June 2018
This is one of the least favorite sayings that I have heard from Christians over the years of ministry. People think about their burdens and trials, and consider it their “cross,” but it’s not. The normal, and even many of the abnormal burdens, trials and struggles of life are common to us all – but that isn’t what Jesus was talking about in our Gospel lesson from Mark 8:31-38 for this Sunday.
“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” Deny themselves… deliberately pick up the cross/burden… follow Jesus… being willing to lose one’s own life for Jesus and the gospel. What is Jesus talking about here? “Where are all these “blessings” that people talk about? Where’s my perfect life? Where’s my new car? Where’s my winning lottery ticket? What about ME!?!?!?” Jesus is pointing us in a new direction here – one which DOES offer blessings, but real ones – like peace, contentment, deep joy and an amazing peace. These come from a life of service, of giving oneself on behalf of others, freely spending ourselves on behalf of others and the gospel as we follow Jesus’ example. Our Lenten Journey points us now to the cross, and invites us to take up the one made for us, and follow Jesus’ example of servanthood and sacrifice. It isn’t easy – especially if we’re trying to do it in our own strength or for our own fulfillment. The life of faith is a life connected with Jesus and with God’s people. THAT’S the journey we’re on. Where has your journey been taking you? Annual Congregational Meeting This coming Sunday, February 28th, we will have as much of a congregational meeting as we can manage during COVID times. The Zoom invitation is in the email you received this past week, and later in this newsletter. I’m sorry it will be largely informational and less participatory than we are accustomed to – but that’s how things work during these strange days.
God’s Richest Blessings on your Lenten Journey!
Pastor Larry 1.
PALM SUNDAY SERVICE MA R C H 28 1 0 :0 0 A M O UT D O OR S ( ST A Y TU NE D F O R C H ANG ES T O IN D OO R S ER VICE )
MAUNDY THURSDAY & GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 2 7 :0 0 P M O UT D O OR S ( ST A Y TU NE D F O R C H ANG ES T O IN D OO R S ER VICE )
EASTER SERVICE APRIL 4 1 0 :0 0 A M O UT D O OR S Our joyous celebration will be filled with glorious music, inspirational environment, and the Word of God spoken for you through Pastor Larry (S TA Y T UN ED FO R CH ANG ES T O IN D OO R S ER VICE )
Weekly Saturday outdoor communion service Our Outdoor Communion Service continues in the Masted Hall Courtyard each Saturday at 5:00pm. This short service offers inspiration, comfort and hope through the sharing of the Cup and Bread during these extended days of pandemic. All COVIDǦ19 protocols are carefully followed.
Sunday livestream service only
Stay connected to your faith and your church family by joining us through Facebook or YouTube on Sundays at 10am. Worshipful and inspiring music and the Word of God brought to you by Pastor Larry. “Westchester Lutheran Church and School”
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“Westchester Lutheran Church and School” or “Lawrence Becker”
Saturday, March 6th 9:00 am All are welcome to join us in cleaning up our extensive landscaping! Bring your gardening gloves, pruners, etc.
This is an ongoing project so anyone interested in crocheting or knitting scarves can pick up yarn that’s available at the church office.
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March 1st– 5th: Lutheran School Week March 4th: Happy Birthday Mr. Asberry!
March 5th: Happy Birthday Mr. Simpson! March 5th: Virtual Chapel at 10 am
March 7th: Happy Birthday Mrs. Engler!
March 8th: Book DropǦOff day for 3rdǦ5th grades
(check email for more updates)
March 9th: Welcome back grades 3rdǦ5th! March 11th: Picture Day!
March 12th: Virtual Chapel at 10 am/Early Dismissal March 15th– 21st: Sharkey’s Restaurant Fundraising March 15th– 19th: Spirit Week (check email for upcoming information)
March 17th: St. Patrick DayǦWear Green March 19th: Virtual Chapel at 10 am March 26th: Virtual Chapel at 10 am/ Early Dismissal
March 28th: Palm Sunday Service outdoors and Livestream at 10 am
March 15 th -21 st
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The card reads, “Welcome back to school! From the Women of WLC. So glad you are back on campus.”
