FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
FROM MY HEART - TO CLARIFY

For July’s The Manger I wrote an article I called, “Only God Knows.”  I received feedback from inside and outside the congregation. I have been asked to make some of my intentions clearer. So here goes:

1.   “WAS NOTS:”

1)       I WAS NOT just tired and in need of a vacation.

2)       I WAS NOT despairing about our church.

I meant what I said, or at least what I intended to say. I was worried about how well we would stick by one another through the summer and into the fall.

2.   “WAS-es:”

1)       I WAS writing prior to the June 22^nd Bridgebuilders Learning event. Catechism Camp, newsletter deadlines and vacation plans dictated that I work way ahead on many things in June. The article was one of them.

2)       I WAS trying to give some “stern” pastoral counsel. I tried to be stern and pastoral, not angry and abusive.

Perhaps I don’t do “stern” well. So for some clarity, I write again. I am going to use “storm” and “ship” as images for our turmoil and our congregation, respectively.

It is expected in this age that the (lead) Pastor put out a vision. A vision is an idea that all the parts of the congregation can set goals to help accomplish. A vision unifies us in our mission. Good or bad, I titled my vision, “300 in ‘003.”

I put out this particular vision for a number of reasons, but mostly because it could be simple and short term (2 years). I could see in the late Spring of 2001 the storm, in which we are now, brewing on our horizon. I believed that it would be important to have a united direction (if and) when it hit us. This vision/direction would help us pull together and have something to feel good about even while we worked through our differences and sins. By the end of the storm-time, we would have a longer-term vision, be strong again as a congregation, AND ALSO have accomplished some growth for our Lord. We could look back with thanksgiving and not feel like we had lost two years of progress.

Since by May of 2002, we had entered fully into the storm, and since very few people were asking me, “How can I/we help make this vision happen?” I declared it “unborn”. I expressed my worry that without a direction for the ship, the crew would spend more energy fighting over who was to blame for steering us into the storm than pulling together to ride it through. I worried that some of us would “jump ship”, figuring this is not what they “signed up for”, when they were trying to serve Christ.

I wrote wanting you to know my worry for us. This was my intention – warning.

It is true. I was disappointed that my personal leadership was not more effective in guiding us. Apparently this came through too strongly. I stated that “God only knows” how we will weather the storm and where the ship (we) will end up at the end of it.

I am hopeful. We still have a long way to go and much work to do. And I am hopeful that God will see us through in a mighty way. To where, I don’t know. To what, I am just beginning to see. I am hopeful. And I hope you are finding yourselves hopeful and encouraged in the Holy Spirit, too.

SERMON REQUEST:

Following the sermon on July 28^th, a request was made to publish the following in The Manger: 
 

“I Asked God”

I asked God to take away my pride. God said,
“No, it is not for me to take away. It is for you to give up.”

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said,
“No. Her spirit is whole. Her body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience. God said,
“No, patience comes from tribulations. It isn’t granted. It is earned.”

I asked God to give me happiness. God said,
“No, I give you blessings. Happiness is in you.”

I asked God to spare me pain. God said,
“No, suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.”

I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said,
“No, you must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.”

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy my life. God said,
“No, I give you life so that you may enjoy all things.”

I asked God to help me love others, as much as he loves me.
God said, "Ah, now you have the idea!”

No author credited
This came to me from different sources over the internet

RALLY DAY:
MAKE IT A ‘CHURCH DAY’ ON September 8

On Rally Day, we will have a lot going on: worship, Sunday School, parish carnival, Bridgebuilder Report.

To participate in all of it will take much of the day. It will require a lot from attendees and planners and doers.

The members of Church Council are asking you to designate it as, “Church Day”. They pray that you will not want to miss anything; that you will help make a part of it “happen” and that you will pre-determine in your mind about this.

They think it will help our attitudes.  Call Education Director, Sue Schnarr to help with the Rally Day/Parish Carnival after church, or call Sherry Wellman, our Bridgebuilder Coordinator, to help with the evening meeting: desserts; supervise older kids or younger children for parents.

RALLY DAY SCHEDULE

HOLY CROSS DAY:

“On the Brink of Death”
by Michelangelo (1475-1564)

Now hath my life across a stormy sea
Like a frail bark reached that wide port where all
are bidden, ere the final reckoning call
Of good and evil for eternity.
Now I know well how that fond fantasy
Which made my soul the worshiper and thrall
of earthly art, is vain; how criminal
Is that which all men seek unwillingly.
These amorous thoughts which were so lightly dressed,
What are they when the double death is nigh?
The one I know for sure, the other dread.
Painting nor sculpture now can lull to rest
My soul that turns to His great love on high,
Whose arms to clasp us on the cross were spread.

 (The above in celebration of Holy Cross Day, Sept. 14.)
Readings: Gen. 3:1-15; 1 Peter 3:17-22; John 3:11-17.)

STARTING UP:

The Manger is aware of the following:

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Special Congregational Meeting
Sunday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m.

PREPARE… GET SERIOUS

I am trying to prepare believers to live their faith daily. I am trying to reach people who decline to lead classes for children, teenagers and adults because they feel inadequate about their Bible knowledge. I am trying to reach the many former SS teachers who stopped teaching saying they were looking forward to attending pastor’s class.

The material I am going to use is: “Witnesses to the Word”, one workbook for the whole year. Cost is not known yet.

This will not be seminary or college. But I do plan on it being a serious, rewarding year of Preparing. I get started on Rally Day.

MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION TO COMMEMORATE 9/11
 

Trinity Episcopal Church (across from City Hall).

Prayer and reflection during the time of the plane crashes.

12:10 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. @ GL High School Auditorium

Word and Prayer, open to all, especially for high school students

7:30 p.m. @ St. Michael Church, Edwards St.
Scripture and Prayer for everyone
 
The ministers are calling God’s people together to remember the victims and the heroes, the nation and those serving, and to renew our commitment to God’s claim upon us in Jesus Christ to be people of justice and peace. Members of our churches, school, American Legion and city will be involved in these religious services.

LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
 

How about taking time off from the hectic pace of life and refresh your marriage! It’s a gift you can give your spouse which can last a lifetime. Lutheran Marriage Encounter is a weekend experience that teaches couples how to communicate more effectively and build closeness and intimacy with the marriage relationship.  It is a very private weekend for couples and no group discussion is required.  The next weekend is scheduled for September 13-15 in Lansing. It is not too late to register.  Additional weekends are scheduled for October 25-27 in Southfield and February 21-23 at Gull Lake.  For additional information, contact Larry & Liz Grupe at 810-566-1525 or 1-800-235-1010.  Couples at Immanuel who can give you information are Fred & Barb Roush, 645-2266 or Orv & Lynne Erickson, 645-2865.

HEARTS AT HOME

“There Is No Place Like Home” – The 6^th annual Hearts at Home regional fall conference will be November 1 and 2, 2002 at the Lansing Center.  Featured speaker is Lisa Welchel, known for her role as Blair on TV’s “Facts of Life”, who decided to put her acting career on hold and trade it for a life as a pastor’s wife and full-time mom, author and speaker.  Kim Bolton, one of the most gifted and extraordinary singers in Christian music today brings an unforgettable experience of worship and renewed spirit of joy.  With twenty workshop choices moms personalize the day for their own needs from topics on parenting, marriage, family management, spiritual and personal growth.  Join us for laughter, learning, and encouragement!  For additional information about Hearts at Home and the conference visit their Web site at www.hearts-at-home.org, or contact Kim Zipple (886.1595) or Marlaine Teahan (627.5637). Registration deadline is October 2!

LUTHER LEAGUE II

OFFICE HOURS

The church office will be open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. –  2:00 p.m. effective September 3rd.
 

Usher Training

There will be an usher-training meeting on Tuesday, September 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the church Narthex.  This meeting will server as an introduction for new ushers or a refresher for anyone ushering now.  See you there!  Contact Bev Becker (627.2025) or Joyce Oswill (627.6839) with any questions.

CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS:

CHURCH COUNCIL POSITIONS

THANK YOU!!

So many good things happened over the summer now past. It seems that in every event, someone grew in faith or heard about the Lord Jesus. Remember

• Catechism, Day and Elementary Camps

• VBS

• Potlucks and brunches

• Learning Events

• Softball team

• Outdoor, Joint, Weekender services

• Meals and assistance at home

• Island Art hospitality.

So many of you worked to make these things happen. Thank you to each and every one of you. You are serving Christ in home, church, and world. May you be blessed, as you have been a blessing.

FALL SERMON SERIES:
MATTHEW'S PARABLES

The schedule will look as follows: (Italics tells where a parable has been substituted in. Special days are in bold.)

Jesus’ parables are (almost always) based on common experience. It may be hard to sustain our interest in the same type of material over a 12-week period. That is the disadvantage of this series. I will work hard at making the sermons both educational and interesting.

On the other hand, stories can speak to us at many levels. Children and adults can both enjoy them. That is their advantage. So I will try to keep them from being too dry.

GRANDPARENTS NEED HELP:

As you may know, Pastor Rick and Ellen are going to be grandparents in October. Erin and Chris Vickers are going to have a baby approximately October 17th. After having John, Rick and Ellen didn't want to have any more children so they gave their "stuff" away. If any of you have baby "stuff" you wish to get rid of (such as a crib, high chair, car seat, stroller, swing, bouncer/walker, potty chair/seat, bathtub, changing table, etc.) Pastor and Ellen would take them to use them to use at the "Grandpa and Grandma's” house. (Pastor Rick and Ellen are "used" as you can see. Used stuff is great.) Call Ellen at 627.6202 if you have something you'd like to donate to the "cause".

FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S DESK:

September is here, and it is time for us to rally together.  Sunday, September 8, is Rally Day at Immanuel.  Our fall worship schedule begins as we return to two church services: one at 8:00 a.m. and the second at 10:30 a.m. Sunday school gets started again at 9:15 a.m.

Our Parish Education and Youth Committees have been working on plans for a Rally Day Carnival following the 10:30 a.m. service.

In addition, the Special Congregational Meeting to hear the Bridgebuilder feedback report from Pastor John Schleicher is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.  This makes for a very full “Immanuel Day,” but I hope that we can make plans to get back to church in the evening for this special meeting.  I’m hoping for a good turn out.

In my recent letter to the congregation, I did not go into detail about attempting to schedule this meeting.  You’ll have to trust me on this one, schedules lead us right back to scheduling this meeting on the evening of September 8.

You will be hearing much more about Bridgebuilders at Immanuel later in September and this fall.  The Action Planning Process Committee will have its initial meeting with the consultants on September 14 and then they can get rolling.

The Nominating Committee will also be getting nominations around for next year’s church council.  If you have considered serving on the church council there are plenty of opportunities.  If you are interested in finding out more about this contact Wayne Christiansen, Mary Gehlhaar, or Fred Roush.

Immanuel’s doors were open for Vacation Bible School this summer with an enrollment of 136 children, an increase over last year.  Thanks to all who made this a successful ministry.

Immanuel’s doors were open on Saturday, August 3 for the Grand Ledge Art Fair.  What a great opportunity this was to do some community outreach. We probably had between 200-300 people stop in for a cold drink of water, a clean restroom and a nice display of some of Immanuel’s arts and crafts.  I worked a shift and had a great time and good conversation with the people that stopped in.  They were most appreciative.  Again there are so many ways we can reach out to one another.

Please also make note of the Grand Ledge CROP Walk, Sunday, October 6 and give some consideration to walking and/or sponsoring a walker.  This walk reaches out to many in the world and reaches out to many organizations in Grand Ledge that need our support.

Let’s reach out and get involved enjoying the fellowship as we come back together from our summer.  Let’s also take advantage of the many opportunities to serve Christ in our home, church, and world

In reply to a concern:

At the August Council meeting (which I was not able to attend) a concern was shared about the placement of funds now available from the vacated associated pastor position.

I would like to explain this a little further so we have a better understanding of this throughout the congregation.  I did reference to this somewhat in my August newsletter article however, let me explain further.

The Management Committee at their June meeting recommended placing the amount we were paying to Pr. Cindy into a fund for future staffing and parsonage expenses.

The Church Council at the July meeting moved that the expenses that were paid for wages and benefits for Pr. Cindy would continue to be put into a special fund that would cover moving expenses and upgrading the parsonage for future staff through the end of this current budget year.

The background behind this motion was related to a strong sense that when we have some clarity about our vision for the future in reference to staffing, we need to be prepared financially.

Hopefully, Bridgebuilders will help us as a congregation to have a vision for the future with clarity as to what type of staffing position needs to be filled.  If we move forward and want this position to be filled yesterday or tomorrow we need the funds to be prepared to handle this.

There was precedence to this thinking that went back to the time before Scott Weaver was hired as a part-time youth director.  At that time, we had set money aside for a youth director which basically funded Scott for six months. 

Setting aside these funds demonstrates that we have a commitment for additional staff by making sure we can support additional staff.

The thought here is that we shouldn’t be looking at a reduction in our mission to take care of our deficit.

The fund established here is entitled “future ministerial staff fund,” and the July treasurer’s report reflects a balance of $2,175.

The July deficit is $8,757.  I’ve been very concerned about the deficit and have been asked why the deficit.  My personal response is that we individually need to consider why there is a deficit and respond accordingly.

Oh yes, perhaps the reason is the summer slump in attendance and giving, perhaps some of our members are having some tough times and perhaps this tension and transition period has impacted the offerings and the budget.  I don’t truly know!

I just know that Immanuel has many wonderful ministries that we should be supporting faithfully.  I also know that we are a mid-sized congregation with smaller expenses and a few ministries to support.

We have been blessed and individually need to look at how we can respond to that.

If you would like to talk to me about your concerns here please give me a call or talk to council members or management or stewardship committee people.

I really sense that we’d all just like to see this deficit disappear!

CELEBRATIONS:
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

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