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August 2007 Newsletter Contents [Newsletter Archive] |
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| Pastor's Article | Vicar's Article |
| Christian Education | Parish Notes |
| Portals of Prayer |
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August 2007 Newsletter Contents [Newsletter Archive] |
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| Pastor's Article | Vicar's Article |
| Christian Education | Parish Notes |
| Portals of Prayer |
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As a professor from our Ft. Wayne seminary was touring some of the former Soviet Union states, he visited a small seminary and entered the chapel just prior to the daily service. There were no pews, only a small altar at one end, and a few chairs along the other walls, and kneeling pads on the floor. Being the first to arrive, the professor took a seat near the wall and waited. A young woman entered for worship. She quietly approached the altar, and then laid face down on the floor in front of it, her arms spread out in a cross-like position. The other worshipers soon joined her, falling to their knees or laying face down, just as this woman had. After the service, the professor asked the young woman, "Why did you prostrate yourself before worship?" "We were in the presence of God," she answered. "Why didn't you?"
The incident was told by the professor himself and raises a very important question about our conduct during the Divine Service. It asks us a question that perhaps makes us feel uncomfortable and uneasy, but asks the proper question nonetheless.
Divine Service is the term we Lutherans use to describe what happens. The word worship is often used, even by Lutherans, but it usually conveys the wrong meaning. Worship is said to come from worth and ship, that is, a being or power that has worth and merit and is to be honored and adored. There is something in that definition that is good, right, and salutary, but it still can take us the wrong direction. The English word worship makes the activity something we do, but that is not the Lutheran understanding of what happens.
Lutherans have used either the old Latin word mass or Gottesdienst, the closest English equivalent being Divine Service. The wonderful German word conveys direction very well. We Lutherans understand it as from God to us. It begins with God. God speaks and we listen. And then we speak back to God what he has already said. That is what is most certain and sure.
All of this presupposes that God is present with his gifts. That's a very important concept which must be understood if one is to "worship" rightly. God is present with his gifts. God is present to give us something. The gifts God gives are his Word and Sacraments. In these God is giving himself. He makes himself present in a way that the world cannot see or fathom, but the Christian trusts the word of Jesus himself who promised to be present among us whenever his Word is proclaimed and his Sacraments administered. Thus, what happens on a Sunday morning constitutes the most important activity of the week because God comes personally to us in the Divine Service. Christ himself serves us! We might even say that Christ stoops to serve us, picturing in our mind's eye what Jesus did in washing the disciples' feet on Maundy Thursday.
Back to the professor and the woman. If our Lord is truly present with his gifts, if he comes to us in and through his Word, if he comes to us with his true body and blood in the Sacrament, then what should be our attitude and action as it unfolds? The "ifs" of the previous sentence really should read "because!" There is no doubt for us of the Lutheran confession that this is true or you would not be a Lutheran, you would be some other kind of Protestant who does not confess the Real Presence of Christ.
So, because Christ himself is present, the person who comes into his presence approaches in utmost reverence. Observe how some treat the sanctuary [literally, the holy place!], as though it were merely a gathering room or auditorium. There are those denominations which don't call it a holy place but simply an auditorium or hall. No divine service is going on there, only the service of man to God, and that hardly qualifies as divine.
One need not have an elaborate sanctuary in which to act reverently. The humble chapel in one of the former Soviet republics will do just as well. So will a grass-thatched roof of an open air sanctuary in Sudan or a humble frame building on the prairie. One can be reverent in a humble place because God himself is there in Word and Sacrament to distribute his gifts. It is the presence of God which makes all the difference, not the ornate beauty of the sanctuary. To be sure, a beautiful sanctuary reflects the beauty of God and his holiness, but it is not necessary.
Think about your practices as you come to the Divine Service. While not legislated by the Gospel, appropriate actions speak loudly about what you confess is happening. Kneeling, bowing [genuflecting], making the sign of the cross at appropriate places, speaking "Amen" ["this is true; I believe it!"] to certain parts of the liturgy, and other actions can reinforce the confession that you truly believe that Christ is present.
"We were in the presence of God," said the woman. We are in the presence of God at every Divine Service. Her question to the professor stabbed his conscience, "Why didn't you?" Indeed!
God Himself is present:
Let us now adore Him
And with awe appear before Him.
