UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH · My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you. You have looked with love on your servant here, and blessed me all my life through

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August 2019

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS SUNDAY, AUGUST 11TH

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PSALM 19 ASTRONOMY CLUB

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18TH @ 6:30PM

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W-ELCA

ORGANIZATION MEETING WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14TH @ 1:00PM

UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH We are a Stephen Ministry Church

Address: 100 Cooper Road · Bella Vista · AR 72715

Phone: 479-855-1325

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.unitedlutheranbv.org

LIKE US on Facebook: @ United Lutheran Church

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FROM THE PASTOR’S OFFICE: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany

These are the ordinary days. In the secular world, the dominant image for this time of year is a child walking to

school, carrying a new lunch box. In many a congregation, including ours, this season is marked by a flurry of

activity as new programs begin or begin again and people return from the lull of summer to participate in the

worship and education life of the church.

The church does not provide a major liturgical event to highlight the difference of these weeks. There are no

Advent candles to light, no Lenten disciplines to take on. If the sacred is to break through in this time, it will be

in more ordinary ways: as the Word is read and heard, as people are welcomed back, as the “saints” of the

congregation are recognized and remembered.

The liturgical color for the weeks after Pentecost is green, the symbolic color of growth. The texts form Luke

challenge us to consider the ways in which these ordinary weeks can be a time for growth in discipleship.

We are invited to grow, to allow God lose in our lives, stirring things us, which brings us to this month’s saint

commemoration: Mary, Mother of Our Lord, August 15.

Her story is familiar to us, at least the one we read in Luke 2 each Christmas (or Christmas in July as we

celebrated this year). However, before this treasured story we hear her sing:

My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you. You have looked with love on your

servant here, and blessed me all my life through. Great and mighty are you. O holy One strong is your kindness

evermore. How you favor the weak and lowly one, humbling the proud of heart.

You have cast the mighty down from their thrones and uplifted the humble of heart, You have filled the hungry

with wondrous things, and left the wealthy no part. Great and mighty are you, O Faithful One, strong is your

justice, strong your love, As you promised to Sarah and Abraham, kindness forevermore. (Luke 1: 46-55)

For centuries the church has sung Mary’s song as a

canticle at evening prayer. Mary personifies the faith

of the whole Christian church that is always ready to

answer God’s call to service. Far from being words

of mere submission, though, Mary’s song gives

witness to a God of justice who brings down the

powerful and fills hungry people with good things. A

God who is at work in the world through people like

you and me. Martin Luther saw Mary as a sign of

God’s grace offered to everyone.

With the voice of faith we sing not of the way things

are, but of the way things really are. We sing of

God’s grace, God’s giving, God’s inversions, God’s

work ... our hands (to use the ELCA’s motto.) God

chose Mary to make a difference in the world, to bear

a son who was and is the savior of the world. God

likewise chooses us to be active and involved in the

world for the sake of the world. That is such good

news, it deserves to be sung and lived out.

In these ordinary days, inspired by Mary, I invite you

to consider anew how God is calling you to serve.

There are always new opportunities.

Pentecost Joy!! Pastor Karen

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STEPHEN MINISTRY

If you or someone you know (in or outside of ULC) could use the

comforting presence of a Stephen Minister, please contact

Sarah Stephenson at [email protected]

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PARISH NURSES: TIP OF THE MONTH SELF-ESTEEM

Having positive self-esteem, you are more effective, productive, capable, and lovable. With low self-esteem

you are not as effective, can feel worthless, not loved, and incompetent. Self Esteem can be improved no

matter what age you are. You owe it to yourself to feel good about who you are. Each one of us is an unique

individual.

No single event or person can determine your level of self-esteem. It develops over time and we can help

ourselves and others by being positive. High self-esteem individuals accept challenges, maintain

self-confidence, remain flexible, and do things to enrich their lives. If you or someone you know has low

self-es-teem there are ways a person can help themselves improve. They can take a can-do attitude, accept their

strengths and weaknesses take pride in their achievements, respect yourself and be proud of who you are.

Love yourself and focus on feeling good about yourself. Don’t put other people down. Treat yourself like a

friend and keep thinking positive.

A positive sense of self is a great gift parents, grandparents, can give

to their children- pay attention to them, give them smiles, listen to

what they are saying. Praise your child but do it wisely. Be a good

role model. Focus on the child’s strength. One of my favorite quotes

is: Love yourself and love those around you. Take care of yourself

and take care of those around you. Lead by example. Give LOVE.

Be a part of everything that is great with the world, and in turn there

is more love and greatness in the world. Help to change the world.

(Jeffrey I. Moore)

God Bless United Lutheran members, family, and friends.

