MARCH 2018

Juniper Flesher 3/1 David Crawford 3/2 Hayes Journey 3/2 Joe Beers 3/3 Carolyn Mikkelborg 3/3 Karen Oster 3/4 Bob Hibbard 3/5 Race Schultz 3/6 Nick Kobeski 3/14 Lydia Becker 3/15 Janean Moriarty 3/20 Piper Magnuson 3/21 Jeanette Kyster 3/26 Ben Kobeski 3/28

Martin & Robyn Prehm 3/24 Hayes & Lisa Journey 3/25

Happy Anniversary to...

Lutherhaven Work Party Coordinator Needed Duties include sending a monthly reminder, occasionally buying and delivering the materials needed for projects

to be done and leading the crew at the work party if nec-essary. Expenditures are reimbursed. You do not need

to be a member of the Board. If interested let Sherry Gutierrez or Matt Clucas know.

VINLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH est.1904 PO Box 2134 2750 NW Finn Hill Road Poulsbo WA 98370 Office: 360.779.3428 E-Mail: vinland@vinlandlc.org Web: vinlandlc.org Pastor: Nels Flesher Youth: Youth Committee Secretary: Megan Adrig Communication: Marsha Wright Preschool Director: Janean Moriarty Preschool: 360.865.0510 E-Mail: preschool @vinlandlc.org

EASTER IS EARLY THIS YEAR!!

Sunday April 1 (No foolin!)

Once again, we will need bags of small wrapped candies!

VINLAND News March2018

Dear kindred in Christ, This is what I experienced last Sunday: the people of Vinland gathered by the Holy Spirit to receive the gifts of Christ together. There were no children “stranded” by the division of two worship services when 9 kids come to one service and 2 come to the other. It was a joy to see them all together. There were contemporary praise songs and old hymns. Set next to one another, the uniqueness of each showed forth more than when like is surrounded by like. All of this was held within the ancient form of the liturgy that has proven itself adaptable and relatable in a manifold of styles.

Some of you voiced respectful reservations about this attempt to blend two worship services into one. That’s okay. What impressed me is how you showed up anyway. Thank you. Thanks are also due to our musicians who helped us learn a new thing by learning it first. That’s good hospitali-ty. Worship should not always feel strange. In fact, it should probably be mostly familiar, so that we can learn through the Sunday assembly to trust a God who outlives our weekly fluctuations. But we should also be reminded now and then that in Jesus Christ heaven has broken-in and reordered our home. We should notice some change. We should see some things in a new light.

Here is what you can expect for the season through Easter Four more Sunday services much like last Sunday’s. Beginning this Sunday, February

25th, I will be hosting conversation in Haugen Hall after the service to dig deeper into the

day’s lessons. Prayer Around the Cross on Wednesday evenings at 7pm after 6pm soup supper. This

should be familiar to those who participated last year. A brief time of dwelling in the Word will give way to an extended time of songs and silences during which individuals may kneel around the cross and pray, surrounded by their church.

Palm Sunday, March 25th will be our final combined service at 9:30am before Easter when we return to our pattern of two services.

Holy Week may seem different to you depending on what you are accustomed to. Maundy Thursday on March 29 will be celebrated with Holy Communion and foot wash-

ing. Don’t be scared – or do, because discipleship can be. Good Friday service will witness to the moment when Jesus was simultaneously most

powerful and most vulnerable. This service will follow the pattern for worship found on page 262 of your hymnal. Read through it beforehand to anticipate the simple power of Jesus Christ crucified.

An Easter Vigil will be held during the evening of March 29. The Vigil will be new to most. It is a celebration of God’s covenant faithfulness through thick and thin, culminating in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It will be a chance for members to participate in the tell-ing of the great story and to publicly affirm our baptism. Look for a more detailed invitation on how you may take part.

I expect Easter will look exactly like you remember, with sunrise service, Easter egg hunt, and breakfast served by our youth.