God is in His temple;
All within keep silence;
Humbly kneel in deepest rev'rence.
He alone
On His throne
Is our God and Savior;
Praise His name forever!
[LSB 907.1]
Pastor Meyer
THE GOSPEL AT TERRE HAUTE
As the days of my vicarage have been flickering away one by one, I have been asked on numerous occasions if I am looking forward to returning to Fort Wayne for my final year at the seminary. Though I have had a wonderfully positive experience on my vicarage, in various and sundry ways, I have been anticipating my shift back into classroom life. However there is one specific area of seminary life for which this is not the case.
I do not want to write formal, essay-type papers again. I did not especially like writing them before the start of my vicarage. And, considering that it has now been over a year since I wrote one, I do not look forward to jumping back on the three to five page single spaced horse again.
This doesn't mean, of course, that I see no value in formal, academic writing when it comes to theology. I have the utmost respect for all of the saints who have written brilliant and valuable theological commentaries, essays and things of this nature. After all, much of Scripture itself could be classified as rather formal in its composition. I am merely saying that, for me, conveying the wonders of the Gospel is easier to accomplish with fewer grammatical and structural restrictions. As valuable as formal writing is, writing in such a way does not come naturally to me and thus is not as effective as a style of writing that is more in keeping with my natural tone and manner of speaking.
To put it in simpler terms, I like to write in a fashion similar to how people talk. And I like to do this because talking and interacting with people is really the best part of all of this pastoral training stuff. I obviously don't mean that I'd rather be friendly with people than talk theology. These are clearly not mutually exclusive. Rather, I mean that talking and interacting with actual, real people about Christ is the greatest part about being a fledgling theologian. It's the part of a seminarian's training where all of that knowledge learned from writing formal papers actually comes alive, where confessing the Gospel becomes far more than just an academic endeavor.
I like less formal theological writing because it indicates a close familiarity with one's audience, because it sounds like one person simply talking with another person about Christ. I don't look forward to returning to more formal writing because, for me, formal writing leaves me feeling as though no one else is in the room and that I'm merely talking to myself. So, in effect, my main reason for not wanting to return to writing formal papers at the seminary is because I don't want to give up the close, familiar audience I've been blessed to have at Immanuel.
Throughout my vicarage, I have been blessed to have many rather informal, natural conversations about the most important thing of all, the Gospel, with so many of you. I've been blessed to watch as theology has come alive in our conversations. I've been blessed to see that talking about what it means to be a Christian is not something that is unnatural or uncomfortable for you to do. I've been blessed to see that the love of Christ's Salvation isn't merely on your minds during the more formal moments in the Divine Service, but that it also dwells among you during the informal moments afterwards. It has been wonderful to see that your desire to hear and learn about Christ is just as vibrant during the Scripture readings as it is over donuts and coffee.
Though I never wanted to see any of you hospitalized, I will also miss the wonderful discussions and conversations I had with the hospitalized members of Immanuel throughout my vicarage. It was nothing short of inspiring to see such great hope and comfort thrive among those who were facing such great difficulties. I was extremely blessed to sit beside those whom sickness had made weak in body and talk with them about how Christ had kept them strong.
Among the other informal aspects of my vicarage, I will also miss the chats and relaxed conversations I was able to have with Pastor Meyer. I suppose that the simplest sign of a great pastor is that he sincerely wants to see other men to become great pastors. Pastor Meyer was always willing to talk with me-no matter how small or big the subject-and always happy to give me his full attention when I needed guidance. All the while, his consistent, ordinary way of speaking always taught me that the most effective voice used for confessing Christ is the natural one.
In short, I simply wish to thank all of you for being natural with me. I with to thank all of you for helping me to grow in the faith and for reminding me every day that I'm extremely glad to be on the path headed towards ordination. I have been extremely blessed to have been surrounded by such wonderful, kind, caring and just plain natural brothers and sister in Christ. And so, especially when I suffer while trying to remember how to properly cite a quote from the Confessions in a ten to twelve page essay, know that I will always be grateful for everything that Immanuel has given me. To quote from Paul's letter to the Philippians, be assured that I will always, "thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel."
Vicar Hans Fiene
[Note: each month we shall endeavor to include a quote from the Lutheran Confessions about important items.]
1Tappert, T. G. (2000, c1959). The Book of Concord : The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (36). Philadelphia: Fortress Press.
LUTHERAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
This special report comes from the Rev. Robert Rahn, Executive Director of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation, an organization that we support with our Sunday offerings. Please read this fascinating report about this far-flung Lutheran Church in an unlikely place, Indonesia, the largest Muslim nation in the world. Keep in mind that your offerings help LHF meets the tremendous needs you read about here. -Pastor Meyer
"So will My Word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11
In 1920 the practice of cannibalism ceased among the Batak people of Indonesia. That was a mere 87 years ago. Two American missionaries, Henry Lyman and Samuel Munson of the American Mission Society in Boston, were among those who were eaten by the Batak people.
The Rev. Dr. I.L. Nommensen, a German Lutheran missionary, came to the Batak people in 1850. There were several efforts to also kill him. On one occasion he was tied to a stake and as the spears were lifted there was a huge clap of thunder and a big storm. It led his captors to conclude that his God was greater than theirs and he was released. On another occasion poisoned food was brought to him but his suspicious nature led him to feed it to his dog, which died as the sacrifice for his master. This dog was buried next to the Nommensen's and is part of the Nommensen Memorial display in the village of Sigumparring.
Today the Gospel has taken a firm hold among the Batak people as was promised by the Lord through Isaiah- "My Word will not return void." In the HKBP synod alone there are four million Lutherans, who surprisingly call themselves the Batak Protestant Christian Church. Together with the 15 other synods, the "Protestant" Lutherans number over six million.
It is a strange experience to enter a store, hotel, or shop and find the person serving you, more often than not, a Lutheran. It is also strange to see Lutheran churches dotting the landscape throughout the countryside and in the villages. The average membership for a congregation is 1,000, some churches have a membership of 5,000 and even 10,000. There are over 3,000 churches but only 1,200 Pastors. Many Pastors serve four and five congregations.
The 8,000 Catechisms and Catechism Workbooks distributed among the Batak's may seem like a drop in Lake Toba, Indonesia's largest lake in the Batakland. We are counting on the 200 leaders in the church to use them in teaching other Pastors and leaders while they wait hopefully for more copies to be printed. Will LHF be able to provide the many thousands that are needed?
Rice, tea, coffee, peanuts, bananas, tomatoes and watermelon farming bring a rich harvest and cause traffic jams as the goods are sold along streets in the villages. We pray that the Lord of the harvest will continue to bring a rich harvest of food and that a rich harvest of souls is also garnered.
We hope that the Batak Lutheran influence will penetrate the south part of Indonesia where Muslims have been prominent and have been active in persecuting Christians. It is said that the Muslim influence has not moved to the north because the Batak people are a feared people. Perhaps because of their past history of cannibalism.
Among the 1200 Pastors are 200 women Pastors. The challenge for the church with a shortage of workers is to define the role of women in the church, which will be more difficult to be done objectively after a practice has been established.
Missionary Nommensen is viewed as a king in the Batak land. His picture is seen not only in churches but in public buildings. His contributions included a Bible and the Enchiridion, but the Catechism Enchiridion has become a rare find. For this reason the LHF Bahasa translation has been very well received. When an official of the church was asked about the section on the Office of the Keys and Confession, he indicated that it was not taught at the seminary he attended.
In teaching the Catechism during the Batak seminars, Dr. Jacob Preus, Pres. Of Concordia University, Irvine, CA, taught the providence of God under the First Article and in the Lord's Prayer in the Seventh Petition (Thy will be done). The providence and will of God was experienced on the curvy, narrow, mountain roads when the bus we were riding in was forced off the road. It was providential that none of the ten passengers were hurt.
It was also providential that at the time we were not traveling next to one of the many deep ravines encountered on the mountain narrow roads. A large truck traveling too fast for the road, forced our bus to leave the pavement and in doing so encountered a very soft shoulder that pulled us into the ditch. The bus plunged into the mud and came to rest leaning up against the bank of a cliff preventing it from rolling over. By the next day another bus was brought to our rescue.
It's a simple lifestyle in the villages and rice is the chief food for these people whose average annual income is from $500 to $1,000. We stopped at the roadside and entered a rice field that was being harvested so we could personally take the curved knife and do some of the harvesting. Naturally we discovered that the farmers were Lutheran. We also stopped along the way to visit a Batak home, again it was a Lutheran home that was randomly chosen. Batak houses are unique and carry the style used for hundreds of years. The home is built on stilts and the bottom portion is fenced so that the animals have a place to be kept. Earlier in history, it was the place where slaves were kept. The roof is unique to the Batak's in that it is in a concave shape with a peak at each end. The roof is now made up of tiles or tin, whereas in the past it was straw.
