october 2015 issue 10 / volume 21 octoberfestivities · reformation sunday is october 25 october...

Reformation Sunday is October 25

October 2015 ISSUE 10 / VOLUME 21

OctoberFestivities

Fruits of the Harvest

Sunday, October 11, 8am-12pm

Our food-focused fundraiser sponsored by the ELCW has something

everyone can “relish”. Page 3

New Life Band

October 18, 8:30 & 10:30; October 21, 5:30-8pm

Our friends from Tanzania will lead both worship services on

October 18. The “Elim for Elimu” Fundraiser on October 21

promises to be fun-filled evening for the entire family. Page 2

R.C. Kohl Concert & Lecture

Sunday, October 25, 3pm

Hear the history and melodies of Mexican classical guitarist

Octaviano Yáñez by researcher, educator, and musician Dr. Randall

Kohl. Page 3

THE SOURCE A Monthly Newsletter of Elim Lutheran Church

elimpetaluma.org OCTOBER 2015 | PAGE 2

OCTOBER EVENTS

EXCITEMENT GROWS FOR THE NEW LIFE BAND’S OCTOBER VISIT TO ELIM

Mark your calendars for these special events!

Sunday, October 18 – New Life Band at both Elim Services Elim will extend a giant “Karibu” welcome back the New Life Band

from Tanzania as they join morning worship services at 8:30 and

10:30am. Come, listen, participate, and be inspired as the Band

shares its mission to youth and students in Tanzania through an

incredible mix of music and story. The Band will have available CDs

with music from their 2015 concert tour as well as other African

artifacts.

Share with the Band. You are invited to donate items that are new or gently-used for the Band.

Suggested items are children’s clothing and shoes of all sizes; men’s and women’s clothing including

shoes of all sizes; children’s books. Please bring your donations to the church by Friday, October 16, and

place in the box found in the Welcome Area. We’ll share these with the New Life Band on October 18.

Items will be taken home to family and friends in Arusha, Tanzania, where it’s difficult to have many of

the everyday things we take for granted here in the USA. Thank you for helping with this project of

giving back.

Wednesday, October 21 – Elim for Elimu Fundraiser 5:30pm - African Family Activities, 6pm - African Dinner, 7pm - Christian Praise Concert by the Band

This is a night ready-made for the whole family. This will be an incredible evening filled with fun, food

and music that moves your soul and body. Dinner tickets will be available beginning Sunday, October 4.

Come and Enjoy!

We’ll need help with set-up, clean-up, food prep, and helping with the kids activities. Please contact

Susan Rodkin if you can lend a hand.

New Life Band Mission to Youth and Students For many years, Elim has joined dozens of congregations in California and the Midwest by supporting

the mission to youth and students of the New Life Band in Tanzania. The faithful contributions given by

Elim members have helped with the construction of the New Life Secondary and Vocational School

located 15 miles outside of Arusha, Tanzania. Our current focus project is to assist with the completion

of Elimu, the hostel and girls’ dorm/classroom building on the school site.

This building was dedicated during a visit to Tanzania in 2013 by the Elim

mission team. It’s time to bring building construction to completion and

make this building a safe and comfortable place for young female students

at the school to live and learn. Please consider donating generously to the

Elimu building during the New Life Band’s visit to Elim.

Asante sana – Swahili for ‘Thanks very much”.

Mungu Awubariki – Swahili for “God Bless”.

Elimu - Swahili for “education”


CLASSICAL MEXICAN GUITAR CONCERT Sunday, October 25, 3pm

Dr. Randall (R. C.) Kohl will discuss the history and perform compositions

and arrangements by the Orizaban guitarist Octaviano Yáñez (1865-1927)

who, though largely unknown today, was considered Mexico’s finest

classical guitarist during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This

program of simple, enjoyable melodies set to waltz and habanera rhythms

pleasantly portrays the salon music of Mexico’s “belle époque.” This

concert and lecture is free and open to all.

Dr. Kohl holds a BA in Music with Honors from the University of California

at Santa Cruz (UCSC), an MA in Ethnomusicology from the University of

Hawaii at Manoa (UHM), and a Doctorate in History and Regional Studies

from the Universidad Veracruzana (UV) in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. He is a full-time, tenured

professor on the Music Faculty at the Universidad Veracruzana and a member of Mexico’s Sistema

Nacional de Investigadores (National System of Researchers).

The prelude at the 8:30 service for the next few weeks and maybe occasionally before the 10:30 service

will be tracks from the CD Homenaje. You may listen to excerpts of his CDs at

www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RCKohl.

