BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS OCTOBER 2:00PM

Transcription

1 BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS OCTOBER 2:00PM CALLING ALL CHRISTIANS! UNITED AGAIN! United Lutheran Church & St. Bernard s Catholic Church Joint Service October St. Bernard s Church TUESDAY HALLOWEEN 6:00-8:00PM UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH We are a Stephen Ministry Church Address: 100 Cooper Road Bella Vista AR Phone: admin@unitedlutheranbv.org Website: LIKE US on United Lutheran Church October 20171

2 DISASTER RELIEF It s hard to watch the news and not want to reach out and help. Here at United Lutheran, we are doing our part. To date, we have raised $4, for hurricane/disaster relief to help Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma victims. However, we are still in the midst of overwhelming need as Hurricane Maria decimates the Caribbean area and earthquakes tremble the ground in Mexico, Japan, and New Zealand. There are two effective ways to help with donations: ELCA Lutheran Disaster Relief -Hurricane-Relief?_ga= Or you can write a check to United and mark Disaster Relief on the memo line we ll pass it along to our sister synods. 100% of all donations will go to disaster relief. Let us pray... O God, where hearts are fearful and constricted, grant courage and hope. Where anxiety is infectious and widening, grant peace and reassurance. Where impossibilities close every door and window, grant imagination and resistance. Where distrust twists our thinking, grant healing and illumination. Where spirits are daunted and weakened, grant soaring wings and strengthened dreams. All these things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. ELW [Time of conflict, crisis, disaster - additional prayer] pg. 76 2

3 FROM THE PASTOR S OFFICE Reformation celebrated... This year we have an opportunity to celebrate History in the making as we commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Traditionally, each October, on last Sunday of the month, we celebration Reformation Sunday. This celebration, known for the most part only among Lutherans, marks the day that, by tradition, Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses, or topics for discussion about indulgences, on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. That is generally considered the beginning of the Lutheran reformation. (Reformation Day is October 31st.) By the end of the seventeenth century, many Lutheran churches celebrated a festival commemorating Martin Luther's posting of the Ninety-five Theses, a summary of abuses in the church of his time. At the heart of the reform movement was the gospel, the good news that it is by grace through faith that we are justified and set free. Perhaps this is a good month to review what it is we as Lutherans believe. In my Reformation folder, I have an old Christian Tract from the Board of Publication of the United Lutheran Church (no date or copyright listed.) It states: WHAT LUTHERANS BELIEVE There still seemed hope, even a dozen years after the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, of bringing the followers of Luther back into the Roman Catholic Church. Luther had not wished to start a new church, but only to correct false teachings and practices of the church in which he had been a priest. In 1530 the Emperor asked the Lutherans to present a statement of their beliefs for comparison with Roman Catholic teachings. The statement was given to the emperor at the city of Augsburg, and is called the Augsburg Confession. The Roman Catholic Church refused to accept it, and the peacemaking efforts failed. But it is still treasured by Lutherans as the clearest and simplest statement of our principles, and is accepted by all the Lutheran churches of the world. Here is a brief summary of its 28 articles: 1. There is one God who is three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 2. All people are by nature sinful, and in need of new birth through Baptism. 3. Christ is truly divine and truly human. 4. No one can become righteous in God s sight by their own efforts but solely through faith. 5. God gives us faith through the Gospel and the Sacraments. (Baptism and the Lord s Supper.) 6. True faith brings forth the good deeds God expects of God s children. 7. The Church is the assembly of believers in which the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments rightly administered. 8. Gospel and Sacraments in the Church are effectual even though received through unworthy ministers. 9. The grace of God is offered in Baptism, and therefore Baptism is necessary for salvation. 10. The Body and Blood of Christ are received, under the bread and wine, in the Lord s Supper. 11. Private confession and absolution of sins are approved, though a person s sins are greater than one can confess entirely. 12. Sinners may be absolved of sin upon honest repentance. 13. Sacraments are signs of God s will toward us, to stir up and confirm faith in those who receive them. 3

