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Immanuel Lutheran Church
The Beacon Online - August, 2010
Parish Notices
Thank You for Sharing Financial Resources
I’m smiling at myself as I write this note. It began with the typical church summertime reality of a slumping general fund and was going to result in one of those routine pastoral reminders to “keep up” with your offerings. The reason I’m smiling sheepishly now is that I was about to mislead you into thinking that the reason for offerings is the church budget (i.e., paying the bills). In reality, the Bible never speaks of this as our motivation. Rather, the Bible talks a lot about our spiritual health and connection to our Heavenly Father. We give because we are the children of a generous Father. Thank you for reflecting God in your offerings…no matter what time of year. The church bills will take care of themselves.
The Good Samaritan Fund
is our congregational resource that we use to care for the physical needs of challenged people in Immanuel, Negaunee, Negaunee Township, and Richmond Township as well as occasional travelers. It goes toward such things as gas, food, rent, utilities, etc., and is administered within responsible limits when other community resources cannot respond to genuine crisis. If you are able and feel so moved, please make an offering toward this worthy ministry tool, designating “Good Samaritan Fund.
Nurturing Faith in Children
Being in the Body of Christ
In 1 Cor. 12, Paul talks about the church being the Body of Christ, with each of us being an important part of the Body. Through the church we know Christ’s presence – we feel Christ’s touch, and hear Christ’s words. We are blessed through the Body of Christ, which is the church. Bless your children with the knowledge of Christ’s presence in this way. Introduce your children to other caring children and adults in your neighborhood, workplace, social network or faith community. Let other caring adults know you’d like them to get to know your child or teen because it’s important that kids have as much support from others as possible. And let your children learn to care for others, motivated by the love and care God has for us.
Worship Notes
Hymns
The Lutheran Church is known for its rich hymn tradition. We have hymns of prayer, and hymns of praise. Some of our hymns tell stories of God’s relationship with us, and others invite us into relationship with God. Some hymns confess our doctrine and others tell biblical stories. Some of the hymns are from an individual perspective, but most are communal as they are used within our corporate worship. We are blessed with a great heritage of hymns dating as far back as the 300s and as recent as the publication of the ELW.
Though hymn selection for our worship begins with looking at the texts for the day, the season of the church year and other considerations for the church and world are also taken into consideration. The worship and music committee desires to use hymns that are well-known and loved by the congregation, while also wanting to offer new hymns which may become beloved ones. We pray that your worship is strengthened by the hymns we sing in worship and that hymns are a part of your daily private devotions. Glory be to God through our music.
MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.
Fellowship Hall
Join Pastor Maria or Pastor Steve for the Wednesday morning Bible Study held in the Fellowship Hall. Don't miss this opportunity to become better acquainted with the Bible and grow in your faith.
Sunday School & Adult Sunday School
“Kick-off”Sunday, September 12, 2010
Mark your calendars for the start of the 2010/2011 Sunday School year!
Every Member Visits
If you have not yet received a “get-to-know-you” visit from Pastor Steve or Pastor Marcia and would like to schedule one, please call the church office. Thank you for the opportunity to share your story.
Confirmation Fall Orientation
All 7
th, 8th, and 9th graders and parents, please reserve space on your personal and family calendars for September. Our confirmation year will begin with an orientation on Monday, September 13th, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall. All students and at least one parent should attend this important meeting. If you have any questions, please call Pastor Steve at 475-9161, ext. 203, or email at PastorSteveSolberg@att.net.We’ve got a GREAT confirmation year in store! But in order for it to truly be effective in the lives of our young people, this ministry must be done in joint effort between church, home and community, spilling into so much more than some Monday nights. Thank you for placing our confirmand’s faith journey as a priority.
Please mark these dates on your calendars now!
1. Sept. 13 Orientation, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
2. Sept. 20 Classes begin, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
3. Oct. 31 Confirmation Sunday Worship @ 10 am
Help Local Children through our Backpack Ministry
Immanuel joins its sister congregations of the Negaunee Ministerial Association in giving away backpacks and school supplies to Negaunee students (of all grades) who are in need of such help coming into this next school year. Your mission…should you decide to accept it…is to procure the backpacks and/or their ingredients by mid-August. While we know that each teacher requests various specific items, we hope to supply basic things like spiral-bound notebooks, pencils, erasers, markers, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, rulers, etc. We’ll also provide a specific pocket New Testament for those who would like one. Invitations will be extended, and backpacks distributed August 21 from the steps of Mitchell UMC. Donations can be left at the new Stewardship Center” (outside the Fellowship Hall) in the bin labeled “Backpack Ministry.” Thank you in advance for participating in this ministry of care for our community’s children.
Distribution date is Aug. 21.Which House Hides the Hungry Family?