“RELISH” THE FRUITS OF THE HARVEST Sunday, October 11, 8am – 12pm

“Fruits of the Harvest” is our food-focused fundraiser in the non-Bazaar years. Some of our industrious

Elim members have been using their garden bounty to make yummy jams, pickles, relishes, sauces and

such to donate towards this fundraiser. If you have some homemade canned goods to donate, please

bring them to the office during the week of October 4.

Just some examples of the goodness you will find: apricot jam, Satsuma plum jam, Santa Rosa plum jam,

blackberry jam, apple butter, zucchini relish, zucchini bread-and-butter pickles, carrot cake jam, and

more! Prices will be $3 for 8-oz. jars, $30 for a case of 12. Makes a great gift!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ELIM LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (ELCW)

Circles Would you like to attend a monthly women’s group but not sure which one? Just contact the Circle

Chairs and let them know you are interested. Below you will find Circle information and when they

each meet.

Grace Friendship (Anita Kelly) meets on the 2nd Thursday (October 8) of each month at 12pm in the

back of the sanctuary. Pastor Bill will lead the Bible study.

http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RCKohl


Elizabeth (Susan Rodkin) usually meets on the 3rd Monday of the month. Circle will meet at Debra

Jensen Orner’s home on October 19 to discuss the second chapter of How Did I Get to Be 70 When I’m

30 Inside?

Esther (JoAnn Andrus) meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Noon; next meeting will be at

12pm on October 13 at Marian Olsen’s home.

Thankoffering Tea Saturday, November 14, 1-3pm;

tickets go on sale October 25

Thank goodness - it's almost time for the Thankoffering

Tea! Expect a delicious buffet tea service, jazzy

entertainment, raffles, and the Thankoffering service.

Tickets are $10 and a limited number of tickets will be

sold – purchase them on Sunday mornings beginning

October 25.

Helpers are needed! Contact Amy York (762-5460),

Suzy Sellai (775-3449), or Debra Jensen Orner (217-2051)

to hostess a table or help bake cookies, mini scones, and

sweet breads.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Most Sundays at 9:40am in the Fellowship Hall

Prayer shawls are given to people experiencing hardships so that they may know that they are embraced

by God and Elim during difficult times. We knit and crochet at home as well as gathering on Sunday

mornings between services. We have plenty of yarn to go around and are willing to teach anyone who

wants to learn.

Women of Faith & Fellowship (WoFF) Thursday, October 8, 7pm in the Fireside Room

Please join us for Elim's Women of Faith & Fellowship group open to all women, college age and

beyond, who want to explore their faith and develop closer friendships with other Elim ladies. We

usually meet in the Fireside Room for an hour on the 2nd Tuesday of the month starting at 7pm. Every

few months the group may take the meeting on the road so keep an eye out in the announcements. This

month we’ll discuss a podcast posted on Café - a free, monthly, and on-line magazine for young adult

women that explores topics that are relevant to women and how faith relates to these issues. Please join

us on October 8 at 7pm for discussion and to meet new and old friends. If you have questions email

Lana Reuter.

NEW – Crafters’ Brunch Bunch Saturdays, 10:30am-1pm, Rooms 1 & 2

Join us to craft wonderful items to donate towards benefits of the

ministries of Elim and for upcoming craft fairs. Bring a goodie to share,

your favorite Pinterest ideas or other project suggestions, and enjoy the

fellowship of this crafty bunch! All ages and abilities are welcome.

Thankofferings are a tradition dating back to

the 1800s, when Christian women formed

“mite” or “cent” societies to fund mission.

When others in the church said there was not

enough money to carry out these projects, the

women believed otherwise. In these societies,

each woman collected offerings at home. On

occasion, they would gather as we do today to

worship and combine their offerings and offer

them up with thanks and praise.

Each year, in thousands of congregations,

Thankofferings are collected and sent to

support the life-changing ministries of Women

of the ELCA. Together, we do more than we

could ever do apart.

Wish list: colorful fall

leaves, modge podge, large

wreath forms, small power

tools, paint brushes, small/

medium canvases.


HEALING PRAYER

Healing Meditative Prayer Saturday, October 17, 10:15am, church office

If you would like a group of people to pray for you, the third Saturday of the month is one of the times.

We do this confidentially. We will ask no more questions unless you wish to discuss further. It takes

about 20-30 minutes with. To set an appointment, please call the church office (762-4081).

Annual Meditation and Healing Prayer Retreat November 6-8 in Inverness

Our annual Meditation and Healing Prayer Retreat at beautiful St. Columba’s Episcopal Church and

Retreat House in Inverness will take place on November 6-8. If you’ve wanted to find out more about

meditation and Healing Prayer, now is the time to discover what it is all about and how people benefit

from it. Meditation helps you to relax and focus on God. In Healing Prayer, you become God’s vessel to

help people feel the comfort of God’s love.