4 14. No one should teach publicly in the Church, or administer the Sacraments, unless they have been properly called. 15. Celebration of holy days and feasts is approved, but not held necessary. 16. Christians should support their government, and obey its laws, unless these are contrary to God s own laws. 17. Christ will return at the last day as the judge. 18. People have freedom of will to work for earthly righteousness, but cannot attain God s righteousness without God s help. 19. Sin is not caused by God, but by one s failure to obey God. 20. A person who has faith may be expected to live rightly, although it is not ones good works which earn them God s approval. 21. The saints may be kept in hallowed memory, but are not to be worshiped. 22. Both bread and wine are to be given to communicants in the Lord s Supper. 23. Priest are to be allowed to marry. 24. Communion is to be celebrated reverently, not as a new sacrifice for sin but for strengthening faith. 25. Confession is to be a proper means of preparation for receiving Communion. 26. Observance of holidays, fasts, and rites are not essential to Christianity and must not be compulsory. 27. God is not pleased by those who flee into monasteries and convents. The Church is not to rule the state, or even to make laws governing one s consciences in religious practices unless these laws already exist in God s Word. I am curious if any of these surprised you, or gave you pause. Let me know... Blessings and Joy!! Pastor Karen 4

5 FROM THE PRESIDENT S DESK Just Ask It s Make a New Friend Season Friendship through Fellowship! This past week, I had opportunities to make several new friends. We ve started a new circle (the Sarah Circle) and were hoping a few more would gather with us; and 4 new members joined us! They each were asked by someone in the circle and all accepted the invitation and we were able to enjoy time with our new friends. What a blessing is it to add new people to any of our fellowship opportunities! Another example...on Thursday, when I needed a sub for my bridge club, I just happened to visit with someone whom I didn t know very well and we started chatting about bridge and I asked if she played bridge. She did and was able to come; we had a great time! Friendship through Fellowship! During our Rally Day festivities, there was a big challenge getting the picnic food on the tables. But, we had some of the BEST helpers show up. All that helped, younger to older, worked hard and quite quickly getting all the food bagged and bags on the tables; we were do in no time! We have some amazing children and helpers within our church walls. I would like to urge you all to make new friends at church this month or bring friends with you to church this month. It will put a smile on your face and give you the opportunity to share that smile with someone else. Thank you for all the wonderful volunteers that serve here at United Lutheran. We are blessed with so much! Friendship through Fellowship, Dorothy Klitzke Council President 5

6 WOMEN OF THE ELCA Morning Circles Oct 4 9:15 a.m. Deborah... Vickie Armiger Oct 4 9:30 a.m. Mary... Annette Janssen Naomi...Audrey Nugent Rachel... Beverly Shelton (At Church) Sarah... Dorothy Klitzke (At Church) Afternoon Circles Oct 3 1:00 p.m. Hannah... Louise Wobig (at church) Oct 10 1:00 p.m. Luther Hall Martha.... Marge Taylor Evening Circle Oct 2 6:30 p.m. Priscilla... Jan Dolan Piece Makers Thursdays 9:00 am Luther Hall. Join our quilters as we finish up the quilts for this year s shipment to Lutheran World Relief. You ll be amazed at the works of art our Oct 08 Deborah Circle Oct 11 9:30 a.m. General Board Oct 18 9:15 a.m. Visiting Phoebes Oct 25 9:00 a.m. Altar Guild Oct 25 10:00 a.m. Bible Study Leaders Look at the Reformation Celebration through the lens of Pastor Karen's camera! (It's the next best thing to being in Germany yourself.) Gather with us as we share the exciting adventure of the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther s great Reformation. Sign up at the Women s counter. Hostess: Rachel Thankoffering Sunday November 12 Pastor Liz Albertson Put this special day on your calendar! The Thankoffering envelopes will be available in the narthex and from Circle Leaders in October, so be watching for them. Church Women United World Community Day Highland Christian Church Friday, November 3, 9:30 a.m. Mark your calendar for this special day. Watch the bulletin for the location of this community wide celebration. Members of Priscilla Circle with a rose honoring the memory of Mavis Hvidsten. Single Parent Scholarship Shopping The basket and the envelopes are out! The shoppers are all signed up! Now we need your gifts to help us fund this wonderful project.! Please read this testimonial from one of our shoppers, Beth Pautsch: Last year was my first experience shopping with a Single Parent. I was given a woman in her mid 20 s who was a mother of a 2 year old boy whose father was not in the picture. The little boy was adorable but the mom told me he has had problems since birth that were not recognized until he was at the age of 1. His legs were not developing properly and he was not where he should be. After visiting hospitals all over the country including the major children s hospitals he was finally diagnosed and his problem could be corrected with braces. However the braces (with special tennis shoes) were about $700 a pair and he is only 2 years old, so you can imagine how often he will need new shoes. The mother was working two jobs, and with the help of her parents and sister she was getting by. Over and over she told me about how guilty she felt about accepting our gift as she felt there were many who could use it more. The money was spent buying new clothes for the little boy, a small gift for her niece and some small presents for her son rather than food, because that was were the need was. I wanted to share this story to show that donations are shared with deserving people who are grateful for the help at a time when it is most needed, and one day they can pay it forward. This experience made my Christmas because this is what the season is about. Please consider giving a small donation. It will be well received. 6

