October 14, 2025
Lessons for October 19
• Genesis 32: 22-31
• Psalm 121
• 2 Timothy 3: 14 – 4:5
• Luke 18: 1-8
Persistence in Prayer
As I am writing this President Trump and a host of world leaders have gathered in Egypt for the signing of the Gaza ceasefire deal. All 20 living hostages have been released by Hamas and the bodies of four who died have been returned to Israel as well. This is a hopeful moment for the people of the area. There is dancing in the streets. It was just over two years ago that Hamas attacked Israel. Now a ray of Light is shining which was not there before. The path forward will be complex. Even now there is sporadic fighting between Hamas and a Dughmush clan members. The question of who will rule in Gaza is not settled. Peace has been elusive in that part of the world. We pray this first step will lead to
other steps. Families of those released were persistent in their appeals for their loved ones. People who were concerned for the hardships and deaths in Gaza were persistent in their pleas. Our church has been supportive of Christians caught in the crossfire. At times an air of hopelessness pervaded.
In our Gospel text Jesus tells the story of a widow who kept coming to a judge asking for “Justice against my accuser.” This particular judge said to himself: “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out be continually coming. Not exactly a profile in compassionate courage. To be real, all of the parties to this first step in the Middle East may
not be profiles in compassionate courage either, but the power of persistence is on display.
Jesus goes on to say that God is not like the unjust judge. God will listen to “His chosen who cry to him day and night…He will quickly grant justice. The people in prayer for the Middle East did not experience quick justice. But they did
experience the power of persistence.
The final word of our reading Luke 18:8 is a question. Will the Son of Man find Faith on Earth when he comes?
The time between the beginnings of prayer and the answers to prayer are excruciating at times. Right now Connie and I are waiting for a urologist to call back regarding a procedure for her kidney stone. The waiting is unpleasant. We appreciate your prayers.
We pray for the peace of the world every Sunday. We have been praying persistently for Peace of Ukraine. We will continue to pray for the Middle East. We have added prayers for the Christians being killed in parts of Africa by Islamist groups. Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique are examples.
Here at Faith we have had answers to prayer. Just this morning I received word that Bronson, Brenda Batt’s grandson, came through a procedure on his sinuses and will be going home today.
Jesus revealed to us a God who is courageously compassionate. God will bring justice. But there are poor leaders in the world, like those of Hamas. God also created a world in motion, where things change around us and we have to have faith.
Scott Hambre’s mother at age 97 is experiencing change. Scott wrote: “Her heart issues and age are making things challenging for this otherwise remarkable, peppy and with it person.”
Here she is pictured with Carol Hambre and grandson Nick at our Christmas Concert.
The church I pastored in Hemet for 12 years, 12 years ago, is now closing, having sold their property to a church who will be moving their church and school there. A new day for the building. A new day for members who will likely join the other ELCA church in town.
“Something is lost and something is gained in living every day” (Joni Mitchell – Both Sides Now) What to do? Jesus suggests we continue to live by faith in a courageously compassionate God.
PRAYER Faithful Lord, you do not give up on us. When we grow weary and lose heart. Grant us strong faith to persist in prayer and persevere in following the right path, running with
perseverance the race you have set before us. Grace & Peace, Pastor John
The RUMMAGE SALE will benefit the Pantry and is scheduled for October 17 & 18 Friday and Saturday 9 a – 2 p. There are some great items there. Thanks to all who donated items.
If you can help let Carol Jensen know.
Set up and pricing Monday through Thursday 10/ 13-16. Sales helpers during the sale and cashiers on the 17th and 18th
One day or several days; any time is appreciated.
Upon request, a receipt letter for tax purposes will be provided. For non-members, a full name
and address needed.
QUILTING – Emily Smith’s Group (909.255.2452) has completed four quilts for the San Bernardino Wellness Center and six for LWR. They will be on display in the church this Sunday, Oct. 19.
PANTRY -2nd & 4th Saturday; from 8 to 10:00. The Lord is good and has provided for our pantry.
