Our Shared Mission: We are saved by grace through faith to share … · 2020. 8. 31. · Emily Christenson Evelyn Gewerth Christine Havelka Karen Raether Lewis Nicholson Lorrie Stone

Details for Outdoor Worship Services on Sundays Two Options for Worship Services during the month of September:

(1) Online Worship: our online service will continue, available via Facebook. (2) Outdoor Worship: we will gather for a brief, outdoor service on Sunday

We will gather for worship at 9:30 am at the LARGE, covered Pavilion in Stephenson

(accessible via Cedar St, off of Willow St) each Sunday during the month of September. • Plenty of room to safely, spread-out at picnic tables or bring your own comfy chair. • Amplification System will be used. • Bathrooms are available. • Masks are to be worn at all times (and available on-site) and hand-sanitizer will be available.

Worship will include: Prayers, brief homily, songs (by Pr. Brenda only, not congregationally), and Holy Communion (served using individual packets, opened and disposed of by individual congregants. The wafer AND the juice are included in these packets.) While we WON’T be able to have a Fellowship Time just yet, we WILL be able to gather

safely outdoors in a holy way. Be sure to do what’s right for YOU and your comfort level – that’s why both options for worshipping are still being made available.

See you for worship, online or outdoors!

Gethsemane Lutheran Church P.O. Box 98 Wallace, MI 49893 (906) 788-4234 E-mail: [email protected]

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church P.O. Box 435

Stephenson, MI 49887 (906) 753-4932 E-mail: [email protected]

Reverend Brenda L. Greenwald Phone/Text: 720.989.8218

E-mail: [email protected]

Our Shared Mission: We are saved by grace through

faith to share the good news of the Gospel with all

people and live God’s love by our words and actions.

JOINT NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2020

M o n t h l y N e w s l e t t e r ~ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 0 , P a g e | 2

In these challenging and uncertain times, our Synod is offering online classes this fall and winter. While discussions through computer screens are not ideal, online learning presents an opportunity to connect people from across the synod -- people who share a love of learning and have discovered that adult studies help them to grow in faith. “Lifelong Faith Formation” evolved from our Synod’s Lay School for Mission.

Classes will meet weekly for 60 to 90 minutes for four to eight weeks. A complete schedule of classes, times, and dates is available on the synod website along with the registration form. Visit: www.nglsynod.org/lifelong-faith-formation (or http:bit.ly/NGLSLLFF)

Classes offered this fall are:

• Ecclesiastes Bible Study with Pastor Tommy Richter of Zion, Manistique

• “FREEDOM”- A Study in Galatians with Reverend Thomas A. Skrenes, Bishop Emeritus

• Introduction to Biblical Greek with Pastor Nicole Hanson-Lynn of Zion/Salem, Ironwood.

• Bias in our Communities: Addressing Race in Rural America with Pastor Christina Forsythe of Porterfield/Beaver.

Classes are FREE. “Greek” requires the purchase of the textbook A Primer of Biblical Greek by N. Clayton Croy. Materials are available for optional purchase for “Bias in our Communities.” Students will receive ZOOM links from their instructor.

This new effort is not driven by an end result such as graduation from a program. It is not a certification program to become a Licensed Lay Minister. “Lifelong Faith Formation” is designed for curious adults who want to become better equipped to serve the work of Christ in their congregations.

Fun and Interesting Classes for Adults

Begin via Zoom in September 2020 www.nglsynod.org/lifelong-faith-formation

The Northern Great Lakes Synod is launching a new series of classes for those who want to grow in spirituality, faith, and knowledge.

For more info, visit:

http://bit.ly/NGLSLLFF

or contact Sister Lori Ward at: 615-519-1969

or e-mail her at:

[email protected]


We trust in the comfort and hope of the Resurrection for the

following families:

+Dave Koski+ Brother of Sharon Etelamaki

+Cheryl Bogdan+ Daughter-in-law of

Steve & Gloria Bogdan

We continue to hold in prayer: Keith Thoune Tracy Klatt

Dean Gerue Shirley Wangerin Wayne Sundstrom

Stephanie Walren Tammy Parrett Emily Christenson Evelyn Gewerth Christine Havelka Karen Raether Lewis Nicholson Lorrie Stone

Robert & Macy Berzsenyi Denise Marineau Lois Azelton

Caitlin Christophersen David Kohrt Connie Kendrick Luann Q. Kiefer Michelle Bouchard Darcy Fournier

Bob Slight Larry Pepin Julee Nordin Tammy Veraghen Brian Raether Sheila Konkel Tom Wenger Mike Lubore Coralee Mack Kevin Havelka Deloris Erickson Crystal Salo

Tony Gill Becca Merk Al Macco Norman Plutchak

Lee Scherer Keith Salo Steve Bogdan Don Freis Dan Etelamaki Wally Etelamaki

Congratulations and blessings upon Logan & Jessie (Pfeiffer) Erickson,

who were united in marriage on Saturday, August 15, 2020.

Thank you for holding the

friends and family of our Congregants

in your daily prayers.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Please keep the

office informed as to the status of

people on this list, and when to remove

their name.

1 Lita Gill, Addison Light 4 Jessica Schultz 5 Jordan Crawford 6 Paul Francour 7 Gary Klatt Jr., Brian Mack 8 Lindsay Baumler, Jackie Hoof 9 Jack Wittgren 12 Keith Olson, Cindy Paul 17 Tracy Klatt 18 Tess Wagner 19 Crystal Salo 21 Pat Heiden 24 Audrey Anderson 26 Don Machalk III 29 Dave Christenson

2 Chuck & Rosalie Wade 4 Mike & Sharon Burie, Gary & Sue Hess 9 Frank & Kathy Lesjack 24 Paul & Jan Sederquist

Jared Jurmu Brent Jurmu

James Dutkavich Jay Chapple

Thomas Dutkavich Julie Tanguay Trish Dams

Thank you for holding the friends and family of our Congregants in

your daily prayers.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Please keep the office informed as to the status of

people on this list, and when to remove their name.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Corrections? Additions? Please contact the Church

Office. Thanks!

