2016 newsletter
2016 NEWSLETTER REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH DIDSBURY, ALBERTA
When I say I am a Christian by Maya Angelou When I say ... "I am a Christian", I'm not shouting, "I'm clean livin'." I'm whispering "I was lost, now I'm found and forgiven." When I say ... "I am a Christian", I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. When I say ... "I am a Christian", I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on. When I say ... "I am a Christian", I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. When I say ... "I am a Christian", I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I’m worth it. When I say ... "I am a Christian", I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. When I say ... "I am a Christian", I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner, who received God's good grace, somehow. -submitted
“Pastor Darren, I understand that you are the vicar supervisor for our congregation now. What does this mean?” Well, first of all, it means I have the privilege of serving Redeemer as the vacancy pastor. The office, or position, of pastor still exists in the congregation; but it’s just not filled at the moment. I cover that vacancy while still serving Shepherd of the Hills in Airdrie. In my role as vacancy pastor, I will then supervise the vicar who comes to experience a year of vicarage. This role has many elements to it. First, I get to serve as a mentor with whom our vicar can talk and reflect on his experiences of what it is like to serve as a vicar. I get to encourage reflections on what God calls us to as pastors, and I get to help him think more deeply about all the different tasks included in bringing God’s Word to bear in the lives of people. Second, I am there to help ensure that the vicar gets a wide range of experiences that cover the full breadth of things that pastors do. This means working with him, with yourselves, and with the congregations in the circuit to provide lots of learning opportunities. We want to ensure he has as many opportunities as possible to help him learn more about himself and about the things that go on in our congregations. Third, I am there to help ensure that these first two things get balanced well. If he is too busy writing sermons or attending meetings and Bible studies, then he won’t get the chance to reflect on what it is he is doing and why he is doing it. Likewise, if he only sits, thinks, and reads and never gets out, he will miss out on the opportunity to taste and see the variety of things in our congregations and in the lives of people. Fourth, and finally, I am there to help him feel safe. As a vicar, he is not yet called to bear the full weight and responsibility of being a pastor. He may make some mistakes, and I will be there to help him work through those. There may be some very difficult situations, and I will be there to walk him through those or to allow him the opportunity to observe. He is, after all, still a seminary student and needs to be confident that he is supported and cared for as he ‘tests the waters.’ While this will be a challenge for me, it is also a great privilege. Both the people of Redeemer and I get to participate in the formation experience for a future pastor in our Church body. Every pastor, it seems, remembers his vicarage experience. And together we get to help create a memorable learning experience for Vicar Scott and his wife, Becky. May God enable us to do this and may He fill what we are unable to do! Pastor Darren Dressler
From the Board of Elders – Pastor Darren Dressler has confirmed that Vicar Scott will begin his vicarage at Redeemer as of July 15th. We are glad that he will be here to help with Vacation Bible School. His Installation will be part of the Communion Service on Sunday, July 24th. A potluck lunch will follow. Vicar Scott will begin leading some of the services in August. A schedule has not yet been worked out. The service schedule for July follows: July 3rd – Communion Service – Pastor Larry Lentz July 10th – Lay Service July 17th – Communion Service – Pastor Larry Lentz July 24th – Communion Service with Installation of Vicar Scott – Pastor Darren Dressler - Potluck dinner following the service st July 31 – Worship Service – Pastor Larry Lentz A special thank you to Pastor Larry Lentz for doing the Communion Services and some visitations for us. Because of his willingness to help, we are able to continue with morning services during this time of transition. It has been some time since we have asked if there are any individuals who would be willing to play for Sunday Services. If God has gifted you with the ability to play, please consider helping in this capacity. Please speak with one of the Elders. For any Pastoral care needs, please contact one of us and we will provide direction. Kitch Milford (403) 337-3529; Dave Reid (403) 337-2508; Peter Versluys (403) 335-8674 or Harry Reese (403) 335-3181. In His Service – The Board of Elders
As part of welcoming Vicar Scott and Becky to Redeemer, we are doing a Food Hamper. There are baskets available under the mailboxes.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JULY 19 – 23 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For children going into Kindergarten and up to Grade 6 The children will enjoy stories about Jesus, songs, crafts, and games. Helpers are needed. A donations list is posted on the bulletin board, if you can help in this way. Invite children to attend and pray for a successful V.B.S. Registration forms are available on the church website or at the church. For information, contact Bev Regner or Lain Reid.
