thoughts along the way · 2019. 6. 2. · i think this is closer. and in some ways, i think this...

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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

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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

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.

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 ...

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

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/

http://brightstarsbethlehem.org/what-we-do/palestine-unlimited/

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



A.A. MTG.@ 1:00 PM

DA MTG.@ 6:00 PM



@ 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


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



A.A. MTG.@ 1:00 PM

DA MTG.@ 6:00 PM


NAPLES FLEA MARKET — COMMUNITY OUTREACH

9 — SUNDAY

ADULT EDUCATION @ 9 AM

WORSHIP @ 10:30 AM

HOLY COMMUNION

HUNGER OFFERING


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


13— Thursday

A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM

SLAA MTG.@ 7:30 PM

Happy Birthday Erika Eidam



A.A. MTG.@ 1:00 PM

DA MTG.@ 6:00 PM

Carl & Carrol Irvin Anniversary



@ 10:00 AM

HOLY COMMUNION

NOISY OFFERING


17 — Monday A.A. MTG.@ 7-8:00 AM

18 — Tuesday 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)

thoughts along the way · 2019. 6. 2. · i think this is closer. and in some ways, i think this...

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