Grace Ministries – September 2019
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- Yoked Communities of Faith and Service NON-PROFIT ORG.
c/o Zion Lutheran Church U.S. POSTAGE PAID
41 Whitmarsh Avenue PERMIT#205
Worcester, MA 01606-3296 WORCESTER, MA
NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2019 TIME SENSITIVE
PLEASE DO NOT DELAY
Our lives are formed by Word and
Sacrament, and we gather as the beloved
children of God around the means of grace
where our lives are in Christ.
Grace Ministries – September 2019
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PASTOR’S CORNER
Were we all able to “take a breath” with some
downtime in the June-August months? There
certainly have been warm temperatures
(highest ever recorded during July) to work
with!
Trips aren’t always in and of themselves
restful; the travel component can be stressful,
and if we’re too connected with the outside
world the distractions can diminish the
experience with our travel partners and hosts.
However, we can, and many-times are,
certainly distracted in our day-to-day lives, too.
That means chances to miss things that could
be important.
A Bunch of Guys (that Camp Calumet inspired
group of musicians) recorded an album some
years ago Take a Breath, where one track is
entitled Now Faith. In it, Dave Piper sings
about the effect of faith upon the life of a
believer; how blessings exist and can be
better recognized to not only grow into better
people but also counter the not-so-great stuff
we run into in life.
As I’ve preached before, we all need to stop
periodically and take-a-breath, to slow down,
in order to grasp where we are and what
things are happening in order to re-center
ourselves (hopefully through our faith) and
keep on moving ahead well.
While I was in the Holy Land our group was
scheduled on our last day for camel and 4x4
rides in the Jordanian desert, Wadi Rum,
where The Martian and other movies have
been filmed. Due to my tendency for motion
sickness I elected to remain behind and meet
the group at the rendezvous. This turned out
to be a Bedouin style “resort”; tents in the
middle of the desert.
Our driver brought me there where we waited
for about two hours…in the 100F heat…in a
tent…in the middle of what seemed like
nowhere.
Since I had made it known I wouldn’t be riding
in the desert well in advance, I presumed my
time might be spent somewhere comfortable,
air conditioned. Yet, it initially felt like being
stranded and I could have just let myself
become “ballistic” over this situation.
However, I took the advice I preach, took a
breath, and with my mind clearing realized
these circumstances of being in a tent in the
desert in the Holy Land were a blessing in
disguise. My thoughts turned to Abraham
sitting by his tent door by the oaks of Mamre,
Sara in a tent behind him, as three men
appeared nearby.
Do you remember this from your Old
Testament? The scene leads to God granting
Sara and Abraham’s hope of her having a
child.
In that tent in the heat of the desert I
imagined, and better appreciated, the
circumstances Abraham lived with as common
course and it helped me grasp the ruggedness
of that generation’s existence AND the
incredible Grace coming to meet him that day
and prepared the WAY for the rest of our faith
story!
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You see, perspective is everything. And if we
let ourselves divert from healthy ways of
approaching life it can become mere existence
with blessings/opportunities lost when caught
up in ourselves.
As all of us move into our busy seasons
perhaps we can be mindful to make time for
taking a breath more often, to recognize the
Holy, appreciate and ready ourselves for
engagement in all that is fulfilling, meet and
right so that our lives live into the blessing
God hopes they become for us, and through
us others.
Let us welcome back our new seasons of
opportunity that lie ahead!
☩ Pastor Andrew
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Bethel
Ken & Mary Johnson - 09/07 Arthur & Christine Belmonte - 09/14
William & Mimi Bylund - 09/18 Louise Klaven & David Naugle - 09/19
Kirsten & Steven DuHamel - 09/22 Doug & Kim Hanks - 09/24
Karen & James Baril - 09/26
Zion Kate & Dave Valleli – 09/02
HAMMONASSET GATHERING
I will be enjoying something like my 17th
experience with young people at HAMMO, our
New England Synod Youth Gathering the
upcoming weekend of September 6th.
Returning to our traditional venue at
Hammonasset State Park in Madison, Ct, our
opportunities include camping with our sister
LIPY-CM parishes, hearing great music at the
outdoor stage (a Christian band in residence is
brought in each year), listening to an inspiring
speaker and generally enjoying each other’s
company and outdoor activities.
