November 2007

Newsletter of Atonement Lutheran Church,

Rev. Tina Koenig Ray, BCC, Pastor

From the 2^nd letter to Pastor Timothy, chapter 1, ^{5 -7}That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. The Message

What you seek is already within you. We talk about God’s Love and how we are given the ability to love others because of God’s gift of Love. But this flame within us is also a gift of Power and self-discipline, which is also translated self-control or sound mind. This means that God gives us the power to keep going through the hardest of times making changes within our lives and sharing our experiences of faith with others. This God-given power is already with us-we just need to rekindle it.

God’s spirit is alive within us. If we feel that it has gone cold, we need to begin to rekindle it. Stir it up, blow on it, and add new bits of wood until it blazes brightly within us. God has given each one of us the gift of the spirit. We cannot let it die. It will not die. It is always there within us. We can rekindle the spirit within us in a variety of ways:

First, worship. For Paul worship was a lifestyle of devotion to God, not just a Sunday morning church activity. In (2 Timothy 1:1-3), notice the word ‘serve’. This is not the usual New Testament Greek word for "serve," but this is the Greek word latreuo. This word always refers to service offered to God as an act of worship. This kind of service is never directed toward other people, but it’s always directed toward God.

Second, Prayer. We renew our flame by expressing our hearts to God. We see lots of gimmicks about prayer these days. But for Paul, renewing his vision for prayer simply came from pouring out his heart to God. Paul’s life was so directed that whatever was of concern in his heart automatically bubbled up in prayer to God. That’s really the heart of prayer, daily intimacy with God where we share our heart with him and he shares his heart with us. This is what the Bible means by abiding in Christ, remaining in his love, beig constantly aware of his presence.

Third, we can rekindle our flame by using the gifts God has given to us. We learn here that fear was holding Timothy back from using his gifts. The word "timidity" here means "a state of fear because of cowardice or lack of moral strength" (Louw and Nida Lexicon). What comes from God is an attitude of power, love and self-discipline. Power is the capacity to face our fears and use our gifts, even when we’re shaking like a leaf. Love is the capacity to express God’s love through our gift when we do use it. Self-discipline is the courage to go forward even when we’re timid and fearful.

Fourth, we revive the spirit within us by testifying about Jesus. We need to put into words how Jesus has changed our lives. It means sharing with those around us the good news of Christ, about his life, death and resurrection. It means building relationships with un-churched people so we can shine as lights in their lives. Did you know that the longer you’re a Christian, the less non-Christians you’re likely to have as friends? So we need to be reminded that relationships are the primary mechanism for sharing our faith in Jesus.

And finally, fifth, we rekindle our faith by responding to God’s invitation to a holy life. The good news of Christ is the means by which we are brought into a relationship with God. With the gospel also comes a call to live a holy life, a life of spiritual depth and growth. Although we do not contribute anything to our salvation, once God saves us, he calls us to live differently. He calls us to a life of transformation, a life where we grow and mature. He calls us to put down deep spiritual roots that are nourished by the truth of God.

Rekindling the flame of the spirit within us is not an easy task, it is not a painless one. Is it a necessary one? I believe that yes, it is necessary to rekindle embers that are over 100 years old and still glow within Atonement. The saints of Atonement have a long and fruitful history. But I get the sense that the saints of Atonement are tired and weary and long for their precious lord to take their hand. Renewing the fire of the spirit within us individually and corporately will stretch us, but not beyond our limits. We read in Ephesians 3:20, "By his mighty power at work within us, God is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope" (NLT).  

Our glowing embers are renewed by actually worshipping; our nfaint spirit is renewed by actually praying; our passion for service is revived by actually using our gifts to serve; our vision for outreach is renewed by actually testifying about Jesus; and our vision for nurture is renewed by actually responding to God’s call to a holy life.

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As I promised I am keeping everyone up-to-date on the new furnaces. Quigley-Smart began replacing the furnaces on Monday October 15th and it should take approximately a week to complete the job. This should help eliminate the chance of having to wear your coat in church due to one (or more) of our furnaces breaking down. Plus these high efficiency furnaces should pay for themselves in four to five years.

However, we need to pay Quigley-Smart when they are finished installing the furnaces and so far some of our members have felt the Spirit move them to give to the furnace fund. By doing so they have increased the fund to approximately $4100. This means that much less we will need to take from our savings when the installation is complete. If you feel the Spirit move you to give to the furnace fund please feel free to write a check or give cash by marking it "Furnace Fund" on your envelope. You can place it in the offering plate or send it to the church by mail. Any help will be appreciated.

