The Echoes Emanuel Lutheran
Church
July 2018
THE CHILD IS NOT DEAD BUT SLEEPING. ABOUT US
Emanuel is a congregation of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America
---------------------------------------------------
Sunday Worship: 9:30 am
Pastor Lyn Crase: 209-523-4531
Website: www.emanuellutheran.org
Church Office: Phone: 209-523-4531
Fax: 209-523-3643
Church Office Hours: Monday through Thursday:
8 am — 3 pm
Friday 8 am — 2 pm
Paula Braxton, Administrative Asst. 209-523-4531
Laura Marquez, Day Care Director 209-549-0672
Servant of the Month: Karl Williams
Greetings from Pastor Lyn
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
True confessions: I wanted to get an
article submitted for the July Echoes
before I left for continuing education
and vacation but didn’t have a clue as
to what I would use as an appropriate
topic for July. July is mid-summer (well
not here, where summer is almost
perpetual, but psychologically for this
transplant it’s mid-summer). Today, it
came to me! The ah-ha moment!
In the 22nd chapter of Matthew, after the Pharisees challenge Jesus with
what they think is the question that will finally trip him up, Jesus pulls the
rug from under them with his response. It never pays, you see, to get too
comfortable with one’s ways (rituals, laws, traditions, etc.) or too at ease
around Jesus for that matter, because Jesus has a way of turning the
table upside down. If you aren’t on your toes – he will get you there!
Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the
greatest?” He said to them, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all
your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the
greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love
your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law
and prophets.” We — you and I — people of Emanuel Lutheran Church
are being asked to ask ourselves, as individuals and as a community, how
THE ECHOES EMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH | Issue 2018-7 2
EMANUEL’S MISSION
To share Christ’s unconditional love with everyone.
OUR VISION
Emanuel’s vision is to be loving, supportive, and welcoming, as we reach out in service and in witness to our neighborhood and the city beyond.
We share a passion to nurture people in all stages and circumstances of life.
We, as disciples of Christ, minister to our changing community in challenging cultural times.
God is calling us to joyfully follow the Holy Spirit in ministry to others.
we truly define our “neighbor.” I know, I talk about that a lot in church
but it seems to me in light of current cultural upheavals, political and
social, we necessarily must spend some intentional and purposeful time
thinking about that in depth, with an honesty of spirit.
Why the “ah-ha” today? Today, I attended a seminar sponsored by
Without Permission, an advocacy group in the Central Valley that focuses
on the very real and present problem of human trafficking – in Modesto
in particular. It’s a shocking reality for any community within close
proximity of major interstate highways. So, there’s that and I will speak
more about as I learn more about it. And then, there are two young
Afghani refugees that are recent (2.5 weeks) transplants to Modesto via
relocation agencies, including Lutheran Immigration and Refugee
Services (LIRS), who through social media – Emanuel’s web page –
contacted me. (Yes, they are legal immigrants.) A fellow who is a refugee
advocate in Canberra, Australia (and happens to be Lutheran, born and
raised in California) saw our web page and noticed that we do active
outreach ministry in our community. He contacted me to see if I could
help him find help for two young men. Short answer – yes!
This isn’t about money – this is about accompaniment. This is about
recognizing and being a good neighbor (incidentally the two live only a
few blocks from Emanuel). They have housing and a very small stipend,
but need friends and help navigating our culture. Their English is good
and they are simply nice young men – not unlike someone raised in this
city, with similar hopes and dreams for a better future but vulnerable to
certain risk. I will give you more information when I return. In the
meantime, pray for these men. Their names are Murtaza and Ezra, and
pray about how you will help.
In Christ, Pastor Lyn
from Pastor Lyn, continued
THE ECHOES EMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH | Issue 2018-7 3
July Birthdays Birthday Blessing Sunday is July 15
All those celebrating their births during the month of July will receive a
Birthday Blessing Prayer from their Emanuel Family. Don't miss out!
c
Servant of the Month
Karl Williams celebrated a major event this past month as he received his high
school diploma after completing a course of study at the Come Back Kids program.
Karl earned 31 units in a little over a year of study. Karl has been an adopted son of
Emanuel for several years now and has been an important part of our family.
When he first came to us, he was living at the Gospel Mission and restarting his
adult life. The Rowlands initially provided transportation, enabling Karl to join us
regularly.
