Glendale Lutheran Church

Glimpses of Glendale

Newsletter Highlights
- August 24, 2008 -

Dear friends,

I've heard more than once – especially from students! – how quickly the summer has flown. I suppose, but from my perspective, worship-wise, it will be good not to have to dodge vacations and other summer schedules. Sunday School and Adult Classes will be in full swing, Confirmation will begin, other events and ministries have been planned as well. As a church, I've always looked forward to more, not less!

Elsewhere in this Glimpses are two very important readings. The first is an update from Tony Petzoldt regarding the initial capital campaign, "In All Things Grow." I've always appreciated how Tony and others whose gifts are in the area of finance see the spiritual dimension of giving – it is not bald statistics. Please read it thoroughly, understanding two things:

+ first of all, would it not be great cause for thanksgiving if we exceeded the pledges still outstanding!
+ secondly, know upfront that there will be a second major thrust in January/February of next year to reduce our indebtedness and to begin paying off member loans.
+ oh, a third thing; namely, that ongoing ministries still need to be funded. If you have not already, you should receive in the mail still more information from the Administration Committee – Dale Miesner, Carl Kraft, Sandy Becker,
Gale Reed, and the primary author, Andy Ortstadt, regarding our complete financial status. Adequate communication between leadership and membership is so critical – we're working hard at it!

The second important "read" is a schedule of special worship events which surround our Stewardship Consecration, leading up to Thanksgiving Eve/Day. I am excited about planning this; I always pray that worship remains central in our life, and that this will be exciting to you as well. The theme for these celebrations is "Now Thank We All Our God" based on the familiar hymn, which we will sing with even more gusto on November 26 or 27!

** I still need big-time help for November 2 and 9. Please call me (at any time!)

Thanks to you for keeping our church's leadership in your prayers.

Pastor

::GROWING IN THE LORD TODAY
THROUGH CHRISTIAN EDUCATION::

SUNDAY SCHOOL MEET AND GREET - - - The 2008-2009 Sunday school year begins today with Rally Day! Next Sunday, August 31, we will begin with classes. For this special first day, all parents are invited and encouraged to be a part of the Sunday school. Preschool - high school will meet in the gym for an opening at 9:30a.m. Teachers will be there to meet you and introduce themselves. Snacks will also be available for those who are there prior to the start of classes. Following that time, teachers will lead their groups to their classes. Parents of preschool - 8th grade children are welcome to go with their child to class on this first day to be a part of the action. Please plan to join us!

::CHURCH NEWS and IMPORTANT DATES::

PRAYER PARTNER PICNIC - - - All adult prayer partners are asked to mark their calendars for the annual Prayer Partner Picnic at Whitecliff Park. We will gather on Sunday, October 5 from 3-6pm. Please take this opportunity to contact your prayer partner and invite them to participate with you! More information will be out in September.

Dear Members at Glendale Lutheran:
We have received approximately 92% of the total initial pledge amount to date; we have $72,912 still outstanding in pledges.

We have received approximately 33% of the current year pledges through July.
If our spread of the pledges is accurate (and we were not for sure exactly when pledges would be received) we would estimate that $666,063 should have been received so far but to date we have actually received $839,097 which means a positive variance with several possible explanations;

1 – Members accelerated their actual giving; future months estimated pledges may have already been received and the large future months of November/December 2008 may already be received to a large extent and perhaps should not be counted upon for future cash flow.

2 – Members who may not have pledged are giving towards the campaign.
I think the initial campaign has been a success so far and I would give God the glory for what He has done through the members of Glendale Lutheran Church!

NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD!
STEWARDSHIP FOCUS
OCTOBER 5 – NOVEMBER 27, 2008
October 5 – "…for Celebration of Ministry" – Ministry Fair all morning in the gym, including opportunities for each of the elected ministries, all youth and educational ministries, including Early Learning Center, and all other ministries which are part of our ministry, including Christ Community Lutheran School, Lutheran High School, Lutheran Women's Missionary League, Room at the Inn, Lutheran Blind Mission, With God's Little Ones, and so much more. Cindy Rebbe and Marcia Gordon are coordinating this event.

October 12… "For Celebration of Stewardship" – Consecration Sunday – at the New Song Service on October 11 and at both services October 12. The Rev. Fred Hertwig, son-in-law of Mary Ann Faeth and father of Rebecca and Elizabeth, is the preacher. A special brunch shall be provided at 9:30a.m. in the gym as part of the celebration. Our elected Stewardship Ministry is coordinating this entire event.

