Bethel Lutheran Church July/August 2013

the Bethel Beam

Don’t miss this year’s Church Picnic/Worship Services

on July 28 & August 25 at Hamlin Park. The Worship

Service will start at 10:00 AM, followed by lunch. Bring a

lawn chair for the service, food to share with others and any

games we can play.

FAQs regarding the event:

Do I have to bring a chair?

If you don’t have a lawn chair to bring, don’t worry. Come

anyway. We are asking those who have an extra lawn chair

or two to please throw them in the trunk of their car. If we

have to get chairs from church we will go get them.

Are there enough parking spaces?

There are spaces close to the shelter, as well as a parking lot to the left of the shelter. And there are no

steps at this park shelter.

Do I have to bring food for the picnic?

We would like everyone to come to this event, so if you are older and feel overwhelmed about bringing

food, don’t worry. Come anyway.

We are asking everyone who is able and willing to provide food to bring 1 or 2 dishes to share that would

serve 12 people. That includes salads, meat and cheese, veggies, fruit, dessert, etc.

BETHEL WORSHIP/PICNIC

IN THE PARK

WHERE

Hamlin Park

16006 15th Ave NE

WHEN

Sundays,

July 28 & August 25

TIME

10:00 AM- 2:00 PM

GOOD COMPANY….GOOD FOOD…. SEE YOU THERE!

Page 2

June 14, 2013

Not all of you know this, but when Dick Wendt was serving as Bethel's interim pastor, part of his responsibilities included sending regular reports to the bishop's office keeping them up-to-date on how things were going at the church (spoiler alert: the reports were all good ☺). During the interview/discernment process which led to my arrival here, I became privy to these reports. Most of them were very straightforward and—with all due respect to Pastor Wendt—somewhat dry (as you would expect). I got a kick out of his last one, though, with a remark he placed near its end. It went something like this; “The people of Bethel are excited about their future and their new pastor. They understand that his arrival will bring change—and they welcome it—though they are somewhat nervous they'll actually be expected to go through with it.”

All jokes aside, we have certainly experienced change together, but I believe most of them have gone well and added to the overall health of the congregation. We've gained relationships with groups such as the Reborn Church, found new ways to partner with folks such as Iglesia Evangelica, added programs for various ages such as our “young-uns” (PM Playdate) and 20-somethings (Something on Tuesdays), developed a Cluster Youth Group with our sister churches, cleaned and reorganized large sections of the building, and generally grown in our relationship with God, one another, and the larger community. All-in-all, things are good.

It is with the intent of continuing this process of growing in our relationship with God that another change will be coming this fall: in September, we'll be making a switch in worship from the Revised Common Lectionary (the rotation of readings we use each week) to the Narrative Lectionary.

The idea of a “lectionary”--a set of readings assigned to different days and used in worship—is an old one: it traces back to the time of Christ or so. The version we currently use, the Revised Common Lectionary dates to the early 1980s when representatives from numerous church groups came together to revise existing lec-tionaries for the purpose of finding unity across church divisions. The idea behind the RCL is simple: a 3-year pattern which focuses on a certain gospel each year (Matthew, Mark, Luke) with additional readings selected to “shed light” or otherwise point towards the weekly gospel reading.

Unfortunately, one of the biggest strengths of the RCL is also one of its biggest shortcomings: it works best when the hearers are already well-versed in the readings being discussed and capable of seeing the connec-tions on their own. Without this prior knowledge, it can become confusing and even distracting to hear so many readings at once. This is especially problematic for churches who are deliberately trying to reach “the unchurched,” who by definition are less familiar with the Bible.

Crafted by faculty from Luther Seminary (with the assistance of numerous Lutheran congregations—as well as other church bodies), the Narrative Lectionary is an attempt to address this problem in a simple and practical manner. The NL follows the same church year as the RCL (i.e. you'll still see the same rotation of liturgical seasons and colors in worship), but uses a 4 year rotation instead of 3 (in other words, John gets his own year instead of being “patched” into the others). The NL is deliberately focused on the narrative of the Bible (which makes sense), with a single story highlighted each week following a predictable pattern: Creation, Abraham, Jacob & Joseph, etc proceeding through the life of Jesus and into the early church (i.e. Acts and the letters). To this end, a central “preaching text” is used each week. When this text is from the life of Jesus, then a short-er reading from a Psalm is included as a secondary reading. When this text comes from elsewhere in the Bi-ble, then a shorter reading from the time of Christ is read. The result is a “church year” which spans the breadth of scripture, yet manages to cover more material (and more detail) than the RCL.

