Bibles and Hurricanes

Bibles, Bibles, More Bibles
Our Bible in 90 Days program kicks off this Wednesday. There is still room if you would like to participate. We meet at two locations: Grace Lutheran in Luckey (216 Main St.) and Bethlehem Lutheran in Pemberville (220 Cedar St.). If you have already signed up, you may want to bring an interested friend... to show them what it is all about. It never hurts to plant a seed.

Speaking of Bible in 90 Days... I made a call this afternoon to order more Bibles and realized that Houston is "home base" for the Bible in 90 Days program. So I ask that you keep in your prayers all who work there as well as all who are struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

Between Sundays
This past week we celebrated the Festival of the Holy Cross. Lift High the Cross is one of my favorite hymns. I always associate it with the grand celebrations of Easter in my home congregation.

Family Activity Idea: Go around your house and see (1) how many crosses you can find and (2) how many Bibles your family owns. Consider giving some of these crosses and Bibles away as gifts this week.

Looking ahead...
This coming Sunday (September 21) the readings are Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16. We continue reading through the Exodus journey of the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness. St. Matthew gives us the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard to wrestle with. And we have now finished reading through St. Paul's letter to the Romans and now take up portions of his letter to the Philippians for the next several weeks.

September 21 is also the day we commemorate St. Matthew and rejoice in Christ who calls even tax collectors and sinners like you and me to his holy service.

Capital Campaign: Growing to the Future, Rooted in Christ
If you forgot to pick up your packet of materials (or happened to be out of town this past Sunday), be sure to pick up your Capital Fundraising Campaign packet next Sunday. This campaign is an important step in our life together as Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

The Whole Church
Below find some announcements that I am passing along about things happening in the church in this part of Ohio.

1. Introduction to Healing Ministry

St. Lucas Lutheran Church in Toledo is offering a class that has been the foundation of their Healing Ministry. Part of their mission is to provide training and support for other churches in developing their own healing ministries and outreach.

This one-day 8-hour course details the history of healing in Christianity with the opportunity to experience the laying-on of hands. The roles of prayer and belief and developing a healing presence are presented along with guided meditations that make this a truly inspiring day. CEU's available for RN's, Chaplains, and Massage Therapists.

Debra Reis is a certified nurse practitioner specializing in holistic health. She also holds certifications in holistic nursing from the American Association of Holistic Nursing and in Healing Touch as a practitioner and instructor from Healing Touch International, Inc. Deb has given many presentations on energy therapy and complementary health practices and is excited to be a part of a program aimed at restoring healing ministry to the Christian church. In addition, Deb is a NIA instructor, which is a form of holistic movement therapy. Spiritual ministry, Guided imagery and clinical aromatherapy are integral in her private healing practice. She recently obtained certification in aromatherapy and continues her studies in the healing use of essential oils. Deb is an active member at St. Lucas Lutheran Church in Toledo.

Location: St. Lucas Lutheran Church, 745 Walbridge Ave., Toledo, OH 43609

Date and Time: Saturday - October 4, 2008 (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Cost: $150 per person. Please make checks out to St. Lucas Lutheran Church

Coordinator for this Event: Jeannie Dennler, 419-343-4003, drjeannie1@aol.com

2. Installation of New Minister in Sylvania

We are pleased to announce to the Congregations, Pastors, and Associates in Ministry that on Sunday, September 28, Jennifer Molly Vasquez will be installed as Diaconal Minister at Olivet Lutheran Church, Sylvania, Ohio. The Service will be held at 11 a.m. at Olivet.

Olivet is located at 5840 Monroe Street, Sylvania.

We invite you to be present for this special service. We know that you will remember this ministry in your prayers, and will want to announce this service to your people. If you or a member cannot attend, we suggest that a letter be sent to the pastor and the congregation.

I give thanks to God for our continuing partnership in the Gospel.

Your brother in Christ,
Marcus C. Lohrmann, Bishop

3. December Renewing Faith Event

Reserve these dates now Dec. 5-6, 2008 for the Renewing Faith event: Revive Us Again, O Lord

This revival will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Bowling Green.

Rev. Kathryn Love Asst. Director of Evangelism for the ELCA will be our worship director and speaker for the weekend leading us in revival. Worship Music will be provided by Eric Dickey and his band along with Rev. Lori Strang.

Watch for more details coming along with a poster and registration brochures.

4. Young Adult Symposium this Saturday: September 20

Learn how congregations can tap into their strengths to be a connecting point for young adults. Explore ways in which your congregation can be a place of energizing, effective and engaging ministry with young adults and a catalyst for intergenerational partnership centered around "What Really Matters" in the world.

Join Kristen Glass, Director of Young Adults Ministry, ELCA, as she offers an eye-opening presentation and discussion with Young Adults that will bring about the realization . . . “We’re all in this together!” Saturday, September 20th 9:00-3:00pm Trinity Lutheran Church, Findlay, Ohio.

For more information go to: www.nwos-elca.org click on the Lay Academy

5. Caregiver Support

Help and Hope Offered for Caregivers…

If you have responsibility for an ailing spouse, parent or other family member, you know already how difficult and demanding care-giving can be…even for someone you love deeply.

Help is available. You are invited to attend the Caregivers' Support Group, a ministry of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Elmore. It is designed specifically to provide the support and encouragement for caregivers need. Amy Simkus, the group's facilitator, is a licensed social worker with significant experience in this field. Special guest speakers will also be invited from time to time, offering their special insights into the joys and trials of caring for those we love.

Group meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm in the church's Lounge. There is no cost to participate. For more information or directions, please call the church office at 419/862-3630 or email GraceELC@gmail.com.

6. Luther Fest 2008 @ Zoar, Perrysburg

Jesus, Justice and Jazz: A Jive Musical Festival
Zoar Lutheran Church
Sunday, October 19, 2008

4:00 p.m. Battle of the Praise Bands followed by local musical acts
-Enjoy casual atmosphere with grazing tables between acts
-Free-will donation for food and festival acts

7:00pm Afterglow Concert with Lori LeFever and Eric Dickey's Jazz Trio
-Casual with grazing tables for dining
-Tickets available for $25 by calling Glenwood Lutheran at 419-255-0886
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO ASSIST TOLEDO INNER-CITY YOUTH IN ATTENDING THE
ELCA 2009 YOUTH GATHERING

If you need more information on any of these events, please see Pastor Matt or Pastor Dave.

Lifting High the Cross,
+Pastor Matt