Emmanuel Lutheran Church Clovis THE GRAPEVINEstorage.cloversites.com/emmanuellutheranchurch1/... ·...

Www.emmanueclovis.org

N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 2

Emmanuel Lutheran Church Clovis

T H E G R A P E V I N E Dear Christian friend, How many of you were born BC? By “BC” I mean “Before Cell-phones?” Martin Cooper invented the first cell phone in 1973. My kids were born AC, but I was born BC. In a world of 7 billion people, there are now 5 billion cell phone subscriptions. Pretty amazing for something under 40 years old! And I just got a new iPhone 5! In the last forty years this high tech age has changed the way we do business, the way we get our education, the way we socialize. The world has never been so closely connected, and there has never been this much immediately accessible information as there is with our new online universe. Each cell phone is almost the equivalent of having the Library of Congress in our hands. Unfortunately all that easily accessed info has also led to an epidemic of a new kind of crime — identity theft. With just a few bits of our personal information, an online burglar can electronically hijack anyone’s identity and drain bank accounts, take out huge loans, run up mountains of credit card debt. Once your identity is stolen your name is no longer your own. No matter your name, your name is mud. No wonder one of the fastest growing businesses in the last decade has been the security business, especially “identity security.” Com-panies like “LifeLock” promise to keep your identity safe from electronic thieves and watchdog all your personal information. If you pay them they will keep a constant eye out for suspicious activity. For a price, your identity will be safely “locked” down. That is, as long as your “identity” is defined by what you own and what you owe. But our personal identity is more than a financial history. Who we are is more than a paper trail of purchases and payrolls. Identity thieves may be able to steal our economic life. But our true identity, who we are in this world, should be beyond the grasp of any online bandit. What is your identity? At the very core of your being, who are you? It’s a core question, since every corporation and every institution that understands these digital times is reinventing itself around “Who we are” and away from “What we sell” or “What we offer.” Jesus gave his followers a new identity as his disciples. But despite all he has revealed about the kingdom of God, his closest chosen companions still don’t get it. James and John thought that the path of discipleship, their faithful following of Jesus, would naturally lead them to the celebrated “head table,” to places of honor and rightful recognition in this world. So confident are they about this future that they try to force Jesus to promise that he will save them those places of honor at the table. Jesus summarily rejects James’ and John’s seating chart. “Headship” is not the true identity of discipleship. The way of the world, the world of head honchos at head tables, was not the way of discipleship. Disciples are “great” by becoming “servants.” The “first” in a lineup of Jesus’ disciples is the one at the bottom of the heap, the “slave of all.” The world may judge greatness by who’s “on top,” who’s “on first.” But Jesus declares to those who would follow him, in some of the most powerful words of Scripture, “it is not so among you.” Discipleship identity is found in Christ, in following Jesus not just on his miraculous ministry before Jerusalem, but in following Jesus all the way to the cross. In fact, you might even say that discipleship is less about who you are, than whose you are and whom you serve. Jesus is our LifeLock. In him our identity is safe and secure . . . .from all alarm. We are to be “in” the world but not be “of” the world. We are to be discernible disciples of Jesus who live by the polities and protocols of another world, a world where our identity is secured and protected by our LifeLock Lord. In His service,

Pastor Ed

November, 2012, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel clovis.org

LETTER FROM THE GOVERNANCE BOARD

Due to circumstances beyond his control, Darrell was not able to get his letter in this month. He extends his blessings to all.

From Your Vicar:

Vicar Gary

November, 2012, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel clovis.org

Busy Month of October

EMMANUEL FUNDRAISERS

November , 2012 , Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapev ine www.emmanuel c lovis .org

Youth Fund Raiser

Remember to SAVE your PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES, & SODA BOTTLES for the green youth trash can located in the Church House. Thank you for supporting our recycling program.

