St. Ansgar Lutheran Church

Interfaith Conference Sat, 2/4 6PM

2012-01-31T22:13:00.004-05:00

This Saturday, Feb 4th, our friend, the Rev. Mia Dyson, and her Portland Discernment Group are hosting an interfaith conference at St. Ansgar. Area clergy and lay leaders of churches, synagogues, and mosques will be in attendance. The topic is "The Future of Religious Communities - Will They Be Here For Us?"

The conference will begin with a light supper at 6PM. Then there will be a round table discussion dealing with the challenges faced and signs of hope emerging within area religious communities. The focus will be on ways to find and promote spiritual growth and renewal. Please join us for this evening of interfaith dialogue and fellowship.

Registration is not mandatory, but a quick email to conference2012@saintansgar.org will help organizers prepare.

Congratulations to Redeemer Lutheran in Bangor!

2012-01-31T21:47:00.001-05:00

We are no longer the only ELCA Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation in Maine. Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bangor has joined us. As RIC churches we have endorsed a statement of welcome to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons into the full life and ministry of our congregations. Pastor Bill Barter and a delegation of St. Ansgar members traveled to Bangor this past Sunday to help celebrate. Congratulations to Redeemer on taking this faithful and affirming step!

St. Ansgar Welcomes Jim Fry

2011-12-31T10:23:00.005-05:00

St. Ansgar's new organist and choir director, Jim Fry, comes to Maine from the Albany, NY, area where he was the music director of the Burnt Hills United Methodist Church - a 900 member church in Saratoga County, followed by his appointment as Music Director of RPI's Chapel and Cultural Center.

Jim enjoys the art of improvisation and new age style of piano playing (in the style of David Lanz and Jim Brickman). In his twenty-five-year career of music ministry, Jim has shared his passion for Christian music with numerous groups and congregations in a wide area. In 1996, Jim was appointed coordinator of Troy Conference worship in the United Methodist Church for the NY/VT region and led various worship experiences for many lay and clergy events over that four-year term.

Jim has written a number of songs for children's choirs, including "Catch The Spirit" and "Reaching Far Beyond" for the Rainbow Children's Chorus in the Hudson Valley and the Wings of Praise Touring Choir in Long Island. Both groups were led by Jim in the 1980's and 90's.

Currently, Jim arranges the music for and accompanies a Christian singing group "A New Day," which travels throughout the Northeast presenting concerts for various congregations. Jim is married and lives with his wife Peggy and family in the Portland area.

Christmas Services 2011

2011-12-20T18:39:00.001-05:00

Christmas Eve service is at 7PM. This will be a family service with an extended children's sermon. Since Christmas is on a Sunday this year, there will also be a Christmas morning service at 10 AM. Christmas is a great time to visit St. Ansgar. Hope to see you there!

Joint Children's Christmas Pageant Sun, 12/18

2011-12-18T06:48:00.001-05:00

It's a great Sunday to join us. Our Children's Christmas Pageant features children of St. Ansgar and of the Sudanese congregation that worships here on Sunday afternoons. A simple nativity play, traditional Christmas carols, and a hot dog lunch after service. This is always one of the most cherished Sundays of the year.

Light in the Darkness, A Special Evening of Taize Prayer Sun, 12/18 5PM

2011-12-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Amidst the commotion and stresses of the season, let us find repose in receiving the gift of new birth and life. Please join us for a special evening of community worship this Advent featuring chants and prayers originating from the world-reknowned monastery in Taize, France. We will watch and pray together as easily sung melodies and the simple and timeless words of Scripture are interspersed with silence and icon imagery. All are welcome. Come, watch, and pray together Sun, December 18th, at 5PM.

Christmas Caroling Friday, 12/16 6-8 PM

2011-12-15T19:04:00.002-05:00

Meet at the church before 6pm!! We'll be singing in the Rosemont neighborhood. This is an intergenerational event sponsored by the youth group. It would be wonderful if we had some adult voices to make this successful. Younger children are encouraged to attend also! Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided afterwards! Bring jingle bells if you have some!

St. Lucia Festival and Sale on Sun, 12/11 at 4PM

2011-11-30T21:25:00.000-05:00

This year St. Ansgar will hold its St. Lucia Festival on Sunday, December 11th at 4PM.The event is free and open to the public.

What is the St. Lucia Festival? It is a Swedish Christian tradition that dates from the 14th century. According to the old Julian calendar, December 13th was the longest night of the year, and thus marked the first step toward spring, with its promise of light and sunshine. It is on this date that the people of Sweden celebrate the Lucia Festival. Christian legend has it that the Romans betrayed Lucia. Later, Vikings impressed by her faith, are said to have brought her legend to Scandinavia from Sicily, where she is the patron saint of fisherman.

Every year at Saint Ansgar, the St. Lucia legend is told. Authentic Swedish carols are sung, and a young woman from the congregation is crowned the "Queen of Light." Traditional Scandinavian refreshments are served, and unique items from our international table are available.

Pastor Bill's Stewardship Video

2011-11-30T19:44:00.005-05:00

The economy is down, and so is church membership throughout the country. However, St. Ansgar is bucking that trend. We are a GROWING congregation. Why? How unusual is our growth compared to local ELCA churches? Click on the You Tube link below for Pastor Bill's thoughts on what sets St. Ansgar apart, what challenges we still face, and how you can help.
http://youtu.be/ziE6m2A7BkE

Just an Old Fashioned Fair on Sat, 11/12th 10-2

2011-10-22T16:55:00.000-04:00

Don't miss it! Every year Portlanders flock to the fair for homemade crafts, our famous fish chowder, delicious baked goods including our very own Julekake bread, Scandinavian gifts, and the ever unpredictable White Elephant Sale. Proceeds benefit youth programming and capital improvement projects at St. Ansgar as well as local charities. The doors open at 10:00 AM. Come one, come all. See you at the fair!

50 Years in the Rosemont Neighborhood

2011-09-17T13:34:00.004-04:00

This Sunday, 9/18, St. Ansgar celebrates 50 years in the Rosemont neighborhood. Come join us for a special worship service and potluck luncheon. History buffs, please note. Our congregation's archivist will have a selection of historical photos on display.

