THE MESSENGER Immanuel Lutheran Church, ELCA

726 Fuller Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307 Website: www.immanuelbr.com

Facebook: @immanuelbr Instagram: ILCbigrapids Phone 231/796-8273 Fax 231/796-9599

Sunday Morning Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Office Hours: Monday-Thursday – 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm - Closed on Friday

MISSION: To inspire members to grow in loving devotion to Jesus Christ, caring concern for one another, welcoming outreach, and loving service to our neighbors. VISION STATEMENT: Immanuel Lutheran Church will be known for welcoming hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity.

Office Staff: Mary Larkin, Administrative Assistant is in the office Tuesday – Thursday 9 am – 4 pm. Shirley Hamelund, Office As-sistant is in the office Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9 am – 4 pm. Pastor Dennis Smith is in the office Sunday and Monday. The Church office is closed on Friday. Office e-mail addresses: Church: immanuelbigrapids726@gmail.com Mary Larkin (Administrative Assistant) marylar726@gmail.com Shirley Hamelund (Office Assistant/Receptionist) shirleyh403@gmail.com Pastor Dennis Smith (Pastor) thedennisbsmith@gmail.com

JULY 2019

Citizenship: “1. the state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a

citizen. 2. the character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in

terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen.”

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for

which it stands, one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

Remember when each school day began with the pledge of allegiance? Remember when citizenship was taught as a matter of course in public schools? Most of us over the age of 50 probably do and I understand it still finds its way into the social studies curriculum in some form or fashion.

So what went wrong with us? When did acrimony, partisanship, special interests, prejudice, and fear take the place of citizenship – the character of an individual as a member of society? When did citizenship devolve into an individual right shorn of any responsibility to the greater society? What does it mean to us anymore to be a citizen of one nation under God?

Ironically, it seems the people who take citizenship in the US most seriously are the immigrants. Historically, The US has been known as a country of immigrants and a nation of citizens. Immigrants to this country who seek the status of citizenship are taught about the character of a citizen. They are taught about loyalty to the country, not to a particular party or cause. They are taught about American values of honesty, cooperation, compromise, and the common good. They are taught that citizenship transcends boundaries of race, gender, sexuality, language, and culture. When newly minted citizens pledge allegiance to the flag, they agree to live in accordance with the laws of this land and join in common cause with their fellow citizens in pursuit of the betterment of the whole society.

What would it be like if every person in this country had to re-up as a citizen every five years or so in order to vote, use public facilities, drive on public roads, call upon public servants, camp in public parks, and go to public schools? Would that reform us into a people rather than an ad hoc assembly of scratchy, contentious individuals?

I have never been a particular fan of Martin Luther’s “Two Kingdoms” doctrine. It has been unfairly trotted out as religious sanction of despotic regimes and accused of contributing to Christian silence in the face of genocidal acts. Yet, I think Luther’s teaching on the divinely sanctioned roll of government and the duties of Christian citizenship may prove help-ful in this time of political and social divisiveness.

In short, the “Two Kingdoms” doctrine asserts that though God’s rule is ultimate and universal, it is meted out in two realms. The “Kingdom of the Left,” or secular realm, ruled by law and the force of the state, is necessary to curb evil and maintain order. The “Kingdom of the Right,” or spiritual realm, is ruled by grace and sets a person free to participate in the secular realm as a person of faith. This second part is important. As Christians, we are called by God to practice citizenship!

Yes, there is separation of Church and State, but that doesn’t mean that Christians have no distinctive voice in the affairs of the state. We Lutherans, of all people, are called to model Christian citizenship, to demonstrate in word and deed the character of citizenship, to practice tolerance, listen to the other, defend rights, seek compromise, and work for the common good.

Perhaps, as part of our July 4th celebration of independence, we can ponder more intentionally and pray more intense-ly about what it means to be a Lutheran citizen of this great land.

~Pastor Dennis Smith

When Pr. Dennis Smith is not available (Tues - Sat, most weeks), pastoral duties will be referred to Rev. Teresa

Foster. Please first call the church office. The referral will be passed on to Rev. Foster.

HELP NEEDED!

The Healing Garden Team needs willing workers to assist with grounds maintenance. We meet weekly on Thursday morning from 9a. to 12n. No experience necessary, just bring your gloves and a pruner, trowel and rake. Come prepared to be rejuvenated in a beautiful set-ting, share some laughs and perhaps some deep thoughts! A Church Garden…. First, plant five rows of peas: Presence. Promptness. Preparation. Purity. Perseverance. Next to these plant three rows of squash: Squash gossip. Squash criticism. Squash Indifference. No garden is complete without turnips: Turn up for the meeting. Turn up with a smile. Turn up with new ideas. Turn up with determination to make everything count for something good and worthwhile.

