DEALING WITH
REJECTION
Lessons for August 23
• Isaiah 51:1-6
• Psalm 138
• Romans 12:1-8
• Matthew 16:13-20
Who is Jesus to you?
In our text for Sunday, Jesus asks the disciples: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
Jesus often used the title Son of Man for himself which was a bit mysterious. It could mean
anything from just an ordinary person to the Messiah that the book of Daniel hoped would
come.
The disciples have a round of answers to the Son of Man question. Some say:
John the Baptist – Herod the King who beheaded John thought this was possible. But
really a beheaded man returns?
Elijah – You might remember him as the prophet who had bested the prophets of Baal
and was sent fleeing for his life into the desert. Elisha followed him as prophet but there
was something about Elijah being brought up into heaven in a fiery chariot that caught
people’s imagination. A place is set for Elijah at Passover meal, just in case he comes.
Jeremiah or one of the prophets was another answer. The Quran sees Jesus as part of
the line of prophets. Many people, today, see Jesus as prophet-like. A good man who
had sound advice about life.
Jesus then asks: Who do you say that I am?
Peter speaks up: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Kudos to Peter for seizing the moment. Jesus calls him blessed. “My Father in heaven revealed
this to you. On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against
it.”
Now to us comes the question: “Who do you say Jesus is?”
Each Sunday in the Apostle’s Creed we say we believe that the God who brought All Things
into being is revealed in Jesus Christ as God’s Son. The Holy Spirit and the Christian church are
there to affirm Jesus as our connection to the Creator.
When you look out on the Cosmos, it hardly seems reasonable that one human being who had
a three-year ministry would be our window into the heart of universe. What we believe is not
that Jesus gave us a physics lesson but rather disclosed Gods’ spirit.
As we understand the universe now, we see that nothing in creation is ever lost it is only
changed from light to energy to matter and back again. Eternity exists all around us. Jesus’
revelation was that we can be a part of the Light that brought it all into existence and the
through Grace our existence will not be lost only transformed.
In his next breath, Jesus tells Peter that his ministry will change. Instead of teaching and
healing, he will suffer greatly at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be
killed, and on the third day rise. The last part of that prophetic word seems lost on Peter. He
would rather that there be no change: “This must never happen to you.”
Things did change and do change. All things always change. Just as nothing is lost, nothing
remains the same.
I have been with you for six years now. It seems like only yesterday that the youth of the
church were sitting on pillows at children’s time. Now most are confirmed and several have
graduated from High School. I enjoyed our Back-to-school games on Sunday, with most of the
pillows sitters now standing tall, some in size 12 shoes. Elisha and Julian taking down Julian’s
mom and dad in corn hole.
We have lost people along the way as well. Solid members of the church, including George and
erwin, who offered me a one-year contract hoping they could find a way to fund it, it was a
leap of faith.
Here we are six years later, moving through time and space together, holding on to the truth
that Jesus is our model our model for life and our hope for the life to come. This is the Truth,
the Rock that Church has held onto for centuries. The unchanging amid the change bringing
comfort and light.
PRAYER Lord Jesus, we look to you to be the Christ, the revelation of the Living God. May we
build our lives on your Truth, reflecting your Grace. In the words of the hymn “Tis a gift” may
we in turning and turning come round right.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John Bunge
DRIVEWAY IMPROVEMENT
Half-way there. The first half of our driveway improvement has been poured and will be ready
to drive on in a week or so. 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 traveling this week to Tanzania having sent
our check for $6,000 ahead. Hopefully he will have
some pictures of the improvements for his home
church in Chome, Tanzania. 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
Logan painted the primer coat for the Sacristy area which Kyle had repaired.
Kyle and Dana worked with Jerry Hebert roofing for possible leaks. The bid for repairs will cost
just under $7,000.
Lou and Kyle will be working on organizing the equipment storage area just off the pantry
area.
SPECIAL REQUEST – ANY ONE UP FOR PAINTING THE SACRISTY NOW THAT IT IS primed? 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. Less so far this summer. 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.
PRAISE
• Nelson Hall came through surgery to replace the battery in his heart implant. It still needs
adjustment, but we are happy for his return home.
PLEASE PRAY FOR
• Lauren Shaffer’s treatment to reduce her two cancerous tumors was not successful. Her
health struggles continue.
• 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; her surgery was successful and she
awaits chemo.
• Kyle Hadley has been experiencing mobility issues as the result of a torn meniscus, but able
to get around with a brace and he and Dana are on vacation with friends.
• 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.
• Bonnie Hallberg is ready for surgery but is not suffering as badly and is now wait and see.
• Kim Guevara appreciates your prayers for Stephanie, the daughter of her friend and
granddaughter, Kayla, great to have her with us last 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. Her grandson has come to
live with her, which is a blessing.
OUTREACH UPCOMING FUN DATES!!
WATERCOLOR PAINTING WITH HOLLY – September 6
1ST SUNDAY OF MONTH ABOUT 11:45 AFTER SOCIAL HOUR
ROCK PAINTING WILL FOLLOW. Thanks to
Elaine for the suggestion!
bring your favorite designs and rocks to paint.
We will provide acrylic pens and some rocks.
SATURDAY, 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 and
beautiful!
DOES ANYONE HAVE A PAIL OF RUSTY NAILS, HINGES, ANYTHING
RUSTY? They are used as part of the process.
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 Emily, Dana, Dona and Connie.
HANDMADE CARDS – We 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 and Alec and Elaine who want to join us
They 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 SOCIAL HOUR
AUGUST
16 A FUN DAY — BACK TO SCHOOL–PAPA JOHN’s PIZZA AND GAMES AND SCHOOL
SUPPLY PRIZES AND ICE CREAM AND POPSICLES
Thanks much to Debi Hitter!!!! for securing an Action Team. Thanks to Kim who
helped serve. And to those who participated and set up: Holly, Pastor John, Elisha, Julian,
Alec, Charlotte, Gwen, Russell, Rachel, Aria, Preston, Courtney, Reese, Quinn, Joshua, Kayla,
Logan. And to the “big kids” who participated, Jenny, Richard, Caroline, Michelle. And all
the adults who watched and supported!!!
Thanks much to Papa John’s manager, Renee, and Dave who made sure we had the pizzas
on time and for the fabulous $ discount!! Please consider them the next time you buy pizza.
Thanks also to Connie for organizing the day.
23 POTLUCK – PIE DAY – MEAT OR SWEET
Thanks to Karen, Maria, Connie for Meat Pies/Casseroles
and to Connie and Elaine for Sweet Pies
30 BAGELS AND SALADS
Anyone interested in providing a salad, and
Also, anyone who would like to help with toasting the bagels, 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 – All things Asian; complete with fortune Cookies
Thanks for signing up.
