Dear Disciples of Jesus at American Lutheran,

"Who do you say that I am?" Jesus asks his disciples in the reading this Sunday, which means he asks it of us too. It's the question of the week, and how we answer who Jesus is ultimately shapes who we are. What will you stand up for? What's important? When do you say what you need to, want to, have to? Or when are you silent? On what will you stake your identity, your life, your future? How do you want to be known?

Each one of us needs to answer this question this week-parishioner and pastor alike. Because "who do you say that I am" has everything to do with who we are willing to be.

See you in church,

Pastor Gretchen

Today we welcome Jason Shih into the body of Christ through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Jason's sponsors are members Tim and Karen Deputy. We give thanks for Jason's faithful presence in worship and the ways he is and will continue to join our community of faith in God's mission for the life of the world.

The Ice Bucket Challenge has proven itself to be such a huge success at raising money and awareness for ALS, that we have decided to "borrow" the idea and donate the funds to another ministry close to our hearts.

A donation jar will be on hand and 100% of donations will be given to Lutheran Social Services (LSS).

Council President Deyo Blake has called a Congregation Meeting this Sunday, August 24th following the 10am worship service. The purpose of this meeting is to vote on the Council's recommendation regarding our lease with Brighton Hall for use of the school building and Administrative Office building. Please stay around after service to attend this important meeting.

Our Sunday Night Youth Ministry with Salem Lutheran in Glendale begins again on 

Sept. 14th from 6:30-8pm

(note the *new time*).

Confirmation, High School Youth Group, and Parent Bible Study will begin with a WELCOME POTLUCK DINNER and INTRODUCTION TO THE YEAR from 6:30-8pm for all of our families and youth leaders. Our regular sessions will begin the following week on Sept 21st.

All students in 7th grade and up are welcome!

Pastor Gretchen invites anyone interested in exploring what it means to be a member of American Lutheran to a gathering on Sunday, Sept. 14th from 11:30am-1pm. A light lunch will be served over conversation about the Lutheran faith and our church. You do not need to make a commitment in order to attend, however those who would like to join our congregation will be received into membership in the fall.

Research has shown that serving does as much good for the volunteer as it does for the people they are serving! 

If you love people, there is a place for you to serve at ALC! We are currently looking for more people to serve in the following areas: Greeters, Ushers, Readers, Communion Assistants, Sunday School Helpers, Acolytes, Refreshments, and Media Assistants. 

E-mail the church office to volunteer to help.

A free educational workshop for parents and their teens ages 11 - 18.  During the workshop, parents and teens will be able to gain a better understanding of stewardship and learn about making intentional choices about sharing, saving and spending money. No financial products will be sold.  This is an educational experience.  

The workshop will be offered a Concordia Schools LA, 13570 Eldridge Ave., Sylmar, CA on Thursday, September 18th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  It will be presented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans representative Melanie Meyer, CA insurance ID #OB16206.  A light dinner will be provided at 6:30 PM.

To reserve a seat, the registration deadline is Monday, September 15th.  To register, call 818-526-0230 ext. 106 or email [email protected].  For more information, call Peggy Courtney at 818-362-5861.

"Our Community Care Centers in Van Nuys and Santa Clarita focus mainly on homeless and at-risk individuals and families. Our programs are developed to provide families with the resources, education and long term plans needed to help them find their way out of poverty to become contributing members of the community. We offer a full range of short-term assistance such as food and clothing, but also offer urban garden plots, computer training, employment assistance and case management which provide referrals and individual guidance to assist an individual or family to reach a place of self-confidence and dignity." 

Open Monday through Friday 10am to 12:00pm; 1:00pm to 3pm

We can help with:

H2H Program - Case Management services for limited clients wishing to move from homeless to housing (on site 9:30am to 1pm).

Clothing - You can purchase additional clothing for $1.00 / item at any time. Homeless clients may request a need voucher from the office for a certain number of pieces free.

Hygiene items for the homeless - only those working with Alex in H2H program.

Bus Coupons - when available.

Mobile Health Clinic van - every other Thursday for the homeless.

Breakfast - every Sat at 8:30am at First Lutheran Church 6952 Van Nuys Blvd. Van Nuys, CA 91401.

Garden Plots - a waitlist exists for plots coming available.

Each month, I will spotlight at least one way you can help promote and support the church through the use of online networking and social media outlets. Check out this section regularly for new ways to support the church.

Monthly Spotlight:

American Lutheran Church is now on the list of charitable organizations you can choose from on AmazonSmile. That means, when you shop on AmazonSmile and select ALC as your charitable organization, Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to the church! So, please consider making your back-to-school purchases on AmazonSmile and select American Lutheran Church as your charitable organization. Free for you, great for the church!

Weekly reminders:

Check out our Facebook page for updates, reminders and pictures from church events. We love new "likes"!

Share your experience at American Lutheran Church on Yelp. Reviews are such an important factor in driving Internet traffic to our website. We only have two (2) reviews right now, so more can only help us!

Email me pictures taken at our church-related events so I can share them with everyone. Pictures are always welcome here!