)
(See page six)
THE GOOD NEWS
Page 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Bible Readings & Birthdays (July) 9
Bible Readings & Birthdays (Aug.) 10
Bible Studies 4
Calendar (July) 11
Calendar (Aug.) 12
Children’s Center 5
GWOH 6
News & Notes 4
Pastor David’s Message 3
Stewardship (July) 7
Stewardship (Aug.) 8
What’s Going On 4
Women’s News 4
Youth 4
The next Newsletter article
deadline is August 15th.
San Marcos Lutheran Preschool
(760)727-0326
Director Anne McDaniel
Teachers: Leilani Duran, Theresa Mohn, Diane Jones,
Marit Greunke, Brittney Gibbs
San Marcos Lutheran Church
3419 Grand Avenue
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 727-1509
FAX: (760) 727-4468
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday—Friday
www.sanmarcoslutheran.org
Sunday Worship Hours:
8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, & 11:00 AM
Sunday School
Children Age 3-12
9:45—10:30 AM
Adult Education
9:50 AM - 10:45 AM
David P. Jorstad
Pastor
Karla J. Halvorson
Pastor
Office Manager
Margo Scarpelli
Organist
Jenny Yun
Choir Director
Christine Lehman
Director of Children’s Ministries
Barbara Velivis 4
Bookkeeper
Eunice Hanson
Volunteer Staff
Artist in Residence
Randall Sensmeier
Director Of Bell Choir
Kärin Kupka
Director of After School Music/Arts Program
Cynthia Jorstad
Coordinator of Celebration of Joy Musicians
Kirsten Bassett
Council Members
Jack Padley, President
Robin Rubin, Treasurer
Penny Muetzel, Secretary
Jack Anderson
Karen Johns
Linda Breen
Jan Parthemer
Vern Soderstrom
Alan Jones
Dan Norris
Director of Music Emeritus
Judith Moore
All are Welcome! As a community of the people of God, the members of San Marcos Lutheran Church are called to welcome
all people, regardless of age, economic status, ethnic background, gender, physical or mental ability, race or sexual orienta-
tion. We affirm that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or fe-
male.” (Galatians 3:28)
THE GOOD NEWS Page 3
How very good and pleasant it is
when brothers and sisters live together in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down over the collar of his robes.
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion.
For there the LORD ordained his blessing,
life forevermore. (Psalm 133)
When I attended the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit in San Diego several years ago, I sensed that I was in a holy
place. There is something profoundly sacred about seeing these ancient fragments of texts carefully copied
so long ago. The exhibit included portions of scrolls from O.T. scripture, as well as apocryphal writings,
commentaries, and practical writings for the community at Qumran. Imagine people who took such care to
record and store these words which are now available for us two thousand years later.
The highlight for me was to see the scroll of Psalm 133. It is the oldest known Hebrew scroll of this Psalm.
These words were first composed three thousand years ago. They were read and sung at worship and passed
down for generations. Finally, an unknown scribe copied them onto a scroll over two thousand years ago.
The scroll was carefully rolled up, placed in an earthen jar, and stored in a cave near Qumran. In the 1940's
it was discovered by Bedouin goat-herders.
Psalm 133 is an eloquent affirmation of unity. Life lived without fear of terror or discord is extraordinarily
precious and extravagant at the same time, like the oil of anointing from of old. Unity is a God given gift,
like the dew that falls as a generous blessing of the Lord.
In seeing these ancient words, I was struck by the fact that as of yet, unity has not come to God’s people.
Nor has it in the past. At the time of the psalmist there were conflicts. When the community of Qumran ex-
isted, there was awful strife between sisters and brothers of various religious traditions. We humans are all
too well acquainted with conflict. Our own world is torn by wars and rumor of wars. Broken relationships
affect our homes and families. Yet God continues to speak to us through the words of this psalm. Martin
Luther understood that the psalms are not only addressed to God. They are the voice of the Gospel, God’s
word addressed to God’s people. God’s will for creation cannot be silenced. God is even now in Christ Je-
sus, busy reconciling his beloved children, willing to bring us together. God will not give up bringing us to a
place where reconciliation and unity are not simply a possibility, but the only answer. “I have come,” Jesus
said, “that you shall have life abundantly.” God’s blessing of unity is life forevermore!
