WHAT S THE BUZZ? BACK TO SCHOOL BLESSING We bless K-12 students, teachers and staff at each service TODAY.

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1 The CHIMES MUHLENBERG: A WELLSPRING OF GRACE Muhlenberg Lutheran Church strives to be a Wellspring of God s Grace in Jesus Christ. Open Authentic Relational Serving Published Weekly by Muhlenberg Lutheran Church 281 East Market Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia Phone: address: info@muhlenberglutheran.org Website: Pastor Brett Davis: davis@muhlenberglutheran.org Pastor Bob Humphrey: humphrey@muhlenberglutheran.org August 20, 2017 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST WHAT S THE BUZZ? TODAY AT MUHLENBERG FROM OUR CONGREGATION COUNCIL LEADERS Bishop Mauney met with Congregation Council August 7. He made recommendations for interim pastoral leadership to be in place as soon as possible after Pastor Bob & Pastor Brett leave for their new calls. The next step is the interview process. Watch The Chimes for updates as they are available. Please continue to pray for our pastors, Council, staff, and all our members as we move forward in this transition process. We are confident and hopeful as we plan for the future. Kristee Trumbo (President), Vicki Heitsch (Vice President), Stefanie Eye (Secretary), Terry Looney (Treasurer), Hans Barthmus, Dennis Baugh, Sandra Blade, Bill Compton, Karen Matthias, Melissa Perritt, Sarah Sunde, Pete Weaver, Greta Willis WELCOME GUESTS We are blessed to welcome our guests today. We have a gift waiting for you at the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Area (main church entrance) and ask that you complete a blue guest card and/or sign our guest register. If you prefer, you may scan this QR code or visit us at to securely register online. BAPTIZED, NEW CHILDREN OF GOD We welcome two children into the Body of Christ and the Muhlenberg family: At the 8:00 service, Hannah Marie Hill, daughter of Aaron Hill & Christy Simmons and granddaughter of David & Peggy Hill. At the 11:00 service, Ethan Alexander Kipps, son of Mark and Christy Kipps. His sponsors are Jeff and Carrie Souder NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED At the 11:00 service, we welcome Cookie Lam Flack and Bill Vance as new members of Muhlenberg. See October s new member brochure for contact and bio information. KAIROS 2.0 This weekend we ve hosted Kairos 2.0, a retreat for Lutheran high schoolers from across Virginia to recharge at the beginning of school. Over 40 participants joined in this year and will worship with us at 9:30. Keep them in prayer for the school year ahead! BACK TO SCHOOL BLESSING We bless K-12 students, teachers and staff at each service TODAY.

2 TODAY AT MUHLENBERG (CONT D) TIME, TALENT & TREASURE SUMMER OF SERVICE Through NEXT Sunday Aug. 27, at 9:30 in the Muhlenberg Activities Center (MAC), we're putting our faith in action through hands-on service projects, changing lives for local neighbors all ages, all generations serving side-by-side. Last Sunday, we learned about Anicira Veterinary Center and how it meets needs in our community. We made pet rescue bags for their use. Visit harrisonburg.anicira.org. Today s Agency: Camp Caroline Furnace (science water test kits) Next Sunday: ARC of Harrisonburg/Rockingham Co. (activities kits) SECOND HOME FOOD COLLECTION TODAY in the Gathering Area we collect string cheese to serve as a snack for students. If you want to help and prefer a donation, designate Second Home food on your check/envelope. TEACHER CURRICULUM FOR CHILDREN S CLASSES TODAY at 12:15 in the MAC. Receive curriculum for , have questions answered, and meet the other teachers. We thank you for your willingness to serve! 2 LAST WEEK S ATTENDANCE 8:00 Worship 82 Wed. noon 14 9:30 Worship :00 Worship 131 Total 331 MINISTRY OF THE WEEK: FINANCE This space features one committee/ministry team each week. Highlights are provided so we become more familiar with their work. Come to Ministries Night (2 nd Monday each month) to join in or learn more. Finance is currently working with the other ministries to draft our spending plan for We are gathering requests in the coming months to prepare a proposed plan for Congregation Council s approval. If you have questions about the work of Finance or are interested in joining the committee, contact Chair Matt Phillippi (mrphillippi@outlook.com / ). FINANCIAL REPORT Through July 2017 Y-T-D Actual Y-T-D Budget Y-T-D Last Year Gifts & Offerings $429,365 $451,848 $405,907 Total Receipts $481,269 $505,710 $456,819 Expenses $506,207 $539,945 $483,255 Excess Income/ (Expenses) $(24,938) $(34,235) $(26,436) Giving in support of our Spending Plan: $ 8, Giving to Other Designated Funds: $ 14, Total Giving for the Week $ 22, see details in the notebook at the Connection Center. July Thrivent Choice Dollars: $319 To give online, scan here

