FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
WHAT'S UP OR DOWN WITH VISION?

The Vision Team has been meeting bi-weekly all summer. We are putting a concise statement down into words. We have been intentional about a thorough process. Each meeting has as much prayer and Bible Study as discussion because we want the vision that we bring to you to be given and directed by the Holy Spirit.

The concepts we are working with include “personal relationship,” spiritual gifts,” “life-changing,” participation.” The action words are “invite” and “nurture.”

We are close to a final statement. When that is down on paper, we will develop our presentation to support and give direction to the vision. This, too, will be pursued seeking the direction of our Lord. A presentations will be made to the Church Council, so that the leadership of our church understands and fully supports it as God’s will for us. Then various presentations will be made to all the members of the congregation who will come.

What’s up with the vision for our church? The time of:

1.      Prayer and study is complete;

2.      Prayer and writing is nearing completion;

3.      Prayer and development is next; with

4.      Prayer and Council support, and

5.      Prayer and congregational presentations, yet to be.

David had times when he “waited patiently for the Lord” who then heard his cry/prayer and answered him. (Ps. 40:1-3) For the Vision Team, waiting patiently is moving along with his direction and not trying to get out ahead of him. We are moving forward, and we are asking if you would occasionally lift us up in prayer as we get these things down.

 for the Vision Team
                                                                        Brit Riggs, Donna Gibbons,
Fred Koos, Marlaine Teahan

AMONG OUR MEMBERS:

DEATHS

Pastor Fred Althoff --  (technically a former member), died in mid-August. Fred and Mildred served parishes mostly in New York and Maryland. He also was a chaplain with the Veterans Administration. Together, they retired to Grand Ledge because he grew up in Lansing. His father was the founding pastor of Bethlehem, and also served Immanuel. Also, his sister, Miriam Galvin lived here. The last couple of years, he lived near his daughter, Kathleen, in Oregon. Inurnment took place in our Memorial Garden, Saturday, Sept. 6.

Harriet Berner -- slipped away quietly on September 5. Harriet had been our sister at Immanuel for many years. She met her husband, Walter, and they were married here. They moved to Lansing and then returned over 30 years ago. She dedicated her life to her home and family. She did have many friends at Whitehills Nursing Home where she lived for a few years.

Christ promised to prepare a place for his people. He has welcomed these two saints to the Father’s home. We praise him for his grace. May we be strengthened by his promises.

NEWS AND EVENTS:

FRIENDSHIP CLUB

The FRIENDSHIP CLUB – is a social club for all adults of the congregation.  Our aim is to make friends and have lots of fun!  We typically meet on a monthly basis and from time to time we will have family-friendly activities.  Our schedule for the Fall is as follows:

October 11, 2003      
Scavenger Hunt at the Corn Maze
1:30 p.m.

Bring the kids.  This event is for the whole family! 

6275 Clark Road, Lansing (between Francis and Airport Roads) 517-719-5636.  Meet there at 1:30 p.m. $4 for adults, $3 for kids 6-11 and kids 5 and under are free.  An adult must accompany children.  Cider and donuts will be provided by Outreach.  If you need a ride, call Marlaine Teahan at 627-5637.

November 8, 2003     
Games for 8 in Member’s homes. 
5:30-8:30 p. m.

More details for our November outing will be forthcoming. 

For more information on October’s activity or on the Friendship Club, call the Teahans at 627-5637.

LUTHER LEAGUE II ACTIVITIES

Monday, October 13, 2003
Lunch & Country Mill
Meet at the church at 11:30

We will car pool to Eaton Place in Charlotte for lunch.  Then go to Country Mill for pumpkins, cider, and doughnuts.

November Event

Chicken Dinner @ Frankenmuth, MI.  Details to follow.

HANGING OF THE GREENS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
A FUN FELLOWSHIP FOR EVERYONE

The Worship Committee wants you to mark your calendars and please join us for the ANNUAL HANGING OF THE GREENS.  Please join us on December 7 immediately following the 10:30 worship service as we prepare the Sanctuary for the celebration of our Savior's birth.  We will begin with a potluck and then decorate the church.  Everyone is invited.  There will be crafts for the kids, a nursery and caroling for the homebound.

A sign up sheet will soon appear - watch for it!

QUILTING GROUP

Our quilting group meets on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Bring a sack lunch.  Our first meeting will be October 21 in the Fellowship Hall.  Please call Lyn Danes @ 517.543.8661 for more information or transportation needs.

