Maricopa Lutheran Church Newsletter Pastor Cora Aguilar cell office/mission house

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1 Maricopa Lutheran Church Newsletter Pastor Cora Aguilar cell office/mission house Pastor s Corner MSSONAL STORES November 2013 Help us write YOUR missional story here. Write a brief story, no more than one page of how God has touched your life or the life of others through the ministry of your congregation. Send your story to jschaumburg@gcsynod.org. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, by Sarah Griebler A few years ago Cora Aguilar, who is an ELCA pastor, and her husband decided to buy a house in Maricopa, AZ., and retire. But, Cora soon discovered, God had other plans. n April 2010, Cora was named as the mission developer for an ELCA new start congregation in her new community. Maricopa Lutheran Chapel hopes to be a recognized ELCA congregation by knew it was a divine call, says Cora. knew was called here to Arizona because of this church. ELCA members in Maricopa had previously driven long distances sometimes over 100 miles roundtrip to attend church on Sundays. Out of their desire to worship closer to home, and under Cora s guidance, Maricopa Lutheran Chapel was born. A passion for people. Ruben Duran directs the ELCA churchwide organization s program for new congregations. He says, Cora has a deep passion for people and an expertise in mission. Nothing will detract her from doing her best and giving her all to help grow (Maricopa). Sue Fletcher, who has been with the congregation since the beginning, says Cora plays a big role in making people feel welcome. Cora doesn t miss a beat. She knows everyone who s there, and if you re new, she always welcomes you before the service. t s a warm and loving congregation. They ve seen a lot of growth in the past couple years, and they now have a steady Sunday worship attendance of people. Although initially most of the people joining were retired, the congregation now has people of all ages, and they re even holding Sunday school and confirmation classes.

2 Maricopa Lutheran doesn t have a permanent worship space and has held services at many locations in the community, some more unusual than others. When Carol VanBatavia first went to worship at Maricopa Lutheran after moving to Arizona in 2010, she was surprised to find herself driving up a dirt road toward an old ranch house. This certainly wasn t the type of worship space she had been used to back in South Dakota. But the moment she stepped inside the house, it was just an awesome feeling. Everyone was welcoming. You could feel the Holy Spirit. t s been a great joy for us to come here and have that feeling of connection with Maricopa, like it s our home and we ve been here for a long time. Energy for all. People in the congregation also talk about Cora s contagious and inexhaustible energy on Sunday mornings. Cora says when she s doing worship her prayer is, God, fill me with your spirit, your passion, your energy, and let that come out and touch all of the people you have sent on this day to worship with us. That energy flows from everyone in the congregation. Carol says that because most people are transplants from all over the country, We re not just set in our ways. We re flexible. We listen to (each other) and that s important. And although they re still working to increase their numbers and get organized, that hasn t stopped Maricopa from looking beyond its own four walls. We re definitely not going to become complacent when we get settled, says Cora. No, no, no! Recently there s talk of trying to do some ecumenical outreach with other churches in worshipmaricopa, especially the Methodist and Presbyterian churches because we have full communion with them. What s wonderful about Maricopa Lutheran, Sue Fletcher says, is that it is one that grew from within. The people wanted a church and we were determined that we wanted to do it and so we did. And we know the Holy Spirit was working here with us the whole time. Sarah Griebler is a 2009 graduate of Lawrence University. From 2009 to 2011 she taught English in Cieszyn, Poland, as an ELCA young adult volunteer.

3 November s Bulletin Stewardship Article What is Stewardship? Stewardship is not a monetary budget. When you look up Stewardship in the dictionary you ll find a definition such as: 1. The Office, duties and obligations of steward. 2. The conducting, supervising or managing of something; especially the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one s care. n the Bible there are 80 verses about being a good steward. Most are related to caring for what God has entrusted to us. One of the first verses is Colossians 3:23 reads; whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Stewardship most likely has different meanings to each one of us. We invite you to pray and think about what you can offer this coming year in time, talents and pledges, while being a good steward. think it is important to remember this verse: Acts 20:35. n all things have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. We are fast approaching holidays, family, and friends gatherings, and year end. Also, it is a time for us to do a little self-reflection on how we did as a Steward this past year. November in our church calendar is the month we ask our congregation to think about stewardship. We have heard over the years that Stewardship is using our time, talents, and treasures in service to our community and to the glory of God. Maricopa Lutheran Church is building our relationship with our community in faith and sharing. This is possible because of you, sharing your special gifts. Thank you.