We will also host our first Taize Community Prayer of the season this Sunday evening. Wind down from your hectic weekend with meditative prayer and song. Taize starts at 5PM.

Fall Worship Starts Today at 10 AM

2011-09-11T07:31:00.003-04:00

The fall worship schedule starts today. We will begin at 10:00 AM. Please come and join us as we mark the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks and pray for peace.

An Appeal from Lutheran World Relief

2011-08-04T15:19:00.006-04:00

St. Ansgar Members and Friends may donate to Lutheran World Relief online or in an offering any Sunday. Be sure to designate your gift to LWR with a note on your envelope or check. Below is a letter from the CEO of Lutheran World Relief about the crisis in East Africa.

Dear Friends,

The crisis in the Horn of Africa is worsening by the day. Lutheran World Relief needs your help. To respond to this crisis, and make a long-term impact on hunger in East Africa, LWR needs to raise $2 million by the end of this year.

Right now more than 11 million people are at risk of starvation. Lucia Muvili Ngotho is one of them. Holding out her hands, she shows a few meager beans. “This is the last of my food,” she reports.There’s been no decent rain in her area for years. Now she has to buy food for her family— at drastic price hikes — because she can no longer grow it. “We only have enough food for one meal a day,” she says. But the sad reality is Lucia’s family is a lot better off than many others in East Africa. Many have nothing to eat and no way to grow or buy food. Will you reach out to them with a gift to the East Africa Drought fund?

With our partner, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), we’re already working to reach thousands of vulnerable families in Kenya and Ethiopia with food, water, shelter items and other critically needed assistance. Your emergency gift will help LWR reach even further.

With your help we’ll work with communities to help families earn money to buy food, preserve and protect their farmlands and become less vulnerable to future droughts. Please support this work with a gift today. If Lucia’s family runs out of food they, too, will be left with nothing. Pray for them, and for all the people of East Africa. And please give generously so that LWR can stay with them for the long haul.

In Christ’s Mercy,
John A. Nunes
President and CEO

Your gifts to the East Africa Drought fund will be used to respond to this crisis until needs are met. Gifts received after that time will be applied where needs are greatest.

Annual Blueberry Festival on Wed, 8/3

2011-07-31T11:50:00.000-04:00

Our Annual Blueberry Festival is on Wednesday, 8/3, beginning at 6:30pm. All are invited to bring their favorite blueberry treat to share and if you don't have time to make a treat, stop by anyway. There's always more than enough. The basement is cool, and the cobbler is fine.

A few words from Pastor Bill Barter on the merits of blueberries ---

Dear Friends,

Want to be healthier? Eat blueberries!

Blueberries are phytonutrient superstars. These fruits contain significant amounts of anthocyanadins, antioxidant compounds that give blue, purple and red colors to fruits and vegetables. In addition, blueberries also contain ellagic acid, another phytochemical that has been shown to prevent cell damage.Blueberries are a very good source of vitamin C, manganese, and both soluble and insoluble fiber like pectin. Blueberries are also a good source of vitamin E.

Here’s the link with the info: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=8#nutritionalprofile

OK, the sugar in the blueberry desserts may be a problem, but come enjoy the fellowship anyway!

Pastor Bill Barter (who really does care about your health).

St. Ansgar is Featured on Synod Website

2011-07-27T06:34:00.001-04:00

St. Ansgar is featured on the New England Synod's website for our participation in the Southern Maine Pride Parade. Check it out at www.newenglandsynod.org.

Car Wash to Benefit St. Ansgar Youth

2011-07-23T09:33:00.001-04:00

The car wash is on! Stop by this morning, Sat 7/23, and get your car washed. All donations benefit St. Ansgar youth.

Summer Worship Schedule Begins 6/26

2011-06-20T06:07:00.005-04:00

St. Ansgar begins our summer worship schedule on Sun, 6/26. This Sunday and all Sundays during the summer months, worship will begin at 9:00 AM. Come out and worship in the cool of the morning, enjoy some tasty morsels at coffee hour, and head out for your summer Sunday plans in peace. Are you from out of town? We love visitors! Please join us.

Taize Community Prayer This Sunday 6/19 at 5PM

2011-06-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

All are welcome. Come and experience the meditative power of Taize worship.

Southern Maine Pride Parade & Festival 6/18

2011-06-16T19:21:00.005-04:00

Saturday, June 18th, is the Southern Maine Pride Festival, and once again St. Ansgar will be marching as Maine's only Reconciling in Christ congregation. Look for our banner in the parade and our table at Deering Oaks Park. Or better yet, join us at Monument Square at 12:30 PM.

2011-06-16T19:14:00.003-04:00

Come and join us for worship Sundays at 10:00 AM during the school year and 9:00 AM during the summer. Following the service is Coffee and Conversation. All are invited to enjoy the fellowship and tasty treats.

During the school year our Sunday School program for children under confirmation age is incorporated into worship time. On the first Sunday of the month, the liturgy is youth focused and families are encouraged to worship together. On other Sundays families start the worship together and children are called to the front for a blessing with their teachers. Then the Sunday School leaves worship for their lessons. Children and teachers come back at the Passing of the Peace. This way children receive the liturgical message in a way that is meaningful for them and parents can worship worry free. In addition, there is a cry room where parents can still view the service while their babies and toddlers get a play break.

For information about confirmation classes, please contact Pastor Bill.

Holiday Evening Services:
Ash Wednesday 7PM
Joint Lenten Services Wednesdays Throughout Lent (Call church for details.)
Maundy Thursday 7PM
Good Friday 7PM
Christmas Eve 7PM
Sun, 12/25/2011 Christmas Morning Service 10 AM

Bring a Friend, Make a Friend this Sunday 6/12

2011-06-07T20:45:00.002-04:00

June 12th is Pentecost Sunday. St. Ansgar is hosting a special luncheon honoring friendship and celebrating the birth of the church in many languages. St. Ansgar members are encouraged to bring a friend. If you've never visited St. Ansgar, this Sunday is surely a lovely time to check us out.

After the service, "Breads of the World" will be shared. Come and feast on Swedish Limpa, French Canadian Ployes, Norwegian Julekake, Jewish Challah, Danish Rye, Irish Soda Bread, Islandic Crepes, Syrian Bread, jams, and sandwich fixings.

