Inside Immanuel Weekly
"WE SHARE GOD'S GIFT OF LOVE WITH ALL"
June 28, 2020
Worship Online Through Immanuel's
(Click on the above link to access)
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Dear disciples of Jesus at Immanuel Lutheran,
We’ve often heard that it is more blessed to give than to receive. But in the Gospel this week we are reminded that receiving can also be a blessing. Jesus sends us out as his disciples to share good news with others. To share our stories of how God’s love and grace have touched our own lives, so that others might see God at work in their lives too. It is risky to share who you are with someone else. It means being vulnerable. Not everyone will listen or accept you. But when they do, there is the promise of a deeper connection, not only with each other, but also with God
. “Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me,” Jesus says. “And whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”
(Matthew 10:40)
In service with you,
Pastor Gretchen
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O God, you direct our lives by your grace, and your words of justice and mercy reshape the world. Mold us into a people who welcome your word and serve one another, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
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Ministry News During this Extraordinary Time of COVID-19
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While our “new normal” is ever changing and challenging, we are pleased to present some uplifting news. Please see the three articles below.
We wish you continued blessings as we weather this new world of COVID-19 in which we are physically separated, yet spiritually together.
Submitted by Barbara Schmidt on behalf of COVID-19 Task Force, COVID-19 Relief Program, and Council
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New Creative Worship Team
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While our “new normal” is ever changing and challenging, we are pleased to present some uplifting news.
We are forming a new
Creative Worship Team
to:
- Assist Pastor in creating meaningful weekly services to engage those who worship both online and in-person, with viable technology and meeting safety standards required for in-person worship.
- Work with potential vendors to determine equipment needs for our future online/in-person worship.
- Work with the Human Resources Committee to create a new media tech position to manage projection and recording/streaming of worship services.
We have requested and been granted $4,000 from
Northwest Intermountain Synod’s “Walking Together Grant”
to assist in the procurement of technology to produce our worship service. This equipment will help us minimize risk during in-person worship and facilitate streaming the worship service online for those who worship from home.
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Gifts of Gratitude - Online Worship
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We are pleased to recognize and appreciate Dawn Busch and Will Campbell for their exceptional efforts under extraordinary circumstances to ensure on-line worship services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under their leadership and hard work, even though our building had to close, our worship services continued without interruption. In an emergency shut down and under stay at home orders, they created, launched, nurtured, problem solved, expanded, and successfully provided the weekly online content and process with countless hours for over 3 months. In recognition of this extraordinary service we present each of them with a one-time monetary gift of gratitude of $500.
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Gifts of Assistance - COVID-19 Relief Program Update
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Thanks to the generous gifts from several Immanuel members, we have received $6,500 to support the COVID-19 Relief Program. As of June 24, we have provided four monetary gifts of $250 each. Two of the applicants were provided referral services, one to our ILC Connect Team and one to a government agency. We invite anyone who is experiencing hardship due to the pandemic to request monetary and/or task assistance from your Immanuel congregational family. As we stated in the introduction of this program: we may not all be in the same boat, but we are all in the same storm. Please find a link to the request form
HERE.
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Prayer Vigil for Justice and Unity - July 8th at 7pm
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Leaders from two downtown Boise congregations, Immanuel and St. Paul Baptist, are working together to create a Prayer Vigil during these times when our nation is rising up for racial equality. With the belief that the Church needs to take a lead in changing hearts and minds and working together for societal change, we are creating a space for love, prayer, and guidance in calls for justice while speaking God’s truth with unity and peace. The vigil will include prayer, Scripture, reflection, confession, and lighting of candles as we stand together in spirit while physically distanced. You will receive an email with the link to the service that will premier live on Wednesday July 8
th
at 7:00pm on our
YouTube
channel, available also to watch anytime after then too.
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New Book Discussion Starts July 17 & 22 by Jim Grunow
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TROUBLE I’VE SEEN
by Drew Hart
Discussion Leader - Jim Grunow
A Note from Jim
—In light of what has been going on in the culture these days, I have sensed a need in me to better understand the issue of “systemic racism.” I am conscious of it at a certain level, but I need to admit I have a long way to go in fully understanding what that is all about. So, I have been looking and asking around about a book that addresses systemic racism at somewhat of a beginning level, is written preferably by an African American, who also claims to be a follower of Jesus. I believe TROUBLE I’VE SEEN by Drew Hart fits that bill. I am picking up my copy this week. Mr. Hart teaches in the Bible and Religion Dept. at Messiah College, a small Christian Liberal Arts school in Mechanicsburg, Pa. He has a PH.D. in Theology and Ethics from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and has a blog hosted by Christian Century entitled “Taking Jesus Seriously.”
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Here are a few brief descriptions of the book
: “In a critical moment of American history, Drew Hart has given us a book that is vital for the church. TROUBLE I’VE SEEN captures the complexity of race in its systemic and personal consequences and points us to why race should be central to any Christian’s life as a follower of Jesus.”
and
-- “Drew Hart masterfully cuts through all the platitudes and good intentions to reach the fleshy, beating heart of true justice, an unforgettable read. TROUBLE I’VE SEEN deserves the church’s full attention and considered action. It certainly challenged and changed me.”
