THE SALEMETTE

“Come Receive Grace, Go Share Faith”

September 2019

SALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH MOUNT SIDNEY, VIRGINIA

A congregation in the Virginia Synod

of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

www.salemlutheranva.org

540-234-8161

Salem Lutheran Church Prayer List

Trust in the Lord, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock - Isaiah 26:4 Rejoice in your

hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer -Romans 12:12 Please submit prayer requests by completing the Welcome Cards located in the pew racks and placing them in the offering plates, or by calling the church office. Please include your name, the person in need of prayer, and the reason we are praying for them. If your request is for a friend or relative, include their relationship to you.

Salem Lutheran Disciples who are shut-in or homebound We pray for continued strength and the comfort of God’s abiding presence for: Sharon Alexander, Scott Bryan, Ellen Fitzgerald, Janet Lee and Fred Gibson, Chuck Lambert, Don & Betty Myers, Mildred Smiley, Phyllis Wine, Ivan and Wilma Good, Al and Betty Fogleman

Prayer List Prayers for the bulletin will be listed for 4 weeks, after that if you want to resubmit the names you can. They will stay in the newsletter for as long as you leave them. At the end of each year we will start the list over and if you want you can resubmit.

Disciples at Salem Disciples Prayers In Need of Prayer Requested/ Thanksgivings Madeline Joiner healing and strength Pray for Brooke too. Tzariah Grubb strength and healing Janet Lee Gibson strength and healing from stroke Janice Converse strength and healing Hampton Foley strength and healing Patty Botkin successful treatment for cancer Sara Fultz strength and healing Ivan and Wilma Good strength and healing Loo Noordzy strength and healing Al Fogleman strength and healing Betty Fogleman strength and healing Jessica Wise Gill good recovery from wrist surgery Ruthanne Logue good recovery from cancer surgery Aug. 30

Friends and Relatives of Salem Disciples Person Person Making In Request Need Relationship Request M. Smith Amanda McCray friend stage 2 breast cancer A. Eubanks Daniel Hamilton step-father Lymphoma M. Puffenbarger Anessa Sink friend cancer L. Grubb Larry (Sonny) Heinbaugh cousin cancer C. Wright Susie daughter breast cancer came back D. Bryan Tom Hively cousin cancer B. Lambert Steve LaPrevotte friend testing for lung transplant T. Perotti Craig Bailey friend severe burns S. Hodge Kim May friend liver cancer L. Rogers Pam Trumbo sister-in-law Liver cancer M. Hower Robin Schneider mother lung issues B. Lambert Steve La Prevotle friend testing for lung transplant From our prayer list: Salem Lutheran Baptisms in the past year We take the time to pray for those baptized at Salem in the past year: Luke Bradley Owens 9-30-2018 Albert Paul Ullrich, III 3-17-2019 Jayden Nicole Bosserman 4-17-2019 Skylar Rayne Grubb 5-12-2019

Serving in the Armed Services Sarah Pulliam US Coast Guard Andrew Davenport US Air Force deployed to Afghanistan Chris Crosen US Army

Salem Lutheran Disciples granted Eternal Rest Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who believes in me will never die” – John 11:25-26a. Lenna May lambert 10-24-2018 Rick Anderson 3-5-2019 Larry Eugene Foley 6-10-2019

We’re better together Recently, a group from Salem Lutheran joined forces with other community groups in our area to clean up the Middle River. We went by kayak

and canoe, picking up trash as we floated down river. We collected tires, plastic bottles, old shoes, ladders, pots, pans, and a lot of basic trash. It was a good day as we worked together caring for creation. On September 7th Salem Lutheran will again partner with other congregations and community groups for an event called Rise Against Hunger. We will be working together to assemble and pack approximately 25,000 meals to be sent around the world for people that simply need to eat. I expect it will be a good day working together for those that are hungry. I’m confident that not everyone involved in these two events were Republican. I’m confident that not everyone was a Democrat. I’m sure there were a wide variety of opinions on sensitive topics. But while we were floating or packing food, we were together. It was beautiful. It was refreshing. Division among people today is alive and well. We are divided on issues of gun control, immigration, health care, abortion, vaccinations, global warming, etc., etc., etc... You don’t need a monthly newsletter article to tell you that! With so many opinionated voices in the world, I yearn for the day when we learn to listen to each other with a sense of hope, trust, and togetherness. I know my yearnings sound way too optimistic, but I find real hope floating down a river with people from all walks of life, of different politics and opinions, with one common goal. I find real hope as strangers gather to pack food for people we’ve never met, for our neighbor that lives on the other side of Earth. In the midst of so much divisiveness in the world today, I invite you to be on the lookout for opportunities to do things with people who are different than you are. I encourage you to participate in an event (like hunger) that all can be on board with toward a common goal. The more we do things together, the better our relationships become with those on the “other side”.