Bring a friend or make a friend this Sunday at St. Ansgar!

Yard Sale This Saturday 6/11 9AM-2PM

2011-06-07T20:15:00.000-04:00

All proceeds go to offset the costs of our Vacation Bible School. Guilt free shopping!

Vacation Bible School July 11-15th

2011-04-24T20:47:00.000-04:00

St. Ansgar is pleased to host its seventh annual Vacation Bible School week for kids (ages 4-14) in the community. Once again we are partnering with Calumet Lutheran Camp and Conference Center in NH to provide professionally trained and experienced counselors. VBS is sure to provide a safe, fun, and welcoming atmosphere for all participants.

VBS which is all day (8AM - 5PM) is only $45 for the entire week. The dedicated VBS Committee raises money every year to keep that cost affordable for all. There are 30 slots. Be sure to contact the church soon to reserve space for your youngster. Here's to another week of summer fun at St. Ansgar!

Easter Egg Hunt on Sat 4/23 at 10 AM

2011-04-16T07:08:00.001-04:00

St. Ansgar is planning an Easter Egg Hunt for all children elementary age and younger. All are welcome. There will be eggs to dye, crafts to complete, and of course, lots of eggs to hunt for! Middle school and high school age youth are encouraged to attend to help the younger ones. We hope to see you there!

Easter Breakfast 9AM, Festive Easter Worship 10:30AM

2011-04-16T07:00:00.002-04:00

St. Ansgar's Easter Worship is festive and joyous. Everyone is invited to ring bells and add a flower to our traditional floral cross. Also, consider beginning your morning with a pancake breakfast served by our very own church council. The legendary, homemade goodness is only $3.50 a plate or $10.00 per family. Proceeds fund camperships to Calumet for St. Ansgar youth. Serving begins at 9AM. Happy Easter everyone!

St. Ansgar to Host Lenten Suppers and Services

2011-03-07T19:45:00.005-05:00

Every Lent, Greater Portland area Lutherans gather on Wednesdays for a soup supper and joint service. This year St. Ansgar is hosting. Supper begins at 6PM and is followed by a choir rehearsal. Evening prayer is at 7PM. All are welcome. The first supper and service is on 3/16.

Ash Wednesday Service 3/9 at 7PM

2011-03-07T19:10:00.001-05:00

A service of the Word and imposition of ashes will take place at 7:00PM. This is a wonderful way to begin the Lenten discipline. Please plan to attend.

Pray the Taize Way in 2011.

2011-01-03T19:07:00.013-05:00

This Advent St. Ansgar hosted our first community worship featuring chants and prayers originating from the world-reknowned monastery in Taize, France. In the new year we will host Taize Prayer once a month. In January it will be at 5PM on Sunday, 1/23. After that Taize Prayer will be on the third Sunday of the month (excluding July) always at 5PM. If you have never been to a Taize Prayer, be prepared for a meditative experience. The easily sung melodies and the simple and timeless words of Scripture are interspersed with silence and icon imagery. All are welcome.

Resolve to End Hunger!

2011-01-02T07:30:00.001-05:00

Today is the first Project Feed Sunday of 2011.

The first Sunday of every month is Project Feed Sunday. Project Feed is an emergency food bank serving Portland and supported by many area churches. All are invited to bring canned goods and other basic necessities to St. Ansgar for donation to Project Feed.

Please limit canned goods to items that are easily prepared (canned soup for example rather than canned pumpkin). Helpful nonfood items include large diapers, toilet paper (individually wrapped), tissues, toothpaste and toothbrushes, dish soap, laundry soap, sanitary napkins and tampons, shampoo, and bar soap.

On the first Sunday of every month the donations are brought to the altar during the offering and after the service they are transported to the food bank which is housed in Woodfords Congregational Church. St. Ansgar also accepts cash donations on Project Feed's behalf. Members need only designate on their offering envelopes which portion of their offering they would like to go to Project Feed.

If you have any questions about Project Feed visit their website. For those who would like to volunteer for Project Feed through St. Ansgar, contact the pastor. He can put you in touch with a few members who volunteer regularly.

Update from the Sewing Group

2010-11-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Sewing Group recently shipped 25 layettes to Lutheran World Relief. Each layette contained enough clothing to give a newborn’s family and the newborn a great start. (Pictured above is a layette being given to an Afghani mother.)

We thank Thrivent for the financial support. The next project is school kits. A goal of 20 has been set. The spring project will be Health Kits.

You are invited to help. Come to an upcoming meeting or contact the church for more details. To find out how The Sewing Group's efforts combine with those of other Lutheran churches around the world, view this video from Lutheran World Relief, Ordinary to Extraordinary.

Evangelical? What Does St. Ansgar Mean By That?

2010-11-08T14:29:00.004-05:00

The dictionary defines "evangelism" as “zealous preaching and dissemination of the Gospel, as through missionary work.” The official name of our church is St. Ansgar Evangelical Lutheran Church, and we are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). As a church that preaches the Gospel, it is fitting to have the word "Evangelical" in our name.

Unfortunately, the word "Evangelical" has taken on a very narrow meaning in recent times. Evangelicals are often viewed as self-proclaimed Christians who preach a message of fundamentalism, nationalism, and narrow-mindedness towards others. What sometimes passes as evangelical faith would hardly be recognizable to Jesus, whose Gospel (good news) was about redemption, healing, and inclusion.

Recently, the Church Council at St. Ansgar voted to update our church sign and make more room for movable text. We shortened the name on our sign to St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, and removed the term "Evangelical," in part to save much needed space to publish dynamic messages, and in part because the term "evangelical" has gained such a negative connotation in today's society. People have actually commented on feeling automatically excluded when they see the term "Evangelical" on our sign! We have made a similar change on the header of our blog.

Despite its potentially negative connotations and its misuse by fundamentalists, the term "Evangelical" is a fitting name for a church that is Gospel-based. It continues to be part of our official name at St. Ansgar. As we develop new and better ways to evangelize in our modern times, the Gospel remains at the forefront, a beacon of hope, justice, and God's love. We are a people of the Good News!

Pastor Bill Barter

The fair is coming!

2010-10-21T20:35:00.006-04:00

St. Ansgar Members and Friends,

It’s that time again. Our unique holiday fair will be held on the Sat, 11/13th. People from all over come to visit us on that day.

