~August 2017~

THE ACTS...of God’s People

A Message from Pastor Glen

Catechism Journey Continues

Constitution and By-Laws

Faith Formation News

INSID

E T

HIS

ISSU

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UP

CO

MIN

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Progressive Dinner ~ Saturday August 26

Rally Sunday & Jazz Service ~ August 27

God’s Work Our Hands ~ September 10

Tella Lutheran Visitors from Tanzania

Welcome Lunch ~ September 24

August 2017 ~2~

Pastor Glen

Priam saw him first, with his old man's eyes, A single point of light on Troy's dusty plain. Sirius rises late in the dark, liquid sky On summer nights, star of stars, Orion's Dog they call it, brightest Of all, but an evil portent, bringing heat And fevers to suffering humanity.

— Homer

Now as Sirius rises in the night sky, we stagger into those hot, dank and oft-despised summer days that send us retreating in the safety of airconditioned comfort. Oh, August! How we love to scorn you and vilify you. And not without reason, to be sure. It is hot out there! I watched the workers laying the blacktop on the parking lot last week during those very hot days and I was overwhelmed with pity. Not that I left the shelter of my comfortable office to help man a shovel. My mother did not raise a fool. No, I did what is safe and easy. I saw the heat and I ran indoors. Because I could! It is a marker of what separates us one from another, whether we are blessed with the resources, opportunity or station to allow escape when conditions rise up against us. Which is a lie, because none of us really is. Life is full of difficult days with difficult conditions and hard challenges that, however hard we try, we cannot escape. Of course, that doesn’t stop us from trying. Perhaps that is why it is so difficult to reverse the seemingly furious course of our world toward its own destruction. This is both a literal and allegorical truth. Literal, in the sense of our ongoing and senseless destruction of the planet, an indisputable reality notwithstanding the frantic reassurance of politicians and oil barons that everything is really just fine. Turning our back on what we have defined as progress for the last two centuries is neither easy nor cheap. And who wants to be asked to do what is hard and expensive? When the going gets tough, the tough head for the couch. (Meanwhile, this summer a piece of ice the size of Delaware – the largest ever! – broke off of the Antarctic shelf to add to the rising and warming oceans.)

~ Continue On Next Page

~3~

Pastor continued Which is what we are wont to do when challenges rise around us, moments that demand difficult work and no small amount of suffering and sacrifice. But in the Kingdom of God, taking up our cross means that addressing the myriad challenges of this broken world and our broken lives means often working in unpleasant conditions. The path of discipleship requires us to do hard work and do it in hard places. God does not give us problems so that we can learn to hide from them. He gives us challenges so that we grow up and face them. “For in those days there will be suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, no, and never will be.” (Mark 13:19) Do words like these strike fear in the heart? They should! But should that fear drive us inward, toward whatever protection we can muster? Or should it challenge us, that we might re-dedicate ourselves to the narrow path, the steeper climb, the greater task? We read the signs of upcoming difficulties as a call to flight rather than a summoning to faith. But even as the wisdom of this world tells us to do what is safe, easy, careful, the Spirit leads us out into what is uncomfortable, hard, demanding. And there it reveals the amazing twist of grace … We do not do the hard work of discipleship - we do not serve, give, pray, study - because we don’t think we can. We do not have enough time, we do not have enough money, we do not have enough space in our lives to do one more thing at church (or sometimes even one thing at all!) we are not good enough, we are too tired. Fear is our Achilles heel. But it is exactly in that place that we are transformed from beings that serve only our own selves to instruments through which God can do his work. We need to stop worrying about what we can do and what we can withstand and let God do and let God withstand. These signs are not merely signs of the end of us. They are the signs that point to what God is going to do with us next. So let us embrace the dog days of August, and all of the other miseries of our world, that we may be the people God needs us to be, and do the work God needs us to do.

Pastor Glen

August 2017 ~4~

Catechism Journey

~Luther’s Catechism Topics~

Aug 6 Apostle’s Creed (3rd article)

Aug 13 Lord’s Prayer

Aug 20 Confession/absolution

Aug 27 Baptism

Sep 3 Communion

The Catechism Journey continues. Sunday messages will take us through, week by week, Luther’s Small Catechism and explore its teachings for faith and life. Then join the Facebook LIVE presentation on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. – or anytime after! – and go deeper into the topic for the week. Gather your family and gather your neighbors and take advantage of this chance to grow in faith and grace.

