MAY 2007.......Dear Friends,
Let us give praise to our risen Lord during this glorious Easter season! I want to thank all who worked to provide our Lenten soup suppers and Easter breakfast. I also want to thank those who work with our children and youth. Let us remember to pray for our Sunday School department and for Pat and Michelle. Our church is enhanced by those who work to pass on our faith to the next generation.
In the May 2007 issue of Christianity Today it is reported that seven states in India have passed laws banning conversion to Christianity. This law targets the Dalits, who are the “untouchables” in the Hindu caste system. They are considered the lowest of the low, and have little hope of bettering themselves in Hindu society. Hindu belief, tied to belief in reincarnation, says that they are miserable because the law of karma decrees they must be punished for sins committed in previous lives. In the last decade many tens of thousands of Dalits have come to faith in Jesus Christ, because the Christian gospel is truly good news to them. Many Hindus have become alarmed at the rate in which the Dalits are converting to Christianity. Native Christian Indian evangelists have been assaulted and beaten, and some have been killed. Now the new laws in these seven states, if enforced, mean that Dalits can face prison sentences of up to five years for leaving Hinduism.
I am informing you about this for two reasons. Firstly, let us pray for the Christian evangelists in India that God will both bless their witness and protect them from harm and danger. Let us pray for the Dalits who are discriminated against within Hinduism and yet forbidden to leave Hinduism. Let us pray for the Dalits who have come to faith in Jesus Christ, that their faith will be protected and strengthened by the Spirit of God, and that they will continue to grow in grace and the knowledge of God’s love.
Secondly, let us reflect on our own society at this time. We are not hindered greatly in our opportunities to witness to the grace of Jesus Christ. True, not everyone wants to hear. But some do, and some are open and ready. Yet our biggest hindrance to sharing the good news of Jesus seems to come from within ourselves, from our own hesitancy and sense of inadequacy. Thus, in an effort to help those who want to witness more fully, I would like to offer some training in Christian evangelism this coming Fall. Meanwhile, those of you who would like to read ahead and think about this more fully may read Rebecca Manley Pippert’s Out of the Salt Shaker, which is now in our church library. Let us seek God’s guidance about the right timing, the right way, and the right words for sharing our faith with our neighbors.
Part of what helps evangelism to flow naturally is a firm grasp of the biblical message. For those of you who would like something good to read, please read Simply Christian by N.T. Wright.
Well, now to shift the subject to our local worship. A number of people have talked with me about the need to enter the sanctuary in quietness so they can pray or focus their thoughts on worship. Perhaps we as a community need to recognize that this is an important need for many individuals. Talking and other noise may be a hindrance that keeps some from preparing their hearts and minds for worship. Let us talk downstairs, outside, or even in the entryway (narthex), but when we enter the sanctuary, the place we worship together, let us enter in quietness. Silence need not be empty. The silence before worship may be full of promise and a sense of expectation, as we prepare ourselves for the prayer of repentance and for hearing God’s gracious word. God is a living God! Christ is a risen savior! And He can come to us in silence, or speak in a “still small voice,” as much as in thunder on Mount Sinai.
God bless you all this Easter season! With all good wishes in Christ Jesus, Pastor Mark
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Change of Address:
John and Judy Hofman will be saying good-bye to Emmanuel and Walla Walla May 16.
John has accepted the position of General Manager of Northern Electric Co op in Opheim Montana. Opheim is where John started his Rural Electric Co -op career and where Pastor Mark served for 10 years. Opheim is 10 miles south of the Canadian border. We will miss you all.
If you ever get to NE Montana be sure to stop in for a visit the coffee will always be on.
Our mailing address will be PO Box 43 Opheim MT 59250
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Church Council meets Tuesday, May 15 at 7:00 pm.