Psalm 28:76 The Lord is my strength and my shield.

Your Parish Nurses: Charlotte Spencer & Tonja Seusy

Congregational Care

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BOOK CLUB Becoming - Michelle Obama

MONDAY, AUGUST 26TH @ 6:30PM

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama

invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her

childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands

of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With

unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both

public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her

own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a

woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations —and whose story

inspires us to do the same.

ALSO, there’s a complete listing of the books we’ve read thus far on the counter, under the community

bulletin board. Enjoy!!

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ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: A Journey Into Christian Art

Beginning August 18th on Sunday mornings, Jeremy Fowler-Lindemulder begins

an exciting new Christian Education opportunity focusing on Christian Are: A

picture may be worth a thousand words, but can a painting be read like a book? It

can if you know the code. From the Catacombs to Soho Galleries -- delve into the

roots of Christian art, and trace a common theme that has continued to inspire artists

for almost 2000 years. Using A Journey Into Christian Art by Helen De Borchgrave

as our guide, we begin our adventure August 18th.

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BIBLE STUDY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 14TH & 28TH @ 12:00PM

“Honoring Our Neighbor’s Faith: A Lutheran Perspective on Faith Traditions in America”

by Robert Buckley Farlee, Editor

Hundreds of Christian denominations and dozens of non-Christian traditions have

followers in the United States. How do we view this wide variety of beliefs and

practices? How does the Lutheran tradition compare with others?

Honoring Our Neighbor’s Faith Revised Edition brings new light and nuance to these

questions, which are as timely and vital as ever. This book to explores thirty-two faith

traditions that represent a wide spectrum of beliefs. Each tradition constitutes a

“chapter” that includes key teachings, worship patterns and practices, and how each is

governed. This book includes statistics, tools for group study and discussion, and

updated resource and website lists to facilitate further study.

Come join the discussion!!

Education Announcements

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ASSISTING MINISTER/LITURGIST TRAINING THIS MONTH Leadership in worship is a shared leadership. Assisting ministers are needed to read

scripture, offer prayers and intercessions on behalf of the congregation, assist at the

altar, help distribute the bread and wine, and dismiss the congregation for service in

the world. (Assisting Ministers and Readers, Gerald Spice, page 4)

For many years now here at United, we’ve had assisting ministers read scripture and help distribute the

elements, this month we will add yet another aspect to our life together with trained Assisting Ministers. The

word liturgy means “work of the people,” together we worship: ordained leaders preside, announce absolution,

preach, blessing the elements and send the people forth with a blessing. Assisting ministers welcome, offer

prayers, dismiss. If you are interested, please let Pastor know. A training will be held Sunday, August 11th,

following worship. Additional training will be scheduled as needed.

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• HELPING/SERVING WITH THE SALVATION ARMY - SUNDAY, AUGUST 4TH @ 5:00PM Please call or check in with Jeremy Fowler-Lindemulder if you’d like to help prepare or serve.

• BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS - SUNDAY, AUGUST 11TH (during worship service)

• BREAKFAST CLUB, MONDAY, AUGUST 12TH @ 8:00AM Guest Speaker: Anne Middleton, Member on the Board of Directors for “The Plaza”

Topic: Welcome to the Plaza

Devotion: Joyce Jebsen

All are welcome! Please sign up in the narthex!

Education Announcements

Parish Fellowship UPCOMING EVENTS

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• MOVIE NIGHT - THURSDAY, AUGUST 15TH @ 6:30PM

• PSALM 19 FAITH BASED ASTRONOMY CLUB - SUNDAY, AUGUST 18TH @ 6:30PM

• LUTHERAN NIGHT AT ARVEST BALL PARK - TUESDAY. AUGUST 27TH

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Baseball ($5.00 per ticket) and brats ($1.00 per brat)! Please sign up in the

narthex! The deadline to sign up will be August 16th. If you have any

questions, please contact Dick or Joyce Jebsen at 479-855-9638 or 479-381-6188.

The Jebsens will order and pick up the tickets for the game. You may give your

$5.00 to the Jebsens or leave it in the church office. ALSO...the church group

with the most people in attendance that night will get to choose someone to

throw out the first pitch that evening!

A recently paroled ex-convict, Dell (Kevin Hart), strikes up an unusual and unlikely

friendship with a quadriplegic billionaire, Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston), in this

"funny and warmhearted buddy comedy." From worlds apart, Dell and Phillip form an

unlikely bond, bridging their differences and gaining invaluable wisdom in the

process, giving each man a renewed sense of passion for all of life's possibilities.

