TIDINGS

Redeemer Lutheran Church

1545 Chain Bridge Road

McLean, VA 22101

Vol. 59, no 10

October 2014

A MESSAGE FROM

PASTOR SANDY KESSINGER

October of 2014

October is the month we celebrate the Reformation (October 26) and this year we will confirm sixteen of our young peo-

ple at the 11:00 service. Although this has been part of the Lutheran tradition for centuries many people still seek a

fuller understanding of why we confirm and what it really means for our children. So in order to understand confirma-

tion we first revisit baptism.

By the end of this year we will have sixteen new members come through the waters of baptism (one adult and fifteen

children). Baptism is considered our entrance into the family of God. Adults who come to be baptized are able to speak

for themselves so (after a period of study) they come to the font to be both baptized and confirmed. Children, however,

are brought forward by parents and sponsors who speak on their behalf. The children are often infants, too young to

comprehend God through Christ, yet the faith of the parents brings them to the font. They hear the promises of God for

their child and they make public their promise to …

bring their child to worship

teach the child the Lord’s Prayer, Apostles’ Creed, and the Ten Commandments

place in his/her hands the Bible and read the stories of the Old and New Testaments

provide instruction in their home that is reflective of a Christian life

How long must the parents do these things?

Answer – Forever

At what point do the children take responsibility for their own faith development?

Answer – Before and after Confirmation

But at the time of confirmation we are saying that those who were baptized as young children are now prepared to make

public affirmation of their faith. The church offers this rite of passage so that the young adults can take greater responsi-

bility in their faith journey as the church receives them as adult members.

But remember that the answer to the first question is forever so confirmation is not the end of our faith story! The re-

sponsibilities of the parents must continue and the newly confirmed need to be encouraged to continue their studies and

their spiritual walk. And the church promises to stand with them along the way. That is why we hold adult classes (like

our Bible Study series and Table Talk) and spiritual retreats (next one is November 14-15) and offer special services

during Lent.

Many congregations confirm their young people on Pentecost Sunday (normally at the end of May or the beginning of

June – at the end of a school year). I prefer confirming at the time of the Reformation for two reasons:

#1 – It is the Reformation!

#2 – In October our high school classes are well under way and our young people already gain the sense that confirma-

tion does not mean graduation

As I have thought about different ways to keep our faith conversations alive (for adults as well as children) I would like

to offer this different opportunities for you to meet with me to have an informal conversation over a meal … to deepen

our faith and deepen our understanding of who we are as the church and as disciples of Christ. So here is my open invi-

tation to anyone who is interested …

OPEN INVITATION

OPEN CONVERSATION

1st Date

Share a Meal with PSK

October 10 (Friday) at 6:30 pm

Location – Crossroads (at Redeemer)

This is the same night that Marlon Yearwood meets with the 4th-6th Graders so any of the parents who would

like to dine with me are invited. We will cater a meal and share the cost through our freewill donations.

2nd Date

Share a Meal with PSK

October 12 (Sunday) at 5:00 pm

Location – Pulcinella’s (following the Gifts of Hope concert at Redeemer)

3rd Date

Share a Meal with PSK

October 25 (Saturday) at 5:00 pm

Location – Fellowship Hall at Redeemer (also an opportunity to meet new members)

______________________________________________________________________________

Please call the church office to sign up for dinner and conversation with me (and others)!

I would love the dialogue and the sharing of a meal with you

Yours in Christ – Pastor Sandy Kessinger

Table of Contents

(To be taken directly to a particular article just click on the title, to

return to the Table of Contents click on the bookmark symbol)

Report on the Church Council Meeting Page 4

Worship Assistants in October Page 5

Table Talk Page 6

Our Daily Bread Food Drive Page 6

Gifts of Hope Benefit Concert Page 7

Stop Hunger Now Page 7

Fall Redeemer Red Cross Blood Drive Page 7

A Note of Thanks Page 7

Social Concerns Ministry Page 8

Ministry and Mission Enhancement Page 9

Fall Bible Study on Philippians Page 9

Spiritual Nurture Ministry Team Page 10

Worship and Music Ministry Team Page 11

Christian Calendar: Special Days in October Page 12

October Birthdays Page 15

October Calendar Page 16

Report on the Church Council Meeting of September 8, 2014

Opening

Pastor Kessinger led the opening devotions on the topic of the quality of church leaders. The discussion centered on four

attributes that help define leaders: commitment, conviction, competency, and character.

Pastor’s Report

Pastor Kessinger distributed copies of her report. Her activities for the months of July and August included the regular

variety of undertakings including visiting the homebound, baptisms, funerals, bible studies, and attending church meet-

ings. Some highlights include:

Home visits.

Memorial Service for Pastor Evans

Three age specific Youth ministry events to “Find Your Way to PSK”

Dinner with Young Adults

Judy Kuhagen will be helping with the newsletter by interviewing ministry team and committee chairs. She began

with an interview of the Christian Education Ministry leaders, Ellen Kennedy and Vicar Amy, that was published in

the September Tidings.

