1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

“Knowing Jesus, we love and care for all, through the power of Christ.”
-First Lutheran Church Mission Statement
to be made flesh in our midst in a fragile, helpless infant, born to poor peasant parents.
One of the early Christian leaders, Iranaeus,
said that in Christ “The Divine became human
so that humanity could become part of the
Divine.” In other words, “God-made-flesh” in
Christ means that we need to look at all humanity in a new way, as incarnating, or embodying the Divine! God is made flesh still
today in you and me, and everyone we en-
“God Made Flesh”
The Steeple News
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
EAST GREENWICH, RI
Yesterday at church we had a service of
lessons and carols. This is a service
where different readers read select readings, beginning with the book of Genesis,
showing the whole salvation history - the
history of God’s saving love - that culminates in Christ. The final reading is read
by the pastor, which in our case means
read by me. I therefore had the privilege
of reading the exquisite prologue to the
JANUARY
2015
Gospel of John:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the
Word was with God, and the Word was
God. He was in the beginning with God.
All things came into being through him, and
without him not one thing came into being.
What came into being in him was Life, and
the Life was the Light of all people. The
Light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it…
And the Word became flesh and lived
among us, and we have seen his glory
(literally, brilliant light), the glory as of a
father’s only son, full of grace and truth…
From his fullness we all have received,
grace upon grace.” (John 1: 1-5; 14, 16)
The older I get the more the mystery and
the miracle of the incarnation - the mystery
and miracle of God made flesh - speaks to
me.
For Christians the Incarnation speaks first
and foremost of Christ: God made flesh in
Christ. But part of the mystery and miracle
of Christmas is that this Christ, this Godmade-flesh, did not come in the kind of
flesh people expected. God is always a
God of surprises, as one of my close
friends, who radiates God’s presence, always says to me. The world expected God
made flesh in a powerful warrior King, who
would achieve military and political power
over the hated, oppressive Roman Emperor and his Empire. Instead God chose
counter! God is made
flesh then, at the time of
Christ’s birth, as now, in
the most surprising people;
the fragile and powerless
of today, the unexpected,
surprising people we encounter.
Many Christians are horriPastor Linda
fied when they discover
Forsberg
that we do not really know
when Christ was born. We
celebrate it on December 25 mostly because
of the winter solstice, which is about the returning of Light. For Christians we celebrate
Christ as the Light of the world, the Light which
no darkness can overcome. For Christians on
the twelfth day of Christmas, January 6, we
celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, remembering
the journey of the Magi, wise persons (Magi
could be male or female), who travelled from
afar, following the appearance of a star, and
ancient prophecies, which were not even part
of their own religious tradition, which signaled
the birth of a great new leader, the Messiah, or
“anointed one.”
Today the word “Epiphany” has come into
popular usage. People say, “I had an Epiphany,” when they have made a new realization,
when something previously hidden in darkness
has been brought into the light of their realization. Literally the word “epiphany” is from the
Greek, and means a manifestation, a showing
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THE STEEPLE NEWS
forth.
For Christians God is shown forth or made manifest
in Christ. In the early church Epiphany celebrated
three things: Christ’s birth, the acknowledgment of
Christ by the Magi, and Christ’s baptism, all of these
signifying God made manifest. As time went on the
Christian church designated “God-made-flesh” also
in the sacraments. God is literally incarnate, or
made tangible or concrete for us in something as
simple as bread, and as a cup of wine or juice.
Christians also designate the community, the Christian Church, as “the body of Christ.” In other words,
God is made flesh for us in one another.
The older I get the more I see how all things are
connected. I see how all faith traditions say essentially the same thing: That God is made flesh in everyone we encounter, so we are to treat everyone
with the reverence with which we treat God. As a
yoga practitioner and instructor, I emphasize this at
the conclusion of every yoga practice. We say,
“Namaste.” “Namaste” literally means, “May the
holy one in me acknowledge the holy one in you.”
In this season of Christmas and of Epiphany,
in this season of returning Light,
In this season when we welcome a New Year,
May we welcome a new way of seeing all that is.
May we see the Christ, the Holy One, the Divine, in
all we encounter,
and may we reflect the Christ, the Holy One, the
Divine
to all we encounter.
The Vicar’s Column
Happy New Year friends!
It is now 2015 and I am coming up on the halfway
point of my tenure here at First Lutheran and boy
what a great first half it’s been! We have done a lot
of experimenting this past year, and I thought I
