A number of years ago I had the opportunity to hear Reggie McNeal speak. He is an author, lecturer, and coach, what’s known as a Missional Leadership Specialist. His bio states, “Reggie McNeal enjoys helping people, leaders, and Christian organizations pursue more intentional lives.”
He notes that there's a Pentecost going on nearly every hour somewhere in the world. And that this Pentecost expansion of the kingdom of God is occurring in places where the church follows the early life-form of the Christian church, found in Acts, the house church. In Asia, in India, in Africa, the church is booming, and he naturally questions then the way in which we in the United States and Europe are “doing church.”
He challenges us with this statement: “We can't do church any better than we do it; and, if doing church better would make the church better, it would have happened by now; so it must hold true that it's not about doing church better and bringing people to institutional church gatherings. The question is, how do we be the church better, rather than doing church better, thus moving from church as a noun to church as a verb. Church is not a thing or a what, it's a who. The people of God are the church.”
Thinking about it as a relationship (my favorite word) frees us up. If you and I are the church (and we are), then the statement holds true: everywhere I am, everywhere I go, the church is. It causes us to rethink how we are church in this world. It’s not our purpose to “grow the church” as if that were the sum and total of our mission. Reggie put this in terms that were quite familiar. The Lord’s Prayer doesn’t say, “Thy church come…,” it says “Thy Kingdom come.” So, we need to get out of “church business” and get into “kingdom business.” This fits right into 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (look it up). We are ambassadors for Christ Jesus, not for Gloria Dei. It is not and should not be our intent to promote ourselves. We are here to promote Christ. So, be an ambassador, not for Gloria Dei, but for the kingdom.
I don’t know about you, but for me that is such a higher calling, so much more worthy of my time, focus, energy, life, etc. To be about the kingdom of God is to present Life to people who are dead, Hope for people who have no hope, who don't even know there’s an option.
When are we going to get the idea that we are not the point? That this in is not a church-centric universe? God's mission is building the kingdom. Again, we don't pray thy church come. (It would be interesting to go through the New Testament and replace the word “kingdom” with “church” and see just how ridiculous that is!) Our job is to bless the world, because God decided that in Abraham he would bless the world, and we are descendants of Abraham, adopted by God’s work in the Son.
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Reggie McNeal goes on to say, “We've asked God only to show up and show off only on Sunday morning.”
He then went on to quote 1 Peter 3:15, which says, “…in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Then we were again challenged as Reggie states, “The narrative of the north American church is not impressive enough that people want to know about it, and that leads them to ask us to give the defense for the hope that is in us.” His response? The same as Peter’s: be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you.Here’s the underlying question that leads to our empowerment. Who is your sending authority? For whom are you sent as ambassador? Being the people of God means you're a people of blessing. So, let's practice being the people of God and go out and bless people intentionally this week. Let’s create the moment in which people will stop and ask, “Why?” And then, take the time to report God sightings, where God shows up and shows off this week. If you are a person of blessing, the opportunities are abundant, people are desperate, so put yourself in the position of being a servant, an ambassador, a reconciler, living up to our role and purpose as a people of blessing.
Power to you!
Pastor Pat
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<<REMEMBER>>
Daylight Savings Time ENDS
Sunday, November 7
FALL BACK 1 hour
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Our Prayers Are With You
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Current Prayers
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Mary DeHart with health issues
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Claudette Rezos in hospital
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Lord’s Pantry: may they be reopen by the holidays
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Norma and Kristy health issues
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Eva: Pray for continued progress in healing
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Don Rinerson in radiation treatments.
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Kim Markie with health issues
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Bob Gill with health issues.
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Rose Marie may she have continued success for ongoing medical issues. Give both she and David much needed rest.
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Pray for protection, guidance and direction for our leadership as we move forward in our discipleship
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ELC: security and protection for all involved
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ELC and Pantry combined fundraiser... may it be successful.
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For all who grieve lost friends and family.
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Harold (Aase’s brother) in hospital with complications after having cancer surgery.
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We continue to pray for:
Ron Nuessle,
Joan Rositano,
Claudette Rezos,
Eva Duffy,
Rose Marie Livesay,
Joan Beecher,
Gilda and Julian Carlsen
Remember our shut-ins
Send them a card and let them know
you are thinking of them.
Addresses are in the directory
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We can still worship in person in our Sanctuary in spite of the virus
Ian Mackintosh is cancer free
Church Doctors event was successful
Jim (Joyce’s neighbor) has settled into a new place and is thriving
Congratulations to Don and Rosanna on the birth of their granddaughter
Norma working with physical therapist and is showing improvement
Saundra starting a new job
Donna had a great visit with family members in Pennsylvania
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Let everything that has breath praise the Lord ~Psalm 150:6 |
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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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The persecution of Christians is worse today "than at any time in history." At the present moment, Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world.
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church originated in the 20th century to raise awareness of the increasing violence, torture, death, "worship restrictions, public humiliation, and social isolation" that some Christians face in atheist states, such as in North Korea, as well as in South Asia and the Middle East; the observance was spearheaded by the World Evangelical Alliance. It has since been observed in many Christian denominations. The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church falls on the first Sunday of November, within the liturgical period of Allhallowtide, which is dedicated to remembering the martyrs and saints of Christianity.
The November observance has been promulgated by many NGOs that champion human rights for Christians, including Voice of the Martyrs, Open Doors, and International Christian Concern. Victims of persecution, including believers and missionaries, have also advocated to spread the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.