7 Sit Chat Sit and Chat is a new opportunity for ALL the women of United. The format of the program is to simply sit and chat about a particular topic. This will give our women a chance to discuss and express their opinions on different topics. The first installment of our Sit and Chat series will be on October 2nd at 9:30am. A second meeting will also take place on October 11th at 1:00pm. See you there! 7

8 Shopping with a Single Parent We will again be funding Shopping With A Single Parent. Last year we were able to provide food and other necessities to families we were assigned by the Benton County Single Parents Scholarship Fund. Thanks for your amazing support then and now! The Women of United could not help so many families without the generosity of the entire congregation. Deb Olson will be coordinating our efforts again this year. This year we will be helping out 12 families. If you are willing to go shopping with our parents later this year, you can sign up at the Women's board. If you ve never been a shopper and you d like more information, give Deb a call ( ) for the details. If you would prefer to just support this wonderful project, make your check payable to Women of United, mark it for Shopping With A Single Parent. There will be a basket in the narthex. 8

9 All ULC Choir members, Orchestra members, and Blue Grass Gospel Band members are reminded of (2) combined rehearsals with St. Bernard's musicians on the following Saturdays at St. Bernard's Catholic Church: Saturday, October 10:00AM - 12:00PM Saturday, October 10:00AM - 12:00PM Most everyone has seen the posters in the narthex regarding the combined worship service commemorating the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation. All the ULC musicians are participating in this VERY SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENT and would like ALL our ULC members to show their support by attending this WORSHIP SERVICE at 7 PM on Friday, October 27, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Lutherans, Catholics, and ALL Protestants are invited to come and Worship together! Pastor Karen and Father Barnabas will give the message. Everyone will be singing hymns that are familiar to all! Following the hour of worship, refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall. Please come, bring your neighbors, and be a part of this HISTORICAL EVENT in our Bella Vista Community! Our Blue Grass Gospel Band has been very active recently! They joined St. Bernard's Contemporary Band for their Saturday night mass on September 30 th. That same evening they performed in our Sanctuary as part of the evening program for the WELCA Synod meeting held at ULC that weekend. 9

10 October 29 is Reformation Sunday. Please wear Red! This will be our Blue Grass Gospel Band Sunday also! Perhaps you have noticed that during the month of September, prior to starting our Sunday morning worship service, we either rang a bell or played the chimes on the organ three times to signal worship is about to begin. The is to remind us all that prelude is the beginning of worship. Thank you for observing silence as each of us prepares to worship. 10

11 With Thanks and Gratitude- From Lois Carlson & The Music Department THANK YOU, Deb and Garey Olson, for serving our "Musicians Kick-Off Dinner" August 30! All of your time and effort setting up, serving, and cleaning up was GREATLY APPRECIATED!! THANK YOU Dick and Virginia Dale, for your saxophone and keyboard duet, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" on Sunday, August 27. THANK YOU, Chuck Vail, for your vocal solo, "I'll Walk With God" Sunday, September 3rd. Chuck was here from California visiting his father, Chuck Vail, in Bentonville. Our THANKS to Sarah Stephenson and Jim Nugent for their a cappella duet, "In the Garden" last Sunday! THANKS, also, to Sandy O'Neil for singing the soprano solo in the Choir anthem, "Dig a Little Deeper", September 10! THANKS to Janet Troutner for playing the flute accompaniment for the Choir anthem "Beyond Ourselves" today; to Betty Wehner for her trumpet solo, "Because He Lives/ Oh How He Loves You and Me"; and Phyllis Bergstrom for communion music on the Digital Piano. THANK YOU to ALL ULC MUSICIANS for attending the many extra rehearsals in preparation for the WELCA Synod weekend and the combined services at St. Bernard's! Your Commitment is AWESOME as is the music you play and sing!!! PRAISE GOD FOR ALL YOUR TALENTS!! 11

