July 2015 Embark on an icy expedition where kids overcome obstacles with God's awesome power. Anchor kids in rock-solid Bible truths that will guide them through life's challenges. At Everest Vacation Bible School... kids experience God's Word in surprising and unforgettable ways! Each day, leaders reinforce one simple Bible truth - which makes it easy for kids to remember and apply to real life! Register today at www.lcifoothills.org/vbs. LCIF Talent Show Sunday, Nov 8 "Motown" Our vision is for you to have a dynamic relationship with God, to share his relationship with other believers, and to invite others to join us in making Jesus known Lutheran Church in the Foothills Growing Faith in Individuals, Families and the Community! July 27-31, 2015 Church-wide Potluck Picnic! The Fellowship Committee invites you to join us for church on Sunday, July 12, followed by a potluck picnic in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring a picnic food item like sandwiches, deviled eggs, cold salads, baked beans, veggie tray, chips, cookies or watermelon to share with everyone. Beverages will be provided. See you there and bring your friends!!!! Summer “Informal” Choir We will offer an “informal” choir on Sundays this summer. We will sing simple unison songs ranging from well-known hymns (like we do on Mother’s and Father’s Day) to showcasing some of today’s up to date worship music. No obligation is required and the time commitment is minimal, just show up at 9:15am on the Sundays you want to sing and we’ll learn/run through the music together; then do it during the offering time. And we won’t wear those funky robes either. It will be as easy as what we do on Mother’s and Father’s day, except “co-ed.” The only audition requirement (which can be waived) is a pulse so please consider coming out and having fun as we worship in song. June 28, July 5, 12, 29, 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and September 6; then the “formal” choir starts singing September 13th (with Thursday rehearsals starting September 10). LCIF at a Glance Sunday Worship at 10 AM Holy Communion is celebrated every week Fellowship/Coffee Hour follows worship Children’s Church (including Spirit Singers) at 10 AM Youth on Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 PM Church Office Hours: 9 AM - 2 PM, M - F Pastor’s Points Like a Child We think of faith in terms of belief and rightly so. Faith is believing something. It has been said that faith is believing what you know is true, but cannot prove on any rational level. But in Gospel terms, belief is simply the doorway to the House of Faith. Matthew's Gospel contains an incident in which Jesus spells this out clearly and directly. In the story, the people are trying to bring their children to Jesus and the disciples are trying to get the children out of His way. In their view, Jesus has more important things to do than to be bothered with the antics of little children, and so they are trying to protect Him. Then He tells the people that if they want to become the kind of persons God wants them to be, they must follow the example of those little children. "Let the children come to me," Jesus says, "for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 19:14) Earlier Jesus had said to the disciples, "Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 18:3) You believe in God, and that starts you on your journey toward spiritual fulfillment. But if you want to draw near to God, you must trust Him unconditionally, like little children trust before they become cynical and doubtful; before they discover that they can be hurt by people who betray their trust. If you want to be in union with God, you must put absolute childlike trust in the Resurrection power of God to transform despair into hope, sorrow into joy, and death into new life. Happy Childhood! Blessed Faith! LCIF Youth Group in July Wed, July 1 - (6:30 - 8:30 pm) - Food Sponsors - Carp Wed, July 8 - (6:30 - 8:30 pm) - Food Sponsors - Brandt Wed, July 15 - NO YOUTH GROUP (Detroit) Wed, July 22 - (6:30 - 8:30 pm) - Food Sponsors - Haxton Wed, July 29 - NO YOUTH GROUP (VBS) Sundays: Worship at 10 AM Bible Discussion Group at 9 AM (Join Pastor Jim in the Conference Room for a look at Ephesians) or Hang Out at 9 AM All youth in grades 7 - 12 plus college are welcome! Wednesday nights will resume using a similar format: Dinner, Game, Study. It is always helpful if you let us know if you are coming or not coming. LCIF Youth Group is starting a new study using the materials from ELCA Youth Gathering: the Gospel of Mark, Theology of the Cross, Confronting Evil Together. Peace, Renee Brandt & Lana Norton Eucharist at the Synod July 1, 11:30 am Rev. Ryan Chaddick preaching Anniversaries 7/1 7/12 7/13 7/16 Estelle & Oscar Segaitz 68 yrs Astrid & Andreas Hirsch 25 yrs Annette & Bill Ling 41 yrs Melissa & Ryan Chaddick 5 yrs LCIF Council Meeting June 2015 Action Items: LCF Business Li- cense; CCNS Facility Use; Teller Deposit Process; Update of Constitution/Bylaws. Received reports from officers, committees Next mtg: Tues, July 16 @ 7 PM in the Conference Rm. ALL welcome! Love in Christ, Jan - May Financial Status Pastor Jim Offerings $64,606.60 Facility $33,227.00 Congregational Meeting Total Income $105,307.33 June 2015 Committees Committee Presentations & Office $23,497.42 Nominations and Elections for Committees Facility $27,569.52 Received reports from Committees Salaries $58,667.27 