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Pastor’s Page Second Mile January, 2007
“And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.”
Matthew 5:41
Some Biblical scholars have suggested that in the above verse, Jesus was indicating that his followers were supposed to do more for others than what was asked. Others suggest that going a second mile was actually a form of civil disobedience. According to Roman law, a soldier could conscript a person to carry his pack for a mile but if the individual were to carry it a second mile, it would place the soldier in the position of breaking the law. It would have been a way of protesting the soldier’s demand nonviolently. Regardless of which interpretation is used, going the second mile is something beyond what would have been expected. In either case, going the second mile would have been considered a bold, creative and generous action.
Our Sierra Pacific Synod assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has adopted a plan for meeting the needs of many special church ministries, and we are calling it “second mile giving.” Second mile giving refers to giving that, like its Biblical reference, is above and beyond. For example, while many of us offer 10% or more of our gross income to God’s work through this ministry and its giving to the larger church, second mile giving occurs when we go beyond what is expected.
Listed below, you will see the ministries that have been selected for each month. During the appropriate month, we will be including a flyer about that ministry (likely on the first Sunday of that month). You will also be invited to offer a second mile gift to the special focus ministry when you feel so moved and would like to designate an additional check. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that we not simply redirect some of our general fund giving to the special focus ministry. Not only is this not a “second mile gift,” but it would significantly hamper the ministry to which God calls us through this congregation.
In addition to whatever special gifts you may give, a small portion of each dollar you give to Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer will go to the special giving recipient. Our congregation currently gives 8% of our general fund offerings to the work of the synod and national church and an additional 2% divided among six other beneficiaries.
The second mile recipient will become one of the six. (The other five recipients are currently Habitat for Humanity, The Bellfry Campus Ministry in Davis, Lutheran Lesbian and Gay Ministries, Avalon House for HIV/AIDS care and Loaves and Fishes).
For your advanced consideration, here is the list of the designated recipients of our second mile gifts and our second mile prayers, too:
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Sister Synods (specify:Rwanda, El Salvador, Taiwan) |
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Lutheran Social Service of No. California |
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Campus Ministry |
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Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary |
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Mt. Cross Camp/Lutheran Outdoor Ministries |
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Lutheran Office of Public Policy |
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San Francisco Night Ministry |
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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Nevada |
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September |
ELCA Disaster Relief |
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California Lutheran University |
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Lutheran Social Services of No. California |
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Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary |
In Christ, Pastor Robyn
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Thank you for your generosity to
World Hunger Appeal and Loaves and Fishes Ministries
By Pastor Robyn
Thank you to all who will have given to our special Advent Hunger appeal following the council’s vote to conduct a special Advent/Christmas offering and split it between the ELCA’s international world hunger appeal and our local Loaves and Fishes ministry in Sacramento. Thank you for your generosity with this special appeal and also to the general fund of the congregation which supports our shared ministry in so many ways!
Crisis in Darfur
Believing that the following letter sponsored by the Save Darfur Coalition is consistent with the mission of our congregation and larger church, the council unanimously voted to sign on to the letter on behalf of our congregation on December 15, 2006. Thank you to Wanda Collins for bringing us this opportunity to put our faith into action.
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Dear President Bush,
As communities of faith we call on you to take immediate action to stop the genocide in Darfur.
The situation in Darfur constitutes one of the most vicious coordinated attacks on women and girls anywhere in the world. Rape and sexual violence are being used on a daily basis as weapons of war in this deadly conflict. Girls as young as 8 years old are systematically being raped by the Janjaweed and the assaults continue to increase.
Women and young girls live in constant fear of attack. Even routine tasks such as searching for firewood have become perilous journeys for them.
As a nation built on freedom and justice, we cannot stand idly by as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. It is our responsibility to take immediate action to end these attacks against humanity.
Thus far, the government of Sudan has proved either unwilling or unable to protect its own citizens and has even armed and supported the Janjaweed militia responsible for many of these attacks. While the African Union peacekeepers have tried to address this situation, their efforts have not been sufficient to provide adequate protection.
The international community must act now to protect these innocent civilians. Only the immediate deployment of a robust and effective international peacekeeping force can keep the women and children of Darfur safe. Pressure from the international community must be increased until the government of Sudan agrees to accept such a force.