This week: The Faith Pantry was notified by Morongo Band of Mission Indians that we will receive 25 turkeys for Thanksgiving distribution. Receipts from the upcoming rummage sale,
will help purchase other needed turkeys. If you can donate one that helps as well. Starting now and ongoing to Thanksgiving, we are asking donations from the church family for
the other parts of a Thanksgiving meal, as well, such as cranberries, turkey dressing, gravy, canned vegetables, canned yams and any other miscellaneous items. In the meantime, the pantry cupboards are bare so cereal, soup and pasta sauce is always needed. Thank you for your continued support.
Pastor Bunge will be in the office on Monday and also Tuesday afternoon next week.
WATERCO
LOR PAINTING CLASS by our OWN MASTER WATERCOLORIST, HOLLY. A new session will begin Nov. 6-Dec. 11, Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. If interested, let Holly or Connie know.
No class fee, materials provided if you do not have own; for taking the class, we ask for you to please make a donation to the Camp fund for youth.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP
Your support of the church has been such a blessing. We gave $2,400 to our camp and $4,550 to our Synod in support. We also received a wonderful offering from a member
for the pantry. We have funds to update our sign out front, adding a stove to the Fireside Room for convenience of refreshments, meals, and our preschool. Thanks to
Kyle Hadley and Lou Hitter for helping with the installation of the oven. Walker Signs is assisting with the sign out front. Together with Tim Drum and Dana Hadley we are
blessed with people who care for our property.
PRAISE
• Bronson, the grandson of Brenda Batt, came through his procedure on his sinuses.
• Eloise came through her surgeries and chemo for the melanoma discovered around her eye. She is seeing the surgeon on Friday for an update.
Please pray for:
• Pat Motschall is having a stent put in this morning in Redlands and would appreciate your prayers.
• Connie Bunge has a kidney stone, awaiting surgery.
• Nelson Hall continues to have health concerns including his heart function and breathing. He cannot continue with the Meditation Group.
• Lauren Shaffer who works with us remotely, made it through her surgery and is recovering well. Once fully recovered she will be scheduled for surgery to remove a blood clot
in December.
• Kim Guevara appreciates your prayers for granddaughter, Kayla, who is now living with her father, their son, Kyle.
• Judy Martin has moved into Golden Oaks and is receiving Hospice care.
• Bonnie Strack appreciates continued prayers for her son Brendan Simms, who has suffered from a series of strokes.
• Jennifer’s surgery went well but she is now receiving radiation treatments. She plans on being back in January.
• Continued prayers for Jacque Kottmeier.
• Jeanne Koening. Her health issues continue but she able to go to Loma Linda, so care is much closer.
Thanks to all who continue to give shoes for Soles 4 Souls. The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations. Thanks to David Strack for coordinating.
Thanks to Holly from Family Assistance Center in Yucaipa for making donations as well.
PRAYER CARDS – Thanks for sending out cards to remember family and friends.
Thanks again to the artists: Emily, Kim, Barbara, Karen, Holly, Pat T., Linda D., Connie We will provide fall cards in October/early November.
PRAYER/FRIENDSHIP ROCKS – Karen, Connie, Sharon C., and Carol Hambre have painted prayer/friendship rocks for you to keep, give to someone, surprise someone, or put in your
garden, etc. We have painted for a Prayer Ministry that Paula will begin; rocks are available in the Chapel and Fireside Room for the AA, NA, Al-anon, pantry etc. groups that meet weekly.
SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE HOUR
OCTOBER
19 Thank you to Nancy, spaghetti, Bonnie S., Salad, Robyn, rolls, Karen H., cakes
(Bingo postponed)
23 POTLUCK – CHILIFEST Please Sign up in Narthex
NOVEMBER
2 WELCA
9 Veterans Celebration – Richard/Jenny, Spaghetti
19 Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting
Donuts and Coffee in Narthex
23 POTLUCK – Mexican Cuisine Maria bringing her famous Mexican surprise
30 GRANDDAUGHTER, LILY BAPTISM John/Connie provide
DECEMBER
7 WELCA
14 BD/ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS – Oct-Dec
21 BINGO
28 DARK – Enjoy with family/friends
