September Grace Lutheran Church is a caring community of disciples, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.

Transcription

1 Grace Lutheran Church is a caring community of disciples, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. September 2017 Newsletter Article: Witness By Pastor Greg Mileski I went to a big college in a sizable city. Not exactly the kind of place normally associated with religious fervor. Still, whenever I was out and about, I would regularly encounter people wanting to tell me about their Christianity and invite me to their campus ministry or church. I guess it was just the zeal that college students bring to most everything but homework. Things always took a turn for the worse when they found out that I already went to a church, but one that was clearly wrong. These folks were always polite but rarely respectful, and I recognized little of the God I d heard about at First English Lutheran Church. I soon found myself dreading these encounters. Chances are you ve had similar experiences. More than likely, someone somewhere along the line wanted to tell you about their Christian faith and left you feeling something less than joyful. And chances are, when the word witness is uttered, you find yourself remembering this unpleasantness. If you re like me, then, witness (and its sister, evangelism) is just one of those things Lutherans don t do, like clapping in church, sticking our hands up when we sing, or saying Amen anywhere but at the end of a prayer. My friends, it is time to repent. In the years since, I have seen a certain kind of Christianity become common in the public imagination. When friends of my generation describe the God they hear about in popular culture, it is an utterly foreign thing that resembles the God of Scripture in only the vaguest sense. Our society has come to view God as more interested in people s sex lives than their spiritual lives, more concerned with blessing America than the rest of creation, more the trumpet of some imagined rapture than the still, small voice who sends us to feed the hungry. Even the word evangelical has come to mean something quite different than our faith a political orientation rather than a love of the good news of God s Word made flesh. Now, dear Lutherans, this cultural shift did not happen because of us. But I know that I have missed countless opportunities to speak a word of the faith that we share to speak a word of grace to those

2 burdened by their failings, to speak a word of hope to those oppressed by their despair, to speak a word of humility and compassion to those certain of their self-righteousness and I suspect that I am not the only one. But here s the real rub: it s not that I haven t been a witness, it s that I ve been a poor one. You see, we do not get to choose whether to be a witness or not. Because we are baptized, because we have been made a part of this movement, because we are the kind of the people who read synod newsletter articles, we are already witnesses. We are witnesses whether we want to be or not, whether we think we prepared or not, whether we choose to talk about our faith or to keep quiet. This is the thought that stops me in my tracks: Everything we do tells the world what we believe about who God is and who we are. When we let our worry that we might not have all the right answers keep us from speaking a word, we tell others that this faith is about being able to pass a quiz. When we turn Christmas and Easter into high holidays of consumerism, we tell others that our possessions will bring us true and lasting peace. When we choose brunch over worship, sign our children up for sports leagues that play on Sunday mornings, or stand silently instead of singing the best songs of generations past, we tell others and ourselves that gathering with God s people to worship simply isn t very important. Of course, we are all (and we will remain) guilty of being imperfect witnesses. But far too often, we let our fear and anxiety keep us from sharing the hope that we have within us. And so many of our friends and neighbors are crying out for hope, for grace, for a word of freedom! I am convinced that the word that we have to share is the word that our world longs to hear. In a culture realizing that a drive to accumulate wealth and possessions and living for one s own wants and needs leaves one empty and unsatisfied, we can tell of a Messiah who empties himself for the sake of others. In a world where spirituality seems vague and disconnected from anything real, we have a worship grounded in centuries of tradition and centered around God s real presence in the simple gifts of bread and wine and water and word. In a globalizing economy where more and more wealth is being concentrated among the few and where the impoverished are increasingly scorned, we proclaim a God of justice and of righteousness who calls us into real community with neighbors we love as ourselves. It s true, if we invite someone to worship, they might think it odd and say no. And yes, if we invite someone to pray with us, they (and we!) might be a little uncomfortable. Certainly, if we question the assumptions in our culture about money and poverty, people could think we re weird. Make no mistake, talking about our faith can be scary. But I am convinced that keeping silent about it is scarier still. The God who spoke the distant stars into being has spoken a life-altering word of grace and peace to us. Let s share the transformational word we have heard together with a world in need of new birth.