Report from Christian Education Ministry Team

Ellen Kennedy, Chair of the Christian Education Ministry Team, and Vicar Amy Fiera discussed the operations of the

Christian Education Ministry Team. Sunday School is getting ready to start up on Sunday, September 14th. Training for

teachers occurred on Sunday, September 7th with discussion including curriculum and the child protection policy. Some

classes still need volunteers. Some classes have been combined due to low enrollment and to help with getting enough

adult volunteers. A rotation model will be used for four weeks during Advent. This will provide 4 different stations with

different activities. Each Sunday during advent the classes by grade level will take part in one station. The team is collect-

ing additional curriculum resources to assist teachers in the lesson planning.

Adult Education has begun a series called “Table Talk” that is being led by Robin Taylor at 9:45 on Sunday mornings. It

will be a blend of bible study and contemporary issues.

Treasurer’s Report

Dean Graves reported on the church’s July and August Finances. The deficit is slightly less than last year at the same

time. Giving is up from last year and receipts from facility use are also up, much due to the summer program rental. Ex-

penses are up due to additional staff and healthcare costs. The funds in the checking and savings accounts stand at

$597,200. The large increase last month was due to a dedicated gift for stained glass windows. The afterschool program

ended the year with roughly a $30,000 surplus. The preschool deficit was approximately $20,000, $10,000 of which was

offset by surplus funds from last year. The balance of the 1st mortgage is down to about $116, as MMEC receipts are being

applied.

Executive Committee Report

The Executive Committee report from the August 27th meeting was approved. The highlights included:

Sending our youth delegation to the upcoming National ELCA Youth Gathering needs additional funds and two fund-

raising methods have been suggested by members:

- A pumpkin sale fundraiser this October was approved.

- Amazon allows donations to be made to a charity, a small percentage of purchase costs. Approval was

granted to allocate the “Lutheran Church of the Redeemer’s youth trip” for the receipt of the donations.

Accepted a major unsolicited and targeted gift. The dedicated donation of $225,000 was given for stained glass win-

dows and a couple of smaller projects, art for the blank wall above the arch in the Crossroads and lighting the outdoor

cross. A task force will be formed to shepherd the procurement of the stained glass windows and the other projects.

A proposed Social Security seminar was approved, to be coordinated by Marti Hopler. The program may be opened

to the community.

Worship Assistants in October 2014

October 5, 2014 8:30 9:45:00 AM

baptism 11:00

Assisting Minister Phyllis Peter-Mallard Russ Jones Sara Egeland

Reader Jackie Budde Nancy Etkin Flo Hall

Communion Assistant(s) Karen Miller Nancy Etkin & Jean-Marie Leonard Flo Hall

Ushers Steve Lancaster & Rob Wenk Bill Swarm & Jim Turner Howie Lind & Eric Sivertsen

Chancel Care Paula Nassen Poulos Diane Miller Carol Martz

October 12, 2014 8:30 9:45 11:00:00 AM

baptism

Assisting Minister Steve Gunderson Betsy Kutscher

Reader Wayne Ludkey Matthew Kratz Deanna Heier

Communion Assistant(s) Charlie Brown Matthew Kratz & Ellen Kennedy Carol Martz

Ushers Michael Philpy & Andy Pribulka David Broderdorf & Andrea Brown Bob Hahne & Norman Knutsen

Chancel Care Joyce Clarke Lucinda Romberg Betsy Kutscher

October 19, 2014 8:30 9:45 11:00

Assisting Minister Phyllis Peter-Mallard Carol Pribulka Max Miller

Reader Bob Speegle Steve Gunderson Sara Egeland

Communion Assistant(s) Michael Philpy Steve Gunderson & Katherine McGuire Elaine Tucker

Ushers Ubben Family Arcel Castillo & Tami Dibble Gordon & Kate Jones

Chancel Care Jane Skotzko Megan Kratz Nancy Power

Reformation Sunday

October 26, 2014 8:30 9:45 11:00

Assisting Minister Sara Egeland Paula Green Liz Scheffler

Reader Harold Hofstad Matt Reichenbach Confirmands

Communion Assistant(s) Liz Scheffler Jim Kuhagen & Linda Peterson Confirmands

Ushers Charlie & Gwen Brown Julia Fredriksen & Lars Magnusson Ron & Betsy Kutscher

Chancel Care Phyllis Peter-Mallard Tammie Koenig Elaine Tucker

Report on Ministry and Mission Enhancement Campaign

The Ministry and Mission Enhancement Campaign (MMEC). Some 82 members have pledged almost $300,000 to date,

and over $150,000 of that has already been received. On Sunday, August 31st Ron Kutscher presented a Temple Talk at

each of the services and a letter was sent out to update the congregation on the status of the MMEC.