October 19… "For Celebration of Children" – This is a first! Led by Jane Robinson, our Director of Children Music, we shall have worship and, as a primary part of that worship, there will be a children's musical. This is not the first musical – the others have been done in the afternoon; this time, it will be part of our worship. You will be so enlivened – I promise!

October 26….. "For Celebration of Scripture" – it is the Festival of Reformation. What more needs to be said? Brass, choirs, and great thanksgiving shall be the mode of the day. It is thanksgiving for heritage but, mostly, for faith in God's grace through Jesus Christ.

November 2….. "For Celebration of Saints" – Saints are not necessarily only in heaven! They are alive and well and serve as our models of faith. We will recognize persons who have been members of this congregation. Still in process is an attempt to focus on persons who have been persecuted FOR the faith.

November 9….. "For Celebration of Country and Cross" – It is another day of recognition: for those women and men who have served our country through the military service and also for those who have served the church as "veterans of the cross"

November 16….. "For Celebration of Mission" – It is the Lutheran Blind Mission's 85th anniversary – The Rev. David Andrus will be the preacher (did anyone think he was that old!)

November 23….. "For Celebration of Youth" – For many years a tradition, our junior and senior high youth will lead our worship that day at both services.

Mittie Jane and Arthur Schmidt want to thank all of the members of Glendale Lutheran Church for the help, prayers, cards, notes and food from so many members. All of these gifts makes going through "Tough Times" so much easier when you are surrounded by "God's People."

To all of the members of Glendale Lutheran Church:
Thank you, thank you for your continued support, love and prayers for the Food Bank at Concordia Seminary here in St. Louis. What a HUGE difference it has had in the lives of so many people here at the Seminary!! In particular your donations of much needed school supplies for the kids has been absolutely wonderful. Thank you for filling that need!! You supporting the Food Bank has enabled it to thrive and to continue to be a rich blessing to our family of four, and to the entire Seminary community
May God bless each on of you and your church.

ALSO, from another seminary family…
On August 8, 2005, my husband, our son, and I arrived at Concordia Seminary-St. Louis from Southeastern Massachusetts. A week after moving in, I was introduced to the Concordia Seminary Food Bank. Like many others on campus, I helped to unload the grocery trucks and donations. By September 1 I found myself at the Food Bank daily. On May 8, 2007 I became the Food Bank Assistant Coordinator and on May 8, 2008 I became the Food Bank Coordinator.
This job not only provides income for my family, but it also allowed me to spend time with my family, and help with my husband's studies, which was a priority for us. This part-time position is made possible because of the donations YOU send. So, in addition to groceries, you provide a job to a couple of Seminary wives. I cannot adequately express what that has meant to me and my family.
My husband is completing his 3rd year and getting ready for vicarage, and we are eager to begin our lives at our vicarage congregation. All the wonderful lessons I have learned while managing the Food Bank will go with me to help serve in our parish.
Thank you so much for your donations. Please continue to support the Concordia Seminary Food Bank as it most certainly provides for the students here at the seminary.
God's Blessings,
Marge Driskell, Food Bank Coordinator

EVANGELISM MOMENT - - - Most of us tend to over identify and blend in so well that no one can tell we are Christians or, to separate ourselves and play it safe, by having little contact with the world.
"Being a Christian means taking risks."

FELLOWSHIP/COFFEE TIME- - - Please help keep the Fellowship/Coffee Time running smoothly! Volunteers are needed on a Sunday morning to:

See Lisa Grossenheider or call her at (314)965-2667 to let her know how you can help. Thank you from the Fellowship Ministry.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS - - - Wow... is it time already for the 2009 edition? The new books are in and can be purchased for $25. To purchase a book, please put your check (payable to Glendale Lutheran Church) marked "Entertainment book" in the memo line and place in Jolene Siebarth's mailbox.

ALL STUDENTS ENTERING GRADES K-5 - - - are invited to join the Rejoice! Children's Choir this fall. We'll start the year with a musical: Down by the Creek Bank! After that, our regular rehearsal pattern includes time for singing and time for tonechimes or handbells. Parents, please consider enrolling your children in this program. It is a great way for them to learn more about singing, counting rhythms, and note-reading. It nourishes a sense of church community with their peers. It also provides an avenue for them to use their musical talents to the glory of God. We'll rehearse on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. Rehearsals start September 10. For more information or to enroll, please fill out the form below and put it in the Children's Music mailbox (all the way on the right side of the mailboxes) or contact Jane Robinson (314) 849-6453 or email to: jrobinson@glendalelutheranchurch.org

Church Directory Update - - - With our churches 65th anniversary fast approaching it is our goal to acquire every member's picture for a new pictorial directory.

