"KEEP WATCH WITH ME" -
A HALF-DAY SILENT LENTEN RETREAT
On Saturday, April 5 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at Abba House (647 Western Avenue, Albany), we will gather for a brief prayer followed by silence until our noontime closing prayer. Abba House's fee for the use of the house is $10 per person. Please contact Mary Scott (439-6061) with any questions.

JUBILATE SINGERS PERFORM ON PALM SUNDAY
The Jubilate Singers with a Festival Orchestra and professional soloists will present the "REQUIEM", by Johannes Brahms at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Palm Sunday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Unlike Requiems in the Roman Catholic tradition which are based on the liturgical Requiem Mass, the texts for Brahms' Requiem come from Luther's translation of the Scriptures, projecting a message of comfort and hope as we face life here and in eternity. Born, baptized and confirmed a Lutheran, Brahms conveys that message through texts that emphasize the "blessedness" of those that mourn, of those anticipating eternal life in the "dwelling places" Jesus has prepared, and of those who remain faithful
as they die in the Lord. The texts of the first three movements offer hope to those who mourn. The fourth movement describes the joy of residing in heaven. The last three movements focus on the joy and comfort of the departed faithful.

Throughout the composition Brahms "paints" the text by selecting orchestral colors from the very dark beginning, using only the lower string sounds, to the triumphant brass announcement of the resurrection of believers on the Last Day. Special treatment is given to important words like "tears" and "weeping" on the one hand, and "comfort" and "joy" on the other. Just as Christ used textual contrasts in the Beatitudes of His Sermon on the Mount, (Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted . . .) to clarify His message of hope and comfort, Brahms used musical contrasts to accomplish the same purpose.

Seating is limited and tickets will be required. There will be a free will offering. We would appreciate a donation of $15.00 per ticket. In addition, if you wish to support the work of the Jubilate Singers, we would be glad to include you as a patron. Please contact Dee Ertell (478-9476) to get your tickets as soon as possible. The seats are going quickly. Don't miss the opportunity!

WOMEN'S HEALTH SERIES
A series of lectures and presentations on women's health issues are being offered for the women of BLC and the community. The series has been organized by Barbara Jordan through St. Peter's Hospital. All lectures will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the church. Please register for each session by calling Barbara Collins at 439-5098, or the church office at 439- 4328

BOOK GROUP MEETING SET FOR MONDAY APRIL 21
Our reading selection for this Lenten season is a wonderful book entitled God Came Near, by well-known Christian author, Max Lucado. We Christians want so desperately to see Jesus- to squint through pain, struggles, fear and dizzying distractions and really focus on HIM . This warm, insightful book offers an irresistible opportunity for us to begin anew our journey to God. Join us at Mary Scott's house at 7:00 PM on April 21 as we go with
Max Lucado for a glimpse of the Risen Lord in all His glory. For more info, contact Judy Nestlen (768-2602) or email JVNestlen@cs.com

YOUTH MINISTRIES NEWS
On March 1st, 15 members and friends of our Middle and High School Youth Ministries group went to Albany Indoor Rock Climbing. After they received their equipment and safety instructions, the group was off and climbing. They work in teams and one supports the other while one climbs. There are some really neat pictures of the kids in the Fellowship Hall on the Youth Ministries bulletin board.

The group also enjoyed climbing through the maze of tunnels at AIR. Some of the tunnels are in the dark and others have cut outs where they can see outside of the tunnel. There are some funny pictures in the Fellowship Hall of a glass section and rope section that they have to climb through.

The group had lots of fun and as always supported and helped each other out. When one of the Middle Schoolers could not find their way out of one of the tunnels, one of the High Schoolers took it upon themselves to go into the tunnels to bring them out. It was an enjoyable time to watch them having fun with each other in a safe and supporting environment.

YOUTH MINISTRIES EVENTS
Sunday, April 6th, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM - preparation for the Easter Egg Hunt. We need to set up the eggs with candy and prizes for the Easter Egg Hunt on April 12th. We really need your help with this set up. We will have snacks and any loose candy that might fall while filling the eggs. Sign up in the Fellowship Hall at the Youth Ministries table.

