Gathering in Grace • Growing in Faith • Going Forth to Serve
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Sunday, April 5, 2020
Worship at 10:00am ~ Live-Stream Only
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Scan or click above to
make your Online Offering
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Altar flowers this Sunday are given by Rose Bodhaine in memory of Arnie, Todd, Robin, Gloria and William Bodaine.
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Watch the Sunday Service at home.
It will be repeated throughout Sunday and available on-demand Monday.
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Visit
www.tlcgo.live
or click above at 10:00am Sunday to watch the live-stream of Sunday's service. Also featured on that tlcgo.live is a 24/7 Stream of TLC & ELCA programming, an On-Demand menu of over 650 TLC Services & Events, and a link to our regular website.
Also find us on...
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Palm Sunday: The Entrance into Jerusalem … and Holy Week
It’s hard to believe this Sunday, April 5, is Palm Sunday. On the one hand, our world is trudging through darkness and experiencing a Lenten Journey like none before. On the other hand, we may feel like we want to race out of the darkness, right now, and run toward the light and love of Jesus Resurrected. But it’s important to take this Journey with Jesus through the most Holy Week of the year.
We so wish we could be worshiping with one another under the same roof at TLC, but with our current Stay at Home Directive, it’s not physically possible. So, in an effort to help you experience some of the emotions and drama of Holy Week, we will be streaming online with music and hymns recorded from previous years, along with newly recorded Prayers and Sermons. We pray the Spirit’s blessing will speak to you in this present hour. On Sunday, you will hear music from our Chancel Choir and the Praise and Worship Team. We’re also excited to have you enjoy a song by our Children’s Choir from last year, following the Palm Procession. “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
On Thursday evening (“Maundy Thursday”) our Adult Bell Choir, the Low Brass Choir led by Karen Daniels and the Chancel Choir will help us re-live Jesus’ Last Supper and his Betrayal, including newly recorded Prayers from Pastor Grace and a Sermon from Pastor Ed.
On Good Friday we will walk with Jesus on his darkest day, by hearing his Seven Last Words in scripture, and hymns and anthems led by Carmen Englert and the Chancel Choir: Our Journey with Jesus to the Cross.
All of us have been experiencing “darkness” in our lives in many ways these past weeks and year, not just with self-isolation and social distancing due to the corona virus, but also with grief, loss, disease, and addiction. But we know there is always hope and love to guide us toward the Day of Resurrection.
Peace,
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Rob Reid
Director of Music
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Hope for the Day
Daily Devotional Emails
from Pastor Grace
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In his instructions for morning prayer, Martin Luther says, "In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the sign of the holy cross and say:
God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen."
Then say the Apostle's Creed or pray the Lord's Prayer. Afterwards, pray the morning prayer. After singing a hymn... or whatever else might serve your devotion, you are to go to your work joyfully.
In our daily email,
Hope for the Day
, we are providing you with the devotion, a prompt for prayer or journaling, and a morning hymn. These emails hit your inbox every day at 6:30am so you can start your day off right.
Your intrepid intern, Grace Pardun Alworth, is organizing the emails and soliciting contributions. Evan Collins is providing the daily hymn. This is a way for the TLC community to remain connected and investing in each other's lives as we are living in this isolating time. We hope that this daily devotional will bring you peace and comfort in this stressful time.
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The Latest
By Pastor Arthur
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Dear TLC Family,
So here we are, “locked away” in our homes. Sheltering in place. It is in this manner that we will experience the holiest week in the church calendar.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ “triumphant” entry into Jerusalem. Intern Pastor Grace will be bringing a message for us, for me, for you. We will gather in our homes. We will share the Lord’s Supper. We will remember that we are bound together in the love of Christ, even though we are physically separated at this time.
As we journey through Holy Week, we will relate in new ways to the experience of Jesus’ followers and friends. By the end of the week, we will hear that they, the disciples, will likewise be “locked away” behind closed doors, trying to stay safe from threats, both real and imagined. Finally, we will hear again the story of the resurrected Jesus who moves through locked doors, visiting those who are isolated, sharing with them the unstoppable love of God.