Karl volunteered to serve on council, was elected, and joined the Outreach
Committee. Jim Barton helped provide transportation to and from meetings. Karl
brought a unique viewpoint to council meetings. He served faithfully until he
started a nighttime job that prevented him from attending evening meetings.
Karl continues to work in the cheese manufacturing business and hopes that his
high school diploma will help him obtain an even better job.
Karl is soon leaving to visit his family in Michigan, including a twin brother. When
he returns, please congratulate Karl on his achievement and thank him for being an important servant for Emanuel.
7/2 Connie Petersen 7/12 Yvonne Troedson 7/22 John Turner
7/4 Mercy Maya 7/13 Alice Hoaglund 7/23 Peter Cousins
7/6 Debra Van Diepen 7/14 John Wilson 7/24 Barbara Vukich
7/8 Janice Watkins 7/16 Barbara Bauman 7/26 Michael Epting
7/10 Linda Nelson 7/19 Patricia Smith 7/27 Remus Hunwardsen 7/29 Elena Wilson
7/12 Arie Kroeze 7/21 Karryn Salonen 7/27 William Reinheimer 7/31 Tamera Gierhan
c
THE ECHOES EMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH | Issue 2018-7 4
June Prayer Requests
Ron Silva—eye surgery on 6/26, recovery
& healing (Silva)
The Hollmann family
Teresa Scott & family—health (Scott)
America Saar—health & well-being
(Santana)
David Kraft—healing & well-being (Kraft)
Trina Zarzana—health & well-being,
surgery (Ixcot)
Prayers of condolence for the family of
Dan Harris who passed away on June 3,
2018 (Jones)
Budget:
The Finance Committee appreciates the vote
of confidence given by Emanuel Lutheran
Church membership in passing an unbalanced
budget for the next fiscal year. Thank you, for
your continued support.
I pray that members who have not been able
to fulfill their pledges will become financially
able to do so. I also thank those who have
increased their giving to operations in
response to our budget shortfall. It is
encouraging to know that the people of
Emanuel appreciate our staff and support our
financial obligations which include our
ministries, utilities, insurance, upkeep, and
other ongoing operating expenses.
Praying for God’s guidance!
Robert Reuter, Treasurer
Emanuel Lutheran Church
From Thursday Morning Bible Study:
Thursday Morning Bible Study would like to
take this opportunity to thank David Holtz
and the Day Care Children for surprising us by
coming to serenade us every now and then…
We love it and love you all for making our day!
THE ECHOES EMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH | Issue 2018-7 5
Text Study meets Tuesdays at noon in Katie’s
Room. All are welcome to read and discuss the
week’s lectionary readings. Bring a sack lunch if
you wish.
Thursday Morning Bible Study: Come and join
us using Protestant Prayer Beads to make your
own prayer bead string for meditation. We will
meet on Monday, July 12, 19 and 26 in Katie’s
Room from 9:30 to 11:00 am.
All ages and genders are welcome!
Monday Night Bible Study meets Monday
evenings at 7 pm at Marsha Waggoner’s home.
Men’s Bible Study gathers every Wednesday
morning at 8 am at Mimi’s Restaurant in
Modesto. You can join us for breakfast or a cup
of coffee, fellowship, and a chance to learn
about the upcoming Gospel lesson.
Katie’s Kitchen: Tuesday Breakfast for MJC
students and staff every Tuesday at 7 am. We
will take the week off on July 3.
Book Discussion: At 7 pm on July 25, August 1,
and August 8, meet in Luther Hall to share a
salad and discuss the book “Just Mercy” by
Bryan Stevenson.
First Saturday Worship is July 7 at 5:30 pm. This
is an informal, interactive, and contemplative
worship experience. This month we will include
a neighborhood prayer walk.
Coffee Hour is every week after Sunday
worship. Please take a look at the sign-up sheet
in the narthex and consider volunteering to host
a week.
Rebecca's Circle will be on vacation for July and
August. When we return in September we will
be meeting on the 4th Thursday, September 27,
instead of our regular 3rd Thursday. More
details in August.
Lydia Circle will be held on Monday, July 16 at 7
pm at Marsha Waggoner’s home.
Leah’s Circle meets on Thursday, July 12 at 7 pm
at Sue Wilke’s home.
THE ECHOES EMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH | Issue 2018-7 6
Tidbits
Please remember to check the bulletin each week for more
news and announcements.
1st Sunday Care Cupboard:
July 1 is the next Care Cupboard Sunday, but
donations are accepted every week. We are
currently in need of: Individual servings of tuna in
foil packages, canned vegetables, Hamburger
Helper, small boxes of cereal, pasta sides, and shelf
-stable milk (in cartons). Thanks so much for your
generosity!
