Gathering in Grace • Growing in Faith • Going Forth to Serve
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Pentecost altar layout and paraments courtesy TLC Altar Guild volunteers
Photo courtesy Louise Olson
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Pentecost Sunday
May 31, 2020
Worship at 10:00am ~ Live-Stream Only
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Rob Reid
Director of Music
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"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place"
in Spirit: singing Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs.
"They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
This Sunday many musical voices will be heard in their own "languages:" Organists
Karen Daniels
and
Carmen Englert
,
The TLC Socially Distanced Singers,
the
National Lutheran Choir
, and a heavenly chorus of more than
1,300 singers and instrumentalists
! Come hear and see the many voices, bring your own, and feel the
Spirit of Pentecost
.
Also, Pastor Arthur hosts TLC's
Time for Children
this week where we'll see him on-location helping the kids put on a Holy Spirit Parade, demonstrating the
"tongues of fire"
through homemade, colorful banners.
Oh, and wear Red (the liturgical color of Pentecost) as you watch our live stream!
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Pain in the Community
By Pastor Arthur Murray
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Dear Friends in Christ,
I invite you to gather with us this Pentecost Sunday at 10:00am as we pray, worship, commune together and give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We do so in the full knowledge that there is much that is not right in this world. There is much pain in our communities. We are experiencing this pain, this grief, this lament first hand this week.
“What difference does the Holy Spirit make in the midst of such brokenness?” we might ask. Come and see. In my experience, the Holy Spirit is the only force that gives me the hope and the energy to keep up the struggle for goodness in a world that seems so often without hope.
For those who feel the need to go a little deeper this Sunday, there will be a special Zoom conversation following the service to continue the discussion around our calling as followers of Jesus in a time such as this.
May the Holy Spirit fill you this and every day with light, hope and an unrelenting hunger for justice.
Pastor Arthur
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Special Coffee Hour
after the Sunday Service
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Many of us in the predominantly European descent Lutheran church are quite new to the conversation regarding racial justice in the United States. That’s OK! We all start from somewhere.
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If you have questions, thoughts, reactions or concerns with Sunday's message, or the topic of racial justice and policing in our community, please join the conversation. We want to hear from you!
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Church Opening Update
Despite recent permissions for places of worship to partially re-open, TLC remains closed to all indoor gatherings for the immediate future due to the high number of vulnerable members of our community.
Please stay tuned for ongoing updates.
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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.
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Live-Stream Viewer Data
Sunday, May 24, 2020
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Estimated viewers: >420
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210 Media Devices Linked
to TLC Live-Stream
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Viewer Media Devices
58% Computer Desktop/Laptop (Apple & PC)
18.1% Smart TV/YouTube app
14.3% Tablet (Apple & PC)
9.5% Mobile Phone (Apple & Android)
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Watch the Live-Stream starting at 9:55am Sunday Morning
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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...
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Can We Be the Church from Home?
By Shelley Smith
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Covid-19 and social distancing has me feeling like a lost puppy. My theater company’s production has been postponed, as has my daughter’s wedding. My brain is tired from thinking so much night and day. I have no idea what day it is. My brain is a fog. I’m quite sure most people can relate. We’re stressed, we’re tired, and long-held pent up feelings are flying out of people like fireworks. I’m reminded of Shakespeare’s quote, “All the world’s a stage,” as I’m watching this world with absolute wonder.
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Positive environmental changes are happening. People are reaching out to help others in countless ways. Innovative problem solving is transpiring. I’m also observing emotionally-charged exchanges that seem to have suddenly become political (such as mask wearing, how/when to reopen). Covid-19 has laid bare societal inequities; such as housing stability/affordability, income disparities; access to equal education, healthy food and healthcare; among others. Domestic abuse has increased. More black men have been killed, along with rioting in our streets.
As a member of the Racial Justice Team, I’m keenly aware that the church extends beyond the confines of walls. I CAN continue to help our fellow human beings by breaking down harmful barriers. We may not be able to be together again yet, but I can still BE the church outside of our church walls. So how can I/we do this from home? Become informed (lots of resources at
chainreactiontp.com/resources
). If you’re able, donate to organizations doing the work, such as VEAP, Cornerstone Advocacy, Oasis for Youth, and many, many others. Our only limit is our imagination. My plan is to let my heart take the lead. I hope you’ll join me.
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Molly Schuh: Vital to TLC
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A typical week in the life of a church involves many tasks that require staff, but also a faithful group of volunteers. In the immediate days following Governor Walz’ “Stay In” order, the TLC staff scrambled to figure out how to accomplish not only their weekly responsibilities, but how to cover the necessary ones that volunteers would normally handle. Staff member Molly Schuh is a vital part of our Financial Team at TLC, who was here every weekend, working with a dedicated group of volunteers. Without hesitation, she confirmed her commitment to TLC in continuing her responsibilities, plus take on the volunteer work as well.
From the start, even with fear of exposure, Molly came to the church to keep our financial processes moving smoothly, many times having her temperature taken by the ELC staff prior to entering the building. We are tremendously grateful to her for her financial talents, positive attitude and devotion to her faith family here at TLC.
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May We Feel the Spirit's Presence
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Do you remember past Pentecost Sundays? I don't know what will happen with live-streaming our service this year, but previously we have been asked to
wear red
, and then would listen as our members, many of whom can speak well in other languages, would read from the Book of Acts, second chapter... This tells how the Holy Spirit came down in tongues of flame on people's heads, and they could hear their own language spoken at the same time as everyone else was hearing theirs. A real miracle.
It was always fun to hear our present-day friends speaking in other languages, having practiced well to be able to read that Scripture. There must have been over five different languages represented.
