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Pastoral Reflection for August 2020Christ Is With Us – He Is And Will Be

“Jesus said, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat’ … he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied.” Matthew 14:16, 19-20

(Gospel on 9th Sunday after Pentecost, August 2, 2020)

“But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified … But immediately he spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart, it is I; have no fear.’ ”

Matthew 14:26a, 27(Gospel on 10th Sunday after Pentecost, August 9, 2020)

Dear Members and Friends:

As will appear in more detail elsewhere in this newsletter, the Congregation Council has approved a plan for the re-opening of Emmanuel for in-person worship on Sunday, August 9. In addition to any information presented here, a special letter will be sent to all members prior to that date. This will detail certain measures being put in place, to ensure that we may gather safely to hear the Word, offer prayers and praises, and be fed at the Lord’s Table. It will also be made clear that no one is to feel under any pressure to return to in-person worship if you are not quite ready at this time. We recognize that the return of a full-bodied congregation may be a process that takes time. We will endeavor, by every possible means, to minster to you, whether or not you can gather with us physically on Sundays.

NOTICEOn the recommendation of the Board of Elders to Church Council, we will begin in-person worship services on Sunday, 9 August 2020. A detailed formal letter will be sent to you in the next few days outlining all of this information. If you were scheduled to be lector or Assisting Minister, please refer to your schedule that was sent to you some time ago. If you cannot serve on that day, or you feel you don’t want to return at this time, please notify the parish office or find a replacement. Thank you. Terry Wentworth

The Gospel excerpts that I have printed at the head of this article speak to our current situation in these unprecedented times.

On my own behalf I want to give thanks that we have been able to send out the Word online over these past several months. We realize that not everyone has been able to take advantage of this. By request some of you have received printed copies of our messages. Modestly I will say that it’s not quite the same as hearing “the living voice,” but it has the advantage that you can go over it again and meditate on certain points, and perhaps even share it with others. I know too that many of you have various ways of carrying on an active devotional life, and this too contributes to the total building-up of the Body of Christ.

Nevertheless, we have missed being together. And we have missed the sharing of Our Lord’s Holy Supper, which is enjoined upon us for the perpetual remembrance of Christ’s death, until he comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). For us as evangelical catholics holding the Lutheran confession, this is not a mere “mental recollection,” but it is the actual coming of the crucified / risen Lord into our midst to nourish us with the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Yes, he has also come to us in his Word. But the Word also points us to the Table, where “it is in the Holy Communion that the members of Christ’s body participate most intimately in his love.” (Maundy Thursday Liturgy, Lutheran Book of Worship).As the weeks have worn on, and we have honored our Bishops’ counsel to “fast” from the Eucharist (though there was no particular terminal date attached to that), I have increasingly felt the pain of being without the Sacrament myself, but even more missing the great joy of dispensing the Bread of Life to those who have called me to be their shepherd. I am, after all, called as a “Minister of Word and Sacrament.” I have keenly missed being able to carry out, in a public way, the second part of that equation (though indeed the Sacrament is “visible Word.”). I have often called to mind a hymn-verse from my early youth (we still have the hymn, ELW #488, but it lacks this verse):

“Ah, how hungers all my spiritfor the love I do not merit!

Oft have I, with sighs fast thronging,thought upon this food with longing,

in the battle well-nigh worsted,for this cup of life have thirsted,

for the Friend who here invites usand to God Himself unites us.”

Lord Jesus, we hear Your call, “Give my people something to eat!” Make us ready now to obey this command. You Yourself are the Supplier, through our weak hands feeding- Your people with Your very Self. During this troubled time, speak to our fears and anxious thoughts, as You spoke to Your disciples in their fragile boat on a stormy sea, -continued next page ►►►

“Take heart, it is I; have no fear!” Ever and again may we be assured that no force in all creation shall be able to separate us from the Father’s love, supremely manifest in You, Lord Jesus, the Father’s Son. Hear us for Your own Name’s sake. Amen.

Your servant in Christ,Pr. Eugene A. Koene +

Days of Special Observance in August(You are encouraged to read the Appointed Readings, and use the Prayer of the Day, in your personal and family devotions on these Days of Special Observance. We will eventually resume celebrations of the Eucharist, either in the Chapel or Main Sanctuary on some of these special days in the Church Calendar. Wait for announcements on this).