Silent Auction - Sept 23 – Oct 3: Bidders will be encouraged to register to our safe, secure platform early to participate in our silent auction which will begin on September 23 and go through October 3. The silent auction will contain most of our items, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to make your selection and set your maximum bids.

Live Auction – Oct.3: A few select items will be held over for a live virtual auction on October 3, during which we invite all of our supporters to join us online for a grand event celebrating the camp we all love!

2020 FALL FEST AUCTION


JOINT COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS – Gethsemane Fellowship Hall – August 25, 2020

§ The Minutes from the four previous Joint Meetings - 5/28, 6/24, 7/7, and 7/28 - were all approved.

Pastor Brenda brought the Councils up to date concerning: § Confirmation - 10 congregations in coordination with Fortune Lake Camp will be doing a

Confirmation Camp. These will be half hour sessions with each congregation being responsible for the planning of one session.

§ Pastor Brenda will be gone September 13-16 for Continuing Education at The Spent Dandelion Theological Retreat Center in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

§ Thoughts and insights into the handling of church issues from other pastors in our Conference were shared. Pastor Brenda also shared a letter from Bishop Finnegan concerning guidelines for worship indoors and outdoors, and an article from the Baptist News Global giving advice to congregants and pastors to consider during this time of high stress.

Discussion followed concerning each of these items.

§ September/FALL Worship: Approval was given to continue with the outdoor worship through the month of September. Online worship will also be continued. The Joint Councils will meet September 22 to determine options for worship beginning in October, taking the weather into consideration.

§ Meeting dates set: St. Stephen’s Council will meet on September 8 at 6:00 pm, Gethsemane Council will meet on September 9 at 6:15 pm, Joint Councils will meet on September 22, 6:15 pm

Meeting was adjourned and closed with the Lord’s Prayer at 7:13 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Carol Klein

STEWARDSHIP and JOINT COUNCIL UPDATES

During this unique time of worship, we will depend even more on the generosity of this community. We pray that you will continue to support Christ's mission through sending in your weekly Offering.

Updates from Your Joint Councils


JOINT COUNCIL MEETING NOTES – Gethsemane Fellowship Hall – August 25, 2020, 6:15pm

Time Item Discussion/Person

6:15p Hello & Opening Prayer Pastor Brenda

6:20p Approval of May, June, July

Minutes

Motion: Pete

2nd: Wendy

Results: Pass

6:20-6:45p Updates from Pastor Brenda

1. Confirmation Camp 2. Continuing

Education 3. Other 4. News Article from

Baptist News Global: Article found here: https://bit.ly/PastorSword

5. Bishop Katherine’s Letter (printed on next page)

1. Each congregation will host a zoom meeting weekly to cover curriculum, mentioned expectation of sermon notes

2. Pastor will attend a retreat center on these days, will notify us of coverage in her absence

3. Discussion of what other pastors are doing at their church, virtual to parking lot but most using caution, some holding off on Sunday school classes

4. Informative article on stress/struggles Pastors are facing during pandemic, need to show support for all

5. No in person worship if numbers continue to rise

6:45-7:10p Discussion on September/Fall plans

Decided to hold September worship outside, weather permitting, will discuss October plans at September meetings, online service will continue

7:10-7:13p Council Meetings St. Stephen’s: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

Gethsemane: Wed., Sept. 9, 2020 at 6:15 p.m.

Joint Council: Wed., September 23, 2020, location TBD

7:13-7:14p Close with the Lord’s Prayer All

7:15p Adjournment Motion: John S.

2nd: Kelly

Respectfully submitted by Kelly Francour


Dear people of the Northern Great Lakes Synod, July 31, 2020 Grace and peace to you in these glorious summer days! I hope you are finding renewal and refreshment and making time to get outside.

In the last 24 hours, three significant announcements have come from Governor Whitmer of Michigan, Governor Evers of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Today, I will try to offer some clarity as to what these announcements mean for inside in-person worship in our Northern Great Lakes Synod congregations, both in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Firstly, Governor Whitmer's Executive order can be found here: http://bit.ly/MIGovLink • At first view, the "only 10 people or less" for inside gatherings is the most striking highlight. However, a closer read

shows that Region 8, the Upper Peninsula, is not included in this order. Under Section 8c on page 6 of the document, gatherings are allowed inside for up to 25% capacity, with face masks and social distancing. However, if the numbers of Covid-19 cases are rising in your county, I recommend NO inside in-person worship until reported cases are flat or declining for at least two weeks, preferably three.

Secondly, Governor Evers' Executive order can be found here: http://bit.ly/WILink • With cases spiking in Wisconsin, Governor Evers is doing what he can to keep people safe. What has become routine

in Michigan may feel burdensome in Wisconsin. Please remember that masks and social distancing have been shown to reduce the spread of the virus. This is all about keeping your neighbor safe. While some may see it as a political issue, for us as Lutheran Christians, it is, at its core, about love of neighbor and protecting the most vulnerable among us. Again, if cases are spiking in your county, I recommend a pull back from inside in-person worship until cases are flat or declining for at least two weeks. Inside in-person worship can then resume, but only with face masks and social distancing.

