Grace Ministries – April 2020

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- Yoked Communities of Faith and Service NON-PROFIT ORG.

c/o Zion Lutheran Church U.S. POSTAGE PAID

41 Whitmarsh Avenue PERMIT#205

Worcester, MA 01606-3296 WORCESTER, MA

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2020 TIME SENSITIVE

PLEASE DO NOT DELAY

Our lives are formed by Word and

Sacrament, and we gather as the beloved

children of God around the means of grace

where our lives are in Christ.

Grace Ministries – April 2020

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PASTOR’S MESSAGE Springtime is a time for new growth, new

beginnings. Ironically, this 2020 year one “new” thing unexpected and unwanted is a pandemic changing lifestyles and threatening the health of pretty much everyone.

The last time the United States witnessed anything of this nature, something threatening the physical health and wellness of literally everyone, was in 1918. At that time, influenza (a mutant string of the H1N1 virus) was raging in Europe and spread as people carried the strain through travel. When servicemen returned after the armistice it came with them to these shores and wreaked havoc.

Initially, this country, and the world, was ill-equipped to fight the problem. However, the U.S. administration worked with scientific teams in developing treatments and enforced measures to limit social contact and the situation was brought under control.

History reports other “like” events in different places over the current segment of the recorded human epoch. And there is a “new” Spring of renewed life following each one!

Naturally questions arise as to “Where did this thing come from, and why?”, as well as the rise of conspiracy theories; I even heard one spoken that aliens decided to infect us…

The reality is that living organisms thrive, develop, mature and part of growth in certain conditions means mutations: remember all the Darwinian teaching in school? So, it’s nobody’s fault, it just happens.

However, in the midst of it all is the constant of “God with us”, Emmanuel; persisting in meeting us, giving us what we need, holding us up and walking with us through anything and everything!

So, what are we listening for? Are we tuned-into the frequency of God for what is hopeful, needful and refreshing? Is there really any other voice around us, and/or that voice in our own head, which is good enough and beneficial enough to truly sustain and renew us?

Fred Rogers is quoted as having said something like this “Every time the news would report something terrible happening, my mother would tell me to take a close look, because it is always followed by the good.”

In the reporting of the response to our current situation we find so many positive responses in people reaching out to comfort others, making certain families and individuals have enough to eat, plus finding creative ways to be together using technology; so many churches have become newly adept in providing worship opportunities over the internet!

New York’s Roman Catholic Cardinal, The Rev, Timothy Dolan, spoke on the TODAY show, Monday 3/23, that when he is “tempted with some apprehension,” he turns to God’s word where he is grounded in the hope!

This is the primary thing, isn’t it, where is our hope? And if it isn’t rooted in our Lord and God then it isn’t really hope and it really isn’t beneficial, and doesn’t lead to eternal life!

Many people are optimistic, putting on a brave face in an upbeat way that humanity will come through this pandemic. That’s great! However, followers of Jesus’, grafted onto the vine of eternal life, whose fabric of being is woven into the life-story of Grace and Mercy, move a step or two beyond this, knowing true hope: confidence through faith in trust with God that we are never alone in any challenge we deal with, but strengthened and fortified. And that is HUGE!

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My sisters and brothers, let us take a breath and relax into the arms of our Creator whose intention is always in loving and supporting us ALL the day long!

Keep tabs on each other, pray, give thanks for the Grace and Mercy that prevails in every moment and renews those of faith and fear not, for God is with us, Emmanuel!

Blessings ☩

Pastor Andrew

HOLY WEEK & EASTER WORSHIP SCHEDULE

With Governor Baker’s Shelter in Place order

through April 7th, we will NOT be gathering in person

for worship on Palm Sunday: look to our YouTube

posting for online worship that day.

Bishop Hazelwood has advised all pastors that in-

house worship may likely not happen until at least

mid-May. However, we are keeping tabs on the CDC,

Surgeon General, State and Federal requirements

continuously.

