WHAT S THE BUZZ? August 13, 2017 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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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 13, 2017 TENTH 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, and Anna Derrick (Youth Representative) Have questions, ideas or concerns to share? Talk with a member of the Transition Communication Team (wearing green nametags) or your Congregation Council leaders (wearing white nametags). We want to hear from you! BAPTIZED, NEW CHILD OF GOD Welcome Weston Vaughn Oliver, son of Nathan and Ren Oliver, into the Body of Christ and the Muhlenberg family at the 9:30 service. West s sponsors are Nathan and Sarah Blackwell. GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL Local and Global Mission is collecting school supplies for Second Home TODAY in the Gathering Area. If you want to help but prefer a monetary donation, designate Second Home Back to School on your check and envelope. 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.

2 TODAY AT MUHLENBERG (CONT D) SUMMER OF SERVICE Through Aug. 27, every Sunday 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 Second Home and how it meets needs in our community. We made breakfast packs for the students. For more info, visit Today s Agency: Anicira Veterinary Center (pet rescue bags) Next Sunday: Camp Caroline Furnace (science water test kits) THIS WEEK AT MUHLENBERG MINISTRIES NIGHT Tomorrow Evening, 7:00 8:30 pm Join us as we strengthen our ministries, plan new initiatives, dream new dreams, and serve one another and the wider community! All committees welcome new members. GO-GO GROUP BREAKFAST (55+) THIS Tuesday, August 15, 8:30 am at Thomas House in Dayton. Contact Dan Werner at for more information. TIME, TALENT & TREASURE LAST WEEK S ATTENDANCE 8:00 Worship 75 Wed. noon 11 9:30 Worship :00 Worship 121 Total 308 MINISTRY OF THE WEEK: FELLOWSHIP 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. The Fellowship Committee is dedicated to hosting activities and programs that help members and friends develop meaningful relationships through our congregation. Food, fun and fellowship is our motto! We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming farewell potluck celebration August 27 (see p. 3 for more info). If you are interested in becoming a committee member, have questions, or have ideas and/or feedback as to activities you would like to see Fellowship offer, contact Machelle Rader at raderpm@jmu.edu or FINANCIAL REPORT Through June 2017 Y-T-D Actual Y-T-D Budget Y-T-D Last Year Gifts & Offerings $353,526 $378,763 $340,195 Total Receipts $400,204 $427,056 $384,240 Expenses $430,204 $462,071 $417,298 Excess Income/ (Expenses) $(30,000) $(35,015) $(33,058) Giving in support of our Spending Plan: $ 10, Giving to Other Designated Funds: $ 5, Total Giving for the Week $ 15, July Thrivent Choice Dollars: $319 To give online, scan here 2

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 good-bye 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. Parking will be extremely limited at First Presbyterian, so we are looking into bus transportation to allow interested congregants to attend. If you want to reserve a spot on the bus, sign up at the Connection Center as soon as possible or contact Greta Willis (gretakwillis@gmail.com / ). 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. 3

4 MARK YOUR CALENDAR (CONT D) 500 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION Christian Formation has plans to celebrate the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation: A Reformation Block Party Sunday, September 24, 3:00-7:00 pm. A Martin Luther music class (led by Jon Gibson). Children in Kindergarten 5 th grade will study Martin Luther in October. Color handouts of the 95 Theses. Flat Luther copies provided for members to send out and see where he travels. Copies of Luther s Small Catechism available for members. Mark your calendars and come and be part of the celebration! For more information, watch The Chimes or contact Christian Formation Minister Diane Bayer (bayer@muhlenberg lutheran.org / ). 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@muhlenberg lutheran.org). WE DO HAVE A GROUP FOR YOU! Celebration Singers (10 th grade on up!) begins Tuesday, August 22, and rehearses 6:30 7:30 pm. A joy of singing is your only requirement! MUHLENBERG NEWS ENDOWMENT FUND EARNINGS DISBURSEMENT The deadline to request use of the $8,000 fund earnings is TOMORROW. Visit the Connection Center for an application. For more info, contact Wanda Hamilton (whamilton48@ gmail.com / ). MYCAH IS OFF TO CHICAGO! Before she began working with us, Mycah McNett was an ELCA Missionary in the YAGM (Young Adult in Global Mission) program serving in Manchester, UK. She will be in Chicago August for YAGM s In- Country Orientation to send off this year s group of 100 missionaries! She is available via at mcnett@muhlenberglutheran.org. 4 Sanctuary Choir (10 th grade on up!) Begins 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. If you are interested in learning more about this particular group, please contact Handbell Director Kath Wissinger (longwalk3@aol.com).