Thirdly, the Wisconsin Council of Churches (WCC) issued an updated Returning to Worship Recommendations, and can be found here: http://bit.ly/ReturnLink • I have appreciated WCC and their dissemination of solid, science-based advice. In this document, the WCC advocates

for a complete pull back from in-person worship in all Wisconsin congregations until September when plans for in-person worship can be evaluated and considered. There are several reasons for this - the spiking cases and the exhaustion and decision-fatigue of pastors and leaders being two of those reasons. Again, if your county is experiencing an abundance of cases, do not meet for inside in-person worship. But if cases in your county are flat or declining for at least two weeks, then a plan for in-person worship and a timeline can be considered. If you are unsure, please err on the side of caution. The challenge, of course, is that things can change very rapidly. Councils and pastors would do well to have a plan for communicating last minute adjustments.

Other things that both Michigan and Wisconsin congregations can glean from this WCC Updated Recommendations is to be thinking ahead to Advent and Christmas. Prepare yourselves now, emotionally as well as practically, that our traditional observances and celebrations will have to look and feel differently. We continue to find new ways of doing things: staying connected, prayer and worship habits, devotional resources, Bible study and conversation, crafts and fellowship, Sunday school and youth group.

Understandably, we are sad not to be able to do what we enjoy so much. We can feel bereaved, disconnected, and our spirits heavy with loss. Our grief over not being able to gather, worship, fellowship, and observe our high holy days and traditions in the way we want is real. But so is the virus. This is our Wilderness time (original article found here: http://bit.ly/WildernessLink) We are being forged into a new people of faith even as God is close. The Spirit of Christ is with you and will not leave you to walk in the wilderness alone. Together, we will do our best to meet the challenges ahead. Yours in Christ, Rev. Katherine Finegan Bishop of the Northern Great Lakes Synod


© 2019 M

ilestones Ministry, LLC. All rights reserved.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

FOU

RTEENTH SU

NDAY

AFTER PENTECO

ST

Christians seek reconciliation with other Christians.

Sunday M

atthew

18:15-20 Seeking reconciliation

Monday

Ezekiel 33:7-11 G

od’s judgment seeks repentance

Tuesday Rom

ans 13:8-14 Love for one another

Wednesday

Exodus 12:1-14 The first Passover

Thursday Psalm

149 A new

song of praise Friday

Galatians 5:13-15

Love fulfills the law

Saturday Psalm

119:33-40 A prayer for understanding

Sunday M

atthew

18:21-35 A parable about forgiveness

DAILY BIBLE READING

S These passages are related to the Lectionary texts for this Sunday.

SCRIPTURE VERSE FO

R THIS WEEK

“For where tw

o or three are gathered in my nam

e, I am there am

ong them

.” Matt

hew 18:21-35 (N

RSV)

PRAYERS AND BLESSIN

G A Prayer for the W

eek: Alm

ighty God, teach us your ways that w

e may live together in peace and see Jesus in the face of

others. Amen.

Mealtim

e Prayer: Dear God, in the m

idst of violent storms and droughts w

e encounter in the world, w

e thank you for this gift of food and for those w

ho have brought it to us. Amen.

A Blessing to Give:

May the Lord Jesus strengthen you to love your neighbor and be at peace w

ith all.

CARING

CON

VERSATION

S Discuss in your hom

e, small group, or use for personal reflections:

Think or tell about a tim

e you felt badly treated by another individual or a group.

What m

akes it hard to openly face conflict with som

eone?

For Jesus and the church, we are to pursue others w

ith love and grace. Does knowing

this help you to resolve differences with others? W

hy or why not?

DEVOTIO

NS

Read: Matt

hew 18:15-20.

All relationships experience conflict, even in the church. Jesus is aware of this and lays out a

plan of action: out of love, be direct. It is the way of life of the people of God announced by

Paul in Romans 13:10: “Love does no w

rong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law

.” Being right is not good enough. Having your own w

ay is not good enough. Be loving, be m

erciful, and pursue what is right; face conflict through a personal conversation to resolve the

issue. But if the person who has hurt you does not repent, this is not an excuse to treat them

badly. Treat them

as Jesus would treat a Gentile or tax collector. He pursued them

with his

love. Jesus is present in all our relationships, even the stressful ones (v. 20). We are to seek

them out w

ith love and mercy. W

hen have you been wronged by the harsh treatm

ent of another? Did you face it directly w

ith the other person to resolve it? Did you treat them as

Jesus would? Explain.

Pray: Lord Jesus, when I am

with others, rem

ind me that you are present strengthening us to

love one another anew each day. Am

en.

SERVICE “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Rom

ans 13:9b) sums up the com

mandm

ents. Who is your

neighbor? It may be the person next door or som

eone in the comm

unity. Loving others, even w

hen they are different from you, fulfills the law

and motivates us to action. How

does know

ing this motivate you to show

love to a neighbor?

RITUALS AND TRADITIO

NS

Next Sunday is the beginning of a new

Christian education year for many congregations. Psalm

119 is a lovely text that prom

otes learning God’s will and w

ord. Pray for all teachers and students involved in Christian education and m

ention those you can by name. Conclude w

ith: Teach m

e, O Lord, the w

ay of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. G

ive me

understanding, that I may keep your law

and observe it with m

y whole heart. Am

en.

WEEKLY M

ILESTON

ES Take a m

oment to tell or think about a recent m

ountain high and/or valley low in your life.

In addition to Taking Faith Home, celebrate m

ilestones in your daily life as an effective faith form

ation tool. Go to: ww

w.m

ilestonesministry.org

SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

HYMN

OF THE W

EEK Forgive O

ur Sins As W

e Forgive © 2019 M

ilestones Ministry, LLC. All rights reserved.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2020

FIFTEENTH SU

NDAY

AFTER PENTECO

ST

The people of God forgive.

