September 2010
From The Desk of Pastor Lassman
RALLY DAY, THE ADULT INFORMATION CLASS
AND MUCH MORE!
My Fellow Redeemed in Christ,
Well, it’s that time of year again: Fall. I hope you all had the chance to “get away” and have some kind of relaxing vacation. As we enter the Fall, things start to get busier again. Children are going back to school and some leaving home for the first time for college. Many family calendars will be filled with activities and soon we will be settling into our Fall routines. Likewise, the calendar at Messiah will be filling up with lots of activities and our life together will also become busier. And of course, we welcome a new vicar Noah Fremer and his wife, Mary. At this time of the year, I usually bring to your attention a few things that will be on that busy calendar.
1) RALLY DAY WILL BE SEPTEMBER 12. To "rally" means, "to come together again to renew an effort to rouse to action." On September 12th, we acknowledge that summer is over and we once again commit ourselves to faithful/regular attendance on Sunday mornings for Worship, Sunday School and Bible Study. Rally Day is a day to renew our commitment to the ministry that our Lord Jesus has given us here at Messiah. We will install our Sunday School teachers. In the Adult Bible Class we will finish our study on the Book of Revelation. A new study will be announced in the near future. In between these two studies I hope to give a presentation on my German trip this Summer and on another Sunday, say more about the LCMS Convention in July.
Watch for a study on the Book of Genesis with Jim Grant on Thursdays from 7-9 pm beginning September 30th. Beginning on September 13 (Monday) at 7 pm you will have a change to read and discuss the Lutheran Confessions as contained in The Book of Concord. Jim Pierce will lead the discussions. Catechism classes begin September 22nd from 4-6 pm. I will teach 7th grade and the Vicar will teach 6th grade.
As the baptized, forgiven Children of God I encourage you to join us on RALLY DAY as we renew our commitment to the ministry God has given us here at Messiah. If you have been away from Church for awhile Rally Day would be a good symbolic day to renew your commitment to your God and Savior. And if you know someone who has been away for awhile Rally Day would be a good day to invite them back to Sunday’s Divine Service.
2) The Adult Information Class begins September 30th! The mailing to our community went out in late August to invite people to learn about Jesus Christ and our Christian faith. This is a very important part of our ministry: to "make disciples by baptizing them¼and teaching them¼." (Matthew 28: 19, 20). As I do each Fall, I am asking you for your participation in our Adult Information Class.
A. Please pray that God will open the hearts of many people to accept our invitation to hear about God's
salvation in His Son. This is something we can all do (Parents, you can encourage your children to pray for this too!) Prayer is very important for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as Paul says in 1 Thess. 3:1---"Pray for us, that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you."
B. Invite someone! Can you imagine the result if just 25% of our members invited someone to class?! Please take this opportunity seriously---relatives, friends, neighbors, associates at work. An easy way to invite someone is to use the brochure in the bulletin or the pew rack that will be provided four weeks before class starts and you can direct them to the videos on our website. In 1 Peter 3:15 Peter says, "Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
C. Come to the class. This class is for you too. You will not only learn a lot¼but you will grow in your own relationship with your God and Savior as Jesus says in John 5:40--"You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me." Ask others who have come. You will not be disappointed. And having attended, you will be that much more excited and motivated to invite others to come.
D. God will take care of our financial needs. Our entire ministry is based on the generosity of God's people---you! By God's grace we have been blessed with members who are generous with their money for our ministry in generally as well as for our Adult Information Class ministry. Our spending guide for 2010 includes $25,000 for evangelism plus additional funds that are designated for the AIC mailing. Praise God for His generosity!
Finally, at time this year I always want to thank God for all that you do in this place called Messiah. Over the years, God has worked some wonderful things in our midst and I am confident that He will continue to bless us as we trust in His mercy and forgiveness and remain faithful to His Word. "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 1: 2, 3).
