1

Volume 48—Number 02 February 2018

W e don't know much about Valentine, for whom St. Valentine's Day is

named, except that he was a priest/pastor in Rome under the reign of

Claudius II. He was martyred on February 14, so he is celebrated on his heavenly

birthday. Much more beyond that is largely speculation, although he must have

been a devout Christian, otherwise he would not have been a threat to the Empire.

What we do know is that love, hearts, flowers, and candy are associated with his

name. In fact, it's quite a banner day for florists and candy makers. This one particular day brings florists business

of $14.7 billion, which is nearly equivalent to the GDP of the nation of Iceland.

In the late 1800s, the first box of chocolate was introduced by a confectioner, Richard Cadbury, exclusively for

Valentine’s Day. Each year more than 35 million heart shaped chocolate boxes are sold for Valentine's Day.

Chocolate worth over a billion dollars are purchased in the United States alone.

In grade school Valentine's Day was a day for cupcakes, punch, and boxes of Valentines. We would each carefully

craft a cardboard box covered with construction paper and numerous hearts. Then we would make sure that each

of our classmates received a Valentine and a few small candies. I don't think I knew much about romantic love,

but I do remember being smitten with a few girls back then.

It's ironic, then, that a day of joy, flowers, love and candy falls on Ash Wednesday this year. Ash Wednesday is

the most solemn day of the Church year as we begin the Lenten season in confession, prayer, and fasting. The ash-

es are both a reminder of our mortality and mourning for our sins. Those are things we scarcely think about on

Valentine's Day. Ash Wednesday isn't profitable for confectioners, florists, or card companies. ("Here's some ash-

es. Won't you be mine?" That doesn't quite work!)

About the only connection between Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday is love, and even then the comparison is

weak. February 14th celebrates romantic love (which is a great gift from God), while Ash Wednesday commemo-

rates God's unconditional love. However, we can picture the heart of God as the best Valentine's gift ever. God's

love for us knows no bounds and is far greater than any human love we can experience.

Jesus' love for us is what sent him to the Cross. It is Christ's love for us that enabled him to undergo his suffering

and death. That's the love we remember during Lent and that's the love we will celebrate on this Valentine's Day/

Ash Wednesday.

Knowing that God's heart overflows with love for us, we can say My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the

strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

Happy Valentine's Day,

Pastor Jon Christenson

Voice of Redeemer

Redeemer Lutheran Church

2

Council Meeting of January 11, 2018

George reported that December was a very good month for receipts; he was able to catch

up on payments to the Synod and Lutheran World Relief as well as paying some money back

to savings. Thank you! Laura reported a discussion at Worship & Music Committee meeting as

to whether Schuyler could use either of the keyboards we have as the piano needs repairs.

There was a discussion as to whether it would be feasible to obtain a loan (up to $100,000) for

the parking lot repair, staining or painting the sanctuary ceiling and beams, and replacement

of the heating/air conditioning units or solar installation. A loan would have to be approved by

the congregation and this matter will be brought up at the Annual Meeting.

Pastor will conduct Altar Guild training on February 11th, and planning has begun for Lent and

Easter services. Mary Ellen is looking for suggestions for group activities through the Fellowship

Committee. The charity we will focus on for February and March is the Mission at Kern County

(formerly called the Bakersfield Rescue Mission).

Linda Cohen, Secretary

You will have all you want to eat, and you will give thanks to the Lord your God for the fertile land that he has given you. . . Remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you the power to become rich... (Deut. 8:10, 18). The Bible repeatedly says that we are to "praise the Lord," or as some translations read, we are to "bless the Lord." But what does that mean? Whatever else it might mean, it entails having a thankful heart for all that God has done for us. It's easy, you know, to go to an extreme and to emphasize only God's spiritual blessings to the exclusion of His temporal blessings. It's also easy to emphasize only His material blessings and to forget His provisions for us spiritually. In reali-ty, we are to emphasize both the material and spiritu-al blessings we receive from God, remembering that all that we have comes from His bountiful hand. As we realize God's provisions for us, day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year, we literally "praise the Lord" by a lifestyle that is marked by thanksgiving for all that God has done for us. And that spirit of gratitude for past, present and

future blessings causes us to want to give to the Lord from the bounty He has provided for us. As one un-known author wrote, "Thanksgiving, to be truly Thanksgiving, is first thanks, then giving." Think about it: As we receive God's blessings, we offer praise and thanksgiving to Him. And as we realize afresh that all that we have is a result of God's goodness, our response to His faithful-ness is to give back to God a portion of that which was already His. We do so, not because we have to or out of any sense of obligation or guilt. We give to the Lord because we want to do so, in response to His great love for us and in response to His goodness. Dwight L. Moody was once reading Psalm 103. When he came to the verse which describes how we are to praise the Lord and to remember His benefits, Mr. Moody stopped short in his inimitable way and ex-claimed, "You can't remember them all, of course, but don't forget them all. Remember some of them!" And as you "remember some of them," remember the se-quence: First thanks, then giving.