God's Blessing to all of you,
Bruce Johnson

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"To the world you might be one person,

but to one person you might be the world."

Sept adults/youth

Oct adults/youth

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Total income Jan 07-Sept 07 $ 77,115,61

Total expenses Jan 07- Aug 07 -$ 82,623.76

Net income (Jan 07-Aug 2007) $ - 6,508.15

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:

Eternal Candle: The Eternal Candle for November is from Rollyn & Charleta Affeldt

Altar Guild: Candy Hoefer & Jackie Holmbeck

Flowers: Dick & Janice Adney for their 52nd anniversary

Bread of Heaven: Lloyd & Shirley Jero

Fellowship: open

Acolyte: open

Y.A.G. Host: open

Bread of Heaven: Diana Schneider

Fellowship: open

Bread of Heaven: Ray & Joanne Capes

Fellowship: open

Acolyte: open

Flowers: Vi & Gary Pankonien for their wedding anniversary Bread of Heaven: Doris Betz

Fellowship: open

Y.A.G. Host: open

November Birthdays (not just 70+ anymore!)

11/7 Ben Griswold 11/20 Michael Janke

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

Eli John Wheaton 2 lbs, 4 oz September 27, 2007

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11/6 Atonement Rebels @ Our Saviors Vikings

Sun Valley Too @ Atonement Rejects

11/13 Our Saviors Vikings @ Atonement Rejects

Atonement Rebels @ Sun Valley Too

11/20 Atonement Rejects @ Our Saviors Trolls Faith Lutheran @ Atonement Rebels

11/27 Messiah Chiefs @ Atonement Rejects

Atonement Rebels @ Trinity Eagles

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:

Rock County held its first ever AIDS Walk Saturday the 13th of October, "Walk, Roll & Stroll". Atonement's confirmation class participated in the walk as a service project. We were able to raise almost $300.00 to help the A.I.D.'S Network of Southern Wisconsin. A total of over 100 people and dogs participated in the walk and raised over $4,500. Thanks to the kids for being such good sports! Pictured are: Harvey, Gabby, Cason, Austin, Mochila, Pastor Tina & Amber. Not pictured are Brian & Maggie.

The symbol that best expresses the abundance that Thanksgiving celebrates is the cornucopia. The cornucopia is an ancient symbol used in both Greek and Roman mythology. In some myths, the goat Amalthea, whose milk fed the infant Zeus, was said to have a horn that was always filled with whatever anyone wanted to eat or drink. In other tales the Roman goddess of plenty, named "Copia", always wore or carried a horn filled with fruits and drinks, The horn of plenty was always full; its abundance could never be exhausted.

Today the cornucopia sounds the joyful noise of God’s bountiful blessings, of the abundant, overflowing graciousness that God makes available in our lives. This horn also sounds a note to remind us that we must use our blessings to bless others.

This is so priceless, and so easy to see happening, customer service being what it is today. A lady died this past January, and Citibank billed her for February & March for their annual service charges on her credit card, & added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00, now somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to Citibank here's the exchange:

Family Member: "I am calling to tell you she died in January."

Family Member: "Maybe, you should turn it over to collections."

Family Member: So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?"

Citibank: "Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor." (Duh!)
(Supervisor gets on the phone):

Family Member: "I'm calling to tell you, she died in January."

Family Member: "Do you mean you want to collect from her estate?"

Family Member: "No, I'm her great nephew."

Family Member: "Sure." (fax number is given) After they get the fax:

Family Member: "Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. I really don't think she will care."

Family Member: " Odessa Memorial Cemetery , Highway 129, Plot #69."

Citibank: "Sir, that's a cemetery!"

Family Member: "What do you do with dead people on your planet?

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Council President Bruce Johnson called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. There was a quorum present.

The meeting was for the purpose of voting on whether or not new furnaces should be purchased. Bruce explained the bid from Quigley-Smart for nine furnaces was $20,650 plus $450 for programmable thermostats for a total of $21,100 which includes all work, 5-year parts warranty, and 2-year service warranty.

Duane Ottow moved that the bid from Quigley-Smart be accepted. Doris Betz seconded. Vote: 45 yes; 2 no; 1 abstain. MOTION PASSED.

Submitted by Carole Doubleday, Secretary

OFFICE NEEDS: a package of ledger sized (11x17) paper

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The last Adopt a Street clean-up for this year will be held on Sunday, October 21 after the service. Wear or bring your workclothes, a pair of gloves and comfortable shoes. After the pick up those who are able can go to a restaurant for a well earned breakfast.