If we could all pray for fair weather and safe
travels that would be awesome! THANK YOU!
Dismas meals are always held on the last Friday of each month. If a volunteer would like to prepare a meal it can be done in the church kitchen around 4pm. Volunteers are also needed to deliver and share the meal (5:45pm). Dinner is over and hosts usually leave by 6:30.
DISMAS: Fri, Sept. 27th Fri. Oct. 25th
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PRAYER LIST Bethel - Arnold Ariansen - Maya Belmonte – Lucy & Tom Brennan – April Bylund - Karen Carlson – Catie Cormier - Shirley Connor – Lori Deso - Jean Dowd – Matt DuHamel – Linda & Dave Fabrizius - Tom Forsberg - Liesl Voosen Fields – Silvia Forgit - Grover Gentry – Hope Grasso - Skip Hagberg - Paul Josephson – Greg Kallfa - Patricia King - Audra Layton - Kay Lemerise - Bill Lewis - Eric Lewis - Kay Malkasion – Susan Marriano - Tracy McLean – David Naugle - Joan Newman – Amanda Parker – Dave Sutton - Sabrina Valastro – Gini Varg - Kay Venning – Pearl Wheeler
Zion - Betty Nielsen - Ruth Swan - Doreen Earley
- Bruce Blomgren - Charlotte Rose Mac Neil - Julia
Engvall - Liesl Voosen Fields - Audra Layton –
Patricia Lynch - Dotty Petralis - Sara Spieght –
Bob Ekstrand – Grover Gentry – Shellie Dyke –
John Berube – Barbara – Harold - Marta Parsons –
Linda Reynolds – Stephen Loconto
Have you engaged with the prayer wall?
We will be running three meal lines at the Worcester campus on Saturday, November 30th;
a) one line of breakfast food (oatmeal,
cinnamon apple),
b) a line of Spanish rice and
c) a line of beans and rice meals.
All these new meal choices derived in consultation with the director of Carty Food Cupboard at Wesley Methodist Church in Worcester (one of our mission partners with youth, largest food pantry in the area and biggest recipient of our meal build) and Pr. Matt Martin and the expanded food choices his organization provides.
Please consider working the lines with us on the 30th! You may begin making donations towards the meal costs at any time; simply make your checks out to ENDHUNGERNE and in the memo line 11/30/19 meal build
See you there
Doris Brick c/o Oakdale Nursing & Rehab. 76 No. Main St., W. Boylston, MA 01583
Jeff Moody c/o Lanessa Extended Care 751 School Street, Webster, MA 01570
Delores Bengtsson, Harold Johnson, Wilson McIlvaine c/o Care One @ Millbury 312 Millbury Street, Millbury, MA 01527
Mildred Lindblad, May Jacobson c/o Knowlwood Nursing Center 87 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, Ma 01606
Dot Reid c/o Lutheran Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Ctr. 20 Harvard Street, Worcester, MA 01609
Shirley Cummins 315 Holden Street, Holden, MA 01520 Henry Hirvi c/o Holy Trinity Nursing & Rehab. 303 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606
Phil Becker
Everett, Janet & Larry Stidsen Jackie & Vinny Walsh
Pauline McIlvaine Stephen & Jennifer Johnson
Mary Johnson Jackie & Vinny Walsh
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Bethel’s Council Connection
Here we are in the waning days of summer, the temperature is in the high 80’s, and the kids are getting ready to go back to school. Bethel is also getting ready for the fall, and plans are well underway for an active schedule, including the Bethel Harvest Fair in November and the meal line at Zion after Thanksgiving. One that I know I am looking for to is the Pastor’s presentation on his trip to the Holy Land while on sabbatical this past spring. The council has been meeting during the summer since the work of the church never stops. We have been dealing with several issues as we work to chart the course for Bethel in the coming years. Building maintenance and security, as well as other property issues, are priorities that we discuss at every meeting. Council also deals with other issues, such as how to finance and support the meal line that is being held at the Zion campus on Saturday, November 30th. One of the new issues that council will be dealing with this fall is the creation of an Endowment Fund committee, which will be