Peace, From your optimistic Pastor

Council meeting for September will be held on the 9th

due to Labor Day on the 2nd

Sunday School Resumes September 8th Council President, Grant Richardson, called August’s meeting to

order. Noel Thomas opened with devotions and prayer. Guest, Doug Ocheltree, advised Council that a condenser on one

of the air conditioners is not working. The unit was installed in the 1960s. A quote for repair is approximately $2,000. Replacing the A/C unit is $5,445 (includes 5 yr. guarantee). Since the unit is old, Council voted unanimously to replace the unit. Treasurer, Jared Mapstone advised that there isn’t enough in the General Fund for a $5,445 expense. Money will need to come from Special Projects which requires Congregational approval. In discussion, members determined that the soonest possible date for a Called Congregational meeting is September 1st.

In the Treasurer’s report, Jared reported a balance in the general account of $14,503.74; $17,475.90 in Special Health Needs Fund and $42,027.60 in Special Projects. Jared added that the church spent about $900 more in July than received. Pastor’s Report – In July’s report, Pastor Boggs highlighted: - Appreciation for the many volunteers that made Vacation Bible School possible. Attendance was great and Pastor especially enjoyed working with older Youth and taking them on “excursions”. - The Celebration of Christmas in July with Christmas hymns and readings and an Angel Tree to benefit Community agencies. - 18 Visits, 5 meetings, 4 CE classes, 4 Teaching/Education events - July’s special events: Food Pantry, the Southern Valley Conference gathering & VBS - For August, Pastor looks forward to clean-up of part of the Middle River, August 10th and Rally Day activities on August 25th. Also, he will attend VA Synod Candidacy Retreat August 15-17 where he will serve as Chaplain. President’s Report – Grant Richardson led discussions on: Old Business:

1. VANCO: Grant reviewed the status of implementation of VANCO (electronic giving) at Salem including a breakfast/information presentation to be given on August 18th. 2. Security Review/Hawk Security: Tim Behler met with a representative from ADT Systems. He is waiting to receive the ADT report and pricing information to compare with that of Hawk Security. 3. Amazon Smile: Jared advised that the third-party vendor that administers the “Amazon Smile” program requires “proof” that SELC is a 501c3. Jared will contact VA Synod to see if they can assist with this requirement. 4. Congregational Growth: Pastor Boggs advised that “U2charist” is on the calendar for September 28th and that plans are moving along. 5. Imagine Center: - Plumbing Issues: Charles Dennison advised that the septic tank needs to be pumped and he contacted a company about getting this done in addition to getting maintenance on the grease trap. - Property Committee contacted the gentleman who built and installed the storage cabinets in the Imagine Center. He recommended that cabinets in the IC kitchen get a “re-face” and is preparing a quote for this work. Charles Dennison made a motion to take money (amount to be determined) from Special Projects to pay for cabinet “re-face”. Motion carried unanimously. 6. Audit Committee: Tim Behler advised that Kevin Sheets volunteered to assist with the Audit Committee. He will continue to work on getting additional volunteers. New Business: 1. Rally Day: The Fellowship Committee is coordinating Rally Day worship, picnic and games scheduled for August 25th at Weyers Cave Ruritan Pavilion. 2. Middle River Clean-up: Clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, August 10th. So far Salem’s “crew”, a group from Christ Lutheran in Staunton and Friends of Middle River will participate. 3. New Members: Pastor Boggs announced that Seth & Melissa Hower will become members of Salem during morning worship on August 11th. Council members unanimously voted “YES”!! Committee Reports: 1. Christian Education: Nelson Terry reported that Vacation Bible School was a great success with an average attendance of 40 children and Youth participating each night. He also reminded members that Sunday School resumes for all ages September 8th.