In Christ,
Pastor Lassman
Greetings members of Messiah Lutheran Church,
I am Noah Fremer, your new vicar. I met some of you during my installation (that word still amuses me. Am I software?), and I hope to meet and work with more of you as Summer ends and Fall begins. Please be patient with me; it may take me a little while to match all your faces with names.
A few tidbits about me: I grew up in Lowell, Michigan. Lowell is a small subsidiary of Grand Rapids, a town of a few thousand. My father is a Lutheran pastor, currently serving Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. A lot of people ask me what it was like growing up as a pastor’s kid. The truth is generally so boring that most of the time I’m tempted to make something up. It really isn’t much different than anyone else’s experience. Dad’s job was Dad’s job. Mother was a secretary for a local political office. Both are alive and healthy, thanks be to God.
I was educated at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, MI. At that time, I knew I wanted to head to seminary, so I majored in Religious Studies. I’ve worked in various jobs throughout my short life. The most remarkable was a job I secured in high school at a shooting range. It was far superior to most high-school jobs, to be sure. I can’t say I’ve used the extensive education in firearms that I got there, but it was certainly interesting!
I am married to Mary (alliteration!), my wonderful wife. Mary and I met in college, and we have been married for just over two years. Mary has plans for a career, but for now has decided to take the all-too-familiar path of working to help me get through seminary. She also grew up in Michigan, the Big Rapids area, a few dozen miles north of my town. My favorite thing to share about my wife is how she went to college and completed a double major (with minor) in three years. In contrast, I went to college and completed a single major with no minor in four. I think she married beneath herself.
We’re both very happy to be in Seattle and here at Messiah. We mean it. You’ve all treated us wonderfully and we both look forward to working with you further.
Your servant under Christ,
Vicar Fremer
ONE STUDENT AT THE SEMINARY
Messiah is blessed by GAIL LUDVIGSON at the seminary in the Deaconess Program. Although deaconesses have been active in the Christian Church from the earliest of times and throughout its history (including the Lutheran Church), not many people are familiar with this program. Here is a quote from the seminary web site about the Deaconess Program:
“The Deaconess program at Concordia Theological Seminary provides competent women with theological training for professional service in the church in such areas as human care, counseling, visitation, loss/mourning, social ministry, and teaching the faith with and under the direction of the pastoral office. The program provides capable women with in-depth theological education at the master’s level and an appropriate office for the practical use of such theological education in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.”
We hope to provide financial support for Gail. You may also make a contribution to either one of them or both with any of your “designated” offering envelopes as well as keep her in your prayers.
In Christ,
Pastor Lassman
Congregational Meeting September 26, 2010
To Discuss Assistant Pastor
On September 26th at 6:00 pm, a congregational meeting will be held to inform you about the Council and Elder's recommendation to begin the process of calling an Assistant Pastor starting as early as the fall of 2011. Let me be very clear – PASTOR LASSMAN IS NOT LEAVING MESSIAH! Our next vicar will serve from the summer of 2010 to the summer of 2011 and an assistant Pastor would come after that. Pastor Lassman assures us that he intends to do the Lord’s work at Messiah as long as he can and perhaps until 2018 if God is gracious and allows his health and energy to remain strong. At this time, only God knows the exact date. The Council has met jointly with the Board of Elders and we are jointly considering this very important step prayerfully, methodically, with plenty of lead time and for two important reasons:
1) It is our hope and prayer that our congregation will be blessed with growth in the next few years. Families are moving back into our community, which is good for Messiah as well as our school, Concordia.
2) Pastor Lassman will retire one day, whether we like it or not. The Council and Elders feel that it is best for the continuity of our congregation that an assistant pastor be in place for some time before Pastor retires. This would allow the Assistant Pastor to potentially assume the duties of Head Pastor after working several years with Pastor Lassman.
God’s blessings have been abundant at Messiah. To remain stable and continue to grow, the Council believes this step to be prudent. This fall the Council and Elders will ask for your approval to:
1) Include an Assistant Pastor in the 2011 Spending Guide.