Your help is needed from set-up to clean-up. On the Friday before we will be baking our infamous Julekake bread. Volunteers are always welcome for that. On Friday evening, you are welcome to help make the delicious fish-chowder. And, we are looking for kitchen crew to work the luncheon on Saturday.

Other ways you can help:

Help set up tables following worship on November 7th.
Donate items for the White Elephant room.
Make delicious items for Bake Table and Candy Table.
Donate handmade items, decorations, etc.
Volunteer to be a greeter.
Work at a table.
Be on the clean up crew.

Help make this fair the best ever! See you there.

Come Out to the Movies Sun, 10/10 at 5PM!

2010-10-07T21:27:00.004-04:00

In honor of National Coming Out Day (10/11), St. Ansgar is hosting a viewing of the film Fish Out of Water. This is a new documentary exploring the seven scriptural references commonly used to condemn homosexuality. Every 6 hours we lose a gay teenager to suicide. The time is right to reclaim God's tent for everyone.

Our time together will begin with Holden Evening Prayer, a lovely Christian setting that includes Hebrew psalms. Then we will view the film, enjoy movie snacks, and discuss. Please come and invite your friends!

Communion at St. Ansgar

2010-08-31T11:59:00.000-04:00

We have communion every Sunday. All who believe in Jesus as Savior are welcome to share in God’s meal.

Those who have not been baptized (children and adults), are invited to come to the altar rail with folded hands to receive God’s blessing. Young children are given a single grape with their blessing.

For the communion wine, individual glasses are used every Sunday. Grape juice is available for those who abstain from alcohol. For health precautions, we no longer allow intinction (the practice of dipping one's bread in the chalice of wine.)

Please join us in the singing of communion hymns as the spirit moves you.

VBS is full

2010-07-08T20:10:00.002-04:00

As of today (July 8, 2010) our 2010 VBS is full! We are no longer taking registrations. Thanks!

Pride 2010 photo

2010-06-22T09:10:00.004-04:00

St. Ansgar marched in Pride 2010. We distributed 80 bags of "Lutheran" dog treats, and they were gone halfway through the parade route! We will need 200 bags for next year. Everyone had a great time. This photo does not include all 13 of our marchers, but it is a nice shot of our banner. Thanks, Pastor Myke, for snapping the photo for us.

The VBS Committee Needs Your Help!

2010-06-22T08:10:00.006-04:00

Vacation Bible School is almost here. This year it will be July 12-16th. There are many opportunities for you to be a part of this very popular program, and the committee hopes the "Saints" of St. Ansgar will once again rise to the occasion.

Here is how you can help:

PRAY –Join the VBS Prayer Team today! We need as many people as possible to commit to pray each day for the program. May God richly bless the children who attend VBS, their families, the counselors, and our congregation.

FEED – Make a meal or provide food for VBS counselors. The fantastic counselors from Camp Calumet need breakfast foods and a few simple dinners.

PROVIDE BEDDING – We need sleeping mats, cots, or air mattresses for the VBS counselors to sleep on.

FINANCIAL GIFT - Donation Sunday is July 11th. A gift of money in any amount will help keep the cost of the program affordable.

Look for Us at the Pride Parade Today!

2010-06-19T06:09:00.004-04:00

St. Ansgar is marching in Southern Maine Pride's Parade today. Come on out and march with us or cheer from the sidewalk. We are proud to be a Reconciling in Christ congregation.

Marchers, the parade starts promptly at 12:30PM. St. Ansgar is lining up on Preble Street in the "C" section.

See you there!

Organ Dedication Concert Fri. 6/18 at 7PM

2010-06-13T18:50:00.007-04:00

Reserve Friday evening June 18th for a Service of Dedication for the recently rebuilt pipe organ at Saint Ansgar. The service will feature a concert by German artists Frank Zimpel (organ) and Alexander Pfeifer (trumpet) playing a variety of music. Saint Ansgar's Music Director,Leela Nowrangi (soprano) will join them for some pieces.

The concert begins at 7 pm and is free. A good-will offering will be taken for the performers. You can check out the performer's website (in English):
http://www.zimpel-pfeifer.de/en/index.html

If you have any questions, call St. Ansgar (select option 7) or email concert@saintansgar.org.

Interfaith Vespers This Sunday 5/23

2010-05-22T13:28:00.005-04:00

This Sunday, May 23rd, Saint Ansgar will be hosting an Interfaith Vespers Service to celebrate our new status as A Reconciling in Christ Congregation. Our guest preacher will be Pastor John Stendahl, a former pastor of St. Ansgar, and current pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Newtons. Members of the Religious Coalition against Discrimination will also be participating. Please join us for this milestone celebration! A number of folks from Maine and other parts of New England have expressed interest in attending.

Prayer begins at 5:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served in the church hall immediately following the service. Please come join us and bring a friend!

Confirmation retreat photos

2010-04-18T21:56:00.010-04:00

Here are some pics from our confirmation retreat at Calumet. Ryan Clancy from St. Ansgar was one of the Calumet counselors for the weekend. The boys shared a cabin with Grace West Springfield, and Mara bunked with Salem Naugatuck. Even though it looks like we horsed around a bit (and we did), we had great discussions about Luther, the Reformation, and what it means to be Lutheran. Pastor had a good time too, and he is now resting comfortably at an undisclosed location.

Raise the Rafters Concert Sat. 4/10 at 7PM

2010-04-05T19:17:00.014-04:00

St. Ansgar is proud to host a joint concert of !Zing and Rock My Soul. This concert is part of a final push to fund the renovation of our beloved organ. When we decided to raise money for the organ, we decided as a congregation that we should give 10% of what we raise to charity (tithe). Well, the actual cost of the organ work is funded, and now we are working on the tithe. So come on out and enjoy some wonderful jazz and gospel music.

Your night out will fund three wonderful causes. One third of the tithe will go to African Relief Ministries, a nonprofit sponsored by the Sundanese congregation that worships in our building. African Relief Ministries is a micro lending organization that loans small amounts of money to entrepreneurs in Sudan. Another third will go to help rebuild the childhood church of an Ethiopian member of our congregation. Bethel Lube Presbyterian Church in Ethiopia reached out to St. Ansgar when termites made their building unlivable. The final third will go to Community Uplift Projects (CUP) International, a charity that runs an orphanage in Hosur, India. The father of our music director is the founder of CUP International.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Call 774-8740 ext. 7 or email concert@saintansgar.org.

