Gather in Grace • Grow in Faith • Go Forth to Serve

Eighth Sunday of Pentecost August 4, 2019 8:30 & 10:00am Nursery available at both services. Hospitality from 9-10:30am in Fellowship Hall

Click on the above to view or download the service bulletin for Sunday, August 4, 2019. Click on the Live Stream Event logo below to access our YouTube "Live" channel. It won't be showing a live stream until the day and time of the service.

Altar flowers this Sunday are given by Marilyn Erickson and Sarah Rheault in memory of daughter and sister, Sheila Ann, whose 50th birthday is August 9.

Sunday's Gospel Luke 12:13-21

Co-Pastor Ed Treat “The rich man said to himself, “I have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool!’”   A fool! That’s what God calls the rich man in the parable for this coming Sunday.   What a harsh insult toward someone who worked hard, put in long hours and saved it all up. What a strange thing to call someone whom we would all envy. Wasn’t he wise to save up so that he could enjoy fruits of his labor? Wasn’t he fortunate to now be able to “take life easy” and “eat, drink and be merry?”   Jesus calls the man a fool not for being successful, but because he stored up only for his own pleasure. Instead of recognizing all he had was a gift from God to benefit others, he thought only of himself.   Many people are like the rich fool, willing to sacrifice almost anything to get ahead, trusting in money and status for their security and leaving God out of the picture. Think about what you have today and why you have it. Ask yourself, “Would God call me a fool?”   Lord our God, help us to see that true wealth comes from being be rich toward you. Amen.

-TAKING FAITH HOME- Week of August 4, 2019  Use this friendly tool to enrich your family times with conversation, rituals, prayer, blessings, and service ideas. [Click Here] for this week's edition.

Mary Loftstrom Performs Sunday

Come and enjoy the musical talents of TLC Bell-Ringer, Mary Anne Lofstrom this Sunday at both services as she performs solo on 20+ bells in a medley of well known hymns.

DURING WORSHIP SERVICES, VISIT THE PRAY-GROUND IN OUR SANCTUARY TLC welcomes children and parents to worship together in the newly created pray-ground space on the south side of the sanctuary. It features a soft throw rug area with floor pillows, foam building blocks and more. There are two "pint size" tables and chairs - perfect for coloring activities and puzzles, all provided in the area. Families are encouraged to play and pray together during the service.

The nursery is also available at both services.

"View from the Ground" ELC Photographer: Nora

Nora is 8 years old and this is her 3rd year in the ELC Photo Club. On a trip to the the Minneapolis Library, Nora tried many different angles and perspectives in her photographs. With this one she looked up and liked what she saw. Nora laid down and took the photo looking up towards the ceiling. "I took this because I thought it looked good." said Nora.

OPEN HOUSE

August is the time of our Open Houses and Informational Meetings, when the families learn about the classes the children will be moving into.  The dates for these important events are: Turtles                August 6             4:00 – 5:30 Penguins            August 15           4:30 – 6:00 Chipmunks         August 22           4:30 – 6:00 Duck Tales         August 21           5:00 – Informational Meeting KinderPlus         August 6            5:30 – Informational Meeting TAC                    August 20         5:00 – 6:00

After many years of our monthly trips for a sing-along we felt right at home, and would get to know the activities directors (who changed several times) and of course, some of the residents knew us well too. We found that many did not receive Christmas gifts, and were given names of people who were needy.

So many had to use adaptive clothing for being in a wheelchair, and so a couple of us went together to purchase these special items. Birdman got the name of a nice man who had been feeding birds outside his window, and they became friends. At Christmas, some birdseed made a great gift. We went to visit him after he had moved to Illinois... He was so surprised!   Through the years, Maple Manor remodeled a few times. For a while there was only the front door to use for everything going on there. Gurneys with residents who had passed-on would go out the door during our half-hour session....We just kept right on singing. Once we were met at the door as we were about to come in and told that there was a virus --- digestive disorders were rampant and we should go home. A quick escape!!   We did improve on the scrolls we had used for larger printed words. Someone donated a pile of tagboard squares and so instead of two people to hold up the words, we only needed one.   Sometimes you can feel too “at home.” Once I noticed that a few plants in the day room were wilting and ran to get some water....Bad choice! The water ran quickly through the pots and out on the floor. Spent some time on hands and knees wiping it up. They did not need to see someone slip and fall after our visit!   If Maple Manor had not closed, we might still be going there. For a time there were more of us “singers” than residents, and we were told that the building was closing and had been sold already---it would be torn down. The neighbors around there were glad they would no longer have to put up with having a nursing home so close. Now there is a larger building that shades their lots much worse than Maple Manor's single level. Be careful what you wish for!   If you were part of the group who went with us, thank you so much and I hope you have good memories. Too many names have come and gone, so I won't list them, but know you were appreciated! -Bloomington Bird Lady

TLC Bell Ringer, Kris Augdahl, Wed at TLC Last Saturday

Kristine Ann Augdahl exchanged vows with Scott Byam Church on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at TLC in a beautiful ceremony performed by Pastor Authur Murray. It included organ, piano, a soloist and, of course, the TLC Bell Choir. [Click Here] to watch the ceremony in its entirety.