Based on the response of the recent survey we are implementing a new approach to our directory. Members will be asked to stop by before or after worship service to have a digital picture taken (2-3 shots) and will at that time choose the picture for the directory. Also at that time you will have an opportunity to purchase 5x7's or 8x10's. (Kip Gordon and Melissa Huse have volunteered their time to take these pictures.)

Pictures will be taken September – December on designated Saturdays & Sundays. These dates will be published in the "Glimpses of Glendale" and the announcement page of the bulletin. The September dates will be: Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th and 14th

Because of the change in producing a directory in-house there will be a "Free
Will" offering to help fund this project. We expect the directory to be available in early 2009.

If you have any questions please contact any of the following: Cathie Albers, Sylvia Bach, Norma Bentzinger, Jeanne Clark, Sally Dobrunz, Carol Froesel, Charlotte Moret, Beth Nicolaus, Tracy Ortstadt, Nora Steele, Jan Weise or Shirley Williams.

Save The Date!
Glendale Lutheran Women's Mini Retreat 2008
When: October 3rd and 10th from 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Where: Glendale Lutheran Church Family Life Center
Topic: Why Are You Running?
Stop, rest and learn Christ's plan for the race through the inspirational words of guest speaker Kristen Myers. More information to follow.

REMINDER!! - - - There have been several bright blue recycle bins placed throughout the church facilities …in the Family Life Center, kitchenette, outside the church office, in the office workroom, ELC area, staff offices. Look for them when you get ready to throw away any unwanted paper. They are only to be used for paper! PLEASE do not put soiled items in them.

::EDUCATION::

The Early Learning Center welcomes families to the new school year with Open Houses on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, this week. Classes will begin on Wednesday, September 3.
We are still accepting new students in all classes, ages 18 months through 4 years, even as we rejoice for the 40 students who are already enrolled. Our staff of eight includes five new teachers and assistants who will be dedicated for service in September. Please pray our Lord's blessing on the ELC interactions and experiences in the year ahead. Please invite families to bring their children to the ELC for a Christ-centered, developmentally-appropriate early childhood program.
Contact Jenny Gastler, Director, at 966-3220 X 103.

CCLS is still welcoming applications for any new students, grades Preschool-8! Limited spots remain in our preschool classes as they fill for the fall. Please contact the school office (314.822.7774) for additional information. We look forward to partnering in education with you!

Congratulations to Kristen Newell who was commissioned and to Clint Adler and Jessica Berner who were installed last Sunday as new teachers at CCLS. Mrs. Newell and Mr. Adler both have 6th grade homerooms at the middle school campus, and Mrs. Berner is the lead teacher of the new 3-5's preschool program at the Webster Gardens campus.

CCLS also welcomes eight additional part-time members, including Kirsten Adler (K-8 Spanish), Karen Brown (Reading Specialist), Joel Heiber (Elementary Music), Katie Killian (Preschool), Dan Kreienkamp (Student Services Intern), Claudia Starnes (Preschool), Starla Stoppel (Middle School Music), and Allison Witt (Preschool).

We praise God for bringing them to us to be a part of the CCLS family

::MINISTRY TO FAMILIES::

Worship Tip - - - How can I help my child participate in worship (part 1)? Very young children can learn when to stand, sit, or kneel and can do so when adults do so. Parents can simply share with children as young as 2 or 3 that they should participate and whisper reminders of why we do so. Explain to children that we stand at specific times in worship our of respect to God. We stand at the Invocation, an invitation for God's presence as worship begins. Sometimes we stand during times of praise for our great God! We stand during the Gospel our of respect for Jesus, and the special words from God we are about to hear.

"Ideas for Parents" - - - The Ideas for Parents newsletter has been replaced with a new resource for families. This resource, "Dr. Dave's Media Tips", comes from the National Institute on Media and the Family. Pamphlets from the Institute can be found on the credenza outside the old church office.
Today's topic deals with Pro Wrestling: Adult Entertainment Marketed to Kids.

::WORSHIP LEADERS::

::STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY::

Romasns 12:1-8

What is "sacrificial living?" Does it mean that one should do without enough food, clothing and shelter so that there can be support for God's kingdom? Certainly it must mean that we are to give up all our luxuries, excesses and wants, right? Not exactly. The term "living sacrifice" refers to Old Testament sacrifices. The word used in Greek means "a wholly consumed (by fire) sacrifice." It had a number of connotations in the context of Old Testament worship. One, it meant that the sacrifice was "relinquished to God's use," with no strings attached. It was a willing sacrifice, for God to do with as He pleased. Second, it was always given in the context of worship. Our offerings today are to be seen as an integral part of worship. Third, it was consumed. God wants your living service. He desires that your entire being be given over to Him, no strings attached, and as an act of worship. And should your whole life be consumed in service to the Lord…rejoice, for He has promised to give you a new life in heaven!