Easter Egg Hunt 10 AM Tomorrow

2010-04-02T07:15:00.002-04:00

The Annual St. Ansgar Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the church this Saturday 4/3 at 10 a.m. Bring the kids, grandkids, kids friends, your relatives, and yourself.....we'll be dyeing eggs, decorating cookies, and of course....hunting for eggs outside on what promises to be a BEAUTIFUL day... Hope you will come!

Pastor's Easter Message

2010-03-23T12:34:00.004-04:00

My Easter message is posted on my page. Please take a moment to visit. Pr. Bill Barter

Joint Potluck with Sudanese Congregation This Sunday

2010-03-20T09:27:00.004-04:00

St. Ansgar is hosting a joint potluck luncheon after worship tomorrow, March 21st. We will be joined by the Sudanese worshipping community. Please bring your favorite food to share with our new partners in ministry at St. Ansgar. The potluck begins right after service, about noon.

There will also be a brief presentation about the work of African Relief Ministries. An exciting venture in Sudan and in other parts of Africa has been the emergence of “micro-lending” or “micro-banks.” These grassroots financial institutions take very little capital and turn it into life-changing business loans. In Sudan, a large part of the resources goes to the widows of the Sudanese wars, and allows them to become self-sufficient.

ARM’s website is at www.africanreliefministries.org. You can read more about this here.

Reconciling in Christ

2010-03-15T21:40:00.007-04:00

It's official. We are pleased to announce that we are now a Reconciling in Christ congregation of the ELCA. We welcome and affirm people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and their families. For more information on the Reconciling in Christ program, go to: http://www.lcna.org/.

SCUFFY Regional Youth Ministry Event Photos

2010-03-15T21:04:00.011-04:00

St. Ansgar hosted the SCUFFY Regional Youth Ministry event on March 13th. Youth from Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont were present including 11 from our own St. Ansgar/ Sudanese Nazarene congregations.

Organ Renovation is Complete!

2010-03-07T17:10:00.003-05:00

Our organ renovation and rebuilding is complete! Here is a synopsis of the work that has been done:

In the recent years, the organ’s entire electrical relay system had reached the end of its useful life. The thousands of delicate contact fingers were starting to break off from decades of repeated spark burning. Plastic parts in the console were disintegrating. The old cotton-covered wiring throughout the organ was now in violation of the National Electric Code. The power supply was no longer filtering the current properly. Malfunctioning mechanical relays were causing notes to stick.

The pedalboard frame had cracked, thereby not allowing the pedal keys to be tightened as much as they needed to be. This caused them to play even when they weren’t supposed to.

Faucher Organ Company replaced the entire electrical system with a new solid-state unit, having no moving parts and no longer creating any more destructive sparking. All the wiring and cables were replaced and brought up to code. A transposer was included, which easily allows an organist to play in higher or lower keys. A greatly-expanded combination action was installed, allowing guest organists to store their own stop combination memories.

A side benefit to designing the new relay system was the ability to add 6 additional stops to the organ without the need for additional pipes. This allows certain pipe ranks to serve double-duty, being available to play at two different pitch levels. This greatly increases the versatility and color dynamics in a small instrument.

The console, bench and pedalboard were also completely stripped and refinished at no cost, in return for the church being able to commit to the project early enough during the slow month following Christmas.

Other than tuning and perhaps occasional valve adjustments in the chests, there should not be any more electrical and relay issues for many generations ahead.

Ways to Help Haiti

2010-01-16T12:55:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

A bulletin insert will be made available on Sunday for people to make donations to ELCA Disaster Response. It is my understanding that 100% of your donation will go to direct relief. If you wish, you may send the donation form directly to ELCA Disaster Response, but if you turn in your donation to me on Sunday (or any time) I will make sure it gets to ELCA Disaster Response ASAP.

If you wish to give right now using a credit/debit card, go to www.elca.org/disaster to make a donation, or call ELCA Disaster Response at 1-800-638-3522.

If you are a Thrivent member you have an opportunity to make your donation larger, go to www.thrivent.com/helpinghaiti. If you make your donation there, Thrivent will match every $2.00 with $1.00.

As you probably know, Haiti is one of the poorest countries on Earth. I cannot begin to imagine the devastation that has been wrought on a people already poor and hungry. I am sure any amount will be appreciated. Whether you can give money or not, prayers are most needed at this time.

Pastor Bill Barter

Christmas Pageant 2009

2009-12-20T19:00:00.018-05:00

Christmas Pageant pics from December 20th! Some are in costume and others were taken during rehearsal. We have the most talented kids on the planet! Thanks to all the folks who helped make this happen.

Drop Off Your Items for Long Creek Youth

2009-12-07T19:45:00.002-05:00

During the Advent season St. Ansgar is collecting for the Long Creek Development Center, a local juvenile detention center. Approximately 135 youth will be at Long Creek during the holidays.

Long Creek wishes to provide each of the residents with a Christmas gift pack.

Long Creek specifically requested these items:

• SUAVE body wash, shampoo/conditioner, OLD SPICE deodorant.
• Slippers – men and women’s – all sizes
• Board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk
• Nerf footballs, basketballs
• Sweatshirts (in men’s sizes), white athletic socks, and women’s pajamas
• Duffel bags and back packs for kids returning to their communities
• Puzzles, composition books
• Word search books

Drop off donations at St. Ansgar from now until Sunday, December 20th.

Pictures from Just an Old Fashioned Fair 2009

2009-11-14T19:07:00.018-05:00

Some candids from the fair. We raised over $4000 this year! Thanks to all the helpers and shoppers. We couldn't have done it without you.

Veteran's Day 2009

2009-11-11T16:19:00.007-05:00

This year, the grand marshal of Portland's Veterans' Day Parade was our very own Espen Christensen. A small but dedicated group of St. Ansgar supporters gathered at High and Congress to cheer him on.

