This reaching out is at the core of Christ's church.  If someone would ask you, "So what is Milwaukie Lutheran all about?" could you answer truthfully, "Our church is mission-minded."?  Is mission on our minds?  We do many good things for the community and the world.  It would take pages to list them all.  But I think we have a ways to go to have a truly mission-minded congregation.   I believe that as we walk the journey of faith both individually and together as a church, the Spirit works gradually upon our hearts changing us more and more into the likeness of Christ and Christ's community.  Mission-mindedness is our goal.  It's the place to which we always return when making decisions in our lives and for the church.
This is an exciting time to be the church.  The way forward is becoming clearer.  With the creation of our new mission statement, the Natural Church Development process and Sanctuary Renewal, we are being guided and molded to be a more authentic church, more faithful to the guiding Holy Spirit, more genuine in our feelings.  We are stepping out in mission.   Milwaukie Lutheran is a place to be mission-minded.  I hope you discover for yourself what that mission means to you.
Shalom, Pastor Charles

Approaching financial stewardship from a biblical perspective, we view the money given to MLC not merely as a way to pay the bills. Rather, we see financial contributions as a way to grow spiritually in relationship with God by supporting MLC's mission and ministry with a percentage of our income.

MLC's stewardship committee has once again selected the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving as our stewardship education emphasis for this year.  Our theme is "Gathered to Give." 

 

Learn more about Companions on the Journey; Sunday Forums, and the October 4 Blessing of the Animals.

 

There is also a full page article about Natural Church Development. 

 

Use this link to connect to the MLC web-page, and find the October newsletter.

This year we have the pleasure of welcoming Jack Kennedy, retreat facilitator, Spiritual Director and teacher, who will walk with us through a process for discernment. Discernment is a vital part of our spiritual journey...what are we being called by God to do in not only our spiritual life but our day to day living as well?  We need firm commitments from people no later than August 31 in the event we would not have enough participants and would need to cancel our reservation.  The cost per person is $130 which includes 5 meals, snacks, materials and towels and linens.  An additional $5 would be required for single rooms (which are limited).  Please contact the church office, 503.653.0250, if you would like to register.  Registration forms are available at church.

 www.clackamasloveinc.org and www.koklutheran.org/kingscupboard.htm

Finally, there is an opportunity to learn and share more about Small Groups by completing and submitting the What Is A Faith Fellowship Small Group? form found in your newsletter or bulletin.

 

The Nations:  The President of the United States and our elected officials,  the people and the governments of  Iraq, Palestine, Israel, Afghanistan, Liberia, Sudan and all other countries torn apart by strife. All people around the world in military service for their country.
Serving in the military overseas:  Sammy Thole, grandson in law of the Zabels.  He is serving in Afghanistan.

In Service:  We pray for those serving Christ around the world: Marian Hungerford-Cameroon; Jan Kearsgard - Pakistan; Pastor Steven Ray - China,  Dr. Richard Young - Guyana; Christa Morse (Beth Lillie's niece)  - Peru, Paul Riek - Oaxaca, Mexico.

Thank you messages were shared by the church's Property Board, and a personal message from Mike Inman.  To see these messages, please click the link to our newsletter, here.

 

Birthdays for the month are now posted in the Fellowship Hall, just inside the door as you enter.

Deadline for submissions to The Light for the November 2009 issue is noon on October 19. Items for the newsletter may be submitted to editor@milwaukielutheran.org or Sheryl Ann in the office. Please include an author name or contact with every submission.  Hardcopy and e-mail newsletters are being created.  If you have questions or comments about this information, please contact our editor(s) at editor@milwaukielutheran.org or by calling the church office 503.653.0250. 
Thank you, Eds.