LIGHT FROM THE HEIGHTS

Transcription

1 1 LIGHT FROM THE HEIGHTS Arlington Hills Lutheran Church 1115 Greenbrier St. St. Paul, MN www. ahlc-stp.org & Facebook Worship times they are a changing. At least on a trial basis! Pr. Roger is establishing a trial run of one Sunday morning service beginning October 2 nd. He is proposing that on October 2, and continuing through December 4, we will worship in the sanctuary at 9:00 a.m. and meet for fellowship, and/or faith formation at about 10:00 10:15 a.m. This is "a time to come together" as a congregation - one worshiping community - one voice, one table... [By the way, is anyone interested in helping provide tasty, unleavened bread for the table? Pastor has a good recipe ] Having one service will allow us better opportunities to get to know one another, and to participate more fully in forums, education and celebration. At the same time, we will have more consistent feedback and follow up from Sunday announcements, prayers, and conversations. We will have a forum after the 9:30 service on September 18 th to introduce the rationale and to respond to questions and concerns. We will also use some of our after-worship forum times during the trial period to evaluate and critique this one-service trial. Let s use this trial period to focus on inviting friends and neighbor's to gather with us, and let s place a greater focus on our fellowship: using the time after worship more intentionally to deepen our relationships. The (worship) times: they are a changing, and this change can be fun. Meals from the Heart God s Work, Our Hands Sunday, September 11 will be Rally Sunday at AHLC. We will begin our new school year with a collaborative work project involving other Eastside congregations. This project will bring us together at Our Redeemer L. C. to pack meals for the non-profit company, Meals from the Heart on both Saturday, September 10, and Sunday, September 11. Anna Clarke will coordinate the sign-up/registration for us. Alternatively, you can go to this site: ( and sign up as an individual. You may prefer to go through Anna to ensure working with a friend. While service times are yet to be finalized they will likely be Saturday 10-12, 12-2, 2-4, 4 6, and Sunday from 10-12, 12-2, 2-4 this means space for about 300 people. We have over $5000 committed from partner faith communities so far, and this is a good beginning. We have also started a Go Fund Me site ( where you can give directly to this event. Remember, however, that our Krazy Love offerings are also earmarked for this work, and you may wish to contribute through that fund.

2 2 From the Pastor Why Am I Here? Why am I here? What s it all about? Earlier this week, as I was preaching at Marion Scott s funeral, I realized that I was answering this question for myself. The answer seems obvious now, but it took me over 35 years to formulate. Love is one answer. We are put on this earth to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and we are here to love our neighbor as our self. Love is the answer, and God is love. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Jesus came so that whoever believes in him may not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus came to save us from sin, yes, and there s more. Jesus also came to rise from the dead and then to lead us into the world in order to save the world. That is another answer to the question, Why am I here? We are here to save the world. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. We are the church; we are the risen body of Christ in this world. Why are we here? What is our purpose? Love is the answer. We are put on this earth to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and we are here to love our neighbor as our self. Sharing our love is how we will save the world. Actually, it will be the love of Christ stirred into our hearts and minds by the Holy Spirit. We share our love best when we use our gifts by singing in the choir, by taking communion to those who cannot make it to church, by tutoring a youngster in math or reading skills, by giving blood, gardening, or volunteering in the community. God has equipped each of us with different gifts, and we are all called to use them to save the world. This work was passed on to you and me when Jesus rose from the grave and breathed the Holy Spirit into those first disciples. It has passed down through the centuries to you and me. We are called to carry on God s work with our hands, hearts and minds. We have been called and equipped to save the world with simple and courageous works of love. This is an amazing calling, and I am glad that you are my partners. Pr. Roger

