Gathering in Grace • Growing in Faith • Going Forth to Serve
Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 24, 2020
Worship at 10:00am ~ Live-Stream Only
Please enjoy and participate in Sunday's live-stream produced by the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA. For further details, read Pastor Arthur's article below.
This Memorial Weekend at TLC
By Pastor Arthur Murray
Dear Friends in Christ,
 
This weekend we and the 150 or so other congregations of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA are the recipients of a very special and timely gift. The bishop’s office has produced a worship service for our use this Sunday. The Staff and Council of TLC unanimously decided to accept this gift and invite you to worship with us this Sunday alongside thousands of other Twin Cities ELCA Lutherans.
 
The service will be streamed as usual at www.tlcgo.live at our usual start time of 9:55am. [Editor's note: There will be a special TLC Memorial Day tribute video preceding the Synod's worship service]

I am personally very grateful for the gift of this service for three reasons:

  • It offers our support, technology and music staff a much needed break.
  • It connects us to the larger church and reminds us that we are not in this by ourselves.
  • It gives us the opportunity to hear a message from our bishop.

This may be a good moment to express my gratitude for the incredible support we have received during these unusual times from our bishop and her staff. We have already received indispensable and timely financial guidance alongside the valuable counsel of a leading epidemiologist. Now we are the recipients of direct spiritual and staffing support.
 
In light of the news this week of some other denominations’ resistance to our governor’s latest recommendations, Bishop Ann issued what I found to be a very helpful word to the pastors and deacons of congregations in her care. You may read her letter here . I commend it to you.
 
On Memorial Day long weekend, we traditionally remember those who have laid down their lives in armed conflict. Even as we give thanks for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the past, I wonder how we will memorialize those who have lost their lives on the front lines of our current struggle. I pray that we may remember that whatever sacrifices we are making in our lives at this time, we are doing so, in part, for them: that our medical professionals may not be further overwhelmed, nor put at unnecessary risk. In other words, we do so out of love and concern for our neighbor.
 
In the words of Martin Luther “we are saved by faith through grace for one purpose and one purpose only, to be of love and service to our neighbor.”
 
May God give you peace and hope in the midst of whatever lies ahead for you this day.
 
Pastor Arthur

Please take time this weekend to visit, remember
and honor those who have left us.

Church Office Remains Closed
Please remember that the church office remains closed to the public until further notice. Even if there is an event or matter within the church requiring your attendance, for health and safety reasons, we ask that you refrain from "visiting" the church office without prior approval or appointment. In addition, face masks are required to be worn for any activity within the church. Thank you for understanding.

Last Sunday, May 17. 2020
Estimated viewers: >466
~ ~ ~
233 Media Devices Linked
to TLC Live-Stream
See l ast week's TLC Weekly for information about viewer counts.
Watch the Live-Stream starting at 9:55am Sunday Morning
Visit www.tlcgo.live or click above at the time of broadcast to watch the
live-stream of the service. Programming starts at approximately 9:55am

Also find us on your Smart TV...
Walk with us, Jesus
A Poem Prayer written by
Isabella Pacheco & Nora Tahtinen
Walk with us, Jesus ,
So we won’t be alone. 
We need to shelter in place 
Instead of parties at home.
 
Walk with us, Jesus , 
So we’ll know what to do. 
We need the great wisdom 
that comes only from you.
 
Walk with us, Jesus, 
Whether we’re short or tall. 
We’re asking for your love 
To surround us all. 
 
Walk with us, Jesus ,
When we're weary or sad.
With you right beside us,
I think we'll be glad!
 
Walk with us, Jesus,
Our whole life long. 
In your loving care 
Is where we want to belong
[Editor's Note: Isabella is 11 years old and the niece of TLC members, Hildred & Al Dungan]
Thank You — It's Appreciated!
Do you watch our Sunday worship services? It's getting to be a regular weekly
event now, and I'd like to thank all those who plan ahead, practice music, give all
those God Moments, sermons, hymns, preludes and postludes, and make us proud to be a part of this each Sunday.

Last Sunday was no exception, and we especially loved the children's time, which comes first, and really gets everyone's attention. Pastor Grace had us looking at her chickens... I think there are six of them?? What fun for all to see her with them... such a nice branch of her family... and productive! If you haven't tuned in yet... start watching this Sunday morning at 10:00am.

This morning's Star Tribune carried a headline in the Variety Section that read:
“Celebrations for Seniors Shelved.” Now we know what this means... graduates not being able to do the much-anticipated final weeks of their senior year... most of them not knowing that their final day of classes had already happened as they were then locked out and school ended for this year. This Coronovirus has shelved more than these kids' long-awaited plans. Being “seniors” ourselves now, as that's what they call old people these days, we were also “shelved.” Graduating in 1950, this is our 70 th graduation anniversary. Way back then, who would think we'd still even be around?

Birdman's school, which is no longer being used, always has a spring “all school
event” for those who are celebrating a special year. We had intended to travel to Black Earth, Wisconsin, to be a part of this. One reason is that he wanted to see how many from his small 1950 class were still living. Last time we attended this event, only a few showed up and no women at all. The trip to the small town close to Madison, WI, reveals so much beautiful countryside... Lots of hills, and such well-kept roads always. He knows all the little country roads, as he used to haul gravel in that area for his dad. Frank Lloyd Wright's “Taliesin East” is right there and he once graveled all Frank's roads.