2. Evangelism/Fellowship Committee: Anne King reported that the Fellowship Committee is not meeting in August; however, they plan a Social time (with cookies) after worship on August 11th to welcome new members. 3. Finance Committee: Although not totally complete, the written Building Fund report as of July 31st, lists a balance on the Imagine Center of $463,145.52. Committee Chairperson, Warren Wise, advised that the adjustment to the mortgage takes effect in September. 4. Memorial Committee: Charlie Dennison reported that 3 donations were received in memory of Audrey Alexander. They were undesignated. 5. Nominating committee: Keith Robertson advised that he met with members of the Committee on July 29th. Leigh Anne Sorrells graciously agreed to coordinate Committee activities. Members discussed names of a few possible candidates and will meet again on August 21st. 6. Social Ministry Committee: Social Committee members served 12 meals to shut-ins; supplied the “Christmas in July” Angel Tree and coordinated donations to several community organizations; donated cakes to the Weyers Cave Volunteer Fire Department lawn party fundraiser; and furnished a meal to the Valley Mission on August 4th. 12. Youth: Youth are on break for the summer. However, Noel Thomas and Pastor Boggs reminded Council that there is a meeting scheduled for Parents of Youth on August 18th at 6 pm at Spencer & Jessica Arey’s home. Miscellaneous Business: 1. Council Liaisons were reminded that it’s Budget time again and the Finance Committee needs each Committee’s input for Budget 2020 as soon as possible. Respectfully Submitted Louise Harris, Congregational Secretary

Don’t forget Noisy Offering Sunday, September 1, 2019!  Thank you, to Salem’s entire congregation for their continued support. August noisy offering $000.00

Music Notes for August

Worship & Music Committee members met before Choir Practice on August 6th. First item of business was the upcoming Christmas Program

which is scheduled for December 15th. Since we have not yet had a “volunteer” to direct/coordinate this year’s program, Committee members brainstormed possible candidates and discussed a couple of possible programs. Anyone interested in helping with this adventure, please (please) contact a member of Worship & Music Committee. Pastor Boggs advised that he is in conversation with Valley Mission about presenting the Children’s Christmas Story again at their mission in Staunton. A tentative date is December 21st (a Saturday). “Christmas in July” worship and Angel Tree received many favorable comments from members of the Congregation and from the Worship & Music Committee. Our Committee hopes Salem does this again in 2020. Committee members discussed the status of the 2 pianos in the social hall and the one in the archives room. Music Director, Debbie Mongold, looked at both pianos in the social hall and recommends that Salem keep the large upright piano. We discussed options for relocating the smaller spinet (permanently) and looked at the history of how the upright piano in the Archives Room came to be there. Does it have any historical significance to Salem Church??? Pastor Boggs added that he continues to work on finding the best solution for listening devices for Salem’s homebound members. The remainder of the meeting centered on discussions of the 2020 Budget. Finally…Congratulations to our Church Organist, Aaron Looney who received a scholarship from the Guild of Organists to help pay for ongoing lessons, educational materials, music and books. Well done!!!

Your Worship & Music Committee The choir could use some new members, if you would like to have some fun, fellowship, and singing, join us every Wednesday at 7:30pm. The more the merrier! Piano in Archives Room - Does anyone know the history of the piano in the Archives Room? If so, please contact Barbara Lambert. We plan to get rid of it, but want to make sure that it does not have any historical/sentimental value. Unless we hear otherwise, the goal is to have the piano removed before the end of the year.

September is upon us and that means fall is coming, although I bet it’s still hot outside as you read this, am I right?

It’s something about fall and spring that signal us it’s time for a “clean up”. Maybe that’s a deep cleaning of your home, a new diet, a wardrobe swap out, or yard work. Those are just a few things that we might feel like we need to “clean up”.

Have you ever felt God asking you to clean up something in your life? Maybe an attitude, a bad habit, a situation you need to remove yourself from, a sin that holds a tight grasp on you?