Children are a treasure of the Lord. Where else in the world do the children need to have their own service because of a lack of space? We visited such a church on a Sunday when we learned of this. When we arrived for the 8:00 a.m. worship there were 300 children singing with their whole heart and soul. The little church was strained to accommodate the young worshipers. Their parents arrived for their two-hour service at 10:00 a.m. In this service four adult choirs provided special music sung without choral scores. The congregation singing, therefore, was spirited.
There was much excitement over visitors from America, even invitations to preach that were declined. Dr. Preus and I did bring greetings from America after the service and gave a brief message. We were asked to form a line so that all worshipers could come by to greet us with their personal "horas," the traditional Batak greeting. It was the American delegation that was encouraged by their show of graciousness.
The message of the day was given by a deacon as the Pastor had to be serving one of his other six congregations. The Lord's Supper was not celebrated and we learned that it is only celebrated twice a year, at Christmas and Easter. This led to some discussion about the frequency of the Lord's Supper. Their concern was that they did not want to lose respect for the sacrament.
The Batak church is living testimony to the Bible's promise: "My Word will not return empty." The further promise is that "it will accomplish what I desire." How is it that this church has shown such growth? Was it a multi-year evangelism program or some specially-devised church-wide effort? From what I observed, it was the plain preaching of the Word, the working together of Pastor and people, and the piety of the hearers. This is God's program, not man's.
"My Word will succeed in the matter for which I send it!" Thank God the Indonesian harvest is great. May His Word accomplish in our midst "the purpose for which He sends it."
I have to confess further that the providence of the Lord was seen in permitting me to have this "Batak experience" just at this time. It came during a time, when just before leaving, word was received that several of our major funding requests were declined and a message during the trip in this far land reported of another request that was declined.
The visit with the Batak's brought things into perspective and it became my resolve to consider the Batak's plight and take the Lord's Word to heart that if it is His will the matter will succeed in which He sends it. It is His promise and we rely on it. I believe God will use His people to help us bring in the harvest that waits in many lands and in many languages.
Our programs and our plans alone will not bring success. The Lord will provide the increase. Attached to His Word and planted in His soil it will produce a rich harvest.
The Batak's road is hard and the toil lasts into the night and then the harvest. Pray ye the Lord of the harvest to bless the LHF field work, and pray He richly provides so that our work can go forward in Indonesia and around the world.
(Written from the large 5,000 seat auditorium at the seminary of the HKBP church in Tarutung, Indonesia, the heart of Batak land, while listening to a self-formed quartet singing the Batak hymns of the church. A special added blessing in the "Batak Experience.")
Dr. R. Rahn
LHF Executive Director
01 August Wednesday, 7:00 AM Office of Matins 05 August Pentecost 10, 10:30 AM Divine Service 08 August Wednesday, 7:00 AM Office of Matins 12 August Pentecost 11, 10:30 AM Office of Matins 15 August Wednesday, 7:00 AM Office of Matins [Mary, Mother of our Lord] 19 August Pentecost 12, 10:30 AM Divine Service 22 August Wednesday, 7:00 AM Office of Matins 26 August Pentecost 13, 10:30 AM Divine Service 29 August Wednesday, 7:00 AM Office of Matins [Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist] |
COUNCIL OF DEACONS REPORT FOR MAY AND JUNE 2007
The Council of Deacons met on 12 May and 20 June 2007.
• The Council continued its study of the Book of Concord, discussing Article XX of the Augsburg Confession.
• Pastor Meyer reported on the confirmation of 7 catechumens. He will be a delegate at the LCMS Synod Convention in Houston from July 13 through 15. The new vicar will be inaugurated on August 5th.
• Board of Finance: Finance Chairman Jim Russler reported that income in May was $678 less than expenditures. The automated offering plan available to members through Thrivent Financial has helped smooth the ups and downs of our offering receipts, and members are encouraged to sign up for the plan.