As we move toward God’s Shalom may this be our prayer:
O God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single peace. Let the design of your great love
shine on the waste of our wraths and sorrows, and give peace to your Church, peace among nations,
peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts; through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (ELW p. 76)
Peace in Christ,
Pastor David Jorstad
THE GOOD NEWS
MORNING BIBLE CLASS
led by Pastor Ed Wiediger
Tuesday, July 7th & 21st and Aug. 4th & 18th
10:00 a.m., in Luther Hall
FROM YOUR TREASURER
May 31, 2015
41.67% of Year
Income
Annual Budget Actual YTD % of Budget
$397,000 $159,041.46 40.06%
Expenses
Annual Budget Actual YTD % of Budget
$396,981.30 $160,488.99 40.43%
Thank you for your gifts which make our mission and
ministry possible.
PLEASE CALL US! We want to include you in our prayers, arrange for pas-
toral visits, and announce information to the congrega-
tion, when appropriate. Please notify the Church Office
(760)727-1509 when:
- A member family member, or someone you
know dies
- You, or someone you know, is ill or grieving
- You, or someone you know, is in the hospital
- You, or someone you know, wants to plan a
baptism, wedding, or celebration
- You moved or changed telephone numbers
If office is closed, and you have an urgent need, feel free
to call Pastor David at: home, (760)798-1226; cell
(619)917-2994 or email: [email protected]
or Pastor Karla at home, (760)754-1413, cell, (858)442-
676, email: [email protected]
THIRD SUNDAY SMALL GROUP The Third Sunday Small Group led by Doris Balsmeyer
will continue during the summer at 9:45 am in the Con-
ference Room.
WHAT’S GOING ON...
Page 4
Remember in Prayer:
Healing for Susan Agonia, Cliff Adcock, Pastor
Dave Kupka, and Janet Giddings
Our sympathy to Cathy Lindgren at the death
of her father, Warren Lindgren. May God com-
fort all who mourn with the hope of the resur-
rection.
We rejoice at the Baptisms of Elizabeth Veroni-
ca, daughter of Rachel and Nicholas Gustin and
Landry Anne, daughter of Lindsay and Casey
Armstrong.
We pray for Pastor Karla Halvorson who is on
her sabbatical. She will return to the office on
July 21.
NEXT WOMEN’S SAT. MONTHLY
BAGELS & BIBLES STUDIES are Sat-
urdays., July 18th and Aug. 15th at 10:00 a.m.
in the Conference Room. Please contact Kärin
Kupka at 760-415-2525 or karink-
SMLC YOUTH
Sunday School Every Sunday 9:45 am
(ages 2 years through 5th grade)
July 14-19
ELCA National Youth Gathering
in Detroit!!!!!
Contact us!
Dir. of Children's Ministries, Barbara Ve-
livis, [email protected] ,
760-445-7550
Youth leader, Daniel Norris dan-
THE GOOD NEWS
Page 5
CENTER
NEWS
July-August 2015
.
We had a wonderful two day “God is Our Rock!”
Promotion Celebration on June 11th and 12th and
it was just awesome to have so many mommies
and daddies, siblings, grandparents, aunties and
uncles in attendance. One of the highlights was
the children singing “One Name Under Heaven”
and there is a line, “God’s Gonna Rock this
Place!” and let’s just say I think the Lord defi-
nitely got the message!
This summer we have 6 fun filled camps with 24
students per camp: Circus Roundup, Red, White
and Blue, Western Roundup, Oceans and Potions,
Creation Nation(Princess and the Pea) and Noah’s
Ark, The Musical! All of our newbie kiddos are
required to attend at least 1 week of summer
camp and it’s an awesome way for these children
to get to know us and us them and to make new
friends before the start of the regular school year.
We also rejoice that Ms. Gibbs son, Keyan (3)
will now be joining us in the preschool.
Our summer construction project will be to get the
new “Secret Garden Arbor Swing” in place in the
area of our playground behind the kiosk…thanks
to a generous donation from the Ebel family and
friends and our wonderful preschool families.
Remember you can see photos of all of our activi-
ties on Facebook: Just “like” SMLC Children’s
Center.
Blessings and Happy Summer from the Children’s
Center Summer Staff:
Anne, Theresa, Leilani and Brittney
THE GOOD NEWS Page 6
“God’s Work, Our Hands” (GWOH) Sunday, August 23, 2015
Have you marked your calendars to come to church at 9:00am on August 23rd?There will be one brief
Worship Service that day, then we’ll go to our various groups and locations for our time of Community Ser-
vice. We'll all come back to church for a potluck luncheon beginning at noon. Sign-ups begin July 12th. Each project will have a sign-up sheet, so please add your name to a list or contact the Team Leader. We
have something for EVERYONE. We encourage everyone to wear a “God’s Work, Our Hands” T-shirt.