Sunday M

atthew

18:21-35 A parable about forgiveness

Monday

Genesis 50:15-21

Joseph forgives his brothers Tuesday

Romans 14:1-12

Do not judge another W

ednesday Exodus 14:19-31

Crossing the Red Sea Thursday

Psalm 114

The Lord works w

onders Friday

John 8:1-11 Jesus intercedes for a w

oman

Saturday Psalm

103:1-13 Thanksgiving for G

od’s goodness Sunday

Matt

hew 20:1-16

Parable of the vineyard workers

DAILY BIBLE READIN

GS

These passages are related to the Lectionary texts for this Sunday.

SCRIPTURE VERSE FO

R THIS WEEK

Bless the LORD, O

my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—

who

forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.

Psalm 103:2-3 (N

RSV)

PRAYERS AND BLESSIN

G A Prayer for the W

eek: Gracious God, w

e praise you for your desire to forgive; help us to love and forgive as we are loved

and forgiven through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mealtim

e Prayer: Com

e, Lord Jesus, be our guest; let these gifts to us be blessed. Let there be a goodly share on every table, everyw

here. Amen.

A Blessing to Give:

May the forgiveness of God bless you w

ith steadfast love and mercy. (Psalm

103:4)

CARING

CON

VERSATION

S Discuss in your hom

e, small group, or use for personal reflections:

W

hat does forgiveness mean to you? Give an exam

ple.

Was there ever a tim

e when you could not forgive som

eone? Explain.

How is God’s forgiveness a gift to you? to the church? to the w

orld?

DEVOTIO

NS

Read: Matt

hew 18:21-35.

Jesus presents a very unreal story to make a very real point. In Jesus’ day, each talent w

as w

orth more than 15 years of w

ork. Therefore, one slave owed over 150,000 years of incom

e w

hile the other owed one hundred days of w

ages (a denarius was one day’s w

age). The differences are extrem

e to make the point that God’s forgiveness of us is w

ildly out-of-this-w

orld and wonderful. It leads the follow

er of Jesus Christ to sing or pray Psalm 103

that begins, “Bless the LORD, O

my soul, and all that is w

ithin me, bless his holy nam

e” (v. 1). A concrete w

ay to praise God is to “forgive your brother or sister from your heart”

(Matt

hew 18:35) and do so again and again and again (v. 22). O

r, as Jesus suggests, do you w

ant to consider the consequences of not showing a litt

le forgiveness to others? That lack of forgiveness Jesus says, w

ould destroy your life (vv. 34-35). How can you praise God today by

forgiving someone w

ho has offended or hurt you? How does this parable help bring joy to your

soul? Pray: M

erciful God, give m

e faith to remem

ber how kind and generous you are to m

e and to praise you by being kind and forgiving to others through Christ our Lord. Am

en.

SERVICE Genesis 50:15-21 is the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers for throw

ing him in a pit and

selling him into slavery. Forgiving som

eone who has hurt you is not easy. Think of som

eone w

ho needs your forgiveness. Pray for that person. Reflect on God’s love and mercy show

n through people like Joseph and w

rite a note of forgiveness to that person.

RITUALS AND TRADITIO

NS

Forgiveness is the theme this w

eek in Bible readings, caring conversations, devotions, and service. Breaking a plate, saying som

ething mean, and telling a lie are things w

e may not m

ean to do, but they happen. Think of a tim

e when you needed to be forgiven. God forgives us again

and again. Think about what this m

eans to you. Pray the Lord’s Prayer, pause as you pray, “forgive us our sins as w

e forgive those who sin against us”, then finish the prayer.

WEEKLY M

ILESTON

ES Take a m

oment to tell or think about a recent m

ountain high and/or valley low in your life.

In addition to Taking Faith Home, celebrate m

ilestones in your daily life as an effective faith form

ation tool. Go to: ww

w.m

ilestonesministry.org

SEPTEMBER 13, 2020

HYMN

OF THE W

EEK Healer of O

ur Every Ill


© 2

019

Mile

ston

es M

inist

ry, L

LC. A

ll rig

hts r

eser

ved.

SEPT

EMBE

R 20

, 202

0 SI

XTEE

NTH

SU

NDA

Y AF

TER

PEN

TECO

ST

God

is gr

acio

us a

nd m

erci

ful.

Sund

ay

Matt

hew

20:

1-16

Pa

rabl

e of

the

vine

yard

wor

kers

M

onda

y Jo

nah

3:10–

4:11

Jo

nah

goes

to N

inev

eh

Tues

day

Phili

ppia

ns 1

:21-

30

Wha

t life

mea

ns to

Pau

l W

edne

sday

Ex

odus

16:

2-15

Br

ead

from

hea

ven

Thur

sday

Ps

alm

105

:1-6

, 37-

45

God

’s fa

ithfu

lnes

s to

Isra

el

Frid

ay

Titu

s 2:1

1-15

G

od’s

kin

dnes

s Sa

turd

ay

Psal

m 1

45:1

-8

The

Lord

is k

ind

and

mer

cifu

l Su

nday

M

atthe

w 2

1:23

-32

Para

ble

of th

e tw

o so

ns

DAILY

BIB

LE R

EADI

NG

S Th

ese

pass

ages

are

rela

ted

to th

e Le

ction

ary

text

s for

this

Sund

ay.

SCRI

PTU

RE V

ERSE

FO

R TH

IS W

EEK

The

LORD

is g

raci

ous a

nd m

erci

ful,

slow

to a

nger

and

abo

undi

ng in

st

eadf

ast l

ove.