GREETINGS FROM THE PRESCHOOL
Hello, Everyone! The preschool enrollment has increased to twenty one children. As of March 16, our three year old class is full with fifteen children enrolled plus a waiting list of four. There are six children enrolled in the four year old class with new inquiries coming in weekly. The next big step is recruiting an assistant teacher for the school. Each week brings us closer to realizing this wonderful mission of the church!

Kathy Glaser, Preschool Director

MARY SCOTT'S ARTWORK BEING SHOWN AT VISIONS GALLERY
BLC member, Mary Scott is showing her work as part of an exhibit entitled, "New Work: Prints and More by Long Time Visions Artisits". The exhibit will run through April 25th. The Visions Gallery is located at 40 Main Avenue in Albany and the hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (telephone: 453-6600).

DON'T FORGET!!
It's time to spring ahead! Daylight Savings Time begins April 6, so don't forget to move your clocks ahead one-hour before you go to bed Saturday night!

A NOTE FROM THE NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Please continue sending your articles directly to me, unless they need to be placed in the church bulletin, as well. The avenues to submit a newsletter article are as follows:

Remember to mark the next newsletter deadline on your calendar….APRIL 13, 2003! Looking forward to hearing from you!
Lisa Thien

THE MISSION FESTIVAL WAS A HIT!
There are so many people to thank for helping to make March 9th such an eventful day. Just so no one has been missed, one big THANK YOU to everyone who helped in any way. God bless you!

We hope all the wonderful presentations by our speakers gave you something to think about - like what can I do? There certainly are many choices. One thing we can all do on a regular basis is remember all of our mission workers in prayer. Another, is to support them with monetary gifts. Someone suggested that we pick one mission project a month and concentrate on that one. A great idea!
We especially thank Pastor Michael Cartwright for his inspiring sermon, and Pastor Neil Mittelstaedt for his enthusiastic talk. They both left us with much to think and pray about. Additionally, the Board of Missions especially wants to thank Roger Kinsey for his leadership. He brings a special joy to serving on the Board of Missions. Thank you, Roger, and God bless you!

One last thank you to all who made our Mission Festival such a huge success. Now, about next year….

THE BOARD OF YOUTH MINISTRIES SAYS THANKS
Thank you to the Aadlands' and Collins' for their continued faithfulness leading our youth programs and activities, and also to those volunteers who helped with our January retreats and awesome Youth Sunday. We are in the process of making arrangements for a possible Easter Egg Hunt and Mother's Day Brunch. The Board itself has dwindled down to three active members. We pray our Lord open your hearts to consider joining us when Board positions need to be filled in June.

In His service,
Deacon Didi Skultety

A MESSAGE FROM LUTHERAN BIBLE TRANSLATORS, ED AND MARY FOX
Thank you for your prayers for us over these difficult years! The year 2003 has been so good. We went to San Andres New Year's Eve, stayed three days, and saw lots of our friends. We are encouraged by how God has helped all of them, and many of them have become stronger Christians than ever. We also thank God that Carolyn and Don are uninjured!

At the end of January, Ed went to San Andres again and did translation work with Domingo. That also was an encouraging time with plenty of progress in the work. Now Ed is planning to go again March 12, so your conference is just in time for you to help us even more with your prayers than ever! Sometimes at this dry and hot time of year temperatures go up to 100 degrees F., so Ed and Domingo will need extra strength from God to be able to work together on the knotty questions in Luke.

Although Ed's health is better than it has been for three years, he will still need special prayer for not getting worse in the heat and dust out there. To further complicate things, striking teachers have blocked major highways in the last couple of weeks, causing delays of up to four hours, so please pray for hassle-free travel.
Thank you again for your prayers and support!

Blessings in Christ,
Mary and Ed, Carolyn and Don Fox

HEARTFELT THANK YOUS
From Alice Nielsen…
After a stay at St. Perter's and rehab at "Good Sam", I am finally back at Nelson House. The cards from BLC friends were a bright spot in the days. The frequent visits from Pastor Winterhoff and Pastor Mueller made a difference in my recovery, and to have their prayers added to my own was most comforting. Thanks to all!