Glimpses of Glendale Glendale Lutheran Church Newsletter | | | We are near the end of our sermon series on Deuteronomy. This week I’m preaching on Moses’ words of Renewal and next week Pastor Ken Krueger is preaching on the death of Moses. The words of Deuteronomy have echoed through the centuries. It is the second most quoted book in the New Testament. Much of Jesus’ ministry was a commentary on the law of Deuteronomy. We’ve journeyed through an important book.
Last Sunday in Bible class I started showing a documentary entitled “The Moses Controversy: Who wrote the first books of the Bible?” I will continue the movie this Sunday which you can attend in person or online. In it, we see the evidence for Moses receiving the word of God. Timothy Mahoney interviews secular and Christian scholars around the world. He discovers that the first written alphabet dates to the time of the Exodus and resembles Hebrew. The gift of an alphabet from God was an innovation that transformed the world. The words on the Ten Commandments were understood and preserved. The words of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are a part of us because of this gift. The alphabet eventually elevated all languages. It also allowed humans to learn in a new way, through the written word. Eventually, Martin Luther encouraged Christian education so that everyone could experience the words of God.
This documentary will deepen your faith. If you don’t come to the class, find a copy. It is part of a series called “Patterns of Evidence.” Our faith is backed by historical fact. God really made himself known to Israel and Moses. There is clear evidence that the events in the Bible really happened. We don’t have to be afraid to explore the facts behind our faith. | | 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. | | There will be a Voters’ Meeting on Sunday, October 18, directly following the worship service, to elect three new positions on the Leadership Council. | | 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@cls.edu (208-559-2919); Oliver's is lamieo@cls.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 10/11 Lector: Cathie Albers Communion: Steve Phelps S/V: Mike Toney Bible Class S/V: Jerry Nicolaus Usher: Mike Toney | | Worship Leaders 10/18 Lector: Tracey Ortstadt Communion: Terry Buchholz S/V: Tony Petzoldt Bible Class S/V: Tony Petzoldt Usher: Ken Clark | | | Glendale Lutheran Church Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-4:30 pm (314) 966-3220 | | | | | | | |
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