established to study and come up with a plan on how best to manage the various funds of the church. People over the years have been very generous in their giving to Bethel, and we want to make sure the funds are used properly for maximum effect. We are looking for 2 or 3 members who are not on council and have an interest and/or the expertise necessary to assist us in this endeavor. Please speak to either the pastor or myself if you are interested. Please remember that Coffee with Council occurs on the 2nd Sunday of each month after the 10:15 service. Please feel free to join us in Voosen Hall and speak with any member of council with any questions or issues or comments. Thank You. Preston Sturdevant
Zion’s Council Update Welcome back everyone! Council is back from our Summertime off. Council will resume our Council Meetings, September 12th@ 6:30. As we get back from our Summertime off, we need to get back on track with our pledges, to help with Zion’s bills. Thank You Fall is going to be very busy for us at Zion, for example:
Fall Fair
Meal line at the end of November
Pastor’s Andrew presentation on his visit to the Holy Land
Elder Meals Program Whatever else may come our way If anyone has questions or ideas for other things that Zion may want to participate in, please contact me [email protected]. Respectfully: Donna R. Hayes – Council President – Zion Lutheran Church, Worcester, MA 01606
SAVE THE DATE!! SEPTEMBER 23RD!! Friendly House and the Manor have joined together to create a fundraiser for which all proceeds will go to IHN. We are excited about this wonderful gesture toward IHN. A Taste of West Boylston and Neighbors will be held on Monday, September 23rd, from 5:30-8:30pm. This family friendly event will feature food and drink, live entertainment and raffles all for a good cause - IHN! Please join us by supporting this wonderful event. Please spread the word and share this flyer with your congregations. Stay tuned! Thank you for your support.
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SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 2019
Zion Dave Valleli – 09/02 Jaime Kach – 09/06
Philip Buckley – 09/09 Joshua Sundquist – 09/09
Julie Sundquist – 09/09 Tina Henry – 09/10
David Berglund – 09/17 Lynne Farsi – 09/17
Christopher Bowen – 09/18 Richard Harms – 09/17
Derek Fountaine – 09/24 Jerrilyn Mitchner – 09/26 Cynthia Safstrom – 09/26 Linda Bergman – 09/27
Stephanie Harms – 09/28 Jenna Mangsen – 09/30
Bethel
Anderson Zifcak - 09/06 Arthur Belmonte - 09/08 Sherry Gaspar - 09/09
Harold Johnson Jr. - 09/09 Alice Nobert - 09/09
Karen Whitmarsh - 09/10 Christine Gagnon - 09/13
Nancy Berube - 09/17 Cheryl Cronin - 09/20
Ruth Thompson - 09/22 Doug Ducat - 09/23
Stephen Van Dyke - 09/25 Henry Lewis - 09/26 John Leslie - 09/27
Preston Sturdevant - 09/27 Robin Keany - 09/28
Bill Wright - 09/29
We have survived another week of IHN!! And thank you to all of you for the generous donations of gift cards!! Thanks to all of you, we more than doubled our goal!! This helps so much thru out the year and not just during our week!! Remember they run on a shoe string budget. They function primarily by volunteers and that means by you! Without volunteers IHN would not be able to function or stay open.
Volunteers are important in so many ways.. Just as the families in the shelter are diverse….so aren’t the volunteers! From all different congregations, very affluent to very poor. Large congregations to very small and some how it always comes together and works!
Would like to say a fond farewell to Joanne Alley. She has recently retired. Joanne was the director of IHN for over 20 years. She started as a case manager for a year or two when the program just started and then became Director. She has touched over 300 families and I think that she remembers every single one of them! That doesn’t even touch on how many individuals.
The New Director is Dave Cote. I think that he will be making his rounds to the different churches to introduce himself to everyone in due time. His previous work was with Community Health Link.
