By   Sun, Aug 16, 2009

How does the saying go?
"Be careful what you pray for, you may get it." The saying sounds like a warning but as we have found out God "is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think."

In November of 2008 two churches from Mount Vernon, Washington (New Life Lutheran Brethren Church and The Well) met to discuss serving the Lord together. Our question was, "What might happen if two churches came together around the common mission of bringing the love of Jesus to our community?"

As we made plans, we believed God was using our churches to join together in mission. Since part of that mission is to demonstrate the love and unity of the body of Christ, why not do something crazy like begin worshipping together too? We had no idea how this would go, but both groups felt a strong leading of the Spirit and a desire to share the love of Jesus in concrete ways. As for those plans, we knew that if we waited until we thought we had all the details figured out we would never act on God's leading. We trusted that if God were calling us together he would give us the patience and direction to make it happen. His calling to serve the Lord together in mission was clear. On Thanksgiving Day we served dinner for the working poor in our community and began worshipping together the following Sunday. The dinner went well and our first worship service together was very exciting.

A week before Thanksgiving I received a phone call from another pastor in town wondering if our churches would like the opportunity to host a "Below-Twenty-Five Ministry" on behalf of the community churches. The idea was to provide temporary shelter to the homeless when the temperature hits below twenty-five degrees (not a frequent thing here but it does happen several times a year). Our church building is in a unique location, situated near some of the homeless camps. As hosts, our responsibility would be to provide a warm space, and other churches would provide staffing, food, etc. Amazing: another opportunity for mission.

The idea of a Below-Twenty-Five Ministry is pretty simple. When the local paper's low temp forecast for the day is 25 degrees or colder we will open our church doors from 5:30 PM - 7:30 AM as a cold weather emergency shelter. We would provide a safe and warm environment for anyone desiring to get out of the cold. In addition, they would receive a hot supper and breakfast, a blanket or two, and access to our free clothing store. We would be part of a network of four churches in the county working together to provide emergency shelter. Last year the network involved seven churches and 110 volunteers. In that time all the shelters received only two guests.

We entered into this cold-weather emergency shelter ministry thinking we would have a few weeks to get ready and even then we might be open only for a day or two at a time. With a volunteer base of 110 from other churches we figured our main task would be to keep the building open and warm and provide a few staff; so much for our prophetic gifts. Only days after agreeing to be part of the network, a cold snap hit the Northwest. Let me share some details, and some of our challenges.

On December 13 we quickly opened the shelter and a mad scramble ensued. Upon activation we pulled our resources together. The volunteers were contacted for scheduling purposes; it requires about 10 people to cover the 14 hours that we are open. After calls were made, we discovered that our 110 volunteers were now down to 11. It turns out that most of the volunteers were unwilling to help if the shelter was not hosted in their building. We pulled our material resources together and we had a few meager canned goods and about 15 blankets. Policies and procedures for the shelter were still in draft form, but the temperature was forecast to hit 22 degrees so we opened.

Registration is from 5:30-7:30 PM. If nobody shows we close and contact the rest of the staff to keep them from coming in. On night one nobody showed. It turns out there was confusion: the emergency phone number was down and the temperature didn't go below 25 until early morning so people thought we were closed. As we prepared for night two we wondered if anyone would show. That night four men came by for shelter. This was a very manageable group and we asked them to spread the word as the forecast called for 10-plus days of cold weather, sometimes dipping into the low teens.

The word spread and in the following days more guests arrived averaging about 15 a night with a few more coming by for breakfast and supper, or to get some warm clothes or a blanket. Those we served were mostly men who normally live under bridges or in wooded areas; many struggle with addiction to alcohol and drugs. Our initial supplies were quickly gone, but as the word went out, other churches and individuals brought dozens of blankets and supplies, and began helping with food. Volunteers trickled in-enough to keep things staffed but not enough to give us a comfortable cushion in our scheduling. The newspaper carried articles, the radio made announcements, and social agencies spread the word to let the community know about the shelter. As the cold snap continued, the three other shelters closed their doors due to no one coming.