3 3 If Miracles Are Explained Are They Miracles? Please read Job 8:20-21 The subject of this article is Christy Beam's book MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN. This description is from the back cover. "For Christy and Kevin Beam faith meant putting one foot in front of the other as they lived life in the shadow of their middle daughter's devastating illness. Diagnosed with an incurable disorder little Anna persevered through years of pain and treatment. When Anna had an accident that nearly took her life, the Beams thought it would only get worse for her. In the days that followed Anna shared a story of visiting heaven, meeting Jesus and being guided by the light of a guardian angel. But the greatest miracle of all had just begun." As you read the book you will find both Anna and Annabel are used as names of the Beam's middle daughter. Examining the discussion questions on pages before reading the book would help obtain the book's greatest value. The Beam parents conversations with their daughters included Comments about heaven. Were their descriptions responsible for Anna s distress and her wishes that are described on pages 16 and 17? On page 24 the author relates the comfort they received from the southern gospel song that describes Heaven as a family reunion. You can find the lyrics by searching the internet for "reunion in heaven lyrics" and by searching for "Sara Henderson reunion in heaven" you can hear it sung by Ms. Henderson. On page 82 the author states, "It is funny how God sometimes hears our prayers before we even know what we are supposed to pray for." The Beam family spent much time in prayer, much of it was spontaneous. Those prayers include thankfulness and requests for healing. As you read be alert for other prayers. This Kenyan prayer appears on page 177: "From the cowardice that dare not face new truth, from the laziness that is content with half truth, from the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth, good Lord, deliver us." On age 43 and again on page 145 the author says "Think horses, not zebras." When you find that expression consider what it means in the context in which it was spoken. Would you ever use that phrase? The word frenemy, used on page 156, means an enemy that is disguised as a friend. Would you ever use that word? The distress of the Beam family is similar to that of Job. The passage from the 8th chapter of Job is a promise, by one of Job's acquaintances, of relief. On page 126 Kevin Beam is described as having both the patience and the frustrations of Job. You may increase your understanding of life's difficulties by reading the book of Job. Portions of two references, THE BIBLE SPEAKS TO YOU and CONCISE BIBLE HANDBOOK contain helpful comments. They are on the book cart. Make use of the table of contents and the index to locate references to Job. Please remember that use of commentaries and other references is not a substitute for reading the Bible. MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN is available on the book cart. Please return it and other books when you have finished with them so they are available for others. Thanks. Clair

4 4 SAVE THE DATE State Fair Parking starts August 25 ending on September 5 Sanctuary Choir Practice starts Wednesday, Sept 7, 7:00 p.m. Devotional Yoga September 7 through December 14; 3:00 p.m. Donations open at Alley Shoppe September 10 from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. God s Work Our Hands Sunday, September 10 and/or 11 (details on front page) Alley Shoppe opens up on September 13 for clients Jubilate Handbells; Tuesdays, starting September 13 at 6:30 p.m. Women s Bible Study Saturday, September 17, 9:30 a.m. Adult Forum Sept 18 to discuss our worship time and practices Adult Forum Sept. 25, October 2 & 9 Grace based Evangelism after the worship service Book Club begins September 19 10:30 a.m. Culver s Monday, September 19 5 p. m. 7:00 p.m. Flu Shots Tuesday, October 3 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. WMA Fundraiser at Paul and Mary s with Amy and Adams Saturday, October 15 Aluminum Can Drive in October Craft and Cookie Sale November 5, from 9:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.

5 5 YOU ARE INVITED TO A SPECIAL EVENING OF MUSIC On September 17, the WMA Board will begin selling tickets to a fundraising concert by Amy & Adams. What makes this concert special is that it will take place at Mary and Paul Kowitz s home in White Bear Lake. Due to limited space, only 50 tickets will be sold. So gather your friends, buy your tickets, and begin planning your evening of music now! Date: October 15 Fellowship at 6 pm, Concert begins at 7 pm Bring your own beverage, snacks will be provided. Ticket cost: $40/person Saturday, November 5 seems a long time away but the Craft Sale committee has filled the craft tables with some new crafters along with some of the crafters from the last two years. The Craft Sale and Cookie Sale will be on November 5, Saturday from 9 am 3 pm It will be in the Fellowship Hall. We will have Cookies by the Pound and other bake goods. If you can help or bake or both, contact Sharon Hanson or Cheryl Hollman in the office. Thank you for your continued support. Devotional Yoga starts September 7 through December 14. Class meets on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship hall. Cost is $42 the session or $4 for drop in. There will be no yoga the week of Thanksgiving. Marion wrote this shortly after she went to hospice and after the August newsletter was mailed and thought I would share with all of you. To the congregation of Arlington Hills Lutheran Church- I would like to thank the members for their prayers and cards. I think of you all with thoughts of love. Prayers are so important. Thank you, Sincerely Marion Scott Pastoral Acts June /July Dona Rodman Julie (Belva )Stevenson Fred McLellan Jeremy Schneibel