Finally, here is
a quote from Shane Claiborne
— “This book is a gift from the heart of one of the sharpest young theologians in the U.S. Hold it carefully and allow it to transform you—and our blood-stained streets.”
I will coordinate a discussion of this book at two different days and times:
Fridays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. beginning July 17 on ZOOM
Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Beginning July 22 on ZOOM
We are limiting enrollment in each group to 12 persons. To date, already 8 folks are signed up for the Friday session. If interested in “attending,” please email or call Carolyn at the church office (
parishadmin@ilcboise.org or 208-344-3011)
When I ordered my book from Rediscovered Books downtown recently, they had an additional 9 copies in stock. Let us know if you are having trouble getting a copy of the book.
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Devotionals Are Available
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We have received our July through September Devotionals. We have both the small books and large print. If you would like one, please contact the office at 208-344-3011 or email to
office@ilcboise.org
and we will arrange to get you one.
The suggested donation for these are $2.00
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Online Small Group Discussion:
50 Years of Ordained Women
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Everyone is invited to join us next Wednesday, July 1
st
, for the final session of this 5-part series on the 50
th
anniversary of ordained women in the Lutheran Church in our country. We conclude our Zoom conversations with the theme “Celebrations: Envisioning the Whole People of God through Women’s Leadership in the Church.” The group has been facilitated by women clergy in the Treasure Valley using a resource from our ELCA. Please RSVP to Pastor Gretchen (
pastor@ilcboise.org
).
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Linden House Update 6/26/2020 by Les Gieselman
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This is a photo of Linden House located at 815 N 7th Street (taken from the 7th street side, looking southwest). Linden House is in the center, the corner of Augustana Chapel is on the right, and Auld Properties Apartments are on the left. (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Korn.)
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In last week’s article, I began a chronological presentation of some important meetings, discussions, and reports about Linden House, beginning in November 2017. This week I will start with 2018 and continue moving forward in time. My intention is to give you the important background information about this historic building so you will have a better understanding of the current issues surrounding Linden House.
May 14, 2018 Council Meeting:
- Bart Cochran, licensed realtor and property manager for Love, Enterprises, Accountability and Peace (LEAP) Charities, presented a formal proposal to lease to own, manage and care for the Linden House property and its residents for one year with the option to purchase at the end of the lease (plus option to extend the lease for one year, if needed).
- LEAP is a faith based nonprofit organization focused on alleviating human suffering that would preserve Linden House’s current status in Boise’s very low-income rental market.
- Bart met with Ellen Anderson, Dave Harris (Council Liaison for Linden House), Pastor Gretchen and subsequently Mike Schmidt for a tour of Linden House.
- Highlights of LEAP’S tentative proposal are as follows:
- Linden House sales price to be $100,000 which is under market value
- LEAP to immediately assume responsibility for maintenance, utilities, repair, and expenses for upgrading the property to meet current codes
- Current SHIP residents will remain and transition out as they move on with no new tenants to be added
- Will be maintained as a low-income rental property, but only single family and no changes made in parking status
- At the end of one year, sale to non-profit under Planned Unit Development guidelines as a HUD property. This application process can take about 6 months. Neighbors would need to be notified and the Boise City Council would give final approval.
- All fees required such as surveying and utility division will be covered by LEAP
- Funding will be through the federal Housing Trust Fund. The Housing Trust Fund (HTF) is an affordable housing production program that complements existing Federal, state and local efforts to increase and preserve the supply of decent, safe, and sanitary affordable housing for extremely low- and very low-income households, including homeless families. HTF funds may be used for the production or preservation of affordable housing through the acquisition, new construction, reconstruction, and/or rehabilitation of non-luxury housing with suitable amenities.
- Discussion points of this tentative proposal are as follows:
- What are ILC’s financial risks moving forward if LEAP changes its focus?
- This usage of Linden House (low income housing) would be consistent with our Purpose Statement and Guiding Principles.
- If Council approves this proposal, it would need to be presented to the congregation for discussion and approval at a Special Congregational Meeting or at the Annual Congregational Meeting.
- Further discussion to occur at the next Council Meeting.
That’s all for this week’s article. Please note this information was taken directly from the Council Meeting Minutes on
May 14, 2018
. This important background information is being provided so you will have a better understanding of the current issues surrounding Linden House.
In the next issue I’ll start with the June 11, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes and keep moving forward.
Respectfully,
Les Gieselman, President
Immanuel Lutheran Church
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The Immanuel Church Council met June 15, 2020 Please click on the button (left) to see the highlights of that meeting.
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For President Les Gieselman's weekly message from June 23rd
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Come-As-You-Are Coffee Hour
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Sunday, June 28th from 9:30 to 10:30am.
Join in any time and stay for a little bit or the whole hour!
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Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 878 3832 6700
Password: 876800
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Children & Youth Ministry
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Contact Update!
I hope you all enjoyed your Father’s Day weekend! We didn’t do much - but we did do ONE crazy thing! We updated our phone numbers to Idaho area codes. Please update my contact information. My new number is 208-801-9249.
