Gathering in Grace • Growing in Faith • Going Forth to Serve
Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020
Worship at 10:00am ~ Live-Stream Only
Click above image
Download Good Friday (4-10-20) bulletin
Live-streamed at tlcgo.live @ 7:00pm
Click above image
Download Easter Sunday (4-12-20) bulletin
Live-streamed at tlcgo.live @ 10:00am
Watch the Good Friday and Easter Sunday Services at home.
Visit www.tlcgo.live or click above at the time of broadcast to watch the live-stream of the service. Also featured on the tlcgo.live website 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...
Easter Garden
Thank you to all who have contributed to the beauty of our altar area at Easter.
Church Administrator, Michelle Reber (center background) along with her mother, Barbara Reber and friend, Jim Plourde, spent Thursday morning setting up and arranging all the Easter Garden flowers around the altar area to be displayed in the Easter live-stream service.
  2020 Easter Garden Flowers supplied by Bachman’s Floral
and donated by the following:
 
  • Ron and Sue Anderson in honor of all first responders and those on the front lines during COVID-19
  • Jim and Jo Benson in memory of parents
  • Rose Bodhaine in memory of Arnie, Todd, Robin, Gloria, and William Bodhaine
  • Rod and Karen Daniels in honor of our families, including our TLC family
  • Al and Hildred Dungan in memory of the Hansen and Dungan families
  • Marilyn Erickson in memory of my parents, Austin and Naomi Johnson
  • Jennifer Gauwitz in memory of grandfather, Curtis Benson
  • Nadine Grabanski in loving memory of husband, Bob Grabanski, and sister, Bev Deitz
  • Roger and Kathy Hamp in memory of Vivian and Bill Duppert
  • Jerry and Judy Hanson in honor of our children and grandchildren
  • Joanne and Dick Haugen in memory of Dick Mahre and Roger Mahre
  • Donna Hedlund in memory of Keith and Jonathan and in honor of family
  • Bob and Phyllis Hettlinger in memory of our parents, Gertrude and Roy Ekberg, and Eleanor and Carl Hettlinger
  • Leroy and Alice Mae Hjelmstad in memory of Kathy Hjelmstad
  • Jay and Deanna Juergens in honor of loved ones
  • Don and Gail Kleven in memory of our parents
  • Terry and Joan Langness in memory of Jim and Nina Gilbertson
  • Diane Lehman in memory of Gary Lehman
  • Margarete Lucht in memory of Leo and Steffi Bruckner
  • Robert and Marlene Lundeen in memory of our son Dirk and our parents
  • Jerry and Lori Luoma in honor of our grandchildren, Cooper, Whitley and Thea
  • Helen Lyons in honor of my family
  • Lois Manning in memory of all loved ones
  • Margaret Mattson in memory of Don Mattson, Helen and Albert Gust, and Alfred and Clara Mattson
  • Pamela Moe in memory of my beloved husband, Darrell
  • Sandy Mullen in loving memory of Jim Mullen and in honor of Cary Mullen
  • Arthur Murray and Laura Thelander in memory of our fathers, Wesley Thelander and Bruce Murray, and in honor of our children Pierre Richard and Richenard
  • LaVern and Lois Nornes in memory of Orville Ruud
  • Jerry and Louise Olson in honor of pastors Ed, Arthur & Grace, TLC staff, musicians, volunteers & faith community
  • Roger and Shari Olson in honor of loved ones
  • Bob and Judy Pittelkow in memory of George and Anne Erickson, and Henry and Virginia Pittelkow
  • Bob Riley in memory of Pat Riley
  • Marilyn Rundberg in honor of my grandson, Adam Born graduating with honors from Mound Westonka
  • Brenda Salem in memory of Salem and Klein families
  • Matt, Allison, Lilly, and Aidan Sneller
  • Sandy Stooke and Paul Kern in memory of Lisa Kern and Jim Stooke
  • Judy and Elroy Verplank in honor of our 3 children and 8 grandchildren
  • Don and Grace Voss in memory of our parents
  • Jane Voss in memory of Randy Voss, and Merlin and Hazel Voss
All TLC in-person worship services, programming and activities remain suspended until further notice.

The TLC office is closed until further notice. Staff are working from home and monitoring emails & voice-mails. If you call the church office the auto-attendant will provide instructions on how to reach staff and/or pastoral emergencies.