Have you ever heard God and chosen to ignore Him? Isn’t it funny how we can just choose to hear certain things and others we brush off. We may choose not to respond right away but God is a resilient God and He doesn’t just go away.

Here is my personal story as I just celebrated a year with no alcohol! I like beer. I enjoy a good cheap (ha-ha) Bud light! Enjoy it enough that if I would allow myself I would have some every evening. Alcohol as with a lot things can be addictive and or a negative for one person and perfectly fine for another.

Well about a year and a half ago deep in my soul I felt God say, “JennaRose there is no room in your life for this anymore. It’s time to put it down.”

To which I said, “I don’t think I heard you right. You’re not talking to me are you?”

God, “Yes, you, I am talking to you.”

Me, “Ok, maybe tomorrow.”

You get the idea. Conversation was a bit more detailed than that but point made. It went on for probably 6 months or more before I decided in my soul I knew what I was hearing and it was time to listen. Aug 26th, 2018 I said good bye to my old friend Bud light and told God, “Ok I’m listening”. Take me on a new journey.

I heard a sermon the other day from a friend about a fall “clean up” with God. About a 7 day detox from something that holds power over your life or that your body is physically addicted too. It doesn’t have to be something bad per say. We all have things we can work on. We are

human. We are flawed. Maybe it’s something like alcohol or maybe its sugar or caffeine. Maybe it’s an attitude or your use of time on something that doesn’t bring Glory to God. Maybe it’s money, shopping or your budget. The list is endless about what you might want to “clean up” this fall but I guarantee you we all have one or can make one if we look within ourselves.

I chose to share a piece of my journey in hopes to inspire you on yours. Here is a 7 day detox with scripture to guide you along the way. This fall I challenge you to take a few days and commit to a personal clean up and take God with you no matter what that is. We can all use a clean up from time to time. Just listen for Gods voice in your journey and your heart and I’ll say a prayer for you as you do. Don’t ignore Him cause even if you want Him too He won’t go away :).

The focus isn’t right or wrong or good or bad. The focus is where is God speaking in your life? Not my life, not your neighbors , but your life ! Where does He want you to “detox or clean up”?

Happy clean up! Amen! JR

READ. REFLECT. PRAY

7 Days of Prayer. Detox with God.

Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Matthew 6:25-34. 2 Chronicles 7:14 Psalm 23 Philippians 4:6-7 Matthew 6:9-15 Psalm 34:1

Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Ephesians 6:10-18 1 John 5:14-15 Psalm 91 James 4:7 Ephesians 3:20-21 Proverbs 3:5-6 Day 7: Jeremiah 29:11 Romans 8:31-38 WELCA HAPPENINGS September Visitation Groups – Carolyn Bouknight and Margie Moore (Staunton) Helen Marie Leach and Ruth Mezzoni (Bridgewater)

Sept. 17th – 12:00 Noon WELCA will serve the Bridgewater Retirement Home dinner at Salem. Sept. 21st – Ladies Tea at 3 p.m. in the Imagine Center. All ladies of the congregation are invited.

The program topic for all Circle groups is “Worries and Fears”. Sept. 9 – Esther Circle meets at 2 p.m. at Salem. Margie Moore is hostess, and the program leader is Norma Landes.

Sept. 15 – Lydia Circle meets at 9:45 p.m. in the Imagine Center. Sept. 16 – Eve Circle meets at p.m. at the home of Meredith Boggs who is also the program leader. Sept. 19th – Eleanor Circle meets at 12 Noon at Valley Pike for lunch and then go back to Carolyn Bouknight home for the program which will be presented by Lucy Dennison. MEN’S GROUP

OF SALEM CHURCH The Men’s Group of

Salem Church would like to invite all of the men of Salem Lutheran Church to our Prayer Breakfast on September 29, 2019, starting at 8:30 AM. Why not give us a try, we have interesting programs, we spend some time praying for members of the congregation, we provide and enjoy good food, and good fellowship. The following is a list of members we will be praying for at our September meeting;

Alexis Bryan Leon Humphries Adam Sheets Connor Campbell Judi Kowalla Melanie Smith Sabrina Dennison Kelsey Lambert William Southard Adrian Eubanks Margie Moore Morgan Thomas Emily Girard Zachary Robertson Helen Wright

This is the beginning of our tenth trip thru the congregational membership list praying for each one of you as we go. If you have any thoughts on how we could improve this ministry, please let one of us know. If there are any special requests, please contact Hank Kowalla, Charles Leach or Loo Noordzy.