2) Begin to collect names and biographical information.
3) Plan for a call meeting in March or April, so the new Assistant Pastor can be installed after the next Vicar leaves at the end of July 2011.
This is obviously a decision to be made by the congregation and not without considerable discussion. That’s why the Council is letting you know this far in advance and why we are holding a congregational meeting on September 26th for you to become educated on the subject.
This first meeting will be informational only. We will present the reasons why we are recommending an Assistant Pastor, budgetary impacts of this approach and allow time for a discussion. The second meeting will likely be in late November or early December and will allow us to discuss the proposal and vote on a path for the future.
At this point we are talking only generally about whether or not to give the Council authority to pursue this path and be financially prepared for it. We are not talking about specific names to fill the position. That decision would come next year and again not without congregational approval.
The Council and Elders hope that all members of Messiah would plan to attend the meeting on September 26th.
Yours in Christ,
Neil Strege
Messiah President
Sunday School News by Bob Guthrie
Rally Day is promotion Sunday for Sunday School. September 12th, during the Education Hour we all move up one grade. Some of us move to a new room and some of us get new teachers. Our new third graders receive a new Bible. But one thing never changes: Jesus loves us all and wants us to abide with Him. We have Sunday School every Sunday and we are going to start this fall in the beginning:
Lesson one – God Creates the World;
Lesson two – God Creates Adam and Eve;
Lesson three – Sin Enters the World, and;
Lesson four – Cain and Abel
God is great and He has blessed us with a dedicated staff of wonderful teachers who have amazing gifts that they would like to share with your children. Invite a friend and come join us, Sunday mornings at 9:20am.
Fellowship Committee
from Marjelee Murrell
Summer is fleeting and I would like to thank the many people who helped me with the bevy of receptions and a dinner that occurred in the last 2 months. Especially, I would like to thank Elaine Hanson who was there with me in the trenches for all of these events. I would also like to thank Justin Bourne, June Scott, Irma Guthrie, Margie Longan, and Kathy Lassman. Thank you to all who brought salads or desserts to Vicar Mankins’ dinner roast. It was all delicious!! Lastly, I would like to thank all of you who had a hand in cleaning up and putting things back in order after these events. It takes a lot of “manpower” to put these events on and not one person can do it by themselves. I hope everyone who attended enjoyed the food and camaraderie. I know I did! See you for Autumn Evening!
Altar Guild News
from Cheryl Gagne
This year, the Fall meeting for the Altar Guild will be held a little earlier than usual, on Monday, August 30th at 7 pm. The Altar Guild is a small group and will gladly welcome any new members (both male & female) into our fold. We’d love to train new folks eager to serve the Lord and Messiah in this vital Guild. Please plan on joining us! Questions? Call Cheryl Gagne.
Dear Pastor Lassman and Saints of Messiah Lutheran Church,
This small note sends a large “Thank You” for your faithful and generous support of our students. It makes the difference for many.
May the peace of Christ fill your homes and lives.
Yours,
Dean O. Wenthe, President
Concordia Theological Seminary
Ft. Wayne, Indiana
Dear Members of Messiah,
I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for all that you did for me over the past year. I have learned much more about the ministry in the past twelve months with you, than I could have learned in twelve years of classroom work! I also want to thank you for your generosity at my farewell roast. I can not recall being insulted so lovingly. Often on my drive back across the country I would think back on that evening and smile.
On a personal note, August the 10th I asked Lisa DeHope to marry me, and she said, "YES". We are planning to wed sometime next summer after we have both finished with school. So I guess pastor was really a prophet when he referred to her as my fiancée all those months ago. Thank you again for all your love and support. Please keep us in your prayers, as you are all in mine.
Lord's blessings,
Former Vicar Trevor Mankin
Guatemala Update from Ann Melvin
Thank you to everyone who donated money and/or supplies for the Guatemala mission trip. Thank you also for your prayers while we were gone. We had a busy week as we saw 330 patients in the medical clinic and ran a VBS for over 100 children! We met many inspirational people and had the privilege of attending the celebratory first service of Castillo Fuerte (A Mighty Fortress) Lutheran Church in their new church building.