3

PRAYER VENTURES

FEBRUARY 2018

These petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global,

social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the

needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and

world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mis-

sion of this church.

1 Give thanks, especially during Black History Month,

for our sisters and brothers of African descent partici-

pating in God’s work of restoring and reconciling com-

munities in the name of Jesus Christ throughout the

world; ask God to bless the work of the African De-

scent Lutheran Association in developing networks,

advocating for congregations, and providing fellow-

ship, learning and sharing opportunities for lay mem-

bers and rostered ministers of the ELCA.

2 This is the time of year when ELCA outdoor ministry leaders are recruiting young adults for a summer of service at our 128 outdoor ministry sites. Pray young adults across the country are moved by the Spirit to serve in this vibrant, diverse ministry and are inspired to share their faith, leadership, skills and enthusiasm with the 175,000 campers of all ages participating in summer programs.

3 Pray for the young adults applying for the 2018-19 ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program, a year of service, faith formation, walking alongside global companions and relationship building in 11 programs in 14 countries around the world. 4 The world cries out for healing, peace, freedom from oppression and hope. Praise God for the new life, re-newal of spirit and relief we have through Jesus Christ, and pray we are humble servants and bold dis-ciples eager to share this good news with everyone.

5 We remember in our prayers ELCA missionaries

serving in Japan alongside our global church partners

that they are sustained by their faith and our encour-

agement and support for their work of teaching, music,

theological education, parish ministry and sharing the

gospel.

6 We remember, and strive to not forget, in our pray-ers the many situations, people and places in our na-tion and the world where suffering, conflict, poverty and hunger, long-term recovery from disasters and injustice persist.

7 Pray that, for the sake of the gospel, we are faithful in serving our neighbor, spreading the good news and sharing our blessings with all people in every context

and situation of life without expectation of reward, praise or recognition. 8 As seasonal jobs and employment wane, we re-member in our prayers those in our communities who are unemployed and underemployed, and we pray we are supportive in ways that recognize and value their gifts, help network and connect people, attend to daily needs and respect the dignity of individuals.

9 Pray the spirit of God at work in us will motivate us to say “yes” daily to the covenant made in baptism to live among God’s faithful people, hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper, proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, serve all people following the example of Jesus, and strive for justice and peace in all the earth.

10 “Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God” (Psalm 147:1). Give thanks to God for caring for those who live in sadness, suffer injustice, feel powerless or are treated as outcasts; ask God to re-mind us of our call to be God’s caring hands, voice and presence in the world.

11 Transfiguration of Our Lord When confused about God’s purpose for us and the future of the church, we pray God will stir our faith and enlighten our vision, reminding us to not seek refuge in what is familiar and safe but instead venture into our communities, uncom-fortable situations and the world to share the good news and serve our neighbor. 12 Pray for the ELCA Youth Gathering staff, volun-teers, youth and adult participants, congregations and synods preparing for the Youth Gathering, Multicultur-al Youth Leadership Event and The tAble pre-event for “definitely-abled” youth in Houston this summer.

13 Pray that our work, service and ministries are not for our own satisfaction, recognition or legacy but for the proclaiming of the good news of Jesus Christ and the benefit of our neighbor. 14 Ash Wednesday We pray with humility and repent-ance as we begin our journey through Lent that, even in our imperfection and weakness, we never lose sight of the good news that God’s love and mercy are un-wavering and that our lives are made new and whole through our baptism into Christ’s life, death and resur-rection.