Please join us on Sunday, November 7th in praying for all those who are persecuted for their faith.
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Proverbs 25:16
If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it and you will vomit.
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Diabetes Awareness Month is in November
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Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the body can't produce insulin, a hormone in the pancreas that breaks down carbohydrates into blood sugar or glucose, for energy. Insulin therapy helps the pancreas to function normally. Many children suffer from Type 1 diabetes although it can affect people of any age or background. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease where the body is unable to process our internal insulin well enough to keep blood sugar at normal levels.
Know your risk factors
You may be predisposed to Type 2 diabetes if you are overweight, older than 45, your parent had Type 2 diabetes, you barely exercise each week, and you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Losing weight is a key preventive measure. With a 10-14 pound weight loss, you can improve your chances of avoiding or even beating diabetes. Try to exercise about 30 minutes a day, five times per week.
Donna
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The month of November has these designated topics: Bladder Health, COPD Awareness.Diabetes (American), Diabetic Eye Disease, Epilepsy Awareness (National), Family Caregivers (National), Healthy Skin (National), Home Care and Hospice (National)Hospice / Palliative Care (National), Jingle Bell Run / Walk for Arthritis (through December), Lung Cancer Awareness, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness (National), Prematurity Awareness |
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“Now Thank We All Our God” |
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With the exception of “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” this is the most widely sung hymn in Germany. Like so many other great hymns, it was forged in the crucible of the Thirty Years’ War. Martin Rinkart was the only pastor in the walled city of Eilenberg. Many refugees fled there, hoping the walls would protect them, only to see the city overrun by Swedes, Austrians, and Swedes again. In the crowded conditions, hunger and plague were chronic problems. In 1637, Rinkart conducted funerals for five thousand residents - including his wife. So, when he prays, “Guide us when perplexed,”
he is not talking about minor inconveniences.
Yet, Thanksgiving erupts from this stately song. The tune, by Johann Cruger, was introduced with the text in 1644, while the war still raged. It has a majesty and a resolve that few other works can match.
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“Now Thank We All Our God”
Now thank we all our God
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom His world rejoices;
Who, from our mother’s arms,
Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace,
And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills
In this world and the next.
All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given,
The Son, and Him who reigns
With them in highest heaven,
The one eternal God,
Who earth and heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.
Martin Rinkart (1586-1649)
Translated by Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878)
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Thank the Lord! Praise his name!
Tell the nations what he has done.
Let them know how mighty he is!
Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things.
Make known his praise around the world.
Let all the people of Jerusalem shout praise with joy!
ISAIAH 12:4-6
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The September Meeting of the Leadership Team was held on October 19, 2021 |
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Here are some highlights of current activities around Gloria Dei: |
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Healthy Churches Thrive— The Reconnect, Renew, and Reach Out Workshop, from Healthy Churches Thrive, was held on October 23, 2021. Pastor Pat, the Leadership Team, the HCT Action Team and Church Members will be meeting with the HCT Staffers over the 3 day period.
The Leadership Team continues participating monthly in the Healthy Leaders Thrive activities. Our Prayer Pods continue to actively pray, as seen in the Community of Prayer Updates, distributed through email. Remember to share your prayer concerns with the Team, and keep them all in your prayers, too! Our Small Group Studies continue through Zoom.
ELC— Classes at the ELC are in full swing. Currently, there are 14 students
attending. All the students continue to thrive under the direction of the loving
staff.
Lord’s Pantry— Great news! Repairs on the damage in the Pantry are in progress. We will keep you posted on when we can re-open. Be on the lookout for information on the Holiday Craft Fair and Gingerbread House event on Saturday, November 20th. This Event is a fundraiser for both the Pantry and ELC. Please keep the Pantry and its clients in your prayers.
Care Ministry— Donna and her team continue to serve our community through informal visits at church, home visits, and phone calls. Health Ministry Corner articles are sent out by Constant Contact each week.
Worship Activities— We offer worship “Live” Sundays at 9:30 AM and online, via live-stream for the service at 9:30 am Sunday, or later via Facebook or You Tube from the churches website. We continue our monthly communion (in service and “drive through”) for the time being. “Coffee Hour” continues each week. We depend on the generosity of our members to supply the treats to have along with our coffee. Please sign up to host a Sunday (share with another member, too) on the list next to the coffee center.
Facility Activities— Vandalism continues as a problem on our campus. The Leadership Team is actively working on getting a security fence for the entire campus. We are seeking bids from several fence companies. If you can assist in getting bids, please contact Sal Rositano with the information. Also in the planning stages are upgrading our computer network and replacing our Sanctuary lights with LED bulbs.
Google Calendar— We are implementing a Google Calendar to track activities around the campus. We’ll be ready soon to publish it online for all to see. If you would like access to the Calendar, please let Libby Nelson know.
GDLC Finances/Budget— Giving continues at a steady pace this month, and major expenses have been under control so far this year. We are beginning to plan for the 2022 Budget, which will be presented to the Congregation at our Annual Meeting in early December. Please continue to give generously.
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 Ernie Moore, who can help!
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3 Millie Chen
4 Andeline Reed
6 Mimi Laurent
9 Randy Rex
12 Gail Castle
17 Barbara McCalment
& Rosanna Myers
20 Norma Phillips
21 Wendy Kromrey
24 Lynn Carroll
26 Susan Olsen
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