Hello September, Hope everyone is getting into the groove of a new school year! Thanks to those who came or contacted us about the youth parent meeting! We feel as though

this is going to be a very successful year especially if we have commitment from everyone involved. We are planning activities from now until December and then we will touch base then!

Activities to look forward to: September 15th- Youth meeting 6pm October 19th- Bike Festival and Hike October 26th - Trunk or Treat November 10th- Friendsgiving November 22nd-24th- Lost and Found November 24th- Christmas Light set up December 8th- Christmas Shopping and Party

See you on September 15th at 6pm! The North River Community Reading Buddies will begin Wednesday, September 25th. This program offers a chance for an adult to read and/or

listen to a child read at North River school twice a month. (Wednesdays at 9am) If you would like to be involved in this important ministry and would like to sign up to be a reading buddy, please contact Meredith Boggs. There will be a Called Congregational Meeting on September 1st immediately following worship service. At the monthly Church Council meeting on August 5th, Council members unanimously voted to request funds from Special Projects to #1 - Replace Air Conditioning unit at a cost of $5,450. (Existing unit was installed in the 1960s) #2 - Repair/Reface Imagine Center kitchen cabinets. A quote for the cost of this project will be available in the next few days. Funds are not currently available in the General Treasury to pay for these projects. Use of funds from Special Projects must be voted on by the Congregation. Please plan to attend the Congregational Meeting on September 1.

2019 Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 417 Salem Church Road P.O. Box 38, Mount Sidney, VA 24467 Phone: 540-234-8161

Pastor Derek Boggs – Cell Phone: 540-416-8161 email: prderek@gmail.com Sunday School: 9:45am Worship Service: 11:00am

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 Noisy Offering

Worship Begins at 10:30am No Sunday School

2

3 SIO

4 7:30pm Choir

5 SIO

6 Pastor’s Day Off

7 9:45am, Rise Against Hunger Shelter used for Veterans Bike Ride

8 Regular hours start today 9:45amSunday school 11am Worship

9 2pm Esther Circle 7pm Council Mtg.

10 SIO

11

6:30pm Fellowship Mtg. 6:45pm Worship/Music Mtg. 7:30pm Choir

12 SIO 6:30pm Memorial for Marlin (Buck) Foley

13 Pastor’s Day Off

14

15 9:45am Lydia Circle 6:00pm Youth meeting

16 7pm Eve Circle

17 SIO WELCA serving Bridgewater Home dinner

4pm Verona Food Pantry Volunteers  

18 12:30pm XYZer’s lunch at Lebanon Church 7:30pm Choir

19 SIO 12:00pm Eleanor Circle

20 Pastor’s Day Off

21 3:00pm Ladies Tea at Salem Imagine Center. Wear your hats and come have fun!

