Webster Weekly - news for week of May 11, 2008

CONNECT WITH OTHERS
AND GROW IN RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD

Desperate Houselives: Many families are in desperate need of answers, encouragement, direction, and safety. God has given us a blueprint for living in His Word. Come and experience God’s grace and encouragement as we seek His guidance during the month of May.
May 11,12 - Who’s Doing the Talking?
May 18,19 - What’s My Address?
May 25,27 - Where are the Fences?

TODAY is Pentecost, the day we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit’s work that we are called to faith and empowered to live for Christ. The red paraments reflect the color of the festival.

Precious Journey: Today we recognize Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Sunday. “Precious Journey” is the theme for this year’s Convention and is reflected in the banner hanging in the Sanctuary today. The horizon that divides the space symbolizes life’s journey from this world to the next. The cross, which penetrates both realms, symbolizes Christ’s authority over both worlds. The path converges at its foot, as the empty cross’ promise of salvation—the object of our trust—is its final destination. This also reminds us that the Precious Journey of the believer on earth takes place within the shadow of the cross. The straight line dividing the text indicates God’s promise to make our path straight when we rely on Him rather than on our own understanding. Banner design by Liz King; banner made by Betty Marting.

Mission Minute: Bible Class contributions during May and June are designated for the newly organized Jefferson Hills Lutheran Church. While they currently meet at 9:00 am on Sundays at the Guffey Public School, they envision the day when they will own their own property and build a worship center of their own. Their mission is to Love God, Connect People, and Impact the World! Webster Gardens is partnering with Jefferson Hills toward the achievement of their mission and goals.

Do you know someone we can help? Do you know a single mom, widow or disabled person who could use some help around their house? We love to serve. Talk with that person and ask them if we can send a team out on a “1st Serve Saturday” morning to do some painting, raking, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, bush trimming, house cleaning, or small home repairs. We prefer people who are disconnected from a Christian church so that we can show them the love of Christ. Contact Chad, 314-961-5275 or chad@webstergardenschurch.org.

Spring Salad Supper: It’s finally springtime! Please mark your calendars for the annual Spring Salad Supper at Webster Gardens on Tuesday, May 13, in Friendship Hall. This is an open invitation to share with a sister, mother, daughter, in-laws, aunt, niece, co-worker, old friend, new friend, or neighbor. Feeling new to Webster Gardens and don't know who to invite? No problem, come and help us get better acquainted as Friends Sharing Christ. Part of the fun is enjoying the variety of salads our ladies bring to add to the buffet line. Bring a large salad to share. Rolls, desserts, and beverages will be provided. We plan to start the buffet lines with prayer at 6:00 pm. Following the buffet dinner, we will have time to visit, and a brief program. We will conclude by 8:00 pm. If you have questions, please contact Joyce Knolhoff or Vicki O'Neill.

Every LWML Convention provides an opportunity for an “ingathering” of items to share our love for Jesus with people in the area. This year’s collection will benefit the Washington and St. Charles areas. The following items will be accepted by Birthright, Hermann and Our Lady’s Inn, Defiance: new infant clothing (0-18 months); new receiving/baby blankets; new individual bottles of baby powder, lotion and shampoo; Head-to-Toe Baby Wash; Q-Tips & disposable diapers. Please refrain from boxed sets. If you wish to help, please bring your items to the Salad Supper or contact our delegates Grace Lange and Georgeann Arnold, or Leah Sieveking, our Zone Young Woman Representative, who will transport them to the LWML Convention June 6–8 in St. Charles. Here are some reasons for you to attend the convention: inspiring speakers; spiritual refreshment; uplifting music; meet and encourage Young Women Representatives; mission fair, fellowship; and it’s close to St. Louis. Registration forms are on the LWML cabinet across from the nursery.

Where everyone knows your name: Would you like to be part of a small group of caring friends who would pray for you, encourage you, and grow in the Word with you? Go to our website www.webstergardenschurch.org and click on “Join a Small Group Bible Study” or you can contact Chad Starfeldt our Director of Small Groups, chad@webstergardenschurch.org.

