Lessons May 31 – Holy Trinity
• Genesis 1:1 – 2:4a
• Psalm 8
• 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13
• Matthew 28: 16-20
This Sunday we have the rare opportunity to explore an entire chapter of the Bible. In this case
Genesis Chapter One. The creation of the universe in six days with God resting on the Sabbath.
It is a wonderful telling of the attention God the creator took in bringing life to our planet.
Some people have difficulty with the story since the timeline does not match up with the
current understanding of the universe being around 14 billion years old.
There are Christians who see differences in the timeline and demand that one must choose
one or the other. As I read Genesis One, I see science and the Bible harmonizing amazingly
well. So do many scientists. For example, both agree that there is one power and force behind
all things. The timeline is different but again in amazing ways the Bible and current scientific
understandings match up. Again, both agree that light came first and out of nothing or an
unknown that proceeded it. All matter and energy have one origin.
Science and all the religions of the world have a creation story. Genesis One was written
around 2,500 years ago to a very different understanding of the world, yet both see creation
occurring in stages; first there was light, then water and atmosphere, plants and animals, last
of all human beings.
The challenge for us is not to make timelines match up but ponder how do we use creation in
creative ways that reflect the intent of Creator?
Sunday is also Holy Trinity Sunday.
In Matthew 28, Jesus commands the disciples to 19Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and
teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you
always, to the end of the age.”
In this command to serve, Jesus encourages the disciples to see that the character of the
Creator is reflected in His Ministry. Our mission is to move through the world shaping it as
Jesus did. Jesus did not preach about timelines but instead give voice to the Word that broke
the silence prior to the Big Bang. By following him we can understand and replicate the
creative power behind the universe. He is clear that Love called the universe into being and
still propels it. We are invited to enter that flow.
We may not excel always in our mission. We may feel discouraged Patience is called for as we
reshape ecosystems and economies. Just as the universe is in constant motion, Jesus calls on
us to innovate as good stewards. As God created, he called all things good.
We live in a time when many see the world as something to exploit rather than reverence.
Jesus urges us to join him in marveling in the wonder of sustaining and creating Love. Summer
is a great time for nature to bathe us with gratitude. As you do so, allow your faith to take you
to a place of hope that at the end of the age, it is the work done in Jesus name that will stand.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, by your breath, light came from darkness, oceans churned, rivers flowed, green
abundance flowered, wings took flight. Teach us to live with wonder in our eyes and care in
our hands. May we marvel in your diversity and join your Love’s flow. May we express our
creativity as good stewards, repairing what we have harmed and caring for the earth for the
sake of generations yet unborn.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John Bunge
Coming celebrations:
• May 31 Holy Trinity – Treats in Narthex
• June 7 Bishop Nagler preaching; High School Graduates recognized:
Elisha, Russell, Izzie and Gwen
Pastor Bunge is in the office Monday and Tuesday.
PANTRY – Next pantry June 13 and 27. We could use bags (paper or plastic) for distributing
food. Thanks for the response thus far.
QUILTING – The quilts for our graduating seniors have been completed along with 8 quilts for
Lutheran World Relief and 9 for our San Bernardino Wellness Center. Thanks to Holly for fabric
donation from Family Assistance. Over 250 prayer quilts were made and blessed on Feb 15;
they are in the Narthex for you to distribute.
THANK YOU TO DEBI FOR TAKING PICTURES FOR THE DIRECTORY
An updated copy of the directory will be emailed; some copies will be available in the Narthex.
Thanks to all who continue to give shoes for Soles 4 Souls. We had an anonymous
donation of new shoes this week. The box was full and so was taken for its good
use but filling up again. THANKS. The box is in the Narthex. Thanks to David Strack
for coordinating. Thanks to Holly from Family Assistance Center in Yucaipa for making donations as
well.
PRAISE
• Bob Jensen got a good report from his biopsy, non-cancerous. Fantastic!!
• Tom Ziech’s hip surgery is scheduled for June 12.
• Bonnie Strack was with us again on Sunday and is experiencing gradual improvement.
Continue to pray for her full recovery and for her son Brendan Simms, suffering years from
strokes.
• Pat Teeters as she regains strength.