I am excited to try this new way of experiencing the Word in worship: the NL is not perfect, but it addresses many of the issues which I have noticed in the RCL over these past 4 years of ministry. While it may take some getting used to, I am optimistic that this tool will aid us all in better appreciating scripture. If you would like additional information about the Narrative Lectionary, please feel free to contact me or check out http://www.workingpreacher.org/narrative_faqs.aspx – it should clear up many of your questions. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” - Psalm 119:105 Blessings in Christ's name, Pastor Chris

August

3 - Chuck & Ruth Vollbrecht

July

1 - Judy Goulet 3 - Evelyn Willems 13 - Sue Logen 22 - Archer Ode 23 - Elia Smith 27 - Emma Yonkman 28 - Doug Bauer

August

12 - Henry Peterson 24 - Craig Fjarlie Kari Pickrell 30 - Nicole Swenson

Page 3

Celebrate Anniversaries

July 1 - John Terrey 2 - Stephanie Vollbrecht 3 - Dick Scansen 4 - Nick Rudnick 5 - Aaron Salmon 6 - Mary Himple 7 - Kaern Anschell 9 - Craig Fjarlie 10 - Vera Anderson 11 - Evie Nanninga 12 - Nicole Swenson 13 - Ellen Hansen 14 - Ila Mae Mattingley 15 - Bruce Smith 16 - Dela VanHoy 17 - Karen Bauer 18 - Dona Pederson 19 - Jayne Rudnick 20 - Darlene Hilling 21 - Mona Drake 22 - Norma Grigsby 23 - Irene Olsen 24 - Ruby Hoff 25 - Suzanne Hagen 26 - Chuck Vollbercht 27 - Liz Rayborn 28 - Michael Vollbrecht 29 - Judy Bashaw 30 - Donna Sjoquist 31 - Rance Urdahl

August 1 - Virgil Baarstad 2 - Ruth Locke 3 - Harold Crawford 4 - Betsy Pickrell 5 - Elias Rayborn 6 - Harold Martinell 7 - Dorothy Storseth 8 - Chris Ode 9 - Killian Rayborn 10 - Nicole Anschell 11 - Colin Rudnick 12 - Henry Peterson 13 - Camille Ross 14 - Josh DeLap 15 - Diana Holeman 16 - Warren Arnhart 17 - Olive Kohanik 18 - Dorothy Brown 19 - Frank Moll 20 - Lynlee Ritchie 21 - Bev Baarstad 22 - Tekla Wolldegiorgis 23 - Dick Hinea 24 - Lillian Routledge 25 - Wally Goulet 26 - Josjh Rudnick 27 - Joan Martinell 28 - Iva Kjosnes 29 - Allie Biddle 30 - Mary Smith

Remember in prayer

Daily Prayer List

Those in Assisted Living or

Nursing Homes

Vera Anderson Myrtle Fjarlie Iva Kjosnes

Hank Peterson Donna Sjoquist

Dorothy Storseth Mary Smith

Dela Van Hoy

Those who are coping with help problems

Don Brown Harold Crawford

Mona Drake Ellen Hansen Dick Hinea John Johns

Olive Kohanik Harold & Joan Martinell

Dona Pederson Lynlee Ritchie Jim Schoeld

Karen Schoeld Arnold & Alice Urdahl

A “PASTORAL POTLUCK” A” Pastoral Potluck": come and sink your teeth into some faith-stretching conversation! Pastor Chris will be leading the Adult Forum in July (7, 14, 21) as we wrestle with an assortment of topics/possibilities. The smorgas-bord begins in the Upper Fireside Room following wor-ship and is guaranteed to leave you hungry for more!

EDUCATION MINISTRY NEWS

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Bethel has a scholarship program available to all Bethel members seeking higher education. All that is necessary is the comple-tion of our one page application annually. If any member is inter-ested in donating to this fund,

you can make your contribution (over your normal giving) to “Bethel Education Scholarship fund” and place in the offering tray or church office.