Shirts can be ordered from Jack Anderson.
Following are the confirmed projects and their Team Leaders. Several Team Leaders are still needed for pro-
jects at Alvin Dunn. Youth volunteers would be great.
Projects at Alvin Dunn – transportation will be provided as needed
A specific list of needed items is available in the Courtyard. Donations of school supplies (leave in Narthex),
hygiene items (leave in narthex), and sack lunch items (leave in kitchen) can be brought to church beginning
July 12th. Bread and fruit for sack lunches can be brought on GWOH Sunday (Aug. 23rd), but please notify
Jan Parthemer in advance.
Project Location Team Leader
Cleanup following Potluck Lunch. You can
participate on another project but stay after-
wards for cleanup.
Luther Hall Linda (Hendrickson)
Breen
Make sandwiches and bag 150-200 lunches
for Interfaith
Church kitchen + ta-
bles in Luther Hall
Jan Parthemer
Assemble Hygiene Kits for Interfaith Youth Room Donna Huber
Sew comforting and cheerful pillow cases
for children in shelters and/or hospitals
Luther Hall Mary Lyn Padley
Create note cards for Balboa Military Hospi-
tal
Luther Hall Barbara Velivis
Make Prayer Blankets for Balboa Military
Hospital
Luther Hall Barbara Velivis
Pick up litter on Grand Avenue Grand Avenue Nick Wanner
Project Team Leader
Organize and distribute school supplies to all classrooms (with carts)
Transform two raised flower beds to drought tolerant plants that will
attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The Vallecitos Water District is
assisting us on this project.
Robin Rubin and
Linda Breen
Shelve Library Books Anne Voth
Stuff envelopes with back-to-school info for parents Jen Gastauer
Make Welcome-Back posters
Assemble 95 binders with a new handbook Corrie Lott
Help group from Parent Teacher Organization assemble game pieces
(possibly some painting) for their school carnival
THE GOOD NEWS
Ushers:
Date 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
05-July Peter Durst Karen Johns
Linda Eller Sue Check
12-July TBA Doris Balsmeyer
Louise Ericson
19-July Sharon McEwan Karen Johns
Sue Check
Counters:
Date 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
05-July McEwan/Eller Phleps
12-July O’Carroll Sathrum/Wiediger
19-July Kozloskis Pilmer/McGovern
26-July Kozloskis Phelps
Sunday Christian Education:
Nursery - Infant through two years old
Bible School - Preschool through fifth grade
Dir. Of Children’s Ministries - Barbara Velivis
Confirmation (grades sixth-eighth): Pastor Karla Halvorson
Sr. Hi - Dan Norris
Lay Readers:
Date 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
05-July Marilyn Monell Ruth Schneider
12-July Melinda Kozloski Doris Payne
19-July Bryan Mace Carol Pilmer
26-July Anne Voth Shareen Grogan
Greeters & Communion Assistants:
Date 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
05-July Robin & Ellen Sharon Phelps
Rubin
12-July Sharon McEwan Sharon Phelps
Cathy Parisi
19-July Anne Voth Doris Balsmeyer
Eleanor Adcock Louise Eriscon
26-july Sharon Phelps Ruth Schneider
Hospitality Teams 9:45 a.m. Service
05-July Cathy Duncan
12-July Liz Starr
19-July Jean Kahn
26-July Inga Enge
JULY2015 STEWARDSHIP
Page 7
THE GOOD NEWS
Ushers:
Date 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
02-Aug. Gerry & Gina TBA