When it finally warmed up we were open from December 13-26.

• Number of guests registered-27
• Number of volunteers serving-47
• Number of churches involved-8
• Total hours of volunteer service-350+
• Blankets provided-60+
• Individual receiving clothing-40+
• Nights of lodging provided-130
• Meals served-280+

It has been exciting to see God's hand at work in touching the lives of many people. The homeless are very appreciative of having a warm and safe place to go. Churches have been grateful to lend a hand in terms of resources and volunteers. More and more I am running into people who want to be involved in meaningful hands-on ministry.

When our churches came together, this is where we were praying that God would lead us; we just didn't think we would get here so quickly. Our ideas involved a gradual build up with lots of time to plan and gather resources before we would begin this ministry. God seems to prefer just throwing us into the river at flood stage so that we might trust Him.

We have had to adapt to a lack of resources and staff. We have had to learn how to relate to the homeless and how to deal with guests who want to use alcohol and drugs on the property; and how to send some back out into the cold night when they are unable to follow the rules. This is by far the hardest ministry work I have been involved in and, quite honestly, I am not hoping for too many cold days. In the end, our resources were stretched but God showed Himself to be faithful.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. Jesus calls us to have compassion and to demonstrate his love. A cold weather emergency shelter is a ministry of compassion; most likely those we serve will continue in their lifestyle. Our guests experienced God's love as they received compassion from those volunteering at the shelter. Those volunteering experienced the joy of serving with compassion. Those watching from the outside - our church neighbors, my co-workers who upon hearing what was happening with tearful eyes donated money, other churches who came responded to our pleas for resources - were thankful as they witnessed compassion. I think the lives of everyone involved were impacted and the testimony of the church in the community benefited as churches set aside their "differences" and came together for the sake of mission. As I write, those two churches that met in November of last year continue to serve in mission and worship together. Legally we remain two separate churches but we have come together around the common mission of bringing the love of Jesus to our community and serve and worship together under the name New Life @ The Well.

 

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In the middle of the cold snap I pulled into our snow-covered parking lot, cleared the snow and ice off the cold weather shelter sign and then noticed one of our neighbors waving me over. She told me she had been watching what we were doing and wanted to help. She had just made two large pots of homemade chicken noodle soup and wanted us to have them. I wasn't sure what to do-we already had a church committed to bringing in a "Thanksgiving dinner" for the night. They were having a mission celebration dinner and wanted to provide our guests with a meal. I, myself, was hungry and looking forward to it. I thanked her but explained that we already had supper planned and since we have limited storage space would she mind storing it in her refrigerator for another day or two. She was agreeable and as I left I was thinking how a number of times people have come forward wanting to help but haven't checked to find out what we need. Our supper is at 7:00 PM. At 6:40 PM the church promising the dinner called to inform us they would not be able to provide dinner but had some desserts for us. Thank God that He knows what we need even before we ask. Thanks to our neighbor, everyone had a great supper and dessert.

 

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Pastor Keith Luna serves at New Life Lutheran Brethren Church in Mount Vernon, WA

 

 

By   Sun, Aug 16, 2009

Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

One answer to the question "Why Are We Here?" is given in these verses we call the Great Commission. The focus of this article is on that answer. Jesus makes clear in Matthew 28:19-20 that one of the reasons that we are here is to "make disciples."

But as soon as that statement is made, questions likely arise-such as what does it mean to "make disciples" and how do we do it? I understand making disciples to have two primary aspects that are "fleshed out" by the rest of verses 19-20. The first step of making a disciple is for a person to put their faith in Christ, to initially become a believer in Jesus. This initial step is indicated by the word "baptizing" in verse 19. Secondly there is a continuing element of growth and maturing in faith indicated by the word "teaching" in verse 20. So my understanding is that the Great Commission has this two-fold emphasis on both "reaching" and "teaching."