would highlight some of those programs that
worked, some that didn’t, and changes we have in
mind for this upcoming year.
First, and perhaps the most notable is that we have
added a fourth worship service called “Organic Worship”. This has been a lot of fun! We’ve moved to
the Oceans of Grace building, giving us a more flexible space to try new creative ways of doing church.
Several of you have mentioned interest in playing
with the band or lending your voice in prayer or
preaching. This is exactly what we are looking for!
If you are interested in helping out, leading, or
participating in any way, please e-mail me at
bbetkoski@gmail.com
Secondly, we began an intergenerational Sunday
school on Wednesday nights called “Table Talk”.
Let me be the first to say that not all experiments
are successful. We ran into complications with the
curriculum, the time, and other program issues.
Basically, it flopped. But that is OK . I swear! As
Pastor Linda always says, we evaluate our programs to keep what works and let go what doesn’t
in order to always be made better. You’ve requested something more kid-friendly, and we hear
you. You’ve offered a lot of good suggestions.
Keep your ears open in the weeks ahead for more
information on some fun, new ideas we have for
this year that will include ways to develop spirituality with your family at home, as well as more intentional activities for our younger children in church.
Finally – please know I am always interested in
feedback. Whether it is things you liked or didn’t
like in a sermon, suggestions on ways to improve
worship, or just a desire to grab a cup of coffee
and chat, I would love to talk with you.
2015 will be an exciting year for church. I am glad
to be with you for it! God bless.
Vicar Brett
Youth News
January 2015
Happy New Year, Everyone! I hope you all had a
wonderful Christmas, too!
Confirmation Classes: Classes this month will
be held on the 7th and 21st. As usual, we will
have dinner prep at 5:00, dinner at 5:45, and class
from 7:00 to 8:30. We will be continuing to investigate and discuss the Hebrew Bible with activities
and creative projects.
Service: This month we have the Homeless
Campout/Fundraiser on Martin Luther King weekend. We start at 12:00PM on Saturday, January
17th when we set up the shelter on the front lawn
of the Oceans of Grace building. The campout
ends on Sunday at 12:00PM. On Saturday we will
have a group of youth attend Church Beyond
Walls in Providence, while another group stays on
site to pan-handle and draw attention to the issue
of homelessness in America and Rhode Island.
THE STEEPLE NEWS
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Youth (cont’d)
Youth will pan-handle at all worship services on Saturday and Sunday. Proceeds raised will go to the RI
Family Shelter in Warwick. We will have evening activities including a movie, and then we will be sleeping
outside in the shelter. Friends of youth are encouraged to attend, but I must speak with their parents first.
Fellowship: In addition to the Homeless Campout/Fundraiser, I'd like to start the Friday movie nights
again, starting January 30th at 6:00PM. I would need another parent/adult (21 or over) to help chaperone,
and I'll take movie suggestions!
Also, I'd like to get the Nerd Herd started up again. There are a lot of great winter activities that we could
check out, like museums, cool book stores, and other shows. Tell me if you're interested and have ideas.
Keep the Peace,
Carrie Koslofsky
What’s Happening
Sisters of Spirit (SOS) will meet on Thursday, January 8 at 7 pm. This month’s gathering will be led by
Vicar Brett because Pastor Linda is away. The location has not yet been determined; as soon as it is, everyone will be sent contact info and directions.
Sisters in Service (SIS) will not meet in January. Our next meeting will be on the second Friday in February
to work on Valentine Day treats for our shut-ins. Bring a bag lunch; coffee and dessert will be provided. All
women are welcome, so please bring a friend or two. Happy New Year.
Grief Support
In 2006 we started a grief ministry here at First Lutheran Church. We offer booklets that can be mailed as
needed to people who are grieving. These small booklets are an outreach offered by Connie Slick, who is
happy to send them to anyone in the church or in the community who needs comfort but may not be ready for
a group setting.
If you need to talk, or would like these books, or more info, please call Connie at 401-560-0365 or email at
cslick@cox.net.
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THE STEEPLE NEWS
What’s Happening
More Cold Weather Ahead
It’s still winter, and kids still need warm clothing.
As your children outgrow their winter coats and boots,
remember that there are children in our community who
need those items. Please continue to donate your muchneeded warm clothing, coats, boots, and blankets to our
Clothed in Christ Thrift Shop.
WE
THANK
YOU
A special thanks to everyone who supported our Community Thrift Shop this year--our wonderful,
generous volunteers and all of you who took the time and made the effort to bring donations.
Thanks to all for helping to make a difference. Kathy Wilkinson
Announcement
Submissions for the 2014 Annual Report are due on Friday, January 16th, 2015.
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Month of January
Mondays January 5, 12, 19, 26

