Wisdom and Other Treasures
• 1 Kings 3:5-12
• Psalm 119:129-136
• Romans 8:26-39
• Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
If you had one wish, what would it be?
I remember as a child thinking of what I would wish for if I had but one wish.
The obvious answer I thought of was to wish for more wishes. However, if that could not be
the case, what would you wish for?
The fans of the Spain soccer team had their wish granted, as they won the World Cup.
I know some in our congregation wish for health for loved ones. We have had many answers
to prayers for healing. As I wrote this, Jennifer Maldonado from the Preschool waved goodbye
as she set off to check in with her physician. We are blessed to see her cancer is under control.
Just last Sunday Pat Motschall let me know that Mark Koger and newborn Conner are doing
well and can be taken off the prayer list. She would like us to add a friend of her daughter,
Krissy – Diane C. who has cancer.
Each Sunday we pray for our planet as it suffers from human disregard. We see and feel the
consequences. We pray for wisdom in governments which would bring about a more peaceful,
sane world.
At the death of King David, his son by Bathsheba, Solomon becomes king. What would
Solomon ask for? Riches? Long Life? Vengeance of his enemies?
What he asks for is an “Understanding mind to govern his people, able to discern between
good and evil.”
Would not have be a great gift to the world if leaders would pray for wisdom?
As we continue our reading of Matthew 13, Jesus continues to speak in parables, as he seeks
to share his wisdom.
The first of these five short parables is about a mustard seed, which is not the smallest of all
seeds but small enough for this parable. It can grow into a large shrub and provide shelter for
the “birds of the air to make nest in it.”
Now to be frank if I had my wish, I would NOT wish to be a mustard plant. It was in fact seen as
a weed in much of the Middle East at the time. I do appreciate mustard on my hotdogs (which
by the way we will be serving on Sunday). However, if I had my wish, I would wish to be more
like a Redwood tree: tall, majestic with long life.
One of the verses for our wedding came from Ezekiel 17: 23
22 Thus says the Lord God:
I myself will take a sprig
from the lofty top of the cedar;
I will set it out.
I will break off a tender shoot
from the topmost of its young twigs;
I myself will transplant it
on a high and lofty mountain.
23 On the mountain height of Israel
I will transplant it,
and it will produce boughs and bear fruit
and become a noble cedar.
Under it every kind of bird will live;
in the shade of its branches will nest
winged creatures of every kind.
Connie and I had a loftier vision than a mustard bush. Through the years, we have been
blessed to be a part of congregations who opened their hearts to those seeking shelter.
Children, including our own, have found a safe place in the church to grow up in a place of
grace. That ministry continues as during our Sunday children’s time, in our preschool, at Luther
Glen camp and through Michelle Mureaux’s drama camps. What a blessing that new ministry
has been. We have also been supportive of ministries to the unhoused.
Back to Jesus’ image of a mustard seed and bush. We appreciate the lofty cedar, but we have
found that we do not have to be strong or tall to have an impact on the lives of people. Small
acts of grace can blossom and grow.
In Jesus’ second parable, a woman puts some yeast in three measures of flour. It does not take
much to leaven the entire loaf. Simple gifts can have profound impact.
PRAYER Lord Jesus, thank you for being a part of our ministry here at Faith. You can take the
smallest acts of obedient grace and use them to Your wondrous purposes. Plant the seed of
your Word deeply in our hearts. May we not despise small beginnings but rather trust that
your hand is in ours.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John Bunge
UPDATE ON OUR SUMMER OF GENEROSITY – We did it.
We sent $6,000 off to the San Bernadino Wellness Center, formerly the Central City Lutheran
Mission, which was doubled to make it $12,000.
$2,500 was sent to the Synod and again doubled to make it $5,000.
Our final summer appeal was for the church in Choma, Tanzania. $3,044.30 was donated.
These gifts will be matched by our general fund. So, we have met our goal of $6,000 which will
provide for railing for the balcony area and for the
stairway up there. Your gift is still appreciated if
you want to give to this project.
We will be sending
our gift with Ombeni
when he visits his
home church in
August.
A small seed planted
there decades ago
by missionaries has
grown to be a shelter for hundreds who worship there.
Pastor Bunge will be in the office Monday and Tuesday this
week and Monday (July 27) and Saturday (August 1) next week.
PANTRY – The Pantry is averaging 60 family units each time. Next pantry July 25. We could use
bags (paper or plastic) for distributing food and pasta and pasta sauce and cereal.
