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October Shalom 2007
At last month's Oktoberfest, I had two interesting conversations with some of our guests. The first asked what the word “evangelical” meant in the title of our denomination. He was confused because Lutherans are not like other “Evangelicals”. The second was question about the word “catholic” and why we use it in the creed.
Interestingly, both words were important at the time of the Reformation and were used to describe the Reform movement started by Luther and others. (They were first called “Lutherans” by their opponents who wanted to imply that they were following Luther rather than Christ). Both words are useful in describing what our Reformation heritage, and what we are about as a community of Jesus Christ.
“Evangelical” comes from a Greek word that means, literally, “good message” or “good news.” To say that we are “evangelical” means that the Good News of Jesus Christ – of his life, death and resurrection – stands at the center of who and what we are as a congregation and a denomination. We are a community where God's grace, God's love and God's mercy are given concrete shape and form.
“Catholic” (with a small “c”) comes from a Greek word which means “of the whole”. A long time ago, one of my teachers said that “catholic” meant “universal in time and space.” When we say we belong to the “one, holy, catholic and apostolic” church we are saying that we are a part of that great cloud of witnesses in all times and in all places, on earth and in heaven who have called Jesus Lord.
When Luther and other Reformers called themselves “Evangelical Catholics” they were saying that we stand in the long tradition of those, on earth and in heaven, who have lived their lives based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
At the end of the month, we will be celebrating another Reformation Sunday. On that day, we give thanks to God that we are, indeed, Evangelical Catholics, and that God's gospel of grace and love truly shapes who and what we are.
Peace,
Pastor Mike
“…pray for one another,” James 5:16
Praying for those in need is one of the most important ministries in the church. We are instructed to pray for the sick, the dying, the troubled and those in authority. We pray for all those who suffer and struggle in body, mind and spirit.
Each week, here at University Lutheran, we gather up the names of those known to us who are in need of prayer and offer them to the Lord. The prayer list includes our University Lutheran “shut-ins”, members who are sick and recovering, friends and family of members who are sick and recovering, those military personnel who are serving in combat areas (mostly Iraq and Afghanistan) and those families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. We receive names in many different ways: through the gold cards in the pews, an email, phone call, or conversation with the pastor. The order of names on the prayer list reflects the length of time someone has been on the list. New names are simply added to the end. How long do people stay on the list? That can be a tricky issue. Sometimes people are fighting cancer or some other long-term illness. Sometimes recovery takes a long time. Some illnesses are chronic. It's tough to know when the person is no longer “sick” enough to be prayed for by the church. Unless they ask to be removed, “shut-ins” always stay on the list. Those who are sick stay on the list until either the person or the person who asked for the prayers tells us they can be removed. If we haven't heard about someone for a while, the pastor tries to check-in with people to see how they are doing. Military personnel stay on the list as long as they are in “harm's way”. Mourning families are left on the list for a month unless they ask to be prayed for longer, or ask to be removed sooner. In addition to the “formal” prayer list, everyone is encouraged to speak aloud the names of those in need of prayer during the silent time allotted each Sunday.
It is humbling to think about the many families in our congregation who are touched by suffering, sorrow, sickness and death. However, together, we can continue to minister to them by lifting up their names to the God of love, grace, healing and mercy.
2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19
Our expressions of gratitude reflect our faith, and our faith is manifest in our expressions of gratitude.
Genesis 32:22-31, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, Luke 18:1-8
Holy Scripture is the “cradle of the gospel” which bears witness to the grace of God, and provides a basis for our lives.
Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36
We are freed from the power of sin and death through the grace of God shown to us through Jesus Christ. This is not grounds for boasting, but rejoicing.
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31
Because of Jesus, we have been written into God's will. What will we inherit? And, even more, what will we do with that inheritance?
All voting members are encouraged to attend a brief congregational meeting, between services on Sunday, November 4. The meeting will begin at 9:50 AM. The congregation council has called the meeting to consider a proposal from the Mission Advancement Planning Committee (MAPC) to exchange the property immediately south of the church, including the Dale House/ULC South building, for the house and property belonging to Linda Lockett and her family which is immediately to the north of the church. The purpose of this exchange is to provide us with land to add education and expanded fellowship space to the north of our present church building. More details will be presented through Temple Talks in worship prior to November 4. Questions can be directed to Ken Jorgenson, chair of the MAPC. Please keep this important decision about the future of our congregation in your prayers!
SOUL
University Lutheran's group for college students and other young adults.
What is SOUL Food? The SOUL group gathers after late service (around 12:15 PM) , picks out an area restaurant and then goes out for lunch together. SOUL picks up the tab! It is a great time for fun and fellowship! The next SOUL Food is scheduled for Sunday, October 14! Hope you can come!
Tuesday Night is SOUL night at University Lutheran! The evening starts with a FREE dinner at 6 PM followed at 6:44 PM by a prayer service and bible study. The prayer service features the music of Taizé in France – short reflective songs, and time for prayer and meditation. This semester we are reading through the book of Romans. Come and feed your body and spirit!