Questions? Kelly Urdahl 206.361.5762

(Application forms available in the church office)

It’s time for our annual root beer floats. Outreach will be serving them on a Sunday in August right after the service in the narthex. Cost? Up to you! All money brought in will go to the general

fund. (Watch the bulletin for the

date)

Come enjoy a ROOT BEER FLOAT!

ROOT BEER FLOATS……..

Celebrate July and

August

John Carlson died June 22nd. His memorial service will be at Bethel on July 2 at 1:30 PM.

Page 4

OUTREACH MINISTRY PROJECTS

ON CALL LIST FOR JULY

Lila Geiszler Donnamae Gfeller

Wally & Judy Goulet Norma Grigsby Paul Grigsby

Walt & Mary Himple Ruby Hoff

Diana Holeman Carol Hovick

John & Donna Johns Karen Johnson Olive Kohanik

Ruth Locke Sue Logen

Ila Mae Mattingley Frank & Phyllis Moll

Evie Nanninga Rocky & Lorna Neumann

Chris & Sarah Ode Irene Olsen

Dona Pederson Lizzie Peters

Chris & Marlys Pickrell Elizabeth Pickrell

ON CALL LIST FOR AUGUST

BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES…... …...COMING TO A NARTHEX NEAR YOU!!

We will collect items and money Sunday, July 14th through Sunday, August 11th

Backpacks of all styles, sizes and colors

3-ring notebooks (1" and 2")

Notebook paper (wide and college ruled)

Teen boys boxers

Teen socks (all sizes, boys and girls)

Checks made out to Bethel - marked Back to School Supplies

Outreach Team Ministry

We will once again be collecting school supplies for the Shoreline kids.

HOLDEN EVENING

PRAYER

Edmonds Lutheran church invites us to join them on all of the Wednesdays in July for Holden Evening Prayer at 6:30 PM, with communion, followed by Bible Study (for those who might want to stay)

Fred Meyer and Target are both great places to buy all of these items. Thanks for helping.

Page 5

June 12, 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Thank you for praying for the Leviticus workshop. We learned a lot about the holiness of God and God's grace in providing a way for his people to be holy as he is holy. The sacrifices in Leviticus provide many in-sights into the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf. One of the translators said, "Now I really understand what Je-sus did for me."

In order to get a handle on some of the details of the sacrifices, we were given an opportunity to see the in-ternal organs of a goat. Have you ever seen the "lobe" of the liver or the "fat on the entrails"? They were very clear, and most of the translators that were there even knew the names in their language! Afterwards the kitchen prepared the meat for us, and we enjoyed a fellowship meal following this "peace offering".

By the time you receive this, we will have already moved into our new apartment in New Hope, MN. Our address is:

7611 36th Ave. North #215 New Hope, MN 55427.

Our e-mail addresses will remain the same.

Please pray that our settling in with Mom would go well. Your partners in Christ, Mary Mary and Tom Holman

A Letter from Tom and Mary Holman

Working with Christians in Ghana and Nigeria to give people ac-

cess to the Bible in their heart language

E-mail addresses: Mary_Holman@sil.org Tom_Holman@sil.org

Mailing Address: 7611 36th Ave. North #215, New Hope, MN 55427

Phones: No phone number yet!

*Gifts with a note indicating that they are “For the Ministry of Tom and Mary Holman”

may be sent to either address:

Members of Wycliffe Bible Translators, Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862-8200 Web-

site: www.wycliffe.org

Associate Members of Lutheran Bible Translators, Box 2050, Aurora, IL 60507-2050

Website: www.LBT.org

A LETTER FROM

TOM AND MARY

HOLMAN

Dear Lord, There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are free to praise you. For this I am very thankful. On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that my free-dom was purchased with a very high price. My freedom cost others their very lives.

Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty meet their needs and watch over their families. Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else’s life to-day, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ. Amen.