12 KNOW YOUR NUTS A handful of nuts a day can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by 21% as quoted in Prevention magazine. Nuts have a great combination of healthy fats, fiber & other vitamin & minerals. Nuts have many other health benefits a few are: (antioxidant, improve cholesterol, keep brain sharp, decrease sweet craving). Try some as a snack or add to cereal, yogurt, or salad. (Per 1 oz.) Almonds: 162 calories; 14 g fat, 4 g fiber, 6 g protein, 7.2 mg vitamin E, 12 mcg folate, 76 mg magnesium, 75 mg calcium, 1 mg iron Cashews: 157 calories, 12.5 g fat, 1 g fiber, 5 g protein,.03 mg vitamin E, 7 mcg folate, 83 mg magnesium, 10 mg calcium, 1.9 mg iron Hazelnuts: 176 calories, 17 g fat, 3 g fiber, 4 g protein, 4.2 mg vitamin E, 32 mcg folate, 46 mg magnesium, 32 mg calcium, 1.3 mg iron Pecans: 196 calories, 20.5 g fat, 3 g fiber, 3 g protein, 0.4 mg vitamin E, 6 mcg folate, 34 mg magnesium, 20 mg calcium, 0.7 mg iron Pistachios: 159 calories, 13 g fat, 3 g fiber, 6 g protein, 0.8 mg vitamin E, 14 mcg folate, 34 mg magnesium, 30 mg calcium, 1.1mg iron Walnuts: 183calories, 18 g fat, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein, 0.2 mg vitamin E, 27 mcg folate, 44 mg magnesium, 28 mg calcium, 0.8 mg iron Peanuts: 161 calories, 14 g fat, 2 g fiber, 7g protein, 2.4 mg vitamin E, 68 mcg folate, 48 mg magnesium, 26 mg calcium, 1.3 mg iron Macadamia Nuts: 204 calories, 21.5 g fat, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein, 0.2 mg vitamin E, 3 mcg folate, 37 mg magnesium, 24 mg calcium, 1 mg iron Genesis 43:11: And their father Israel said unto them, If so now; take the best fruits in the land in your vessels & carry down the man a present, a little balm, a little honey, spices, & myrrh, nuts & almonds. Your Parish Nurses: Charlotte Spencer & Tonja Seusy 12

13 The other day I was chatting with my husband. He told me that I might be just a tad too friendly to folks in the check-out line at the grocery store. So yes, I did start up a conversation with a women about all the cat food she was buying. And yes, I did make a point to speak to a mom who looked to be at her wits end. And well..i like to play the get-to-know-you game with the cashier. So yes, I am a bit friendly. But, I explained to him my philosophy on Christianity and kindness. One of the most important things to me about being a Christian is making other people feel special. He didn t disagree. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. -Colossians 3:12 Stephen Ministers are trained to play the get-to-know-you "game; to show tenderhearted mercy, gentleness and kindness. But God calls each of his children to be compassionate and kind. And it is oh so easy. Because, it is the little things that truly make a difference. An unexpected card. A phone call. A quick hug in passing. We are all capable of doing the little things that make others feel seen and loved. So how did my grocery store meetings end The cat lady had the joy of telling me about her 27 cats. The Mom ended up in tears after she unburdened herself about the struggle of making ends meet. And the cashier opened up as she told me she was just back to work after taking a few years off to raise her kids. There was something gained by all of us, just through a bit of conversation. I encourage you all to make an effort to show even random people that they are special. Pop a card in the mail or call a friend today..just because. I promise it has the power to make someone s day, and it might just be your own. Blessings, Sarah Stephenson Stephen Ministry Coordinator OCTOBER MEETINGS: 10/09@ 3:30pm & 3:30pm 13

