Epistle for September, 2017

Transcription

1 Epistle for September, 2017 Bethany Lutheran Church First English Lutheran Church Friends in Christ Lutheran Church Meets at the DAC Building in Sebeka Sunday Schedule Worship 10:30 AM Sunday Schedule 8:30 Worship Coffee Fellowship Sunday Schedule 9:30 Worship Fellowship th St. Menahga, MN Main St. NW Menahga, MN th St SW Sebeka, MN Pastor James Hallaway Parish Secretary Dayna Anderson Parish Newsletter Phone: ~ Fax: ~ febeth@wcta.net PO Box 189 ~ Menahga, MN Bethany Council President Kris Spadgenske krsspad@gmail.com Bethany Organists Sandi Mickelson Kris Spadgenske First English Administrative Board President Verllien Augst First English Custodian Dan Gilbert Mission Statement Bethany, First English & Friends in Christ Lutheran Churches are a caring, inclusive Christian Community dedicated to Word and Sacrament ministry; Growing in Christ; Sharing the faith; Serving our neighbors; and Supporting each other. The Epistle and weekly bulletins are also available online at: Friends in Christ Board of Trustees President Tim Puttonen Friends in Christ Pianists Ardis Olson Laicy Erickson Chris Olson Ryan Oakland Follow us on Facebook: First English, Bethany, Friends in Christ Lutheran Churches

2 Mark 8:31-33 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. Galatians 2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 1Thessalonians 2:2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. Concerning our own church conflict I ve heard people say or comment, I didn t know Christians could act like that. Or, you might have said to yourself, Christians should never behave this way or that way. You would be right, but that doesn t resolve the fact that things happen. If we are honest we have to admit that in our homes we have had cross words, tempers flaring and actions that don t communicate the love we have for our own family members. Ever notice most families find their way through these times? This side of heaven we will have disagreements. As noted above, Jesus had to get on Peter about his lack of understanding. Paul had to confront Peter (Cephas) about being hypocritical. Lastly, Paul makes it clear that even in the midst of conflict we must declare [to you] the gospel of God. I would like to appeal to your heart if you are wondering how you can ever come back to a church going through conflict. Yes, I am talking to those who have pulled away. You are missed, you are loved and you are probably misunderstood. 2 Church Conflict, Isolation and Forgiveness S T E P S How can we possibly understand someone whom we have not even sat across a table conversing over a cup of coffee? Chuck Swindol once said, people often isolate and withdraw when they need to be around people the most. While this conflict may not feel like something you want to get closer to, what can ever be solved by being apart? In marriage have you ever noticed that when a couple is not talking to each other the conflict does not go away? What happens is a gradual calming takes place. In addition, a gradual longing takes place. Yes, the one you are angry with is in your thoughts because love covers a multitude of sins. And, we are meant for relationship so isolation feels terrible, even for the introvert! Eventually someone caves, breaks, softens, laughs, farts, burps and it breaks the ice in the room and some reconciliation takes place. I call it that even if there are no words, because on some level it is taking place. But with serious issues is this enough? The inevitable conflict on the same issue says, no! If the relationship is to continue in a positive way conflicts must be addressed. What happens when a liar is never held accountable? What happens when an addict is never given tough love? What happens if you don t pay the electric bill? What happens if you don t cut the hay? What happens when you don t milk the cows? Could we say that conflict is a form of disorder in the same way the previous scenarios present forms of disorder? Imagine a dairy farmer who doesn t milk the cows! What am I saying? It takes courage to admit mistakes. It takes courage to come to the table for conversation. It takes courage to persevere. It takes courage to be a leader. Will you be a leader? In this case it means being honest with yourself, with others, and being willing to rise up in character and set the example for others. Are you wondering what verse I might pull out for this one? I have to admit the verse that comes to mind sounds so easy but is oh so difficult. It will require you to lay down your pride, forget about how right you may be and hear the others in the conflict. If you want, I will come and listen to you. Continued on next page