TLC office phone:
952-884-2364

Main Emails:

Office@tlcmn.com
Pastors@tlcmn.com
Council@tlcmn.com

Pastor Arthur: amurray@tlcmn.com
Pastor Ed: pastored@tlcmn.com
Pastor Grace: gpardunalworth@tlcmn.com
Deacon Renee Jefferson: rjefferson@tlcmn.com
Rob Reid: rreid@tlcmn.com
Marilyn Erickson: merickson@tlcmn.com
Michelle Reber: mreber@tlcmn.com

Easter Weekend
Remaining Schedule

Good Friday - April 10
7:00pm  TLC Classic Good Friday Worship
Worship with a Good Friday service from our archives. We will bring our sin and brokenness to the cross by writing on paper. Bring pen and paper to the online service and plan to burn the papers outside of your home after the service (safely!).
 
Holy Saturday - April 11
12:00pm  Prayer and reflection walk with Diane Nettifee -
Saturday – the day between good Friday and Easter. Today most of us also find ourselves in between what was normal and uncertain on what is to come. Join Diane to connect and root ourselves in God’s love as we look at gospel stories and nature to help us pray.
 
7:00pm   Easter Vigil with Pete Erickson and TLC Youth – https://www.facebook.com/TLCBloomington/
Join together as we patiently wait, eagerly watch, and joyously re-hear and re-live the ongoing story of God's faithfulness and salvation for the world on Holy Saturday. We watch, wait and hope for the resurrection yesterday, today and tomorrow.
 
Easter Sunday - April 12
10:00am Easter Sunday Festival Worship – Invite a Friend
Let us gather together to celebrate the hope of the resurrection! Worship with a combination of festival music from prior years with new musical offerings, liturgy and preaching from Pastor Arthur. Intern Pastor Grace brings us a special children’s message.
 
By Guest Writer,
Becky Woll
Do you ever get those blue envelopes in the mail that are filled with coupons and promise “$100 could be in this envelope!”  I have no faith that there is $100 waiting for me, but I open these envelopes anyway, telling myself that if I don’t, if I just toss the envelope, it may have been the one time that the $100 was inside. Why not open it? So, I do. And. when there isn’t money yet again, I mutter, “Hope springs eternal.”
 
We need a lot of hope these days around the avalanche of bad news, closings and cancellations of every sort, adjusting to online school days, shortages, job loss, and new ways of being. It has been fast, and seemingly, all at once life has changed. But there’s that phrase, “Hope springs eternal.” So why not have hope? Alexander Pope, the essayist (1732) first wrote “Hope springs eternal” in his “Essay On Man.” It is human nature to look for causes for optimism.  So when things look bleak where do we find optimism?
 
I found great joy, hope and optimism in my garage! While struggling to get a deck chair out to sit in the sun, I noticed that the potted hosta plants which over-wintered in the dark and cold garage had started to sprout!  A miracle! It gave me instant hope - new life springs forth in spite of difficult circumstances. For me, hope and Spring are impossible to separate.
 
As plants bud with the warming weather and increased sunlight, so can our hope bud – new growth in our hearts, a renewal of our faith and optimism in the promise of Christ’s Resurrection. Our hope springs eternal!
By Karen Daniels-
Music has the power to bring communities together, even in this time of social distancing. Music heals and connects us. It restores and rejuvenates hope. We are now living through a time when we need healing and hope more than ever.
 
To help people address these needs, The National Lutheran Choir is hosting a live, virtual event, How Can I Keep from Singing , on Sunday, April 19, at 4pm CDT. This will be a time to share beloved music, sing together, and tell stories … just like communities do when they need each other.
 
Many of us have enjoyed attending NLC Concerts together; we love choral music. It’s been very moving to see TLC’s Director of Music, Rob Reid and his wife, Jill, singing with the choir. Their enthusiasm is radiating! I can’t meet you in TLC’s parking lot and carpool with you this time, but I can encourage you to participate in this special virtual event. It will give all of us the chance to gather in a different, but meaningful way, to experience the great enthusiasm and music of the NLC again.
 
To participate, simply go to www.nlca.com  on your computer, phone, or tablet Sunday afternoon at 4pm. As audience members, everyone will be able to comment, interact, and sing with the NLC in real time. All are welcome, and all can participate. Join me in sharing the power of music and singing with the National Lutheran Choir!
Take Care, Everyone
Bird Lady (blurred to protect her identity) waves a palm under John Thomson's chin during the Palm processional.
Did you get to watch the live-stream of our Palm Sunday service? It's so different to just “watch” and not really do anything else. Parts of that service were from previous years, and brought back those memories of waving palm branches. Sometimes, having a sense of humor that is a bit weird, for years while parading around the sanctuary with the little kids, I would search out someone who needed a smile about then and wave my palm under their chin! Never failed to bring a smile, and shouldn't we smile? We are rejoicing in Jesus's entry! Pastor Ed showed us just where this had taken place so long ago... very interesting to actually see it. Thanks, Pastor Ed.
Our governor has said this week will be very difficult for many of us. We try to “stay home” as told, and it seems to be helping a little; anyway it's the best most of us can do. When we are used to being out and about, practicing, singing, hearing our instrumentalists, watching the flowers being put on the altar the Saturday before Easter, and then handing out copies of “Hallelujah” from “Messiah” for those who love to join the choir each year for that one piece. Even eating a “Peep” after those three services are done,and feeling a little guilt with our mouths full of marshmallow! I may have to buy a few “Peeps” to feel better!

