The Cougar's Roar: March Church Newsletter

Pastor's Ponderings

Saying "Goodbye" to Alleluia

This past Sunday, Transfiguration Sunday, we bid farewell to one of the most common words in Lutheran Song. We "buried" the alleluia. Transfiguration Sunday is the Sunday prior to Ash Wednesday, which begins the penitential season of Lent. The word "Alleluia" is Hebrew for "praise the Lord". It is an ancient custom to not use the word "Alleluia" in worship during Lent to set apart this time of the Church Year as being penitential, which means and expressions of penitence or repentance.

As we move into the season of Lent, reflect upon the text of "Alleluia, Song of Gladness" hymn number 417:

Alleluia, song of gladness, Voice of joy that cannot die;

Alleluia is the anthem – Ever raised by choirs on high;

In the house of God abiding – Thus they sing eternally.

Alleluia cannot always – Be our song while here below;

Alleluia, our transgression make us for a while forgo;

For the solemn time is coming when our tears for sin must flow.

Therefore in our hymns we pray Thee, Grant us, blessed Trinity,

At the last to keep Thine Easter with Thy faithful saints on high;

There to Thee forever singing Alleluia joyfully.

We say good bye to the word "Alleluia", knowing it will return on the triumphant day of Easter when we proclaim the words of response, "Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed, Alleluia!" Not only on Easter Sunday will we proclaim "Alleluia", but also in the life to come when we join with the saints in Heaven "Forever sing Alleluia joyfully"!

Ash Wednesday Opens the
Season of Lent

Wednesday, March 1st is Ash Wednesday and we will begin our

Lenten season of "At the Crossroads" Worship series tonight at 7:00 p.m. Holy Communion will be observed. We will continue this series every Wednesday evening through April 5th followed by Holy Week

beginning with Palm Sunday on April 9th.

On Maundy Thursday there will be a Communion service at 7:00 p.m.
and then Good Friday Tenebrae service at 7:00 p.m.

Soup Supper Sign Up

Our Soup Suppers will begin next Wednesday, March 9th from 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. Please sign up when you are available to bring some soup or a dessert. There is also a sign up for helping on those evening.

SPECIAL VOTER'S MEETING

There will be a Special Voter's Meeting on Sunday, March 12th following Worship to discuss issues regarding next year's budget. The meeting is being called by the Board of Governance. Per our Constitution, "A Special Voter's meeting may be called at any time for any purpose by the Board of Governance. Please put this on your calendar

and plan on attending.

Looking Ahead – Easter Lilly Sign-Up

Easter is April 16th and we would love to see the Sanctuary adorned with Easter Lilly's as we

celebrate our Lord's Resurrection.
There will be a sign – up for Easter Lily donations

coming soon so watch for that.

Easter Choir Sign Up

If you are interested in singing in the Choir on Easter Sunday,

please sign up at the table in the Narthex.

Rehearsal day and time will be announced.

March Birthday's

7 David Schultz

9 Natalie Kofsky

13 Ryan Regnier

15 Michael Chivalette (Dr. C.)

17 Philip Caspersen

20 Kim Heggins

21 Stephen Regnier

27 Aaron Glock

31 Jane Arndt

We have no Anniversaries recorded for March.

If you do have one please let the church office know.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

March Church Newsletter