One more note of Need and help wanted. We need to have at least one new person in the role as coordinator for our shelter weeks. It is not difficult to do and I think that if there was a split partnership between Bethel and Zion it would be easier and so much more successful! Meaning a coordinator from Bethel and a coordinator from Zion. It really is not difficult to do and I am more than willing to help out as much as possible You see, I need to have both of my knees replaced. The first one is scheduled for September 3
rd. I am hoping that I can have the second one
done shortly after the first. I don’t know if that is a reality. If I can’t have the second one done shortly after, then it will be next year. I will be having a difficult time getting around this fall. I am sure that I will be available to fill in at the shelter as I usually do for our weeks just a lot slower…..as I have been getting slower over the past year or two or three….
Everyone is so good about filling in holes and donating and helping out in so many ways! If there are holes that can’t be filled you just email the director (Dave Cote) and he puts
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out a blast to all the congregations to fill in….Somehow it always works out. You don’t have to go everyday to the shelter to make sure everything is in place. I do that because that is just the way I am. And I think that it is nice for the family to see a consistent familiar face; especially the children.
If you want to talk about becoming the coordinator and ‘job sharing’ between Bethel and Zion feel free to reach out to me at 617-620-0516 or e-mail me at [email protected].
Thank you for all that you do and for all that you do for IHN!
A donation for the purpose of bell repair has been made by The Krantz-Baird Family Fund through the InFaith Community Foundation. Thank You!
On Behalf of all of us at Abby’s House, we want to thank you for your generous contribution of non-perishable for the residents of Abby’s House. Thank you so much for your deliveries of food. Best wishes Jean Anger
Dear Pastor Andrew, Please extend my gratitude to Judy Sampson and Marie Sturdevant for joining us at the Florence House’s “New Home, New Beginnings” event! It was a great opportunity to bring many of our community partners together and celebrate a monumental occasion. We are so glad that Judy and Marie had the opportunity to tour the new home and hear about the work that Ascentria and Florence House’s dedicated staff are doing in the lives of teen mothers and their children. The new home provides improved amenities such as an open-concept living room and dining room where the mothers and children can comfortably gather altogether. The new home is also located in a quiet neighborhood in a convenient location with walking distance to the grocery store. To enhance the home, our next priority is to create an outdoor space for the mothers and children to play away from the parking lot. The project includes a grassy backyard and a small playground. This will further contribute to the safe and therapeutic environment we seed for the home. We are inviting our community to help support this next project and to contribute whatever they are able to toward our estimated goal of $11,000. To help defray costs were are also inviting volunteer groups to lend a hand with the yardwork.
I you are interested in supporting the Florence House and this particular project, we would love to hear from you. We cannot accomplish this without the support of the community. Gratefully, Jeffrey P. Kinney Director
NEW FACES When you're with us on a Sunday or
Wednesday, don't be surprised when you look around and find new people to greet and
welcome!
ZION Marlene and Bob Ekstrand have come to our community from Mount Olivet in Shrewsbury.
Einar Bischoff, her daughter Lisa-Woulfe Johnson, her husband Don and their daughter,
Bethanie, are with us from Christ in West Boylston.
BETHEL
Jessica Caminero, her kids Jose Jr, Zoe and Giovanni are with us from up the street on
Homestead.
Ruth Frechette and her fiancé, Mike Pellegrino are with us from up the street on Bryn Mawr
Connie Bredenberg is with us from Auburn.
The 2019 Harvest Fair will be held on Saturday
November 2nd
, 9–2, at Bethel. We are looking for
people to help in planning, set up and clean up, as
well as work the day of the fair. If you have ideas
you wish to share, or if you are interested in being
part of the team, please contact Marie Sturdevant or
Judy Sampson. Planning and preparation are
ongoing, and future meetings will be announced.
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ELDER LUNCH PROGRAM
We are advertising and working to get the word out to those in the Greendale 01606 area that two days a week a low cost lunch will be available to them.
Once we have a minimum 25 registrations the work will commence in setting an opening day the Grace Cafe, operating out of the Palmer Room location at our Worcester campus, Zion.
We have volunteer staffers from within and outside of Grace Ministries' twin campuses and are looking forward to commencing with this ministry in the Fall.
Your prayers and support are appreciated as we seek to meet the need of the food insecure within the community.
HOLY LAND TRAVELOG/POTLUCK
We’re looking to gather at the Auburn campus
Saturday evening, October 5th for 5 PM in Voosen Hall.