Psa

lm 1

45:8

(NRS

V)

PRAY

ERS

AND

BLES

SIN

G A

Pray

er fo

r the

Wee

k:

Grac

ious

God

, we

than

k yo

u th

at y

ou c

are

for a

ll, e

spec

ially

thos

e w

ho fe

el le

ft be

hind

, thr

ough

Ch

rist o

ur L

ord.

Am

en.

Mea

ltim

e Pr

ayer

: Go

d of

gra

ce a

nd m

ercy

, we

than

k yo

u fo

r you

r car

e fo

r us t

hat g

ives

us f

ood

from

you

r fru

itful

cr

eatio

n. A

men

. A

Bles

sing

to G

ive:

M

ay th

e un

dese

rved

kin

dnes

s of G

od b

less

you

with

faith

and

goo

d co

urag

e no

w a

nd a

lway

s.

CARI

NG

CO

NVE

RSAT

ION

S Di

scus

s in

your

hom

e, sm

all g

roup

, or u

se fo

r per

sona

l refl

ectio

ns:

Th

ink

abou

t or t

ell a

stor

y of

how

som

eone

was

kin

d to

you

.

Has i

t eve

r bee

n di

fficu

lt fo

r you

to b

e ki

nd to

som

eone

? W

hat m

ade

it di

fficu

lt?

Is

God

’s k

indn

ess t

o yo

u a

surp

rise

or n

ot?

Expl

ain.

DEVO

TIO

NS

Read

: Jo

nah

3:10–

4:11

. Fr

ankl

y, w

e do

n’t r

eally

like

God

’s ju

stice

. It’s

too

supp

ortiv

e of

peo

ple

unlik

e us

! Lik

e Jo

nah,

we

don’

t wan

t a G

od w

ho is

slow

to a

nger

and

full

of st

eadf

ast l

ove

for p

eopl

e w

e do

n’t t

hink

de

serv

e it,

esp

ecia

lly th

ose

we

wou

ld c

onsid

er o

ur e

nem

ies.

Tha

t’s w

hy Jo

nah

ran

away

from

Go

d (v

. 4:2

). N

inev

eh w

as th

e ca

pita

l of t

he A

ssyr

ians

who

had

des

troy

ed th

e no

rthe

rn

king

dom

of I

srae

l in

722

BC. N

ow G

od to

ld Jo

nah

to p

reac

h re

pent

ance

to th

e N

inev

ites.

Jona

h w

as a

frai

d to

do

this

beca

use

he k

new

of G

od’s

love

and

mer

cy, s

omet

hing

he

did

not w

ant

show

ered

upo

n hi

s ene

mie

s. A

nd Jo

nah

was

righ

t; it

happ

ened

, and

it a

nger

ed h

im. I

t’s ju

st li

ke

in Je

sus’

par

able

of t

he g

ener

ous l

ando

wne

r (M

atthe

w 2

0:1-

16) w

here

it se

ems s

o w

rong

for

peop

le w

ho w

orke

d in

the

field

s all

day

only

to g

et th

e sa

me

wag

e as

thos

e w

ho st

arte

d at

the

end

of th

e da

y. Is

it e

asy

or h

ard

for y

ou to

acc

ept G

od’s

justi

ce w

here

“th

e un

dese

rvin

g”

rece

ive

the

sam

e ge

nero

sity

you

rece

ive?

Exp

lain

. Pr

ay:

Gra

ciou

s and

mer

cifu

l God

, giv

e m

e fa

ith to

love

you

r gen

eros

ity fo

r all

peop

le,

espe

cial

ly th

ose

who

are

diff

eren

t fro

m m

e. In

Jesu

s’ n

ame,

am

en.

SERV

ICE

The

stor

y of

the

vine

yard

in M

atthe

w 2

0:1-

16 is

abo

ut a

gen

erou

s ow

ner w

ho p

aid

the

labo

rers

th

e sa

me

amou

nt a

t the

end

of t

he d

ay e

ven

if so

me

wor

ked

hard

er a

nd lo

nger

than

oth

ers.

So

me

of th

e la

bore

rs g

rum

bled

. The

ow

ner a

sked

, “Am

I no

t allo

wed

to d

o w

hat I

cho

ose

with

w

hat b

elon

gs to

me?

Or a

re y

ou e

nvio

us b

ecau

se I

am g

ener

ous?

” (M

atthe

w 2

0:15

). In

wha

t w

ays a

re y

ou g

ener

ous t

o ot

hers

with

wha

t bel

ongs

to y

ou?

RITU

ALS

AND

TRAD

ITIO

NS

In E

xodu

s 16:

2-15

bre

ad w

as p

rovi

ded

from

hea

ven.

Pre

pare

a m

eal t

hat i

nclu

des b

read

. Thi

nk

or ta

lk a

bout

Mos

es a

nd th

e Is

rael

ites a

nd h

ow th

ey h

ad to

lear

n to

be

patie

nt a

nd h

ave

faith

in

God

to fe

ed th

em d

aily

as t

hey

trav

eled

to th

e Pr

omise

d La

nd. W

hat d

oes t

his m

ean

for y

ou?

Befo

re y

ou e

at, p

ray:

Lor

d, th

ank

you

for t

his b

read

you

hav

e gi

ven

us to

eat

. Hel

p us

to n

ever

fo

rget

how

you

pro

vide

for u

s jus

t as y

ou d

id fo

r the

Isra

elite

s. A

men

.

WEE

KLY

MIL

ESTO

NES

Ta

ke a

mom

ent t

o te

ll or

thin

k ab

out a

rece

nt m

ount

ain

high

and

/or v

alle

y lo

w in

you

r life

.