Well, we received the notice that this year's banquet was cancelled. Of course it was! If church services can be cancelled, so can almost anything you want to attend. Trouble is, we have live-streaming for church services, but banquets? No way.

-Bloomington Bird Lady
Reflections on the
Third Article - Part 1
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN
FOR US?
-a continuing series-
By Pastor Al Dungan
I have Deacon Renee Jefferson to thank for getting me back on track after a long detour into the COVID-19 thing. It was necessary at the time but now it’s time to get back to looking at The Church’s Half Year, where the Church is to respond with gratitude for all that God has done, after looking at God’s Half Year (beginning with Advent and concluding with Pentecost) for all of God’s gifts.

Renee, in her devotions on the 3 articles of the Creed, triggered some thoughts for me when I read her piece on the 3 rd Article.

The next several articles will address those thoughts.

Part 1: What does it mean to be holy?

Unfortunately the word holy has been hijacked by some parts of the Christian community to mean “better than…” and “perfect”. This is not what the word means in Scripture at all.
First, let me say that even God “doesn’t do perfect.” When the world was created according to Genesis 1, each step of creation was described as good, good, good and finally when it was completed, it was said that it was “very good”. Not perfect, you understand, but very good.

Having said this, you may ask, now where is he going with this?

The word holy is described in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament as meaning “set apart.” The Hebrew word is Qadosh. And the Greek word is Hagios.

When God called Israel to be a kingdom of priests to the rest of the world, they were told that they were “set apart” for this purpose from the rest of the world. I.e. they were the ones who were to bring the message of God’s love and grace to God’s world. A very important task.

And when Jesus came, he re-emphasized how his followers were to be “set apart” for this same purpose.

St. Peter says it well in his first letter to the early Church: But you are a chosen race, a " holy" nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

That’s what it means to be holy! Just as Israel was “called out”, so we also have been “called out” to bring that same message of love and grace through “deeds of love and mercy”.

Now, get busy and start being holy to a world that sure needs our message and actions.
Do you ever need an extra prayer for yourself, a loved one, or a dear friend? TLC has a prayer team that prays often for members, their families and friends of the congregation. Send your prayer requests to merickson@tlcmn.com or on the TLC website here. Your prayer needs are sent on to the Prayer Team and kept confidential – just between you, the pray-ers, and God. If you would like to be a member of the prayer team, please sign up on the yellow Life@TLC bulletin insert.
White Cherry Salad
By Mrs. Roy Shemanek
What You'll Need:

  • 1 pkg lemon Jello
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 cups drained, pitted Queen Anne cherries
  • 1 cup Coke

Dressing...
  • 8 marshmallows, cut fine
  • 1 3oz. pkg cream cheese
  • 1/2 pint whipping cream

Directions:

Dissolve Jello in boiling water.
Add cherries and Coke and put in small mold. Chill until set.
Put marshmallows and cream cheese in a bowl.
Pour whipping cream over top and let stand overnight in refrigerator.
Then whip until thick and top the Jello/cherry/Coke mold.
By Pete Erickson
Interim TLC Youth Minister
-  THERE IS NO OASIS WORSHIP ON WEDNESDAY.  
Oasis is on hiatus for the spring and summer. Worship will resume again in the fall. Many thanks to all who participated in worship and its leadership. 
- TLC Youth Hang Out (Wednesdays at 7PM) : 
With Confirmation completed for the year, I thought it would be fun to keep the party going with a Youth Ministry hang out on Wednesday nights at 7PM. We will play some games, have a devotion and just keep connected to each other. This is a time for 7-12 graders! As we get near the end of the school year for you all, we will talk about how often we should do this, but for now it will be every week through the first week of June, just to try it on.
BWCA Camping Trip - June 11th-14
Dave Dickson and Pastor Arthur will lead the first planned trip the second week of June. Email Pastor Arthur if you have any interest for you or someone in your family to join in our first trip. We will soon schedule a Zoom meeting with those who are interested to talk through details.
 
Here are the details:
  • June 11-14 (Thursday-Sunday)
  • We will leave early and enter on the same day to avoid finding accommodations overnight in Ely.
  • Camp 3 nights on Lake One. No portaging required. Come back Sunday evening.
  • Cost $150 per person, or whatever you are able to contribute.
  • All equipment and food provided. You pay your own gas or carpool.
  • Open to: Youth finished 6th grade and up. Adults. Younger kids with a parent accompanying.
Please let me know if you may be interested. I will be in touch to arrange the Zoom meeting.
Graduate Sunday Reminder (June 7th):
On Sunday, June 7 th , at the 10:00 a.m. live-stream service, Transfiguration Lutheran will celebrate a milestone in the life of this congregation and in your lives. This is a moment in time when we close one door and open another, while we honor our graduates and families – blessing your next chapter of life. Traditionally, we would be together, as a great cloud of witnesses, celebrating this stepping stone with you. However, these are not “normal” times where tradition wins the day. BUT, we will celebrate. We will bless. We will honor. We will be the church. 
 