Each day we delay, more Darfuri girls and women will suffer one of the most appalling crimes against humanity.
We urge you to act without further delay to put a stop to the violence.
Sincerely,
Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Sacramento, CA
An Invitation to Discovery
by Pastor Robyn
Are you longing to learn more about the Christian faith? Are you interested in joining this congregation in membership through baptism or affirmation of baptism? Do you wonder what a “Lutheran” really is in the whole scheme of things? Do you want to explore questions of faith and learn from sharing experiences with others who are on a similar journey? Are you interested in preparing as a parent in order to have a child baptized? Do you come to church every Sunday but long to experience in a renewal of your own faith? Then please join us for the Discovery Group. I will be holding an introductory meeting regarding the Discovery Group on Sunday, January 14th from 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. so that you can decide if this opportunity is a good fit for you.
The Discovery group will then begin on Sunday, February 4 and continue through Sunday, April 1st. Each session will last from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The group will decide whether it wants to do sign ups to bring a simple lunch to share or simply do brown bag lunches. At the conclusion of the Discovery Group, some of those who participated in the nine Sunday sessions may choose to be baptized or affirm their faith to join this congregation in membership at our Saturday evening Easter vigil on April 7. (Those who desire to be baptized or have their children baptized will have an opportunity to meet with me for two sessions of baptismal counseling at a mutually convenient time.)
Some of the themes that we will explore are: Who is the God of Jesus? How can prayer nourish our spiritual journey? What are your spiritual gifts, and how might God be inviting you to exercise them in the world? What is God up to in Baptism and Holy Communion? What is the Lutheran witness within the larger church and its many denominations? What is the significance of the Bible to Christian faith? How does communal worship give expression to our spirituality?
Some of our time will also be devoted to learning from each other through shared conversation and reflection. Whether you have been a Lutheran Christian for your entire life or are brand new to the Christian faith, I believe you will be enriched by this experience. Please call the church office or email Pastor Robyn to have your name added to the list of participants or simply come out for the preview on Sunday, January 14th at 11:45 a.m.!
December 18, 2006
Dear LCOR Friends:
Greg and I have spoken directly to some of you about what is happening with our move to Arkansas and we just wanted to fill everyone else in.
Our home in Fair Oaks still has not sold, but we have faith that it will happen when it's supposed to. Originally, we were going to wait for it to sell before we made any real plans on moving, but we've decided to go a different route. Our home in Arkansas is complete. We just need to do the walk-through and we're sure there will be some things here and there that will need to be fixed or changed. We got the keys a couple of weeks ago. We've decided that I will go ahead of Greg and start getting our new home set up. I am very anxious to get our new life started.
My last day at work will be January 12th and then I will take the rest of January to finish up some business things and get the house here in order so that Greg doesn't have to get stuck doing everything when (not IF) it sells. I also want to be able to spend some quality time with our families. Especially my dear Abraham. My sister Lucy and her boyfriend Shane are here from Arkansas for an extended visit while Shane helps his son build a house in Shingle Springs. Our plan is for me and Lucy to drive back to Arkansas together the first week of February. I've got some job prospects lined up, we'll see where they take me. Greg and Shane will also take a trip back to bring some of our things, then Greg will return to finish up some work and get the house sold. We hope that he wil be able to come back for good in the Spring.
We want all of you to know that we will forever treasure the last couple of years that we have been a part of LCOR. We are truly blessed to have been directed to such a special place of worship. Our lives are richer because of you and we know we will never find a church anywhere near as great as we have found in Our Redeemer. God Bless all of you for the friendship, love, and kindness you have shown us. We will never forget you.
We very much want to keep in touch with you. Of course, we will be coming for visits and will see you when we are in town and we'll look forward to our monthly Spirit Newsletter. Please note our new address after about mid-Februay (I'll be staying with my sister before then).
Greg and Juanita Franklin
40 Pickering Drive
Bella Vista, AR 72714
(916) 524-0955 My Cell - I'll have this # for awhile.