14 UNITED IN PRAYER - 2:45PM Gracious Lord Jesus. You came into the world as one of us and you suffered as we do. Be with all on our prayer list and their loved ones in these days of special needs. Help them to see that YOU are with them in all things. Strengthen, heal, bless, and fortify their faith against fear and doubt in Your loving purpose for them. We give You thanks on their behalf and ask that You and ask that You would also keep them in our hearts and all of us in Your power, until we are freed from all that afflicts us. In Your name we pray. Amen. Members in Need of Prayer Dorothy Altfillisch Lucile Aasmundstad Frank Anderson, Family &Friends Frank Barbieri Iris Benson Jim Bowser Jason Carlson Roger & Anne Costa Harold Crivello, Family & Friends Virg Dykema Dean & Karen Fevold Loruss Grasmick Donna Hartman, Family and Friends Jerry & Lorraine Herman Al Hvidsten, Family & Friends Walt & Berry Knocke Bonnie Larson Ken Lawson Sally Leffler Lorraine Maki Alice Medin Susan Parker Janelle & Claire Redlaczyk Joy Rendon s Family & Friends Russ Salomo, Family & Friends Loraine Sanford s Family & Friends Al & Shirley Schmidt Joann Shaver Dorothea Sherwood Mike Spencer Steve Stolp Joyce Strunk Vern Sutter The Madison Matakas (Swinney) Family Kristi Tostenrud, Family and Friends Ben Walford Family & Friends in Need of Prayer James Aasmundstad Shirley Bramstedt Rick Benson Nat Bothwell Glenn Carter Annika Cutts Hannah Dykema Jim, Sheila, & Brianna Elliott Bruce Fry Colleen Gress Betty Kline Phillip Phillips Phillip Prime Harold Quarter Rose Taylor ULC Staff Pray for: the world & our country, our church, Pastor Karen & Jeremy, church council, staff, music, children s ministry, members, the Phoebes and Shut-Ins, Stephen Ministers & care receivers, friends & family members. Local Churches & Area ELCA Churches Peace in Joplin Christ the King Neighborhood Peace in Rogers Good Shepherd St. Luke s Faith Emmanuel Living Word - Pr. Solberg Bishop & Staff Members in Care Centers Highlands Russ Salomo, Joe & Bea Ranieri, Duane Peterson Brookfield Cleo Sundal Bradford - Barb Thorson Green Acres (Holiday Island) John Norris Concordia Dot Fritz If you are aware of someone who should be added to or removed from the Prayer List, please call the church office at

15 Thanks to our friends of United for the warm greetings and good wishes extended to us for our 70th anniversary. We are grateful to be a part of the Tyre Shepherd Group that honored us with a very special get together. Don & Joyce Whittlesey 15

16 October 10/1 - Debra Muller 10/1 - Deb Olson 10/2 - George Daily 10/2 - Dot Fritz 10/2 - Jaxson Lawson 10/4 - Alice Rahlfs 10/6 - Jeanne Downey 10/12 - Ava Seusy 10/15 - Jason Carlson 10/15 - Helen Eidem 10/17 - Lorraine Herman 10/17 - Amy Mastler 10/19 - Robert Hall 10/19 - Janet Lohrding 10/20 - Mark Maki 10/20 - Richard Strunk 10/21 - Charlotte Spencer 10/22 - Fred Nelson 10/23 - Joan Dahl 10/23 - Ardythe Schultz 10/23 - Louise Wobig 10/24 - Ron Olson 10/25 - Hannah Hoang 10/25 - Ron Rear 10/26 - Rick Hebar 10/26 - Ben Walford 10/27 - Addyson Lawson 10/28 - Bev Shelton 10/31 - Roy Sherman 10/8 - Marvin & Mary Boicourt 10/9 - Gerald & Annette Janssen 10/19 - Bud & Margie Taylor 10/21 - Gregory & Connie Wuhs 10/25 - Bob & Ann McNew 10/20 - Howard & Kay Anderson If we ve missed your birthday or anniversary, please let the church office know. Thank you! 16

17 Events Movie Night At United Lutheran: The Woman in Gold OCTOBER 6:30PM *popcorn will be provided* BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS OCTOBER 2:00PM All pets (and people) are invited! REFORMATION BOOKSALE OCTOBER 22 - NOVEMBER 6 Check out the display table in the narthex to see some of the books available! SENIOR CIRCLE OCTOBER 12:00PM Call to register for the circle: TRUNK OR TREAT OCTOBER 31st 6:00-8:00PM Bring the kiddos, decorate your trunk, and come join us for some spook-tacular fun! BLOOD PRESSURE SUNDAY - OCTOBER 1st 8:45-9:15AM 10:30-11:00AM BREAKFAST CLUB OCTOBER 8:00AM Speaker: Justin Sell, Bella Vista Computer Services Devotion: Carrol Hildre Sign up sheet is in the narthex; see you there! BREAD FOR THE WORLD October 9:15 AM in Fellowship Hall October is Bread for the World month and there will be special emphasis this month. We are hoping to get more attendees at our monthly meetings - so know YOU ARE WELCOME! We hope you will come on October 11th. Please call: or for more information. W-ELCA SIT & CHAT OCTOBER 9:30AM OCTOBER 1:00PM ALL WOMEN ARE INVITED CALLING ALL CHRISTIANS! UNITED AGAIN! OCTOBER St. Bernard s Catholic Church Joint service with St. Bernard s Catholic Church to celebrate Reformation 500. Everyone is invited! 17

