Gather in Grace • Grow in Faith • Go Forth to Serve
Twelfth Sunday of Pentecost
September 1, 2019
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8:30am at TLC
10:30am at Normandale Lake Bandshell
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Nursery available at both services.
Parent/children's Pray-Ground available in the Sanctuary
Hospitality from 9-11:00am in Fellowship Hall
Click on the above to view or download the service bulletin for Sunday, September 1, 2019. The 8:30 service at TLC will be live-streamed. Normandale will not be live-streamed.
Altar flowers this Sunday are given by Pattie Johansen
in honor of the TLC staff.
Wednesday Evening Oasis begins this coming Wednesday, September 4.

Note the new times:
5:45pm - Community Meal; chicken alfredo, Caesar salad, breadsticks, coffee & water.
6:30pm - Worship with communion (30-min. services.)
Worship Under the Outdoor Sky
This Sunday, September 1, 10:30am
All Local ELCA Churches Worship & Picnic Together in the Park
Stock photo of Normandale Lake Bandshell
It will be a special, first ever, Bloomington worship service at Normandale Lake Bandshell, located just west of Normandale Blvd on West 84th Street. All eight local ELCA churches and pastoral staff will join together for outdoor worship, communion, music, singing and a picnic. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and your own picnic lunch for an extended Sunday morning outdoors. [Click Here] for the worship service bulletin.
 
This is an effort of the ELCA churches to work collectively, to share gifts, and to show we are all in this together, not islands competing with each other. We are continuing to do more and more collaboration with one another.
 
The closest parking lot will be reserved for handicapped parking.  [Click Here] for specific information and a Google map.
 
 
Note: If you would like to sing in the Pick-Up Choir, please come to the Bandshell at 9:45am for a warm-up practice. Music for “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “Beautiful Savior” will be provided.
-TAKING FAITH HOME-
Week of September 1, 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.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?
By Pastor Al Dungan
Words. Words. Words. Our world is awash in words. Newspapers (although not as many as there used to be). Magazines. Books. Emails. Blogs. Tweets. Radio and TV talk shows. And…all of those words have power, helpful and/or hurtful, whether we realize it or not.

We’ve all heard or chanted ourselves the old proverb when someone has said something hurtful to us, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” But words can, and do, hurt.

On the other hand, there is a proverb from the Bible that says “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) What a beautiful picture that can, and does, bring to mind.

Words do have power; and the word worship is no exception.

The words that follow, in this series, will explore that word, WORSHIP , and what it means to us as Lutheran Christians.

So…let’s begin and see what power this word, WORSHIP , can, and does, have in our lives, if we will let it.
 
What is Worship?

The word comes from either the Old English word worthscip or the West Saxon word weorthscipe which means “the condition of being worthy, dignity, glory, distinction, honor, or renown”. It involves a sense of reverence paid to a supernatural or divine being.

Christian worship originates from the New Testament Greek word proskuneo which means “to fall down before or bow before”. It’s an attitude of the spirit which can be done most or all of the time regardless of where we are or what the situation might be. It is, for us, giving God the recognition that God deserves in our lives. Literally it means to “kiss the ground” before a superior.

WOW! What a picture that can create in our mind.

The problem is that in our time, the word worship has been captured by what we might call “the tourist mind set”. It generally has come to mean a visit to an attractive site which is made when we have adequate leisure; or a weekly jaunt to sing songs, pray prayers and hear a sermon.

What it can and should mean is that it’s a very special time in our lives when we are with God proclaiming and giving God back God’s worth—which for Christians means all the time.

Now that puts a whole different perspective on that word WORSHIP. And that’s what we’ll explore in the coming weeks.
"Flower Eyes"
ELC Photographer: Sierra
Sierra is 8 years old and this is her third year with the ELC Photo Club. She enjoys taking pictures, recently discovering these flowers at the Conservatory of the Como Zoo. Sierra explains that, "Daisies are my favorite flower, I like the colors and the leaves, and Daisies just make me feel happy!"
THE GREAT GET-TOGETHER
 
It's raining and a good time to reminisce about going to the fair as a child. I do not remember ever having it rain on the day we went! Dumb luck, right? First, it was quite an experience being from a small town of under 2,000 and then finding ourselves with more people than we'd ever seen... trying to make our way through to the Midway, for one thing. Back in the '30s one could park the car right on the grounds, have a homemade picnic sitting on a blanket by the old Chevy... no problem.
 
