We had a wonderful Rally Day Celebration on Sunday morning. We welcomed back the choir, Sunday Schools students, teachers, and wanderers who had been away too long.
Last Sunday we considered questions such as:
- What kind of church do you want to belong to?
- Who was welcome at Jesus’ table?
- What kind of company did Jesus keep?
- What kind of church would inspire you to invest your time, your energy and your money?
My friends, let’s follow Jesus! Let us be a church that is marked by honesty, hospitality, and humility. Let us be a church that is marked by gratitude, generosity, and giving.
Last Sunday we gave away money—lots of money. We handed out checks that totaled $49,648! The 17 checks included much-needed funds for local food banks, wildfire relief, Camp Lutherwood, World Hunger Appeal, and Habitat for Humanity. In 2015, the people of TLC will give away some $210,000 to causes outside our congregation.
After worship we gathered for a picnic at the M-Bar-C Ranch. Thanks to all who made the picnic a grand success!
Now for a little “this and that.” Did you know that:
• Gert and Jim Tasche are about to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary.
• Lael Ross just began a term as the President of Useless Bay Country Club. Lael takes over for outgoing President Randy Enberg.
• The water feature pond at our entrance is a memorial to Sandy and Nora Swenson.
• Rudy Rudolph has been in South Korea this month. He joins other United States service members who have returned as guests of the South Korean government on the 60th anniversary of their tour of duty during the Korean Conflict.
• Harold Guernsey and Web Halvorsen both served in World War II, arriving in Europe on Normandy Beach in June 1944.
• Ron Myers recently became the Governor Elect of the Pacific Northwest District of Kiwanis International. Ron is the only member in the 50-year history of South Whidbey Kiwanis to be honored in this way. This work will take Ron across the region and across the world.
• Marisa Etzell is in Ecuador this year studying, serving, and loving. We are proud of you Marisa!
• The Arlington Community Resource Center is opening on September 24th. The ACRC is a ministry of Lutheran Social Services. This opening is possible, in a large part, because of the $18,000 gift from Trinity Lutheran Church!
What a joy to live and serve with the people of TLC.
Blessed to be a blessing!
Pastor Jim