The retreat starts around 5pm on Friday afternoon and ends after lunch on Sunday. The cost of the

retreat is $50 per night which is the per person cost to use St. Columba's Retreat House. We provide our

own food and attendees take turns preparing meals. Attendees must bring their own towels and

sleeping bags or twin bed linens, however, there is a limited supply of linens available there. For more

information or to sign up, please contact Ben Barnes or Cynthia Griffith. The deadline for signing up for

the retreat is Friday, October 23.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR THE LEADERSHIP TEAM? Sunday, October 11, between services in the side room of the Fellowship Hall

The Leadership Team will be holding “office hours” in the side room of the Fellowship Hall between

services on Sunday, October 11. This is the first in a monthly series that will be held the Sunday before

the LT’s monthly meeting. If you have questions or suggestions for the Leadership Team, want to

discuss your concerns, give feedback, or just get to know the members of the LT better, please feel free to

join us. And if you can’t make it on October 11 or need to get in touch with the LT at other times, you

can always reach out to us using the contact form on Elim’s website:

www.elimpetaluma.org/staff--leaders

CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE

We have received our slate of candidates from the Synod and have

started the interview process. We are all excited about the

possibilities! Please keep us and Elim in your prayers as we listen to

how the Holy Spirit will guide us.

A DRY WINTER (INSIDE)

Your Facilities Team is praying for a dry winter inside the church,

and it may actually be the driest in the past 30 years! For a long time we have been accumulating water

stains in the church and the Fellowship Hall, testimony to the fact that we have had leaks everywhere.

Particularly in the overflow room, the history room, and around the large stained glass window on the

west wall, rain water has penetrated. Had Noah suffered that many leaks in the Ark, all those critters

http://www.elimpetaluma.org/staff--leaders


would have found themselves “in the drink”. This year we have sealed the roof in the sanctuary and on

flat roof sections of the Fellowship Hall. The large stained glass window has been restored and sealed

with clear protective panels. In progress now is the repair and repainting of the water damaged

sheetrock. Bring on El Nino! True faith is daring to repaint before the rains arrive.

ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY Remembrance during both services on November 1

On November 1 we will celebrate All Saints’ Day in worship. We will

remember those who have entered life eternal since the last All Saints’ Day

(November 2, 2014). We invite you to call or email the church office by

October 28 if you would like to add the name (also need date of death) of an

immediate family member who has passed on in the last year to our list of

people to remember.

THE GARDEN OF ELIM

How time flies! Elim’s landscaping was originally designed and installed more than 20 years ago.

Today, stubborn stray blackberries, weeds, crabgrass and Bermuda grass have infiltrated, there’s

insufficient mulch, and in these drought-stricken years, the areas of grass seem unnecessary. The good

news is that we have lots of good ideas!

The core team of volunteers working on the landscape maintenance has had a busy summer, but we are

now back to thinking about the future. This fall, one minor change will be made: an additional,

matching crepe myrtle tree will be added in the empty landscaping strip near the street by the entrance

to the parking lot. Next, we will be creating the survey we talked about earlier this summer—to assess

the congregation’s feelings about the landscape and the possibility of

creating a new master plan that would feature a more cohesive,

sustainable, water-efficient, and beautiful design to better welcome both

members and visitors.

Stay tuned for more information to come. And, as always, if you have

extra time to share, contact Julie Prime or the office. There are always

opportunities for volunteers to help maintain our existing landscaping.

Even a few hours of your time can make a big difference!

NURSERY STAFF STILL NEEDED

We are still accepting applications for one more person to join our paid nursery staff. The nursery is an

essential part of the ministry at Elim; welcoming and providing hospitality to members and visitors with

young children, birth through four years of age. Staff would work from 8:15am to around noon and

would only work one or two Sundays each month. Ideally applicants should be at least 18, have some

first aid and other appropriate training as well as experience with very young children. Since this person

will be working during our worship services, perhaps you know of a neighbor who attends their church

services at another time? A background check will be required. To apply, visit the church website for

the full job description and a job application.


MUSIC

JOIN CHANCEL CHOIR! Rehearsals on Wednesdays, 5:30-7pm, Choir Room

New members are always invited to join the Chancel Choir! This group primarily sings the special

music at the 8:30am service. If you are interested in knowing more about Chancel Choir, contact Cathe

Kiler at [email protected].

FESTIVAL CHOIR SEASON BEGINNING SOON Rehearsals 7-9pm in the Choir Room: October 29; November 5, 12, 19;

December 3, 10; dress rehearsal December 12

Come one, come all! Lift your voices in song to worship and praise

during this very special Sunday in Advent. The Elim Festival Choir

will begin preparing to sing anthems for both services on December 13.

We will have rehearsals on Thursday nights in the Choir Room from 7-9pm and a

dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 12.

Festival Choir welcomes everyone (Elim members or not) to join us in song.

