"Contact" the Havelock Christian Church Newsletter March, 2005 HCC Anticipates the Resurrection If you haven't yet come for Wednesday evening soup and worship, plan to join us. Pastor Max's soups are outstanding this year (as always), and the informal times of worship help provide time for thought as we traverse the road toward Easter. The suppers begin around 6 pm. There's a time of fellowship as we enjoy the simple supper of soup and bread. The service is informal - feel free to come right from work. Children are welcome. A free will offering is received for the soup. Daffodils Will Brighten Our Sanctuary on March 13 As has been our custom for several years, HCC is again participating in Daffodil Sunday with the American Cancer Society. If you would like to purchase a bunch of daffodils, the cost is $8, and checks can be made out to the HCC Builders Club. Palm Sunday Worship Marks the Beginning of Holy Week Beginning with Palm Sunday March 20th, the church meditates on the last week of Jesus' earthly life and ministry. Always a joyous celebration, we remember the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with songs and symbols to remind us of that important journey. Worship time is 10:45. Joint Maundy Thursday Service Planned with Bethany Christian On Thursday evening, March 24, at 7 pm, the church families of Havelock and Bethany Christian will gather at Havelock to commemorate the Last Supper. A very special service is planned. Easter Morning Services Begin at 7 am Easter traditionally is a celebration of the rolling aside of the rock from the tomb that held our Lord. We gather for worship at 7 am to remember the moments of early morning when the women saw the empty tomb and realized that our Lord was risen from the dead. Following the sunrise service, the church family gathers for breakfast, which will be hosted again this year by Jack Rosecrans. Church school follows at 9:15, and our Easter Morning Worship begins at 10:45. Come celebrate the risen Lord. We Share the Good News of the Risen Christ The Easter Offering, to be received on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, goes to help support the general ministries of the church, which include our global and homeland ministries, National Benevolent Association, The Disciples Historical Society, our Board of Church Extension, Pension Fund, Council on Christian Unity, and much more. Max's Musings... While I was going to Phillips Theological Seminary, I got stuck with the nickname: "J Source." This was because a few friends knew that my favorite books in the Bible were Jeremiah, John, and James. Now Jeremiah and John are respectable books of scripture, but ever since Martin Luther called James a "book of straw" it seems to have a public acceptance problem. When asked why that particular book was among my favorites, I would respond along the line that it held many pearls of wisdom that could be of benefit to all Christians at some point in their lives. Recently, I came across some material similar in nature, that is, some handy advice that just might be usable in our lives. So, read and pay attention. A Cowboy's Guide to Life... ..Your fences need to be horse high, pig tight, and bull strong. ..Life ain't about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce. ..Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. ..Words that soak into your ear are whispered, not yelled. ..Meanness don't just happen overnight. ..Forgive your enemies -- it messes up their heads. ..It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge. ..You cannot unsay a cruel word. ..Don't judge folks by their relatives. ..Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. ..Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' ya. ..Timin' has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance. ..The easiest way to eat crow is when it's still warm, 'cause the colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller. ..If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'. ..It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep. ..Sometimes you get and sometimes you get got. ..Always drink upstream from the herd. ..Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. ..Lettin' the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in. ..Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time. Thanks to the Northeast Aging Center for sharing some humorous words of wisdom. Love and Peace, Max March Scripture and Sermon Titles 6th - 4th Sunday in Lent John 9:1-41 "Here's Mud in Your Eye!" 13th - 5th Sunday in Lent John 11:1-45 "Dead Like Me" 20th - Palm/Passion Sunday Matthew 21:1-11 "The PATSY" 24th - Maundy Thursday Joint Service with Bethany Matthew 26:17-75 "The Unforgiven" John 20:118 27th - Easter Sunrise Service Matthew 28:1-10 "The Bone Collectors" 10:45 Service "Used Tombstones"   Dates to Remember March Birthdays 3 - Alberta Marsh 13 - Maxine Buell 18 - Carrie Davis 23 - David Buell 30 - Cheryl Deisch March Anniversaries 15 - Mary and Rick Bickford (#25!!) 