PASTOR’S CORNER

July 2016

GOOD NEWS FROM LUTHER MEMORIAL

"Life is the Great Adventure." Written by Earle Donelson

I'm not sure who said that but it's a phrase I'm quite fond of. Sometimes pleasant, sometimes painful, it certainly is an adventure. As we go through this adventure, life provides us with many joys and blessings as well as trials and tribulations. Sometimes our lives go relatively smoothly, but, at other times, we run into "bumps, potholes and roadblocks." Sometimes the "bumps" lie within the family we were raised in or the family we marry into. Sometimes the "bumps" are found in our relationships with our spouse, children, friends, neighbors, job and co-workers, etc. And sometimes, these "bumps" are of our own making. In response, we often decide to make changes.

And change seems to be the one constant in our lives. We change our cars, our home, our address, or the city we live in. We change our jobs, our friends, even our spouse or paramour. We change our dress, our hair, our appearance. And sometimes, we simply wait and hope for change to happen to us. "If only "X" would happen (lose weight, win the lottery, etc.), I would finally be happy." We often count on these changes to help us in our pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.

For a time, these changes may improve things, give us a lift, a sense of newness. But after a while, it seems to wear off and things return to the way they were before. The same behaviors, habits, patterns and frustrations return, and we again think of making changes. The problem is that these changes are all external changes. We have changed our environment, our surroundings, even our appearance, but we, ourselves, remain basically the same.

"The More Things Change the More They Stay the Same."

Nowadays, the word "change" is frequently used interchangeably with "growth." Yet, the two words mean very different things. Semantics? Perhaps. But in our culture, I hear more talk about changing than I hear about growing. "Our ever-changing world." "A change'll do you good." "It's time to make a change." "You better change your ways."

However, the changes we need to make are on the inside. And these changes come with growth, the most important part of change. For without growth, the changes we make are simply that, changes. Failed New Years' Resolutions are good examples. We resolve to lose weight, quit smoking or drinking, to be kinder, to get a fresh start, to change "X, Y, Z." But without growth, our various resolutions go unsupported and we often fall back into the same old behaviors.

The problem is that growth isn't as easy as change. Growth, and the changes that often come with it, can be difficult, uncertain, stressful and usually require a lot more work. And growth is likely to be more durable or longer lasting than simple change. Like life, growth is a journey. Sometimes it is a journey we make by ourselves. Sometimes it is a journey we make with the help of family or friends or a counselor or our pastor. Frequently, it is a journey we make with God.

As adults, when we talk about growth, it is much more personal, internal, intimate than change. We hope that our children will "grow" to adulthood. Not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. We hope they have a sense of morality and ethics and fair play. We, like our children, need to grow as we get older. Throughout our journey, it is the mental, emotional and spiritual growth we make that defines our lives, that improves our lives.

Growth affects almost every aspect of our lives. Our thinking, our beliefs, our minds, our philosophy, our morals, values and ethics, our politics. How we grow affects our relationships with our family and children, our friends, our co-workers and our jobs. It affects our very outlook and enjoyment of life, our heart and our happiness. And it is ultimately our growth that affects our relationship with God. As Paul wrote, "Rather speaking the truth in love, we are to grow in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ."

"Life is the Great Adventure" and growth is the vessel we travel in towards its rewards. So the next time you find yourself thinking about making a change, think about the process of growth instead. It will be well worth the effort.

Page 2

GOOD NEWS FROM LUTHER MEMORIAL

Dear Family,

At Surf Shack, your students will discover an interactive,

energizing, Bible-based program that will give them an

opportunity to ride the waves with God. During Vacation Bible

School at Surf Shack: Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love,

your students will become Surfers and explore how to serve

God and experience God’s amazing presence in their lives.

After a high-energy Opening Assembly at the Surf Shack, the Surfers make their way to

the Story Deck to discover amazing Bible lessons. Interactive Bible lessons are

highlighted by Wave Words to help them recognize where God is inviting them to

participate in God’s ongoing creation, and your Surfers will discover Pop-Up Verses

(Bible memory verses) that will remain with them in their faith long after VBS.

The students will expand on what they’ve discovered by participating in a variety of

activities: making their own art projects at the Craft Hut, singing new music at Tidal

Tunes, participating in recreational activities at the Recreation Station, exploring

science activities at Discovery Dunes, and enjoying tasty Shack Snacks. Along the way,

the Surfers will hear about our mission project and enjoy being active!

Surf’s Up! Join us on July 31st - August 4th from 6pm-8pm

Registration forms are on the bulletin board or online at the church website at www.luther-memorial.org

Sincerely,

Your Surf Shack VBS Team

The parade starts at 3p.m. - Mon., Jul. 4th

and will go through downtown Delavan.

Come out, celebrate our

independence, and cheer on

Luther Memorial!!

Page 3

GOOD NEWS FROM LUTHER MEMORIAL

Council affirmed the following at the June 27th meeting:

• Quilters and the beautiful quilts made and given to our graduates

• Worship and Music committee and those who helped with coffee fellowship on graduation Sunday

• Inreach committee in serving ice cream on Father’s Day

• all of those who came to the education meetings as we prepare for Sunday School in the fall

• all of those who step in and fill in the serving spots when needed

• Pastor Karl Otto who was pulpit supply on June 19th.

