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THE DIAMOND LAKE LUTHERAN Volume 42 Number 8 July 25 - August 29, 2004 Please scroll down to read through the Newsletter
FROM THE PASTOR It’s summer time and the living is easy! It’s time for family outings, weekends at the lake, potato salad, hot dogs and watermelon. It’s a time to catch our breath after the frenetic schedules we all keep. And it’s time to give thanks for all that we have and all that we hold dear. Yet we all know how quickly time slips by. Soon the kids will be back at school, the vacation will be a memory, and we will be back in full swing. As a pastor, I enjoy the summer season too. I especially enjoy the time we have to linger and chat over a cup of coffee when we only have one Sunday morning worship. Yet summer, for me, is a time of planning. Bible Studies are prepared, preaching and worship schedules are put in place, and educational opportunities are arranged within the busy calendar of the church. Part of the joy of planning the next year during the summer is the time spent reflecting on the previous year. At a recent Stewardship Committee planning meeting we reviewed and gave thanks for the wonderful outpouring of support from the members of Diamond Lake. We had an incredible year! Because of your generosity we were able to do so many good things towards our mission of “Inviting All People to a Life in Christ.” One of the many wonderful things that came as a result of your generous giving is the staff that we were able to hire to co-ordinate the different ministries here at Diamond Lake. In the monthly newsletter over the next couple of months we will be highlighting one of Diamond Lake’s ministries and the staff person at the helm. Look for Andy, our Youth Director, in August; Deb, our Minister of Education, in September; Kathi, our Volunteer Coordinator, in October; and Jon, our Pastoral Intern, in November. What you will see in these articles is that we have been incredibly blessed with talented, committed and faithful leaders. I give thanks each day for the gift of ministry each individual brings to our church and for the spirit of excitement which is streaming through our church. I give thanks each day for all of you that made this possible. It’s summer time and the living is easy so let us all take time and give thanks for those who lead our ministries and re-flect upon last year’s incredible Stewardship drive that made it all possible. God has big plans for us and is equip- ping us with the Holy Spirit to bring love and forgiveness to all those in need of the Good News of Jesus Christ. And after you read about the ministries here at Diamond Lake, may you give your personal thanks to the many gifted staff people who have come to join us in ministry. A heart-felt thank you to all of you and to all the dedicated staff that make Diamond Lake Lutheran Church a place where Christ is changing lives. Happy Summer and God’s Peace! Pastor Mark
HABITAT
for HUMANITY WORK WEEK Our daily DLLC team of 18 industrious construction workers and assistants will serve at a five-plex near 17th Ave. and 24th St. in Minneapolis. Since a little over 50 “worker days” are filled, there is still plenty of room for you to join the crew. Additional volunteers – again, this could be you! – will provide refreshing snacks, lunches and beverages. Five of the eight snack slots remain available; consider delivering 24 cookies or bars and/or a 24 pack of water or pop to the work site. As an option, bring pop/water to church and leave it at the HFH display anytime between now and Sunday, August 8. Remember – there is a match of funds raised up to $5,000. The success of our effort to raise this amount is not known but recent tallies indicate that we still need your contribution. If you have not yet decided the amount of your gift, please know that this is a great opportunity for you to double the impact of your donation. The funds will be used to help pay for the materials that are used during our work week. Financial contributions (write Habitat for Humanity in the memo) may be dropped in the offering plate or left at the HFH display in the foyer. The foyer display is also the place to sign up to help, to notify us of what you can donate, and to get more information about this ministry. Please contact Olaf Minge, Jim Teurman, or Steve Tjeltveit if you have questions. PRAYERFUL JOURNEYS Please keep in prayer the members of our family who work in mission to build a better community– our Youth and their leaders at Luther Park (July 26-August 1), and all those who share their gifts at our Habitat for Humanity house (August 9-13). May each be kept safe in service. The DLLC Prayer Support Hotline is for those who want prayer support for themselves or others, and it is available to any member. Simply contact Nancy in the church office at dllc.office@dllc.org or 612-866-2579, and she will forward all requests to our prayer team. People who are most committed to prayer are most likely to volunteer with a nonprofit organization, church or school, according to a recent nationwide survey by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Fifty-eight percent of those who pray daily have volunteered in the past year, compared with 39% of those