Affirmation of Welcome
Reformation, a congregation of Christ's Church, welcomes everyone to join with us in a journey of faith. We are committed to providing worship, programs, ministries and pastoral care to all, regardless of religious background, age, color, ability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, or national origin. Everyone is welcome in this place, where the love of God is the foundation of all that we say and do!
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Mid - September 2021 Newsletter |
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The Reporter
Reformation Lutheran Church
ALL Are Welcome & Affirmed Here!
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Worship Service Update
Every Sunday we offer two worship options. We are worshipping IN PERSON FROM OUR CARS in our parking lot - with Communion! - every Sunday at 11:30 AM. In order to ensure the health and safety of our congregation, we will continue our on-line church service at 10:00 as well. Please join us for worship online HERE. More information about online activities is described below. Stay tuned for updates as we learn more.
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The Mustard Seed Project
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. [John 10:10]
After President Biden, in an attempt to curve the Covid surges across our nation back down, started the process of a possible national mask mandate, the Governor of South Carolina put out a belligerent Tweet on Twitter and said he would fight to the ‘gates of hell’ to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian. Fight to the gates of hell? Really? Not only is that antiquated hyperbole, but I thought, “Gov’ner, look around you! Your policies have created more drastic spikes than any other time during this pandemic, which have overwhelmed our hospitals! Your persistence to fight municipalities that have tried to issue mandates has manifested South Carolina’s highest death count with over 130 deaths in one day! Sir, forget about President Biden, you, yourself, have taken South Carolina to the “gates of hell!” Yes, that too is a hyperbolic statement, but sadly the facts are true, and it is certainly not the abundant life.
Yes, the most simplest mitigation effort of wearing a mask, which has been promoted by his own state health and education officials, he has turned into a political mantra of state rights and freedom. The governor has even supported a proviso that withholds state money for schools that use mask mandates for students. In the meantime, children are taking the virus home to their parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends.
A South Carolina teacher, Nicole Walker told Associated Press, “This is one of those times where the adults should’ve risen to the occasion and been able to do the right thing and really been able to create an environment where kids felt more safe, We have failed them miserably, in my opinion.”
For me it is very simple. Wearing a mask is NOT a political statement about freedom, it’s NOT even a religious statement on whether you believe your god can protect you. Wearing a mask is an example of empathy and compassion, and when did that become a wrong thing to do? Jesus’ miracles of healing and wholeness were driven, not motivated by power or religious aspirations, but instead by compassion.
When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [Matt 9:36]
When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep." [Luke 7:13]
I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. [Mark 8:2]
Gov’ner, please… put your political longings aside, and let us be like Jesus!
Pastor Tim
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Bring your furry, feathery or scaly friend to the annual Blessing of the Animals service.
This will be an outdoor event held Sunday, October 10 at 3:00 p.m. on the lawn of Reformation Lutheran Church.
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Safe Space Dinners Update
We are so blessed to be a part of such a giving congregation. Many thanks to Julie, Gil, and Luke Young for the wonderful meal they prepared and served at our September Safe Space Dinner. The chili, toasted cheese sandwiches, salad, and brownies they so lovingly provided were simply delicious. They went to great lengths and extraordinary efforts to serve this ministry well. The committee thanks you.
Speaking of the committee, once again we had a well-prepared group of members eager to serve and make the evening run smoothly. For Covid safety, we put tables and tents out on the front lawn of the church. This set up and clean up was more involved than our previous dinner, so I share my gratitude to Pastor Tim, Christopher Clark, Jacob Reese, and the Young family for their extra efforts.
As mentioned last month, the most difficult part of this ministry is gaining the trust of the kids we wish to serve. It appears we still have work to do to make this a reality. It’s ok, we are prepared for that. At our upcoming committee meeting, we will be discussing the possibilities related to taking the show on the road, so to speak. While continuing to offer our current monthly dinners at the church, it’s likely we can extend our reach and share our services by having a presence at local organizations who already serve many of the youths. Sharing time and breaking bread with LGBTQIA+ youths, their friends and allies in an environment they already trust or rely on can be a great way to do God’s work while maintaining the original purpose of the ministry. It may also be the best way to promote our monthly dinners and grow attendance. As I shared before, our committee is prepared to make these kinds of tweaks to achieve our goals.
We also have a job for each of you. Help us get the word out. If you see our social media posts on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook please LIKE, SHARE, and FOLLOW. There’s also a good supply of printed publicity materials. Helping us share these with local businesses and organizations will increase our visibility and our chances for growth. Any time you can contribute could lead to helping someone who knows nothing about our ministry. Together, we will create success.
We would also, once again, like to thank all of you, our congregation and ministry supporters. Your contributions are extraordinarily valued and we, as a committee, are committed to honoring you with every effort to make this ministry an overwhelming success.
Humbly,
Michael Watson
Safe Space Dinners Committee Chair
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From the ELCA
Be Connected
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Monthly Zoom Meeting Schedule |
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1118 Union St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-252-1507
Tim Bupp, Pastor
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