15 Give thanks for those who have been called to vo-cations of writing and editing books for children, youth and adults, theological publications, worship rsources, curricula for faith formation, devotional and prayer guides, and resources for congregational leaders. Continued on page 4

4

Con’t. from pg. 3 16 God shines brightly in the world and universe and is not silent. Give thanks and praise to God, and ask that our witness be bold and bright in declaring God’s bound-less power, righteousness and love. 17 As our Lenten journey continues, we reflect on our lives and faith with humility and honesty, immersing our-selves in prayers for God’s mercy and rejoicing in the gifts of love, forgiveness and salvation we have through our Savior, Jesus Christ. 18 Give thanks to God that the Spirit that sustained and protected Jesus in the wilderness against Satan and temptation is the same Spirit with us today, strengthen-ing our faith and courage in the face of difficulties, guid-ing our daily lives, and inspiring us to act boldly with jus-tice, compassion, mercy and peace. 19 Not a day goes by when the life, work and teachings of Martin Luther don’t influence the church and our faith journey. We remember in prayer lay leaders and ros-tered ministers, theologians, teachers and people of faith throughout the history who have challenged, taught and encouraged us that we might mature in faith and be more fully equipped to do God’s work in the world. 20 We pray to know and trust God’s ways and paths, truth and word, mercy and steadfast love, and that we will treasure and demonstrate in our daily life these truths and qualities for the sake of the world. 21 The ELCA and The Episcopal Church are committed to prayer, fasting and advocacy that addresses cuts to public programs that are vital to hungry people who are living in poverty. Pray for these concerns, our leaders and people in need on the 21st of each month through December 2018. 22 Pray for seafarers and fishermen of all nationalities and faiths who often spend months at sea, isolated from family, friends and home communities. Pray for their safety and care and that the Spirit of God will stir in them faith that gives hope, strength, peace and the knowledge that they are part of the body of Christ – a global community of faith that bridges all oceans, na-tions, distances and time. 23 We ask God to keep us focused on the cross, not as a religious object, work of art or cultural symbol but as a clear reminder of what God has done for us through the life, suffering, death and resurrection of God’s son, Je-sus Christ – our very real hope and salvation, God’s gra-cious gift for humanity. 24 Give thanks for the impact of the 13 Global Mission

Projects undertaken at the invitation of our companion churches and supported through The Campaign for the ELCA. Pray these projects and partner relationships will flourish as they help build new congregations, reach out to young people, train pastors and evangelists, strength-en existing ministries and grow the church. 25 Bold Women’s Day Today – and every day – we rec-ognize and celebrate Lutheran women who have acted or are acting boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ in di-verse contexts everywhere in the world. 26 The ELCA Leadership Initiative encourages us to seek out and inspire gifted people in our congregations and communities to consider a call to the ministry of the gospel as pastors, deacons and lay leaders. Ask God to help us be perceptive and assertive in identifying, invit-ing, encouraging and supporting potential leaders in re-sponding to God’s call to ministry. 27 We pray that in our Lenten reflections and conversa-tions we are truthful with ourselves and each other, trust in God’s love and mercy that frees us to move forward grounded in the gospel to serve our neighbor without bias, encourage and care for one another as sisters and brothers in Christ, and move beyond any hesitations or fears we may have about participating in God’s work in the world. 28 Thank God for the work of the ELCA Youth Ministry Network as it strives with its ministry partners to renew, educate, support and strengthen leaders – lay and ros-tered, paid and volunteer – serving in children, youth and family ministry in congregations, synods and out-door ministries.

Celebrating Bob Lansford’s 88th birthday! Jan. 14,2018

5

Bunco Party!!!

When: Friday February 2

6:30 pm

Where: Redeemer Lutheran Church

2525 Belle Terrace

Cost: $15 per person Sign up in the Narthex or

Contact: Jan Lemley 664-9404

Sponsored by

Redeemer’s Mighty Fortress

to benefit

Relay for Life

6

"Putting away the Alleluia for Lent is like putting away a favorite toy for a while – to appre-

ciate it better later."

The Etymology of Lent

“Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencton – meaning “spring” or “lengthening”

from the time of year when the days grow long. Some believe that the word “Lent” may

derive from the Latin lentare, which means “to bend.” This understanding reinforces a

sense of Lent as a time of preparation for personal and collective transformation. Having

nurtured ourselves through Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, Lent becomes the time to

look truthfully at ourselves and make changes.

Putting away Alleluia

The Church has the custom of not speaking or singing the word “Alleluia” during Lent. Alle-

luias are joyful proclamations, which we put away during the more contemplative season

of Lent. Putting it away for Lent is like putting away a favorite toy for a while – to appreci-

ate it better later. Our Sunday readings and prayers take on a more penitential tone.

7

February 8

5:30 pm

DATES TO

REMEMBER

Sat. February 10

Monday February 12

6 pm

Everyone is Welcome

WINE & DINE is Thursday 2/22/18

@6:15pm. Please watch the church bulletin

for details.

