In our ongoing consultancy with “Church Doctor Ministries” and our continuing small group study “The Damascus Road” we are learning what it means to be modern day missionaries right here where we are. And I think the key word in that sentence is “learning.” We’re not just learning about missions. We’re learning that a key insight into mission work among other people is to be learners, to watch and listen and ask and pray, to know the other person well so that we might not only win the opportunity and right to share our faith stories with them but so that we might be more effective in reaching them.
John 1: 14 says, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into our neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” (The Message)
I like this translation. The original Greek has the idea that “He pitched his tent in our midst.” What that always meant to me was a reference to the Tabernacle that was moved in the midst of the people of Israel during their 40 years in the wilderness, always the centerpiece around which they set their tents, and then all the way up to the building of the first Temple in Jerusalem, where God made his presence known, where God was in their midst. Years later, in the fulfillment of the Messianic promise, Jesus came to be present, in the midst of the people, just as the Tabernacle was in the center of the Israelites’ camp. That’s important. But this current translation brings it into more contemporary thought – He moved into our neighborhood – it makes me think of a condo, an apartment, a mansion, a tract home just down the block. God, in Jesus, came like one of us to live like one of us to be one of us… in order to reach us. Jesus steps down out of his glory to show us the way to share in that glory.
And then Jesus says, “Just as the Father has sent me, I send you.” (John 20:21) And we have the opportunity and, indeed, the commission and empowerment of the Spirit to move out into the workplace, the neighborhood, the school yard, the park and recreation center to be in the midst of people who have never known that the presence of God is all around them, that have loved and worshipped many things other than the God who loves them, who have worked themselves nearly to death seeking after things, not knowing that God gave his Son over to death that they might know Him.
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In the season of Lent we are on a journey. It is a season of reflection, looking inward, soul-searching. It is a season of looking intently at Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, longing to know him better, to be more like him. We follow along on his journey as he makes his way up to Jerusalem. And we should marvel that he continues to go, knowing full well what awaits him there. He laid down his life so that we might reclaim ours.
But the journey is meant for all, and you and I, we are the sent ones, meant to proclaim the Good News of God’s grace and love to all. So Lent is not only personal and contemplative. It is also communal, meant to be shared, inviting every single person for whom Jesus died to consider the cross and what it means for them. It is a time to look outward. And with Paul, we are compelled by the love of Christ and the Spirit to reach out with the message of hope only Jesus can give. And the best way for us to begin to do that is to learn: about mission, about people, about culture, so that all people groups may hear (Matthew 28:14).
Thanks for joining me on “The Road to Damascus: Where Christians Become Missionaries.” If you’d like more information about this study, let me know by sending me an email at pastorpatgdlc@comcast.net.
Power to you!
Pastor Pat
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3rd
from 3pm – 9 pm
ALL FOOD PURCHASES
at El Pollo Loco's
1701 Story Road Location
WILL DONATE 20%
to the Lord's Pantry
YOU MUST BRING THIS FLYER
PRINT FULL SIZED FLYER HERE
So Come on Down and
Do Some Good for our Pantry and Our Community
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Our Prayers Are With You
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We Pray for:
♦ Healing for: Rosemary Livesay, Kim Markie, Pastor & Ann’s great niece Sloan with Behcet’s syndrome, Barb’s sister for surgery and good outcomes, GA with lung cancer, Richard waiting for kidney transplant (Grace’s son), Don Rinerson for cancer diagnosis, Ron (Donna’s brother-in-law) receiving cancer treatment, Jolene for health issues (Joyce’s niece), Lois (Steve Goldammer’s Mother) for continued healing, Cathy Mathis with heart issues, Anna with eye surgery.
♦ Covid-19: pray for those who are infected with or exposed to Covid-19.
♦ Our shut-ins: Ron Nuessle, Joan Rositano, Claudette Rezos, Rosemary Livesay, Eva Duffy (not to mention all of us sheltering-in-place).
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♦ Pray for those grieving the loss of loved ones: The DeHart family for the loss of Mike DeHart, the Kling family in the loss of Dave’s father, The Estioko family in the loss of Rose Bakken’s aunt Emma.
♦ Struggling families for: Job & business stability, for those out of work and wondering what comes next
♦ Teachers and students enduring difficulties in education processes.
♦ Strength and rest to the caregivers who assist in the care of others.
♦ The ELC as they continue to provide class for students. May they continue to grow and be a blessing for parents and students.
♦ The ministries we support with our benevolence dollars.
♦ World Vision, medical personnel, and frontline first responders in the battle against Covid-19, for their safety and protection.
♦ Provision & safety for the homeless.
♦ Gloria Dei for direction and motivation in our “Healthy Churches Thrive” spiritual adventure. Come Holy Spirit!
♦ Wisdom for leaders & provision for refugees from Central & South America.
♦ Our nation, to heal our division with truth, justice & honesty, & for the world. Help heal us, Lord. Bring comfort to those who suffer, compassion to those who’ve lost loved ones, and help world leaders make smart & timely decisions.
♦ Continued care and support for: Gilda & Julien Carlsen, Neita and Glenn, Lou and Aase Serra, Jill Korin, Ken and Marlene Swanson, Lisa Lomeli, Terry Sullivan.
♦ For wise leadership and positive outcomes regarding issues of racism & policing.
Lord in your mercy! Hear our prayers!
“Praise the Lord”
♦ Kim Markie has new housing.
♦ Mel Fadness and his grandson Jake are home.
♦ Rebuilding of Christopherson’s home.
♦ Rich (Joyce’s nephew) for 3 years cancer free.
♦ Lord’s Pantry is back in operation.