Kris joins her friends in the Bell Choir for a "Kodak Moment."

Transfiguration Lutheran Church MID-YEAR FINANCIAL UPDATE Submitted by the Stewardship & Financial Development Teams [Click Here] to access the report on TLC's website

Over 200,000 children in the state of Minnesota live in food insecurity and do not always know if they will receive their next meal. The Sheridan Story’s purpose is to respond to this need by closing the weekend food gap between Friday and Monday, when children are not able to participate in the free or reduced meal programs at school. TLC’s partnership with The Sheridan Story and Westwood Elementary School is to provide hungry kids with food at our local elementary school. The cost to sponsor a child for the school year is $230. Checks can be made out to TLC or online at www.tlcmn.com. Memo: Westwood food Volunteers are also needed to help distribute the food. Contact Jo Benson at 952-884-9881.

Pool Party!!! All high schooler's entering 9th through 12th grade: You’re invited to a pool party and grill-out at Sandy and Paul’s house at 2815 Overlook Dr., Monday evening, August 19, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. We’ll have food and drinks, time to reconnect after the summer and make some plans for the fall. RSVP to Ben at bcherland@tlcmn.com by Friday August 16.

Donations of School Supplies In anticipation of TLC travelers heading to Liberia on a mission trip in December, we are asking for donations of school supplies in August and Christmas toys in October to be delivered to our mission partner, Philip Nushann and the youth of Center for Changing Lives-Liberia. Please watch for suggestions of supplies and gifts in upcoming issues of the e-newsletter, TLC Weekly.

Host an AFS high school exchange student!

AFS is looking for host families for students who are coming to our area this fall. Host families provide a bed, food, & loving support. Students come with their own health insurance and spending money. Families of all types; married, single, single parents, young children, no children, can host. Families have the option to host for the school year, semester or just 6-12 weeks. Will you be that person, that family who makes a world of difference in the life of a young person? Please contact Craig Putz at: cputz@afsusa.org or 612-965-0998 to learn more or www.afsusa.org/host-family   AFS-USA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership.

NEW!!! - TLC Saturday Work Group All are welcome to help with big and small church repairs and upkeep on designated Saturdays at TLC. Watch this space for updated information on what projects this group will be doing and how you can get involved.

Thought it would be fun to include some TLC Member recipes that can be cooked in an hour or less.  If you have a favorite tried and true recipe that you're willing to share, please forward it to Norma Macdonald-Ockwig at weeyin57@aol.com to be included in a future weekly "Quick Fixin's" article.

QUICK TACO BAKE  Submitted by TLC Member Norma R. Macdonald-Ockwig Preheat Oven to 375 You'll Need:   1 8oz can of refrigerated crescent rolls 1 lb of lean hamburger (at least 80% lean) 3/4 cup of Old El Paso Thick and Chunky Salsa 2 tbs of Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix (from a 1oz packet) 1 cup (8oz) of shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup of shredded lettuce, 2 cubed tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of sour cream (only if desired as toppings)   Directions: Unroll dough and separate into 8 triangles  Place triangles into ungreased 9 inch square pan or 10 inch pie plate and press over bottom and sides to form crust Cook hamburger in a skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thoroughly cooked, then drain off excess grease Stir in salsa and taco seasoning mix and simmer for 5 minutes Spoon cooked meat mixture into crust lined pan and sprinkle with cheddar cheese Bake 14 to 17 minutes or until crust is deep golden brown and cheese is melted Serve as is, or top with lettuce, tomato and sour cream, if desired   Blessings!   (Please submit your quick , tried and true recipes to Norma Macdonald-Ockwig at weeyin57@aol.com to be included in an upcoming Quick Fixin's.)

Make Note of Our New "Live-Stream" Web Address

Easy to remember. Easy to access. It also includes our "On-Demand" link to the TLC playlist. The "live" link on the TLC website will remain.

For adults, youth and children. Test your knowledge of the Bible in each issue of TLC Weekly. Answers can be found on the last section of this issue.

