|
GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH
1290 Thompson Road
541-267-2347 http://www.gloriadeifamily.org/
Jon
Strasman, Pastor
Mission Statement “Gathered in Christ, we are called to bring light to our community.”OCTOBER
2011 NEWSLETTER
From the Pastor
I am a strong believer
in having a Fall Stewardship Program in the church.
Some of my colleagues don’t agree with me.
I, however, believe we can all grow in our stewardship just by
learning more about what the Bible has to say about our money, time, and
talents. Money and wealth were
the biggest imposter gods Jesus faced in his public ministry.
He talked about money more than any other single topic in the four
Gospels. Therefore, I think it
is fair game and critical for us to discuss in the church… especially in a
country that has a love affair with debt and wealth.
Therefore,
in October during worship, we will talk stewardship.
We will have members of the congregation give temple talks followed
up by a stewardship letter sent to our homes along with a pledge card for
the coming year. We will not be
having a meal or a big program this year.
In Charles Lane’s book, Ask, Thank, Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation, Chapter 4 is called the Portrait of a Biblical Giver. I will share the six values he lifts up in this chapter and say a bit about each: Value 1 - Intentional (Read
2 Corinthians 9:6-7): Being
intentional in one’s giving means to develop a plan for your giving and
then follow through with that plan. This
is why I like the pledge cards. It
helps me to consecrate or “set apart” a portion of my income for the
coming year. If I fumble around
in my wallet on Sunday morning when the plate is coming by, then I probably
have some work to do on being intentional in my giving.
If my giving changes from week to week based on my checkbook balance,
then intentional giving might be my area of growth. Value 2 -
Regular (Read 1 Corinthians 16:2): To
be regular in your giving means to establish a pattern in your giving, and
to follow that pattern. In
the text you read above, Paul’s pattern for giving was weekly.
You may choose monthly or even annually.
I heard pastor once say if you give only when you show up at church,
then your giving could be described as “pay-per-view.”
If we all were regular in our giving, we wouldn’t have the typical
“summer slump.” Value 3 -
Generous (Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-2): Generous
giving is perhaps the most basic stewardship value.
Often times our giving reflects our discipleship.
It is hard to imagine a tither (giving 10% of their income) who
isn’t serious about their discipleship in Christ.
Jesus says “For where your treasure is, there you heart will be
also” (Luke 12:34). If one’s
treasure isn’t with Jesus, then that person’s heart is likely to be
elsewhere as well. God’s
incredible generosity is the basis for our generosity.
Value 4 - First (Read
Deuteronomy 26:1-2): First-fruits
giving is the next stewardship value. Giving
first means giving to God first and living off the rest. The
opposite, of course, is to take care of the needs and wants of this life
first, and give God the leftovers. Jeranna
and I use a tool available to our church called Simply Giving through
Thrivent. We give once a month
on the first of the month. This
has helped us be intentional, regular, generous, and first in our giving.
It is easy to sign up. Talk
to Elizabeth in the office. Value 5 - Proportional
(Read Mark 12:41-44): The
Bible always calls us to percentage giving.
The language in the Bible is always, “Give in proportion to the
blessings you have received.” Those
with much wealth are expected to give proportionately.
Those with little wealth are also expected to give proportionately.
The tithe, or ten percent, is obviously the best example of the
Bible’s teaching of proportional giving.
Remember the widow’s mite. Value 6 - Cheerful
(Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8): The
final stewardship value is cheerful giving.
The key to being a cheerful giver is to practice the other five
stewardship values. You will see
this if you read the passage listed above.
I personally love giving first to God every month.
At first I didn’t think we could be tithers.
And now I can’t ever see going back. But with Simply Giving, a
family budget, and a little Biblical perspective on how we steward our
money, we are excited to share in the ministry of this church. Stewardship
shouldn’t be something we run from. It
should be something we want to learn more about and grow at.
Nobody ever makes you give anything to the church.
It’s a response. It
just comes from the gratitude in knowing what God has done for us and
continues to do for us daily. So
please, seriously consider your giving this year and learn more about the
portrait of a Biblical giver. It
will change your whole life and your perspective on money and wealth.
Peace,
Pastor
Jon
FROM
OUR INTERN As
you know, I am still learning to drive. So some of you might think how come
she could not drive or why did she not have a license?
Honestly, I feel bad that I am not able to drive, and I do not
understand why. I had some chances to learn, but I did not take them or I
did not take them seriously. Now it makes my life as an intern in Gloria Dei
more difficult. Now with help of some members, I try to learn to drive
again; it is not easy. I
lived in the big cities in Korea; it had great and cheap public
transportation. After I moved to Madison, WI, I had a husband who took me
wherever I needed to go. Madison has good public transportation, so I used
it also. Before coming to Coos Bay, I lived at the school’s dormitory.