Unfortunately, it's easy to lose this focus in the day-in and day-out activity of our churches. The focus can easily become a bottom line of "paying the pastor's salary and keeping the lights on." Of course these are important things for every church to do, but when they become our focus and purpose, we've shifted away from one of the primary purposes of our church. Our church buildings are important tools of ministry, and it's important to maintain them well, but when they shift to the center of our focus, we've lost sight of the focus of the Great Commission - to make disciples. And as important as our pastor is to the ministry of our church, when the focus shifts to having enough money to pay his salary, we've also lost the focus of the Great Commission.

But the question of how to make disciples still remains. Ultimately, it is the Lord alone who makes disciples, but he uses people to accomplish this task. So we have both the awesome privilege and the tremendous responsibility of allowing God to use us as he reaches people with the gospel. So, the question becomes what is the most effective way for God to use us as He reaches people? The answer to this question is very complex, but in general, God is able to use us most effectively as we communicate the gospel in ways that are easiest for not-yet Christians to hear and understand. In our culture, that often is in the context of personal relationships and friendships. As people have an opportunity to see what it means to be a believer in Jesus being lived out in front of them, they are more likely to understand the spoken message of the Gospel, and Christ's teachings often come alive in that context.

Why are we here? One clear and primary reason is to make disciples. As the Scripture says in Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary of doing good..." (ESV)

 

Stan Olsen is Director for Clergy & Congregation Relations for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren

 

By Cheryl Olsen   Mon, Aug 17, 2009

Because of the gifts of women across the U.S., this year our Director of Women's Ministries has been criss-crossing the country meeting small and large groups of women in church after church through the National Project, "Face-to-Face." Eastern women met face to face in eight locations in five-days. Pacific Northwest women gathered in two main locations and one informal venue. Read some of the results...and look for Ruth's visits to your district!

"What a blessing it was to meet with women from so many of our churches in the district! I had the privilege of traveling with Ruth Vallevik, as she shared her heart for ministry - to, for and by women. We had the privilege to hear the vision these ladies have for each other, for their communities and for missions. God is at work!
~Ruth Christenson (President, Eastern District Women's Ministries)

"I was so happy to see the attendance at these events - with many women driving distances to come, and often at inconvenient times. I was welcomed into homes, I was prayed for, and I heard positive stories of ministry to women going on in church after church.... Meeting with 14 pastors' wives at Tuscarora was a treat, and I'm grateful for the faith and commitment I saw in them. I was so glad to hear about the newly-invigorated and youthful face of WM at 59th St. Church in Brooklyn, and met a 98-old saint named Lily in Princeton who faithfully sends greeting cards to our missionary families... The twinkle in those eyes was unforgettable.

"... seeing how many women are being affected by job loss and financial stress made a big impact on me. Others are facing family illnesses, church conflicts, and loneliness. Their faith is being tested. I spoke several times about the hope that is ours in Jesus; the firm foundation on which we can stand in these days that for many are unsettling and dark."
~Ruth Vallevik (Director, Women's Ministries of the CLB)

"Ruth Vallevik's ‘Face to Face' visit to the Pacific Northwest got off to a lovely start as ladies from the north-end of our district gathered at Grace LB in Lynnwood for Friday evening's ‘Dessert Night.' We enjoyed the gracious hospitality of our hostesses, as well as beautiful singing, scripture and prayer, district updates and an encouraging message from Ruth. It was obvious that everyone enjoyed each other's company as we lingered well into the evening!

"On Saturday morning, we trekked down to Oregon for the ‘South-End District Brunch' at Greater Grace LB in Portland. A special highlight was the unveiling of a greeting card designed by Shirley Embanks for the benefit of our national ‘Cup of Blessing' campaign!

"We then held an informal ‘Sunday Forum' at Hope at Silver Lake in Everett, where many encouragements and ideas were shared. It is exciting to hear how the Lord is using our ladies to minister to one another and to our communities. Many thanks to Ruth for spending time in our district, and encouraging us to keep doing what we're doing, as well as continue seeking fresh avenues to reach other women for Christ."
~Michelle Aandahl, (President, Pacific Northwest District)

By Bruce Stumbo   Mon, Aug 17, 2009

Over the past few years I have been introduced to a variety of ways to communicate with family and friends, and people I have never heard of. The Wonderful World of Web networks has enabled instant contact with anyone who has a computer, an internet connection, and the inclination to sign in, sign on, or sign up to engage in conversation, share information, post pictures, or just say, "Hi."