(916) 524-0956 Greg's Cell
missjuanitaf@yahoo.com (new email that can be used now)
God's Peace-
Greg and Juanita
Current Financial Position – November 30, 2006
Our expenses in November were higher than our income. Although we spent less than was budgeted our income fell short of the budgeted income.
As of the November reconciliation we have a negative balance of $-2820.17.
As you are now aware our largest user group left without a 30 day notice and so for the months of November and December we will not have their usage fee. Good news, they are on a payment plan and are paying us for the 30 day notice the contract states. They have paid $700 and still owe us $745 which they are scheduled to pay in January.
Statement of Activities
Eleven Months Ended 11/30/2006
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Jan - Nov 06 |
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Ordinary Income/Expense |
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Income |
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5000 · Unrestricted Income |
110,721.61 |
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5030 · Other Income |
35,916.29 |
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Total Income |
146,637.90 |
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Expense |
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6000 · Administration & General |
99,373.99 |
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6100 · Managerial Expense |
934.78 |
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6190 · Mortgage Expense |
6,170.00 |
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6200 · Office Expense |
10,392.48 |
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6300 · Parish Teams |
2,435.49 |
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6400 · Utilities |
9,224.92 |
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6500 · Maintenance |
8,587.73 |
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6600 · Benevolence |
12,338.68 |
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7000 · Unclassified Expense |
0.00 |
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Total Expense |
149,458.07 |
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Net Ordinary Income |
-2,820.17 |
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Thank you
Your treasurer, Jeff Temple
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW
FOR
ADULT EDUCATION IN FEBRUARY
by Karen Buxton
From 11:45 – 12:30 Every Sunday after worship
February 4 and 11: The “Lost Books of the Bible”
February 18: “Who Wrote the Bible?” with video and potluck
February 25: “The Lost Books of the Bible”
Introducing your teacher: Denyse Curtright. How blessed we are at Our Redeemer to have so many specially knowledgeable and gifted individuals among us! Denyse is a graduate of the Lutheran Bible Institute of California. Although she would not tell you this, her degree is “Summa cum Laude,” which means to those of us who don’t speak Latin, “it doesn’t get any better than this.” Her special interest is in ancient texts – which ancient writings are perceived as holy works, which are not, and why. She also is fascinated by the translation process throughout the centuries, including the changes in word usage (and therefore, sometimes in meaning) over time. Those of you who have participated in Bible studies led by Denyse know that, in spite of her own expertise, she is truly interested in hearing what other participants in the group are thinking and wondering, and she always leaves participants feeling they are both welcomed and valued.
Prayer List
Knowing that God hears prayers, please pray for the following this month.
Healing for: Juanita’s mother Lucita; Glenny Wiedeman; Lynne Gregoire; Bob Specht; Ellie Mae Franklin; Celestial EverOne; Debbie’s hands; Aunt Judy; Paulita Salas; Dori’s heart surgery; Jack; Morgan & Mckenzie to get over their colds; Dorey’s heart surgery; Julie’s legs; Debby; Beth.
Prayers for: Evelyn and Bruce; a job for Tangee; Paulita Sales in coma; Carol; Alice Bouse’ chemotherapy; Erica’s skin; Ron; Rachael and her baby; Doug.
Comfort & Strength for: Marie, Richard, & Carol; Dan Peck; Jack; families in turmoil; those who suffer from addiction; Peg Gregoire & her husband & family, especially Karen Idler & Lynne Gregoire.
Comfort & Peace for all who grieve: Kim Bradley; Marie following the death of her husband Pastor John Olson; Debbie Probst following the death of her father; Marci Mills following the death of her mother; Nadia and Betsy; Maidell; Toney Family; Saidi Caine and family.
Thanksgiving for: Rick & Rose Hartwig’s recent marriage.
Peace: in Israel; Lebanon; Iraq; North Korea; Darfur; Iran; Aafganistan.