We need the Spirit to infuse us even more these days. Let's not lose the incentive we've had these past weeks: staying six feet from each other, washing hands often, wearing a mask in public places, not taking part in large groups of people (yet). On TV we watched yesterday as huge groups of all ages of people gathered on beaches at parties... especially given for Memorial Day. If the virus takes over in a couple of weeks from all this merriment, it will be too bad. A new spike in cases is due to happen if we continue in this inappropriate way... Watch out everyone!
Pretty soon we will be back in our pews, perhaps. Too soon would not be a good idea. We can wait a bit if it helps keep the virus at bay. May you continue to follow the “rules” to keeping safe from Corona Virus. God coming to us in the form of the Holy Spirit will help if we only ask.
Blessings to you all on the very special day of Pentecost.
-Bloomington Bird Lady
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Reflections on the
Third Article - Part 2
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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN
FOR US?
-a continuing series-
By Pastor Al Dungan
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I believe in the holy, catholic church…
Back in the “good, old days” when I was neither good nor old :-), the Lutheran Church used the phrase “the holy Christian Church” so that we might be differentiated from “those Catholics”.
What it showed, in reality, was our lack of understanding of what the word
catholic
meant. We were so committed to differentiating that we missed the whole point of that word.
The word
catholic
in describing the Church is defined as: universal, general and all inclusive. This is what
all Christians
are a part of: a universal and all-inclusive gathering of all believers from around the world. And that includes all Protestants, all members of the Greek and Russian Orthodox churches, and, of course, the Roman Catholic Church.
Nobody, nobody has a corner on the market of inclusivity of the term
catholic.
So, in more recent times, we have come to acknowledge and include in this part of the Creed that we believe in “the holy, catholic Church” thus recognizing that we are all part of the same body of believers throughout the world: past, present and future.
Now…what does that mean for us?
I believe that it means that we are to reach out the hand of fellowship and friendship to all believers throughout the world regardless of their skin color, sexual persuasion and denomination.
I believe that it means we are to support, pray for and love our brothers and sisters wherever they are, whomever they are regardless of place, station in life and national background.
I believe that it means that we are to be inclusive not exclusive. In the holy, catholic Church, there is always room for one more.
I believe that it means that there is room for everyone in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church as the Nicene Creed proclaims.
I hope that this is what you also believe.
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TLC member, Helen Wittich, celebrates her 100th birthday on June 14. Let's shower her with good wishes by sending a birthday card to her home:
Helen Wittich
10030 Newton Ave S
Apt 360
Bloomington, MN 55431
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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.
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Mayonnaise Cake
By Mrs. Gene Greseth
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What You'll Need:
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 tsp soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 tsp vanilla
Directions:
Sift together cocoa, flour, soda and salt (sift three times).
Cream together sugar and mayonnaise.
Mix-in cold water, vanilla and dry ingredients.
Bake at 350-degrees for 25 minutes.
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By Pete Erickson
Interim TLC Youth Minister
NOTE: This is the May 27 copy of the Wednesday afternoon newsletter email "Pete's Post."
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TLC Youth Hang Out (Wednesdays at 7:00pm)
: Calling all TLC youth! H
ope you can show up for a Hang Out tonight at 7:00pm. We will play some games, have a devotion and just keep connected to each other. This is a time for 7-12 graders! Here is a link for tomorrow night. Hope to see you there!
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 927 3741 8476
Password: 110154
Graduate Sunday Reminder (June 7th):
On Sunday, June 7
th
, at the 10:00am live-stream service, Transfiguration Lutheran Church 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, 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, but 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.
NEW! Prayer of Examen - Thursdays at 5:30pm on Zoom
The Prayer of Examen is a regular practice that has 5 steps: prayers for God to open us up to examine the grace in our day, prayers of thanks as we examine the day, looking back on the day and naming where we saw God, looking back on the day and naming where we fell short in our relationships with the world, our vocation and family, examining the day to coming - what are our hopes for tomorrow. This will be a 20 minute exercise each week and all you need is a journal or note pad. THE WHOLE CONGREGATION IS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PRAYER OF EXAMEN.
Here is a link to join the weekly event (this is recurring, so this link can be used every week).
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WHAT IS MEALS ON WHEELS?
Meals on Wheels (MOW) is a non-profit service that delivers hot, nutritious mid-day meals to residents in Bloomington and Eden Prairie who are elderly or home bound and unable to manage their own meal preparation. The nutritious meal, friendly visit, and safety check help them cope with hunger, isolation and loss of independence.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Meals on Wheels volunteers help keep your neighbors happy, healthy and living at home where they want to be. Are you looking for a way to make an immediate difference in someone’s life? Deliver with a friend, your family, or your co-workers. It only takes an hour! TLC drivers deliver meals only in Bloomington.
If you are unable to volunteer as a driver, consider a contribution.
TLC had to remove Meals on Wheels from the 2019 budget, so gifts are most appreciated. Make checks payable to TLC, write Meals on Wheels in the memo line and mail to TLC, 11000 France Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55431, or
[Click Here] for online giving
, and select Gifts/Memorials once there. Thank you!
Meals are delivered between 11:00am and 12:30pm from St. Stephen Lutheran Church at 8400 France Ave. in Bloomington. Drivers are contacted by email or phone for their availability.
If interested, contact:
Ingrid Swanson 952-944-5696
Nancy Dahlof 952-831-1961
Jo Benson 952-884-9881
Learn more: Phone: 952-835-1665
Bloomington—Eden Prairie Website:
bloomepmeals.com
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Resumes Wednesday nights with Pastor Grace.
Starts June 3 at 7:00pm
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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
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Back Issues of the TLC Weekly
including this issue (Today!)
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[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
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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!
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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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Free Subscriptions, sign up to be a volunteer, request care ministry and more!
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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.
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A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
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A Culture of Diversity and Inclusion
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