Inspired by a true story, this heartfelt comedy also stars Nicole Kidman, Julianna

Margulies, and Aja Naomi King.

JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF TOGETHER

TUESDAYS, AUGUST 20TH - OCTOBER 19TH

5:30-7:00PM First United Methodist Church

20 Boyce Drive

Bella Vista, AR

www.lovelearnlead.com

COME JOIN US!

Are you finding yourself in the midst of grief and loss and wondering how you will make it

through? Although, each path through grief is different, together we will explore the

journey through the seasons of grief and support each other with ways to cope.

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THE HARMONICS UGANDA WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH

(SAVE THE DATE!) American audiences will love the acapella music of The Harmonics Uganda from Uganda, Africa, a nationally

acclaimed acapella group in Uganda consisting of 7 multi-talented young men. The group members are in

their mid-20s to 30 and have performed all over Uganda for several years.

You may never be able to go to Africa, but we’re bringing Africa to you. The Harmonics Uganda will sing

some of your favorite songs both in African and American styles. The concert is packed with high energy

music and interaction with the audience. There will be something for every member of the family. This is not

just another concert; this could be life-changing!

The Harmonics Uganda concert is sponsored by Acts of Love Uganda, Inc, a 501c3 non-profit ministry that

provides a means to families in Uganda to have an income to support their families. The purpose of this tour

is to relocate some of the families in the Katogo Slum, which floods every rainy season, to safer ground and

create a self-sustaining community. You may read further about this ministry at www.actsofloveuganda.org

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http://www.actsofloveuganda.org

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Social Ministry UPDATES

As I write this it is right in the middle of summer. I hope you all have had a relaxing, enjoyable summer!

While we may slow down a bit, maybe take a vacation, may we also keep in mind that the needs of our

“neighbors” around our area and around the world don’t slow down. And while we can’t meet all the needs of

those around us, we definitely can help to make their world a little brighter.

The collection for Oaks Indian Mission in June will help those residents have clean, healthy teeth and band

aids to help make their scratches and cuts feel better! As always, they were grateful for ULC’s generosity.

Thinking of Oaks, I want to thank Sarah Stephenson for her hard work planning the service week. The day

spent helping the Indian Mission and Eben Ezer Lutheran in Oaks was an exciting, busy, and very profitable

day! Besides the 12 people from United all the youth from the mission that were on campus joined in to work

with the group. Those experiences are so goof for the Mission youth.

July and August will offer us another opportunity to share with our “neighbors” in the area. The Oaks Indian

Mission need for these two months will be backpacks. As an update on Oaks, they just welcomed three

siblings as new residents. Their grandmother could no longer care for them. These children will now benefit

from our generosity and love.

Also, during July and August we will be collecting school supplies

that will be divided between the Gravette and Decatur school

systems. Any school items will be fine as there are needs in all

grades. The tubs are in the narthex on the long counter and are

marked for the different collections.

May you continue to have a blessed summer and may you feel

blessed to be a blessing to our neighbors around us!

- Joyce Jebsen _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DONATIONS FOR LITTLE PANTRY ULC’S Little Pantry is always in need of donations. We help so many in our community on a daily basis with

our pantry. If you’d like to donate to the Little Pantry, please check out the below listing of items for different

options on donations. Thank you helping ULC make a positive impact in our community!

LITTLE PANTRY SUGGESTIONS:

Canned Vegetables

Crackers

Juice Boxes

Canned Tuna

Canned Chicken

Spam

Toothbrushes

Soap

Maxi Pads or Tampons

Cereal

Peanut Butter

Ramen Noodles

Spaghetti O’s

Vienna Sausages

Canned Ravioli

Mac and Cheese

Canned Soups

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Who better to spotlight this month than our hard-working,

kid-loving, positive-thinking, JOYOUS, Children’s Ministry/

Stephen Ministry Coordinator, Sarah Stephenson? With VBS in

full swing, Sarah took time out of her busy day, to let me

interview her and it is evident that Sarah has found her dream

job here with us at ULC.

Sarah grew up in a small Methodist church that was full of her

family members and friends from the school she attended. It

was there that Sarah learned that your church friends are the

“easiest friends you’ll ever have.” You’re all learning about God,

you all love Jesus, and you help each other make good decisions.

This is a lesson Sarah often shares with the kids of ULC too.

Sarah started her work at ULC in May of 2017, so this year’s VBS is the third one she’s spearheaded here.

The first year was challenging because there were so many bits and pieces and details to work on. Sarah has

since built an overall VBS Template and now she updates it for each new VBS session, and it works like a

charm. It helps that she now knows the people from ULC and what their talents and interests are, and it’s easy

to ask them to help out.