Sunday afternoon, October 20th After service in the Palmer Room
Slides from my sabbatical in Israel and Jordan
will be the topic, including pretty much every
religious site you can think of and including
Qumran, Petra, Caesarea Maritma, plus a look
into the lives of the Palestinian people.
Sign-ups for food and determining space
required will be in the narthex locations of both
campuses the beginning of September!
Ringer Notes Bells of Bethel News
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before [the Lord’s] presence with singing.” (Psalm 100 – KJV)
Calling all ringers! The Bells of Bethel will resume rehearsals on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 5:30pm & Sunday, September 8, 2019 after the late service. We play a variety of music, mostly based on known hymn tunes with 2-3 octaves and accompany hymns most weeks. Anyone is welcome to join, whether you can read music or not! Each note is color coded for a particular bell (all you need to do is count to 4). If you are interested, please contact Adam Hanks at [email protected] or 508-838-1427.
Blessings+, Adam Hanks, Director
Ringers: Pam Sutton, Ann Hanks, Lauren Kneeland, Roberta Briggs, Jackie Walsh, Kate Valleli
Part-Time/Substitute Ringer: Brenda Salvi
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Elizabeth Eaton re-
elected presiding
bishop of the ELCA 8/6/2019 12:00:00 PM
MILWAUKEE — The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton was re-elected presiding bishop of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Aug. 6 at the
2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. On the first
ballot, 897 votes were cast and 670 votes were
needed for election. Eaton received 725 votes, which
is 81.19% of the vote.
Eaton is the first ELCA presiding bishop to win re-
election on the first ballot. She was elected to a first
term as presiding bishop at the 2013 ELCA
Churchwide Assembly in Pittsburgh.
The first ballot for presiding bishop was cast during
the first plenary Aug. 5. The vote was declared
invalid because of an unconstitutional early vote on
the amendments to the bylaws of the ELCA
constitution. This included an amendment that gave
the ELCA Church Council the right of vote at a
churchwide assembly, which included the election of
the presiding bishop.
"Thank you, Vice President Horne. And thank you to
all of you, and thank you to the voting member who
rightly brought to our attention that we were not
following our own procedures," said Eaton,
addressing the assembly after the election results
were announced. "The law is in place for a reason,
but I'm really happy for the gospel part right now."
"We're church, church first," Eaton said, recalling the
first of the four emphases she introduced after her
election in 2013. "Our lives are not only supported
but our lives are surrounded, and our lives have their
basis and meaning in the death and resurrection of
Jesus Christ. And especially as we experience that in
our lives and are changed by that in word and
sacrament. That's where we get any authority or
certainly any integrity to do works of love and
justice, because we're church."
The 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is meeting
Aug. 5-10 at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee.
The assembly – the highest legislative body of the
ELCA – will participate in plenary discussions to
decide how to go about God's work as a church. The
assembly will also spend time in worship and Bible
study.
THE SPIRIT MOVES IN EL SALVADOR
Here are the 14 new Lutheran pastors in El
Salvador! Hallelujah!
These fourteen have worked with courage and
compassion for the last two to three years through
intensive study and deep pastoral ministry.
They are signs of God’s promise for the people of
El Salvador.
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ELCA Churchwide Assembly declares
ELCA sanctuary church 8/7/2019 10:15:00 PM
MILWAUKEE — In a key action this afternoon, the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to approve
a memorial that declares the ELCA a sanctuary church. The ELCA is the first North American
denomination to declare itself a sanctuary church body. As a sanctuary church the ELCA is committed to
serving and supporting migrant children and families in communities across the country.
Earlier in the day, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, joined more than 700
assembly members and others in a march and prayer vigil to the Milwaukee Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) office. The march addressed concerns about the human rights of migrant children and
families entering the U.S. along the southern border. Through the ELCA's initiative, Accompanying
Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO), this church
is committed to work toward just and humane policies affecting migrants in and outside the U.S.
What does becoming a sanctuary denomination mean for the ELCA?
What does becoming a sanctuary denomination mean for the ELCA?
