August 2007

Newsletter of Atonement Lutheran Church,

Rev. Tina Koenig Ray, BCC, Pastor

It is no surprise that the Roman Catholic Church asserts that in it subsists the Church of Christ; surely every Christian church body makes the same assertion, for it is only because Christ's Church survives in and lives through the community we call "Church" that we preserve and promote the apostolic faith. However troubling such exclusive claims may be, we recall the Second Vatican Council's "Decree on Ecumenism" which affirmed that the separated churches and ecclesial communities are used by the Spirit of Christ "as means of salvation" (Unitatis redintegratio 3.4). The statement, "Responses to Questions," does not minimize this affirmation.

As Lutherans we uphold the Augsburg Confession, which states that, "The Church is the assembly of saints in which the Gospel is taught and the sacraments are administered rightly" (AC VII). Therefore, although our witness is wounded by the division that exists among Christians, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recognizes no deficiency in our self-understanding as "Church."

"Responses to Questions" does not alter the commitment to ecumenism of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It will not cause us to step back from our U.S. or international relationships or promises. We remain dedicated to the ecumenical task described in "Ecumenism: The Vision of the ELCA," which stresses that, "Ecumenism has as its focus and goal clarity of understanding among Christians and a greater realization of unity among Christ's people. As such it is closely related to the mission of the Gospel to all the world." That singular focus and goal has led to numerous breakthroughs with the Roman Catholic Church, including the "Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification" in 1999, which resolved a bitter 500-year dispute. We will continue to celebrate and build upon the deepening relationships fostered by that "Joint Declaration" even as we long for greater visible unity itself.

I encourage you not to pull back from your own personal commitment to ecumenism. I agree with Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, that in order for the ecumenical movement to bear the weight of change for the future, it must be rooted in an ecumenism of life. This is ecumenism at the local and personal level through joint prayer, Bible study, and service with Christians of other traditions.

Difficult and important matters of ministry and ecclesiology remain to be discussed in our ongoing U.S. Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue. Since "Baptism . . . establishes a sacramental bond of unity which links all who have been reborn by it" (UR, 22.2), Christian unity already exists through baptism into Christ, which serves as a continuing sign of hope that our churches will not always remain divided.

Here we are almost through the summer and so much has been going on that it seems like we just got our coats put away. What with graduations, weddings and now an ordination this month. How great has this summer been?

To say we're all very proud of Deena is an understatement to say the least. It seems as if she had just started seminary last year and here she is taking her first call. "Pastor Deena Laird" has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? We hope and pray for her new ministry in down state Illinois and that the Lord will help her to lead those congregations in the path that He has for them.

Bring your congratulation cards July 29th to the Ordination of Deena Laird at Atonement Sunday afternoon and send your prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord for bring Deena to us in the first place.

Yours in Christ,

Bruce Johnson

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Coming on September 9^th, 2007: Pastor Larry Westfield, from Lutheran Planned Giving will be our guest preacher. Lutheran Planned Giving brings together the ministry partners in this area along with the Churchwide ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. A Lutheran Gift Planning Counselor can help you discover new approaches to provide support for your family and ministries of the church that are important and meaningful to you. To learn more, come to the adult forum that Pastor Westfield will lead following fellowship in the Klingberg Chapel.

June adults/youth

July adults/youth

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Total income Jan 07-June 07 $ 53,461.20

Total expenses Jan 07- June 07 -$ 56,645.69

Net income (Jan 07-June 2007) $ -3,184.49

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 or the hallway bulletin board:

on August 2, 2007!

Eternal Candle: The Eternal Candle for August is from Betty Lou Pearson in memory of Pastor David E. Archie

Altar Guild: Isabel Crowley & Carole Doubleday

Flowers: Bob Kristianson in memory of his father

Bread of Heaven: Diana Schneider

Fellowship: Alyssa Garvey for her 16th birthday

Acolyte: open

Bread of Heaven: Judy Gundry

Fellowship: open

Bread of Heaven: Judy Gundry

Fellowship: open

Acolyte: open

Flowers: Cheryl & Russ Ramczyk and Adeline Swain in memory of Charles Swain’s birthday

Bread of Heaven: Pat Sauser

8/5 Donna Luety 8/23 Allen Johnson

8/8 Marjorie Berner 8/23 Jack Kalk

8/9 Deena Laird 8/25 Don Grade

8/13 Shirley Jero 8/27 Jessica Hoefer

8/14 David Rounds 8/30 Marsha Johnson

8/16 Judy Gundry

8/19 Don Reedy 8/23 Margaret Peterson

8/19 Robert Kilday

A Loss to the Atonement Family

Larry Luety June 23, 2007

David A. Archie July 14, 2007

upon the death of her son, David.