One in six Michigan families faces food insecurity. If yours doesn’t, your neighbor’s does. In times like these, hunger crosses all zip codes. More and more families struggle to pay housing, utility and medical costs. To eat, they turn to places like (and other food pantries supplied by) Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank, which reclaims surplus food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. From its Ishpeming site, the Food Bank (through its own pantry) directly serves 600 families a month from six counties around the U.P. and (through other agencies such as Salvation Army) serves more families.
At this time the demand is exceeding the needs, but YOU CAN HELP.
·
Pray that God would supply people’s needs.·
Donate finances, if possible, to the Food Bank. This can be done directly with them or by writing a check to Immanuel, noting “Food Bank” in the memo.·
Support the upcoming CROP Hunger Walk. 25% of the funds raised during this year’s CROP Hunger Walk (October 3 in Ishpeming) will support the West Michigan Food Bank (located in Ishpeming), and 75% will work world-wide through the ministries of Church World Service. Later this month Kay Korpi (475-5182 or kaykorpi@yahoo.com) will have more information should you wish to participate as a walker and/or financial supporter. Thank you!·
If your family faces food insecurity, please ask us, your brothers and sisters in Christ, for help.
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Answer the Call” Challenge Update Beginning July 1, gifts to the “Answer the Call” campaign for our Northern Great Lakes Synod Seminarian Scholarship Fund will be matched 50 cents for every dollar received. A $50,000 challenge is being presented through pledges received from several generous members and leaders on the Synod Council and Northern Great Lakes Endowment Fund Board. All gifts received from individuals, congregations, and other organizations will be matched in the order received as long as funds remain available. If you’d like to turbocharge the fund that supports preparing future pastors from our synod, you may give your gift through Immanuel or directly to the Northern Great Lakes Synod Office in Marquette. Are you up to the challenge? |
ELCA Disaster Response DISASTER UPDATES
The ELCA is a member of Action by Churches Together (ACT), a global alliance working to save lives and support communities affected by disaster worldwide. ACT members have particular expertise in the following areas: shelter, distributing food and supplies, health care, trauma counseling, water and sanitation systems, disaster preparedness, land-mine removal, transition from relief to development, protection of vulnerable populations.
Haiti
-the outpouring of gifts enabled a swift response on behalf of ELCA Disaster Response by providing emergency food, water, shelter and medical supplies and helping people living with disabilities. We will continue to work to rebuild homes and restore livelihoods for many years to come.Chili
-your gifts enabled ELCA Disaster Response to send an initial $40,000 to assist our community-based partners in their response efforts to supply emergency water, food, and shelter and medical and emotional needs to survivors.Malawi-
the ELCA Disaster Response is responding in Karonga & Chikwawa through the ELC in Malawi for the 16,512 people who lost their homes and sought shelter following the Nov. 2009 earthquakes.You can help by praying for peace, give a gift-visit www.elca.org/giving, become an e-Advocate-visit www.elca.org/advocacy
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Computers, Networks, & Websites Do you or someone you know see the potential of technology’s use in ministry and/or enjoy working with computers? Two technology ministries need committees to oversee their use here at Immanuel: 1) Our website calls for visioning/direction, updating, and implementation of a system for upkeep; 2) Our computer network/resources calls for visioning/direction as we come into our newly renovated building. Interested in participating in these conversations? Please talk with Pastor Steve (475-9161; PastorSteveSolberg@att.net; PastorSteveS@charter.net). |
A Request from the Youth Group
Attention all members of Immanuel!
The youth group is looking to furnish their new "Youth" room and need your help. We are asking for a donation of any furniture type objects that you are looking to get rid of (Couches, refrigerators, tables, chairs, etc.). If we don't need it, we will haul it away for you! Bring over your spring cleaning finds, your old couch that was just replaced, or even your teenager’s old bean bag chairs. We will also be painting a mural on one wall of our room too, so old paint would also be appreciated. We want to make our room a place for the youth of Immanuel to grow in faith and fellowship with each other. We would really appreciate anything you could do to help us out. If you have a donation item(s) please call the church office at 475-9161 to let them know you will be dropping it off. Thank you for all the support and God Bless! Ellen Lindblom, Youth Leader
Interested in Adopting a Child?
Receive answers to your adoption questions at our next FREE Orientation Meeting.If you, or someone you know, are interested in adopting a child, Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is hosting informational adoption orientation meetings in your area. Hear more about the adoption process; learn the difference between domestic and international adoption, including eligibility requirements, fees, and more. LSS Adoption Social Workers will be available to answer your questions on-site. The meetings are FREE of charge, but registration is required. To register today, call Kerry Wiese at (906) 226-2160 or email Kerry.Wiese@lsswis.org.
What:
LSS Adoption Orientation MeetingsWhere: 1029 North Third Street
Marquette, MI 49855
Dates/Times:
Need only attend one sessionAugust 16, 12 noon
September 13, 5:30pm
Cost:
FREE, but registration is requiredVisit us online at
www.lssadopt.org.