18 Updates & Announcements SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE Claire, Dylan, Kelsey, and Otto are all in their respective schools and doing well. They are all very appreciative of your support. Please continue to keep them in your prayers and with your continued support of the scholarship fund. - Wally Nelson COLUMBARIUM UPDATE Due to owners leaving Bella Vista, (2) niches are available in the original section of the columbarium. Sale price is the original selling price of $ per niche. If interested in this bargain price, please contact Darwin Krumrey or the church office. BEST CHOICE LABEL INFORMATION So far this year, we have collected 4,400 labels; so, we are hopeful that we can get up to 6,000 labels this year and receive $ to use for a donation to New Beginnings Children s Home as they are building house #6. Best Choice labels are on items sold at Allen s & Harps Grocery Stores in Bella Vista. We receive a bulk of them from Marge Taylor, who works at Bella Vista Recycling...thank you Margie! Thank you to EVERYONE who has given labels to our cause. - Dee Sadenwasser FRIENDLY FLYERS! Have you ever wanted to invite a friend or neighbor but wish you had something colorful and fun to give them as a reminder of the event? Look no further than the narthex! You can pick up a Friendly Flyer with our latest events to help invite others in the community to our fun activities. 18

19 VETERANS! We re looking for YOU! We're getting ready for Veteran's Day and compiling a list of all the veterans we have in the ULC congregation! If you served under any branch the military, please or call the church office and let them know your name, branch of military you served under, rank, and how many years. Thank you! 19

20 BOOK STUDIES with PASTOR KAREN Continuing into the Fall! September s Book: Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived by Rob Bell It s not too late to pick up a copy and join in on the discussion, October 3rd, 10am or 6:30pm. (Louise Wobig has offered several Kindle s with the book, if you would like to borrow one to read. There is also a ULC library copy. Check with Roz in the Parish Office as to availability.) November Book: Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church by Rachel Held Evans From the back of the book: Like millions of her millennial peers, Rachel Held Evans didn't want to go to church anymore. The hypocrisy, the politics, the gargantuan building budgets, the scandals--church culture seemed so far removed from Jesus. Yet, despite her cynicism and misgivings, something kept drawing her back to Church. And so she set out on a journey to understand Church and to find her place in it. Centered around seven sacraments, Evans' quest takes readers through a liturgical year with stories about baptism, communion, confirmation, confession, marriage, vocation, and death that are funny, heartbreaking, and sharply honest. A memoir about making do and taking risks, about the messiness of community and the power of grace, Searching for Sunday is about overcoming cynicism to find hope and, somewhere in between, Church. If you would like for us to purchase a copy of "Searching for Sunday" for you, from Amazon, let Roz know. We will place an order on October 8th. You may pick up your copy on office, cost $10. If this book sounds interesting, read it during October and any and all who are interested will meet to discuss it November 7th, 10am OR 6:30pm. This month, once again, we will offer an option for morning or evening discussion, same book. Any questions, check with the Pastor. 20

21 MOVIE NIGHT AT UNITED LUTHERAN OCTOBER 6:30PM Sixty years after fleeing Vienna, Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), an elderly Jewish woman, attempts to reclaim family possessions that were seized by the Nazis. Among them is a famous portrait of Maria's beloved Aunt Adele: Gustave Klimt's "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I." With the help of young lawyer Randy Schoeberg (Ryan Reynolds), Maria embarks upon a lengthy legal battle to recover this painting and several others, but it will not be easy, for Austria considers them national treasures. Join us for popcorn, a great movie, and fellowship! 21

22 BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS OCTOBER 2:00PM O Lord, the earth is full of your creatures. When you open your hand, they are filled with good things. Psalm 104 Bring your furry, slimy, slippery friend for this special time of blessing and care. Questions? Check with Pastor Karen or Kristi Tostenrud - THANK YOU! 22

23 OCTOBER 22 - NOVEMBER 6 IT S BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! CHECK OUT THE BOOKS AVAILABLE TO BUY ON THE DISPLAY TABLE IN THE NARTHEX. SEVERAL NEW EDITIONS TO CHOOSE FROM! ORDER FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON OCTOBER 22nd. 23

