|
A lesson in Lutheran ethics for complex times
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we enter the last weeks of political campaigning before the November election, and hear loud mean-spirited voices on all sides of every issue laying claim to the "truth," I find myself very grateful for the way Lutherans are called to make ethical choices in this complex world of ours. The Lutheran way of "doing ethics" involves seven touchstones which we use to guide us in our decision-making. Those seven touchstones include:
- Our own personal experiences in life and the insights, learning, and wisdom we have received through those experiences.
- Prayer.
- Scripture.
- Information that can be accessed on any given issue by reading the "secular" literature available to us, or by listening intently to things like debates, panel discussions, and ordered, well-run, respectful conversations among people with a diversity of opinion. This step admonishes us to be "good readers" and careful analyzers of the information available to us. It asks us to be engaged in the issues, searching for those resources that are thoughtfully and artfully and humbly offered for our consideration.
- Conversation with other "spiritual partners," other brothers and sisters in Christ whose opinions, thoughts and insights might inform our thinking, and who, in turn, might learn from us. This is the basis of the many "community conversations" we have at Redeemer on any number of difficult issues. How can we grow in faith or hope to hear where God may be leading us if we do not listen deeply and speak openly in the Christian community?
- Grace. The most important touchstone for Lutheran in the process of ethical deliberation. The truth is, we make difficult decisions about what to do, and what to say, and how to speak, and where to speak, and how to vote, knowing that we cannot see things as clearly as we would like to see them.
- Every issue is complex. Often times there is no black and white, no clear-cut way to see right and wrong, good and bad. Sometimes it's just plain impossible to make a decision that makes us feel like it was clearly the "right" one. So all we have to stand on is grace... All we have to stand on is the knowledge that we have tried to discern the way ahead using our experience, prayer, Scripture, the information available to us, and the insights of other faith partners to help us. We have tried to discern the way ahead, we have made a decision, and we trust that God's grace holds us even if we are not 100 percent certain the decision we have made is "right."
Because of this grace, which holds us all, no matter what "side" of the issue we are on, we understand that the community of faith is strong enough to hold a wide diversity of opinion. This means we don't have to be in agreement on issues. This means the pastor does not have a monopoly on the truth. This means the pastor will never tell parishioners how to vote or what to think. Nor will she use the pulpit to endorse a political candidate or a referendum issue. Really, when all we have to stand on is grace, how could we ever pretend that our position is the only position? Or how could we be disrespectful of someone who has tried to make the best decision possible, even if it means he or she has come to a different decision than we have?
I share this little lesson on Lutheran ethics because I believe it's important for us to consider in these tumultuous and challenging times. But I also share it with you because there will be occasions in the next few weeks when you will see me, your pastor, sharing in the public arena my thoughts on the issue of marriage equality. I do so not as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church (in other words, I will never speak on this issue "on behalf of the congregation") because I know that not everyone at Redeemer holds the position I do on the subject. Rather I will speak as a board member for the "Religious Coalition Against Discrimination," and as a Christian who has given much time and thought and prayerful consideration to this issue. (One of these public conversations will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at Beth El Synagogue on French Street in Bangor, where I will join other faith leaders in discussing marriage equality. The title of the evening is "A Priest, A Rabbi and A Minister...").
I tell you this so you will not be surprised if you see me on the TV or in the newspaper. I tell you this so if there are friends or relatives who say to you something like, "Well, we see your congregation is in favor of gay marriage," you can tell them that this is certainly not the case for everyone at Redeemer, and then fill them in on the method Lutherans use for making difficult ethical decisions. I tell you this so you can understand that, while it is not easy to "go public" on any issue, I do so precisely because my faith and my Lutheran way of seeing this particular issue compel me to do so.
But I also do so standing on God's grace, and with the utmost respect and love for those who may see differently.
Please feel free and invited to call me or stop in to visit about this issue (or any other) any time. And might I suggest that on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 9:15 a.m., for anyone who is interested, we might have a community conversation about the many issues which will confront us on Nov. 6.
In these difficult and challenging days, may God's love and grace enfold
us all, and in all we say and do, may others come to know God's love and grace.
In gratitude for your partnership in the Gospel,
Pastor Elaine
|
Stained glass auction
benefits Sowing Seeds
This stained glass is a Tiffany style panel with clear and pale blue Baroque glass between clear glass nuggets representing bubbles on top of water. The Baroque glass has a natural movement to it reminding one of waves or water movement. It is framed in oak and made by Redeemer member Lynn Bolduc, who has been making stained glass for nearly four years. It will be on display at Redeemer during October, during which time a silent auction will be held for its purchase, the proceeds of which will go to the Sowing Seeds Fund.
|
Redeemer members going back to school
The New England Synod of the ELCA offers Lutherans in the region a very special educational opportunity in its School of Lay Ministry. Four of our Redeemer folks will be students in the School over the next two years. Patti Barker, Don Curtis, Connie Mancevice, and Pat Kelly will be packing their lunches, putting on their backpacks, and getting on the yellow school bus for their first days of school this month. Ok, so really, it will look a little bit more like them packing their suitcases and getting in Connie's car... But the spirit is all September and changing leaves and apples, the spirit is all anticipation of a new experience, meeting new friends, getting all the school supplies in order, and making sure all the right books are in the book bag.