I am working out a schedule with Brenda

and Karen so that, best we can, weeks of

worship video take place alternately at both

campuses.

Palm Sunday and Easter services will take

place at Bethel as Lois Toeppner will be our

musician for those days.

Maundy Thursday will be an online service.

Good Friday is being planned as a Greendale

Ecumenical offering, likely in the evening,

through the internet: Pr. Payson, Pastor

Nilson and I are working to make this a

meaningful reality with various musicians

providing pre-recorded sessions to be added

to the service format.

Easter Sunrise Service will most likely NOT be taking place this year.

“BOOKIES” Book Club Tentatively planning April meeting for Mondat 4/27 to discuss both March book, “The Second Mountain” by David Brooks and the April book “The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir” by Jennifer Ryan. Will notify group members as the time approaches. All are Welcome!

Due to the unknown duration of precautions over the Corona virus, the annual Spring Vacation Mission Trip has been cancelled for 2020 in order to keep youth and leaders safe and healthy.

The trip, planned to Winthrop, ME, will take place in 2021 (your Pastor’s favorite trip of all four rotational sites.)

Leadership of LIPY-CM will be looking to re-engage our youth once Federal and State government revoke the shelter in place requirements currently upon us.

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THE BUILDINGS ARE CLOSED – BUT, CHURCH IS OPEN!

WORSHIP: We are providing Sunday worship via the internet, bringing us together as the collective Family of God during the diaspora of pandemic.

Join us for Service of the Word each Sunday, loaded up by 3 PM, via Pastor Andrew’s YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/RevAndrewB

Check your Sunday email for a reminder and electronic copy of the worship bulletin.

PRESCHOOL: Quite a number of Bethel Preschool families are going online for Wednesday Music with Pr. Andrew, normally occurring each week at 11:15 AM in Voosen Hall.

COUNCIL: Your management teams will be using web-conferencing, beginning March 23rd, to continue work on behalf of Grace with our ministry.

LENTEN SERIES: It’s hard to eat potluck online 😊 However, we are gathering for discussion around the themed series for this year and have had some wonderful discussion. Join us on ZOOM, Wednesday evenings at 7 PM.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/613924433?pwd=QkdFamZaRUpSN2N4Ymh2eDZCTmVBQT09 Meeting ID: 613 924 433 Password: 764919 One tap mobile ,,613924433# US Toll Dial by your location US Toll Meeting ID: 613 924 433 Find your local number: https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fepaygFXVr

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PRAYER LIST Bethel - Arnold Ariansen - Maya Belmonte - Lucy & Tom Brennan - Karen Carlson – Peter DePierri - Lori Deso - Jean Dowd - Matt DuHamel - Dave and Linda Fabrizius - Liesl Voosen Fields - Sylvia Forgit - Judy Garneau - Grover Gentry – Janeen Gill - Hope Grasso - Skip Hagberg – Sean Hoplins - Paul Josephson – Baby Julian - Greg Kallfa – Erik Larson - Audra Layton - Kay Lemerise - Bill Lewis - Eric Lewis – Jenna Mangsen - Kay Malkasion - Susan Marriano – Bob Maynard - Lori Merrihew - Tracy McLean - Jim Mooney - David Naugle – Will Nelson – Lisa Novak - Amanda Parker - Nick Rossignol – Melissa Saad - Gini Varg - Kay & Bob Venning - Pearl Wheeler - Kim White

Zion - Doreen Earley – Barry, Bruce & Laura

Blomgren - Charlotte Rose MacNeil - Liesl Voosen

Fields - Audra Layton – Patricia Lynch - Bob

Ekstrand – Grover Gentry –John Berube – Barbara

– Harold - Marta Parsons – Pastor Ann Bergdorf –

Charlie Ruff - Arlene Theriault – Shelby – Erik

Larson

Have you engaged with the prayer wall?

