In February, All Saints extended an open invitation to folks from our congregation to participate in this summer’s mission trip to Trnava, Slovakia. Knowing full well that it would take some manpower (and womanpower) for this trip to work, we trusted God to provide–and he has. Seven folks have committed to go: Phillip Allen; David & Rachel Breeding; Josh, Jon, & Jacob Eby; and Jeni Williams.

Purpose

Note that this is not a glamorous trip, though there may be beautiful moments. Nor is it a vacation, although one may find moments of peace. This will be a very active trip–full of giving, serving, laughing, maybe even crying. We’re hosting a VBS camp (in Slovak, nonetheless) for 30 kids aged 8 to 12 in the town of Trnava, Slovakia, where Kris & Paula Lundgaard live. Kris invited All Saints to come and bless this Slovak church by offering this VBS camp as an outreach to their community that the Slovaks could not provide on their own. Our team has been preparing for months now, as has a team of college-aged Slovaks who lead the kids ministry at the church in Trnava, not to mention a few missionaries who have been guiding us along.

Ways to Participate

But going to Slovakia is certainly not the only way to be involved. And to be honest, our team needs your help. You might be asking, “How might I do that from way over here?” Here are a few more ways to be involved:

• Give. The cost to put on a VBS camp for 30 kids is substantial, and that’s after the team actually gets to Trnava! Consider playing a valuable part by making a financial gift towards the cost of this trip. Just put “Slovakia” in the memo of your check or online contribution. At this time, the team is still looking to raise another $5,000. Thanks to those who have already help out in this way!
• Pray. “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Ps. 127:1). Pray as we prepare for this trip, make plans, build curriculum, and meet together. But also pray during the time we are in Slovakia: June 28 – July 10. This Slovak church we will walk alongside is a fragile one- small, meager, easily attacked by the evil one. But God is stronger. Contact David Breeding (dbreeding@allsaintsaustin.org) to receive the team’s prayer list and to receive trip updates this summer.
• Help. As we approach the trip’s departure, the team will have specific needs for crafts and other supplies to bring with them to Slovakia. This is a great way to involve your family or friends in participating in this mission trip from your own living room. Or perhaps you just want to send a gift to the Lundgaards. Maybe you have thought of something else that would contribute towards the Slovakia mission trip this summer. We’re all ears. Contact David Breeding for more details on how to be involved.

May the Apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthians about the “cheerful giver” ring true for us all, not just in thinking of ministering to strangers across the globe during this mission trip, but through all of our lives:

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God” (II Cor 9:10-12).

Redeemer is also looking for volunteers:  teachers, crafts, snack helpers.  They plan to serve 160 children, including an outreach to neighborhood children.  Have fun, and help support our sister church!

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE | APRIL 6

• 6:00PM at St. Gabriel’s.
• Childcare available for children under 4 by RSVP to Rebe McReynolds.

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES | APRIL 8

• 9:00 & 11:00 AM at St. Gabriel’s.
• No Sunday School classes this week.
• Childcare as usual for Caterpillars-Small Saints for both services. Find your class here.

Hill House Lunch and Gallery

Sunday, April 29th immediately following worship All Saints, together with Hill House, will be hosting a lunch and art gallery with artist and All Saints member Sonya Menges. Be on the lookout for more information and additional opportunities to view Sonya’s work.

Hill House Acoustic Concert Series

Friday, May 4th, All Saints favorite, Jake Armerding and Kevin Gosa (aka The Fretful Porcupine), will wrap up the Spring concert series. A wine and cheese reception begins at 7PM, followed by the concert. Space is limited so you must RSVP to David Lutes.

Pick up a classroom map from the information table Sunday morning. For questions about children’s classes, contact Melissa Kummerer. For more information on adult classes (and any other Sunday School question), contact Benjie Slaton.

• Luke | Stephen Hurd

Ongoing study of the Gospel of Luke. Luke sets forth the life of our Lord from the perspective of faith. What does a life of faith consist of and look like in this world? How does our Lord’s teachings and life illustrate and ultimately undergird a life of faith? What does the end of our Lord’s life have to do with our walk of faith today?

• Christian Disciples | Josh Eby

As Christians, we are called to become like Jesus.  But how is it that we are transformed into his likeness?  In this class we will explore both a theological paradigm and various practices that help us grow in faithfulness to Christ.

• How Much Is For Sale? | Greg Grooms

In “How Much is for Sale?” we’ll be looking at the book of Amos. Amos was a prophet to the kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BC, a time when Israel was safe, secure, and quite prosperous. Accordingly his message is surprisingly contemporary: be careful, lest you love your prosperity more than you love the Lord and your neighbor.

• Youth – Understanding Worship | Woonny Kim

We do it all the time, but do we understand worship? This Spring we look at what worship means in general and seek to understand why we worship the way we do at All Saints.

• Women’s Prayer | Mary Jane Grooms

Mary Jane Grooms leads a small group of women in faithfully praying for the needs of our body and the world. Find them in the library.

 

The Spring semester runs through Sunday, May 13 (with a break on Easter Sunday, April 8).

A few weeks ago, All Saints offered an open invitation to folks from our congregation to participate in this summer’s mission trip to Trnava, Slovakia. Knowing full well that it would take some manpower (and womanpower) for this trip to work, we trusted God to provide, and he has. Several folks have expressed interest in the Slovakia trip already; and for those interested, there is an informational trip meeting on Sunday, February 26, right after church. So, come. The deadline to sign up is quickly approaching.

Note that this is not a glamorous trip, though there may be beautiful moments. Nor is it a vacation, although one may find moments of solace. This will be a very active trip–full of giving, serving, laughing, maybe even crying.

But going to Slovakia is certainly not the only way to be involved. The group going to Slovakia needs your help in putting on a VBS day camp for a small Slovak church and hosting events for its women’s ministry. You might be asking, “How might I do that from way over here?” Here are a few more ways to be involved:

• Pray. “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Ps. 127:1). Pray as we prepare for this trip, make plans, build curriculum, and meet together. But also pray during the time we are in Slovakia: June 28 – July 9. This Slovak church we will walk alongside is a fragile one- small, meager, easily attacked by the evil one. But God is stronger.
• Give. The costs of putting on programs for the Slovak church’s kid’s ministry and women’s ministry are substantial, and that’s after the team actually gets to Trnava! If perhaps you are not able to go, consider playing a valuable part by making a financial gift towards the cost of this trip. Just put “Slovakia” in the memo of your check or online contribution.
• Help. As we approach the summer months, the team will have specific needs for crafts and other supplies to bring with them to Slovakia. This is a great way to involve your family or friends in participating in this mission trip from your own living room. Or maybe you want to help design the curriculum for the VBS camp. Or perhaps you just want to send a gift to the Lundgaards. We’ll keep you posted regarding the group’s specific needs.

Maybe you have thought of something else that would contribute towards the Slovakia mission trip this summer. We’re all ears. Contact David Breeding with questions or for more information.

May the Apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthians about the “cheerful giver” ring true for us all, not just in thinking of ministering to strangers across the globe during this mission trip, but through all of our lives:

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God” (II Cor 9:10-12).