::YOUTH GROUP NEWS::

CONFIRMATION 2008-2009 - - - Parents AND youth: Don't forget the annual Confirmation Orientation on Wednesday, August 27 at 5:30pm in the Family Life Center. Classes will begin on September 10 from 4-5:15pm.

SENIOR HIGH BIBLE STUDY - - - All 9-12th graders are encouraged to be a part of the Sunday morning C.L.A.W.S. (Christian Life and World Studies) Bible study time. We meet from 9:30-10:30am every Sunday! Classes will continue to meet on the gym stage until there is room in the new building for us to move into. Join in this great hour of time as we dig into God's Word and build relationships in the Senior Youth ministry!

CONFIRMATION RETREAT - - - The fall retreat will be September 20-21 for ALL seventh and eighth grade Confirmation students. We will leave at 8:30a.m. on Saturday and return at 10:30a.m. on Sunday (in time for you to attend church with your family). Forms will be given out next week and should be returned by September 7.

COLLEGE STUDENTS - - - Are you going to college this fall? If so, please take a moment and turn in your information to Jolene so you can be added to our mailing list. Please include: Name, college attending/major, email and phone number. Year of anticipated college graduation would also be appreciated. Thank you!

PARENTS IN PRAYER - - - Mark your calendars for Parents in Prayer every Sunday from 9:30-10:30am! The location will be listed in the bulletin. Please consider joining in this group of prayer, support and encouragement!

YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM - - - The YMT will meet on Sunday, September 14 from 12-1:30pm in the Conference room. Gus Sittmann has the devotion and Aaron Hempel has lunch.

::COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS::

INVITATION TO: LUTHERAN BLIND MISSION'S 85TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE - - - September 18, 2008 at the Lutheran Blind Mission's National Headquarters, 7550 Watson Rd., St. Louis, MO from 4 – 7 p.m. (A flyer with additional information is posted on the Community Bulletin Board in the new Fellowship room.)

GATEWAY INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY - - - extending an invitation to church members for an exciting day of racing! Saturday, September 6th, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will take to the track at 1:30 p.m. Offering all area churches a great package including one middle row seat (normally $45) for $25, a Gateway International Raceway hat, and a food voucher for a hot dog and drink. (If interested please see the Community Board for additional information.)

LCMS WORLD RELIEF AND HUMAN CARE MERCY MEDICAL TEAM - - - has been announced for Lutheran Hospital, Antisirabe, Madagascar on September 19-29, 2008. The Team will be working with poor, rural patients many of whom have been refused treatment in other hospitals due to lack of finances. The team will also provide care in the hospital's new pediatric ward which was built through a grant from LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Please contact Maggie Karner, Director of Health Ministries of LCMS World Relief and Human Care on her cell #765-748-7743 or write maggie.karner@lcms.org with your intention to participate in this trip and for more information concerning cost and travel plans.

SPECIAL MUSIC PROGRAM - - - The women of Grace Episcopal Church extend an invitation to the women of Glendale Lutheran to attend a very special musical program on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 from noon until 2 p.m. at 514 E. Argonne Drive in Kirkwood. Their guest will be Laurel Jean, a creative pianist, vocalist and inspirational speaker whose unique skills have delighted audiences around the country. Blind since birth the Illinois native is an expert in Braille music as well as an experienced lyricist, composer and arranger who specializes in traditional music from around the world.
(A flyer with detailed information is posted on the Community Bulletin Board in the new Fellowship room.)

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION MEMORY WALK - - - Join the Lutheran Senior Services team today! Saturday, September 13, at the Muny in Forest Park. Last year, LSS raised nearly $20,000 to help Alzheimer's support services in Missouri and Illinois, and it's looking to top that total in 2008. For more information on the Alzheimer's Association, or to join the LSS Memory Walk team, call Luke Smith at (314) 446-2410.