July Worship Schedule (Readings from New Revised Standard)

July 7th- 4th Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 AM Pastor Dennis Smith

Readings: Isaiah 66: 10-14 Psalm 66: 1-9 Galatians 6: (1-6), 7-16 Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20

July 21st – 6th Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 AM Pastor Dennis Smith

Readings: Genesis 18: 1-10a Psalm 15 Colossians 1: 15-28 Luke 10: 38-42

July 14th – 5th Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 AM Pastor Dennis Smith

Readings:

Deuteronomy 30: 9-14

Psalm 25: 1-10 Colossians 1: 1-14 Luke 10: 25-37

July 28th - 7th Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 AM Pastor Dennis Smith

Readings: Genesis 18: 20-32 Psalm 138 Colossians 2: 6-15, (16-19) Luke 11: 1-13

Parish Register:

Confirmation: Cameron Hayden June 9, 2019

First Communion students: June 16, 2019 Evelyn, Gyddeon and Annoura Bowen Reception of new members: Donald & Jacklyn Bowen, Evelyn, Gyddeon and Annoura Bowen June 16, 2019

Immanuel Activities and News

If you were left off this list, or if a birthday or anniver-sary is listed wrong, please contact the church office. 1 Roger O’Dell 2 Alicia Snavley 9 Bonnie Biers Leroy Larson 12 Diane Ludwick Gary Richner 14 Rev. Jerry Switzer 17 Mary Sutherlund 18 Megan Smith 22 Julie Vanhala 24 Troy Lindsey Tim Vanhala Char Whitfield 26 Scott Weber 29 Vickie Vogel 31 Austin Barnes

Ongoing prayers for: Shirley Baumunk, Dick & Jackie Perrin, Nancy McReynolds, Virginia Schuberg, Scott Weber, Keith White, Bill Donahue.

Comfort: Ron Kast family Debbie Hagedorn family World Concerns Prayers: Our President and Leaders of the Nation Racism People hurting, suffering, homeless People in poverty (hunger, homeless) Military troops in the U.S. and abroad Wounded Warriors Victims of Human Trafficking Victims of natural disasters here & abroad Victims of shootings, bombs, terrorist groups Victims of hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes and volcanoes and wildfires North Korea, Iran, Syria, Puerto Rico, Islamic communi-ty in New Zealand, Sri Lanka

Healing & Health Concerns for: Cliff Whitfield, Ellery Vargo, Jean Swarthout, Allison Krueger Conroy, Pastor Dennis Smith’s mother Helen, Woody Neumann, Charlie Schroeder, Bonnie Biers, Andy Anderson, Carol Wilson-Jungck.

8 Wendell & Chris Weber 14 David & Judy Misoni 19 Wayne & Anna May Schuberg 20 Gordon & Janet Mallett 24 Gary & Donna Richner

YTD Jan. thru May 2019

Ministry Fund Building Fund

Giving - $62,626 Giving - $31,835 Expenses -$53,626 Mortgage Payments- $32,780

temporary relief from itching. Some cases are severe and require medical attention.

Reminder of what to eat, based on the OMNI Heart and

DASH studies. It’s rich in vegetables, fruit, and fiber, and low in sugar, carbs, and saturated fat. Based on a 2100 calorie diet.

Daily Servings: Vegetables, and Fruits -11 servings (½ cup vegeta-

bles, 1 cup greens, 1 piece fruit) Grains – 4 servings (½ cup pasta, rice or cereal, 1 slice

bread) Low-fat Dairy -2 servings (1 cup milk or yogurt, 1 ½

oz cheese) Legumes and Nuts -2 servings (½ cup beans, ¼ cup

nuts, 4 oz tofu) Poultry, Fish, Lean Meat -1 serving (¼ lb. cooked). Oils and Fats -2 servings ( 1 Tbsp) Desserts and Sweets -2 servings (1 tsp sugar, a small

cookie) Wild Card -1 serving (Poultry, Fish, Meat or Oils and

Fats or Grains, or Dessert & Sweets). Blood pressure checks will be on July 14, 2019. ”And regardless of all these virtues put on love, which binds

them all together in perfect unity” …Colossians 3:14 Love In Christ Phyllis Lindsey, Parish Nurse

Council Message by Carol Wilson-Jungck

The speaker at our May Senior Social was Carlleen Rose,

daughter of Carly and K.T. Schuberg, who gifted us with the

land for our church. Her message of faith was simple: Lis-

ten. Respond. Spread your own faith story. It was a pro-

found message that we at Immanuel need to take to heart.