In a

dditi

on to

Tak

ing

Faith

Hom

e, c

eleb

rate

mile

ston

es in

you

r dai

ly li

fe a

s an

eff

ectiv

e fa

ith fo

rmati

on to

ol. G

o to

: ww

w.m

ilest

ones

min

istr

y.or

g

SEPT

EMBE

R 20

, 202

0 HY

MN

OF

THE

WEE

K

God

Crea

ted

He

aven

and

Ear

th ©

201

9 M

ilest

ones

Min

istry

, LLC

. All

right

s res

erve

d.

SEPT

EMBE

R 27

, 202

0 SE

VEN

TEEN

TH S

UN

DAY

AFTE

R PE

NTE

COST

God

dire

cts o

ur w

ays.

Sund

ay

Matt

hew

21:

23-3

2 Pa

rabl

e of

the

two

sons

M

onda

y Ez

ekie

l 18:

1-4,

25-

32

God

’s w

ays a

re fa

ir Tu

esda

y Ph

ilipp

ians

2:1

-13

Chris

t sho

ws u

s hum

ility

W

edne

sday

Ex

odus

17:

1-17

W

ater

from

the

rock

Th

ursd

ay

Psal

m 7

8:1-

4, 1

2-16

W

hat G

od h

as d

one

Frid

ay

Jam

es 1

:19-

27

Hear

ing

and

doin

g G

od’s

wor

d

Satu

rday

Ps

alm

25:

1-9

Pray

er fo

r gui

danc

e an

d he

lp

Sund

ay

Matt

hew

21:

33-4

6 Pa

rabl

e of

the

vine

yard

tena

nts

DAILY

BIB

LE R

EADI

NG

S Th

ese

pass

ages

are

rela

ted

to th

e Le

ction

ary

text

s for

this

Sund

ay.

SCRI

PTU

RE V

ERSE

FO

R TH

IS W

EEK

“[W

]ork

out

you

r ow

n sa

lvati

on w

ith fe

ar a

nd tr

embl

ing;

for i

t is G

od

who

is a

t wor

k in

you

, ena

blin

g yo

u bo

th to

will

and

to w

ork

for h

is go

od

plea

sure

.” P

hilip

pian

s 2:1

2b-1

3 (N

RSV)

PRAY

ERS

AND

BLES

SIN

G

A Pr

ayer

for t

he W

eek:

De

ar G

od, t

each

us t

o kn

ow y

our w

ays a

nd to

do

them

with

hum

ility

and

com

pass

ion

for a

ll th

at

you

have

cre

ated

thro

ugh

Chris

t our

Lor

d. A

men

. (Ps

alm

25:

4)

Mea

ltim

e Pr

ayer

: Go

od a

nd g

raci

ous G

od, w

e th

ank

you

for p

rovi

ding

for o

ur e

very

nee

d, in

clud

ing

the

gift

of th

is fo

od; w

e pr

ay th

roug

h Ch

rist J

esus

our

Lor

d. A

men

. A

Bles

sing

to G

ive:

M

ay G

od g

uide

you

in th

e w

ay o

f tru

th a

nd g

uard

you

r life

with

stea

dfas

t lov

e an

d fa

ithfu

lnes

s.

(Psa

lm 2

5)

CARI

NG

CO

NVE

RSAT

ION

S Di

scus

s in

your

hom

e, sm

all g

roup

, or u

se fo

r per

sona

l refl

ectio

ns:

Do

you

ask

for h

elp

som

etim

es w

hen

mak

ing

deci

sions

? W

hy o

r why

not

?

Is

ther

e a

time

whe

n yo

u as

ked

for G

od’s

hel

p in

mak

ing

a de

cisio

n? If

so, t

ell a

bout

it.

Ho

w d

oes r

eadi

ng th

e Bi

ble

and

havi

ng c

onve

rsati

ons w

ith o

ther

bel

ieve

rs h

elp

guid

e yo

ur li

fe?

DEVO

TIO

NS

Read

: Ph

ilipp

ians

2:1

-13.

Th

e Ap

ostle

Pau

l spe

aks t

o th

e ch

urch

at P

hilip

pi a

nd e

ncou

rage

s the

peo

ple

to li

ve w

ith o

ther

s w

ith h

umili

ty (v

v. 3

-4).

He u

ses C

hrist

as o

ur m

odel

for t

his w

ay o

f life

as C

hrist

Jesu

s too

k on

ou

r hum

an e

xist

ence

and

“hu

mbl

ed h

imse

lf an

d be

cam

e ob

edie

nt to

the

poin

t of d

eath

” (v

. 8).

With

this

as a

gui

de, P

aul e

xhor

ts b

elie

vers

to p

ursu

e th

e Ch

ristia

n lif

e be

caus

e it

matt

ers t

o ot

hers

, to

the

wor

ld, a

nd to

God

. Kno

win

g ho

w h

ard

it is

to li

ve th

is lif

e fa

ithfu

lly, h

e st

ates

, “w

ork

out o

ur sa

lvati

on in

fear

and

trem

blin

g” (v

. 12b

). Bu

t thi

s is n

ot a

fear

that

pre

vent

s us

from

acti

ng. I

t is a

ctua

lly a

sens

e of

aw

e an

d re

vere

nce

that

free

s us t

o liv

e an

d ac

t bec

ause

Go

d is

with

us,

beh

ind

and

in fr

ont o

f us i

n bo

th o

ur a

ction

s and

our

ver

y de

sire

to d

o th

e w

ill

of G

od (v

. 13)

. It c

an b

e ov

erw

helm

ing

to w

onde

r how

to li

ve a

s a C

hristi

an. P

aul e

ncou

rage

s us

to g

o fo

rth

with

hum

ility

to lo

ve o

ther

s and

trus

t God

. Thi

nk o

f a si

tuati

on th

at is

har

d fo

r you

to

kno

w w

hat y

ou sh

ould

do.