- In its simplest form, becoming a sanctuary denomination means that the ELCA is publicly
declaring that walking alongside immigrants and refugees is a matter of faith. The ELCA
Churchwide Assembly, the highest legislative authority of the ELCA, declared that when we
preach on Sunday that Jesus told us to welcome, we will use our hands and voices on Monday to
make sure it happens.
- Being a sanctuary denomination does not call for any person, congregation or synod to
engage in any illegal actions.
- We have a broken system regarding immigration, refugees and asylum-seekers. To declare
ourselves a sanctuary church body is to say that we seek to provide corrective resources to assist
the most vulnerable who are feeling the sharp edges of this broken system.
- Being a sanctuary denomination is about loving our neighbors. While we may have different
ideas about how to fix this broken system and may have different ways of loving our neighbors,
our call to love our neighbor is central to our faith.
- Being a sanctuary denomination will look different in different contexts. It may mean
providing space for people to live; providing financial and legal support to those who are working
through the immigration system; or supporting other congregations and service providers. We
cannot mandate or direct our congregations and ministries to respond in specific ways. Each
must work out what this means for them in their context.
- While we don’t yet know the full scope of the work that this declaration will open for the
church, we do know that our faith communities are already doing sanctuary work.
Sanctuary for a congregation may mean hosting English as a second Language (ESL) classes;
marching as people of faith against the detention of children and families; providing housing for a
community member facing deportation; or in some of our congregations, having thoughtful
conversations about what our faith says about immigration. All of these are a step closer to
sanctuary in our faith communities and sanctuary in our world for people who must leave their
homes.
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- Except for our members whose ancestors were here before European settlement or others
who were forced to come to the U.S. against their will, the ELCA is an immigrant church.
Our decades long work with immigrants and refugees is how we practice our faith in the world.
Lutherans started Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, one of the nine refugee
resettlement agencies in the U.S.
- At our last churchwide assembly, we also committed to walking alongside Central
American children and families fleeing their communities by passing the AMMPARO
strategy (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and
Opportunities.)
- Through the AMMPARO strategy, we are also working with our global partners in Central
America to alleviate the conditions that cause people to migrate. We support organizations
and faith communities that work with immigrants in Mexico. In the U.S. we have a network of 151
welcoming and sanctuary congregations that are committed to working on migration issues and a
welcome for immigrant communities. The church also has five sanctuary synods (our regional
structures), all of which do work with immigrants, refugees and asylum-seekers.
o Our own New England Synod is one of the five U.S. sanctuary synods of the ELCA.
- In baptism we are brought into a covenantal relationship with Jesus Christ that commits
us to strive for justice and peace in all the earth. Following the example of martin Luther,
we believe that advocacy is a crucial expression of baptismal identity. As a church, we have
advocated for stopping the detention of children and families for decades. We have spoken out
against family separation, sought a pathway to citizenship for community members who have
lived in the U.S. for many years, and have taken steps to address the root causes of migration in
a way that honors the humanity in people who must flee.
- Being a sanctuary denomination means that we, as church together, want to be public and
vocal about this work. At the same time, we will have conversations about what sanctuary
means with many of our members and discern future action and direction. Welcoming people is
not a political issue for us, it is a matter of faith. See Social Ministry article on page 12.
LIPY-CM is serving in Northampton, MA for the October 20th worship service and meal.
This is a church “without walls”, overseen by our Synod’s own Rev. Stephanie Smith.
They meet out front of the First Church on Main Street each Sunday afternoon @ 5 PM.
We are collecting warms socks, wrap-up fleeces, things to help keep the homeless
population warm in the winter months. You can drop things off into the donations bins in each narthex location now through our LIPY
event.
THANK YOU for your support
Worshipping in Song
Another September is upon us, and that means it's time for our choirs to start up again, and we would love to welcome
more voices! No experience is necessary - although a desire to sing and a sense of humor are certainly helpful! Choir rehearsals will be held on Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm upstairs in the choir room and will begin on September 5. If you're thinking about giving choir a try,
come join us for singing, fellowship, and food at our Open Rehearsal on Thursday, September 13 at 7:00pm.
Our children will be rehearsing each Sunday morning from 9:00-9:15 to prepare for singing during occasional Sunday
services and for holidays. We also welcome instrumentalists and vocal soloists for occasional
performances. Please come chat with me after one of the Sunday services if you're interested in sharing your musical
gifts in worship!