• It was decided to invite a representative from Potente Studios from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to discuss repair and refurbishing of the sanctuary's interior as part of the 150th anniversary of the congregation. Potente Studios performed the last repair and refurbishing approximately 25 years ago. It was decided that the June meeting of the Council would be held to coincide with visit of the Potente representative.
• On June 20th the Council, Pastor and Vicar met with Mr. Fred Jahnke of Potente Studios and devoted the entire meeting to the discussions of possible repair and refurbishing of the interior of the sanctuary. After examining the sanctuary and inspecting Potente's records from their previous work, Mr. Jahnke made a number of recommendations:
• Cracks in plaster will need to be repaired, and many of these will recur within a short amount of time unless the walls are sealed with a fiberglass mat. The sanctuary will need to be re-painted, including new gold leaf accents.• Brad Cress reported that he is looking into the purchase of a used glass display case at a special price of $100, for exhibiting documents and old photos as part of Immanuel's upcoming 150th anniversary.
• Chair rail could be added along the side walls, along with vinyl wall covering below the rail for easier maintenance.
• Stained glass needs to be cleaned, and all woodwork should be cleaned and re-varnished. The painting on the raritus would be cleaned and re-varnished with a flat finish to cut down on the reflective glare and thus make it more easily visible.
• The glass in the suspended lights could be changed to a clearer glass to reduce the amber effect and improve visibility. All lamps would be inspected, repaired, and re-lamped in the process, while scaffolding is up.
• It was noted that the current carpeting, installed in 1968, is finally beginning to show considerable wear in some spots. Potente does not install carpet, but Mr. Jahnke suggested that we might consider a hard surface (tile or wood) under the pews and carpeting for the aisles and front area around the communion rail, both for visual effect and to approve acoustics.
• Work would take 8 to 10 weeks, during which time services would need to be held in the education wing.
• Mr. Jahnke will prepare an estimate for the work discussed, and the Council will meet in July when the estimate arrives. In the meantime the Council will look into the possibility of replacing the flooring.
• Pastor led the group with a closing prayer, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Summer Sunday School classes end the last Sunday in August which is the 26th. Regular Sunday School will begin the following Sunday, 9:00-10:00.
Vacation Bible School was once again a smashing success. Anytime we educate people about our Lord and Savior it is a success. We thank all the volunteers (too numerous to mention here) for the time, effort and gifts that were donated.
Each one of us has made commitments in the past for various reasons, but we need to remember the commitment that we made to Our Lord Jesus Christ. The responsibility of educating our children and ourselves by daily devotions, regular Sunday School attendance, our presence in Divine Service and all other services held during the year is one of the most important commitments that we have made. The excuses that we use for not attending the preceding events are not what we should focus on, our focus should be on individually correcting the situation and get our children and ourselves to the services held in God's name. Our Pastor, Vicar and Sunday School teachers work diligently to provide us with material important to our spiritual lives. Please attend!
Our next Board of Education meeting is Tuesday, August 7th.
God's blessings.
Chuck Lux
OAF BOARD MINUTES JULY 11, 2007
Meeting started at 6:35 with Brad Cress, Chuck and Nancy Roush, Leslie Bilyeu and Vicar Fiene attending.
The Habitat for Humanity project was discussed. Immanuel had 11 people helping with a variety of exterior construction. Consensus among participants was it went very well.
The moving out/in of the Vicars was discussed. Vicar Fiene is leaving the morning of the 30th and the Trampe's should be here by that Thursday. There will be a farewell reception on the 22nd and a welcome reception on the 5th . These are light refreshments. Monette and Leslie have a handle on these. A pantry shower for the Trampe's will be organized. The drop-off will be beside the table in the Parish center. Please contribute.
Chuck reported the Kroger card project is being well received. There are just 4 cards left of the original 20. Kroger will send the church a statement with our earnings. Chuck will ask Baeslers if they have a similar program.
Brad brought up the idea of the church participating as a group in the Race for the Cure, Relay for Life, the MS Walk, and other charitable events. We could wear matching T-shirts and walk as a team. Information will be posted on the bulletin board as the events draw near.
Leslie brought up the idea of a church picnic. After discussion, a date of September 23rd was set. The picnic will be after Divine Service in the vicarage yard and small parking lot. The OAF board will supply the meat the rest will be a carry in. More info will be forthcoming.