Review, Revise, Adopt Annual Goals Total Expenses $109,734.21 Referred Mission Statement to Committee Net Shortfall $4,426.88 for Updating Page 2 JULY Birthdays 7/3 7/4 7/4 7/6 7/11 7/11 7/12 7/13 7/13 7/13 7/14 7/15 7/18 7/20 7/20 7/22 7/22 7/25 7/25 7/26 7/27 7/30 7/30 7/31 Rick Reinhard James Bullock Oscar Segaitz Liz Craney Corey Anzelon Jonah Kubela Jessica Gallegos Tom Fleming Jessica Micheri Kyle Tremain Annette Ling Chris Murphy Jackie Rovick Craig Gropper Edward Park Ali Jenks John Jenks Nick Brown Shirley Hingst Melissa Chaddick Terry Harrington Ben Johnson Linda Knutson Brent Cassidy Health Ministries of the Foothills 1300 E. Colorado St, Glendale 91205 (818) 209-9535 HMF provides a caring, holistic Christian ministry incorporating body, mind and spirit to promote the health and wellbeing of the community. Parish Nurse Elsie Ford, RN Board Members Pr Kurt Christenson Pr James Bullock Pr Keith Banwart Barbara Barnwell Renee Brandt Carole Brown Leora DeBoer Karil Drake Jim Graunke Connie Guritz Diane Haig Linda Kringel Pam Shea Janet Whitehead Fund Development Steve Seekins HMF Courtyard Party raises more than $5,700! YOU! Can be the HMF Treasurer! Ask Caryl Pettit how rewarding and EASY this important job is. One of the organs of the body that isn’t discussed very often is the esophagus. Unless it causes a problem we don’t even think about it. But the esophagus, though a fairly simple tube, performs the very important function of delivering food and drink from our mouths to our stomachs. That is its only function, but if it doesn’t do that one job properly it can cause big problems. When we swallow food or drink the esophagus rhythmically contracts from the throat to the stomach, aided by gravity, to deliver the contents to the stomach. At the top and the bottom of the tube is a ring of muscle. The top ring opens when we swallow to admit food to the esophagus, and the bottom ring works to prevent food from returning to the esophagus from the stomach. A number of problems can occur when the lower ring of muscle doesn’t function properly and allows some of the stomach contents to back up into the esophagus or, conversely, doesn’t open properly so that food can’t get into the stomach. The most common of these problems is formally known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This happens when the lower ring doesn’t function well and allows the stomach contents, which are very acidic, to back up (reflux) into the esophagus. It can cause heartburn, cough, hoarseness, or no symptoms at all. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus. It is caused by some sort of irritation such as from reflux or radiation treatment or infection. Barrett’s esophagus is a change in the cellular structure of the lower part of the esophagus, caused by regular reflux of stomach acid. Some-times this progresses to esophageal cancer (serious, but not common). An esophageal ulcer is just what it sounds like – an erosion in the lining of the esophagus, again usually caused by chronic reflux. Esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus. The usual cause? Reflux causing chronic irritation. Esophageal varices are another serious condition. The veins in the esophagus may become engorged due to cirrhosis of the liver. These veins can bleed profusely (i.e., life-threatening). Sometimes it becomes difficult for a person to swallow. This happens when the muscles of the tongue and neck that push food into the esophagus don’t work properly. This may be due to a stroke or some other disease such as Parkinson’s. Achalasia is a failure of the lower muscle ring of the esophageal to relax properly to allow food to enter the stomach (not very common). The contractions of the esophagus normally move in a regular, coordinated rhythm. However, spasms can occur that are irregular and uncoordinated and sometimes very strong. This is called diffuse esophageal spasm, and sometimes causes food to get stuck in the esophagus. Another type of problem occurs when the contractions of the esophagus are coordinated but are extremely strong. This is called nutcracker esophagus. The contractions move food down the esophagus to the stomach but cause severe pain. Much to my displeasure, I suffer from this. What can we take from all this? Because GERD is so common and can lead to other problems, I believe the most important preventive step is to relieve reflux. Being overweight can cause reflux, so maintain a normal weight. Don’t smoke! Don’t over indulge in alcohol. Some drugs, such as ibuprofen, can cause reflux. Fatty foods, caffeine, and carbonated beverages can lead to reflux. Large meals can cause reflux – better to eat smaller amounts. Standing or sitting upright after a meal helps to prevent reflux. Take care of your esophagus so that it will take care of you! Shalom! Elsie Ford, RN, Parish Nurse, Page 3 Everest VBS to Help Nepal On April 25, 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal. It was one of the worst natural disasters in the small country in the last 80 years. A major aftershock, measuring 7.3, followed on May 12. Between the two quakes, more than 8 million people were affected and nearly 500,000 homes were destroyed. More than 8,600 people have been reported dead. This summer, ELCA congregations (like LCIF) using Group Publishing’s Everest Vacation Bible School program have a special opportunity to help children, youth and families learn more about Nepal and the