Sarah and her husband Thomas, have a daughter, Charli Anne, who, Sarah will tell you, is the reason she does

everything she does. She wants Charli Anne to grow up with a love of the Lord, an understanding of good

Christian morals, and a church home that she loves. She’s well on her way to meeting that goal, as Charli

Anne is usually to be found by her mother’s side, crafting VBS sets, helping in VBS groups, and attending

Sunday School.

Sarah’s Major, from Franklin College in Franklin, IN, is in Journalism

with a Minor in Theater. She laughs when she says that the Theater train-

ing has come in handy more than once. Sarah’s singing and dancing, and

sheer joy in front of a group of kids or adults is a testimony that she uses

the gifts God gave her to further His work in the world.

When Sarah applied for the job here at ULC, she was attending a

Methodist Church in Centerton, where she had completed her Lay Serv-

ant Certification, and had filled the pulpit four times. Becoming a mem-

ber of ULC was a stipulation for the Children’s Ministry/Stephen Minis-

try Coordinator job, and Sarah admits it was hard to leave her friends

at the Methodist Church and join ULC. But, now, with two plus years

under her belt at ULC, Sarah is extremely happy with that decision. The

ULC congregation are now her family, and with the multiple genera-

tions who attend here, Sarah has ladies she considers her Aunts, her Sun-

day School kids feel like nieces and nephews, and she counts many of the

men and women of ULC as brothers and sisters. So, she “gained a whole

family in one shot!”

Sarah’s goals for the Children’s Ministry Program at ULC, are to eventually start a Youth Group, as the kids

in Sunday School get older, and need that level of education/experience. In the meantime, she works on build-

ing good values, instilling the love of community service in the kids, and helping them to understand there is a

huge world, outside of themselves, that they can have a positive impact on. Written By: Kathy Bassett

Spotlight on ULC Staff: SARAH STEPHENSON

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Women of United

August 11

August 14 1:00 p.m. W-ELCA Discussion

August 21 9:15 a.m. Visiting Phoebes

August 28 10:00 a.m. Bible Study Leaders

Coffee

Deborah Circle Piece Makers every Thursday at 9:00.

Luther Hall is a “cool” place

to be on a hot summer day.

There are many tasks for

willing hands—you don’t even have to know

how to sew to be part of this wonderful

fellowship. Just Come on Down!

Planning For Our New Year—August 14—1:00 p.m. Along with the Churchwide Women of the ELCA, we are thinking about new

approaches to our traditional monthly Gatherings. Because of declining numbers, it’s

important to explore how we can best use our resources and still contribute to the

work and support of the Women of the ELCA. On August 14 at 1:00 pm we will meet

to discuss what our options are. We will continue with our circles—it’s just the

monthly W-ELCA meetings that may change.

We invite anyone who is interested in planning for our future, and any one who is

interested in helping in any leadership role to attend.

WOMEN

OF THE

ELCA

Plan to join us in Little Rock September 27-29

(Details on the next page)

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Freddie Jordan, Executive Board Secretary, will be joining us and bringing greetings and news from church wide. Freddie hails from Columbus, Ohio where she is a member of her church choir and Sunday school teacher. Before serving on the church wide Board, she served as the president of the Southern Ohio Synodical Women’s Organization. Freddie has three young children and she works as an adjunct chemistry professor at Central State University in Wilberforce Ohio. We are excited to welcome Freddie to our Convention. Freddie will lead a breakout session on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday Bible Study: Pastor Liz Albertson, Director for Evangelical Mission/Assistant to the Bishop for Youth & Family, will lead us in a Bible Study on our Convention theme verse, Zephaniah 3:17: The Lord, your God is in

your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Penny Budzien will share stories from Tanzania. Penny, Bishop Mike Girlinghouse, Pastor Liz Albertson, Pastor Kara Shaw, and Pastor Melissa Ehrhardt traveled to visit the Lutheran Church in Tanzania this May. They went to learn from one of the fastest growing Lutheran Churches in the world, to see how the spirit is working among them and what lessons they can bring back for us in Arkansas and Oklahoma. We will also have a LIVE INTERNET CALL FROM TANZANIA with Elisipha Lepilal, Legal Secretary for the Morogoro Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, the highest ranking woman in the Morogo Diocese. We’re excited to hear from her and thankful we’re blessed with the opportunity.

Identifying Your Spiritual Gifts Nia Indelicato will lead a workshop on identifying your spiritual gifts. Participants will learn about spiritual gifts and will take time to reflect on how their gifts show themselves in every-day life.

