I Love to Tell the Story Retreat

On October 4-7, at the Swanson Retreat Center “I Love to Tell the Story” will be the focus of a retreat. In the spirit of elderhostels or elderversities all over the world, you are invited to Carol Joy Holling Center for a four day seminar, filled with solid teaching, Christian community, personal faith development and worship. This four-day seminar for 55+ year olds ready to learn, grow and share Christian community filled with fellowship and Bible education.

WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR OCTOBER
AT ADULLAM
Communion Assistant: Mark Mattson
Custodians: October 4— Dave and Sue Young
October 11— Eric and Niki Altwine
October 18—Jeff and Bertina Carlson
October 25—Keith and Susie Daake

AT IMMANUEL
Communion Assistant: Ann Bartels

Ushers: Rocky Peterson, Dalton Peterson, J. P. Peterson, Allen Samuelson

Host/Custodians: Rocky & DeDe Peterson, Fran High, Allen & Darlene Samuelson, J. P. Peterson

Acolytes and Crucifers
October 4--Acolyte: Conner Liljestrand; Crucifer: Jake Samuelson
October 11--Acolyte: Jake Samuelson; Crucifer: Kate Chesterman
October 18--Acolyte: Kate Chesterman; Crucifer: Savannah High
October 25--Acolyte: Savannah High; Crucifer: Allison Mason

PASTOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

How well do you know the stories of the Bible? As children we learned many of them in Sunday School. But how much time have we spent with them as adults.

National studies show that Biblical literacy among adults continues to decline. Rarely do we as adults have a chance to be in an adult class that explores these stories in depth.

That’s why I am suggesting a different approach on Sunday morning. Usually we just get the snippets of stories, never the whole story except on Christmas and Easter.

On October 11, we are going to try something different. Instead of having the usual readings we are going to zero in on a specific story—the creations stories in Genesis 1 & 2. Following worship, there will be a brief questionnaire for you to give feedback as to whether you believe that this approach will be helpful.

In addition, this will also be an experience of using powerpoint projection for worship and sermon. So, let’s find out what this is about and see what it holds for our future together.

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Gary Panko

LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF GET-AWAY?????
Each year, the ELCA sponsors Global Formation Events that help ELCA members know what their church is doing across the world. They are hands-on events, interactive times that help you get to know what Global Mission is like today.

This year, we are most fortunate to be able to have an event close-by. It will be at Southwood Lutheran Church in Lincoln on October 30-31. The cost is only $35 plus your housing. Please see the bulletin board for more information. Contact Pastor if you are interested in attending.

CHURCH WIDE ASSEMBLY 2009 REVIEW

Churchwide Assembly 2009 will be remembered for dealing with tough issues and stormy weather.

In all, there were 1,045 voting members registered at the Churchwide Assembly. The members tackled the difficult subject of human sexuality as they voted 676-338 to adopt a Social Statement on Human Sexuality. Later in the week, they voted to adopt four task force recommendations regarding ordination of individuals involved in same-gender, publicly accountable, monogamous relationships.

The proposed social statement, “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” was adopted by a two-thirds majority and addresses key Lutheran principles about human sexuality.

The Assembly voted 958-51 to approve an agreement for full communion with the United Methodist Church. The agreement will allow the ELCA and the UMC to work together for joint mission and witness in the world, as well as allow clergy and laity to move freely between the two churches.

The Assembly voted 989-11 to approve continued development of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative. The initiative is aimed at addressing the spread of malaria as “a disease intensified by poverty within the context of comprehensive and sustainable community development.”

The Assembly voted 884-41 to initiate an effort over the next three years to raise $10 million to support the church’s HIV and AIDS strategy.

The Assembly voted 873-82 to commit the ELCA and the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service to work toward comprehensive reform that “balances respect for the law with a recognition of due process and respect for humanitarian principles”; to urge comprehensive reform of U.S. immigration policies; and to call for the suspension of immigration raids until comprehensive reform is enacted.

CALLING ALL PIE MAKERS:

The Reflections and NN Club would like pies for dessert at the luncheon during the Craft Fair on October 31. Please deliver them to the Community Building on Saturday morning. All proceeds go to support the Community Building.

S.A.F.E CENTER WISH LIST

The following items are needed by the S.A.F.E. Center in Kearney:• Laundry Detergent, Phone Cards, Gas Cards/Vouchers, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Large Trash Bags, Cleaning Supplies, Hygiene Items,•Fabric Softener, Bed Sheets, Diapers 3’s, 4’s & 5’s, Training Pants-all sizes.

For a complete list stop by our office or check out our website at www.safecenter.org.

PARISH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Parish Council met on September 9 at Adullam. Here are the highlights.
 We have completed the paperwork to add internet to Frontier’s bundle of services. Pastor will be arranging for an installation date.
 Discussed the ELCA decision to roster persons who are in committed same sex relationships. Pastor asked the council to be his ears in the parish so that we can address concerns as they are raised.

ADULLAM COUNCIL

The Adullam Council met prior to the Joint meeting. Here are the highlights:
 The council will be contacting contractors to patch up the stucco on the west side of the Church
 Discussed concerns about the use of the cemetery for late night parties. We will contact the county attorney for legal advice.
 We will raise the awareness level of flu viruses, especially H1N1.
IMMANUEL COUNCIL
The Immanuel Council met following the joint meeting. Here are the highlights:
 Adopted new Mission, Values and Vision Statements that will appear on the front of the bulletin.
 Will try to line up a training session on how to use the Defibulator unit.
 Scheduled a Congregation meeting after worship on July 27 to discuss and vote on a proposal to modify the overhang above the front entrance.

UPDATE ON LAYETTES: We started on assembling some layettes for LWR. At this time we have a need for store-bought diapers, receiving blankets, and ivory soaps. If you would like to contribute please bring items to Church. Anyone wanting to donate money can give the money to Rogene Peterson. Thanks—Connie Vaughn.

IT’S SCHOOL KIT TIME AT IMMANUEL!!!!!!!!! Bags are available on a table at the back of the church. Now is a good time to pick up school supplies

WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE THE NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL? If so email your request to secimmanuel@rcom-ne.com.

IMMANUEL-ADULLAM PARISH
404 Medina
Bertrand, NE 68927