3 Here s the verses.matthew 5:22-24 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, You fool! will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. This is the essence of what Jesus meant when He taught us to pray, forgive us as we forgive others who have trespassed against us. Remember, Paul taught us that regardless of conflict we must preach the gospel, but who will listen to us if the word on the street is about how unchristian we treat each other. As a follower of Christ we are not our own, we are bondservants of Jesus Christ. He commands us to be reconciled for our sake and the sake of others. I invite each of us to do our part. ~ Pastor Jim Ministry Opportunities Ministry Highlights The Bethany Auction was held on Sunday, August 13 following the Worship Service. The auction raised more than $4,000 that will go to missions near and far. The Principle on the First English Building Loan has decreased by almost $8,000 in 2 months. This brings the balance to less than $13,000. In August, Pastor Jim, 1 parent and 5 youth traveled to Colorado as an opportunity to build & grow in their faith. At the July service at Paul Miller Park in Perham, 2 teenage girls were baptized. Be a prayer warrior for Pastor Jim and a two others that will be traveling to Rwanda, Africa. The group will be leaving on Thursday, September 21st and returning on Tuesday, October 10. Ruby s Pantry is on the 3rd Saturday of each month at the Assembly of God Church. There is a need for volunteers, youth and adults are welcome. Volunteers need to be at the church by 7:45 A.M. and will be done about 1:00 P.M. Confirmation, Sunday School & LYO are starting up again and there is a need for people to help in many ways. Please speak to your education people or Pastor Jim to see how you can assist in the children & youth ministries in our parish. Erica Kicker and Samara Kicker were baptized. The basement under the sanctuary at First English is being converted to the new LYO room The LION S DEN. There has been carpet installed, cleaning has taken place and a wall & entry door are almost completely installed. 3

4 Council Members Present: Ron M., Dave M., Roger H., Russ O., Dean M., Mark and Kristine S., Rita H., Lynette Y., Marie H., Verllien A., Trisha K., Marlene S., Curt O., Tim P., Tracey O., Evelyn M., Mac O., and Mike S.. Council Members Absent: Wendy M., Gordy H., Diane S., Tom C. and Kari C. Guest in attendance: Les R., Ron B. and Jim H. Pastor Eric Hulstrand from Moving Forward opened the meeting at 6:05pm with prayer. He gave an introduction of himself and explained that the information presented tonight comes from the surveys and meetings with members of the congregation. He explained that he will present his observations and then recommendations. Matthew 16: 13-18: Quote read by Bill Hybels: The local church is the hope of the world. Observations: 1. Conflict in the church is normal. There is a lot of weeds and we are not getting into the weeds surveys were returned and 90% plus said they wanted to face the conflict head on. 3. Tri-parish council found themselves in an awkward situation with no governing documents that dealt with being a tri-parish or even a bi-parish, plus there was no personnel committee. They were unprepared and thus mistakes were made. 4. There are many hurt feelings and cold shoulders in the community 5. There is a lot of talk about being Lutheran. Eric stated Lutheran is a set of beliefs and not a worship practice. The Augsburg Confession is the cornerstone of being Lutheran in that the Word is preached and the sacraments administered. 6. Tri-parish Council perceived as being secret". Dealing with personnel issues is complicated and difficult and it is tough to know how much to say. 7. There are services/meetings being held on Sunday mornings outside of church that have been confusing, hurtful and divisive. 8. Pastor Steve made mistakes. The loss and shock of what happened to Steve is deep. Should have had a sendoff after serving almost 16 years. 