Welcome Little One – MARCH 11,2025
Our Son Eric and his wife Michelle are parents of a baby boy Blake E. Bunge. 5 pounds, 12 ounces and 19 inches long. He decided to enter this world a bit early, and feet first so Michelle had a “C” section and is recovering well. They were able to go home on the 11th. He is so light and still fragile compared to our growing 14 lb. granddaughter, Lily, in Millbrae. Both are treasures to hold!
In our Gospel text for Sunday, Jesus is told that Herod is after him. Herod’s father, you might remember, cared nothing for the infant boys of Bethlehem. Then later Herod was the “ruler” who had John the Baptist killed at the whim of his stepdaughter. Should
Jesus fear Herod? Likely. Instead, he says he must finish his journey to Jerusalem. As he overlooks Jerusalem he sighs: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Connie and I are blessed to be able to gather up grandchildren and hold them in our hands. Paul likewise has brothers and sisters in Philippi (4:1) whom he: “loves and longs for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.” What a joy it is when we can hold others in love or be held ourselves.
There are no guarantees in this life. We may hold people in love, and they push away. Jerusalem pushed Jesus out of the city to the cross. Jesus’ response was to continue to show love as best he saw fit. I have mentioned my sister, Marlene, before. She died three years ago on
Valentine’s Day. She was of a tender heart growing up. But as the years passed, she gave away her mind to drugs and dark friends. She even began to push her daughters away. My mother longed to “gather her under her wing” and she was able at times. But especially at the end, Marlene “was not willing”. Marlene’s “wing” of protection around her daughters faltered as well. My mother stepped in as she was able. Despite a difficult home life, Marlene’s daughters, learned from my mother and from Marlene in her “clearer” moments to provide
wings. As my sister was dying, they put their wings around her. Since then, they provided wings for one another. Daughters, Marissa and Deedee have chosen to live together in Bethany, MO. They have followed my mother and my sister’s better angels in welcoming others. At our family reunion in August, they brought their stepbrother, Jessie, who now lives with them and a lifelong friend Tori neither of whom had ever been on a vacation.
Faith, likewise, has provided wonderful wings for the children of our parish. When I came five and a half years ago, they were all sitting on pillows in the front. Now they are being confirmed, singing in the choir, assisting in the service, graduating from High School.
Just last week we asked you to help support Elisha and Rachel Mkanza as they will be heading out on a choir tour. You answered the call by providing more than enough. As a result, they are fully sponsored, and we have additional funds now for summer camp sponsorships. Bless you.
PRAYER: Lord you long to gather us under your wing. May we welcome your protection and be cradled there. As your joy and crown may we stand firm in the Lord and be your wings in this world.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John Bunge
YOU DID IT! You supported RACHEL & ELISHA MKENZA for their upcoming CHOIR FESTIVALS and provided additional
funds for Youth Camp this summer. They needed $410.00 to compete as a part of Yucaipa High School at Choir Festivals in Redlands, Alhambra and Anaheim. $440 additional dollars were given which will support youth trips and camp scholarships. Bless you.
UPCOMING REMINDERS
Starting this Wednesday –
March 12 – April 9: Wednesday soup suppers @ 5:00 p in the fireside room. We will focus on Adam Hamilton’s book and video series, the Gospel of Luke. You can buy his book on Luke – Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts and Outlaws on Amazon. Thank you for signing up to bring soup.
Pastor Bunge will be in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays in March and into the first week of April.
Confirmation Classes resume March 23.
Time of Meditation – will take a break for Lent; begin again after Easter.
PANTRY -2nd & 4th Saturday; from 8 to 10:00 The pantry could use Pasta (any kind), dry beans and/or dry peas, macaroni & cheese.
Diane Watson called to thank all those who assisted with the memorial for Bud. It was a challenging day with the pantry in the morning and reception for Bud at noon. The family, which was here in great numbers, were so grateful. It was a blessed day.
Through your support of Faith and our outreach ministries. As mentioned above $850 was given to sponsor the Mkanza youth and our youth ministry. We also gave nearly $3,000 to aid those who lost their homes and another $4,500 has been given to the work of the Synod and the wider church generally. An extra $400 was matched for our Luther Glen camp.
Thrivent Choice Dollars – if you have Thrivent financial products you may have Choice Dollars you can designate to Faith. $2,400 so far. Call Thrivent if you need assistance. The end of March is the last day to give 2024 dollars.
QUILTING – Emily Smith’s Group (909.255.2452) has started anew and has
completed 2 quilts which they shared with The San Bernardino Wellness Center.
• erwin Buschauer has an irregular heartbeat and a clot in his heart. He is
anticipating surgery to install a pacemaker and then surgery on the clot.
• The Mureaux and Watson families.
• Steve Cady’s brother-in-law Michael passed away. His sister Sherry is
receiving treatment for breast cancer.
• Kim Guervara was back and her Mother Carol in Canada, is improving.
• Michael Shea was with us on Ash Wednesday.
• Eloise Johnson continues well with her health issues.
• Jeanne Koening’s condition has not improved, the pain in her head is
unrelenting. Joe totaled their pickup. Their daughter Jessica was able to link
into City of Hope.
• Bonnie Strack appreciates continued prayers for her son Brendan Simms,
who has suffered from a series of strokes.
• Pat Teeters and Nelson were back.
• Krissy Koger’s sister-in-law, Michelle Koger, had her kidney removed and is
recovering well as is their friend, Terry Lee, whose liver is functioning well.
UPCOMING FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH MARCH DATES
UPDATE OF DIRECTORY
March 16 – Debi Hitter will be taking pictures in Fireside Room.
If you want to update your photo, sign up in Narthex or show up at 11:07. The previous picture will be used
otherwise.
ANNIVERSARIES Adding date/year. Sign up in Narthex WILL PUBLISH a list of Birthdays & Anniversaries
SUNDAYS
MARCH 16 POTLUCK – signup in Narthex
MARCH 23 LIGHT LUNCH
BINGO – Thank you to everyone for the prizes! —Recently, Karen Hall, Pat Teeters, Bonnie Mills, Jan Wheeler, Steve & Sharon Cady.
To keep things current, we’ve added a RAFFLE to the day. So, if you have any nicer things that are taking up space, please donate them to us as well. We wrap them nicely and everyone gets a raffle ticket. People appreciate the fun.
MARCH 30 FIRST QUARTER HAPPY BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATIONS – Taco Bar and Dessert
Thanks to all you have given shoes for Soles 4 Souls.
The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations.
You are special people! We are a congregation of FAITH!
