Christ The King Sunday concludes the church year. This is the time for the Gethsemane community to look to the past giving thanks for faithful stewards and look to the future encouraging every person within the Gethsemane Lutheran community to make a pledge commitment for 2016 ministries.
Following the 10:30 a.m. liturgy, everyone is invited to the Ministry Fair/Chili Cook Off:
Please come and share in this time celebrating ministries of the congregation and renewing commitment to 2016 ministry. Everyone is needed! Everyone has talents, time and treasure for ministry.
Reserve the date: Christ the King Sunday, Nov. 22
The names of persons having received the final commendation of the baptized community since All Saints Sunday, 2014 will be read during 8:15 & 10:30 a.m. festival liturgies. Family members/friends are invited to light a candle in memory of their loved ones.
The faith community is blessed by saints having lived their baptism as well as those with whom the Gospel is lived today.
All Saints Sunday reminds the church community, that by the grace of God, the baptized live and die in God’s mercy and love:
“For all the saints who from their labors rest. All who by faith before the world confessed.”
AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM/
CONFIRMATION RITE
Reformation Sunday has been designated, since 1973, the day when Gethsemane youth are invited to affirm their baptism in the Rite of Confirmation. Reformation Sunday is celebrated by the Lutheran/Reformation community as the Sunday to focus “on the heart of our faith: the gospel of Christ-the good news– that makes us free!” The Reformation community prays for the Holy Spirit to continue uniting the church catholic in proclamation and witness for all the world to hear of the grace of God. In the blessed sacrament of “Holy Baptism, the people of God are made one body;” giving thanks for Dr. Martin Luther and all the reformers past and present.
Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Scripture, Solo Christo, Soli Deo Gloria.
The Lutheran tradition rejoices in the gift of music. Reformation Sunday, 2015 will highlight special music offered by David Spicer, playing on the Gethsemane Memorial Pipe Organ in honor of his granddaughter Alyssa Makay Woodley, a member of the 2015 confirmation class, and all the 2015 confirmands; The Gethsemane Sanctuary Choir, directed by Michael Harrison; Bellissimo, directed by JoAnn Gerbig and invited instrumentalists along with Gethsemane organist Sheryl Johnson Evans, Lee Schnelle and Dar Joy Krenek with a vocal duet, will bring inspiration through musical offerings.
Pastor Charles Wilfong, a retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and grandfather to confirmand Heidi Gabriela Lundquist and Pastor Song of Thailand will participate in the confirmand blessing.
Gethsemane youth, having completed two years of study/participation in Gethsemane Lutheran confirmation ministry will affirm their baptism Sunday, October 25:
Confirmation mentors Kathi Allen, Brenda Brown, Renita Feller, Steve Greinert, Kathy Jurgens, Colleen Krasinski, Belinda Malin, Ken Malin, Ken Schulz, Cal Streeter and Johnny Walker present confirmands. Family members present a candle, symbolic of confirmands baptismal candle. Continuing a Gethsemane tradition of four decades, the confirmands introduce family members during the 9:30 a.m. SCS Hour. These baptized Christians claim their family faith heritage by affirming their gratitude for the nurturing they have received on their faith journey since baptism.
Congratulations parents, grandparents, and extended family for encouraging the Gethsemane Lutheran 2015 Confirmation Class to live their baptismal birthright.
MIDWEEK CONNECTIONS
2015 FALL SEASON
WEDNESDAYS
SEPTEMBER 23-NOVEMBER 18
11:00 a.m. | Adult Confirmation Bible Study with Pastor Susie Schnelle |
12 Noon | Holy Communion (Sanctuary) |
5:30–6:30 | Supper ($5 each; $15 family) (MPR) |
6:00–8:45 | Baby sitting available |
6:15–7:10 | Racism with Pastor Gronberg, confirmation, English as a Second Language, conversational Spanish and Children/Youth activities (PreK-12th grade) |
7:15–7:30 | Holy Communion (Sanctuary) |
7:30–7:40 | Mentors & Confirmands |
7:40–8:40 | Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (MR) |
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.