VOLUME 39–NO. 3 MARCH 2016

The season of Lent began very early this year (February 10th) and that means it finishes up ear-

lier than usual as well. It may seem hard to believe, but Easter is just around the corner, before

the month of March is over (March 27th). That’s the earliest Easter has fallen on the calendar since

2008 and it won’t come this early again until 2035! Looking at my calendar, it feels like there is an

awful lot to fit into these first three months of the year—I’m not sure that I’ll be completely “ready”

for Easter when it comes! Perhaps you can relate.

God’s Good News comes to us often when we aren’t “ready” – when we least expect or even desire it.

It can sneak up on us when we’ve put God and our faith on the backburner. It can flare up like a

firework in the middle of dark and difficult times. It can meet us unexpectedly through the love and

care of another person. But thank goodness that God doesn’t wait on us or our schedules to

send grace and mercy our way. God’s love pursues us, chases us, runs after us no matter how far

off course or oblivious we might be. And as often as we do get distracted or weighed down by the

troubles of life, we need to hear the Good News over and over again. That’s why we gather every

Sunday (and on Wednesday nights, Tuesday mornings, Wednesday mornings, etc.) to be reminded of

God’s great love for us, shown through Jesus.

This month, we’ll give special attention to “Holy Week,” the week

of Jesus’ crucifixion, when we reflect on his suffering, death and

resurrection. The week begins as Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly

on Palm Sunday, continues with Christ’s death on Good Friday, and con-

cludes with a festive celebration for our risen Savior on Easter morning.

Below, I’ve listed the dates and times of the different worship opportuni-

ties available during this special week. I hope that you’ll be able to join

us to hear God’s Good News again and again.

March 20th: Palm Sunday Festival Worship – Come raise your palm

branches and cry, “Hosanna” to our humble king, Lord

Jesus (8:00 and 10:30 am).

March 24th: Maundy Thursday – We gather to remember our Lord’s last supper before his death,

and partake of the holy meal of forgiveness, where Christ offers the gift of himself

(7:00 pm).

March 25th: Good Friday – In ever-increasing darkness, we reflect on the death of Jesus

(7:30 pm).

March 27th: Easter Sunday – We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and the victory over sin

and death that is ours in Jesus’ name (6:30, 8:00, 10:30 am). Easter breakfast will be

served from 7:00 to 8:00 am in the downstairs Fellowship Hall.

This Month’s Message from Pastor Josh

Faith Lutheran Church The Parish News

Prayers For Health, Treatments, or Hospitalization Recently included in prayers: Lyle Baker, Dean Baumgart, Betty Beck, Connie Davis, Jerry

Jacobsen, Bob Johnson, Wade Johnson, Mrs. Gene (Betty) Kort, Leonard Kucera, Verleen Lutkemeier,

Lavern Muhleisen, Bryson Priest, Gary Reiber.

Continued prayers for: Debb Anderson, Dan Barber, Laurie Burnham, Doyle Coooper, Dan Dean, Terry

Dunbar, Bobbie Hampton, Doug Hampton, Janet Hedlund, Quintyn Hendrich, Chris Henrichs, Everett

Hunt, Janelle Johnson, Larry Meyer, Kristin Miller, Jackie Ortegren, Melba Ortegren, Chris Parnell, Myron

Peters, Elaine Petersen, Larry Reimnitz, John Ritterbush, Kathy Schmidt, Kiley Whelchel.

In Sympathy We pray for Rick Runyan at the death of his mother and for Sherrill Crone at the death of her hus-

band, and long time member, Gerald. May all who grieve know the comfort and hope that come

through Christ’s death and resurrection.

New Life

We welcome newly baptized babies into our family of faith: Lauryn Joyce Thompson, daughter of

Adam & Melissa (nee: Petersen) Thompson and KiAunnah Cole Mullen, daughter of Tanisha Mullen

& Matthew Duering. God’s blessings on these new little ones and their families.

NEWS AND NOTES

PAGE 2 VOLUME 39–NO. 3

Please submit information for

the January issue of The Parish

News by January 15. Thank-you!

