Gather in Grace • Grow in Faith • Go Forth to Serve
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Second Sunday in Lent
Sunday Worship Times
8:15, 9:30 & 11:00am
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Altar flowers this Sunday are given by
Judy and Elroy Verplank
in honor of their 42nd wedding anniversary.
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God’s Plan for Preserving
and Blessing this World
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Recently, a pastor of one of our many declining churches in America told me a member of his church said to him, “I know we won’t be here for long, but I just want our church to be here long enough so that those of us who are left can be buried in the church cemetery.” How is that for a church’s mission statement? The statement is disturbing on several levels: it is self-centered and self-serving; it focuses on death, not life; and it has thrown the towel in as far as the church’s love for the world is concerned.
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When a church forgets why it is here and no longer serves the desperate needs of the world, it loses its saltiness and is thrown out and trampled underfoot. A church that no longer serves others, but only itself, has lost its way.
In his sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.” Notice that he didn’t say you might be or could be. Jesus wasn’t saying you should ‘be salt.’ He said you ARE salt. Jesus doesn't say, "If you want to become salt and light, do this...." Or, "before I'll call you salt and light, I'll need to see this from you...." Instead he says both simply and directly, "You are the salt of the earth." Jesus is telling you who you are. You are salt, and not just salt, but salt of the earth. Do you realize how important that makes you?
If we Christians are “the salt of the earth,” then the earth must need some preserving or it will go bad.
Salt is a preservative and it gives flavor. Without salt there is no life. Without salt, every living thing dies. But for salt to do any good it cannot remain in the shaker. It must be liberally applied. It must go out and be spread into the world. Salt must have contact to make an impact.
You have been designated by God as the most important ingredient to the very existence of all life on earth. You have an extremely important role to play in a world that so desperately needs what you have to offer. What you have to offer is you. Your presence, your caring, your forgiveness, your grace and your love.
You are the salt of the earth. You are God’s plan for preserving and blessing this world. How much you are needed and what a difference you make.
In Christ,
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Sunday, March 31
Noon to 2:00pm
TLC Sanctuary
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The Pastoral Leadership Team and the TLC Church Council sincerely request your attendance on Sunday, March 31 from 12-2pm in the Sanctuary. The presentation will provide detail on the Co-Pastor Proposal that was first presented at the Annual Meeting on January 27, 2019. The presentation will be live-streamed.
Childcare will be provided. Please bring snacks as needed for your children.
A note from your pastors:
Please make every effort to attend this important meeting in the life of our church. If for some reason you cannot, please plan to watch the live-stream at
www.tlcmn.com/live
. It will also be archived for later viewing.
Watch your email for documents that will be shared in advance of the meeting. Please come ready to participate and share your perspective. There will be a time for Q&A and comments following the presentation.
Please keep your elected leaders (Church Council) and this project task force (Pastoral Leadership Team) in your prayers. They are doing some really challenging work right now with many folks working many volunteer hours to prepare for this meeting. All of them care deeply about the life and vitality (past, present and future) of this congregation. They need your prayers and support.
In all hope and faith,
Pastor Ed and Pastor Arthur
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Don't live in the past...
You've already been there!
But you can LOOK at the past issues of TLC Weekly and Transmissions.
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[CLICK HERE]
to visit the TLC web page where you can choose from the past six months of weekly E-newsletters from Transfiguration Lutheran Church.
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I like you just the way you are.
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Even though I suggested we
not
mention the weather again, Birdman says, “You should see the
icicles getting larger by the minute! Sooo, I looked, out where we must walk to get to the bird feeding area...the water running off the garage roof, even if the snow was raked off several times, is deepening by the minute.
End of gripe for the day.