who pray frequently and 28% of those who rarely or never pray. The survey findings are based on telephone interviews conducted among 1,000 U.S. adults. Thrivent Financial is represented in the local area by DLLC member Alex Gonzalez, Financial Associate, (763)746-3130. LECTIONARY INSIGHTS ONLINE You may receive a daily reminder to meditate on the generosity of God’s love and mercy by signing up for daily email messages. Short meaningful reflections based on the following Sunday’s scripture lessons are available in the God Pause at www.luthersem.edu/email. Pericope Partners provides short writings about ministries of the ELCA. Themes are drawn from the lectionary cycle, and interpret the partnership we share as a whole church. Go to www.elca.org/pericope or request printed copies by calling 1-800-638-3522. From the Minister of Christian Education A bit more news about Vacation Bible School – Lava Lava Island, Where Jesus’ Love Flows! Our VBS mission project, Food for Kids, was a grand success; we received a FULL cart load of food and it has all been taken to the local food shelf. It’s one of the ways the children and staff let the love of Jesus flow through them to those in need. Great job VBS families and staff! Since food shelves do need extra help during the summer months – children are not in school so more food is needed at home – your help is appreciated very much. Your generous giving through Stewardship commitments last year made possible the presence and services of a transliterator for children with hearing challenges. It was greatly appreciated, and made Vacation Bible School a wonderful experience for our children! Finally, thank you to all who donated items for VBS. Your willingness to share/buy items for Vacation Bible School helped us to keep our expenses low. Don’t forget to check out the pictures of the people, places and events of this year’s VBS on the bulletin board near the Lakeview Room entrance. What great memories! Mark your calendars now for VBS, 2005 June 27 – July 1 It promises to be a great summer event! Nursery News – Join us Wednesday, August 18, 6:30 p.m! The nursery meeting held in early July was very produc-tive. We have a lot of good ideas and some important items to focus on. We are moving ahead, implementing some ideas, including the updating of the nursery – not an “extreme makeover,” but some changes will be taking place. If you’d like to provide input for this, please join us when we meet again on August 18. Please wear work clothes because we will be doing a little bit of preparatory cleaning along with the planning. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Deb (612-866-2579, x23). Kids’ Worship Korner Our special place for children and their families is “up and running.” Find details in the June newsletter or check out the “guidelines” posted in the Korner. Staff Gathering and Training for God’s Treasure Land and Sunday School Sunday, August 29, 10:45 a.m. or Wednesday, September 1, 6:45 p.m. I will be offering two possible meeting times for our preschool teachers, Shepherds and anyone interested in leading our rotation unit workshops during the year. Please call Deb (612-866-2579, x 23) for more information. From the Director of Volunteer Ministries Whose gifts best fit this ministry? Which ministry offers the best opportunity for this person? These are key questions of an equipping church, a place that helps members understand their needs and their call-to-service. Equipping churches then connect people to ministry opportunities that use their gifts. We’ve started asking these questions at Diamond Lake and we’ve made a couple of interesting discoveries. We have ministries that don’t quite fit the needs of our members and we have members with gifts, interests or talents that don’t quite fit into an existing ministry. It’s time to reorganize a bit! You can help do so at a meeting on Wednesday, August 11. (You’ll find details on the Calendar Highlights page.) Our intent is to begin discussions that will create two new ministry teams: Hospitality will connect people who enjoy ‘throwing out the welcome mat.’ Community spirit will be fostered by their planning and implementing of social events. Communications will bring together our many mem- bers who enjoy writing and taking photographs. Their creativity will also build community… they’ll tell the stories of DLLC members and ministries, and they’ll enhance the content of our newsletter and bulletin boards. Please plan to join the discussion. Kathi Gallup WAYS AND PLACES YOU CAN HELP STORY TIME LEADERS NEEDED Story Time, a special activity during worship for children age Kindergarten – Grade 3, has been well received this summer. We do need a couple more volunteers for August. Books and activities are available for your use, so minimal preparation is required. If you’d be willing to help, please call Kathryn S. (952-835-5703). Thank you. SEAMSTRESSES with PILLOW POWER The large pillows being used in our new Kids’ Worship Korner really belong in our Sunday School area. Anyone willing to create some comfy pillows for the Korner (and maybe some extras for God’s Treasure Land!) would be greatly appreciated. Please call Deb (612-866-2579, x23) as soon as possible. THANK YOUS OUR SAVIOUR’S