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First Quarter Financial Report to our Congregation:
The Council wishes to communicate with the members of Emmanuel and report on our financial status on a more regular basis than previously. Members have asked that reports be given at all times, when giving is good as well as when it is low. We know that giving is often cyclical, and so highs and lows may vary due to the time of year. However, it is important that the congregation be informed on a regular basis.
For the first quarter, January through March of this current year, actual giving was $35,650. Our actual expenses were $38,250. This indicates a cash shortfall of $2,600.
Apart from immediate expenses, in order to be on target to meet our 2007 Annual Budget, we needed to receive $42,550 by the end of March. This is because we have not paid any of the Benevolence budget and have restricted certain expense spending. At the Annual Meeting we increased our expense budget for 2007 from the 2006 level (mainly in the employee salary area). The congregation voted to increase the budget, and thus giving needs to increase if it is to be met.
If giving stays at the level it was last year then we will have a large shortfall and will operate at a loss. We found at the end of December 2006 that major gifts typically received in December had not materialized. $11,370 was taken out of savings to meet last year’s shortfall. If giving stays at the same level as last year and does not meet our 2007 expense budget, we will be short by about $23,000. Our current cash balance from all funds (including youth, seniors and memorials) is 21,000. The council is working to identify and implement any expense savings.
The Council seeks to notify our members about this situation. We know that not all can give more, especially those on a fixed income, and we do not want these members to feel bad or become discouraged. Those who cannot give more must know that they bring encouragement to our congregation through the gifts they do give, and through their prayers and attendance at worship. Those who may be able to increase giving also need to make this a matter of prayer as they seek God’s guidance in their personal stewardship.
If giving cannot or does not increase, then we may have to approach the congregation with a revised budget and reduce spending. If it comes to that, where we cut will need to be a matter of prayer and careful discernment of our needs and mission. Emmanuel Church Council
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There is a young family with three small children who are enduring some great struggles and would be very thankful for any help. This request is for any hand-me-down clothing or other items for the children. Boy, size 6; Girl size 3, especially needed items for boy, size 2. If anyone has any items to donate for this Christian family, please contact Paula Klipfel at 522-4797. Thank you, any help is greatly appreciated!
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Word has been received of the passing of Curtis Wilson the father of Kathy Isely and grandfather of Jonathan Wilson.
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WELCA Board - 2nd, 12:30 pm Fireside Room
CIRCLE MEETINGS
Mary Magdalene Circle meeting will be on Tuesday, May 8th at 7:00 p.m. There had been information circulating of a change, but at least through May & June it will remain at the same time.
Hostess: Jeanne Boschker
Bible Study leader: Kathy Isely
Lesson 5: Wisdom Exalts Justice (Proverbs)
Ruth / Priscilla . . .
Wednesday, 10th 10:00 am
Hostess & Bible Study: Karen Pribilsky
Lesson 5 Proverbs ‘Wisdom Exalts Justice’
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CHURCH WOMEN UNITED INVITES YOU TO A WOMEN’S LUNCHEON
Walla Walla Church Women United invites all women to a free luncheon Friday May 4th, 2007 at the City Seventh Day Adventist Church at the corner of Abbott Rd and Howard St in Walla Walla. Women will gather at 11:30 for fellowship. Luncheon begins at noon. Our feature is Lou Wade who will speak on “Friends Under God’s Wing.” Bring your least coin for the Fellowship of the Least Coin. An offering will be taken for a local mission. Call 522-7716 before May 1st to request child care.