My prayer for you, is that you will find ways, even in this strange season, to make space for the Spirit of God. For I know that the Spirit of God is most certainly making space for you. She is with you now. In you, around you, under you and above you, working through you in ways both simple and profound. God is with you now and always will be.
Please continue to be in touch with us, as we will be with you. We are grateful for your messages, thoughts, prayers and prayer requests, words of encouragement and cries of lament. All are appropriate and remind us that we are one body, the body of Christ.
May these days be holy for you.
-Pastor Arthur
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Worship at Home
Without Live-Streaming
By Deacon Renee Jefferson
Director of Education
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I have compiled a resource for leading worship at home throughout Holy Week. It has been mailed out (USPS mail) to all families and persons for whom we do not have email addresses. If you would like to make use of this resource, please download the pdf's for viewing or printing. You're encouraged to share the printouts with those that have no media devices.
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Hymn Sing Tonight
Friday, April 3
with Evan Collins
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Join this Facebook Live Event here:
Tonight, Friday, April 3, at 5pm. Thank you for this great idea to connect, Evan!
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Easter
Selfies
to
TLC
by
Tuesday
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An Easter Invitation
Please send to Breanna Latzke (one of our 8th graders) a 2-5 second selfie video taken on your phone, tablet, SLR or any digital video camera with you saying “Happy Easter” to your TLC family of viewers. Breanna will compile them all into one video which will be part of our live-stream service on Easter Morning. We want to hear from all of you! Please send your digital video greeting to Breanna at
brean7400@gmail.com
or text it to her at 952-567-1966. She needs your video no later than Tuesday, April 7.
Thank you, Breanna!
And thank you all for helping to make this a creatively joyous Easter!
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NOTICE FROM VEAP
VEAP has moved the May Gala to the fall of 2020
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The Gala is VEAP’s biggest fundraiser, and now more than ever your donations and financial support are needed. Priority donations of shelf-stable products, particularly pasta (especially spaghetti) and low sodium soups, as well as checks can still be brought to TLC, but please call 952-884-2364 to make sure there is someone available at the office.
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
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Sunday Coffee Hour
We have been having a fun and meaningful time connecting on Sundays via Zoom immediately following the 10:00am live-stream. Please join us this Sunday here:
https://zoom.us/j/9921615891
If you have not used Zoom before, you will need to download the free app when prompted. Bring a coffee and snack and join the fellowship!
Maundy Thursday
6:00pm – Zoom Dinner Gathering
7:00pm - Online Maundy Thursday service
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We Still Have to Pay the Bills
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Please help?
The Coronavirus has clearly upset life in Minnesota and around the world. As you know, even TLC is feeling the impact. Our church services and meetings are all on hold for now and only staff is left in the building, but our mission continues. Without the ability to gather for worship, we have no offering baskets being circulated to collect weekly offerings. In the mean time, bills still have to be paid and we need the continued financial support of our members.
If you normally submit your offering in the offering baskets during service, we ask you to mail your offering to TLC at your normal interval while services are suspended.
If you haven’t done so already, please consider signing up for automated giving through the Online Giving link at the top of every page on our website
www.tlcmn.com
.
Or click here to begin your donation.
This easy to set up program allows you to schedule your offering payments at an interval convenient for you so your support is given whether you can make it to service or not - and whether we are able to hold services or not!
We realize that some of you may have suffered loss of your job or income during his crisis and are unable to fulfill our offering pledge at this time. If this is the case with you, please let us know and we will keep your in our prayers.
Like other crisis’ before it, the Corona virus will eventually pass and our lives will return to near normal. It’s times like these that can really test our faith. Take care of each other and yourself. We will get through this together. And, please don’t forget to support TLC in the mean time.
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Need Something to Look Forward To?
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As life seems to have slowed down considerably with all the warnings to “Stay Home” by those who know best, I begin to wonder what we could really look forward to. All my life I have liked to think of what nice thing would happen soon, maybe the next day or something. It's kind of like waiting for dessert! Be patient, everyone. I think we have a rather long time to wait.
