Summer at the Movies: As Good As It Gets
SUMMER AT THE MOVIES: As Good as it Gets
The summer is winding down and this is the last week of our “Summer at the Movies” series.
We begin this week with the following scene: A burning bush in the distance, a voice commanding Moses to take off his shoes, a promise, and a calling. The scene “As Good as it Gets” features a man with OCD, a woman struggling to care for an ailing son, and an opportunity to be something other than oneself.
As we read and reflect on Moses’ encounter with God, we too stop and reflect on what it means to be called as God’s people. Sometimes, we are called to lead in ways that reflect our talents. But, as we see with Moses & Melvin, God knows us better than we know ourselves, and calls us as we are.
Blessings and Peace,
PTina +
Are you ready to rise up together?
Our fall season is ready to start – and we will rise up as a church together. We kick off our year on Sunday September 7 with a day of celebration and gathering and food.
We like to call it Rally Day! Worship will be energetic, Faith Formation kicks off with a fun story and activities, and we will share a potluck picnic. We will also celebrate those who have shared their time and talents with the congregation – and I’m sure they will be happy to share why they continue to use their gifts.
Our 9:15 education hour is expanding to Adults as well. September will feature the beginning of a course titled “More than Money Matters” and will be led by Mark Kleindeinst. Mark is a financial planner and a representative for Thrivent Financial. Understanding and communicating how we value what God has given us are two important components that shape how we utilize them. And they are often the reasons why people have arguments.
The classes will start in on September 14 and continue on Sept 21, Sept 28, Oct 5 and Oct 19. Each session will involve discussion and video clips to help you make simple and difficult decisions. Please RSVP to PTina so we have enough materials on hand.
September 10 marks the return of Wednesday Brown Bag Bible Study at noon. We will pick up our study of the Gospel of Matthew.
Confirmation Orientation is also on September 10 at 6:30 PM This session is mandatory for all students and parents!
A Fall Session of Communion Preparation will begin on Monday September 15 at 6:30 PM.
And there are more opportunities that I’ll continue to share in the weekly email with you all!
I am excited (did I say that already?) for the new program year. I hope you all are as well. This community is abundantly blessed with God’s children. I can’t wait to rise up to meet God’s people together!
Financial Update:
July Giving & Expenses
Budget Actual Variance
Giving 23191 19940 (3251)
Expenses 23543 25964 2421
Net (352) (6024) (5672)
July is typically a month were attendance and giving are decreased and our numbers are reflective of that. Simply Giving is a blessing for the congregation. We also sent our gift to ELCA Good Gifts that had been collected at Easter.
Upcoming major expenses include our pre-purchase of propane that heats the building, water, and runs our new stove in the kitchen. Lat year’s cold weather meant that both propane and electric costs were greater than budgeted. The weather folks are also predicting another cold winter which means that our cash on hand will most likely be depleted due to increased utility usage. Please consider a special offering to utility costs so that we are able to keep our building at it current comfort level.
Saturday Faith Kitchen Meal – September 6
On the first Saturday of every other month, we not only prepare a meal for the Faith Kitchen in Dover, but we also head down there to serve it. We are looking for a few good folks to provide sandwich bread (10 loaves) and hands for service either Friday September 5 at 7 PM or Saturday September 6 from 9:30 AM – 1 PM. Please contact Pastor Tina!
Connect4Community
Just an update from the Backpack Event. 150 backpacks were given out this past Saturday. This coming week, they will distribute the rest in Dover. The pictures in the left column show just a bit of how the day went. It was a great day AND the rain held off!
The Church Triumphant
Last week, two women who the congregation has been praying for entered the Church Triumphant. Sarah Tahan, friend of Celeste Bethmann and Irene Foor, grandmother of Suzanne Sherif, went home to God. We pray that the Holy Spirit comfort friends and family as they celebrate their lives and mourn their earthly passing.
With praise and thanksgiving,
Pastor Tina 🙂