Immanuel Lutheran Church November 2018 Messenger

Transcription

1 Immanuel Lutheran Church November 2018 Messenger Immanuel Lutheran Church Called, Empowered, and Sent by God to Live, Love, and Learn God s Word Nuestra Declaracíon De Misíon Somos llamados, autorizados, y enviados por Dios para vivir, amar, y aprender la Palabra de Dios Pastor Leslie Mahraun Church Immanuel.everson@gmail.com Immanuel Lutheran Church 5782 Lawrence Rd. Everson, WA 98247

2 From Pastor Leslie Thanksgiving holds a deep meaning for us all from year to year. Each of us has a deeper need to be thankful from time to time, depending on how the year has advanced. For some I imagine it hinges on health, family, friends, even finances. This year my gratitude is the greatest it has ever been. I used to think that the year Benjamin was born on April 5 was the absolute, and I still do, but then Dan and I married on Thanksgiving Eve and a piece of me would forever believe that Thanksgiving Eve and April 5 would be my greatest times of thanks to God, but little did I know that God would make sure that glorious day would be the tip of the iceberg of gratitude for me. My ordination was a bitter-sweet day. My mom, my absolute rock, did not live to see the day of my ordination, but my dad did. I know some believe we only reach out to God in times of distress or anguish and we can, in our deepest despair, believe that we are a fickle people who only call God s name in crisis; but something in me cleaves to the hope that even in the midst of our grief and heartache lies a flicker of joy and light that outshines the darkest of dark. That spark of course is Jesus Christ, and nothing can take His light from us, so in keeping with giving thanks, my next highest praise, even with my son, my husband, my ordination is my installation as your pastor here at Immanuel. Bishop Unti preached a sermon of faith and love and grace. Something we can all relate to and something we all crave. My favorite part of his sermon was his expectation that pastors, just like everyone, make mistakes and pastors will need prayers, support, and grace upon grace. One who gives such beautiful advice has received such grace. I am in beautiful company, and together we have so much to be grateful for this year. Certainly when there is great thanks, there is great grief. As a congregation we have wept tears for Muriel Monson, Muriel Gates, and Lee Score. And in our own families there have been deep losses as well, and this grieving will continue to come one after another, but thanks be to God, we will not ever be left alone to face these things on our own, but by the grace of God we will face them together with the love and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God. Thank you for all of the wonderful ways you made my installation and ordination anniversary so special! The choir s music, Dan s music, bread for Holy Communion, flower decorations and lovely cakes made the day so special. But for me the very best moment was the blessing of prayer and laying on of hands. The Holy Spirit s power through each of you was dynamic. I look forward to all the years of ministry we have together. Pastor Leslie November Visits: Just as we did in October, we will meet at church on Wednesday, November 28 at 1:00 and carpool to Ike and Gail s home for fellowship, hymns and Holy Communion. All are welcome. Adult Forum After considerable thought, Pastor Leslie has changed her plans for our Adult Forum. Rather than the Reformation we will be working with the Narrative Bible Study. Each year the texts follow the sweep of the biblical story, from Creation through the early Christian church. The texts show the breadth and variety of voices within scripture. They invite people to hear the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Moses and the prophets, Jesus, and Paul. Listening to the many different voices within scripture enriches the life of faith. The texts include the major episodes in scripture. They are arranged in a narrative sequence to help people see scripture as a story that has coherence and a dynamic movement: From September to mid-december the texts begin with the early chapters of Genesis, move through the stories of Israel s early history, the exodus, the kings, prophets, exile and return. From Christmas to Easter there is sustained reading of one of the four gospels From Easter to Pentecost the texts are chosen from Acts and Paul s letters.