Mickey Skelton and Carolyn Ubben have organized the Redeemer Listens effort. The Redeemer Listens effort will be

facilitated by members of the Council and the Mutual Ministry group. After each service for four Sundays (9/14, 9/21,

9/28, and 10/5) church leaders will be in the Prayer and Care room seeking input from members to understand how the

congregation is currently serving as an instrument for God’s work, and to contemplate where God is leading us for the

future.

Closing

The next Council meeting is scheduled for October 13, 2014 at 7:30 pm. The next Executive Committee meetings will

be September 24h at 7:00 am. The meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

Our Daily Bread Food Drive -- Saturday, October 4th

The next Redeemer ODB Food Drive will be held in the church Crossroads on Saturday, October 4th from 9:00 AM -11:00

AM.

We will be accepting food items or gift card donations for this drive.

Grocery donations can be dropped off in the Crossroads by Friday, October 3rd

To sponsor a family with a gift card, please sign up after services or contact Deanna Heier by Sunday September 28th

Additional volunteer opportunities:

Sorters: sort and pack items for delivery (Sat, 10/4 at 9AM in the Crossroads)

Drivers: deliver donations to 2-3 sponsored families on Saturday (10/4 afternoon) or Sunday (10/5 anytime)

Special needs shoppers: shopping for families with dietary restrictions or other special needs (diapers, formula, etc)

To volunteer, please be on the lookout for sign up sheets after services or contact Deanna Heier at dmheier@yahoo.com or

678-478-3561.

This is a great hands-on service event if you are looking for ways to serve the community. All ages are welcome.

Thanks in advance to all those who can help in some way!

Everyone is welcome to attend – whether for one session or week after week

TableTalk is a new ministry at Redeemer in which participants explore questions of faith, build relationships, and

deepen commitments to discipleship. As we gather around the table for Holy Communion as one body in Christ, we also

gather around the table as one people for study, talk, and fellowship – TableTalk! – Sundays from 9:45 am to 10:45 a.m.

Reading the Bible as People of the Contemporary Church

We use Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally by Marcus J. Borg as

the basis for our discussion. We explore how to read the Bible as Christian people of the 21st century, engaging with the

Bible in the contemporary world and in the context of how other Christians throughout history have read the Bible.

Discussion Questions

The discussion questions for each week are posted on the TableTalk webpage here.

Questions?

Contact Robin Taylor, tabletalk.rlc@gmail.com.

TableTalk

A new ministry at Redeemer

Sundays at 9:45 a.m.

STOP HUNGER NOW RETURNS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2014

Once again Redeemer will be hosting volunteers from the greater McLean community as we together package meals to

be sent to schools in developing countries. Please put the date on your calendar so you can help us. Meals still cost 25

cents each. Please make a contribution toward this event. You can put checks made out to Redeemer with Stop Hun-

ger Now on the memo line in the offering plate on Sunday.

Questions? Contact Bob Hahne at rlhahne@cox.net

GIFTS OF HOPE BENEFIT CONCERT

Come and enjoy the music of George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and more. Redeemer Lutheran

will host the 2nd annual Gifts of Hope Benefit Concert on Sunday, October 12, 2014, 3:00 pm. This year’s concert

will feature the music from the Great American Songbook performed by Lizabeth Flood, a professional singer, com-

poser, and pianist. In lieu of admission there will be a free-will offering. The Fairfax Chapter of Thrivent Financial

will match donations ($1 for each $3 donated; maximum $1000). All proceeds will support Gifts of Hope agencies.

More information at http://giftsofhopemetrodc.org

FALL REDEEMER RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

In the season of giving, consider giving the gift of life. Your life saving donation can save up to 3 lives, and it costs nothing

but your time. Redeemer's Fall Red Cross Blood Drive is Monday November 24th from 2:30pm - 8pm in the Crossroads. If

you would like to schedule an appointment contact Elizabeth Carroll elizabethccarroll@gmail.com or go to

www.redcross.org

A Note of Thanks…..

Linda Blake is the daughter of Olif Stanley, long

time member of Redeemer who served the Lord

through her loving and faithful service.

Social Concerns Ministry – October Events

Sharing Christ’s love with the greatest number of people

October 4 and 5: Our Daily Bread Food Drive

Redeemer will sponsor 30 families through Our Daily Bread food program on October 4 and 5 by donating mon-

ey toward gift cards or by donating and delivering food. For more information, contact Deanna Heier, 678-478-

3561 or dmheier@yahoo.com.

October 5: Lutheran Social Services

Come hear about the importance of supporting Lutheran Social Services (LSS) and learn about ways in which

you may help with LSS’ services for refugees, caregivers and youth. LSS staff will speak at the 9:45 and 11:00

AM services and will be available in the Crossroads between services.

