September 13th is Kick-Off for the Sunday morning and Wednesday evening Educational opportunities at Gethsemane. All ages are invited to the MPR at 9:30 a.m. to meet teachers, hear a story, sing songs, and celebrate the beginning of a new year of growing in faith.
Following the 10:30 a.m. worship, a delicious BBQ lunch prepared by Gethsemane members Greg & Debbie Pitts (aka Rusted Shut BBQ) and Gethsemane Men-in-Mission.
Welcome Back Blue Bell Ice Cream Sunday. 2015 was the first Vacation Bible School the VBS children did not have a Blue Bell treat – Rally Sunday will offer Blue Bell ice cream to everyone participating in the Rally Sunday meal. Thanks to Stephen & Jane Jaster Greinert and Pastor Karl & Sharon Hendrickson Gronberg for providing the ice cream for the enjoyment of everyone – great to have Blue Bell back !
There will also be 3 sets of ribs auctioned off so bring your checkbooks.
The afternoon will be an opportunity for Gethsemane congregants to reaffirm ministry to the neighborhood. This will be a multi-generational opportunity for service work restoring/reconciling communities.
“God’s Work, Our Hands” t-shirts will be available for purchase to wear for this day of service together.
Volunteer opportunities include: Moline Lutheran Cemetery clean-up; Georgian Acres Community Garden and Lola Drive clean-up; make toys for the animals at the Austin Humane society; shop for supplies helping a family through Refugee Services of Texas; a book drive for Gethsemane Lutheran Children’s Ministry; the annual blood drive provides an opportunity for Gethsemane congregants to “give the gift of life”.. Many opportunities to make a difference in the community. Thanks to Babs & Mihira Chandrasoma for coordinating these service opportunities.
God’s Work, Our Hands. Sacramental vessels-chalice and bread plate–purchased by Gethsemane youth at the Detroit ELCA National Youth Gathering – as a gift to the congregational will be dedicated and used for the first time on “God’s work, Our hands Sunday. Thanks to Gethsemane youth for continuing this tradition giving a generous gift for the worship life of Gethsemane Lutheran expressing their gratitude for the support Gethsemane gives to youth ministry.
Godly Play Quilt designed by 2014-2015 Gethsemane intern Sharolyn Swenson Browning and quilted by Arlene Beckham Smith with assistance from the Gethsemane quilters depicts the liturgical church year. This 8’x8’ quilt will be dedicated Sunday, September 13 during the worship of the Gethsemane community for use in the new Godly play room and at the Kid’s Table. Thank you Gethsemane women for your work in creating this beautiful quilt story of the grace of God.