With your donations, we were able to provide free medicines to the people we saw in clinic that week as well as leave some funds for Dr. Elry to purchase additional medicines. We also gave a donation to Castillo Fuerte Lutheran Church from the members of Messiah to help with their ministry in Guatemala City and Amatitlan. It was faith-building for all of us to see how God provided during the time we were there. We hope to make a presentation of our trip later on this fall, so you can see how God is working through you in Guatemala.
To Our Family of Messiah
I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your many blessings of hope for Alan’s recovery along with the heartfelt prayers, and warmest sympathies in his death. I especially want to thank Pastor Lassman for his wonderful words of comfort and support, and Vicar Mankin for all of his help through the time of planning. Alan has touched us much more than just a father, grandfather, or spouse, but as a friend. As I know he has touched and befriended many of you. So, again I thank you all for every loving thought, word, and prayer you have sent our way. For that my family and I are truly blessed to have such a wonderful family such as all of you, Our Messiah Family.
Thank you.
God Bless,
Gloria Schy
Social Ministry WE SHARE BECAUSE WE CARE ABOUT OTHER
News
from Sue Hewitson
School Kit Donations for LWR – School is just around the corner and there are school supply sales in all the stores! Messiah will again be putting together School Kits for Lutheran World Relief. For a detailed list of items needed, please pick up a school kit “shopping list’ located on the large table by the coffee bar and head out to the many sales that are going on right now. All donations can be left on the table. Deadline for donations is September 26th.
Do you like to sew? Here’s an easy project...sew simple cloth bags with a handle. These bags will be used to pack school supplies for Lutheran World Relief. We have fabric and easy instructions. Please talk to Dorothy Bellin or Kathy Lassman if you’d like to sew some of these bags.
Health Kit Donations for LWR - Lutheran World is also emphasizing the need for health kits so we will be doing that at the same time as the school kits. Please see the bulletin board for the lists for both of these worthy causes.
Used eyeglasses may be put into the lounge box. They will go to the Lion’s Club which will distribute them.
Bags for University Food Bank – For those of you who do not know about our plastic and paper bag collection for the University Food Band, we collect bags for the food bank in the big wooden box in the Fellowship Hall. When the box is full, they are taken to the food bank. They are always so appreciative. Keep those bags coming!
In September – We are collecting in our lounge basket, bath towels, primarily for homeless men, whom Immanuel Lutheran, Compass Cascade, and we serve.
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) News
Ladies Guild
Meeting: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 12:00 noon
Bring: 1 ½ cups fruit for “Fruit Bowl Extravaganza” Luncheon
Please remember your “Mite” money for mission.
Project Day
Mark you calendar now for the first Project Day.
September 22nd, 2010, 9:30am - 2pm
Bring a sack lunch.
All Ladies of Messiah and their friends are welcome. Quilts for Lutheran World Relief need to be finished. Cutting Squares, laying out quilt squares, and tying will be done.
If you enjoy quilting, please plan to come! If you work, or, if you can not attend that day and would like to quilt at home, call Irma Guthrie.
Olympic Zone LWML Fall Rally
October 2010. More information will be listed in future Sunday bulletins.
Mite Boxes
Don’t forget the last Sunday of the month is the day to bring in your mite boxes. Drop your box in the basket at the back of the Sanctuary and pick up another one. Your change goes a long way in supporting Lutheran mission activities around the world.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Men’s Night Out – Monday Night, September 12, at 6 pm. Come join us at Judy Fu’s Snappy Dragon, 8917 Roosevelt Way NE. Please RSVP to Brian Danforth.
Ladies Night Out - We will meet on Sept 20th at Greenlake Bar & Grill, 7200 Greenlake Drive N., 6 pm. Ladies of all ages are encouraged to join us for this relaxing food and fellowship event. RSVP to Bev Edmon.
