FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
300 in ‘003[1]

It is my opinion that in order to achieve this average of worship attendance we will have to add a third worship opportunity. I see this is as a practical matter. In theory, we could do this with our current two services: more folks could “discover” the 8:00 service and a few more could comfortably attend the 10:30 service. In practice, I believe a significant growth in “gathering people” will come through expanded opportunity.

I believe the data in this year’s worship survey point in this direction. Over 170 members participated. Look at question #3, “What is your preferable style/content of worship?”

Alternative was defined as “a more contemporary style, emphasizes music, praise hymns in a traditional Lutheran structure.” Forty-one out of 169 responses indicated a preference for an alternative style. It divides out to 24%. I am assuming this is representative for the whole congregation.

We must be careful in drawing inferences from data. Inferences are “trends” not hard conclusions. One inference, for instance, that 24% prefer an alternative service, doesn’t mean that this 24% doesn’t attend services now. On the other hand, it might mean some will attend more regularly when their way of praising the Lord is more available to them. My inferences about why a 3rd service in alternative style will help us “gather (more) people to faith in Jesus Christ”:

• Worship will be more satisfying for each group. Each style will be more pure and dependable. People may attend more often;

• Happier people are more likely to invite others to come;

• An alternative style is easier for most non-Lutheran visitors to participate in;

• A 3rd time means more opportunity to choose to attend;

• An “alternative” style offers chances for more Christians to use their gifts for the Lord.

I hope you can see that I believe the 3rd service is directed to two groups of people: to the 24% of current members who prefer it; and to unchurched and non-believing people. Some other churches who have done this well have brought many to faith.

I am doubtful that we will do this in ‘003. At our May Council meeting, Worship Committee recommended we put the 3rd service on hold. The reason? To do it right will require funding for some equipment and (likely) a coordinator. The church simply doesn’t have this right now. They have not dropped the goal, but the Council is working to be fiscally responsible. The next step is on hold.

So once again I am asking you for your feedback. Is this a right idea, at the right time? Or, is ‘003 just too soon? Or, is there a different way? Or, perhaps it is the wrong vision. Keep talking with me. [2]

And remember, our faithful stewardship of time, talent and treasure is necessary for faithful service to Jesus.

[1] My motto for my proposed vision for our congregation’s vision.
[2] I have had perhaps 10 responses. Some say “nobody” reads the newsletter.

AMONG OUR MEMBERS:

BAPTISMS
On Mother’s Day, we witnessed the birth of two new brothers in God’s family.

Brandon Leo, son of Aaron and Cindy (Crooks) Foy.
His Christian Sponsors are Stephanie Crooks and Mark Crooks.

Alexander Scott, son of Scott and Vicki (Socall) Lumbert.
His Christian Sponsors are Rick Socall and Sarah McCalla.

TRANSFERS IN
Fay Boerger
207 Queen’s Court
G. L. 48837 627-3959
Fay is the mother to Jeannie Boerger-Dixon. Her husband is Pr. John, an LC-MS pastor. Welcome to you both.

WEDDINGS
Joan Montero and James (J.R.) Ridner, on May 11th.

Kimberly Kelly and Steve Horne, on May 18th.

Pastor Cindy Olson and Scott Larson, on May 24th.

Congratulations to each couple. May you be blessed in your marriage to model the union between Christ and his Church.

CONFIRMATIONS
On Pentecost our youth stood up publicly to confess their faith in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

Matthew Bryant, son of Jim and Scherrie
Justin Dixon, son of Rick and Jeannie
Matthew Dixon, son of Rick and Jeannie
Christie Edwards daughter of Dave and Connie
Amber Geller,daughter of Bruce and Ann
Sandi Graeber, daughter of Doug and Jodie
Brandon Haskell, son of Gary and Denise
Heather Kelto, daughter of Wallid and Vivian
Ian Powis, son of Van and Terri
Jaclyn Rodewald, daughter of Matt and Martha
Greg Stein, son of Dale and Mary Jo
Melissa Wolf, daughter of Jack and Sharon

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

GRADUATIONS
From Grand Ledge High School:
Phil Atkin &
Andrea Graeber

From Waverly High School:
Jennifer Dodge

From MSU:
Dan Kelly, in business
John Martinich, with Bachelors in Fine Arts

From Baker College:
Melissa Brickley, MA in Human Resources

From Seminary:
Erin McKenzie-Vickers, Trinity Lutheran Seminary,Columbus, OH., MDiv

THANK YOU'S:

	FROM: GLHS Band: “Thank you very much for your support. Your willingness to let us use your parking lot allowed the Band to raise much-needed funds for our many programs.” Greg Ruby, President
	TO: Our Choir: Thank you to all who participated this year. You added to our worship in both services, and we appreciated it.
	TO: Everyone who contributed to the Mile of Pennies:  We had several large donations and a total of 57,673 pennies ($576.73) to help send our youth to elementary camp.