Sunday's Gospel Luke 12:13-21 The Parable of the Rich Fool 1) In Jesus' Parable of the Rich Fool, a wealthy farmer finds that his land has produced an exceptionally good crop. What does he decide to do with his bountiful harvest? Invite the Levites, widows and orphans to share in his bounty Tear down his barns and build bigger ones to hold all the crops Sell his excess harvest and become even wealthier Give a double tithe for the year 2) What did the farmer decide to do in the future? Eat, drink and be merry Use his wealth to travel abroad Use his wealth to buy more land Answer God's call to be a prophet 3) What did God say to the farmer? "Well done, my servant." "This is my Son, with whom I am well pleased." "You fool! Your wealth will not save you from the Evil One." "You fool! Tonight you will die." 4) What is the lesson of this parable? A fool and his money are soon parted. Love your neighbor as yourself. Share generously with those in need. Put God above material possessions. Quiz answers can be found near the end/bottom of this newsletter.

Contribute to the TLC Weekly TLC Weekly staff are looking for both youth and adult "reporters" that would like to tell a story about life, an event or an anecdote inside or outside of TLC. Photos also welcomed. Submit your *story (and *pics) to: TLCMedia@tlcmn.com *Subject to editor approval

Reducing the Use of Plastic As you may know, the amount of plastic in the environment is a problem. While there has been an effort to reduce the use of plastic in recent years, overall usage continues to grow. There are estimates of 150 tons of plastic in our oceans, and it never fully degrades. The result is that plastic ends up in our wildlife, including the food that we eat, such as fish. You can help by avoiding plastics in single-use products, such as plastic bottles for water or soda. Also, avoid products that are packaged in plastic, and support products and businesses that avoid plastic packaging and plastic bags. Together, we can make a difference!

Join Pastor Arthur at Atonement this Wednesday Evening

Come join your friends and neighbors at Atonement Lutheran Church for WEDNESDAY EVENING CAMPFIRE WORSHIP! Gather at the outdoor campfire at 6:00pm to roast hotdogs and marshmallows; free-will offering to benefit VEAP. Worship at 6:30pm with guitar-led hymns and songs. It's a multi-church worship service with guest preachers. Come as you are! Every Wednesday through August 28 at Atonement Lutheran Church, located at the intersection of 98th St. & Portland Ave. in Bloomington.

Say what? View past issues of the TLC Weekly.

[CLICK HERE] to visit the TLC web page where you can choose to read from the past nine months of weekly E-newsletters from Transfiguration Lutheran Church. This is also a great way to share TLC Weekly with those that don't receive it in email. Tell them to visit tlcmn.com/tlcweekly

ELECTRONIC GIVING HELPS SUPPORT TLC It’s important to know that we can depend on financial support from TLC members during the Summer months. Electronic giving is fast, secure, and reduces administrative costs, allowing more of every dollar to support the important work we are called to do. You can give anytime, anywhere to specific funds with our GivePlus Mobile app (free from the app store). You can also schedule and manage recurring donations by visiting our website and clicking on TLC ONLINE GIVING icon at the bottom of any page, or [Click Here] to start the process, or contact the church office. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

ALTAR FLOWERS ONLINE ORDERING There are still spots available in August through December. See the chart online. The TLC website has a new and easier online form to order Chancel/Altar Flowers for any Sunday in 2019. [Click Here] to access the form now, or visit www.tlcmn.com later and look for the "Purchase Altar Flowers" button at the bottom of any page.

Free Subscriptions, sign up to be a volunteer, request care ministry and more! Subscribe a friend to this newsletter, TLC Weekly, or subscribe yourself and others to the TLC publication, Transcripts. Interested in TLC membership? Sunday school? Our renowned TLC music program, volunteering and more are choices on this easy online TLC Request Form. Just [Click Here] or the "Sign Me Up" button on the left. 

ANSWERS FROM QUIZ EARLIER IN THIS ISSUE 1) In Jesus' Parable of the Rich Fool, a wealthy farmer finds that his land has produced an exceptionally good crop. What does he decide to do with his bountiful harvest? Answer #2: Tear down his barns and build bigger ones to hold all the crops Luke 12:13-18 2) What did the farmer decide to do in the future? Answer #1: Eat, drink and be merry. Luke 12:19. With all his material goods the farmer thought he had everything he needed and could just take life easy. 3) What did God say to the farmer? Answer #4: "You fool! Tonight you will die." Luke 12:20. In the parable, God says, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" 4) What is the lesson of this parable? Answer #4: Put God above material possessions. Luke 12:15, 21. This parable is one of many instances where Jesus emphasized that we must put God first in our lives, above material things.

Source: christianbiblereference.org

Transfiguration Lutheran Church A Reconciling in Christ Congregation

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