"Alleluia" is the Greek word for the Hebrew "Hallelujah" which means "Praise the Lord." It's something to shout out in the a crowd rather than to mumble alone. That's what happened the last Saturday in August. A time to praise God. It felt as if God was at work among us when those discerned for team ministry met with a discernment committee from the diocesan Commission on Ministry. For those of us there, the time was fun and scary, exhausting and exhilarating. Wisdom, compassion, and insight from both discerners and discernees overcame the occasional surprise or misunderstanding, so that at the end of the day we could shout "Alleluia" – Praise the Lord for the blessings and changes in our team.
"Alleluia!" for Cynthia Evans's new calling as Team Intercessor.
"Alleluia!" for Lu Tax's new understanding and reaffirmation of her call as Team Liturgist.
"Alleluia!" for Cedar Morrigan's reaffirmation of her call as Sacramentalist.
"Alleluia!" for Johanna Morrigan's reaffirmation of her call as Deacon.
"Alleluia! Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!" for our four new Team Ministers:
None of us is writing the usual "Where's Our Team?" this month because we're hard at work. Praying, giving thanks (Alleluia!), and getting to know one another so we can minister well together. Even in the midst of our discernment day, Pat (called as "Meanie Mentor") had the team and a friendly visitor testing our "teamwork" gifts by putting together our new Church Directory. If you'd like to be a "friendly visitor" at any of our team gatherings, we encourage you to meet with us. Our regular meetings are on the second Saturday of each month, from 2:00 pm until 4:30 pm. In September we meet at Good Samaritan in Sauk Centre.
FORGIVENESS
The September newsletter is late. And there's no pastoral note. I (Pat) ask your forgiveness. I was on vacation at newsletter time and am still playing catchup with those "things left undone which we ought to have done." (For those of you who still have those words of the Old Prayer Book in your hearts, I'm not at the point of confessing this delay as "manifold sins and wickedness.") About small things (late newsletters) and large (new team ministers), celebration and forgiveness are essentials of Christian community. We're all part of a team for God's work in the world, called together to ministry, celebration, and forgiveness. Let's keep hoping that "the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy" and hope, too, that this "newness of life" will, in the future, produce a timely newsletter as well as gifted ministers.
OPEN HOUSE
Good Samaritans, both parish members and guests, celebrated the renewal of their church building last month with good food, nearly the entire parish welcoming many visitors, T-shirts and balloons. Thanks to Lucia and Pete Wilson for coordinating the event and to the many who ministered there. If you missed the big event, you can still share in the fun in cyberspace by checking out our "family pictures" at http://www.motherflash.com/goodsamaritan/openhouse.html
COMPUTERS AND CHURCH WORK
Don't know how to get to the Good Sam open house pictures mentioned above? Mystified by others who use email and seem to know church news even sooner than the more trustworthy and traditional word-of-mouth grapevine? Come and find out how to use your computer or the library's computers for church information and ministry. All are welcome at Our Saviour's in Little Falls for the October Christian Education program on computers and the church. Sundays in October after worship during coffee hour at 11 am and beyond. Hands on and individual support with lots of time for questions.
MUGGLE ALERT !
If you know what that heading means, you're already prepared for the next Book Study at St Stephen's in Paynesville. Having just completed a study of "Straight Tongue" about Bishop Whipple, this group of avid readers will discuss the Harry Potter books next. All are welcome to participate, especially muggle (meaning those of us without magical abilities) Christians, whether you've read all the books several times or are just opening the first page. Discussion will focus on themes rather than by individual books. All sessions are at 11 am, followed by an optional lunch at a local restaurant. Location, if not the church, will be posted on the St. Stephen's office door that morning (or ask Pat).
BIBLE STUDY
Good Samaritan offers Christian Education of a more traditional sort, though the discussion is always wide ranging. Bible Study on Tuesdays at noon.
THEATER AND THEOLOGY
Like theological controversy and contemporary film? Join theater experts, Antonia and Erin Kehr, and theologian Pat to eat popcorn, view films, and reflect on the messages contemporary movies are sending about God and God's relationship with the world. This film series, including "The Last Temptation of Christ," "Dogma," "American Beauty," "Stigmata," and others of the group's or leaders' choice, invites open-minded thinkers and unchurched people into discussion and discovery of the relationship between art, culture, and theology. A monthly series St. Stephen's in Paynesville. Opening session showing "Pleasantville" on Friday, September 29, at 7:00 pm.
ALPHA
Started in London, England in 1991 to revitalize the Church of England, the Alpha program has spread around the world, not only in the Anglican Community but in the wider Christain Community. So far Alpha has helped well over a millioin people discover a deeper personal understanding of Christ and his Chruch in a fun, exciting and warm environment. The spirit of the Heartland is looking int offering Alpha coruses next Spring or Summer. Find out more at http://www.alphana.org
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Our new church directory is finally here! If you would like a copy and haven't received yours yet, there are copies at the churches for those who had their pictures taken. Others may request a copy from Pat.
CRAFT FAIR & OUR SAVIOUR'S WORSHIP TIMES
Sunday, September 10, because of the Craft Fair, The Church of Our Saviour in Little Falls will have Holy Eucharist early, at 8:00 am. The regular service time other Sundays in September and following has been changed to 10:00 am.
ANIMAL BLESSING
Encourage others to visit our churches with their pets for the Blessing of the Animals for the Feast of St. Francis in October. Save the dates and join us even if you don't have a pet to bring along.
VISITORS !
Spirit of the Heartland Churches will soon be welcoming an assortment of diocesan visitors.
Sept 24, Sun 9:00 am - St. Stephen's - The Rt. Rev. Dan Swenson
Nov 12, Sun 11:00 am - Good Samaritan - The Rt. Rev. Dan Swenson
Oct 1, Sun. 10:00 am - Our Saviour's - The Rt. Rev. Don
Hultstrand
MINISTRY SCHEDULES
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