Women’s Monthly Bible Study – The monthly Bible Study on Monday nights hosted by Mary/Martha (evening LWML) will meet on the SECOND Monday of September due to the Labor Day Holiday. Please join us on September 13th at 7 pm. The topic will be the Gospel of John, lead by Kathy Lassman. Beginning in October, we will return to meeting on the FIRST Monday of each month. We meet in the choir room – and there is always room for one more!
Ladies’ Guild Meeting - Wednesday, September 8th at Noon. Join us for the “Fruit Bowl Extravaganza” Luncheon! Please bring 2 cups of fruit along with your mite money for the National/District LWML Mission Grants.
Project Day – Wednesday, September 22 from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Do you enjoy quilting and sharing quality time with friends? Then this is the thing for you! Bring a sack lunch and spend the day with us! We are looking for people to help cut material into 6” squares, assemble a pattern for the quilt top, sew the top, batting, and bottom together, and/or “tie” the quilts. Completed quilts will be donated to Lutheran World Relief this upcoming November. If you have any questions, contact Irma Guthrie.
Adult Information Class – Pastor Lassman’s Fall AIC class will begin on September 30th. Watch the bulletin for further details.
Dining Together – (a potluck dinner activity with rotating hosts/hostesses) has been a part of Messiah’s Fellowship activities for many years. The groups will be made up of 6 people (couples and singles) for the 2010-2011 season to simplify scheduling the meals. Sign ups (on the bulletin boards) will end the 2nd Sunday in October. In late October you will receive a letter indicating which group you are in and who the first host/hostess for your group will be. This is a great way to meet other members of Messiah and make some new friends. You can be creative with your meals…try a brunch, a picnic in the park, or a barbecue. You can also invite an additional person to join you – which is a great way to encourage new participants.
New Educational Opportunity - Jim Grant will be starting a Bible study on the Book of Genesis starting September 30th upstairs in the High School youth room at 7 pm. Please sign up on the upstairs bulletin board.
Monday Night Class - The Lutheran Confessions class resumes on Monday, September 13th at 7 pm. We will continue working through the Apology of the Augsburg Confession. Everyone is welcome to join us as we read through the Book of Concord in its entirety and discuss it together.
OCTOBER Messenger Deadline is September 19th!
Bell Choir
Do you have an interest in music? Have you ever thought about ringing handbells? Maybe you played an instrument in the past or are learning another one; perhaps you had some musical experience a long time ago. We can teach you how to play handbells.
Our bell choir practices on Tuesdays at 7 pm and we play once a month for both services and at other times during the year. If you’d like to ring handbells or would like more information, please talk to Dorothy Bellin.
Messiah’s Instrumental Ensemble
The Ensemble is comprised of musicians with diverse instrumental backgrounds. Delores Cohrs has played the violin since she was a child and continues to be an inspiration to the group. Others played their instruments in high school and college bands and as adults are sharing their talents once again with the church. High school and junior high students round out the ensemble. The combined talents make a “Joyful Noise unto the Lord” and a worshipful experience for the congregation.
What type of experience do you need to join the ensemble? A good junior high school and/or high school program would give you the basics you need. A lot of experience is not necessary. If you haven’t played in years, this is a good place to get started again.
What instruments can play in the ensemble? While we’re not a Praise Band, we would welcome any musician with any instrument who has a heart for making church music.
What’s the time commitment? Rehearsals are once a week from 7-8 pm on Wednesdays. We do not practice the week after we play on Sunday. We play at both services once a month. Fall practice begins on September 8th.
Hope you can join us!
Questions? Please contact Bev Edmon, Ensemble Director.