24 24

25 WRAP UP! The term Huge Success might just about cover it. We had 10 cars and a firetruck in our Car Show and 8 box cars for the Box Car Derby. The weather was beautiful for all our outdoor activities and I am grateful to all who brought or made cars. The ladies & gents in the kitchen prepared a lovely picnic supper with sandwich bags decorated by the kids. The meal was topped off with a sing-a-long and the awards for the car show and the golf outing. Our night finished off with face painting and the cake walk. Twenty seven baked items were donated and we raised $51 for Heifer International. Thank you to all, Sarah Stephenson 25

26 26

27 27

28 28

29 CONGRATULATIONS JAKE GRASMICK FOR WINNING THE ULC 2017 RALLY DAY PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD IT S A TIE! CONGRATULATIONS THOMAS STEPHENSON & BELLA VISTA FIRE DEPT. LADDER 1 FOR WINNING THE ULC 2017 RALLY DAY KIDS CHOICE AWARD 29

30 God s Work, Our Hands This year, for God s Work - Our Hands Day (September 10th), we chose to support the H2O Food Pantry by providing them with disposable diapers of all sizes, as this is a much needed item for most food pantries. We were able to donate 4,212 diapers to the pantry! Truly God s Work - Our Hands! Thank you to everyone who donated or helped along the way; it would not have been possible without you! 30

31 Prayer Corner Prayer in America is under assault. There are several groups trying to outlaw prayer in several places. The one hope for the country is that we now have a president that prays in public. Submitted - Ruth Dronen 31

32 PRAYER FOR REFORMATION Gracious God, we pray for your people gathered together as the holy catholic church. Fill it, fill us with all truth and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in need, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen 32

33 From the Calendar: St. Luke, Evangelist According to tradition, St. Luke was 84 when he died, October 18th commemorates this date. Luke wrote the third listed accounting of the Gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ) and the Acts of the Apostles. Because Luke wanted to give his friend Theophilus an orderly account of the life and teachings of Jesus, we too have been gifted. We have Luke s beautiful account of the Christmas story; Mary s song, the Magnificat (we sing it in the Vespers service, My soul proclaims your greatness, O Lord, and my sprit rejoices in you...); and Zechariah s song, the Benedictus. We also have been given a rich and detailed account of Jesus ministry as well as the ministry of the early church. Our thanks to St. Luke!! Each gospel writer tells the good news with a different emphasis and style. The gospel of Luke is filled with a spirit of joy. Imagine that! The disciples joyfully accepted Jesus mission to take the news of the resurrection into all the world. Because they knew they were connected to God in an amazing way, it was a privilege for them to represent God in the world. They were never alone. The Spirit of God was a constant, and we, too, are never alone. A careful historian, Luke lifts up prayer (at all the great moments of his life, Luke shows us Jesus at prayer), concern for the poor and outcast, the revelation of light to the Gentiles, and the importance of the women of the faith community. The birth narrative is told from Mary s point of view. Luke gives a vivid picture of Mary, Martha, and Mary Magdalene. Luke also pairs his stories to include women: We hear of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Joseph and Mary, Simon and Anna, the Centurions servant and the Widow of Nain s son, as well as a lost sheep and a lost coin. Then in Acts, Luke parallels the ministry of the church with the ministry of Jesus in the gospel. We are indebted to Luke. The final verses of Luke s gospel point to Jesus fulfillment of the Scriptures in his suffering and resurrection. Jesus tells his disciples, You are witnesses of these things. We, too, are witnesses. We know Jesus through the church, the Scriptures, the faith of other believers, and through the apostles and the Gospel writers. Thank you, thank you, St. Luke, for your witness! The story is told: Jesus is in heaven, and an angel asks, How is it that your ministry is going to go on, how is the story to be shared? Jesus looks down and says, I have chosen these 12 to begin, they will invite others. After some consideration, Gabriel asks, do you have a plan B? Jesus chose ordinary people. Jesus continues to chose ordinary people like us to love people like God loves them, and to tell people of all God has done in Jesus. We are to share the grace given whenever and wherever possible. Who will you share the faith with this month? It is a real question for each of us. 33

