The Summit

by Vicar Ryan September 25, 2009

As we are entering the fall schedule, we leave behind our summer fun, craziness, and vacation. But wait, I hear people say, “Did we really have a summer this year?” It wasn’t hot and humid. Now leaves are turning red; that is simply another indicator to tell us summer is getting shorter. Would we wonder what is happening in our nature?

 When speaking about nature, do we own it? It is no, but it can also be yes. It is no in the sense that nature belongs to God, and human beings and nature are all parts of God’s creation. We have no right to claim any ownership on it, thus to justify any self-seeking intentions. The myth of “unlimited” economic growth or the domestication of nature only leads to the loss of forests, farmland, natural reserve, and the suffering of the earth. When St Paul mentions in Romans 8:22, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now,” how much do we identify with the suffering of the whole creation, and hope for God’s redemption to come?

There is yet a positive side to respond to God’s creation. We say we own the nature because it is God’s very own. We acknowledge the fact that God has all the sovereignty on God’s own creation. And we are entrusted to taking care of God’s creation, as in Genesis 1:28. The word, “dominion” in Hebrew can also be understood as “protection” and “care.” We now can say we own this project of caring for nature and creation. It is because we are called to be a good steward. God has given us all the talents and gifts; let us respond by having a right relationship with the nature, our suffering neighbor.

 Inside page

Youth Info

On Sat., Oct. 3^rd at Zion Lutheran Church. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the brunch from 9-11:00 a.m. This year’s benefactor is Lydia Home Association. Featured speakers are Lynn Strathman of Lydia Urban Academy and Robb Rennix of Lydia Safe Families for Children. Cost is $12 and a non-perishable food item for Zion Lutheran Food Pantry. Flyers with a reservation coupon are available from Pat Anderson.

Tues., Oct. 13^th from 11:45a.m. – 1:15 p.m. at Katie’s Cup.

The focus of this conversation will be Health Care Reform with featured speaker

Dr. Bill Gorski, President and CEO of Swedish American Health System.

Reservations are required by Oct. 9^th, seating is limited. Call RALM at 962-4279.

Well the youth ball was dropped last week and I dropped it. Time and the Summit wait for no man (or woman). This week there is no action, no suggestions, and no requests for ideas.

This week is a return to the book of Leviticus from the Old Testament. Leviticus 11:45 “I am the Lord who brought you out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.”

Thoughts: This book is chock full of the laws and regulations given to us by God so that there is no mistake in our actions, life style and treatment of others, much like your mom and dad gave you as a child. God the loving Father has expectations of each of us. I’ve been praying that I can meet His expectations, how about you? I’ve been asking for forgiveness in my failure to get my rear moving and get the youth of Alpine active. How are you doing in listening to what God wants you to achieve? I know he loves me and continues to believe in me, He’s my closest friend. How about you? I found a quote from Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) “My soul is like a mirror in which the glory of God is reflected, but sin, however insignificant, covers the mirror with smoke.” Think about it. I’m working at cleaning my mirror, how bout you?

Call me or e-mail me and lets chat or better yet how bout lunch? Yum yum: 218-7184 or kchristiansen83@aol.com. Love and strength to you as go about your daily schedules at school and after. Talk to mom and dad with respect and love just as God talks to you the same way.

Peace and love to you from God our Father

Kathy C

The 2009 Carpenter’s Place Walk for the Homeless will be Sat. Oct. 10 at The Christian Life Schools 1/4 mile track; Mulford at Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Walker registration begins at 9:00AM ; the walk starts at 10:AM.

The Social Ministry Committee invites you to join them in supporting this organization which does an exemplary job in helping the homeless rebuild their lives.

You may sign up in the narthex to be a walker and/or be a sponsor. Please give donations (any amount) in the narthex, take a small envelope and mail it or give to a walker by October 4, please specify which walker you wish to sponsor. You may walk any distance, anytime between 10:00AM and 1:00PM.
Thank you in advance for your participation.

by Pastor Meier September 18th, 2009

Traditional Service 8:00, Contemporary 10:30
Sunday School , Youth and Adult Forums at 9:15 (9:30)

Now that summer and Rally Day are over, we go back to our regular worship and education schedule on September 20. For those who have trouble getting here by the early hours, this is the day you’ve been waiting for to get back to church! Let’s everyone make a special effort to join in worship this Sunday!
In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus teaches us that to welcome a child is to welcome him. Thus we make every endeavor to build up our Sunday School, offer a children’s message at worship, and teach the young the ways of the Lord. If you have a child in your family or circle of influence, please bring him/her this Sunday.

Special Mission Project to Be Launched This Sunday
As most of you know, we have a companion relationship with the Arcot Lutheran Church of India. A recent request has come to our synod to help their Danish mission hospital obtain an ambulance. Their old one is falling apart, and they need $12,000 to buy a better one. Helen Meier will present the vision this Sunday as to how our synod and congregation can help supply this need.

Inside Page

Youth Info

Thank you to all the youth who helped make this year’s Rally Day a success. We appreciate everything you do to help out.

Mark your calendars for a Good Neighbor Day Sat., Nov. 7^th. We will meet at church at 9:00. Anyone needing help with yard work, please let John Linde know.

www.churchmice.net copyright 2009 Karl A. Zorowski