Connecting with God: A Lutheran Sermon Series on the Means of Grace

New Summer Sermon Series: 

Connecting with God

People are yearning to connect with God in meaningful and deep ways.  Some people make pilgrimages as if God were far away.  Others try to connect with God through fasting or extreme meditation as if God exists on some other plane of reality.  God is not far away and he doesn’t exist only in some other plane of reality.  Connecting with God is as simple as reading the Bible, being baptized, and participating in the Lord’s Supper.  We connect with God through his means of grace.

June 17:            Inspiration of God’s Word

June 24:            Its effect in our hearts

July 1:                Its effect in our lives

July 15:              Baptism’s Immediate Effect

July 22:              Baptism’s Daily Effect

August 5:          Lord’s Supper: Sacramental Union

August 12:        Lord’s Supper: Communion with God

August 19:        Lord’s Supper: Communion with Each Other

Video: 2012 Amazing Race - Have You Scene it?

April 8, 2012 - The Easter Effect

Finances. War. Cancer. Crime. Being alone. Failure. Death. What is it for you? What keeps you up at night? All of these have a negative effect on our lives.

That is why we need Easter AND its Effect.

Jesus came into our world and faced our biggest fears and in his resurrection he conquered them all.

Join us for the Festival of the Resurrection
APRIL 8, 2012

• Festival Worship – 9:30am
• Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt – 10:30am

Paz Financiera

Batallando financieramente y no sabe a donde ir?

Paz Financiera es un curso de 6 clases, impartido por video por Andrés Gutierrez. En estas clases usted aprenderá principios de cómo manejar el dinero, crear riqueza, sacudirse de las deudas, cómo hacer un presupuesto que funcione – los mismos principios que han transformado la vida de Andrés. En estas clases, divertidas y chistosas, Andrés le va a ayudar hacer que su dinero se comporte. ¡Prepárese para cambiar su futuro, y la de su familia, para siempre!

• Súper Ahorros: Aprenda Los 7 Pasitos que le va a guiar rumbo a la Paz Financiera y las tres razones claves para los ahorros.
• Relacionándonos con el Dinero: ¡Ya dejen de pelear como perros y gatos sobre el dinero! Los solteros aprenderán sobre la importancia del rendir cuentas y los padres cómo enseñarles a sus hijos del dinero.
• El Flujo del Dinero: Descubra los frutos del vivir bajo un presupuesto que funciona.
• Sacúdase de las Deudas: Rompiendo los mitos de las deudas. Andrés comparte un plan probado para desatar sus ingresos de las garras de la deuda.
• Chupacabras en Corbatas: Ponga un alto al abuso de los cobradores. Aprenda sobre los Bureau de crédito y su informe.
• El Gran Malentendido: ¡Atención! La generosidad es el signo de exclamación para la Paz Financiera. ¡Será desafiado!

Regístrense hoy en la iglesia Sure Foundation.

La Clase va a empezar el 20 de Mayo de 2012.

Financial Peace University at Sure Foundation

Sign up for Financial Peace University hosted at Sure Foundation Lutheran Church today in the Fellowship Hall. The class begins on June 10th at 10:30am – so don’t wait!

Learn more by clicking here or Email Sara for more information.

New Administrator / Teacher for ESL Program

In December of 2011, Sure Foundation Lutheran Church was chosen among other applicants to receive special funding from WELS Kingdom Workers. The grant will be used to fund the new position of English Administrator/Teacher at Sure Foundation.

Sure Foundation has chosen Kristy Goodman to fill the new ministry role. She begins working among us immediately. Kristy Goodman has extensive experience in teaching English both overseas and in the United States. She is currently studying at Columbia University to receive a Master’s Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Kristy Goodman, ESL Instructor at SFLC

We welcome Kristy to our ministry team and ask God to bless her efforts among us. English classes are Monday and Wednesday nights at 6:30pm. Consider volunteering or taking the class. Email Kristy with questions.

Our New Mission Statement - We speak your language

Together, we have developed and finalized our new mission statement (cf. below). We are currently in the process of translating the mission statement in the languages of our church and community. Share with us a translation in your language!

Guided by God's word, we SHARE the Gospel of Christ with all people.
Compelled by Christ's love, we SERVE Christ and our neighbors.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we STRENGTHEN the people of God.

Guiados por la palabra de Dios, compartimos el Evangelio de Cristo con todo el mundo.
Motivados por El amor de Cristo, servimos a Cristo y al prójimo.
Fortalecidos por el Espíritu Santo, animamos al pueblo de Dios.

遵上帝之意，我们与世人共享福音；

从基督之爱，我们侍奉基督与友邻；

守圣灵之唤，我们与神的民同强进。

Guide avek pawol Bondie a, mou patage levangil kris la ak tout moun.
Se lamou kris la ki mande sa, nou bay pep Bondie a fos.
Sentespria ba nom fos, nou sevi kris ak prochen nou yo.