HOUSING Sandy Aslaksen, Executive Director of Our Saviour’s Housing, joyfully acknowledged our generous gift of $1,000 on behalf of the guests, staff and board at OSH. A ministry committed to compassionate approaches to solving homelessness, OSH provides physical needs (food and shelter) and services (advocacy, employment) to help those in need return to mainstream living. Our financial support augments the dinners we provide each first Tuesday of the month, and enables greater success for everyone at Our Saviour’s. “Thank you for your partnership with us!” Kowalski’s Market has sent a check to Diamond Lake as part of their program that returns a share of profits to the neighborhood, Groceries for Good Causes. The check recognizes that a substantial number of their valued, second-quarter customers appreciate our presence in the community. We thank all of you who, after shopping at Kowalski’s, have submitted receipts to the store’s box labeled Diamond Lake Lutheran. We hope that you will continue to leave your receipts there in the future. THANKS FROM THE PICNIC PLANNERS Our first annual summer picnic that was held Sunday, July 18, was a huge success thanks to the wonderful efforts of many. Thanks to Bob Kresse for the bonfire, and to Jim Teurman and Steve and Kristin McGinness, the grillers. The Anderson family – Dave, Nate and Gretchen – were ready to lead us in games, and should not be forgotten even though we didn’t have time for that. Next year! Thanks also to all those on the Worship and Music Committee who helped in the kitchen after outdoor worship preparations were completed, and to Nate, our custodian, for going beyond the normal call. --Sean Burns, Terry Haffield, Betsy Roder, Kathi Gallup. The Property Committee wishes to thank Sharon Hegna who recently donated and helped plant a beautiful Prairie Fire crab apple tree. Set on the north side of the sanctuary, this tree is a memorial to Sharon’s uncle, Thor Hanson CRISIS NURSERY THANKS US Diamond Lake’s most recent contribution to the Greater Minneapolis’ Crisis Nursery, $900.00, was acknowledged by Doug Carter, Executive Director. Our gift empowers the staff to prevent abuse and neglect of our community’s children because “courageous parents seeking help in resolving their crisis situation recognize the Nursery as a resource in gaining greater self-sufficiency and securing a brighter future for their family.” Our gift will make a difference in children’s lives now and in the future. MISSION SUPPORT to the ELCA Pastor Heather Hammond, Bishop’s Associate, sent “thanks to you and praise to God.” Why? Because we Stand With Africa, helping African churches and their communities deal with an insufficient food supply, the AIDS epidemic, homeless children and the threat of war. How? Through our most recent offering of $4,000.00 to the ELCA’s current mission campaign, an opportunity “to walk with our African companions, to lift up awareness and generate resources both financial and human.” GREATER MINNEAPOLIS COUNCIL OF CHURCHES Gary Reierson, President of the GMCC, thanks DLLC for our partnership and recent gift of $1,000. This inter-denominational organization, “uniting people of faith and serving people in need,” helps more than 750,000 people each year. Our low-income, elderly and disabled neighbors are supported by health, food, tutorial, home-maintenance, and counseling programs by this cooperative agency that seeks social justice within our community. CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS Our Summer Worship Schedule Is in Effect through Sunday, September 12 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Coffee and Donuts Story Time, a program for children age K- Grade 3 occurs during Sunday worship. Children will be excused mid-service to join an adult volunteer for a story and craft time. OUTDOOR WORSHIP & CONCERT Sunday, August 22 9:30 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Concert Special music provided by Joe Rogness. Free! This is a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to our beautiful lakeside property. It’s a great opportunity to hear God’s spoken word, and the musical insights of a faithful follower of Christ. If the sky is gray (it looks like rain), we’ll move inside to the Lakeview Room where God’s creation can be enjoyed in dry comfort.
LUTHER PARK MISSION TRIP Monday, July 26 – Sunday, August 1 Everyone is invited, individuals, couples, and families, to join the Youth at the end of their work week! If you choose to spend the night, you’ll stay in a cabin with bunk beds, a bathroom and shower. All you need is a sleeping bag and a toothbrush. The cost for the weekend (2 nights, 4 meals) is $48 per person. Reduced fees are available if you come Saturday (1 night, 3 meals is $39.50) or if you choose to make just a day trip (Saturday lunch and dinner is $10.) However you want to work it, you can’t beat the value! For more information and to make a reservation contact Kirk Gallup at 651-784-3969. TWO NEW MINISTRY TEAMS GATHER Wednesday, August 11, 7:00 p.m. North Room Do you enjoy making people feel welcome? Like to write? Love taking pictures? Then you’ll want to join the rest of us with these interests because we’re organizing two new ministry teams at Diamond Lake.