March Supper in a Sack—Our congregation has partnered with the Salvation Army to help

meet the needs of many in our community. This year the Hastings Salvation Army is the

recipient of our annual Chestnut Corner bazaar and it’s fundraising activities. We, as a

church family, will also have the opportunity to partner with them for their

monthly “Supper in a Sack” program as well as some of their other special

events. The March “Supper” is Calico Beans and we are asking for your dona-

tions of: cans of beans (any kind), ground beef, onions, brown sugar, and ketchup.

The ground beef should be put in the fridge in the sacristy (office area) and the

non-perishables can be placed on the cart in the forum. Bring items by March 27.

Easter lilies will adorn our chancel

again this Easter. Once again you are in-

vited to place a lily in memory or in honor

of a loved one. We will take orders for

the lilies. Orders will be taken through

March 20. Order yours ($8.50 each) by fol-

lowing the directions on the table at the

rear of the nave. If you are unable to make it to church

to place your order, you may call Deb at 402-462-5044

to place your order before March 20.

Dartball Tournament

March 13, 5:00pm at

Zion Lutheran

All men, high school age and

above are welcome to come

and play on the Faith team

at the annual LLL Dartball tournament. We

have a great time and good fellowship! Inter-

ested? Call Bill at 402-461-6624.

Join us for Easter Breakfast on Sunday, March 27, 7-8:00am.

The menu will include egg casserole, hard boiled eggs, coffee cake, rolls,

juice and coffee. A freewill offering will be accepted and will be given to

the group Kids Against Hunger.

PAGE 3

VOLUME 39–NO. 3

March Verse of the Month – 1 Corinthians 15:19-20 “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all people. But Christ has

indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

This month we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. It was on that day that Christ rose from the dead,

conquering death forever. What a wondrous, marvelous joy that is ours! There are those who suggest that Jesus was a

great teacher, but the account of his resurrection is exaggerated or made-up altogether. According to this line of think-

ing, the teachings of Jesus are good to follow in this world, but that’s where it ends—in the grave. The apostle Paul

writes to the Corinthians that nothing could be further from the truth. If Christ has not been raised from the dead, we

might as well close up shop—our faith would be futile, useless. But, Paul says, Christ has indeed been raised, and be-

cause of that we have confidence that those who sleep in death will one day be raised by God’s power as well. Could

you commit this verse to memory this month? Spend 5 minutes a day, perhaps in the morning when you wake up,

or at night before you go to sleep, to learn and memorize 1 Corinthians 15:19-20. Tape it to your bathroom mirror or

bedroom door and be reminded that Christ has been raised from the dead, and so we will be too.

The Church Website is sponsored this month by Bob & LaDonna Hohlfeld in thanksgiving to God for 65

years of marriage. Call the church office, 402-462-5044, if you would like to sponsor a month ($40) sometime

during this year! We have a wide selection of months available and we will note your name (or anonymous if you

choose) and your special occasion in the newsletter.

Book Group

March 10, 7-8pm, Dally’s Deli

Year of Wonders

by Geraldine Brooks

A book of historical fiction that follows the story of one small village during the year of

1666—the year of the plague.

The 2016 book list can be found at www.AFamilyofFaith.com

Ruth Circle

Mite Boxes - Money collected in the Mite Boxes during March will provide “hope and healing to the

Navajo people” in New Mexico through help in funding resources and programs with spiritual components

for people of all ages. Anyone is welcome to pick up a Mite Box (located on the devotional table outside

room 101.) An overview of the LWML monthly mission grants can be found on the bulletin boards. Mis-

sions change monthly.

Ruth Circle will meet on March 23(4th Wednesday) at 1:30pm in rooms 102-103 for a Bible Study with Pastor Dun-

bar, and then a short meeting and fellowship time. All are welcome for Bible study and Christian fellowship. If you

need a ride please contact Gayle Van Patten, 402-462-6560 or email her at dg_vanpatt@windstream.net.