3 Why these readings? Texts were selected that lead well to the proclamation of what God is doing. The stories tell of hope and disappointment, suffering and redemption. In all these varied contexts, we find God dealing with the complexities of human life. Stories from the gospels differ each year, avoiding repetition and highlighting what is distinctive about each gospel s telling of the story of Jesus. The church year helped to shape the flow of the Narrative Lectionary. Old Testament readings move through the story of God s dealings with Israel and culminate in Advent with the prophets who speak of longing and hope. Readings from the gospels fit the movement from Christmas and Epiphany to the Transfiguration, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week and Easter. Selections from the book of Acts and Paul s letters trace the outward movement of the resurrection message, culminating on Pentecost with readings focusing on the Spirit. Just bring your bible and your willingness to converse, tell stories, read and reflect on the many ways God speaks to us through the Living Word of God in scriptures. November 4: 2 Kings 5:1-15a Elisha heals Naaman, a foreigner and leper November 11: Micah [1:3-5]; 5:2-5a; 6:6-8 God promises a ruler from Bethlehem; desires justice, kindness, walking humbly with God November 18: Isaiah 36:1-3, 13-20; 37:1-7; then 2:1-4 Assyria threatens Jerusalem and King Hezekiah despairs. Isaiah says the city will be saved and nations will beat swords into plowshares November 25: Jeremiah 1:4-10; 7:1-11 Prophetic call as warning; temple as den of robbers December 2: Habakkuk 1:1-7; 2:1-4; 3:[3b-6], The prophet, grieved by injustice/ suffering, watches for God s reply. Faith is a way of life, not an answer. Lee Score Our beloved sister Lee Score passed into the loving arms of Jesus on October 30th. Her service will be held on Wednesday, November 7. A graveside service will be at 11:00 followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. UPCOMING EVENTS and IMPORTANT DATES AT IMMANUEL: November 11 - Church Council meets at about 11:30. November 18th Thankoffering Dinner after Adult Forum. November 22 Thanksgiving Day. Anyone who wishes may join us at Immanuel for Thanksgiving dinner at the church. As in the past, there will be a sign-up sheet for potluck items to go with the turkey. December 1 WOI Christmas Brunch December 16 Blue Christmas service at 4:00 p.m. Deepest sympathies and continued prayers for the family of Muriel Gates, our beloved sister in Christ, who entered heaven on September 30. Muriel Monsen, Muriel Gates, and Lee Score will be deeply missed by all of us at Immanuel.

4 Bellingham Norwegian Male Chorus Christmas Concert will be Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John s Lutheran Church in Bellingham. Following the concert is fellowship and goodies. Suggested donation of $10.00 but more important is to be there. My Cross My Cross is not a relic of two thousand years ago. It s a symbol and a comfort That s with me wherever I go. The message is so simple and its meaning so clear to see. It s kept as a remembrance of what Jesus did for me. My cross is a reminder, a keepsake that I hold, it may be carved from wood or gently cast in gold. When life gets complicated and the world has gone astray, that s when the cross I cling to will help me through the day. I ll keep it with me always and someday I will see standing there at Heaven s gate, it really was the key. Author unknown Immanuel's Prayer Chain is being updated. If you would like to continue to be on it, or if you would like to join this group of prayers, please contact Nancy Workman with your phone number. All are welcome. BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE DECEMBER 16 4:00 P.M. Losses of special people, changes in health, or broken relationships can empty the heart and darken the spirit, dimming the holiday celebration. something of the Light and Life and Love of God in a blending of the blues of our care and our hope. Immanuel Lutheran invites everyone to share together in this service. If you need a ride, or have other questions, please feel free to leave a message on the office phone at , and we will do what we can to provide assistance. Scripture Readings November 4 All Saints Sunday Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 24 Revelations 21:1-6a John 11:32-44 November Pentecost 1 Kings 17:8-16 Psalm 146 Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark 12:38-44 November Pentecost Daniel 12:1-3 Psalm 16 Hebrews 10:11-18 Mark 13:1-8 November 25 Christ the King Daniel 7:9-10, Psalm 93 Revelations 1:4b-8 John 18:33-37 Blue is the color we give to our down mood or saddened lives. Blue is also the Church s color of hope. The Blue Christmas Service gives us a time and place to remember those people we miss and the struggles that we face. We come together to share our concerns and our tears, and receive