Our four began this year with a retreat at Camp Calumet where they had an orientation to the program and an introduction to its biblical studies component. Pam Shellberg was asked by the SLM directors to lead the instructional sessions of the retreat, so she's also hopping on the bus with her cigar box of pencils and crayons. Because our group of four will do most of their study with each other and at Redeemer, there may be opportunities for you to participate around the edges, eavesdrop on the conversations, and get in on the discussions - so keep your eyes open for those possibilities. In the meantime, remember to pray for them. Their commitments to increasing their understandings of faith, expanding their biblical knowledge, and deepening their spiritual lives will no doubt yield them same increase and deepening in our life together with them at Redeemer.
--Pam Shellberg
|
|
 | |
Don Curtis, Patty Barker, Pat Kelly, and Connie Mancevice attended their first School of Lay Ministry retreat in September at Camp Calumet in New Hampshire.
|
|
| . |
|
Saying 'yes' to serving on Church Council
Throughout this year, members of the Church Council will answer the question, "What is behind your 'yes' to serve on the council?" The hope is that such conversations will deepen our hearts and our work together. I thought I might begin by answering the question myself here.
Pastor Elaine recently preached a sermon in which she used the image of a labyrinth to show how Mark, the gospel writer, saw Jesus as the kind of messiah who would walk a long and circuitous path through much suffering and death before he would arrive at -- and become in himself -- the mystery of the empty tomb. She used the labyrinth to say that Jesus is love, and love, by its nature, always walks circuitous routes through the pain and messiness of life. She used the image to announce the very good news that this labyrinth route of love holds no dead ends and no possibilities for wrong turns. She used the image to say that the meandering route is always the only way to the heart of the mystery of God's love. There can be no shortcuts, because "shortcuts don't mix with love."
I thought about how my route to Maine from Wisconsin was a two-day straight shot from Milwaukee to Bangor. The ferry across Lake Michigan was a short cut. So was the drive through Canada. A straight shot short cut that took me far away from where I'd known love.
Except that I soon started walking some circuitous paths here -- like the one between my apartment on Fern Street and the church on Essex Street; like the one between the fellowship hall and the sanctuary; like the one between the soup supper tables and the bins that hold the dirty dishes; like the one I walk when I approach the communion rail up the center aisle and return to my seat by the side aisle; like the ones my mind walks, often for days, between scripture readings and Pastor's sermons. And in all those meandering, circuitous routes, I've never once hit a dead end or feared the possibility of a wrong turn. Always I've arrived in the center of a shimmering mystery.
What's inside my "yes" to serving on council? It's a "yes" to that mystery found at the center of my meandering with you. It's a "yes" longing to stay as close to it as I can. It's a covenant "yes" to meandering with you in the messiness that our lives often are. It's a "yes" spoken with just the deepest gratitude and affection, because I know that meandering with you always lands me straight away in the heart of love -- and because I hope our meandering together will hold you there, too.
-- Pam Shellberg, Council President
|
Adult class topics for fall and early winter
 Sept. 30: "Tools for Practicing the Things of Faith," with a focus on the labyrinth, led by Pastor Elaine and Pam Shellberg. Oct. 7: Book discussion of "The Solace of Fierce Landscapes: Exploring Desert and Mountain Spirituality," by Belden C. Lane. Some copies will be available at church. (Note: This discussion will begin immediately following a special congregational meeting called for the purpose of approving funds for the replacement of the church roof.)
Oct. 14: Continuing the discussion of "The Solace of Fierce Landscapes." Also, some personal reflections about Lubec and other experiences in places of spiritual reckoning and growth
Oct. 21/28: Discussion of the ELCA social statement on criminal justice
Oct. 28: "Fourth Sunday All Church Event" - Reformation Sunday - a little history about Luther, the Reformers, and what needed reforming in the 16th century Church, (or, continuing discussion of the ELCA social statement on criminal justice).
Nov.4:
"Coffee and Tea with Pastor E.": (Ask her anything you want to ask!)
Nov. 11, 18, 25: Introduction to the Gospel of Luke (It will be the primary gospel read in the next liturgical year, following Lectionary Year C in the Lutheran Church).
Dec. 2: Advent Breakfast
Dec. 9:
"What Does Advent Mean?" Some background on this season of the church's liturgical year.