A SERVANT EVENT FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES will be offered on April 2 at Peace Lutheran in Grand Is-

land. This event provides the opportunity to help young girls from Africa by making and assembling feminine hygiene

kits. If you can’t attend, but would like to help by making a donation these are the items needed: fabric (any kind/size),

Ziploc bags, washcloths, pkg. of underwear (girl’s/women’s briefs-all sizes) or you can make a monetary contribution to

help purchase these items. Bring any donations to the church office by March 31. You can call Gayle Van Patten (see

number above) for more information or if you would like to attend this event.

A Message of Stewardship

The following scripture verse is taken from

the Parable of the Talents, Matthew 14-30.

”His Master replied, ‘Well done, good and

faithful servant! You have been faithful

with a few things; I will put you in charge

of many things. Come and share your

masters’ happiness!’”

MORE NEWS AND NOTES

PAGE 4 VOLUME 39–NO. 3

ADULT EDUCATION IN MARCH

Sundays

THE SUNDAY LESSONS [E-100]- Fellowship hall - 9:15AM This class takes an in-depth look at the scripture lessons taken from the

Sunday morning readings. This month’s class will be led by Pastor Dunbar.

THE PATH TO THE CROSS[H-201]- Room 10– 9:15AM -Class Begins March 6

God’s story culminates with the intense devotion of his people in this Faith Lessons

video series with host Ray Vander Laan. Discover how their passionate faith prepares

the way for Jesus and his ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice at the cross. Then, be

challenged in your own life to live as they did by every word that comes from the mouth

of God. Five sessions include: 1. The Way of the Essenes 2.The Way of John the Baptist

3. Into the Desert to be Tested 4. The Last Passover 5. The Fifth Cup--- Our Way of Hope.

Class leader: Wade Johnson.

BASIC BIBLE TRUTHS [P-100]- Room 102-103 - 9:15AM– Class Begins February 28

This class serves as adult confirmation for those wishing to become new members. It is also attended

by members who want a review of our faith and teachings. For more information contact Pastor Josh

who will be leading the class.

Tuesdays

MEN’S BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY [P-100]- Ray’s Café - 7:00AM Join the men’s group at Ray’s Café for coffee, maybe some breakfast, as we discuss the “Article of the

Week..” We may not agree on the topics at hand, but we’ll learn from each other and have some great

conversation. All men are welcome! Contact Bill Henkel, 402-461-6624 with questions.

Wednesdays

MORNING BIBLE STUDY [P-200]- 9:00am- Room 11- Pastor Dunbar, leader

We start the hour with prayer, devotion, and a song (not to mention hot coffee and sometimes tasty

snacks.) We then turn our conversation to the sermon from the Sunday past. After several weeks with

this group, you'll find yourself listening better on Sundays, eager to visit with these friends at mid-

week, and thinking about God’s Word and worship all week long.

EVENING BIBLE STUDY- [C-300] - 6:30PM—ROOM 11 CLASS CONTINUES with leader Pastor Dunbar

In the World, But Not of It: A Study of 1 John How do we live in a world that is so dark? That believes in lies and wallows in sin? Do we fight back?

Do we hide? And, what do we do when the sin we confront is our own? John writes this letter to

believers living in just such a world. Find encouragement and hope in these inspired words of God!

Our group will continue to take a slow and steady approach to Bible study as we read along at our

own pace and learn from each other’s insights.

Key to Adult Bible Studies C= Cultural …..contemporary issue/current event 100 level- No prior knowledge of subject needed E= Exegetical...study of the Bible 200 level- Some Biblical knowledge helpful H= Historical…. chronological study 300 level- More challenging and uses own Bible P= Practical….. a specific issue/practice in life 400 level- Homework and a “dig deep” attitude

PAGE 5 VOLUME 39–NO. 3

THANK-YOU NOTES

Thank you to my family of faith for kindness shown during the Christmas season—I so enjoyed the

music of the carolers, the nice variety of cookies from Priscilla Circle, and the beautiful poinsettia that

was brought to me. God’s blessings to each of you! Daisy Patterson

My heartfelt thanks to Pastors Davis and Dunbar and members of Faith Lutheran Church for their

prayers and support during Jerry’s illness and at the time of his death. God bless you all!