3 Kiitos Paljon Thank you, to all of those who are contributing items to help supply the kitchen. Birthdays Sydni Harris 3 Noah Nettell 6 Amanda Mountjoy 7 Jan Maierle 8 Gary Raffaelli 9 Alice Kolehmainen 10 Deb Juntunen 10 Karl Rundman 11 Carolyn Rundman 16 Bruce Maki 16 Melanie Mattila 17 Ryan Lorenz 20 Vernon Kokko 21 Brandon Butkovich 21 Emma Jenkins 23 Robert Jeannotte 24 Bill Lystila 24 Pearl Raffaelli 26 Raymond Nettell 28 Anniversaries James & Jan Maierle 1 Stephen & Amanda Krznarich 5 Michael & Tonya Waltanen 6 Rick & MaryAnn Schulze 20 Don & Susan Beck 28 Our kitchen is currently in need of supplies. A great way for our church to save a little money is by having members help supply our needs. In the narthex, there will be a box for donated items. Coffee, dish soap, sugar, bottled creamer, paper plates, napkins, and paper towels are greatly appreciated. Notes from the office Would you like to start receiving a weekly devotion from the church office on Mondays? Please send Katie your name and address. Newsletter items are due in the office the last week of the month. Please save your Econo receipts and return them to a box in the library. Grace receives 1% of the total receipts. If we do not have your birthday or anniversary, please let us know. Quilters Wednesday, Sept. 6 th & 20 th Knit, Pray, Crochet Every Tuesday, 1:00pm All are welcome.

4 Wednesday Mornings Cup of Grace at 10:00am Bible Study at 11:00am Cup of Grace and Bible Study will continue throughout the summer months. Join us every Wednesday for some enjoyable coffee conversations followed by a bible study on the upcoming Sunday Gospel reading. If you are unable to make it, but would still like a copy of the bible study, please let Katie know. The children of the Grace After School Program need your help! Grace Lutheran s After School Program is one of our strongest ministries and mission tools. Community members count on us to provide care and a Christian growing environment for their children each Wednesday. We need volunteer bible story tellers, and craft helpers and others to help serve snacks and help clean up after the children leave. Games, also will be appreciated. A volunteer (or two) is needed to engage the 5th & 6th graders who are not yet ready for confirmation, but feel too old for the younger group. This group takes part in a lesson, cooking, craft or community service projects just for them. September Worship Text & Pulpit Supply Sunday, September 3 Cheryl Stimac Matthew 16:21-28 The rebuke to Peter Sunday, September 10 Micah Cavaleri Matthew 18:15-20 Reconciliation in the community of faith Sunday, September 17 Rev. Bob Langseth Matthew 18:21-35 A parable of forgiveness Sunday, September 24 Pam Long Matthew 20:1-16 The parable of the vineyard workers Would you please consider being a part of the After School Program staff this year? Even if you can only help once a month, your commitment will enable us to continue to offer these activities throughout the school year.

5 LCW News The Grace LCW (Lutheran Church Woman) will be having their first meeting on Monday, September 11 th, at 7 p.m. We will be making plans for this fall through the spring of Our agenda includes the election of officers, a discussion of our Secret Sister program, when to reveal our sisters, and if we will continue with it, a community Christmas party, our Christmas project for 2017, Christmas gifts for shut-ins, and the book of Ephesians for our bible study. You do not have to be a member of Grace to attend the meeting or the Bible Study which meets on the 2 nd Monday of every month at 7 p.m. Invite your neighbor or a friend or a relative. Join in today! If you are a greeter, Welcoming Ways (from NGLS Resources) Position yourself to greet people as they come into the building, and not just as they enter the sanctuary especially if there is some distance between the two. Say Welcome. Have you been here before? If not, show them where they can hang their coat. Let them know where the nursery is, the restrooms, the sanctuary. If you are an usher, Do NOT say, Where were you last week? It will be experienced as an accusation, not a concern. Rather say, Nice to see you again. Glad you re here. If necessary, help people find a seat. Be sure they have a bulletin. Indicate where you will be should they need anything. If a person should leave the sanctuary, make yourself available. Feel free to ask, Can I help you with anything? In the next few months, there will be a few tips on talking with visitors coming to worship with us here at Grace Lutheran.

