Soap, Bibles, Rachel

Poll
I'd like to begin this week with an informal poll for those on email. The questions are simple:
1.) Do you use the weekly readings (right-hand column on the web site)?
2.) If you do use these readings, do you find the hymn suggestions helpful?

I have no idea how many people are using either feature and if there are very few I will probably not update them any longer... so let me know.

Soap
Our service project for this month is collecting soap for Lutheran World Relief. How many pounds of soap can we as a congregation collect? Please bring new bars, any brand, in their original wrapping (bath size (4-5 oz) is preferred but all sizes are accepted).

Bible in 90 Days
Our Bible in 90 Days group is off to a good start. There is still time to get into the game--but it probably be best to do so before this Wednesday. Call the church office immediately (419-287-4182) if you would like to put your name on one of the Bibles or participant guides; they are moving quickly.

For those who have already signed up and are still waiting on Bibles, our second shipment should be in on Wednesday. In a true testament to their devotion to this project, the Bible in 90 Days folks in Houston (still recovering from Hurricane Ike) shipped from one member's home the middle of last week. What a wonderful witness!

For those who are participating (or for anyone who is curious), periodic updates will be posted on the Bible in 90 Days website.

Youth-Led Service this Sunday, September 28
The youth of the congregation will assist in leading worship this Sunday at the 10:30 am service. As part of the service, they will share portions of their 2008 mission trip to Chicago with D.O.O.R. ministries.

Capital Campaign
Please continue to pray for discernment regarding the capital improvements being contemplated for the church building and for future ministry opportunities at Bethlehem

Bethlehem: Genesis 35
For a long time I have been reflecting on how our congregation's name might serve as a touchstone for the Vision and Mission of our congregation. This week I would like to reflect on Bethlehem as a place of grief, a place where tears are welcome, a place where we bring all of our "stuff" to God--even in the depths of our despair.

This conviction, of Bethlehem as a place of grief, is inspired by the story of Rachel. You will remember that Rachel was the favored bride of Jacob (Israel) and she bore him his two favored sons of 12: Joseph and Benjamin. She dies in childbirth as she bears Benjamin and is buried on the way to Bethlehem. And it is on the way to Bethlehem that we find a place for our grief, for Jacob and Rachel give us this grieving language. [Genesis 35:16-20 and 48:7 (cf. also Matthew 2:18 and Jeremiah 31:15)]

Perhaps you bear deep in your soul some grief that you have never let out. Perhaps deep within you is some unexpressed sorrow and pain. Go ahead and weep, for Bethlehem is a place in which it is okay to grieve.