The Significance of Speech Guest speaker, Pam Christie, will lead a talk on the significance of speech. According to the Moody Blues, it is up to us “to decide which is right and which is an illusion.” We will have an interactive discussion regarding what our personal

speech says about us, the meaning of some of the current speeches being delivered, and what the Gospel might say about it all.

Convention In-Kind Days for Girls and Dorcas House

Days for Girls is a nonprofit that provides menstruation supplies to women and girls in need around the world. In some places, menstruation can cut a young woman off from her life and daily activities, like going to school, all be-cause she does not have access to feminine hygiene products. Days for Girls provides reusable menstruation kits to help women and girls stay connected during their period. Please see the included Days for Girls flyer for more information on how you can help. Lorrie Healy, a Days for Girls Team Lead from Rogers, AR, will lead a breakout session on Saturday afternoon.

In addition to supporting women around the world, we will be supporting women at home too. We will also be collecting disposable tampons and pads for the women of Dorcas House, a shelter that serves women fleeing abuse or suffering from addiction.

Please bring a package of tampons or pads to the convention to donate to Dorcas House.

Fun Activities and Service Opportunities will be available throughout the convention. We will offer crafts, a chance to learn about Tibetan Prayer Flags and make our own versions, and information on the different WELCA resources to help you better connect and reflect. We will also have several impactful service projects participants can help contribute to including Tiny Angel Gowns, preemie bereavement gowns. There will be plenty to do for non-voting members.

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Arkansas-Oklahoma Synodical Women’s Organization of Women of the ELCA (WELCA)

32nd Annual WELCA Convention Registration Form

September 27- 29, 2019 Faith Lutheran Church

7525 W. Markham Street · Little Rock, AR 72205 Name:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Guest Name* (if applicable):

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: ____________________________Cell Phone: ____________________________________

Email Address: ___________________________________________WELCA Cluster: ___6__ Church: ____________________________________City: ________________________ State: _____________

Age (optional): ____________ How many conventions have you attended? ________________

I will be attending as:

Delegate/Voting Member: _____ Attendee: _____ SWO Board Member: _____ Speaker/Special Guest: _____

Registration Fees Registration covers Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, all printed materials, plus snacks and beverages

during convention for regular attendees. Guests of attendees are asked to pay for any meals they attend.

Convention Fees

Early Bird (Before July 15): $70.00 $__________

Regular (Before August 25): $75.00 $__________

Late (After August 25): $85.00 $__________

SUBTOTAL $__________ *Meals for Guests Fees

Friday dinner: $10.00 $__________

Saturday lunch: $10.00 $__________

Saturday dinner: $20.00 $__________

SUBTOTAL $__________

I am paying via: ☐ Enclosed check in the amount of: $__________ (payable to AR/OK Women of the ELCA)

☐ Online trough Tithe.ly in the amount of: $ ________ (https://tithe.ly/give?c=664790)

☐ I am applying for a scholarship (Fees charged after scholarship decision has been made)

***There are NO REFUNDS ***

Food (and other) Allergies/Special Dietary Needs: ______________________________________________

WINE TASTING RSVP - A fee of $6.00 will be collected at the Convention

☐ I plan to attend ☐ I DO NOT plan to attend ☐ I am not sure (we check w/ you before the Convention)

Mail registration form and payment before August 25 to: Tracie Omit, Treasurer, 4526 Spring Cliff Loop, Rogers, Arkansas 72756; [email protected]

Lodging Information: You are responsible for making your own reservations Hampton Inn & Suites- 1301 South Shackleford Rd. Little Rock, AR 72211; Phone: 501.537.3000

The Convention rate is $89.00 +tax. (includes breakfast) Last day for reservations: September 12

Remember to let them know you are with the “AR-OK WELCA” group

Detach Here: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Rejoice! Renew! Exult! Zephaniah 3:17

Greetings, The Arkansas-Oklahoma Synodical Women’s Organization will hold its 32nd annual Convention at Faith

Lutheran Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, September 27-29, 2019. Our theme is “Rejoice! Renew!

Exult!” (Zephaniah 3:17) Each congregational or inter-congregational unit of the AR-OK Synod is entitled to

one delegate. Delegates are required to attend all business sessions of the convention. Please find the attached

registration form that must be returned to the registrar. Please make copies of the form and share them with all

of the women in your congregation. NEW this year, you can also register online through this link (details below). ALL WOMEN of the AR-OK

Synod are invited and encouraged to attend; membership in WELCA is not required. There will be plenty of

fun and interesting activities to participate in for non-Delegate attendees. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUK3r308MDSM180Ic9EbmTUJUr9ME1eTtTbKZsv-USOlLIiA/viewform Registration (Delegate or Participant): EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION $70.00 (by July 15), regular registration $75.00 (by August 25), late

registration $85.00 (after August 25); see form for other fees and discounts. The registration fee includes

Friday supper, Saturday lunch and dinner, snacks and beverages, and all printed materials.

