All Saints Day

On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed “Ninety-five Theses” to the Wittenberg Castle Church door, the date that Lutherans observe as Reformation Day, is also the eve of All Saints Day (All Hallows Day), commonly known in today’s culture as Halloween.

This Sunday, Holy Trinity will celebrate ALL who walk faithfully in the footsteps of Christ.  Some, having completed their kingdom work, now live in glory.  We, still doing kingdom work, live in the cross.  As we hear the bell tolls and the names of some of those who left us this year, please offer thanks to God for their witness … and the witness of ALL THE SAINTS.

Digital Discipleship

We don't generally link the words "digital" and "discipleship" together, but it's a topic worth considering--and discussing. ELCA Pastor Keith Anderson, from a congregation in Ambler, Pennsylvania, wrote a blog post for Living Lutheran, (read it here) addressing "Digital Discipleship."

The focus is on youth, and how social media devices "powerfully shape our faith in ways we are often unaware of — both by the information we receive through them (how we are formed), and how we live out our faith in digital spaces (how we enact our faith)." Really, his suggestions pertain to any individual, regardless of age, who relies on digital devices to receive news, socialize with friends, or gather information on any variety of topics.

Have you ever talked to your friends "about the intersection of faith and technology" and how to "become digital disciples and agents of grace...in social media?" Pastor Anderson's 2-session plan provides an overview and opportunity for conversation in your friend circles, Bible study class, Sunday School, and small groups.

 

What is 5th Sunday?

Nearly 50 members of our congregation participated in September's "5th Sunday" event, doing God's work in the city for good.

As Paul wrote to the Philippians and through whom God now speaks to you, “It is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” ~ Philippians 2:13

Before heading into the community, the group was commissioned for service with prayer and support from the congregation.

"The Lord God has called you here this day to turn you around again and send you out to work in the city for good.  God’s work, your hands. May God grant you the wisdom, courage and strength to complete the tasks for which you have been called.

Go forth in the name of the Lord!"

Projects addressed in September:

• Cleaning and restocking shelves at the Lutheran Thrift Store, Hidden Treasures. Thrift store profits fund mission projects in the community.
• Cleaning and raking at Arrowhead park.
• Providing music and songs for the residents at Chandler Health Care.

Mark your calendar now for the next 5th Sunday work day: December 29, 2013. Planned efforts include placing beans and rice in plastic bags that will be forwarded to Chandler Care Center.  They in turn will be included in their weekly food distribution to friends in the community.

 

Plans are in place for a BIG 5th Sunday event on March 30, 2014. Just show up with a smile on your face, joy in your heart and a willingness to make a positive impact on the life of our community.
 What is planned?  After a brief worship service at 9am we will send our congregation into the community.  In partnership with the city of Chandler we will paint rooms, clean windows and yards, sing songs and package food for people in our community.

 

Consider your role in 5th Sunday efforts and look for updates in newsletters, bulletins, social media announcements, and right here on the church blog.

 

First Bibles

First Bibles were presented to the third grade class, gifted by longtime members, Morris and Ruth Bartling. Students attended two weeks of instruction classes with a parent, Godparent, or grandparent before receiving their Bibles on September 29th.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 ⁵ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Proverbs 22:6 ⁶ Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.