Doris Brick c/o Oakdale Nursing & Rehab. 76 No. Main St., W. Boylston, MA 01583

Jeff Moody c/o Lanessa Extended Care 751 School Street, Webster, MA 01570

Delores Bengtsson, Harold Johnson c/o Care One @ Millbury 312 Millbury Street, Millbury, MA 01527

Mildred Lindblad, May Jacobson c/o Knowlwood Nursing Center 87 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, Ma 01606

Dot Reid c/o Lutheran Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Ctr. 20 Harvard Street, Worcester, MA 01609

Henry Hirvi c/o Holy Trinity Nursing & Rehab. 303 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606

A special thanks to all who have help with the parsonage work in getting it ready for our new tenant. Thanks to Garret Peters, Rick Hagberg, Roy Benoit, Karen Baril, Judy Sampson, Roberta Briggs for all their help. Also a special thanks to Steve Ivashek and his company Countryside Garage for the installation of a new garage door opener.

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

Bethel Vinny & Jackie Walsh - 04/09 Jon & Sara Sanborn - 04/17

Zion

Amy & Michael Costello – 04/20

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APRIL BIRTHDAYS 2020

Zion Gail Hartshorn – 04/05 Julia Engvall – 04/09

William McGovern – 0430

Bethel Christina Nelson - 04/10

Carolyn Salmonson - 04/12 Emily Chunis - 04/15 Dorothy Reid - 04/15

William Nelson - 04/15 Brianna Courteau - 04/16

Shirley Connor - 04/18 Bill Connor - 04/20

Adam Hanks - 04/23 Eva Spanos - 04/25 John Kallio - 04/28 Lori Smith - 04/29

Jon Sanborn - 04/29

HOMELESS CARE KITS

As we travel around the city and surrounding

towns, most all of us encounter those struggling

with homelessness and joblessness asking for

assistance at many traffic islands.

Below is a listing of items recommended that we

will be asking our community to donate

throughout the year.

Socks, gloves, granola bars, vitamin enhanced

water/sports drinks, combs, large Ziploc

storage bags, blank 4” x 6” card stock, gum,

soap, lotion, nail clippers, hand warmers, trail

mix, toothbrushes, toothpaste

Gilbert G. Nobert III

Janet Carlson

Kaleigh E. Rockwood Janet Carlson

.

Ryan Townsend Everett & Janet Stidsen

Dear Zion Lutheran Church

On behalf of all of us at Abby’s House, we want to

thank you for your generous contributions of

nonperishable groceries. Thank you so much for

your continued support for our food pantry and

lunch program.

Best, Jean Anger

Dismas meals are always held on the last Friday of each month. If a volunteer would like to prepare a meal it can be done in the church kitchen around 4pm. Volunteers are also needed to deliver and

share the meal (5:45pm). Dinner is over and hosts usually leave by 6:30

Friday, April 24th

Friday, May 29th

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Bethel’s Council Connection

Wow, how things have changed in just 1 short

month!! We have gone from looking forward to

Easter and celebrating the resurrection of our

Lord, to wondering what life will throw at us next.

Could we have ever imagined that the Corona

virus would so upset our lives that Churches and

schools would close, along with a fair number of

businesses? Life is just not the same as it was

a mere 31 days ago. However, we will

persevere.

One of the many ways that we will persevere is

by watching the Sunday service online. Having

just finished watching my first ever Bethel

Sunday service on YouTube, I am very grateful

to Pastor Andrew and Brenda Salvi for giving us

the opportunity to not lose touch with what we

enjoy, and what we need on a regular basis.

Though not the same as being in the pew and

participating directly, it was reassuring to see

and hear the familiar words. I even found myself

singing along where I knew the words and

responding as if I were there in person. In these

radically different times, it’s nice to have

something familiar to cling to as we endure this

nightmare we are currently experiencing. Look

for the Pastor’s email each Sunday with the link

to the YouTube channel, or contact the office for

further information.