NEW "Stewardship Center" at Immanuel
(Formerly "Recycle Center")
All donations to LWR, Negaunee St. Vincent DePaul, Room at the Inn, Backpack Ministry, and Harbor House, 125th Anniversary Recipes, Econo Food receipts, and empty LWR School Kit bags are now located at Immanuel's new "Stewardship Center" across from the Fellowship Hall (left side of stairway). Fortune Lake Scholarship Fund cans & bottle boxes are located to the right of the stairway. Bins are marked for your donations. We recycle only non-rechargeable A, AA, AAA, B, C, & D Batteries. (Please place tape over positive end of each battery.) We also recycle cell phones and batteries only (no electrical items) and CD's.
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FORTUNE LAKE STUFF!
NORTHERN GREAT LAKES SYNOD ELCA 9th Annual Bishop’s Golf Scramble & Fund Raiser for Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp Monday, September 13 thOak Crest Golf Course, Hwy 8, Norway Registration beings a 8:00 a.m. (CST); Shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. (CST) $60.00 per person includes 18 holes, cart & lunch. Lunch with prizes will follow immediately after the scramble. Registration deadline is Sept. 1. Forms available in the church office. Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp Presents Fall Fiesta Quilt Auction & Chili Cook-off Come and sample the area’s best Lutheran Chili! Get your Church team together! October 9, 2010 Join us for a day filled with fun activities to benefit Fortune Lake Lutheran Bible Camp!! There will be a Quilt & Fine Arts Auction, Chili Cook-Off, Fun for Kids. Full Ala Carte Meal served including salads, entrees, soups desserts, snacks and of course CHILI. Hope to see you there, and THANKS for your support!
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“Simply Giving” Program
The “Simply Giving” Program is still available at Immanuel. It is an automated giving program between you and your bank or credit union and Immanuel. This program allows members to make their contributions via electronic funds transfer. This is a convenient means of making your contributions to the Church. This program is free and is provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. If you are interested in more information or signing up for this program, please contact the office at 475-9161.
MORE DATES...
EVANGELISM/PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, August 25
th @ 7:00 pm in the new Meeting RoomAll interested persons are welcome. Primary business is visits and training for those visiting inactive members
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Youth News . . . ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS You can earn National Honor Society hours by volunteering to help with Immanuel’s Nursery during the summer or during the school year or by ushering, lectoring, being a communion worker or assistant. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the church office at 475-9161. Anyone else interested is also welcome!
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ROOM AT THE INN
Is in need of: regular coffee, sugar, creamer, juices, cereal, & napkins. They aeople breakfast daily. Boxes are located outside the Fellowship Hall.
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Recycling Bes, Laser & Inkjet Printer Cartridges & CD’s Taking Care of God’s Creation It’s a big world, but we can do a small, but important, part in taking care of God’s creation. Immanuel is recycling batteries, cell phones, used CDs, and empty ink cartridges. There are labeled bins on the top of the Children’s Library in the upstairs hallway in which you can place your items for recycling. The batteries that we can recycle include AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-Volt batteries. Thank you to Ruth Poutanen for delivering the recycled items and for donating the recycle bins. Please – don’t throw away. RECYCLE!!! |
HOSPITAL VISITS
Please let us know if you go to the hospital or are planning on surgery. Due to new laws, we do not have access to the records at the hospitals. Patients are asked to sign a release so the pastor can visit but just because you sign it does not mean we know - - - they often do not give it to the admission desk! The only way you can be sure that you are visited is to call and let us know. Call the office at 475-9161 or the pastors at 204-2029. We want to visit you!
Lutheran Study Bibles
Lutheran Study Bibles
are available in the office for $25.00. These are soft covered Bibles (a hard covered version is available through Augsburg Fortress for $35.00) and the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) translation. It is stated in a comparison of Bible editions in a recent Luther Seminary publication that “This study Bible is trying to speak to the confirmation student and anyone seeking reengagement with or fresh approaches to Scripture . . . {It} has helpful study notes without being too academic. It has a particularly Lutheran focus and it has questions for further reflection that can be used as starting points for discussion.” If you would like to take a look at this Bible, stop by the office. If you have any questions about various translations or editions, or need guidance in choosing the right Bible for yourself or as a gift, the pastors would be happy to help you.IMMANUEL’S 125
th ANNIVERSARY RECIPE BOOKAs you prepare salads, bars, cakes, and cookies, will you take a few minutes to copy the recipes and bring them to the church. We will be preparing a recipe book for the 125
th Anniversary and need to start early. The cut-off date for this book was July 7th, the day of the Salad Luncheon. But, if you still haven’t given a recipe you would like to give, bring it in ASAP so it can be included. The final deadline is approaching. Give it to Fae Collins or to Maxine Sylvester, or bring it to the office, OR deposit it in the appropriate box in the “New Stewardship Center”.Thanks for helping!