Brenda Salvi Director of Music
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OUTREACH/SOCIAL MINISTRY Reaching out to a world in need
BETHEL
“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger
and you welcomed me…Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brethren, you
did it to me.” Matthew 25:35, 40 A common theme woven into our Christian faith is to lift up the poor and hungry, the sick and imprisoned, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. On August 5th, our Social Ministry team hosted an evening with Bess Sproul, who recently participated in a border immersion program through the ELCA. This event, which included an ice cream social, handouts, and a presentation by Bess, was supported with seed money from Thrivent Financial. A total of 25 people attended this event. We learned from first-hand accounts shared by Bess, what life looks like at the border for migrant families fleeing from persecution in their homelands. The ELCA is working to uphold and guarantee protection of vulnerable children and families as they make the treacherous journey, fleeing from their communities of violence, poverty and lack of opportunities. This is being done through the guiding principles of accompaniment, awareness building, and advocacy. To that end, we are raising awareness of the plight of refugees, to the congregations of Grace Ministries. We are exploring ways to support fellow congregations at the border, who are assisting migrant families as they seek survival, sponsorship and new opportunities, in addition to keeping their bonds of family intact. Through a free-will offering, we raised $610 which will be sent to Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey in El Paso, Texas. These monies will help to feed migrant families, seeking amnesty, who have passed the credible fear test while they wait to be united with
sponsors. Thank you to Bess Sproul and to those who attended and offered their support through this program. See article on ELCA Sanctuary on page 10. We wish to thank those who supported through the Kindness Tree offerings, the ministries of Interfaith Hospitality Network, Laundry Love, and Auburn Youth and Family Services Back to School Project. Are You Ready? The Social Ministry team is in the process of planning a series of informational sessions on topics of emergency preparedness and the beginning of the discussion and preparations on death and dying, which will include preparing a will, medical directive and health care proxy. More information will be announced. As we come into the fall, there are a number of opportunities to reach out to a community in need. On Sunday September 15th, please consider walking or sponsoring a member of the Grace Ministries Team in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. On Sunday October 27th, a team from Bethel will be walking the AYFS Walk for Hunger. All are welcome to join in the walk and help raise funds for our local community in need. On Saturday November 30th, Grace Ministries will be participating in the food packaging event through End Hunger NE at Zion. On Sunday December 15th, we will be preparing and delivering lunches to Worcester City Common for Worcester Fellowship. Please consider becoming involved in any of these opportunities to reach out to our neighbors in need. More information on these and other outreach programs will be announced.
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GRACE MINISTRIES, ELCA – Yoked Communities of Faith and Service
MISSION STATEMENT
"To boldly share God's Love and Grace universally in and through our communities."
VISION STATEMENT
Modeling the welcoming nature of God, we are humbly called and driven by the Spirit to witness, engage and walk with each other authentically, as Jesus’ hands and feet, providing spiritual, emotional and physical nourishment.
Through evolving partnerships with ecumenical and other social service organizations we affirm justice and wholeness under the “agency of Grace” that feed the needs and hope of all.