Also, please keep your friends and neighbors,

as well as your Bethel family in your thought and

prayers. The sick and the elderly may not be

able to, or want to get out to buy the essentials,

and even if they can, may not be able to find

them. Please be willing to assist those less

fortunate by offering to take them out, or

perhaps shopping for them. We are all in this

together, so please be willing to help others

wherever you can by shopping, cooking a meal,

or otherwise brightening up their day.

We WILL eventually get through this nightmare,

and when it’s over, we will gather to worship

together again. Until that day arrives, keep your

Bethel friends and family in your prayers, and

hope for a quick resolution to this

unprecedented crisis

Respectfully, Preston Sturdevant Council President

Zion’s Council Update

My thoughts for the month of April, is to be safe,

healthy, and be with family. Enjoy the time with

your Grandchildren, Mother's, Father's,

Neighbors, Friends, Co-Workers, and make

them comfortable with all your thoughts.

Homeless Kits - we need water, bars of soap,

toothpaste, chapstick, mouth wash, gallon

storage bags, crackers, knit hats, gloves,

mittens, ear warmers, etc.

We need volunteers to help us serve on Sunday

Services, Assisting Ministers, Readers,

Acolyte's, Greeters, and Ushers, please reach

out to myself or anyone on the church council. I

will be more than happy to walk you through the

process.

Respectfully:

Donna R. Hayes – Council President Zion Lutheran Church

Grace Ministries – April 2020

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OUTREACH/SOCIAL MINISTRY Reaching out to a world in need

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with

thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

This year, my Lenten journey began with daily readings from the book, 40 Days of Decrease: A Different Kind of Hunger. A Different Kind of Fast, by Alicia Britt Chole. I wasn’t too far into this daily practice when I felt myself being drawn into another “different kind of fast,” one which would be experienced globally. The coronavirus pandemic has redefined our Lenten journeys and brought us deeper into the wilderness. As we have been forced to remove ourselves from social engagement in our usual meeting places and gatherings, the new realities are leaving many with a sense of fear, anxiety and loneliness. Let us remember, Jesus continues to walk with us, even into the deepest and darkest valleys. At this time our buildings are temporarily shut down, and our groups and committees are having to find new ways to communicate and reach out to our congregations and communities, both locally and worldwide. Through this crisis, our Social Ministry team is staying in communication via phone and e-mail and working on new ways to safely and effectively reach out to our neighbors in need. Events we had planned have been postponed or put on hold until we have a clearer picture of when things will be safe for us to gather again. We would encourage you to continue filling the Lenten coin boxes for ELCA World Hunger and we will collect them at a later time. We can be sure that the ELCA is working hard to meet the growing demands of this crucial ministry but will need more resources in the days ahead. Projects we had planned for Jeremiah’s Inn and Florence House will be done at a later date. We have received a number of items for Jeremiah’s

Inn, and we thank all who have generously donated to this project. The baskets will be delivered at a later time. The first session of the “Are You Ready?” series which was scheduled for May 3rd is on hold. As of this writing, The Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance 35th Annual WALK for the Homeless scheduled for May 17, 2020, is continuing but with changes that will ensure the safety of all participants. We must remember that the needs are even more critical now and we must find new and creative ways to meet the needs safely and effectively. We will keep you updated as things change. In the meantime, this past week we gathered the food from the Narthex and were able to deliver 10 bags of food to Auburn Youth and Family Services. The director of the program described this as a “delivery of kindness.” Thank you to all who donated. We are acutely aware of the feelings of helplessness and isolation in these uncertain times. What can we safely do for our neighbor? We are blessed with technology that allows us to stay in touch. While we cannot physically connect, we have phones, video chats and social media to hold us together. We can pray for each other and worship together through on-line platforms. We have a number of members who live alone or in nursing homes, who cannot at this time benefit from the services of our visitation team. Please consider a phone call or a card to help brighten an otherwise long and lonely day. Please contact Jackie Walsh at 508-407-8876 for names of our shut-ins and members who would benefit from words of encouragement. As always, if you know anyone in need, or if you are able and willing to help in any way, please contact the Pastor or a member of the Social Ministry team.

