Our national politics has been turbulent. From the assassination attempt on former President Trump to the announcement by Joe Biden that he was ending his campaign for President. Biden’s path to victory was a long shot, the pressure was building but rarely in this world do you see people giving up power. Within the hours the Democratic Party coalesced around the woman whose candidacy he recommended, Vice President Kamala Harris.
A trilogy of Chinese curses begins with: May you live in interesting times. May you come to the attention of those in authority. May the gods give you everything you ask for.
This week I passed along a message from our Bishop Dave Nagler, which I urge you to read. He recently visited Israel and connected to the Lutheran Church there. That nation is much more troubled than ours. His writings reveal his heart for those caught in seemingly challenging, intractable conflict and acrimony.
He suggested that our witness must include the truth that all people are created in God’s image.
We are to have eyes to see the people around us as the Children of God, as Jesus did. Jesus was mourning the brutal killing of John the Baptist. He sought time alone. Yet, when he saw the crowds following him. He had pity on them.
They were like sheep without a shepherd. Hungry as he was for solitude, he was even more touched by their hunger for the word and then for a meal. He asks Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” Philip does know how they can do it. They do not have the money. Andrew introduces a boy who brought his lunch of five barley loaves and two fish.
The beauty here is that Andrew and the boy think they have something to offer from the boy’s lunch pail. They were living out Bishop Dave’s first encouragement. “All people are created in in God’s image”. The hungry crowd were made in God’s image and so were they. They had something to offer.
Our Bishop quoted the Talmud: “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”
Jesus took the meager offering and made a meal for 5,000 with leftovers. When the crowd saw the miracle, they wanted to make him king. Jesus sensing their plan withdrew to seclusion in the mountains. Reading on through John 6, we see that Jesus has no interest in their idea of a king, a godlike figure who would give them everything they asked for. His job description as a true king was to motivate them to share. When the crowd understands this is the lesson he has for them – they leave.
When people focus on their own self-interest, it is hard to come to a consensus on a path forward to address our common interests. We saw it during COVID. We see in the West as we debate water usage. We see it in our nation as we debate the effects of climate change and how to address the causes. Certainly, Bishop Dave saw divisive debates in Israel.
The path forward starts with the recognition that we are all the children of God. The second step is gratitude. Would not it have been wonderful if the crowd was grateful for the free lunch and father than look for the next free lunch learn from the boy to share your lunch, let Jesus bless it.
Prayer: Lord, bless our country and Israel and areas in our world in conflict and challenges. May we learn from Andrew and the boy that you can take our meager offerings and bless them into becoming banquets for all those created in Your image. May our path and the path of elect leaders encourage sharing of ourselves for the sake of the whole. Amen
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John Bunge
Support – Again bless you for your support through summer. Bless dear, Barbara Kuerzinger who took over as Treasurer. Richard was back for a breather before hitting the road again this summer, many thanks for his many years of service.
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
The pantry is 8 to 10:30 every 2nd & 4th Saturday, so July 27 and August 10 and 24. Want to help let Carol Jensen know.
Time of Meditation –meets Thursdays @ 1 pm.
LAUREN SCHAFER is in the office Monday through Thursday 12:15 to 2:45 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.
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.”
PRAY for:
- Please pray for Robyn Blue, her mother passed on July 7th. She had been recovering from a fall and while recovering contracted COVID. We had a nice committal service for her.
- 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 Strack 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, 90th 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.
We’re Thankful that you JOIN US –
FUN & FELLOWSHIP @ FAITH after the WORSHIP – CELEBRATING OUR 75TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
JULY
LAST SUNDAY- BINGO! We had fun, AGAIN!! Thanks much for your Bingo prizes
28 THIS SUNDAY OH HAPPY DAY Theme – For one week listing the 3 things that make you happy; and at night, the 3 things that you are thankful for.
We are thankful for Nancy for making her “back-by-request” Spaghetti, and Karen for making a yummy pineapple cake. We will also have salad.
AUGUST
4 – thank you always! – We receive the benefit of them hosting the fellowship time with fabulous treats for us from their Bible Study the Saturday before.
11 75th Anniversary Celebration HONORING THE YOUTH & EDUCATION with Back-to-School games and a few prizes for young at heart. We will be setting up about 5 games, if you’d like to help, let us know. Or, thanks for saying YES when we call. 😊 It’s all about the youth! — Hot dogs/Mac & Cheese, Chips, Ice Cream
18 IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE erwin!!! Happy 90th Birthday!
With all his favorites! – Italian Spaghetti, German Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting and ice cream, and orange Jello with oranges and strawberries.
25 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK – Mark your calendars. We need 2 hosts, thank you.
Reminder: Thanks for considering us your donation location for your giveaways for our 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