work Lutheran Disaster Response is doing to help our neighbors in Nepal. With the help of Lutherans from across the ELCA, Lutheran Disaster Response provided assistance right away to give immediate shelter and food, working with its partners on the ground: the Lutheran World Federation, Lutheran World Relief and United Mission to Nepal. Together, we respond. Lutherans will continue to help people rebuild their homes and lives for many months ahead. La Crescenta/La Canada Beach Bus to Santa Monica Beach June 16 – Sept 7, 2015 Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Labor Day 7 Things You Should Say to a Guest in a Worship Service By Thom Rainer (http://thomrainer.com) 1. “Thank you for being here.” It’s just that basic. I have heard from numerous church guests who returned because they were simply told “thank you.” 2. “Let me help you with that.” If you see someone struggling with umbrellas, young children, diaper bags, purses, and other items, a gesture to hold something for them is a huge positive. Of course, this comment is appropriate for member to member as well. 3. “Please take my seat.” I actually heard that comment twice in a church where I was speaking in the Nashville area. The first comment came from a member to a young family of five trying to find a place to sit together. 4. “Here is my email address. Please let me know if I can help in any way.” Of course, this comment must be used with discretion, but it can be a hugely positive message to a guest. 5. “Can I show you where you need to go?” Even in smaller churches, guests will not know where to find the nursery, restrooms, and small group meeting areas. You can usually tell when a guest does not know where he or she is to go. 6. “Let me introduce you to ___________.” The return rate of guests is always higher if they meet other people. A church member may have the opportunity to introduce the guest to the pastor, other church staff, and other members of the church. 7. “Would you join us for lunch?” I saved this question for last for two reasons. First, the situation must obviously be appropriate before you offer the invitation. Second, I have seen this approach have the highest guest return rate of any one factor. What if your church members sought to invite different guests 6 to 12 times a year? The burden would not be great; but the impact would be huge. 10 Things NOT to Say Holy Land Trip with Bishop Erwin Dec 26, 2015 - Jan 5, 2016 Join Bishop Erwin and Canon Jim Newman, on a joint Lutheran-Episcopal trip to the Holy Land, Caesarea, Tiberius, Nazareth, Petra, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Cost: $4,148 from Los Angeles. All questions about the trip can be directed to Canon Jim (stbedesla.org, (310) 391-5522 or [email protected]) Page 4 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. “You are sitting in my pew/seat.” “Is your husband/wife with you?” “Are those your children?” “The service has already begun.” “There is not enough room for your family to sit together.” “You will need to step over these people to get to your seat.” “That’s not the way we do it here.” “You don’t look like you are a member here.” “Have you considered attending the church down the street?” “The nursery is real full.” Audit Committee Minimum Number of Members: 3 Term: 3 years Objective: Examine and review all accounts and financial records of the congregation, and all congregational organizations, and to report the results of such review to the congregation and the Congregation Council. Meet: As needed Contact: Pat Hartney at [email protected] Christian Education Committee Minimum Number of Members: 5 Term: 2 years Objective: Plan and implement the total educational program of the congregation; select, train, and support personnel for the various programs; recommend policy regarding the educational program to the Congregation Council; provide the necessary means and facilities for these programs; and direct and supervise the entire educational program of the congregation along with the Pastor and the Congregation Council. Meet: Monthly Contact: Lisa Jenks at [email protected] Congregation Council Minimum Number of Members: 8 Term: 3 years Objective: Oversee the life and activities of this congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Meet: Monthly Contact: Anita Stoker at [email protected] Fellowship Committee Minimum Number of Members: At least 5 Term: 2 years Objective: Strengthen the fellowship between congregation members spiritually and socially, integrate new members into the life of the congregation, and generally build up mutual cooperation, trust, and enjoyment among the members of the congregation. Meet: As needed Contact: Mary Schulke at [email protected] Finance Committee and Treasurer Minimum Number of Members: 3 members Term: 2 years Objective: Exercise oversight of all of the financial affairs of the congregation in order to make sure that they are being conducted in the most efficient manner. Meet: Monthly Contact: Rayne Cumberworth at [email protected] Nominating Committee Minimum Number of Members: 6 Term: 1 year Objective: Seek out qualified candidates for the various elected offices and committees of the congregation, as and when required, See that the list of nominees is published in the congregation's newsletter at least twice prior to the congregational meeting at which the elections are to take place, and introduce the slate of nominees to the congregation