August 6 – The Transfiguration of Our Lord(This is the old traditional date of this observance. Lutherans are more accustomed to this observance on the Final Sunday after Epiphany, but some Lutherans observe both dates. Note that this date also recalls the US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which ended WW II at the cost of millions of innocent lives, and permanent injury to untold numbers more).Prayer of the DayAlmighty God, on the mountain you showed your glory in the transfiguration of your Son. Give us the vision to see beyond the turmoil of our world and to behold the king in all his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Readings: Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1:13-21; Luke 9:28-36

August 10 – St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr(Lawrence was a deacon of the Christian community in Rome, who suffered martyrdom in the year 258 AD. He was in charge of deploying the resources of the church for the aid of the poor. This feast was retained on Lutheran calendars. About 50 Lutheran churches in the US bear the name of St. Lawrence; the most well-known is a LCMS church in Frankenmuth, Michigan [St. Lorenz, using German form of the name].)Prayer of the DayGracious Lord, in every age you sent men and women who have given their lives for the message of your love. Inspire us with the memory of your servant, the holy deacon and martyr Lawrence, whose faithfulness and concern for the poor led him in the way of the cross. By his example give us courage to bear full witness with our lives to your Son’s victory over sin and death; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Readings: Ezekiel 20:40-42; Psalm 112:1-9; 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; John 12:20-26

August 15 – St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus ChristPrayer of the DayAlmighty God, you chose the Virgin Mary to be the Mother of your only Son. Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her in the glory of your eternal kingdom; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Readings: Isaiah 61:7-11; Psalm 45:11-16; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 1:46-55

August 24 – St. Bartholomew, Apostle(The Apostle named as “Bartholomew” in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts has often been identified with the “Nathanael” of John’s Gospel. This is reflected in the Gospel for the Day).Prayer of the DayAlmighty and everlasting God, you gave to your Apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and courageously to preach your Word. Grant that your Church may proclaim the Good News to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Readings: Proverbs 3:1-8; Psalm 12; Revelation 21:9-14; John 1:43-51

August 29 – The Martyrdom of St. John the BaptistPrayer of the DayGod our Father, you raised up John the Baptist to prepare a perfect people for Christ the Lord, and enabled him to give his life in witness to truth and justice. Give your Church joy in spirit, and following the example of John, enable her faithfully to guide those who believe in you into the way of salvation and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Readings: Jeremiah 1:17-19; Psalm 71:1-16; James 1:1-12; Mark 6:14-29

The following members of Emmanuel will be celebrating their birthdays this month: August 3 – Lisa Eckenrode, 4 – Nancy Pinto, 18-Patty Davis, 21 – Mary Burin, 24 – Amando O’Connor, 26 – Charles Zander Jr., 27 – Felicia MacMillan, Addison Wilson, 29 – Rick Thompson, 31 – Cory Kibler

August – 14 – Dave and Conny Cosma, 18 – Garland and Ruth Bradshaw

We continually pray for Friends and Family.

We believe in the power of prayer and the deep connection God draws us into through prayer.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

We hold in prayer all who are hospitalized, in rehabilitation, or in hospice care. We pray for those who have asked to be on our public prayer list:

*Mike Fredley, *Lee Sweitzer, *Ralph Koene, *Evelyn Koene, *Katie Huffstetler, *Jeff Ritter, *Hazel Morgan,*Juliette Dietl, *Joy Daniels, *Rick Watson, *Elizabeth Rossi, *Paul Trina, *Robert Reader. *Judy Coman, *Sally Stano, *Mary Williams, *Karen Hulvalchick, *Lenny Redmond *Victoria Chuminski, *Raygan Ray, *Teirian McKinney

*Though we hold in many in prayer privately, these people have given permission to be on this public list. Names stay on this list for two months.

Please keep in your prayers our Sisters and Brothers of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Currently our members are:

Dick Viola, Harlene Huffstetler, Charles Vasbinder, James Kibler, David Griffin, Carl Wollam, June Stroup, George Burin, Jr. Christine Sweitzer, Mary Sudik, Sally Garghill, Darlene Spelich, Anne Rowan, Harry Redmond, Virginia Morris, Cora Byers, June Roller, Billie Jo Smith, Billy Eckenrode, Shawn Bowker,

Mary Lou Robertson, Zack Bako, Ken MacMillan, Felecia MacMillan, Sue Thomas, We read in Luke 11:24: Therefore, I tell you, what you ask for in prayer, believe

that you have received it, and it will be yours

.

Members Serving on Congregational Council

Congregational council meets the 4 th Monday of each month at 6:30 PM.

Diane Pilger, Lindsay James Naples, Randy Engler, Jill Kibler, Garry Kibler, Ken MacMillan, Patti Wentworth, Terry Wentworth,

Pastor Eugene A. Koene.