Sincerely….. Sherrill Crone

A Soul Patrol Pie Auction THANKS… to all the makers, bakers, buyers, and more. Thanks to

Melanie Weeks and Wendy’s for donating and frying 15lbs of bacon for the wonderful soup. Thanks to

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for $250 in start up funds to buy food. We raised $2875 to fund sum-

mer trips. Those going on this year’s summer Colorado Mission trip include: Gracie Anderson, Andrew,

Natalie, and Meridith Brandt, Rileigh Borrell, Oliver Dunbar, Brenden Molina, Alexa Muske, Ashley

Nierman, Adam and Aaron Ochsner, and Keaton Verhage. Families are expected to cover at least half

the cost of the trip. ***Scholarships are made available for any out of town trip on a need basis.

Thank you to everyone who supported our LLL Soup Supper. Your attendance and donations are

greatly appreciated! Faith’s Lutheran Laymans League

I would like to thank Pastors Dunbar & Davis and the church staff for their prayers, also the

prayers of our prayer chain. Thanks to the Ruth and Priscilla Circles for their card, along with the

prayers and card of our LLL. I’m sure these prayers and the prayers of others in the Faith family are

helping me in my faith in God’s loving care. Bonnie Borrell

COMMUNITY NEWS

Hastings 1st Annual Seed Swap - Sunday, February 28, 1-4:30 at the Imperial Mall food court

area...this free community event is an opportunity for gardeners to meet, exchange seeds and knowledge.

Don’t have any seeds to bring… come anyway and pick up a few new ones. For info or to donate seeds

call Robin at 402-705-2888.

World Day of Prayer—March 4, 2016 at 1st Presbyterian Church (Join us for coffee at 9:30 with the worship service beginning at 10:00)

World Day of Prayer is a world wide ecumenical movement of women of many faith traditions who come

together to observe a common day of prayer eah year on the first Friday in March. Each year a different

country serves as the writer of the World Day of Prayer worship service. For 2016, the women of Cuba

invite us to consider these words: Receive Children, Receive Me. As we listen to the women of Cuba

throughout the worship service, we are invited to seek Jesus with childlikeness and boldness.

Join us as on March 5 (Adams Co. Fairgrounds) as we celebrate the 11th year of FIRE

(Faithfully Investing in Religious Education)! Enjoy an elegant evening with banquet

and auction. Tickets are $55/person or $800/table of 10 and can be purchased at Christ

Lutheran-744.4991, Zion Lutheran-462.5012, or Ruhter Auction-463.8565. For more informa-

tion find us at Facebook.com/acleafire.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS to the Hastings area Food Pantry! To date we

have collected 189 pounds of food. We have grocery carts located in the forum and in the back

of the sanctuary for your donations of non-perishable food and dry goods.

PAGE 6 VOLUME 39–NO. 3

Perfect Attendance Sunday School – Pre-School: Ben Kuehn.

2nd: Anthony Kuehn, Lars

Oakley. 4th: Justine Bierman.

6th: Kiernan Bierman, Jenna Kempf, Karson Sherman.

8th: Oliver Dunbar.