Singing in worship is a wonderful form of prayer! This is a great opportunity to be

part of one of our choirs that calls for a short commitment of your time. I am so

energized and excited to see everyone at our first rehearsal!

- Laila Schoenlein

FAITH FORMATION INTERESTED IN ELIM’S PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES? Brain-storming session on October 4, 9:40-10:25am, side room of the Fellowship Hall

Elim members who participated in our transition workshops last year made it clear that Elim should

remain committed to an active program of ministry to families (what we have sometimes called

Children, Youth, and Family Ministry or CYF). Our program has gone through a lot of changes over the

last few years, and the Leadership Team believes the time is ripe to take a fresh look at the program and

come up with some concrete ideas—small, medium, or large—to pursue this year. Everyone with an

interest in our program for families is invited to a Town Hall meeting in the Fellowship Hall side room

from 9:40am to 10:25am (between services) on Sunday, October 4. Parents and grandparents, potential

volunteers—everyone’s input and contribution is welcome!

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday School classes have begun! Classes are held 9:40-10:25am and we will continue to offer

Children’s Church during the sermon at the 10:30am service.

mailto:[email protected]


3-year olds through 1st grade; Room 6; teachers: Amy Malaise, Susie

McGavin, Susan Wessner, Jacqulin Percy Paul

Godly Play offers a creative, child-honoring way of entering into and

experiencing the biblical story. In our Godly Play sessions, we play with

the language of God and God’s People: our sacred stories, parables,

liturgical actions and silence. Through this powerful language, our

wonderings, and the community of players gathered together, we hear the

deepest invitation of all: an invitation to come play with God.

2nd-4th grades; Room 9; teachers: Mary Wyrick, Kristy Oakes, Jill Eskes,

Laine Price Gen

Hang out at Camp and have fun learning Bible stories and trivia . . .

Genesis has 2 stories about creation – did one involve Legos?

Are there really 10 Commandments?

“Give us this day our daily bread…” what about pizza?

Lessons, crafts, games, and more! Friends are always welcome, too! Bring

your spare change this year to help buy piglets through ELCA World

Hunger.

5th -6th grades; History Room or Room 10; taught by Mike Pesutich; meets

on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month

We hope you will join your classmates as we work our way to

Confirmation. We will get to know each other and get to know a bit about

our Lutheran faith. Our study will get us familiar with the meaning of the

Creeds, Ten Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, Martin Luther, and all those

questions you may have wanted to ask.

RECRUITING TEAMMATES FOR GODLY PLAY

"Godly Play" is our Montessori-inspired Sunday School program for children ages 3 through 1st grade

and more caring adults are wanted for this program! No experience or major preparation required. All

lessons are already prepped and in the classroom. Storytellers should come to class knowing the story

for the day. Greeter should be familiar with classroom procedures. That's it! Please contact the office if

you can help.

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH!!

Join us on Wednesday nights for fellowship and fun every week, 6:30-8pm. This month the group will

play a game of Real-life Clue on October 14 and adult volunteers are needed to play the different

characters. Also, the first lock-in of the season will be on October 24 and 25. The group will meet at Elim

at 4:30pm and all go to the Petaluma Corn Maze, and then back to Elim for dinner and games. Contact

Sarah Labberton if you are interested in volunteering for Real Life Clue or chaperone for the lock-in!


The high school youth are all invited to join Elim R³ in a service project on October 4, 1-5pm. The group

will be doing yardwork for a friend of the congregation.

Here is the calendar for October events.

October 4: service project with Elim R³

October 7: discussion theme: growing up

October 14: Real Life Clue (“characters” needed)

October 21: No meeting, but will help at the New Life Band

benefit in the Fellowship Hall

October 24-25: Corn Maze and Lock-in (chaperones needed)

October 28: discussion theme: self-awareness

Sarah Labberton, our High School youth leader, can be reached at [email protected] or 707-696-

5175 or stop by the church office during her office hours: Wednesday, 3-5pm; Friday, 2-4pm.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES

Adult Forum – New Topic Beginning Sundays at 9:40am in the Choir Room

“Opening the Bible” is the new topic in class. Bring yourselves

and sharp minds (or as good as it gets at 9:40am); materials

provided. All adults are invited and encourage to attend at any

time.

Exploring the Story Tuesdays at 7pm, Choir Room

Come and engage in deep, meaningful, and exploratory

conversation about the Bible readings from the previous

Sunday.

OUTREACH

ASSISTANCE TO FIRE VICTIMS

Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services of Northern California are receiving donations

that will be used to offer support, healing and hope for victim of the Valley & Butte fires. Donations

given to LDR and LSS will be used to deal with more long-term needs of the affected areas, as the weeks

and months wear on and assistance from many sources

begins to dwindle. LDR and LSS are known for

accompanying communities and families impacted by

disasters for the long haul; they are often among the last to

leave. They will coordinate with local congregations and

relief agencies to put your gifts to the best and most needed

uses.

