FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
OVERWHELMED!

I am overwhelmed… in a good way right now. Overwhelmed by the outpouring of the Spirit and spiritual gifts. God’s vision for Immanuel says we will “be a welcoming, spiritual community that…invites participation through sharing our gifts with others.”

I suppose I shouldn’t be but I am overwhelmed that so many of you, my sisters and brothers, are bringing this about. It is always dangerous to begin listing such things, because something and someone will be left out, however…

	JAMers (Jesus and Me) began on Rally Day with much help;
	Classes for 4th and 5th grades will begin in October;
	Frozen Chosen, a small group Bible study, has asked to be recognized as permanent;
	IV Team has reformatted as a small group with a “bonzer” covenant;
	Adult Forum has begun as an adult class on Sundays;
	A Stewardship Program will be held in the “fall” with an Ox roast;
	SGM (Small Group Ministries) is floating “test balloons” to invite participation along new interests.And those are just the new things going on among us.

Sunday School teachers and staff are installed; the high school class had more students than “ever” before and got “off campus.” SNL (catechism) has wonderful Huddle Leaders and Jr. Guides, and many supportive parents and a Crazy Parents’ Group. High School youth have met and made plans with a small contingent of adults. Choir and Hand Bell Choir are practicing (though they would like more singers and ringers). First Communion Class has an assisting teacher. New ushers have been trained. The Property Evaluation Task Force is meeting. The Church Council is moving along with mission planning. The Youth Ministry Task Force has completed its work is preparing a report and recommendation to Council. And the list of continuing work goes on daily[1]. All these people involved are using their gifts for others.

The Holy Spirit is overwhelming and increasing my joy.

This I believe: As more of us seek to use the spiritual gift we each have been given (1 Corinthians 12:7), rather than “fill a position,” the Spirit’s joy will spread in and among us.

Our Vision:

To be a welcoming, spiritual community

that nurtures intimacy in our daily walk with Jesus

and invites participation through sharing our gifts

to the glory of God.

There is a place for you to grow as a Christ-follower. And we are trying to find more ways to open up our doors.

 

---

[1] I apologize if I failed to mention you as involved. I cannot list, and frankly don’t know, everything. God knows and we work with and for him.

AMONG OUR MEMBERS:

BAPTISM

In baptism, Christ brings us into God’s family by means of his grace and the Holy Spirit. On September 26^th, we celebrated the second birth of Ty Lucus Fedewa, son of Mike and Jackie, brother to Delaney and Emily. His godparents are Becky Wizorek and Kathy Strodtbeck

 “I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:8)

FIRST COMMUNIONS

Our 5^th graders have been prepared to receive their 1^st Communions. We mark with them this important step as their discipleship.

Scott Becker, son of Scott & Felicia Becker and Jamie Becker
Katie Bryant, daughter of Jim & Scherrie Bryant
Adam Buckley, son of Meredith Buckley
Chelsea Buckley, daughter of Candi and Elmer Gates
Amanda Pitchford, daughter of Mike & Cheryl Pitchford
David Reed, son of Gary & Amy Reed
Claire White, daughter of Geoff & Kelly White
Elena Willems, daughter of Don & Mary Willems
Britni Williamson, daughter of Tonya & Matt Bonette and Brian Williamson
Mark Wolf, son of Jack & Sharon Wolf
Emily Zipple, daughter of Pete & Kim Zipple

Thank you, parents, for keeping your baptismal promises of worship and education. Please continue to share your faith in the Lord with them.

MARRIAGE

Congratulations to a long-time friend of Immanuel, Stephanie Clark who married Mark Snitgen on September 10^th. We pray that God will bless and guide their lives.

NEWS AND EVENTS:

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

GOD’S LAW FOR THE FALL: October Themes for sermons and Pastor’s Class

YOUTH MINISTRY RETREAT CHANGED

The retreat was scheduled for October 15/16. Parents said it was too much time commitment. They also said they didn’t know enough about the schedule.  So… the dates are changed, and the format is changed

In order to prepare better, Pastor Jamie Segaran Bruning is going to come to Immanuel to explain things. She will preach on Nov. 7^th and lead an adult forum between the services. We will plan the program for January, 2005. Instead of a whole weekend, it will be on 3 consecutive Sunday nights in conjunction with SNL. Lynn Danes, event coordinator, and I, feel this is too important to miss so many parents and high school youth.

NEW MEMBER CLASS

Is it time for a fresh examination of your faith and beliefs? Is it time for you to make a fresh commitment to walking with Christ and the church? In 6 sessions you will be challenged and invited by us here at Immanuel. If you are feeling led here, then come to the New Member Class. Starts October 6 @ 7 p.m. in Pastor’s Class Room. For any questions contact Pr. Rick.

THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB IS BACK!

All adult members, visitors and friends of the Church are invited to a Pizza and Game Night on Saturday, October 2, 2004, 5:30-9:00 p.m.  More details and sign up sheet is in the Church Lobby or call Marlaine Teahan, 627-5637.

On Sunday afternoon, November 14, 2004, the Friendship Club is joining forces with the Jesus and Me Club and hosting a Family Bowling event.  Mark the date on your calendar now and look for more details next month.

LUTHER LEAGUE II

Our next event will be the Lowell Color Tour on October 11, 2004.  We'll Meet in Church Parking Lot at 10:30 to car pool.  Call Joyce 627-627-6839 for more information

SPAGHETTI SUPPER

Immanuel Lutheran Church
&
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

are sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner
for the Habitat for Humanity house
we helped build this summer.