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Norwegian Dinner on Saturday, October 27 from 11 AM-3 PM. Admission for adults is $13, children 5-12 $5, and children under 5 admitted for free. On the menu is lutefisk, lefse, meatballs, mashed potatoes, cranberries, coleslaw, rolls, pie and coffee.

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TRICK OR TREAT—Senior Style The 20th Annual Beloit Senior Fair will be from 10 AM- 2:30 PM, Tuesday, October 30th at Central Christian Church, 2460 Milwaukee Rd. Admission is free, and Beloit Transit is providing free bus rides. Come and see over 60 exhibits, receive flu and pneumonia shots, health screenings, and enjoy door prizes and food! New this year is a free, confidential, no questions asked drug disposal program. Please bring prescriptions that you no longer take or are outdated/expired in the original bottles if possible. The only items not accepted are chemotherapy drugs, anything radioactive, or sharps/needles. If you would like to volunteer to work at Atonement’s booth, the sign up sheet is in the Klingberg Chapel.

Halloween Night Outreach- The Outreach committee would like to give you an opportunity to meet and greet the neighborhood on Halloween Night. From 5-7 PM we will serve hot apple cider and hot chocolate to the neighborhood trick-or-treaters and their escorts. It’s loads of fun and a good outreach. Help us set up at 4:15 and/or take down at 7 PM. Stick around in between! The volunteer sign-up sheet is in the Klingberg Chapel.

World Community Day-Embracing Justice Under God’s Tent will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, November 2 at Redeemer Covenant Church, 2500 Prairie Avenue (the corner of Prairie Ave. and Murphy Woods Rd.)

The Sisterhood will meet at 1 PM, Tuesday, November 6 at the church. We will be cleaning the cupboards in the Klingberg Chapel, and Marge Mueller will be the hostess. All women of the church are welcome.

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Beloit College is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Beloit Alternative Gift Market from 10 AM - 2 PM, Saturday, November 10, 2007 at Pearsons Hall on the campus. The Beloit Alternative Gift Market is an ecumenical ministry that exemplifies the true meaning of giving. In honor of friends and family, gifts are given that bring new hope to the world’s poor-food, medicine, shelter and much more. 34 World Wide projects include: child survival, environmental protection, food/ hunger, emergency relief, health/medical, shelter, water, education and sustainable development.

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The Badger Chordhawks Chorus presents "Happy Trails" at 2 PM and 7 PM on Saturday, November 10, 2007, at the Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 S. Main Street, Janesville. Barbershop at its best, featuring Voices Only and Nightwatch, and the Badger Chordhawks Chorus and their own quartets: Four Other Guys, Rock River Harmonizers, and the Scholastic Four. Afterglow in the multi-purpose room of the Janesville Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $14 in advance, $16 at the door. Seniors (62 & over) and students $14 at the door. Groups of 10 or more (one purchase) $12 each. Afterglow $5. Tickets available at the JPAC Box Office (608-758-0297) or from any Chapter Member.

Congregational leaders, pastors and evangelism teams are invited to attend the Outreach event Saturday, Nov. 3, 8:30-3:30 at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells. The title of the event is "Growing Life-giving Communities of Faith."

The keynote presentation will be offered by Pastor Greg Meyer from Jacob’s Well church in Minneapolis, and will focus on new ways of "being the church" in order to involve more and new people in the life-transforming journey with Jesus Christ.

Throughout the day we will explore how we, as Christians and congregations, can be more missional in our communities. Author Dan Kimball has said, "Being missional means we serve our communities, and that we build relationships with people in them, rather than seeing them as evangelistic targets."

In addition to exploring being missional from the message of Jacob’s Well church, breakout sessions will be offered on the following:

· Visionary Evangelism

· Java, Jazz and Jesus

· Spiritual Leadership

· Contemporary Worship in a Traditional Setting

· Preaching: There Is No "Box"

· Connecting the Gospel with Younger Men

· Natural Church Development

· Alpha Course: Basic Training

Congregations are invited to register a team of three people for $50; single registrations are $20. To register, call the Synod Office at (608) 270-0201. For questions on the workshop content, contact Rolfe Nervig at (608) 270-0201, ext. 106.

OPTIONAL: Participants may choose to enjoy relaxation before or after the workshop by staying at the Kalahari Resort on Friday, Nov. 2, or Saturday, Nov. 3, at a special rate of $99 on Friday or $129 on Saturday (includes admission to the water park). Individuals must make their own reservations by calling (877) 253-5466 before Oct. 3 and indicating they are part of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin.

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Share memories of blessings from early childhood...from school years...from work and home...from church and worship. Share memories of blessings shared with those gathered around this table.