6 A Few Reminders: Greeting cards are for sale by donation in the library. All donations go to help our youth Christian education. We are still collecting Econo Food receipts. Grace receives 1% of the grand total of all receipts collected.at the end of the year. Please place your receipts in the bin in the library. Grace Lutheran is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Life is a dance; God s love is the music. Our Hearts to Their Homes Jan Mikkola at home Nancy Harris at home Elaine Aro at Lighthouse Delores Paavola at home Eleanor Maki at the Bluffs Amanda Mountjoy at home Susan Koskela at Lighthouse Laurel Johnson at Lighthouse Bill & Sandra Mannisto at home Gentle Reminder The office and financial staff do not work on Sunday mornings. Thanks for respecting their worship time with their families.

7 Counters Service Workers for September Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 K. Bridgers Still Needed Pam Long Heather Aro K. Johnson K. Houle C. Stimac C. DeForge Fellowship None None None Potluck Ushers Heater Aro Dave Aro Pam Long Acolyte & Bell Ringer Youth Youth Youth Youth Communion Assistant Tom Stimac Katie Bridgers Cara Wightman Cheryl Stimac Reader Alice Kolehmainen Chris DeForge Janet Kokko Sunday School No SS No SS Pulpit Supply Cheryl Stimac Micah Cavaleri Rev. Bob Langseth Pam Long passages taken from Planned-Giving: Monthly Newsletter Articles September Shares of Common Stock Shares of Common Stock (and mutual funds) are often used to make gifts to ELCA ministries. Most often the donors avoid paying capital gain taxes on appreciated shares of stock while receiving a charitable income tax deduction for the value of the stock. Even though capital gains rates have been reduced, significant tax savings from the gift of common stock or mutual funds may be available to you while you benefit your favorite ELCA ministry. For more information contact: Timothy Knutson, ELCA Foundation at (414) Pastor Larry Westfield, ELCA Foundation at (262) Bishop Thomas Skrenes at (906)

8 August Council Highlights 1. The council reviewed the call committee s congregational questionnaire, and made some suggestions for changes. 2. The parsonage tenants have not found a house to purchase. If they don't find one, we will have them sign a new lease starting in October. Katie also informed us that a bird had broken the large picture window at the parsonage and that it has already been replaced. 3. The council felt the church picnic went really well, with the exception of everyone leaving pretty early. Next year we'll discuss how to keep people here a little longer. 4. Joe informed us about the condition of the roof caused by ice buildup and melting. Joe also let us know exactly where we need metal on the roof to prevent this from happening. Pam motioned that we use money from the designated memorial fund pending family approval, or the undesignated fund if they do not approve to purchase the metal needed for the roof. Janet second to the motion and all were in favor. 5. The council will need to review the constitution and consider the changes presented earlier by the LRVRT committee. This was tabled for next meeting. 6. So that we can close the furnace room door, Joe will install a louver/screen on the furnace room door to help ventilate the room and check the fan. 7. Joe motioned that we accept the bid that was presented for our pest control needs Chris made a second to the motion, which was approved by all. Grace Lutheran Congregational Contact Information Volunteer Coordinators Acolytes/Bell Ringers Katie Bridgers Altar Duty Chris Davis Communion Chris DeForge Counters Marianne Bohjanen Funeral Servers Patty Savola Readers Cheryl Stimac Fellowship Carolyn Rundman Ushers Pam Long Greeters Heather Aro Ride Coordinator Katie Bridgers Office Volunteers Katie Bridgers Gardening Janet Kokko Building & Grounds Maintenance Paul Bridgers Dave Aro Tom Stimac Pennie Makela Joe DeForge Heather Aro Parsonage Maintenance Paul Bridgers Dave Aro Katie Bridgers Cheryl Stimac Grace Lutheran Council Cheryl Stimac (President) Joe DeForge (Vice President) Laurie Aho (Treasurer) Julie Belew (Interim Pastor) Heather Aro (Secretary) Chris Bohjanen ( ) Pam Long ( ) Janet Kokko ( ) Dave Aro ( )

9 Pennie s Pick of the Month The lesson of the falling leaves * The leaves believe * Such letting go is love * Such love is faith * Such faith is grace *I agree with the leaves By Lucille Clifton LCW begins Monday, Sept. 11 th. Mark Your Calendar September has arrived! Prime Timers will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 12 th, at The Ramada. Sunday School and Confirmation begins Sunday, Sept. 17 th. Choir Resumes on Sunday, Sept. 17 th. The After School Program begins Wednesday, Sept. 20 th. Games at Grace will start on Thursday, September 21 st. Potlucks will continue on the last Sunday of the month starting Sunday, Sept. 24 th. From the Foot Up exercise with Hilary Sproule will resume on Tuesday, September 26 th, at 11:00am. Gods work. Our hands. Sunday, September 10 th The Evangelism and Outreach Committees are working together to collect nonperishable food items to help restock the Salvation Army food pantry. We will be placing our donations in the food baskets up at the altar during our worship service on Sunday, September 10 th. Please check expiration dates on your donated non-perishable food items.