Hotel Information:

Hampton Inn & Suites

1301 South Shackleford Rd.

Little Rock, AR 72211

Phone: 501.537.3000

The Convention rate is $89.00 +tax. This includes breakfast each morning. Rooms are available for Friday and

Saturday Night. Reservations must be made no later than September 12 to receive the reduced rate.

Remember to let them know you are with the “AR-OK WELCA” group. In-Kind Gifts: Days for Girls and Dorcas House- This year we will be supporting women’s health both

here and around the world by collecting in-kind gifts in support of women’s menstruation. Days for Girls is an

organization that provides menstruation kits to women and girls in need around the world. Included in the

newsletter is a flyer explaining more about Days for Girls’ wonderful mission and what you can do to help.

Dorcas House is a women’s shelter in Little Rock that serves women (and their children) who are fleeing

domestic violence or struggling with addiction. We will be collecting tampons and pads for the women they

serve.

Church Wide Representative: Freddie Jordan (Columbus, Ohio), WELCA Executive Board Secretary, will

bring us greetings from church wide and news about our organization’s events, programs, and financial

matters. She will also lead a workshop on Saturday.

Bible Study: Pastor Liz Albertson, Director for Evangelical Mission/Assistant to the Bishop for Youth &

Family, will lead us in a Bible Study on our Convention theme verse, Zephaniah 3:17.

Activities for Non-Voting Members: We have several fun activities scheduled for our non-voting partici-

pants to do while the two business sessions are taking place. From interesting talks and discussions, to helping

with service projects, we guarantee there will be something interesting and fun to do.

Wine Tasting and Fellowship: Friday night we will have time for fun and games along with a wine tasting

featuring wines from Arkansas and Oklahoma. Wine tasting is optional and costs an additional $6 (to be paid

at the Convention- separate from registration). Please be sure to RSVP on the registration form, so we can get

an accurate count of how many plan to attend.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUK3r308MDSM180Ic9EbmTUJUr9ME1eTtTbKZsv-USOlLIiA/viewform

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Mary Magdalene Awards: Please nominate a deserving woman from your unit for recognition. We have

eight awards to give out every year. See the attached nomination form or submit via our online nomination

form*.

Business: Board Officers and Members and Delegates will conduct elections and housekeeping. This year we

will be electing our Triennial Delegates. If you would like to nominate someone, you can use the attached

nomination form or submit via our online nomination form. Because of church wide policies, we are especial-

ly seeking women of color or women whose primary language is not English and first-time attendees. Those

that do not fit these criteria are still welcome. Please note- we cannot accept nominations from the floor;

they must be made prior to start of business at the Convention.

Online Registration Option: All registration and nominating forms are available online. You can access the

online registration form here. Registration fee for online registrants can be paid either by mail or via tithe.ly

(an online payment processing system). Instructions for payment are available on the registration form

included in this packet and on the online form.

We look forward to seeing you in Little Rock!

Convention Chairs:

Nia Indelicato [email protected] 540.553.2035

Kara Shaw [email protected] 501.294.8289

Jackie Wilson [email protected] 501.580.7002

Dorla Dixon [email protected] 501.844.7699

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CHOIR PRACTICE RESUMES ON AUGUST 7TH!

Choir practice resumes on Wednesday, August 7th at 7:00pm. If you love to sing God’s

praises, please join us! You do not need formal training, just a love of the Lord and music.

We can’t wait to see you there!

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MUSIC APPRECIATION PARTY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28TH

6:00PM

Calling all musicians, singers, accompanists (and spouses too)! Please join us for a Music

Appreciation Party before choir practice on August 28th at 6pm in Luther Hall. United

Lutheran Church is beyond blessed to have so many members and friends that lend their

talents to creating a joyful noise unto the Lord! We thank all those that have graced us with

their musical talents and abilities and look forward to seeing you at the party!