Rally Sunday

~Rally Sunday Is Right Around The Corner!~

Mark your calendar for August 27, 2017!

Faith Formation of our youth continues to be one of the most vital ministries of the church. As we prepare for a new school year to begin we ask you to prayerfully consider how you can help our children and youth in their faith journey. Support is needed for Sunday School faith formation teams! You can be a blessing to the children and families of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Contact Janet in the youth ministry office. 402-981-2051 or email janet@smlutheran.com

Recycle!

We continue to collect empty printer cartridges and old cell phones for recycling! Recycle empty ink cartridges, smart phones, cell phones, old gold or silver jewelry. Place any item you would like to donate in the recycle bin in the Youth Ministry office. Thank you for helping out our planet by recycling!

~5~

Constitution & By-Laws

~Constitution & By-Laws Review~

This study group met on July 11. Revisions suggested at last month’s meeting were reviewed in a formal draft format. Revisions and corrections were made pertaining to: grammar and consistency of terminology. Substantive attention was given to topics of membership, Church Council officers, and the Council’s relationship to the Endowment Fund. Final drafts of revised Constitution and Bylaws were distributed to the Council at their July meeting. We will seek to follow this revised timeline: August- Council will engage in major discussion/study, September- seek final Council approval of actions, and begin official notifications of special Congregational Meeting and education process, October- Special Congregational Meeting. Scott Albright

SALT & Light Group

~Progressive Dinner~

Saturday, August 26, 2017

6:00 p.m.

Appetizers will start at the Magnuson’s House. 4151 Davenport Street

Dinner will be served at the Fuller’s House.

826 South 52nd Street

Dessert will be served at the Schell’s House. 514 South 58th Street

Parking in midtown is limited so carpooling is recommended.

A sign up sheet for food will be emailed to both groups in August.

August 2017 ~6~

Reformation

Mark your calendar now

for a special German dinner. October 29, 2017

Catered by Gerda’s and honoring our heritage.

VBS - Reformation Adventure

~Thank You! Thank You!~

All the hard work from a large group of volunteers made this

year’s VBS Reformation Adventure a GREAT SUCCESS!!!

I know we already said a brief message of thanks in the July ACTS but the work of these great volunteers needs to be mentioned again! St. Matthew was truly blessed as a community working together during this year’s Vacation Bible School Reformation Adventure! Thank you to all who helped us made this event a success. We welcomed friends from Big Garden again this year! Thank you to Cait who really brings special experiences to the children. Thank You to Ryan for coming up with great games. Games was definitely one of their favorite things to do during VBS. Thank You to Don Thomsen for showing us how to write with a quill. Everyone was fascinated. Thank You to all those who helped us prepare for and serve a meal…including Kathy Cole, Kathy Hayek, Nancy Ehlers, and Susan Hollenbeck. Margie, Teri, Jessica, Michelle, Teri Yeoman, Linda Houfek, Jen Schell, and Charlotte. Thank You so much…we could not do this without you! We also thank Dr. Martin Luther for sharing his stories with us…Thank You Pastor Glen! Thank you to our high school students who helped decorate and served as they were needed! Thanks Max, Danny, Rachel, Orestes, Audrey. I am sure I have missed someone…it takes a village to make VBS happen…we appreciate everyone’s efforts and contributions to this Reformation Adventure!

Martin Luther image copyright: Playmobil - geobra Brandstätter Stiftung & Co. KG, Zirndorf.