Do you have a piano?:
Nancy Jones is looking for a small piano in good
condition. If you have one that you don’t need,
please call Nancy at 209-631-1333.
Choir Rehearsals:
The choir is taking some time off this summer but
don’t forget that rehearsals will resume in August
and your voice is needed!
Books Needed:
Once again, we will be giving away books at
Neighborhood Night Out on August 7. If you have
gently used books for children or adults — and
appropriate for a church to give away — please
bring them to the collection box in the narthex.
Wednesdays @ Emanuel:
In mid-September, there will be opportunities for
learning, growing, sharing, and enjoying a meal.
Please refer to the info sheet on the table in the
Narthex for details and projects or see Dan
Johnson.
During July we hear stories about Jesus’s ministry of
miracles and healing. We learn of his compassion
and his power. We also hear about the works of his
disciples. In the middle of these stories, however,
Mark tells us about Herod’s execution of John the
Baptist, with the chilling line: “He...brought his head
on a platter…”
July Lectionary July 1
Pentecost 6
Lamentations 3:22-33
Psalm 30
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Mark 5:21-43
July 8
Pentecost 7
Ezekiel 2:1-5
Psalm 123
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13
July 15
Pentecost 8
Amos 7:7-15
Psalm 85:8-13
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29
July 22
Pentecost 9
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 23
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
July 29
Pentecost 10
2 Kings 4:42-44
Psalm 145:10-18
Ephesians 3:14-21
John 6:24-35
THE ECHOES EMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH | Issue 2018-7 7
June Council Notes
President Sue Wilke was enjoying a
great vacation, so Vice President
Dan Johnson led the June council
meeting. We wrapped up our work
on Emanuel’s Vision. You can see
the final result on page 2 of this
Echoes. Our challenge now is to
continue to live this vision as a
church family.
Council reviewed and voted to
approve a change in our bylaws to
have a single annual meeting in
January, as we discussed last
month. We will vote on this as a
congregation at our (hopefully) last
semi-annual meeting in August.
Resignations
When we agreed to consider the
fiscal year change, we also agreed to
ask current council members to
serve an additional six months each.
Our constitution permits this and by
doing so we avoid an extra election.
Two members, Lois Owen and
Richard Norquist, decided that they
were simply too overextended to
continue on council and each
submitted letters of resignation
effective the end of June.
Council accepted their resignations
with genuine thanks for their years
of service. We are also grateful for
their intent to continue to serve
Emanuel in many ways. Lois
continues on the Day Care Board
and on the Spiritual Life committee.
Dick continues to serve as the head
of our Property ministry.
Unfortunately, this left council with
no members on the Day Care Board
or on the Property team. Pat Smith
volunteered to join the Day Care
Board for the remainder of 2018,
but we will need to find another
replacement for Lois beginning in
January 2019. We do not have a
substitute for Dick Norquist, so it is
vital that we find a volunteer to join
both council and property as soon as
possible.
New Missions
Ken “Skip” Hoover came to council
to present an opportunity for
Emanuel to participate in Camp
Alandale. This is a non-
denominational Christian Camp that
exclusively serves children in the
Foster Care system, most of whom
are completely unchurched or have
a negative experience of church.
Skip proposed that we support this
mission by becoming Prayer
Warriors for the camp. We would
agree to pray for individual children
by name and Skip would coordinate
our prayer roles. Council agreed that
we could certainly take this on and
Skip will follow up.
Pastor Lyn discussed her
introduction to the two young
Afghan refugees whom she
mentions in her lead article this
month. We are not being
asked to offer financial
support, but mainly to
help with life skills and
companionship. Pastor
Lyn emphasized that we
need to work with their
case worker and in no way usurp her
leadership role.
Pastor Lyn handed out copies of
emails from Mark, a Lutheran pastor
and “Sister Jane”, both in Australia.
These people described the back
story that explains how Murtaza and
Ezra came to be in Modesto. Both
offered to stay in touch and offer
additional advice and information.
Pastor Lyn is committed to staying
personally involved in this situation
and will be happy to receive any
available support from the Emanuel
family.
Financial Summary
Bob Reuter reported that we
continue to spend more than we
receive. For the fiscal year that ends
next month we are nearly $33K
overspent. Pledges are short nearly
$19K. See the table below for a
short monthly summary.