A 4TH OF JULY PRAYER

Facts About Your ELCA… Did You Know? 19.9% of clergy on the ELCA roster are women. There are 18,938 rostered leaders in the ELCA. There are 4,543,037 baptized members in our

ELCA There are 10,348 congregations like yours in the

ELCA. There are 65 synods in nine geographic regions

in the ELCA. Last year there were 240 mission personnel in 50

countries sponsored by the ELCA. More than 60 new congregations were added last

year. There are ELCA ministry sponsored projects in

more than 90 countries. On average, more than 95% of all offerings re-

mained in local ELCA congregations to fund LOCAL mission and ministries.

Page 6

COMMUNITY NEWS

As many of you know, our newest building, Nyer Urness House, is up and running! We have 18 residents moved in, with more moving in each week.

Right now we are in great need of volunteers to donate food and cook nightly meals at Nyer Urness. Volunteers may be creative with their menus, and use our brand new industrial kitchen to cook! Meal time is 6pm, with a 10am brunch option on week-end days.

This volunteer activity is a great option for church groups, youth groups, and single volunteers alike!

If you would like to provide a meal at Nyer Urness, or for more information, please contact me (Kevin) anytime.

Thanks for your support! Kevin , Volunteer Coordinator Compass Housing Alliance

An exciting Pacific Northwest peacemaking conference is happening this July 4-7 -- and you are invited! Enjoy great speakers, 21 workshops, terrific music, as well as free time to enjoy the beautiful natural setting of Seabeck Conference Center. It is located on a qui-et lagoon; summer colors are at their peak with the Olympic Mountains as a dramatic backdrop.

Lutheran Peace Fellowship is holding its National Gathering with this Fellowship of Reconciliation event, so please consider attending. The Gathering is lower cost than most such events, and scholarship funds and help with rides are available. For more information contact Glen Gersmehl, LPF national coordinator: 206-349-2501 or lpf@ecunet.org. Further details at: www.lutheranpeace.org

Volunteer host families (with or without chil-dren) are needed to provide food, a bed and a loving home for the coming school year, one or two semesters, starting in August. EMF students have medical insurance, spending money for their personal expenses and ex-pect to share their host family’s daily life in-cluding household responsibilities. They speak English, are well-screened and eager to experience life in America. Their stay here is sponsored and supervised by EMF (Educational Merit Foundation), a non-profit, educational exchange program. For more information on EMF students, please call Ma-rie-Claude Dijoud now at 1-800-467-8363 or visit our web site at www.emfusa.org

Thank you very much for your help! These students are anxious to learn that a home has been found for them. Your contribution to this cause is most appreciated. Please help us make their dream come true!

Kind regards,

Marie-Claude Dijoud Program Director 6526 Lakecrest Drive Sachse, TX 75048 1-800-467-8363 www.emfusa.org

PEACEMAKING CONFERENCE HOST FAMILIES NEEDED

See the list with

pictures on the kiosk

in the Narthex..

Page 7

GOLDEN HEART INSPIRED LIVING AWARD

WHO: You can nominate a person, couple, or group, age 65 or older who are making a difference in our community.

WHAT:

Complete the nomination form and submit by August 9, 2013. See page two for submission details.

WHY: Our purpose is to celebrate outstanding seniors who live lives of service and to en-courage other seniors to remain active.

WHEN: A committee will select several seniors to honor during Senior Appreciation Week. These seniors will be recognized at a special Golden Heart Reception on October 11, 2013.

NOMINATION DEADLINE: August 9, 2013

SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO: Foss Home and Village Attn: Erin Mullins 13023 Greenwood Ave N. Seattle, WA 98133 OR EMullins@fosscare.org

For a nomination form, check the kiosk in the narthex.

The trains are Coming!

Join us at POPY’s Café on Wednesday, August 7th to beginning planning for light rail stations you can use.

4:30 - 6:30 PM- Buffet dinner served 6:30 - 9:00 PM - Light Rail Planning meeting

All Shoreline residents welcome: especially those who use public transportation, guests of

POPY’s, Hopelink food banks, King County Housing residents, and folks of modest means.

Free Dinner - Free Childcare - Free Parking

Page 8

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift... thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

The Spirit

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. (Phi 1:3-6)

Thank you does not seem to do it. I keep saying it and the reality of all that we have done together means I need to say it again. I do appreciate the variety of the ex-

pressions of love and thanksgiving that were part of the Synod Assembly. The event on Thursday evening was memorable and much appreciated. To see the variety of people from various places around the synod and the church makes me appreciate the unique view which this office has granted me to see what God is up to in this synod.