18 - Karen and Gerald Cunning Prayer Focus 6 - Alliance First Christian, Pastor Walter Cline 13 - Beatrice First Christian, Rev. David Bigley 20 - Elmwood Christian, Supply Pastor 27 - Verdon Christian, Pastor Lesa Eichenberger Upcoming Events Meetings Set 2 - Elders - 8:30 pm 7 - Church Growth Committee - 7 pm 14 - General Board meeting - 7 pm Collection for the Food Pantry to be dedicated March 6 - Even with the economy improving, we are aware that there are many who struggle to make ends meet. We know that our ministry through the Northeast Pantry is essential for individuals and families who need assistance. Don't forget a donation to the Pantry whenever you can. Canned goods, cereals, laundry supplies, paper goods - whatever you would put in your own grocery basket we know is gratefully received by those in need. Soup and Worship (SAW) Evenings Continue through March 16 - The Lenten SAW series has been well attended so far; and there are three weeks left. Max's soup pot still has leftovers at the end of the evening, so we'd love to have more folks join in. Everyone is welcome. The supper begins about 6 pm. A free will offering is received. Choir Rehearsals will continue at about 7:20 pm for the next three weeks - To accommodate the Lenten worship services, choir is set a little later than usual. We return to our 7 pm timing on March 23. Communion to Shut-in's planned for March 6 - This is a special monthly time set aside to spend time with our shut-in members. Please remember too, that they enjoy hearing from their church friends with visits, cards, and calls. Youth event planned for Friday night, March 11 - The young people have a bowling party, followed by pizza at the church and an overnight lock-in set. Stay tuned for the start time. All are welcome, and bring a friend! Mary and Rick Bickford Celebrate 25 Years! We are invited to join the Bickfords in celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on Saturday, March 12, from 5 pm to midnight. A reception and dance is being held at the Lincoln Eagles Club, 500 West Industrial Lake Drive, Lincoln. The family requests no gifts other than that of your presence. Congratulations, Rick & Mary!! Daffodil Sunday will be March 13 - The Builders Club is sponsoring Daffodil Sunday this year. If you have ordered daffodils or would like to purchase a bunch, the proceeds go to American Cancer Society. Bunches are $8 this year. Checks may be made out to the HCC Builders Club. HCC Elders and Pastor to attend Elders Retreat in Hastings - All six of our elders and Pastor Max are registered to attend the annual Elders Retreat at Hastings Christian Church on March 18-19. This is a time for deepening our spiritual walk and learning new ways to fulfill our responsibilities. HCC is fortunate in having a strong and dedicated group of elders. Holy Week Services Planned - We begin the week with Palm Sunday Worship at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, March 20. The service recalls Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with hundreds of well-wishers celebrating his arrival. We recall the events of the rest of the week, his encounter with the money-changers in the temple, his poignant Last Supper with his disciples on Thursday, his agonizing time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, the dark hours of his crucifixion on Good Friday, and then the triumphal resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. HCC will worship together with friends from Bethany Christian at 7 pm on Thursday, March 24th at HCC. Easter Sunday services begin at 7 am, with a Sunrise Vigil or service. Following worship, the HCC family gathers around the tables for breakfast, hosted by Jack Rosecrans. Sunday School follows at 9:15, with classes for adults, young people in the 7-13 age range and a class in the church nursery for younger children. Fellowship time begins at 10:15, and Easter Morning Worship is at 10:45. Plan to come and invite a friend or neighbor for any or all of this marvelous celebration of faith. Easter Offering to be received March 20th and 27th - The "General Ministries" of the church will benefit from our gifts through the Easter Offering. Some of these ministries include the Christian Board of Publication, the Central Pastor Office of Hispanic Ministries, the Christian Church Foundation (that invests our bequests and provides regular support to HCC), the Board of Church Extension (that helped provided loans for the church building and building improvement projects over the years), the Disciples Home Missions, Division of Overseas Ministries, National Benevolent Association, the Pension Fund, and other ministries. Check out the display concerning Overseas Ministries on the artwall, and think of all the good we do with our HCC offerings. Last year, our Easter Offering totaled $518. Do you suppose we could reach $550 this year? Let's give it a try! Plan ahead - Silent Auction is on the Way! The date has been set