Donate online:

Lutheran Disaster Response

www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-

Development/Lutheran-Disaster-

Response/

Lutheran Social Services of Northern

California http://www.lssnorcal.org/



SECOND MILE GIVING | CHANGE THE WORLD: LUTHERAN EPISCOPAL ADVOCACY IN NEVADA

“Second mile giving” refers to an extra offering towards a special cause. The October recipient will be Lutheran

Episcopal Advocacy in Nevada. Check off “Special Offering” on the pew envelopes, look for the special offering

envelopes in the back of the sanctuary, or click on the “Donate Now” button on our website to contribute.

The first organization of its kind in the United States, Lutheran Episcopal Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN)

was formed in March 2014 as the result of conversations between former Bishop Mark Hanson of the

ELCA and Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts-Schori of the Episcopal Church in America (former Bishop

of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada). LEAN advocates for the common good and promotes public

policies that reflect the Christian values of peacemaking, hospitality to strangers, care for creation, and

concern for people living in poverty and struggling with hunger and disease.

• Work for tax and fiscal policies that reflect our Christian values while making wise provision for

a growing population, including the disadvantaged.

• Work to achieve affordable housing for all.

• Work to eradicate hunger and poverty in Nevada and throughout the world.

• Advocate for wage levels that enable all persons to adequately support self and family.

• Work toward a criminal justice system that is just and prepares offenders to reenter society

successfully.

LEAN gets some financial support from the Grand Canyon Synod Episcopal Diocese of Nevada and

ELCA & Episcopal churchwide. Gifts to LEAN in the Second Mile campaign will strengthen this

ministry and continue working for a more just society in Nevada that reflects our shared values. Your

contribution will keep the momentum going! LEAN is guided by a Policy Council that meets to

prioritize issues for advocacy activity. Policy Council members represent the Sierra Pacific and Grand

Canyon Synods, and Episcopal diocese in Nevada. LEAN is accountable to the ELCA and the Synods for

its advocacy work.

www.leanforjustice.org

ELIM'S REBUILD, RECOVER, RESTORE TEAM NEWS

New Orleans 2016 July 9-17, 2016; deadline to sign up is October 25

The Elim Rebuild, Recover and Restore - Elim R3 – is organizing a

service trip to New Orleans in July 2016. This is an intergenerational

trip for members and friends ages 15 to whatever. The anticipated cost

of this trip is $500 and the first payment and forms will be due Sunday,

October 25; turn in at the church office or with Athena Labberton.

Space is limited so please get these in on time or even before the 25th.

Forms are found on our website at www.elimpetaluma.org/new-orleans-2016.html

October 4 Service Day Elim R3 will be helping a friend who was disabled by a stroke. If you would like to do some good deeds

and like trimming, mowing, weeding, or can help fix a gate, Elim R3 wants to hear from you! Elim R3 is

http://www.leanforjustice.org/

http://www.elimpetaluma.org/new-orleans-2016.html


open to all. Bring gloves and wear gardening-appropriate shoes. Contact Athena Labberton

(athena_labberton@ yahoo.com) or Robin Merrill ([email protected]) for information.

EASTSIDE AND WESTSIDE INTERFAITH PANTRIES

This month Elim serves on Tuesday, October 6 at Lucchesi Park and will cover the Westside Pantry on

Thursday, October 15, in our Fellowship Hall. Come a little before 5pm to help set up. We start serving

at 5:30pm and are usually done and headed home by 6pm. Bring the kids, a friend or neighbor, and a

high school student who needs to fulfill community service hours. If you would like to be included in

the reminder emails about pantries, please contact Becky in the office ([email protected] / 762-

4081).

PETALUMA DAY LABOR INITIATIVE (PDLI)

The Petaluma Day Labor Initiative (PDLI) Organizer, Javier Antezana, was hired in May with a Sonoma

County General Fund grant, which covers his salary through October. That grant has provided for

training to all Day Labor Groups that are part of the County Day Labor Collaborative. The training,

overseen by Graton Day Labor, is for organizing and development of

leadership within the day laborer population. Javier, in addition to his own

training, has been out on the street introducing himself and getting

feedback. In the past month he has assisted workers in getting medical aid

for work-related injuries and approached employers who have not paid

workers. Wage theft is a big issue. Word is out that workers are getting

assistance.

Javier has both voicemail (PPSC/765-4888) and email ([email protected]) and referrals can be

made by him. He is collecting data on worker skills and canvassing those workers who might be

interested in leadership training. Once the grant money is expended, Javier's salary will be paid by the

Petaluma People Services Center during the gap between other possible grants and fund-raising. A

brochure for the Petaluma 275 fund-raising campaign will soon be available, once approved by the

Steering Committee, which consists of representatives from faith-based and community organizations.