♦ Robert doing well after heart attack (Grace’s son).
♦ Donna had no lasting problems from fall.
♦ Tony and family recovered from Covid.
♦ Rama Naik is cancer free.
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To submit a prayer request:
Please contact Joyce Boddie,
Gail Castle, or Pastor Pat.
You may also email the church office
to add people to the Prayer List.
We Pray for many people
whose names are not published
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Leadership Team Meeting
was held on
February 16, 2021
Here are some highlights
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Activities around the Church:
Annual Congregational Meeting was held January 31st. 24 Members attended. The primary discussion was review of the Annual Reports. Curtis Batt was elected to the open Auditing Team Member position. A rousing game of Boggle topped off the social portion of the meeting.
Healthy Churches Thrive— The Action Team will begin to meet again regularly to see that we are moving forward with our plans. The Prayer Pods are actively participating.
Solar Project— K-12 Energy has submitted plans to the City of San Jose for approval for permits. No change. Still waiting.
ELC— School continues. New students are continuing to join. Work is planned on replacing the back fence.
Lord’s Pantry— The Pantry continues to be busy. Volunteer coverage continues to be low and has hampered daily activities. The Pantry will be closed on March 3rd for Mike De Hart’s Graveside Services.
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Caring Ministry— Donna and her team continue to serve our community through home visits, and phone calls. Health Ministry Corner articles are sent out by Constant Contact each week.
GDLC Finances/Budget— As usual, donations were low for January. The PPP Loan that we received through the CARES Act was forgiven by Thrivent. Many thanks to the Team who investigated, applied, did the paperwork and arranged for the loan and re-payment!
Please contact our Treasurer, Barbara McCalment if you have specific questions. As always, members are encouraged to use the “digital” platforms to make their tithes and offerings. If you need help with any of the plans, feel free to contact Dan Rinerson, who can help!
Worship Activities— We continue to worship online, either by live-streaming the service at 9:30 am Sunday, or later by Facebook or You Tube from the churches website.
Ash Wednesday— February 17th- Thanks to a “bundled up” Pastor Pat, we were able to begin the Lenten Season with a “drive through” ash distribution on Wednesday evening. A stirring Zoom presentation followed.
Our Small Group Studies continue through Zoom.
We continue to do monthly “drive through” communion.
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From the compilation
The One-year Book of Hymns
Edited by Kathryn S. Olson
Near to the Heart of God
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Where do you turn when an unexpected tragedy strikes? Cleland McAfee, a Presbyterian minister in Chicago, had just received word that his brother and sister-in-law had lost both of their daughters to diphtheria within 24 hours. Grief-stricken, McAfee couldn't think of deep theological issues. He could only think of verses in the book of Psalms that brought comfort and rest to those who sought refuge in the Lord. As he meditated on God's Word, he wrote the words and music to this hymn.
At the double funeral, outside the darkened, quarantined home of his brother, Cleland McAfee, with a choking voice, sang this hymn publicly for the first time. The following Sunday, his church choir sang it from their pastor’s handwritten copy.
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God is our refuge and strength,
Always ready to help in times of trouble…
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
PSALM 46: 1, 10-11
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Near to the Heart of God
Cleland Boyd McAfee (1866-1944)
There is a place of quiet rest.
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us who wait before Thee.
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort, sweet.
Near to the heart of God;
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God.
REFRAIN
There is a place of full release.
Near to the heart of God,
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.
REFRAIN
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© 2017 by Robert K. Brown and Mark R. Norton – All rights reserved
Paraphrased by Music Director, David K. Bakken, Ed.D.
Photo by Jess Lee – at: jessleephotos
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Revelation 21:4a
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
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Arthritic pain is sometimes unbearable, depending on the type and severity. It can cause some people with severe pain to look forward to going home to be with Jesus to end the suffering. I imagine it would be really hard on a young person who may have to live with it a long time. Fortunately, there are new remedies being developed through research, that can help some.
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One of the Designated Health Topics for March
is Juvenile Arthritis
Below is information from the website URMC / Encyclopedia / Juvenile Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases:
Key points about juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases:
- Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that causes pain and swelling.
- Arthritis is one type of rheumatic disease.
- Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and warmth.
- Experts don’t know what causes juvenile arthritis and most types of rheumatic diseases.
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Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that causes pain and swelling. Juvenile arthritis is the term used for arthritis in children. The most common form of juvenile arthritis is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Arthritis is a group of more than 100 diseases. It’s only one category of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, and bones. Rheumatic diseases can also affect other areas of the body, including organs. Some rheumatic diseases affect connective tissues. These types of tissues include muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The diseases are known as connective tissue diseases. Other types of diseases are caused by the body's immune system attacking its own healthy cells and tissues. These are known as autoimmune disorders.
Donna
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March health observances: Hemophilia Awareness Month, Juvenile Arthritis Month, Multiple Sclerosis, Education & Awareness Month, National Brain Injury Awareness Month, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, National Kidney Month, National Endometriosis Awareness Month, National Nutrition Month, Save Your Vision Month |
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2 Elizabeth Fraasch
3 Curtis Batt
5 Alex Kromrey
13 Racehl Smay
23 Daniel Schwartz
25 Dick Nelson
27 Jessica Smay
29 Abigail Fraasch
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"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing– grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God."
~Joel 2:12-14
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Wild Geese
by Mary Oliver
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies, and deep trees
the mountains and rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting–
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
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CORRECTION: Last month's MESSENGER mistakenly attributed the Poem I am a Christian to author Maya Angelou.
I am a Christian was written by: Carol Wimmer
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If you are interested in viewing or printing the "Print Version"
of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Newsletter you may do so below
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