My memories of that night will always contain the singing of the choir and the congregation. Lutherans do know how to sing. When we get together the joyful noise of God's people gives hope and joy to those who experience the richness of the music.

Several friends noticed my pause and concentration on the final benediction at worship on Thursday. I did reflect on the privilege and the power of being able to speak God's blessing on God's people gathered as the Northwest Washington Synod. I may have been the one speaking the words, but the benediction that night was a blessing to me that I will treasure.

One of the joys and comforts of this office has been the knowledge that you, as individuals and as congrega-tions pray for your bishops each week. Being in congregations and hearing that we are praying for our bish-ops, Mark and Chris, continues to be a source of strength and comfort as the work presents itself. I ask you to include bishop-elect Kirby in that petition and on August 1st to pray regularly for Bishop Unti and all that he will face in the coming years. The July Synod Council meeting will be my last one after 20 years. I served two terms as a member of the council and two terms as bishop. It has been a privilege to serve Christ's church in this way. You are in my prayers in the days ahead. In that prayer I will continue to give thanks for you knowing that the good work begun among you will be brought to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God.

Thank You by The Rev. Wm Chris Boerger, Bishop

Page 9

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

30

1 2 10:45 AM

Membership Team

1:30 PM

J. Carlson

Memorial Service

Karen Bauer

3 1:00 PM

Midday Meditation

4

Happy Birthday

America

5

6 9:30 AM

Anderson Plaza Worship

7 9:30 AM

Bethel Worship 10:00 AM

Isa. 66:10-14 Gal. 6:[1-6]7-16

Luke 10:1-11,16-20

8

Kristi Schwerdtfeger

9 7:00 PM

Book Club meets at

Anschells

10 1:00 PM

Midday Meditation

11 7:00 PM Church

Council

12

Jeremy DeLap

13 9:30 AM

Anderson Plaza

Worship 6

14 9:30 AM

Bethel Worship

Deut. 30:9-14 Col. 1:1-14

Luke 10:25-37

David Salmon

15 16

Ruth Vollbrecht

17 1:00 PM

Midday Meditation

18

19

20 9:00 AM

North Helpline Food Bank 9:30 AM

Anderson Plaza

Worship

21 9:30 AM

Bethel Worship

Gen. 18:1-10a Col. 1:15-28

Luke 10:38-42

22 23 8:00 PM

Something on Tuesday

Irene Olsen

24 1:00 PM

Midday Meditation

Dona Pederson

25

Gloria Dawson

Mona Drake

Darlene Hilling

26

27 9:30 AM

Anderson Plaza Worship

28 10:00 AM

Bethel Worship In the park

Gen. 18:20-32

Col. 2:5-15[16-19] Luke 11:1-13

Kari Pickrell

29 Pastor Chris

Vacation

Jayne Rudnick

30 Pastor Chris

Vacation

31 Pastor Chris

Vacation

Happy Birthday

Worship And

Picnic At

Hamlin Park

July 28

Roger Hilling

Page 10

7/4/10 7/11/10 07/18/10 07/25/10

ALTAR Sue & Joanne Lillian & Marlys Carol & Judy Anna & Diana

CHILDREN'S TIME Pastor Jordan Rayborn Pastor Marlys Pickrell

LECTORS Karen Johnson Liz Rayborn Liz Terrey Diana Holeman

LITURGIST XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX

BREAD Sue Logen Mary Himple Carol Hovick Elia Smith

WINE Diana Holeman Joe HImple Judy Goulet Bruce Smith

GLASSES Wally Goulet Anna Sjong XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX

FLOWERS The Himple Family in memory of Julie

Scott & Starla DeLap in honor of Jeremy's Birthday Diana Holeman

PICNIC

Sanctuary Caretaker Liz Terrey

08/4/10 08/11/10 08/18/10 08/25/10

ALTAR Ragnhild & Kelly Donnamae & Diana Sue & Joanne Lillian & Marlys

CHILDREN'S TIME Pastor Diana Holeman Pastor Kerri Totten

LECTOR Karen Johnson Joe Himple Craig Fjarlie Chuck Vollbrecht

BREAD Sue Logen Mary Himple Carol Hovick TBA

WINE Diana Holeman Jordan Rayborn Judy Goulet TBA

GLASSES Wally Goulet Liz Terrey XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX

FLOWERS

Chuck & Ruth Vollbrecht

56th Aniversary

Ragnhild Eidem in memory of my husband John PICNIC

Sanctuary Caretaker Chris Pickrell

Ushers

Bruce Smith John Johns Rance Urdahl

Chuck Vollbrecht Chris Pickrell Dick Scansen Sue Logen

Wally Goulet Dave Switzer

Wally Goulet

Chris Pickrell

Ed Anschell

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Pastor Chris

Vacation

7:00 PM Bethel Book Club

at Goulets

2 Pastor Chris

Vacation

3 Pastor Chris

Vacation 9:30 AM

Anderson Plaza Worship

4 Pastor Chris

Vacation

9:30 AM Bethel Worship

Eccl. 1:1,12-14 Col. 3:1-11

Luke 12:13-21

5 Pastor Chris

Vacation

6 Pastor Chris

Vacation

10:45 AM Membership

Team

7 Pastor Chris

Vacation

8 Pastor Chris

Vacation

7:00 PM Bethel Church

Council

9 Pastor Chris

Vacation

10 Pastor Chris

Vacation

9:30 AM Anderson Plaza

Worship

11 Pastor Chris

Vacation 9:30 AM

Bethel Worship

Gen. 15:1-6 Heb.11:1-3,8-16 Luke 12;32-40

Rachel Miller Bev Werts

12 6:30 PM Totem

Girl Scout Council

13

6:30 PM Worship Team

14 1:00 PM

Midday Meditation

Lila Geiszler

15

16

17 9:30 AM

Anderson Plaza Worship

18 9:30 AM

Bethel Worship

Jer. 23:23-29 Heb. 11:29-12:2 Luke 12:49-56

19 20

21 1:00 PM

Midday Meditation

22

23

24 9:30 AM

Anderson Plaza Worship

25 10:00 AM

Bethel Worship in the Park

Isa. 58:9b-14 Heb.2:18-29

Luke 13:10-17

26 27

28 1:00 PM Midday

Meditation

29 7:00 PM Around the Sound Band 10:00 PM NA (Insomniatics)

30 )

31 9:30 AM Anderson Plaza Worship

August 25

Hamlin Park

10:00 AM

Norma

Grigsby

Worship

Bethel Lutheran Church

17418 8th Ave NE

Shoreline, WA 98155

Phone: 206-362-4334

Fax: 206-362-6019

Pastor

Chris Ode

Secretary

Judy Goulet

Organist

Karin Kajita

Bookkeeper

Kathy Carrow

Security

Bruce Lemmon

Office Hours

Tuesday-Friday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Lunch Hour

12:30-1:30 PM

Regular Worship

Schedule

9:30 AM

Communion

Every Sunday

E-mail: bethel@bethellutheranchurch.org

Web: bethellutheranchurch.org Facebook: facebook.com/bethelshoreline

Special dates in July/August

Canada Day July 1

U.S. Independence Day July 4

Worship in the Park July 28

Worship in the Park August 25

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY SUMMER

God bless America And keep us safe and free, Safe for “all our enemies” wherever they may be.

For enemies are forces That often dwell within, Things that seem so harmless Become a major sin.

Little acts of selfishness Grow into lust and greed, And make the love of power Our idol and our creed.

For all our wealth and progress Are as worthless as can be, Without the faith that made us great And kept our nation free.

And while it's hard to understand The complexities of war, Each one of us must realize That we are fighting for

The principles of freedom And the decency of man, But all of this must be achieved According to God's plan.

So help us as Americans To search deep down inside, And discover if the things we do Are always justified.

And teach us to walk humbly And closer in Thy ways, And give us faith and courage And put purpose in our days.

And make each one of us aware That each must do his part, For in the individual is where peace Must have its start.

For a better world to live in Where all are safe and free, Must start with faith and hope And love deep in the heart of "Me."

~ Helen Steiner Rice