9. Dissatisfaction with Pastor Jim. People question his character while others have deep satisfaction and respect for Pastor Jim. 10.Overall, there is pain, hurt, awkwardness and disillusionment. There have been mistakes made by all viewpoints. Anxiety causes regretful reactions. Recommendations: The following recommendations require courage. 1. Individuals on both sides need to decide to forgive. Matthew 6: 14 & 15. If you have do not forgive, you are 4 BETHANY, FRIENDS IN CHRIST & FIRST ENGLISH TRIPARISH COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 11, 2017 denying yourself salvation. Individuals and Tri-parish council needs to intentionally ask for forgiveness and intentionally forgive. 2. Tri-parish council needs to ask Pastor Steve and Jane for forgiveness for not handling the situation well. Eric will help us draft a letter asking for forgiveness while also making sure the letter does not imply that we condone his actions, as this is very important. He would like the councils to sign this on September 10. He would also like the councils to ask the congregations for forgiveness for not handling the situation well. 3. No more separate worship services. This Sunday is an excellent time to start by attending joint worship service at Bethany. 4. Hire a (traditional) intentional Lutheran interim pastor to fill in at least half time. 5. Start assembling a call committee, but this should be a slow process. 6. Make summary/minutes of this meeting available to all members. 7. We are fortunate to be a Tri-parish and there is so much strength in a Tri-parish for getting things done. Pastor Eric also said there is a lot of power in a multi parish and that is why the devil is playing here, he knows we are strong and he wants to make us weak. 8. Form a task force to write up Parish Agreement governing how the church operates and bylaws. 4 officers become the personnel council. 9. Give the Tri-parish a separate name. You want people to look at you and say wow and a separate name will help with that. 10.Elect a temporary Tri-parish council with some old and some new. Tri-parish council is too big to get work done. 11.Pastor Eric checked with seminary professors who knew Pastor Jim. Kevin McClure stated he has no reservations. Pastor Jim has a beautiful heart, humble, very teachable and a real servant. Pastor Eric does not believe Pastor Jim's character is an issue. Jim is an outside the box thinker who is good with youth. 12.New full time pastor should have the right of refusal for all staff, has 1 year to decide, and there needs to be a checks and balance in place with personnel committee. 13.Get GOOD gossip going. No more cold shoulders. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 There will be a tri-parish worship service on September 10, at First English at 9:30am with a potluck dinner following. Pastor Eric Hulstrand will lead a tri-parish meeting following lunch. Meeting closed with prayer. Respectfully submitted by Evelyn M. and Trisha K.

5 Saturday, September 9 at 7:00 P.M. Tri-Parish Council Meeting at First English Sunday, September 10 at 9:30 A.M. On Sunday, September 10, 2017 we will be having a Tri-Parish Congregational worship service at First English at 9:30 A.M. with Pastor Eric Hulstrand. We will have a potluck lunch following the service and after lunch we will have a Tri- Parish Congregational meeting. There will not be a worship service at Bethany or Friends in Christ on this day. Everyone is urgently encouraged to attend. Order of events for Sunday 9:30 AM Worship Service Potluck Lunch (please bring a dish to share) Tri-Parish Congregational Meeting Tri-Parish Council Reorganizational Meeting (to approve individuals to the call committee and task force committee) Parish Up-Coming Events & Happenings Confirmation Confirmation classes will begin on Wednesday, September 20, Classes will be held every Wednesday through the school year at First English Lutheran Church from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M. Students are welcome to come directly from the school to the church. If you know of any confirmation age students please let them know they are welcome to attend classes and have them speak to Pastor Jim. LYO LYO will begin regular meetings on September 20th at 6:00 P.M. at First English. LYO is open to students in 7th to 12th grades. To start off the year we will REBOOT our systems. BALANCE CLASS Do you have concerns about falling? Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A MATTER of BALANCE is an award winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. This programs emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. You will learn to: View falls as controllable Set goals for increasing activity. Make changes to reduce fall risks at home Exercise to increase strength and balance Who should attend? Anyone concerned about falls Anyone interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength Anyone who has fallen in the past Anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns Wednesday, September 13 6:00 to 8:00 P.M LYO Kickoff at Litzau s Notes to know: Address: Johannusburg Circle, Menahga Potluck Supper, please bring a dish to share Your family is welcome and encouraged to stay, please bring food accordingly. Games for youth and adults are being planned. Sunday, September 17 Confirmation Services at First English & Bethany Lutheran Churches Sunday, October 8 to Wednesday, October 11 LCMC Annual Gathering in Minneapolis Please contact a council/board member if you are interested in going. More info at: lcmc.net Saturday, October 14 First English Family Fun Fest Saturday, October 14 th Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Event starts at 6:00 p.m. (Ends around 8:00 p.m.) Any 7 th -12 th Graders: Join us for a night of: *Worship music *Christian Comedians Sebeka United Methodist Church Cost: FREE! (We will have a free will donation box at the door if any group wishes to help with the cost) *Inspiring message from one of our local youth leaders *Ice Cream & Treats after *Getting to meet other youth groups from the area! A MATTER OF BALANCE classes will be held at First English starting on Wednesday, September 21, 2017 from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M. Classes will be held on Wednesdays for 8 weeks. For more information or to register, please call Sheila at Mahube-Otwa at The classes are free to attend! 5

6 First English Administrative Board Meeting ~ August 14, 2017 Present: Marlene S., Trisha K., Marie H., Roger H., Pastor Jim, Kari C. Absent: Dianne S., Russ O. Devotions were given by Trisha. Secretary s report was read, motion to approve by Roger H., seconded by Marie H., motion approved. Correspondence: LCMC Annual Gathering Pamphlet Treasurer s report was read and filed for audit. Pastor Jim s report was reviewed. Motion was made by Roger H. to approve Pastor Jim s mileage, seconded by Marlene S., motion approved. Unfinished Business: 1. Storage shelves have not been started, most of the materials have been purchased. 2. Plans for the steps for the North entrance, KJB construction has been contacted. Estimate for snow clips for the roof was $400, unsure if that includes installation. 3. Trisha will take care of removing the leftovers from the rummage sale. 4. Pastor Hulstrand is coming on September 10 th, discussion on if there will be communion and a lunch will be a potluck. 5. Discussion of issue concerning the speakers used during Mid-Summer services. Pastor Jim is working through this. New Business: 1. Organist/Pianist concerns led by Marie H. The list of people we have to choose from is short (3). Maybe will need to use pre-recorded music. Kari suggested an announcement in the Epistle. Prerecorded music should also include discussion of a screen. Congregation should be made aware the times are at this point to be looked into. 2. Air Conditioning is not working on the South Side of the fellowship hall & offices, Kevin K. has been contacted and will get back to Pastor Jim. 3. First English Basement conversion to LYO room. Trisha made a motion to pursue and layout a timeline for this project to Jim and we will discuss through s. Motion was seconded by Marie H. Motion carried. Motion made by Verllien to give $500 to the LYO room in Ron Becks name for his service over the last few months. Trisha seconded, motion carried. Discussion of room below kitchen. Sometimes will be needed to separate ministry of Jr. & Sr. High students. Roger thought room separation was beneficial. 4. Parish Partner Groups-Coffee & Kitchen. Marlene will meet with the leaders to discuss. New ideas will be presented by the leaders to cover each service. They will come up with a plan and report back. 5. Dan has requested vacation, motion made by Kari to approve vacation, seconded by Marlene, motion carried. Dayna was asked to check with Russ & Ron to cover the days. 6. Confirmation Sunday is September 17 th. Dianne will take care of the cake, the Women will take care of the flowers, Pastor Jim will talk to Lynn L. to be the photographer. 