You are a generous people who love the Lord and have experienced the joy of giving. Through April, year-to-date giving for day-to-day ministry is $558,483. That is an increase in giving of $48,158, but $34,409 less than is needed to fully fund the budget. Expenses for day-to-day ministry during the first quarter of 2008 are greater than expenses for the first quarter in 2007 by $18,484 but 12% under budgeted expenses for the same period. Thank you for giving generously to the Lord’s work through the ministries of Webster Gardens.

High school youth (including 8th grade graduates), the deadline for turning in your $50 deposit for the Missouri District Gathering held June 27-29 is Sunday, May 18. If you need a packet, see Eric, or pick one up from the office or at FOCUS.

Parents of high school seniors, we are putting together a display of our graduating seniors. Please send Eric Gledhill, eric@webstergardenschurch.org, a picture of your graduating senior in the next two weeks. We celebrate this wonderful event with you.

Christ Community Lutheran School: The first Preschool Scholastic Book Fair will be held at Concordia's preschool campus on Monday, May 12 through Wednesday, May 14, from 8:30 am until 1:30 pm. It is an exciting event that, though specifically catered for the preschool age child and their families, will also include a variety of middle school age books and other items. Come and see what it has going on! If you have questions please contact Erica Eggerding or Leanna Butterfield.

Thank you to students, families and friends of Christ Community Lutheran School who supported the “Book Sale, BBQ, and Bake Sale” to benefit Miss Lin Uetrecht (CCLS teacher aide). $5,784.92 was raised to help Miss Lin with her treatments for lymphoma. Praise the Lord! A special thanks to Thrivent Mid-South Chapter for their matching funds of $800. “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Welcome, men! Do you have it all together? We don’t either, but we’re here to support each other. We invite you to join an on-going men’s small group that meets on Tuesday mornings, 6:30 - 7:30 am in Classroom C. We don’t have all the answers but we openly discuss the issues we face and support one another through prayer, sharing and accountability. We’re beginning to read John MacArthur’s The Quest for Character as a discussion topic. Call Kevin Krueger for more information

Reserve your seat: On Tuesday, May 13 the Concordia Jazz Ensemble and the Vocal Jazz Choir from Concordia University, Nebraska will be in concert at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis. The concert begins at 7:00 pm and is part of the Notes from Home concert series at the Sheldon. Tickets are free for ages four and under, $6 for ages five through college students, $10 for adults, and $25 for reserved VIP seating. VIP tickets include an hors d’oeuvres and cocktail reception following the concert. To request tickets, e-mail Sue.Kohlwey@cune.edu or call Sue Kohlwey at 800-535-5494, ext. 7408.

The Resource Center is here to serve you. When you visit our location at the west end of Friendship Hall, you’ll find books, music and gifts for Christians of all ages looking to grow in the Word and to be closer to Jesus. You will also find friendly people willing to help you find the items for which you are looking. There are gifts for special Christian events and for everyday. And if you’d like to send a greeting card with a Christian message, we have a great selection.

Senior Service in Christ Awards Luncheon will be the May meeting of the Older Wiser Lutherans in Service on May 21 at Laclede Groves. Webster Gardens’ member Shirley Bretscher will be one of the award recipients. The program will begin with a devotion at 11:30 am with lunch at noon. Rev. David Marth of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard will speak on the importance of volunteerism in the local church. The cost for lunch is $10 and can be sent to George Marshall, Lutheran Senior Services, 709 S. Laclede Station Road, 63119, or call Andrea Hinkle, 314-446-2403, before May 19.

Webster Optical: We have accumulated quite a collection of eyewear. If you have lost a pair of glasses, check Joan’s desk to see if yours are there. Due to time constraints, no eye exams can be given.

Mark Your Calendars: Saturday, May 31. We need a few good people to: (1) do some light demolition work and moving some boxes around in the two storerooms located off the gymnasium, and (2) begin the remodel work in Rooms 102 and 103 to make the changes required for their use as pre-school rooms. We will start at 8:30 am and should be finished no later than noon. For questions, contact Tim Madden tgmadden1@juno.com or Russ Campbell, 314-961-5275, russ@webstergardenschurch.org.

Lutheran Convalescent Home Auxiliary Project Luncheon will be held on Monday, May 19. Lunch will be served at 12:00 noon. The program will be national recording artists, Erin Bode and Syd Rodway, vocalist and pianist. All are welcome.