The OAF boards responsibilities for the 150th celebration will be primarily a Confirmands' reunion, a Vicars' reunion, the congregational picnic, and sale of merchandise. The possibility of members dressing in period clothing was also brought up.
The Orphan Grain Train, a charitable organization endorsed by the Missouri Synod is always in need of donations. Clothing, bedding, school supplies, groceries are some items asked for that are sent to needed locations within the United Stated and other countries. Look at their newsletter hanging on the bulletin board.
The next meeting is set for August 8th.
Respectfully submitted,
Brad Cress
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
On Saturday, June 9 members of Immanuel volunteered for Wabash Valley Habitat for Humanity. Resident Amy Powers is very excited about her new house. She has put in almost 200 hours of sweat equity and really appreciated all our hard work.
Special thanks to all who participated: Larry and Julie Agee, Darryl and Monette Harris, Bob Kelm, Ted Czanderna, Chuck and Nancy Roush and Randy and Jaymie Duerlinger.
This was a great way for God's light to shine through us and give our time and talents to someone who could use the help. If there is enough interest in doing this again, the board of OAF will be happy to schedule another volunteer day. Please speak to Jaymie Duerlinger if you are interested or have questions. Check out the photos from the work day in the Parish Center.
Jaymie Duerlinger
EARN MONEY FOR IMMANUEL EVERY TIME YOU SHOP FOR GROCERIES
As part of the fundraising effort of Immanuel's 15oth Anniversary Celebration, Immanuel members can use Kroger "Gift Cards" (a form of a debit card) for their purchases at any Kroger Store. Each time the cards are reloaded, for any amount, Immanuel will receive 5%. When our congregation's account reaches $5000, we receive a check for $250.
How does it work? Take your card with you to any Kroger store and use it to pay for your groceries, prescriptions or gas. Just simply swipe it at the register or pump. Any unspent amount remains on the card for future purchases. To reload more money onto the card, simply go the service desk and pay that amount you want on the card up to $500. You must wait at least 20 minutes to be able to use the card after re-loading. You can use that time to shop!
How do I get a card? Just see Leslie or call the office, Cards are preloaded with $25 and ready to use. Think about getting an extra to give as a gift or for other family members who might need to pick up a few groceries or get gas.
Please remember to use your card, every time you do, you are earning money for Immanuel!
WELCOME THE NEW VICAR
A Welcome Reception and Pantry Shower will be held on Sunday, 05 August following Divine Service to welcome our "new" Vicar, Heath Trampe and his wife Andrea (Aunnee). Please bring an item or two to help set up their pantry. Vicar Trampe says the aren't picky eaters but they do try to eat healthy. Other great ideas; paper products, gift cards, movie money.
CHURCH PICNIC ON SEPTEMBER 23RD
Mark your calendars and watch for more details in the September bulletins and Esprit.
SIMPLY GIVING®
The "Simply Giving" program allows your financial contributions to our congregation's ministry to be withdrawn automatically from your bank account. By simply filling out a Member Enrollment and Authorization Form, you can determine the frequency of your automatic gift- semi-monthly, or monthly- the option is yours. The advantages of using the "Simply Giving" program are many: 1) Your gifts to Immanuel's ministry are contributed on a regular basis, even if you are not able to
worship as frequently as you would like; 2) You no longer need to make out a check. It is all done automatically for you. 3) You can change the amount you contribute at any time. 4) There are no fees associated with the "Simply Giving" program, thanks to the generous service provided to the Lutheran Church by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy. Enrollment forms are available in the office and on the bulletin board in the narthex.
VACATION TIME
Vacation time is upon us and we ask you not to forget the ongoing needs of our congregation. Even if you aren't going to be here for a Sunday or two, the obligations of our congregation go on. You will find addressed envelopes on the table in the narthex. Please feel free to pick up a few and use them to send in your offering, if you plan to be out of town. Please remember our Lord's work while you relax and play this summer.
PORTALS OF PRAYER
The July through September issue of Portals of Prayer is now available in the narthex for your use. Large print copies are also available.
SMILES
Q: How many DIY buffs does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: Only one, but it takes him two weekends and three trips to the hardware store.
[For all those who have had orthopedic surgery lately]
Q: How many orthopedic surgeons does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Why don't you just let us take out the socket? You aren't using it anyway, and it will only cause you trouble later.
Consciousness: that annoying time between naps.
Fairy tales: horror stories for children to get them used to reality.