WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD? Congregation Council Update #2

 

As part of the Council's summer survey we reported in the E-News last week that our geographic reach indicates a "tribe" of mostly former Lutherans who gather from over 20 area towns to worship on Sunday mornings.

 

But who else comes through our doors on other days? And how might we serve them? Here is what we know: eight 12-step groups like AA and Clean and Serene gather on week nights Monday-Friday; Allegro Music School provides music lessons to children and some adults on week days; the Broadmoor Singers, a Natick choral group, rehearse weekly; two private counseling groups gather each week; an arts and crafts group sets up monthly in the parish hall; and two book groups meet once a month, one that originated at the church, the other group met formerly at Natick Community Farm and reads books on environmental sustainability. Three times a year we host Family Promise which this past year served 12 families in shelter, families with children whose average age is 9 years old. Many are single-parent families and spend an average of 136 days in shelter. What are we called to do in community with these diverse groups of neighbors? What invitations might we offer them? Join with the Council in offering your ideas about ways we can reach out to the folks who gather in our building Mondays through Saturdays.

Robert Weaver, tenor, composer and CLC member will be singing this Sunday, August 19 and serving a Cantor. Bob ' s own original musical setting of the hymn text " For the bread which you have broken " (ELW 494) is the Offertory Music. Visit Bob ' s website http://www.rjweaver.net/ to learn about Bob ' s interests, background and musical projects.

 

We welcome back our Johnson Organ on August 19, following extensive restoration to the mechanical " works. " The only electrical parts of this organ are the wind generator and lights. Everything else operates with rods and levers to open and close valves under the pipes. These connectors understandably wear out after over a century of use. While there will be no noticeable difference in the sound of the organ, the renovated playing mechanism will be easier on the fingers and more reliable!

 

Tom Berryman, Music Director

"Hammonasset" at Calumet is coming up quickly, September 7-9. With this year's theme, "Powered by Love," this is a great chance for CLC youth to meet new friends from throughout our synod, and reconnect with friends made at Calumet and the ELCA Youth Gathering-and, of course, to grow in faith and fellowship, and enjoy all things Calumet. Cost is $85 per youth (but if cost is prohibitive we won't let that be a barrier). Please contact Pr. Bourret this week if you are interested!

AMMPARO, ADVOCACY AND ACCOMPANIMENT:

Two (identical) workshop opportunities to gain a larger picture of the immigrant crisis at our southern border--and learn how we can respond--are on the horizon, Saturday, October 13, from 9:00-3:00 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Providence, and Sunday, October 14, from 1:30-6:30 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford. These are appropriate for both adults and high school youth. Cost is $10 and includes a light meal.

Speak with Pr. Bourret or Joyce Simon if interested, and we'll plan for a carpool (or two!).

Bible Study

Led by Pastor Richard Hurst, the Bible study group meets each Thursday at the church. We invite you to join with us as we gather for coffee and refreshments at 9:45 a.m. in the Memorial Room so that the hour discussion/study can begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. 

As we head into a new program year, opportunities to participate in the church's work abound!

Be sure that Natick Days, Saturday, September 8, is on your calendar, and plan to stop by our table on the Natick Common between 9:00 and 3:00. This is a wonderful outreach opportunity for our congregation, and we'll offer a variety of ways for our neighbors to engage and learn more about CLC's ministries and commitment to the larger community.

On Sunday, August 19th, we celebrate the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost , 9:30 a.m.  worship,  Pastor Rebecca Bourret preaching and presiding.

READINGS FOR THIS WEEK

August 19 , 2018, Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

 

On this coming Sunday, the gospel reading from John 6 speaks in graphic language about eating Christ's flesh and drinking his blood. But we aren't cannibals. Come to worship, and discover how we can receive the meaning of these words.

First Reading       Psalm                  Second Reading         Gospel

Sing For Joy

Enhance your understanding of the weekly scripture readings by listening to Sing For Joy http://www.stolaf.edu/singforjoy/ from St. Olaf College.  The Sing For Joy radio program, produced by St. Olaf College , has a simple mission: to explore the weekly themes of Christian worship by providing the best in sacred choral music and thoughtful commentary. The musical performances eloquently "do the talking," while the concise remarks from host Pastor Bruce Benson illuminate the meaning of the texts.