The Hospitality Team will foster community spirit through social events…traditional favorites and new happenings. The Communications Team will write newsletter articles, take photos and manage our bulletin boards. Please plan to attend this important meeting. We’ll begin as a large group and then separate into two discussion groups. For more information, contact Kathi Gallup, 612-866-2579. PICNIC AT PEARL PARK Thursday, July 29, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Our neighborhood’s annual gathering in Pearl Park (just north of DLLC at Portland and Diamond Lake Rd.) includes lots of fun, food, information & entertainment. Join us there! HABITAT for HUMANITY BUILDING WEEK Monday through Friday, August 9 – 13. MINOR LEAGUE Thursday, August 19, 6:00 p.m. BBQ and mini-golf at Adventure Gardens at Richfield’s Veteran’s Park . Children grades 3-6 should gather there (64th and Portland Ave.) $6.00 adults, $4.50 for children. RALLY DAY Sunday, September 12 Our annual celebration will be here soon! Join us for special worship at 9:30 a.m. Highlights of our fellowship time include a “mini rotation” in God’s Treasure Land for everyone in the congregation, and a repeat of last year’s popular Pie Sale! Watch Sunday bulletins and the next newsletter for more information.
LEADERSHIP RETREAT For All Council Members, Committee Members, Staff Friday, September 17, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Saturday, September 18, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. At Diamond Lake Lutheran Church Experience LifeKeys, a discovery tool to help you find that unique purpose God had in mind when creating you. There is no cost. Please pre-register by calling the church office at 612-866-2579 NEW MEMBERS’ REUNION PICNIC postponed until early fall! Minnesota summers are too short! The gathering for members who joined Diamond Lake in 2003 & 2004, originally scheduled for August 18, will be held in early fall instead. Exact date TBD; we must wait for details. MEALS ON WHEELS Diamond Lake delivers the weeks of August 22, and October 24. NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
Monday, August 16, 8:00 a.m. Please submit anything you want included for dates from August 29 – September 26 to the church office by then. Worship Services Nursery available Fellowship follows services July 25 Eighth Sunday in Pentecost 9:30 a.m. Worship Luke11:1-13 August 1 Ninth Sunday in Pentecost 9:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion Luke 12:13-21 August 8 Tenth Sunday in Pentecost 9:30 a.m. Lutheran Book of Worship Luke 12:32-40 August 15 Eleventh Sunday in Pentecost 9:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion Luke 12:49-56 August 22 Twelfth Sunday in Pentecost 9:30 a.m. Outdoor Worship Luke 13:10-17 Outdoor Concert, 6:00 p.m. August 29 Thirteenth Sunday in Pentecost 9:30 a.m. Worship Luke 14:1, 7-14 SUMMER READING PUZZLE – The Bible Book Quiz There are at least thirty-one books of the Bible in the two paragraphs below. Can you find them all? Do you think that I missed one? A list of the answers I found are by the August birthdays, in Biblical order. The answers are available in the church office. Good luck! --Nancy
This is a most remarkable puzzle found by a gentleman on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu. Keeping him occupied for hours, he decided to pass it on to some friends. The first friend worked on it while waiting for her johnnycakes to bake. His choir director searched for names while waiting for a technician to repair a broken mic. A hack studied it while picking songs on his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a writer, was so intrigued by it that she mentioned it her weekly newspaper column. The gentleman addressed the puzzle to his Spanish aunt, a real smart gal, “A Tia N. Sanchez.” She judges the job of solving this puzzle so challenging that she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That’s a fact. Some people however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized.
Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or a scholar to see some of them, at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this story. During a recent fund raising event that featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new sales record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humna humbly put it, “The books are all right here in plain view, hidden from sight.” Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also, keep in mind that punctuation and spaces in the middle of books are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus; there really are at least 31 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in these sentences just waiting to be found.
Answers to the Bible Book Quiz….there are 13 books in the first paragraph and 18 in the second. OT NT Genesis Matthew Exodus Mark Numbers Luke Judges John Ruth Acts Samuel Romans Kings Galatians Chronicles Timothy Esther Titus Job Philemon Lamentations Hebrews Daniel James Joel Peter Amos Revelation Micah Nahum Malachi |