See your email from Pete Erickson regarding what we need from you. The deadline to email photos, short accomplishments statement, and videos is May 28th. 

Questions? Comments? Contact Pete here: pete@ismteam.org
May 2020

During this time of “sheltering” and “distancing” Mission of the Month will look a little different. 
Tapestry is the May Mission of the Month, on the Mission and Outreach calendar. This ministry is an inclusive community of faith, humbly sharing the love of Jesus with all people, and working together for the healing and restoration of the world t hat God loves so much. Please remember them in your prayers.

Thank you to those of you who donated to the ELC for the Pancakes with a Purpose at home.
This box will share the most needed ways that we can help right now whether it is as a volunteer or a monetary gift.

  • VEAP—most needed now whole wheat pasta, canned meats, large diapers
  • Sheridan Story
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Community Pantry

Other needs may be:

  • Grocery shopping (can do shopping or people who need someone to shop)
  • Continuing to make masks and a new need is surgical scrub caps (ask Jo Benson about these)

For detailed information about the above missions, please
click on their logos below to visit their websites.
PAID AMERICORPS POSITIONS AT VEAP


VEAP is currently recruiting candidates for 2 different paid AmeriCorps opportunities:

  • 2020-2021 AmeriCorps Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator VISTA position (full-time, 12 month position, flexible start date)
  • Five MN AmeriCorps Emergency Response positions (35 hours per week, June 8 to August 15) – Applications due May 20

AmeriCorps Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator VISTA
We are looking for a passionate leader who will spark hope and support stability for people living in poverty. This person will shape the future of VEAP by diversifying our volunteer corps and deepening partnerships with multicultural communities.

  • Serve full-time for 12 months, flexible start date 2020
  • Hold part-time outside employment and participate in part-time coursework during service with approval from your supervisor
  • Receive a pre-tax monthly living allowance of $944 during service
  • Option of $1,800 post-service stipend or $6,095 education award after completing your year of service
  • Relocation assistance is available for members moving more than 50 miles to serve
  • As an AmeriCorps VISTA you will receive your certification in volunteer leadership, attend professional development opportunities, learn about the evolving field of volunteer engagement, and network with local and national leaders in this field.

For more information or to start the application process for this Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator VISTA position, contact Courtney Flug at courtneyf@veap.org or 952.955.8325.

MN AmeriCorps Emergency Response positions
This summer, VEAP is excited to be a part of the AmeriCorps Emergency Response Initiative! This new, statewide program has been created to help meet the urgent and emerging community needs related to COVID-19. VEAP has the opportunity to hire 5 people to assist with our core operations including: 2 with our food pantry team to assist with warehouse and distribution duties; 2 with our social services team to assist with general duties to support client assistance; and 1 with our volunteer department to assist with volunteer engagement and scheduling. The positions are 35 hours a week from June 8 - August 15 and also include:

  • A stipend of $650 every two weeks
  • Individual health insurance (monthly premium 100% paid)
  • An additional $1,289.95 for tuition or student loans

With a tight turnaround on the Emergency Response positions, time is of the essence. In order to begin serving in June, candidates need to apply by May 20 . To learn more or apply, please visit bit.ly/MNResponse .

If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about these opportunities, contact Courtney Flug at courtneyf@veap.org or 952.955.8325.
Resumes Wednesday nights with Pastor Grace.
Starts June 3 at 7:00pm
Join Intern Pastor Grace as she re-Zooms Wednesday night Bible Study. Bring your own bibles and let's learn about the interesting and often overlooked characters in our book of faith. 
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 960 1654 7916
Password: 891335
Back Issues of the TLC Weekly
including this issue (Today!)
[CLICK HERE] to visit the TLC web page where you can choose to read from the past 16 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. 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!
Please help?

The Coronavirus has clearly upset life in Minnesota and around the world. As you know, even TLC is feeling the impact. Our church services and meetings are all on hold for now and only staff is left in the building, but our mission continues. Without the ability to gather for worship, we have no offering baskets being circulated to collect weekly offerings. In the mean time, bills still have to be paid and we need the continued financial support of our members. 
 
If you normally submit your offering in the offering baskets during service, we ask you to mail your offering to TLC at your normal interval while services are suspended. 
 
If you haven’t done so already, please consider signing up for automated giving through the Online Giving link at the top of every page on our website www.tlcmn.com . Or click here to begin your donation. This easy to set up program allows you to schedule your offering payments at an interval convenient for you so your support is given whether you can make it to service or not - and whether we are able to hold services or not! 
 
We realize that some of you may have suffered loss of your job or income during his crisis and are unable to fulfill our offering pledge at this time. If this is the case with you, please let us know and we will keep your in our prayers. 
 
Like other crisis’ before it, the Corona virus will eventually pass and our lives will return to near normal. It’s times like these that can really test our faith. Take care of each other and yourself. We will get through this together. And, please don’t forget to support TLC in the mean time.
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A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
A Culture of Diversity and Inclusion
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