for the Builders Club Silent Auction. Start thinking of items or services you would like to offer for auction, and circle April 23rd on your calendars for the Big Event. There will be a soup and sandwich meal in conjunction with the auction, and we are hoping to have some excellent musical entertainment from one of our area schools during the meal. Proceeds from the Silent Auction help the Builders Club to do various local mission projects throughout the year. FYI New members welcomed into HCC family - On Sunday morning, February 13, Judy and Gene Seibert came forward to transfer their membership from First Christian Church in Hutchinson, Kansas. Judy and Gene have been up-to-their-ears involved in HCC already, and it is such a joy to welcome. them to the family. On Sunday, February 20, our family grew some more with the welcome addition of Dan, Jill and Isaac Skalak, who transferred their membership to HCC from St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Lincoln. The Skalak's live in the Norwood Park area, and we are so happy to have them as part of our family. Welcome, welcome! Kamp Kaleo is Kalling The camping season for 2005 at Kamp Kaleo, our church's camp at Burwell, was recently announced. It looks like an exciting year. You are invited to come to Kamp Kaleo and see what is happening. The season starts with a work weekend to ready the camp for those that will be attending the different events and camps. The work camp will be held April 22-24, starting with supper at 6:00 pm on Friday evening. Housing and all meals will be provided. Scheduled for this years work camp are cleaning and pruning of the grounds, painting, pouring a new sidewalk and other general cleaning tasks. The work will end on Sunday with a noon lunch or, for those needing to return for church services, on Saturday with the evening meal. The next event is a 40th Anniversary celebration on Saturday, May 7th. The activities will begin at 10:00 am and conclude at 5:00 pm. There will be refreshment all day with crafts, music, displays and videos of the different camping seasons. At 1:30 there will be a special service with cake and drink following. Come join in the fellowship. The first camp of the season will be the Adventures in Community camp, which will be held on May 24-27 and May 31-June 3. Cost is $84. This camp is a true mission opportunity for older youth (at least 16) and adults. Those attending this camp become companions for campers that live with physical, medical, or emotional challenges. Companions are paired with two or three campers andparticipate in a variety of activities, games, crafts, and events. The campers are screened and can manage their own personal needs. For a rewarding three days this is the camp to attend. Other camps and their age requirements, dates, and costs are: Sr. High Conference (grades 9-12), June 5-10, $219 Jr. High Conference (grades 7-8), June 12-17, $219 Ecology-Theology Retreat (4th grade-adult, intergenerational), June 17-19, $77 1st person, $52 2nd person Earth Camp (4th grade-adult, family, friends, or independently), June 19-24, $229 for the week (with lodging and meals), $25 per day (9 am-5 pm) Calamus Canoe Quest (grades 7-12), June 24-27, $107 Primary Camp (grades 2-3), July 6-8, $97 FOCUS (Fellowship Of Creative, United Souls: relate with God through drama, music, art, and writing) - grades 7-12), July 10-15, $219 Junior Conference Camp (grades 4-6), July 17-22, $219 Rodeo Camp (all ages, children accompanied by adult: attend 3 performances, visit with contestants, stay and eat at Kamp Kaleo, rides to rodeo provided), July 29-31, 10 & under: $60, 11 & up: $90 Young Adult Retreat (post high school), August 5-7, $67 For more information or for applications, see our Kamp Koordinator, Pastor Max. All applications turned in by March 27th will receive a $10 per person discount. So, get out the calendars and mark your date for a trip to Kamp Kaleo. Scholarships are available, so don't hesitate to ask about that. CYFers take on Mahoney! Thrills! Chills! and Spills! are an apt description of the CYF outing to Eugene Mahoney State Park on Saturday afternoon, February 12. The intrepid group, including three brave sponsors, ventured out to take on the elements and build our CYF community (also, perhaps, risk life and limb). The group enjoyed sledding, took in the panoramic view of the lower Platte River valley from the observation tower, and tried their skill at ice skating. No one got lost or stuck in the Adventure Maze and Tunnels or fell off the rock wall climbing simulator. A grand time was had by all. CYF focus set -- In the next few weeks, the CYF will be studying the What's and Why's of Christian music, including its history, its use in the Bible, its different styles in use today, current singers and songwriters, and much more. Choir Director Hope Bickford will be helping with the study. Valentine's Italian Dinner a success! On Saturday evening, February 12, a great crowd turned out for a special