Altar Flower Sign-Up If you would like to honor a special person, date or event, please consider providing altar flowers one week during the year. The sign-up calendar is located on the wall near the restrooms in the narthex.

PREGNANCY CARE CENTER Remember to bring your baby items to fill up the bassinet for this organization which gives the choice of life to many young people who might otherwise decide on abortion. Small baby items, blankets, Diapers, formula, bottles, or whatever else you may be able to think of.

RESCUE MISSION DONATIONS Please keep those donations coming for the Rescue Mission. Items needed are personal items:

Wash Cloths Deodorant Toilet Tissue

Personal Hygiene

All items are greatly appreciated. Items may be placed in the marked box in the Hall of the Narthex..

PRAYER CHAIN and CPR We have two prayer ministries going on at Emmanuel the Prayer Chain is led by Helene Kipp and she can be reached by phone 447-9369 or e-mail [email protected]. CPR is led by Martha on Wednesdays in

the church house at 12 noon. You can come and join us there.

What’s Happening?

Staffed nursery care will continue for the Sunday worship service AND the Sunday School Bible class houreach Sunday. An anonymous gift has made this paid staffing addition possible.

Pastor Heidel’s Wednesday night class on the study of the book of Luke Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Hisclasses are really worth your time, you will surely learn something you didn’t know before!

The New Heart Bible Study Has started again for another 8 week session.The Women of Grace are still raffling off an afghan crocheted by Marlene Coffman. We’ll be selling tickets

for $5 each or 3 for $10 after services and at all activities. It is really beautiful and so soft. Get your ticketson sale until we collect $500.

There will be a Voter’s Assembly Meeting on Sunday, November 11th, about the Ministry Program andbudget for 2013. There will be no Bible classes scheduled. The Youth will have supervised activitiesduring the voter’s meeting.

A new Bible study is starting in November 4th for 6 weeks. You will need a book “Made to Crave” whichcosts $15 and a Participants Guide which costs $10. Judy Strickler will lead this Bible Study. Replace yourfood craving with God craving.

Two additional “Pulse Sessions” scheduled to give opportunities to for other worshipers to discuss thenext chapter of ministry at Emmanuel. Such things as second Sunday worship service, staffing, newministries, and possible future building plans. Second session will be held in the church house onTuesday evening Oct. 23, at 6:30. The third Pulse Session will be for those 40 and under. It will be heldon Sunday evening , Nov. 4 at 6:45 at the home of Chad and Keisha Watkins. Others who wish toparticipate but cannot make either time can schedule an appointment with Pastor Ed.

Want to raise extra money for Emmanuel? Just turn in your empty inkjet cartridges to our church office for recycling.

This is a continuing project that we will do throughout the year.

Prayer Praise & Bible Study! We meet Mondays at 9 am for fellowship, Bible Study of Ruth and Esther, to Praise our Lord, and to pray for whatever may be on our hearts.

November, 2012 , Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel c lovis .org

Mission Statement: Inspired by the holy spirit, we share His love and invite people to Christ by proclaiming and living the Good News.

GOVERNANCE BOARD

Doug Richardson DebbieSpence Darrell Strickler

Rod Kirby Sandra Lucero

NOVEMBER SUNDAY SERVICES:

November 4th HOLY COMMUNION 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Sunday School Youth Bible Study Adult Study November 11th 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Sunday School Youth Bible Study Adult Study November18th HOLY COMMUNION 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Sunday School Youth Bible Study Adult Study November 25th 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Sunday School Youth Bible Study Adult Study November 21st Wednesday 6:30 Thanksgiving Eve Service

EMMANUEL OFFICE

Cristy McNicholas, Office Manager (559) 298-0725

[email protected] Office Hours: Mon.—Fri

"E.F.T. at THE NEW EMMANUEL"

Electronic Fund Transfer is available! You can have your Tithes/Offerings automatically withdrawn from either your

checking or saving account and given to Emmanuel. There are

many benefits to the New Emmanuel, as well as to our

members and friends. It is safe and secure. For more

information, please contact Mike Kipp at 447-9369, or you

can email him at [email protected].

