Dealing with Rejection

Lessons for August 16
• Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
• Psalm 67
• Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32
• Matthew 15:10-28

If you were asked: Who is the person of Great Faith in the Gospel of Matthew. Most would
guess Peter. You might remember however that when Jesus picks Peter up from the waves, he
says: “You of little faith, why did you doubt? None of the disciples are called people of “great
faith,” at least not until after the resurrection. The person of great faith is a Canaanite woman
who comes to Jesus, pleading for her daughter.
Chapter 15 starts with Jesus healing the sick in a Gentile area and when he returns to a Jewish
area he is confronted by the Pharisees. The Pharisees have an issue with the disciples who are
not washing their hands in the Jewish tradition before eating their bread. Kudos to the
Pharisees for seeing that washing hands was a wise act of daily hygiene. Sadly, they do not see
the bigger issue of how the Love of God embraces a wide and diverse world.
Jesus points out that they are being a bit selective about what traditions they will follow. They
are good about washing their hands, but they allow their own parents to suffer from lack of
support since they have committed their resources to God. It is a common malady of humanity
that we see the fault in others while ignoring our own faults.
Dr. Fauci was on the hot seat in front of Senators who had released his diary to the world.
They were judgmental about the way he basked in the celebrity brought on by the COVID
pandemic, meanwhile they were basking in the celebrity of the hearings themselves.
Dr. Fauci was not forthcoming in answering their questions: “On advice of his attorneys.”
We live in a time of tart tongues. Many find it hard to be civil.
Jesus suggests that it is prudent to be careful in what we say: It is what comes out of the
mouth that defiles. The food that passes through us is not an issue for us, but what proceeds
from our hearts.
Then comes this woman of great faith. Jesus seems to go against his own advice. What comes
out of his mouth at first defiles the woman in front of him.

The woman comes to Jesus pleading for her daughter. The Greek used for her pleading is the
same as the pleading of Peter when he was sinking in the waves. She is pleading for her
daughter who is being “tormented by a demon.”
I have known parents through my years as a pastor who have had troubled children. They are
at their wits end trying to deal with the situation. This woman is willing to approach a
foreigner for the sake of her daughter. Jesus seems to ignore her.
She is determined she will not stop. Finally, the disciples have had enough. They urge Jesus to
“send her away, she keeps shouting after us.” You might remember they wanted to send away
the 5,000 as well when it was time for dinner.
Jesus turns around and tells her that he was: sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.”
Here a woman is pleading for her daughter, and Jesus suggests that she is nothing more than a
stray, howling animal. From Jesus’ mouth comes rejection and distain.
She responds that even the dogs get the crumbs that fall to the floor. In the face of “the Lord”
she demands that she is of value. Jesus sees this assurance and says: “Woman, great is your
faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed, immediately.
What makes this woman a woman of great faith is the deep down to her bones, she faith that
her daughter mattered to the Lord. Jesus affirms this. We are all called to embrace the truth
that we matter to the Lord.
When Jesus sent the disciples to the other side of the lake, to a Gentile area, they saw that
God’s Love reaches over new horizons. This woman driven by her desire to aid her daughter,
believes with her whole heart that God’s Love reaches her daughter, that is Great Faith.
On Sunday Michelle Mureaux brought a friend who through her battle with cancer came to
see the Love of God for her. Carol Jensen was telling me about neighbors who were aiding a
neighbor who was transitioning to assisted living. There were no relatives to help. They
became her brothers and sisters. Great faith is knowing that the Love of God reaches out to us
and therefore to those around us. May we have such faith even when the world might not
agree.
PRAYER Lord Jesus, You fed the 5,000, you walked across the sea to bring healing to Gentiles
in Gennesaret, you reached out your hand to Peter sinking in the waves, you saw great faith in
a woman who believed in the value of her daughter. May we see with Your eyes our own value
and the value of those around us.
Grace and Peace, Pastor John Bunge

DRIVEWAY IMPROVEMENT
We started the repair of the broken, sunken concrete at the entrance to the south, main
parking lot. The first half has been poured and will be ready to drive on in a couple of weeks.
We will then start on the second half. You can use one half at a time.
The cost of this project is $15,000 so any additional funds you can give would be appreciated
and can be marked for this purpose on your check or envelope. Again, thanks to Dana, Kyle,
Tim, Lou, who worked with the contractor.
The final check has been issued for our SUMMER OF GENEROSITY.