Without a car it was a bit uncomfortable, but I had some friends who took me
to a grocery store. It was
convenient. Preparing for internship, I went to a driving school, since I
knew that it is a necessary to have a license. However, I could not get the
license since my driving instructor told me that I could not use his car
when I took a driving test. There was no one to lend their car to me either. There
were several reasons that were my fault too. Given my personality I want to
do well whatever I do. But many times, I forgot the universal truth that
there is no one can do well in the beginning; we need to put in much time
and effort practicing to do well. One of my learning behavior patterns is,
when in the beginning I discovered that I was not good at it. I hesitated to
try again because I thought I had no talent for it. I also know that I do
not have good body coordination skills either; thus, any kind of physical
activities are difficult for me. After I graduated from high school, I tried
to learn to drive for the first time. Some family members and friends teased
me, saying for the sake of public safety, or for sake of traffic conditions,
I should not drive. I
fear driving a car. I am still not comfortable with it. In fact, if I could
live my life and do my job without a car, I would not put my time and effort
into the process of getting a car. But I know I want and I need to drive for
the sake of my job. Several days ago, I drove to the church with S—I do
not know how she trusts me that much to give me her car key. I think she is
very faithful J
. I followed the traffic rules,
speed limits, slow down on curves and road construction zones. When I made a
left turn to the church, the driver of the car behind me shouted,
“IDIOT.” And he drove away. At the church parking lot, I asked S,
“What did I do wrong? Why did he say that?” She said, “No. Youngshim.
I thought you did well. You did nothing wrong. He might have been in a
hurry, but he should not have said that. You need more practice, so you can
have confidence in driving.” She encouraged me to drive more that day. So
at the end of my driving, I had become more comfortable. I am very thankful
to her for giving me the chance, her time, and encouragement. But
his word was very hurtful; I asked myself; why had he called me “idiot?”
What did I do wrong? I kept the rules. Was he in a hurry? What an unpleasant
man… Was I that bad? What can I do? Oh gee, how many drivers thought that
way? … Those trains of thought were hunting me. Then I remembered the
complete idiot’s guide series on many subjects for beginners. I remember
my reaction when I saw the complete idiot’s series or the Dummies series
at a bookstore for the first time. Then my thoughts went a different
direction; why had I reacted so badly to being called an idiot? What is
wrong with being an idiot? There is no human being who can talk, walk, and
drive when they are born. We need to learn everything to survive or to live.
I am an idiot since I am not a skillful or a confident driver like the man
who shouted at me or others. I am an idiot in his eyes since I am still
learning. And this awareness leads me to acknowledge that it is not just in
driving. There are many situations and subjects, in which I am an idiot.
Then it gives me comfort and peace in my heart about being called an idiot
by that man. Dear
my sister and brothers in Christ, please remember your idiot intern when you
are driving. Please be compassionate, and be patient with other drivers on
the road. Please also remember
that there are many different kinds of idiots in this world. You have met,
will meet many idiots in this earthly life. When you meet them, do you want
to call them idiots? Or be compassionate, encourage them, and rejoice with
them? Let our compassion and patience be known toward them since we are
called to be a light to this world. Thanks
be to God who is slow to anger and gracious to all. --
Youngshim Mason
The
Banner Committee would like to thank you all for your appreciation and
support. Janice Bowman, Billie
Jean Siler, Irene Sund, Lucy Johnson, Susan & David Jordan and Gail
Common all add their talents to bring to Gloria Dei new banners.
We are a liturgical church. By
that I mean we follow a form of worship that helps us enter into the
presence of God by Word and Sacrament, Confession and Forgiveness, Praise
and Prayer. We also use a
lectionary that uses the whole of the Bible in a 3 year cycle.
The use of banners in the chancel area also brings these elements to
our worship.
Banners,
as used in the Lutheran Church, are not used as decorations but rather as
teaching tools. Often God speaks
to us in symbolic language and so our banners speak to us in that way.
Our Lutheran churches follow the church year with the changes of
church seasons. We are in the
season of Pentecost- the longest season of the church year (almost 6
months). The season of Pentecost
is green for the growth and nourishment of the church.
Often
you will see common elements on the banners such as a black cross.
Martin Luther used a black cross on his Luther Rose as a reminder of
the blackness of sin that drives us to the cross.
On the church you will see a red door.