While channel-surfing last Sunday, as we stayed home and vegged out for once, we ran into the best TV character on PBS that I can recall. “Mr. Rogers' neighborhood” was part of PBS' pledge drive and showed so many of Fred Rogers' ways to relate to children. If ever there was a guy who “lived as Jesus would have us live” it must be Fred! He never “talked down” to children, but always told them, “I like you just the way you are.” He said it many times, so children would remember him as their friend who cares. The guests on the show were educational, and there was always something to be learned....for instance, how do you play the tuba? Fred believed that learning was not always easy, and mistakes would be made. So, as he put the large mouthpiece up to his face, asked how to make a sound, and then let his lips vibrate as they must, he did have trouble at first. The sound that finally came out was not the best either. He said he needed time to practice, and that when we learn, we must be patient at first.
The show was good for all ages, not just pre-schoolers, and as my own kids were too old to have watched it, I found it by myself, and tuned in quite often. Yo Yo Ma, famous cellist, was one of his guests, probably more than once. Yesterday they showed a huge gorilla sitting opposite Fred, and relating to him by sign language. The gorilla had learned the sign for love...crossing one's arms in front of the body and then indicating the person across from him as the recipient of “I love you” in gorilla language. They touched noses---quite a picture, with the huge, black animal and Fred, enjoying each other's company.
I hope you get a chance to see “Mr. Roger's Neighborhood” some day. It's definitely not just for kids and makes viewers come to tears with how much compassion and love for others is demonstrated, pointing out how far we have yet to go to learn to accept people just as they are.
-Bloomington Bird Lady
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Mark your calendars for your pre-purchased spring flowers to arrive at TLC-ELC on May 16th. This year we are partnering with Pahl’s Market located in Apple Valley.
[Click Here]
to visit Pahl's website. We have researched many garden centers in the metro, and have chosen Pahl’s because of their quality, variety, and service. An added plus is that many of the children at the ELC have attended field trips to Pahl’s in the past!
Order forms will be distributed the week of March 25th. Working with a different nursery necessitates changes, some things you may note are:
• Some plants have more variety or different color choices
• There are some new plants (including perennials)
• Prices will increase for certain items
• Sizes of many of the plants are larger
• Quantities will be different (we can no longer order half flats but we can order annuals in single packs)
• We can buy Pahl’s gift certificates (not for purchasing the flowers, but for future purchases)
We will have staff available at the beginning of our sale to help explain the changes, so you will be able to pass on this information to your family and friends. We hope you will understand we are doing our best to have this fundraiser match the success we have had in the past. We appreciate your support in this, our longest lasting, most successful fundraiser.
Order forms will be available in the Narthex:
Sunday, March 24
Sunday, March 30
Sunday, April 7
Wednesday, March 27
Wednesday, April 3
Wednesday, April 10
Deadline to turn in order forms:
Friday, April 12
Flower delivery day:
Thursday, May 16
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Ben Cherland
Youth & Family Minister
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Hello TLC Youth and Parents!
I wanted to give you all some updates on upcoming moments in time:
First, if you want to go to Camp Wapo this summer – their main site – your window of opportunity to sign up is closing. Friday, March 15th is the day our reserved spots are put up for grabs to the general public, and they go really fast! So if you want one of our reserved spots register
[CLICK HERE]
by TODAY (Friday). Our reserved week is July 14-19.
Second, Evan has been making plans for those interested (including me) to go to see Captain Marvel next week.
Here are the details--
Theater: Marcus Southbridge Crossing in Shakopee
Movie: Captain Marvel
Date: Tuesday, March 19th
Showing: 7:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 for the ticket + money for candy/pop, etc.
Travel: We’re taking a TLC Bus that seats 16, plus cars as needed (Evan and myself driving) – Feel free to meet us there if that’s easier.
We’ll meet at TLC (in the WEST Parking lot) starting at 5:45 with a departure for the theater at 6:15 sharp! If you’re late, you’ll need to find another ride.
This will be a fun time and I’m told the movie is good!
Cheers,
Ben
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[Click Here] to view the Church Council Meeting Minutes of February 2019.
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[Click Here] to view the Church Council Treasurer's Report of February 2019
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TLC Charter Member
Marvin Gess
March 17, 1931 ~ March 11, 2019 (age 87)
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Prayers of sympathy to Gail Gess and family on the death of husband, Marv, who was a charter member at TLC.
