Wednesday, February 29, 2012

We are the Hosts

Not the holy hosts, just the hosts and hostesses for the Lent service on Wednesday, March 28 at 6pm.
Food and beverages are needed. Hopefully there will be a sign-up sheet in church this week. If not, speak to Marcia about your contributions. M, hope you don't mind me listing you as the "point person" here. Is there someone else's name I should use instead?
Also, please notice that the Lent Schedule is posted as a link on the top of this page for easier access.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Quarterly Newsletter

If you have information you would like in the quarterly newsletter Pastor Jim sends out, please send it to Sharon Smith at St. Luke's by this Sunday.
Thanks, Linda O'Neil

Thursday, February 16, 2012

In the Meantime

David Lose of Luther Seminary in St.Paul MN, whom I have quoted on occasion in my preaching, will be posting a devotional for each day throughout Lent that explores Mark's account of the Passion of our Lord. The blog goes "live" this Wednesday (2/15), and the devotions start on Ash Wednesday.  The site is called "In the Meantime" and the address is www.davidlose.net.
Pr. Bob Isaksen

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

ELCA Global Links


Pastor Bob shares all the good works being done by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America:

Lutherans break ground for a new resettlement village in Haiti
A groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 2 celebrated a new village which will provide housing for 1200 people displaced by an earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010. ELCA Disaster Response is providing $3.5 million for this Lutheran World Federation project. Read this story and more at www.elca.org/news (click on News Releases in the left-hand column).

Bishop Hanson sends letters of support to Syrian church leaders
In letters to Christian church leaders in Syria, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), offered his support of the churches’ collective call for an end to violence and his prayers for the people in the region. See http://blogs.elca.org/peacenotwalls/.    

Plant a tree in the Luther Garden
The roots of the Reformation that began with Martin Luther’s 95 theses in 1517 are being remembered and watered already in the Luther Garden in Wittenberg, Germany. Learn how your congregation can participate at www.elca.org/wittenberg (click the Luther Garden tab on the left navigation bar).

Lenten meals from around the world
Does your congregation host meals before Lenten services? Try out the Lenten Meal Series! You'll find complete plans for 12 different meals, including global recipes, table prayers, discussion starters and more. It's a great way to learn about the world and discover how our church is making a difference. www.elca.org/hunger/lent.  

Liberia: "The Mother Teresa of the ELCA"
Bette McCrandall, long-time ELCA missionary in Liberia, was recognized at the ELCA Summer Missionary Conference for her tireless and courageous service. Read the entire story at www.elca.org/handinhand; click either the copy-ready bulletin insert or the Winter 2011-12 issue of the Hand in Hand newsletter. 

Just arrived in Madagascar
Austin and Tanya Propst are the new ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission coordinators for Madagascar. They have just arrived in what will be their new home for the next four years. See http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand/.   

Monday, February 13, 2012

Horn of Africa - disaster relief


The longest drought in the Horn of Africa has driven thousands of people from their homes. Relief efforts continue as the over 11 million people affected work to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. For many this path has led them to a refugee camp in search of food, water, security and a chance to move forward.
As a church called and equipped to do God’s work in the world, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is helping those affected by working through our partners on the ground and local personnel in the refugee camps.
Your gift designated for “Horn of Africa Drought Relief,” will be used in full — 100 percent — in response to this disaster. Thank you!
Give through your congregation or send your check directly to:
ELCA Disaster Response
 39330 Treasury Center
Chicago, IL 60694-9300
Please write “Horn of Africa Drought,” “ELCA Disaster Response:Where needed most” or “ELCA World Hunger: Where needed most” on your check’s memo line. 
Posted for Pastor Bob