Please watch the St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church Facebook page for the latest updates and information on what is happening at St. Matthew. www.facebook.com/St-Matthew-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-191409984237851/

~7~

Rapid City Mission Trip

What an amazing journey for our youth as they grew in faith, connected to the larger community of our Christian family, and served others. This journey had its challenges as the temperature rose above 100 degrees and we discovered that the church we were staying at did not have air conditioning. Did I mention that we all like Air Conditioning? Yes not only did we sleep on the floor at a church, crowded sleeping bag to sleeping bag, we did not have any air conditioning!!! The students rose to the physical challenges and really did an outstanding job serving our neighbors in Rapid City South Dakota. Among the places we served were “Girls Inc” and the “Rapid City Club for Boys”, where we were able to work with children and youth on both educational activities and join them in games. The staff of these organizations were very grateful for the support of youth volunteers. Other volunteers in our group assisted with sorting donations, grounds maintenance, and food bank/pantry jobs. Together we made an impact on Rapid City. The week concluded with a Community Barbeque where we fed members of the community in need. Our students assisted the disabled by bringing them food. We could not have had a more thoughtful group of volunteers. In our final evening devotions we had a foot washing ceremony where the feet of leaders and students were washed, we prayed for each other, and we blessed each other. I was riding in a van during the week with Pastor Lowell from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bellevue. We heard the students talking…”we are all one family now”…”We are St. Immanuel”. Blessings continue to flow as this journey ends a new one begins…”Go in Peace and Serve the Lord”!

Thank You!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for the years and the memories that I will cherish in my endeavors going forth. Both literally via scholarship and metaphorically thank you for investing in my future. My future right now holds going to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and hopefully going into social work.

~ Rachel Pierce-Cramer

Church Phone Directory

The 2017 phone directory is available in the church office!

August 2017 ~8~

Sacrament of Holy Baptism

Braden Mark Albright, baptized on July 9, 2017. Braden’s parents are Jonathan and Valerie Albright and his grandparents are Scott and Deb Albright. Bailey is his big sister. Braden’s baptismal sponsors are Scott and Julie Queen.

Weston Earl Hollenbeck, baptized on July 16, 2017. Weston’s parents are Luke and Jenny Hollenbeck. John and Susan Hollenbeck are his grandparents and Jacqueline Anstey, Richard and Constance Hollenbeck are his great grandparents. Weston has three older sisters; Brooklyn, Jasmyn and Charlotte. Weston’s baptismal sponsors are Carl and Birgitte Hays and Joshua Weltz.

Colt Philip Gengel, baptized on July 30, 2017. Colt’s parents are Dan Gengel and Tiffanie Totman and his grandparents are John and Cindy Gengel. Carter is his big brother. Colt’s baptismal sponsors are Sara Gengel and Tim Gengel.

Food Pantry

~Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry~

Pantry Items Needed

Boxed Cereal or Breakfast Bars Oatmeal

Pancake Mix Canned Kidney Beans

Pork & Beans Juice

Entertainment Books

The 2018 Entertainment Books will be here in August. They are $25.00 each and the funds go to the Youth Mission Trips. See Rogene Foy to get yours.

