Since that day there have been changes in the way we live our lives. We now use terms that were unknown before that day like Homeland Security and TSA. As a country we’ve become involved in Middle Eastern wars and other conflicts around the world. Life has changed for us and has brought with it a certain amount of uncertainty.

The history of the world is the story of great events that impact people and their lives. It’s not new that people are left wondering what will happen after traumatic events they have little control over. During the Reformation people believed that it was the end of the world. To those at that time the world didn’t appear as it had and many were convinced the end was near.

Martin Luther was approached by those wondering what would happen when the end came. He was in his garden doing work and his reply was very simple, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”
We can’t spend our time wringing our hands and wondering what will happen. Christ has told us He will always be with us during those challenges of our lives. When he appeared to them after his crucifixion — As they cowered in a locked room in fear of the world outside. He said to them, “peace” as He confirmed true peace by showing his pierced side and hands. There was no need to fear because He had conquered sin, death, and the devil.

During the next couple weeks the media will relive those 9-11 events with news stories and covering memorial services. People will again feel uncertain with those questions about what will happen. We, a believing community can be steadfast and remind those worried about uncertainty that there’s hope and stability. That despite the feelings of collapse we know that Jesus brings true peace to people’s lives.

Pastor Jerry

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But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. (Luke 10:33-34).

Neglect is one of those things we seem to not realize that goes on in a church. And people seem to be dropped through the cracks by churches because it may not fit some preconceived plan or ideology about who should attend church. Every community has forgotten people outside their doors. They are the disabled, the ill, those who are dealing with emotional and mental issues. These are the forgotten people that many in the church haven’t reached with Jesus.

For example about 90 percent of the blind community is unchurched. Meaning they have no experience of being taught about Jesus and His sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. There are similar numbers found within the deaf community, the physically handicapped, and those suffering from mental illness. Even children get lost and ignored because parents stay at home because they’ve been made unwelcome at church.

The reason this neglect goes on by the church is that they’re seen as an unwelcome burden. Excuses are made that facilities cannot accommodate them, they’re strange, they don’t fit into our pre-existing ideas of the “right” people we need for our congregation, it’s too bothersome to pick up a neighbor who’s unable to drive, or it’s a careless tongue telling a parent that your child isn’t welcome.

We all know the story of the Good Samaritan who did what no others were willing to do. We are like that man who was robbed and beaten. Each one of us is broken in some way or another, it may not be apparent to everyone but to Christ he knows our inward brokenness. In this parable Christ literally is the Good Samaritan who comes to us and binds up our wounds with His sacrificial forgiveness. And then takes us to His inn to take care of us. But it’s not just us that He’s done this for.  He takes everyone to the place where he continues to heal weekly. Jesus hasn’t put on any precondition for anyone to meet.  He just takes them. He just cares for them.

What does this mean, then? What does it mean when people we don’t fully understand come among us? It means that Christ has given us a gift to care for those He loves. Yes, it does seem to be a burden. Yes, it’s difficult at times. Yes, it challenges us to live beyond ourselves. But it’s nothing compared to the sacrifice our Lord made for each of us and them.

Not just us, but everyone has but a fraction of time in this world. We’re like grass here one day then withered and gone the next. We only have a fraction of time to fulfill the purpose we’ve been given, to care for people to know who Jesus is, our Lord and Savior.

Pastor Jerry

I.

Wellness Policy Committee – This committee has assessed the school’s nutrition and physical activity needs and developed this Policy based on those needs.

The committee is composed of the following representatives:

2.

Goals, Implementation, Evaluation

Nutrition Education: Nutrition education is provided in a classroom setting. We will use the Team Nutrition School program for our health and nutrition classes.

3.

Physical Activity: Physical activities occur in different learning environments such as, but not limited to outdoor play, indoor activities, and community-sponsored events. The program shall consist of physical activities that are sufficient to provide a significant health benefit to students.