at the appropriate congregational meeting. Meet: As needed Contact: Janice Schettini at [email protected] Property Committee Minimum Number of Members: 3 Term: 2 years Objective: see that all property owned by this congregation is properly maintained and/or repaired; represent the Congregation Council in negotiations of contractual agreements relating to he property owned by the congregation; and see that adequate security programs are in place to prevent damage to or loss of property and equipment owned by the congregation. Meet: As needed Contact: Roger Schulke at [email protected] (More on the reverse side.) Page 5 Outreach/Evangelism Committee Minimum Number of Members: 5 Term: 2 years Objective: Involve the entire congregation in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through word and witness. Meet: Monthly Contact: Anita Stoker at [email protected] Social Ministry Committee Minimum Number of Members: 5 Term: 2 years Objective: Plan and implement helping, caring ministries, with Christian compassion, to persons of all ages in need of aid in body or soul within the congregation and outside the congregation. Meet: Monthly Contact: Renee Brandt at [email protected] Staff Support Committee Minimum Number of Members: 6 Term: 3 years Objective: Oversee harmonious rapport among and between staff members; oversee harmonious rapport among and between the staff and the congregation; be the supportive advocacy of optimum working conditions; mediate any issues of dispute between staff members; and see that the job descriptions are prepared and maintained in a current manner for all staff positions, both full time and part time. Meet: As needed Contact: Joe Johnson at [email protected] Stewardship Committee Minimum Number of Members: 4 Term: 2 years Objective: Initiate programs for the development of good stewardship attitudes in regard to time, talents, and treasures; provide for training and utilization of members Page 6 for the work of Christ’s Kingdom. Meet: As needed Contact: Anita Stoker at [email protected] WELCA (Women of the ELCA) Members: All Women of the Congregation Objective: It is the intent of the congregation to provide and support an active women's organization, which shall be affiliated with the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and appropriate synodical and district organizations. Meet: Twice a month Contact: Liz Craney at [email protected] Worship and Music Committee Minimum Number of Members: 5 Term: 2 years Objective: Encourage maximum congregational participation in both public and private worship and assist the Pastor and staff in the administration of the public worship program of the congregation. Meet: As needed Contact: Yvonne Baldwin at [email protected] Youth Ministry Committee Minimum Number of Members: 5 Term: 2 years Objective: Involve the youth of the congregation in the ministry of Christ; provide for spiritual growth; promote genuine Christian fellowship for the youth; foster greater understanding of the world, national, and family issues; and provide regular, comprehensive reports to the Congregation Council on the worship, education, outreach, and service aspects of the ongoing youth program. Meet: As needed Contact: Jeff Brandt at [email protected] (More on the reverse side.) Page 7 Janet Cassidy Janet Cassidy Picnic Potluck Chris Craney Shirley Hingst Don Hingst Shirley Hingst Mike Meeker Don Hingst Jane McMahon Larry Anderson Ellen Harrington Susan Fleming Don Volger Evan Hartney Dale Zuelow Jane McMahon Tom Fleming Renee Brandt Anita Stoker Dale Zuelow Liz Craney Anne Reinhard Linda Spengler Renee Brandt Roger Schulke Janet Cassidy Tess Gropper Christian Gropper Chris Craney Janice Schettini Grant Haxton Miles Haxton 10:00 AM July 26, 2015 Roger Schulke Kathy Murphy Linnea Norton Rianna Reinhard 10:00 AM July 19, 2015 Brian Spengler Yvonne Baldwin Olivia Brandt Frederic Brandt 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 2015 Please check your calendar NOW. If you are unable to serve on the date shown here, please find a replacement AND let the office know (818-790-1951 or [email protected]). Thank you for your faithful service to the Lord. 818-248-7388 Mary Schulke Coffee Fellowship 818-248-1371 Janice Schettini Communion Servers 818-952-0104 Ellen Harrington Lectors 818-790-1951 [email protected] Office Ushers 818-248-0320 Yvonne Baldwin Altar Guild 818-790-1951 Office Acolytes July 12, 2015 July 5, 2015 WORSHIP SERVERS for Lutheran Church in the Foothills 1700 Foothill Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 www.LCIFoothills.org Page 8 Sunday 12 9:00 AM Adult/Youth Bible Discussion 9:15 AM Summer Choir Rehearsal 10:00 AM Spirit Singers Rehearsal 10:00 AM Worship/Children's Church 11:00 AM LCIF Potluck Picnic 11:15 AM Christian Education Committee 11:30 AM La Cañada Korean Church 12:30 PM La Canada Korean Church Fellowship 19 Youth Group to ELCA Youth Gathering 9:00 AM Adult/Youth Bible Discussion 9:15 AM Summer Choir Rehearsal 10:00 AM Spirit Singers Rehearsal 10:00 AM Worship/Children's Church 11:00 AM LCIF Coffee Fellowship 11:15 AM VBS Leader Meeting 11:30 AM La Cañada Korean Church 12:30 PM La Canada Korean Church Fellowship 26 - VBS Setup 9:00 AM Adult/Youth Bible Discussion 9:15 AM Summer Choir Rehearsal 10:00 AM Spirit Singers Rehearsal 10:00 AM Worship/Children's Church 11:00 AM LCIF Coffee Fellowship 11:30 AM La Cañada Korean Church 12:30 PM La Canada Korean Church Fellowship 2:00 PM VBS Setup 5 9:00 AM Adult/Youth Bible Discussion 9:15 AM Summer Choir Rehearsal 10:00 AM Spirit Singers Rehearsal 10:00 AM Worship/Children's Church 11:00 AM LCIF Coffee Fellowship 11:15 AM VBS Worker Meeting 11:30 AM La Cañada Korean Church 12:30 PM La Canada Korean Church Fellowship . 