Glimpses of Glendale Glendale Lutheran Church Newsletter | | | As you know, I love movies and TV. Good stories don’t just thrill us but inspire us. The ladies Bible study on Tuesdays has been watching a TV show that is unlike anything I have ever seen. It’s called “The Chosen.” It’s the story of Jesus through the eyes of his followers. It’s available on Peacock or on DVD.
It is obviously created by people who love Jesus and the church. It’s not a Biblical account of Jesus per se though there are parts which come straight from scripture. It’s more like fan fiction. It uses the Bible to create possible scenarios. What if the Rabbi Nicodemus tried to exorcise Mary Magdalene before Jesus did? What if Peter was in debt to the Romans? What if Jesus spent a week teaching children about God?
It stays true to the people found in scripture. Nicodemus is a respected teacher of Israel but he recognizes his limitations and seeks the truth. Peter is an impulsive charmer who constantly gets himself in trouble. Mary Magdalene is a beautiful soul who’s been through trauma. Matthew is a hated tax collector with a brilliant but narrow mind. But most importantly it gets Jesus right. He is human and God together. He cherishes children, the poor and the lowly. He laughs, cries, sleeps, works and plays. I can’t recommend it enough. Find it for yourself or come to the women’s Bible study Tuesdays at 9:15. | | Jesus Weeps - article by Joel Hempel The events of the last weeks: racist-charged murders, unfathomable gunning down of little children and their teachers, evil and ungodly wrath inflicted on the nation of Ukraine, and so much more around the world and in our own backyard have caused Jesus to cry. How do we know?
When Jesus ascended, he took his earthly experience and his resurrected body with him. Included in his experience was the pain and suffering of people. You likely remember that the phrase Jesus wept is the shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35. But more importantly is the reason why he cried. Mary’s brother Lazarus died, and when he saw her pain and the overwhelming sadness of her friends, their pain got to him.
Have no doubt about it; Jesus is familiar with grief and sorrow. Imagine what it is like to not only feel the joy we experience but also constantly be aware of everyone's suffering: Every physical pain, every foolish death, every war against humanity, Jesus feels.
Consider also that you and I can add to Jesus' pain or increase his joy.
We have no control over what a Vladimir Putin or a sick, deranged person does in a grocery store or elementary school. But we do have control over what enters our hearts and comes out of our mouths.
Ugliness was not part of God's creation. So, every time ugliness comes out of our mouth, every time we think ugly thoughts, feel ugly feelings or say ugly words to another person or about another person, we add to Jesus' pain. Every day, we are given a choice: love or hate, forgiveness or grudge, adding to Jesus’ peace or contributing to his pain.
Our Lord will continue to weep for the people of the world. He is who he is. But you and I and we as a congregation can make it our goal to add to his joy. By God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, we can do it! | | Voters' Meetings
The Leadership Council is calling two Voters’ Meetings to take place in the Family Life Center immediately after the service on June 5, 2022, and June 26, 2022. The agenda for the June 5, 2022, will include a first reading of the proposed 2022-2023 Church Budget and the Leadership Council will request voter approval for the Budget at the June 27, 2022, meeting. Please make sure to mark these dates in your calendar so you can attend and ask any questions you may have. Other agenda items for the June 5, 2022, meeting include updates on the Playground, information on funding efforts for the Playground, a request to approve funding a CCLS scholarship from our bequest funds, and a request to approve the purchase of a sewing machine for our Christian Friends of New Americans family from our bequest funds. | | Lutheran Foundation Playground Grant
The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis has agreed to provide a $50,000 challenge matching grant toward the playground improvements the congregation approved. As part of the grant process, the Lutheran Foundation will match any individual member gifts up to $5,000 per gift until the $50,000 grant total is met. By way of example, if we have 10 members contribute $5,000 each, the Lutheran Foundation will match the entire $50,000. Please note this matching provision does not apply to the bequest funds the congregation has dedicated toward the playground. Congregation members can contribute toward the playground fund any time before August 1, 2022, which is the deadline the Lutheran Foundation has set for contributions it will match up to $5,000 per donor toward the $50,000 total.
Additional information on the Lutheran Fund matching grant can be found on the bulletin board in the atrium. You can also reach out to Kelly Climer if you have any additional questions on the grant. | | Offerings vs. Budget Update | | Next Sunday's Bible Readings | | Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Acts 2:14a, 22-26; John 8:48-59 | | This Sunday - 6/5 Lector: Beth Nicolaus Communion: Steve Phelps Greeters: Jerry & Beth Nicolaus S/V: Mike Toney Ushers: Ken Clark, Gerry Lucas, Jack Hurley Children's Message: Tim Cosby | | Next Sunday - 6/12 Lector: Miriam Lee Communion: Steve Phelps Greeters: John & Miriam Lee S/V: Mike Toney Ushers: Ken Clark, Gerry Lucas, Jack Hurley Children's Message: Tim Cosby | | | Glendale Lutheran Church Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-4:30 pm (314) 966-3220 | | | | | | | |