• all those who generously donated funds for the lift chair for Jamie Finch

• Mike Moyer for all his work outside • Steve Carlson for taking care of the gas line and

water heater • Brent Ertl for painting the covers for the heaters • Scott Emmerich, Hank Schmelz, Sarah Yakes for

their faithful leadership in serving on Council • Bob Dahl, Dee Fisher, Irina Ertl for their willingness

to serve on Council

Praise in the Park every Thursday night 7pm

at the Phoenix Park Bandshell in Delavan.

July 21st - YOUR VERY OWN BACKROW

Come enjoy the concert and support our Luther Memorial ministry!

Luther Memorial’s Annual Picnic will be held on

Sunday, August 14th at Noon

Watch for more details soon!

The Council is inviting the congregation to a meeting on Monday, August 22nd

from 6:00-7:30 PM.

Mark your calendars and hope to see you there!

Please sign-up on the bulletin board for your T-shirts by

Sunday, August 7th!

T-shirts cost $8.00 youth to adult sizes, XL sizes avail for an additional cost.

God’s Work Our Hands will be Sunday, September 11th.

Sunday, July 31st! Are you up for a challenge?!? A member has offered to give $100 to Blessings in a Backpack every month we collect at least ten pounds of coins on Noisy Sunday. We need

an extra 2 ½ pounds each month. 2 ½ pounds equals 40 ounces. Ten dimes weigh 1 ounce, sooooo... we need 400 more dimes each month… if 20 people saved an extra 1 dime a day for 30 days that’s 600 dimes. No Problem!!!

SUNDAY, July 31st - The last Sunday of each

month will also be our food pantry collection

day. Please bring with you

next Sunday any non-

perishable food items you

are able to donate.

Thank You!

07/01 Evelyn Klein

07/01 Morgan O’Neill

07/04 Cody Chelminiak

07/04 Nathan Johnson

07/05 Julie Lodahl

07/05 Teresa Davis

07/06 Lorri Emmerich

07/07 Steven Carlson

07/08 Dana Truckenbrod

07/10 William Klein

07/11 William Horne

07/13 Sheryl Anderson

07/15 Bruce Knutson

07/15 David Fladten

07/17 Mike Yambor

07/18 Gannon Emmerich

7/21 George Hetzel

07/23 Michal Guzman

07/25 Lorraine Ollerich

07/25 Charles Fladten

07/25 David Vander Zee

07/26 Dan Veto

07/28 Landon Schwent

07/30 Nick Duerig

07/31 Alex Miller

07/04 Bill & Cindy Schenk

07/09 Bruce & Janice Knutson

07/10 Steve & Mary McWherter

07/17 Chad & Michelle Hetzel

07/20 Kyle & Krista Schwent

07/29 Mike & Lori Stahl

Page 4

GOOD NEWS FROM LUTHER MEMORIAL

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

Celebrating

A Birthday

This Month!

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS : Our members: Paul & Sandy Moyer, Bill & Evelyn Klein, Jamie Finch, Dennis Bergstrom, Bob Taylor (Ethel Taylor’s husband) Others in our prayers: Suella Edler, All our Military, Ben Rupnik (father of Ted Rupnik), Aliyah Edler (niece of Jeff & Callie Davis), Robin Helms, Deb Bernstorff (sister of Cindy Schenk), Gail Groth, Nelsine Christensen (Chris Groth’s mom), Cindy Rapp, McCarthy Family, Mai & Bob Horn (Carol Mueller’s parents), Ray Fleming, Ashley, Betty Plapp (mother of Larry Plapp), Jason Stone, Misty Mitchell, Paul Lockwood, MaryAnn Trussler, Kelly Armstron, Vicki, Barb, Shelby, Stephanie Spencer, Steve Spencer (Kathy Vierck’s son-in-law), Sam M., Bonnie Rice, Mary Spangler, Wasik Family, Tim Dobbins, Sonny, The Cain Family, Latif Hadzabulic, Xander Romanelli, John Bates, Tracy Kramer, Sharon Rego, Kaitlyn Vegter and her family, Cindy, the family of Eugene Pyrz (Cindy Schenk’s father)

Page 5 GOOD NEWS FROM LUTHER MEMORIAL

Through the first five months, member offerings are slightly ahead of budget as shown in the blue highlighted columns. General fund offerings through May came in at $70,972 which is up $3,598 compared to the same period in 2015. Through the first five months sixty-five members have made trackable offerings to the general fund.

Miscellaneous

There’s an old saying “close only counts when it comes to hand grenades and playing horseshoes”. In April the Noisy Offering exceeded the ten pound minimum by seven ounces and earned the $100 matching incentive. Unfortunately, May’s Noisy Offering was over a pound short of the goal and the hand grenade blew up the $100 bonus.