taste of everyone's favorite Italian dinner - SPAGHETTI (with all the fixings). The serving line was almost always busy from 5 pm to nearly 8 pm. A special feature of this event was an expanded personal transportation service for folks who wanted to come out but who are reluctant to drive after sunset. Thanks to all who helped prepare and serve, provided transportation, and helped with set-up and clean-up. A major public relations effort was used to let folks know about the dinner. If you would be willing to let us know how you heard about the event, please tell Mike Yost, Pastor Max or other members of the planning team. It will help us target our information campaign for the next event. Shorts from the Board Utility bills and other expenses are high. Treasurer Jack Rosecrans is having some frustration trying to meet the bills. Please consider an extra gift to help if you can. Judy Seibert will make "Activity Bags" for youngsters to use during church time. Worship Chair Dori Yost will help with project. Property committee will look into an under-the-sink hot water heater for kitchen. Young people are studying the value of regular prayer, Bible study, and church attendance. Their text is "Can I Be a Christian Without Being Weird?" Church Growth Committee is meeting first Monday of each month to review ways we can make our church life relevant and interesting for new families. HCC and the Builders Club are sending a memorial gift of $250 to the Bellevue Christian Church with the death of their pastor Stephanie Tucker in a recent car accident. In Our Church Family Our prayers are with Louise Schleich and the Schleich and Dale families with the sudden passing of Jerry Schleich last week. Louise is the sister of John Dale. Our church families from Bethany, Havelock, Cross Bridge, South Pointe, East Lincoln, and the Regional Office have surrounded us with love and support, for which we are so grateful. We are also keeping the Baier and Downs families in our thoughts. Dorotha Downs Baier, a former long-time member of Havelock Christian Church, died the end of January. Her family includes husband Sterling of Syracuse, daughters Ellen Singleton and Helen Stein Huls, and son Robert. Her grandson Michael Stein, pastor of the Scottsbluff Christian Church, participated in the memorial service. We send early spring greetings to our special friends Jessie and Don Riblett, Olive Montgomery, Howard Sewell, Elaine and Keith Althouse, Nellie Covert, Jim Donaldson and Eva Barnes. We hope the longer hours of sunlight are brightening your days. Howard and Irene Sewell send their thanks to the church family for all of the cards, visits, thoughts, and prayers. They are grateful for the Christmas carolers coming to visit, for the visits from the Elders and from the pastor. They keep up on the news from the church and the community, and Irene is grateful for good help with transportation and shopping. Betty Niemeyer has been struggling with some health problems the last few weeks. She's spending a lot of time resting with her legs elevated. She says Alvin is getting good at running errands and helping fix meals. Take care, Betty. We're hoping for a speedy recovery for you. We're keeping Cindy Nelson in our thoughts. She has been fighting a virus or infection that has really kept her down. We miss you, Cindy. We hope you feel better SOON! We have word this month that our friend Jim Cameron from Montrose, Colorado recently fell on the ice and broke his hip. He had just been home a few days following surgery when the fall happened. Jim and Wanda, we're thinking of you and hope Jim makes a quick recovery. Congratulations are in order in the Nimmich family. Sabrina's son Braydon Mitchell Nimmich was born on February 8. Grandma Ronda and Aunties Kristina and Lacy are pretty excited. Best wishes to all. With all that practicing, I think Jean and Ron Uarich must have started something. We understand that Jean's twin sister Joyce Wells is sporting a new diamond ring these days. Joyce and Calvin Weeks are planning an April 1st wedding. Congratulations to Joyce and Cal! Congratulations to Virginia Woodrum, who has just completed contribution of her 16th gallon of blood to the Blood Bank. What a fantastic gift! Kudos for February to... Judy and Gene Seibert, Mike and Judy Yost, Deb Herman, Roger Hammons, and everyone else who helped make the Spaghetti Supper such a big success; Pastor Max for the delicious soups each week and the folks who have provided the yummy breads each week for the SAW events; Dori Yost for the lovely art wall display; Curt Peacock and Roger Hammons for sponsoring the Mahoney Park youth event; and Virginia Woodrum and Judy Seibert for all the wonderful goodies for Fellowship Time. In Closing We need to keep Pastor Max and all of our pastors in our prayers at this busy of time of year. There is a lot of preparation involved in "feeding the flock," especially at this special time of the church year. And with all of that, they still