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WELCOME TO OUR

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Vol. 44 October 30, 2024

View Newsletter as Webpage

FROM PASTOR ANN

Anxiety around the election?

   As we head into the week before election day, I'm fully aware of my own anxiety as well as that of so many of those around me. As I look around, I see people that I care about, and people that care about me, and I know they'll be voting differently than me. I wonder about the experiences that they've had. Why are they on a certain side of an issue? Why do they align themselves with particular candidates or political parties? What are the hopes they have for the future of our country and our world? I'm trying to let go of my anxiety.



Philippians 4:6-7 says,

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer & supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." 


   Our gospel text this week reminds us of how Jesus tells us of how we should live: We are to love God and love our neighbors. It's a whole lot easier for me to love my neighbors that think, act, and love like me, so I continue to pray... I'm sure many of you have thought about our current political landscape. It may be weighing heavy on you, too. Here are some things that may be helpful...


Pray. Encourage people to vote.

Pray. Listen.

Pray. If you respond, do so with kindness and compassion.

Pray. Remember that you are created by a loving God that tells us to love others, too.

Pray. Regardless of the election results, God will still be God, and God wins in the end.

Pray. Breathe.

Pray.

Bible Study:

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

“Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the ordinances—that the Lord your God charged me to teach you to observe in the land that you are about to cross into and occupy, so that you and your children and your children’s children may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life and keep all his decrees and his commandments that I am commanding you, so that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you and so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

+What do you think society would look like without rules/ statutes/ ordinances?



Mark 12:28-34

28 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; 33 and ‘to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself’—this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.


+What makes it hard for you to love your neighbor(s)?

+What does it mean for you to love with all the heart? All the understanding? All the strength? And to love your neighbor as yourself? 

Our society has been in a period of increased misinformation. People are sharing misinformation as well as perpetuating outright lies. Recently, the Council of Bishops crafted a statement that reminds all of us that we have the responsibility to share truthful information and/or seek to end the spread of harmful disinformation & rhetoric. Thank you for your diligence in seeking to share truth in the ways you show up with others!  

ELCA Conference of Bishops Emphasizes the Need to Speak the Truth

​In a perfect garden, created by God for the sake of humanity, evil entered in the form of deception and lies. Christians refer to this story, found in the biblical book of Genesis, as the fall of humanity. This foray into human sin began when Adam and Eve, the first humans created in the image of God, were deceived.

Humans have contended with the powers of deception ever since.

Yet we are a people who know and proclaim the power of God at work in the world. We proclaim the power of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, the one who said, "I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6).

We know that the power of truth is greater than the power of deceit.

We, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, speak with one voice to condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse. We lament the ways this language has led to hate-fueled action.

We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit.

We recommit ourselves to speaking the truth and pointing to the one who is truth. We find courage in our collegiality and implore the members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, as well as our partners and friends, to join us as we:

  • Pledge to be vigilant guardians of truth, refusing to perpetuate lies or half-truths that further corrode the fabric of our society.
  • Commit to rigorous fact-checking, honoring God's command to "test everything; hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
  • Reject the use of humor that normalizes falsehood, remembering that our speech should "always be gracious" (Colossians 4:6).
  • Boldly advocate for the marginalized and oppressed, emulating Christ's love for the least among us.
  • Courageously interrupt hate speech, standing firm in the knowledge that all are created in God's image.
  • Lean in with curiosity, engage with those who think differently and "put the best construction on our neighbor's action" (Luther's explanation of the Eighth Commandment).
  • Amplify voices of truth.

Emboldened by the Holy Spirit, may we resist deception and lift up the truth that all members of humanity are created in the image of God.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all as we respond to the Spirit's invitation into this intentional commitment against deception and for truth.

In Christ,

The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

This year Sunday Advent services will be based on "Grace Filled Beginnings" by John Stevens, son of Wayne & Cherie Stevens. We have the opportunity to place a bulk order for this book at a discounted price of $5 ($6.99 on Amazon, $3.99 on Kindle). If you would like a copy, please sign up and turn in your money to Theresa by Sunday, November 17.

Vacation

I will be on vacation November 1-15. If you need assistance, contact Merlene or another council member. Theresa may be sending the newsletter at different times than usual as well during vacation.

Heartfelt Thanks!

Thanks so much to all of your for the beautiful Christmas stole that you gave me for my 2-year Anniversary with New Day and for the Gift Certificate for Pastor Appreciation Month. I plan to purchase an Easter stole with the certificate. I am so blessed to be on this faith journey with all of you. You are such a blessing to me and Theresa!