SOUL parks cars at home football games to raise money for our campus ministry programs. A minimum of five people are needed for each game. We start parking four hours before game time. Often we get invited to join the tailgate parties! Get team spirit, help out SOUL and have a lot of fun!!! Sign-up to help with parking either on Taizé Tuesdays, or at worship on Sunday mornings. The only home game this month is on October 13. We'll start parking for the game four hours before game time (which, at this writing, has yet to be announced).
The University Lutheran Student Center (the house south of the church) is open for students to study from 7-10 PM, Monday-Thursday. There are tables and sofas, free WI-FI, and pop and munchies in the kitchen! The perfect study environment! A peer minister is always on duty to help you log on to the WI-FI!
NOW is the time to make your plans for this year's FANTASTIC New Year's student gathering! This year's Lutheran Student Movement (LSM) Gathering will be held December 28-January 1 at the City Center Marriott in downtown Denver, CO. Music will be provided by the Christian artist Agape. The Gathering always features great worship experiences, powerful speakers, and lots of time for fellowship and fun (including a huge New Year's Eve party!). Cost is minimal (details will be coming soon!). If you want to go, or to find out more, call or email Pastor Mike!
Pastor Mike will be teaching UNIV 2000, Death, Grief and Growth at the University of Oklahoma during Spring Semester. The course examines American attitudes toward death and dying, terminal illness, the grief process, afterlife beliefs and issues like euthanasia, capital punishment and war. The class meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-4:30 PM. If you are looking for a gen ed course for spring… consider joining Pastor Mike!
Many thanks to everyone who made a donation for the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) hymnals! We reached our goal of 180 hymnals for the worship area and placed our order in September. (We could still use about 20 more hymnals for use in other parts of our church building). The hymnals should be arriving sometime in October. They'll go into the pew racks as soon as they arrive! We have already begun using new liturgies from ELW (we have copyright permission to do so) and most of the feedback has been positive! We appreciate your patience as we learn new music and get used to the new language in the liturgies.
University Lutheran will be welcoming new members at both services on Reformation Sunday, October 28. Several families have already indicated their interest in joining! If you, or someone you know are interested in membership, please have them talk to Pastor Mike.
As fall arrives in Norman there are two things that always seemed to appear: Heated discussion on the Sooner's football progress and when the Annual Stewardship drive will take place! This year the Stewardship committee has elected to present a program called “Grow-One Sunday Stewardship” Grow-One Sunday is a spiritual-growth program as well as a financial campaign. It is based on the biblical theology of “the need of the giver to give” for his or her own spiritual development, not on the “need of the church to receive” in order to balance its budget. Participation is accomplished through a team that includes the pastor, the Grow-One Sunday chairperson, stewardship committee members, and other persons selected by the Grow-One Sunday chairperson. Over the next six weeks the members of our committee as well as other leaders in the church, will present articles and discussions on the concept of “Grow-One Sunday” and our collective support of continued ministries. The conclusion is planned on Sunday, November 18 with the annual estimate of giving cards collected and presented as our thanksgiving in returning our blessings to do His work he has prepared for us to walk in service. We encourage you as individuals and families to begin to pray and think about what we can do to be “joyful givers” to His kingdom and ministries.
The following persons have agreed to accept nomination to run for the Congregation Council. Three will be elected to serve a three year term: Jan Feldt, Diane Hardersen, Paul Kleine, Mary Martin, Fred Schmidt, and Duane Winegardner.
Jan Feldt
I am Jan Feldt and I have been a member of ULC for over 20 years. I teach kindergarten at Kennedy Elementary School here in Norman. Previous church experiences have included being the chair for the DCE search committee, Church Council membership and president in early 2000 and serving on the education committee. Currently I chair the education committee.
Diane Harderson
I am a life-long Lutheran having grown up in the Lutheran
church. I was born and raised in
Casper,
Wyoming. Graduated from Casper College and the University of Oklahoma with
a BA
in Social Work. Have worked 30+
years as
a social worker. Presently employed
at
Central Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center. I have been involved singing in the ULC
choir
for about 30 yearsand have served on the Outreach
Committee, AAL officer, chaired the Crop Walk and also serve as a reader.
I am
the mother of Nicholas, 14 year old Freshman, at Norman North. I will be happy to serve on the council.
These persons have agreed to accept nomination to run for the Endowment Committee. One person will be elected to a three year term: Janell Cannicott and Lance Lobban.
Janell Cannicott
I have been a member of University Lutheran Church since its inception. After moving to and living in California for 7 years, I returned to Norman in 1983. For the past 24 years, I have worked as an accountant in Norman. As a member of the Norman community, I have served as Accountant for the Community After School Program, Treasurer of Health for Friends, participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, and currently serve as a delivery person for Meals on Wheels.
As a member of ULC, I have sung in the traditional service church choir for about 30 years altogether, and have served on the Altar Committee in the past. Currently I serve as a Financial Secretary and a Communion Bread Baker, as well as singing in the choir.
Elections
Elections will be held in November and those elected announced at the annual Thanksgiving Banquet. Please pray for these individuals and our congregation as we select our leaders for the coming years. Thanks to all who were willing to serve in this way!
Attention Knitters!