October 9: Habitat for Humanity Douglass Avenue Home Dedication Ceremony

Join Redeemer volunteers on Thursday, October 9, 3:30 p.m., to dedicate the Douglass Avenue home that was

recently built by Habitat for Humanity. The dedication ceremony will be held at the Second Baptist Church,

6626 Costner Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042 and will continue at the newly completed home nearby. For more

information, contact Lynn Barth, 703-346-8012 or lynnbarth@gmail.com.

October 11: Gifts of Hope

Enjoy the music of George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and more at the second annual Gifts

of Hope Benefit Concert on Sunday, October 12, at 3 PM at Redeemer. In lieu of admission, a free-will offering

which will be accepted and matched by the Fairfax Chapter of Thrivent Financial. For more information, con-

tact Nancy Power, 703-821-1066 or npower6803@verizon.net.

October 26: N Street Village

Join N Street Village and Luther Place Memorial Church on Sunday October 26 at 1 PM to celebrate the release

of a the book Breaking Bread, which documents how an interfaith coalition led by Luther Place responded to the

homeless challenge in Washington, D.C. over the last 40 years. Luther Place Memorial Church is located at

1226 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington DC.

October 28: Social Concerns Ministry Fall Meeting, 7-8:30 PM at Redeemer.

FALL BIBLE STUDY

ON PHILIPPIANS

TWO SESSIONS LEFT

Wednesday Evening

October 1 and 8

7:15 pm – 8:30 pm

Same Class will be repeated

Thursday Morning

October 2 and 9

10:30 am – 11:45 am

Classes will be held in the Crossroads

Ministry and Mission Enhancement Campaign

Redeemer is focused on a dual effort to Move Redeemer Forward. One aspect of this is a Redeemer Listens Cam-

paign initiated to determine how best to Move Redeemer Forward in our Chr istian Ministry as a Congregation. An-

other equally important effort, the Ministry and Mission Enhancement Campaign is designed to reduce our church’s debt

so we can make progress from a financial standpoint. Reducing our debt is critical for us to meet our needs, address our

priorities and realize Redeemer’s potential. Both of these are focused on a February 2015 Congregational meeting deci-

sion time

.Redeemer Listens-Over 4 Sundays a member of the Congregational Council or another church leader have been in the

Prayer and Care room to hear your thoughts and ideas on how best to Move Redeemer Forward. The last Sunday for this

is October 5th, so if you have not had a chance to relate your dreams and hopes for Redeemer, please join them Sunday. If

you are not able, there are yellow cards available in the pews, fill them out and drop them off at the church office or in

the Sunday morning collection plate. We want to hear from you. We appreciate those that have taken the time to respond

already.

Ministry and Mission Enhancement Campaign- Last Spring, this campaign was begun to raise resources to lower

our church mortgage and free resources to Move Redeemer Forward. Progress to date has been encouraging, as the tabu-

lation below shows:

Number of families that have participated to date 86

Amount pledged to date $308,720.00

Amount contributed to date $170,934.00

First mortgage, at the present time $86,417.00

If you have already pledged and or given, thank you for helping to Move Redeemer Forward. If you have not, prayer -

fully consider giving, so that we can make the progress that we all hope and pray for.

Community Night of Prayer- Another feature of these on-going efforts is a night when we as a community pause from

our daily pursuits and pray together. The next night is Tuesday October 7th at 8:00. Consider joining with other members

of Redeemer and pray for successful efforts for our Redeemer Listens and Ministry and Mission Enhancement Cam-

paigns. Thank God for all he has done for Redeemer in the past, and ask His guidance on our efforts for the future.

Thank God for all he has done in your life and for his guidance for concerns or problems that you as a family or individu-

al are facing.

Spiritual Nurture Ministry Team: A conversation with Paula Green

The next few issues of Tidings will look at the various ministries of Redeemer as another way of helping us be aware of

some of the challenges and opportunities before us (and as decisions will be made at the February annual meeting).

Q: What are the responsibilities of the Spiritual Nurture Ministry team?

A: The Spiritual Nurture Ministry Team was developed in order to offer opportunities for us to deepen our spiritual life

as we demonstrate the love of Christ to others. Specifically, Redeemer’s Bylaws state that the Spiritual Nurture Ministry

Team shall have special responsibility for programs that promote a life of faith and compassion among all members, in-

cluding opportunities for deepening prayer life, calling on the homebound, ill, or grieving, offering spiritual retreats and

seminars, developing and using devotional materials, and shall make appropriate recommendations to the Council.

Q: What activities or groups belong to this team?

A: Activities for the Spiritual Nurture Ministry include planning and providing volunteer support for funeral receptions;

organizing the sending of college student care packages; connecting with members who may be ill or infirmed through

cards, visits, and holiday treats; providing assistance to Pastor Kessinger for spiritual retreats; and offering opportunities

for group prayer.

Q: What are your goals/activities/main tasks for the coming months?

