March 2023 Anno Domini

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
As we continue our Lenten journey, I hope you are finding your small group devotional time, family time, and mid-week and weekend worship meaningful.
 
I find it fascinating that, as a society, we put a tremendous amount of effort into our physical health (a good thing). We do this by eating healthy foods, and monitoring our health, and hopefully doing regular exercise, etc.
 
Yet when it comes to our spiritual lives, we often don’t “exercise” much at all. And then we wonder why we get into spiritual ruts, and are spiritually “out of shape.” 
 
Regular study of the Word, alone or in a group, and a spiritual regimen of exercise is important. May this Lent be that foundation for you, as we continue our journey together and in smaller groups and with our families.
 
In Christ,
 
Pastor Jeff
Malta, Mediterranean Sea

This photo was taken at Qawra Point, overlooking the entrance of Salina Bay. It is believed that St. Paul's ship crashed into the island somewhere near this area. As highlighted in our 2023 Lent devotional book, a significantly-sized ancient Roman anchor was discovered underwater near the mouth of this bay. The anchor was embossed with "Isis" and "Sarapis" - two gods from ancient Egypt - indicating that the anchor likely came from a ship out of Alexandria, Egypt. Acts 27 tells the story of the Apostle Paul being onboard an Alexandrian ship when he crashed into Malta. There were 276 people onboard the vessel and every person survived the shipwreck.
 
You can read many more details about this epic story by picking up a copy of the 2023 Lent book, available through the church office. You are also invited to Wednesday services throughout the season of Lent where we are exploring this story together through praise and worship.
Where is this piece of stained glass located in the Sanctuary? 

What is depicted on this piece of stained glass?
The answers will be in the next
What's Happening Wednesday e-News.

What was the original meaning of the word Lent?
Something found in the pockets of Jesus' tunic
Lengthen
Spring
Both Spring and Lengthen
How many pipes are in the organ?
5067
385
4073
Eleven Pipers Piping
The Organist's Corner
With Dr. Jeremy Peterman

I love projects! One of my projects in late 2019/early 2020 was writing engaging songs for our children’s choir that incorporated a lot of instruments. I had finished my “Look for the Light of Jesus” when Covid interrupted things. But I held on to the song, of course, till Lent of this year—since the song focuses on wandering through the desert for 40 days and looking for the light of Jesus. You saw a variety of instruments and talents that were used last weekend: hand chimes, bells, rain stick, percussion sticks, speaker, and congregation clapping! Thank you for being a part of our world premiere.
 
This weekend, you’ll be singing one of my other 2019 compositions for communion: “Lamb of God.” We did it just one time, so it’s basically another world premiere happening this weekend! I think you’ll enjoy the harmonies. Here’s a link to last week’s children’s choir song.
Kellie Acotto
Grace Akhbari
Andrew Alles
Angela Anderson
Craig Anderson
Sam Armstrong
Tanner Aronson
Kalin Bacca
Lois Balodis
Elizabeth Banks
John Barber
Melissa Barker
Jan Benage
Mike Berner
Nancy Berry
Landon Bosch
Janet Bosch
Jeff Bosch
Donna Bosley
Jon Brackmann
Jason Britton
Andrew Buresh
Sofia Caballero
Michelle Caldwell
Peter Caldwell
Maia Carlson
Jaclyn Carpenter
Scott Carter
Pat Carter
Christina Chambers
Marcie Chandler
Mark Chavez
Dave Christensen
John Clark
Jim Clements
Nathan Cline
Daniela Cocco
Chase Coletta
Jeff Cox
Matthew Crozier
Ann Dallas
Mary Darroch
Leah Davis
Sophia Digati
Holly Dixon
Mary Dohmeier
Jean Drage
Barb Earl
Daniel Fedorka
Megan Fernandez
Cole Fisher
Tanner Flatness
Sandy Flynn
Ryan Franson
Edie Frew
Aidan Fritzke
Christopher Fritzke
Cathy Froyum
Roz Fulmer
John Gayer
Travis Geyer
Adam Geyer
Harry Gray
Theresa Green
Jacob Green
Kenny Harmon
Jerry Harper
Pam Hart
Jim Hauan
Dan Hauge
Sara Heine
Mason Heisig
Anya Holding
Marcy Hontz
Bob Hughes
Jacob Hulett
Courtney Hunter
Debbie Ingebretson
Emma Ingebretson
Mikaela Jamka
Alex Jeannet
Anice Jennings
Keegan Jennings
Nancy Jones
Theresa Jones
Mackenzie Jones
Kaiya Kearney
Jenny Keller
Doug Kilburn
Steve King
Sterling Laaveg
Loren Lasater
Tom Leahy
Terri Lee
Jocelyn Leichner
Shelley Levi
Bryce Lloyd
Ron Lorch
Karen Love
Donna Lundquist
Amy Lyng
Jonathan Lyng
Alli MacDonell
Brian Mann
Carol Masi
Ryan Matz
Spuz McAlister-Mobley
Sally McCullough
Dave McCurdy
Susan McGiffert
Jim McGiffert
Kimberly McKee
Eddie Medina
Millie Mersiowsky
George Mersiowsky
Linda Meurer
Mary Ellen Morrow
Donna Murphy
Bob Nixon
Karina North
Alaina Novey
Barbara Olson
Hannah Osland
Ben Osland
Sue Pape
Anne Paris
Lauren Pawol
Alaina Plude
Marty Potter
Jon Price
Dick Quimby
Adie Randall
Rich Redding
Kellie Richards
Cheralee Robbins
Bailey Robinson
Cooper Roderick
Ellie Roloff
Olivia Rosales
Billy Rosenbalm
Dominike Rounds
Cheryl Ruggiero
Mary Sailer
Kristen Sales
Cindy Sawyer
Andy Schlueter
Gordon Schmeiser
Diane Schrage
Barbara Schwab
Darcy Schwartz
Janet Secor
Kyle Shillingburg
Bobby Silva
Jan Solberg
Marilu St. Clair
McKenna Stephens
Bryce Stockslager
Berney Streed
Frank Stynen
Jey Sundaram
Chris Tansey
Burt Traub
Conner Treude
Stacey Trocki
Katie Trump
Adrienne Unger
Cameron Urlocker
Jean Vakula
Ryan VanGorder
Bob Vano
Keith Veilleux
Zach Veilleux
Bob Vollmann
Sue Waggoner
Dave Wagner
Jim Walker
Rick Wells
Norah Wells
Sandy Westra
Kraig Westra
Ann White
Christi Williams
Marie Williams
Taylor Williams
Nancy Wirtanen
Dennis Woods
Sandy Woodwyk
Janet Zonsius
Sarah Zukowski
Tom & Char Butters
50 years
Merrill & Dody Johnson
66 years
Pat & Sande Shannahan
53 years
Mike & Sheila Kohl
56 years
Dave & Mary Jo Christensen
51 years