We always seemed to have my uncle and aunt from Massachusetts with us, as they'd drive all that way to see family and the fair. They didn't have any kids, so I was the only child at the picnic. They always brought iced-tea; not a child's drink at all. Something good about being the youngest! The Merry-go-Round and an ice cream cone were always first on the list. (maybe making up for the iced tea?) I can remember standing by the Merry-go-Round waiting for it to stop, and licking on my vanilla cone. Whoops! Its too-large scoop of ice cream flipped off onto the dirt right by my feet! I didn't dare to say anything, and began sadly to eat the dry cone and wait for the horses to stop going up and down. I think that ride is now over at Como Park....beautiful to see yet.
 
Is the Old Mill still there? It's really the “Tunnel of Love” but with a “Minnesota Nice” name. My mom and I would take a ride in the wooden boat, bumping along in the dark and watching for spooky characters to appear on the black walls. I didn't know it was for guys and gals to have a little “alone time” without all the crowds. A couple of years ago, Birdman and I took that same ride...but I think it was mainly to rest our feet.....?
 
We have not gone to the fair recently. It's tempting, but when I see the huge crowds they show on the evening news, it's not exciting at all to push through or stand and try to cross the streets. As a kid I never thought I'd say that, of course. I loved the bands parading, the animal barns, the Ferris Wheel, and even the poultry and rabbits.
 
It'll be over after Labor Day, so have fun, don't eat something too weird, and stop to rest your feet when you can. Be glad we have a fair that other governors are trying to figure out for their own states!
 
-Bloomington Bird Lady
Family Mission Camp
End of Summer Adventure
By Pastor Arthur
For the third year in a row, an intergenerational group of TLC disciples took part in Wilderness Canoe Base’s end of summer “Family Mission Camp.” The size of our group has grown each year (this time, twenty-one). A number of families are beginning to consider this adventure the perfect way to wrap up summer.
Some of the highlights included: delicious meals (including great gluten-free options!), comfy, modern cabins, perfect weather, nightly campfires, an amazing staff, a sense of satisfaction from our mornings of volunteering (jobs accomplished included sanding and refinishing 200 canoe paddles, clearing trails, staining a cabin, constructing a building support system, moving a cord or two of firewood by pontoon boat to the sauna, cleaning cabins, and more.)

Afternoon and evening relaxation included the aforementioned sauna (followed by lake jumping), swimming, canoeing, beach soccer, crayfish hunting for the kids, leach removal from Bennett (apparently his blood is something very special), s’mores, fishing (ask Ben about his biggest bass ever!), campfire music and dancing, and closing outdoor worship on Sunday. Parents agree that a MAJOR highlight is having time to nap/read/relax while the kids entertain each other and gentle, responsible camp counselors take turns keeping an eye on the kids during their lakeside activities.

A great time was had by all. Come join us next year – last weekend of the summer before Labor Day!
MEET OUR
NEW TLC INTERN

Grace Pardun Alworth is an empathetic pastoral counselor and preacher. Grace joins TLC this fall to complete her internship as part of her Master of Divinity Degree (MDiv) in preparation for ordination to Word & Sacrament Ministry in the ELCA. Grace will be with us for 18 months in a half-time capacity. Her schedule will typically include Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesday evenings. 
BYO Picnic & Games
11:00am Next Sunday, September 8,
North Lawn of TLC.

In case of rain, the activities will move to Fellowship Hall.
WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed for communion, ushers, greeters, pew crew and hospitality. We especially need ushers! Commitment is flexible and tailored to your requests. 