A: Our upcoming planned activities include sending care packages to college freshman in October and assisting with

planning of the next spiritual retreat on November 14-15.

Q: What one thing do most Redeemer people not know about the Spiritual Nurture Ministry team?

A: Perhaps once thing that people do not realize about the Spiritual Nurture Ministry is how closely linked it is to evan-

gelism. When we care for others, we are sharing Christ’s love. When we share Christ’s love, we demonstrate to others

through our actions that Redeemer is a welcoming and caring community.

Q: Who else serves on this team?

A: There are many who serve on this team, whether it’s for a one-time task or ongoing activity.

Q: Are there tasks needing volunteers?

A: We need help with specific events that include helping with funeral receptions, contributing to college care packages,

and helping with retreat planning. Connecting with members through cards, visits and holiday treats can be either a one-

time task or an ongoing effort. Regardless of the amount of time you have to devote to this ministry, you can do some-

thing that makes a positive difference in someone else’s life.

Q: How can people contact the Spiritual Nurture Ministry team?

A: Contact Paula Green at 703-501-9666 or pegreen@verizon.net.

Q: What else do you want to say about the Spiritual Nurture Ministry team?

A: Prayer is incredibly important to this ministry and to life itself at Redeemer. Whether you do it in a group setting,

such as with Heather Hunter on the 1st Sunday of every month, or in the privacy of your own thoughts, lifting up the

needs of others to God is a powerful tool!

Worship and Music Ministry Team: a conversation with Liz Schefler

Q: What are the responsibilities of the Worship and Music team?

A: To facilitate, coordinate, and present, spiritually-uplifting and motivating worship and music services for the congre-

gation.

Q: What activities or groups belong to this team?

A: Anything worship-related: planning; music; bulletins and banners; altar care and flowers; ushers and sound system;

readers; acolytes and crucifers; Communion Assistants; Assisting Ministers.

Q: What are your goals/activities/main tasks for the coming months?

A: Preparing for the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany cycles; this includes preparing for “greening the church” during Ad-

vent and training the new cadre of Acolyte/ Crucifers and other worship support

Q: Who serves on this team

A: This is a team of teams as well as individuals:

- Matt Osifchin for the overall Music;

- Phyllis Mallard and Paula Poulos on Chancel Care;

- Betsy Kutscher on Banners;

- Steve Kutscher scheduling Readers and Communion Assistants;

- Janet Pfister has served us faithfully for many years for Ushers

(Janet has asked for a volunteer to take her place as lead usher);

- Ann Lawrence on bulletins;

- Confirmation Coordinator for Acolyte and Crucifer;

- Dwight Petersen, Rob Wenk and others helps coordinate the sound system;

- Phyllis Mallard takes the lead for flowers;

- I post the Assisting Minster schedule.

Q: What one thing do most Redeemer people not know about the Worship and Music team?

A: JUST HOW MUCH GOES INTO A WORSHIP SERVICE

It starts with planning the service (months ahead): With Pastor, Matt and Ann reviewing each bulletin to denote the sea-

son of the church year, readings, hymns, and special music. It includes Betsy and the banner team and Phyllis planning

flowers. Then we have to ensure we have people scheduled to print and stuff the bulletins, prepare the altar and flowers,

and any worship participants are in place. Finally we have the actual Sunday worship with music, sound, ushers, readers

and Communion Assistants, Assisting Ministers, acolyte and crucifers.

Q: Are there ongoing tasks needing volunteers?

A: YES. Those who would like to participate in any of the worship experiences at Redeemer may contact Matt for mu-

sic (mosifchi@hotmail.com); Phyllis or Paula for chancel care (ppetermallard@gmail.com or ppoulos2@hotmail.com);

Steve Kutscher for Reader/Communion Assistant (srkutscher@gmail.com); the office for sound system; and Pastor if

interested in being trained as an Assisting Minister.

Q: Are there other tasks needing volunteers in coming months?

A: Yes, there will be a church cleaning day one Saturday in December as we prepare for Christmas. Watch for an an-

nouncement about how you can help that day.

Christian Calendar: Special Days in October

Traditionally, the Christian calendar1 has two parts:

--- The first is our normal cycle from Advent through the Season of Pentecost. It is the yearlong commemoration of the re-

demptive acts of God.

--- The second cycle commemorates selected examples of the faith. They are celebrated to show how the acts of God in

Christ are lived out in individual lives.

There are eight categories of commemorations: martyrs, theologians, artists and scientists, pastors and bishops, missionaries,

renewers of the Church, renewers of society, and saints. A person may fit into two categories. The date chosen is normally

that of the person’s death – also known as the heavenly birthday.

The ones we pay most attention to are found on pages 15-17 of the ELW (cranberry hymnal).

The lesser festivals are associated with the life of Christ or of the Apostles but are “less” important than the festivals of Christ-

mas, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, etc. Congregations have some flexibility about celebrating those festivals in lieu of the

regular Sunday in the church year.

