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THOUGHTS ALONG THE WAY...
“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe
in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and
I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have
sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may
be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become
completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have
loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:20-23
What would you say is the central idea of the Christian faith?
Salvation? Many people talk about being saved as if it is the most im-
portant thing about our faith. But what, exactly does “being saved” mean?
In its oldest forms and oldest roots it can mean rescued or preserved or
healed or made whole. So what does it mean, exactly, to be saved by
Christ? And saved from what? For what purpose? I think the specific
answer is going to be different for each and every one of us. Certainly
salvation is an important part of our faith. There’s no shortage of Scripture
that mentions it. But is it the central idea of Christianity?
What about Grace? Again, Grace is mentioned frequently in Scriptures.
Jesus, himself, never uses the word, but those who write about him can’t
use it enough. Grace is that amazing gift of God that loves us when we
are unlovable, when we deserve it least. Grace opens the door to
forgiveness. Grace gives us a new start, a do-over when we’ve damaged
our relationships with God, each other, and ourselves. Grace is beyond a
doubt vitally important. But is it the centerpiece of the Christian faith?
Forgiveness? Forgiveness and Grace go hand-in-hand. Forgiveness is a
powerful, healing tool in making peace when we are caught in the storms
of conflict. Certainly Jesus talked a great deal about forgiving and being
forgiven. It’s part of the Lord’s Prayer. But is it the cornerstone of
Christianity?
What about Atonement, the idea that by his life, death and resurrection
Jesus Christ pays our debt created by sin and heals our broken relationship
with God? Clearly Atonement is an important idea. It, too, is mentioned in
Scripture, though not as frequently as some think. But lots of religions have
had ideas about Atonement. The Jews and other religious systems
believed that Atonement could be achieved through certain sacrifices
and rites. Also, while Atonement is a doctrine of the Church, there have
always been competing theories about how Atonement works. If
Atonement was the primary pillar of the Christian faith, how would that
make our faith different from others? Continued on page 2
Reverend Steven Beckham, Pastor 5872 Naples Plaza Long Beach, California 90803-5044 Website: www.gdlclb.org Telephone: 562.438.0929
GLO
RIO
US
DEI . . .
Page 2 GLORIOUS DE I . . .
Thoughts Along the Way Continues….
Some think the thing most central to Christianity is Doctrine. They
think it’s important to believe the right things about God, about
Jesus, about the Holy Spirit. They think the faith rises and falls
with our Creeds. Doctrine and Creeds are important for many
reasons, not the least of which is that they tell us how the Church
has historically and traditionally defined itself. But is Doctrine the
bedrock of Christianity?
The Bible? Certainly a significant number of Christians seem to
make the Bible the primary focus of their faith. But Christianity
existed for more than three centuries before anyone formally
assembled a Bible, four centuries before a Church Council
approved the list of included books, and more than 15 centuries
before they finally closed the list. And in the century following
that, Reform Christians removed some of the officially approved
books from their version of the Bible. And while it’s obvious that
the Bible is vital to our faith, is it, when all is said and done, the
platform on which it rests?
Could it be Love? I think this is closer. And in some ways, I think
this is, indeed, the central idea of our faith, but it’s Love that
comes to us and through us straight from the heart of God and
manifests in a particular way, in a particular form.
More and more I have come to think that the foundational belief
of Christianity is Incarnation. Incarnation—not only that God in
Christ took on human form but that God in Christ and by the
Spirit is in us and in all of Creation. And we, and all of Creation
are in God. I think this may be what St. Paul was talking about
at the Acropolis when he talked about “the God in whom we
live and move and have our being.” This is what Jesus was talk-
ing about in his passionate prayer in John 17 when he said , “As
you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us.”
Incarnation, embodying God and living, moving and having our
being in God, is what gives rise to and empowers Love. It’s the
truth to which the Bible stands witness. It’s the mystery we’ve
tried to frame with Doctrine or describe with Atonement theories.
Incarnation is the power that calls us to Forgiveness. It is the
source and soul of Grace. And however we understand
Salvation, Incarnation is what saves us.
Pro Gloria Dei,
Pastor Steve
Pastor’s Message 2
Summer Worship Service @ 10 AM 3
Congregation Update 4
God’s Work, Our Hands 5
Palestine Unlimited 6
Bright Stars 6
Calendar of Events 7
Inside this issue:
“As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us.”
JUNE 2019 Page 3
GLORIA DEI—THE LITTLE CHURCH WITH THE BIG HEART
We invite you to join us for worship every Sunday at 10:00 AM in the summer!