3 students being confirmed this year.(andrew L., Erica K., Samara K.) 7. Sunday School Rally Sunday is September 24 th. 8. We need to do some tree trimming around the building. Contact Russ to organize this. 9. Youth mission trip to Guatemala, Pastor Jim has 10 spots available, with 8 potential participants. Dates are March 10 to 17. Approval to plan this trip, from the council. Cost is approximately $1,500 per person, $500 for a week/person on the ground in Guatemala. Trip will require 10 to go and $500 per person deposit by November. Jim would like a motion. Verllien made a motion to given Jim the time to go on the mission trip with kids to Guatemala. Marie seconded, motion carried. 10. Pastor Jim will be going to Rwanda, Africa September 21 to October 10. Committee Reports Education-Trisha: Meeting to be scheduled this month. Evangelism: No Report Worship-Marie: Meeting with committee tomorrow Youth-Jim: Reported above Stewardship-Roger: Time & Talent Sheets Finance-Marlene: Reported above Social Ministry-Kari: September meeting to plan October Family Fun Fest Building & Grounds-Russ: No report Dianne will have devotions next month. Next meeting is September 11 at 6:30 P.M. Meeting adjourned. Closed with Lord s Prayer Submitted by Trisha Knapp, acting secretary 6

7 Women of the Word Women's Bible Study Come Holy Spirit A Bible Study on the Third Person of the Trinity. Written by Reverend Jan King. As the third Person of the Trinity, the work of the Holy Spirit is tied to the work of the Father and the Son. From the beginning, the Holy Spirit was actively involved in creation in giving life and breath. Through out the Old Testament, the Spirit revealed truth to people and empowered people to do God's will by speaking through prophets. In the same way, the New Testament shows that the Spirit is at work in the hearts of all believers as the source of their faith. Cost: $6.99 Studies are available at the first study Dates, Times & Places for the Study Place: Woodside Manor Assisted Living - Green Pine Acres Time & Date: 10:00 A.M. on the 1st Monday of each Month (unless it is a holiday) First Bible Study at Woodside Manor is on September 11, 2017 OR Place: First English Lutheran Church Time & Date: 6:00 P.M. on the 1st Wednesday of each Month, First Bible Study at First English is on September 6, 2017 First English Women s Executive Board Meeting The Women s Executive board met at the church on Thursday, August 17th at 4:00 P.M. The meeting opened with devotions and prayer by Marlene Schiotz. Secretary s report was read & approved. Motion was made and seconded to take $500 from coffee fund and $200 from funeral fund to go to kitchen fund. Kitchen: coffee pot was discussed. Birthday party at Nursing Home, 1 party celebrated. Set Penny Pot date at next meeting and will give to Heartland Homes. Motion was made & seconded to help with confirmation supper, confirmation begins on September 20th. Motion carried. Parish partners: coffee fellowship, discussion of sign up sheets for serving coffee after services. September 10th potluck lunch after services was discussed. Set up tables on September 9th at 5 pm. Missions: 6 quilts were given to a local family in need. Supplies for school kits list will be in next Epistle Next meeting is on September 21st at 4 P.M. The meeting closed with Lord s Prayer. Lucille Erickson, Secretary Women from Bethany and Friends in Christ as well as the community are welcome to join us. Call Marlene Schiotz at First English Midsummer Picnic Report Receipts Ticket Sales $ Donations $ Total Income $1, Expenses Food Expense $ Thrivent Seed Money $ Total Expenses $ Balance $ Distribution of Midsummer Picnic Income Special Projects $ Food Shelf $ Missions $ Total $ A Big Thank You to everyone who helped make our Midsummer Picnic a success! Quilting will begin on Wednesday, September 13 at 9:00 A.M. at First English, Quilters of any age or skill level are welcome! The First English Women of the Word are collecting School Kits for Lutheran World Relief. Below is a list of items that are needed for each school kit. The items can be dropped off at First English anytime. School Kit: Four 70-sheet notebooks of wide- or college-ruled paper approximately 8 X 10½ ; no loose-leaf paper One 30-centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other One pencil sharpener One blunt scissors (safety scissors ) Five unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers; secure together with a rubber band Five ballpoint pens (no gel ink); secure together with a rubber band One box of 16 or 24 crayons One 2½ eraser One sturdy drawstring backpack-style cloth bag approximately 14 X 17 with shoulder straps (no standard backpacks) heavy cotton, canvas, denim or twill Pack items in backpack/bag 7