St. Ansgar Veteran Honored on Veteran's Day 11/11

2009-10-26T07:01:00.008-04:00

Congratulations to our very own Espen Christensen. He will be honored as Grand Marshall of Portland's Veteran's Day Parade on Wed, November 11th. The parade begins at Longfellow Square at 10:30 AM and proceeds down Congress Street to Monument Square. See you there!

Reformation Sunday, the Perfect Day for Confirmations

2009-10-21T06:45:00.004-04:00

Please join us as we confirm three young men, Kevin, Hilmar, and Matthew, at worship this coming Reformation Sunday, 10/25. How fitting it is that on the birthday of Lutheranism these young men have chosen to renew their baptismal promises and move officially into Christian adulthood.

On a personal note, this is quite a special time for me, as I have not presided at a confirmation ceremony since 1989, 20 years ago. It makes me so thankful to be a pastor today, and to be afforded such an honor by the people of St. Ansgar and these very special young people.

As part of the new confirmation rite, we anoint the forehead with holy Chrism oil. The oil is a symbol of being called and chosen. The oil we will use was blessed by Bishop Payne just this evening in Worcester, as clergy from across New England gathered to renew our ordination vows and our commitment to be faithful ministers of Word and Sacrament.

So come join us, and wear red for reformation! (Even if you don’t wear red, you are most welcome!)

Pastor Bill Barter

Just for Fun!

2009-03-02T22:01:00.003-05:00

A member found this on YouTube. I haven't fact checked this for accuracy. Not sure Garrison is actually Lutheran although he does do lots of Lutheran humor on Prairie Home Companion. Anyway this song made me laugh... so enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=102kvQ1dWoY

Vacation Bible School Dates Announced!

2009-02-19T22:40:00.004-05:00

This year's Vacation Bible School will be held the week of 7/13-7/17. We are now accepting reservations. Don't let your children miss out on what is sure to be another fun, faith-building week with the counselors from Calumet.

Sunday School Bake Sale 2/1

2009-01-30T23:00:00.002-05:00

The Sunday School is having a bake sale this Sunday, February 1 to benefit CUP International's orphanage in Hosur, India. Whether you'd like to contribute some tasty morsels or pick up some goodies for munching during the big game, it all goes to help children in need.

Remember too this first Sunday of the month is a Project Feed Sunday and Youth Sunday so we will be accepting food pantry donations during the offering and providing lots of opportunities for children to participate in the worship.

It's a wonderful Sunday to visit. Hope to see you there.

Pictures from the Children's Christmas Program

2009-01-03T14:41:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all who helped especially to the children, the "stars" of the show.

Let the Little Children Come to St. Ansgar

2008-09-29T22:21:00.012-04:00

This Sunday, October 5th, St. Ansgar will begin a new and exciting worship series. The first Sunday of each month will feature a child-centered service. The children of the congregation as well as visiting children will be encouraged to participate in activities such as the gospel procession and the children's sermon.

Please note that the first Sunday of the month is also Project Feed Sunday. Families might want to consider developing a tradition of choosing items to donate in preparation for this special service.

Hope to see you there!

Dr. Bill Barter, Pastor at St. Ansgar

2008-06-16T08:16:00.011-04:00

Lutheran Pastor, Dr. William Barter (pictured above in 2009) has been serving as St. Ansgar's Pastor since July 13, 2008, when he was called by congregational vote as a 2-year term pastor. On March 14, 2010, a permanent call was extended to Dr. Barter by unanimous congregational vote. He serves St. Ansgar 25 hours per week.

In the ELCA, ordination and rostering is always in the context of a call. While Dr. Barter was ordained in 1982, and while his Roman Catholic ordination was recognized by the ELCA, he was not rostered as a pastor in the ELCA until he was called by the people of St. Ansgar in 2008. As a called pastor, he answers to the people of St. Ansgar through their elected leaders, the Congregation Council. The Mutual Ministry Committee (two council members and two congregation members at large) acts as Pr. Barter's confidential panel. It is the role of the Mutual Ministry Committee to advise, evaluate, critique, and advocate for the pastor. The Mutual Ministry Committee is the official liaison between the pastor and the congregation.
Pastor Barter was ordained in 1982 in his home town of Portland, and has served churches in Lewiston, Waterville, and Aroostook County. He also served as a chaplain at Bates College and as a regional director of Youth Ministry. While obtaining his doctorate, Pr. Barter served the Chicago Synod as a substitute "supply" pastor. Originally ordained a Roman Catholic priest, Pr. Barter became a Lutheran in 1992. He completed the ELCA candidacy process in 2006. Dr. Barter has previously served as St. Ansgar's Music Director, and most recently as St. Ansgar's Church Council President. He also serves on the New England Synod Worship Committee. Dr. Barter is a licensed doctoral psychologist and a professor of psychology at Southern New Hampshire University.
Pr. Barter is single, and lives in Brunswick with his aunt, Katherine Barter.

Education
B.A. (English) University of Southern Maine, 1978
M.Div. (Pastoral Theology) Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., 1982
Ph.D. (Professional Psychology) Walden University, Minneapolis, 2003

Training
Seminary Formation, Theological College, Washington, D.C. 1978-1982
Pastoral Seminary Internship, St. Teresa of Avila, Brewer, Maine, 1979
Clinical Pastoral Education, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 1979-1980
Pastoral Diaconal Internship, St. Mary's, Presque Isle, Maine, 1981
Internship in Campus Ministry, Catholic University, 1981-1982

Roman Catholic Assignments
Ordained (Roman Catholic Priest) June 5, 1982
Catholic Chaplain, Bates College, Lewiston, Maine, 1982-1985
Parochial Vicar, St. Patrick's, Lewiston, Maine, 1982-1985
Associate Director of Youth Ministry, Diocese of Portland, 1985-1988
Parochial Vicar, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fairfield, Maine, 1985-1988
Pastor, St. Joseph's, Wallagrass, Maine, 1988-1991 (including Soldier Pond mission)
Pastor, Holy Family, Daigle, Maine, 1989-1991 (including Guerrette mission)

Lutheran Assignments
Director of Music, St. Ansgar, Portland, Maine, 1992-1996 & 2000-2005
Supply Pastor, Chicago Synod, ELCA, 1997-2000
Supply Pastor, New England Synod, ELCA, 2005-2008
Approved for Candidacy, ELCA, June 17, 2006
Member, New England Synod Worship Committee, 2006 to present
Pastor, St. Ansgar, July 13, 2008 to present
Advisor, New England Synod Northern Region Youth Ministry, June 2010 to present

Memberships
Maine Psychological Association
Society for Personality Assessment
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
Religious Coalition Against Discrimination (advisory board member)
Lutherans Concerned/North America

Hobbies/Interests
Sports and Physical Fitness Training
Social Justice and Equality Advocacy
Scripture Study
Music and Dance
Carpentry
Cooking
Pets
Reading
Sunday New York Times Crossword (never miss it!)