4.

Other School-Based Activities:

5.

Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods Served or Sold: All foods served or sold at this school will meet the following nutrition guidelines.  These guidelines also apply to fund raisers and class parties.

7.

• 200 calories or fewer per portioned package
• No more than 35% of total calories from fat per serving size
• Zero trans fat per serving
• Consistent with the Dietary Guidelines
• Contributes to developing healthy eating habits

8.

Designee:

__Donna Jekel_________________ (name) is the person charged with operational responsibility for ensuring that the school is meeting the local wellness policy.

9.

Procedure for Reporting to the School Board/Governing Authority:

On an annual basis, the results of the Wellness Policy evaluation and recommended revisions (if any) will be presented to the School Board/Governing Authority.  This will allow for public input and revisions.  If there are any recommended revisions, these will be presented to the School Board/Governing Authority for approval.

6.

Assurance:

We assure that the guidelines for reimbursable school meals shall not be less restrictive than regulations and guidance issued by USDA.

Website Address for the Wellness Policy (if Public or Charter School):

____________________________________________

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School Wellness Committee

Approved          April 15, 2010

Adopted            April 15, 2010

____________________

Donna Jekel, Principal

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But God has so compose the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12: 24 – 27 (ESV).

When I was at seminary, the students (and wives) would volunteer time to help out the seminary community. It would range from stocking shelves at the campus food bank to helping students move in and out of their homes in the Fort Wayne area. One friend, a big guy who had played football at Colgate University, used to say his spiritual gift was heavy lifting. Because every time someone was moving they would come looking for him to help move the big furniture.

We’re a body of believers. God has gathered us together for His purpose. And, Paul reminds us with his letter to the Corinthians that we’re to care for; to laugh with; to cry with; to serve each other in our community. Belief in Christ isn’t a placid event that happens for an hour on Sunday. Faith is a living breathing activity of a community. In a way if you pause and consider, faithful service is a type of breath for the body of believers. Faith is a living breathing organism.
If you study the Scriptures you’ll realize that Jesus tells us to be active. He instructs us to do and go in our faith filled life. And each one of us has a gift that we can use to help the community go and do. When I was growing up the candles used for worship in my home church were wax and high behind the altar. So because of the height it would be difficult for acolytes to light and put out the candles (especially if you were a bit height challenged). Many times the wicks would get mashed down. When those wicks would get mashed down it was difficult to get them lit. There was a gentleman in our church community because of health was limited in what he could do. But, he made it a point each week to trim the wicks so that the acolytes wouldn’t have to struggle with lighting them at worship services.
Our community, our church and school, needs help in all sorts of areas. And I’m asking that you prayerfully consider seeking what you can do to support our faith community. Without you it’s like the old proverb:
For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
Even though we may not speak like angels nor preach like Paul we can still serve like Aaron holding up Moses’ hands.

Pastor Jerry

In the past couple years this psalm has become important for me. And I’m sure that many of you reading this will come to the same conclusion as you consider your own past few years.

We’ve come through a lot these past years and it’s still uncertain what’s in store for us. We’ve seen financial markets collapse, homes foreclosures and unemployment in record numbers, plus wars and terrorism seeming to go on unending. In our own lives many of us have dealt with personal tragedies from family loss and illness. For many of us it seems as though the waters roar and foam.

Just as it appeared to Martin Luther when the Reformation was going on, at that time it seemed that everything was coming apart and there was an uncertain future. This psalm since its first utterance has been a word of comfort. For Luther it was enough to inspire him to write the hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God.”

But this psalm doesn’t focus on the disasters that befall us. It points to something else. It directs our attention to the security found in God’s promises. God has always promised salvation from when our ancient parents transgressed against Him. Instead of leaving them without hope He promised a savior. That promise is fulfilled in Jesus who died and rose again for the atonement of our sins. It’s the same promise that we have. That solid rock foundation that our sins our forgiven; there’s life, eternal.