Any questions, call Judy Peterson (763-8052).

MT. CROSS OVERNIGHT CAMPSITES WILL RETURN!

On October 10, the overnight campgrounds will be renewed: new picnic tables and split wood fence

dividers will be installed, fire pits upgraded, and new camp lockers built. This will all be accomplished

with a group of Mt. Cross volunteers and funds from The Clarke Family Fund part of the InFaith

Community Foundation. Overnight housing and meals will be provided at Mt. Cross. If you would like

to be involved in this work day in the beautiful Santa Cruz area, please let Nancy L. Clarke know

([email protected]). The Clarkes have been planning this project with the Steve Solberg, Director of

Mt. Cross, and are excited that this beautiful campground will again be available for all of to use. Who

knows, maybe we can have our overnight Elim Family Camp at Mt. Cross! We have just received

approval for Thrivent Action Funds to purchase great food for our Saturday night meal so come and

work, enjoy some great fellowship, free overnight accommodations, a t-shirt and satisfaction on creating

and overnight campground and Mt. Cross. You can let Nancy know or call Kyle at Mt. Cross by October

2 to RSVP at 831-336-5179.



DONATION DAY AT WORK: READY APPAREL

Friday, October 16, is Community Donation Day at Work: Ready Apparel! Stop by 301 1st Street with

your pre-laundered clothing and accessories between 4pm and 6pm. They are currently accepting fall

and winter work-appropriate clothing -- no coats or blazers please!

Their greatest needs currently include:

Men's jeans and work pants (i.e. Carharts) in good condition - no tears, no big stains, no frayed

hems

Men's new white "undershirts/tanks" for under dress shirts, all sizes

Men's belts, dress shoes and work boots

Men's and women's black or white polo shirts

Women's dress pants and tops, size 14, 16, 18, 20, 22

Women's work-appropriate purses

All donations are tax deductible. Donated items which are not needed in the shop may be exchanged or

donated to another non-profit. The COTS' Work: Ready Apparel shop provides complete work-

appropriate outfits to homeless job-seekers in our community. Work: Ready Apparel is completely

volunteer-run and managed and all clothing and accessories have been donated. For more information,

please reach out to Jenna at [email protected].

REGISTRY Garry Sullivan died on September 13. A Celebration of Life was held on September 20 at Parent-

Sorensen.

Juliet Michelle King was baptized on September 20. Juliet is the daughter of Jeremy and Elisa, little

sister to Scarlett and Grady.

GRATITUDE Some of our members deserve a shout-out for their behind-the-scenes good deeds . . . Our annual church

picnic was a hit not to miss thanks to our unofficial “Meat Ministry Team” of Dolores and Gene

McCloud and Kathy and Bob Reinhard (KaBob) who caused widespread food comas in all in

attendance. The day was complete with our sweet Cake Walk thanks to the Reuter Family. Julie Prime

and George Matt were caught trimming grass and hedges one Saturday morning and what a difference

it made. Kathy Matt, Dolores Frey McCloud, Marian Olsen, and Paul Behringer put their

organizational skills to use to clean out rooms others fear to tackle. The Roberti family hosted Family

Camp at the Petaluma KOA where a good time was had by all who could take the heat. The Labbertons

treated worshippers on September 20 to beignets in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of

Hurricane Katrina. Their tip jar yielded over $300 that was donated to Lutheran Social Services of

Northern California to aid fire victims. Thanks to all volunteers who care enough about Elim and our

ministries to generously donate time and talents for everyone’s benefit. We are truly surrounded by

great people . . . continue reading for proof! -Becky


Thank you to all who participated in the 2015 “God's work. Our hands.” Sunday. We had 60+ people

making, delivering and assembling cookies; making close to 50 dog and cat blankets; cleaning up a

portion of Adobe Creek with the United Anglers; and cleaning up and serving dinner at the Mary Isaak

Center. “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is an intergenerational day of service when ELCA members

are called to put their faith into action by engaging in service activities in their community. Elim

members and friends were more than generous with their time and did good work. Thank you!! Next

year we will be aiming to find some great service projects. If you have an idea or comments on this

project, please let me know.