~ Rogene Foy

~9~

Worship Donations & Volunteers

~August 2017~

SANCTUARY CANDLES: Charlene Lawless

ALTAR GUILD: Barb Englund and Phyllis Preuss

DATE 8:30 SERVICE 10:30 SERVICE

8/6

LECTOR - Chris Chubb

COMMUNION ASSISTANT - Chris Chubb and

Lorie Thomas

VIDEO TECH - Deanna Hansen

ACOLYTE - Rachel Bazer

USHERS - Curt Englund, Barb Englund and

Randy Cramer

PRAISE TEAM

COMMUNION ASSISTANT - Susan Hollenbeck

VIDEO TECH - Orestes Cooper

ACOLYTE - Audrey Schell

USHERS - Dave Sherwin and

Judy Miller

8/13

LECTOR - Charlotte Jensen

COMMUNION ASSISTANT - Charlotte Jensen

and Kathy Cole

VIDEO TECH - Kent Ties

ACOLYTE - Shane Waits

USHERS - Charles Cole, Curt Losee and

David Lovett

PRAISE TEAM

COMMUNION ASSISTANT - Brent Thomsen

VIDEO TECH - Jim Moeller

ACOLYTE - Max Carter

USHERS - John Hollenbeck and

Rochelle Foy

8/20

LECTOR - Mark Davis

COMMUNION ASSISTANT - Curt Losee and

Jim Weltz

VIDEO TECH - Michelle Keebler

ACOLYTE - Rachel Bazer

USHERS - Michael Lisko,

Ernie Madison and Roger Zeeb

PRAISE TEAM

COMMUNION ASSISTANT - Andrew Rouillard

VIDEO TECH - Andrew Rouillard

ACOLYTE - Audrey Schell

USHERS - Nathan Houfek and

Jason Hayek

8/27

LECTOR - John Gormley

COMMUNION ASSISTANT - John Gormley and

Marlys Hanson

VIDEO TECH - Lorie Thomas

ACOLYTE - Shane Waits

USHERS - Michael Pribyl, Laura Pribyl and

Marlys Hanson

PRAISE TEAM

COMMUNION ASSISTANT - Mary Pat Moeller

VIDEO TECH - Orestes Cooper

ACOLYTE - Max Carter

USHERS - Nancy Ehlers and Jim Moeller

DATE COFFEE HOUR HOSTS ALTAR FLOWER DONATIONS ALTAR FLOWERS DELIVERY

8/6

8/13

8/20

8/27

Deborah Circle

Kent & Sue Ties

Anonymous

Lonnie & Lucy Younie

Marjorie Vaculik

Nathan & Linda Houfek

Donald Thomsen (8/4)

Fritz Rokahr (8/11)

Fritz Rokahr (8/18)

Rogene Foy (8/25)

August 2017St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

Remember in

prayer the

family listed at

the bottom

of each day’s

schedule.

1

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Sewing for Babies

6:00 pm Worship Ministry

Meeting

6:30 pm Stephen Ministry

Josh Weltzs

2

6:00 pm Praise Team

7:30 pm Children & Youth Ministry

Meeting

Jim Weltzs

6 WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION

8:30 AM and 10:30 AM

9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship

Lynn Toman

7

Monday Morning Men

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Tanzanian Treasures

Kent Ties’

8

Janus Thomsen

9

6:00 pm Praise Team

Donald Thomsen

13 WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION

8:30 AM and 10:30 AM

9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship

9:30 am Blood Pressure Checks

7:00 pm Luther College Men’s Cross

County Team

Pastor Thomas’

14

Monday Morning Men

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Tanzanian Treasures

Betty Test-Baxter

15 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Sewing for Babies

2:00 pm Sun Rise Group

6:00 pm Endowment

Fund Board Meeting

Ric Swanson

16 9:30 am Wednesday Women

6:00 pm Praise Team

Mary Suverkrubbe

20 WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION

8:30 AM and 10:30 AM

9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship

Terry Sramek

21

Newsletter Deadline:

All Articles Due in the

Office Today

Monday Morning Men

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Tanzanian Treasures 7:00 pm Congregation

Council Meeting

Barbara Smith

22

7:00 pm Phoebe Circle

PotLuck

Carol Simonson

23 9:30 am Wednesday Women

6:00 pm Praise Team

Janet Sievers’

27 WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION

8:30 AM and 10:30 AM

9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship

9:30 am Rally Sunday Activities

10:30 am Jazz Service

Andy Sherwin

28 Monday Morning Men

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Tanzanian Treasures

Cheryl Sechovec

29

Katharine Schroeder

30 9:30 am Wednesday Women

6:00 pm Praise Team

Crystal Schroeder

August 2017 St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

6:00 pm Praise Team

7:30 pm Children & Youth Ministry

3

10:30 am Coffee with

Pastor @ Elmwood Tower

1:30 pm Adult Study

Michael Waits’

4

Dorothy Vosberg

5

Marjorie Vaculik

6:00 pm Praise Team

Donald Thomsen

10

Brent Thomsens

11

Grant Thomas

12 8:30 am Jochebed Circle

Glen Thomas

9:30 am Wednesday Women

6:00 pm Praise Team

Mary Suverkrubbe

17

1:30 pm Adult Study

Will Stott

18

Emily Stott

19

10:00 am Loaves & Fishes

Food Pantry

Bill Stotts

9:30 am Wednesday Women

6:00 pm Praise Team

Janet Sievers’

24

1:30 pm Adult Study

Diane Sherwin

25

David Sherwins

26 9:30 am Deborah Circle

10:00 am Jazz Service

Rehearsal

6:00 pm SALT & Light

Group Progressive Dinner

Bert Sherwins

9:30 am Wednesday Women

6:00 pm Praise Team

Crystal Schroeder

31

1:30 pm Adult Study

Alan Schroeders

August 2017 ~12~

Church Staff

Church Council

Church Office Information OFFICE HOURS ~ Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Occasionally staff will not be in the office during these times; therefore,

please call before coming to make sure we are available to assist you as

needed. If no one is available, leave a message on the answering machine and

we will call you back as soon as possible.