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing

praise. - Psalm 98:4

Worship & Music UPDATES

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UNITED IN PRAYER - Mondays @ 2:45PM Gracious Lord Jesus. You came into the world as one of us and you suffered as we do. Be with all on our

prayer list and their loved ones in these days of special needs. Help them to see that YOU are with them in

all things. Strengthen, heal, bless, and fortify their faith against fear and doubt in Your loving purpose for

them. We give You thanks on their behalf and ask that You and ask that You would also keep them in our

hearts and all of us in Your power, until we are freed from all that afflicts us. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Lucile Aasmundstad

Raymond & Marilyn Brown

Bonnie Buechler

Marg Christianson

Roger & Anne Costa

Virg & Dar Dykema

Helen Eidem

Leonard Eisert

Dean & Karen Fevold

Addie Fry

Ruth Gabriel

Loruss Grasmick

Liz & John Hanson

Jerry & Lorraine Herman

Curt Kimpfbeck

Nancy Krumrey

Red & Bonnie Larson

Members in Need of Prayer

Sally Leffler

Jim & Alice Medin

Frank Miller

Lorraine Miller

Wally Nelson

Arlene Nordeen

Susie Parker

Inez Polaski & Daughters

Joe Ranieri’s Family & Friends

Alice Rahlfs

Margaret Seba

Mike & Charlotte Spencer

Joyce Strunk

Bud Taylor

Don & Joyce Whittlesey

Ben Walford

Family & Friends

in Need of Prayer

Donna Anderson

Margot Anderson

Janine Copley

Hannah Dykema

Craig Farrow

Don & Toni Hippe

Becky Hommeland

Colleen Gress

Marilyn Irwin & her family

Kendall Johnson

Lorraine Johnson

Mike Lynch

Ralph Mathey

Alberto Gonzalez-Pita

Rachel Sparks

Colleen Sullivan

Raith Wehner

Members in Care Centers

Highlands – Bea Ranieri, Cleo Sundal, Chuck Vail,

Judy Mellicker

Concordia – Dot Fritz

Primrose –Dick Pudas

Innisfree - Vern Sutter

Local Churches & Area ELCA Churches

Peace in Joplin Christ the King

Neighborhood Peace in Rogers

Good Shepherd St. Luke’s

Faith Emmanuel

Living Word Bishop & Staff

Bella Vista Christian Fellowship

Eben Ezer Lutheran Church

Pray for: the world & our country, our church, Pastor Karen & Jeremy, church council, staff,

music, children’s ministry, members, the Phoebes and shut-ins,

Stephen Ministers & care receivers,

friends & family members.

Prayer Corner

If you are aware of someone who should be added to or removed from the Prayer List,

please call the church office at 479-855-1325.

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BLESSING OF BACKPACKS This blessing focuses upon children starting the school year.

Read Mark 10:13-16, Romans 12:4-8, or another appropriate scripture passage.

Dear God, as we get ready to start another year in school, we ask your blessing on this backpacks (laptops,

PDAs, work boots, cell phones, or other tools of the trade) and especially on name of child/children who will

wear/use it/them. As they do the very important work of being students, bless them with: eagerness to learn,

that their world may grow large; respect for teachers and students, that they may form healthy relationships;

love for nature, that they may become caretakers of your creation; happiness when

learning is easy and stick-to-it-iveness when it is hard; faith in Jesus as their best teacher and closest friend.

We ask that you would protect these, your own children. Watch over them and keep them

safe as they travel to and from school. As they learn, help them also to discover the differ-

ent gifts that you have given each one of them to be used in your work in the world. As

they hear the many voices that will fill their days, help them to listen most carefully for

your voice, the one that tells them you will love them always, no matter what. We ask this

in Jesus' name. Amen.

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BLESSINGS FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

For the marvels of your creation, we praise you, O God.

For the opportunity to explore and study, we praise you, O God.

For those who guide us, teachers and mentors, we praise you, O God.

Teach us your ways and guide us in your path, for you are the creator of all that is seen and unseen. Amen.

Let us pray for all who are beginning a new school year, that both students and

teachers will be blessed in their academic endeavors.

Almighty God, you give wisdom and knowledge. Grant teachers the gift of joy and

insight, and students the gift of diligence and openness, that all may grow in what is

good and honest and true. Support all who teach and all who learn, that together we

may know and follow your ways; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reprinted from Sundays and Seasons, copyright © 2019 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYER OF THE DAY FOR MARY, MOTHER OF OUR LORD

Almighty God, in choosing the virgin Mary to be the mother of your Son, you made

known your gracious regard for the poor, the lowly, and the despised. Grant us grace to

receive your word in humility, and so to be made one with your Son, Jesus Christ our

Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and

forever. Amen (ELW, p. 57)

Prayer Corner

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Thank you for the beautiful cards, phone calls, and prayers. Blessings to you all!

- Margaret Seba

To the members of United Lutheran Church, thank you so much for the prayers that I received during and

after surgery. Prayers were answered. I want to thank Pastor Karen for the wonderful card and prayers.