34 October 2017 October 1 - Sunday October 2 - Monday October 3 - Tuesday October 4 - Wednesday October 5 - Thursday October 7 - Saturday October 8 - Sunday October 9 - Monday October 10 - Tuesday October 11 - Wednesday BLOOD PRESSURE SUNDAY AR/OK W-ELCA SYNODICAL WOMEN S CONVENTION 9:30AM - Worship & Communion 10:45AM - Youth Sunday School 10:45AM - Adult Bible Study 8:00AM - Breakfast Club 9:30AM - W-ELCA Sit & Chat 1:00PM - Staff Meeting 2:45PM - United in Prayer 3:30PM - Stephen Ministries 6:30PM - Priscilla Circle 8:00AM - Exercise 10:00AM - Book Club: Love Wins 1:00PM - Hannah Circle 6:30PM - Band Practice 6:30PM - Book Club Too: Love Wins 9:15AM - Deborah Circle 9:30AM - Mary Circle 9:30AM - Naomi Circle 9:30AM - Rachel Circle 9:30AM - Sarah Circle 5:45PM - Orchestra Rehearsal 7:00PM - Choir Rehearsal 8:00AM - Exercise 9:00AM - Piecemakers 9:15AM - Worship and Music 3:15PM - Chancel Bells 6:30PM - Movie Night: The Woman in Gold 10:00AM - Music St. Bernard s 2:00PM - Blessing of the Animals 9:30AM - Worship & Communion 10:45AM - Youth Sunday School 10:45AM - Adult Bible Study COLUMBUS DAY 1:00PM - Staff Meeting 2:45PM - United in Prayer 3:30PM - Stephen Ministries 8:00AM - Exercise 1:00PM - Martha Circle 5:45PM - Band Practice 8:00AM - Bible Study 9:15AM - Bread for the World 9:30AM - W-ELCA Board Meeting 1:00PM - W-ELCA Sit & Chat 5:45PM - Orchestra Rehearsal 7:00PM - Choir Rehearsal 34

35 October 12 - Thursday October 15 - Sunday October 16 - Monday October 17 - Tuesday October 18 - Wednesday October 19 - Thursday October 21 - Saturday October 22 - Sunday October 23 - Monday October 24 - Tuesday October 25 - Wednesday October 26 - Thursday October 27 - Friday October 29 - Sunday October 30 - Monday October 31 - Tuesday 8:00AM - Exercise 9:00AM - Piecemakers 3:15PM - Chancel Bells 6:00PM - Church Council Meeting 9:30AM - Worship & Communion 10:45AM - Youth Sunday School 10:45AM - Adult Bible Study 1:00PM - Staff Meeting 2:45PM - United in Prayer 6:00PM -Women of United: Gathering 8:0AM - Exercise 6:30PM - Band Practice St. Luke, Evangelist 9:15AM - Visiting Phoebes 5:45PM - Orchestra 7:00PM - Choir Rehearsal 8:00AM - Exercise 9:00AM - Piecemakers 3:15PM - Chancel Bells 10:00AM - Music St. Bernard s REFORMATION BOOK SALE BEGINS! 9:30AM - Worship/Communion 10:45AM - Youth Sunday School 10:45AM - Adult Bible Study 1:00PM - Staff Meeting 2:45PM - United in Prayer 3:30PM - Stephen Ministries 8:00AM - Exercise 12:00PM - Senior Circle 6:30PM - Band Practice 8:00AM - Bible Study 10:00AM - Bible Study Leaders 5:45PM - Orchestra 7:00PM - Choir Rehearsal 8:00AM - Exercise 9:00AM - Piecemakers 3:15PM - Chancel Bells 7:00PM - CALLING ALL CHRISTIANS! UNITED AGAIN! Joint service at St. Bernard s Catholic Church 9:30AM - Worship/Communion 10:45AM - Youth Sunday School 10:45AM - Adult Bible Study 1:00PM - Staff Meeting 2:45PM - United in Prayer Reformation Day HALLOWEEN - TRUNK OR TREAT! 8:00AM - Exercise 6:00PM - Trunk or Treat 6:30PM - Band Practice 35

36 EMERGENCY FORMS We d like all our members to fill out a form and return it to the church office so that it can be placed in their file in the event of a medical or family emergency at church. The form will include basic information as well as what hospital you would prefer, emergency contact, etc. Please fill the form out in its entirety. If you like, we can also provide you with an emergency contact wallet size card. An example of the card is by the community board in the narthex. Special thanks to Katy Sojka for creating the forms! Any questions, let Roz know. Thank you! 36