Lent is a journey. It comes from an old Germanic word meaning to lengthen,

as the days do until midsummer. We walk it together. +Pastor Nels

What’s Going On?!? Council Chatterings Feb. 2018

Whether it’s our busy lives or senior moments or a desire to disconnect from the onslaught of media for a bit, keeping track of what’s going on at Vinland can easily fall by the wayside. Marsha does a won-derful job with our E-flash and newsletter keeping us informed about events and dates and times, and we have the reader board and TV monitor in Grace Hall. What I hope to accomplish with this column is better communication about Council activities and priorities, projects that are beginning or are in the planning stage, and issues that the Congregation should know about. As of this writing, I have yet to participate in a Council meeting as your new president. Hence this edition of “What’s Going On” most-ly will reflect what my priorities are with the hope that the Council and you as members of this congre-gation will endorse them. This is an exciting time at Vinland; we are in a period of joyful rejuvenation led by our new pastor, Nels. This leads to one priority – a rejuvenation of our worship space. The Facility Vision Committee, in response to numerous suggestions from a spectrum of folks, is proposing a set of projects that will lead in the near term to better utilization of space in the alter area, and in the longer term to a thor-ough refresh of the appearance of the Sanctuary. Peter Hansen, either through graciousness or a tem-porary lack of judgement, has agreed to lead this effort with substantial support from the Facility Vi-sion Committee, Pastor Nels, and YOU if you want to help plan and accomplish this goal. As a start, sometime in March you will enter the Sanctuary and think, “Someone has stolen the or-gan!”. But look again and you’ll notice that no, it has just moved to the left side of the alter area. We’re doing this to so the organ and piano are on the same side; Debra no longer will need to hurried-ly scoot across the alter when changing instruments. Why not just move the piano? Because the right side of the alter area has more space to accommodate the growing New Song Singers and other per-formance groups. Stay tuned for future projects – it is our obligation to keep you informed as they gel. A second priority is stewardship. We made tremendous progress this year in increasing pledging as a financial planning tool for the council – nearly 50% of the giving units made a pledge commitment for their yearly giving, up from about 30% last year. Not able to resist my nerdiness, this leads to a goal of 80% pledging for the coming year. Stay tuned for my nagging. Oh, and while we’re at it, I challenge the congregation to give to meet our actual budget target. You voted for it after all. We have not met this goal for a number of years, and depend on frugality to match our expenses to our income. Not a bad thing, but we have no rainy-day reserves and no way even to start to build them. A third goal is to extend to all of you opportunities to get more involved in the work and goings on of this vibrant community. I am human the last time I checked and tend to default to folks I know for help and support. Help me overcome this frailty by letting me know if, how and when you’d like to get more involved at VLC. God’s peace be with you. John Brock

Sunday April 22, 2018 5:00 pm

Vinland Lutheran Church

Dinner, Raffle, & Silent Auction

Flowers & Showers

If you’re an African-descent Lutheran like me, you’ve probably already seen Black Panther, which opened

last weekend—maybe twice. If not, by seeing it you’ll be getting a solid entry in the Marvel movie series

(completing “Phase 3” in the studio’s overall plan for their interconnected cinematic universe), but you’ll also

get to take part in a cultural phenomenon never before seen in film.

A superhero first created in the late 1960s, Black Panther has been a major part of the Marvel Comics uni-

verse since the 1980s. Black Panther, aka King T’Challa, is a member of the Avengers, as well as a diplo-

mat, scientist, statesman and hero. He rules over the fictional African country of Wakanda, considered the

most technologically advanced nation in the world, but shrouded in secrecy and untouched by colonization

or slavery.

The mantle of the Black Panther is passed on from generation to generation in Wakandan society. The he-

roic figure is steeped in African spirituality, the veneration of ancestors and the hope of an entire people.

And Wakandan technology makes Iron Man’s high-tech gadgetry look like child’s play—which has been the

case in Marvel comics since I read them as a kid.