Our God ‘s Work. Our Hands approach will provide you with an avenue to serve others in our community. Friendly,
grace-filled members are eager to welcome you into our fellowship with Christ. We look forward to getting to
know you as we share coffee and conversation every Sunday after our service.
Page 4 GLORIOUS DE I . . .
Council Update
Council hosted their monthly meeting on May 6. A reminder that everyone is welcome to
attend these Monday evening sessions.
· The annual financial audit has been completed and filed with Synod.
· The worship Survey results were reviewed and we will change to a contemporary service
once a month. Survey comments were referred to Phil Como, worship chair, for the
committee to review and report to council.
· One of the groups that meet regularly at Gloria Dei has volunteered to refinish the
outdoor church benches.
· ELCW is collecting baby items for a service project — please donate if you are able.
· Karen Como volunteered to hand out water at the Naples Flea Market on June 8.
· Phil Como developed a procedure to locate and listen to, or share the recorded sermons
that are available on our website. Contact the church office for a copy. Congregational Update
The Congregational Meeting was held on May 19.
· Attending members approved the meeting minutes from January 27, 2019.
· Two volunteers were elected to attend Synod Assembly May 30 to June1 at California
Lutheran University. Margie Brown and Bob Siemer will be representing us at this meeting.
· We also elected 2 members to council starting June 2019. Karen Como and Stephanie
Siemer will be serving another 3 year term.
· I would like to thank all those who have served the church by working on council this past
year; Galen Anderson, Sandy Anderson, Marilyn Bittle, Karen Como, Margie Brown, Bev
Pandora, Beth Rotsel and Bob Siemer.
· A special thank you to our long standing Treasurer and Financial Secretary. Gary
Bockman and Twyla Karkut have both held these positions for a very long time. They
attend all Council meetings to keep us up to date on our finances and contributions.
Please thank them for all the work they have done for us.
Blessings to you and have a Glorious Dei. Stephanie Siemer, Council President
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MAY YOU OBSERVE YOUR WORLD WITH LOVING CONSIDERATION ...
Page 5 JUNE 2019
Volunteer—devote time & talents to
weekly needs: ushers, counters,
fellowship hosting & clean up crew
LSS Food Pantry — make donations
to feed Long Beach residents and the
hungry in our community
LSS— support new holistic approach
to improve lives of Long Beach residents
Memorial Fund — help support special
needs at Gloria Dei
Offer immediate help and
assistance to families of Gloria Dei
Donate books for the military
Take a member to lunch or dinner
Sponsor Altar Flowers
Bake cookies or donate to luncheons
Share veges & fruit from your garden
Lutheran Maritime Ministry— help
purchase bibles and supplies
GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS
MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE CONGREGATION…
Number of times a day the
average person craves a
hug: 13
Number of seconds the
average hug lasts: 9
Number of seconds a hug
needs to last to have a
positive, measurable
therapeutic effect: 20
Page 6 GLORIOUS DE I . . .
PALESTINE: UNLIMITED ART EXHIBIT — COMING TO GLORIA DEI — JUNE 23-JULY 7
Palestine: Unlimited is an exhibition derived from a signature initiative of Dar Al Kalima University
College of Arts and Culture in Bethlehem; a call to the best young photographers of Palestine to
share interpretations of their country and its people. Finalists from the Karimeh Abboud Award
Competition help us break through icons and stereotypes in order to experience Palestine as it really
is. Dar Al Kalima University was founded by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in Jordan and the Holy Land, and pastor of Bethlehem’s Christmas Lutheran Church for many years.
In a country with limited natural resources, Palestine’s human resources are its most valuable
capital. Dar Al-Kalima University, through a comprehensive system of human resource develop-
ment that reflects Palestine’s emerging needs, equips its students with vital skills for the 21st century
job market. Dar al-Kalima University builds on the solid foundation and 160-year old educational his-
tory of the Lutheran School in Bethlehem. Traditionally these schools have provided services to the
entire Palestinian community and this is the mission of the ministries and programs supported by
Bright Stars of Bethlehem today.
Diverse Student Body
The student body reflects the social, economic and religious diversity of the Palestinian community.
While most students primarily come from different parts of the Bethlehem region including Beit Jala,
Beit Sahour and nearby refugee camps, more and more students are enrolling from villages and
communities throughout the West Bank. Generally, the student population is 60% Muslim and 40%
Christian.
The faculty of the school reflect the diversity of the student body. The instructors are well-trained and
use progressive teaching methodologies to bring art, music, acting, writing, photography, film, tour-
ism, culinary, information technology, and a host of other skills to life.