4 STEWARDSHP - MAKNG THE SGN OF THE CROSS DOWN OUT OUT N God makes the first vertical line DOWN; we follow by moving N to the center and the OUT to our neighbors on either side both near and far. We form a cross with our lives and through our faith, we are marked with the cross of Christ forever. WHEN WE PRACTCE STEWARDSHP THS WAY, WE ARE MAKNG THE SGN OF THE CROSS. DOWN - Stewardship begins at creation, where God first comes down to us. God forms humankind in His own image and commands them in Genesis 1:28 to be fruitful and multiply..and have dominion over..every living thing that moves upon the earth. From the beginning, humanity is not an owner, but a STEWARD of what God has created. We are First receivers, not givers! God s love came down to us in Jesus Christ (John 3:16). God comes down to us in our baptism where we are claimed as children of God. We belong to God and all that we have belongs to God. We are the bearers of God s love, grace and gospel. Stewardship begins with God coming down to us in love. We are a church that belongs to Christ, and there is a place for all here. N - God has skillfully created us and blesses us with more than we could ever imagine. God knows us deeply and has created each of us uniquely. He has entrusted us with an abundance of tangible and intangible resources - time, talents, treasure and so much more. God gives in abundance that we might share in abundance (2 Corinthians 9:8). All that we have belongs to God. We can give joyfully, graciously and sacrificially because we know that our resources are not ours to keep but are God s to share.

5 OUT - We look OUT to see how God is calling us to love our neighbor with all that God has entrusted to our care. When asked: What is the greatest commandment? Jesus responds, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and you shall love your neighbor as yourself Matthew 22: We are called to love, not just with our words but with our whole lives. Stewardship is the way we use all of our resources to love God and neighbor. (Taken from the ELCA resource Stewards of God s Love) This article can also remind us that, as Maricopa Lutheran Church, we make the sign of the cross as we are Gathered by the Spirit, Fed with the WORD (down and up) and Sent to make Christ known (out). TEMPLE TALK Early on a Sunday morning, May 6, 2001, a knock on my front door revealed a local police officer. knew there had been an accident when saw my husband s mangled bicycle protruding from the trunk of the patrol car. He has suffered head trauma, the policeman said, you need to get to the hospital. grabbed a roll of quarters, my address book ( didn t own a cell phone at the time), and my 12 year old son and headed for the hospital. On the way, silently repeated the same prayer over and over, Please, God, don t make me have to use these quarters, don t make me have to call anyone. Unfortunately, my husband s condition was quite severe, and a nurse, after inquiring if my husband had other relatives, told me that needed to start making phone calls. On the way to a bank of pay phones, began cursing God under my breath, when in exasperation said out loud, thought said that didn t want to have to call anybody. Weren t you listening? My son asked me, Who are you talking to? m talking to God, said, with an angry edge to my voice. hoped it disguised how truly frightened was. s He answering you? my son queried. Not so far. replied. Later that day, amidst fear, uncertainty, and a myriad of other emotions, began to pray again, Can t you see what s happening here, Lord? Look at how his life affects the lives of so many our children, his brothers and sister, his friends, his co-workers. t s not just for myself that m praying, but for all of these others. Please do something for him. Please, just give me a sign. And this time, did hear God answer, by throwing the ball back in my court. Look around you, Maureen, don t you see what s happening? Don t you see the need? Please, give me a sign. He let me know that being a good steward of my own life, and the lives of those entrusted to me, my husband and my children, was not enough. needed to expand beyond the familial and the familiar.

6 began by going back to church, after having been absent for many years. was warmly welcomed, and quickly began to get involved. taught Sunday School, ushered, and ran the nursery. also helped with the many outreach programs that my church was involved in. Jesus words, t is by giving that you receive, described my life. When we moved here four years ago, quickly got involved with different ministries here at Maricopa Lutheran. chaired the Evangelism committee, helped with advertising, and served on the steering committee. Right now chair the Worship committee, and help organize the ushers, lectors, acolytes, and communion assistants. My stewardship does more than help the church, it helps me. have made so many wonderful friends, and have learned so much about God s word and the power of prayer, through my service to our church. n two weeks you will be given a pledge card and a Time & Talent sheet to fill out. ask you to prayerfully consider the tithing of your possessions, your time, aptitude, and ideas in service to Maricopa Lutheran Church. You have so much to offer. All it takes is a willing heart and willing hands. Trust me, you will get back so much more than you give. Please be generous; please, give God a sign. Fellowship Committee Report Our committee met on October 17, We decided to cancel the Chili feed on November 10 due to the Congregational meeting on November 17. nstead, we will sponsor a potluck lunch following the service on the 17 th. Please bring your favorite foods. Utensils, plates, coffee, and lemonade will be furnished. A big thank you goes to all those who stayed to help clean lunch tables. They look so much better. Your help was appreciated. The trip for the Celebration of Christmas is scheduled for December 15. Our Christmas party is still being planned. Thank you and God s Blessings, Eileen Stratman HEAVENLY HUMOR Seen on a bumper sticker: f 10% of my income is good enough for God, why isn t it good enough for the RS? was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a lot more as they get older, then it dawned on me: they re cramming for their final exam. George Carlin Something to ponder: Why didn t Noah just swat his two mosquitoes?