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Sunday Morning Greeters:
May 6 - Gary & Linda Zumwalt
May 13 -
May 20- Gary & Linda Zumwalt
May 27 -
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EVERYONE OF EVERY AGE, won't you take a look on the Spinner Rack, to see if there is a book or more which might interest you and others in your family? .... lots more in the Library, too! Please sign the card in the pocket (at the back of most books), & place it in the card file, after the file card of the next month, since we ask for books to be returned in one month ; thanks, Mary CHRISTIAN GROWTH -- In the Grip of Grace -- Lucado
God's Angels Need No Wings -- Westermann
Real Presence (The Holy Spirit in the Works of C. S. Lewis)
Belonging to the People of God -- Weaver
Jesus / Now -- Brandt // Fire in Coventry -- Verney
Happiness Is Not an Accident -- dehaan
CHILDREN -- How God Gives Us Ice Cream -- Le Bar // God -- Watson
I Think About Jesus -- Smallwood // God's Loving Care -- McCaw
Prayers for Children // Pia's Journey to the Holy Land -- Gillsater
Noah's Ark -- retold by Broughton
YOUTH -- Sugar Creek Gang - The Lost Campers -- Hutchens
Lord, I Want to Tell You Something -- Jones
Paul, God's Adventurer -- Trent // Toward Freedom -- LeFever
Fighting Invisible Tigers -- Hipp
Talking Money -- Aid Association for Lutherans
PRAYER /DEVOTIONS -- The Case for Christ -- Strobel
Christ In Our Home, Vol II -- Thrivent
It's Who You Know -- Graham
Little Lessons To Live By -- Bauer
ILLNESS/AGING/DEATH/GRIEVING -- Affliction -- Schaeffer
Finding the Right Words -- Bockleman
When Someone You Love Dies -- Coleman
How To Care For Aging Parents -- Morris
BIOGRAPHY/AUTOBIOGRAPHY/EVANGELISM
Through Gates of Splendor -- Elliot
Whither Thou Goest -- Holmes, M. D.
Tell It Like It is -- edited by Ridenour
264 Great Outreach Ideas -- Heck
Born Again -- Colson
Out of the Salt Shaker & into the World -- Pippert
VIDEOS -- Martin Luther - Pt. 1 & 2. -- Luther Film Associates
Jesus, Our Risen Savior, Vol 9 -- Concordia
Easter Is -- Family Films - (ages 4-11)
Heroes of the Bible -- Veggie Tales // Twister & Shout -- McGee & Me
When in DOUBT -- McClendon - "On the Air"
Coping With Pressures -- Pritchard (Live Wire Video Publishers)
MARRIAGE and FAMILY -- Family Cycles -- Carter
Why Marriage Matters -- Stanton // Almost Cool -- Smith
How To Go Home Without Feeling Like A Child -- Coleman
Parables For Parents and other Original Sinners -- Mullen
Straight Talk to Men and Their Wives -- Dobson
Do any of you find one or two videos, which are missing from their jackets, in our library?:
--- King George and the Ducky Veggie Tales (on selfishness)
--- The Story Keepers: 'Catacomb Rescue' -- A. D. 64 (ages 6-12) -- by Focus on the Family
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April Senior Potluck . . . .
15 people were in attendance, and $44.00 was collected for the birthday fund.
May Senior Potluck . . . .
Wednesday, May 16 at 12 noon
Host: Carol Gentzler
Please bring your favorite dish, salad and or dessert to share.
All ‘seniors’ are welcome to join us for food, fun and fellowship!
If you would like to host a Senior Potluck……..
Please sign the new sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall.
One or more people/couples may sign-up for the month.
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KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS . . .
...our members:
Ruby Ahlers, Maybelle Anderson, Elfie Beckel, Mitzi Bierwagen, Art & Mary Canby, Polly Franklin, Mel Haas, Martin Haasch, Curtis Hansens, Arley Jonish, Paula Klipfel, Evelyn Malde, Karen McMichael, Kaye Miller, Beryl Nichols, (Lewiston VA Hospital); Mickey Palmer, Elsa Pribilsky, Ann Shaw, Loran Sveum, Katherine Taylor, and Pam Wood.
