While I wrote the bulk of the newsletter before I left for camp, I still needed to finish my opening letter and fill in some details.
from closing worship at Michi-Lu-Ca.
Dear People of Immanuel Lutheran Church:
I write from camp, where I am again working as Co-Dean of Advanced Leadership Training School. I so appreciate you allowing me the time to serve the synod and the youth of the ELCA in this way. This year ALTS is combined with BRRICK, a program of the Southeast Michigan Synod: Building Racial Reconciliation in Christ’s Kingdom. Our goal is to equip these young leaders with tools for service, prayer, and worship. Our belief is that one needs an understanding of race and racism in America, in order to better lead in our country and in our church.
These are tough issues, especially now in the wake of the verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman, in Florida. My prayer for us all is to listen, to empathize, to live with God’s heart.
Peace,
Pastor Julie
Churchwide Assembly
Pastor Julie was elected at the 2012 Synod Assembly to serve as a voting member of this summer’s Churchwide Assembly, to be held in Pittsburgh, August 21-27. The theme is “Always Being Made New. 25 Years Together in Christ.”
Each day for the 25 days leading up to assembly, we are asked to pray: O God, you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us the light of the Holy Spirit. Direct the ELCA by the light of that Spirit, that we might have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Prayer focuses drawn from each worship planned for Assembly will be published in our bulletin announcements.
In addition to a Bishop Election, we will consider Social Statements, approve minutes from Church Council meetings, and hear stories from various ministries of the church. I’m honored and excited to serve the church at Assembly. I’m most looking forward to worshiping with a convention hall of faithful Lutherans. Offerings taken each day in worship will be distributed as follows. If you would like to contribute, your may do so through your offering envelope and we will forward the funds. Opening Day: ELCA Malaria Campaign; Tuesday: ELCA New Congregations; Wednesday: ELCA Fund for Leaders; Thursday: ELCA Global Church Sponsorship; Friday: ELCA World Hunger; and Saturday: Anticipated Commitment to Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA.
Bishop Craig Satterlee visits Stony Lake Conference
Bishop Craig Satterlee, newly elected bishop of the North/West Lower Michigan Synod, will visit the Stony Lake Conference on Sunday, September 8. Plan now to attend at Pig Roast at Lebanon Lutheran at 5 p.m. (cost of the food is being donated by Thrivent; Lebanon will ask for RSVPs closer to the date). ALL ARE INVITED. After dinner, from around 6 to 8 p.m., the bishop will share some thoughts on stewardship and invite your questions. He may ask us questions as well, as he is getting to know our synod anew (he served his internship at Trinity, Midland, and served a call in Michigan, but has lived for many years in the Chicago area as he taught at LSTC).
You are also invited to travel to Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland on September 22 for Bishop Satterlee’s Installation, at 4 p.m. Refreshments will follow.
Faith Stories in America
This video series at St. Luke’s concludes on August 14 and 28.
Small Group in August features Book of Faith Bible Studies
Join us in Immanuel’s kitchen for a light supper and lively discussion. On Tuesday, August 6, at 6:15, we’ll look at Bishop-elect Craig Satterlee’s take on John 15, the vine and the branches. On Tuesday, July 20, Mark Allan Powell offers insights into 1 Corinthians 2. If we have a heat wave, we’ll move to Pastor Julie’s house for air conditioning.
Animate: Bible for Fall Adult Forum
In September, Small Group will take on Animate: Bible, from Spark House Publishers. My goal as pastor is always to see you inspired by the Bible, which has so transformed my life. Fabulous living theologians, including Will Willimon, Jay Bakker, Nadia Bolz-Webber, and Phyllis Tickle, give us a refreshing new take on what the Bible is, how it came to be, and how we should read it. Go to http://wearesparkhouse.org/adults/ for a video introduction to the series. The course will include videos and a journal that provides space for reflection and prayer. We’ll meet September 10 and 24 at 6:15 in the downstairs lounge for food, fellowship, learning, and discussion.