3 MARK YOUR CALENDAR FAREWELL LUNCHEON FOR PASTOR BOB AND PASTOR BRETT You are invited to a farewell potluck luncheon Sunday, August 27 at 12:15 pm in the MAC as we say goodbye to Pastor Bob & Barbra and Pastor Brett & Evan. It is a time for us to celebrate our years together and wish them well on their next call. We invite you to bring a favorite dish to share. Need suggestions? Below are some ideas based on your last name: A I Snacks & Salads J R Veggies & Side Dishes S Z Desserts For planning purposes, please sign up in the notebook at the Connection Corner. A basket will be available for cards. You will have the opportunity to participate in gifts to the pastors from the congregation. Details will be announced at the luncheon. Have questions? Contact Machelle Rader (raderpm@jmu.edu / ) or Hilary Buckless (raderhc@jmu.edu / ). BISHOP INSTALLATION Pastor Bob will be installed as Bishop of the Virginia Synod, ELCA Saturday, Sept. 9 at 1:00 pm in Waynesboro at First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, will preside and preach at the installation service. A reception will follow at Grace Lutheran Church. Bishop Bob s Buspalooza 2017: Don t miss the bus! Parking will be tight, so take advantage of our complimentary bus service. Sign up at the Connection Center. The itinerary for that day is also available there. Have questions? Contact Greta Willis ( [phone/text] / gretakwillis@gmail.com.) 3 NO COMMITMENT LUNCH AND PROSPECTIVE MEMBER LUNCH & ORIENTATION Have you been visiting Muhlenberg? Are you considering membership? Are you curious or just want to learn more about us? We invite you to explore with us what it means to be a Christian, a Lutheran, a follower of Jesus and a member of the Muhlenberg family. We will meet after worship for a No Commitment Lunch Sunday, September 10 at 12:15 pm in Wayland Hall (downstairs). This will be an informal time to ask questions and make connections over pizza and dessert. Then, if you re interested in pursuing membership (or if you ve recently joined and haven t attended an orientation), we invite you to meet with us for a Prospective Member Lunch and Orientation Sunday, Sept. 24, 12:15 2:30 pm in Wayland Hall. We ll discuss more in depth the mission and ministries of Muhlenberg and how you can be part of the life of this congregation as a member or associate member. New members will be received Sunday, October 1 during the 11:00 service, followed by a reception. If you are interested, please sign up at the welcome desk or in the activities notebook at the Connection Center in the Gathering Area. You may also talk with Kathy Thompson, Chair of the Evangelism Team (thompskb@jmu.edu / ) or Parish Administrator Linda Depoy (depoy@muhlenberglutheran.org / ) for more information. Who We Are and Christian Formation brochures are available at the Connection Center today!