5 LOCAL & GLOBAL MISSION Contact Council Liaison Karen Matthias ( or for more information. RISE AGAINST HUNGER An international hunger relief organization that distributes food and life-changing aid to the world s most vulnerable. As a part of God's Work/Our Hands Week of Service, Grace Lutheran Church in Waynesboro is hosting a Rise Against Hunger event Saturday, September 16 to assemble and package dehydrated meals for distribution with a goal of finishing a minimum of 10,000 meals at $0.33 a meal. We have 10 MLC volunteers so far with the hope for 20 or more to partner in this pan-lutheran event in our neighboring Southern Valley Conference. For more information or to sign up, contact Karen Matthias. (see contact info above). 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). Prefer to work behind the scenes? We have many opportunities talk with Kathy to learn how you can serve. If you prefer, we also offer an online option through a link on our website. Follow the path below: SECOND HOME NEWS SECOND HOME FOOD COLLECTION NEXT Sunday, August 20, we will collect string cheese for Second Home. Want to help but prefer to make a cash donation? Designate Second Home food on your check/envelope. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SECOND HOME Celebration Invitation Second Home is celebrating its 10 th birthday! Ten years of supporting, teaching, caring. There will be recognition at all services on Sunday, Sept. 17, followed by a reception after each service. There will be a Gala at Bluestone Vineyard Thursday, September 28 at 6:00 pm. For tickets or more information, contact Patty Sensabaugh at CREATION CARE TIP Creation Care offers a simple tip that will help you protect God s earth. Contact Ramona Sanders for more information: or Slather on organic sunscreen. Sunscreen is essential if you spend time outside in the summer sun. But the same ingredients that help protect you against UV exposure in nonorganic sunscreen might be harming fish that ingest chemicals that wash off when you are swimming. Opt for sunscreens that are labeled "organic" and biodegradable" to protect yourself and the environment. Worship + Community > Worship: What to Expect > Worship + Music Leadership 5

6 CHRISTIAN FORMATION Contact Christian Formation Minister Diane Bayer at or 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. TEACHER CURRICULUM FOR CHILDREN S CLASSES We will meet briefly NEXT Sunday, August 20 at 12:15 in the MAC. Receive curriculum for the program year, have questions answered, and meet the other teachers. We look forward to seeing you, and thank you for your willingness to serve as children s Christian Formation teachers! FESTIVAL DAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Mark your calendars for Christian Formation s Festival Day Sunday, September 10. Children age 3 to grade 3 will begin at 9:30 in the sanctuary for Children s Time. 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 will start promptly at 9:30 upstairs in the MAC. All children should be picked up from classes immediately following the 9:30 service. Children s Church (held in the Nielsen Room) resumes at 11:00 for children 3-7 years old. Children will join their families in the Sanctuary during the 11:00 service at the Offertory. 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. 2 Peter 2:4-10 Tues. Romans 9:14-29 Wed. Matthew 8:23-27 Thu. Revelation 15:1-4 Fri. Acts 14:19-28 Sat. Matthew 14:34-36 Sun. Matthew 15:[10-20] In the Name of the Father and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. WEEKLY CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS August 14-20, 2017 Mon. 2:00 pm Weekly Staff Meeting 5:30 pm Executive Committee Mtg. 7:00 pm Ministries Night Tue. 8:30 am Go-Go Group Breakfast Wed. 12 noon Holy Communion Sun. 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 Holy Communion 9:30 am Summer of Service 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. 6

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 14: [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, It is a ghost! And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid. 28 Peter answered him, Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water. 29 He said, Come. So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me! 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, You of little faith, why did you doubt? 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, Truly you are the Son of God. 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 13, 2017 QUOTES TO CONSIDER At times you may wonder why you ve been sent to cross what feels like very rough water. And at other times you may feel God is calling you out of your comfort zone. And at still others you may have wished very much that you would have just stayed in the boat. --Dr. David Lose, In The Meantime Aug 4, 2014 Jesus is with us. He s with those of us who stay in the boat and will calm the storm that threatens. He s with those who try some grandstand move and fail, forgiving the failure 8 and, again, calming the storm. Jesus presence and power are the key to this story, not whether we are bold and courageous and impressive. --Scott Hoezee, Center for Excellence in Preaching, 2017 QUESTIONS In what situations do you find yourself sinking in fear? Can you take comfort in the fact Jesus stays with us, no matter what fear, faith, failure no matter what: Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid. Tear off and take home, share with the pastors, or share with the congregation (place in basket at Welcome Desk)