"Where might we be led if we really give God a chance?"  I came across this question recently in some material in a class I was teaching.  One suggestion the writer offered to give God a chance among us was to have the congregation wrestle with a long-term question.  The class took up the challenge and out of their discussion offers up this question for our consideration:  "What brings a sense of community in worship?"

Since we as a community through the Natural Church Development process are wrestling with strengthening inspiring worship, I thought this question begins to get at the heart of our struggles.  This is a question for which we need not rush to a conclusion.  Rather let us live with this question for a period of time.  I suggest we carry this question with us through the Lenten season.  Even that may not be long enough.

"What brings a sense of community in worship?"  Mull it over, pray about it, discuss it in your various small groups.  Grow familiar with the many ways God may be urging our responses.

Dr. Rachel Remen, in her book, Kitchen Table Wisdom, adds this bit of wisdom to the importance of staying with the question:

"Mystery seems to have the power to comfort, to offer hope, and to lend meaning in times of loss and pain.  In surprising ways it is the mysterious that strengthens us at such times.  I used to try to offer people certainty in times which were not at all certain and could not be made certain.  I now just offer my companionship and share my sense of mystery, of the possible, of wonder....  I accept that I may never know where truth lies in such matters.  The most important questions don't seem to have ready answers.  But the questions themselves have a healing power when they are shared.  An answer is an invitation to stop thinking about something, to stop wondering.  Life has no such stopping places, life is a process whose every event is connected to the moment that just went by.  An unanswered question is a fine traveling companion.  It sharpens your eye for the road." (p. 293)

I am about giving God every chance possible to guide our community.  As you travel with Jesus to the cross through the Lenten season, ask him once in a while in your daily conversations with him, "What is it that will bring a sense of community to our worship?"  And share your answers.  Now is the time to let God lead.

Your companion on the journey, ~Pastor Charles

We welcome Owen James as our new interim choir director.  While the Music Ministry Task Force is getting underway to determine our current needs for musicians, Owen will be directing the adult choir.  The choir will sing twice a month at the early service.  Owen and his wife, Maya, life in Sellwood.  They have two young children.  Owen teaches voice and guitar and has a music degree from the University of Miami. The choir is looking forward to his leadership beginning in February.  Please keep Owen in your prayers as well as the Music Ministry Task Force.  The members are: Mary Jo Hess, Greg Jenks, Jacob Korsness, Darlene Larson, Charles Mantey, Melanie North, Shelby VanLeuven and Dolores Vilstrup.

SOUPERBOWL SUNDAY:  February 7, after each service. This annual event raises almost $10 million a year to help with many different hunger related causes.  All the money we raise will go to a local hunger organization to be determined.  Suggested minimum donation is $1.

 

SHROVE TUESDAY: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM.  Come join us for our annual pancake dinner.

 

ASH WEDNESDAY:  Worship at 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m., February 17.

 

HEALING SUNDAY:  8:45 & 11:00 a.m., Sunday, February 28.

 

Details about these events can be found at our on-line newsletter:  www.milwaukielutheran.org.  Click on the link for "Newsletters" on the left side of the home page.

Deadlines for submission to The Light for the March 2010 issue is noon on February 16.  Items for the newsletter may be submitted to Sheryl Ann in the office (503-653-0250), or sent to editor@milwaukielutheran.org.  Please include an author name or contact with each submission.  Your editors appreciate every effort made to submit materials in a timely fashion. Ed.

 We remember in our prayers this day: 
Health Concerns:  Marta , Grace, Verlyn, April, Helen, Christopher, Earl, Judy, Trudy, Barbara, Jeff, Joyce, Paul, Linda, Marilyn, Mary, Myra, Betty, Teresa, Jerry, Chris, Joy, Marilyn, Dale, Jean, Doris, Alta, Henry, Paulette, Damon, Lillian, Mike, Al, Darrell, Graydon, Dick, Tom, Marian, Mitchell, Bob, Jeremiah, Ann,  Kelly, Shirley, Katie, Arlene, Cheryl, Isaac, Alice, Jennifer, Julia.
Those participating in Companions on the Journey:  Alan and Sara DuVal, Pat Korsness, Linda Stambulski.
The Nations:  The President of the United States and our elected officials,  the people and the governments of  Haiti, 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, serving in Afghanistan. Michael Marks, grandson in law of the Schwabauers, serving in Iraq. Tyler Sanders, son of Jeff and Lisa, serving in Afghanistan. Eric Hungerford, son of Betty, serving in Afghanistan.
We pray for those serving Christ around the world:  Marian Hungerford-Cameroon; Pastor Steven Ray - China,  Dr. Richard Young - Guyana.

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

Our February 2010 newsletter has more news and information than we can comfortably fit into an e-mail.  Please click through our link to read about Camp Lutherwood, see a copy of the Choir's Song for Cheryl Drewes and a letter from Cheryl Drewes, or to read an update from Marian Hungerford about her work in Cameroon.

 

There is also Ministry News, a thank you note, and news of February Preschool Registration.

 

There are a series of Spiritual Growth Opportunities listed on page 4, and news from the Piecemakers on page 3.

 

A new bible study and craft group will soon be forming.  Learn more on page 3.  And there will be a Women's Dinner Out at the Olive Garden this month - more complete information also on page 3.

 

Please visit our newsletter for complete details.  Complete February Newsletter.  Thank you!