2012 2013 2014 2015 Budget Actual Total BudgetJanuary 12,974$ 11,217$ 11,599$ 11,533$ 12,907$ 12,215$ 12,215$ 12,907$ February 11,837$ 12,068$ 9,755$ 10,686$ 12,095$ 18,920$ 31,135$ 25,002$ March 11,759$ 16,108$ 15,238$ 20,420$ 17,321$ 13,088$ 44,223$ 42,323$ April 15,320$ 10,610$ 15,167$ 12,792$ 14,690$ 12,977$ 57,200$ 57,013$ May 10,965$ 13,865$ 10,965$ 11,943$ 13,013$ 13,772$ 70,972$ 70,026$ June 17,185$ 12,504$ 21,177$ 9,777$ 16,527$ 86,553$ July 11,901$ 14,498$ 10,882$ 13,561$ 13,861$ 100,414$ August 10,691$ 16,872$ 14,540$ 12,870$ 14,991$ 115,404$ September 13,447$ 13,947$ 11,094$ 10,590$ 13,384$ 128,788$ October 12,649$ 12,713$ 12,029$ 13,249$ 13,808$ 142,596$ November 12,002$ 13,127$ 14,695$ 15,744$ 15,149$ 157,745$ December 22,755$ 15,255$ 17,384$ 13,629$ 18,822$ 176,567$

163,485$ 162,784$ 164,525$ 156,794$ 176,567$

Monthly 2016 Year to Date

Member General Fund Offerings

Offerings Report - May 2016

Page 6

July 3 8:30 am 10:30 am

Lector/Journey Guide Tim Mumm Donn Fisher

Communion Lorri Emmerich Bruce Knutson and Ginny Andersen

Greeter Emmerich Family Paul Olinger and Kay Hinkelmann

Usher Brian and Alice Davis

Nursery Jennifer Arizola

Acolyte/Tech Gannon Emmerich Dee Fisher

Altar Guild Dee Fisher

Coffee Fellowship

July 10 8:30 am 10:30 am

Lector/Journey Guide Bob Dahl Mindi Huebner

Communion Milt and Carol Ancevic Jane Olinger and David Reinhart

Greeter Bob and Karen Dahl Ross and Christine Fisher

Usher Steve and Marilyn Carlson

Nursery Jennifer Arizola

Acolyte/Tech Dee Fisher

Altar Guild Diane Sherin

Coffee Fellowship

July 17 8:30 am 10:30 am

Lector/Journey Guide Linda Cook David Reinhart

Communion Bill Schenk Bruce Knuston and Ginny Andersen

Greeter Paul and Sandi Moyer Hetzel Family

Usher Larry and Kathie Plapp

Nursery Jennifer Arizola

Tech Justin Graham Dee Fisher

Altar Guild

Coffee Fellowship

July 24 8:30 am 10:30 am

Lector/Journey Guide Larry Plapp Mindi Huebner

Communion Brian and Alice Davis George Ballman and Jane Olinger

Greeter Horne Family Ted and Jackie Rupnik

Usher Carol and Milt Ancevic

Nursery Jennifer Arizola

Acolyte/Tech Bruce Knutson

Altar Guild

Coffee Fellowship

July 31 8:30 am 10:30 am

Lector/Journey Guide Sandy Vander Zee Donn Fisher

Communion Millie Veto Dee Fisher and George Ballman

Greeter Sandy Vander Zee Matt Huebner and Francine Duerig

Usher Dan Veto and Diane Sherin

Nursery Jennifer Arizola

Acolyte/Tech Sophia Brandt Reinhart Ross Fisher

Altar Guild Vander Zee Family

Coffee Fellowship

Good News in July From:

Luther Memorial Church 910 E. Geneva St. (HWY 50) P.O. Box 563 Delavan, WI 53115-0563

Time Value Material. Please do not delay.

We believe that all people are sinful and have fallen short in our relationship with God. Therefore, by God’s grace, meaning God’s unconditional love for us, and through our faith, we receive salvation. We cannot earn it in any way. Though we receive God’s grace every day, we also receive and acknowledge grace through the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.

• Baptism is a gift from God welcoming all people to become a part of God’s family, granting for-giveness and eternal life. Because this is what God does for us, we baptize people of all ages including infants and children.

• Communion is a gift from God that through the real presence of Christ, all may receive assurance of forgiveness and salvation as well as being unit-ed with all Christians of every time and every place.

Mission Statement

Sharing the journey of a loving, meaningful relationship with Jesus

Mission Actions

WORSHIP • PRAY • INVITE • EQUIP • SERVE

Core Values

• Anchored in scripture • Welcome and accept one another as Christ has

welcomed and accepted you • Encourage one another • Be forgiving • Give thanks always • Respond to God’s command to tithe our time,

talents, and treasure • Speak and act with integrity

Bedrock Beliefs

We believe in the Triune God meaning that God relates to us in three different ways. God relates to us as:

• God the Father who is creator of everything • Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who died for our sins

and through his resurrection offers forgiveness and new life.

• The Holy Spirit who calls, gathers, and empowers the church, the community of believers, to be in the world.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES:

8:30 am Traditional Service 10:30 am Contemporary Service—

“The Journey”

TO REACH US:

OFFICE: 262/728-6482

WEBSITE: www.luther-memorial.org

EMAIL: office@luther-memorial.org