6 6 Page 6 The Sanctuary Choir would love to have YOU as a member join in singing anthems, leading worship and enjoying great fellowship. If you like to sing, but feel you can t commit your time for the entire season, come and join us for maybe 6 weeks. Extra voices are greatly appreciated, especially for special occasions such as Lessons & Carols in December, Christmas Eve, Good Friday, and Easter. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. beginning September 7 in the Sanctuary. Hope to see you there! Barbara Rossow, Director It s time once again to praise the Lord with Hand bells at Arlington Hills! On Tuesday, September 13, 2016, our adult hand bell ensemble, Jubilate, will begin rehearsals at 6:30 p.m. Music reading IS NOT REQUIRED for this group. Please come and try your hand at ringing - gloves will be provided, as well as support, fellowship, and a unique worship experience. YOU ARE NEEDED- TRULY!! Please contact me for more details, or just come on down to a rehearsal. Let Our Praises Ring! Chuck Linderkamp, Director

7 7 Krazy Love returns! Last year we rallied around the theme of Krazy Love by giving $ to the ELCA Hunger Appeal. That was a truly amazing gift. This year Pastor Roger lifts up another opportunity for you to demonstrate your Krazy Love for the least of these, our brothers and sisters. One of the activities we will support over the God s Work, Our Hands weekend (September 10 and 11) will be coming together with other members of the Eastside Eight to pack meals for Meals from the Heart. These meals will then be distributed to hungry people both in our neighborhood and around the country. Each congregation is asked to contribute at least $ toward this effort. Shall we try to double that amount? Would that be krazy? Pastor Roger BOOK CLUB Monday, September 19th, at 10:30 am. The book of discussion will be TRAVELS WITH CHARLEY, by John Steinbeck September Women s Bible Study September 17. Saturday, 9:30 am. Brenda Boogren, Leader Reception Room Lectors Volunteers in the Office Communion Sept. 4 Roxanne Larson 4 JoAnn Metling 4 Jon Helgason Sept. 11 Christine Anderson 11 Priscilla Reeve 18 Lolita Schaber Sept. 18 Deb Perry 18 Marlene Odeen Sept 25 Diane Allmendinger 25 Carol Hansen Ushers Tape Ministry Sound Booth 4 Virginia Iverson, Dan Reed 4 Sharon Hanson 4 Mike Brown 11 Florence and Dennis Rasmusson 11 Clair Haberman 11 David Lauver 18 Wayne Hanson and John Hollman 18 Clair Haberman 18 Mike Brown 25 Charles and Elaine Rohrbach 25 Eugene Karls 25 David Lauver

8 8 Arlington Hills Lutheran Church 1115 Greenbrier Street St. Paul, MN Dated Material August 26, 2016 Address Service Requested Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No Arlington Hills Lutheran Church Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. & Friday 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Phone: Fax: Visit us at: Facebook Arlington Hills Lutheran Church Staff Ext.# Senior Pastor: Pastor Roger Allmendinger 17 Administrative Assistants: Diane Allmendinger* 11 Cheryl Hollman 16 Local Mission Program Coordinator Pam Wiehe* 12 Chief Custodian: Jim Jaszczak 23 Asst. Custodian: Indira Perez* Eugene Bertrand* Organist/Director of Special Music: Sharon Vicic* Chapel Organist & Choir Director: Barbara Rossow* Handbell Director: Chuck Linderkamp* Wedding Coordinator: Sharon Hanson* Companion Congregation - Idegenda, Tanzania OUR MISSION: To Spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all in word and deed. OUR VISION: Arlington Hills Lutheran Church Community, a Beacon for the Kingdom of