In this first Blog (Bruce Log) I'm going to make a confession, then an apology and then offer some advice. That's what usually happens with repentant people: You are sorry for something; you apologize for it, change your behavior, and then tell everyone else that they should, too. Well, sorry, but here goes:

I'm already tired of Facebook, Twitter, Ning, forums, networks, on-line chat, instant messaging, text messages, blogs, posts, uploads, downloads, avatars, icons, jpgs, mpgs, and all the bells, whistles, and other notifications that come along with all these things. Okay, that's my confession.

I apologize. I'm sorry because I think all of these things are truly very helpful and they can be used very effectively for communicating important things with people, literally, around the world. I recently ‘chatted' with a friend I hadn't spoken to since 1987. I can ‘talk' with a missionary friend in Japan, for free, anytime we're both on-line. Unbelievable. And terrific. So, I'm sorry that I've grown weary of trying to keep up.

Now, let me give some advice (and I'll try to take my own in this): Choose your on-line communities carefully, and just enjoy them from time to time. It isn't about keeping up with everything that's out there, but using some of these tools to establish, affirm and/or renew relationships in unique ways. I can talk to Denny in Minneapolis or Dean in Japan (I will soon, Dean!).

I've started a couple of on-line communities using Ning sites (www.ning.com) over the past two year and I can't think of a better tool to use for groups that have members in far-flung places to communicate news, information and ideas. Thing is, you've got to have active users. There has to be a reason for people to want to go to the site. So, both those sites have been irrevocably deleted from the WWW and no longer exist (sorry, Jason) due to lack of activity. But, I have high hopes for future ventures with Ning and other services like it. District pastors, Synod committees, Cluster groups, Youth worker networks, or any group of people with similar interests can be invited into on-line communities that will greatly help them stay in touch.

I've grown to understand that Facebook and Twitter, and all the rest, are just plain fun for most people, and, these days, that's a very good thing. But, you already knew that. Blog on!

Pastor Bruce Stumbo is Editor of Faith & Fellowship and serves on the pastoral staff at Bethel LBC in Grand Forks, ND

 

By Tim Mathiesen   Mon, Aug 17, 2009

The 2009 Annual Conveniton was held in Fergus Falls, Minnesota on June 14 through 17. It was a wonderful time of worship, prayer and discussion. It has been said that it is one of the most important conventions in the history of the Lutheran Brethren and God was truly with us as a group, as a family and as the Church. Love, respect and patience was evidence that God was working in each of our hearts. The discussion was out of love and concern for the Mission of God and His plan for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, rather than out of personal opinion or selfish desires. Not only the discussion but the worship services also showed how God was working in the life of the CLB. The Annual Convention kicked of  on Sunday evening with a powerful worship service. The following are a list of the sermons with audio and video.

SUNDAY
We Look to the Lord
President Joel Egge

download mp3 >>>

 

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MONDAY
He Himself is the Resource
Missionary Paul Szobody

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He is With Us Now
Pastor Brad Hoganson

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TUESDAY
He is With Us in Mission
Pastor Bob Heggestad

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He is Our Unity
Pastor Rick Bridston

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WEDNESDAY
He is With Us Always
Pastor Tony Karlik

download mp3 >>>

 

 

 

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Order the "I Am With You Always"
convention DVD collection!

800-332-9232

This year's worship services
are available on DVD!
Order your copies today by
contacting Faith & Fellowship.

By   Mon, Aug 17, 2009

"God moved in the hearts of
the people at Maple Park"

Yesterday the young man who started the fire that destroyed Maple Park's sanctuary pled guilty in Superior Court. He's being sentenced to three months in jail and his restitution to Maple Park will be around $13,000. Although the damage was more like 3/4 of a million and the rebuild an additional 3/4 of a million, his plea brings to a close this chapter in the life of Maple Park. It was a long chapter.