Quilts from the Heart

January 19 - Dr. Martin Luther King Day; office will be closed
1-3:00 PM
Tuesdays January 6, 13, 20, 27

Thrift Shop

Food Pantry

Victor Fitness - Call 447-3201 to reserve a spot
9-Noon
10:00 AM-Noon
6:30-7:45 PM
Wednesdays January 7, 14, 21, 28

January 7 - Bible Study resumes
10:30 AM

January 7 - Adult Choir resumes
6:30-7:45 PM

January 7 - Hand Bells resume

January 7 & 21 - Confirmation dinner prep

January 7 & 21 - Confirmation dinner
5:00 PM
5:45 PM

January 7 & 21 - Confirmation class and Christian education
7:00 PM

January 21 - Yoga resumes
9:00 AM
7:45 – 8:30 PM
Thursdays January 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Kids’ Karate
Beginners
4:00-4:30 PM
Advanced
4:45-5:30 PM

Victor Fitness - Call 447-3201 to reserve a spot

January 1 - New Year’s Day; the office will be closed.

January 8 - SOS (Sisters of Spirit) meeting, led by Vicar Brett, will take place
6:30-7:45 PM
7:00 PM
at a yet-to-be-determined and announced location.

January 15 - Monthly Book Group resumes at Ed’s Roost, 357 Main St.
Noon
E. G. New book: “Love Wins” by Rob Bell

January 15 - Church Council meeting
7:00 PM
THE STEEPLE NEWS
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Month of January (cont’d)
Fridays January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

January Property Committee Meeting - date will be announced

Thrift Shop

No SIS (Sisters in Service) in January

January 16 - Annual Report submissions are due
9-Noon
Saturdays January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Thrift Shop

Worship
9-Noon
5:00 PM
- No Spanish Café in January -

January 3 - Monthly Potluck Supper

January 10 and 24 - Men’s Saturday Bible Fellowship

January 17 - Church Beyond Walls, Providence
Carpool from church

January 17 - Healing Prayer Service during the 5pm worship

January 17 - Intern Committee, Time and Location TBA

January 17 - Youth Homeless Awareness Weekend begins
6:00 PM
8:30-10 AM
2:00 PM
1:00 PM
Noon
Sundays January 4, 11, 18, 25