PRAYER REQUESTS MAY BE CALLED INTO THE PARISH OFFICE OR TO DOROTHY SUNDERMAN AND WILL BE PLACED ON THE PRAYER CHAIN.

Office manager is Dean Hunt.

Office hours are Monday-Thursday 8am to 2pm.

Phone 330-392-5939.

You can follow us on Face Book and our web page is www.elc.warren.org

Clothes Closet is closed until further notice and currently not receiving any donations.

For those of you who are not able to access our Sunday Services via social media (live streaming on the internet and Facebook) Pastor Koene will send you a copy of the sermon if you would like it mailed to your home. Please call either the Pastor or the Parish Office and we would be glad to send you a copy.

WEB PAGE AND FACEBOOK INFORMATIONDuring this time our worship services are being live stream on our Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/Emmanuel-Lutheran-Church-863899887030588/. Following our service the live service will be uploaded on to our web page www.elcwarren.org. On our web page you can also find the weekly worship bulletin, the lessons, the monthly newsletter. If you have missed one of Pastor Koene’s sermons and like to listen to them we have archived them on our web page. If you have questions on our web page or broadcasts and . If you question, please contact Terry.

AUGUST SPECIAL OFFERING:

We have no current requests, but monetary gifts are always welcome.Randy and Susan Engler

Emmanuel Lutheran Church is a gathering of people for the worship of the true God who is revealed in Jesus Christ. By the Holy Spirit we are called to hearing and believing the whole Word of God. In the service of God, we seek to follow the example of our Lord, Jesus. Christ.

What We Do ---------- 5 Identity Statements

1. We strive to love God, with all of our hearts, and souls, and minds.

2. We accept and welcome others with kindness.

3. We engage in conversation with God through listening, prayer, worship, and bible study.

4. We need to forgive. We need to be forgiven. We experience forgiveness because of Jesus Christ.

5. We serve our neighbors in need (of food, clothing, Christian guidance, etc.

In every Christian tradition, there is generally a time in the service for giving an offering. However, in a digital world, this can look very different for each giver. We may give by putting money in when we “pass the plate,” we may drop offerings at the door. How we give and how much we give is between ourselves and God. For one thing, we come before God with the perspective that everything that we have belongs to him to begin with. Throughout the centuries, Christians have given generously and sacrificially for the cause of the gospel. Christian giving has funded schools, charities, and hospitals. Christians have given time and treasure to rebuild cities after floods and fires. Christians have given faithfully to their local churches, to missionaries, to neighbors in need, and Christians have given consistently in ways that others will never know. Following the lead of our Savior, who gave all on our behalf, Christians are and always have been a giving people. - adapted by Terry Wentworth

ASSISTING MINISTERS SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST

2 - Patty Wentworth , 9 – Tom Weller , 16 – Diane Pilger, 23 – Terry Wentworth, Karen Daubenspeck (Lector)

30 – Patty Davis

ALTAR FLOWERS – AUGUST

Below is the flower schedule for August. We will begin having flowers on 9 August. For those who paid for flowers in the months that we were live-streaming only, please call the parish office to re-schedule.

9 August: Chuck & Karen Daubenspeck in Honor of Erika’s 47th Birthday16 August: OPEN/AVAILABLE

23 August: Dorothy Sunderman in Memory of Chuck Sunderman30 August: OPEN/AVAILABLE

Sunday Bible Readings – August 2020Proper 13 (18)Ninth Sunday after PentecostAugust 2, 2020ART -- PRAYER

Genesis 32:22-31

Psalm 17:1-7, 15

Isaiah 55:1-5

Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21

Romans 9:1-5

Matthew 14:13-21

Proper 14 (19)Tenth Sunday after PentecostAugust 9, 2020ART -- PRAYER

Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28

Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b

1 Kings 19:9-18

Psalm 85:8-13

Romans 10:5-15

Matthew 14:22-33

Proper 15 (20)Eleventh Sunday after PentecostAugust 16, 2020ART -- PRAYER

Genesis 45:1-15

Psalm 133

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

Psalm 67

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Proper 16 (21)Twelfth Sunday after PentecostAugust 23, 2020ART -- PRAYER

Exodus 1:8-2:10

Psalm 124

Isaiah 51:1-6

Psalm 138

Romans 12:1-8

Matthew 16:13-20

Proper 17 (22)Thirteenth Sunday after PentecostAugust 30, 2020ART -- PRAYER

Exodus 3:1-15

Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b

Jeremiah 15:15-21

Psalm 26:1-8

Romans 12:9-21

Matthew 16:21-2