QUILTING – More batting has been ordered. Linda Drom provided a $250 Action Team. The
quilting group is wanting to start making some smaller crib size quilts for Santa clause
incorporated. This is an organization based out of San Bernardino and serves very low-income
families. They help to provide things like packages for new born babies that include items like
burp cloths, clothing, diapers, and a quilt. Currently they are in need of 1,000 quilts.
Special Property Thanks
Kyle worked several days last week having to do with our back gate, the roof and with
pumping issues which resulted from a break in water main caused by the electric company.
Our water happily is now safe to drink here at the church, but some issues resulted.
Craig Baker and Logan brought over rock from Sunshine Growers to replenish the riverbed
area out front.
Tim and Patrick Drom worked with Pastor on the sound and lighting in the sanctuary. Looks
like we solved the mystery of the silent mics.
Lou is working to put up much needed shelving in the storage area.
Special Appeal
You have been great at responding to our SUMMER OF GENEROSITY we do have another
request closer to home. Tim, Lou, Dana and Kyle contacted several construction companies
and have recommended a contractor to repair the broken, sunken concrete at the entrance to
the parking lot. This will cost $15,000. Any additional funds you can give to this project would
be appreciated and can be marked for this purpose on your check or envelope.
DRIVE BY PRAYER – Paula and Nancy have begun this ministry. They coincide with the Pantry
dates. Please join them.
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
• Both Mark Koger and a relative or Pat Motschall, new born, Conner are in recovery and
have appreciated our prayers.
PLEASE PRAY FOR
• Laura, the daughter of Bonnie Strack. Her car overturned, rolling down an embankment.
Miraculously she is now home. She was wonderful help to Bonnie in her recovery.
• The family of Heather Lewis as they mourn the death of her mother Rosalind Lara. She
passed away on Saturday, July 4 at 3 am.
• Diane C., a friend of Krissy Koger who has cancer.
• Kyle Hadley has been experiencing mobility issues as the result of a torn meniscus but able
to get around with a brace.
• Tom Ziech’s hip surgery has been postponed due to swelling in his right leg. It was nice to
have him with us at services on June 28.
• Members of St. Alban’s have asked us to pray for Father David Caffey.
• Barbara Kuerzinger’s son, Ian, is still working through radiation and chemotherapy.
• Lauren Shaffer’s surgery has not happened yet. Her bone biopsy indicated cancer.
• Bonnie Hallberg is ready for surgery but is not suffering as badly and is now a wait and see.
• 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 Stephanie, the daughter of her friend and
granddaughter, Kayla, great to have her with us at drama camp and in worship this Sunday.
• Continued prayers for Jacque Kottmeier; she was able to visit her daughter but is no longer
able to drive. She suffered a stroke that is affecting her vision.
OUTREACH
PRAYER BLANKETS/SHAWLS
We have prayer blankets to deliver to those who have encountered limited mobility or
received a challenging diagnosis. Let Connie or Karen know if you know a need.
SMALL PRAYER QUILTS – Thank you for taking the prayer quilts to people. New ones are
added weekly. Thank you to the quilting group and Connie.
HANDMADE CARDS – We still mail about 37 BIRTHDAY CARDS AND
ANNIVERSARY CARDS AND CARDS TO THOSE ON THE PRAYER LIST monthly. And
we provide CARDS IN THE NARTHEX for members to mail. There are Monthly
Seasonal cards and generic Thinking of You & Get-Well cards. Thanks to Holly,
Kim, Alec, Sharon, Barbara, Pat T., Heather, Izzie, Jenny, Maria, Elaine, Robyn &
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.
SUNDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP HOUR
JULY 26 “PICNIC AT THE BEACH” POTLUCK –
THANK YOU FOR SIGNING UP FOR A FUN DAY
Thank you to: Hot Dogs Grilled by Pastor John;
Bonnie & Dave for Chips and Buns; Sharon & Steve, Buns;
Karen, Macaroni Salad; Jerry, Potato Salad; Dessert/Fruit; Paula, Jenny &
Richard
AUGUST
2 WELCA
9 TREATS IN NARTHEX
16 BACK TO SCHOOL FUN DAY – PIZZA AND GAMES AND SCHOOL SUPPLY PRIZES
Thanks much to Debi Hitter!!!! for securing an Action Team
23 BINGO – You asked; it’s returned
30 POTLUCK – PIE DAY – MEAT OR SWEET