Below is brief information2 about the lesser festivals and commemorations for October (lesser festivals in all capital letters).

= = = = =

October 4 – Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church, died 1226

Francis was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. In a public confrontation with his father, he renounced his wealth

and future inheritance and devoted himself to serving the poor. Francis described this act as being “wedded to Lady

Poverty.” Under his leadership the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) was formed, and they took literally Jesus’

words to his disciples that they should take nothing on their journey and receive no payment for their work. Their

task in preaching was to “use words if necessary.” Francis had a spirit of gladness and gratitude for all of God’s crea-

tion. This commemoration has been a traditional time to bless pets and animals, creatures Francis called his brothers

and sisters. A prayer and a hymn attributed to St. Francis are included in Evangelical Lutheran Worship; the hymn is

835, “All Creatures, Worship God Most High”. Below is the prayer attributed to Francis of Assisi (ELW, p. 87):

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon;

where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness,

light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be un-

derstood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we

are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

October 4 – Theodor Fliedner, renewer of society, died 1864

Fliedner’s work was instrumental in the revival of the ministry of deaconesses among Lutherans. While a pastor in

Kaiserswerth, Germany, he also ministered to prisoners in Dusseldorf. Through his ministry to prisoners, he came

into contact with Moravian deaconesses, and it was through this Moravian influence that he was convinced that the

ministry of deaconesses had a place among Lutherans. His work and writing encouraged women to care for those

who sick, poor, or imprisoned. Fliedner’s deaconess motherhouse in Kaiserswerth inspired Lutherans all over the

world to commission deaconesses to serve in parishes, schools, prisons, and hospitals.

October 6 – William Tyndale, translator, martyr, died 1536

William Tyndale was ordained in 1521, and his life’s desire was to translate the scriptures into English. When

his plan met opposition from King Henry VIII, Tyndale fled to Germany, where he traveled from city to city,

living in poverty and constant danger. He was able to produce a New Testament in 1525. Nine years later he

revised it and began work on the Old Testament, which he was unable to complete. He was captured, tried for

heresy, and burned at the stake. Miles Coverdale completed Tyndale’s work, and the Tyndale-Coverdale ver-

sion was published as the “Matthew Bible” in 1537. For nearly four centuries the style of this translation has

influenced English versions of the Bible such as the King James (Authorized Version) and the New Revised

Standard Version.

October 7 – Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, pastor in North America, died in 1787

Muhlenberg was prominent in setting the course for Lutheranism in North America. He helped Lutheran church-

es make the transition from the state churches of Europe to a new identity on American soil. Among other

things, he established the first Lutheran synod in America and developed an American Lutheran liturgy. His

liturgical principles became the basis for the Common Service of 1888, used in many North American service

books for a majority of the past century. That Muhlenberg and his work are remembered today was anticipated

at his death. The inscription on his grave reads, in Latin, “Who and what he was, future ages will know without

a stone.”

October 15 – Teresa of Ávila (Teresa de Jesús), teacher, renewer of the church, died 1582

Teresa of Ávila is also known as Teresa de Jesús. She chose the life of a Carmelite nun after reading the letters

of Jerome (the scholar who translated the Bible from Hebrew and classical Latin into the Latin spoken by the

people). Frequently sick during her early years as a nun, she found that when she was sick her prayer life flow-

ered, but when she was well it withered. Steadily her life of faith and prayer deepened, and she grew to have a

lively sense of God’s presence within her. She worked to reform her monastic community in Ávila, which she

believed had strayed from its original purpose. Her reforms asked nuns to maintain life in the monastic enclo-

sure without leaving it and to identify with those who are poor by not wearing shoes. Teresa’s writings on devo-

tional life have enjoyed a wide readership.

October 17 – Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, martyr, died around 115

Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch, in Syria. It was there that the name “Christian” was first used to de-

scribe the followers of Jesus. Ignatius is known to us through his letters. In them he encouraged Christians to

live in unity sustained with love while standing firm on sound doctrine. Ignatius believed Christian martyrdom

was a privilege. When his own martyrdom approached, he wrote in one of his letters, “I prefer death in Christ

Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth ... Do no stand in the way of my birth to real life.” Ignatius

and all martyrs are a reminder that even today Christians face death because of their faith in Jesus.

October 18 – LUKE, EVANGELIST

St. Luke is identified by tradition as the author of both Luke and Acts. Luke is careful to place the events of

Jesus’ life in both their social and religious contexts. Some of the most loved parables, including the good Sa-

maritan and the prodigal son, are found only in this gospel. Luke’s gospel has also given the church some of its

most beautiful songs: the Benedictus sung at morning prayer, the Magnificat sung at evening prayer, and the

Nunc dimittis sung at the close of the day. These songs are powerful witnesses to the message of Jesus Christ.