Stier
09-Aug. Don & Diana Sue Check
Arney
16-Aug. TBA Louise Ericson
Doris Balsmeyer
23-Aug. GWOH SUNDAY
30-Aug Sharon McEwan Karen Johns
Sue Check
Counters:
Date 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
02-Aug. O’Carroll Sathrum/Wiediger
09-Aug. Kozloskis Phleps
16-Aug. McEwan/Eller Pilmer/McGovern
23-Aug. GWOH Phelps
30-Aug. McEwan/Eller Pilmer McGovern
Sunday Christian Education:
Nursery - Infant through two years old
Bible School - Preschool through fifth grade
Dir. Of Children’s Ministries - Barbara Velivis
Confirmation (grades sixth-eighth): Pastor Karla Halvorson
Sr. Hi - Dan Norris
Lay Readers:
Date 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
02-Aug Rob O’Carroll Doris Payne
09-Aug Melinda Kozloski Marilyn Monell
16-Aug. Bryan Mace Shareen Grogan
23-Aug GWOH SUNDAY
30-Aug. Anne Voth Carol Pilmer
Greeters & Communion Assistants:
Date 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
02-Aug. Robin & Ellen Dianne McGovern
Rubin
16-Aug. Anne Voth Sharon Phelps
Sharon McEwan Cathy Parisi 23-Aug. GWOH SUNDAY
30-Aug. Eleanor Adcock Sharon Phelps
Hospitality Teams 9:45 a.m. Service
02-Aug. Jean Kahn
09-Aug. Cathy Duncan
16-Aug. Liz Starr
23-Aug. GWOH SUNDAY
30-Aug. Inga Enge
AUGUST, 2015 STEWARDSHIP
Page 8
THE GOOD NEWS Page 9
JULY 2015
Bible Readings
July 5 6th Sun. after Pentecost
First Reading: Ezek 2:1-5
Psalm: Psalm 123
Second Reading: 2 Cor 12:2-10
Gospel: Mark 6:1-13
July 12 7th Sun. after Pentecost
First Reading: Amos 7:7-15
Psalm Psalm 85:8-13
Second Reading: Eph 1:3-14
Gospel: Mark 6:14-29
July 19 8th Sun. after Pentecost
First Reading: Jer 23:1-6
Psalm: Psalm 23
Second Reading: Eph 2:11-22
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
July 26 9th Sun. after Pentecost
First Reading: 2 Kings 4:42-44
Psalm: Psalm 145:10-18
Second Reading: Eph 3:14-21
Gospel: John 6:1-21
July Birthdays!
Victoria Shoup 7/1
Charlotte Rohmund 7/3
Randall Sensmeier 7/3
Hans Ericsson 7/4
Jordan Greunke 7/5
Dee Lintner 7/6
Deborah Finney 7/7
Cheryl Johnson 7/7
Cindy Jorstad 7/8
Henri Ericsson 7/9
David Greunke 7/9
Melissa Kraus 7/9
Bryan Mace 7/9
Corrie Lott 7/10
Sue Check 7/13
Aimee Hudlow 7/13
Judy White 7/13
Anne McDaniel 7/17
Evelynn Derganc 7/18
Lynne Jaseph 7/18
Mary Lyn Padley 7/18
Margaret De Lano 7/19
John Ebel 7/19
Rick Bailey 7/27
Patty Deen 7/27
Tina Gast 7/27
Nancy Schafer 7/27
Jadyn Wanner 7/28
Rachel Gustin 7/29
Elsa Halvorson 7/29
Sharon Phelps 7/30
Peggy Bauder 7/31
Robert Chambers 7/31
Stacy Nilsen 7/31
Kris Tange 7/31
THE GOOD NEWS Page 10
AUGUST, 2015
Bible Readings
Aug. 2 10th Sun. after Pentecost
First Reading: Exod 16:2-4, 9-15
Psalm: Psalm 78:23-29
Second Reading: Eph 4:1-16
Gospel: John 6:24-35
Aug. 9 11th Sun. after Pentecost
First Reading: 1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm Psalm 34:1-8
Second Reading: Eph 4:25-5:2
Gospel: John 6:35, 41-51
Aug. 16 12th Sun. after Pentecost
First Reading: Prov 9:1-6
Psalm: Psalm 34:9-14
Second Reading: Eph 5:15-20
Gospel: John 6:51-58
Aug. 23 13th Sun. after Pentecost
First Reading: Josh 24:1-2a, 14-18
Psalm: Psalm 34:15-22
Second Reading: Eph 6:10-20
Gospel: John 6:56-69
Aug. 30 14th Sun. after Pentecost
First Reading: Deut 4:1-2, 6-9
Psalm: Psalm 15
Second Reading: James 1:17-27
Gospel: Mark 7:1-23
August Birthdays!