Ombeni is sending our $6,000 ahead of his visit, which
will be later in August so the work can begin for the
on his home church in Chome, Tanzania. It will
provide railing for the balcony area and for the
stairway up there. He hopes to have pictures of some
of the work completed when
he returns.
We also sent off $6,000 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.
Special Property Thanks
Kyle completed his work on the Sacristy area which had some flooding. He and Dana have also
been working with a roofer to check for areas of possible leaks. The bid for repairs from Jerry
Herbert was just under $7,000.
Kyle and Dana also oversaw the work on our back gate which was paid for by JB Hunt trucking.
Kudos to Kyle who also fixed the pumping issues which resulted from a break in water main
caused by the electric company.
Tim Drom worked with Tom Ziech on the irrigation system out front, which is working now.
Lou completed work on much-needed shelving in the storage area off the sanctuary. Connie
and Pastor organized the area.
Craig Baker and Logan brought over rock from Sunshine Growers to replenish the riverbed
area out front.
SPECIAL REQUEST – ANY ONE UP FOR PAINTING THE SACRISTY NOW THAT IT IS FINISHED?
WE WOULD LIKE TO UPDATE THE WHOLE AREA. LET ME KNOW.
Pastor Bunge will be in the office Mondays and Tuesdays.

PANTRY – The Pantry is averaging 60 family units each time, somewhat fewer recently. Next
pantry August 22. We could use egg cartons and hangers for clothes, along with bags (paper or
plastic) for distributing food and pasta and pasta sauce and cereal.
DRIVE BY PRAYER – Paula and Nancy have begun this ministry. They coincide with the Pantry
dates. Please join them.
QUILTING – More batting has been ordered. Linda Drom provided a $250 Action Team. The
quilting group wants 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 newborn babies that include items like
burp cloths, clothing, diapers, and a quilt. Currently they need 1,000 quilts.

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.
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. Her
funeral was at Our Savior’s, August 6.
• 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 and is looking forward to a vacation out West.
• Tom Ziech’s hip surgery has been postponed due to swelling in his right leg.
• Barbara Kuerzinger’s son, Ian, is almost through his radiation and chemotherapy. Surgery is
next.
• 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 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.
• 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

UPCOMING FUN DATES!!
WATERCOLOR PAINTING WITH HOLLY 1ST SUNDAY OF MONTH ABOUT 11:45 AFTER SOCIAL HOUR
ROCK PAINTING WILL FOLLOW.

Thanks to Elaine for the suggestion.
bring your favorite design to paint. We use
acrylic pens; which will be provided.

SEPTEMBER 26, 11:00 – 3ish (after pantry) Emily is willing to show
us how to create these beautiful cards made from leaves and
flowers. Thank you Emily.
Mark your calendars. Instructions and signup will be available next
week. Samples will be in narthex. They are very unique!
for planning, it takes about 4-5 hours to complete

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., Elaine to join us 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

AUGUST
16 BACK TO SCHOOL FUN DAY – PIZZA AND GAMES AND SCHOOL SUPPLY PRIZES
Thanks much to Debi Hitter!!!! for securing an Action Team
Thanks to Holly for spearheading the outside event.
9:30 am set up games Thanks to Pastor, Elisha
11:00 am pizza, drinks in Fireside Room
11:20 am past graduates will host games – Thanks to Elisha, Charlotte, Gwen,

Russell, Pastor

11:30 All school-age youth participate in games
following: Participants can choose School supplies – Thanks to Rachel, Aria
Ice Cream Sandwiches/Popsicles for all

23 POTLUCK – PIE DAY – MEAT OR SWEET
We need 1 more meat pie – it can even be a casserole type
30 BAGELS AND SALADS
Anyone interested in providing a salad, please let Connie know.

SEPTEMBER
6 Thank you to WELCA
13 Treats in Narthex – Thanks to Karen for breads
20 BINGO!!! Casserole, Cracker barrel Potatoes, Dessert
27 Potluck – Theme TBD