October 23 – James of Jerusalem, martyr, died around 62

James became an early leader of the church in Jerusalem. He is described in the New Testament as the brother

of Jesus, and secular historian Josephus calls James the brother of Jesus, “the so-called Christ.” Little is known

about James, but Josephus reported that the Pharisees respected James for his piety and observance of the law.

His enemies had him put to death.

October 26 – Philipp Nicolai, died 1608; Johann Heermann, died 1647; Paul Gerhardt, died 1676; hymnwriters

These three outstanding hymnwriters all worked in Germany during times of war and plague. When Philipp Ni-

colai was a pastor in Westphalia, the plague killed thirteen hundred of his parishioners. One hundred seventy

people died in one week. His hymns “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” (ELW 436) and “O Morning Star,

How Fair and Bright!” (ELW 308) were included in a series of meditations he wrote to comfort his parishioners

during the plague. The style of Johann Heermann’s hymns moved away from the objective style of Reformation

hymnody toward expressing the emotions of faith. Among his hymns is the plaintive text “Ah, Holy Je-

sus” (ELW 349). Paul Gerhardt lost a preaching position at St. Nicholas Church in Berlin because he refused to

sign a document stating he would not make theological arguments in his sermons. Some have called Gerhardt,

the author of beloved hymns such as “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” (ELW 351), the greatest of Lutheran

hymnwriters.

October 28 – SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES

Little is known about Simon and Jude. In New Testament lists of the apostles, Simon the “zealot” or Cananaean

is mentioned, but he is never mentioned apart from these lists. Jude, sometimes called Thaddeus, is also men-

tioned in lists of the Twelve. At the last supper Jude asked Jesus why had chosen to reveal himself to the disci-

ples but not to the world. A traditional story about Simon and Jude says that they traveled together on a mission-

ary journey to Persia and were both martyred there.

October 31 – REFORMATION DAY

By the end of the seventeenth century, many Lutheran churches celebrated a festival commemorating Martin

Luther’s posting of the Ninety-five Theses, a summary of the abuses in the church of his time. At the heart of

the reform movement was the gospel, the good news that it is by grace through faith that we are justified and set

free.

1 General information about commemorations from Pfatteicher, Philip. Festivals and Commemorations: Handbook to the

Calendar in Lutheran Book of Worship. Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House; Philadelphia: Board of Publication,

Lutheran Church in America, 1980.

2 Information about the October lesser festivals and commemorations from Sundays and Seasons, Y ear A: 2014. Minne-

apolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2013.