(See Paula Braxton or Mike Epting
for full minutes of the June
meeting).
May Income
May Expenses
May Gain/Loss
General Fund 15,033 (19,313) (4,280)
Building Fund 5,501 (6,929) (1,428)
Day Care 25,784 (27,681) (1,897)
TOTALS 46,318 (53,923) (7,605)
THE ECHOES EMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH | Issue 2018-7 8
A TV show made me cry last month.
Rose was shocked; the scene was
emotional, but not that emotional,
at least to her.
I don’t know if you watched “The
Americans”. We discovered it after it
had been on for several years, but
binge-watched to catch up and then
watched one episode at a time for
the last couple of years. The series
finale aired while we were on
vacation in France and I couldn’t
wait to see how they wrapped it up.
The plot centers on a Russian couple
who are planted in the U.S. as spies
with deep cover. They live as
Americans: Philip and Elizabeth
Jennings. Their two children, Paige
and Henry, are born here and are
raised as Americans. The kids know
nothing about their Russian
background. The show is extremely
violent and our “heroes” are
ruthless, stopping at nothing to
serve their Russian homeland.
In the very first episode, the
Jennings meet their new next-door
neighbor, Stan, an FBI agent
working in counter-intelligence.
Having little choice, they befriend
Stan and his family. Through the
years of the series (six in all) Stan
and Philip share many moments and
seemingly become true friends. It is
not until halfway through the last
season that Stan becomes horribly
suspicious about Philip and
Elizabeth.
In a pivotal scene, Stan confronts
the Jennings in an underground
garage and lets
them know that he
knows who they
are. While Stan
aims a gun at them,
Philip attempts to
explain that he did what he felt he
had to do for his country. He also
tries to make Stan see that it is in
the best interest of the U.S. and the
world to let them go so that they
can stop a plot to assassinate
Gorbachev, which could end
détente forever.
Part of what grabbed me during this
scene was the music overlay: one of
my favorite songs, “Brothers in
Arms” by Dire Straits. The lyrics fit
the situation perfectly, as they are
whispered/crooned by Mark
Knopfler:
“There's so many different worlds
So many different suns
And we have just one world
But we live in different ones
Now the sun's gone to hell and
The moon's riding high
Let me bid you farewell
Every man has to die
But it's written in the starlight
And every line in your palm
We are fools to make war
On our brothers in arms.”
These words take me back to the
summer we spent in Scotland; this
was probably the happiest two
months in our family’s life together.
Our kids were the perfect age to
relish the experience and we all
learned a lot about Scottish history
and listened to a lot of their folk
music. This song captures the
essence of Scotland: the never-
ending battle for the lost cause
coupled with betrayal, but
ultimately respect for the opponent.
There was more going on with me
here, though. I, too was a cold-
warrior. I fought the Russians tooth
and nail. I used electronics to spy
and to constrain, but I never hated
my opponents. In fact, I considered
them worthy adversaries. Of course,
I never met any of them, but that
doesn’t mean that I didn’t know
them. I studied their system designs
until I almost convinced myself that I
could get inside their heads. I had
tremendous respect for their
abilities and for their motivations. I
had to take polygraphs every few
years to prove my loyalty to the
U.S., but they never asked me to
hate my enemy, thank God.
About the time that Philip was
making peace with Stan, my world
was being turned upside down. A
good friend of mine said that we
had been in a tug of war with the
Russians for decades, and all of a
sudden they let go of the rope.
Those of us who had been actively
fighting the Cold War found
ourselves lying on the ground in a
heap, wondering what to do next.
So, the situation on the show, the
words of the song, and my personal
memories converged to cause me to
sob. But they were happy tears,
because the point of all of this is
that we needn’t hate our enemies;
we are fools to make war on our
Brothers in Arms.