The Rev. Andrew H. Borden, Pastor [email protected]
Ann Spinner, Parish Administrator
Shannon Papandrea, Sexton
Pam Sutton, Kate Valleli, Garret Peters, Thom Carraher – Christian Education Team
Worcester Campus - Zion Lutheran Auburn Campus - Bethel Lutheran 41 Whitmarsh Avenue, 01606 90 Bryn Mawr Avenue, 01501 Office: 508-853-2009 Office: 508-832-3427
The-Community-of-Zion-Lutheran-Worcester.org BethelAuburnELCA.org
Organist – Karen Couturier Principal Organist/Choral Director – Brenda Salvi Choral/Bell Director – Sally Bond Associate Organist/Choral Director – Lois Toeppner, Deacon President – Donna Hayes President – Preston Sturdevant
Forward Leadership Team: Dave Valleli, Roberta Briggs, Stephanie Harms, Adam Hanks and Pastor Accountability Team: Jennifer Courtney, Linda Kikutis Kropp, Donna Hayes, Joan Parker and Janet Johnson
Yoke Council Co Presidents Preston Sturdevant (Bethel) & Donna Hayes (Zion) Secretary – Stephanie Harms (Zion) Marie Sturdevant
(Bethel)
Bethel Congregation Council EXECUTIVE TEAM: President – Preston Sturdevant Vice President – Dave Sutton Secretary – Marie Sturdevant
Kathleen Legg, Leanne Carraher, Doris Belk, Roberta Briggs, Grover Gentry
Functional Units Social Ministry – Marie Sturdevant & Judy Sampson
Finance Team – Lisa Ferreira, Chair Worship & Music Committee – Joan Parker, Chair Property Team – Garrett Peters, Rick Hagberg, Roy Benoit Jr. Altar Guild – Leanne Carraher, Chair
Adult Forum, Roberta Briggs
Preschool Preschool Director – Bev Sampson 508-832-9411 [email protected]
Teachers, Karen Borden, Shannon Papandrea, Teachers Aide, Kim Capaldi
Zion Congregation Council EXECUTIVE TEAM: President – Donna Hayes - Vice President – William Toombs Secretary – Stephanie Harms
Kristin White, Katherine Lehman, Bruce Blomgren, Don Leombruno
Functional Units Outreach Ministry Team – Ingrid Lawrence/Jean Harger, co-Chairs
Adult Forum – Dave Valleli Altar Guild – Virginia Carlson, Chair
A RECONCILING IN CHRIST SYNOD
Grace Ministries – September 2019
Page 14
LOOKING FOR A GROUP OF LUTHERANS TO MEET WITH AND SHARE
SOME EXPERIENCES AND HAVE FUN?
AS A SHARED MINISTRY WITH BETHEL/ZION, WHY NOT GIVE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING A TRY?
MEN’S GROUP On Tuesday, September 10
th the Men's Group will gathering for Food and fellowship @ 6PM. Proceeds
will benefit our Camp Calumet Scholarship Fund. Please sign-up in the Narthex or call the church office!
WOMEN’S: DOLs (Dine Out Ladies)
Tuesday, September 10th @ 6PM Burtons Grill, 193 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, Meet at the restaurant - each person is responsible for the cost of their meal. Sign up in the Narthex or call the Bethel Office.
“BOOKIES” Book Club The Bookies meet again on September 23
rd in the Chapel. The book will be Before We
Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. All are Welcome!
Grace Ministries – September 2019
Page 15
'A celebration for the
whole church': Lutheran
women reflect on 50
years of ordination
Aug 19, 2019
by Emily McFarlan Miller, Religion News Service National Catholic Reporter
MILWAUKEE — As they entered the worship
service on the last full day of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America’s Churchwide
Assembly, some of the pastors clapped along with
the upbeat music.
Some danced. Others draped their arms around each
other’s shoulders as they filed into the worship
service, two by two. All were women, ranging in
age from their mid-20s to the 104-year-old Rev.
Maria de Jesús.
The processional was the kickoff of a year of
celebrations leading up to the 50th anniversary of
Lutheran women’s ordination in the U.S. in 2020,
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton said in her
opening remarks at the assembly.
Along the way, Lutherans will mark 40 years of
women of color being ordained and 10 years of
LGBTQ people serving freely in the mainline
Lutheran denomination, one of the largest
Protestant denominations in the U.S.
"This is not just a celebration for women, or women
of color or for the LGBTQIA+ community," said
Eaton, the first woman elected presiding bishop of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
"These are decisions of this whole church, and this
is a celebration for the whole church. This church
has been blessed by the ministry of those formerly
excluded."
Fundraiser for Auburn Youth & Family Services
Monday, September 23, 2019 at the Public House. Barbecue Feast under the tent.
Adults $14/Children $5 (4-12 yrs)
Setting One: 4:30-6:15pm
Second Two: 6:30-7:30pm
Feast served buffet Style includes Tossed Salad, BBQ Chicken, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Baked Beans, Pasta Sala, Cornbread, Dinner rolls,
Dessert, Coffee and Soft Drinks.
For Tickets or more information see Lee Fenby (508-721-9096).
Grace Ministries – September 2019
Page 16