Cards and correspondence to Mrs. Pearson can be sent to:

1571 East Sixth Street

St. Paul, MN 55106-4829

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Margaret Peterson has moved to:

Riverside Terrace

3055 S. Riverside Dr.

Beloit, WI 53511

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper."

Sally just smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny
told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

Once again we will be hosting

National Night Out & Neighborhood Picnic from 5:30 to 8 PM, Tuesday, August 7. There will be lots of food, activities, and pony cart rides. There is a sign-up sheet for food donations (cupcakes, hot dogs and buns, chips and condiments), and another for volunteers (set up, greeters, food table, cake walk, face painting, kids games, bingo, & clean up). The pony cart rides will be back this year for a reduced fee of $100. Is there anyone who can help offset this cost?

Following the fellowship on the designated Sunday mornings we will be picking up our portion of Milwaukee Road. It only takes about an hour from the time we leave the church and return. The more hands the better! Wear or bring your old/work clothes to church. Jeans or shorts are appropriate and expected. Bring a pair of gloves and wear comfortable shoes. Following the pick up those who are able can go to a restaurant for a well earned breakfast!

Office Needs: a roll or a couple of books of first class stamps.

Lutherdale Bible Camp is hosting A Day at the Lake...Senior Wednesdays on July 25, August 1 & 8th from 10 AM to 3 PM. Cost is $10 per

person. Come join us for a day of fun at the lake. An engaging Bible study will be a part of the morning session to fill the spirit, and then get ready for an old time picnic BBQ at the pavilion. Afternoon sessions include pontoon rides and camp tours. Call Kathy at 262-742-2352 to sign up.

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Attention Military families: if you would be interested in ordering the above item for yourself and your family member in the service, please contact Pattye in the office by August 3. I will place the order and the total cost will be split amongst all who order.

The Sisterhood will be meeting on Tuesday, August 7 at 1 PM at Riverside Terrace, 3055 Riverside Drive. Dolly Berner and Marcy Reedy will be hostesses. Pastor Tina will be conducting a Bible Study. All women of the church are welcome to join us!

Hannah’s Hope Festival: Hannah Perry is a 19 month old girl with Cerebral Palsy who is related to Bruce Johnson. She needs a special, costly treatment. For more information and to sign up to help at the fundraiser event for her on August 11, 2007, please see the postings on the bulletin board in the hallway or contact Jackie Holmbeck.

The Annual Lutherdale Fest/Quilt Auction will be Saturday, September 8, 2007 from 10 AM until 4 PM (or until all the quilts are sold). Admission is free. Come and enjoy a whole day of food and fun things to do. For more information, see the flyer on the hallway bulletin board, log on to www.lutherdale.org or call 262-742-2352.

Upcoming sessions are:

Date: 9/11/07-10/30/07

Time: 9 AM -11:30 AM

Held at HospiceCare, Inc., 3001 W. Memorial Dr., Janesville

Date: 10/1/07-11/12/07

Time: 1 PM- 3:30 PM

Held at 2nd Congregational Church, 657 Bluff, Beloit

The "In Mission Together" gathering will be held Saturday, September 15 at 9 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran, 700 N. Wright Rd, Janesville. These gatherings will be opportunities to raise awareness of the ministries that we carry out together through the synod and the churchwide ELCA. There will also be small group discussions for congregational leaders, including members of stewardship teams. Leaders who, in particular, should plan on attending include: pastors, other rostered leaders, congregational presidents, vice presidents, treasurers, and stewardship committee people.

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Personally, I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.

I've decided to give our church the $500 a month I used to send to Jerry Falwell.

I volunteer to be the permanent teacher for the Junior High Sunday School class.