The assassination attempt on the life of former President Trump was shocking and alarming. His injuries would have been much more severe if he had not turned his head at just the right moment. President Biden called the incident “sick”. He and others have called for a cooling down of the rhetoric.

The would-be assassin was Thomas Matthew Crooks, a nursing home employee. The 20-year-old used his father’s AR-15 to wreak havoc in a crowd. This was yet another deadly shooting with that weapon. The person killed was Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old former fire chief, who dove in front of his wife and daughter to save them. A true hero.

How do we calm down the rhetoric? How do we get closer to the vision Jeremiah had of a shepherd who will dispel fear and dismay?

There are forces working against such a vision. The media and internet ferment fear. In so doing they grab and try to hold your attention. There are groups and nations who have no desire to have American democracy to thrive.

What can we do?

First, let me say that being a part of Community of Faith is a blessing and balm at such times. We are gathered here together not because we are one in our political views. We are one in Christ.

If you read the letters of Paul, they are full of encouragement for people to come together. When he was writing the Ephesians, he remembered a time when they were divided between those who were circumcised and those who were not. Jesus brought together people who were “far off” and those who were “near.”

What draws them together is to focus NOT on divisive issues but on the faith, forgiveness and love that unites them. Jesus “broke down the dividing wall, that is the hostility between us. Jesus became is the cornerstone that joins us together into a holy temple to the Lord. (Ephesians 2:14 and 21)

I worry over the state of our country. We are living in a time of low unemployment, low crime rates, a climbing stock market, yet many people are ill at ease with the direction of our country. They feel the culture they grew up in is slipping away. They long for a past that is passed. In truth there is nowhere in the created universe where the past has not passed. Everything is in constant motion.

Jeremiah’s vision urges us to let go of fear and make sure that no one is missing. Psalm 23 encourages us to follow the Good Shepherd with confidence.

As a free nation, we can debate differing views on issues, opportunities, fairness and justice. We can be passionate about our opinions. But let us not follow the path of Thomas Matthew Crooks, who thought violence was the only way forward. Rather let Corey Comperatore be our example. Like a Good Shepherd, he made sure the most vulnerable were protected.  May we be open to inviting people into our community of Faith and into caring conversations.

Prayer: Lord you are the Good Shepherd who does not desire your sheep to be scattered. You want no one to be missing. Our world is ever in transition. Be the cornerstone on which Faith Lutheran Church can be built up as a beckon to a divided community and nation. Let bitterness give way to blessedness, hatred to respect.   Amen

Grace and Peace,

Pastor John Bunge

Support – Your support through summer has been a blessing. Barbara Kuerzinger who took over as Treasurer July 1 appreciates it as does your entire council. Richard and family are on the road a bit this summer, many thanks for his many years of service.

 The BELLS – are back for the summer; practice on Sunday morning at 9:00 am. They need a few more players as the Beals are gone much of the summer.

WELCA – The Next Women’s Bible Study is August 3, part of a 3-part Bible series on living in faith.

 Interested in joining Faith?  We are planning a new member orientation later in August. Let Pastor Bunge know of your interest.

PANTRY

Thanks for the great response for toiletries for our military which Chaplin Frieberg took with him to the base. We also had donations last Sunday for the pantry including Stater Bros. grocery bags.  Pantry is 8 to 10:30 every 2nd & 4th Saturday, so July 27 and August 10 and 24.

 Time of Meditation –meets Thursdays @ 1 pm. Welcome back Nelson. Our prayers were answered.

LAUREN SCHAFER is in the office Monday through Thursday 12:30 to 3 p.

Pastor Bunge will be in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July.

Confirmation Classes start again September 8.

QUILTING – Emily Smith’s Group (909.255.2452) has completed 17 quilts for Central City Lutheran Mission and 6 for Lutheran World Relief. They also gave 2 quilts to graduating Seniors Charlotte and Evan.

Lots of Celebrations:

  • Good News for Jeanne Koening, her pancreatic cancer biopsy came back benign. Additional good news, they were able to sell their house and will be moving to 12367 4th Street space 8. They appreciate prayers for their daughter Jessica.
  • Dana Hadley’s foot has no broken bones, and she is back in regular shoes.
  • Rebecca and Chris found an apartment not far from her work.
  • Nelson was back at council and back in church.
  • Kim’s brother Jim had good news on his stem cell procedure.

PRAY for:

  • Please pray for Robyn Blue, her mother passed away on July 7th. She had been recovering from a fall and while recovering contracted COVID. There will be a grave site service for the family next Monday, July 22.
  • The family of Steve Cady will be using the fireside room August 10th for a family remembrance time for his mother. She requested no memorial service.
  • Bonnie Starck is recovering from an injury to her foot. We pray for a speedy recovery. She appreciates continued prayer for her son Brendan Simms, who has suffered from a series of strokes.
  • Delores McDaniel, the Grandmother of Wendy Finucan Montgomery is recovering from a stroke.
  • erwin has been back in church, birthday celebration for him August 18.
  • Nancy’s son, Gabe, is recovering.
  • Eloise appreciates your prayers.
  • Jan Wheeler appreciates our prayers for Andrew Gentry, a co-worker of her son Brian who had a setback this past week.
  • Kyle and Dana’s son, Kevin’s, Mother-in-Law, Lisa, cancer was found even after surgery.
  • Cesar and Kim appreciate prayers for their sons, Tim, and Kyle.

Thanks to all you have given shoes for Soles 4 Souls place your shoes in the boxes inside the Narthex and Fireside Room labeled “Soles 4 Souls.”

Thanks to Pat Teeters and her neighbor for the gift of 5 bags of shoes.

JOIN US – FUN & FELLOWSHIP @ FAITH

after the WORSHIP SERVICE

JULY

21       BINGO!        —  Meatballs, Dessert

28       “FUN IN THE SUN”     — Spaghetti, Salad and dessert

AUGUST

4          WELCA

 11       75th Anniversary Celebration HONORING THE YOUTH & EDUCATION with Back-to-School games for young at heart. 

            We will be setting up about 5 games, if you’d like to help, let us know.

 18       90th Birthday Party for erwin! 

25       CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK – Mark your calendars.  IF YOU’D LIKE TO HOST, PLEASE CALL CONNIE.

 THANK YOU TO PAT TEETERS FOR THE BINGO PRIZE DONATIONS!

Reminder:  Please bring Bingo Prizes, leave in office labeled BINGO  and if you want to help with food for any date, please let Connie know, 951.514.1214