Please contact Michelle, 952-884-2364, ext. 15 or email at mreber@tlcmn.com   
Communion Ministry
Share communion with shut-in's who are unable to attend TLC worship services, or those in long-term rehab. Watch for more information as the group reorganizes this fall. If interested, please contact Marilyn Erickson at merickson@tlcmn.com .  
 
In 1865, Swedish Lutheran Pastor Eric Norelius of Vasa Lutheran Church, near Red Wing, heard about four orphaned, immigrant children in need of care with no one to provide it. Pastor Norelius drove a  wagon to St. Paul, brought them to his home and thus began something that has spread throughout every corner of Minnesota, known today as Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota.
 
LSS has an annual budget of more than $98 million, received from individuals, congregations across the state and funding by the State of Minnesota. A total of 25 different programs reach out in the name of Christ, to provide loving care and concern for people in all kinds of situations.
 
September 15, Margaret Yapp, Circle of Welcome Coordinator from the Refugee Services office of LSS will bring a temple talk to TLC both the 8:30am and 10:00am Sunday services regarding the programs of LSS..

Terry Bonertz is TLC’s Ambassador for LSS.
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.
CATTLE DRIVE CASSEROLE
Serves 8

Preheat Oven to 350

You'll Need:
(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.)
THIS COMING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
TLC's
College Ministry Team
Cares!
TLC’s College Ministry team will be sending care packages to college students and military members this Fall to remind them that we continue to love and support them while they are away. If you know of a college student or military service-person who would appreciate receiving a small care package or periodic note, please provide their name and college/military address to Beth Rahn at brahnfamily@comcast.net or 952-393-9817, or look for a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Deadline to sign-up is September 25.
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.
Pride and Humility
Luke 14:1-14
1) One day Jesus was eating at the house of a prominent Pharisee. He noticed the guests trying to seat themselves at the places of highest honor, perhaps near the head of the table. But, in a parable, Jesus said trying to sit at the place of honor was a bad idea. Why?
  1. Those who sat at places of honor were likely to be targets of robbers.
  2. Those at the places of honor would be asked to pay for the meal.
  3. A guest who takes a seat of honor may have to give up his seat to someone more important.
  4. The host would be angry at someone who presumed to take a place of honor and ask him to leave.


2) In the parable, what was Jesus' suggestion for seating?
  1. A guest should take the lowest position at the table and wait for the host to invite him to a place of honor.
  2. A guest should ask the host where to sit instead of assuming a place of honor.
  3. A guest should insist on sitting and remaining at the lowest position at the table.
  4. A guest should offer the host a favor in return for a place of honor at the table.


3) What is the lesson of the parable?
  1. Humility is important in the kingdom of God.
  2. The Pharisees observed the letter of the law but not its spirit.
  3. The rich will get richer, and the poor will get poorer.
  4. Pride is important in the kingdom of God.


4) What was Jesus' suggestion for hosting a banquet?
  1. Use place cards at the table to avoid disputes among guests.
  2. Invite the poor and disabled instead of relatives and the rich.
  3. Invite only those who can repay the hospitality.
  4. Serve those at the lowest positions first so they will feel honored.


Quiz answers can be found near the end/bottom of this newsletter.
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TLC Weekly

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A Back 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!
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ANSWERS FROM QUIZ EARLIER IN THIS ISSUE
Reference Luke 14:1-14


1) One day Jesus was eating at the house of a prominent Pharisee. He noticed the guests trying to seat themselves at the places of highest honor, perhaps near the head of the table. But, in a parable, Jesus said trying to sit at the place of honor was a bad idea. Why?
Answer #3: A guest who takes a seat of honor may have to give up his seat to someone more important.


2) In the parable, what was Jesus' suggestion for seating?
Answer #1: A guest should take the lowest position at the table and wait for the host to invite him to a place of honor.


3) What is the lesson of the parable?
Answer #1: Humility is important in the kingdom of God.


4) What was Jesus' suggestion for hosting a banquet?
Answer #2: Invite the poor and disabled instead of relatives and the rich.


AUG-SEP-OCT 2019
TRANSCRIPTS

Now Available Online

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