June 2006
Celebration of
ATONEMENT
Newsletter of Atonement Lutheran Church,
Rev. Tina Koenig Ray, BCC, Pastor
"Called by God to serve and witness to all in response to God’s grace."
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F
rom the Pastor…
The following essay was written by an eight-year old boy by the name of Danny Dutton from Chula Vista, California.
"One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes these to put in place of the ones that dies so there will be enough people to take care of the things here on earth. He doesn't make grownups. Just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way He doesn't have to take up His valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that up to the mothers and fathers. I think it works out pretty good. God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, as some people, like preachers and things, pray other times besides bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV on account of this. As He hears everything, not only prayers, there must be a terrible lot of noise going into His ears unless He has thought of a way to turn it off. God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere. Which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting His time by going over your parents head and ask for something they said you couldn't have.
Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista. At least there aren't any who come to our church.
Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work like walking on water and doing miracles and trying to teach people about God who didn't want to learn. They finally got tired of Him preaching to them and they cursified Him. But He was good and kind like His Father and He told His Father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said OK. His Dad appreciated everything He had done and all His hard work on earth, so He tole Him He didn't have to go on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So He did. And now He helps His Dad out by listening to prayers and seeing which things are important for God to take care of and which ones He can take care of himself without bothering God about. Like a secretary --only more important, of course. You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to hear you because they've got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.
You should always go to Sunday School because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God! Don't skip Sunday School to do something you think will be more fun, like going to the beach. That is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon, anyway. If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you like to camp, but God can. It's good to know He's around when you're scared of the dark or when you can't swim very good and you get thrown in the real deep water by big kids. But you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and He can take me back anytime He pleases. And that's why I believe in God."
Danny Dutton has a pretty good understanding of Jesus and why he came.
How’s your understanding of Jesus?
Congratulations to Pastor Tina who has completed the process for certification in the Association of Professional Chaplains. The APC is made up of board certified chaplains (BCC) who provide professional pastoral care in various settings. Much as you would hesitate to go to a doctor or lawyer who is not board certified, APC certifies that a B.C. chaplain has gone through rigorous training and meets standard qualifications for providing pastoral care.
Pastor Tina began the process in 2002 and had her final meeting to obtain full status in May of this year. So when you see "BCC" after her name, it means Board Certified Chaplain and is the culmination of years of hard work during a difficult time in her life.
From the Council President ....
On May 5th and 6th Andrea Garvey and I attended the Synod Assembly at the Marriott Convention Center in Middleton, Wisc. The theme this year was Gathered, Claimed and Sent into the World. The guest speaker was Rev. Kelly Fryer whose theme was "What is God up to…" This idea wasn’t just addressing our synod or our church’s; it was also directed at our lives’ in Christ and what we do for others through him.
Kelly asked if we as Christians have a clear sense of purpose both in our Church Councils and in our Church wide mission. If we have that sense of purpose are we open to innovation and change? If so, are we looking and moving forward rather than sitting still while looking backward at our long time traditions? Are we expecting others to change to our ways or are we changing to accommodate others?
These are some introspective questions we need to ask ourselves. Not because we’re Lutherans, but because we are Christians. If we are committed to God’s mission "to go and make disciples" we need to make the changes he’s asking from us; so we can be one of his vital growing congregations that are Gathered, Claimed and Sent.
God’s Blessings to All,
Bruce Johnson
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Peace starts with a smile.
April/May Worship
Date
Attendance General Fund Maint. CansApril
adults/youth
23 52/1 $ 735.00 $ 26.00 $35.63
30 55/2 $ 875.00 $ 41.00 $35.55
May
adults/youth7 63/3 $3203.00 $112.00 $ 54.00
14 61/6 $1558.00 $152.00 $ 41.90
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April financial update as of 4/30/06
Total income (year to date) $ 10,674.02
Total expenses (year to date) ($- 8,684.06)
Net income (year to date) $ 1,989.96
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The Bulletin BoardThe following items are posted in more detail in the Klingberg Chapel:
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April Council Minutesë
The Lutherdale Log
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Newsletter Articles
July Newsletter Articles are due Monday, June 12th. Newsletters will be assembled on Friday, June 16th.
Caller ID
On a Saturday night several weeks ago, this pastor was working late, and decided to call his wife before he left for home. It was about 10:00 PM, but his wife didn't answer the phone.
The pastor let the phone ring many times. He thought it was odd that she didn't answer, but decided to wrap up a few things and try again in a few minutes. When he tried again she answered right away. He asked her why she hadn't answered before, and she said that it hadn't rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their merry ways.
