November 2006

Newsletter of Atonement Lutheran Church,

Rev. Tina Koenig Ray, BCC, Pastor

Did you know that there are two kinds of prayer? The one that the majority of Protestants are the most familiar with is called kataphatic prayer. This form of prayer comes from the Roman school of prayer and is an active form of prayer in which one comes to God with words, concepts and images. This is what we do on Sunday mornings in our prayers of the church.

The other form of prayer comes from the Alexandrian school of prayer is called apophatic. The apophatic prayer form is one in which we, instead of talking to God, listen to God. It’s difficult for most of us to sit still and simply ‘be’. We feel we have to be doing something when we pray. To help focus our thoughts contemplative (apophatic) prayer often uses a word, phrase or chant.

The goal in our spiritual journey is to have a balance of these two kinds of prayer.

There are many chants that one could use to help focus one’s prayer life. The easiest way to experience this is to take one verse or the refrain of a favorite hymn and simply sing it out loud for 3-5 minutes (and egg timer works great for this.)

Find a spot that has as few distractions as possible. Get in a comfortable position with your head, hips and feet vertically aligned. Have a pad of paper and pencil near by. Choose your chant or hymn verse. (Try one printed below.) Close your eyes. Take a couple of deep breaths using your diaphragm. Take a moment to think of how your body feels. Do your bones hurt? Do you have an itch on your shoulder? Does the drone of traffic keep interrupting you? Is your shopping list creeping into your thoughts? Let the thoughts come into your mind and then let them go. Take a couple of deep breaths using your diaphragm. Begin repeating the same line over and over again. Breath deeply, opening up your lungs and your spirit to the breath of God. If other thoughts come into your mind, simply focus back on the chant you have chosen. If you have an itch, scratch it and go back to your chant. After you have chanted/sung for 3-5 minutes, simply sit and ‘be’. Let the silence envelop you. Let God speak to you. Listen for that still small voice that Isaiah speaks of in the Hebrew Scripture. Without thinking about whether they are silly, realistic or ‘whatever’, jot down thoughts or words or images that come to mind in this time of quiet. Once you become more familiar with this prayer form, you can even hum the tune/chant softly or in your head while you wait in line or are stuck in a traffic jam (just don’t close your eyes!).

Chants:

Just as I am without one plea,

but that thy blood was shed for me,

and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Or:

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

Or:

Jesus remember me

When you come into your kingdom,

Jesus remember me

When you come into your kingdom.

Sincere THANKS to ALL who helped in any way to support the Cross and Crown Quilt show and raffle.

We are grateful to those who donated the wonderful raffle and door prizes, the tasty desserts, pretty table decorations, and who shared quilts and other handiwork to display.

The generous gifts of your time, talents, and resources helped to make this fundraiser for Atonement a big success.

We have had many comments and complements regarding how well the entire show was done. You should all be proud.

Special accolades to Char Affeldt for assembling the beautiful Cross & Crown quilt.

Here we are at the doorstep of electing a new bishop for another six year term. This is our opportunity, as a church, to make a difference in the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin. I am asking each and every member to read the Invitation to Nominate Candidates for Bishop. I am not asking you to nominate someone, unless you feel very strongly about a particular person. What I am asking is that everyone should understand what it takes to be considered for the position of Bishop. If you really understand the process, then maybe you can really understand what a candidate has to go through in order to be elected Bishop. And if elected, this is just the beginning of six years of being scrutinized by every church.

Does this sound exciting or what? I am sure it will be for some candidates and terrifying for others. This is where I ask you to consider serving as our Church’s representative to the synod assembly this coming spring. Before you throw this in the recycle bin please take a moment to think about the possible difference you could make and the opportunities that could arise from this assembly. I can speak from experience about the opportunities and the differences that you make. However, you will never know unless you step forward and offer to serve as Synod Assembly Representative for Atonement in the spring 2007.

All God’s blessings to you,
Bruce

Total income for September $ 7357.69 Total expenses for September -$ 7626.34

Net income (Sept. 2006) $ -268.65 —————————-

Sept. adults/youth

Oct adults/youth

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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The following items are posted in more detail in the Klingberg Chapel:

By Michael Rehak, Associate with the Bishop for Congregational Health (michaelr@scsw-elca.org)

Last month I reviewed Service and Accomplishment value structures. In this third and final article of the series, Mutuality and Structuring values will be reviewed.

Mutuality values are primarily relational in nature. They are oriented toward a meaning found in who we are together. Harmony is an essential quality for maintaining a sense of healthy balance. The orientation of this value structure is toward acceptance, inclusivity and openness. Diversity is celebrated. New members are held in equal esteem to founding members. These values guide the congregation’s spirituality, which affirms the importance of life together. Spiritual pursuits are more circular than linear, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all. These qualities find their spiritual expression in worship, which is relationally-oriented, symbolic and open to creative expression. The Mutuality values are not as concerned with the completion of the building project or the providing of the annual dinner, or the doing of worship the right way. Rather, these values focus on the relational importance of being together for work, worship or enjoyment; "who we are together."