Thank you Tonja Seusy for calls and concerns. Thank you very much for my guardian angel Charlotte

Spencer for her visits and prayers. Special thanks to Ruth Dronen, Clare Ann Stubbs, Lorraine Janzen,

and Ardythe Schultz for their phone calls, cards, and prayers. What a wonderful, caring, compassionate

church we have! I am blessed to be a member. - Susan Parker

Thank You’s

Thank you to everyone that attended, volunteered, helped with donations, and prayed for our VBS this

year. The week was a major success as we had 41 kiddos this year and just as many volunteers! We are

so blessed here at ULC and we were again able to share that with our friends and neighbors. Thank you,

thank you, thank you!

- Sarah Stephenson

Thank you to Doris Horning, Kathy Bassett, Robin Nelson, and Mable Shaw for helping in the church

office while I was out on vacation. Your help proved invaluable and I am so very thankful you took time

out of your schedules to help with things in office.

- Rosalyn Harris

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August 2019 August 1 - Thursday 9:00AM - Piecemakers

August 4 - Sunday 8TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

BLOOD PRESSURE SUNDAY

9:30AM - Worship & Communion

10:45AM - Youth Sunday School

5:00PM - ULC Salvation Army Community Service

August 5 - Monday 1:00PM - Staff Meeting

2:45PM - United in Prayer

August 6 - Tuesday 1:00PM - Worship & Music Committee Meeting

August 7 - Wednesday 7:00PM - Choir Practice

August 8 - Thursday 9:00AM - Piecemakers

6:30PM - ULC Council Meeting


BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS


10:45AM - Assisting Minister Training


August 12 - Monday 8:00AM - Breakfast Club

1:00PM - Staff Meeting


3:30PM - Stephen Ministry Meeting

August 13 - Tuesday 6:30PM - Blue Grass Gospel Band Practice

August 14 - Wednesday 1:00PM - W-ELCA Discussion

12:00PM - Bible Study

7:00PM - Choir Practice


6:30PM - Movie Night: The Upside



10:45AM - Adult Christian Education


6:30PM - Psalm 19 Astronomy Club Meeting




August 21 - Wednesday 7:00PM - Choir Practice


3:00PM - Chancel Bells Rehearsal



10:45AM - Adult Christian Education




6:30PM - Book Club


August 28 - Wednesday 10:00AM - W-ELCA Bible Study Leaders

12:00PM - Bible Study

7:00PM - Choir Practice


3:00PM - Chancel Bells Rehearsal

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If we’ve missed your birthday or anniversary, please let the church office know. Thank you!

BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES 8/2 - Sally Leffler

8/6 - Roger Costa

8/7 - Glenda Heist

8/8 - John Cornwell

8/8 - Dick Muller

8/9 - Harvey Klitzke

8/13 - Richard Johnson

8/13 - Nancy Krumrey

8/13 - Sherry Tucker

8/15 - Audrey Nugent

8/15 - Jeff Peleaux

8/16 - Joe Eidem

8/18 - CeCe Coffman

8/18 - Sue Mann

8/19 - Lila Roush

8/20 - Jack Sadenwasser

8/23 - Dylan Rendon

8/25 - Dean Fevold

8/25 - Corinne Schulz

8/26 - Kathy Bassett

8/26 - Char Sorenson

8/26 - Betty Wehner

8/27 - Dick Jebsen

8/27 - Jan Pope

8/28 - Thelma Nielsen

8/28 - Jerry Shelton

8/30 - Anne Costa

8/30 - MaryBeth Estes

8/8 - Wally & Jane Nelson

8/10 - John & Marilyn Cornwell

8/15 - Ray & Marilyn Brown

8/15 - Gerry & Lorraine Herman

8/15 - Steve & Mary Lou Stolp

8/16 - Red & Bonnie Larson

8/22 - Rolly & Bonnie Buechler

8/22 - Mike & Barb Marrs

8/26 - BJ & Debby Horn

8/26 - Dan & Eunice Lovaas

8/27 - Jeff & Kari Peleaux

8/28 - Dennis & Judy Berg

8/28 - Barry & Sue Mann

8/30 - Mike & Tonja Seusy

Amazon. com has set up a way to send a percentage of their sales to charity. I set my charity as United

Lutheran Church, Bella Vista, AR. It’s not a large amount, but every bit helps and I hope that more people will

do the same. Here’s how to do it: instead of just going to amazon.com, go to the Amazon site of http://

smile.amazon.com - Here you choose United. You can still use the app or your cart on amazon as usual. But,

whenever you want to check out go through the smile.amazon.com site. Your cart is the same, your payments

are the same, everything is the same, but they will send a little bit of money to United.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Thanks! - Jeremy Fowler-Lindemulder

Documents

UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH · My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you. You have looked with love on your servant here, and blessed me all my life through