4 MUHLENBERG NEWS MYCAH IS IN CHICAGO! Communication and Ministry Specialist Mycah McNett was an ELCA Missionary in the YAGM (Young Adult in Global Mission) program serving in Manchester, UK. She is in Chicago through August 23 for YAGM s In-Country Orientation to send off this year s group of 100 missionaries! She is available via at mcnett@muhlenberglutheran.org. WORSHIP ASSISTANTS NEEDED You're here for worship - why not take a turn and serve? We are always in need of all types of servants in worship - lectors, ushers, acolytes, communion assistants, greeters, etc. Sign up for the month of September in the notebook at the Connection Center! One-onone training can be arranged just indicate the training needed on the sign-up sheet or contact Kathy Thompson ( or thompskb@ jmu.edu). If you prefer, sign up online through our website following the path below: Worship + Community > Worship: What to Expect > Worship + Music Leadership Prefer to work behind the scenes? We have many opportunities talk with Kathy to learn how you can serve. CREATION CARE TIP Creation Care offers a simple tip that will help you protect God s earth. Contact Ramona Sanders for more information: or In the US, the average office worker uses approx. 10,000 sheets of paper per year. You can cut back on the paper you use at work by ing or posting documents instead of printing a copy for everyone in the office and encourage your office mates to follow suit. MUSIC MINISTRY NEWS ATTENTION ALL CHOIR MEMBERS (AND NEWBIES TOO!) Rehearsals will begin soon! Thanks to all of our current choristers for your ongoing participation and dedication to singing God s praises! If you are new to Muhlenberg, or simply new to singing, and you are interested in one of our choral groups, please contact Music Minister Elizabeth Williams ( / williams@muhlenberglutheran.org). WE DO HAVE A GROUP FOR YOU! Celebration Singers (10 th grade on up!) begins THIS Tuesday, August 22, and rehearses 6:30 7:30 pm. A joy of singing is your only requirement! Sanctuary Choir (10 th grade on up!) begins THIS Wednesday, August 23, and rehearses 7:15 8:45 pm. Former choral singing is graciously welcomed! Cherub Choir (ages 4 2 nd grade) begins Wednesday, September 6, 4:45 5:15 pm. SonShine Singers (grades 3 6) begins Wednesday, September 6, 5:15 5:45 pm. Gloria Dei Ringers (Handbell Choir) begins Tuesday, September 5, 7:00 8:30 pm. We invite ringers to join in our fellowship, fun and service. Music reading skills is a plus, but we can teach you everything you need to know. If you've heard one of our preludes or offertories and thought, Gee, I wish I could be part of that, here's your opportunity to try your hand at ringing. If you are interested in joining this dynamic and loving group, contact Handbell Director Kath Wissinger (longwalk3@aol.com). 4

5 LOCAL & GLOBAL MISSION Contact Council Liaison Karen Matthias ( or for more information. One purpose of the Local & Global Mission Team is to inform the congregation of the many opportunities to use our time, talent, and/or resources to help others. The needs are abundant. Please do not feel overwhelmed by the number of opportunities to help. Choose the organization(s) that touch your heart knowing that others will be drawn to help with different needs. On behalf of our neighbors in need both near and far, thank you for your generosity. DAY OF SERVICE In celebration of the ELCA Day of Service September 10, our congregation is helping fight hunger in the following ways: Local & Global Mission will collect funds to help feed a hungry child breakfast at Minnick School. It costs $11.40 to feed one child breakfast for one month. It costs $ to feed one child for the academic year. Please place donations in the offering plate, noting Minnick School on your check and envelope. Watch The Chimes for more information about Minnick School and general statistics. Christian Formation will have kids (preschool - 5 th grade) pack brown bag lunches for Second Home families. If you would like to support this project, place items listed below in the designated bin in the Gathering Area Aug. 27 or Sept. 3: Peanut Butter Jelly Cheese slices Fruit cups Juice boxes Brown lunch bags Napkins Plastic spoons On Sept. 16, several Muhlenberg members will join with Grace Lutheran Church, Waynesboro, to assemble and package dehydrated meals for distribution with a goal of finishing 10,000 meals at $0.33 per meal. 5 SECOND HOME NEWS SECOND HOME CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF SERVICE Since September 2007, Second Home has provided before and after school care for Harrisonburg children. Two events in September will mark this occasion: September 17 is Second Home Sunday here at Muhlenberg. Please join us after each service for a celebration reception. Then, September 28, Second Home will host a special evening at Bluestone Vineyard. Please stop by the Second Home table in the Gathering Area next Sunday, August 27 we have an invitation for you! Watch The Chimes for more information about these special celebrations. JOYS, THANKS & CONCERNS This is the space for sharing joys, thanks, and concerns of our congregation, our synod, and the wider church. To share joy, thanks, or concern.) contact Parish Administrator Linda Depoy at or depoy@muhlenberglutheran.org. Submissions will be printed with consideration for space and appropriateness at the discretion of the pastors & editor. We offer sympathy to the family of Betty Bonora, Nate Bonora s mother, following her unexpected death this past week. Thank you for the cards, calls, gifts and especially prayers during my recovery. Your kindness is amazing! Katie Ray We are each blessed to be a blessing and it shows in our church community. From our worship assistants to our communion crew, from our committee chairs to our Children s Church leaders, from our Property Committee to our Transition Team - we are Muhlenberg. Everyone is a valuable member with gifts to share. Thank you!