Structuring values display the need to organize. This value structure is energized by the power of ideas. Ideas and concepts are organized for the purpose of controlling a situation, organization or individual. These values place lesser importance on past or present and a greater focus on understanding, and even creating, the future. Such an understanding is vital in order to be prepared and able to control it. These values focus on foundational pursuits of logic, knowledge and truth. Competency is the most essential characteristic. In order to function, a structure needs to have integrity. The structure of the congregation must have integrity; a unifying reality of spirituality. Worship, education, service and mission need to be integrated parts of one structure. The spirituality of this structure seeks to understand the divine truth, logic and knowledge. Structuring values lead to a constant evaluation of functions and structures in order that they might be improved. Education with intellectual challenge is key. Change is valued and necessary.

The personality of the congregation will be implicit in the development and maintenance of these values. The four value structures will, to a greater or lesser degree, be present in each congregation. The personality of the congregation will guide a prioritizing of the value structures; which one will give the most guidance and framework to the congregation’s purpose and mission. The value structure, which is held as priority, will embody the core values. Honoring these values is essential for the development of a sense of meaning. The congregation will move from simply practicing religion to spiritual enrichment and growth as its core value system is respected. Such respect means that the core values, more than simply the preferences of the clergy, choir director or organist, be allowed to shape and guide the decisions made in worship planning. In addition to worship, for the health of the congregation to be promoted, communication, education, and activities all must take shape, reflecting the core value structure.

Not honoring the personality of the congregation with its guiding value structure will have its consequences. Ignoring or denying the power of the congregation’s personality can lead to program failures, apathy, burnout, inactivity and conflict. Honoring the personality allows the congregation to hold its strengths and weaknesses in balance. This allows the congregation to develop and own a vision, be energized by its passion for ministry and become a healthier member of the Body of Christ.

I am available to work with congregations. Feel free to contact me for more information concerning a workshop for your leadership team. I welcome this as a cluster activity with the added benefit of increasing understanding of strengths of neighboring congregations.

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Somebody has well said there are only two kinds of people in the world.

There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord,"

and there are those who wake up

in the morning and say,

"Good Lord, it's morning."

Helping each patient define what would constitute a good death is possibly one of the best gifts we can offer. Because each person will die as differently as they have lived, we must bring ourselves to talk about topics that make us uncomfortable.

What would constitute a good death to you? What are the ideal circumstances for you when your life comes to a close as it surely will? Quick and unexpected? With time to say goodbye and put your affairs in order? At home or in a hospital? Who is with you? What is most important to you?

Whenever broaching thest subjects, take care to:

provide for privacy

allow adequate time

sit so that you are at the eye level of the patient or below.

If you are uncomfortable broaching these subjects, say so. "I don’t know exactly how to approach this, but I thing it is important to give you the opportunity to make some decisions about how we proceed from here."

Be sensitive to body language and other indicators of distress. Crying is not necessarily a signal of distress. If you are uncertain about whether to continue, ask the patient. Make sure you are stopping due to the patient’s discomfort and not your own.

Use appropriate touch. Touch is only helpful if it is acceptable to the patient. If you are unsure, ask. When offering a hand to hold, place your hand UNDER the patient’s hand, so that it is easy for them to move away.

Explore past experiences with death and their meaning. Talking about their history of losses may help you to understand their fears and concerns.

Help the person to identify goals during the dying process. Reconciliation with a family member, living long enough to see a grandchild born.

Caritas provides Thanksgiving Dinner food items to families in our community who are struggling. Recongnizing that we serve an ethnically diverse population, this year during sign up each family will make their choice of food items for their gift, plus receive a bag of basic items. We are asking you for monetary donations that will allow us to purchase exactly what is needed and in bulk, helping us keep the cost of our Thanksgiving gift at $25. An additional $5 gift will cover one days extra meals for a typical family of four during the winter months. However, here is a list of Thanksgiving Dinner items for those who prefer to go shopping:

Eternal Candle: The Eternal Candle for November is in memory of Phyllis Hoefer-Richter from her family