27 - VBS 3:00 PM KAMA Choir Rehearsal 4:00 PM Book Club 7:00 PM COSA 7:30 PM ALANON 20 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 10:00 AM Quilting Group 3:00 PM KAMA Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM COSA 7:30 PM ALANON 6 7:30 AM Kiwanis Board Meeting 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 10:00 AM Quilting Group 3:00 PM KAMA Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM COSA 7:30 PM ALANON 13 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 3:00 PM KAMA Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM COSA 7:30 PM ALANON Monday 29 - VBS 7:15 AM Kiwanis 8:30 AM Women's Breakfast 3:00 PM Lango 4:00 PM Lango 5:30 PM ALANON 6:30 PM NO Youth Group 22 7:15 AM Kiwanis 8:30 AM Women's Breakfast 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 1:00 PM LCIF Knit Together 3:00 PM Lango 4:00 PM Lango 5:30 PM ALANON 6:30 PM Youth Group 15 Youth Group to ELCA Youth Gathering 7:15 AM Kiwanis 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 3:00 PM Lango 4:00 PM Lango 5:30 PM ALANON 6:30 PM NO Youth Group 8 7:15 AM Kiwanis 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 1:00 PM LCIF Knit Together 3:00 PM Lango 4:00 PM Lango 5:00 PM Children's Church Swim Party 5:30 PM ALANON 6:30 PM Youth Group Wednesday 1 7:15 AM Kiwanis 9:00 AM Voors Theater Camp 3:00 PM Lango 4:00 PM Lango 5:30 PM ALANON 6:30 PM Youth Group Get the latest info at www.lcifoothills.org. 21 7:00 AM Men's Prayer Breakfast 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 9:00 AM Women's Bible Study 7:00 PM CEA 7:00 PM Church Council 28 - VBS 10:00 AM Quilting Group 7:00 PM CEA 14 Youth Group to ELCA Youth Gathering 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 10:00 AM Quilting Group 4:00 PM Finance Committee 7:00 PM CEA 7 7:00 AM Men's Prayer Breakfast 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 9:00 AM Women's Bible Study 7:00 PM CEA Tuesday 30 - VBS 10:00 AM La Cañada Korean Church Ladies Bible Study 7:15 PM NO LCIF Youth Band Rehearsal 7:30 PM RCA 16 Youth Group to ELCA Youth Gathering 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 10:00 AM La Cañada Korean Church Ladies Bible Study 7:15 PM NO LCIF Youth Band Rehearsal 7:30 PM RCA 23 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 10:00 AM La Cañada Korean Church Ladies Bible Study 7:15 PM LCIF Youth Band Rehearsal 7:30 PM RCA Thursday 2 9:00 AM Voors Theater Camp 10:00 AM La Cañada Korean Church Ladies Bible Study 7:15 PM LCIF Youth Band Rehearsal 7:30 PM RCA 9 Church Office Closed 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 10:00 AM La Cañada Korean Church Ladies Bible Study 7:15 PM LCIF Youth Band Rehearsal 7:30 PM RCA 31 - VBS 12:00 PM VBS BBQ 7:00 PM La Cañada Korean Church Bible Study 24 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 7:00 PM La Cañada Korean Church Bible Study 17 Youth Group to ELCA Youth Gathering 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 7:00 PM La Cañada Korean Church Bible Study 10 Church Office Closed 9:00 AM Lango Summer Camp 7:00 PM La Cañada Korean Church Bible Study Friday 3 Church Office Closed 9:00 AM Voors Theater Camp 7:00 PM La Cañada Korean Church Bible Study 25 8:00 AM CEA 9:00 AM CEA 18 Youth Group to ELCA Youth Gathering 8:00 AM CEA 9:00 AM CEA 11 8:00 AM CEA 8:30 AM Property Committee Work Day 9:00 AM CEA Saturday 4 Independence Day 8:00 AM CEA 9:00 AM CEA July 2015 LCIFoothills.org Children’s Church The Expedition to Everest is Getting Under Way! And you can be part of it!! Please contact Lisa Jenks at [email protected]. We are looking for Youth or College Students to lead the small groups. We also need a few supplies: Empty Plastic Gallon Milk/Water Jugs Artificial Christmas tree (to borrow) Large Tent (to borrow) Snack Sponsors (we’ll prepare it if you can donate financially or you can come help!) Donations to sponsor a child in need or to help purchase supplies. Special thanks to our Vacation Bible School Committee: Pastor Jim, Gretel Ujfalusy, Yvonne Baldwin, Larry Anderson, Renee Brandt, Craig Gropper, Mark Anzelon (and Sherry behind the scenes); and VBS Set Design Bob Baldwin and Roger Schulke. We’ll be raising monies for the victims in Nepal. ALL ARE INVITED to the End of VBS BBQ on Friday, July 31, around 12 PM. Meetings in the Youth Room All VBS Workers at 11:15 AM on 7/5 VBS Leaders at 11:15 AM on 7/19 All VBS Workers VBS Setup at 2 PM on 7/26 Children’s Church wants to say a special “THANK YOU!” to our friend, Larry Anderson, for his volunteer efforts to help Children’s Church with Movie Nights set up. Thank you, also, for making that all important food stuff—POPCORN!! Thanks, Larry!! Lutheran Church in the Foothills LCIF NEWS July 2015—VBS Buddies Coloring Page Vacation Bible School is 7/27‐31/2015 Register at lcifoothills.org/vbs Page 10 ELCA leaders express grief over shooting in South Carolina CHICAGO (ELCA) - The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), released a statement June 18 in response to a shooting where nine people were killed at a historic African American church in Charleston, S.C. Local authorities are calling the killing racially motivated. Two of the victims - the Rev. Clementa Pinckney and the Rev. Daniel Simmons of Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston - were graduates of the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, an institution of Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C. The Columbia, S.C.