United in Christ. Welcoming All. July 2013

Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 801 Charlotte Highway, Fairview, NC Rev. David W. Eck, pastor Office: 298-2608 Cell: 505-5229 E-mail: abidingsaviorlc@aol.com Web Site: www.abidingsaviorlutheranchurch.org

Pastor's ColumnMy Summer Reading List

I love summer because without having to prepare a Bible Study each week, it gives me time to catch up on some reading. Since returning from the Festival of Homiletics in Nashville I've made it a point to read some of the works by the presenters that most captured my imagination. I began with Walter Brueggman's "Prophetic Imagination" which is not an easy read but was very insightful. Brueggman is an Old Testament professor. In this updated version of the book Brueggman explores the role of the prophet beginning with Moses and going through King Solomon. He explores the role of the prophetic voice in society and applies it to how we should use that voice today. You'll be hearing more about this as the lectionary texts line up with his amazing and insightful work. Next on the list was "Naked Spirituality" by Brian McLaren which I consider to be a must read for EVERYONE. McLaren takes 12 basic spiritual disciplines and shows, in practical terms, how we can apply them to our lives. I'm going to cover the first three this fall, one each month, through a sermon, handouts and newsletter articles.

The second home run of the summer was Rob Bell's "What We Talk About When We Talk About God." This is the second must read for EVERYONE. I was stunned by Bell's crystal clear writing and deep insights that go with it. I have more underlined and starred passages in this book than I have in a very long time. This book could be a life-changer for some people. I can't say enough good things about it. Next is "The Great Emergence" by Phyllis Tickle. You will definitely be hearing more about this one as well. Tickle explores in great detail the cultural shifts of the past century that have led us to where we are now as the Church and as a society. She surveys what is called The Emerging Church which she see as the future of where the Church is headed. I heard her speak in Nashville and am convinced her insights are invaluable to us all. The good news is that ASLC has at least a foot in this Emergent Church movement. I think we would be considered what she calls "hyphenateds" which means we seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary elements together, creating something totally new that is able to honor both. I plan on spending a Sunday school hour this fall to talk about the Great Emergence and what this means for the future of Christendom.[continued on page 3]

Abiding Savior News

Abiding Savior News July 2013

Treasurer's Report                                           May 2013 General Fund Giving:       $8073.69   Monthly Expenses   8563.87           Net Income                     -$490.18

Doris Wright, Treasurer

Oklahoma Tornado ReliefThanks to your generosity ASLC raised $550 toward tornado relief in Oklahoma. The funds went to the ELCA Disaster Response who have pledged that 100% of the monies collected will go directly to helping those communities affected by the tornadoes.

Room at the InnRoom at the Inn is a portable women's homeless shelter that is hosted by churches throughout Asheville. Abiding Savior is not big enough to host them but we piggy back on First Congregational UCC's week, serving the evening meal one night while they women are staying at that church. Our next turn will be Wednesday, July 3rd. We're going to put together a picnic extravaganza for the women. If you're interesting in donating food and/or serving the meal and fellowshipping with the women, there is sign up sheet in the narthex. It really is a wonderful and powerful opportunity to serve the "least of these."

Pastor Dave on VacationPastor Dave will be on vacation from July 13-22. Any pastoral emergencies during this time should be directed to Rev. Sandi Rice at 216-9547. Pastor Dave can also be reached by cell phone during this time, 505-5229. Leave a message on his phone and we will be check it twice a day at lunch and in the evening.

25th Anniversary of OrdinationCongrats to Pastor Dave who is celebrating his 25th anniversary of ordination on Sunday, July 7th. We have also been with Abiding Savior for 20 years as of the first of May.

Annual Congregational MeetingSunday, July 28th will be our annual congregational meeting after worship at 11:15pm. We will receive the Annual Report and vote on the new Church Council members. Jen Ownbey will also give a presentation on a new Sunday School curriculum that we can use starting this fall that has lots of creative uses.

Upcoming Events Mark your calendar for the ASLC cookout at Pastor Dave and Gary's house which will be Sunday, August 11th, 5:00pm. Pastor Dave will supply the brats and burgers and everyone is asked to bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share. There will be a sign up sheet in the narthex sometime in July. Also the key passing ceremony for the Thrivent Builds Habitat House will be Saturday, September 7th at noon. Pastor Dave has been asked to do the blessing on the house. This is also the 30th anniversary of our local Habitat organization and we'll be breaking ground on the 30th anniversary house the same day. Our next date for feeding the homeless in Pritchard Park will be Sunday, September 8th. A sign up sheet will be in the narthex in early August.

Fall Book StudyPastor Dave is looking for a small group of interested people to study Rob Bell's book "What We Talk about When We Talk About God." There's a sign up sheet in the narthex to help us determine what's the best day and time to meet. The plan is to spend 5 or 6 weeks going over the basic concepts in the book.

Abiding Savior News July 2013

ASLC feeds the workers at the Thrivent Builds Habitat House

The house is coming along nicely.

[Pastor's column continued] Currently I'm reading Brian McLaren's book "Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World." McLaren asks two important questions: Can you be a committed Christian without having to condemn or convert people of other faiths? Is it possible to affirm other religious traditions without watering down our own? When Amazon delivers it to my doorstep, next in line is Phyllis Tickle's "Emergence Christianity" which is her newest book. It's the practical side of the first book and will help

Leanne Cunningham, Susan Bolick and Jen Ownbey prepared and served the lunch.

me to better understand the Emergence movement. This fall Nadia Bolz-Weber's book finally comes out. She is also a "Hyphenated" Lutheran pastor whose preaching is captivating and her ministry is inspiring. I met her in Nashville and found her to be absolutely delightful and thought-provoking. So no Danielle Steele or Stephen King on my list this summer. [Hopefully you got a chance to do some reading for fun.] However, what I've read so far will be invaluable to our ministry as a church. I have much to share with all of you in the months to come. Happy reading!

Blessings, Pastor Dave

Abiding Savior News July 2013

BirthdaysGary Mitchell"" " 1Terry Sams" " " 2Patrick Sweitzer" " 14Jason Kindel"" " 15Nancy Albright" " 19Art Blue" " " 22

Prayer ListIn addition to ASLC members on our prayer list, we are praying for the following family and friends: Tammy Epley - Nancy Albrightʼs daughter, Diane Ferrer, friend of ASLC, Jacob Bergstrom - grandson of Joe Langley, Laura Hamilton, Jenny Evans - friends of Jen Ownbey, Ophelia Guerra - friend of Shelia Rains, Hannah Niedermeier - George Wagner's mother, Brandon Monteith who is stationed in Afghanistan, Phyllis Bengston, Glen Sisk family - Mark Bolick's uncle, Paul Lee family - Susan Bolick's uncle, Donna Santos - daughter of Shelia & Marge.

Printer Cartridge RecyclingIf you don't already recycle your printer cartridges, please drop them off in the church office. We get $2 from Staples for every cartridge we return which is used to purchase office supplies. Thanks!