Altar Guild: Candy Hoefer & Jackie Holmbeck

Flowers: from Roland & Marge Mueller

Bread of Heaven: Peggy Johnson

Fellowship: open

Acolyte: open

KidsKorner: Janice Mitchell

Bread of Heaven: Diana Schneider

Fellowship: Boy Scout Troop #316

KidsKorner: open

Bread of Heaven: open

Fellowship: open

Acolyte: open

KidsKorner: open

Flowers: Gary & Vi Pankonien for their 56th wedding anniversary

Bread of Heaven: open

Fellowship: open

KidsKorner: open

11/7 Sue Engebretson 11/20 Freda Leeder

11/9 Morris Hansen 11/23 Barb Anderson

11/10 Jeanne Cole 11/26 Betsy Anderson

11/13 Avery Mitchell 11/27 Lloyd Jero

11/14 Gary Pankonien 11/28 Kim Davies

11/4 Erica Reedy 11/27 Cheryl Ramczyk

11/19 Marcy Reedy 11/28 Erika Hoefer

Lynne Doubleday Smetko September 27, 2006

11/7 St. John Jets @ Atonement Rebels

Atonement Rejects @ 1st Baptist Bombers

11/14 Atonement Rebels @ New Hope Hawks

1st Methodist @ Atonement Rejects

11/21 Messiah Thunder @ Atonement Rebels Atonement Rejects @ St. John Jets

11/28 Atonement Rebels @ Atonement Rejects

Greetings from 837 Oak Street-Beloit,

The Thrivent Builds Homes volunteers are busy working on the siding, stairways, and electrical. This last Saturday the crew was small, but determined to work, even in the rain. On Saturday, Sept. 30 we should finish the siding and begin dry walling. I am urging all those of you who have not been part of this yet to jump right in. I'm sure that you will be inspired, as I have been. No experience necessary! There are experienced people on site to guide you through.

Heartfelt thanks go out to the Thrivent Group from Green County for their fund raising efforts this month. They raised over $170 at the Beloit Snappers Game.

Several events are upcoming in October, and we need help from anyone who has time.

1. The Senior Fair is October 24th at Central Christian Church on Milwaukee Road from 10:30 AM- 2:30 PM. Pastor Tina will be there all day. We'll have a table to give away candy and some prizes, and give out brochures to let the community know who we are. We need a few volunteers to man our area in 2-hour shifts, and help with set-up at 8:30 AM and take-down at 2:30 PM.

2. Halloween Treats-For several years we have set up
from 5-7pm on Halloween in our parking lot, giving out hot chocolate and hot cider and Atonement pencils. Quite a few people stop by as they trick-or-treat, and have a drink. We need volunteers for a half hour before to set up, and also to help give out the drinks.

3. Hands Of Faith....Calvary Church is closing it's doors soon, and has asked us to take their HOF week, which is October 29th to November 5th. We have agreed. The sign up sheet for overnight and dinner hosts is in the Klingberg Chapel and the clothesline of needs is up in the hallway.

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Are you, or is someone in your household, a senior (over the age of 60)? Would you benefit from the use of an air conditioner? If the answer is "Yes," Voluntary Action Center in Beloit can give you an air conditioner! Applicants should contact the VAC office (M-F, 9 am - 5 pm, at 365-1278) to make application. You will also have to provide a note from a health care professional (doctor, visiting nurse, county health nurse) that verifies that your health would be benefited and proof of low income. Units are brand new, so even if you don't install it until next year, they are fully guaranteed.

The High Fidelity Chorus is a female acappella singing group, looking for additional singers to present 4-part harmony in the community. Activities will include caroling during the holiday season, special performances at local churches, and other venues. Please join us for free vocal lessons and an opportunity to make new friends. Rehearsals are at 7 PM on Thursdays at Rock Valley Chapel, 2780 Shopiere Rd. For more information, call Nicole @ 815-389-9112.

Jefferson Prairie Lutheran Church is hosting a Scandinavian Smorgasbord at 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM and 7 PM Saturday, October 28. Cost for adults is $10 in advance, $11 at the door and $5 for children 12 years old and under. Tickets are available at Hahn’s Ace Hardware in Clinton, or call 815-389-4351 or 608-676-4826.

All individuals who currently or have previously volunteered for Hands of Faith are cordially invited to attend our 2nd

Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, November 2nd at the Center Court in the Beloit Mall. Seating and welcoming begin at 6 PM, dinner and program at 6:30 PM. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

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upcoming holiday season beginning November 6. Volunteers are needed for interviewing families for holiday baskets, bell ringing, serving Thanksgiving dinner, sorting food for baskets and basket distribution, and finally toy distribution on December 19th & 20th. If you are interested in helping, please call Cris Hornagold at 365-6572 , ext. 12.

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Set aside Saturday, November 11 right now for "There Must Be a Better Way...Reaching Out to a New World." Your Synod Outreach team is hosting a day filled with new ideas, strategies, workshops and tools to help you reach out in new ways to your community. Pastors, leadership teams, outreach teams and those with a heart to spread the Good News will all benefit. Watch for more information.

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The Sons of Norway are holding a Lutefisk Dinner on Saturday, November 11 from 11 AM - 5 PM at 418 W. Milwaukee Street, Janesville. Enjoy lutefisk with butter or cream sauce, Norwegian meatballs, mashed potatoes, lefse, rolls, veggies, rommegrot and Norwegian pastries. Ticket prices are $12 in advance, $13 at the door, and $5 for kids under 12. For advance tickets, call Bonnie Forslund @ 752-6566 or Pat Mahlum @ 365-1369.

The 4th Annual Chili/Soup Cookoff has been tenatively set for Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 from 4-7 PM. Last year was a huge success, and we hope you’ll consider being involved in this fundraiser. Cook, or come and eat...it’s fun!