-based seminary is one of eight ELCA seminaries; Lenoir-Rhyne is one of 26 ELCA colleges and universities. "The suspected shooter is a member of an ELCA congregation. All of a sudden and for all of us, this is an intensely personal tragedy. One of our own is alleged to have shot and killed two who adopted us as their own," said Eaton. In response to the shootings the Rev. Albert Starr, director of ELCA Ethnic Specific and Multicultural Ministries and program director for ELCA African Descent Ministries, said, "I cannot begin to imagine the grief and sorrow that has gripped the families and members of that faith community. I am asking God this morning to teach me how to pray now, not just for this tragedy but for the racist and systemic hate that continues to be so embedded in the fabric of this country. Again, the cry and call will come demanding solution for a sickness that the U.S. public has not yet effectively diagnosed or even fully acknowledged." The Rev. Herman R. Yoos III, bishop of the ELCA South Carolina Synod based in Columbia, S.C., offered a pastoral message to members of the synod. "Rev. Pinckney was a friend and classmate to many of our pastors in the (ELCA) South Carolina Synod," said Yoos, adding that the news "comes as a shock to all of us, because he is beloved by all who knew him. This is a deeply personal loss for us not only because so many of us were friends and partners in ministry with this child of God, but also because as the body of Christ, we stand in solidarity in the name of Jesus with our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer. To see this tragic loss against the backdrop of the recent shooting of Walter Scott in North Charleston by a white police officer, we cannot help but recognize that as citizens of South Carolina, we continue to struggle with serious issues related to racial injustice. Recently I wrote an article about the need for a new conversation about racial relations in our society. Our ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton also encouraged all Lutherans to be engaged in such honest conversations around the racial injustices that permeate our society. It is because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we can bear one another's burdens and be instruments of reconciliation." It has been a long season of disquiet in our country. From Ferguson to Baltimore, simmering racial tensions have boiled over into violence. But this ... the fatal shooting of nine African Americans in a church is a stark, raw manifestation of the sin that is racism. The church was desecrated. The people of that congregation were desecrated. The aspiration voiced in the Pledge of Allegiance that we are "one nation under God" was desecrated. Mother Emanuel AME's pastor, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, was a graduate of the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, as was the Rev. Daniel Simmons, associate pastor at Mother Emanuel. The suspected shooter is a member of an ELCA congregation. All of a sudden and for all of us, this is an intensely personal tragedy. One of our own is alleged to have shot and killed two who adopted us as their own. We might say that this was an isolated act by a deeply disturbed man. But we know that is not the whole truth. It is not an isolated event. And even if the shooter was unstable, the framework upon which he built his vision of race is not. Racism is a fact in American culture. Denial and avoidance of this fact are deadly. The Rev. Mr. Pinckney leaves a wife and children. The other eight victims leave grieving families. The family of the suspected killer and two congregations are broken. When will this end? The nine dead in Charleston are not the first innocent victims killed by violence. Our only hope rests in the innocent One, who was violently executed on Good Friday. Emmanuel, God with us, carried our grief and sorrow - the grief and sorrow of Mother Emanuel AME church - and he was wounded for our transgressions - the deadly sin of racism. I urge all of us to spend a day in repentance and mourning. And then we need to get to work. Each of us and all of us need to examine ourselves, our church and our communities. We need to be honest about the reality of racism within us and around us. We need to talk and we need to listen, but we also need to act. No stereotype or racial slur is justified. Speak out against inequity. Look with newly opened eyes at the many subtle and overt ways that we and our communities see people of color as being of less worth. Above all pray - for insight, for forgiveness, for courage. Kyrie Eleison The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Page 11 Women’s Groups and Organizations at LCIF WELCA and Bible Study Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA) meets from 9 to 11 AM twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, with the Bible Study group. A voluntary thank offering is collected. Donations from our group are proposed and voted upon. In the past year a donation has covered supplies for the Quilting group, support of the Knit Together group, support of the Wounded Warrior and Heifer international