FEBRUARY

ACTIVITIES

LUNCH BUNCH: Everyone is invited to join us

at the Crest Bar & Grill, 5025 Wible Rd. on Wednesday, 2/7/18 @ 11 am. Please make res-ervations with Judy Olson-Peterson.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY will meet on Wednesday,

Feb. 14 from 9 am to 2 pm in the Fellowship Hall, (with a

break for Ash Wed. service @ noon). All are welcome to

join us for knitting/crocheting prayer shawls, blankets

or quilts. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy fellowship with

friends. Judy will provide snacks.

Kathy McKnight

Azeadra Johnson

Ella Dommer

Anne Bensen

Susan Petty

Phyllis Elrod

Bill Schroeder

John Werts

Michael Jacobsen

RUTH CIRCLE : will meet on Monday, Feb. 5/ 6:30 pm at

Jan Lemley’s home. Pastor Donella will lead our study of Hebrews. Everyone is invited. For information call Jan at 664-9404.

AFTERNOON CIRCLE is Wednesday 2/21/18 @1:30pm in

the Fellowship Hall. All ladies are invited. We will be dis-

cussing Prepare the Way of the Lord from Luke 3:3-17 &

Gather magazine. Judy Olson-Peterson will lead the dis-

cussion, & Phyllis Elrod will bring refreshments.

02

10

14

16

23

25

26

28

22

THE SEASON OF LENT

BEGINS FEBRUARY 14 Ash Wednesday service noon and 7 pm .

SOUP SUPPERS

February 21, 28

March 7, 14, 21

6 :00

Vesper Services 7 pm

Pastor Jon will be having an

Altar Guild training class on

Sunday, Feb. 11. after 10:30

worship. If you are interested in

serving on the Altar Guild for

2018 please plan to attend.

8

Jan.26, 2018 Dec. 26, 2017

Area of Service

Altar Guild

Flowers

Acolyte

Assistant

Minister

Communion

Assistant

Reader

Head Usher

Greeter

Coffee Hour

February 4 February 11 February 18 February 25

Phyllis Elrod

Jan Lemley

Karen Musgrove

Following is a list of our friends who have been lifted up in prayer by our faithful Prayer Warriors.

Please know that your prayers are so very much appreciated. Thanks and Blessings to all!

Haywood family

Judy Olson-Peterson

Linda Cohen

IN HIS SERVICE

FEBRUARY 2018

Becky Grove

Lemley family

Jan Lemley

Laura Haywood

Nate Olson

Karen John Lemley

Karen Musgrove

MN Thompson’s

Gladys Stilwill

NOTE: THIS SCHEDULE DOES NOT REFLECT CHANGES MADE AFTER JAN. 26

Alex Hunter

Ed Saltzman

Phil Johnson

Karen Musgrove

Dianne Ladd

Patti Bankson family

REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

2525 BELLE TERRACE, P O BOX 13132-93389, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93304

Pastor: Rev. Jon Christenson ………... 832-7881 ……………. Secretary: Phyllis Elrod

E-mail address: rlcbakersfield@sbcglobal.net Web site address: www.bakersfieldlutheran.org

9

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THRUSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

2/11ansfiguration

Groundhog

Day 2/2

1

2

Relay for Life

Bunco 6:30

3

4

Praise service 8:30

Sunday School

9:30

Worship 10:30

Fellowship 11:30

5

Ruth Circle

6:30

6

Pacifica 3 pm

7

Lunch Bunch

11 am

5:30 B.Y.O.S.

Bible study 6

8

Council 5:30

pm

9 10

9 am—noon

11

Praise service 8:30

Sunday School

9:30

Worship 10:30

Fellowship 11:30

12

Worship &

Music 6 pm

13

Pacifica 3 pm

14

Prayer Shawl

& Quilting

9-2

ASH WED.

service

12:00/7:00

15

16

17

18

Praise service 8:30

Sunday School

9:30

Worship 10:30

Fellowship 11:30

19 20

Pacifica 3 pm

21

Afternoon

Bible Study

Soup Supper 6

Lenten Vespers

7 pm

22

Wine &

Dine 6:15

23 24

25

Praise service 8:30

Sunday School

9:30

Worship 10:30

Fellowship 11:30

26 27

Pacifica 3 pm

28

Soup Supper 6

Lenten Vespers

7 pm

Transfiguration 2/11