परमेश्वरको बचनको निर्देशनमा, हामी ख्रिष्टको सुसमाचार सबैलाई सुनाउछौँ ।
ख्रिष्टको प्रेममा वाध्यभएर, हामी ख्रिष्ट र हाम्रा छिमेकीहरूको सेवा गर्छौ ।
पवित्र आत्माको शक्तिले, हामी परमेश्वरको जनहरूलाई सशक्त बनाउछौ ।

Guidés par la parole de Dieu, nous PARTAGEONS l'Évangile de Christ avec tous.
Contraint par l'amour de Christ, nous SERVONS Christ et nos voisins.
Renforcé par le Saint-Esprit, nous ENDURCISONS le peuple de Dieu.

하나님의 말씀에 따라, 열방과 복음을 나누고자 합니다.그리스도의 사랑으로, 예수님과 이웃을 섬기고자합니다.성령님의 인도하심으로,하나님의 사람을 양육하고자합니다.

私たちは神の言葉に導かれ、全ての人々とキリストの福音を分かち合います。
キリストの愛に促され、 私たちはキリストと隣人に仕えます。
聖霊に力を与えられ、私たちは神を信じる者たちを力付けます。

خدا کے کلام کی جانب سے ہدايت سے نوازا، ہم نے تمام لوگوں کے ساتھ مسیح کی انجیل اشتراک.
مسیح کی محبت سے مجبور ہے، ہم مسیح اور اپنے پڑوسیوں کی خدمت کرتے ہیں.
روح القدس کی طرف سے حق حاصل ہے، ہم خدا کے لوگوں کو مضبوط بنانے.

Join us for our "Lend a Hand Event!"

The Bible tells us:

• Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. (Ecc 4:9)
• If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. (John 15:5)
• It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)

So this holiday season, let us work together with our God given talents to give to those in need. By writing a message of hope to someone who suffers, creating a colorful ornament to brighten a lonely room, building a sandwich to fill a hungry stomach, or loom knitting a hat to warm an infant, we will be reaching out to some of those in the community that need us, and the Gospel, most. In the spirit of giving, we will also be collecting new pairs of socks to donate to area homeless.

Advent by Candlelight - "The Stripes for You"

All the women are invited to this unique celebration to be rejuvenated by our focus, ‘The Stripes for you.’

And, of course, please bring a friend to share the experience!

December 2, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Come and enjoy a night of fellowship with other women in the NYC area as we prepare for the Christmas season. Space and seating are limited so please sign up at church soon if you are planning or considering attending. If you have questions or would like to assist in any manner, please talk with Amanda.

Sure Foundation Food Drive

This Thanksgiving season, we give thanks to God, our Savior, for our abundance by sharing some of God's gifts with others. Consider joining with Sure Foundation and Action against Hunger to thank God by giving a gift to fight hunger.

Today, hunger affects the lives of more than 925 million people globally. Every year more than 5 million children die of starvation and hunger related diseases.

It takes $50.00 to save the life of one child. In tough economic times, we are asking that you donate whatever amount you can afford. Help us fight the battle and prevent the unnecessary deaths of children.

Click here to donate and/or to learn more about our food drive.

Action Against Hunger's Life-Saving Programs from Action Against Hunger | ACF-USA on Vimeo.

Sharing our Reformation Heritage in Tongues

On October 30, 2011, Sure Foundation celebrated the Festival of the Lutheran Reformation, but this was no ordinary Festival of the Lutheran Reformation. We sang "A mighty Fortress" in English and Spanish. The first lesson was read in Mandarin, the second lesson in Spanish, and the gospel lesson in Urdu. Even the sermon was preached in two languages at once. (Listen to it now!)

Here are some more Reformation highlights:

• Nine new people were accepted into membership at Sure Foundation Lutheran Church.
• Two Mandarin speakers (Daniel and Miriam) and two Spanish speakers (Gisela from Peru and Jenny from Ecuador) were confirmed in their Christian faith for the first time (pictured below).
• A group of Urdu speakers led by Pastor Manzoor Alam also joined us for the day (pictured below). This group of Urdu speakers is currently studying what the Bible and Lutherans teach. They are looking to join Sure Foundation in the future. Pastor Manzoor Alam has also begun his studies at our PSI program.

We are well on our way to reaching the world with the gospel in their heart-language. Do you know what languages have the most native speakers in the world? You guessed it! The answer is Mandarin, Spanish, English and Urdu in that order. We have members at Sure Foundation who speak all of these languages and want to share the gospel with their friends. With just these languages, we can reach billions of people with the gospel.

May God keep us faithful to his Word and faithful in Gospel proclamation to all nations!

More Pictures Here!

Listen to the sermon here!

A New "Ceil"ing

As part of Sure Foundation’s ongoing pursuit to create beautiful spaces in joyful praise to God, the Leadership Team is happy to announce that our sanctuary will be getting a mural on the ceiling to enhance our worship experience. The "Ceil" mural, which will appear as though the sanctuary opens to the sky, is a component of the original design for the sanctuary. ("El Cielo" is the Spanish word for sky.)

During the initial planning for Sure Foundation's spaces in Queens, members commented about how they wanted to feel "refreshed" and "inspired" when they came to worship. The mural will enliven the intimate space and make it feel more open. One of our members, artist Charis Carmichael Braun, will be creating the mural in Fall 2011. Please invite your friends to see this exciting project come to life!