Blessings,

Pastor Ann

email or call me 763-447-7664

WORSHIP RESOURCES

Click to see the Order of Worship for:

Nov 3, Nov 10, Nov 17

This past Sunday's service in case you missed it!

EVENTS & INFOS

A huge shoutout to everyone who made our confirmation Sunday truly unforgettable! Your warm smiles and heartfelt support wrapped our confirmands in a blanket of love, making their special day even more meaningful. We could feel the joy and encouragement radiating from the congregation, and it’s clear that our community is as strong as ever! Let’s keep the spirit alive and continue to uplift our young ones together! See more pictures here

Are you missing a bowl, stock pan lid, or Tupperware? We have the unclaimed dishes, pictured below, in parish hall. They are on the round table by the door and the plastic bag box. Either pick up on Sunday or contact Lonnie or Theresa to make arrangements to get.

Amazing Glaze Donut shop is now OPEN. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 6am-2pm.

  • Monday Coffee group will move to the Parish Hall until we make some decisions on when and where we want to meet.
  • Thursday Coffee will meet at Amazing Glaze at 10am

Luther Heights is descending upon us on Saturday December 7th from 12-4pm. We will have a potluck, worship, and crafts. Multiple churches are invited and anyone of any age can attend. We look forward to this fun Christmas event! There is a request for a $30 free will donation per family but is NOT REQUIRED. We would like to invite all of you to this event. Please RSVP to info@lutherheights.org or call/text Luther Heights at 208-866-7657. We hope to see you there! - Theresa

FELLOWSHIP SIGN-UPS

Thank you to those who have signed up! You made this easy!


SETUP/CLEANUP

  • There are extra plates and cups downstairs.
  • Make coffee and set out the food, usually done after communion.
  • Leftovers of any kind are not to be left in the refrigerator.
  • The counters and serving areas need to be sanitized
  • Nothing should be left in the draining rack.
  • If you brought it, take it home or send it with someone.

 

BRINGING FOOD

Food can be a delightful expression of individuality and

creativity! Whether you choose to bring a simple dish that warms the heart or

an extravagant culinary creation, the important thing is that you feel inspired

to share. There are no strict rules about what must be served; instead, you

have the freedom to decide what resonates with you. The only rule is we can't

save leftovers once they hit the counter.

Your contribution, no matter how big or small, is appreciated!


Sunday

Setup/Cleanup

Bring Food

11-3 All Saints Day

Joy & Joel

Joy & Joel

11-10

Wayne & Cherie

Wayne & Cherie

11-17

Mary & DIck

Mary & Dick

11-24 Christ the King Day

Vicki A

Vicki A

12-01 Advent 1

Theresa

Brent

12-08 Advent 2

Dianne & Al

Keisa Barela

12-15 Advent 3

Nancy & Marlene

Nancy & Marlene

12-22 Advent 4



12-29



MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

There are several important days in November, including: 

  • American Diabetes Month
  • Lung Cancer Awareness Month
  • National Family Caregivers Month
  • Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Month
  • Election Day November 5
  • National Stress Awareness Day November 6
  • Veterans Day November 11
  • World Pneumonia Day November 12
  • World Kindness Day November 13
  • International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day November 16
  • Thanksgiving November 28

Birthdays

11-04 Paul Ritter

11-09 TIm Kress-Weitenhagen

11-10 Ron Olson

11-11 Theresa Jones

11-24 Lorraine Backstrom

11-24 Dennis Leaf

11-27 Marlene Mahoney-Martian

Anniversaries

11-12 Steve & Nancy Duff

Monthly on the 1st Sunday we collect a noisy offering. This change is used for activities for the kids.

Monthly on the 2nd Saturday join us as we serve at the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen. Contact Guy Backstrom for questions you might have.

This month, we will hold the service on November 17 instead of the 2nd Sunday of the month. It's a short 30 minute service in Rexburg at the Templeview Transitional Care Center.

RCCM NEWS

SMALL GROUPS

BUSINESS UPDATES

Council

  • Sunday November 17 at 10:30am upstairs conference room.
  • All congregants are welcome to attend council meetings.
  • If you would like to request time to address the council please contact Merlene Brockway at (208) 317-3757 or email president@newdaylutheran.org


Thrivent Choice Dollars & Action Grants

  • Do you have Thrivent Choice Dollars that need to be allocated? This is your friendly reminder that New Day would appreciate your generosity if you choose us as your recipient.
  • Are you able to help New Day fund projects through an Action Grant? Pastor Ann can help you with ideas or assist you in applying. 


