GLIMPSES OF GLENDALE: Weekly Newsletter

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Weekly Newsletter

Glimpses of Glendale

Glendale Lutheran Church Newsletter

January 21, 2021

Last week in Sunday morning Bible class, we finished session #1 in “We the People.” We took a hard look at the origins of our nation. Some say we are a Christian Nation, but what does that mean? It could mean that America was chosen by God to be his unique light to the world. We know that is not true. God works through his church, not through one nation anymore. It could mean that America was founded on Christian values. Our country was certainly founded on some Christian values, but at best it’s a mixed bag. America’s founders were as influenced by humanism and enlightenment thinking as the Bible. Saying we are a Christian nation could mean that the majority of citizens are Christian, but how do we know?

I asked the question, “Can anything other than a person be Christian?” We know that God redeems a person through baptism into Christ. Does God redeem a country, a company, a band, or an organization in the same way? The answer is no. The marks of the faith (Word and Sacrament) are only found in the church. The people of God must take the Gospel to every nation, company, band and organization. We are to shine the light of Christ wherever we are to whomever we meet. This will make every place where the church goes better.

We need to stop trying to make America more Christian and continue being the church. God is working through his people here just as he works through his people on every continent. The Good News is reaching the ends of the earth. Take pride in God’s work through the church not in a label we give to our country. Join us this Sunday as we explore other aspects of being a faithful person and a good citizen.

Please wear a mask during worship services.

Daily Bible Reading

Birthday Bags and Meal Kits 2021

Well, it’s been less than a month since the GLC Kirkcare food drive, and yes, we are asking for your help again.

This is the 6th year for our Birthday Bags and Meal Kits program with Operation Food Search (OFS). The program will officially start on January 31 with a table, sign and birthday boxes in the front entrance to church. Please place any contributions on or near the table. The final day is February 28 for turning in your contributions. Needless to say, there are many more families this year with few resources to celebrate.

Stacks of flyers will be available by our mail boxes explaining what is needed. There are a few changes on the meal kits. OFS prefers the Chili Night and Cajun Beans and Rice be used. They are also asking that we put the meal in a plastic grocery bag and then tie it up twice.

If you would like to participate in the program but cannot purchase the complete birthday bag and/or meal kit, or if you are unable to get out to do the buying, you can choose to buy part of what is needed or contribute money and someone else will do the shopping. The money can be given to Marcia Hempel, by mail, church mail box or in person.

Thank you for your help. It is a great cause and will be appreciated by families throughout the year.

Youth in Action/Kirkcare Food Giveaway

Youth In Action has teamed up with Kirkcare to give away boxes of food to 100 families in need. The food distribution will take place on January 30th from 10:00 to 11:30 AM in the parking lot of Glendale Lutheran Church. The giveaway is by invitation only through Kirkcare. It is not open to the public. The boxes will be assembled in the gym of Glendale Lutheran Church on Friday, January 29th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Volunteers are needed to assemble boxes of food on Friday. Greeters are also needed to welcome the families as they pick up on Saturday.

Youth In Action and various schools are collecting items for the boxes. If you would like to donate food items, we are in need of cans of beef stew and jars of peanut butter. There is a collection box in the hall outside the church office. Items are needed by January 27th. For more information contact Keith Rawlings at 314-398-0576 or keith4yia@hotmail.com.

GLC 2019-2020 Annual Report

Our new Annual Report is printed and available in the holder behind Pastor Scott’s printed sermons. If they are all taken, let a Council Member know and we will print more.