I have been planting and planting and planting. That's been the relatively easy part. The hard part is the watering, watering, watering. You see, my major garden is way out at the back of the property. To get water to the garden you either have to haul it by the 5 gallon bucket or hook two hoses together and drag them out there and then leave it there until you mow. Then you have to haul the hoses back to the house and start over the next time you water. It's a lot of back and forth, but it's necessary for the flowers to grow and flourish. We all know how vital water is to life, both physical and spiritual. Our lessons this summer talk a lot about Jesus being the living bread from heaven and they present us with miracles of Jesus feeding the people. To flourish in this life we need food and water. Water can also provide a life lesson, as the following article shows. Enjoy the summer, run through a sprinkle and come feast at the welcome table and drink from the font of all blessings, Jesus.

Fluid Like A River
Living Like Water

The journey of water as it flows upon the earth can be a mirror of our own paths through life. Water begins its residence on earth as it falls from the sky or melts from ice and streams down a mountain into a tributary or stream. In the same way, we come into the world and begin our lives on earth. Like a river that flows within the confines of its banks, we are born with certain defining characteristics that govern our identity. We are born in a specific time and place, within a specific family, and with certain gifts and challenges. Within these parameters, we move through life, encountering many twists, turns, and obstacles along the way just as a river flows.

Water is a great teacher that shows us how to move through the world with grace, ease, determination, and humility. When a river breaks at a
waterfall, it gains energy and moves on, as we encounter our own waterfalls, we may fall hard but we always keep moving on. Water can inspire us to not become rigid with fear or cling to what's familiar. Water is brave and does not waste time clinging to its past, but flows onward without looking back. At the same time, when there is a hole to be filled, water does not run away from it in fear of the dark; instead, water humbly and bravely fills the empty space. In the same way, we can face the dark moments of our life rather than run away from them.

Eventually, a river will empty into the sea. Water does not hold back from joining with a larger body, nor does it fear a loss of identity or control. It gracefully and humbly tumbles into the vastness by contributing its energy and merging without resistance. Each time we move beyond our individual egos to become part of something bigger, we can try our best to follow the lead of the river.

From the Council President ....

for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

Date Attendance General Fund Maint. Cans

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ë May Council Minutes

Weekly Beloit Daily News ad: sponsored by the Sisterhood

Flowers: Judy Gundry in memory of her husband Richard

Acolyte: open

Flowers: Doris Betz in memory of her parents

Acolyte: open

Acolyte: open

7/2 Dolly Berner 7/16 Don Reedy

7/3 Charlotte Laird 7/19 Marcy Reedy

7/7 Susan Anderson 7/29 Curtis Reynolds

July Baptism Anniversaries

--Booker T. Washington

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Synod Assembly Report

The Synod Assembly met May 5-6 at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton under the theme, "Marked with the cross of Christ Forever, We are claimed, gathered and SENT for the Sake of the World."

Oppose the death penalty and its reintroduction into Wisconsin; and further resolved to urge all synod congregations to study and discuss the ELCA’s Social Statement on The Death Penalty and give serious consideration to this statement as they prepare to vote on the November Advisory Referendum on the death penalty.

Ask that the Synod Council and Nominating Committee of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin study, and if the way be clear, change its by-laws to eliminate the category "persons of color" in the election process, and have both clergy and lay categories include persons of color and diversity; and further resolved that if the category "persons of color" is required by Churchwide, that only lay persons be designated in that category.

Approve 2007 clergy compensation guidelines.

Adopt a spending plan (budget) for 2007.

Recommend that the Synod Council study the feasibility of a major fundraising appeal for ministry in higher education and explore options for increased stewardship of the synod, and to report back at the next assembly.

Lift restrictions on partnership ministries in the synod on fundraising through individual congregations.

Make a number of changes to the synod constitution stemming from the elimination of Area Ministries.

The collection of 1,614 midwife and hospice kits for Global Health Ministries.

Bible study and music throughout the assembly by Kelly Fryer and her Renewal Enterprise Team.