-Athena Labberton

An Elim member contacted me about twin mattresses for the two families that was posted in Elim’s

announcement page. I told this individual that mattresses had been donated for the families, but that we

were opening a new transitional house on October 1st and actually needed 4 twin beds for that facility. I

was hesitant to even bring it up since that could get expensive and it was for a completely different

project. But within 24 hours I got a call from Sleep City saying that the Elim member had talked with the

owner and they were donating 4 brand new twin sets to us. A “set” means mattress, box spring, and

metal frame! Our clients are grateful when they have a mat on the floor, so a real bed - not to mention a

brand NEW bed - is going to mean so much to the 4 lucky people moving in. I was so grateful I almost

cried. Many, many thanks,

-Indigo Perry, Volunteer Coordinator at COTS

Many, many thanks for the cookies from “God's work. Our hands.” Sunday. The cookies are good and

the gesture gives encouragement, hope, and kind regard. I so appreciate all the kind regard since my

surgery last March and subsequent treatment which continues. As the poem from the ACS Relay for

Life expressed, each expression is just one little candle, but I can assure you of its power for me in

healing and staying strong to make adjustments as needed and to keep living the wonderful life I have

been given. So every card, every call, every visit, all the food, every reading of the prayer list, every

happy greeting of friendship and fellowship at church, and, of course, every silent prayer has become

that healing I feel and that strength. Thank you. And may the peace of the Lord be with you in all your

days . . .

-Shelley Westby

FINANCIAL REPORT


UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

These are funds that we receive as regular offering, cost sharing from the preschool and other groups; we

use it to pay salaries and our operating expenses.

August 2015 Actual Budget Variance Revenue $27,384 $27,299 $85

Expenses $24,021 $32,233 $8,212

Net Increase (Decrease) $3,363 ($4,934) $8,297

Year-to-Date Actual Budget Variance

Income $90,280 $88,947 $1,333

Expenses $87,979 $102,385 $14,405

Net Increase (Decrease) $2,300 ($13,438) $15,738

Full Year Forecast Actual/Forecast Budget Variance

Income $422,714 $418,842 $3,872

Expenses $411,419 $418,842 $7,423

Net Increase (Decrease) $11,295 -- $11,295

Operating Reserve: $79,046 The operating reserve consists of unrestricted liquid assets that provide liquidity for daily operations

and can be used to meet unexpected and unbudgeted expenses.

Second Mile Giving and Special Giving, August 2015

Mt. Cross Outdoor Ministries $350.06 New Life Hostel/Girls’ Dorm $4,415.00

New Life School $67.50 Food Pantries $755.00

New Life Band $947.00

WORSHIP NOTES ALTAR FLOWERS

October 4: Atwood; October 11: open; October 18: open; October 25: open

Help make the altar look special each Sunday! You are invited to pick a date that is significant to you

and provide the altar flowers. A sign-up sheet can be found in the Welcome Area.

READINGS

On the Sundays from September 13 through May, the texts follow the sweep of the biblical story, from

Creation through the early Christian church. From September through mid-December, the preaching

texts begin with the early chapters of Genesis, move through the stories of Israel’s early history, the

exodus, the kings, prophets, exile, and return.


October 4: Moses and God’s Name Exodus 1:8-14, 3:1-10 ‒ The descendants of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, have

made their way to Egypt, welcomed first as guests, then as guest laborers. They

have grown numerous, and threaten the balance of power. So the powerful lash

out, and deal harshly with them. Even in a foreign land, God hears their cries.

God burns with passion for their welfare, and calls forth a human response.

Moses, one who once lived among the ruling class of Egypt, now has a new

mission. Alternate text: Mark 12:26-27a

October 11: Hear, O Israel Deuteronomy 5:1-12, 6:4-9 ‒ Deuteronomy includes the second naming of the law,

the words that are intended to shape the life of God’s people. Out in the

wilderness, with no guideposts but God and God’s words, the people hear once

again the commandments. Alternate text: Mark 12:28-31

October 18: Ruth (New Life Band will lead worship) Ruth 1:1-17 ‒ The book of Ruth begins with desperation and moves on to tragedy.

As a result, Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, are forced to make some risky

choices. Yet there is good news to be found, models of faith, welcome, and new

beginnings. There is Gospel here between the lines of a story where God does not

speak directly. Alternate text: Mark 3:33-35

October 25: David Anointed King 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 6:1-5; Psalm 150 ‒ After generations with no king but God, the

people of Israel clamored for a king. So God gave them Saul. In his time, Saul

turned away from God, and David was anointed king over Israel. After many

battles, David entered the city, the fortress of Zion, which became David’s city,

Jerusalem. The city was claimed with great celebration, with honor and glory

given to God. David returned the stolen Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, and

the whole city celebrated. David, and David’s line, did nothing small.