Susanne Bathgate 10/1

James Holzapfel 10/1

Thomas Van Wazer 10/1

Florencio Yuzon 10/1

Donna Eberwine 10/2

David Sande 10/2

Jordan True 10/2

Kameron True 10/2

Monica Augustenborg 10/3

Luis Crouch 10/3

Jonathan Gutzler 10/3

Howard Lind 10/3

Ingrid Shumway 10/3

Alexa Wilson 10/3

Keith Bornmann 10/4

Margaret Crawford 10/4

Max Geduldig 10/4

Nicole Ritchie 10/4

Lore Stratos 10/4

Grayson Yuzon 10/4

Michael Corvari 10/5

Max Miller 10/5

Robert Smout 10/5

Jonathan Veum 10/5

Jillian Carr 10/6

Gerda Gomes 10/6

Christopher Jordan 10/6

Brittany Persino 10/6

Christian Richter 10/6

Juliana Geris 10/7

John Lettow 10/7

Peter Shumway 10/7

Gregory Van Scoyoc 10/7

Judith Weischedel 10/8

Laura Daly 10/9

Chris Lighty 10/9

Kenneth McCloud 10/9

Carolyn Root 10/9

Marlene Severson 10/9

Heather Hunter 10/10

Douglas McKee 10/10

William Bussman 10/11

Alexander Castillo 10/12

Eric Morris 10/12

Nelle Temple Brown 10/12

Paul Klontz 10/13

Diana Leavitt 10/14

Dawn Regan 10/14

Milton Schultz Jr. 10/14

Joseph Kratz 10/15

Tyler Laredo 10/15

Natalie Reeves 10/15

Jorgen Augustenborg 10/16

Steven Gorman 10/16

Alaura Maglio 10/16

Pat Reblitz 10/16

Hugh Risseeuw 10/16

Shelby Smout 10/16

Line Corvari 10/18

Russel Jones 10/18

Kevin Bettner 10/19

Mary Gonda 10/19

Stella Pence 10/19

Linsey Wenk 10/19

Dean Graves 10/20

Robert Redding 10/20

Robert Redding 10/20

Ozan Sevimli 10/20

Caroline Griffis 10/21

Elizabeth Melby 10/21

Claire Dutrow 10/22

Max Goldfrank 10/22

Basia Manitius 10/22

Diane Miller 10/22

George Shields 10/22

Mary Wallace 10/22

Laura Opsahl-Ong 10/23

Deborah Risseeuw 10/23

Gabriel DeLeonardis 10/24

Timothy Devlin 10/24

Henry Lettow 10/24

Lucas Owen 10/25

Andrew Pribulka 10/25

Linda Rogers 10/26

Carolyn Ubben 10/26

Joan Bradley 10/27

Mark Detweiler 10/27

Donald Miller 10/27

Karin Ryding 10/27

Adam Dietrich 10/28

Benjamin Plowgian 10/28

Nicholas Angus 10/29

Brandon Castillo 10/29

Edward Hutchinson 10/29

Anders Aga 10/30

Danielle Kuhn 10/30

Alexa Stieg 10/30

Robin Truslow 10/30

Caroline Bereuter 10/31

Anders Choi 10/31

Heidi Stewart 10/31

Wed 10/01 9:30a Quilting PH 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:00p Yoga MSA 7:15p Bible Study CF Thur 10/02 1:30p Prayer Shawl Ministry LI 5:30p McLean Teen CBS RLC 7:00p Bell Choir MSA 7:00p SHARE Board Meeting CR 7:45p Traditional Choir MSB 8:00p Men’s Basketball PH Fri 10/03 7:30p Praise Team Rehearsal MSB Sun 10/05 Preschool Sunday 8:30a Traditional Worship NA 9:45a Contemporary Worship NA 9:45a Sunday School RLC 9:45a Table Talk FH 11:00a Traditional Worship NA 12:15p Confirmation Rehearsal NA 3:00p MOJO Volleyball PH Mon 10/06 6:30p Aerobics CR 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:00p AA MSA Tue 10/07 12:00p Rotary FH 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:00p PreSchool Board Meeting LI 7:00p Boy Scout Troop 1916 FH 7:00p Youth Program Meeting CR Wed 10/08 6:30p MOJO Elite Volleyball PH 7:00p Yoga MSA 7:15p Bible Study CF Thur 10/09 10:30a Bible Study CF 5:30p McLean Teen CBS RLC 7:00p Bell Choir MSA 7:45p Traditional Choir MSB 8:30p Men’s Basketball PH Fri 10/10 7:00p Youth Group 4-6 PH 7:00p Share a meal with PSK OS Sun 10/12 8:30a Traditional Worship NA 9:45a Contemporary Worship NA 9:45a Sunday School RLC 9:45a Table Talk FH 11:00a Traditional Worship NA 12:15p New Members Class CR 3:00p Gifts of Hope Concert NA 3:00p MOJO Volleyball PH 4:00p Girl Scouts CL 5:00p Share a meal with PSK OS Mon 10/13 6:30p Aerobics MSA 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:00p AA MSA 7:30p Congregational Council Mtg. CR Tue 10/14 12:00p Rotary FH 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 6:00p Langley Residential Services CR 7:00p Finance and Administration LI 7:30p Boy Scout Troop 1916 FH

Wed 10/15 9:30a Quilting FH 6:30p MOJO Elite Volleyball PH 7:00p Yoga MSA Thur 10/16 1:30p Prayer Shawl Ministry LI 5:30p McLean Teen CBS RLC 7:00p Bell Choir MSA 7:45p Traditional Choir MSB 8:00p Men’s Basketball PH Sun 10/19 8:30a Traditional Worship NA 9:45a Contemporary Worship NA 9:45a Sunday School RLC 9:45a Table Talk FH 11:00a Traditional Worship NA 12:15p First Communion Class LI 12:15p New Members Class CR 4:00p Confirmation Dinner FH 4:00p Cub Scouts RLC Mon 10/20 6:30p Aerobics CR 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:00p AA MSA 7:30p McLean Swim and Tennis CR Tue 10/21 12:00p Rotary FH 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:30p Boy Scout Troop 1916 FH Wed 10/22 6:30p MOJO Elite Volleyball PH 7:00p Yoga MSA Thur 10/23 5:30p McLean Teen CBS RLC 7:00p Bell Choir MSA 7:45p Traditional Choir MSB Fri 10/24 7:00p Consignment Sale RLC Sat 10/25 8:00a Consignment Sale RLC 5:00p New Members Dinner CF Sun 10/26 8:30a Traditional Worship NA 9:45a Contemporary Worship NA 9:45a Sunday School RLC 9:45a Table Talk FH 11:00a Traditional Worship Confirmation NA 3:00p MOJO Volleyball PH 4:00p Girl Scouts MSA Mon 10/27 6:30p Aerobics CR 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:00p AA MSA Tue 10/28 12:00p Rotary FH 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:00p Social Concerns Meeting LI 7:00p Stoneleigh Association CR 7:30p Boy Scout Troop 1916 FH Wed 10/29 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:00p Yoga MSA Thu 10/30 5:30p McLean Teen CBS RLC 7:00p Bell Choir MSA 7:45p Traditional Choir MSB 8:00p Men’s Basketball PH