Dec. 16: The children's Christmas pageant will take place during the 9:15 hour.
|
Thank you to Redeemer member Judy Madson for sharing her artwork of the cross and the labyrinth at the top of the page for The Caller.
|
|
 |
|
Quick Links
| | |
| |
|
Redeemer Lutheran Church
|  | |
A House of Mercy
A Place of Grace
Services: 8 and 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School for all: 9:15 a.m.
|
 Redeemer Lutheran Church is a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Reconciling in Christ (RIC) is a program of Lutherans Concerned North America (LCNA) that recognizes Lutheran congregations that adopt a statement that includes the naming of lesbian, gay, transgendered and bisexual people as welcome to full participation. Redeemer affirms its welcome to people of all ages, genders, ethnic backgrounds, and economic situations. |
|
Special meeting to discuss replacing the roof
9:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 7
|
|
Each month, we at Redeemer collect items and supplies through our "Gathering In" social ministry.
The Gathering In for October will be Harvest Sunday, in which we bring to the altar the gifts of our hands and harvest, and offerings for the World Hunger appeal.
|
|
Upcoming Events
| |
Sunday, Oct. 7 - 9:15 a.m. - Special congregational meeting on reshingling our roof
Sunday, Oct. 14 - Octoberfest celebration - following 10:30 a.m. worship service
Thursday, Oct. 18 - Day trip to Lubec and reflection on spiritual blessings of "fierce landscapes"
Sunday, Oct. 28 - Reformation Sunday and Harvest Sunday to benefit Bread for the World
Saturday, Nov. 3 - 8 a.m.-1 p.m. - Annual Redeemer Fall Festival
Thursday, Nov. 15 - "Take a Break; Take a Breath" day of yoga, poetry, clay, good food. Come prepare your hearts for Advent.
Thursday, Nov. 22 - 1 p.m. - Redeemer Thanksgiving dinner
|
|
There will be an Oktoberfest celebration at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, with bats and (just a little bit) of beer. Brats and beer will be provided. Please bring a salad, a dessert, or something else of your choosing.
|
On Sunday, Oct. 28, (Reformation Sunday) after both services, we will hold our annual "Harvest Sunday" exchange in which we buy the "fruits" of one another's harvests in support of the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.
This year's contributions will go to Bread for the World, an organization with very close ties to the ELCA. (Visit the Bread for the World website.)
Remember that the "fruits" we bring and buy on this day can include not only items from the garden,
but also baked goods, homemade mittens and scarves, certificates for dinners, paintings, photographs, etc.
Whatever you love to make qualifies as "fruit!" |
|
It's time once again to celebrate the season with Redeemer's Fall Festival, which will be held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3.
There are many ways you can participate in this once-a-year fund raising event. Part of the proceeds go to three local charities: Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen, Salvation Army; Spruce Run; and the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter. Some matching funds are received from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for these three charities. The remaining income is used in house; some is used for quilting and prayer shawl ministries, and the majority goes to the Redeemer general fund.
How can you help? Donate any of the following: white elephants (no clothing, shoes or large objects); books, tapes and DVDs; baked goods; small house plants; garden products; crafts; muffins for the Morning Glory Diner. Sign up sheets will be available in early October. Also you may want to help with set up on the day before or come on Saturday to help as needed. See Gloria Buntrock or Nancy Stone for questions.
Oh yes, most importantly, you can come and shop! Many great Christmas gifts will be available.
|
|
During the month of August, $11,203 was received in regular offering, and $1,363 for the building fund. Year-to-date regular offering was $104,239 as of August, and year-to-date offering for the building fund was at $8,461.
|
|
During the month of August, 17 bags of food and two grocery store vouchers were given out.
|
Bishop James Hazelwood, our newly installed bishop, has started a monthly e-newsletter as a way to connect with the large and diverse New England Synod. In addition, Bishop Hazelwood, an avid motorcyclist, has a blog and website, Bishop on a Bike. Visit Bishop Hazelwood's website and blog. Bishop Hazelwood has been traveling the synod, and shared a video describing his impressions. See Bishop Hazelwood's video. |
This month's featured blog for The Caller is "Peace Not Walls," an ELCA blog by Julie Benton Rowe that shares stories, video and photos about "keeping faith in the Holy Land and creating a peaceful, just environment where all humans can flourish."When you link to this blog, you will be able to read about the bishop of the New England Synod's sister synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land, and his efforts on behalf of Syrian refugees. Bishop Munib Younan is also president of the Lutheran World Federation. Link to Peace Not Walls here. |
|
Pastor and Staff
| |
Church Office: (207) 945-3166
|
|
Church Council
| |
Pam Shellberg, President
Wally Jakubas, Vice President
Cheryl Olson, Recording Secretary
Gavin Batchelder
Ruby Herring
Pat Kelly
Roger Pelletier
Lisa Wahlstrom
Treasurer: Harry Madson
Financial Secretary: Rudy Walter
|
|
Submit an Article
|
Send articles as Word documents or PDFs to: Cheryl Olson, The Caller editor. Deadline for the November issue will be Oct. 16. |
|