A Spring Update!

2008-04-13T09:10:00.007-04:00

Hello, everyone. The website has not been updated in a while, but please don't think that things came to a halt at St. Ansgar. Your friendly webmaster has been dealing with happy, but busy life changes. While I was away from the site, ......

The Sunday School Christmas Pageant which had been delayed by snow was performed in early January to the delight of the congregation.

Valentine's Day provided lots of opportunities to brighten up the whitest of winters. The Sunday School decorated the church with colorful heart posters. The Sewing Group put together cheerful Valentine's baskets for shut-ins. The congregation exchanged valentines at coffee hour.

Lent was a time of community and prayerful reflection. As is our yearly tradition, we teamed up with First Lutheran, Trinity, and Emmaus for Wednesday evening services. The theme this Lent was finding meaning in work. The services were preceded by soup dinners and a pickup chorus. A somber holy week was followed by our Festive Easter worship. Young and old enjoyed punctuating the alleluias with bells and assembling a cross of fresh flowers. Many attended the Easter Breakfast before service, filling up on pancakes and funding camperships to Calumet for the youth in the congregation.

The Sunday School had another bake sale to benefit the orphanage in Hosur, India.

This Saturday a group of church members and friends came out for a Spring Potluck and Game Night. The food was fantastic, and all enjoyed the games and sing-a-long.

Happy Spring all!

Christmas Keepsake Raffle Continues!

2007-12-03T07:28:00.000-05:00

If you didn't buy your raffle tickets for this beautiful, homemade Christmas wall hanging at the fair, it is not too late. The raffle runs through the St. Lucia Festival this Sunday, December 9th. Tickets are 1 for $1 or 6 for $5. Good luck!

Enjoy a Swedish Tradition on Sun, 12/9 at 4:00PM!

2007-11-21T05:54:00.000-05:00

This year St. Ansgar will hold its St. Lucia Festival on Sunday, December 9th at 4PM. The event is free and open to the public.

What is the St. Lucia Festival? It is a Swedish Christian tradition that dates from the 14th century. According to the old Julian Calendar, December 13th was the longest night of the year, and thus marked the first step toward spring, with its promise of light and sunshine. It is on this date that the people of Sweden celebrate the Lucia Festival. Christian legend has it that the Romans betrayed Lucia. Later, Vikings impressed by her faith, are said to have brought her legend to Scandinavia from Sicily, where she is the patron saint of fishermen.

Every year at St. Ansgar, the St. Lucia legend is told. Authentic Swedish carols are sung, and a young woman from the congregation is crowned the “Queen of Light.” Traditional Scandinavian refreshments are served, and unique items from our International Table are available.

This year, St. Ansgar is pleased to announce that Kristina Ann Birthisel, age 16, will be honored as this year's Queen of Light." Kristina is a mostly home-schooled student and plans to attend Greely High School and/or USM Early Studies Program next semester. She is the daughter of Karen and Bill Birthisel of Cumberland.

More Pictures In From the Fair!

2007-11-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

Pictures from Just an Old Fashioned Fair

2007-11-20T06:29:00.000-05:00

Just before the doors open...

The Chowder Team

Yulekake Bakers

Pastor Doherty's Miracle Meringue

Make Chowder and Julekake Bread for the Fair!

2007-11-04T08:51:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what makes the julekake bread at St. Ansgar's fair taste so wonderful? Long to know the secret behind St. Ansgar's famous fish chowder?

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 9th. Bakers will be churning out loaves all day. The chowder team will start at 6PM. Come, help out, and learn how to cook like a civic minded Lutheran. Who needs the Food Channel?

Be Part of the Fair!

2007-11-04T08:30:00.000-05:00

Members and Friends,

It's that time again! Your help is needed - from set-up to clean-up. As usual we will need baked goods and candy. Volunteers are also needed to work in the kitchen, dining area, and at the tables from 10AM - 2PM. Please contact St. Ansgar if you can help. Leave a message for Julie D.

St. Olaf Christmas Festival Simulcast Anyone?

2007-11-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

This year the famous St. Olaf Christmas Festival will be simulcast at movie theaters all across the country. The simulcast presentation on December 2nd will begin at 4PM. The closest participating theater to Portland is in Lowell, MA. Tickets are $20.

If you are interested in attending, we strongly encourage you to buy your tickets early. They go on sale online Friday, November 2nd. If you would like to travel to the simulcast as part of a St. Ansgar group, there will be a signup sheet at the church.

More information including locations and ticketing can be found at the St. Olaf Christmas Festival's website.

Sunday School Bake Sale Sun, 11/4

2007-11-04T06:33:00.000-05:00

During coffee hour on November 4th St. Ansgar's Sunday Schoolers will be selling baked goods to raise money for outreach, activities, and Cup International, an organization that runs an orphanage and medical clinic in Southern India. For such a worthy cause these treats are sure to be guilt free! Enjoy.

Project Feed Sunday is Today, 11/4!

2007-11-04T06:29:00.000-05:00

We accept donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, and cash on the first Sunday of every month to benefit Project Feed.

Sew and Tell Pictures

2007-10-25T07:42:00.000-04:00

St. Ansgar was touched and inspired by the care and dedication that went into The Sewing Group's work. School kits, dress making kits, layettes (for newborns), and health kits will soon be on their way to Lutheran World Relief (LWR). For more information on how these kits make a difference click on "The Sewing Group" in the menu on the right side of the screen. There is a video available online that follows kits from American churches to LWR sites.

CUP International's Website is Up and Running!

2007-10-22T07:21:00.000-04:00

Saint Ansgar's Sunday School continues to raise money and awareness for Community Uplift Projects (CUP) International. This organization whose projects serve the greater community of Hosur, India, runs an orphanage, medical clinic, and helps to send village children to school.

