Elim Lutheran Church The Messenger October 2018 Pastor Katherine Kolodziejczyk Gayle Nelson, Church Secretary Cell Phone: (419) 467-5391 Church Phone: (785) 546-2244 Email: [email protected]Email: [email protected]Elim Lutheran Church website: www.elimmarquette.org Pastor’s Ponderings . . . This time of year, with Autumn approaching, many people begin thinking about Halloween and Thanksgiving. Some may even be thinking of Christmas. They think of leaves colored red, orange, and yellow. They may think of cooler nights and shorter days. They think of football games and tailgating. But for me, as your pastor, I automatically think of Sunday school resuming, confirmation class meeting again, and a busy schedule of events beginning. For me the ultimate is Reformation Sunday. I recognize that there are some who may think that my liturgical side goes overboard. But the basis for Halloween is All Hollows Eve – which is when Luther posted the 95 Theses on the Castle Church door in Wittenberg. In my mentality being mindful of the past can and should help us in some way with the present and the future. When I think of Reformation, I think of Pentecost. At Pentecost God sent the Holy Spirit to be with the disciples. This same Spirit can be the power that changes who we are and what we are about. This same spirit moved those in America during the Great Awakening in America. This Spirit is what moved Luther to question the customs and traditions that had evolved, or were evolving, which were seizing the church of his day. Some wonder where the Spirit has gone. This same Spirit is ours through the waters of baptism. This Spirit, this movement is ours for the opening of our hearts and mind to God. God has not abandoned us – we sometimes abandon God. Is Reformation relevant today? Reformation is for me a time to think of renewal, revival, reform, and remembering. I am reminded of all those “re” things that occur in the life of the church. Yes, I believe the Reformation is relevant. I believe it must be relevant in order for the church to survive. I certainly would not wish to “re”turn to the time of our founding father, Martin Luther. Instead, I wish to call us to remember that he was just as dissatisfied with the church of his day as we sometimes find ourselves. The church paid a huge price for the reformation—we became separated from our brothers and sisters in Christ. The separations did not end between Roman Catholics and Lutherans. It seems whenever people did not agree they separated and more and more denominations began. That seems to be human nature. I remind you, that was not Luther’s intention. Today some people might say that it is time for a ”do over”. In the church that is sometimes called redevelopment. However, we cannot change the past. We cannot just do things over. That would only result in the same state of being. All the church can do is to move forward into the 21 st century fully trusting and believing in the promises of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Life certainly has changed. Think of how different life is today than just 50 years ago. Think of the appliances we have today. Think of the differences in the school systems our children attend. Think of the cultural differences. Society itself and its moral beliefs have changed. That does not mean we have to change our belief in God. But we must be relevant for those who walk through our doors. We must be relevant to those we meet outside of our doors. An example of being relevant is to look at the parables and teaching of Jesus. Jesus used what the people of his
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Elim Lutheran Church
The Messenger
October 2018
Pastor Katherine Kolodziejczyk Gayle Nelson, Church Secretary
Cell Phone: (419) 467-5391 Church Phone: (785) 546-2244
day were familiar with. He told parables of shepherds and fields. He told stories of tax collectors and Pharisees, of the
temple in Jerusalem and synagogues.
I believe that it is time for renewal. To make the promises we made to God at our baptisms and affirmation of Baptism
(confirmations) relevant and important to us as we live our lives. We are in need of renewing our spirit. I am reminded
of Isaiah 55:1. “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the water”. In the waters of Holy Baptism we are filled with the
spirit. I invite you to come, drink from the water of life. Renew yourself through worship and praise to God. Hear the
word spoken. Taste the bread broken and the wine poured. Christ’s peace and the power of the Holy Spirit be with you
now and forever.
Christ’s Peace to you,
Pr. Katherine
Prayers
Please keep in prayer: Rhea Carter (relative of Michelle Carter), Skye Farris, Donna Zajicek, Danny Morel, Ebba Nelson, Debbie Brown, Mark Cook (Pastor Cross’ son-in-law), Don Lundquist, Ronnie Larson, Sarah Jane Smith, Diane Deckard, Mary Olson, Tim Thatcher (nephew of Pr. Katherine), and Helen Weber.
Elim strives to extend the power of prayer to those who feel they would benefit from it. New prayer requests will be taken at any time. Contact Pastor Katherine at (419) 467-5391 or the church office: leave a note on the bulletin board, call (785) 546-2244 (do not leave voice mail message), or email [email protected].
~ CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES ~
Church Council – Met September 4. Discussed final plans for Rally Sunday, Blessing of the Backpacks, and God’s Work, Our Hands projects scheduled for September 9. Online survey discussed. Worship & Music – No meeting. Finance & Stewardship – No meeting. Evangelism –Hike at Kanopolis Lake scheduled for October. Bowling party scheduled for November. Youth Group will hand out candy at Trunk or Treat Oct. 27. Social Ministry –No meeting. Christian Education –Final plans for Rally Sunday include Bible Bingo and snacks at Riverview with Sunday School classes. Property –Sanctuary clock repaired but still not working. AC needs repair. Brad Evans waiting on part to repair. Memorial – Meeting planned for Sept. 5. Requested list of items to be purchased with memorial monies. Elim Cookbook Committee: - Cookbooks arrived and will be available after church and at town locations. Security Committee: Met Sept. 4. Discussed installing crash or panic bars to doors and replacing front sanctuary door; installing security cameras, monitors and alarms. Next meeting to be held on October 1, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
REMINDER: If you are still receiving the Messenger in the mail, please check the box at the back of the church for your copy on the last Sunday of each month. We will be mailing those not picked up on Monday. You can also sign up to receive the Messenger online. Please contact the church secretary at [email protected] if you want your name removed from the Messenger mailing list. The Messenger is available on the Elim Lutheran Church website (www.elimmarquette.org). THANKS!
MAKE IT HAPPEN! Opportunities For Fun And Fundraising
Our church needs help! Members of the congregation are working on ideas to raise money. There are many essential improvements needed that the church cannot afford, including handicap-accessible bathrooms and security equipment. We invite everyone to submit ideas for fundraising AND to help make them happen! There are many creative ideas that are both fun and easy if everyone chips in and does a small part to make it happen. Please be
open to calls requesting a little of your time and effort to make a difference.
to the glory of God for family. --------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONLINE GIVING
Please consider giving online for your weekly or monthly offering. It is an easy and convenient way to ensure your offering gets “in the plate”. With everyone’s busy lifestyles, church attendance is not always possible. With online giving, you don’t have to worry that you missed a Sunday. Simply go to www.elimmarquette.org. Click on the GIVE ONLINE button on the homepage. The ONLINE DONATION page will come up where you can select the DONATION FREQUENCY (one time, weekly, or monthly). Create your own account by clicking “Create Profile” button. If you do a General Fund donation, click continue to select a checking or savings account and complete the required information. Don’t forget to click on PROCESS to submit your authorized donation. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT.