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June-July 2014 Beacon
Dear People of Immanuel Lutheran Church:
Memorial Day is as early as it can be this year, yet summer is off to a slow start after a long winter. I’m enjoying the geraniums from Mother’s Day and dreaming about what other flowers I want to buy at the farmer’s market. Wait – Mother’s Day. The first one that for me was not just about other women in my life, but about me, because of Max.
We say goodbye to Max on June 23, and I’m trying hard to not think about it, even as we make plans for a brief vacation and pull together an open house (June 22, details to come) so others can say goodbye too. The plan was to share our home and our life with someone and not pay for college. I believe in love, but of course it comes with a price. The joy of sharing this year with Max is tempered by the pain of not getting to be in what comes next. Thank goodness for Facebook.
I thank God for Max, for the wonders of living with and loving him, for his parents who set him free for this experience. I am thankful as well for you, who supported me through ups and downs, ER visits and planning dinner menus. I am grateful for our ministry together.
Peace,
Pastor Julie
The Bible is our Book of Faith
Evening Forum, summer version, will feature discussions built around questions from Animate: Bible and Book of Faith studies. My goal is to link the Bible with your life, to illuminate ways these stories of faith intersect with our life stories.
In June we’ll compare Chronicles 5 and Matthew 5, then look at Romans 3. In July we’ll compare the beginning of Matthew to the opening of John, and look at what Jesus said versus what Jesus did. All sessions are complemented by a simple meal and prayer together.
This group is currently on the calendar on alternate Wednesdays. If another time would be better for you, let Pastor Julie know so adjustments can be made.
Our Not-quite Homebound Friends
As I look around church on Sunday mornings, there are several holes in the pews, yet we haven’t had that many funerals lately. Immanuel is in a place in its life cycle where several members are no longer able to come to worship regularly, due to various situations and infirmities. We don’t like to talk about it. I feel weird writing about it. People resist being added to the Homebound list.
In the interest of privacy, I’m not naming names. But church is a hard place to be private. Where is the line between gossip and holding one another in prayer? How do we keep open lines of communication? One obvious answer is to pick up the phone. We’re working on collecting cell phone numbers and other information, for an updated directory. We need to use this data to keep in contact, keep alive connections. If you’re noticing someone’s absence, call them. If you’d like a visit and I haven’t called yet, please call me.
Pray for all of Immanuel’s family, and reach out to let each other know of your prayers and love. – Pastor Julie
Council News
Approved Kingdom Prayer Gathering’s inquiry about holding Bible Study on Tuesday evenings. We’re glad to see the building used, happy they are growing in this way. We will consult in September to talk about space needs (potentially raising their offering to cover heat costs).
Constitution revamping – in addition to changing the quorum rules for congregational meetings, we need to downsize council and reorganize roles to reflect needs of Immanuel. This work will be done in conjunction with regular meetings, perhaps beginning a little earlier.
A few representatives from Council will be attending an informational session on Servant Keeper church management software, on June 2 in Grand Rapids. Membership Plus is no longer being supported.
News and notes
Choir will meet once a month this summer, generally on the third Wednesday, to prepare anthems with Al Werner for the weeks he leads us. If we could aim to gather at 8:45 a.m. on Sundays, that would allow us to rehearse the psalm and praise songs for the day. Thank you for sharing your musical talents with the congregation.
Pastor Julie will be at Michi-Lu-Ca, July 20 (after the picnic) through July 25, for Bridgebuilders camp. Formerly known as Advanced Leadership Training School, Bridgebuilders is aimed at high school students who wish to spend a week in Christian community learning about leadership and justice through the lens of anti-racism. This is kingdom work, and we covet your prayers.
First Lutheran is leading bike rides throughout our synod this summer, aimed at building relationships while we enjoy God’s creation. The first one will be June 2 in Jackson. The group will be meeting at St. James in Jackson at 10:00 a.m. We will ride 30 miles, although a 20-mile route can be arranged. Let Dawn at First Lutheran know if you’d like to carpool to Jackson.
The Kingdom Prayer Gathering, which meets in Immanuel’s parish hall on Sunday evenings, is hosting a Ladies’ Bible Study on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. All are welcome – what a great opportunity to study the word and get to know one another better.
DeColores is using Immanuel’s parish hall on June 7 for a fundraiser. All are welcome! Spaghetti Dinner and Karaoke – 3 to 8 p.m. – Free Will offering.