May 2006

One day an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget.

As he stood in front of the group of high-powered over-achievers, he said, "Okay, time for a quiz." He pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouth mason jar and set it on the table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen golf ball-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?" Everyone in the class said, "Yes."

Then he said, "Really?" He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing the gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks. He then asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?" By this time the class was on to him. "Probably not," one of them answered. "Good!" he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand into the jar and it went into all of the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?" "No!" the class shouted. Once again he said, "Good." Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it into the jar until it was filled to the brim. Then he looked at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?"

One eager beaver raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you can always fit some more things in it!" "No," the speaker replied, "That's not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all. What are the 'big rocks' in your life? Time with your loved ones? Your faith? Your education? Your dreams? A worthy cause? Teaching or mentoring others? Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first or you'll never get them in at all. So tonight, or in the morning, when you are reflecting on this lesson, ask yourself this question: What are the 'big rocks' in my life? Then, put those in your jar first." (Thanks to Dr. Tanya Augsburg for passing on this story)."

As you prepare for the summer holidays, may you reflect upon your ‘big rocks’ and make sure you fit them into your jar of time. I pray that you would include church as one of your ‘big rocks’ and join us Sunday mornings at 9 am throughout the summer. Remember that while you are on vacation, your church is not. So remember to send in your offering envelopes regularly.

Thank you and may you all have a safe, restful and healthy summer.

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Pastor Tina will be having a hysterectomy on April 24^th at BMH by Dr. Baskar. If you have need of pastoral care from 04/23/06 until 05/31/06 please contact the church office or council president Bruce Johnson (608-362-6805). Bruce or Pattye will refer you to one of the Beloit Area ELCA pastors. During Pastor’s recovery period we will all need to pitch in to continue to offer spiritual care to our neighbors and

our members.

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There is only one God

What a wonderful time of year! We have Easter; a time to celebrate our risen Lord. And we have the season of spring; a time where our world continues to show us what rebirth can mean. The Robins are back, the trees and flowers are blooming and we can see new life appearing around us.

As our Lord cares for us we, also, need to care for our Lord’s world. That’s why the Council has set the dates for our Adopt-a-highway clean-up times throughout the spring thru fall seasons. I would ask each and every one to consider helping in some way, whether you can walk to pick-up trash, drive the vehicle to pick walkers or cook for the potluck afterward. You just might find this to be more fun than you ever thought. If you have any questions about what we do or some other ways you might help you can contact any of the Council members and they will be happy to help.

Lest we forget that this is everyone’s responsibility, not just a certain few, to care for God’s world. Just like caring for others such as "Hands of Faith", we need, also, to care for our communitys’ streets and roads. Please help as you can. Thank You.

Bruce

March adults/youth

April adults/youth

Total income (year to date) $ 8057.91

Net income (year to date) ($ -228.62)

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The following items are posted in more detail in the Klingberg Chapel:

1. Try everything twice. On Madam's tombstone (of Wayland Flowers and Madam) she said she wanted this epitaph: Tried everything twice...loved it both times!

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (Keep this In mind if you are one of those grouches.)

3. Keep learning: Learn more about the computer, crafts, gar- dening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and Lots of time with him or her.

6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unsta- ble, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every

opportunity.

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

Altar Guild: Diane Boyer & Barb Anderson

Flowers: Doris Betz in menory of Dick & Pete Luety

Bread of Heaven: Peggy Johnson

Fellowship: Peggy Johnson

Acolyte: open

KidsKorner: open

Y.A.G. host: open

Bread of Heaven: Irene Baker, Nels & Phyllis Steele

Fellowship: Irene Baker, Nels & Phyllis Steele

Bread of Heaven: Diana Schneider

Fellowship: TMO’s (Time Marches On)

Acolyte: open

Bread of Heaven: Judy Gundry

Fellowship: open

Kids Korner: open

A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.

As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk.

Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."

The Beloit Foundation has offered $5,000.00 seed money to help Caritas in the ongoing fight to end hunger in Beloit and the state line area. This generous offer comes during the annual Feinstein Challenge, which occurs each year between March 1st and April 30th.

Seed money provides the seed, but it is the work of others to make the seed grow to end hunger in our community. It is hoped that this gift will germinate other gifts from our community to sustain the Caritas Food Pantry throughout the rest of this year, as we share nutritious food with those who are struggling economically.

Caritas invites all Beloit and state line area residents to join us as we attempt to meet the $5,000 gift from the Beloit Foundation with our own gifts. Small gifts given by many people will help us achieve this match as we work together to fight hunger in our community.

Individuals and organizations wishing to join the Beloit Foundation and Caritas in the fight to end hunger may send contributions to: Caritas, 1175 Madison Rd, Beloit, WI 53511-4161. Please remember to write "Feinstein" in the memo section of your check, and send it before April 30th .

Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.

Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.

Painful moments, TRUST GOD.

Every moment, THANK GOD.