CALENDAR ~ All events, activities or meetings planned to be held at St.

Matthew need to be placed on the church calendar. To schedule an event,

activity or meeting call the church office and speak with Veda.

WEEKLY BULLETIN ~ All information for announcements need to be in the

church office by Wednesday at noon.

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER ~ All information for the monthly newsletter “The

Acts” is due in the church office on the second or third Monday of each

month. Specific date listed on the monthly newsletter calendar page.

PAPER RECYCLING ~ We collect all office related paper items, catalogs, and

books for recycling. Cardboard products are not included in this recycling

program. The recycling waste containers are located in the secretary’s office.

Pastor ~ Glen Thomas

Minister to Children & Youth ~ Janet Anderson

Secretary ~ Veda Keebler

Custodian ~ Jack Wiese

Music Director ~ Ric Swanson

Organist ~ Kim Hansen

JuBELLation Ringers Director ~ Ginger Britt

Glen Thomas ~ Pastor

Scott Albright ~ President

Andrew Rouillard ~ Vice President

Jenny Fuller ~ Secretary

Margie Magnuson ~ Financial Sec.

Laura Pribyl ~ Treasurer

Cindy Gengel ~ Community Care

Ryan Keebler ~ Faith Formation

Teri Lisko ~ Hospitality

Curt Losee ~ Property

Carl Peters ~ Property

Randy Cramer ~ Worship & Music

~13~

Women of the ELCA

~Bible Study Groups~

Deborah Circle

Saturday, August 26, 2017 @ 9:30 a.m. Study Leader: Jeannine Zeeb Hostess: Nancy Ehlers

Jochebed Circle

Saturday, August 12, 2017 @ 8:30 a.m. Study Leader: Margie Magnuson Hostess: Jennifer Schell

Phoebe Circle

Tuesday, August 22, 2017 @ 7:00 p.m.

Pot Luck

Service Project ~ Hand & Bath Soap

~Daily Devotional “Daily Grace”~

Women of the ELCA website: www.womenoftheelca.org

You can go to the free site (above) to access short daily

devotions as you wish, or subscribe for daily emails.

Sun Rise Group

The Sun Rise Group will meet on August 15 at 2:00 p.m. Come join the fun and bring a friend.

Health Ministry

~Blood Pressure Screening~

August 13, 2017

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Have your blood pressure checked between services.

August 2017 ~14~

Heart Journey Mission Trip

~Nebraska Synod Heart Journey Mission Trip!~

Snapshots of the Heart Journey from our students… Max: “On the Journey I had a really positive experience….I learned that it is good to help others out when they are in need…I heard wonderful stories…Overall from the journey I learned that through faith and grace you can change your heart of stone into a heart of flesh.” Rachel PC: “This was sadly my last mission trip as a youth…it was eye opening…throughout the week my heart was changed by the people; serve, worship, work, and God.” Orestes: “This experience gives you what you put into it. We heard stories that made our hearts swell with love, kindness, or sadness. We were pushed to our limits but God pushes us through. We went deeper into our faith…growing in understanding our world and our community. This trip was worth every tear, sweat, and sleep deprivation because we were renewed and felt closer to God.” Please watch the St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church Facebook page for the latest updates and information on what is happening at St. Matthew. www.facebook.com/St-Matthew-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-191409984237851/