...members of the Whole Christian Family:
Pastor Bob Anderson, Loren Drivdahl, (MS, cousin of Aaron Drivdahl); Donna Galbreath, (cancer, sister of LeRoy Kessler); Marie Gandrud, (mother of Judy Hofman); Sharlene Kelp (secretary at Christ Lutheran, cancer), Hilda Klipfel, (mother of Tim Klipfel); Carissa Pietila, (niece of Jeff & January Pietila); Donald Spaulding, (cancer, brother-in-law of Sharon Kespohl); Nancy Sundvold, (MS, sister of Judy Hofman); and all churches without pastors.
...those in the U.S. Military:
SSgt. Dean Atkinson, Army Reserves, WA; Petty Officer 2nd Class, Brett Fleming, Coast Guard, Imperial Beach, CA; Pvt. 1st Class Nathan Hellberg, Army, South Korea; ENFA Lee Ryder Hellberg, Navy, San Diego CA/Pascagoula MS; MSgt. John D. Hofman, Jr, Scott AFB, IL; TSgt. Chris Hofman, Beale AFB, CA; Nick Inglis, Air Force, Japan; Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Sveum, Navy, Norfolk VA; 1st Lt. Matt Wiessner, Army, VA; and all troops overseas.
...those in College:
Arron Eisenbarth, Kira Inglis, Joel Klipfel, Maggie Pietila, Rachael Scholes, Matthew Torrey and Rebekah Torrey.
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FYI - Emmanuel is holding its annual rummage sale this year and we need to make it a "biggie" - we are wanting to apply for matching funds through Thrivent. We couldn’t find another fund raiser to give us money for benevolence.
I came across a memo for the rummage sale for Carnegie and thought it was a good one so I’m borrowing her message she sent to members
So, I'm asking you a favor and I'll do one for you too. If you have any of the following items on hand in garage or basement, I'll pick it up and take it away for you - it'll go to a good cause and you'll be happy to have it out of your house:)
No Clothing is taken
We need in good to "decent" repair:
Lawn Furniture - no rust or badly chewed by the dog please
Bicycles - when was the last time you got on that thing?
Tricycles - haven't your grandchildren all outgrown these?
Wagons - no covered ones - call WW
Kids Toys - clean plastic ones work here - nasty, sentimental ones – pitch 'em
Dishes - of any kind except broken
Silverware - sterling, why we'll pick that right up for you (good repair stainless is just fine)
Pots - don't you basically just use a few of the hundreds you have under your cabinets?
Pans - same thing
Knickknacks - we prefer Beleek, LLadro, Christolfe, and anything from
Tiffany...yeah, right - but we will take about anything in the way of decorative stuff. You'll remember when you bought it, but are your kids really going to want that thing?
Shovels - the ground gets harder every year - give us your shovel
Hoe - ditto
Rakes - ditto - hire someone who has their own rake to do your yard!
Plants - living ones are preferable
Lamps - we only want to add a lightbulb, so if the wiring is bad or the lamp is cracked, let's just pitch it in the trash
Tables - smallish ones are preferable but if you have a huge set of antique Queen whatever, we'll arrange for a pickup
Chairs - ditto
Furniture - when we say furniture, we mean items that can be carried by two people. We can't take ratty couches, mattresses, or that old recliner that the cat sleeps in now
Pictures - not your relatives, please - something decorative
Kitchen Gadgets - we are not accepting can openers, or pineapple corers - we'll look closely if you even offer us a bread-maker - people are "over it" with the bread thing
45 RPM records or albums (can't believe it, but people still come and buy them)
We do not need plastic vases or plastic garden pots - throw those away!
We cannot take computers or television sets or anything electric that is not in working order. We don't take old magazines or newspapers.
Well, with such an exhausting list, I'm sure you've got something you don't like much anymore but you know "one woman's wheelbarrow is another woman's lawn ornament". Remember I'll pick it up and drag it to the Emmanuel(or wherever we have the sale) for you.
Oh and if you don't have a thing to spare - we take cash donations as well - I'll be right over for that!
Just give me a call.
Rose McMichael 525-4577
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One nation under God . . . .