Epilogue (You may safely skip this…)
by Mike Epting, Echoes Editor
Em
an
uel
Ca
len
da
r o
f E
ven
ts
Ju
ly 2
01
8
Su
nd
ay
Mo
nd
ay
Tu
esd
ay
Wed
nes
day
T
hu
rsd
ay
Fri
day
S
atu
rday
1 C
AR
E C
UP
BO
AR
D
CO
LL
EC
TIO
N
9:30
am
W
orsh
ip S
ervi
ce
2
7:00
pm
W
omen
's B
ible
Stu
dy 3
7:
00 a
m
Tue
sday
Bre
akfa
st in
Kat
ie's
Kitc
hen
10:3
0 am
D
ay C
are
Yog
a C
lass
12
:00
pm
Tex
t Stu
dy
4 IN
DE
PE
ND
EN
CE
DA
Y -
Off
ice
Clo
sed
7:00
am
M
en's
Bib
le S
tudy
@
Mim
i's
5
6
7
10:0
0 am
O
rgan
pra
ctic
e 5:
30 p
m
SA
T. E
VE
NIN
G
WO
RS
HIP
8 H
EA
LIN
G P
RA
YE
R
SU
ND
AY
9:30
am
W
orsh
ip S
ervi
ce
9
1:00
pm
C
AR
E C
UP
BO
AR
D
7:00
pm
W
omen
's B
ible
Stu
dy
10
7:
00 a
m
Tue
sday
Bre
akfa
st in
Kat
ie's
Kitc
hen
10:3
0 am
D
ay C
are
Yog
a C
lass
12
:00
pm
Tex
t Stu
dy
11
7:
00 a
m
Men
's B
ible
Stu
dy @
Mim
i's
10:0
0 am
W
eekl
y S
taff
Mee
ting
11:3
0 am
M
ulti
Fai
th L
eade
rshi
p
Mee
ting
7:00
pm
M
inis
try
Mtg
.
12
9:
30 a
m
Adu
lt B
ible
Stu
dy @
Em
anue
l - P
raye
r
Bea
ds
4:30
pm
E
LDC
Boa
rd S
elf-
Stu
dy M
tg.
7:00
pm
LE
AH
CIR
CLE
13
14
10:0
0 am
O
rgan
pra
ctic
e
15
BIR
TH
DA
Y
BL
ES
SIN
GS
SU
ND
AY
9:30
am
W
orsh
ip S
ervi
ce
16
7:
00 p
m
LYD
IA C
IRC
LE
17
7:
00 a
m
Tue
sday
Bre
akfa
st in
Kat
ie's
Kitc
hen
10:3
0 am
D
ay C
are
Yog
a C
lass
12
:00
pm
Tex
t Stu
dy
18
7:
00 a
m
Men
's B
ible
Stu
dy @
Mim
i's
10:0
0 am
W
eekl
y S
taff
Mee
ting
5:30
pm
E
LDC
Boa
rd M
tg.
7:00
pm
C
OU
NC
IL M
tg.
19
9:
30 a
m
Adu
lt B
ible
Stu
dy @
Em
anue
l - P
raye
r
Bea
ds
1:30
pm
R
ebec
ca C
ircle
- O
N
BR
EA
K U
NT
IL
SE
PT
EM
BE
R
20
21
F
AM
ILY
PR
OM
ISE
Set
-up
10:0
0 am
O
rgan
pra
ctic
e
22
FA
MIL
Y P
RO
MIS
E
9:30
am
W
orsh
ip S
ervi
ce
23
Ech
oes
Dea
dlin
e F
AM
ILY
PR
OM
ISE
1:00
pm
C
AR
E C
UP
BO
AR
D
7:00
pm
W
omen
's B
ible
Stu
dy
24
FA
MIL
Y P
RO
MIS
E
7:00
am
T
uesd
ay B
reak
fast
in
Kat
ie's
Kitc
hen
10:3
0 am
D
ay C
are
Yog
a C
lass
12
:00
pm
Tex
t Stu
dy
8:00
pm
F
amily
Pro
mis
e
25
FA
MIL
Y P
RO
MIS
E
7:00
am
M
en's
Bib
le S
tudy
@
Mim
i's
10:0
0 am
W
eekl
y S
taff
Mee
ting
26
FA
MIL
Y P
RO
MIS
E
9:30
am
A
dult
Bib
le S
tudy
@
Em
anue
l - P
raye
r
Bea
ds
27
FA
MIL
Y P
RO
MIS
E
28
FA
MIL
Y P
RO
MIS
E
9:00
am
Q
uilti
ng B
ee
10:0
0 am
O
rgan
pra
ctic
e
29
INT
ER
-FA
ITH
SU
ND
AY
9:30
am
W
orsh
ip S
ervi
ce
30
7:
00 p
m
Wom
en's
Bib
le S
tudy
31
7:00
am
T
uesd
ay B
reak
fast
in
Kat
ie's
Kitc
hen
10:3
0 am
D
ay C
are
Yog
a C
lass
12
:00
pm
Tex
t Stu
dy
7:00
pm
G
ospe
l Mis
sion
Min
istr
y