Dear Disciples of Jesus at American Lutheran,

Paul gives us a "how to" list of advice on how to live as a faithful Christian in his letter to the new church start in Rome: "let love be genuine...extend hospitality to strangers...live peaceably with all...overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:9-21).

Beautiful sentiments, but tough to put into practice!

Jesus shows us that love is not always "warm and fuzzy." It is fervent, relentless and practical. And the way we learn such love is by coming back each week to the table of grace-so that we may be filled with the life-giving love of Jesus.

See you in church,

Pastor Gretchen

Last Sunday we raised $233 from the "Ice Bucket Challenge" to benefit Lutheran Social Services. Thanks to everyone who contributed, and to Pastor Gretchen for braving the ice water! Matching funds have been applied for from Thrivent which will stretch our donations even further.

Brrrrr!

We are looking for a regular part-time paid Sunday School teacher for our Children's Church during the 10am service each week. Responsibilities include engaging children from Pre-K through middle school for 30-40 minutes with a Bible story and craft activity. Children are dismissed from worship following the children's sermon and return to the service for Holy Communion. Our adult child care provider and the older middle school youth work with the lead teacher as assistants. 

We use the on-line "Spark" curriculum as a teaching resource. 

For more information or to apply for this position, contact Pastor Gretchen or call 818-846-0295.

Bring out your "mango" shirts for a

Saturday, September 6 (outside of the church)

1. Childrens Hunger Fund, Sylmar:  9am-11am. All ages welcome! Pack food for children around the world. Contact: church office, 818-846-0295 to register.
2. Burbank toxic waste removal:  9am-3pm. Fire Department Training Center 1845 Ontario Street, Burbank 91505. The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program gives residents a legal and free way to dispose of unwanted household chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular trash. Check the website for a list of items to bring...and not to bring.

Sunday, September 7 (at church after 10am service)

1. School Kit Assembly for Lutheran World Relief.
2. Help ELCA Advocacy give a Lutheran voice to social issues by writing a postcard to your members of Congress expressing the importance of improving the lives of children, low-income mothers, and older Americans. (Postcards will be provided)

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.

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!

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 as: Greeters, Ushers, Readers, Communion Assistants, Acolytes, Refreshments.

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!