projects, and a donation to the National WELCA. We also donated a lace tablecloth to the fellowship committee for coffee hour and other events. We covered the costs of a memorial gathering held for one of our own members. We will be donating to the Diaper Detroit project that the youth are supporting with their retreat to Detroit in July. Cards are sent to people we hold in our hearts with concern or celebration. Each year a $200 scholarship is given to each high school graduating senior woman from the congregation. A representative usually attends the Synodical Women’s Convention (October 2-4, 2015 @ The Oaks at Lake Hughes). Women’s Bible Study Bible Study meets from 9 to 11 AM twice each month on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at the same time as WELCA. Gather Magazine, a publication of WELCA is used as a Bible Study guide. This magazine includes a monthly Bible Study and accompanying articles that support and provide insight into the theme of the Bible Study. Volunteer members from the group lead the Bible Study. Knit Together Knit Together meets twice a month from 1 to 3 PM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Those who Knit, Crochet, or work on other fiber arts are welcome. In this group we have shared fellowship, learned or relearned to knit, and worked on charity projects and our own personal projects. The group has donated sweaters to Knit for Kids -- a World Vision Project, Prayer Shawls for LCIF, Baby Blankets for Avenues Pregnancy Clinic in Glendale, and hats for Chemo patients through Knots of Love. Yarn is available for learning, or for work on charity projects. Quilting Group This group meets from 10 to 2 on the 1st and 3rd Mondays and 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Quilts are sewn and donated to Lutheran World Relief. 25 were donated in the past year. All are encouraged to come help out. No experience is necessary. Women’s Breakfast Women gather for Breakfast on the 4th and last Wednesday mornings of the month (8:30 AM). They meet at Magpie’s and usually move to Penelope’s during the summer. Fellowship and prayer concerns are shared. Page 12 Page 13 Women of the ELCA Bible Studies Summer of 2015 June 2015 Living in Balance Building a balanced life by Jennifer Hackbarth. What does owning a fixerupper home have to do with living a balanced life? One pastor explains. Striving for balance by Grace Heyne. A recent college graduate shares her tips for living a balanced life and how to support others to do the same. Faith reflections: Seeking calm by Sonja Hagander. The story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in the Old Testament, can teach us about decreasing our stress to live a balanced life. July 2015 As women, do we say sorry too much? One pastor reflects on her ministry and how events taught her to live an unapologetic life. Get to know our Synod Council! Heather Ross Congregation: Bethel, Templeton; Central Coast Conference. Your life's work: Commercial Lines Account Manager (Small Business) at Morris & Garritano. Why you serve on the Council: Serving on Synod Council gives me an opportunity to serve God and my church community while helping me feel connected to the larger church in a very concrete way. I was born in the Chicago area, grew up in San Jose, got my undergraduate degree in government from Cornell University, and have a Master of Theological Studies from PLTS and a single-subject teaching credential in English from CSU East Bay. My husband and I were set up by friends and were engaged after only three weeks; we've been married six years. We commute, run, and bicycle together. We've completed two half marathons, two 10Ks (one off-road), and a few 5Ks. We like cycling a lot better than running, though. Page 14 No Catchy Slogans by Emma Crossen (Women of the ELCA's former stewardship director) Session1: Give in secret Session 2: Be like the widow Session 3: God loves a cheerful giver Fall of 2015 Slow Faith by Liv Larson Andrews (pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in the West Central neighborhood of Spokane, Washington). A three-session study on speed and slowness, and how the Kingdom of God moves slowly, yet we are asked to move with ever greater speed. Session 1: Sabbath Keeping Session 2: Make Haste O Lord Session 3: Tempo Giusto Winter of 2015–16 Christian Citizenship 101 by E. Louise Williams and the Rev. Phyllis N. Kersten (two regular contributors to Gather and Lutheran Woman Today). Session 1: Confidence in God’s Beginnings and Endings (Phil. 1:1-26) Session 2: Servant-Shaped Soldiers (Philippians 1:27-2:18) Session 3: Being of One Mind (Philippians 2:19-4:3) Session 4: Keep On Keeping On (Philippians 4:4-23) 2014 Annual Report available at ELCA.org Advocacy Update for June 2015 Report on Central America: ELCA Advocacy completed a report on the findings from a recent trip taken by ELCA leaders to El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala to better understand what drives so many children and families to flee their homes. This report takes a faithful look at the root cause of Central American forced displacement and the repatriation of children and families after the summer of 2012. Global Food Security Act: Recently, members of the House and Senate reintroduced the Global Food Security Act – an act that will enhance international development programs and investments, such as Feed the Future. ELCA Advocacy is taking action to help