I can’t tell you the effect this had on me as a child—and now as an adult—to see a vision of my people in

which their country was never colonized and in which a dream was never deferred. To see traditions

stretching back through untold generations. To see an African king of a country that hasn’t had its re-

sources plundered and traded like cheap party favors on the big screen gave me chills, Because let’s be

frank: That is not the Africa of today and the story of her children. Our Africa has been a continent at war or

cut up by European powers until it had nothing to offer those nations. It had its jewels ripped from her chest;

her lands and very body turned into mockeries of what she once was; her culture diluted with hate and

death; her children sold off to build the foundation of the nation where we dwell today.

Black Panther offers a vision of what Africa could have been without America’s original sin of slavery—an

especially important concept for those of us who are members of the country’s whitest mainline denomina-

tion, the ELCA.

The Black Panther comics gave 11-year-old me a chance to dream about a hero who can be an authenti-

cally African or black person and have something incredible to offer the world. In the comics and in the film,

that’s what Wakanda is: a gift to the entire world; a country that shares its resources with people the world

over. The impact this will have on a generation of kids watching today—seeing an almost-entirely-black cast

stand up against evil with pride and passion, despite what has happened to African-descent people the

world over—can’t be overstated.

Moreover, Black Panther’s characters are complicated, not one-note. The antagonist, Killmonger, who calls

for war against oppressors around the world, is humanized in a way that is breathtaking. I found myself

standing with him at different points in the story. He is me after the Trayvon Martin verdict. He is all of us

who have screamed, “Hands up, don’t shoot” on the street. He is the thousand tiny cuts and micro-

aggressions that are being a black person in this country everyday personified. T’Challa is my elders trying

to guide me toward a better way.

Finally, and most important, black women in the movie are portrayed as they truly are in our communities.

They are a warrior caste. The vanguard. The first in the fray and the last out. They are every black mother.

Every black woman organizer. They are gorgeous in their fury and divine in their wisdom. They are innova-

tors and creators. They are the ones who help guard, guide and protect an African kingdom and monarchy

that would be lost without them. They walk throughout the movie with grace and love that is deep, holy and

abiding. It is perhaps the greatest lesson hidden in the film: the strength of black women is insurmountable.

See Black Panther and dream with me about what shouldn’t have ever been, and what may still come.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever An opinion by Lenny Duncan, a vicar of St Mark’s Lutheran

Church, PA that could make an interesting topic of conver-

sation for those who have seen the movie.

https://www.livinglutheran.org/2012/02/nonviolent-warrior-for-peace/http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/African-Descenthttps://www.livinglutheran.org/2013/07/worry-african-american-parents/

The archangel, Michael, is the chief angel in terms of power and authority. The Scriptures clearly say who Michael is (1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Jude 9)

Seraphs rank very high among the angels in privileges and honor, and they are in attendance around God’s throne. (Isaiah 6:1-3)

Cherubs have a high rand and care for special responsibilities and are with the Almighty’s glorious person-age. They are often shown to be in attendance with him (Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 9:3, 11:22)

The myriads of other angels that are messengers serve as the Most High’s agents and deputies in carrying out God’s divine order. (Hebrews 1:7, 14)

Do we really have a “Guardian Angel”? The Bible does not teach that each individual has a guardian angel. True, Jesus once said: “See that you don’t despise one of these little ones for I tell you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10) However, rather than implying that each person has a guardian angel, Jesus was simply saying that the angels take an active in-terest in all of his disciples (Christ’s disciples). Does that mean that angels do not help humans? No. (Psalm 91:11) Some felt quite strongly that God has provided us with angelic protection and guidance. However, because angels are invisible, we cannot say to what extent God uses them in helping individuals with various matters. Nevertheless, we cannot go wrong by thanking the Almighty for whatever support he may have provided. (Colossians 3:15; James 1:17,18)

Again, I suggest that you read all chapters I have mentioned, and not just the verses. There will be more to follow in the next newsletter.