Choir
Come Sing With Us! Choir will begin a new year of music ministry on Thursday night, Sept. 9. We would love to see some new faces along with the "old," so if you enjoy singing, please think about joining us for practice one hour a week, from 7:30-8:30 pm. It is such a joy to sing God's praises in harmony with others, and it is also a tremendous service to the congregation. Music truly helps to plant the word of God in our hearts in a way that is uniquely inspirational. Because we don't sing every week, it is a commitment that is quite reasonable. Our choir is a family within the broader church family, and we would love to welcome you. Call me if you have any questions. See you on Sept. 9 (Treats are on me!)
In Christ's service,
Janet Solum
DEACONESS DIARY
Summer classes are over, and the "dog days" of August are here--no more activities until school starts again the day after Labor Day. My classes (Catechetics and Lutheran Confessions II) were humbling because they showed me that I've still got a lot to learn about the Christian faith. Yet Luther himself said: "I must still read and study the catechism daily, and yet I cannot master it as I wish, but must remain a child and pupil of the catechism." In Lutheran Confessions we studied the Smalcald Articles, the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope, and the Small and Large Catechisms, and in Catechetics we memorized and discussed the 1986 version of the Small Catechism.
Prof. Nuffer taught catechetics. (He's also in charge of the seminary's vicarage program.) Because our class was so small, we had plenty of time to re-learn the catechism and discuss it. It's great to be in a class with future pastors led by such an experienced teacher. In addition to memory work, each student had to teach three lessons to the class. My topics were women as pastors, close communion, and the 6th commandment.
With classes over and some time on my hands, I'm going to try to follow Luther's example and study the catechism as often as I can--it will make me a better deaconess. Again, let me quote from Luther: "This much is certain: those who know the Ten Commandments perfectly know the entire Scriptures and in all affairs and circumstances are able to counsel, help, comfort, judge, and make decisions in both spiritual and temporal matters." Truly the catechism is a great treasure for which we Lutherans should thank God every day.
Hope you're having a wonderful summer!
Your sister in Christ,
Gail Ludvigson
Taking Care of the “Lord’s House”
Taking care of our church is a huge responsibility and should be thought about by all members.
All carpets were cleaned at the end of August. All the spots have disappeared and it would be nice to keep them that way. They were treated with scotchgard, so if you happen to spill your coffee or another drink on Sunday morning, please take the time to find paper towels to soak up the spill.
The Fellowship Hall floor was also cleaned, and clear coated. If you are involved with an event, please remember the tables need to be “lifted” and not pushed across the floor. Pushing the tables leaves gouges on the floor. If you are unable to lift the tables, please contact the office staff and they will find someone to help you.
Thank you for all your help in keeping our church clean.
When everyone helps, God’s house will continue to shine!
CURRENT AND UPCOMING BIBLE STUDIES
******************************************************************
FELLOWSHIP HALL BIBLE CLASS
WHAT: “Revelation” Next Class TBA
WHEN: Sunday Mornings 9:20 a.m.
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
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HIGH SCHOOL BIBLE CLASS SUNDAY MORNINGS
WHAT: “Growing in Christ”
WHEN: Sunday Mornings 9:20 a.m.
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Fremer
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YOUNG ADULTS
WHAT: Devotion and Fellowship
WHEN: 1st and 3rd Sundays, 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lounge
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Fremer
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HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH NIGHT
WHAT: Devotion and Fellowship
WHEN: 2nd and 4th Sundays, 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Youth Room
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Fremer
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MONDAY EVENING MARY/MARTHA BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: Women’s Bible Study “The Lutheran Spirituality Series: Community”
WHEN: September 13th, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Lounge
INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Lassman
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MONDAY EVENING STUDY
WHAT: “Lutheran Confessions”
WHEN: Every Monday Evening, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
LEADER: Jim Pierce
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THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: “TBA”
WHEN: Thursday Mornings, 10:30 a.m. Starts September 16th
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
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THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: “Genesis”
WHEN: Thursday Evenings, 7 p.m. (starting
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
LEADER: Jim Grant
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ADULT INFORMATION CLASS
WHAT: A 15-week course on basic Christian teachings
WHEN: Next class will begin September 30, 7 p.m
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
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