HELPING HANDS AUCTION – 26th anniversary - - - We are excited about our location this year, the RedBird Club at Busch Stadium. The festivities will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2008. Volunteers are needed the night before to help set up and the day of the auction. Interested?? Call Kelly at 314-754-2780 or email to kellye@lfcs.org

LHSS ATHLETICS GOLF TOURNAMENT - - - Monday, September 15 at Pevely Farms Golf Course. Join Lutheran South parents, alumni and friends for a great day of golf to support South Athletics. The tournament begins with a 1 p.m. Shotgun start and includes golf, drinks, dinner, and prizes. Cost per player is $125. For more information visit www.lhssonline.org or call Tim Kammeier at 314-486-8800.

OWLS - - - meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16 at the Meramec Bluffs Senior Living Community. Fellowship/Devotion at 11:30 followed by lunch and speaker, Rev. John Kotovsky. Call the LSS office on or before Friday, Sept. 12 to let them know the number attending in your group (314-446-2403 – Andrea Hinkle)

MUSICAL- - -CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES - - -is a heavenly and hilarious new musical comedy that's selling out nationwide! It's funny and down to earth, and you'll laugh out loud as the church year unfolds from below the House of God. Perfect for every congretation! SPECIAL GROUP OFFER FROM Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Will be held on Friday Oct. 24th, Sat., Oct. 25th, and Sun. Oct. 26th and the Florissant Civic Center Theatre on Parker Rd. at Waterford Dr.. Call 314-921-5678 to reserve your group tickets today! (Additional information located on the Community Bulletin Board.)

TRIVIA NIGHT - - - September 13, 2008 held at the Kolping House – Upper Room, 4035 Keokuk St. in St. Louis (1 block east of Gravois) Doors open @ 6 p.m. and Trivia starts @ 6:45 p.m.. Sponsored by St. Johns Lutheran Church, 3716 Morganford Rd. Call the church office @ 314-773-0126 for tickets or additional information. (Flyer posted.)

JOB OPPORTUNITY - - - Concordia Publishing House seeking a Customer Service Representative. Person would be responsible for answering 80 to 100 incoming customer telephone calls per day in a timely manner, while meeting call quality expectations. The successful candidate must be detail oriented, enthusiastic, dependable, ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, work well under pressure, and have previous customer service experience, preferably in a call center environment. To be considered for this position, submit a resume to cphresume@cph.org.

::WEEKLY EVENTS::

Today (24)
8:15 a.m. Worship (HC)
10:15 a.m. Worship and Church Picnic at Larson Park

Mon. (25)
6:30 a.m.            Men's Bible Study
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.            Staff Retreat at the International Center
(Church office closed until 1:30 p.m.)

Tues. (26)
9:00 a.m.            ELC Staff Work Day
7:00 p.m.            New Song practice

Wed. (27
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.            ELC Open House
5:30 p.m.            Confirmation Parent Meeting - FLC

Thurs. (28)
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.            ELC Open House
11:30 a.m.            Elders mtg.
7:00 p.m.            "Nifty" Knitters

Fri. (29)
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.            ELC Open House

Sat. (30)
5:00 p.m.            Worship (HC)
Next Sunday (31)
8:15 a.m.            Worship (HC) & 10:45 a.m. Worship (HC)
9:30 a.m.             Education Hour

::PRAYERS and THANKSGIVINGS::

+ Mittie Jane Schmidt, who continues to heal following a broken arm and also a broken back (and who was in worship a week ago for the first time in many weeks!)

(If you have any prayer requests for the prayer chain or would like to be a part of the prayer chain ministry please call Marilyn McDermott 821-0931.).

Birthday Celebrations:
24 – Judy Hartung, Terry Buchholz, Josh Boehme, Mary Aufderheide;
25 – Jennifer Buchholz, Pam Bert, Anne Boyd;
16 – Jessica Delling;
27 – Hank Schlichter, Steve Phelps, Anna Rawlings;
28 – Austin Ondracka;
29 – Carlos Vences;
30 Miriam Reimnitz, Joel Pike

Wedding Anniversaries:
26 – Joel and Marcia Hempel;
27 – Robert and Krissa Lubben; Jerry and Beth Nicolaus;
28 – Bruce and Judy Hartung;
30 – Grant and Stacie Guirl

Baptismal Birthdays:
24 – Christian Schaefer;
25 - Amanda Bach;
26 – Zoe Bunyard;
27 – Steve Jagels, Ken Klotz;
28 – Daniel Grossenheider, Terry Wiesehan

(As a reminder, member's names will only be listed if the information is in the database. Also, if a member has only given the month and year of their baptism then the first day of that month will be designated as their baptismal date. Please feel free to call the church office with any corrections or additions.)

Next publication of the Glimpses of Glendale will be September 7th. Please submit your items to the church office by Wednesday, September 3rd.