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Canada NEWS Eleven ladies met at Boston Pizza in Olds for lunch. Julie, Di, and Lorna showed us the banner they created for the LWML convention in July. It is beautiful! Thank you! (Fay emailed that she is impressed, too.) God is good. We decided to save our money to buy new curtains for the church. We have been given curtain material and a curtain rod. So we are now asking for 2 – 48” blinds for the pastor’s and secretary’s offices. We are truly blessed. Ladies, please join us on Monday, September 12 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fireside room. Besides deciding on mission work, we have Bible study and fellowship. We need to serve the Lord with gladness.
July 3 – 10:30 a.m. - Holy Communion July 10 – 10:30 a.m. – Worship Service July 15 – Vicar Scott begins vicarage assignment at Redeemer July 17 – 10:30 a.m. - Holy Communion July 19 – 23 – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Vacation Bible School July 24 – 10:30 a.m. - Holy Communion Installation of Vicar Scott Brayall Potluck lunch following worship service July 26 – Newsletter articles due July 31 – 10:30 a.m. - Worship Service
SUMMER FAITH By Judith Mattison This is a paper plate day! I fill my plate with potato chips and hot dogs, with the sound of crickets and the joy of children reveling in summer. How convenient to have this disposable plate – no dishes, more sun-time. I wonder, is mine also a paper plate faith – disposable in nice weather, quick and easy, emergency relief? Do I meditate during Lent and run free all summer, basking in God’s sun and behaving as if it were my own? Do I covet the fragrances of sentimental holidays joyous Easter and quiet Christmas – enjoying the perennial favorites with little gardening of my soul in between? Give me more perseverance than that, Lord. I need more than beaches and sun worship. I need some sand in my character, too.
Redeemer Lutheran Church Didsbury, Alberta July 2016 Sun.
Mon.
3
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Sat.
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
22
23
Holy Communion 10:30
10 Worship 10:30
17 Holy Communion 10:30
24
………VACATION….
25
Holy Communion 10:30 Installation of Vicar Scott. Pot Luck Lunch
26
........
27
…. BIBLE
28
.......
29
……SCHOOL
30
Newsletter articles due
31
Worship 10:30
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JULY 19 – 23 (Tuesday thru Saturday) TIMES --- 10 A.M. – 3 P.M.
When I say I am a Christian by Maya Angelou When I say ... "I am a Christian", I'm not shouting, "I'm clean livin'." I'm whispering "I was lost, now I'm found and forgiven." When I say ... "I am a Christian", I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. When I say ... "I am a Christian", I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on. When I say ... "I am a Christian", I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. When I say ... "I am a Christian", I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I’m worth it. When I say ... "I am a Christian", I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. When I say ... "I am a Christian", I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner, who received God's good grace, somehow. -submitted
“Pastor Darren, I understand that you are the vicar supervisor for our congregation now. What does this mean?” Well, first of all, it means I have the privilege of serving Redeemer as the vacancy pastor. The office, or position, of pastor still exists in the congregation; but it’s just not filled at the moment. I cover that vacancy while still serving Shepherd of the Hills in Airdrie. In my role as vacancy pastor, I will then supervise the vicar who comes to experience a year of vicarage. This role has many elements to it. First, I get to serve as a mentor with whom our vicar can talk and reflect on his experiences of what it is like to serve as a vicar. I get to encourage reflections on what God calls us to as pastors, and I get to help him think more deeply about all the different tasks included in bringing God’s Word to bear in the lives of people. Second, I am there to help ensure that the vicar gets a wide range of experiences that cover the full breadth of things that pastors do. This means working with him, with yourselves, and with the congregations in the circuit to provide lots of learning opportunities. We want to ensure he has as many opportunities as possible to help him learn more about himself and about the things that go on in our congregations. Third, I am there to help ensure that these first two things get balanced well. If he is too busy writing sermons or attending meetings and Bible studies, then he won’t get the chance to reflect on what it is he is doing and why he is doing it. Likewise, if he only sits, thinks, and reads and never gets out, he will miss out on the opportunity to taste and see the variety of things in our congregations and in the lives of people. Fourth, and finally, I am there to help him feel safe. As a vicar, he is not yet called to bear the full weight and responsibility of being a pastor. He may make some mistakes, and I will be there to help him work through those. There may be some very difficult situations, and I will be there to walk him through those or to allow him the opportunity to observe. He is, after all, still a seminary student and needs to be confident that he is supported and cared for as he ‘tests the waters.’ While this will be a challenge for me, it is also a great privilege. Both the people of Redeemer and I get to participate in the formation experience for a future pastor in our Church body. Every pastor, it seems, remembers his vicarage experience. And together we get to help create a memorable learning experience for Vicar Scott and his wife, Becky. May God enable us to do this and may He fill what we are unable to do! Pastor Darren Dressler