PLEASE PRAY FOR
• Kyle Hadley has been experiencing mobility issues.
• Members of St. Alban’s have asked us to pray for Father David Caffey.
• Heather Lewis’s mother Rosalind Lara’s recovery has been slow. She is home and is not
given much time.
• Barbara Kuerzinger’s son, Ian, whose colon cancer was discovered early is working through
radiation and chemotherapy. He is on medical leave.
• Lauren Shaffer’s surgery has not happened yet. Her bone biopsy indicated cancer.
• Bonnie Hallberg’s clot in her hip was determined to be stable so they can move forward
with her shoulder surgery.
• Nelson Hall continues to have health concerns. They are checking on his heart function
with a new monitor. He was looking well.
• Kim Guevara appreciates your prayers for granddaughter, Kayla, who is now living with her
father, their son, Kyle.
• Continued prayers for Jacque Kottmeier; she was able to visit her daughter but is no longer
able to drive.
OUTREACH
PRAYER BLANKETS/SHAWLS – to blanket and surround people in love, comfort and
prayers were blessed on Sunday, March 22.
These are being delivered to those who have encountered limited mobility or
received a challenging diagnosis.
Thanks to Karen for the idea.
Thanks to Steve & Sharon Cady for helping with an Action Team to purchase
some with bible verses on them.
Thanks to Carol, Karen, Paula and Pr. John for delivering them.
Thanks to Karen, Irm and Chris Ladd’s Mom for crocheting some beautiful ones.
They each have a label from Faith indicating that they are surrounded by this prayer
community.
SMALL PRAYER QUILTS – Thank you to Pastor John for blessing the prayer quilts. Thanks to
Barbara for the idea, and the quilting group: Emily, Dana & Dona; also, Linda D. & Connie B.
for helping to make them. New ones have been added.
HANDMADE CARDS – We still mail about 37 BIRTHDAY CARDS AND ANNIVERSARY
CARDS AND CARDS TO THOSE ON THE PRAYER LIST monthly. And we will provide
CARDS IN THE NARTHEX for members to mail. There are Monthly Seasonal cards and
generic Thinking of You & Get-Well cards.
Watercolor class will be on the 2nd Sunday of June (postponing a week because of Graduation
Celebrations.)
Thanks to Holly, Kim, Alec, Sharon, Barbara, Pat T., Heather, Izzie, Jenny, Maria,
Elaine & Connie for their fabulous creations. Thanks to Linda D. for her
marvelous fabric creations.
PRAYER/FRIENDSHIP ROCKS –
Karen, Sharon C., Carol Hamre & Connie B., continue to paint prayer/friendship rocks for you
to keep, give to someone, surprise someone, or put them in your garden, etc.
Rocks are available in the Narthex, Chapel and Fireside Room for members, friends and
the AA, NA, Al-anon, pantry etc. groups.
DRIVE BY PRAYER – Paula and Nancy have begun this ministry. They will coincide with the
Pantry dates. Please join them.
SUNDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP HOUR
MAY
Thanks for a fabulous Confirmation celebration for Aria, Courtney and Logan!
Thanks to Robyn for obtaining an Action Team and coordinating the day, sandwiches and
providing a gift for each. Thanks to Maria for the fabulous cake. Maria & Jerry for great
salads, Connie for the décor. All the centerpieces were done by the confirmands – was a
great, unique expression of them.
Pentecost/Memorial Day Breakfast Potluck – Thanks to Karen, Pat M., Robyn & Connie!
The next potluck will be a BBQ on July 26. Please sign up in the Narthex.
Join us!
MAY
31 Karen & Connie will provide treats in the Narthex.
JUNE
7 Bishop Dave Nagler will be with us for Graduation celebration, Congratulations
to Elisha, Russell, Izzie and Gwen.
Many thanks to Maria who will be providing enchiladas, to WELCA, for serving
and for salads, to Robyn, for Spanish Rice to Pat M. for providing the cake.
14 Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast, sausages, egg casserole, hash browns, & fruit.
Thanks to Carol for the donation of gravy.
21 Father’s Day – Root Beer Floats – CCLM presentation by Claire Sekafetz
28 Preschool Teacher’s Appreciation