8 Sunday School Rally Days Bethany Lutheran Church Sunday, October 1st First English Lutheran Church Sunday, September 24th Please keep the Sunday School students and the teachers in your prayers this year! Friends in Christ Lutheran Church Sunday, September 17th at the Sebeka Park 9:30 A.M. Potluck meal following. BETHANY Attendance & Offering 7/30/17 8 Adults General $ Missions $ $ /6/17 20 Adults 8 Children General $ Missions $ $ /13/17 Auction 60 Adults 12 Children General $ Cemetery $ $ BETHANY AUCTION General $ 4, Lunch $ Pop $ /20/17 20 Adults 5 Children General $ Missions $ $ /27/17 General $ Missions $ $ PLEASE NOTE: All meeting minutes published in the Epistle are yet to be approved at the next meeting of each council or board. RELEASE the SPIRIT National LeaderCare Retreat April 24-26, 2018 Minneapolis, MN Dr. Jack Deere to Speak at 2018 LeaderCare Retreat Dr. Jack Deere is one of the preeminent and most respected theologians in the United States, and one of the healthiest teachers and practioners in regards to our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Thus, we are very excited to announce that he will be our keynote presenter for the 2018 ARC LeaderCare Retreat, Release the Spirit. We will have more details on location, lodging, and registration fees in the near future. Those will be posted in a future E-newsletter and on the ARC website. Arcusa.org If you have any questions about the Alliance of Renewal Churches, please speak to Pastor Jim. Love s Lesson A new school year promises new adventures, challenges and friends as well as new classes, homework and lessons. But the most important (and simplest) lesson we can learn is summed up by 19th-century hymn writer Jane Eliza Leeson: Savior, teach me day by day love s sweet lesson to obey, sweeter lesson cannot be, loving him who first loved me. Pastor Jim will be on a mission trip to Rwanda, Africa from September 21 to October 10. If you have a need, please call Ron Beck at

9 First English Fellowship Coffee First English has 3 Parish Partner groups that take one month at a time and ask people to furnish treats and work at our fellowship coffee time after church as well as asking for greeters for Sunday Services. We need your help in trying something new. There is going to be sign-up sheets. Each sheet will represent one month. We need people to sign up to be greeters. We also need people to sign up to bring treats, but when you sign up for treats you can choose to bake or bring your own treat or mark on the sheet that you will donate $6.00 for 2 dozen cookies which will be purchased by the Women of First English from US Foods. We also need you to signup if you can help in the kitchen. To make things easier in the kitchen we will start using paper cups, so you will not have to use the dishwasher to wash all the cups. We should be able to hand wash the few dishes that will be used. We will have envelopes on the ushers table and in Dayna s office to put the $6.00 cookie donation into along with your name and then drop in Dayna s box or give them directly to me or in my mail box. Sign-up sheets will be on the table in the fellowship hall. We will start this in October. To begin, there will be sheets available for October, November and December. You can sign up as often as you want. You will not be asked. At this time we also want to thank the Parish Partners leaders who have worked to get volunteers to greet and help with the fellowship coffee. Plus everyone else who has volunteered to help. Again, we need your help, to continue our Fellowship Coffee time. First English Building Loan Update Men s Coffee meets every Wednesday all year. Come and join us at First English Lutheran Church at 9:00 A.M. All are Welcome! Organist/Pianist Wanted First English Lutheran Church is in need of pianists or organists for our Sunday morning services. If you, or someone you know, would be willing to fill this need, please contact the church office at or speak to Marie Henstorf or Pastor Jim. Disciples of First English: Please