 

EVENTS:

Luther League II June 5, 2002   Carol & John Weigel’s home 340 E. Front St., Grand Ledge 12:00 Noon.  Bring a dish to pass Guest speaker - Jean Folk, massage therapy

 

Friendship Club June 8, 2002 Backyard BBQ for Eight 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Sign-up in the entryway, or call Lynn Colby for more details. Donations for the Grand Ledge Food Bank will be collected at the BBQ.

 

RELAY FOR LIFE Many thanks to all who participated or helped in any way in the 2nd Annual Relay for Life.  Our team from Immanuel was called “The Circle of Life”.  We raised over $1,300!!!   Totally, the  Grand Ledge groups raised over $132,000.  What a Blessing to see: Immanuel people of all ages The luminaries at night Everyone pitching in to overcome all obstacles – including the weather.

Thanks to:

• Lynne & Orv Erickson who helped me keep my sanity on Friday night.

• Joy Powis for reading the names on the luminaries. (Sorry, Heath, to forget your Grandpa)

• Heath Buckley for that hot chocolate at 1:30 a.m.

• Sherry & Richard Wellman for that 3-sided tent to protect us from the elements. We needed it!!

• Immanuel Youth for participating with us “old folk”. (Claire & Jayne White at 4 a.m.!!)

• Everyone else! There are many stories to tell!

This was outreach and worship!  What an exhilarating feeling.  Don’t miss this spiritual event next year.  We have lots of ideas! Join us.

 

WORSHIP

What’s Your Favorite Hymn? 

During the first two weeks of June, we’ll be providing you with a bulletin insert asking that very question.  We are interested in hearing what hymns are dear to you.  Please offer your suggestions to the Worship Committee, and we’ll do our best to include your selection during “Favorite Hymn Sunday” on June 23rd.

Sing? Play an instrument? We’d love to have you at worship this summer. Worship Committee is looking for soloists and ensembles at our 9:30 a.m. summer services. Please contact Ellen McKenzie if you're interested.

3^rd Worship Coordinating Team Report

Thank you to everyone who participated in this survey, including those who responded (166!) and those who gathered the information.  This Team recommends that Immanuel offer a 3^rd worship service of an alternative style; probably on Sunday morning; lasting no more than 1 hour.  There are a number of concerns that need to be addressed or rectified prior to beginning a new service.  Those include: deficit situation; staff changes (Associate Pastor leaving); Bridgebuilders program; changes to sound system; and hiring a worship coordinator.  The Worship Committee will continue to monitor this proposed service, address some of the other issues you brought to our attention (noise level in the sanctuary, announcements).  If you are interested in more information, copies of the completed report are available in the church office.

June 30^th Brunch

On June 30th after the Service, the Worship Committee will be hosting a potluck brunch/reception for Pr. Cindy and Scott.  Please join us in the fellowship hall, and bring your favorite dish.

FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S DESK:

As we move into the month of June and make plans for your summer, we still need to stay in touch with our church and church family.

There will be graduations, weddings, reunions, summer vacations, one-day trips, camping, biking and gardening, and the summer list goes on and on. We do however, need to take some time to worship, and take some time for fellowship, and take some time for serving, and take some time for prayer, and take some time to thank God for our many blessings.

This summer, because our weekends can become little vacations, there is a Thursday night ‘Weekender’ service at 7:00 p.m.

There also is the special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 2, which hopefully results in congregational support for the Bridgebuilders and the Mutual Ministry Support Committee which should help us as a congregation to move into the future with some clarity and a vision. With congregational approval, we have much to do in June to get the Bridgebuilders program moving.

There is also a real need for us to continue to support our church financially. Recently, this  seems to be a real concern as we have many ministries we are about and so much more to do. Our general giving overall brought us to a deficit of $8,701.00 in the general fund into the month of May. The general fund supports our church budget to pay for all day-to-day expenses except the mortgage. This concerns many of us, especially knowing that summer giving is usually down as we are out of town much more.

We need to pray for God’s guidance through this financially difficult time searching our hearts to see if we can help more to support Immanuel’s many ministries and pull us out of this financial slump.

Remember, as we contribute our time, talents and treasurers to the many causes we have today, we are thanking God for all that he has provided for us and all that he continues to provide. He just asks us to be good stewards! Let’s enjoy our summer, enjoy our work, enjoy our playtime and remember our church and its ministries!

CELEBRATIONS:
JUNE BIRTHDAYS

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

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