Marvin “Bud” E. Gess Jr., age 87, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2019, at Milbank Care and Rehabilitation Center in Milbank, South Dakota.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Rev. David Tonn will officiate. A private burial will be at a later date.
Marv was born on March 17, 1931, in Odessa, MN. He attended and graduated from Ortonville High School and moved to Minneapolis, MN, where he worked for Swift & Company, and then moved to Bloomington, MN, where he and his wife joined as [Charter] members of
Transfiguration Lutheran Church
. Throughout the years at TLC he became involved in several ministries, including teaching Sunday School.
Insurance was Marv’s passion and he was very good at his trade. He opened his own office, “Insurance Pros”, placing new insurance agents. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, gardener, and storyteller. He was a master at Cribbage, and he made friends wherever he went.
Marv is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Gail Gess of Milbank, SD; children: Debbie (Don) Fisher of Butte, MT; Sharon (Bob) Reid of Delano, MN; Karen Holmes of Lakeville, MN; Doug Gess of Ortonville, MN; Paul (Patti) Gess of Sparks, NV; and Jim Gess of Shakopee, MN; grandchildren: Kiyoshi, Nicole, Donnie, Haley, Kenzie, Ellie, Hunter, Jim, Jenny, Danielle, and Jesse; and five great-grandchildren.
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You are invited to a performance by the Luther College Concert Band on Saturday, March 23, 7:00 p.m., at Advent Lutheran Church, 9475 Jefferson Highway, Maple Grove. If you have never heard a top-notch concert band, these 57 talented student musicians will uplift and inspire you. The concert is open to the public; a freewill offering will be taken.
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IRISH FRECKLE BREAD
By Mrs. James Zuehl
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2 pkgs yeast
1 cup warm potato (or plain) water
¼ cup lukewarm mashed potatoes
8 tablespoons sugar
5
¼
cups unsifted flour
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
½
cup margarine
1 cup dark raisins
-Dissolve yeast in water; add potatoes, 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 cup flour. Beat until smooth. Cover and let rise 1/2 hour.
-Stir down; add remaining sugar, salt and 1 cup flour. Beat.
-Stir in beaten eggs, melted and cooled margarine and raisins. Stir in enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth and elastic.
-Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise 1 hour. Punch down.
Divide into 4 equal parts. Let rest 5 minutes.
-Shape each in 9" long narrow loaves. Put two loaves in each bread pan. Cover and let rise 40 minutes.
-Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
Makes two 9x5x3 loaves.
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For adults, youth and children. Test your knowledge of the Bible in each issue of TLC Weekly.
Answers can be found on the last section of this issue.
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JESUS' SERMON ON THE MOUNT
Fill in the blanks
1) "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and _______."
- TRAMPLED UNDERFOOT
- LEFT FOR THE CATTLE
- LEFT FOR THE DOGS
- WASHED DOWN TO THE SEA
2) "You are the _______ of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid."
- GLORY
- SHINING STAR
- LIGHT
- HEAVENLY FLOCK
3) "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be _______."
- AMONG THE CHOSEN PEOPLE
- A LIGHT UNTO THE WORLD
- CHILDREN OF YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN
- RIGHTEOUS BEFORE THE LORD
4) "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who _______."
- BELIEVES IN ME
- DOES GOOD WORKS
- IS FAITHFUL TO MY CHURCH
- DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN
Answers in the last/bottom section of this issue.
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COMING SOON!
Vacation Bible School
will be here before you know it.
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Detailed information brochures with registration forms now available in the church Narthex. Online registration arriving soon on TLC's website.
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A Sneak Peek at TLC for Easter
Last Year's Hallelujah Chorus with the Holtkamp pipe organ, grand piano, TLC Brass & timpani, Chancel Choir and Bell Choir along with any member of the congregation that wished to join the choir.
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WEDNESDAYS IN LENT
March 20, 27; April 3 & 10.
Noon – Lenten Worship and Communion
6:15pm – Holden Evening Prayer and Communion
~ ~ ~
Sunday, March 31 - Lenten Hymn Festival
8:15 & 9:30am - TLC Woodwinds and Chancel Choir
11:00am - Praise and Worship Team
HOLY WEEK
Sunday, April 14 - Palm Sunday
8:15 & 9:30am - Chancel Choir
11:00am - Praise and Worship Team
Maundy Thursday, April 18
Noon - Worship and Communion
7:00pm - Chancel Choir and TLC Handbells
Good Friday, April 19
10:00am - Children's Worship and Activities
7:00pm - Tenebrae Service led by the Chancel Choir and Low Brass Choir
EASTER
Easter Sunday, April 21
Celebration and Worship Services at
8:15, 9:30 and 11:00am
Featuring the
Chancel Choir, TLC Brass Choir and TLC Handbells
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LENTEN EXTRAS
10:45am on Wednesdays in Lent – Sermon on the Mount study (immediately before the noon worship)
Fellowship Luncheons during Lent – after the Wednesday noon worship, join at least one of the TLC staff as we eat together at the following locations:
AFTER THE NOON WORSHIP SERVICES
March 20 – Willy McCoy’s
March 27 – Zeke’s Place
April 3 – Baker’s Square
April 10 – North Star Tavern
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THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT TLC
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ALTAR FLOWERS
ONLINE ORDERING
The TLC website has a new and easier online form to order Chancel/Altar Flowers for any Sunday in 2019.
[Click Here] to access the form now, or visit
www.tlcmn.com later and look for the "Purchase Altar Flowers" button at the bottom of any page.
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175,000 lbs of food and 75,000 dollars
The goals are high because the need great!
TLC has always been very generous during the
March Minnesota Food Share Drive.
VEAP is counting on us and all participating
congregations to help reach the goal.
Let's FILL the BINS!!!!!
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INTER-GENERATIONAL
MISSION TRIP 2019
Liberia, West Africa
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Liberia Trip Info Sessions: Curious to know more about the Winter 2019 trip to Liberia, West Africa? Come to one of the following info sessions: Tuesday, March 26, 5:30. Sunday, March 31, 10:30. Sunday, April 7, 10:30. All downstairs in the Adult Education Room. Trip leaves Dec 26, 2019. Students will return in time for school. Adults have the option to stay a few more days. Highlights will include a visit to our ministry partner, Philip Nushann and the Center for Changing Lives – Liberia. Youth will participate in the Liberian Lutheran National Youth Gathering. Open to current 7th graders through adults. Contact Ben, [email protected] or Pastor Arthur, [email protected].
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Free Subscriptions, sign up to be a volunteer, request care ministry and more!
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Subscribe a friend to this newsletter, TLC Weekly, or subscribe yourself and others to the bi-monthly Transcripts. Interested in TLC membership? Sunday school? Our renowned TLC music program, volunteering and more are choices on this easy online TLC Request Form. Just
[Click Here]
or the "Sign Me Up" button on the left.
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Pastor Ed is leading an 11-day tour of Italy and Germany the summer of 2020. Sites include Rome, Assisi, Florence, Venice, Salzburg, and Munich. The trip concludes in Oberammergau, Germany, to see the longest running theatrical production in the world--the Passion Play at Oberammergau. This is a rare opportunity to see an amazing and powerful spectacle.
For more information, pick up a brochure at the welcome desk or
[Click Here]
to visit the special page on TLC's website.
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ANSWERS FROM QUIZ EARLIER IN THIS ISSUE
1) "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and _______."
Answer #1: TRAMPLED UNDERFOOT
2) "You are the _______ of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid."
Answer #3: LIGHT
3) "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be _______."
Answer #3: CHILDREN OF YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN
Matthew 5:43-45
4) "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who _______."
Answer #4: DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN
Matthew 7:21-23
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MARCH - APRIL 2019
TRANSCRIPTS
Now available online.
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