My Cajun friend's theory is that Jesus was a Cajun:

1. He liked to serve fish to his friends.

2. He could make his own wine.

3. And he wasn't afraid of water.

My black friend had 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black:

1. He called everyone "brother".

2. He liked Gospel.

3. He couldn't get a fair trial.

My Italian friend gave his 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Italian:

1. He talked with his hands.

2. He had wine with every meal.

3. He used olive oil.

My California friends also had 3 good arguments that Jesus was a Californian:

1. He never cut his hair.

2. He walked around barefoot all the time.

3. He started a new religion.

My Irish friend then gave his 3 arguments that Jesus was Irish:

1. He never got married.

2. He was always telling stories.

3. He loved green pastures.

1. He fed a crowd at a moment's notice when there was no food.

2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it.

3. And even when he was dead, he had to get up because there was more work to do.

May Birthdays (not just 70+ anymore!)

5/3 Lana Dummer 5/23 Isabel Crowley

5/4 Evelyn Rounds 5/25 Richard Berner

5/14 Sue Engebretson 5/28 Ruth Kilday

5/17 Richard Wallace 5/31 Debbie Perry

5/21 Dolly Berner 5/31 Bruce Johnson

5/23 Archie Perry

Harold Berner April 2, 2006

Cole Rowald born 6:06 PM, March 27, 2006

Samuel Rowald born 6:07 PM, March 27, 2006

(twin sons of Will & Kathy Rowald)

Alexis Anderson June 4, 2006

Alyssa Garvey June 4, 2006

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about the sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark 17." The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17. Every hand went up. The minister smiled and said,

"Mark has only sixteen chapters.

I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying."

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Due to the new privacy laws regarding health information, the hospital will not release the names of patients. So if you are going into the hospital, or know someone who is hospitalized, please call the church office, or let Pastor Tina know.

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For Sale- Three computer monitors (two 15", one 14") and other miscellaneous computer hardware. Contact Dave Rounds for details.

If anyone has Thrivent, AAL or Lutheran Brotherhood insurance policies, please notify Bruce Johnson at 362-6805. We need to know who our members with these products are.

The new church directories are DONE! If you haven’t already picked one up yet, there are copies are in the back of the church, the Klingberg Chapel or in the office.

Upsale Resale of Beloit is run by volunteers. 100% of their net profits go directly to the clients with developmental disabilities that are served by Bethesda. The store is located at 2719 Prairie Avenue, in the Shopko Mall. The store hours are Monday thru Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. We are in need of volunteers, high quality housewares, small appliances and furniture. To volunteer, call Jackie at (920) 206-4433. If you are unable to volunteer, please consider donating, or better yet, shopping at the store to help support the clients. Please help us to continue our mission...To teach and share Christ’s love while providing supports and services for people with developmental disabilities.

I'm invited to."

The Mutual Ministry Committee will meet at Perkins Restaurant, Monday, May 1st at 8:30 AM.

Sisterhood will meet Tuesday, May 2nd at 1 PM in the Klingberg Chapel. Marsha Johnson will give a brief topic and Janice Adney will provide refreshments. We will be cleaning the silverware, supplies will be furnished. Many helping hands will make this task easy. All women are welcome to join us.

Thrivent and Rock County Habitat for Humanity are building a home at 837 Oak St. in Beloit. 70% of the total approved cost for the home will be funded through a national grant by Thrivent Financial. The remaining 30% ($8096) will be raised by Thrivent volunteers from the 8 participating Lutheran churches. A fundraising event-"Spring Musicfest", a Mike Williams production, will be held Sunday, May 7 at 2 PM. Tickets are $10 per person. Thrivent members are being asked to volunteer as helpers and work with their church’s Thrivent coordinator to facilitate ticket sales. With the 9 Lutheran Beloit area churches, coordinators, and Thrivent members working together we can meet our fundraising goal without taking funds from church treasuries. Your much needed support will help a local family in need. Your coordinator is Bruce Johnson, phone 362-6805.

The W.O.W.’s will be going to lunch at the Firehouse in Roscoe at 1 PM, Thursday, May 11. If anyone needs a ride, please call Joan Guetschow @ 365-4685, Carole Doubleday @ 624-6163 or Doris Betz @ 756-0705.

After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up."

"That's okay with us, but what made you decide that?"

"Well," said the little boy, "I have to go to church on Sunday

anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit and listen."

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An elderly woman walked into the local country church. The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps. "Where would you like to sit?" he asked politely. "The front row please." She answered. "You really don't want to do that," the usher said. "The pastor is really boring." "Do you happen to know who I am?" the woman inquired. "No." he said. "I'm the pastor's mother," she replied indignantly. "Do you know who I am?" he asked. "No." she said. "Good," he answered.

A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with thunder and lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she herself feared that the electrical storm might harm her child. Following the roar of thunder, lightning, like a flaming sword, would cut through the sky.

Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school. As she did so, she saw her little girl walking along, but at each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up and smile. Another and another were to follow quickly and with each the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile.

When the mother's car drew up beside the child she lowered the window and called to her, "What are you doing? Why do you keep stopping?" The child answered, " I'm trying to look pretty. God keeps taking my picture."

May God bless you today as you face the storms that come your way.