Weekday School – Preschool: Braylen Arneson,

Kyler Hughes, Abby Jabs, Rylan Kapustka, Ben Kuehn,

Josh Muske, Anna Sidlo. Kindergarten: Kayden Bar-

tunek, Ansley Catchpool, Harper Rundle. 1st: Kolt

Hudson, Mady Karr, Eva Magallanes. 2nd: Jackson

Foster, Anthony Kuehn, Izaiah Mullen, Lucas Sidlo,

Hayden Steppuhn. 3rd: Rece Borrell, Claire Davis,

Briley Hughes, Zoe Johnson, Avery Louther, Rebekah

Muske. 4th: Justine Bierman, Kaitlyn Carver, Jenna

Fisher, Katherine Greenland, Alex Hafer, Ben Hafer,

Jerzie Kapustka, Maison Reeves. 5th: Logan Brooks,

Sam Dierks, Lexi Fisher, Breanna Svoboda. 6th: Kier-

nan Bierman, McKenna Bloomberg, Caleb Clark, Ella

Collins, Peytin Hudson, Cooper Hunsley, Hunter

Krueger, Andrew Matthies, Josh Mellinger, Faith

Molina, Elijah Mulligan, Sam Shafer. 7th: Rileigh

Borrell, Andrew Brandt, Natalie Brandt, Jared Coe,

Cameron Foster, Matthew Hansen, Ashley Nierman,

Henry Schardt, Andrew Vonderfecht . 8th: Meredith

Brandt, Oliver Dunbar, Jersie Frerichs, Izaak Hunsley,

Lauren Matthies, Pierce McVicker, Brendan Molina,

Alexa Muske, Aaron Ochsner, Adam Ochsner, Jacob

Schroeder.

“Undie Sunday”

March Sunday School Offerings

will go to Orphan Grain Train to

help increase their “always

needed” stock of undergarments

for those in disaster relief areas of our country and

around the world.

Vacation Bible School June 6-10, 2016

GOD’S

WINNING

TEAM

6th Grade Faith Celebration

SEDER MEAL

On March 24 at 5:30pm,

Maundy Thursday, all 6th

graders and their parents

are invited to take part in

our Celebrations of Faith

Seder Meal- the same kind

of meal that Jesus and his

disciples ate to celebrate the Passover on

the night He was betrayed. Please RSVP to

the church office, 402-462-5044, before

Sunday, March 20.

PAGE 7 VOLUME 39–NO. 3

Senior Crosses are displayed at the bottom of the west

stairway. These crosses depict the participation of our

high school seniors in Faith Celebration events from

baptism through their high school years.

High School

Bible Class

meets every Sunday

morning all year.

Join us to study God’s Word

with friends!

No Hot Talks

or Youth Choir

this month as we would

encourage all youth to

take part in Lent worship,

along with their families.

Easter Breakfast Set-up The XYF group will set up for the

Easter Breakfast on Good Friday,

March 25 at 11:00am. Meet down

stairs in the fellowship hall. Questions? Call the church

office, 402-462-5044 and speak with Vicki.

Archery Event for Soul Patrol

Sunday March 6th, 1-2:30

We will be going out to Archery Solutions

for our Soul Patrol fellowship activity. Call the church

office at 402-462-5044 or Text Wade at 402-469-5628 to

confirm you will be joining us for this fun event!

Non Profit Organization

US POSTAGE PAID

Hastings, NE

Permit No. 309

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURC H

837 CHESTNUT

HASTINGS NE 68901

We invite you to Join us each Sunday

Worship at 8:00 AM or 10:30 AM

Sunday Education Hour at 9:15 AM

Return Service Requested

Staff of

Faith Lutheran Church Office – 462-5044

www.aFamilyofFaith.com

(includes all email addresses)

Paul T. Dunbar, Pastor

462-9551 (Home)

Josh Davis, Pastor

402-705-0874 (Cell)

Wade Johnson, D.C.E.

463-8670 (Home)

Vicki Fisher, D.C.E.

462-0194 (Home)

Support Staff

Cindy O’Donnell, Secretary

Deb Henkel, Bookkeeper

Rich & Sandy Frerichs, Custodians

2016 Church Council

Chairman: Larry Keilig Vice Chairman: Ray Brandt

Treasurer: Adam Jacobitz Recording Secretary: Jan Snavely

Board of Education: Jason Weseman, Tarin Wademan, Ronda Ochsner

Board of Evangelism: Lisa Mertens, Lois Janssen, Darin Clark

Board of Family Life: Dusty Haase, Jenny Sidlo, Della Bader

Board of Finance: Dan & Tammy Soucie, Dale & Tammy Valentin, Rick &

Deb Runyan, Mitch & Brenda Stocker, Ken Young, Scott Hansen

Board of Lay Ministry: Bill Henkel, Cathy Callan, Cole Bulas, Tim Uden,

Ellen Jank, Gaylen Stahl

Board of Trustees: Ryan Gerloff, Dave Haase, Eileen Saathoff, Doug Ahrens

Donna Alber, Dan Michel

Board of Stewardship: Dan Pauley, Becky Young, Rick Rail

2016