Pastor Dennis has pointed out the obvious to us—we are

Lutherans, and Lutherans must learn how to toot their own

horns!

A fellow-volunteer at Hope House gave me a book entitled

“New Morning Mercies,” a daily gospel devotional by Paul

David Tripp. It gave me some interesting insight into how

we respond to sharing our faith: “No one is more influential

in your life than you are, because no one talks to you more

than you do. We never stop talking to ourselves. We are in

a constant conversation with ourselves about God, others,

ourselves, meaning and purpose, identity, and such. The

things you say to you about you, God and life are profound-

ly important because they form and shape the way you then

respond to the things that God has put on your plate. You

see, you are always preaching to yourself some kind of

(please see next page)

PARISH NURSE JULY

Summer is moving right along and flowers and vege-table gardens are growing quickly! Enjoy the long summer days of day light! The health news for July will be on:

National Fireworks Safety Month. To avoid prob-lems:

Purchase fireworks from a reliable source, Use as directed on the package; never alter the

products. Observe the laws and USE COMMON

SENSE. A responsible adult should supervise the use

of the fireworks, Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix Use outdoors and away from buildings and

vehicles, Never carry fireworks in your pocket; never

relight a “dud”—wait 20 minutes and soak in water,

Soak all spent fireworks in water and place in the garbage can. Have a safe summer.

Sun’s Rays. Just a reminder that the sun’s rays (UV or ultraviolet rays can damage your skin and eyes. Long term exposure to UV rays can cause early wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, dark patches, skin cancer and potentially blind-ing conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. For protection from UV rays, wear a wide-brimmed hat sunglasses (block 99-100% UV-A and UV-B rays) and sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher).

Toe WEB (inter-digital athlete’s foot) is the most common type of fungus and can be acquired by walking barefoot around swimming pools and locker rooms. Wear flip-flop sandals and, if necessary, get an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream and apply to the affected areas (cracked, blistered, and peeling areas between the toes and soles of the feet). Reapply each time symp-toms reoccur.

Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac. These are plants that cause a skin rash (allergic contact dermatitis) when they touch a person’s skin. The red, itchy, uncomfortable rash often has fluid-filled blisters. The rash is caused by an oil (URUSHIOL), which is present in all parts of the plants (leaves, stems, roots, flowers, ber-ries). If possible, wash the exposed areas with dish soap and water within 30 minutes. Wash the dog, clothes, etc. that may have come in contact with the plant. Use calamine lotion and/or hydrocortisone ointment to provide

Please join us at Northend Riverside Park on Sunday morning, August 4th at 10:30 am for an outdoor worship service followed by a potluck picnic. This service will re-place our regular 9:30 am worship service at Immanuel. Immanuel will be providing

hotdogs and brats with all the fixins. Lemonade and tea will be provided as well. Please bring a dish to pass and your own table service. We will need 2-3 grills, please contact Kara Kizer at 231.519.0570 if you’re able to bring your grill that morning. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and your favorite outdoor game. This service is a won-derful opportunity to invite family, friends and neighbors to enjoy a fun, beautiful, relaxed morning of worship and fellowship. *Northend Park does not allow alcoholic bev-erages. The park address is Trestle Bend Dr. (which is at the North end of 4th Ave.) Big Rapids, MI 49307.

~The Hospitality Committee

Who was Jesus – REALLY?

The search for the Historical Jesus – Video and Discus-

sion

Was he Apocalyptic Preacher, Lamb of God, Jewish Rev-

olutionary, Eternal Son of God?

Last class on Monday, July 1st at 6:00 pm

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 726 Fuller Ave., Big Rapids,

MI 231-796-8273

(Watch for new Bible study coming)

Hospitality hour - We need sign up on the hospitality chart by the kitchen window to host a coffee and refresh-ment time after worship. Please check it over too see where you could host, maybe a special occasion, birthday,

anniversary, etc. If you are unable to host a coffee hour, you may just supply goodies & Church Life committee will serve it for you. ~Thank you

Please note: Show support for Immanuel's Dump and

Run activity by wearing one of our custom t-shirts! There

are quite a few available, donation $10 to offset

cost. They are sturdy and really show off our name!

worldview, some kind of “Gospel”, if you will.

The question is, in your private moment-by-moment

conversation what are you saying to you?”

This really got me to thinking! If what I say to myself

is negative—if I question my ability to be able to share

my faith with others openly and honestly—will I be

able to do so? If I question whether I can manage what

“God has put on my plate” will I refuse to take on new

and challenging roles for fear of failure? My conversa-

tion with myself must remind me to trust that God will

give me the courage, knowledge and talents to do His

work. I am working on it! All of us at Immanuel have

wonderful, different, talents and stories that can move

Immanuel forward during these next few months. We

have collective faith, vision, and confidence!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on

your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge

Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Immanuel Lutheran Church

June 2019 Council Meeting Highlights

A group representing the Ministry Investment Fund

(our loan provider) will be here June 28-30 for a Com-

prehensive Ministry Review.

The church locks have been changed. New keys will

need to be signed out, and old keys returned.

Outdoor worship & Church Picnic Aug 4th at North End

Park.

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Altar Flower chart has been refreshed and is waiting for sign-ups for Sundays this year. Please choose a day that you could honor someone or maybe remember some-one on a certain day. Cost is still $10.00.

July 4, 2019

Do you enjoy mowing the lawn? –

Immanuel Lutheran will be having a

sign-up sheet at the Congregational

Life counter in the Narthex with are-

as of the lawn marked and you can choose dates that you

could mow the lawn. Enjoy a nice summer day outside

mowing! We need two more volunteers for mowing!

Contact Tom Manor at(231-349-6977) for questions.

Reminder - If you shop at Hixson's in Canadian Lakes,

save the receipts! Hixson's has a program for donating a

portion of its profits to charity, and Social Concerns for-

wards the receipts so that they are counted for Manna

Pantry. Just put them in the Social Concerns mailbox.

Please note: We are still collecting the can pull tabs so

please keep saving them. Bring them to the church where

there is a container in the Fellowship Center for you to

place them. Mary Larkin, Office Administrator will take

them to the American Legion where they are sent in for a

good cause.

Attention, Immanuel Mem-

bers! We would like to

make some changes to the

Chili Cook Off next winter,

so as you are traveling and

going to flea markets, gar-

age sales, farmer’s markets,

etc. please keep your eyes

open for unusual, unique chili themed things that

could be used for prizes or decorations. It will be

fun to see what we can find! Thank You!

EQUAL EXCHANGE FAIRLY TRADED PRODUCT

We are now serving Equal Exchange coffee during coffee hour. The regular coffee is Organic Breakfast Blend and the decaffeinated coffee is Cozy Cup De-caf. These are available for you to purchase on our Equal Exchange product display in the fellowship hall along with several other varieties of coffee, tea, cocoa and cholate bars. Visit the Equal Exchange website at equalexchange.coop and check out all of the prod-ucts available. If you see something we do not have and you would like to try, just let me know. (Linda Kizer 231-856-7013 or kizerlinda@att.net)

SOLIDARITY Tastes Delicious People of faith are living out their values through their consumer choices, using fairly traded and or-ganic products. Farming communities are providing for their families, greening our planet and building a better future.

Through this partnership, you get access to organic, fairly-traded products at discounted whole-sale prices, ensuring that more of the money you spend on coffee, tea, chocolate and other products reaches the hardworking farmers who actually grow them.

Social Concerns Committee ~ For all who love making a difference.

2019 Council Members Travis Kizer, President (231) 349-4599 Judy O’Dell, Vice Pres. (231) 823-2845 Vicky Scott, Secretary (231) 250-7589 Carol Wilson-Jungck (231) 670-3220 Darrell Corrie (231) 598-0537 Chuck Schroeder (231) 972-4526 Phyllis Cousineau (231) 796-9574 Linda Kizer (231) 856-7013 Committee Council Liaisons Darrell Corrie – Worship & Music Committee TBA – Finance Committee, Executive, Herrick Endow-ment Fund Judy O’Dell – Church Life & W/ELCA Committees Carol Wilson-Jungck – Celebrate Immanuel (CIF), Social Concerns, Healing garden Travis Kizer – Vision committee TBA – Property committee

Office Staff Pastor Dennis Smith (Sun., Mon.) Mary Larkin, Administrative Asst. (Tues.-Thurs.) Shirley Hamelund, Office Asst. (Mon, Tues, Thurs.) Phyllis Lindsey, Parish Nurse (schedule varies) Intentional Faith Development Doug & Gayle Merkle, Chairpersons (313)881-3828 Social Concerns (Risk-Taking Mission and Service) Roger Barr, Chairperson (231)972-8276 Lee Wolken –Habitat/Humanity (231)972-7756 Stewardship (Extravagant Generosity Lee Wolken, Chairperson (231) 972-7756 Bob Krueger (231) 796-2012 David Scott (231) 250-5067