10 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 8:00 AA 3 11:00 Worship with Cheryl Stimac Blessing of the Backpacks :30 Knit, Pray, Crochet at Waterfront 1:00 Knit, Pray, Crochet 3:00 Call Committee 6 10:00 Cup of Grace 11:00 Bible Study 1:00 Quilting 7 1:00 Stewardship Committee 2:00 Evangelism Meeting 8 8:00 AA 9 10 God s Work. Our Hands. 11:00 Worship with Micah Cavaleri 4:00 to 6:00 Let s Eat 11 7:00 LCW 12 1:00 Primetimers at Waterfront 1:00 Knit, Pray, Crochet 13 10:00 Cup of Grace 11:00 Bible Study :00 AA :45 Choir 10:00 Sunday School & Confirmation 11:00 Worship with Rev. Bob Langseth 6:30 Prayer Service 1:00 Knit, Pray, Crochet 6:30 Council Meeting 10:00 Cup of Grace 11:00 Bible Study 1:00 Quilting 3:00 After School Program 12:00 Chili Lunch 12:30 Games at Grace 8:00 AA :45 Choir 10:00 Sunday School & Confirmation 11:00 Worship with Pam Long 11:00 From The Foot Up Exercise for Seniors 1:00 Knit, Pray, Crochet 10:00 Cup of Grace 11:00 Bible Study 3:00 After School Program 12:30 Games at Grace 8:00 AA

11 It s that time of year again. The ladies are busy getting kits together and need your help. You may bring in any of the following or put together kits at home and bring them into the church at any time before October. Each kit contains the following: School Kits: 70 Sheet Notebooks Rulers Pencil Sharpeners Blunt Scissors #2 Pencils Black or Blue Pens Box of 24 Crayons Erasers (2½ ) Baby Care Kits: Tee Shirts Receiving Blankets Cloth Diapers Diaper Pins Socks Hand Towels Bath Size Bars of Soap Sleepers without Feet Sweaters w/ Hood or Hat Personal Care Kits: Bath Towels Bath Size Bars of Soap Toothbrushes Combs Nail Clippers

12 From the Foot Up Exercise for Seniors Grace Lutheran Church South Range Tuesday mornings at 11:00a.m. Six week session starting September 26 th Posture, breathing, flexibility, strength, and balance Participants may do the exercises in a sitting or supported standing position. Participants should wear loose, comfortable clothes that allow them to move freely, and shoes that are easy to remove. The only cost is an optional donation to Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly. Instructor: Hilary Sproule, PT

13 The Ripper s Victims in Print The Rhetoric of Portrayals Since 1929 Rebecca Frost Rebecca s Book About the Book Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Katherine Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly the five known victims of Jack the Ripper are among the most written-about women in history. Hundreds of books on the Ripper murders describe their deaths in detail. Yet they themselves remain as mysterious as their murderer. This first ever study of the victims surveys the Ripper literature to reveal what is known about their lives, how society viewed them at the time of their deaths, and how attitudes and perceptions of them have (or have not) changed since the Victorian era. About the Author Rebecca Frost teaches at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College and lives in L Anse, Michigan. You may find her book on line at:

14 Clothing Giveaway We are asking for donations of gently worn, clean clothing, our emphasis is on CHILDREN S WINTER CLOTHING. Please bring your donations to Grace Lutheran Church in South Range, starting Oct. 1 st. FREE! Clothing Giveaway will be held Saturday, Nov. 4 th, 9am to 2pm. Everyone is welcome There are no qualifications or restrictions. Grace Lutheran Church, Hwy. M 26 South Range, MI (906) grace@gracesouthrange.com

15 Games At Grace G.A.G Join in for card games, Scrabble, Yahtzee, etc. Grace Lutheran Church Thursdays, 12:30-3:00p.m. We will be kicking off the games on Thursday, September 21 st, at noon, with chili and coffee. This event is open to all! Anyone from the community is invited. You do not have to be a member of Grace to attend. Come, invite and bring a friend with you to this fun afternoon!!