More than half of the Palestinian population is under the age of 19. Current projections indicate
that the overall population is expected to grow by at least 3.2% a year for the next 10 years. Should
there be no expansion of the education system to absorb these growing numbers, a
significant number of gifted young people in Palestine will have nowhere to further their
education beyond the 12th grade and will have extremely limited opportunities in finding
employment. Dar Al-Kalima University is a direct answer to the current shortage of higher
education institutions in Palestine. It is a beacon of hope for future generations. Dar Al-Kalima
University is committed to building a culture of democracy, critical thinking, and free expression, thus
contributing to the strengthening of the civil society in Palestine.
Academic Programs The College offers Associate degree (2 year diploma) programs in 9
Areas of study and two Bachelor’s degree (4 year diploma) programs. Currently, the College
has 263 students earning their diplomas as well as 100 students per month enrolled in Continuing
Education classes.
More info: http://brightstarsbethlehem.org/what-we-do/palestine-unlimited/
Page 7
CALENDAR OF EVENTS — JUNE 2019
JUNE 2019
21 — Friday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
AL-ANON. MTG @ 9-10:00 AM
A.A. MTG.@ 1:00 PM
DA MTG.@ 6:00 PM
Happy Birthday Dee Perretta
22 — Saturday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
Happy Birthday Lauren Mintie
Happy Birthday Candy Wood
Steve & Meri Beckham Anniversary
23 — SUNDAY SUMMER WORSHIP TIME
@ 10:00 AM
HOLY COMMUNION
AL-ANON. MTG @ 6-7:30 PM
Bob & Stephanie Siemer Anniversary
24 — Monday
A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
25 — Tuesday
A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
26 — Wednesday
A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
27 — Thursday
A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
SLAA MTG.@ 7:30 PM
28 — Friday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
AL-ANON. MTG @ 9-10:00 AM
A.A. MTG.@ 1:00 PM
DA MTG.@ 6:00 PM
29 — Saturday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
30 — SUNDAY SUMMER WORSHIP TIME
@ 10:00 AM
HOLY COMMUNION AL-ANON. MTG @ 6-7:30 PM
1 — Saturday (ELCA Synod Assembly)
2 — SUNDAY
ADULT EDUCATION @ 9 AM
WORSHIP @ 10:30 AM
HOLY COMMUNION
AL-ANON. MTG @ 6-7:30 PM
3 — Monday
A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
CHURCH COUNCIL MTG
@ 7 PM
4 — Tuesday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
Vicky & Steve Gammer Anniversary
5 — Wednesday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
JOIN THE CHOIR... @ 7:15 PM
6 — Thursday
A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
SLAA MTG.@ 7:30 PM
Happy Birthday Fernando Chavez
7 — Friday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
AL-ANON. MTG @ 9-10:00 AM
A.A. MTG.@ 1:00 PM
DA MTG.@ 6:00 PM
8 — Saturday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
NAPLES FLEA MARKET — COMMUNITY OUTREACH
9 — SUNDAY
ADULT EDUCATION @ 9 AM
WORSHIP @ 10:30 AM
HOLY COMMUNION
HUNGER OFFERING
AL-ANON. MTG @ 6-7:30 PM
John & Jean Betz Anniversary
10 — Monday
A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
11 — Tuesday
A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
Stuart & Laura Subke Anniversary
12 — Wednesday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
13— Thursday
A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
SLAA MTG.@ 7:30 PM
Happy Birthday Erika Eidam
14 — Friday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
AL-ANON. MTG @ 9-10:00 AM
A.A. MTG.@ 1:00 PM
DA MTG.@ 6:00 PM
Carl & Carrol Irvin Anniversary
15 — Saturday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
16 — SUNDAY SUMMER WORSHIP TIME
@ 10:00 AM
HOLY COMMUNION
NOISY OFFERING
AL-ANON. MTG @ 6-7:30 PM
17 — Monday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
18 — Tuesday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
19 — Wednesday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
20 — Thursday
A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM
SLAA MTG.@ 7:30 PM
ELCW LUNCH @ SHENANDOAHS
PALESTINE UNLIMITED:
ART EXHIBIT JUNE 23-JULY 7
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage paid
Long Beach, California
Permit No. 2190
GLORIA DEI EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
5872 Naples Plaza
Long Beach, California90803
Return Service Requested
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is a Reconciling in Christ Congregation. At
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church we welcome all who are seeking God’s love and grace. We
welcome all because God welcomes all, regardless of race or culture, sexual orientation,
gender identity, or relationship status. We welcome all without regard to the social,
cultural or economic circumstances that too often divide us. Our unity is in Christ in whom
we are all made new. (2 Cor. 5:17-19)