Monday, October 25
at A & W Restaurant
525 E. Saginaw, Grand Ledge 

11:00 a.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.

Only $4.99 for all-you-can-eat
spaghetti, salad, & garlic bread
(beverage not included) 

For each dinner sold, A & W will donate
$2.50 to Habitat for Humanity.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will be matching these funds.

Crop Walk

Your involvement entails one of two things: 1)   Walk & obtain pledges: (Goals for the Grand Ledge Crop Walk is $13,000); 2) Pledge & support the walkers.

Remember 25% of the money raised stays in Grand Ledge.  The rest goes to help eliminate poverty in the world.  We are making a difference.

Questions? Call Jan Martinich @ 627-8767

CARPET REPAYMENT STILL NEEDED

We dislike bringing up an old issue, but….

Total needed:   $1,600

Given to date:   $  700 (as of 9/19/04)

Here’s the story. The entire basement flooded in the spring. The water stayed in the carpet long enough to start mold growing in all the carpet. We flooded again (but not the whole basement) because of a broken pipe.

It was a gift from God because now our insurance covered the costs. Without the broken pipe, we would have had to pay for the whole basement on our own. You cannot live and work among mold.

The insurance covered only the 2^nd partial flood. The Youth Committee loaned money from their funds to pay for the classroom area.

It is our bill. No one would want their children in those classrooms. No one would want to be at coffee hour or potlucks or meetings in the mold. So please, let’s pay back what we borrowed.

Opportunities to Serve:

IMMANUEL CHURCH COUNCIL WANTS YOU!

Fall is here and it won’t be long until we enter the season of Advent. For me, the fall has always been a time of year for personal reflection and review of my priorities and commitments. Three years ago, I had a sense of something lacking in my relationship with God. I was enjoying a fellowship with a church body that I had not felt since leaving the church of my youth to go off to college. Still, something was missing. I heard in passing that there was a position on church council and jumped in, not knowing what to expect or what would be expected of me. Today, I can say that it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my adult life.

As disciples of Christ we all hear the still, small voice calling us to serve. If you are looking for a fulfilling way to participate in Immanuel, I hope this is that still, small voice for you. There will be several open spots on council created by term limits in 2005.

Talk to myself, Den Graeber, or Wayne Christiansen if you would like to be involved in the direction of Immanuel in 2005. I promise you will not regret the decision.  

God’s Peace,

Council Vice President

FOOD SERVICE

Cooking food can be a wonderful gift of love to those who are ill, recuperating, hospitalized, or who have a new baby. Denise Proper is updating her list of people who are willing to be called on to cook and deliver food. Call her right now! (626-2408) You may think you are on her list; but call her right now so that she knows you still want to be. You may want to start; call her right now. Make that call (626-2408).

GREETERS

On October 17, 2004 from 9:15 – 10 a.m. there will be a meeting in the sanctuary of this year’s Greeters and alternates and those who would like to become involved in this “Gathering” ministry.  We will discuss what is working and what can be improved upon.  We want your input!  ALSO -- We need more help; not only with the shaking of hands, but also with operating the elevator and providing information and directions to visitors.  Please call Marlaine Teahan at 627-5637 for further information.

FALL CLEAN UP DAY

October 30

9:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.

Come help prepare the

church for winter!

NOTES:

A PASTOR'S REFLECTIONS

(NOTE: The following article is reprinted from the Oregon Synod. It captures character of Pr. Fred Althoff.  Pr. Fred and Mildred were members here following his retirement. They are inurned in our Memorial Garden. We reprint it for those who knew them and for the members who need to know this saint who loved our church and his Lord.)

I walk into the little room, and he turns in his wheelchair to greet me.  His handshake grip is still firm, his smile as broad as ever, and the twinkle in his eye says I’m welcome here.  His voice is strong today, and I marvel at how well he is doing after all the illnesses and hospitalizations he’s been through.  He talks and I know once more that I am in the presence of an amazing, interesting man, this retired pastor, now living in an adult foster care home.  He walks very little, relying mostly on the wheelchair for security and comfort.

We talk for a long time.  We have so many places and people in common.  It’s easy to lose track of the time.  He tells me stories of difficult parishes he served, of people who had stubborn streaks and conflicting personalities, of pastors who retired but refused to leave, only to cause problems later on.  I start to think of some of the people I serve.  The names are different, but the people are the same.  The years may be different, but the people are the same. The locations are far apart, but the people are the same.

There is a lull in the conversation, and I prepare the Holy Communion I have brought to share with this man.  In reverence he closes his eyes as the words are read.  In a vibrant voice he speaks the Lord’s Prayer with me.  A prayer, a blessing, and then I think about leaving, some 90 minutes after my arrival.

At just this moment, one of the foster care home workers peeks in the door.  The man looks up and smiles. “This is my pastor,” he says proudly.  I greet the worker and think about the remarkable and overwhelming reality of that statement.  After 59 years of ordination, this man calls me his pastor.  I am humbled and honored at the same time.

I leave the home, reflecting on the wonder of ministry and the way God touches us through others.  My retired pastor friend may never know how much he’s helped me focus, once more, on the ministry I have, on the work and on the wonder of the vocation and calling.  Thank you, Fred, for ministering to me.  Thank you for calling me your pastor. 

 Pastor Ron McCallum
Emanuel Lutheran Church, Cornelius OR

CELEBRATIONS:

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

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