16 Sunday, September 17 th, at 10:00am

17 A Year of Prayer A Lifetime of Praying! prayfaithfully@nglsynod.org Prayer Calendar September Pray for the members of Grace English Lutheran Church, Lutherville MD (Rev. Tormod Svensson), St. Paul Lutheran Church Lutherville, MD (Rev. Edward Kay) and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Manchester, MD (Rev. Charles Marshall.) 2 Pray for those pastors both active and retired celebrating birthdays this month: David Murphy, 9/06, Gene Wickman, 9/08, Thomas Skrenes 9/08, Judith Kirchoff 9/09, and Rell Spickerman 9/10. 3 Pray for all those in our synod attending seminaries, especially we pray for Kathryn Drefke. 4 Pray for all the workers in this country, past and present on this Labor Day. 5 Pray for pastors Cori Johnson, Nancy Kauppi, Mark Bangert, and Tracy Polzin as they celebrate anniversaries of ordination this month. 6 For those attending the Leadership Support Committee meeting, 11 a.m. CT at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp, Crystal Falls. 7 Pray for Bishop Finegan as she attends the Region 5 Bishops meeting with Lutheran Social Services, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT in Wittenburg, WI. 8 Pray for the members the Synod Council as they meet at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp today and tomorrow. 9 Pray for all those workers for Christ who celebrate this weekend by doing God s work, Our hands in their communities. 10 Pray for all those troubled and depressed people who may be contemplating suicide; that they will seek help. Suicide can be prevented and lives can be improved. We give thanks for all those doctors, nurses, and counselors who are available to help those so troubled. Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. 11 Pray for teachers and educators and all who work in schools as they share their gifts. Pray for all students as a new year of classes begins. 12 Pray for those pastors both active and retired celebrating birthdays this month: Kenneth Lahners 9/11, George Olson 9/12, Steven Solberg 9/14, and Mary Weinkauf 9/ Pray for the members of Christ Lutheran Church, Millersville, MD (Rev. David Simpson), St. John Lutheran Church, Phoenix, MD (Rev. George Tuttle) and Trinity Lutheran Church Reisterstown, MD (Rev. Timothy Feaser.)

18 14 For the Installation Choir who will sing at Bishop Finegan's Installation on October 21. Please sign up for the choir by calling the Synod Office today or tomorrow. 15 Pray for the Synod Women of the ELCA as they enjoy their retreat Sept at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp. 16 Pray for our retired pastors and their spouses Rev Norman and Mary Peterson and Rev Douglas and Susan Pohlman. 17 For farmers who are harvesting their crops; we pray for good weather and sufficient help. 18 Pray for pastors as they celebrate anniversaries of ordination this month: Julie Belew, Kari Vadis, Timothy Vadis and Greg Mileski. 19 Pray for Sunday School teachers and leaders who put in countless hours of preparation and organization to shape our children s Christian foundations. 20 As we begin to see signs of autumn, we give thanks for the change of seasons, the beautiful fall colors, and the special scent in the air in the NGLS. 21 For members of Grace Lutheran in South Range and First Lutheran in Dollar Bay and their interim pastor, Julie Belew, as they continue in the call process during a pastoral vacancy. 22 Pray for those in prison. Keep them safe and keep them away from temptation when they are released, Heavenly Father. 23 Pray for the spouses of deceased pastors Ruth Groth and Nancy Kalweit. 24 Pray for the members of Ukonga Lutheran Church, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and their NGLS Companion Congregation, Calvary in Rapid River (Rev. Stephen Gauger, pastor.) 25 For all those enjoying the Clergy and Spouses Retreat at Mackinac Island Sept Pray for those pastors both active and retired celebrating birthdays this month: David Christenson 9/27, Peter Vorhes 9/28, and Lee Goodwin 9/ For those who give freely of their time to serve on committees, task forces and councils in all of the congregations of our synod. 28 For Bishop Finegan as she attends the Conference of Bishops in Chicago Sept. 28- Oct For police officers and fire fighters who risk their lives to keep us safe. 30 Pray for those attending the Altar Guild Workshop, 8:30 2:30 ET at Bethany Lutheran Church, Ishpeming. We pray for congregations in the Delaware-Maryland Synod as part of our domestic partner synod relationship.