Worship

Youth and Family Worship

January 18 - Homeless Awareness Campout concludes
8 & 9:00 AM
10:30 AM
Noon
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Please keep the following special intentions
in your prayers
Rose Florio, one of the “Sandwich Ladies,” suffered a bit of a setback. Please keep her in your prayers.
Janet Lofgren passed away on December 19 following a long illness. Please send prayers of comfort and
peace to her family.
Doug Riggs is recovering at home following an emergency appendectomy. Get-well wishes can be sent to 76
Cindy Ann Dr., E. Greenwich, RI 02818. Thank you for your prayers.
Jeff Beier’s father, who lives in Michigan, is experiencing rapidly failing health. Please send prayers of
strength and comfort to Jeff’s father and the entire family.
Kelly Powers, at the loss of her grandmother. Please send prayers of comfort and peace to the family. Condolences can be sent to 44 Law St., Warwick, RI 02889.
Jon Daly, at the loss of his mother, Carol, who passed away unexpectedly after Thanksgiving. Please send
prayers of comfort and peace to Jon and his family. Condolences can be sent to 206A Nooseneck Hill Rd.,
Exeter, RI 02822.
Hannah Lambert, age 10, is recovering from back surgery. Please pray for comfort, strength and a complete
recovery. Get-well wishes can be sent to 49 Meadow Sweet Trail, Saunderstown, RI 02874.
Erica, who is undergoing medical procedures. Please pray for good outcomes.
Whitfield Family, friends of Kristi Tesler, at the passing of Dave Whitfield – father of five and loving husband. Please send prayers of comfort and peace to the family during this difficult time.
Barbara Riggs, Doug’s mother, continues to need your prayers as she battles cancer.
Susan Burns continues to need your prayers as she mourns the loss of her sister, Priscilla Sutter.
Charlene Henderson and family, at the tragic loss of her young-adult son, Brenton. Please send prayers of
comfort and peace to Charlene and her family. Condolences can be sent to 20 Phillips Rd., E Greenwich, RI
02818.
.Brian and Michaela Otrando, (son and daughter-in-law of Patti Otrando), on the tragic, unexpected death of
their ten-year-old daughter, Emily. Please send prayers of comfort and peace to the entire family. Condolences
can be sent to Patti Otrando, 22 Sandpiper Dr., W Warwick, RI 02893.
Heather Ryan is recovering at home from brain surgery. Please keep her in your prayers.
Alicia Horan Cranston, Sandé Horan’s daughter, has regained mobility. Please keep her in your prayers.
Jody Wilson, Brenda Audet’s sister, has finished her radiation treatments. Please continue to pray for her as
she undergoes chemotherapy.
Tom and Patty Burdick are struggling with serious health issues. Please keep them in your prayers. Cards of
encouragement can be sent to the family at 25 George Arden Dr., Warwick, RI 02886.
Roy Paul Menard, Debbie Frenze’s father, is doing well. Thank you for your prayers.
Margaret Snyder, Liz Tierney’s mother needs prayers of comfort and strength, as do Liz and Matt.
Tricia Sacha needs prayers of comfort and peace as she mourns the passing of her father, Ed Vient.
Shelley McMillen, a friend of Rose Miceli, needs prayers of strength, comfort and healing.
Gail Boranian
Cathy
Janis
Steven
Sarah Davis
Florence St. Jean
Betsy
Robert W.
PAR
Mary Pagel
A.C.
John Hazard’s Family
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John Pease
Tom
The Family of Pamela Holmes
Kenley
Karen
J.M.M.
Norma
Ariel and Dylan
John’s Family
Tony
Ann Miller
Lisa
Keri Miller
Kelly Powers
Mary Ellen Malloy
Danielle DeCesare
Narcisa Ortega
Nikki Trupiano
Lynne
Alex Egan
Meg Noyes
Sheree
Elaine
Carolyn Gardner
Kevin and Linda James
James Pease
David Sansone, Jr.
Fay Masterson
Debby
The ELCA and our Bishop, Rev. Elizabeth Eaton,
New England Synod and our Bishop, Rev. James Hazelwood
Our pastor, council president, church staff, church officers & leaders
Our nation & our leaders and all those serving in the armed forces
Our children & grandchildren
Our confirmation youth & mentors
OUR SENIOR AND SHUT-IN MEMBERS:
PLEASE SEND CARDS OF CHEER OR TAKE TIME TO VISIT
Evelyn Sprague, Westview Nursing and Rehab Center, 239 Legris Ave., W. Warwick, 02893
Ursula Mouradjian has returned home to 35 Elberta St., Warwick
Betty Chappelle, West Bay Manor 2483 West Shore Rd., # 28 Warwick, RI 02889
Helen Anthony, West Bay Manor, 2483 West Shore Rd., Warwick, RI 02889
Karina Hammond, 352 Shore Acres Ave. N. Kingstown, RI 02852
Margaret Widyn, Please send cards of cheer to: 9 Coleridge Place, Greenlawn, NY 11740.
Jean Martorella, Philip’s mom, at Harbor Hill Manor
Chotsie Pennington, The Elms at 22 Elm St., Westerly, RI 02891
Tiina Uustal, Evergreen House Health Center, Evergreen Dr., E Providence, RI 02914
Russell Johnson, Sr., 4000 Post Rd., Warwick, RI 02886
Sue Brown, 355 Hardig Rd. Apt. B110, Warwick, RI 02886.
Claire Burke, West Shore Health Center, 110 West Shore Rd., Warwick, RI 02889.
Ernie Anderson, The Seasons, 5 St. Elizabeth’s Way, E Greenwich, RI 02818
Barbara and Al LaPlume 307 Shippeetown Rd., EG 02818-1117
Ann Kilguss, is at Greenwich Bay Manor, 945 Main St., E Greenwich, RI 02818
Kathleen Weber, West Bay Manor 2483 West Shore Rd., Warwick, RI 02889
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F ir s t L uthe r a n C hur ch
E a s t Gr e e nw i ch, RI
118 Division Street
East Greenwich, RI 02818
Phone: 401-884-5572
Fax: 401- 884-3922
Email: office@firstlutheraneg.org
sure
visit
BeBe
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visit
Pastor
Linda’s
Blog:
Pastor Linda’s Blog:
www.lifeasspiritualadventure.org
www.lifeasspiritualadventure.org
the web
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Check this out:
www.oceansofgraceri.org
All Are Welcome in
God’s House
CHURCH DIRECTORY
WINTER WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Saturday – 5 PM Worship
Sunday - 8 & 9 AM Worship
10:30 AM Youth and Family Worship
All services with Holy Communion
SERVING
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Linda R. Forsberg
Vicar: Brett Hertzog Betkoski
Secretary: Evelyn Athanas
Minister of Music: Philip Martorella
Choir Director: Brad Logan
Youth Director: Carrie Koslofsky
Office Assistant: Patricia Deschane
Web Designer: Dan Kellerman
CHURCH COUNCIL ( ) INDICATES LIAISON
Church officers:
President: Matthew Dolan
Vice President: Dr. Joseph Rodgers
Secretary: David Kulm
Members at large
Josh Hendrickson
Jack Bullock
Kathy Perkins
Diane Amaral
Patti Reslow
Thomas Joyce
Julie Donatelli
Appointed by Council
Treasurer: Paul Swanson
Assistant Treasurer: Joe Rochira
Financial Secretary: Nicole Ericson
Assistant Financial Secretary: David Diepholz
Recording Financial Secretary: Donna Horan
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Nicole Ericson, Co-Chairperson,
Maura McKone, Co-Chairperson
Russell Johnson
Lou Sansone
Pam Johnson
The Steeple News design by:
Donna M. Horan