For the last 2 ½ years our ministries have been extremely limited by available meeting space. Leadership resources were stretched beyond the normal operational demands as building committees, design committees, stewardship committees, and finance committees demanded immediate attention. We were designing as we built. Financial resources were taxed. Patience with certain city officials demanded spiritual intervention. Each Sunday our worship space reminded us that we were in the middle of construction. Hundreds, no, thousands of hours were expended in volunteer labor adding great value to a building that we hoped would in some small way reflect a bit of the glory of God.

We were told, and we expected, this project would take a toll on the congregation and its leadership. It did. Time, energy, and resources were stretched at times to the breaking point. That chapter is closing and a new chapter is being written.

God moved in the hearts of the people at Maple Park. Not only did he put resources into the hands of our congregation, he moved them to offer them up to him. We have discovered anew that in the area of stewardship of all our resources, it is more blessed to give than to receive. This fall we moved into our new facility and it is truly a remarkable building. Our first Sunday was a celebration and a thanksgiving. People wept as they sang Praise to the Lord the Almighty the King of Creation. The Amen was sounding from the people again as we exhorted each other to join in glad adoration.

Ministries have been restarted, some have been revived, and some are starting for the first time. During these stressful times we continued with our mission efforts at home and in other places around the world. New people are discovering this church that they watched come up from the ground. New talent, new energy, new life is breathed into the congregation. God has raised a church up from the ashes to bear testimony to his glorious name. God will write the final chapter of this story but we've had, and continue to have, the privilege of being a part of this wonderful thing he is doing.

 

Pastor Dave Overland, Maple Park Church in Lynnwood, WA

 

By   Mon, Aug 17, 2009

Ebenezer Church is over one hundred years old and is located in south Minneapolis. Over the past three decades, the community around the church facility has significantly changed, but the congregation has not connected much with our new neighbors. In 2001, the congregation adopted this vision statement: "Our vision is to be a Christ-Centered, community-based, outreach-focused church that intentionally embraces people of all cultures." This sounds great, but the changes required of us to actually become community-based and outreach-focused remain quite a challenge. Yet by God's grace, we are living more and more into this vision that God has given to us.

On the first Tuesday of every August since 1984, neighborhoods across the United States and Canada gather to get to know one another and to increase awareness about local police programs, such as drug prevention, town watch, and other anti-crime efforts. It's called National Night Out. Initially communities held lights-on vigils. Now, many communities hold block parties, festivals, and other events to help bring neighbors together.

Since people would already be looking for something like this, we thought we'd host a block party for the folks that live near our church facility in south Minneapolis. Our youth were serving in local mission with another youth group from a sister congregation in South Dakota, and together with the Evangelism and Service boards of Ebenezer, we planned and threw a party last August that our neighbors still talk about to this day.

We purchased food from a famous meat market in the neighborhood, rented a couple of inflatable games and created a host of other children-oriented games, and gave away prizes donated by local businesses and purchased by the congregation. We handed out fliers to over five thousand homes, and then prayed.

We didn't know how many people would show up. We had done something like this a number of years ago, but didn't have too many people other than Ebenezer folks show up. So, we optimistically planned for 200 people. Well, to our delight, over 400 came to our party that night. We raided any food that we could grill from the church kitchen, and quickly bought more food to serve. We gave away prizes from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. The key to the evening? (It's not very spiritual.) We gave away free iPods! We had advertized this on the fliers, and people young and old all wanted the iPods.

If Ebenezer Church wishes to be community-based and outreach-focused, we will need to look a lot more like we did during National Night Out than we currently do on Sunday mornings. Above all, we want to remain Christ-centered in all we do.

(To see a video clip of Ebenezer's National Night Out, go to www.myebenezerchurch.com)

 

Pastor Todd Mathison serves Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church, Minneapolis, MN