THANK YOU! to the Women of the church for making these masks for the school kids!
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Remember and honor loved ones past and present by donating flowers to beautify our sanctuary every Sunday. The cost is $35. You may pay online or mail a check to the office. If you would like to take one of the spots available please call the office (310) 670Ǧ5422 to get your announcement in the bulletin or email Karina, kmartinez@wlcs.org . Thank you! March 7th Given by Joan Anckle to Jeanne Gariel on her birthday,
“birthday wishes Jeanne!”
March 2
Timothy Gilroy &
March 7
Jo Slee Jane Engler &
March 20 March 21
Lada Goetzke Will Widmer
March 14
March 27 March 29 March 30
Jason Kacena Lydia Engler
Sharon Castro
April Kacena Mike Sautter
Given by Colleen & Allan Fitzgerald in thanks to God’s
many blessings!
March 14th Given by Gary & Kathy Klein in celebration of
Christopher’s birthday! Happy Birthday! Given by Harold & Christy Simpson.
March 21st Available! Available!
March 28th Available! Available!
A l t a r Fl o w e r s 2 0 2 1
*Available April dates: April 11th (2 spots), 18th (1 spot), and 25th (1 spot) *Available May dates: nd May 2 (1 spot), 9th (1 spot), 16th (1 spot) , 23rd (2 spots), and 30th (2 spots)
Members & friends hospitalized, recovering from illness or surgery, or long-term illness: Doris Brown, Sharon Burk, Rob Button, Susan Cole, Amy Gustafson, Ida Manuel-Stovall, Juan Mazariegos, Katie Meyer, Barbara & David O’Hara, Barbara Roamer, Donald Rousar, Juan Salinas, Mary Lou Schnitzer, Charles Seaberg, Troy Shumaker, Kathy Tank, Joy Vik, Ruby Williams, Georgiann & Steve Young, and Irwin. Members & friends grieving: Ebright Family and Scott Family Members & friends serving in the military: Richard Appelhans, Desobry Bowens, David Flick, Jeremy Manning, Donald Moe, Deane Stewart, and Kimberly York.
PRAYER CHAIN MINISTRY If you would like to join, or have a prayer request, please contact Ida ManuelǦStovall, at (310) 374Ǧ3043
ELEA Distinguished Pastor of the Year!
Pastor Lawrence Becker This is an annual award established by ELEA (Evangelical Lutheran Education Association) as a way to honor pastors of congregations with schools or early childhood centers who have made outstanding contributions to the spiritual leadership of the program. Please help in lifting Pastor Larry in praise and celebration. His continued leadership and resiliency did not go unnoticed this past year!
Please remember your offerings. We greatly encourage you to use onǦline giving through the link below.
https://bit.ly/wlcofferings
You may still mail in your offering to the church office. If you have not received your 2021 offering envelopes, please call the office or email kmartinez@wlcs.org.
Are you a Thrivent Member? If so, you would you consider directing your Thrivent Choice Dollars to WLCS? Through Thrivent Choice, you can contribute to organizations and causes you care about – and influence how Thrivent distributes some of its charitable funding. For more information go to the link below or talk to your representative.
www.thrivent.com/what-we-offer/generosity/ thrivent-choice.html
7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045 Phone: (310) 670-5422 Fax: (310) 670-1476 Website: www.WLCS.org Office Hours: 8:30 am-4:30 pm and please wear a mask Contact List Rev Lawrence Becker, Pastor/Interim Principal Karina Martinez, Church Secretary Amy Vaughan, Registrar, A/P, Webmaster Carol Sondreal, A/R, Donations Traci Cox, Fundraising Coordinator Tom Gerhold, Music and Worship
LDBecker@WLCS.org KMartinez@WLCS.org AVaughan@WLCS.org CSondreal@WLCS.org TCox@WLCS.org TGerhold@WLCS.org
Sunday, February 28 1:00 pm Meeting ID: 852 2298 4823 Password: yQ4BQF Link is available in the Candle-Lite Email. The Annual Report Booklet will be emailed Saturday. If you wish to have a hard copy mailed to you, contact the office.
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