7 Excerpts from a sermon by Bishop Mark Hanson, November 1, 2009 relating to the celebration of full communion between the United Methodist Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. What a joyous occasion to give thanks for all the saints who have prayed and labored for greater expressions and experiences of our unity in Christ. But please let me be very clear: do not believe that full communion between the United Methodist Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is for the sake of our survival. Oh yes, know religious pundits and prognosticators have long ago predicted our demise as denominations. Some seem to imply by the phrase "post-denominational era" that we are pretty much dead and gone. Well, am sorry if seem just a bit impatient about our death being prematurely pronounced, but full communion is not about two church bodies deciding to share one tomb, one cave of death. The results of some 30 years of dialogue, the document "Confessing Our Faith Together," and the texts of our full communion agreement adopted by our assemblies, are not bands with which we will now wrap ourselves so that we might be preserved at least a bit longer. Full communion is not for our mummification because being entombed in a cave of death is no place for Christ's Church. Sometimes wonder if Jesus is weeping over his church today, just as he wept with Mary and others at the tomb of Lazarus. When deeply held differences become cause for divisions, rather than occasions for deeper dialogue, it must grieve our Lord. When suspicions and distrust become pervasive and turn into cynicism and sarcasm, then we give off the stench of death, not the aroma of new life in Christ. often call to mind St. Francis' statement, "n baptism we have died the only death that matters, leaving us free to risk every other death for the sake of life." So, do we need a mission statement for our full communion relationship? Probably not, but if we do, could there be a clearer mission statement than from our John 11 reading? "Take away the stone! Come out, unbind them, let them go!" "Take away the stone!" Rather than being entombed in our own controversies and preoccupied with our own survival, let us go together Methodists, Lutherans and ecumenical partners to where others are being entombed. There, together in the strong name of Jesus, let us echo Christ's command, "Take away the stone!" The cave of death is no place for God's creation. A tomb of poverty, discrimination, isolation, and violence is no place for God's children. Being all wrapped up in the trappings of our busyness or the beauty of our sanctuaries or the intensity of our controversies is no place for Christ's church. "Take away the stone! Lazarus, come out. Unbind him. Let him go." Jesus' words are not an invitation for our consideration. Jesus did not whisper into the tomb saying, "Lazarus, encourage you to consider inviting me to come and live in your heart and if you do, may consider raising you from the dead." Nor did Jesus say, "Lazarus, if you will give assent to these doctrinal truths, or if you will engage in these spiritual practices and political actions, then there

8 will be a strong possibility of life for you." No if or then, only Jesus weeping and speaking words of command and promise. Roll away the stone. Come out. Unbind him. Let him go. This is Jesus' declarative announcement of your destiny and mine. This Jesus who is the resurrection and the life promises, " will call you to abundant life now because love you with a steadfast love and God's constant mercy." This is God's baptismal promise spoken to you. When first the United Methodist Church and then, one year later, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted overwhelmingly (over 90 percent majorities) to approve this relationship of full communion, it was the culmination of years of theological conversation that led to the report, "Confessing Our Faith Together." That document affirms there are no churchdividing differences that preclude full communion. Wow! This action in a culture of polarization when the only stories of denominations that apparently are worthy of telling are those of alienation and possible separation. Now we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, have engaged in this act of reconciliation, recognizing in one another the one holy, catholic, and apostolic faith as it is expressed in the scriptures, confessed in the church's historic creeds, attested to in the Lutheran Confessions and the Doctorial Standards of the United Method Church. Perhaps we fail to appreciate what a powerful testimony this act can be, for we live in a religious climate in which people of faith seem prone to point out faults and deficiencies. Some speak of the heresies in their own or another church's teachings and actions. Yet we have spoken clearly and publicly of what we recognize in one another: the authenticity of each other's Baptism and Eucharist, extending sacramental hospitality to one another's members. We recognize the validity of our respective ministries and the full interchangeability and reciprocity of all ordained ministers of Word and Sacrament. Oh, yes, church, full communion is because caves of denominational separation are no place for Christ's church. So we pray: Come, Holy Spirit. Take away the stone. Call us out. Unbind us. Let us go together in Jesus' name. Amen.

9 BRTHDAYS THS MONTH Cynthia Calhoun Nov. 2 nd Melissa Lupke Nov. 2 nd Vienna Calhoun Nov. 6 th Kim VanBatavia Nov. 12 th Dominick Cambone Nov. 12 th Chet Anderson Nov. 12 th Alex Bergen Nov. 17 th Alice Bjorkland Nov. 19 th Joseph Lambert Nov. 20 th ANNVERSARES THS MONTH Gale & Eileen Stratman Nov. 1 st Brian & Jamie Lambert Nov. 9 th Roy & Angela Bentley Nov. 20th