fill out your Time & Talent Sheet and bring it back to the church or Dayna as soon as you are able. There are more sheets available at the church. Thank you. FIRST ENGLISH Attendance & Offering 7/30/17 49 General $ Loose $ Food Shelf $ Rwanda Trip $ Building $ $ /6/17 48 General $ Loose $ World Hunger $ Cards $ 5.00 Building $ $ 1, /13/17 Bethany Auction General $ Building $ $ 1, /20/17 35 General $ Loose $ Food Shelf $ Building $ $ 1, /27/17 37 General $ Loose $ Building $ $ 1, As of August 1, the building loan balance was $21, God gives us money to use for the good of our well being and to beautify our country. The money that we have is not ours. It is God s money and He wants us to use it to serve Him. Let s think about sharing our money with Him. He would be so HAPPY! Think of it as a birthday present to Him. With our payment in September, the building loan balance will be approximately $12, Can we pay off this loan by the end of the year? A big thank you to the crew that gave the First English storage rooms and the basement a good house cleaning. The LYO young people will soon have a new meeting area. There has also been carpet installed, tiles on the floor repaired, tiles on the ceiling replaced and a new wall and entry door. Things are looking real good to use the room on September 20th! 9

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11 Moving in Compassion Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. If you watch TV series these days you know the political agenda coming through loud and clear is something that makes viewing a questionable activity for a follower of Christ. I recently watched a series that attempted to normalize a number of immoral lifestyles. I wondered why I was even watching the show a number of times. But, while out on my morning walk I began to think about what it looks like to have compassion like the Lord Jesus had/has compassion. What does it look like to consider the harassed state of someone and let your heart be moved with compassion? When Jesus was moved with compassion he ministered to people s felt needs. What are the basic needs of all humanity? Air, food, water, and love. Why was Jesus so effective? He gave people food and love (acceptance in their current condition). And, He met their need for freedom. Did Jesus ever compromise the truth? No! Did Jesus ever lead us to believe he felt dirty by being around those he ministered to? No! Did Jesus ever lead us to believe the truth was omitted to give compassion? No! I ve heard a number of folks say the state of the world today is similar to Jesus day. Intolerance towards truth, people are greedy, idolatry, and people doing whatever is right in their own eyes. Jesus came to that world armed with nothing more than God s Word and a heart engaged with that truth. The result was monumental to say the least. When we arm ourselves with truth, compassion would be a natural by product. Remember in Prayer Tim Johnson Mavis Torvinen Louise Sime Debbie Carlson Tom Carlson Sandy Zimmerman Lucille Erickson Kathy Mickelson Clark Meech Tom Mickelson Joan Bruer Ron Usher Lynette Hilden Linda Miller Brent Freeman Mary Ann Lusti Kurt Mattson Brie Schilling Gail Hawkins Craig Ahlin Dennis & Rosie Anderson Freddie Hanson Tanya Porter Elaine Hollerud Cornie Paulson Naomi Butcher Sharon Berg John Rader Thomas Merchlewicz Ashley Anderson Joann Koskela Bruce Blanchard Elvin Yrjo Susan Gullekson Our Country & Military Jon Soppeland Hayden Paulson Braden Tjosaas Luke Hallaway Our Churches, Pastors, Leaders, and Staff Our Shut-ins Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth. Ephesians 6:14 ~ Pastor Jim 11

12 BETHANY, FIRST ENGLISH, FRIENDS IN CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCHES 17 Main St. NW PO Box 189 MENAHGA, MN Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE Menahga, MN Permit NO. 3 TRI PARISH WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, September 10, :30 A.M. First English Lutheran Church Guest Speaker: Pastor Eric Hulstrand Potluck Lunch to follow, please bring a dish to share. Tri-Parish Congregational Meeting will be held after lunch. *There will be no worship service held at Bethany or Friends in Christ Churches on this day. LYO KICKOFF September 13, :00 to 8:00 P.M. At the home of Ron & Lynn Litzau The event is open to 7-12 graders throughout the community. Parents are encouraged to stay and join the fun! Johannusburg Circle Menahga