Beverly Gift 8/1
Frances Caruso 8/5
Shirley Padley 8/6
Jean Cavolt 8/8
Lorraine Mesker 8/9
Cathy Parisi 8/9
Alex Murray 8/10
Irene Warner 8/12
Kirsten Bassett 8/13
Marge Chambers 8/13
Abigail Young 8/13
JJ Lott, Jr. 8/14
Lillian Wanner 8/14
Kandi Bahr-Smith 8/18
Madeline Bailey 8/18
Carter Kepler 8/19
Howard Sharpell 8/23
Sharon McEwan 8/24
Roger Bonde 8/27
Camryn Bordonaro 8/27
Oliver McNichols 8/29
Marsha Harden 8/30
Jackie McCoy 8/31
JULY, 2015
San Marcos Lutheran Church
Page 11
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 9:00 am Centering
Prayer Group,
Luther Hall
11:30 am AA, LH
2 7:00 pm AA, LH
3 4 6-10 pm BBQ
5 6th Sunday after
Pentecost
8:30 & 11 am Svcs
9:45 am Informal
Svc
7:00 pm AA, LH
6 11:30 am AA, LH
7 10:00 am Bible
Study, Luther Hall
8 9:00 am Centering
Prayer Group,
Luther Hall
11:30 am AA, LH
9 9:00 am Harvest
Pastors
7:00 pm AA, LH
10 11
12 7th Sunday
after Pentecost
8:30 & 11 am Svcs
9:45 am Informal
Svc
9:45 am Sun Sch
7:00 pm AA, LH
13 9:30 am Prayer
Shawl Group, LH
11:30 am AA, LH
14 15 9:00 am Centering
Prayer Group,
Luther Hall
11:30 am AA, LH
16 7:00 pm AA, LH
17 18 10:00 am Wom-
en’s Bagels & Bible
Study, Luther Hall
19 8th Sunday
after Pentecost
8:30 & 11 am Svcs
9:45 am Informal
Svc
9:45 am Sun Sch S
& Small Group, D.
Balsmeyer, Conf.
Room
20 11:30 am AA, LH
21
Pastor Karla
returns to
the office 10:00 am Bible
Study, Luther Hall
22 9:00 am Centering
Prayer Group,
Luther Hall
11:30 am AA, LH
6:00 pm Council
23 7:00 pm AA, LH
24 25
7:00 pm Sanctuary
in Use
26 9th Sunday
after Pentecost
8:30 & 11 am Svcs
9:45 am Informal
Svc
9:45 am Sun Sch
7:00 pm AA, LH
27 11:30 am AA, LH
28 29 9:00 am Centering
Prayer Group,
Luther Hall
11:30 am AA, LH
30 7:00 pm AA, LH
31
AUGUST, 2015
San Marcos Lutheran Church
Page 12
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 10th Sunday
after Pentecost
8:30 & 11 am Svcs
9:45 am Informal
Svc
11:00 am Small
Groups, L.H., Rick
Shoup; Youth Rm
7:00 pm AA, LH
3 11:30 am AA,
LH
4 10:00 am Bible
Study, Luther Hall
5 9:00 am Centering
Prayer Group,
Luther Hall
11:30 am AA, LH
6 7:00 pm AA, LH
7 8
9 11th Sunday
after Pentecost
8:30 & 11 am Svcs
9:45 am Informal
Svc
9:45 am Sun Sch
7:00 pm AA, LH
10 9:30 am Pray-
er Shawl Group,
LH
11:30 am AA, LH
11 12 9:00 am Centering
Prayer Group,
Luther Hall
11:30 am AA, LH
13 7:00 pm AA, LH
14 15 10:00 am Wom-
en’s Bagels & Bible
Study, Luther Hall
16 12th Sunday
after Pentecost
8:30 & 11 am Svcs
9:45 am Informal
Svc
9:45 am Sun Sch
& Small Group, D.
Balsmeyer, Conf.
Room
17 11:30 am AA, LH
18 10:00 am Bible
Study, Luther Hall
19 9:00 am Centering
Prayer Group,
Luther Hall
10:30 am Pre-
school Chapel,
Sanctuary
11:30 am AA, LH
20 10:30 am Pre-
school Chapel,
Sanctuary
7:00 pm AA, LH
21 22
23 13th Sunday
after Pentecost
9:00 am Service
No Sunday School
GWOH
7:00 pm AA, LH
24 10:00 am Interfaith
picks up lunches in
Luther Hall
11:30 am AA, LH
25 26 9:00 am Cen-
tering Prayer
Group, LH
9:30 am Preschool
Board
10:30 am Pre-
school Chapel,
Sanctuary
11:30 am AA, LH
27 7:00 pm AA, LH
10:30 am Pre-
school Chapel,
Sanctuary
28 29
30 14th Sun after
Pentecost
8:30 & 11 am Svc 9:45 am Informal Svc
9:45 am Sun Sch
7:00 pm AA, LH
31 11:30 am AA, LH