Please take a moment to visit CUP's new website and to browse our Sunday School pages for a history of how CUP International was chosen as this year's charity by the Sunday School.

Bread for the World Sunday Sun, 10/21

2007-10-21T08:36:00.000-04:00

Bread for the World is an interdenominational Christian group that works to end hunger through political advocacy.

According to Bread for the World's website, Bread for the World Sunday is "a time for churches to renew their commitment to end hunger in God's world - and take part in a growing movement on behalf of hungry people. Major church bodies, religious organizations, and congregations everywhere are all participating in an international effort to overcome poverty, hunger, and disease in Africa, the United States, and around the world."

Pastor Joe Doherty will be discussing the work of this laudable group and hunger's place in our faith journey.

Sewing Group "Sew and Tell" Sun, 10/21

2007-10-21T08:04:00.000-04:00

The sewing group has been very busy. This Sunday they will have on display the many dress kits and school kits that they have been working on for Lutheran World Relief. These kits will be shipped on October 24th making it possible for women in need to sew their own dresses and provide school supplies for their children.

All are welcome to sew for a better world the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month 10AM-2PM.

Project Feed Sunday is October 7th!

2007-10-07T08:40:00.001-04:00

We accept donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, and cash on the first Sunday of every month to benefit Project Feed.

Children Helping Children

2007-09-09T08:30:00.001-04:00

Our congregation was moved by Samuel Koilpillai's temple talk about his work rescuing discarded babies in Hosur, a town in Southern India not far from Bangalore. Mr. Koilpillai is retired from the World Health Organization and shares a family connection with St. Ansgar. His daughter, Leela Nowrangi, is our Music Director.

The Sunday School students and teachers have decided to donate the Sunday School offering monies to the organization that runs the orphanage and medical clinic Mr. Koilpillai founded. Please join in the ministry of our Sunday School by making a donation to Mr. Koilpillai's organization, CUP (Community Uplift Projects) International.

Make checks for your tax deductible donation payable to:

CUP International

The address for donations in the United States is:

17517 Queen Elizabeth Drive
Olney, Maryland 20832

Just An Old Fashioned Fair on November 10th

2007-09-09T07:40:00.000-04:00

We are already getting phone calls wondering when we will hold our annual fair this year. Mark your calendars. It will be Saturday, November 10th from 10AM - 2PM.

Every year Portlanders flock to the fair for homemade crafts, our famous fish chowder, delicious baked goods, and Scandinavian gifts. Proceeds benefit youth programming and capital improvement projects at St. Ansgar as well as local charities. (For a list of which charities received donations from last year's fair monies, click on "Special Events.")

Be sure to check this website for updates and for ways you can help.

Sunday School

2007-09-01T20:04:00.000-04:00

Sunday School begins...

SEPTEMBER 9^TH

at 9:30 AM

Sewing For a Better World

2007-08-27T11:18:00.003-04:00

St. Ansgar's Sewing Group has a rich history and a strong sense of mission. It meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM for sewing, food, and fellowship.

The sewers range in ability from novice to seamstress. Together they construct school kits, layettes (kits for newborns), and sewing kits for Lutheran World Relief. They also craft quilts which are either donated to Lutheran World Relief, sold to provide funds for the kits, or donated to local charities such as the Training Resource Center and Gary's House.

This work has a huge impact. If you have high speed Internet, click on the following link to watch the Lutheran World Relief video, Ordinary to Extraordinary:

http://www.lwr.org/beinvolved/ordinarytoextraordinary.asp

If you would like to attend a Sewing Group meeting bring a sandwich for yourself and a snack to share if you plan to lunch. Know that you can attend for any part of the meeting, arriving late or leaving early if necessary. Sewing ability is not required. There are always projects for beginners and/or non-sewers. Also, if the meeting times are not convenient, but you would like to sew for Lutheran World Relief at home, call St. Ansgar and someone will contact you.

Anyone can help the Sewing Group by donating the following:

1. Used clean blankets or sheets (for use as quilt stuffing)

2. Spools of thread

3. Buttons, preferably in matching sets of 6, but family button jars are also helpful

Music at St. Ansgar

2007-08-27T10:38:00.002-04:00

Music is an integral part of our worship service and one of the ways St. Ansgar comes together as a congregation. Volunteers (such as Jim McDonough pictured above) collaborate with our music director providing both instrumental accompaniment and vocals. The Sunday School students are frequently part of the music program singing songs and playing hand chimes.

The Fair Committee Has Decided!

2007-08-11T21:09:00.000-04:00

The votes are in.

Last year's Just An Old Fashioned Fair proceeds will fund St. Ansgar's youth programming (Vacation Bible School and Camper Scholarships), a few important capital improvement projects, and several local charities including:

Protestant Chaplaincy – Mercy Hospital,

Protestant Chaplaincy - Maine Medical Center,

Project Fuel,

Project Feed,

Seacoast Mission,

Friendship House,

Gary’s House, and

the Wayside Soup Kitchen.

See the links for more details about these fine organizations.

A sincere thank you to all you saints of St. Ansgar!

Wondering About Lutherans?

2007-08-11T13:33:00.001-04:00

If you are new to Lutheranism or if you are Lutheran and interested in knowing more about the theology and history of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), check out this page on the ELCA's website:

http://www.elca.org/communication/brief.html

There are answers to frequently asked questions and links to videos you can watch free online or order on DVD.

You might be interested to know that the demographics of the "typical Lutheran" are changing. In the "Lutheranism 101" article on this web page and featured in the June 2006 edition of The Lutheran, Kathryn Kleinhans shared the following statistics:

"Today there are almost as many Lutherans in Asia and the Middle East (7.4 million) as there are in North America (8.1 million), and there are more Lutherans in Africa (15 million) than there are in Germany (13 million)."

Welcome Members and Guests!

2007-07-26T07:57:00.000-04:00

If you are just getting to know St. Ansgar, we are excited you have found us. Know that we always welcome guests to our worship. For what to expect, click on "How We Worship." Please read the "About Us" section for a profile of our congregation and check out our links which include a map to the church.

Members of St. Ansgar, how do you like this so far? What information should be added?

Members and guests are welcome to leave comments.

Yours in Christ,
Theresa A. Lee