Health and Safety Committee

  • If you would like to be CPR/first aid/AED trained please contact us at church@newdaylutheran.org


Worship Committee

  • Pastor Ann, Linda Reuter, Nancy Duff, Mary Johnson, Dianne Yonk, Vicki Krogstrand, Paulette Kirsch
  • If you want to help with worship setup, tear down, reading, or communion contact one of the people above.

OUR VISION: Passion for God, Compassion for All means we strive to be a loving, Christian community who are excited and passionate about sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with everyone. Regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious background or health, you are welcome here!


OUR MISSION: Love Christ and others by accepting and welcoming all in worship, fellowship, Bible study, and community outreach while celebrating our gifts and talents. Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another…” John 13:34.

For us it’s simple – Jesus loved all people and so we want to love all people.


WELCOME, INCLUSION, CELEBRATION, AND ADVOCACY STATEMENT FOR NEW DAY LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA)

Because we are loved by God, New Day Lutheran Church is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation that welcomes all people. We invite you to join us in our commitment to support and advocate for:

People of every color, culture, and ethnic background

People of every gender identity and sexual orientation

People of all mental and physical abilities

People who are single, widowed, divorced, separated, partnered, blessed or married

People of all ages, political persuasions, levels of education

People of every economic circumstance or social status

People of any religious affiliation or none

People of all family configurations

People who speak languages other than English

People who have felt excluded or marginalized

We commit ourselves to embracing the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and environmental care.

We encourage all people to participate in the sacraments and all aspects of the life of our church

RECONCILINGWORKS

Dear New Day Lutheran Church,

 

ReconcilingWorks is pleased to share with you our October 2024 Newsletter. Help us welcome and celebrate our new full time staff, Deacon David Behling our Program Coordinator, and Jennifer Trom our Operations Manager. You can also see a list of our newest Reconciling in Christ partners. As well as get an update from Conference of Bishops. 

 

If you would like to read our October - December 2024 Newsletter, please click HERE to find it on our webpage.

 

Thank you for all the ways you make this ministry possible!

 

Much joy 

Aubrey Thonvold

NWIMS

Twice a month the Northwest Intermountain Synod sends out a newsletter. If you would prefer to receive the newsletter directly you can sign up HERE.

Click the links below to see their newsletters as webpages.

October 20, October 7

ELCA

Join ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton for a conversation about God's Love Made Real. This ELCA movement encourages us to create a world experiencing the difference God's grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation. 


Thursday, Nov. 7, 12 p.m. Pacific time 


Zoom (save this link)

Registration is encouraged but not required.  


What can I expect? 

Bishop Eaton will share why God's Love Made Real is meaningful to her and the future of the church. The Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee, bishop of the Northwest Washington Synod, will host the conversation, and participants will have a chance to ask questions and share stories. 


Is this event for me?  

This webinar is especially for people who care about the ELCA and live in the Alaska, Northwest Washington, Southwestern Washington, Northwest Intermountain, Oregon and Montana synods. If you don't live in one of these synods, stay tuned for an upcoming event in your region.  


Can I watch the event later? 

A recording may be available at some point in the future, but we encourage you to stream the event live on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 12 p.m. Pacific time. 


What else do I need to know? 

Learn more about God's Love Made Real at lovemadereal.elca.org.  


We look forward to sharing this time with you!  

REGISTER HERE

LUTHER HEIGHTS BIBLE CAMP

We are a congregational owner of Luther Heights Bible Camp - so it is important we are invested in the things they are up to! If you need more info on them, call 208-886-7657 or email them at info@lutherheights.org To subscribe to receive their newsletter directly go HERE. Fall Newsletter

Fall 2024 Capitol Campaign Update

We have successfully raised over $560,000 in pledges and donations towards this campaign! Thank you for your support!! GIVE NOW


Highlights:

  • Thanks to the generosity of our donors we were able to pay off our Mission Investment Fund loan for the electrical work in September 2023, September 2024. We paid off the loan in less than a year!!
  • Our Major Gifts committee has begun working on hosting events and sharing the story with donors.
  • September 9, 2024 we hosted an informational Zoom meeting for our member congregations. The congregational support phase of this campaign begins this fall and we hope all of our congregations will engage in the coming year.
  • Our alumni committee is beginning to plan events to engage with alumni at camp and in the valleys during 2-24-2025.

ST. LUKES


To see news from St. Luke's not listed here Click on the logo below then click on Thursday Tidings to see their announcements, or look at their calendar.

Contact Us
  • You can use the button below to give online!
  • You can also mail a check made out to New Day Lutheran to:

New Day Lutheran Church

2184 Channing Way #474

Idaho Falls, ID 83404


GIVE NOW
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