Glimpses of Glendale Glendale Lutheran Church Newsletter | | | This is a message that I never thought I would write this week. On Tuesday, Jennifer Buchholz called me with the devastating news that her son’s Andrew’s best friend, Jenna, committed suicide. She was 30 years old and dealing with chronic pain from a rare condition. I met with the family and Glendale is going to host the memorial Sunday at 2pm. On Wednesday I got a call from the office manager at Glendale Chrysler. One of their employees, Derrick, took his life. The funeral is in Illinois and there is a limit to how many can attend. Glendale Lutheran will be hosting a memorial service for Chrysler employees on Friday at 6:30pm.
I was asked this week, what is the church’s stance on suicide. I have very strong and very clear thoughts on the matter. The person who commits suicide is in torment. They need the mercy of God as much as anybody. Jesus died for all of the sins of the world, including suicide. When we receive the forgiveness of God in our baptism, it is complete and covers all past sins and future ones. We shouldn’t live in fear of unconfessed sin. Jesus’ death and resurrection is effective to save us from ourselves.
Luther himself empathized with the victims of suicide. He called the devil a robber of their hope. Luther himself dealt with depression. In the Luther movie, a suicide victim wasn’t going to be allowed by the church to be buried in the cemetery. Luther lovingly took the body and a shovel and put the man to rest on the church grounds.
When my daughter Grace was in confirmation during my fieldwork at Lutheran church of the Resurrection the topic of suicide came up in her class. The lay teacher said, “Suicides don’t go to heaven.” We had already discussed this as a family. Grace raised her hand and said, “I don’t think what you are saying is correct. God can forgive anything.” I was very proud of her. I then went to the pastor and told him, he needs to correct that volunteer. It was never an official position of the Lutheran church that suicides don’t go to heaven. Some pastors wrongly pontificated on the subject. They did a lot of damage. “Neither death not life, angels nor demons, nor things present of things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation shall separate us from the love of God.” Romans 8. That includes suicide. Keep the Jackson family and the Carrico family in your prayers. | | Please wear a mask during worship services. | | Two Major Projects Underway | | As a result of member approvals at our recent voters’ meeting, we are able to actively move forward with two major projects
One: We have ordered new chandeliers for our sanctuary. Delivery is expected toward the end of this month (October). Actual installation will be scheduled once fixtures are on site. These fixtures will replace the 40 year old design currently in place, take advantage of new lighting technology, return us to the original architectural design and dramatically improve the “brightness” in our worship space. (This is the first major step in upgrading all the aging and dated lighting fixtures that support and enhance our worship experience.) Bequest funds have been authorized to underwrite this effort but additional funds are being solicited to support the estimated $15,000 cost. Donations and/or memorials can be made by designating “Lighting” on your contribution.
Two: We have let a contract to do major maintenance on the large stained glass windows on the south wall of the sanctuary. Over the 50 plus years that these major installations have been in place caulking has deteriorated, some panes have developed cracks, and the glass itself has become quite dirty both inside and out. There is a suspicion that this deterioration is also the source of some water leaks during heavy weather. The exterior joints of the glass will be rejuvenated and again be waterproofed. The completed project will return the stained glass to its original brightness. This project is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 12. You will see scaffolding erected on the flat roof on the south wall of the church. Again, the voters have authorized bequest funds currently in hand to underwrite the $25,800 cost. However, members who have a heart to support this project can designate “Stained Glass” on your donation/memorial. | | New Tax Benefits for Charitable Giving Included in the CARES Act | | The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law on March 27, 2020, contains the following two provisions that may impact your giving to Glendale Lutheran Church and charities during 2020:
- Standard Deduction - For those taxpayers who utilize the standard deduction on their 2020 income tax return, a new above-the-line deduction allows an individual to deduct up to $300 of cash contributions to qualified charities, including Glendale Lutheran Church. A married couple is allowed to deduct up to $600. This new deduction does not apply to taxpayers who itemize deductions. What is exciting about this new deduction is the ability to take the standard deduction and still deduct charitable contributions up to the $300 limit per taxpayer. Normally, charitable deductions are only allowed for those who itemize deductions. Since most individuals take the standard deduction, this new deduction is now available to the vast majority of taxpayers.
- Itemized Deductions - For those taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2020 income tax returns, charitable contributions of cash are now deductible up to 100% of 2020 Adjusted Gross Income. Normally, these cash charitable contributions are limited to 60% of Adjusted Gross Income. Please note that this new limit does not apply to gifts of appreciated securities. Caveat: The deductions for cash contributions mentioned above must be made to public charities and cannot be made to a donor advised fund or private foundation.
Please contact your tax professional to determine how these provisions impact you. | | Let's Get to Know Our Field Workers | | As you know, we have been blessed with two field workers this year, Ryan Barnett and Oliver LaMie, along with Oliver's wife, Bethany.
Since we can't gather as a church family for Pot Luck or Tables of 8, the idea was brought forth that we individually host them; maybe a lunch after church, a picnic on the patio or in the Family Life Center, maybe a lunch or dinner in your home or a restaurant. Be creative!
Here are their emails and phone numbers so you can make arrangements with them personally: Ryan's is barnettr@csl.edu (208-559-2919); Oliver's is lamieo@csl.edu (815-471-1125) Have a fun and blessed visit! | | Next Sunday's Bible Readings | | Isaiah 45:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 | | Worship Leaders 10/18 Lector: Tracey Ortstadt Communion: Terry Buchholz S/V: Tony Petzoldt Bible Class S/V: Tony Petzoldt Usher: Ken Clark | | Worship Leaders 10/25 Lector: Jerry Nicolaus Communion: Andy Ortstadt S/V: Ken Clark Bible Class S/V: Mike Murphy Usher: Mike Toney | | | Glendale Lutheran Church Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-4:30 pm (314) 966-3220 | | | | | | | |