6 YOUTH NEWS YOUR WEEKLY SLICE A slice of JCrew life is ed weekly to high school youth and parents. Contact Mycah McNett to get on the distribution list. CHRISTIAN FORMATION Contact Christian Formation Minister Diane Bayer at or bayer@muhlenberglutheran.org for more information. SUMMER OF SERVICE Sundays at 9:30, children newborn-2 years old have a class in the nursery. Children 3 years-5 th grade meet in the church for the Pastor s Children s Time, then go to the MAC to join 6 th -12 th grade youth and adults of all ages. FESTIVAL DAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Mark your calendars for Christian Formation s Festival Day Sunday, September 10. Children age 3 to grade 3: Children s Time begins at 9:30 in the sanctuary. Afterward, preschool children will go upstairs to the Teddi Nelson Education Wing; older children will go to the MAC (Muhlenberg Activities Center). Youth in grades 4-5: class starts promptly at 9:30 upstairs in the MAC. All children should be picked up from classes immediately following the 9:30 service. Other age groups: for information about classes, visit the Connection Center for a green Christian Formation brochure. Children s Church: held in the Nielsen Room (downstairs) at 11:00 for children 3-7 years old. Children will join their families in the Sanctuary during Offertory at the 11:00 service. 6 DAILY DEVOTIONS PRAYING OUR FAITH TOGETHER! For individual and family use. Scripture citations taken from ELW s 3-Year Daily Lectionary, p , (Year A). Mon. Acts 15:1-21 Tues. Romans 11:13-29 Wed. Matthew 8:1-13 Thu. 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 Fri. 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 Sat. Matthew 16:5-12 Sun. Matthew 16:13-20 In the Name of the Father and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. WEEKLY CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS August 21-27, 2017 Mon. 2:00 pm Weekly Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Congregation Council Mtg. Tue. 6:30 pm Celebration Singers Wed. 12 noon Holy Communion 7:15 pm Sanctuary Choir Sun. 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 Holy Communion 9:30 am Summer of Service 12:15 pm Farewell Potluck Luncheon The weekly deadline for routine articles for The Chimes is Thursday at 8 am. Requests for a series, inserts or full-column articles should be made two weeks in advance. Submit information to Linda Depoy (depoy@muhlenberglutheran.org/ ). Additionally, requests to utilize space in the Gathering Area on Sunday or post information at the Connection Center should be made to Linda as soon as planned, but no later than Thursdays at 8 am. Check bulletin boards for community information. Like us at facebook.com/muhlenberglutheran.

7 INTERSECTIONS - SUMMER SERIES Jesus tells a lot of nice stories. What do they have to do with our real life? Where would they be set or apply today? After hearing them, freed by God's grace, how does God call us? What do we get to do? Through Sunday, August 27, we're excited to share a summer series we're calling Intersections - to help us think about where real life and faith meet. Worship features a more relaxed feel, familiar hymns and a simpler liturgy. We put away the worship robes until fall. Each week, you can use this new back page of The Chimes for further personal reflection - with space for drawing, writing, with a question or a quote or a way to engage with the scripture. Join us every week you are in town for worship and Summer of Service! Out of town? Make sure you re receiving our weekly to worship wherever you are with weekly scripture, questions, quotes and prayer to ponder and put into practice. Join in and invite a friend to discover Intersections at Muhlenberg! Use this space for personal notes and reflections. TODAY S GOSPEL MATTHEW 15:[10-20] [ 10 [Jesus] called the crowd to him and said to them, Listen and understand: 11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles. 12 Then the disciples approached and said to him, Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said? 13 He answered, Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit. 15 But Peter said to him, Explain this parable to us. 16 Then he said, Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. 19 For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile. ] 21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon. 23 But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us. 24 He answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 He answered, It is not fair to take the children s food and throw it to the dogs. 27 She said, Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters table. 28 Then Jesus answered her, Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish. And her daughter was healed instantly. 7

8 SERMON NOTES, REFLECTIONS & DRAWING SPACE Have at it! Please use this space to make notes, ask questions, doodle, and offer insights or ideas. Kids and adults are welcome to draw we d love to feature some of your drawings, or answer your questions. Keep it for your personal reflection, or place it in the basket at the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Area so that we may respond or share your work/ideas! August 20, 2017 QUOTESTO CONSIDER If Jesus could be changed, can we? Every generation sees some people as other and puts them under the table. We could make a long list of people we see as different - different race, different customs, different religion... They are the Canaanites... - Barbara Lundblad 8 QUESTIONS When have you made an assumption, but then realized you were wrong? Tear off and take home, share with the pastors, or share with the congregation (place in basket at Welcome Desk)