Luther Heights/Service Weekend Update
This year is a “GIVE BACK” year in the three year rotation for our Youth Mission trip program. We had hoped to go up to Luther heights as a group to help them with some projects that needed to be completed and we can still do this! It will look a little different. We will have to go up in family groups (3 max per weekend), stay in our own cabins, and there are quite a few other precautions to consider. The available weekends are
July 17-19, 24-26, and July 31-Aug 2
. If this is something your family is interested in, please contact me ASAP!
Bibles
I have delivered one preschool bible, but the rest are still at the office. You may pick up any Tuesday, or you can email/text/call me to arrange for delivery.
Summer Survey
Don’t forget to fill out the survey about what you’d like to see for summer/youth activities!
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Last Sunday's Worship Service is available on
Please click on the link above to view
the Sunday worship service
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This online devotional was created by ELCA leaders and pastors from the Treasure Valley. Access it at
tvprays.org
.
You may simply visit the site daily or sign up to receive it in your email inbox.
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Thank you to those who are continuing to support Immanuel financially. We realize some of you may be struggling financially right now and are unable to give. Your Immanuel family understands and prays that you can continue to take care of your family. If you are able, please contribute online through the church website by clicking on the "Online GIVING" button below.
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You may also give via U.S. mail, or place your envelope in the mail drop slot to the right of the glass double doors we use to enter the Thomas Chapel, Library, Office area and Hospitality Room. Or y
ou can scan this barcode-like QR code image with a smartphone's QR decoder, it will instantly connect you to the mobile version of the Immanuel web page. It provides a quick and easy way to access the web page.
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Birthdays and Anniversaries
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VERN A - June 28
MIKE H - June 28
NANCY N - June30
STAN H - July 2
ERICA F - July 3
RICHARD and JUDY K - June 28 - 51 Years
JOHN and PAT H - July 4 - 55 Years
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Important Items of Interest
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- During this time of physical separation, we want to ensure no one feels isolated. you may have a volunteer from the new ILC Connects task force contact you to see how you are doing or to just chat via phone, email and/or text. The communication can be as short or long as you want to help us stay connected during the COVID19 shutdown.
- Click on the link: members.instantchurchdirectory.com/ to log into the Online Member Directory. Let's use the directory to reach out and check in with one another while we are physically apart.
- Immanuel's prayer chain offers each of you an opportunity to stay connected to others in our congregation through the power of prayer. This is especially important during this difficult time of social distancing. We miss each other and the sense of comfort we receive from seeing others in worship. Please feel free to contact us by emailing prayers@ilcboise.org and share any prayer requests you may have.
- You are invited to join Lutheran women across the church every Tuesday at noon in prayer. Use the simple approach by reflecting on God’s word, offering prayers and reflecting on your self-care and the care of others. For more information please visit the WELCA site.
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"PIKnic at the Park" by Bruce Wingate
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Hello Immanuel family,
With the Covid-19 pandemic, Protect Idaho Kids is launching a program to help feed food insecure kids a free lunch at Anne Morrison Park for 10 Sundays throughout the Summer. We are also hiring Life’s Kitchen young adults to prepare the food, offering them some income as they struggle to become self-sufficient.
We need a group(s) of 12-15 people each week to set up, tear down, pass out the lunches and assist in having the guests keep social distancing. So far I have two out of the 10 weeks covered and would like to have some of you help us serve the kids. We start June 28th for ten (Sundays only) until August 30th. We will be serving from 12n-2pm. Volunteers would help from 11:30am and be done with clean up by 3pm.
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Details about PIKnic in the Park can be found on the website at
protectidahokids.org. You can volunteer or make a donation from or contact me at (208) 761-5695.
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Baldwin Piano by Richard Keplinger
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My sister and brother-in-law who now live in Eagle have a Baldwin Piano for which they no longer have a need. My sister would like it to go to a "good home" for no charge. The interested person(s) are responsible to remove the piano from the home and take it to their home. The dimensions are as follows: 56" long, 25" depth and 46" high. The Model is Acrostic. It is about 25 years new, but in great condition. My sister bought it new and it only has one owner. There is also a standard piano bench that comes with the piano. Obviously it would need to be tuned upon placing in a new location. If interested, contact Richard Keplinger, 619-302-9795.
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Inside Immanuel Weekly is published/emailed every Friday (occasionally on Thursday.)
The deadline for submitting articles is Wednesday by 5pm.
Sunday June 28
Sunday Worship via YouTube
9:30am, Come-As-You-Are Coffee Hour, via Zoom
Monday June 29
11:00am, Coronovirus Task Force Meeting, via Zoom
Tuesday June 30
10:30am, Bible Study, via Zoom
5:00pm, Food Fellowship, Immanuel Courtyard
Wednesday July 1
7:00pm, 50 Years Ordained Women, via Zoom
Thursday July 2
2:00pm, Grief Support Group, via Zoom
5:30pm, Governing Documents Task Force Meeting via Zoom
Sunday July 5
Worship, via Zoom
9:30am, Come as you are Coffee Hour, via Zoom
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