HEALTH MINISTRY NEWS

According to Wendy Bruce, author of arthritis 277 things everyone should know, Arthritis is not one disease.  It’s actually the term used to refer to over 120 different diseases associated with joints.  Currently, it is estimated that 40 million Americans have arthritis.  By the year 2020, that number may increase to almost 60 million.  As baby boomers age, arthritis will affect more people than even cancer, heart disease, or other major health problems  Don’t despair!!!  The outlook is not bleak!!!  Major advances in research and treatment are still being made.  Here are some quotes from Wendy’s book that will inform and entertain.

1)       Osteoarthritis was detected in “Iceman,” the name given to a 5,000 year-old mummified body found in the Alps.

2)       People with OA weigh an average 15 pounds above their recommended weight.

3)       Arthritis was the dominate cause of activity restraint among American women from 1989 thru 1991.

4)       Aspirin doesn’t need a fancy name or to be expensive to work.

5)       The best medicine for rheumatism is being thankful it isn’t gout.

6)       Arthroplasty is by far the most important orthopedic surgical procedure for arthritis.

7)       “Oh, my friend, it’s not what they take away from you that counts.  It’s what you do with what you have left.” Hubert Humphrey after cancer surgery.

8)       It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you get there.

9)       Always do one thing less than you think you can do.

10) Remember: You have arthritis. It doesn’t have you!!!

Jean Folk
Health Ministries Committee

Opportunities to Serve:

GREETERS

DO YOU LOVE TO GREET MEMBERS AND WELCOME VISITORS? 

If so, Outreach Committee has a ministry for you!  We are looking for 5 teams of 2-3 people to serve once a month as the Greeter.  Here’s how it will work – Team #1 will greet on the 1^st Sunday of the month, Team #2 will greet on the 2^nd Sunday and so on.  Team #5 will greet on the 5^th Sunday of the month (4 times a year) and will serve as back-up for other teams who are on vacation or are sick.  After we have a list of those interested, we will contact each person in order to more fully explain this ministry opportunity.  If you are selected to be on one of the Greeting Teams, you will receive training in how to Greet.  We are looking for people who are able to commit to participating for one year.  Please call Marlaine Teahan at 627-5637 or Orv Erickson at 645-2865 to indicate your interest.

CHILDREN'S CHURCH

If you are interested in finding out how Children’s Church works or if you think, you may be interested in volunteering to serve, please call Jennifer Dodge at 321-3449.

YOU AND CPC?

Crazy Parents’ Club (CPC) is those adults who will support the Leadership Team for Sunday Night Live (SNL), our catechism program. This invitation is included here because you might want to help even though you are not a catechism parent.  CPC will do crazy interruptive things during the class (skits, jokes, stunts) to keep things lively. They will plan potlucks, drive youth, and help organize events and projects. No meetings, except for a couple of the Craziest Parents who will meet with the Leadership Team. You will get phone calls for help and do stuff. Interested call Pastor Rick or Mike Proper (626-2408).

YOUTH NEWS:

NOTES:

THANK YOU

Thank you for all the prayers, cards, and love sent our way during the 3 ½  years that Dad fought cancer.  Your prayers meant so much to him.  Many times after a particularly difficult stretch he would tell us that he could feel the  support of prayer holding him up.  He treasured the cards and was touched by your care & concern.  We appreciate your prayers for ourselves as we adjust to being left behind.  Your prayerful support strengthened all of us as Dad slipped ahead of us into the loving arms of his Lord.

Den & Pat Graeber
and the family of Alton Roth

Thanks to all who supported our joint blood drive at Trinity Methodist Church on August 9. Forty-nine people showed up to donate. Special thanks to Eileen LaCombe & Joy Powis for assisting with phone calls. Please continue to seek opportunities to donate as the Red Cross continues to experience critical shortages. 

Let us serve one another.

FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S DESK:

Greetings to everyone!

Here it is October already. Cool, crisp days, changing colors, harvest moons. Many reminders of God’s love for us and the many gifts He has given us.

Council will be working hard to make good use of these gifts as they consider next year’s budget this month, readying it for presentation to the Congregation in November at the Annual Meeting. Also consider God’s bounty as Crop Walk volunteers give of their time and energy to help feed the hungry.

If God has given you a gift of helping, please consider using that gift by serving on Church Council. We have to replace a number of members this year and are looking for fresh faces at the Council table. Anyone who is interested in serving in this part of our ministry, please contact John Van Hoesen or myself.

As we begin to reflect back on the past year, please take time to thank God for the many blessings He has showered on each and everyone of us.

                                                                        Yours in Christ,

CELEBRATIONS:
OCTOBER  BIRTHDAYS

OCTOBER  ANNIVERSARIES

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