WOMEN OF GRACE

During this coming year, the ladies of Emmanuel will be preparing to host a holiday boutique in November of 2013. Several times during the year we will conduct craft classes where a person can make their own item and make another for the boutique. If you have any suggestions on items to make, please let one of the Women of Grace know and you can teach the craft. The first of the series of classes will be a holiday card making class instructed by Lynette Burgasser and Linda Miller on Saturday, November 17th, 10:00, at the church house. All ladies, please join us and let your creative juices flow. As the holidays are right around the corner, it’s easy to fill our days with stress. Here’s some ways you might cope. Begin and end the day with prayer Cultivate gratitude Never make a promise you can’t keep Breathe---deeply and often Move---walk, dance, run Be instead of do Laugh more often Stop trying to please everyone Nurture friendships Remember is a living emotion Express love everyday

Anyone who is interested inserving at the information booth,please talk to Chris Watkins,297 4922, she needs more

Helpers to talk to new people asthey come in to worship with us,give them a gift, and have them

sign in the guest book.

Bible Study Wednesday Evening at 7 for the study of Luke

led by Pastor Heidel

Editorial Staff of the Grapevine Cristy McNicholas, Sandy Wisener,

Elizabeth Bombini and Marlene Coffman

CALL TO PRAYERJoin CPR on Wednesdays at 12:00 noon for an hour of prayer for our church, our country , our state, county,city, schools, and safety organizations as well as fellow congregation members. Whatever we feel called topray for. This is so important, you don’t have to pray aloud, just be willing to say the AMEN. “Wherever two ormore are gathered in My Name . . . “

Pray for those you care about,You may not be aware of their needs.

November, 2012, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapev ine www.emmanuel

Christian Education News…

Lesson themes for November:

November 4th Bible Story: Joshua becomes leader of Israel Theme: God encourages us

November 11th Bible Story: Joshua sends spies to Jericho Theme: Our faithfulness honors God

November 18th Bible Story: The Israelites cross the Jordan River Theme: We thank God for what He does

November 25th Bible Story: God Gives Victory over Jericho Theme: God always wins

YOUTH NEWS from Vicar Gary Kem and Joy Cunningham are now teaching the Youth/Young Adult Bible Study after church. If you don't know who they are, just ask me on Sunday and I will be happy to point them out or introduce them to you. They are both very friendly.

Kem and Joy Cunningham are now teaching the Youth/Young Adult Bible Study after church. If you don't know who they are, just ask me on Sunday and I will be happy to point them out or introduce them to you. They are both very friendly.

November, 2012, Emmanuel Lutheran Clovis GRAPEVINE www.emmanuel clovis.org

November 4 November 11 November 18 November 25

Communion Assistants

Mike Kipp Scott Linenbroker Fon Vangsycha

Andrew Vangsycha

Mike Golden Neil Hoppus

Darrell Strickler Todd Weber

Usher Don Rutherford Vern Meyer

Gordon Miller Fon Vangsycha

Ken Paar

Joshua Daily Mike Kipp

Mike Golden Scott Linenbroker

Bill Dehning

Chris Watkins Fon Vangsycha Vernon Meyer

Don Rutherford Bob Hammond Pat Hammond

Travis Kirby Joshua Daily Neil Hoppus Bill Dehning

Info Booth Martha Wilson Cristy McNicholas Sandra Lucero Chris Watkins

Counters Don Rutherford Darrell Strickler

Sandy Wisener Suzanne Garcia

Irene Stinson Sandra Lucero

Travis Kirby Steven Chow

OUR FAITHFUL SERVERS FOR NOVEMBER

Our Praise Team: Jill and Gary Gerloff, Paige Weber, Judy Strickler, Keisha Watkins, Amanda Hutto, Doug Richardson, Darrin Lowenthal, Joy Cunningham and Art Howansky. Contact Jill if you are interested in joining.