Whe

n th

is ha

ppen

s, p

ray

to G

od fo

r wisd

om a

nd fa

ith to

act

with

lo

ve a

nd h

umili

ty.

Pray

: G

od o

f jus

tice

and

mer

cy, g

uide

our

day

s and

our

dee

ds in

the

peac

e of

Chr

ist.

Amen

.

SERV

ICE

In P

hilip

pian

s 2, P

aul i

s ask

ing

us to

imita

te Je

sus b

y be

ing

of th

e sa

me

min

d an

d sh

owin

g

com

pass

ion,

love

, and

hum

ility

to o

ther

s. S

how

ing

inte

rest

in o

ther

s by

liste

ning

and

pra

ying

fo

r the

m is

one

way

to b

e co

mpa

ssio

nate

. Be

min

dful

of l

isten

ing

clos

ely

to th

e co

nver

satio

ns

you

have

with

oth

ers.

RITU

ALS

AND

TRAD

ITIO

NS

Lifti

ng o

ur h

ands

is o

ne w

ay to

show

pra

ise to

God

. In

the

Old

Tes

tam

ent t

here

are

peo

ple

(li

ke L

eah

and

Mos

es) w

ho li

ft th

eir h

ands

in p

raise

to G

od. T

his i

s an

anci

ent p

ose

of p

raye

r an

d a

moti

on u

sed

to o

pen

a pe

rson

to re

ceiv

ing

God’

s ble

ssin

g. L

ift y

our h

ands

and

pra

y da

ily

this

wee

k: T

o yo

u, O

Lor

d, I

lift u

p m

y so

ul. O

my

God

, in

you

I tru

st. A

men

. (Ps

alm

25:

1-2a

) W

EEKL

Y M

ILES

TON

ES

Take

a m

omen

t to

tell

or th

ink

abou

t a re

cent

mou

ntai

n hi

gh a

nd/o

r val

ley

low

in y

our l

ife.

In a

dditi

on to

Tak

ing

Faith

Hom

e, c

eleb

rate

mile

ston

es in

you

r dai

ly li

fe a

s an

eff

ectiv

e fa

ith fo

rmati

on to

ol. G

o to

: ww

w.m

ilest

ones

min

istr

y.or

g

SEPT

EMBE

R 27

, 202

0 HY

MN

OF

THE

WEE

K

We

Are

All O

ne in

M

issio

n


Greetings, Church.

I recently was gifted the opportunity to virtually attend the Global Leadership Summit (GLS). While I had originally planned to participate in person as a part of my Continuing Education, alas, our current COVID pandemic had other plans for me. Instead of traveling to Illinois to attend the 2-day conference in-person, I found myself glued to yet another computer screen from 8:30a – 4:30p, hoping the internet would cooperate all day. The GLS touts itself as:

“a two-day infusion of fresh ideas, actionable concepts, leadership principles, and heartfelt inspiration.”

WHOA. That’s a lot to promise – and what a delight to realize the GLS delivered on those promises! When the topics for the conference include phrases like: “becoming more agile and inventive” and “leading through crisis and ever–changing new realities” and “leveraging science-based research to increase connection opportunities,” this Pastor of yours was concerned it would be a bit too business-like for a ministry world that revolves around relationships. Much like I had to do as a music teacher at leadership conferences, I figured I’d have to adapt what I had learned to our world of faith and grace and mercy. How wrong I was! To my great delight, the Summit was absolutely grounded in the Word, and the teachings and guidance of Christ! EVERY. SINGLE. SPEAKER. authentically pointed their listeners toward solid and inspiring stories in Scripture that highlighted their main points. Some highlights:

“Lead with confident uncertainty. We are most vulnerable when we are confident. Trust that the breath of the Spirit will indeed be there to lead you, as it was present for the Disciples.”

Craig Groeschel (Pastor, team member of YouVersion Bible App)

“Lead with a servant’s heart. Work hard at building the culture. Project calm to your people, so that they continue to serve GOD, and not the Pastor.”

Dick Devos (President & Co-Founder: Windcrest Group)

“Remember, YOUR world is not THE world. A truth might not be THE truth. Your ABSOLUTE might just be an ABSTRACT.”

Bishop T. D. Jakes (Pastor, Author)

I kept both of our congregations in mind as I listened, coming away with pages of notes and ideas from these speakers of how we might build on our relational life together. Continue to pray for both me as your Shepherd, and our Council Leaders, as we put many of these ideas and notions in faithful action!

Learning right alongside you,

Pr. Brenda

Thoughts from Pastor Brenda


Dear ALL Congregants of Gethsemane and St. Stephen’s:

Below is the ZOOM link and passcode information for our Walking Together event on Thursday September 10 at 6:00 pm CT. Council Members are strongly encouraged to participate even as ALL are welcome. Here is an outline of what our time together as the Menominee Valley Conference of the NGLS will look like:

5 minutes Welcome and opening prayer 20 minutes Dwelling in the Word with small groups 25 minutes Year of Discovery presentation with Q & A 5 minutes Lifelong Faith Formation presentation with Q & A 15 minutes Breakout sessions of conversation 10 minutes Synod ministry overview 5 minutes Website Review and Facebook page 5 minutes Record "Peace be with you" for Synod- wide Reformation Worship (for conferences meeting before October 19) Closing Prayer if no conference meeting 30 minutes Conference meeting agenda if applicable