How long will this last? Maybe it's best not to know. When their final concert in May is now cancelled, the chamber group we've supported for 25 years emailed that they would be back in the fall with their full season. Serving on their board for 17 years, we got to know the musicians well...they love to play and work hard finding excellent music year after year. It will be their 50 th season.

I wish each of you a blessed Holy Week, a glorious Easter Sunday, and hope that all of us can stay well, do our best, call those who may need to hear from us, and believe that we'll come out on the other side, knowing that God watches over us always and wants us, his children to stay strong in his love.

-Bloomington BIrd Lady
Four Menu Choices:
Live - On Demand - 24/7 Stream - TLC Website
It's so simple and it offers so much!
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN
FOR US?
-a continuing series-
By Pastor Al Dungan
Living in
Perilous Times

There has never been a time in all of known history that the People of God have not lived in perilous times. And our time in history is no different.

But before we get into that, let’s take a quick snap shot of the Kingdom of Judea during the reign of King Hezekiah which is recorded in 2 Kings 18.13-19.37

The Assyrian king Sennacherib and his armies had become a destructive juggernaut in the Middle East. Country after country fell before him, their temples and gods destroyed, their people sent into exile, never to see their homes and countries again. So, when his chariots and foot soldiers appeared before the walls of Jerusalem, the people of Judea thought it was all over for them.

Sennacherib was, you might say, the COVID-19 of his day. Raping and pillaging across that part of the world, it looked like nothing, nothing could stop him.

But, and this is a VERY BIG BUT, he had never come face to face with the God that King Hezekiah and his people worshipped—the Lord of Hosts. And there Sennacherib met his match. He thought he had all the power he needed to overcome this tiny kingdom—but he didn’t. And even though he tried to intimidate Hezekiah and his people, it didn’t work. Not only was his huge army destroyed overnight, but when he returned home he was assassinated by two of his sons just as God had promised Hezekiah.

Now, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR US?

It means that just as King Hezekiah and his people stood firm against the apparently overwhelming power of Sennacherib by trusting in The Lord of Hosts, so also can we stand firm against COVID-19 by trusting in that same God.

To the degree that we also trust those of our leaders (who have our best interests at heart and not their own), stay sheltered in place (insofar as that’s possible) and wash our hands often (which seems like a little thing but is really important) we will survive this terrible virus juggernaut.

Hezekiah, whose name, by the way, means God gives strength, trusted in the Lord his God and was delivered. Just so, as we trust in the Lord our God we will also be delivered.

The times appear grim for us, just as it did for the Judeans and their king; but God was there and God is here and God will care for his people, now and always.

God promises hope. God promises life. We can trust those promises.
"Lined Stairs"
ELC Photographer: Lyla, 7 1/2 years old

She liked that the "Lined Stairs" were in a church (Oak Grove Presbyterian). She thinks that in her imagination, she would walk up the stairs and find a beautiful garden, like that of her Nana (grandmother). Lyla says her Nana has the most beautiful garden with every possible color of flower.
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.
Communion at Home
While we cannot attend worship services at TLC in-person, we can watch the live-stream of services edited together with current liturgy, sermons and one-on-one communion.
Here are current photos of some of our members taking communion at home.
Cindy and Joel Nelson
Jane Voss and Brenda Salem
The Murray Family
Jerry Olson
The Pommeranz Boys
Louise Olson
Max and Bella Klement
Take a photo/selfie of your communion setting and we'll publish them in upcoming TLC Weekly's. Attach your photos in email to: tlcmedia@tlcmn.com
Easter Leftovers
Casserole
What you'll need:
Directions:
Blessings and stay well!
LAST CHANCE!!!

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!
Back Issues of the TLC Weekly
including this issue (Today!)
[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
Also, there are a limited number of TLC Weekly's in hard copy at the TLC Welcome desk next to the Chapel.
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!
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.
Picture for illustration purpose only.
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.
Free Subscriptions, sign up to be a volunteer, request care ministry and more!
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.

A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
A Culture of Diversity and Inclusion
~~LINKS~~
Visit TLC's website at www.TLCMN.com
Comments and questions: TLCMedia@tlcmn.com