IF YOU ARE SCHEDULED AND CANNOT SERVE . . . Please call your team leader. For the info booth it is Chris Watkins, 297-4922 ([email protected]), for Communion Servers it is Mike Kipp 447-9369, Counters and Greeters, let them know at the

Old age is always 10 years

older than you are! If you say what you mean,

Don’t say what is mean.

Don’t look for excuses,

Look for reasons.

The best way to win is to forget to keep score

Forget injuries,

never forget

kindnesses.

A cold is both positive and negative; Sometimes the eyes have it and sometimes the nose.

Admit your mistakes But don’t brag about them

The doors of opportunity are marked “Push” and “Pull.”

It is better to be approximately right than precisely wrong.

Today well-lived , makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a visit of hope.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

2 3 Set Clocks Back 1 hour Before Going to Bed

4 9 AM WORSHIP with Communion 10:30 Sunday School Youth Adult Bible Studies 5, 6, 6:45 pm Sm. Groups

5 9 a.m. Bible Study in the Church House 9:30 Staff 6 pm Sm. Group

6 U.S. Vote Today!

7 12 noon CPR Group 6 pm Praise Team 7 Bible Study-Luke

8

9 6-8 pm Family

Night

10

11 9 AM WORSHIP 10:30 Congregation Voters’ Meeting 5, 6, 6:45 pm Sm. Groups


13


15

16

17 Women of Grace 10 am at Church House for Card Making

18 9 AM WORSHIP with Communion 10:30 Sunday School Youth Adult Bible Studies 5, 6, 6:45 pm Sm. Groups


20

21 6:30 Thanksgiving Eve Service

22 THANKSGIVING

23 Assemble Newsletter

24

25 9 AM WORSHIP 10:30 Sunday School Youth Adult Bible Studies 5, 6, 6:45 pm Sm. Groups


27


29

30

Dec 1

If we have omitted your birth date or anniversary date or have the wrong date listed, please call the church office with the corrected information. Please accept our apology and HAVE A GREAT DAY IN THE LORD! THANK YOU.


November

November Birthdays11/1 Marianne Mollring 11/03 Irene Stinson 11/06 Leanna Burchnell 11/08 Mikhail Davis 11/13 Jack Spence 11/13 Linda Miller 11/19 Rosalind Dahl 11/22 Gary Gerloff 11/25 Carmen Chow 11/26 Eric Ohm 11/30 Karen Krueger

Newsletter Deadline

November Anniversaries

Katelynn & Eric Ohm 11/11/2011 1 yr Shari & Rollie Otto 11/30/1968 44 yr

God’s Blessings and Our Congratulation’s

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly-missed boarding.

ALL BUT ONE! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.

He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.

He was glad he did.

The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one caring for her plight.

The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.

When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?"

She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly."

As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him,

"Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes.”

She continued, "Are you Jesus?"

He stopped in mid-stride ... and he wondered.

He gently went back and said, "No, I am nothing like Jesus -- He is good, kind, caring, loving, and would never have bumped into your display in the first place."

The girl gently nodded: "I only asked because I prayed for Jesus to help me gather the apples. He sent you to help me, so you are like Him -- only He knows who will do His will. Thank you for hearing His call, Mister."

Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"

Do people mistake you for Jesus?

That's our destiny, is it not?

To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.

If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quot-ing Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.

You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me in a Garden called Gethsemane and on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.


ARE YOU JESUS?

GOVERNANCE BOARD

Emmanuel Lutheran Church Clovis THE GRAPEVINEstorage.cloversites.com/emmanuellutheranchurch1/... ·...

Documents

Transcript of Emmanuel Lutheran Church Clovis THE GRAPEVINEstorage.cloversites.com/emmanuellutheranchurch1/... ·...