Category Archives: Ministry

Events, Ministry

Blessing of the Animals

Tuesday, October 4th is the commemoration day for St. Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church, 1226.

Plans are being developed by the Frances Jonan, SPCA Director, Sarah Hammel, Katelen Knef, Shelter Managers Austin Humane Society and Pastor Karl Gronberg for the annual blessing of the animals.

This blessing affirms the decades long partnership between Gethsemane Lutheran and the Austin Humane Society.

Pastor and Dar Krenek along with classes from the Gethsemane Lutheran Children’s Ministry plan to tour the SPCA building as the dogs and cats are blessed. Two volunteers from the SPCA/Austin Humane Society will join Gethsemane congregants in worship October 2nd bringing with them “friends” to receive a blessing during the Children’s Time on St. Francis Sunday, October 2nd.

Gethsemane gives thanks for the partnership shared with the SPCA/Austin Humane Society.

Events, Giving Opportunitites, Ministry

Rally Sunday, God’s Work Our Hands

Sunday, September 11th is Kick-Off for the Sunday morning and Wednesday evening Educational opportunities (Sept. 21st) at Gethsemane.

All ages will gather in the MPR at 9:30 a.m. to celebrate the beginning of a new year of growing in faith together. After the opening, children and youth will go downstairs to meet with their teachers. Parents are asked to go with them to get them registered.

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.

The afternoon of Sept. 11 is an opportunity for Gethsemane congregants to reaffirm ministry to the neighborhood. This will be an multi-generational opportunity for service work restoring/reconciling communities. Wear or plan to purchase a “God’s Work, Our Hands” t-shirt to wear for this day of service together.

The blood mobile will be here again this year-blood donors sign up for this opportunity to Give the Gift of Life.

Volunteer opportunities include: Ashlynn Althaus’ Girl Scout Silver Award project at Gethsemane Park, making toys for the Austin Humane Society in the Multi-Purpose Room, weeding the gaga ball pit area at the Ministry House & Elroy/Moline Lutheran Cemetery cleanup in Elroy. Signup sheets for each these opportunities are in the narthex.

See you Rally Sunday.

Advent, Events, Ministry

2nd Annual Ministry Fair / Chili Cook-Off

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:

  • over 30 pots of chili to sample;
  • over 30 ministries featured;
  • $5 a bowl for lunch (you can bring your chili mug from last year);
  • Fair Trade holiday shopping;
  • Live music PLUS
  • the 2nd Annual Viola’s Bake-Off for children (children are invited to bring their own baked goods: cookies, cakes, pies or cupcakes!)
  • PRIZES.

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

Ministry

Reconciling Lutherans Covenant

I want to be a Reconciling Lutheran!

You can sign the covenant online at: www.ReconcilingWorks.org/RL

As Reconciling Lutherans, we call on the Lutheran church to extend God’s extravagant welcome and a genuine invitation for acceptance and full inclusion to:

  • People of every age, class, color, and ethnic origin….
  • People of all sexual orientations and gender identities….
  • People who are single, married, divorced, separated, blessed or partnered….
  • People who are temporarily-able, disabled, or of differing abilities….

And we ask God, the giver of life and all creation, to guide our ways in living out the ministry of reconciliation always seeking to follow in the steps of Jesus Christ.