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 - June 2021 Newsletter |
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The Reporter
Reformation Lutheran Church
ALL Are Welcome & Affirmed Here!
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Worship Service Update
We have resumed the in-person worship service on Sundays at 10:00 AM. Please see the information below for further information on making a reservation to attend the worship service. In addition to this, and in order to ensure the health and safety of our congregation, we will continue to broadcast the service online via Facebook Live. Please join us for worship online HERE.
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Pastor's Perspective
In place of the Mustard Seed, I would like to share a midmonth Pastor’s Perspective of thanks and signs of moving forward from this prolonged pandemic.
First, I want to personally thank Reformation’s cares, prayers, and support during Kathy’s TIA and recovery. It was a scary time for us both, but we also experienced your caring and prayers through her episode. The meals that were shared were fantastic, and nourished us physically as well as spiritually. Kathy’s recovery continues as she regains her strength, and we continue to thank God for the wonderful faith-family we have been surrounded by. All y’all have been so amazing.
Second, Kathy and I wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Reformation’s council for extending my vacation by a week, which gave us three weeks to spend with our new granddaughter, Sadie Ruth Markman. She is beautiful (a grandpa is aloud to boast) and it was great for us to be there to help as Mallory and Alex began to adjust to their new parenthood. They are going to be great parents, and Sadie will be blessed with a wonderful extended family with the Bupps and Markmans.
Third, I am so excited that we are beginning to emerge from this pandemic. We have begun in-person worship in a limited capacity, and with the increase of vaccine distributions, we will expand worship in the near future. Kathy and I are so sorry for missing the first church picnic in decades, but Sadie had her own schedule. Thank you Ann Kurth for planning this exciting event. But more signs of re-gathering will continue! I’m hoping to re-gather June 30th for our 11:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study, with a hybrid flare. We will continue to zoom in those who have joined Reformation’s Bible study via Zoom from out of state and one from out of country. Also, in late summer I look forward to the beginning of Safe Space Dinner, as we offer a safe space and a meal for homeless LGBTQ+ teens. Thank you Michael Watson for taking the lead in pulling this all together. Then, in September we will resume our Reformation’s annual Beach Retreat at the Lutheran Coastal Retreat at the Isle of Palms, and finally, we will reboot our Confirmation classes. Ministries are certainly beginning to take shape as this dreadful virus diminishes!
Again, Kathy and I wish to thank you all for your care, prayers, and support, and we look forward to returning home and continuing our faith journey together.
Peace,
Pastor Tim
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Adult Sunday School
Adult Sunday School meets from 8:30 to 9:30 each Sunday morning.
Participants can join the class in person in the Parlor or by Zoom.
This earlier time gives any who want to do Sunday School via Zoom but worship in person time to drive to the building after Sunday School.
The Zoom Meeting ID for Sunday School time is: 863 6536 3737.
June 20 - Reformed Church of America
June 27- Religious Society of Friends
July 4 - Roman Catholic Church
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An opportunity to get involved
Greeter/Usher Team
If you are looking to volunteer with Reformation the Greeter/Usher Team is looking for a few new members to join the team. Below is a summary of what to expect.
What is the Greeter/Usher Team?
The Greeter/Usher Team is an especially important ministry at Reformation. This team’s primary focus is welcoming all who enter through our church doors. Members of the team greet everyone who enters the church, introduces new visitors to others in the congregation, assist people in finding a place to sit or the rest rooms, pass the offering plates, and guides the congregation during communion.
Who is on the Greeter/Usher Team?
Anyone can be a member of the Greeter/Usher Team if they are able to commit to four things: (1) serve on the team one or two times per month, (2) arrive at the church on time on the days scheduled, (3) find a replacement if you cannot be in church on a date you previously agreed to participate, and (4) communicate with the team leader ahead of time if you know you are going to be out town.
Why is the Greeter/Usher Team Important?
As a Greeter, you will likely be the first person everyone sees when they enter the church. For first-time visitors, the greeter function of the team is vital. We all can think back when we were the new person and what a difference it made when a friendly face welcomed you and introduced you to other people. And for regular attendees, the greeter is there to always create a welcoming atmosphere.
How Does the Greeter/Usher Team Work?
Team members arrive at the scheduled time (usually 30 minutes before the service begins). Before the service you will hand out bulletins. During the service, the most visible duties of the ushers are to pass the collection plates and to direct the congregation to the communion table. After service you will ensure all donations are collected and secured.
Please contact Shirl Lamontagne to join the team or to answer any questions you may have. Her email is shirllamontagne@gmail.com or reach via her cell at 719-237-9968.
*Please note that this summary includes a few protocols that are not currently active due to COVID-19.
July Greeter/Usher Schedule:
July 4, Gary Parish & Lynn Black
July 11, Ginny Eiwen & Eddie Ritchie
July 18, Jim Prater & Shirl Lamontagne
July 25, Raymond Cook & Sam Ruff
July Lector Schedule
July 4. Keating Clark
July 11. Chris Clark
July 18. Ben Bullock
July 25. Daisy Ritchie.
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A note of thanks
Thank you and the church for the love offering. It is very much appreciated!
Joshua Greer
Director of Music, Reformation Lutheran Church
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Save the Date
The first Safe Space dinner will be held Thursday, August 12, 2021.
Reformation Lutheran is an inclusive, LGBTQIA+ affirming congregation that believes Christ calls us to serve others with joy. In that spirit, we proudly introduce Safe Space Dinners, a ministry for homeless LGBTQIA+ youths.
The ministry is simple. On the second Thursday of each month, these youth (14-23 years old) are offered a safe space and time to gather to rest and recharge, a home-cooked meal, and a backpack of items they will find helpful in their day-to-day life.
There will be additional important opportunities to give and share for this upcoming event.
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ANNUAL BEACH RETREAT
COASTAL RETREAT CENTER
ISLE OF PALMS, SC
****SAVE THE DATE***
SEPTEMBER 6-12, 2021
Come and experience spiritual renewal
Bible studies, fun activities, great food.
Come for the entire week or just a few days.
Cost is $90 per room per night and $10 per day for food-(10 and under -free)
If interested, please contact Kathy Bupp at:
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From the ELCA website
Faith and Society - Mental Illness
“The Body of Christ and Mental Illness” seeks to raise awareness of the challenges of mental illness, offer reflection and direction, and inspire action. This social message notes how mental illness makes the most basic aspects of everyday life daunting and sketches some of the challenges. These include the challenges to human dignity and difficulties in gaining access to treatment, problems that worsen existing social inequalities and lapses in the U.S. health care system.
The message puts to rest the notions that mental illness is an indicator of special sin in the family or the person suffering from it. It emphasizes the church's role in encouraging companionship and healing, via restoration of relationships — heeding Galatians 6:2. What people with mental illness most need is time to pursue and engage in treatment, and to maintain or create relationships where they can exercise their abilities. Throughout the many forms of ministry the church provides, the church is called to confront practices that do not uphold human dignity and to offer hope and companionship, and attend to its own practices around health, its public voice, and the sensitive and thoughtful preparation of church leaders.
You can read or download the full social message on “The Body of Christ and Mental Illness.” This social message was adopted in 2012 by the Church Council of the ELCA.
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1118 Union St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-252-1507
Tim Bupp, Pastor
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