The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he'd used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he'd called on Saturday night.
The pastor couldn't figure out what the man was talking about. Then the man said, "It rang and rang, but I didn't answer." The pastor remembered the mishap and apologized for disturbing him, explaining that he'd intended to call his wife.
The man said, "That's, OK. Let me tell you my story. You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'God if you're there, and you don't want me to do this, give me a sign now.' At that point my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it said, 'Almighty God'. I was afraid to answer!"
The reason why it showed on the man's caller ID that the call came from "Almighty God" is because the church that the pastor is pastor of is called Almighty God Tabernacle!!
June
Flower& Fellowship Schedule
Eternal Candle: The Eternal Candle for June is from Bonnie & Duane Ottow in honor of loved ones
Altar Guild: Isabel Crowley & Carole Doubleday
Weekly Beloit Daily News ad:
sponsored by Ray & Joanne Capes——————————————————
June 4
Confirmation Sunday/Pentecost SundayFlowers:
Richard & Mary Wendtland in honor of their 44th anniversary on June 16thBread of Heaven: Joanne & Ray Capes
Fellowship: Worship & Music Committee for Confirmation Sunday
Acolyte: Michael Janke
June 11
Flowers: Russ & Sue Engebretson for their 54th anniversary
Bread of Heaven: Sue Engebretson
Fellowship: Pastor Tina
Acolyte: open
June 18
Flowers: Bonnie Ottow for Duane’s 74th birthday
Bread of Heaven: Diana Schneider
Fellowship: Richard & Mary Wendtland for their 44th anniversary
Acolyte: open
June 25
Picnic following service at South Beloit Park todayFlowers:
Bruce & Peggy Johnson for their 31st anniversaryBread of Heaven: Peggy Johnson
Fellowship: David & Diana Schneider for their 25th anniversary
Acolyte: open
The Pickle Jar
The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar. As a small boy I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar. They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled. I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar and admire the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window. When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank.
Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck. Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me hopefully. "Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son. You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's not going to hold you back."
Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly "These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me." We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the few coins nestled in his palm. "When we get home, we'll start filling the jar again." He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar. As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other. "You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters," he said. "But you'll get there. I'll see to that."
The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and had been removed. A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser where the jar had always stood. My dad was a man of few words, and never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done. When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me.
No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a single dime was taken from the jar. To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined than ever to make a way out for me. "When you finish college, Son," he told me, his eyes glistening, "You'll never have to eat beans again - unless you want to."
The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms. "She probably needs to be changed," she said, carrying the baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in her eyes.
She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into the room. "Look," she said! softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser. To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar. I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak.
This truly touched my heart. I know it has yours as well. Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse.
How To Plant Your Garden
This kind of garden doesn't require a green thumb, or a lot of space! First, you come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses....
FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING,
PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another
NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another
TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends
WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
June Birthdays
(not just 70+ anymore!)6/6 Cason Janke 6/10 Vi Pankonien
6/6 Jackie Holmbeck 6/15 Roland Mueller
6/8 Pastor Tina 6/21 Vikki Skopek
6/8 Henry Gmach 6/29 Nate Anderson
6/9 Arlene Ruegger 6/30
Dick Adney
June Baptism Anniversaries
6/5 Ben Griswold 6/23 Arlene Ruegger
6/5 Les Nystrom 6/23 Pat Sauser
6/10 David Luety III 6/23 Henry Gmach
6/10 Doris Betz 6/27 Phyllis Steele
6/23 Pat Guaginte
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TELEPHONING THE CHURCH
Atonement Lutheran Church has one telephone line. When the internet is being used to check /send emails or to do research, a busy signal will be heard. If you have an emergency and need to talk to Pattye or Pastor Tina, please use their cell phone numbers which are printed in the new church directory as well as on the back of the monthly newsletter.
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MUTUAL MINISTRY COMMITTEE
We are available to listen to your concerns and/or suggestions in confidence. Janice Adney (1), Isabelle Crawley (3), Carole Doubleday (2), Andrea
Garvey (2), Les Nystrom (2), Pat Sauser (3), and Dick Wallace (3). The number following the name is the length of the term which started in February 2006. Phone numbers are listed in the Church Directory or contact us in person.——
A Message from Pastor William
Greetings to you and all our brothers and sisters at the Atonement Lutheran Church in Beloit. Many thanks for keeping us connected in a special way. Words are not enough to express my gratitude to Bro. Roland, the OutReach Committee and the entire Atonement family. When I gave the number of pastors, I realized that there were many Ordained Deacons that also expressed interest in the crosses. By sending us 106 pieces, you have done a lot for us. Our national convention is scheduled for May 17, and I hope those crosses will be here by that time. I will let you know if they arrive. Williametta and the children are doing well. All of them are in school except for the older boy. We are finding it difficult finding school for him, since he feels very big for his class. The war wasted lot of children like him time, they will need special program. Please keep us in your prayers. Thanks-
Rev. William Y. Boymah————-
Thank You!