Working Hymns

The Dentist’s Hymn ------------------------ Crown Him with Many Crowns The Weather Forecaster’s Hymn ---- There Shall Be Showers of Blessing The Contractor’s Hymn --------------------- The Church’s One Foundation The Tailor’s Hymn ------------------------------------------ Holy, Holy, Holy The Golfer’s Hymn ------------------------- There’s a Green Hill Far Away The Politician’s Hymn ---------------------------- Standing on the Promises! The Optometrist’s Hymn ----------------- Open My Eyes That I Might See The Tax Preparer’s Hymn ------------------------------------- I Surrender All The Electrician’s Hymn --------------------------------------- Send The Light The Realtor’s Hymn ----------- I’ve Got a Mansion, Just Over the Hilltop The Doctor’s Hymn -------------------------------------- The Great Physician

~15~

Tella Lutheran

~Houses for Health~

While on the 2017 Vision Trip to Tanzania, I visited a wonderful program called Houses for Health. It was inspired by Habitat for Humanity. The big difference is Houses for Health works closely with the Hospice/Palliative Care/Home Care Dept. at the Machame Lutheran Hospital.

The houses are for those seriously ill who have families to care for. Having a dry home is important in sustaining the best health possible. The cost of the simple two room house with no electricity or plumbing is approximately $3500 to $4000. Local labor and materials are used and much of the programs monetary support comes from Nebraska Congregations and Individuals.

You see, Houses for Health was developed by Omaha’s Bob Kasworm at the Machame Hospital on Mount Kilimanjaro. Bob is from Lord of Love Lutheran Church and is employed by CHI (formerly Alegent Health). Last time I talked to Bob, he was working on the 180th House for Health.

God has surely blessed Tanzania with Bob’s presence.

Visit www.machamehospital.org to learn more.

Let’s Love Trees

God must love trees, because he made so many of them. Where would we be without trees? They provide us with wood, fruits and nuts. They’re home for birds, squirrels, monkeys and other animals. Children climb them, build “houses” in them and hang swings from their limbs.

Trees help keep homes cooler, thus lowering the cost of air conditioning. They fight global warming, add nutrients to the soil, and help clean streams and rivers.

Trees can increase a home’s value by up to 15 percent. They also add beauty to a neighborhood with their amazing colors and restful shade.

They’re God’s gift to us and they bless us in more ways than we might imagine. Just think: Where would Zacchaeus have been without a tree?

Copyright ©1996-2017 by Communication Resources. All rights reserved. The Newsletter Newsletter® is published monthly by Communication

Resources, Inc., PO Box 36269, Canton, OH 44735. Email: service@NewsletterNewsletter.com. Republished by permission.

August 2017 ~16~

Copyright ©1996-2017 by Communication Resources. All rights reserved. The Newsletter

Newsletter® is published monthly by Communication Resources, Inc., PO Box 36269,

Canton, OH 44735. Email: service@NewsletterNewsletter.com. Republished by permission.

Project Hope

~Save Your Family Fare Receipts!~

Project Hope is raising money to purchase

dairy products through Direct Your Dollars.

Project Hope received a grant from the Immanuel Vision Foundation to begin a new dairy distribution program to be used at all satellite locations, including St. Matthew’s Loaves and Fishes food pantry. Through Direct Your Dollars, we have an opportunity to raise money to support this program. Direct Your Dollars is a receipt-based program, meaning that we can raise money simply by doing something we all do each week – going to the grocery store! Every time you shop at your local Family Fare grocery store, just save your receipts – and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Once we’ve collected $150,000 in receipts, we can turn those receipts into a $1,000.00 check for Project Hope to purchase dairy products! Project Hope has encouraged all their donors to support this program and all receipts collected will be combined to reach the $150,000 requirement. You can turn your receipts into a special box in the Narthex labeled “Direct Your Dollars”. Please make sure that you include the entire receipt! It’s easy, it doesn’t cost you anything more and it will help our guests receive dairy products we otherwise could not offer. Thanks for participating! Sue Ties

Love’s Lessons

A new school year promises new adventures, challenges and friends — as well as new classes, homework and lessons. But the most important (and simplest) lesson we can learn is summed up by 19th-century hymn writer Eliza Leeson:

Savior, teach me day by day love’s sweet lesson to obey, sweeter lesson cannot be, loving him who first loved me.