Congregational Potluck, Leadership Appreciation and
Sabbatical Presentation
Sunday, January 7, 2007 following worship
After celebrating Epiphany in worship on Sunday, January 7 we hope you will join us in celebrating our ministry leaders following that service. As part of this time, we will be giving thanks for the ways in which the light of Christ has shone through the efforts of our 2006 church council and welcome our new council members for 2007. At about 12:30 or 12:45 p.m., Pastor Mark Holmerud will join us. He is from our synod’s Leadership Discipling Team and serves as pastor at Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Davis. At the invitation of the council and Mutual Ministry Committee, Pastor Mark will be offering a presentation on Clergy Sabbaticals. For many months now, the Council and Mutual Ministry Committee have been researching and discussing the possibility of a sabbatical for Pastor Robyn and other pastors who may serve this congregation for seven or more years in the future. (Pastor Robyn will be celebrating the eighth year anniversary of ordination and service to Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer on January 3.) We hope you will join your brothers and sisters in faith for an afternoon of food, fun and learning. Talk to Council President Karen Idler or Mutual Ministry Committee chair, Debby Reath, if you have any questions.
Stewardship Update
Thank you very much to all who have submitted their annual pledge cards indicating your commitment of time, talents and treasurers to this ministry for the coming year:
Thanks to the following people who have submitted time and talent cards:
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Alonso Ayala |
Margie Fair |
Renee Meyer |
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Joan Barrett |
David Goodman |
M.L. Olson |
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Stephen Baxter |
Karen Hartstein |
Lisa Ouellette |
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Carol Bowyer |
Pastor Robyn Hartwig |
E.J. Petersen |
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Jack Bowyer |
Marietta Hood |
Jeff Temple |
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Karen Buxton |
Karen Idler |
Judy Vogt |
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Judy Carlson |
Mike Idler |
Deborah Wiedeman |
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Paul Carlson |
Maidell Kohlman |
Dawn Zimmermann |
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Wanda Collins |
Tania Love |
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Thank you to the following people who have made 2007 financial pledges:
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Alonso Ayala |
David Goodman |
Debby Reath |
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Joan Barrett |
Karen Hartstein |
Jeff Temple |
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Carol Bowyer |
Pastor Robyn Hartwig |
Barbara Thalacker |
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Jack Bowyer |
Karen Idler |
Elain Verbarg |
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Karen Buxton |
Michael Idler |
Judy Vogt |
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Mabel Butler |
Donald Kennedy |
Debby Wiedemann |
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Ann Carlson |
Maidell Kohlman |
Dawn Zimmermann |
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Paul & Judy Carlson |
Tania Love |
Parker Zimmermann |
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Wanda Collins |
Renee Meyer |
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Denyse Curtright |
Stan & Mary Lou Olson |
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Margie Fair |
Pete Petersen |
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We depend upon this information heavily when making decisions for 2007. So if you lost track of your cards or simply forgot to turn them in, we hope you will soon renew your commitment to this ministry for the coming year!
INTRODUCING THE NEW ELCA WORSHIP BOOK AND RESOURCES
A workshop for pastors, musicians, lay worship leaders, worship planners, and anyone who worships!
Please join us… Saturday, February 3, 2007
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
1615 Morse Avenue, Sacramento
Schedule
Presented by: Rev. Sandra Dager, Rev. Lucy Kolin, Georga Allen, Marji DuBois, Len Scaramuzzo and Rev. Marty Schaefer.
8:30 – 9:15 Registration
9:15 – 9:45 Sing & Pray; Welcome
9:45 – 10:15 Foundations
10:15 – 11:30 Exploring Holy Communion; Service of Word
11:30 - 11:45 Break
11:45 – 12:30 Exploring Liturgical Music
12:30 – 1:30 Lunch
1:30 – 2:00 Exploring Hymns & Songs
2:00 – 3:15 Exploring Baptism; Daily Prayer; Life
Passages; Lent and the Three Days
3:15 – 3:45 Overview: Current & future resources
ELW Introductory Kit
The ongoing renewal of worship in the ELCA
3:45 – 4:00 Sing & Pray
Cost: $25.00 per person for the first four from a congregation; $20.00 per person thereafter. (includes lunch and a copy of new worship book)
Our national Lutheran Church comes out with a major new worship book only about once in every 30 years. This is that time! Don’t miss the introductory event, especially if you are interested in helping plan worship in 2007-2008. Although your cost is $25, you will receive a free copy of the Worship Book to take home with you. Talk to Pastor Robyn if you would like to register!