How are God’s Angels Organized? -by Bob Reister

PINOCHLE Friday March 16 Potluck @ 5:30/Cards@6 pm. Beginners Welcome.

Marilynn Maas-Jones/Anita Puzon are the hosts. There is a sign-up sheet in Grace Hall.

Reaching Out To Serve

The Vinland Congregation donated 43 Hygiene Smile Packs for Children of the Nations. These kits will provide children in need with toiletries to help prevent common illness and disease. The stray World Hunger piggy banks which wandered in to the church office brought in an additional $180.97. This brings the total collected to $880.58.

Thank you Vinland for your generosity!

Rejoicing in Fellowship

Growing in Christ

Women of Vinland The Women of Vinland will meet on Wednesday, March 21 at 10:00 in Haugen Hall. Hostesses will be Robyn Prehm and Bonnie Debar. Rosemary Hilburn will give the devotion, and Anita Puzon will lead the Bible study. All women of the church are welcome. Bring a friend, too. We sing, pray, study, share, and enjoy lunch together in an atmosphere of love and acceptance. Join us!

Vinland MOMs are meeting! The acronym stands for Moms On A Mission. If you have kids from diapers to dorm room ag-es….this group is for you! We are still working out a lot of “kinks” around meeting times, programs, etc. Watch for an e-mail survey coming your way. For the time being we will meet on FIRST

THURSDAYS at 7pm and THIRD SUNDAYS at 7pm. March meeting times will be Thursday, March 1 and Sunday, March 25.

Women of Grace We meet the first and third Mondays of each month at

6:00pm in Grace Hall. We are a group of mixed-age

women who love to laugh, discuss new ideas, share

stories and enjoy a cup of tea. We begin with prayer

and end with a benediction. Friends always welcome!

March 5 and 19 are the next two dates.

WHEN WOMEN SUPPORT EACH OTHER,

INCREDIBLE THINGS HAPPEN

Youth & Family A heartfelt Thank You to our Vinland church family!

With your donations and support, the Applebee’s Fundraiser was a great success. The youth did a wonderful job prepping and working the fund-raiser and the end result of hard work and support showed. With the awe-some addition of a raffle this year (made possible by Amy Munns and parent donations) the youth were able to raise $967.00! Fantastic! This

fundraiser is a favorite for the Youth and we hope for the church mem-bers as well. The environment of church members at Applebee’s sharing time together is a rewarding experience for the youth, and we hope also to those coming to enjoy a good breakfast as well. Thank You

Camp Arnold ALYVE Retreat 2018 The Fundraisers such as Applebee’s are what help our youth attend retreats such as this one! This Febru-ary, 14 of our youth attended the SWWA Synod Youth Gathering, a favorite retreat for our youth. With the awesome volunteer support of parent chaperones Brandy Weir, Karyn Crawford, and Tim Munns, the youth got to participate in all kinds of fun activities as well as hear the popular speaker and music leader Rachel Kurtz over the weekend. “That was the best Camp Arnold Retreat so far!” and “So much fun!” were a couple of the comments overheard when pick-ing up the youth from the retreat this year. The spiritu-al bond the youth form during retreats such as these is

something truly special.

Come at 6pm; we’ll have something going on after we share a bowl of

soup and then join the “Prayer Around The Cross” service at 7pm.

March 14: Our Fishline Wednesday Service

DIALOGUE ON DRAFT

MARCH 3 AT 8AM AT CHURCH

MARCH 3 AT 8:30 AT ENVY GRILL

These two

breakfast gath-

erings are open

to all ages of

men and women. Feel free to

bring friends along. The men

cook up a hearty meal and

have a lively discussion .

The women meet at Envy Grill

for good food and great con-

versation. Friends are always

welcome to join in.

Feb. 26 and March 26 at 5:30 at Western Red

Brewery in Poulsbo. You can get pizza from

next door, bring your own food in, or just get a

beverage. By all means, invite a friend to come!

good stuff

THURSDAY LECTIONARY LUNCH

Bring your lunch and chew on more than a sand-

wich! Pastor Nels will have a “sermon playback”

where everyone joins in to discuss the sermon from

the previous Sunday.