~17~

Copyright ©1996-2016 by Communication Resources. All rights reserved. The Newsletter Newsletter® is published monthly by Communica-

tion Resources, Inc., PO Box 36269, Canton, OH 44735. Email: service@NewsletterNewsletter.com. Republished by permission.

Call Us

~Call the Pastor or Church Office When~ There is a life-threatening situation, serious injury or illness, especially

when there is a death in the family or whenever it appears that the death of a member is imminent, or any other urgent family crisis or personal trauma. It is best if the pastor is contacted before death occurs so that he can minister to the dying person as well as to the family. In these situations, please call the pastor immediately day or night.

You or someone in the family enters the hospital or is scheduled for surgery.

You have suffered a loss in your life; death of a loved one, impending divorce, miscarriage, loss of a job, chronic illness or injury.

You are troubled, struggling with a problem, or facing a major decision.

Life Is An Echo

A man and his young son were walking on a mountain trail when the boy tripped on a rock and twisted his ankle. “Ahhhhh!” he screamed in pain.

“Ahhhhh!” came a distant reply from the mountain.

The startled boy shouted back, “Who are you?”

“Who are you?” replied the voice from the mountain.

This made him angry, so he shouted, “ You’re a big coward!”

“You’re a big coward!” was the reply.

The puzzled boy looked at his father and asked, “Dad, what’s going on?”

“Son,” the father replied, “listen to this.” He then shouted, “I admire you!”

“I admire you!” answered the voice.

“You are wonderful!” shouted the dad.

And the voice replied, “You are wonderful!”

The father turned to his son and explained, “People call that an echo, but it’s really life. Life always gives back to you what you give to it. Life is a mirror of all your actions. If you want to be loved, give love. If you want respect, give respect. If you want people to be patient with you, be patient with them. This rule of nature applies to every part of our lives.”

August 2017 ~18~

Volunteer Opportunity

~Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries~

Monke Lodge at The Springs

This summer, the Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries are partnering with Mission Builders to construct Monke Lodge at The Springs! They need many groups of 3-5 adults to help with construction for one or multiple days. All skill levels are welcome. Learn more and sign up by visiting NLOM.org/Volunteer or calling them @ 402-944-3544.

~Hospice Volunteer Education September 2017~

Hospice Volunteers provide companionship for individuals living with terminal illnesses and their families. Volunteers choose the hours they are able to serve and determine the geographical location in metro Omaha / Council Bluffs and surrounding area. We are looking for day time and evening volunteers willing to do in-home and facility visits. Volunteer education will take place on September 7, 9 and 11 at Hospice House. Volunteers are specifically needed for CHI Health at Home Hospice, Methodist Home Health & Hospice and VNA Hospice.

Please call one of the agencies below to request an application. Space is limited.

CHI Health at Home Hospice: Mary Pendell 402/898-8239

mary.pendell@chihealthathome.com www.chihealth.com/home-care

VNA Hospice:

Celeste Sully Feuerbach 402/930-4143 csully@thevnacares.org www.thevnacares.org

Methodist Hospice:

Roz Merrick 402/354-3200 roz.merrick@NMHS.org

www.methodisthospice.com

~19~

Financial Report

~June 2017~

Coffee Mugs

Only $6 each, dishwasher safe. Pick yours up from Pastor today.

Electronic Giving

~Enjoy the convenience of electronic giving!~

Our church offers electronic giving, which allows you to make donations

on a scheduled, automatic basis. It’s very convenient for you and provides

much-needed donation consistency for our church. You will no longer

need to write out checks and prepare envelopes every week. Even when

travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services,

your electronic contributions will continue to be received on an

uninterrupted basis.

To set up electronic donations, simply complete the authorization form

available at church and return it to the church office. Donations can be

debited automatically from either a checking or savings account.

For those members who use electronic giving to make their offerings to the

church, the blue cards in the pews may be put in the offering plate allowing

you to participate in the liturgy of giving.

General Fund Activity

Beginning Transfers Ending

Balance Receipts Payments In (Out) Balance

(7,026.08) 19,507.94 19,228.40 (6,746.54)

Benevolence Offerings Hunger Offerings

Receipts Dispersed Receipts Dispersed

1,817.00 1,828.00 112.35 131.00

St.

Ma

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