Synod Secretary: Mary DeYoung, Christ, Sharon

ELCA Church Council: Susan Lux, Our Savior’s, Sun Prairie; Carolyn Butts, St. John’s, Evansville; Juanita Kielly-Dahlen, Primrose, Belleville

Synod Council: Sandy Knesting, Women of the ELCA; Nathan Timm, Dane County Area Ministry; Pr. Geoffrey Hoy, North Area Ministry; Pr. Mark Dressel, Southeast Area Ministry

Discipline Committee: Jean Lincoln, Our Savior’s, Beloit; Charles Thomley, Bethel, Madison; Pr. Mary Pharmer, St. Mark’s, Madison

Consultation Committee: Pr. Bruce Lowenhagen, Midvale Community, Madison; Pr. Tina Koenig Ray, Atonement, Beloit; Pr. Kathy Jacobson, Primrose, Belleville; Pr. Jerald Wendt, Hope, Milton; Julie Horst, St. Mark’s, Madison; Kevin Anderson, Faith, Cuba City; Jim Harris, Hope, Mineral Point

2007 Churchwide Assembly: Pr. Mary Kay Baum, Lake Edge, Madison; Pr. Bruce Burnside, St. Stephen’s, Monona; Pr. Kathy Jacobson, Primrose, Belleville; Pr. Denise Anderson, Faith, Cuba City; Pr. Jeff VandenHeuvel, Messiah, Madison; Pr. Brad Pohlman, Norway Grove, DeForest; Sandra Rivera, Bethel, Madison; Pr. Pedro Suarez, Bethel, Madison; Bethany Ensrude, Grace, Dodgeville; Anna Lindquist, Midvale Community, Madison; Jean Lincoln, Our Savior’s, Beloit; Christine Gantz, St. Stephen’s, Monona; Hannah Wallish, Immanuel, Waupun; Eric Peterson, Bethel, Madison; Todd Fossum, First, Stoughton; Tom Martin-Erickson, Trinity, Madison; Peter Boll, St. Stephen’s, Monona; Paul Kaare, East Koshkonong, Cambridge; Timothy Mumm, Luther, Delavan; Jay R. Becklin, Primrose, Belleville

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1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day.

"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

"He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!! For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything..

Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have oppor tunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!! To the Lord.

"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!! For something higher.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!! Your Prayers.

"Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERY THING." Philippians 4:6

Our church, the Lutheran Church In Liberia just had her 11 Biannual Convention in Central Liberia. It was a joyous one, with over 250 delegates and pastors from around the country. Here I am rejoicing with the pastors during our parade at the closing of the convention. The crosses have not arrived yet, however the pastors and deacons will highly appreciate them when they come. You can see I am wearing one of the crosses. I am sure our brother Roland Mueller will be glad to see his handywork serving in this part of our world. William
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South Rock County Thrivent Financial and the Women Build Group are partnering together to build a home located at 837 Oak Street in Beloit. Because of a low turn out of Lutheran volunteers, especially women volunteers, Thrivent may not release the promised funds to Rock County Habitat.

That would be a shame! Rock County Habitat and the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Southwest Wisconsin Region are building 2 homes in Rock County as part of a nationwide effort to create additional homeownership opportunities with low-income families. "This is a very exciting partnership for me personally and for Habitat," said David Thomas, Executive Director of Rock County Habitat for Humanity. "Because of Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity funding, we will be able to build two more homes this year. That’s two more families in simple, decent, affordable housing this year alone." "We’re eager to step up our efforts to reduce substandard housing in Rock County," said the Lutheran Community Service specialist for Thrivent Financial in the Southwest Wisconsin Region. I WANT TO HELP!

If you would like to help provide a low-income family from Beloit with a home, please send an email or call the volunteer hotline. They work on the weekends and really need your help.

email: habitatvolunteer@charter.net phone :(608) 754-1228 #3

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I need someone to watch the office from 9 AM - Noon, Friday, July 14th! Harold & I are having a mega 3-graduate graduation party on the 15th, and everyone is needed on that Friday to get food and decorations ready. If you’re interested in filling in for me that day, PLEASE call Pattye at 362-8216 or 362-3488. Thanks- Pattye

St. John’s School is dedicated to providing an affordable quality Christian education with a well-rounded curriculum that includes the 3R’s along with science, Spanish, social studies, music, art & religion. For questions on enrollment, to schedule a tour or for information on our exciting new tuition plan, please call 365-7838. Financial assistance is available. Blessings, James Alexander, Principal

HOW? 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?