find time to be with the sick in the hospitals and grieving families, providing comfort and support beyond measure. We're blessed to have such caring and dedicated pastors. And from Les and Virginia Woodrum's travels, "The Bible is like a compass. It points you in the right direction." Newsletter Archive Calendar, March 2005  Easter Offering: March 20th and 27th Please Give Generously 2 - Wednesday 6 pm - Lenten Soup Supper and Worship 7:15 - Choir Practice 8:15 - Elders meeting 6 - Sunday 9:15 -Sunday School 10:15 - Coffee Fellowship (CF) 10:45 - Worship Shut-in Communion 7 - Monday 7 pm - Church Growth Committee meeting 9 - Wednesday 6 pm - Lenten Soup Supper and Worship 7:15 - Choir 12 - Saturday 5 -12pm., Reception & Dance - Rick & Mary Bickford's 25th Anniversary 13 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Coffee Fellowship 10:45 - Worship Daffodil Sunday 14 - Monday 7 pm - General Board meeting 16 - Wednesday 6 pm - Lenten Soup Supper and Worship 7:15 - Choir 18 - Friday Elders Retreat 19 - Saturday Elders Retreat, Hastings 20 - Palm / Passion Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Coffee Fellowship 10:45 - Palm Sunday Worship Easter Offering 6:30 pm - Youth Event, visit B'nai Jeshurun and participate in the Purim Carnival (a celebration recalling the saving of the lives of Jewish people living in Persia by the faithful acts of Esther). A melodrama telling the story of Esther in a rock and roll venue will be presented. 23 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Rehearsal 24 - Maundy Thursday 6 pm - Havelock Christian Church/ Bethany Christian Church Maundy Thursday. Service at Havelock Christian Church. Road to the Upper Room, a joint service of the Bethany and Havelock Christian Church in which the events of the upper room are remembered. Service begins with a soup and bread dinner followed by worship. A free will offering will be received. 25 - Good Friday 7 pm - We are invited to attend the Good Friday service at Bethany Christian Church, starting at 7 pm. The service will be led by the youth and will be in the tradition of the French Taize' community. 27 - Easter Sunday 7 - Sunrise Service - The Great Easter Vigil Our Sunday begins in the cold of the empty tomb. Recalling the events of that fateful day, we celebrate the beginnings of our faith through scripture & word, water & spirit, and the bread & the cup. The sermon, The Bone Collectors, will be based on Matthew 28:1-10 8:30 - Easter Breakfast Fellowship with your church family over egg casseroles, sweet rolls, and drink. Bring visiting family members or invited guests and share with one another in this special time. 9:15 - Sunday School Several classes for different age groups will be offered. Classes for pre-school through middle school and high school / adult will be available. 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Morning Worship Come celebrate the risen Christ in our regular morning service. Share with our church family and the body of Christ in all places and times the joy of knowing the risen Lord. The sermon, Used Tombstones, will be based on John 20:1-18. A special Easter Offering will be taken at both services. 29 - Tuesday 7 pm - Bible Study 30 - Wednesday 1 pm - CYF Bowling 7 pm - Choir Rehearsal 8 pm - Elders meeting 31 - Thursday 10 am - Bible Study Calendar, April 2005 3 - Sunday - Daylight Savings Time begins, Spring Ahead 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship Communion to Shut-ins 7 pm - CYF Meeting 4 - Monday 7 pm - Church Growth Committee 5 - Tuesday 7 pm - Bible Study 6 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Rehearsal 7 - Thursday 10 am - Bible Study 9 - Saturday 10 am - Bring Silent Auction items to church 1 to 10 pm - Prayer Vigil 10 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship 11 - Monday 7 pm - Board Meeting 12 - Tuesday 6 pm - Pancake Feed 7 pm - Bible Study 13 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Rehearsal 14 - Thursday 10 am - Bible Study 16 - Saturday 9 am - Builders Club 17 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship 19 - Tuesday 7 pm - Bible Study 20 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Rehearsal 21 - Thursday 10 am - Bible Study 23 - Saturday 5 pm - Soup and Sandwich Supper and Silent Auction 6:30 - Silent Auction Bids read 24 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship 26 - Tuesday 7 pm - Bible Study 27 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Rehearsal 8 pm - Elders Meeting 28 - Thursday 10 am - Bible Study Serving During April: Elders: Presiding - Jack Rosecrans Shut-in Communion - Jean Holt, Mike Yost Members of the Diaconate: Preparing - Ron Uarich Serving - Mary Bickford, Kayla Yost, Ardelle Boardman, Jerry Cunning Shut-in Communion - Mike Staberg, Dan Herman, Hope Bickford Lay Leader: John Dale Greeter: Jean Holt Editor - Jean Dale Copying and Mailing - Anna and Curt Peacock Mailing Labels - John Dale

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