5 WOI NEWS Our Fall Festival was a great success. The total profit on the event was $ Our total expenses were $ Thanks to all who helped with this event! November 18 is the Thank-offering Dinner. Dinner will be served after Adult Forum. Donations will go to the Septic system. There will be a holiday gift table set up for people to sell their crafts and other good holiday items, and of course we will be selling our famous WOI Cook Book. What a great gift to give to our family and friends for the holidays. Group 1 (A through G) sets up; Group 2 (H through O) serves; Group 3 (P Z) cleans up. RSVP by November 14. There s a sign-up sheet on the WOI bulletin board. The Gather group met at Judy Bruland s home on November 23rd. All are invited to attend this group where we discuss the articles in the Gather Magazine Save the Date: WOI Christmas Brunch Saturday, December 1 from 11 a.m. to 1:00 in the Parish Hall. Program will include harpist Violet Harris and a reading by Jan Hunter. Please RSVP by November 25th on the WOI board in the Parish Hall. Group 2 (H through O) sets up and Group 3 (P through Z) serve; Group 1 (A through G) clean up. Lutheran World Relief Quilts and Kits. Ron Bruland took the packed up quilts to Seattle for shipment on November Quilts, 51 school kits, 29 personal care kits, and 19 baby care kits. Thanks to all that worked on these projects! WOI is in need of a secretary if you are interested please let Penny or Susie Finsrud know. Please check the names and addresses on the WOI Bulletin Board in the Parish Hall for corrections, additions and deletions. We will be doing the new directory in November/December. Opportunities to Give Immanuel is taking part in the Mount Baker School District's holiday assistance program. We will be sponsoring a Mount Baker family this year for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is to help needy families in our area. We find out family needs and shop for them, wrap gifts and deliver when time. If you are interested in being a part of this please talk to Linda Anderson or Pastor Leslie. Also, Immanuel is supporting the food bank in November with nonperishable items. Please put them in front of the altar, 1 on left side and 9 on the right side. November birthdays 11/3 Pam Andrews 11/3 Sara Murdock 11/4 Jack Douglas 11/8 Neil Solvik 11/10 Larry Campbell 11/22 Julie Roman 11/24 Ben Smith 11/26 Jacob Douglas 11/28 Carl Hoines 11/30 - Pastor Leslie November Anniversaries 11/1 Michelle & Tim Pattison 11/9 Ray & Sheila Gassman 11/18 David & Julie Goree 11/21 Pastor Leslie & Dan Mahraun 11/24 Neil & Clarice Solvik 11/27 Dan & Shelly Culver Treasurer s Report September Income $ 8, September Expenses $ 9, Expenses over Income ($1, ) Year to date Income $ 81, Year to date Expenses $ 78, Income over Expenses $ 3, Pastor moving and visit expenses $ 7, Parsonage remodel to date $ 9, WOI Bible Study at Carol Vanderyachts home on November 13th at 7p.m.

6 November 4, :30 a.m. Ass t. Min: Laura Hookham Greeter: Brulands Ushers: Brulands Readers: Ron Bruland/Salvador Estrada Com. Asst : Linda Anderson Communion Set-up: Linda Anderson Flowers: Salvador Estrada Prayer Team: Nancy & Renee Church Immanuel.everson@gmail.com Church Office phone: (360) Pastor Leslie s Cell: Pastor s Office phone: Pastor s lmahraun@hotmail.com Pastor Leslie s Office Hours: Mondays 9:00-4:00 (Except first Monday of month) Wednesdays 4:00-9:00 November 11 9:30 a.m Ass t Min: Don Anderson Greeter: Hunters Ushers: Hunters Com. Ass t: Karen Harkness Communion Set Up: Belia & Karen Readers: Dennis Workman/Salvador Estrada Altar Flowers: Prayer Team: Joanie & Kim November 18 9:30 a.m. Ass t. Min: Ben Workman Smith Greeters: Brewers Ushers: Brewers Reader: Kim Roe/Salvador Estrada Com. Ass t: Linda Anderson Communion Set Up: Valerie & Linda Flowers: Prayer Team: Lois & Neil November 25 9:30 a.m. Ass t Min. Sara Murdock Greeters: Freemans Ushers: Freemans Com. Ass t: Linda Anderson Communion Set-up: Linda Anderson Reader: Dawn Durand/Salvador Estrada Flowers: Prayer Team: Clarice & Karen If you are unable to serve on your assigned Sunday, please call someone that you can either switch an assigned Sunday with or sub for you. I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. C.S. Lewis And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:15-17

7 Gratitude Bishop Kirby Unti NW Washington Synod / ELCA From the November 2018 edition of The Spirit One of the great joys of owning our boat is how many people comment on her name. When we are out on the water people will often pull along side and shout out, I love the name of your boat. We hear this same comment dockside and from neighbors who walk by the house where we store the boat. What is it about the name Gratitude that elicits such a response? It certainly wasn t the case with our first boat. It was named C-Sick and we received very few comments. I only have hunches as to why it strikes such a strong chord with people. The most obvious is we live in such a cynical world that more often expresses complaint and criticism before it expresses gratitude. People delight in hearing a word of appreciation. I love being around grateful people. They are always people of joy and promise. Their posture is humble, and their lives are filled with appreciation. They are often people who have been through the most difficult of times and they tend to see the best in everything. I am so grateful as your Bishop that so many of you are people of Gratitude. May you be strengthened this Thanksgiving by knowing that God continues to provide us all that you need to be content. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:11-13 (NRSV) Gratitude is acknowledgement that one has received gift in their life. Gratitude is the discovery that enough is more than plenty. Gratitude is the recognition that we have received that which we do not deserve. Gratitude is heartfelt - down in one s bones - appreciation and thanksgiving for the daily gifts that we receive. God s people from the beginning of time have been taught to be people of gratitude. We most often express our gratitude through feasts. We gather around tables filled with plenty to give God thanks for delivering us from slavery to freedom, and from death to life. St. Paul discovered that when you approach life out of a sense of gratitude it allows you in all circumstance to fill content. Even in times of need or when one has little. In such times one still knows that we are being provided for.