This morning's Strib (Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper) had an article about the State Fair possibly not happening. I don't think there's any plan for that, but I know a lot of people would feel cheated without the crowds, the food, the displays, the heat, and so much more. What else could come up that might be cancelled? The St. Paul Pioneer Press newspaper said maybe “Grand Old Days.'' With live concerts now out of reach too, I feel sorry for those musicians who have practiced long and hard, and would love to have a full house, standing room only, and applause after they play... Who can blame them?
We did look forward to a nice spring, and it has been so pleasant with warm temps and no snow storms. Even a couple of really loud claps of thunder surprised us. Take advantage of the sunshine, get out of the house and walk around the block... or even further. On my last walk, many people had the same idea, and I said to one gal that it was nice to “see people!” She agreed.
It is a worry when they keep telling us that old people are much more vulnerable than the younger ones. I don't think just taking a walk will make a difference, do you? We don't want to get cabin fever (stir crazy?) either.
Yesterday we watched our morning worship service on live stream. Even if our laptop doesn't have the best speakers... laptops are stingy that way—-we enjoyed the excellent enunciation and well thought-out topics. Thanks to Brad Nolte for knowing just how to make all this happen. We are very lucky to have him with us.
Take care now, all of you. God's blessings to you as we continue on our path, and hopefully stay well during our long, sometimes scary journey.
-Bloomington Bird Lady
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Four Menu Choices:
Live - On Demand - 24/7 Stream - TLC Website
It's so simple and it offers so much!
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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN
FOR US?
-a continuing series-
By Pastor Al Dungan
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Life in the Pits
[or not]
The story of Joseph
Genesis 37-50
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He was a spoiled brat, a tattle-tale, a dreamer of dreams who showed his parents and brothers in subjection to him, favored by his father over all his brothers and got the best of everything. And his brothers hated him. Hated him with a gut-level, “we’re going to get even with him, somehow, even if we have to kill him” kind of hatred.
And now, he found himself in the bottom of a deep pit while his brothers decided whether to kill him or not. Judah, one of his older brothers convinced the others not to kill him and so they sold him into slavery, which in those days was a living death.
But the God of his father Jacob was watching out for him and when he was sold into slavery, he found himself in the house of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. He prospered there until Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him and then lied that he’d tried to rape her.
So…it was off to prison for Joseph—favored son, slave and now prisoner and those Egyptian jails were not good places to be.
But again, he prospered because the jailer learned that he could trust Joseph. And while there, Joseph made the acquaintance of two of Pharaoh’s servants. These men had dreams and Joseph was able to interpret those dreams which later brought him to Pharaoh’s attention. Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams that Pharaoh had, caused him not only to be freed from prison but, to be placed in a position second only to Pharaoh himself.
What a “yo-yo” existence Joseph lived as God taught him humility, patience and trust.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?
I believe it means that since the beginning of this Year of Our Lord 2020, we have been living much the same kind of existence in a much shorter period of time than Joseph did. We hardly know from one day to the next what kind of misinformation, as well as downright lies we are going to hear.
I believe it means that we are going to learn a lot about humility, patience and trust in these next weeks and months.
I believe that in the midst of all the chaos and confusion that surrounds us stands a God who will not let us go and who will bring us through this time of testing.
God had a plan for Joseph. God has a plan for us. May we be open to hearing and incorporating this plan as we live in these perilous times.
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"Jesus' Cross"
ELC Photographer: Nora, 8 years old
Visiting TLC's altar, Nora got a chance to see and photograph the wooden cross up close. She was intrigued by the rough wood, saying it "was probably rough wood when Jesus was hung on the cross."
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Do you ever need an extra prayer for yourself, a loved one, or a dear friend? TLC has a prayer team that prays often for members, their families and friends of the congregation. Send your prayer requests to merickson@tlcmn.com or on the
TLC website here
, or write your request on the yellow Life@TLC insert included in the bulletin each Sunday. These prayer needs are sent on to the Prayer Team and kept confidential – just between you, the pray-ers, and God. If you would like to be a member of the prayer team, please sign up on the yellow Life@TLC bulletin insert.