Committees and Organizations

Audit Bob Schweitzer (231) 796-2402 David Scott (231) 250-5067 Celebrate Immanuel (CIF) Bob Krueger, Chairperson (231) 796-2012 Christian Education Church Life Carol Zimmerman, Chairperson (231) 796-2152 Kitchen Coordinator Irene Schuberg, Funeral lunch (231) 796-7814 Finance Nedra Neumann, Chairperson (231) 796-0956 Nedra Neumann, Treasurer (231) 796-0956 Roger Barr – Gifts/Memorials (231) 972-8276 Nominating Team (2018) Carol Zimmerman (231) 796-2152 Bob Krueger (231) 796-2012 Leah Monger (231) 287-7022 Property Tim Vogel, chairperson (231) 796-3860 Healing Garden Min. Carol Wilson-Jungck, co-chair (231) 670-3220 Linda Greene, co-chair (231) 679-5516 Heritage team: Carol Zimmerman (231) 796-2152

Vision (and Ministry Leadership Network Gunder Myran, Chairperson (231) 972-7405 Lee Wolken (231) 972-7756 Nedra Neumann – Small Groups (231) 796-0956 Kara Kizer - Welcoming Hospitality Chair (231) 519-0570 Welcoming Phyllis Lindsey – Prayer circle (231) 796-6400 Dee Neumann-Prayer Circle (231) 796-8385 Webmaster- Mary Larkin (231) 796-8273 Women of the ELCA Dee Neumann, co-chair (231) 796-8385 Shirley Hamelund co-chair (231) 796-7763 Worship and Music (Passionate Worship David Scott, A/V team (231) 796-4618 Dee Neumann, Altar Guild (231) 796-8385 Carol Zimmerman, Altar Guild (231) 796-2152 Millie Gillies, Choir (231) 796-2460 Readers (Volunteer) Ron Decker – Ushers (231) 796-2706 Bill Ballard – Ushers (231) 972-4413 Phyllis Lindsey, Worship Asst. and Intinction Asst. (231) 796-6400 Dee Neumann, Weddings (231) 796-8385 Shirley Hamelund, Weddings (231) 796-7763

726 Fuller Ave. Big Rapids, MI 49307 Address Change Requested

2019

A prayer for the Fourth

Loving God, we thank you — the true Father of our country — for the blessings of this land and the gifts of cultures around the world. Prompt us to strive for justice for all, at home and abroad. Remind us, in the words of the hymn, that “this is our Father's world” and that your goodness prevails. Amid tragedies and conflicts, guard us against despair. Help us focus on the kindness evident daily: from generous neighbors to conscientious public servants (because most are). On Independence Day and every day, “O let [us] ne’er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.” Amen. —Sandy Hyland

Report on Synod Assembly 2019 Roger and I attended the Synod Assembly on May 16-18th in Mount Pleasant as voting members. I had pre-viously attended one but Roger had never been to one and did not know what to expect. We arrived, checked into our room then went over to the Convention Hall. Roger asked where we should sit and I said let’s find someone to sit with. Roger chose a table with a man and son sitting and asked if we could join them. What a surprise when we found out they were from Holland where Pastor Bates is preaching. Pastor Bates & Susan then joined us. I believe that we were meant to sit with them. Susan said it was nice because we had her church and Pastor Bates church together. This was the year that we were electing a new Bishop so it was very intense and exciting at the same time. On the first ballot we were told to write down a name of someone who we thought would make a good Bish-op, they then were given the chance to withdraw if desired. The second ballot was taken and then a third. The ones left were given five minutes each to speak. On the fourth ballot it was narrowed down to three names then finally the fifth ballot a bishop was named. Craig Satterlee was reelected for another term. We had a Communion Service each day, with very spiritual music and prayer. We prayed before each ballot also. Roger said he could feel the Spirit moving there. The closing service was done at the Lutheran Church in Mount Pleasant with Communion and the installation of Bishop Satterlee. There was a wonder-ful reception that followed. There were many wonderful speakers to hear and to learn from, there were also many tables set up with information about many different things. It was a lot to take in but we walked away knowing more than before we went. If you ever get a chance to attend a Synod Assembly do not hesitate, you will not regret it and will learn so much. Roger thoroughly enjoyed it and said he learned an awful lot and was happy to have had the chance to do it. He wants to thank Immanuel Lutheran for giving us the chance to do it. ~Judy Odell and Roger Odell