promote food security by urging members of Congress to pass this legislation. Green Climate Fund: ELCA Advocacy announced its support of the Green Climate Fund last month. This international initiative mobilizes support for developing nations struggling to combat the growing effects of climate change. The consequences of climate change fall hardest on our brothers and sisters throughout the world who are least able to adapt because they live in communities already struggling with poverty and hunger. Financial debt in Nepal: Jubilee USA Network, an alliance of organizations and faith communities of which the ELCA is a member, is spearheading an international effort to support Nepal’s recovery efforts by cancelling the country’s overwhelming debt. ELCA Advocacy joined Jubilee USA in urging the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to provide immediate debt relief to Nepal so that the government can redirect these funds toward recovery and rebuilding efforts. Peace Not Walls conference call with Presiding Bishop Eaton, Global Mission Area Program Director Cindy Halmarson, and ELCA members with a keen interest in the Peace Not Walls campaign. It was an opportunity for those listening to hear about the Presiding Bishop’s recent January visit to the region and her perspectives on the current situation there. U.N. Post-2015 Development Agenda: The fifth session of intergovernmental negotiations for the Post-2015 Development Agenda took place between May 18 and 25 in New York. There appears to be emerging consensus that the HighLevel Political Forum, created at the Rio+20 conference in 2012, will be the venue for follow-up activities once the agenda is adopted. Consensus has not yet been reached on the means of implementation for the goals or on the relationship of the findings of the August Financing for Development conference to the Post-2015 Agenda. Criminal Justice System & Sentencing Reform Today, too many families are separated by a criminal justice system that unfairly punishes those who have committed non-violent offenses. Our Lutheran voice can help take steps toward making our communities whole again. Over the last 30 years, The United States has seen a 500 percent increase in the number of people in our prisons and jails. Much of this increase is due to policies that call for excessively high mandatory minimum sentences, which does little to reduce crime and unfairly punishes our brothers and sisters who are minorities living in poverty. The ELCA advocates for reform because existing mandatory minimum sentencing laws undermines democratic principles that are critical to our prosperity as a nation. By eliminating judges’ discretion in sentencing decisions and criminalizing addiction, our nation’s sentencing policies erode the human dignity of judges and those who are sentenced. The Smarter Sentencing Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation, makes modest reforms to the criminal justice system by alleviating overcrowding in our prisons, restoring the ability of federal judges to determine fairer and more realistic sentences, and creating more transparency. Creation Justice Ministries has hired Shantha Alonso as permanent executive director! Shantha did undergraduate work at the University of Notre Dame. After college, she did congregation-based community organizing in Southern California and St. Louis and with the Gamaliel Foundation. Shantha has a passion for working ecumenically. She worked for the National Council of Churches doing young adult, anti-poverty, and eco-justice ministries. She also served as vice chair of the World Student Christian Federation. Shantha holds a MSW (Washington Univ in St. Louis) and a Master of Pastoral Studies (Eden Theological Seminary). Page 15 LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THE FOOTHILLS 1700 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridg e, CA (818) 790-1951 LCIFoothills.org [email protected] Ministers - All People of LCIF Jim Bullock, Interim Pastor ([email protected]) Mark Anzelon, Music Minister ([email protected]) Sun Coe, Pianist/Organist Lisa Jenks, Children’s Worship Coordinator ([email protected]) Astrid Hirsch, Nursery Attendant Renee Brandt, Newsletter Editor ([email protected]) Sherry Michel, Secretary ([email protected]) Important Dates Summer “Informal” Choir - July 5, 12, 19, 26 - 9:15am Church Potluck Picnic - Sunday, July 12 Property Committee Work Day - July 11 Women’s Bible Study - Tuesday, July 14 - 9 am Book Club (Ten Commandments) July 27 - 4 pm VBS - July 27-31 ALL ARE WELCOME! PLEASE COME! BRING A FRIEND! Pray for our Youth Group while they are in Detroit - July 14-19 Monday Book Club Church Women United Tues, July 14 from 11 am to 1 pm Annual “Salad Bar Luncheon” In the Carlson Fellow-ship Center at First United Methodist Church of Glendale (134 N. Kenwood St). Supporting the Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels. $8.00 donation per person. Here are the books we will be reading this summer: Wild by Cheryl Strayed will be discussed at our meeting on Mon, June 29. The Ten Commandments by Dennis Prager will be discussed on Mon, July 27 and Suspect by Robert Crais (which was a La Canada Flintridge One City One Book Selection) will be discussed on Mon, Aug 24. All meetings are at 4:00 p.m. in the conference room. Come join us!!! Mary Schulke, Doris Samuelson, Carole Brown, Liz Craney
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