In the past, churches had a red door to symbolize the presence of the
Holy Spirit. Some churches still
use that symbolic message. Sheep,
of course, remind us of Jesus our Good Shepherd and our relationship to Him.
Which sheep are you? As
our church year progresses toward our church new year, you will see the
colors change from green to red (Reformation Sunday) then white (the color
of purity and joy) for All Saints Sunday and later Christ the King Sunday.
In between those Sundays we return to Pentecost colors.
Our New Year for the church year begins with Advent’s blue the
color of anticipation and often used with Jesus’ mother Mary. At one time
Advent’s color was purple as Advent has been a ‘little Lent’ a time of
preparation and self-examination. But
many years ago the ELCA made the decision to change to blue to further
encourage the uniqueness of each season.
With Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday) scarlet paraments (on the altar)
and banners announce Holy Week. On
Maundy Thursday the altar and chancel area are stripped reminding us of
terrible cost to Jesus for our redemption.
Good Friday is stark in the absence of any adornment.
Our
major church year Holy Days are marked by white banners, often with gold
elements reminding us of Christ’s purity and kingliness.
Christmas and Easter are such seasons.
Epiphany is another season of church growth shown by green. Lent with
its purple for repentance and later in the year the color red returns with
the Day of Pentecost. And then back to the green of the season of Pentecost. Each
banner will carry the language of the gospel with symbols.
Often a dove is used as a reminder of the Holy Spirit, on the Day of
Pentecost red flames are seen. Easter
symbols include the butterfly symbol of new and transformed life and a white
lily of purity. Lenten banners
remind us of our time of reflection and repentance.
One of our banners has grapes and wheat to bring us to remember the
gift of communion. As the church
year progresses see what other symbols are used and see what they point to.
So
you can see that the construction of our banners is a long and thoughtful
process. We consult with the
Memorial Committee, Pastor Jon and others to bring the proper elements to
the banners. With their approval
we proceed and hope the banners bring joy and the gospel message of Christ
to Gloria Dei. If there is anyone who would like to join with us in this YOU
are welcome and wanted.
WELCA NEWS WELCA
has agreed to diversify their agenda. We will be making health kits as
well as school kits. School kits will be different next year. The
bags will be a sort of back pack and require heavier material. We have
lost some of our sewing members so will not attempt a numbered goal but just
work toward what we can do well. If you wish to sew, ask Donna Dodge
for a copy of the instructions. A box and instructions will be
placed in the hallway of the church for the health kits which don't require
a bag. That in-gathering will continue all year. It includes
such items as light towels, toothbrushes, soap, nail files etc. A
list will soon be available. The October meeting will be
Thursday October 13th in the social hall. A newsletter will be sent.
CHRISTMAS
LUNCHEON PLANNING MEETING It
is time to think about the annual Christmas Luncheon. Saturday, December 10,
2011 is marked on the church calendar for this event. Please plan to come.
On Monday, October 10, there will be a meeting at the church at 0:00
a.m. to start making plans for the program.
All suggestions are welcome and we hope to see you there! CHURCH
CLEANUP The
Building Committee has set the date for the next church cleanup for
Saturday, October 15, starting at 9:00 a.m. Bring your tools and gloves and
pitch in to help make the church beautiful! If you have any questions, see
Don Blom or call the church office for more details.
OCTOBER 14,
15, 16 Job
3:10, "Should we take only good
things from God and not trouble?" Neil
Simon, "You think so little of man that he would renounce God in the
face of adversity?" Yes,
the comedy master himself has written a great message into this funny show.
And Logos Players are working hard to bring you great entertainment
this October. "God's
Favorite" is a modern version of Old Testament Job with Ken Denton
playing the lead of successful businessman, Joe Benjamin. David Valleli,
Kristin Hovenkotter Greco, Jeri Thurkow, David Jordan, Brenda Sund, Kim Cox
and Lynn Danner round out the talented cast. Don't
miss our 7th dinner theatre production which opens Friday night, October 14
and closes Sunday, October 16. Another
wonderful dinner from Sally Hampton and Lucy Johnson will begin the evening
shows. Dinner starts at 5:45
p.m. and the show at 7:00 p.m., both Friday and Saturday nights.
Adult tickets for both dinner and show are $12; children under 12 pay
only $7.50. Our Special Dessert
Auction occurs between acts. (If you'd like to donate a dessert, make sure
your name and the dessert name is on it, and bring to the social hall
between 4:00 p.m. and showtime.) All
tickets for Sunday's matinee which begins at 2:00 p.m. are just $6.00.