I look forward to many of us being together on September 10! Yours in Christ, Rev. Katherine Finegan, Bishop of the Northern Great Lakes Synod

Topic: Walking Together Event: Conference 5 Menominee Valley – ZOOM Meeting Time: September 10, 2020 6:00 pm CT / 7:00 pm ET

Click the link below at 6pm CT to Join the Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82581319705?pwd=TlEzQkdocGY4bGpsMXRQalR2N1k5Zz09

Meeting ID: 825 8131 9705, Passcode: 738574

WANTED: BEDSHEETS (full, queen, king)

The Quilters of Gethsemane are looking for used/new bedsheets to use to complete their quilts. Making Lutheran World Relief Mission Quilts is a tangible way to express love to our neighbors in need. Quilts can be used as warm bedding, simple tents or floor coverings. Each one reflects God’s loving presence in a world rife with suffering. Drop off on Parsonage Porch or call Janet at THANKS!to donate. 0138-(906) 374


Tue – Sept 1 2 Samuel 11:27b–12:15 Revelation 3:7-13 Psalm 17 Wed – Sept 2 Jeremiah 17:5-18 Matthew 12:22-32 Psalm 17 Thu – Sept 3 Ezekiel 24:1-14 2 Corinthians 12:11-21 Psalm 119:33-40 Fri – Sept 4 Ezekiel 24:15-27 Romans 10:15b-21 Psalm 119:33-40 Sat – Sept 5 Ezekiel 33:1-6 Matthew 23:29-36 Psalm 119:33-40 Sunday Sept 6 – 14th Sunday after Pentecost Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40, Rom. 13:8-14 Matt 18:15-20 Prayer of the Day: O Lord God, enliven and preserve your church with your perpetual mercy. Without your help, we mortals will fail;

remove far from us everything that is harmful, and lead us toward all that gives life and salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.

Mon – Sept 7 Lev. 4:27-31; 5:14- 16 1 Peter 2:11-17 Psalm 119:65-72 Tue – Sept 8 Deuteronomy 17:2-13 Romans 13:1-7 Psalm 119:65-72 Wed – Sept 9 Leviticus 16:1-5, 20-28 Matthew 21:18-22 Psalm 119:65-72 Thu – Sept 10 Genesis 37:12-36 1 John 3:11-16 Psalm 103:[1-7] 8-13 Fri – Sept 11 Genesis 41:53–42:17 Acts 7:9-16 Psalm 103:[1-7] 8-13 Sat – Sept 12 Genesis 45:1-20 Matthew 6:7-15 Psalm 103:[1-7] 8-13 Sunday Sept 13 – 15th Sunday after Pentecost: Gen. 50:15-21, Ps 103:8-13, Rom. 14:1-12 Matthew 18:21-35 Prayer of the Day: O Lord God, merciful judge, you are the inexhaustible fountain of forgiveness. Replace our hearts of stone with hearts

that love and adore you, that we may delight in doing your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen. Mon – Sept 14 Genesis 48:8-22 Hebrews 11:23-29 Psalm 133 Tue – Sept 15 Genesis 49:29–50:14 Romans 14:13–15:2 Psalm 133 Wed – Sept 16 Genesis 50:22-26 Mark 11:20-25 Psalm 133 Thu – Sept 17 Nahum 1:1, 14–2:2 2 Corinthians 13:1-4 Psalm 145:1-8 Fri – Sept 18 Nahum 2:3-13 2 Corinthians 13:5-10 Psalm 145:1-8 Sat – Sept 19 Zephaniah 2:13-15 Matthew 19:23-30 Psalm 145:1-8 Sunday Sept 20 – 16th Sunday after Pentecost: Jonah 3:10-4:11, Psalm 145:1-8, Phil. 1:21-30, Matt 20:1-16 Prayer of the Day: Almighty and eternal God, you show perpetual lovingkindness to us your servants. Because we cannot rely on our own

abilities, grant us your merciful judgment, and train us to embody the generosity of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.

Mon – Sept 21 Genesis 27:1-29 Romans 16:1-6 Psalm 106:1-12 Tue – Sept 22 Genesis 28:10-17 Romans 16:17-20 Psalm 106:1-12 Wed – Sept 23 Isaiah 41:1-13 Matthew 18:1-5 Psalm 106:1-12 Thu – Sept 24 Ezekiel 12:17-28 James 4:11-16 Psalm 25:1-9 Fri – Sept 25 Ezekiel 18:5-18 Acts 13:32-41 Psalm 25:1-9 Sat – Sept 26 Ezekiel 18:19-24 Mark 11:27-33 Psalm 25:1-9 Sunday Sept 27 – 17th Sunday after Pentecost: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, Psalm 25:1-9, Phil. 2:1-13 Matt 21:23-32 Prayer of the Day: God of love, giver of life, you know our frailties and failings. Give us your grace to overcome them, keep us from those

things that harm us, and guide us in the way of salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen. Mon – Sept 28 Judges 14:1-20 Philippians 1:3-14 Psalm 28 Tue – Sept 29 Judges 16:1-22 Philippians 1:15-21 Psalm 28 Wed – Sept 30 Judges 16:23-31 Matthew 9:2-8 Psalm 28

Daily devotions from the revised common lectionary


2020 JOINT

NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER This Edition of our Monthly Newsletter covers information for the

Congregations of both Gethsemane + St. Stephen’s Lutheran Churches.

Northern Great Lakes Synod

www.nglsynod.org

Documents

Our Shared Mission: We are saved by grace through faith to share … · 2020. 8. 31. · Emily Christenson Evelyn Gewerth Christine Havelka Karen Raether Lewis Nicholson Lorrie Stone