May the Peace of the Lord be with you all.

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Man Gives $4 Million Dollar Apartment Complex To Let Homeless

Women And Their Children Live For Free

Rick Steves is a multi-millionaire with the heart of gold. The travel guru famous for his popular travel series on PBS has made a fortune throughout his career with his best-selling European travel guides. But as they say, that money isn’t everything, which is why Steves is working on leaving an inspirational legacy.

He has given the YWCA a building complex that helps homeless women and children to stay for free. It’s a $4 million apartment complex that houses up to 24 struggling women and their mothers without worrying about the rent. Steves purchased the building back in 2015 intending to give it away.

Trinity Palace is focused on helping single mothers recovering from addictions. The help and support is provided by YWCA and Rotary Club to get the women back on their feet and to provide a caring environment that they deserve. The two-bedroom apartments have all the amenities for the single mothers to live with their kids.

I just gave a $4 million apartment complex for homeless women and kids to the YWCA. Here’s why: http://blog.ricksteves.com/blog/trinity-place-donation …

Steves says that “the gap between rich and poor in our country continues to widen. And I believe needs — such as affordable housing — will only increase as budget cuts are implemented.” He

is truly an angel in disguise and our country needs more multi-millionaires like him to help those in needs.

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through our RIC Central MA campuses

MISSION STATEMENT

"To boldly share God's Love and Grace universally in and through our communities."

VISION STATEMENT

Modeling the welcoming nature of God, we are humbly called and driven by the Spirit to witness, engage and walk with each other authentically, as Jesus’ hands and feet, providing spiritual, emotional and physical nourishment.

Through evolving partnerships with ecumenical and other social service organizations we affirm justice and wholeness under the “agency of Grace” that feed the needs and hope of all.

The Rev. Andrew H. Borden, Pastor pastor_andrew.b@verizon.net

Ann Spinner, Parish Administrator

bethelauburn@verizon.net

Shannon Papandrea, Sexton

Kate Valleli & Kristel Hunt– Christian Education Team

Worcester Campus - Zion Lutheran Auburn Campus - Bethel Lutheran 41 Whitmarsh Avenue, 01606 90 Bryn Mawr Avenue, 01501 Office: 508-853-2009 Office: 508-832-3427

The-Community-of-Zion-Lutheran-Worcester.org BethelAuburnELCA.org

Organist – Karen Couturier Principal Organist/Choral Director – Brenda Salvi Choral/Bell Director – Sally Bond Associate Organist/Choral Director – Lois Toeppner, Deacon President – Donna Hayes President – Preston Sturdevant

Yoke Council Co Presidents Preston Sturdevant (Bethel) & Donna Hayes (Zion) Secretary – Stephanie Harms (Zion) Marie Sturdevant

(Bethel)

Bethel Congregation Council

EXECUTIVE TEAM: President – Preston Sturdevant Vice President – Dave Sutton Secretary – Marie Sturdevant Kathleen Legg, Leanne Carraher, Doris Belk, Roberta Briggs, Bev Sampson

Functional Units Social Ministry – Marie Sturdevant & Judy Sampson Worship & Music Committee – Joan Parker, Chair

Property Team – Garrett Peters, Rick Hagberg, Roy Benoit Jr. Altar Guild – Leanne Carraher, Chair Adult Forum, Roberta Briggs

Preschool Preschool Director – Bev Sampson 508-832-9411 Bethel_preschool_auburn@outlook.com

Teachers, Karen Borden, Shannon Papandrea, Teachers Aide, Kim Capaldi

Zion Congregation Council EXECUTIVE TEAM: President – Donna Hayes - Vice President – TBA Secretary – Stephanie Harms

Virginia Carlson, Jennifer Courtney, Amy Costello, Theresa Toombs, Don Leombruno

Functional Units Outreach Ministry Team – Stephanie Harms/Jean Harger, Coordinators

Altar Guild – Virginia Carlson, Chair

RECONCILING IN CHRIST