Summer was a time of many changes in our congregation. Both of the leaders of our group moved to new homes and we wish them well. As a result of these changes our group may have faltered a little. Now that the school year has begun and the main vacation season is behind us, we are ready to go forward with new enthusiasm.
Our group has been meeting the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30. Our October meeting will be on Monday the 22nd at 6:30. We have been notified that the white cotton bandages are no longer needed as they have had an overwhelming response to the initial request. Thus we are going forward with Prayer Shawls and Children's Sweaters. We are also looking at Lap Robes for those in nursing homes. Please bring any project suggestions and join us on the 22nd.
You do not need to be an expert or even know how to knit. Directions and help will be available from those who do have knitting skills. If you have questions, suggestions, or would just like more information please contact Carol Hoadley at xxx-xxxx.
Women of the Word
Women of the Word will read “No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, the Home Front in World War II.” You get to know them, warts and all. Eleanor was a woman far ahead of her time, and she provided a conscience and a stabilizing influence on Franklin, though he rarely acknowledged her talents. We meet Fridays at noon. Bring a lunch if you desire. Call Arlis Scott (xxx-xxxx) or Mary Sue Schnell (xxx-xxxx) for information and/or suggestions. Please. . .come read with us! Books are available at Borders for a 10% discount.
Positions available!
Audio Visual
Techs
for early service
Opportunity to gain skills in operating a state of the art audio visual system for world's largest organizations (God's Kingdom!) Free training is included. Guaranteed a most choice elevated seat in church on Sunday with outstanding view of the Sanctuary and stained glass windows.
Actually folks the system is really quite simple and anyone one with the most rudimentary computer skills can perform the duties. We would like more people trained to be available for a short notice help when the regular crew is not available.
Please contact Ken Miner xxx-xxxx or Art and Holly Lantagne for more information,
Prayer List - September 23, 2007
Please keep
the
following in your prayers:
For those who are sick and recovering and their caregivers: Herb Kuhlman, Paul Brinker, Dorothy Thompson, Dave Alvis, Kirstin Schwandt, Tamara Swenson, Jake Manzanares, Doug Gransberg, Janet Hansen, and Mary Sue Schnell. James West, Aneice Rodrigues, Orville Thomas, Taiyoko Payton, Ari Williams, David Balan, Anna White, Dora Cox, Valerie Foley, Ella Ann Olson, Michelle Black, Clayton Robinson, Joe Vivaldi, Elsie Eaton, Lony Birkert, Fran Rensberger, Stephen Link, Gloria Longcrier, Bob Rogers, Virginia Bain, and Cindy Rose.
For those serving in the Military: William D. Petre, Justin Smalley, John Huston, Matthew Haddon, Welby Richardson, Billy Loving, Jeff Jorgenson, Joshua Bell, Trevor Downen, Jason Kahne, and John Stroud.
For those serving as missionaries of the Church: David and Alicia Brondos, in Mexico. Sally and Tom Roach, and Herb Hafermann, in Tanzania.
For those who grieve the death of a loved one….. the family of Oscar Olson, Laura DeLarm, and Frances East.
Baptisms - August 12, 2007
Elizabeth Hailey Hanttula, born May 25, 2007.
Parents: Daniel and Cindy Hanttula.
Zachariah Keith Alley, born December 1, 2003.
Parents: Lisa Lorraine Black Alley and Michael Jack Alley.
Gwenevere Dominique Black Glunt, born May 7, 2007.
Parents: Michelle Marie Black and John Glunt
OCTOBER ANNIVERSARY
6 - Chessteen & Alvin Olson
Pat & Bruce Snyder, Sr.
7 - Russell and Vivian Jacobson
Michael and Shelley White
13 - Kara and Travis Harrison
26 - Steve & Janell Cannicott
31 - Linda & John Lindsey
Margrit & Johnnie Spears
BIRTHDAY
1 - Kylie Alvis, Norman
Sharon Johnston, Wausau, WI
Dorothy Thompson, Bruce, SD
2 - Hannah Lobban, Norman
Cindy Pullin, Oceanside, CA
3 - Linda Lindsey
Jake Manzanares
Melodie Massie
5 - Russell Jacobson, Story City, IA
6 - Sarah Swanson, Norman
8 - Sondra Shehab, Great Falls, MT
9 - Kendra Escobar
Andy West, Chicago
12 - Jan Feldt, New York City
Janie Thompson, Anadarko
13 - Pam Boeck
Richard White, Salinas, CA
15 - Wilma Fett, Sioux Falls, SD
16 - Maryanne Maletz, Lewistown, PA
Chessteen Olson, Pauls Valley
17 - Jim Dunlop, Detroit
Sammie Olkinetzky, Ada
Sam Rose, Tulsa
19 - Helmut Fischbeck, Germany
21 - Debbie Downey, Carnegie, PA
22 - Bill Petre, Carlisle, PA
24 - Jolene Kudrna, Denver
26 - Mason Gunnels, Norman
Sierra Hill, Norman
27 - Arline Ryden, Chicago
28 - Elizabeth Longcrier, St. Louis
Bill Purcell, Norman
Breme Springer, Columbus, OH