Alternate text: Mark 11:8-10

Attendance Stats

Sept 6 Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27 Average weekly attendance

8:30am 73 60 58 69

10:30am 76 92 95 81 Sept 2015 151

Week total 149 152 153 150 Sept 2014 152


OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Diane Day 8 Philip Aldrich 18 Jim Power 27 Olin Forsberg

Gene McCloud Aidan Cooke 20 Ann DeJong Kevin Klemenok

Alice Roberti Liam Cooke 21 Florence Fadelli 28 Linden Gen

Emma Roberti Marilyn Dizikes 22 Paul Anderson Matthew Norman

2 Nick Eaton 12 Anita Flett Randal Clapham Johnny Turner

3 Paul Behringer 13 Charlotte Siemens Kim Svinth 30 Nancy Tieken

David Johnson Noelle Skanderson 24 Al Butler 31 Ciara Curley

4 Nicki Navarro Brittnee Witham 25 Doren Shaw Patty Curley

5 Tom Hoen 15 Joshua Warner Nam Sun Sin Bryan Petersen

7 Kristi Boylan Mo Yu 26 Ronan Curley Jacob Rodkin

16 Merry Martin Lou Navarro

17 Elyse Osman Judy Peterson

ELIM LUTHERAN CHURCH 504 Baker Street, Petaluma, CA 94952

Church Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am-2pm

Office: 762-4081 / Fax: 773-7866 / www.elimpetaluma.org

Pastor Bill Wessner, Interim Pastor

330-207-7827 / [email protected]

Doris Widger, Business Administrator

762-4081 / [email protected]

Becky Schuerman Choi, Office Manager


Cathe Kiler, Music Director

415-898-1248 / [email protected]

Kevin Prime, Leadership Team President


Dan Widger, Call Committee Chair

[email protected]

Sarah Labberton, Faith Formation Coordinator &

High School Youth Leader

[email protected]

Kathy Fowler, Little Shepherd Preschool Director

Preschool: 769-0462 / [email protected]

Twitter: www.twitter.com/elimlutheran

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elimpetaluma

Living in God’s love, it is Elim’s mission

To invite all people

To grow in God

And to work together

To heal and transform the community

In Jesus’ name.




Elim Lutheran Church Come & See October 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 7pm Waves of Grace (Sanctuary)

2

3 10:30am Crafters Brunch Bunch (Room 1, 2)

4 9:40am Morning Meditation (Fireside Room)

9:40am Confirmation 1 (Room 10)

9:40am Family Ministry Meeting with LT (side room of Fellowship Hall)

1-5pm Elim R3 work day

5 7:30pm Worship Team (Choir Room)

6 5pm Elim at Food Pantry (Lucchesi Park on McDowell)

5pm Women's Board Meeting (Fireside Rm)

7pm Bell Choir (sanctuary)

7pm Exploring the Story Bible Study (Choir Room)

7 5:30pm Chancel Choir (Choir Room)

6:30pm High School Youth Group (Sarah's office)

8 12pm Grace Friendship Circle (back of church)

7pm Waves of Grace (Sanctuary)

7pm Women of Faith & Fellowship (Fireside Room)

9 10

10:30am Crafters Brunch Bunch (Room 1, 2)

11

8am-12pm Fruits of the Harvest (Fellowship Hall)

9:40am Town Hall Meeting with LT (side room of Fellowship Hall)

12

13 12pm Esther Circle (Rosenthal, Day, McCloud)

2pm Finance Team Meeting

7pm Bell Choir (Nursery)

7pm Eagle Scout Court of Honor (Sanctuary)



6:30pm High School Youth Group (Clue)

7pm Leadership Team Meeting (Fireside Room)

15 Source Deadline

5pm Elim's turn at the Westside Pantry


16

6pm Wedding rehearsal

17

10am Comyns/Lindsey wedding

10:15am Healing Meditative Prayer sessions (office)


18 New Life Band performs at both services

9:40am Confirmation 1 (Room 10)

19 7pm Elizabeth Circle (Orner)

7:30pm Worship Team (Choir Room)

20

7pm Bell Choir (sanctuary)


21

5:30-7pm New Life Band concert & dinner

22


23 24


4pm High School Youth Group lock-in

25

Reformation Sunday

New Orleans forms & $100 deposit due

3pm R.C. Kohl Guitar Concert

26 7:30pm Worship Team (Choir Room)

27 7pm Exploring the Story Bible Study (Choir Room)


6:30pm High School Youth Group (Sarah's office)

7pm Leadership Team Meeting (Fireside Room)

29 7pm Festival Choir (Choir Room)


30 31 Halloween! 10:30am Crafters Brunch Bunch (Room 2)

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE

8:30am & 10:30am Worship

9:40-10:25am Faith Formation

8:20-11:40am Nursery open

SUNDAY FAITH FORMATION 9:40-10:25AM

Godly Play (Room 6): 3yrs-1st grade

ELIMentary Camp (Room 9): 2nd-4th grades

Adult Forum (Choir Room)

october 2015 issue 10 / volume 21 octoberfestivities · reformation sunday is october 25 october...

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