22

23

24SIO

25 7:30pm Choir

26 SIO

27 Pastor’s Day Off

28 7:00pm U2charist Imagine Center

29 8;30am Men’s Group Breakfast Worship in Imagine Center

30 6:30pm Stewardship Mtg. at Bouknight home

Sept. 15-Oct.15

SEPTEMBER 5th   Jack Riggs 6th   Christine Cruz 7th   Alvin Wine 8th   Morgan Thomas 9th   Larry Sorrells 10th  Skylar Grubb 11th   Benny Cook*   Adah Owens* 13th   Bryce Dennison   Juliet Elbin 15th   Blake Rhodenizer   Charlie Dennison 18th   Lucy Dennison   Chuck Lambert   Jesse Smallwood 19th   Rebecca Munse 20th   Crystal Lambert 21st   Lucas Burns   Sarah Pullian   Keith Robertson   Jackson O’Gorek 22nd   Leon Sheets 23rd  Jodie Brubaker 24th   Lena Robertson 25th   Lisa Letchworth   Henry Todd 26th   Spencer Arey 29th   Margie Metzger BAPTISM 9‐27‐1981  Megan O’Gorek   9‐2‐2012  Sadie Todd           9‐8‐2013  Jared Mapstone 5‐30‐1993  Nicole Ocheltree  9‐8‐2013       Harrison Mapstone 9‐8‐2002  Maggie Sorrells   9‐12‐2010  Wesley Miller 9‐18‐2004  Emma Maxwell    9‐17‐1961  Robert Watkins     Robert Maxwell   9‐17‐1961  Robert Watkins 9‐27‐1992  Ryan Lambert    9‐30‐1955  Nancy Watkins                       9‐30‐2018   Luke Bradley Owens 

SEPTEMBER HELPERS Ushers-Doug Ocheltree Greeters-Sherry Ocheltree Captain- Keith Robertson 1st Warren and Beverley Wise Brenda Todd 8th Lucy Smith Grant Richardson 15th Hank and Judi Kowalla Teresa Richardson 22nd Lacy and Anne King Alternate: Leigh Anne Sorrells 29th Meredith Boggs Acolytes- Donna Alexander Crucifer – Donna Alexander 1st Tim Behler 1st Jane Sheets 8th 8th Nicole Ocheltree 15th Meredith Boggs 15th Tina Hodge 22nd Parker Jahnke 22nd Aubriana Jahnke 29th Janice Converse 29th Theresa Thomas Readers- Dana Rhodenizer Nursery-Jenna Rose Mapstone 1st Brenda Todd 1st Nicole and Sherry Ocheltree 8th Louise Harris 8th Annabelle Craun & Samantha Malott 15th Judy Clemmer 15th Mary Reeves and Allison Ullrich 22nd Anne King 22nd 29th Jenna Rose Mapstone 29th Assisting Ministers- Communion Attendants- Dana Rhodenizer Theresa Thomas 1st Sherry Pebworth 1st Leigh Anne Sorrells 8th Brooke Campbell 8th Terry Perotti 15th Deana Griffin 15th Theresa Thomas 22nd Caitlin Jahnke 22nd Brooke Campbell 29th Bill Converse 29th Janice Converse Sound: Bill Chafin Flowers: Lucy Dennison Bread: Cathy Terry Linens: Beverley Wise

Communion Preparers: Nelson and Cathy Terry Warren and Beverley Wise Server: Tim Behler & Beverley Wise Assistant: Nelson Terry Alternate: Lucy Smith – Dianne Chafin

Altar Flowers 1st Lea Grubb 8th Mary Reeves 15th & 22nd Sandy & C.W. Switzer 29th Donna Alexander If you want to donate flowers put your name on the calendar near the water fountain.

Nancy and Bob Watkins are proud to announce the birth of their great grand-daughter Samantha Wiles. May God watch over this family and give them peace and joy. There are about 30 CD’s called “You’ve Got The Time” It is an audio drama of the New Testament . There are different voices for each person speaking There are many hours of audio for your enjoyment and they are free. They will work in any and all CD players XYZer’s Lunch Wednesday, September 18 – 12:30pm at Lebanon. All seniors are invited to come and enjoy the fellowship, food catered by Beth Michael cost $8.00, and program by Luzanne Austin. Signup sheet in hallway-Deadline-Wed., September 11.

The next Food Pantry date is Tuesday, September 17 from 4:00-6:30pm. If you would like to volunteer to help, just show up.

Men’s Group Breakfast Sunday, September 29 - 8:30am.Bring food to share. All men are invited to come and enjoy the fellowship, food, and Prayer Ministry led by Loo Noordzy.

Join us for the 2019 All Lutheran Women's retreat Nov. 7-9 at Natural Bridge Conference Center. This is a Lutheran Women's 2 day retreat. Our theme this year is For Everything there is a Season. It will revolve around how we are always changing, physically and spiritually. This year it will be led by Donna Marie Todd, a motivational speaker, master storyteller and singer. The cost is $100 for Salem women. (All meals will be provided). See Theresa Thomas or Meredith Boggs (ALWR planning team) for more information.

Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church Annual Harvest Sale and Supper Saturday, September 14, 2019 At 4:00pm Adults : $15.00 Children under 10: $5.00 Church is located off Route 252 South of Staunton 9Middlebrook Rd.) on Route 694 (Mt. Tabor Road.) Signs will be posted Telephone # 885-4738 Menu includes: Country Ham, Turkey, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Lima Beans, tomatoes, Pickles, Homemade Rolls, Apple and Cherry Pie, Tea and Coffee. Please join us for the Installation of John R. Staubus, Jr. as the synodically authorized worship leader of St. Paul Lutheran Church 1338 George Waltons Road Mt. Solon Virginia 22843. The celebration will be Sunday, September 29, 2019 at 3:00pm. There will be a covered dish picnic on the church lawn immediately following the service. For directions to church see bulletin board.

U2charist Coming to Salem Lutheran

At 7 p.m. on Saturday September 28th Salem Lutheran will be doing something it has never done before: host a U2charist. A what???

For all those familiar with the music of the Irish rock band U2, this is essentially what it says it is - a Eucharist with U2 music. Unfortunately, the actual band will not be in attendance - but their music and message will be.

Think of it as a multimedia rock concert meets Eucharist. The result is a new way of being together, worshipping together, and proclaiming the Gospel. Much of U2’s music expresses a concern for social justice in the world. Our offering on the 28th will go toward the ELCA fund for world hunger. All are welcome, dress is casual, and dancing in the aisles is encouraged.

We would like to thank the Salem church family for all the thoughtful cards and messages of caring upon the loss of our dear brother, Larry in June. A special thanks to the women who decorated the tables and served such a wonderful spread of food at his Celebration of Life on his birthday, August 2. We

greatly appreciate the help and guidance of pastor Derek who went above and beyond to help us through the process of grieving and remembering the wonderful times we shared with Larry during his life.

With gratitude and sincerity, The family of Larry E. Foley The family of Frances Leach would like to thank the congregation members for your prayers and gifts. Frances died on August 14 – On July 26 she fell and broke her leg and her health declined. Thanks to Pastor Derek for his pastoral care and funeral leadership. With God’s love, Charles Leach

CHANGE OF ADDRESS From Linda Ellis: My mobile phone doesn’t work well in my new house. I have a land line again; please try my home number first and then my mobile if you need to talk with me (contact church office for details). Thanks, Linda Ellis

Labors of love Thomas Merton, an American monk, writer and social activist, said, “It is in the ordinary duties and labors of life that the Christian can and should develop his spiritual union with God.” As the United States observes Labor Day, may we find meaning not simply in marking summer’s end but in celebrating the ways nearly all “duties and labors of life” can empower ministry and faith. Whether as a dentist, parent, artist, teacher, mechanic, gardener, city councilor, farmer, day laborer, attorney or anything else, a Christian can begin each workday or shift by praying for opportunities to serve whoever they’ll encounter. We also can pray for and seek ways to grow in “spiritual union with God”: cultivating spiritual fruits; actively loving God and neighbor; seeing Jesus in the vulnerable; practicing humility, gratitude and praise. In Labor Day, may we find inspiration to make all our labors loving and faithful!

Happy birthday to — and for — you! Birthdays are unique because they celebrate who someone is, not what they’ve done. Henri Nouwen wrote, “It is more important to

celebrate a birthday than a successful exam, a promotion or a victory. Because to celebrate a birthday means to say to someone,

‘Thank you for being you.’ ... On a birthday we do not say, ‘Thanks for what you did, or said, or accomplished.’ No, we say,

‘Thank you for being born and being among us.’”

To rejoice over someone purely for who they are is an echo of God’s joy over us. Some families celebrate “baptism birthdays” (anniversaries) by lighting candles, sharing scripture and prayer,

perhaps looking at photos and recounting stories of that milestone event that marked the beginning of their faith life.

On a birthday, said Nouwen, “we lift someone up and let everyone say, ‘We love you.’” In baptism, God lifts us to his very heart and

declares, “You are my precious child. I love you.”

Puzzle!

Match each numbered description with the correct biblical dreamer. Use the passages as hints, if needed.