From the Pastor:

I heard about a ten-year-old (at another church, mind you) who when asked if he was going to Sunday School answered that he was too old. Somehow, he had gotten the message that once you got to ten it was no longer necessary or important to continue learning about God. 

I’m wondering how that would work out in other areas of life: Because I am too old (pick any age, yours or mine or the oldest or youngest person you know – that about covers all the bases!)… should I quit exercising since, after all, I will never play organized sports again anyway? …should I stop eating, since I’ve already reached (or is it exceeded!) my optimum weight for my height (I’m not overweight, I’m just under-tall!)? …should I stop being a student because I’m sure I’ve learned everything that is important to know?

Ephesians 4:11-14a states:

The gifts he [God] gave were… to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children. (NRSV)

Today there are tests in numerous categories to discern whether you have “made it” or not. There are aptitude tests required of High School Seniors to determine whether they are eligible for graduation. There are written and oral exams for any number of professions required by the government in order to certify one’s profession. There are driver’s exams and hunting exams and any number of others.

We tend to think of these exams as the final test, the one thing that says we’ve made it. But, in reality, they aren’t the end of something; they’re really just the beginning. If I took my driver’s test, and then never drove again, it wouldn’t make much sense. If I passed the test for high school and then let my brain atrophy by never using it again, I may as well die.

As a matter of fact, our minds are made and equipped to continue learning our whole lives long. And even in the end, the last thing I will learn is how to die, so that I may live! Repeatedly in Scripture we are encouraged to learn more and more about who God is, who we are, what our purpose in life is, etc..

Paul wrote that the gifts God gives to the church are for a particular reason: to equip the saints; that is, to show each of us our purpose in the world and in the church, to build us up in that purpose, to unify the body so that it can work together, and ultimately to give us “knowledge of the Son of God” for the express purpose of being mature. How will we know when the process is complete? Again, Paul writes: When we reach the measure of the full stature of Christ. 

And that, my friends, is when we can finally say we have no further need of Bible study. Of course, if you’ve reached that point, I want to sit in the small group study where you’re the teacher!

Sooo, let’s encourage one another to be built up in the body. If you haven’t participated in a small group, or even if you’ve always been right there, let’s all get together to grow towards maturity. 

Oh, and by the way, if you already meet the measure of Jesus, let me know, ‘cause I could surely use some additional training!

Power to you, 

Pastor Pat

Current Prayers

New Prayers:

• Praying for successful back surgery for Dick on September 1 
• Lisa hip surgery also in September
• Joyce’s brother-in-law, Rich hospitalized for upcoming heart surgery
• Janelle with additional cancer diagnosis 

Grieving Families: 

Peace and comfort to the following families for the loss of their loved ones:

• Keith and Beverly McMullen in the death of their grandson Anthony
• Mary Ann and family in the passing of husband and father Jim
• Erreca and Estioko family in the passing of Evelyn
• Vitale family in the loss of father and husband Don
• Lylette and family after the loss of her husband Keith

Prayers for those with ongoing issues:

• Don is now in hospice care at home
• Grace’s son, Richard awaiting a kidney transplant.
• Rosemary with ongoing pain and medication issues-give both she and David much needed rest. 

Prayers for continued healing after surgery:

• Shannon undergoing extensive chemo treatment following her breast cancer.
• Margaret is still in skilled nursing 

Ongoing Empowering Prayers:

• Give guidance and peace to Scott, Kevin, Glen and Chris with mental health issues.
• We pray for world leaders and ask them to make good decisions as they work for peace and justice throughout the world.
• We especially pray for safety and protection of Ukraine clergy being persecuted
• Continue to pray for the call and transition teams as they move forward in the call process.

† Successful heart procedure for Rosita Estioko 

† Keith had additional surgery but is now recovering at home

† Sheryl is doing better

† Effie’s husband Fred is continuing to improve 

† Tim had good outcomes from the procedure for bladder cancer

To submit a prayer request:

Please contact Joyce Boddie, Gail Castle, or Pastor Pat. You may also email the church office to add people to the Prayer List.

We Pray for many whose names are not published

Do not be over-wicked, and do not be a fool—why die before your time?

Ecclesiastes 7:17

Suicide is such a sad thing, especial for the loved ones left behind. Those considering it are not thinking about them. All they can see at the time is how miserable they themselves feel. In their mind, they may think it is the only way out of whatever is going on with them. Often, if they call for help, they may change their mind and continue to live to their full potential.

From the website: Nami Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

If you or someone you know is in an emergency

call or text 988

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month— a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Throughout the month of September, NAMI will highlight the “Together for Mental Health,” campaign which encourages people to bring their voices together to advocate for better mental health care, including an effective crisis response system. After years of advocacy and preparation, 988 is now available nationwide as the new number to contact for mental health, substance use and suicide crises—a simple, easy-to-remember way for people to get help. This new number will allow people to quickly connect with support during a crisis, 24/7, no matter where they live.