And, as in the past, we will donate half the proceeds to Maslow
Project, a very worthy non-profit center that helps homeless and needy teens
and their families. TELL
YOUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS! SHARE
A FLYER WITH THEM (available on the table in the foyer).
BRING YOUR BOSS AND FELLOW WORKERS!
BRING A SHUT-IN! WHO
KNOWS?? MAYBE YOU'LL INTRODUCE A
NON-CHURCH GOER TO THE WARM FELLOWSHIP OF GLORIA DEI, AND THEY'LL COME
BACK!! Tickets are on sale
every Sunday after each service in the social hall. You can also contact the
church office for tickets Tuesday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
PARISH NURSE MINISTRY An apple a day really might keep the doctor away! In a study of women between 45 and 64 years of age, the women were given either a “dose” of dried apples or prunes each day. The women who ate the apples had a 23% decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol), a 4% increase in HDL (good cholesterol) and a decrease in C-reaction protein, a marker of inflammation and connected with heart disease risk. They also lost an average of 3.3 pounds during the 6 month study. Keep that up for a few years and we are talking serious weight loss! The women on the prunes had slight reductions in LDL and C-reactive proteins, but not as much. So, go for the apples! Organic apples are recommended because apples can contain more pesticides than many fruits. Costco sells organic apples pretty cheaply, so that would help keep the cost down. You could peel them, but you might be removing the part of the apples that does the good stuff. Apples taste good and really are good for you!
SYNOD
ASSEMBLY REPORT Ever
heard the expression, “You Should have been there”?? Well, those of us
who went to this year’s Synod meeting in June knew we were witnessing
something special. We want to share this with the congregation through the
DVD that was recorded at the meeting during as upcoming Sunday School
series. The
messages by this year’s keynote speaker, Shane Claiborne, were absolutely
captivating. Within the first few minutes, Shane had us spellbound with
stories of working alongside Mother Teresa and working with friends in Iraq.
He tells of how he currently lives in a community of believers in
Philadelphia and how they work together to reach their community in creative ways for Christ.
His message is helping the church find ways to fascinate people with the
gospel and break the stereotype of what the general population think a
“Christian” is. Shane’s
message is engaging and timely for where the church finds itself today. Stay
tunes! We will be bringing these delightful DVD sessions to Sunday School
hour soon! Intrigued??
Check out Shane Claibourne’s book “Irresistable
Revolution” from the church library! --
Kathy & Richard Whitwer
Gloria Dei
Lutheran Church Summary of
August 25, 2011 Church Council Minutes The
meeting was called
to order
by Vice President Ken Denton at 6:30. Other
Council present were Carolynne Agee, Don Blom, Leslie Burrill, Kim Cox,
Sandy Garner, BJ Nordquist, Kelly
Northcutt, Janet Tilton,
and David Valleli. Also
present were Pastor Jon Strasman, Intern Youngshim Mason, and Gordon Gates
representing the Finance Committee. The
Secretary's
Reports
were presented for June and for July. The Reports
were approved as presented. The
Treasurer's
Report was presented.
The Treasurer's
Report was approved as presented.
Worship
Committee:
Janet Tilton reported. There were many visitors at July 31 worship and
Celebration of Special Gifts, and many enthusiastic responses. Janet
recognized Becky Bell-Greenstreet for all her preparation work. Next year,
arts and crafts in the Fellowship Hall may be added. Christian
Education Committee:
Janet Tilton reported. September 11 is Rally Day. After teachers and
students meet in their rooms, they will join the congregation in the
Fellowship Hall to hear Intern Youngshim Mason speak. Classes in 2011-12
will be based on grade level and held in assigned rooms. Students report to
their classrooms at the beginning of the hour. At closing, all will gather
for music and worship. The first Quarterly teacher training will be
September 7 for orientation in use of the SPARK lectionary-based curriculum.
Pastor Jon recognized Denny and Marilyn Schmidt for their work
with Christian Education over the past several years. He also
thanked the new Christian Education Administration Team for their
efforts in getting Sunday organized for 2011-2012.
Building
Committee:
Don Blom
reported. With thanks to Dave Bowman and Roto Rooter, the water drainage
system on the north side of the building has been unplugged. Leaks in the
Fireside Room were addressed by thorough caulking of the top of the roof.
Research has begun on the
chancel lighting project. Finance
Committee:
Sandy
Garner reported. Finance Committee recommends moving $50,000 of the $78,000
from Smith Barney to the Church Mission Investment Fund where it will earn
more interest for Gloria Dei and can be used to benefit startup missions.