Thank you everyone for all the cards and gifts I received for Administrative Professional’s Day. Your generosity and good wishes are greatly appreciated.-
Pattye Gilmour———-
Due to the new privacy laws regarding health information, the hospital will not release the names of patients. So if you are going into the hospital, or know someone who is hospitalized, please call the church office, or let Pastor Tina know.
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We don't change the message, the message changes us.
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For Sale
- 1 14" computer monitor and other miscellaneous computer hardware. Contact Dave Rounds for details.————
"Life is like an onion; you peel off one layer at a time and sometimes you weep."
The new church directories are DONE! If you haven’t already picked one up yet, there are copies are in the back of the church, the Klingberg Chapel and in the office.
Oops!
A couple of mistakes have been found in the new directories. Please make sure to correct your copies: Nate & Betsy Anderson’s house number is 2507, & Cheryl Ramczyk’s cell phone number ends in 9286.—————-—
Abundant Life Church in Beloit is taking up a collection of personal care items to be sent to Iraq in about 2 weeks. One of their parishoners is a soldier who was wounded and returned home to Beloit before going back to Iraq. He said there is a need for toilet paper, pre-moistened towelettes (such as Wet Ones), deodorants, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste. If anyone would like to contribute, please bring your items to the drop box in the church office. Questions? Call Pattye @ 362-8216 or 362-3488
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Confirmation Sunday (Pentecost Sunday) is June 4, 2006.
Alexis Anderson and Alyssa Garvey are being confirmed this year.
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The Sisterhood will gather at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 6th at Cafe Belwah for lunch. ALL women are welcome to join us. Come, and bring a friend. To make your reservation, please call Marsha Johnson @ 364-4566, Janice Mitchell @ 362-6418 or Arlene Ruegger @ 365-2448. Let them know if you need a ride. A BIG Thank You to all the gals that helped clean silverware at the last meeting. It looks great!
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The W.O.W.’s will be going to DiGiovanni’s for lunch at 12:30 PM, Thursday, June 8th. If you need a ride, call Joan Guetschow @ 365-4685, Carole Doubleday @ (815) 624-6163, or Doris Betz @ 756-0705.
The annual Church Picnic will be held at South Beloit Park following the service on June 25, 2006.
The All Nations Drum is returning this summer. They will be practicing in the church parking lot at 1 PM on July 9,16, 23 and 30th. Bring a chair, cooler, your own table service and some kind of food to share with the drummers and each other. Enjoy the drum and visit with friends and neighbors in a casual atmosphere.
National Night Out
is 5 PM, Tuesday, August 2nd. Join us here in the parking lot for food, games and festivities!—————
Pastor Paul Walker, former pastor at Our Savior’s, will be officially retiring October 8th, 2006. Pastor Paul was the director of the Disciples of Distinction youth music group for 15 years. Youth from area Lutheran congregations participated in this group as well. Because Pastor Paul is retiring, we are planning a reunion of all the disciples on Oct. 7 beginning at 4 PM with an informal sing at 7:30 PM. He would also like them to participate possibly at the retirement celebration on the 8th as well. If you can help us locate former members of the disciples please contact Jean Lincoln @ 362-4507 (home) or 362-0716 (church), or call Joan Zuehlke at 362-4014.
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While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. The various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs, unfailingly intrigued her. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, "The tooth fairy will never believe this!"
WHAT?
CROSS AND CROWN QUILT SHOWWHEN?
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 200610 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
WHERE?
ATONEMENT LUTHERAN CHURCHWHY?
VIEW BEAUTIFUL QUILTS -- ENJOY GOURMET DESSERTS, COFFEE AND TEA -- RAFFLE FOR A QUILT, BADGER FOOTBALL TICKETS, OTHER PRIZES -- DOOR PRIZESHOW?
Sponsored by the Sisterhood. We need the help of the entire congregation to make this successful -- do you have quilts you can share for viewing? -- would you make a gourmet dessert? -- can you help set up and/or serve dessert?CONTACT: Pat Sauser 756-1461 -- Carole Doubleday 815-624-6163 -- Janice Mitchell 362-6418 -- Arlene Ruegger 365-2448