Conceptual representation of what the sanctuary will look like when the mural
is finished (bottom) and during initial construction in September 2009(top).

A SERVICE OF REMEMBERANCE ON THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11

September 11, 2001 changed the world. But how? Did September 11, 2001 change the world into a place of hate, fear, and revenge? Did the day so overcome us with anger that we hate simply because of skin color, creed, or nationality? Is this the true legacy of September 11, 2001? It cannot be.

It is true that September 11, 2001 forever changed the world that we live in. But let’s not allow other people to decide how September 11, 2001 changed the world. Let’s decide again today that September 11, 2001 was a day that taught us about true sacrifice and service. Let’s decide today that September 11, 2001 was a day that taught us about true greatness.

On the 10^th Anniversary of the attacks, Sure Foundation reflected on Jesus’ words in Mark 10:42-45 in a service of remembrance. There Jesus teaches us about true sacrifice, true service, and true greatness. We see those same values in the men and women who responded to the attacks on 9/11. These are the same values we want to instill in ourselves and in our children.

There were two moments of silence during the service. The moments of silence took place 10 years to the minute of when each of the World Trade Center Towers fell. We used those moments to reflect on both the true sacrifice and the true greatness that we see in Jesus, in the heroes of 9/11, and how we want to reflect that in our own lives.

Over 50 visitors attended the emotional worship service and commemoration. The commemoration included a worship service, a presentation of an art piece entitled “The Hand that Rescues” from local Artist Geoff Lupo to FDNY’s Jason Alonte, and a Question and Answer session with Jason Alonte about life in New York City’s Fire Department.

See 9/11 Memorial Service Pictures

Un Servicio de Conmemoración

El Décimo Aniversario de 9/11
Un servicio de Conmemoración 

Vengan para agradecer personalmente a sus funcionarios públicos durante un servicio de conmemoración en Woodside. Conozcan a los bomberos locales de FDNY a las 10:30 AM. Escuchen una presentación acerca de la vida de uno de los New York’s Bravest, y el impacto del 9/11. Disfruten de un café y pasteles con nosotros.


Para obtener más información, llame al 347-456-5133

Woodside Remembers

On the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 

A Service of Remembrance

Personally thank your public servants during the 

Woodside community service of remembrance.

Meet local FDNY firefighters at 10:30 AM. Hear a presentation about life as one of New York's Bravest,
and the impact of 9/11.

Enjoy coffee & pastries with us. 

For more info, please call 347-456-5133

Tanyssa Behnke on Art in the Park

Tanyssa Behnke's experience at Art in the Park inspired a recent blog post published on the WELS mission blog.

READ THE ARTICLE HERE.

Summer 2011: Art in the Park

Sure Foundation Lutheran Church held our annual Art in the Park series in Hart Park, Woodside, Queens on July 2, and 5-6 at 6:30pm.

The goal of the program is to bring the hope we have in Jesus to our community. With the perfect weather this year, hundreds of smiling faces listened to Bible stories, threw water balloons, and, of course, made art in Hart Park. Sure Foundation partnered with the youth group from Trinity Lutheran Church in Brillion, WI.

To Jesus be the glory!

Arte en el Parque

La Iglesia Luterana de Sure Foundation hizo Arte en el Parque el 2, 5-6 de Julio a las 6:30pm en Hart Park, Woodside, Queens.

El objetivo del programa es llevar la esperanza que tenemos en Jesús a nuestra comunidad. Con un clima perfecto este año, cientos de caras sonrientes escucharon historias de la Biblia, lanzaron globos de agua, y, por supuesto, hiceron arte en Hart Park. Sure Foundation se asoció con el grupo de jóvenes La Iglesia Luterana de la Trinidad en Brillion, WI.

A Jesús sea la gloria!

Save the Date!

You're invited! Each year, the people from churches in the North Atlantic District of the WELS come together at the Labor Day Retreat for fun and fellowship. It's a refreshing way to connect with old friends and make new ones... and to connect with the Lord. We want everyone to be a part of it! Register now to get premium accommodations and check out the NEW WEBSITE for all the exciting details. Don't miss it - this year has so many new and fun things, it'll be the best yet. We're thrilled to announce new things this year:

• Koiné will be performing all weekend just for us!
• New Group Registration Options - choose the option that's right for you!
• Improved facilities!
• Cabins with private rooms
• A gorgeous new location
• Warmer climate
• "Mountain Matins"
• The LAKESIDE FIREWORKS will be spectacular!
• Se habla español, e-mail para más información
• Catered meals provided!
• No kitchen patrol required, but volunteer opportunities available ... and
• Online Registration

Bring all your friends, this is the Retreat you don't want to miss! Send an email to WELSLaborDayRetreat[at]gmail.com to stay up-to-date with all the breaking news about this year's Retreat.

Beauty in the Berkshires!

A view from the dock on a pristine lake!

The GREAT HALL with a huge fireplace. Perfect for s'mores...

Come on in - the water's great!

Sit in the shade by the picnic tables and watch the fun!

Sure Foundation at NYC Ballet

Click here to view these pictures larger