Thanksgiving is this month and as you give thanks consider this great gift we have. That despite unknown certainties we can be sure that God’s promises are the one certainty we have that we have and with the psalmist we can say:

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.– Psalm 46: vv 5-7 (ESV)

Two pumpkin contests took place simultaneously; inside paper pumpkins were being designed and outside real pumpkins carved. The church council and teachers cast votes to determine first, second, and third place winners.
Thanks to everyone that donated pumpkins, craft supplies, and snacks. The adults and children both had a great time of fellowship and fun.
The next youth meeting, A Day of Thanks, is scheduled for November 15.
In Faith, Love, Service
The Youth Committee

Here is a suggestion from a snowbird friend of ours which I shared with Council at our last meeting.

PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD—DAILY!!

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, Ephesians 6:10-19

Hope it makes you feel better. It does me.
Thanks Deanna and Eddie.

In Faith-Love-Service
Barry

Station #1 was the Jell-O Slip n Slide where the kids slid across a watery Jell-O mess. One of the teen assistants kept this game going with a constant whale sprinkler and boxes of Jell-O.

Station #2 – the raw egg station led by Patti. Not only did she lead the egg toss games but enticed the kids into an egg fighting fun frenzy! Patti’s head was covered with raw egg… what a fun way to condition your hair Patti!

Station #3 – the Roach Tank. An aquarium filled with chocolate pudding mix, water, spaghetti, marshmallow, gummy worms, and plastic bugs. The kids had to plunge their hands into this gooey slop and retrieve not just any bug but a roach! Kellie got a good laugh at me; the roaches looked so real I screamed when I tested this one.

Station #4 – Slime Obstacle Course. Thanks to Janet and hubby for providing 35 gallons of green slime. Here the kids broke an egg on their head, crawled through cones to a wading pool where the got slimed. With the green goo dripping from their head, they walked backwards in and out of more cones to reach the finish line. This was the favorite station and the kids just loved sliming Janet!

As you can imagine, things got a bit out of hand. The event turned into an all out food fight with parents, teachers, on lookers, and kids covered with eggs, slime, Jell-O, and pudding!

After everyone received a good hosing down, snacks, ice cream, and drinks were provided.

Thanks to the youth committee -Billie, Heather, Kellie, Janet, Patti- this event was a huge success!

]]> http://goodshepofnfm.com/youthmessy-foods-games-food-fight/feed/ 0 http://goodshepofnfm.com/the-mystery-worshiper/ http://goodshepofnfm.com/the-mystery-worshiper/#comments Sat, 02 Oct 2010 14:04:45 +0000 I am Kathy Scott http://goodshepofnfm.com/?p=343 [continue reading]]]> I received a hand written letter from Allison yesterday who is a full time ministry member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in our area. She enclosed a tract that invited me to reach out to them if I needed more information on God’s plan for His children in troubled times or desired a personal visit.

They believe that to follow in the footsteps of Jesus you go out daily and spread the word and many of us have had one or more visits in our lifetime. They have slowed to a 2-3% growth now from a peak of 5% in the 80s. They don’t knock on doors too much anymore but use direct mail and target areas where large crowds are likely to be found.

I guess I should get to my point. How many times have Lutherans handed you a tract or knocked on your door to share the “good news”? I read that 95% of us will die without ever trying to bring someone to Christ. Jesus just left us one thing to do when he returned to heaven and that was make disciples. Big difference between a Christian and a disciple isn’t it.

Have you ever heard of the mystery worshiper? A real organization exists that sends worshipers to congregations and rates many factors that would influence a return visit. How do you think we would do? When a visitor sits in your pew, or God forbid your seat, do you help them follow the service, make sure they leave information in the visitor books located in each pew or in the Narthex, invite them to coffee, introduce yourself to them and to other members, and answer questions?

How would the mystery worshiper rate you?

George Walker