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Beef Tortilla
Taco Casserole
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- 1 lb lean(at least 80%) ground beef
- 1 pkg (1 oz.) taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch strips
- 2 3/4 cups Thick 'n Chunky salsa
- 1 pkg (12 oz.) frozen whole kernel
- 6 flour tortillas for soft tacos & fajitas (6 inch)
- 2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese blend (8 oz.)
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Heat oven to 350°F.
In 12-inch skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.
Stir in taco seasoning mix, water and bell pepper strips. Simmer 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Stir in salsa and corn.
Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. Cut tortillas in half; place 6 tortilla halves in bottom of baking dish
Top with half of beef mixture (about 3 1/2 cups). Sprinkle with 3/4 cup of the cheese and remaining tortilla halves. Top with remaining beef mixture and cheese.
Spray piece of foil large enough to cover baking dish with cooking spray. Cover baking dish with foil sprayed side down. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes or until center is hot (165°F) and cheese is melted.
To Make Ahead:Wrap foil-covered casserole in double layer of plastic wrap; label and freeze up to 3 months. To thaw and bake:Thaw overnight or until completely thawed in refrigerator. Remove plastic wrap. Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes or until center is hot (165°F) and cheese is melted. To bake from freezer (no thawing):Heat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic. Bake 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes or until center is hot (165°F) and cheese is melted.
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2020 TLC-ELC
Pahl’s Market
Flower Sale
Order Deadline is April 15
For over 25 years TLC-ELC has organized a Spring Flower Sale, it is our biggest fundraiser of the year.
There are so many TLC-ELC families and church members who look forward to this sale each year that we think it’s important to go ahead with it this year.
The variety of flowers, plants, vegetables and herbs has been reduced and in the spirit of social distancing we are not asking the families to solicit sales from your families, friends and co-workers.
We hope you will find this fundraiser a way to continue with your tradition of creating a beautiful space around your home, garden for exercise and enjoy another outdoor activity with your kiddo while supporting the Early Learning Center.
This year the order form is a fillable pdf which
you can download here
, complete it, print and drop it off at the check-in desk at the NE entrance to the daycare. Or, save your completed order form pdf and attach it to email, sending to this email address:
Orders are due on Wednesday, April 15
th (isn’t it fun to think about flowers instead of taxes?)
Flower day is Thursday, May 14
th. Payment (cash or check made out to TLC-ELC) is due when you pick up your flowers at the church on May 14
th.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful support of TLC Early Learning Center!
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Back Issues of the TLC Weekly
including this issue (Today!)
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[CLICK HERE]
to visit the TLC web page where you can choose to read from the past 16 months of weekly E-newsletters from Transfiguration Lutheran Church. This is also a great way to share TLC Weekly with those that don't receive it in email. Tell them to visit
tlcmn.com/tlcweekly
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Also, there are a limited number of TLC Weekly's in hard copy at the TLC Welcome desk next to the Chapel.
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ELECTRONIC GIVING HELPS SUPPORT TLC
It’s important to know that we can depend on financial support from TLC members. Electronic giving is fast, secure, and reduces administrative costs, allowing more of every dollar to support the important work we are called to do. You can give anytime, anywhere to specific funds with our GivePlus Mobile app (free from the app store). You can also schedule and manage recurring donations by visiting our website and clicking on TLC ONLINE GIVING icon at the bottom of any page, or
[Click Here] to start the process, or contact the church office.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
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Picture for illustration purpose only.
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ALTAR FLOWERS
ORDER ONLINE
FOR 2020
See the chart online or stop in
at the church office to order.
The TLC website has an online form to order Chancel/Altar Flowers for any Sunday in 2020.
Click Here to access the form now
, or visit
www.tlcmn.com
later and look for the "Purchase Altar Flowers" button at the bottom of any page.
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Free Subscriptions, sign up to be a volunteer, request care ministry and more!
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Subscribe a friend to this newsletter, TLC Weekly, or subscribe yourself and others to the TLC publication, Transcripts. Interested in TLC membership? Sunday school? Our renowned TLC music program, volunteering and more are choices on this easy online TLC Request Form. Just
[Click Here]
or the "Sign Me Up" button on the left.
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A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
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A Culture of Diversity and Inclusion
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