From the Board of Elders – Pastor Darren Dressler has confirmed that Vicar Scott will begin his vicarage at Redeemer as of July 15th. We are glad that he will be here to help with Vacation Bible School. His Installation will be part of the Communion Service on Sunday, July 24th. A potluck lunch will follow. Vicar Scott will begin leading some of the services in August. A schedule has not yet been worked out. The service schedule for July follows: July 3rd – Communion Service – Pastor Larry Lentz July 10th – Lay Service July 17th – Communion Service – Pastor Larry Lentz July 24th – Communion Service with Installation of Vicar Scott – Pastor Darren Dressler - Potluck dinner following the service st July 31 – Worship Service – Pastor Larry Lentz A special thank you to Pastor Larry Lentz for doing the Communion Services and some visitations for us. Because of his willingness to help, we are able to continue with morning services during this time of transition. It has been some time since we have asked if there are any individuals who would be willing to play for Sunday Services. If God has gifted you with the ability to play, please consider helping in this capacity. Please speak with one of the Elders. For any Pastoral care needs, please contact one of us and we will provide direction. Kitch Milford (403) 337-3529; Dave Reid (403) 337-2508; Peter Versluys (403) 335-8674 or Harry Reese (403) 335-3181. In His Service – The Board of Elders
As part of welcoming Vicar Scott and Becky to Redeemer, we are doing a Food Hamper. There are baskets available under the mailboxes.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JULY 19 – 23 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For children going into Kindergarten and up to Grade 6 The children will enjoy stories about Jesus, songs, crafts, and games. Helpers are needed. A donations list is posted on the bulletin board, if you can help in this way. Invite children to attend and pray for a successful V.B.S. Registration forms are available on the church website or at the church. For information, contact Bev Regner or Lain Reid.
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Canada NEWS Eleven ladies met at Boston Pizza in Olds for lunch. Julie, Di, and Lorna showed us the banner they created for the LWML convention in July. It is beautiful! Thank you! (Fay emailed that she is impressed, too.) God is good. We decided to save our money to buy new curtains for the church. We have been given curtain material and a curtain rod. So we are now asking for 2 – 48” blinds for the pastor’s and secretary’s offices. We are truly blessed. Ladies, please join us on Monday, September 12 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fireside room. Besides deciding on mission work, we have Bible study and fellowship. We need to serve the Lord with gladness.
July 3 – 10:30 a.m. - Holy Communion July 10 – 10:30 a.m. – Worship Service July 15 – Vicar Scott begins vicarage assignment at Redeemer July 17 – 10:30 a.m. - Holy Communion July 19 – 23 – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Vacation Bible School July 24 – 10:30 a.m. - Holy Communion Installation of Vicar Scott Brayall Potluck lunch following worship service July 26 – Newsletter articles due July 31 – 10:30 a.m. - Worship Service
SUMMER FAITH By Judith Mattison This is a paper plate day! I fill my plate with potato chips and hot dogs, with the sound of crickets and the joy of children reveling in summer. How convenient to have this disposable plate – no dishes, more sun-time. I wonder, is mine also a paper plate faith – disposable in nice weather, quick and easy, emergency relief? Do I meditate during Lent and run free all summer, basking in God’s sun and behaving as if it were my own? Do I covet the fragrances of sentimental holidays joyous Easter and quiet Christmas – enjoying the perennial favorites with little gardening of my soul in between? Give me more perseverance than that, Lord. I need more than beaches and sun worship. I need some sand in my character, too.
Redeemer Lutheran Church Didsbury, Alberta July 2016 Sun.
Mon.
3
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Sat.
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
22
23
Holy Communion 10:30
10 Worship 10:30
17 Holy Communion 10:30
24
………VACATION….
25
Holy Communion 10:30 Installation of Vicar Scott. Pot Luck Lunch
26
........
27
…. BIBLE
28
.......
29
……SCHOOL
30
Newsletter articles due
31
Worship 10:30
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JULY 19 – 23 (Tuesday thru Saturday) TIMES --- 10 A.M. – 3 P.M.