Crisis Resources

• If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.
• Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide
• Be Prepared for a Crisis
• Read our guide "Navigating a Mental Health Crisis"
• What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide

If you need more information, referrals or support?

Contact the NAMI HelpLine

Donna

The month of September in 2022 offers these other health topic observances: 

Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month, Gynecologic Cancer Month, Reyes Syndrome Awareness Month, Sickle Cell Awareness Month, National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Month, & National Cholesterol Education Month

ELC– The new school year began on August 1st this year. Students are returning and new students are joining. If you know of anyone seeking a quality Preschool program, send them to Maria and her Team! You should have all received information on the great new Website for the ELC. Many thanks to Kimberley Stern, our Marketing Administrator for her amazing job.

Lord’s Pantry– Throughout the summer, the Pantry has seen an increase in clients. More than 150 Families a day are coming for food. Dennis W. and our volunteers continue to help make the Pantry run smoothly. We will be doing a Volunteer Appreciation Event at church in the near future. Watch for details. Work has finally commenced on reconstruction of the Pantry Office. Permits have been received. We’ll keep you posted on the news. Donations of funds for Pantry expenses (water, garbage and electricity) are way down. Please consider donating if you are able, and encourage your friends and neighbors to support the Pantry. Please keep the Pantry in your prayers.

Care Ministry– Our Care Team has been very active over the past few months with Informal visits at church, home visits, and phone calls. Over 60 clients are being served each month. Donna continues to create Health Ministry Corner articles, which are sent out by Constant Contact each week and a monthly Messenger article.

Worship Activities– Attendance at worship on Sundays at 9:30 AM is growing and we’re starting to see some of our pre-pandemic friends more regularly, as well as some new faces too. Online Live Stream at 9:30 am Sunday or later by Facebook or You Tube from the church’s website, is also going strong. 

We continue to do Bi-monthly Communion (in person) on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. “Drive through” Communion continues on the first Sunday only. Please watch your Constant Contact announcements for times. “Coffee Hour” continues each week. Coffee is always available but treats need to be supplied by Members to enhance the experience. Please sign up to host a Sunday on the list next to the coffee center.

Flowers really brighten up our service. Please consider bringing flowers (you take them home after the service) and sign up on the Flower Chart in the Narthex.

Facility Activities– A Facilities Committee continues to develop with members from both Gloria Dei and the IMDC to help take care of all the facilities actions that are required to be done. Lots of activity takes place during the week to repair and update the Campus. We continue in the process of rebuilding our website (for the Church and Pantry) to make it easier to use and more appealing. We’ll let you know when it’s up and running.

Game Activity– Plans are in the works for a Game Day! Games and Pizza will be on the Agenda. Check you email for an invite and more information.

GDLC Finances/Budget– Contributions for the year continue to be a bit low We thank you for all your support for Gloria Dei. Our Treasurer, Barbara McCalment can answer any questions on the best way to give online. As always, members are encouraged to use the “digital” platforms to make their tithes and offerings. If you need help with any of the plans, feel free to contact Ernie Moore, who can help. A QR code is now available to make online giving easier. 

Call and Transition Team Activities– The 2 Teams are busy with activities in preparation for Pastor Pat’s retirement. Our church documents are being reviewed and modified and new ones are being created. We have posted a Call for a new Pastor online and are starting to see some interest. The Call Team is working hard to find the right individual that God is calling to move us forward.

Watch your bulletin, Messenger & Constant Contact emails for upcoming events!

The Bible Project describes itself this way: “The Bible Project is a non-profit animation studio that produces short-form, fully animated videos to make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere. We create videos, podcast, and study guides that explore the Bible’s unified story by focusing on its overarching themes and each book’s literary design. We are committed to understanding the Bible in its historical context and communicating its wisdom for the modern world. Ultimately, we want to change how people read and use the Bible.”

Blessing and Curse is copyright 2022

by BibleProject and is available

for viewing at www.bibleproject.com

The Bible Project was founded in 2014 by friends Jonathan Collins and Timothy Mackie. The men wanted to help people read through Scripture and understand it without falling into the common trap of seeing the Bible as a rule book or as a “devotional grab bag”; rather, they desired to present the Bible as a “unified story that leads to Jesus.” They started with two videos and have rapidly expanded—the team, the amount of content, and the type of content—from there.

The Bible Project’s team, as an organization, has no denominational ties. Collins and Mackie both attended Multnomah University; Mackie teaches at Western Seminary as does one of their board members, Gerry Breshears. The team includes those with backgrounds in biblical studies, animation, and technology, among other fields.

The Bible Project’s videos are high quality and engaging. The combination of the audio and the visual helps aid understanding. The videos also include study notes, related blogs and podcasts, suggested books, and even suggested classes. The Bible Project encourages broad use of its content, with appropriate citations. Their aim is genuinely to help “everyone, everywhere” have access to the Bible. They know “the Bible speaks God’s word to his people” and believe it will lead people to Jesus, “who has the power to change individuals and whole communities when we let the biblical story speak for itself.” All projects are crowdfunded, or supported through donations.