Starts at 11:30 in Grace Hall

Barb’s Backyard by Barbara Erickson

HOLD ON

Sometimes, A wallop catches us

Off guard A card, dealt under the table

Unfairly, perhaps. A nasty slight of hand

Strong enough to numb And cast us abroad

Into an endless sea of fear and doubt Tossed about

Helpless to do anything but Barely hold our heads above water It may be bad news, a crushing loss,

Circumstances that lay us flat Render us unable to even clear our mind

We find We have no idea who we are or where we’re headed

We struggle – aimlessly, even fiercely - But to no avail

For the headwind is strong and we… Clearly, we see

Are not strong enough nor brave enough To weather the storm alone

This storm, anyway Sometimes,

They say to “let go and let God” And yes, it may be best to

Let go of all that we cannot control With the final goal

To be rid of worry, fear, and fitful tossing… But HOLD ON!

What of the times where you stand a chance To gain a foothold, a toe hold, a sliver of hope-hold?

With a glimmer beyond, hold on for dear life With all that is in you and know

That others reach out to hold on to you With love, caring, hope, and faith We hold on to each other because That is what we are meant to do

And HE holds on to all of us Who seem to need a reminder of this

Sometimes…

There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth… A right time to search and another to count your losses. A right time to hold on and another to let go…

Whatever was, is Whatever will be, is That’s how it always is with God ~ Ecclesiastes 3:10-11 & 15 (from The Message)

Honoring God by nurturing children’s relationships

For behold; the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the

earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our

land. Song of Solomon 2:11-12

In February Vinland’s preschool focused on love for families and friends and God’s love for all. We send a big thank you to our preschool prayer partners who sent special notes and gifts for Valentines. We welcomed our parents and grandparents to Valentines par-ties in Grace Hall. Then, we finished the month with a visit from Poulsbo Children’s Den-tistry during our week learning about dental health. Our little ones are enjoying a few days to play in the snow, while our staff are looking forward to the warmth and wonder of spring. In honesty, we’ve been extraordinarily blessed to play outside nearly every day of this school year, playing indoors only a handful of days due to weather. On Sunday, April 22nd at 5pm, the preschool will host the Flowers & Showers Dinner, Raf-fle and Silent Auction. This is the preschool’s primary fundraiser for the year to reach our budgetary goals and continue offering excellent programming and experienced teaching staff. We are planning a delicious dinner, raffle baskets, dessert dash, and silent auction. We are currently seeking Silent Auction donations. Please consider donating goods, ser-vices or experiences. Donation forms are available in the narthex and office. We hope you plan to join us and support VLC’s ministry to the littlest of God’s children. Tickets go on sale in March. Look for information on Sunday, March 4th at church. Registration for the 2018-19 school year is open. Like us on Facebook and share with your friends. We appreciate your ongoing support.

Many of you are Thrivent members and have Choice Dollars from 2017 to direct by March

31st. Vinland Lutheran Preschool is a participating charitable organization. Please consider

directing your Thrivent Choice Dollars to this ministry. It’s easy! https://

www.thrivent.com/making-a-difference/living-generously/thrivent-choice/

Contact: Janean Moriarty at preschool@vinlandlc.org or (360)865-0510.

CLASSES DAYS TIMES AGE BY 8/31/18 REG. FEE TUITION

Dragonfly T, W, Th 9:15-12 3-5 years $75 $2250/year

Honeybee T, W, Th, F 12:45-3:30 3-5 years $75 $2980year

Grasshopper Fridays 9:30-11:30 2-3 years $75 $800/year

April 22 “Flowers & Showers”

https://www.thrivent.com/making-a-difference/living-generously/thrivent-choice/https://www.thrivent.com/making-a-difference/living-generously/thrivent-choice/mailto:preschool@vinlandlc.org