Council requested a printed report to consider at our next meeting. Abolitionist
Pod:
Carolynne
Agee presented a letter of dissolution from the Abolitionist group. Dennis
and Marilyn Schmidt will continue at this time to facilitate the Fair Trade
Coffee. Diane Rippe will continue to monitor the clothing collection box and
see that donated clothes are delivered. The Abolitionist group requests that
the money in their fund be divided equally between Lutheran World Relief
(Horn of Africa relief) and the local Maslow Project. The fund has $350.66
at this time. Personnel
Committee:
Pastor Jon
reported. Annual reviews will be scheduled for this fall. Pastor Jon will
not be directly involved in any reviews of staff. Pastor presented a letter
to Church Council from Church Secretary, Elizabeth Henze, regarding Church
Office Backup. Pastor's
Report: •
Continuing
Education - Pr Jon will leave after Sept 11 worship for Holden Village. He
will return Sunday Sept 18. He joins a group of pastors to discuss the
future of the church. There will be invited speakers, a book to read in
preparation, communal worship, discussion, envisioning. •
Intern
Youngshim and Pr Jon worked through the Internship Checklist to plan the
internship year. •
Pastoral
Acts - none scheduled for the near term. •
New
Members Class - will likely be scheduled for this fall. Pr Jon will follow
up with several repeat visitors. Intern
Youngshim Mason's Report:
Youngshim
arrived at the Eugene airport 1 AM on Aug 17. Pr Jon and Eli came to drive
her to Coos Bay. Vern and Judy Simpson welcomed her into their home. She has
met several members in the past week. She asks us, the congregation, to
train her in good habits so she can become a good pastor. She expressed
being very pleased and humble to be here. She described some of her
adventures and challenges as she settles into her house and the community.
Youngshim will share her background and culture with the congregation
September 11 during the 10 AM education hour. She presented “making a
bridge between America and Korea” this spring and was encouraged to share
it with her internship congregation. New
Business: •
Worship
Schedule. September 4, Sunday services return to the regular 8:30 AM and 11
AM with Sunday School and Adult Education at 10 AM. •
Pacific
Lutheran University Corporation. South Coast Cluster Delegate, Don Blom,
will represent our cluster as one of the 100 plus voting members at the
September 7 annual meeting and opening convocation for the school year at
PLU. •
ELCA
Convention. Delegate Jamey Moriarty sends joyful comments; he will give a
written and oral report to the congregation. •
Firewood
Ministry. As a logging truck driver, Katie Prince has access to excess dry
firewood. She offers wood for Gloria Dei to make available to people who
come to ask for firewood. People could add firewood to the stock. Volunteers
could cut larger pieces into firewood. Respectfully
submitted, Leslie
Burrill, Secretary
Ann
Getrum Friends and
Relatives: Avery
Walker Serving Our Country: Elias Boddy (Aleta Boddy’s grandson) Troops
Say Thanks for Books: Kaitlyn
McClenahan SERVING
YOU IN SEPTEMBER Altar
Flowers: Oct.
2: Nathan &
Marjorie Crook Altar
Guild: Kathie
Hodgin Communion
Assistants: Sept.
4: Leslie Burrill, Janet
Tilton Lay
Readers: Oct.
2: Greeters: Oct.
2: Dee Ross, Stephanie
Greim WE
ALWAYS NEED VOLUNTEERS! If you
can help, please sign up on the lists in the Narthex! J Coffee-Hour
Hosts: Oct.
2: Team 1 – Rudy & Joyce
Bjorkquist, Dave & Mo Aakre, Bernice Hassel, Denny & Marilyn
Schmidt, Bob & Dorothy Taylor, Judy Mogan Oct.
9: Team 2 – Don & Corrine
Bunyard, Carol Bender, Lorraine Johnson, Helen Hockemeyer, Boyd &
Barbara Bjorkquist, Gary & Barb Grassham, Josh & Jamie Scheirman Oct.
16: Team 3 – Dave & Janice Bowman, Gladys Eason, Roy & Jo Homedew,
Bev Peterson, Eric & Melissa Stallings, Susan Paterson, Mike Boehme, Del
& Mikey Faulds Oct.
23: Team 4 – Lynn Danner, Nathan & Marjorie Crook, Andie Jensen, Losi
Serviss, Paul & Leslyn Danielson, Ron Meusling, Jason & Anna Warner Oct.
30: Team 5 – Phil & Cheryl Bowman, Noma Hild, Connie Reager, Ann
Getrum,. Kathy Trolard-Wilson, Travis & Dondi Howard
| |||||||||||||||||||||